pattayamail.gif (2145 bytes)
 



















 

  COLUMNS

HEADLINES [click on headline to view story]:
 
Family Money: Pots Without Wax
 
Snap Shots: How to sell to newspapers and magazines
  
Modern Medicine: Are you killing your liver with kindness?

Heart to Heart with Hillary
 
Grapevine
 
Social Commentary by Khai Khem
 
Women’s World
 
Animal Crackers
  
The Computer Doctor
 
A Slice of Thai History
 
Antiques, are they genuine?
 
The Message In The Moon

Family Money: Pots Without Wax

By Leslie Wright

Truth in advertising is a wonderful thing - but all too rare.

Open your Telephone Company Yellow Pages to almost any page and see how many competitive firms each claim to be “the best” or “the leading” firm in their field.

Who decides which firm is “the best”? By what criteria? Does any regulatory body exist to oversee such claims and prevent false or misleading advertising?

If no regulatory body exists, or if one does and its rules are not enforced, how much credence can members of the public put on advertising claims? It all becomes a matter of “caveat emptor” - “Let the buyer beware.”

Pendulums can swing too far

Regulations which protect members of the public against false or misleading claims are, in my opinion, a good thing, and enable people to judge the merits of one company’s products or services fairly against another.

On the other hand, when regulations are first introduced they can sometimes be applied over zealously.

An example is when very strict new advertising rules were introduced some years ago in the UK, shirt manufacturers were forced to change all the labels which said “100% cotton” because the regulatory bureaucrats insisted that since the buttons on the shirts were not made of cotton, the label made a false claim.

Another example of petty bureaucracy was the case of the Scotsman who advertised in his local newspaper for a Scottish cook because he wanted his porridge cooked in the traditional way, and for this was prosecuted by the Race Relations Board. (They took the view that he could advertise for a cook and select the one he wanted from the candidates who responded, but he was breaking the law by advertising specifically for a Scottish cook...)

Self-Regulation

Where no regulatory authorities or laws exist, or are not properly or adequately enforced, false or misleading advertising, second-rate goods and poor service will inevitably abound.

But a few rotten apples don’t mean the whole barrel is bad.

Self-regulation by honest businesspeople generally serves quite well in the absence of legislation to raise standards and instil the public with trust and confidence in a particular industry’s goods or services.

Sharp practices

Sadly, sharp or shady practices by a few unscrupulous operators can affect any industry and tend to bring it into disrepute. (How long did your first fake Cartier watch keep running?)

The old saying “word of mouth is the best advertising” is very true - and unscrupulous operators usually get found out quite quickly, and word spreads. Negative publicity can sound the death-knell equally well for unscrupulous operators and false advertisers.

For instance, a few weeks back I was contacted by one local businessman who was upset by some comments I had made in one of my recent articles. In effect, his complaint was that my warning about “caveat emptor” (“Let the buyer beware”) was hurting his business.

I pointed out that I had not named - nor even specified - particular firms, but that some of my clients had had sad experiences as a result of the sharp practices that were being carried on by some firms; and I felt it was my duty to warn readers that they should be cautious since they would have no recourse in law if they were persuaded by the high-pressure sales tactics of certain members of this small segment of the real estate business.

I asked him whether his sales people followed the practice that I was referring to, whereby buyers were being pressured into quick decisions but could not get their money back if they changed their minds after reflecting on that decision in the cold hard light of day.

He avoided this by saying that this was standard practice in all businesses, citing used cars as an example. (Not perhaps the best example to use when defending one’s position.)

That may be ‘standard practice’ as taught in his particular school of ethics, and in an unregulated environment it may be more common than it should be. But some of us strive to raise the standards of our chosen profession and deal fairly, honestly, and ethically with our clients.

As a result, those of us who practise a high standard of ethics enjoy a good reputation for integrity, and have a high ratio of repeat business, which is the lifeblood of any business that hopes to expand.

The get-rich-quick merchants perhaps gain some personal satisfaction from having put one over on their unsuspecting and perhaps too trusting clientele, but in fact rarely get rich.

Whether they have consciences is another matter; but some of us are able to sleep well at night knowing we have dealt fairly and honestly with our clients, and told them the truth.

On reflection, though, it is perhaps only honest businesspeople who would lose any sleep over any wrongdoing they might have committed: the less-than-honest people I have had the misfortune to meet over the years give one the distinct impression not only that they take pride in being able to “put one over” on the weaker - or more trusting - members of society, but actually sleep better at night after having cheated someone.

Nonetheless, it may be some small comfort to the victims to remember that what goes around comes around, and if the miscreants don’t get their comeuppance in this life, maybe in the next life they’ll come back as cockroaches.

When in Rome

The first recorded instance of truth-in-advertising dates from Imperial Rome. In those days everyone cooked their food in clay pots, and unscrupulous pottery manufacturers would use wax to cover up the cracks and blemishes in sub-standard pots to make them look perfect.

