|
Money matters:
Graham Macdonald
MBMG International Ltd.
Nominated for the Lorenzo Natali Prize
Obama has not learned from history, part 2
The only new thing in the world is the history you do not know - President Truman
As we wrote last week, after World War I, the allies imposed
Treaty of Versailles on the defeated Germans. The reparations were severe and
everyone knew that Germany had very little chance in making the payments. The
newly formed Weimar Republic decided the only chance they had was to print
money. The value of the Papiermark was 4.2 to one US dollar in 1914. By late
summer 1923 it was one million per dollar. People were forced to carry their
money in wheelbarrows when they went shopping. Hyperinflation had hit Germany.
To counter this, the Germans had to do what was called a “monetary reset” and
brought in the Rentenmark at the old value of 4.2 to the US Dollar.
Now, bearing in mind the quotation at the top of the page from President Obama’s
Democratic predecessor, let us look at more comparisons between Germany in the
1920s and America over eighty years later - the parallel to German war
reparations then is derivatives now.
Year
German Weimar Republic
United States
Year
|
The above data and research was compiled from sources
believed to be reliable. However, neither MBMG International Ltd nor its
officers can accept any liability for any errors or omissions in the above
article nor bear any responsibility for any losses achieved as a result of any
actions taken or not taken as a consequence of reading the above article. For
more information please contact Graham Macdonald on
[email protected]
|
Snap Shots: by Harry Flashman
The long digital road
 Everybody
and their grandmother has a digital camera of some sort these days, even
though digital cameras have only been available in the mass market for a
little over 20 years. The granddaddy of photography, the Kodak Company
that brought film photography to the masses with the Kodak Brownie, was
also very instrumental in bringing the new digital photography to the
masses, at the expense of their own product - the photographic film.
When looking at the history of digital photography the significant
technological step forward was the Charge-Coupled Device (CCD), invented
by George Smith and Willard Boyle on October 17, 1969. Smith and Boyle
were attempting to create a new kind of semiconductor memory for
computers. At the same time they were looking for a way to develop a
solid-state camera for use in video phones. It took just an hour for
them to sketch out the CCD’s basic structure, define the concept of its
operation, and outline the applications for which it would be best
suited.
By 1970, Smith and Boyle had built the CCD into the world’s first
solid-state video camera, and in 1975, they demonstrated the first CCD
camera with image quality sharp enough for broadcast television.
However, this was for video photography, not still photography, the
basis of the mass market.
In 1981, the Sony Corporation produced the first prototype mass market
digital camera, called the Mavica (Magnetic Video Camera) electronic
still camera, which recorded images as magnetic impulses on a compact
two-inch still-video floppy disk. The images were captured on the disk
by using two CCD (charge-coupled device) chips. One chip stored
luminance information and the other separately recorded the chrominance
information. This camera provided a 720,000-pixel image (that is 0.7
megapixels; compare that to what you can get today). The images could be
stored on the floppy disk either in Frame or Field mode. When the
photographer selected the Frame mode, the sensor recorded each picture
on two tracks. Up to 25 images could be recorded on each disk. In Field
mode, the camera recorded each picture on only one track, allowing up to
50 images to be recorded.
Images were obviously less detailed than what is available today and
were made visible through a video reader that was connected to a
television monitor or color printer. However, the early Mavica cannot be
considered a true digital camera even though it started the digital
camera revolution. It was really a video camera that enabled you to see
video freeze-frames.
In 1986, Kodak scientists invented the world’s first megapixel sensor,
capable of recording 1.4 million pixels that could produce a 5x7-inch
digital photo-quality print. We were on the way.
Next up was MegaVision, a small private company, which designed the
world’s first commercial digital camera in 1987, but less than a year
later the Japanese developed and released the world’s first consumer
digital camera.
The Fuji DS-1P digital camera was a photographic revolution in 1988. It
was portable, had a built-in battery and stored images on a removable
flash card. The only thing that prevented a DS-1P from being a required
camera in every home was the price - $US10,000 for the no-frills entry
level model up to $US40,000 for the top-of-the-range version.
In 1990, Logitech came out with the Dycam Model 1 black-and-white
digicam, the world’s first completely digital consumer camera. It stored
32 compressed images internally using 1MB RAM on a 376 x 240 pixel CCD
at 256 shades of gray in TIFF format. This simple camera by today’s
standards had an 8mm fixed-focus lens, standard shutter speeds of 1/30
to 1/1000 second and a built-in flash. The Dycam included the digitizing
hardware in the camera itself, but the user had to connect the camera to
a PC to transfer images.
