N.B. AS THIS ISSUE HAS NO INDEX PAGE, NAVIGATE FROM "LOCAL NEWS" TO THE OTHER SECTIONS.....N. B. BURMESE AND ENGLISH VERSIONS... LOCAL NEWS: Tourism industry optimistic after strong opening to peak season; A bird?s-eye view of Myanmar; Stiglitz advice gets support of business community; Tourists uncover our hidden corner (Interest in previously off-limits Kayah State is high, leading to a shortage in accommodation in the state capital Loikaw); Energy exports to drive 8.6pc GDP growth: ADB; Library to hold training programs; Sagaing Fault monitoring to start in February; Myanmar can do more to tap in to Asian growth: Stiglitz; Thukha clinic expands to X-rays; Myanmar dancers perform in Jakarta; Marionette experts invited to teach in Chiang Mai; Renewable energy forum held in Yangon; Unusual rainfall patterns due to climate change: meteorology dept; US ignoring progress in human trafficking fight: police force; Local NGO seeks to expand farm schools; Delta project promotes high-quality rice production; Three-wheeled tuk-tuk services postponed; Monks get human resource training at Hmawbi seminar; Brewery to increase blood donations; Few major airline developments in 2009; Japan funds shelter construction; Malaria fight gets funding injection...BUSINESS AND PROPERTY: Commodity prices show generally downward trend; Over the bridge? RE beckons; Govt car auctions drive market; Prepaid phone cards sales double in year; Fisheries exports falling short of target, again; Plastic industry aims to tie deal with govt; MES show to be held from Jan 15 to 18; D-net gaming suite dares gamers to enter house of pain; A year to forget, say developers; Gold ends historic year on a high; Import of fake and substandard drugs prevented; India to improve road links with B?desh, Myanmar; Composite maker looks to export in Feb; Garment exports dip in 2009; Country Club greeted with enthusiasm; Demand strong for Xmas decorations; Luxury Dagon penthouse; Game back on; Mid-range proves a bright light in prop sector...TIMEOUT: Success of comedy films not a laughing matter; Fashion to tone down and smarten up in 2010; Word on the street; Le Planteur experiments with taste; Myanmar art scene thrives on contemporary art; PEP Family Photo contest; Events Flash; Local music industry sings the blues...SOCIALITE...CLASSIFIED: [SUBSTANTIAL SECTION - 3 PAGES OF SMALL-PRINT ADS] Computer & IT; Education; Expert Services; Language; Training Centre; For Sale; Medical Servces; Public Notices; Travel; Housing for rent; Housing for Sale; INGO Positions; Local positions; LISTING OF EMBASSIES AND INTERNATIONAL ORGANISATIONS; EMERGENCY NUMBERS; GENERAL LISTING: (hotels, astrology, bars, accommodation etc.)