Unsuspecting members of the populace would only discover the defects in their nice new pots when they started to cook their dinners, and of course ended up with soup all over the floor when the wax melted.

Thus the more honest merchants put up signs on their stalls saying “All Pots Sold Here Without Wax.” And this early truth-in-advertising claim has become part of our everyday language, because the Latin for “without wax” is “sin cere” - sincere.

If you are in business, offering goods or services to the public, are your business dealings and advertising claims truly “without wax” - sincere?

Leslie Wright is managing director of Westminster Portfolio Services (Thailand) Ltd., a firm of independent financial advisors providing advice to expatriate residents of the Eastern Seaboard on personal financial planning and international investments. If you have any comments or queries on this article, or about other topics concerning investment matters, contact Leslie directly by fax on (038) 232522 or e-mail [email protected] Further details and back articles can be accessed on his firm’s website on www.westminsterthailand.com

Editor’s note: Leslie sometimes receives e-mails to which he is unable to respond due to the sender’s automatic return address being incorrect. If you have sent him an e-mail to which you have not received a reply, this may be why. To ensure his prompt response to your enquiry, please include your complete return e-mail address, or a contact phone/fax number.

Back to Columns Headline Index

Snap Shots: How to sell to newspapers and magazines

by Harry Flashman

It was many years ago that Harry sold his first story and photos. It was to one of Rupert Murdoch’s ladies magazines and I almost vomited by the time I read my finished article. It was nauseating pap! They loved it! They paid what was “big money” for it, and I settled my stomach with the thought of what I was going to do with the cash.

There was a lesson to be learned, and when you learn it too, your chances of being able to make a little extra money, by using your camera and your ability to string a few sentences together, will be very much greater. It is not enough to just know the subject of your article - you see you have to research the publication that you hope will accept your work.

The reason for this will become self evident as you begin to do your research. Firstly, look at the first few pages, as in there it will say whether contributions are welcomed or otherwise. Choose an “otherwise” to send yours to and you will get your first rejection slip! Different magazines also have different “styles”, and no matter how good, cute or whatever, if your article and photographs are not in the style of the publication - it won’t get published either!

So what do you have to look at? And how? Firstly go and purchase copies of the publication you are going to try for, and then read them from cover to cover, absorbing the style of the publication. Is it a “hip” magazine full of words like “extreme, Man, cool” or is it more refined? Do they like short sentences or long ones? How many words make up their average article? 500? 1,000? 3,000? Sending 3,000 words on pig breeding to a publication that does snappy little photo essays on fashion and film will obviously get a rejection slip. Sending 3,000 words on pig breeding to the Pig Breeders Monthly will also get a rejection if the longest piece they run is less than 1,000 words. You must tailor your proposed work to suit the magazine. Write nauseating pap for a nauseating pap magazine and you’re away!

So far you have outlaid money for several magazines and nothing has come back in yet, but do not despair, you will eventually get some rewards. The next item is what is it you are going to write about, complete with illustrative photos? The simple answer here is to start by writing about subjects you actually know something about, rather than starting from scratch on some other topic.

Even then, you will have to do some research, either on foot, by phone or net based research. Write a great story on the 12 Commandments, when everyone knows there are only 10 is not going to get you published - unless you have found 2 more that Moses dropped on the way down from the mountain!

The next step is a crucial one as well. You must write your story or feature to the required length, and then illustrate that story with appropriate photographs. Do not start with photographs and try and write the story around them.

Let’s imagine you have written 500 words on whether elephants should be allowed on the beaches. What photos should you use? Any old elephant shot will not do. You should be trying to get one strolling along the foreshore. A photograph of the “No Elephants” sign would also be worthwhile. An amusing rear view of a pachyderm would also go well, with the caption, “Is this the end of the elephant tale” would also amuse the editor - all of which helps get your contribution accepted.

Once you have had a couple of acceptances, you use these to get you into more publications. You can legitimately ring and say, “My work has been accepted by Blank magazine, would you be interested in 500 words and photographs on the banning of elephants from the beach in Pattaya?”

And finally - lots of luck!

Back to Columns Headline Index

Modern Medicine: Are you killing your liver with kindness?

by Dr Iain Corness, Consultant

The liver is one of the more important organs you possess. Without it you will die, whereas you can get by without a kidney, or a lung or a thyroid, for example. Yes, I’d rate my liver above my thyroid any day.

Think of your liver as a filtering and de-toxifying device. Chemicals are taken up by the liver, to be broken down into non-toxic chemicals, all to protect your system. Clever organ your liver.

The most well known liver toxin is our old friend Ethanol, more usually referred to as booze. That alcohol affects the liver is accepted, with the end result being called Cirrhosis, a kind of fibrous hardening of the liver which then becomes unable to carry out its job correctly. Toxins build up. You feel unwell and it’s all downhill from there.

