IVANHOES INVESTMENT IN THE CRACKHOUSE "...In conclusion, Ivanhoe Mines Inc. is in business with a corrupt and cruel government. Whether the SPDC gets one dollar or one billion dollars from outside investment, Ivanhoe, like many other international company?s, is contributing to human suffering and injustice by simply associating themselves with the Burmese government. They wrongfully support a dictatorship that has no regard for human dignity or economic progress among its own people. In the statement from their website, Ivanhoe has been able to tactfully twist their words around so that they can present the illusion that they are not guilty of the accusations they face. Sadly they are. And they are able to do it with a clear conscience, thinking only about profits, capital gain and economics. In the end why does everything always revolve around economics?"...REFORMING EDUCATION: WHEN REALITIES HIT THE WORLD "...The plights of youngsters along the border and inside Burma has posed a critical question as to whether it is necessary to maintain the nonfunctional British colonial and SPDC indoctrinated education system or should it come to an end by replacing it with a new democratic education system that highlights the needs of the youngsters with emphasis on creativity and critical thinking ability"...WHEN YOU?RE NOT WELCOME "...Why should Thailand be concerned about sending Burmese nationals back across the border? The bottom line is that Thailand sees them as a financial burden, therefore easily expendable in their persuance of trade, tourism and development with Burma. Recently Thailand and Burma announed four mega projects in Burma to be built by Thai companies. These include a hydroelectric dam on the Salween River, a coal mine, a port project in Tavoy and the Mae Sot to Rangoon highway. In January PTT Exploration and Production Plc, the Thai oil and gas company whose projects include the Yadana and Yetagun gas pipelines, announced a planned investment of 59.8 billion baht over the next 5 years. 38 percent of which will used to fund existing major projects which include the two gas pipelines in Burma..."...Crackdown Countdown: "Burma orders all border checkpoints with Thailand to be closed after an incident where Burma accused Thailand of shelling Burmese territory in support of a raid by a Shan ethnic armed group..."...News Briefs: Rebel leader offers conditional surrender; Nuns arrested for protest; Naga rebels declare end of war with India.