THE United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation last week tripled its appeal for funding to help survivors in the areas hardest hit by Cyclone Nargis. “Additional resources are urgently required for FAO to expand its assistance to those in need,” FAO said in a press release issued on July 17.

MYANMAR Ceramic Society and Myanmar Industrial Development Bank will issue loans at the end of July to rebuild the Twante pottery industry, said Dr Myo Thant Tin, the society’s chairman last week.

“We are continuing to receive assurances from government that the transition from a military-run system to a democracy of sorts is on track. As such we can only assume that in the coming times, political parties will be formed and that an election, scheduled for 2010 will take place,”

Paddy seeds are priced depending on their quality: High-yield seed is K9000 a basket and low-yield is K5000. “We always use the best quality for summer paddy,” Ko Than Lwin’s wife says.

“As far as I’m concerned, these young people are crazier in music compared with the older generation. They are patient, gentle and dedicated to music, all necessary qualities to become a musician. That’s why this young generation can make their dreams come true.”

There will also be ten consolation prizes of K75,000 each. The contest is open until the end of the year with an exact closing date yet to be announced. Both film and digital entries are accepted.

Aung Khine Win was made to work hard for the title by his 12 opponents but the judges decided they just couldn’t go past his buns of steel, awarding him the Mr Crusher trophy and a K150,000 winner’s cheque. Fans at the competition, held on July 13 at the Myanmar Convention Centre in Yangon’s Mayangone township, gave a hearty round of applause when the result was announced in the last round.