But the list does not end there either. Some proprietary or prescription drugs can produce an inflammation of the liver tissues too. Or worse, produce a breakdown of the liver tissue itself. Amongst these is the headache medication paracetamol (the ubiquitous “Sara” tablets, for example), but before you throw them out of your bathroom cabinet, it requires some heavy and very frequent dosage of paracetamol to do this.

Other prescription items that may produce liver problems include Methyldopa, several penicillins, Simvastatin (the cholesterol lowering drug), Diclofenac (a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory) and Ketoconazole (anti-fungal).

So we all know that prescription drugs (even though you can get most of them over the counter in Thailand) can be dangerous, that’s why they have a PI (patient information) leaflet inside the box, but what about “Health” food preparations? The purveyors of these all cite the fact that the ingredients are “natural” so everyone assumes that this means “safe”. Not quite so fast, I’m afraid. Lead, for example, is a naturally occurring compound, and not much good for young kidneys. However, since we are talking about liver problems, hands up all those of you who have heard of Echinacea? Supposedly fixes everything from falling hair to fallen arches - but is it “safe”? Well, Echinacea, along with Kombucha Tea are two of the commonest compounds showing a well documented history of being toxic to the liver. So if you’re sipping Kombucha tea because you’ve drunk too much alcohol, I would suggest that you stop right now!

Others for sale in the Health Food shops with known toxic effects on the liver include Evening primrose oil, Valerian, Chaparral, Japanese Daisaiko-to (for dyspepsia), Chinese Jin-bu-huan and several forms of herbal teas such as those from Heliotroprium, Senecio crotalaria and Symphytum. Makes you think that the shops that sell them may be incorrectly named, doesn’t it!

But while the column this week seems to be spreading doom, gloom and disaster, it’s not quite that bad. The liver is a very powerful organ and is capable of regenerating itself quite quickly, so in most cases of toxicity following ingestion of chemical compounds, by stopping taking it, the liver recovers and the patient feels well again.

So remember that if you are taking anything regularly and you feel unwell, it may be the liver - but tell your doctor everything you have been taking! And no thanks, I’ll give the herbal tea a miss today.

Back to Columns Headline Index

Dear Hillary,

My girlfriend rang me from up country to say that she thought she could be pregnant. I suggested to her that she should go and do a test, but she said she cannot because it would be bad luck. I don’t much feel like going into the chemist and asking for one and my workmates have all refused as well. I’m not even sure that she is pregnant, and if she is, is it mine? What’s the solution, Hillary?

Bobby

Dear Bobby,

You could just be totally out of luck here, my Petal. Pregnancy tests are simple and can be done at home. Screw up your courage and get one. Paternity tests however are not so easy, and you can’t do them at home - and they’re expensive. The alternative is to wait and see. In the meantime console yourself with some chocolates. They do work for me.

Dear Hillary,

After threatening to leave me for many years, my wife finally did it and went back to Canada four months ago. I have cleared all of her old stuff that she didn’t take out of the bedroom and my “bachelor pad” looks good enough for any young lady to be seduced in. Today I gotten a letter from my wife to say she is coming back! What do I do now, Hillary? Put all the stuff back? Go back to Canada myself? Jump off the bridge? Help!

Jacques

Dear Jacques,

First thing to remember, my Petal, is that suicide is never a viable alternative. Second thing is Pattaya doesn’t have any bridges high enough, if you haven’t noticed. Have you been honest with your wife and told her that you consider the separation to be a permanent state of affairs? If not, then a quick EMS would be in order. If however you want her back, return all her things to the (ex)bachelor pad and blame the maid for misplaced items.

Dear Hillary,

I noticed the cartoon last week (Pattaya Mail Vol. IX, number 34) where the message was why do the foreigners give everything to the “service” girls they meet here when they would not do the same for the “service” girls in their own country. The cartoon asked why, and I was wondering if you knew “why” wise Hillary? Quite a few of my friends have gone down that road (a rocky one too) and have lost thousands of baht (in one case, millions) as well as the houses, motorcycles and gold chains to local girls in Pattaya. I have told these people what can happen, but they all seem to run headlong into it. Normally sensible businessmen leave wives and families to line up at the slaughteryard. Why, Hillary, why? I am sure a warning from you could help some of the new batch that appear every year with stars in their eyes.

Martin

Dear Martin,

Oh my, you do make Hillary blush. If only I did exert such power over men, my Poppet, I would not be sitting in my lonely garret typing away consoling words for the love-lorn. No, Hillary would be on a yacht in the Bahamas enjoying champagne and chocolates. (Sorry about the daydream.) There are many theories about why rational men give everything away, but I do believe that it is not so much a reflection of latent tropical mid-day sun madness in the foreign male, but more to do with the foreigners relationship with their own women. There is either something missing that the foreign men are looking for that foreign women do not deliver, or something extra that the local girls can supply that the foreign women do not. The end result is this feeling of perhaps “gratitude” at having experienced this missing “something” that makes the male lose all reason and give everything away to the first local girl to smile sweetly at him and deliver the “goods”. The fact that the “goods” might be somewhat second-hand does not matter to the blinded male.