In 1991, Kodak released their first professional digital camera system
(DCS), aimed at photojournalists. It was a Nikon F-3 camera equipped by
Kodak with a 1.3 megapixel sensor, and it was expensive.
As time has marched on, the pace of the digital camera revolution has
also picked up, and with economies of scale, you can now buy digital
compacts with many megapixels for only a few thousand baht.
Modern Medicine:
by Dr. Iain Corness, Consultant
Tourette’s syndrome - what the “F’s” that?
It has been shown to the satisfaction of the medical world
that humor and a good laugh really is good medicine. Some hospitals even
employ clowns to brighten up the days of the inpatients. And no, I am not
the clown.
However, one of my favorite jokes involves a parrot that was prone to ‘bad’
language, and consistently used the “F” word. After threatening the
talkative bird with dire consequences, its owner put it in the freezer chest
for five minutes. After being retrieved from the freezer, the parrot was
asked if it would now behave. “Yes,” said the shivering parrot, “I won’t say
the “F” word again, but what did the ‘effing’ chicken say?”
Tourette’s syndrome can also be related to the magic “F” word, and is
usually seen in children (not parrots) around the age of 5-7 years. Boys
outnumber girls three to one!
So is this just a case of little Johnny parroting off (sorry about that,
couldn’t help myself) dirty words he has heard at home? Actually no. This is
a developmental problem that comes under the general heading of ‘Tics’ (as
opposed to ‘ticks’ that are parasitic problems).
Tic disorders can affect up to almost 20 percent of children at some stage
of their development. At one end of the spectrum are children with brief
episodes of single tics, whereas at the other end of the spectrum are
children with chronic multiple tics, including our friend Tourette’s
syndrome.
Tics are abrupt and recurrent involuntary motor or vocal actions. Motor tics
include eye blinking, grimacing, nose twitching, lip pouting (my daughter is
good at that when she doesn’t get her own way), shoulder shrugging, arm
jerking, head jerking, kicking (my son is good at that when he doesn’t get
his own way), finger movements, jaw snapping, tooth clicking, frowning,
tensing parts of the body, and rapid jerking of any part of the body are
simple tics. More complex ones include hopping, clapping, touching,
throwing, arranging, gyrating, bending, biting the mouth, the lip, or the
arm, head-banging, picking scabs, writhing movements, rolling eyes upwards
or side-to-side, making funny expressions, sticking out the tongue, kissing
(one of my old girlfriends was good at that to get her own way), pinching,
writing the same letter or word over and over, and tearing paper or books.
However the tic can also be vocal, with simple ones being coughing,
spitting, screeching, barking, grunting, gurgling, clacking, whistling,
hissing, sucking sounds, and syllable sounds such as “uh, uh,” “eee,” and
“bu.” The complex vocal tics can involve complete phrases such as, “Oh boy,”
“you know,” “shut up,” “you’re fat,” “all right,” and “what’s that.” Take
that a little further and you get repetitive bad language (which we medicos
call Coprolalia, because we love big words) and that is the best known
example of Tourette’s syndrome.
Children who have these tics can be looked upon as fools by their peers, and
there is a no more predatory group than other children. Parents also can
feel helpless in these situations. From the medical point of view, one has
to treat the entire family, not just little Johnny with the foul mouth!
Most children with tics can lead normal lives, and the tics themselves
usually slow down in teenage years. Parents should be encouraged to get
support for themselves from various organizations such as the Tourette
Syndrome Association ([email protected]). With a good understanding of
tics and related problems, including acceptance from teachers and education
of the child’s peers, most children with tics do not need regular medical
follow up.
Parents and children need to understand that although all these symptoms
relate to an underlying brain disorder, breaking the cycle may be extremely
simple - for example, just allowing the child to have a short “tic break” in
a long school lesson may be enough.
Drug treatment can be used, though there are differences in opinion on the
efficacy, with some researchers claiming only 30 percent can be helped.
However, tic severity and frequency can be reduced. Studies of Risperidone
(Risperdal) in Tourette’s syndrome have shown that it is efficacious too.
