Simon's Blog

The Maniq—historically referred to by the external terms Ngo Pa (เงาะป่า) or Sakai—are an ethnic group residing in southern Thailand. They are the only Negrito group in the country, possessing a distinct language and culture but no written alphabet. While the term Ngo Pa was originally used to describe their physical features—specifically their dark skin and thick, curly hair—both it and Sakai are considered derogatory. The Maniq find these labels offensive and prefer to be called by their true name.  For millennia, the Maniq have relied on the forest for subsistence, maintaining a lifestyle that is deeply integrated with their natural environment. They are the only tribe in Thailand that continues a traditional hunter-gatherer existence. Their approach to nature is one of profound restraint: They typically limit themselves to a single animal per hunt When harvesting tubers, they are meticulous, ensuring the plant’s roots remain intact to allow for regrowth Archaeological ...

The word "Islam" literally means the complete surrender to God. The faith centers entirely on the Quran and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad. Muslims consider the Quran to be the literal, unadulterated word of God. Central to the faith is the belief in a Final Judgment, where the righteous are rewarded with paradise (Jannah) and the unrighteous face punishment in hell (Jahannam). In Islamic theology, God is viewed as entirely transcendent and beyond human comprehension, yet a personal God who requires no intermediaries. Islam teaches that the universe is God’s creation and that the primary purpose of human existence is to worship Him. The Quran was revealed to Muhammad by God through the Archangel Gabriel; it consists of 114 chapters (surahs) comprising thousands of verses. Social and Economic Principles Muslims believe that prophets are human beings specifically chosen by God to deliver divine messages While seeking a livelihood is encouraged, the hoarding of wealt...

White man, be quiet I am not your problem You recoil at my vibrations Disturbed by the frequency I project Viewing my "animated" spirit as a threat You command—lower my volume To soften my  edge But I am not your problem When my joy ascends in a cafe, Or my truth rings through a restaurant, Your gaze attempts to colonize the air You watch, you judge, you police But I am not your problem You offer "advice" like a seasoned master Hungry for the hushed, the submissive You have a long history of pain Yet you look at me and see fault I am not your problem. You stole native soil Indoctrinated their youth You carry a lineage of Jim Crow So when the sound of my voice reaches you Hold your tongue Pay your debt in silence Shut the fuck up I am not your problem

My daughter once told me That my brother is  a hermit Hiding behind his grey hoodie   A supernatural being  From space and time We should check on him   Sleeps during a full moon Eyes crimson red We should check in him He is shapeshifter, a vampire Cursed by a witch We should check in him   Is he related to Vlad A brother from ancient time We should check on him   Does he pray on the weak Blood on his mouth We should check in him   Does he like Wormwood Sensitive to silver We should check on him