Unfortunately, reason does not come into affairs of the heart, my Petal. People still believe in the big romances - Romeo and Juliet, Anthony and Cleopatra, Napoleon and Josephine and Samson and Delilah. Nobody wants to hear about Peter and Duangjai, Robert and Noi, Bill and Bee and the countless other failures where the love dried up as the money ran out. That is the “why” Martin. How to correct this is another story. Perhaps a warning tattooed on the local girls - “Use of this product could be injurious to your wallet” might help?

Footnote: The other day Hillary received some chocolates at the office. Thank you too for the nice card and well chosen thoughtful words. It always makes a writer’s day to find that someone enjoyed the words enough to be moved to contact the newspaper. I shared the choccies with the editorial staff, as they work so hard too. Thank you J and Shaz, Gino & the Italian sports car, Ned Kelly and the Miserleys.

Back to Columns Headline Index

GRAPEVINE

Loving your job

If you have one of those “I really hate my job days”, try this. On your way home you stop at the pharmacy and go to the thermometer section. You need to purchase a rectal thermometer made by Q Tip. Back at home, you change to comfortable clothing and lie down on your bed. You open the package and remove the thermometer. Carefully place it on the bedside table so that it won’t become chipped or broken. Take out the written material which accompanies the thermometer. You will notice there’s a notice in small print, “Every rectal thermometer made by Q Tip is personally tested.” Now close your eyes and repeat out loud five times, “I am so glad I do not work in quality control at Q Tip.”

Workers beware

The arrest of 80 farangs in Bangkok for working illegally in a financial scam is a timely reminder that we are not living in the wild west in spite of what some people would prefer. Pattaya too has its fair share of businesses which use farangs anxious to make their fortunes: selling timeshares, telemarketing, second hand car dealers, the list is endless. Don’t be tempted by anyone offering you a job, however temporary, if there’s no work permit clearly on offer. And you can’t even apply for a work permit unless you have in advance a non-immigrant ‘B’ visa. All it takes is one phone call to the immigration guys and you are up to your neck in the judicial soup. It’s JCF and D (Jail, Court, Fine and Deportation).

A real find

GEOC (Grapevine Eating Out Collective) had their best dinner for ages last week at Patrick’s Belgian Restaurant. It’s located in the Kiss arcade on Second Road just before Soi Diana Inn traveling north. Wonderfully creamy mushroom soup, followed by fish fillet and real Belgian fries with chocolate mousse to finish, all for a third of what you would pay in Europe. The steaks are great as well. And the portions are very generous indeed. No wonder this is far and away the busiest restaurant in the arcade. It deserves to be from every point of view. Just one suggestion - take another look at your air extractors on the windows to check they are working properly.

Yorkie’s on the move

No, they’re not moving geographically but now have a much extended menu. Yorkie’s Pork Platter, way down the Jomtien Beach Road, is the nearest thing to Yorkshire you’re gonna find in the whole Orient. But there’s much more to choose apart from first class pies and sausages. Try the slices of duck in white wine, for example, at 120 baht or Thai red curry or Indian chicken korma for 80 baht. There is very much a family atmosphere to Yorkie’s so they have sensibly produced a junior or children’s menu too. The kids, not to mention you, will just love the jelly and custard.

Bites and ball cocks

Reader DA has read about the dangers of dengue fever and asks if Pattaya is safe. Well, it’s a mosquito borne disease of several types actually. It is not unknown in Pattaya - and golfers should beware of marshy ground after a poor shot - but there’s by no means an epidemic. The little beast in question tends to strike in the daytime, so don’t restrict use of insect repellent to the dark hours. A sensible precaution might be a visit to the doctor as advance immunization is available... PK is absolutely sure his water meter is running fast and asks what he can do. Assuming you don’t have a ball-cock problem, Peter, the water authority in Naklua will check your meter and replace it if necessary. But you will pay all inspection and replacement costs. Naturally.

Legal aid

Several readers have written in to ask if Thai courts will provide a farang with a lawyer. Very rarely. If you are in deep do-do, you will be expected to hire and pay for your own legal representation. If you don’t have a lawyer, the case will proceed anyway, even though you won’t have a clue what’s going on. The one exception might be if your offence is extremely serious, drug trafficking or worse, carrying a potential sentence over 20 years. In this scenario, the judge may well appoint a defence attorney from the “free list”, but don’t expect him or her to be the equal of Rumpole of the Bailey. Or anywhere near.

Two reasons not to exercise

For every minute you exercise, you add one minute to your life. This enables you at age 85 to spend an additional five months in a nursing home @ $5000 per month.

I joined a health club last year, spent about four hundred bucks. Haven’t lost a pound. Apparently, you have to show up.

Back to Columns Headline Index

Social Commentary by Khai Khem

‘Sex in the City’

The popular American TV series which features four young and gorgeous professional women living in New York City, and follows their sexual adventures is aired in Thailand over cable and satellite television. Of course we all know that sex actually does exist in the countryside as well as other cities. I wonder if it is quite as nerve wracking as it is portrayed in this hilarious production.

