Facebook Blocked in Vietnam?

A helpful message to get around it..

Facebook blocked AGAIN in Vietnam?

** UPDATE ** Look in the comments section for a great solution to getting around the block.

I tried to log into facebook, and it seems that the government of Vietnam is trying once again to block it. I'm getting lots of messages from friends and students saying the same. Really, Vietnamese government? Here's my message to you:

Dear Vietnamese government:

Please stop trying to block facebook as there are those of us (foreigners) a long, long way from home who depend on it to stay in touch with our family and friends, and this is a vital avenue to communicate with aforementioned persons. Furthermore, you will be unsuccessful - just like China - due to the inability to block every proxy server (like the one I'm using now). So, yeah, good luck with that!

Sincerely,

Michael
-an American living in this wonderful country (even if facebook is blocked)

Fashion Lesson

One of my classes had to design an outfit for their friend - my activity for them, keeping in theme with the fashion lesson I taught tonight. I especially enjoy her two strands of hair with the flower attached to one of them. Enjoy!

It's Beginning to Look a lot like Christmas

So, a little backstory on the city I live in: When the North was fighting with the South, all the Catholics fleed from the North to my city of Bien Hoa where they could freely practice their religion. From what I've been told, and feel free to correct me if I'm wrong, Vietnam is around 80% Buddhist. However, in my city, it's overwhelmingly Catholic! I just moved to a Catholic parish, and here's what my street looks like at night. Not much compared to American standards, but it's really a sight here in 'Nam. Next year, I'm gonna rock it out American-style with the Christmas lights!!

The view from my balcony down the small street (alley) live on.

That's right! I even have some strands going up my house. Just wait until next year!

Crash!

UGHHH!! My computer has crashed a few times now, and this is the message on the blue screen I receive. Any guesses on what the problem is? Thanks! :)

Twitter Updates

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A Text Message from One of my Students

I think he meant happy.

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Hey, big boy!

This is what gaining 50 lbs. in one year looks like..

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Dancing Queen

So my friend, Binh, and I decided to go dancing tonight. This is the result. We had to come home early. Time for a diet!