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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.
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!
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.
 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.
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.
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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.
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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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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]
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