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“Long tongue” wins
Ripley’s face off
Pattaya resident Mr. Kryd Samkhananon was able to
distort his face better than 24 other contestants to win the Ripley’s
“Face Off” Contest last week. The winning expression? Kryd was able to
lick the inside of his own nose while arching one eyebrow, bugging that
eye out so far it seemed it would nearly pop out.
Kryd
Samkhananon presented the strangest face of all to win the Ripley’s Face
Off contest.
For his strange facial expression, Kryd was awarded
10,000 baht and a certificate from Ripley’s. Kryd’s face will now also
be immortalized in Ripley’s Museum and his face will be represented in a
cartoon called “Believe It or Not!” presented all over the world.
Ripley’s Believe It or Not Museum in Pattaya held the
“Ripley’s Face Off” contest at the Ripley’s World of Entertainment
on the 3rd floor of the Pattaya Royal Garden Plaza Business Center on
Saturday 18 December 1999.
For the contest, Ripley’s was looking for the
strangest, funniest and most peculiar face, unlike anyone seen before.
First runner-up was a young boy named Amphon Salabsri; second runner-up
was Makawan Thongyaem.
First serious
Nishikigoi research & development in Pattaya
by Dr. L.L. Riedesel
Nishikigoi carps are becoming increasingly popular
throughout the world, with their striking patterns and brilliant colors.
The keeping of these carp began first in the early 19th century with the
advent of colored mutations of the common European carp Cyprinus Carpio
(Germany, Poland). These first fish, kept by Japanese farmers in the
Nigata region, were probably produced by accident, but since then,
selective breeding has resulted in the bright colored numerous varieties,
available today in Japan, Israel, United Kingdom and the USA.
SNRD
(1998) is an independent scientific Nishikigoi research and development
member of the Redemptorist Center of Thailand. It was founded in 1998 and
is already considered of being a leading Nishikigoi aquaculture station.
It is now the target of SNRD to establish in Thailand a new Koi rearing
region. Based on the annual constant positive parameters, this planned
program will start most successful with the beginning of 2000. SNDR will
not only use their modern hatchery facilities for the culture Nishikigoi
fry and adults for sale, but will also be of highest assistance for Thai
Koi keepers, providing an utmost effective service in all lines. The main
factors for rearing and keeping Nishikigoi, mainly in ponds, are as
follows:
1. Optimal water quality is doubtless one of the most
important factors in a positive stress free and disease free keeping of
Nishikigoi and must be permanently controlled. Drilled ground water can be
used in no case because of its low dissolved oxygen content and various
negative mineral substances. Carp keeping requires optimal fresh water
with a dissolved oxygen level of over 8.5 ppm, and a pH level ranging
between 6.8 - max. 8.0 ppm and a water-hardness between 2.0 - 20.0 DH. Any
levels of Ammonia, Nitrite, Choline and Chloremine will result in high
stress development and high mortality rate. Water tests concerning this
factor must be done every 10 days. Furthermore, an optimal functioning
Nitrogen cycle is of highest importance to avoid stress and disease
development.
2. Utmost effective filtration of the culture water is
essential, by undertaking regular large partial water changes or, more
effective, by installation of suitable filtration systems. There are
various principles of successful filtration systems available. SNRD is
using optimal biological filtration systems developed by SNRD.
3. Optimal nutritional feeding technique is another
very important factor. SNRD has, after careful research, developed an
outstanding pellet program of various protein (ranging from 42% - 50%) and
lipid (ranging from 12% - 15%) levels. SNRD pellets are based on the
optimal Amino acid levels as well as utmost coloration enhance, resulting
in brilliant coloring and an outstanding positive development of
Nishikigoi carps at all life-stages.
4. General disease prevention, breeding process of
mature Nishikigoi brood-stock and general maintenance factors. Prevention
and acute treatment of the various Nishikigoi diseases as parasitic
infestations, bacterial, fungi and viral infections are absolutely
necessary. Long research of SNRD led to the development of an utmost
effective prevention and treatment program and now they are in possession
of optimal therapists and special treatment aquariums. SNRD is proud to
confirm that diseases and mortality rates at their research center at all
life stages of Nishikigoi are only 2% - 3%.
If those factors are sufficiently provided, the
Nishikigoi, since they are not too sensitive, will show a significant
resistance against stress and serious diseases.
SNRD consists at this moment of over a total of 150,000
l various hatching and rearing facilities including modern biological
filtration systems. They now have 75 Nishikigoi brood-stock varieties at a
body-length of 20 -23 inch, 115 adult sized and 400 fry sized (4 - 10
inch) Nishikigoi. Already during spring 2000, SNRD will be starting their
own fry production program, based on the breeding cycles of selected
brood-stock spawners, which will result in a high amount of brilliantly
colored Nishikigoi fry at a body length of 3 - 6 inches per spawning
cycle, having 6 spawning cycles during the year 2000.