When ‘Sex in the City’ first aired, the series provoked a bit of controversy. Some viewers felt the graphic dialogue was offensive. Other detractors were afraid that the four female stars in the show might be held up as role models for their children, and forbade them to watch it. The ladies in this series are predatory sexual aggressors and their whole purpose in life seems to be the hunt. I’m not going to take sides, here, but the reason this show seems to shock some viewers is that the women are acting just like men who’ve been criticised for regarding sexual adventures as sport. Isn’t this part of what women’s liberation groups have been trying to stamp out? Has the re-education of men only culminated in a reversal of roles, and now women cut notches on their belts? Are the tables being turned on those callous cads?

As for sex in the city as a general topic, the mating game does have different rules than the one played out in villages and farms. In the old days, if a farmer had enough camels or goats, he was an eligible bachelor. In today’s modern, cosmopolitan towns the competition is greater and the list of qualifications which make a man a good catch are becoming unrealistic. Lots of money and success certainly top the list. To rate consideration, the poor young man must have extraordinary good looks, charm, sensitivity, humour, a Fortune 500 company, the right social contacts, the current sexy model of motorcar, liberal views on race and religion, should be gentle with kids and pets, and belong to all the best clubs.

And what does this super-human gentleman get in return? A female clone of himself, who probably spends 80% of her time devoted to her own career and personal pursuits? Not always. But occasionally we see some of these men come to Asia looking for a woman who is not quite such a mirror image, but content with making her man happy and comfortable. The description of housewife and homemaker doesn’t carry the leper’s bell here that it does in more sophisticated societies. Not that Asian women aren’t capable of running a business or having a corporate career if they choose, but home and family do still count as a worthy endeavour.

Every country has its own slant on the rules for romance, but these days the dating scene can seem like jogging through a minefield. The reasons for the international popularity of a city like Pattaya are continuously debated. Although many visitors come for the sun and wholesome family entertainment, the risque side of our nightlife here continues to do a roaring business. A quick business transaction arranges for a period of pleasure. Simple and expeditious. There are those who don’t want to jump through all the hoops. But love and marriage, kids and family will always be around, even though we sometimes think they are endangered institutions.

Back to Columns Headline Index

Women’s World: Is bigger better?

by Lesley Warner

How many of us, if we are truthful, have been tempted to try some form of plastic surgery? One of the most popular is breast implants, and I have to say that I am not one of those tempted by this particular form of surgery. The thought of having something alien inside me, I find terrifying. But if you are tempted, you are not alone; thousands of women worldwide go in for this surgery every year. Although we think of it as a modern procedure made popular by movie stars like Pamela Anderson (Baywatch), doctors have actually been performing, and perfecting, the procedure for thirty years. I asked a doctor, “Who should go for this surgery?” He answered, “Women who want an improvement to the way they look, but have realistic expectations, are the best candidates for breast augmentation.”

No, it’s not from outer space - it’s a breast implant

Breast augmentation (also called mammaplasty in the medical world) is surgery to contour and enlarge breasts using implants. Many women choose the procedure because they feel their breasts are too small for their body. Some women lose breast size after childbirth or breastfeeding. For others, nature was not overly generous to begin with. And there are other women who are bothered by uneven breasts and would like a more naturally balanced look.

The implant is soft and pliable (imagine a clear plastic pillow filled with Jell-O or salt water) and is placed in a pocket the surgeon has formed in your tissue, either behind the pectoral muscle or in front of the muscle wall.

Placement of the implant is mainly decided on by your own anatomy; depending on this, the surgeon will decide which position is right for you. Most implants are placed behind the chest muscle because as a rule, they are less likely to form a hardening called capsular contracture and less likely to show a rippling on the skin. They usually result in a more natural, softer looking bosom, and this placement is often preferable because it can allow for a better mammogram. On the other hand, women with very droopy breasts may have better results when the implant is placed on top of the muscle because that can give their bust a rounder and firmer appearance where the chest was once flattened out.

Unfortunately, in order to place the implant in your breast tissue, the surgeon will need to make a surgical incision (ouch!). The incision can be made around the areola (periareolar), the darker skin that surrounds your nipple; in the armpit; or directly under your breast.

It’s not a long operation, one to two hours, and is sometimes performed by a local anesthetic. After surgery a few hours are needed for recovery and some medication should be supplied for pain, which you will probably require for a few days. Remember, you will need to allow about two months for “complete” recovery from this surgery.

If you are looking for a nicer appearance, but not an unattainable one, the procedure might be for you. Most women who have had the surgery say they feel more attractive and self-confident. That’s not surprising - when you look good, you feel good. Breast augmentation is not without risks and some discomfort, but many women decide that the long-term benefits of more shapely, enhanced breasts are well worth it. Age is not a limiting factor as long as your general health is good.