Heart to Heart with Hillary
Dear Hillary,
With regard to Pat from PA and his comments about a PI to check his girl - does
he not think that it’s pretty easy to follow someone in such a busy place as
Pattaya and not that hard to follow a car either - all without being seen by a
lady who won’t be trained to look anyway and won’t expect to be followed? An
excellent service can be got at [email protected].
A Friend
Dear A Friend,
I think you underestimate our ladies of the night, my Friend. You have to
remember that you are dealing not with one girl, but with all the girls from
that bar and all the bars around that bar. The jungle drums beat loud and long.
The network is very efficient, as more than one unsuspecting would be PI has
found out. Proceed with caution. I replied to Pat from PA by writing “You men
really go out of your way to make problems for yourselves, don’t you!” I think
your friendly advice could produce more problems than answers, Friend.
Dear Hillary,
There is a nice looker I often see sitting in the local shopping mall who always
gives me a big smile. I have almost gone up to talk to her a couple of times,
but chickened out at the last minute. What if she can’t speak English? What do I
do then? Also I worry if she’s a bar girl as I’ve heard so much bad about them
that I don’t want to get into that sort of problem. I’m here for another five
weeks and I’d like some company, but safe, if you know what I mean. Please let
me know what you think as I don’t want to waste the time.
Eric
Dear Eric,
How old are you? Twelve? Here’s the girl giving you big smiles (that’s what we
call ‘come on’ smiles, Eric) and your tongue dries up at the thought of trying
to communicate with your gorgeous bit of pulchritude. If she didn’t think she
could communicate, she wouldn’t be sitting on the shopping mall seats smiling at
foreigners. And that’s all foreigners, Eric, not just you. You wonder if she’s a
“bar girl”, well you can stop wondering. Of course she’s a bar girl, she’s just
between bars right now. You men have to understand that girls who you can always
find in shopping malls are not shopping for daily groceries and just having a
little rest as you come by. They are there to pick up men, who in turn will
donate money to their shopping comparison research projects. So you’re here for
another five weeks, my Petal. Yes, the girl will give you company. Make sure she
hands in her ID card at the hotel - if no ID card is forthcoming, then start
running.
Dear Hillary,
There has been a crackdown recently about copy goods - shirts, CDs and watches
and the like. Why is this? Everyone knows that you go to Asia and buy real
bargains. I always bring back three or four watches for the girl friends and a
couple of footy shirts for the blokes. What’s wrong with this. If I can’t get
the stuff in Thailand, do you know where I can get them? I’m coming over in a
couple of weeks, so if you can let me know early that would be good.
Copycat
Dear Copycat,
How would you feel if you made some type of special goods and then found that
cheap copies were being marketed at half the price you sell them for? You have
to keep in mind the different copyright laws in China, theirs goes “It’s our
right to copy.” Mind you, I think that many of these overseas goods (so-called
originals that have been made in Vietnam) are highly over-priced too. The whole
question of copyright is well beyond Hillary’s brain, I’m afraid. I’m just
worried about getting ‘copy’ champagne. As to where you can go to get the things
you want - the markets still have them I believe, but don’t tell the police.
Unless the police are running the market!
Dear Hillary,
After reading your wonderful words of wisdom from afar, and cottoning onto the
fact that you are a connosuer (sic) of champagne and chocolates, I am hoping you
can also help me from afar. I am dating a wonderful young lady and just want to
know what champagne I should buy to woo her, and whether dark chocolate or milk
chocolate would be best.
The Gentleman Suitor
Dear Gentleman Suitor,
The first thing you have to do is attend to your spelling, my Petal. If you want
to be a “connoisseur” of champagne, then learn to spell it! However, in your
side of the world, my favorite champagne Veuve Clicquot (French and vintage,
darling, vintage) is not too expensive, though the Grande Dame should be only
brought out for very special occasions. Regarding the chocolate, you won’t go
wrong with milk chocolate selections, though the white chocolate can be quite
special. But it is a presentation box, my Gentleman friend, not a block! Dark
chocolate is OK too, but we women like the milky variety.
Let’s go to the movies:
by Mark Gernpy
Now playing in
Pattaya
Jija - Raging Phoenix: Thai, Action/ Romance – Martial arts
film starring the amazing girl from the film Chocolate, Jija
Yanin, a true female action icon, who here combines a stunning martial
art style with a love story. Focused specifically to Jija’s skills and
personality, the film fuses her martial arts skills with break dancing.
