The following two links, 1 from the Bangkok Post and 1 from the Daily Mail (UK) make interesting reading.
I have said for many years that medical advancement should slow down. My views may not be popular with many but i certainly thought very realistic. The first link is to an article about China stopping the trade in human organs, but also how 1.5 million patients a year need a transplant but currently only 10,000 receive one. Imagine the impact if everyone received a transplant, the effect on the population of a country that already limits families to one child each. It's not rocket science...
The next piece from the Daily Mail addresses the effect of longevity on the old in the UK, the sadness of old age and loneliness of death, all brought around by medical advancement. Unfortunately we all have to go sometime so maybe it's time to start doing it with dignity. It takes you through the ages of mankind from when we were at the bottom of the food chain and some how amazingly worked our way to the top, not sure if that was such a good move! Mother nature knows best.
In Africa we happily dish out very expensive medicines to save lives to then let them die of starvation! Should there not be more of a balance.
What a happy tale for Easter. Happy Easter to you all
http://www.bangkokpost.com/breaking_news/breakingnews.php?id=117920
One in five can expect a 'lonely shameful death' the Daily Mail
Saturday, April 7, 2007
Thursday, April 5, 2007
YOU WOULD NEVER GUESS?
If you didn't know before you may get a clue today!
It's a major holiday tomorrow, in fact Chakri Day .
I hear you asking what clue, well in true style with a holiday on the horizon and a big party to go to the poilce are out in FORCE with road blocks for motorists sprining up everywhere and of course the associated fine.
Have a happy holiday.
It's a major holiday tomorrow, in fact Chakri Day .
I hear you asking what clue, well in true style with a holiday on the horizon and a big party to go to the poilce are out in FORCE with road blocks for motorists sprining up everywhere and of course the associated fine.
Have a happy holiday.
THE SCHOOL FOR LIFE
Yesterday was a very special day at the school for life in Doi Saket, the official blessing and hand over of the new boys dormitory funded by this years Hillside roof top charity event in January.
Unfortunately i was unable to attend as i am still unpacking from the move and repacking to leave next week, all very confusing. I am assured by Steve the event was enjoyed by all. There was a very strange event that looks like an obstacle course and endurance test all at once. Blowing up balloons, eating huge water melons and a 4 person set of ski's to name but a few of the tasks.
The pictures in the web album say it all. Have a look!
Well done to all involved and all those who contributed over the year and at the event itself.
Tuesday, April 3, 2007
MURDER MYSTERY AND INTRUIGE AT GALEN'S GALLERY
Sunday night and after a long and hot two days moving it was the BIGGEST night out in Chiang Mai in a long time.
Howard and Steve had put together a murder mystery party and many of our old favourites had parts including yours truly, i had the part of a Thai folk/pop star guitar and all.
The event was carefully planned and well thought out, with little to no information given to people before the event. Each was given a brief synopsis of their role and the names of characters they would interact with, but you had no clue who would play the characters.
The first arrivals were at 7pm and we had to be there and in character right on time, as the second group were to arrive at 7-30 giving half an hour to get into character. The second group were themselves, but later on some became characters i.e the detectives after the gruesome murder took place.
The part of Sri Banharn a bitchy quite manipulative gossip columnist was played by the lovely Ronny and of all people the murderer was Steve who played an amazing part of a hen pecked husband with a Lesbian wife, great job by Ms Lomax.
The setting was brilliant as i do love the vibe at Galen's gallery and since it was the launch of an exhibition of newly acquired works it worked so so well and was so much fun.
Everyone brought a pot luck dish and booze and it was a ball. I am glad to say Ronny is fine and no permanent damage has been done in the making of this epic.
If you would like to take part in the next event i will put your names forward to the organisers if you let me know.
Thanks again to Steve and Howard for all their hard work.
Howard and Steve had put together a murder mystery party and many of our old favourites had parts including yours truly, i had the part of a Thai folk/pop star guitar and all.
The event was carefully planned and well thought out, with little to no information given to people before the event. Each was given a brief synopsis of their role and the names of characters they would interact with, but you had no clue who would play the characters.
The first arrivals were at 7pm and we had to be there and in character right on time, as the second group were to arrive at 7-30 giving half an hour to get into character. The second group were themselves, but later on some became characters i.e the detectives after the gruesome murder took place.
The part of Sri Banharn a bitchy quite manipulative gossip columnist was played by the lovely Ronny and of all people the murderer was Steve who played an amazing part of a hen pecked husband with a Lesbian wife, great job by Ms Lomax.
The setting was brilliant as i do love the vibe at Galen's gallery and since it was the launch of an exhibition of newly acquired works it worked so so well and was so much fun.
Everyone brought a pot luck dish and booze and it was a ball. I am glad to say Ronny is fine and no permanent damage has been done in the making of this epic.
If you would like to take part in the next event i will put your names forward to the organisers if you let me know.
Thanks again to Steve and Howard for all their hard work.