A word of warning: everything is possible in Thailand and it seems easy for us to get what we want at a cheaper price. Don’t take risks with anything medical - check with your own doctor if you are interested in the procedure, or write to Dr. Iain (Pattaya Mail) for more information.

Back to Columns Headline Index

Animal Crackers: Are sloths really slothful?

by Mirin MacCarthy

Quite frankly - Yes! These animals gave us the word “slothful” denoting ultimate laziness. How a couple of them managed to stir up enough energy to get on Noah’s Ark is beyond me!

Related to the extinct Giant Ground Sloth, a huge elephantine sized creature (which probably died out 9 million years ago because it couldn’t be bothered catching its dinner), today’s two and three toed sloths are tree dwellers almost exclusively.

Sloths in the wild live in South America and there are five species. 1. The true two-toed sloth or Unau (choloepus didactylus). This is located in the forests of northern South America. 2. Hoffman’s two-toed sloth (choloepus hoffmanni) lives in areas from Nicaragua to Peru and Brazil. 3. True three-toed sloths or ai (bradypus tridactylus) live in areas from Central America to Northern Argentina. 4. Brown throated three-toed sloth (bradypus variegatus) lives in areas from Guatemala to Honduras. 5. Maned sloth (bradypus torquatus). Only found in Eastern Brazil. This is the most rare of the five species.

Besides the fact that one has two toes on its forelimbs and the other three, they also have different numbers of vertebrae (three-toed ones have nine; two-toed ones have six or seven). The three-toed sloths also have a small tail and their forelegs are substantially longer than the rear ones. The two-toed sloths do not have tails and their front and back legs are closer to the same size. The two-toed variety also has a shorter neck, larger eyes and move more between trees (sloths switch trees for new leaves to eat). What is quite remarkable about the sloths, other than their laziness, is that they do most things upside down, including eating, sleeping (an average of 15 hours per day), mating, and giving birth. In addition, because of their upside down life, many of their internal organs (liver, stomach, spleen, pancreas) are in different positions from other mammals.

The sloths have long grey or brown hair that blends in well with the surrounding environment, making it difficult for predators, such as the jaguar, to see them. This hair curves in the opposite direction of most other mammals, going from the stomach to the back. Since they do not do much grooming, being a little too lazy to comb their hair, they are often covered with a coat of blue-green algae during the rainy season.

Adult sloths grow to a length of between 51-64 cm by the time they are two and a half years old. They weigh in at around 4-9 kg.

Because of their inactivity, the sloths eat whatever is within range of where they hang out. The two-toed species eat twigs, fruits, and small prey. Their low rate of metabolism enables them to live on relatively little food. They do not have incisor teeth and crop leaves with their hard lips. Their teeth grow continuously, as they are worn down by the grinding of their food. They don’t drink but get their water from eating juicy leaves & licking dewdrops.

Predators, besides humans, include large snakes, harpy and other birds. Jaguars and ocelots are also a danger when the sloth is on the ground because it moves extremely slowly, with its belly actually dragging on the earth. However, sloths are surprisingly good swimmers.

Sloths live alone or occasionally in pairs. A female sloth gives birth to one offspring a year which has tiny claws, which it uses to climb onto its mother’s belly soon after birth. For about a month, it clings to her long hair, then it begins to move about by itself. When the young sloth is about nine months old, the mother forces it to go off on its own by nipping it whenever it tries to hitch a ride.

Despite its lack of exercise, sloths have a good life span and 30-40 years is the norm in both the wild and in zoos.

Back to Columns Headline Index

The computer doctor

by Richard Brunch

From David Jackson, Na Jomtien: I know I’ve previously read in your column about UPS (Uninterruptable Power Supply) and whilst I have one, albeit 5 years old and now rated too low for my new PC and peripheral equipment so requires replacement, I am wondering whether this is the best option, or should I consider a surge suppressor?

Computer Doctor replies: Anything is better than nothing; it’s much better to watch your UPS or surge protector frazzle to a crisp than your expensive PC. It really is amazing the number of people who spend 50,000 baht or more on a new system and then refuse to spend another 3,000 baht or so on a decent UPS. Anyway, as you aren’t one of these, here’s my advice. Any surge protector that is capable of providing the protection you require must be capable of responding in no more than 1 nanosecond, 5 nanoseconds I’m afraid just doesn’t cut it! The amount of electricity that gets through is also important so look for a product that is rated at least 300 joules – the higher the better. While surge protectors are great at protecting you from surges, they do nothing to protect you from undercurrent or brownouts which are prevalent here; this is where the UPS comes into its own. The UPS will provide a constant source of ‘clean power’ by means of an inverter, the device will also provide through its battery a limited amount of power after the power source has ceased. In normal circumstances it is wise to use this period to conduct a structured closedown, although, providing you know how much time you have, it may be possible to complete work on that vital document. UPS’s in their most primitive are small stand-alone devises normally of around 500 to 600Kva whist larger units for network servers for example provide an interface between the server and UPS which exploits the operating system and forces the server to message clients that there has been a power outage and the server will close down. This is all done without any user intervention providing the system has been correctly installed and configured. In essence, the surge protector provides minimal protection but leaves you exposed to damaging brownouts. The UPS provides a better alternative and may be used in conjunction with a surge protector. One word of warning though, don’t use the UPS for uses other than what it was designed for, boiling the kettle for a cup of tea is certainly a no no as is any similar hostile activity. Keep in mind that you are relying on this device so it is a good idea to have its effectiveness checked after the first 2 years of use and annually thereafter.