The project leader, Dr. L.L. Riedesel, has more than 20
years experience in aqua culture, both at scientific and practical fields
and especially in Nishikigoi development. He can also be of great
assistance for Nishikigoi keepers, either private people with a small pond
or hotels with a larger sized pond. The provided services for those
clients are: sale of adult and fry sized Nichikigoi; technical assistance
in the layout, construction and optimal filtration in all pond systems;
scientific and practical assistance in providing nutritional feed-stuff
products; water test examination; disease control and treatments.
Nishikigoi carps are usually very costly fish. Prices for Nishikigoi
carps are based on the body length and variety. They are ranging in the
USA between 400 US$ and 4,380 US$, up to the selection. Prices in Japan
are much higher than in the USA; for example a Nishikigoi with a body
length between 25 - 30 inches will cost app. 125,000 US$ and more.
Royal Cliff Beach
Resort says “Thank you”
For many years, the Royal Cliff Beach Resort has held a
thank you party during Christmas for all its supporters from the travel
industry and the press.
This year, the venue was the new PEACH convention
center and as always, everyone accepted the invitation from Panga
Vathanakul, the Managing Director of the ‘Cliff’. Some 500 people
showed up to party with the management and staff, as befitting longtime
friends, and everybody received a nice Christmas present.
Chan
Vathanakul (left) Managing Director of Bangkok Life Insurance, Somsak
Kiratipanich (2nd left), President of the SKAL Club, HE John G. Janse Van
Rensburg (4th from left), the Ambassador of South Africa, Panga Vathanakul
(4th from right) Managing Director of the Royal Cliff Beach Resort, and HE
Tauno Kaaria (3rd from right), the Ambassador of Finland.
Amongst the guests of honor were: HE Jan Becka,
Ambassador of the Czech Republic; HE John G. Janse Van Rensburg,
Ambassador of South Africa; HE Tauno Kaaria, Ambassador of Finland and his
wife; Dr. Sergei Briginevich, the Russian Trade Commissioner and his wife;
Kees Van Oye, the Sales Consultant of KLM and Somsak Kiratipanich, the
president of the SKAL Cub.
Khun Panga expressed in her welcome speech her thanks
for the unparalleled support received from the travel agents and the press
over the years, as they share in the revelry of the coming Millennium. She
then introduced PEACH to the guests and at the same time announced the
opening of a Spa at the Royal Cliff Grand. After introducing all her
managers, Khun Panga wished the audience a Merry Christmas and a good
start into the new Millennium.
Ross Ferguson, the Resident Manager of PEACH,
introduced his team, as did David Holden, the Sales & Marketing
Director of the Cliff and Ms. Sunisa, the Director of Sales &
Marketing of the Bangkok team.
The Sales & Marketing team, a young and energetic crew from
Bangkok, had some surprises in store, performing dances and songs, almost
as perfect as professional entertainers, before and during the sumptuous
food presentation, which was truly a feast of Asian and Intercontinental
specialties. The Royal Cliff Beach Resort said ‘thank you’ once again
in great style.
Fredi Schaub elected
President of the International Gourmet Club, Pattaya
by Pedro Lionel
At a dinner held at Bruno’s Restaurant last week,
Fredi Schaub was invested with the title of President of the International
Gourmet club, Pattaya.
Members and guests came together to toast Fredi and
take pleasure in feasting on excellent food, enjoying warm fellowship,
consuming superb wine and taking delight in the excellent taste and aroma
of the finest cigars in the world.
Fredi
Schaub at his inauguration
At his inauguration, President Fredi expounded on the
virtues of this unique club and it’s members. “This club is only for
people of the same ideals,” said Fredi. “These ideals are very simple.
They must believe in comradeship, contentment, polite company and charity.
Complemented by the love of fine creative food and a passion for the
preference of fine wines.”
Investigating deeper into the beginnings of the club,
this lover of fine food and wines, amongst many other things was
introduced to Romano Maspero, who had a very interesting story to tell.
Founding
President Romano Maspero (holding club plaque), Founding VP Hansj๖rg
Leeser (far left), and Fredi Schaub (tall one) with some of the Gourmands.
