Cricket de la peanut

PHNOM PENH: Residents in Cambodia's capital Phnom Penh are licking their lips over the arrival of a favourite local delicacy — crickets, reports Reuters.

The seasonal invasion of the insects, during a full moon in the early part of the rainy season, is considered a bonanza, sparking a rush to capture and cash in on the bugs.

UK Heang sells crickets at Phnom Penh's central market. The 15-year-old vendor said she buys the insects from cricket hunters who work in the countryside around the city. She sells about 2,500 of the insects a day. earning about 40.000 Riel. Four members of her family are involved in the cricket business. 'The cricket hunters dig holes in the ground where the crickets are living and pour in water, forcing them out." she said.

Chhum Him. enjoying a beer with some friends at a city restaurant, says he’s a big fan of crickets — lightly grilled with a peanut placed in the abdomen.

"They smell delicious when they're properly cooked." he said.

For sake of perfection

NEW YORK: Hauling 40 pounds (18 kilos) of equipment on eight kilometres marches with only three hours of sleep wasn't too appealing for cast members of "Saving private Ryan.' reports AP.

Before filming began on Steven Spielberg's new movie. Tom Hanks and the cast endured a 10-day boot camp under the instruction of a former Marine captain.

Most wanted to bail out after four days, but Hanks voted to stay.

It was absolutely necessary to do it right.' Hanks told Newsweek for its July 13 issue. "It probably would have been more fruitful if It were twice as long."