AIRPORT NAMES
Hi Gareth,
(Sorry couldn't send any of this via your blog for some reason)
I also understand that the 'new' spelling of Don Muang as in Mueang is leading to many tourists, and those of us who are completely useless at the Thai Language, being taken to the nearest Pork BBQ Roast stall by taxi drivers who do not understand that we want to go to the airport! (or visa versa, of course, you could find yourself in the check-in line for a flight to Phuket when all you really wanted to do was to take was to have a quick lunch time snack!)Apparently the pronunciations are very similar! Probably another reason for using Suvarnabhumi which incidentally if pronounced as spelt would most likely result in you being taxied to the river to catch a boat to the Grand Palace! Hope all is well in Chiang Mai or is it Chieng Mai?.
(Sorry couldn't send any of this via your blog for some reason)
I also understand that the 'new' spelling of Don Muang as in Mueang is leading to many tourists, and those of us who are completely useless at the Thai Language, being taken to the nearest Pork BBQ Roast stall by taxi drivers who do not understand that we want to go to the airport! (or visa versa, of course, you could find yourself in the check-in line for a flight to Phuket when all you really wanted to do was to take was to have a quick lunch time snack!)Apparently the pronunciations are very similar! Probably another reason for using Suvarnabhumi which incidentally if pronounced as spelt would most likely result in you being taxied to the river to catch a boat to the Grand Palace! Hope all is well in Chiang Mai or is it Chieng Mai?.
Monday, April 2, 2007
The Big Move
Well folks, the big day has come and gone and i have said a final good bye to my home in Mae Rim.
I am now ensconced in my new home which sits on 2 fabulous Rai of land on the river bank in Chiang Mai. I now have the most gadget laden high tech cow shed in the world, but the gardens and views are precious.
The dogs, never having been with others, are now happily staking their turf with the other 6 dogs on the land, and yesterday their first day found them completely exhausted by the experience.
The move went pretty much without hitch taking 10 pick up loads and a lot of help from friends to accomplish, but we moved a 3 bedroom bungalow's worth and the huge gardens worth of potted plants and water features in 9 hours, not bad since it is about an hour and a half round trip from there to here.
I have been made more than welcome by my friends whose house then land sits on and i feel quite privileged to have such good Thai friends.
A word of warning to anyone renting in Thailand, your returnable deposit may not be quite that and may be very difficult to get back, especially if like me your landlord is a jumped up Colonel in the army, luckily for me an unfortunately for him i can trump his Colonel with a General, a friend of mine whom i cm going to have to call on to get my money back. The Colonel having gone over the figures with me in November and again in February seems to think he needs to check them again before returning my deposit. He originally promised me it today and now reckons the 17th April, not much use to me sine i will be in the UK. I think he has no money and is trying to wriggle out of it, but I spoke to the my friend the General yesterday and he has said he will sort it upon his return to Chiang Mai this week. I do however feel if i did not know the General it would be a case of kiss it goodbye.
More to follow but have so much to do in the cow shed.
I am now ensconced in my new home which sits on 2 fabulous Rai of land on the river bank in Chiang Mai. I now have the most gadget laden high tech cow shed in the world, but the gardens and views are precious.
The dogs, never having been with others, are now happily staking their turf with the other 6 dogs on the land, and yesterday their first day found them completely exhausted by the experience.
The move went pretty much without hitch taking 10 pick up loads and a lot of help from friends to accomplish, but we moved a 3 bedroom bungalow's worth and the huge gardens worth of potted plants and water features in 9 hours, not bad since it is about an hour and a half round trip from there to here.
I have been made more than welcome by my friends whose house then land sits on and i feel quite privileged to have such good Thai friends.
A word of warning to anyone renting in Thailand, your returnable deposit may not be quite that and may be very difficult to get back, especially if like me your landlord is a jumped up Colonel in the army, luckily for me an unfortunately for him i can trump his Colonel with a General, a friend of mine whom i cm going to have to call on to get my money back. The Colonel having gone over the figures with me in November and again in February seems to think he needs to check them again before returning my deposit. He originally promised me it today and now reckons the 17th April, not much use to me sine i will be in the UK. I think he has no money and is trying to wriggle out of it, but I spoke to the my friend the General yesterday and he has said he will sort it upon his return to Chiang Mai this week. I do however feel if i did not know the General it would be a case of kiss it goodbye.
More to follow but have so much to do in the cow shed.
Friday, March 30, 2007
Lese majeste charges get Swiss man 10 yrs
In case you should forget Lese Majeste
A word of warning to those who know little of Thai customes and laws and thinking of visitning Thailand. Don't panic this sort of thing isn't a normall occurance , but does show the level of respect shown to the Royal Family.
Lese majeste charges get Swiss man 10 yrs
A word of warning to those who know little of Thai customes and laws and thinking of visitning Thailand. Don't panic this sort of thing isn't a normall occurance , but does show the level of respect shown to the Royal Family.
Lese majeste charges get Swiss man 10 yrs
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