Trail of the Panda: China, Family – A Disney live action film
directed by Chinese director Yu Zhong and shot in the wilderness of
Wolong, Sichuan (the area that was destroyed during the massive
earthquake of May 2008). Trail of the Panda is the story of a panda cub
that is separated from its mother and subsequently rescued by an
orphaned boy after going through a series of hardships and dangers in
the forest.
In Country & Melody 2 (E-Som Somwang): Thai, Comedy/ Musical – Som
and Somwang from the first episode abandon their musical band to pursue
their dreams in Bangkok. Somwang gets a job as a singer in a night
cafe, and is soon allured by the night life, girls, and fame. The
change in Somwang makes Som heartbroken, but the news of Som’s pregnancy
seems to reconcile the two.
G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra: US, Action/ Thriller – From Hasbro the
toy-makers we get another action-adventure film based on toys, very much
like Transformers: Nonsensical mayhem, and very loud, but
stylish. I actually found it more enjoyable than Transformers,
which I guess is not saying much. Wear earplugs! With Dennis Quaid,
Channing Tatum, Sienna Miller, Marlon Wayans. Early reviews: Mixed or
average.
Sam Chuk: Thai, Drama – Based on a true story, this is a rarity for
Thailand: a thoughtful, well-done social issues film, exploring the
lives of seven teenaged boys, each entangled with and devastated by drug
use in a small province called Sam Chuk. Their local teacher tries to
teach them to cope with their problems. Affecting performances, choppy
storytelling style, a bit sentimental at times, but overall a
heart-rending document. I recommend you see it. Directed by Tanit
Jitnukul.
Director Tanit was born in 1956 in Songkhla Province, and made his name
filming historical battle epics: Bang Rajan, Legend of the
Warlord, and Sema: Warrior of Ayutthaya. However, he’s
worked in many genres, including horror (Art of the Devil and
Narok), crime-action (102 Bangkok Robbery), and comedy (Andaman
Girl). He won best director honors at the Thailand National Film
Awards for Bang Rajan, which was later “presented” by Oliver
Stone in a theatrical release in the United States.
Definitely a director to follow, and this a film to see.
The Taking of Pelham 1 2 3: US/ UK, Crime/ Drama/ Thriller – I found
it a thoroughly engrossing and exciting film, and a satisfying dramatic
experience. Denzel Washington plays a New York City subway dispatcher
battling a criminal mastermind, beautifully played by John Travolta.
Rated R in the US for violence and pervasive language. Mixed or average
reviews.
Dear Galileo: Thai, Comedy/ Drama – A pleasant enough diversion
about girls on their own in Europe – low-keyed and low-powered, slow and
meandering. From Nithiwat Tharathorn, continuing his examination of
students in love as two teenage Thai girls spend a year in London,
Paris, and Rome. Based on the director’s own experiences of living and
working abroad.
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince: US/ UK, Adventure/ Fantasy/
Romance – This, the latest and darkest Harry Potter episode, is a
dazzling film, with brilliant cinematography, fantastic effects, and
moments of emotional power. I think you’ll find it incoherent unless
you’re a close follower of the previous films, or have immersed yourself
in the books. If not, large sections of the film will make absolutely
no sense whatsoever, because all the characters seem to know things the
audience is never privy to. Great art direction and scenic design, and
it’s really well directed, with excellent performances, and an exciting
story. Generally favorable reviews.
Public Enemies: US, Action/ Crime/ Drama/ History – I think it’s a
mess, albeit a brilliant mess, but it offers many pleasures: It’s an
impeccably crafted film, with some fine performances, vast attention to
period detail, an innovative use of high-definition video instead of
film, and a fascinating era recreated. Still, it’s a hodge-podge in my
opinion, and doesn’t gel into anything coherent. With Johnny Depp and
Christian Bale. Rated R in the US for gangster violence and some
language. Generally favorable reviews.
Ice Age 3: Dawn of the Dinosaurs [in 3D]: US, Animation/ Comedy
– Good animation. Mixed or average reviews.
6:66 Death Happens / 6:66 Die Not Die / tai mai dai tai: Thai,
Horror – A crime reporter starts seeing weird and scary things after
someone who was supposed to die doesn’t die, causing a rip in the fabric
between life and death, or something like that. A dreadful movie,
gauging from the previews and posters. I will not be seeing it.
|
