Re: Cabbages & Condoms' Mechai Viravaidyagets Gates Award

Hi Ian

Khun Mechai is an accomplished speaker too. In the early to mind 90's he
would come to Monash University in Australia frequently and talk about his
various programs in Thailand. I fondly remember his lectures to the Thai
language and asian studies students. He was able to entertain, while at the
same time educate about his programs, and give some insights into the
thinking and culture of Thai's.

He was educated at Geelong Grammar School in Victoria and his English
language skills are exceptional too. I remember commenting to my wife that
he spoke English better than most native speakers.

I would congratulate him on the award.

Doug





"ian" <ian.not@xxxxxxx> wrote in message
news:Evp7i.158905$mJ1.153675@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Cabbages & Condoms A Winning Idea

By Mike Nizza

Mechai Viravaidya was recognized by The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
today with a $1 million award for confronting ?taboo subjects like sex and
HIV/AIDS directly in order to save lives,? the foundation said.

The funds will be used by Mr. Viravaidya, the chairman of Population and
Community Development Association (or simply ?condom king,? depending on
who you ask), to promote birth control, AIDS prevention and other health
issues in more than 50 countries. Almost 3,000 people work for his private
group.

To eccentrically prove his points, Mr. Viravaidya has pulled many stunts,
including posing for cameras while drinking the same glass of water as an
H.I.V.-positive person (to prove it?s not transmitted that way); offering
free vasectomies at his restaurants; and bringing fistfuls of condoms to
World Bank talks.

He was way ahead of his time. After all, it took New York City another
quarter century to bring condoms to the subways.

The name of his restaurant chain, ?Cabbages and Condoms,? reflects his
philosophy that contraception and condoms should be as accessible as
produce in Thailand.

To help break that taboo, condoms and sex toys are a major part of the
decor, hanging from ceilings, embedded in tables, affixed to lamps and
imitating table flowers. They were even featured in a salad. They are even
on the menu: Yam Tung Yang or Yam Cabbages & Condoms.

Despite the sound of that, most reviewers actually like the food. Marian
Burros of The New York Times singled out ?fascinating? dim sum and
?wonderfully herbaceous? shrimp soup among the ?well-prepared
straightforward food that is very reasonably priced.? (Have you dined
there? Leave your own review on our Travel site.)

As for the ambiance, Frommer?s found the garden terrace of the restaurant
?quite romantic.? No wonder they leave condoms with the check instead of
dinner mints.


from
http://thelede.blogs.nytimes.com/2007/05/29/cabbages-and-condoms-a-winning-idea/


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