Romano, a very distinguished Swiss gentleman, took us
back through time and recounted the period, twenty years ago, when he
commuted between Zurich and Hong Kong on his business trips. Romano always
took the opportunity to stop over in Pattaya. Like thousands before him
and millions afterwards, Romano fell in love with Pattaya and made this
seaside resort his second home. The responsibility, the duty and the
feeling to protect and see a better future for Pattaya became stronger.
What with all the “Pattaya Bashing” going on in the foreign press,
publicising only the negative aspects of Pattaya, Romano decided to
contribute what ever it took to prove to the world that Pattaya had more
than it’s fair share of decent living, comparable to the finest cities
in the world. That’s when he decided to establish the International
Gourmet Club, Pattaya. December 18, 1997, marks the day of the club’s
founding. Since then members have been meeting at Bruno’s Restaurant as
often as possible. They also meet and enjoy dining at the many fine
restaurants in Pattaya.
Members
and guests enjoy fellowship at the banquet.
“There is another purpose to these cordial
meetings,” added Romano. “We don’t want to be seen as selfish people
who only think of self indulgence. We have therefore adopted the most
important law of our club and that is ‘Charity’. All funds collected
from membership plus generous donations from members and guests are
committed to the expenses for the well being of the children at the
Pattaya Orphanage.”
Membership is by invitation only and those interested in assisting the
charity may contact Fredi Schaub at Bruno’s Restaurant.
PSC enjoys the Christmas
spirit
Nearly 400 Pattaya Sports Club members turned up for fine
food and friendly company at the annual PSC Christmas party at the Town in
Town Hotel on Wednesday, December 22nd.
PSC
President Peter Malhotra and Party Chairman Ken Crow enjoy the fun.
An international and Thai buffet was set up, there were
plenty of liquid refreshments, and the many lucky draw prizes all
contributed to make this annual event more than worth the paltry 300 baht
entry fee.
The Pattaya Sports Club has become one of the biggest
clubs in Thailand, with over 8,000 members. All who attended the party were
in agreement that the organizing committee, headed by party master Ken Crow,
did an excellent job.
A
lovely lass accepts the grand prize on behalf of Carl Engel, surrounded by
John Macallen (left), Mike Franklin and Ron Herbert, with Dick Caggiano
emceeing the event in the background.
Sponsors were also very generous with donating prizes to
the lucky draw. Prizes included restaurant meals, hotel accommodations,
airline tickets and the always favored gold chains.
The big winners of this year’s lucky draw were: Khun Pornthip won 3rd
prize (1/2 baht gold chain), Don Antonio won 2nd prize (one baht gold
chain), and Carl Engel won 1st prize, an airline ticket sponsored by GM
Tours & Travel.
A Thousand Years of
History
by Barrie Kenyon
December of the year 999 AD was even more worrying than
the present one. Monks were wandering around with placards warning the one
percent of the population who could read that the End Is Nigh. Some had even
convinced themselves the Y1K bug would strike on January 1st causing every
single parchment in the world to shrivel up unless it had been coated with a
secret millennial potion. This particular liquid was on special offer from
the Papacy, the tenth century equivalent of Microsoft, at a knock down price
of seven groats per phial, or thirteen groats for two. On other fronts, the
future King Canute was still a young boy but he was already practising
unsuccessfully the art of the turning back the tides. For this purpose he
was quoting extensively from The Concise Encyclopaedia of Odin which was the
nearest thing around to The Miracle Man movie. And the pope himself was
trying to organize an emergency crusade to drive back the Turks before they
turned out to be the 666 avenging demon mentioned in the Book of
Revelations.
As events turned out, January 1st 1000 came and went
without any disastrous happenings. An architect drew up plans for a new
tower at Pisa and told everyone that some day every building would look like
his, a prediction which was reasonably close to the mark in the case of
Bangkok. A traveler from China brought back a small supply of gunpowder but
made the mistake of soaking it in water. Western Europe thus had to wait
over three centuries before realizing how to blow up people in great numbers
by lighting a litmus paper and retiring to a safe distance. A doctor around
this time produced the first known medical advice which was to place two
leeches on the infected bit and not to pester him at weekends. Whether
mankind has really advanced very far since the Dark Ages is a question still
being debated.
In spite of history now being part of the national
curriculum, it is far from clear that anything of significance has happened
over the last thousand years. It is certainly true that Ireland and England
have drifted twenty yards nearer, but you still have to catch a plane to
visit your relatives in Dublin. The sun may have cooled by a couple of
cosmic degrees but it’s still very hot indeed as evidenced by the fact
that dark glasses are still in widespread use. A lot of things look exactly
the same as they did at the start of the millennium, for example the Milky
Way, the Grand Canyon, the treasures of ancient Egypt and most parts of the
Amazon rain forests. Even the surface of the moon is roughly the same,
except for a collection of flags and a solitary golf ball.