Also consider protecting your modem and other communication devices by use of a telephone line suppressor, for example APC ProtectNet PTel2 which will cost around 1,200 baht. All these types of equipment rely on discharging to ground, so it is important to ensure that these are connected to an adequate ground. The number of electrical installations one sees here that lack that all important third pin never ceases to amaze me. However, if necessary and you don’t want to go to the expense or suffer the upheaval of installing a ground throughout, as a minimum provide a local ground to the PC and its peripherals including the telephone line protector. As a bonus, the provision of a ground can often improve communication.

Send your questions or comments to the Pattaya Mail at 370/7-8 Pattaya Second Road, Pattaya City, 20260 or Fax to 038 427 596 or e-mail to [email protected]

The views and comments expressed within this column are not necessarily those of the writer or Pattaya Mail Publishing. Richard Bunch is managing director of Action Computer Technologies Co., Ltd. For further information, please telephone 01 782 4829, fax 038 716 816, e-mail: [email protected] or see our website www.act.co.th 

Back to Columns Headline Index

A Slice of Thai History: The Lao Invasion of Thailand, 1827-1828

by Duncan Stearn

Part Three: Repelling the Lao Invasion

Led by Pya Bodin, the main Thai army began to advance on Khorat in March 1827. Within the city itself Khun Ying Mo, the wife of the deputy-governor of Khorat, had organised many of the women and, armed with makeshift weapons, they attacked and overwhelmed a small Lao troop.

When Chao Anu sent a patrol against them, the women, now armed with some Lao weapons ambushed and defeated them, adding to their growing arsenal.

Finally, in the contentious battle of Thung Samrit, the Thai women defeated the Lao army and Chao Anu decided to retreat.

The battle is contentious in the sense that there appears to be very little definitive written information about it and the whole event may merely be apocryphal.

Nevertheless, the Lao invasion force did retreat before the onslaught of three Thai columns. One Thai division was sent into Champassak while the remainder, led by Pya Bodin, chased the retreating Lao army to the Mekong River.

In May 1827 the battle of Nong Bona Lampon, actually a series of battles fought over a wide area in seven days, resulted in the complete defeat of Chao Anu and his army.

Realising he was well beaten, Chao Anu fled to Vientiane, gathered his belongings and family and then went into exile in Vietnam.

Five days after his flight to Vietnam, the Thai army completed the defeat of most of Chao Anu’s remaining forces (despite stout resistance) and occupied Vientiane.

Although a small Lao force, established at a village called Ponechiangwang, managed to initially defeat a Thai column sent against it, a second Thai division compelled the Lao to surrender, thereby ending the Vientiane section of the war.

Meanwhile, the Thai army heading towards Champassak defeated the Lao, led by Chao Yo, at Pimai and then Yasothon. Chao Yo retreated into Champassak, but his worries did not end there as the local people, led by a rival claimant to the throne, rose against him. The Thai army was able to enter the province unmolested and took Chao Yo and two of his brothers captive, sending them to Bangkok.

The war was now at an end and the Thai commanders in Vientiane then destroyed all fortifications in the city as well as pulling down some houses, cutting down trees, burning provisions and compelling the inhabitants to quit the area. All the important images of the Buddha capable of being transported were shipped to Bangkok.

Back to Columns Headline Index

Antiques, are they genuine? : American Furniture

by Apichart Panyadee

At the top end of the market, very fine examples of authentic American antique furniture now command extremely high prices, reflecting their quality, beauty and authenticity. However, the danger area for most collectors unable to afford these quality items is the mass of furniture that has perhaps the right form, but lacks both the detail and conviction that any genuine work of art must possess. Such pieces may look similar, and in some cases, very much like the exemplary items for which they may mistake. But they are rarely, if ever, the bargains they purport to be. It is always better to buy a genuine item of more humble form than to pay for a dubious example of a desirable form.

The characteristic dowel construction of American Centennial furniture

Would-be collectors must realize that for every piece that has come down to us intact there are many more pieces which have suffered some kind of alternation or restoration over the years. The collector must understand that these pieces were not always looked upon as antiques, but as old or used furniture to be put aside or perhaps altered to fit the owner’s needs. As the interest in collecting American antiques developed in the 20th century, these wrecks have drifted into the marketplace to be reprocessed into ‘original’ high priced forms by unscrupulous people.

In addition to reprocessing, there was always the matter of ‘improving’. That is to say, craftsmen undertook a job to make a more valuable form out of a genuine piece. Fully trained restorers must, of necessity, have all the skills required to make any part of a period item. Unfortunately, these skills can also be subverted on occasion and used to ‘improve’ and therefore deceive, rather than for a legitimate restoration.

An expanded view of a Queen Anne chair back showing the mortice-and-tenon construction of a genuine 18th century piece of American furniture

To make the situation even more confusing, during the Centennial Period in America (the last quarter of the 19th century), cabinetmakers were legitimately engaged in making copies of 18th century forms. Although similar in appearance (carving style and proportions excepted), one major difference is that Centennial furniture was constructed with dowels instead of the mortice-and-tenon joints of the 18th century. In addition, machines were used in the Centennial period, and the tell tale marks of those machines were very much in evidence.

Seven years after the Centennial Celebration in America an article under the title, “Faking Antique Furniture in New York” by Ian H. G. Quimby appeared in The Decorator and Furnisher for November 1883. “It has been strongly hinted that a large house in this city actively and extensively engaged in the manufacture of antique furniture, and is about to be ‘shown up’ by certain irate customers. It appears that absolute relics of the time of Louis XIV, or even Charlemagne (if so desired) are made in an uptown factory, fired full of buckshot, treated to a dose of acid and sold at ridiculously extravagant figures to the amateur collector. There is a marvelous amount of credulity displayed by customers of these dealers in ancient relics”.

During the same period, New York cabinetmakers such as Ernest Hagen were making exact copies of Duncan Phyfe furniture. Even today, pieces made by Hagen are often mistakenly catalogued as originals, since they were made exactly the same way Phyfe and his contemporaries made them. These pieces were not made as fakes, but as superb reproductions using the same techniques and materials that the early 19th century craftsmen would have used, but they can muddy the waters of collecting.

Back to Columns Headline Index

The Message In The Moon: Sun in Taurus/Moon in Aquarius - The Reformer

by Anchalee Kaewmanee

The person born into this Sun/Moon sign may look like the typical Taurean - sturdy and responsible, or sensual and voluptuous. But you must check out those eyes. The Aquarium Moon gives the eyes that faraway look, as though this individual sees more to his universe than do the mere mortals around him. For the Taurean-Aquarius is something of a prophet. There is a sensitivity which sets his soul apart from other Taurus natives. The Taurus-Aquarius is a realistic visionary. This group is not content to dream; they all want to see their dreams put into action.

People of this combination have an understanding which is gained from introspection, and it enables them to reach others. They know themselves well, and that knowledge is their platform for great insight into the world around them. That visionary insight can be applied creatively in any number of fields, such as psychology, sociology, politics, and law.

This particular Sun/Moon combo has produced innovative scientists and social theorists. Whatever these people undertake is approached with seriousness tempered by flexibility and originality. They will often pioneer new and unique ideas in many of the more abstract disciplines, for their intuition and foresight is extraordinary. They seem to know instinctively what tomorrow will bring. More importantly, they have the determination and drive to persuade others to participate in their vision.

Though the Taurus-Aquarian considers himself to be a friend to all, he will nevertheless have difficulty forming strong emotional ties with people. To maintain that sense of ‘being different’ he will often remain detached and objective as possible at all times. Though kind, considerate, and responsive to the needs of others, there is a certain amount of aloofness. But it is never mistaken for arrogance. Humanitarian instincts in this sign are strong.

Many individuals of this Sun/Moon sign know they have a mission in life. They might feel that deep in their hearts they are rebels, but they are actually quite conventional in most respects. They prefer to work within the system to affect the changes they desire. Once inside the system, their personal magnetism and unique imagination allows them to assert their independent perspective.

Like all Taureans, this combination needs security. Before embarking on crusades, and fulfilling lofty dreams, finances will always be in order. Both Taurus and Aquarius are fixed signs, so here the approach to everything will be with determination and most likely an exaggerated sense of self-importance. Like all fixed-sign people, there is a strong temper present, and mood swings will occur when things don’t go as planned. For, in spite of that aura of control, there is a tendency to the occasional fit of fury that is usually unpredictable, and often unwarranted. Many people of this combination are obsessed with leaving a significant contribution to humanity. Machiavelli and Nikolai Lenin exemplify this.

In romance this combo has a possessive side. But there is also a great understanding and tolerance for a partner. In love, as with all things, the Taurus-Aquarius is highly imaginative and experimental. Paired with a loving mate, this sign makes a loyal and ever-interesting lover.

Back to Columns Headline Index

News | Business News  | Features | Columns | Letters | Sports | Auto Mania | Kid's Corner 
Who’s Who | Travel | Shopping | Our Community |  Classifieds
Community Happenings  | Books Music Movies | Sports Round-Up

Updated every Friday
Copyright 2001  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]

Updated by Chinnaporn Sungwanlek, assisted by Boonsiri Suansuk.
E-Mail: [email protected]