Then again, take politics. The names may have changed but
not a lot else. England still has a monarch, the French are still going on
about military glory even though they have seldom won a war and the Russians
still can’t control their minorities. Only the Americans have managed to
rewrite their past, largely by wiping out the descendants of anyone living
there before the seventeenth century. Meanwhile, human foibles continue to
take their toll. King William Rufus was murdered in 1100 AD at least partly
because of unnatural practices which may well have happened as late as this
century to Prince Eddie who was scheduled to succeed Queen Victoria. Cosmo
de Medici, like President Clinton, had a lot of trouble shutting up
witnesses to his marital infidelities, although the former made a permanent
solution to his embarrassment by judicious use of the public executioner.
The President had to rely on speeches.
Futurologists are already debating what the headlines will be at the end
of the next millennium. A global warming conference held at a tropical palm
resort in the Antarctic will be told that the effects have been grossly
exaggerated. A sporadic missile war will have started between Earth and its
human colonies on the distant planet of Rinso. There the inhabitants are
complaining that they have to pay taxes to the center of world government in
New York but haven’t any voting rights, tend to be left out of the
decision making process and can’t get the newspapers delivered on time.
Meanwhile, on the social scene, there will be anguished debate about whether
the old age pension should begin at 150 or 200 years old and whether it was
a good idea to classify tomato ketchup as a vegetable in order to get
children to eat healthier foods. As the ancient philosopher pointed out,
“The more we change, the more we remain the same.”
Why we must embrace
“Transformational Leadership”
by Richard Townsend,
Corporate Learning Consultant
Autocratic, army or public service style
‘Instructional’ leadership encompasses hierarchies and top-down use of
power. The leader is supposed to know the best way to administer the
business, issues instructions and closely monitors ‘the lower levels’
work. The main problem with this form of leadership is that good
administrators aren’t always great operators nor can they keep up with
real-world business trends, technological advances or shifting customer
demands. Another difficulty is that this form of leadership concentrates on
the growth and safety of business, with the development of followers, often
becoming a secondary priority. Modern business requires ‘the team’ to be
“the servants of a collective vision,” thus leaders must fulfill the
role of coach, cheerleader, problem solver and resource finder. Autocratic
‘instructional’ leadership, has therefore, many argue, outlived its
usefulness.
Another form of traditional leadership is
‘Transactional’ leadership. Transactional leadership (or bartering) is
based on an exchange of services from staff for various kinds of rewards
such as a salary & benefits. ‘Leithwood’ (1992) says this type of
leadership “doesn’t stimulate improvement”. Mitchell and Tucker
(Leadership Way of Thinking) add that “transactional leadership works only
when both leaders and followers understand and are in agreement about which
tasks are important”. Experience suggests that it is not often that staff
and management (even departments, sales vs. production, R&D vs.
financial control, etc.) truly agree on what is, or is not important. It is
arguable, therefore, that this form of leadership is also ready for the
waste bin.
What is Transformational Leadership?
The idea of transformational leadership was first
developed by James McGregor Burns in 1978 and later extended by Bernard Bass
as well as others. Burns and Bass studied political leaders, army officers
and business executives. An article in a 1995 issue of the Journal of
Leadership Studies states, “Perhaps the most central notion of the
transformational leader is the explicit purpose behind leading others. A
transforming leader ACTS TO MAXIMISE THE NEEDS OF THE FOLLOWER. Leadership
must also stimulate the needs of the entire organization of people
constantly moving them to higher order needs. The term
‘transformational’ stems from the leaders’ ability to develop people
as resources and move them to a more satisfactory state of existence. Burns
contrasts the transforming leader with a power wielder (transactional
leader) suggesting that the transformational leader has an interest in the
personal development of the follower, “leaders can also shape and alter
and elevate the motives and values and goals of followers...” To Burns,
transactional leadership is immature because it is based on the needs of the
leader rather than the follower, “The object [in transactional leadership]
is not a joint effort for persons with common aims acting for the collective
interests of followers but a bargain to aid the individual interests of
persons or groups going their separate ways”. Bass and Avolio (1989) argue
that the transformational leader motivates followers (should be uses
followers motivation) to act in the interest of the organization rather than
to maximize self-interest.
Worth a thought!
http:/www.orglearn.org
Copyright 1999 Pattaya Mail Publishing Co.Ltd.
370/7-8 Pattaya Second Road, Pattaya City, Chonburi 20260, Thailand
Tel.66-38 411 240-1, 413 240-1, Fax:66-38 427 596; e-mail: [email protected]
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