Pattaya Mail - Friday Oct. 31 - Nov. 6, 2014 (Vol. XXII No. 44)

Established in 1993

VOL.XXII No. 44

Today, Oct. 31, is “All-Hallows-Eve”, better known as Halloween. Throughout Pattaya, many shopping malls, restaurants, bars and entertainment venues will be putting on special attractions to help celebrate this pagan festival to remember the dead like only Pattaya can. Shown here, pretty models welcome one and all to the event at Central Festival Pattaya Beach. Ripley’s Believe it or Not! in the Royal Garden Plaza is also famous for Halloween fun. Let’s not forget Walking Street, where usually the biggest Halloween parties are held. Happy Halloween!

Pattaya’s First English Language Newspaper

FRIDAY OCTOBER 31 - NOVEMBER 6, 2014

21st Anniversary

30 BAHT

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VOL. XXII No. 44

Completion of Second Road Rains overwhelm resurfacing delayed 1 month Wong Amat sewage system

Officials inspect the area of Wong Amat Beach where heavy rain interrupted construction of new waste water pipes, causing sewage to empty into the sea.

Surasak Huasoon Residents are warned to be careful while using Pattaya 2nd Road during construction.

Jetsada Homklin When Pattaya officials announced that resurfacing of the entire length of Second Road would take only 20 days and be complete by Oct. 4, they likely could have heard the skeptical cackling of the masses all the way across town.

Sure enough, by the time Oct. 4 rolled around less than a third of the battered thoroughfare had been fixed.

Huge potholes now filled with increasing amounts of rainy season downpours still marred the rest.

By Oct. 16, the far sides of the roadway between Central and South Roads were still a mess. There were plenty of signs about ongoing construction, but no workers actually making the construction ongoing.

Travelers scoffed they’d have to buy off-road bikes to get through downtown

while shop owners just shook their heads as they sprayed water in front of their shops to knock down the dust.

Chaiyawat Sumetamornrath of the Engineering Department said contractor Norbrick Co. was blaming the weather for its inability to do its job. The contract now has been extended until Nov. 4.

On Oct. 20, officials claimed 80 percent of the roadwork was now done.

Pattaya sanitation workers responded to Wong Amat Beach after recent heavy rains flooded the beachfront with raw sewage.

Deputy Mayor Verawat Khakhay led Sanitation Department staffers to Wong Amat behind the North Point condominium Oct. 21 after complaints about the release of smelly wastewater there.

In the area, a contractor has been laying large underground tunnels and manholes for the sewage system that runs along Wong Amat Beach. The project is nearly

finished. The remaining work is to connect all tunnels to the manholes to prevent wastewater from flowing into the sea.

Verawat said contractor Samprasit Co. reported that a massive amount of rainwater has caused the sewage in the tunnels and manholes to overflow onto the beach, which made it look like the workers were releasing wastewater on purpose. They also said that the construction has been very slow during the rainy season.

Officials told the workers to solve the problem as soon as possible. The problem

was revealed, that all sewage tunnels coming out from the condos in the area are supposed to be connected to the manholes, but two weren’t.

The contractors are working hard, trying to complete the construction before November and high season.

After completing the construction, the contractors said that the sewage system would be able to handle the flow from condos and other business venues in the area and release it into the pumping area near Wat Nong Yai and prevent it from overflowing into the sea.

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Tourism operators to get marine-safety training Urasin Khantaraphan Tourism-related businesses ranging from hotel operators to street vendors will take part in beachside training to rescue tourists in marine accidents.

Chonburi Gov. Khomsan Ekachai met with military, hotels, business leaders,

government and police officials Oct. 20 to begin planning the two months of planned training sessions, which started this month and run through December.

The training and practicing will take place on Pattaya Beach, attended by personnel from the private and public

sectors, including tourism service providers. Training will cover tourist rescues in case of marine accidents.

The training sessions are aimed at rebuilding Pattaya’s tourist reputation, equipping business vendors to assist during marine emergencies, and pushing vendors to

prioritize safety in areas where they operate.

Tharnthip Meelaksana, director of Chonburi’s Tourism and Sports Division, presides over a project to train tourismrelated business staff to rescue tourists in case of marine accidents.

Pattaya flooding worse than ever, city officials admit Urasin Khantaraphan Despite years of talk and months of effort, flooding actually is getting worse in Pattaya, with two recent days of heavy rain flooding areas of the city not inundated for 10 years, Deputy Mayor Ronakit Ekasingh said.

The deputy mayor called an emergency meeting after a downpour of just two hours left areas of the city under a meter of water Oct. 19.

He said projects such as the dredging of canals in South and North Pattaya canal as well as a new retention basin near the East Pattaya railway didn’t seem to be having much effect.

Deputy Mayor Verawat Khakhay brainstormed ideas Pattaya city fathers are trying, but have yet to control the flooding situation in Pattaya.

with city council members and engineers, noting that both property and Pattaya’s reputation were being destroyed by the frequent floods.

He said the city still has many canals and drainage tunnels that need clearing, but city workers and contractors have yet to finish.

He also pointed out the fact that has been obvious to so many for so long: The city’s out-of-control growth has overwhelmed the infrastructure, with new condos and housing projects going up every day. Drainage tunnels cannot take large amount of water as there’s very few that funnel water to the sea.

The objective of the meeting was to gather information from various areas and the organizations that are responsible for the areas to help each other find a way to solve and prevent the problems.

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Fire destroys LPG car in Bang Saray Patcharapol Panrak An airline employee escaped injury when his liquid petroleum gas-powered sedan exploded in Bang Saray.

It took firefighters about 30 minutes to extinguish the flames that fully engulfed the Volvo on Sukhumvit Road near the Department of Naval Education Oct. 18.

Driver Udomsak Gongsaensri told police he bought the car used from a friend. A couple days ago he had it serviced for a fuel leak. Apparently, the shop didn’t do the job, because, as he was driving,

VOL. XXII No. 44

Pair charged with robbing Good Samaritan

Airline worker Udomsak Gongsaensri was lucky to escape with his life when his LPG powered Volvo exploded in a fireball. smoke began coming out a small explosion saw flames from under the hood and then engulf the whole vehicle.

30 ladyboys swept up, return to Beach Road

Two alleged gang members were arrested for armed robbery along with a third for possession of an unlicensed weapon.

Boonlua Chatree

Patcharapol Panrak

Pattaya police again swept Beach Road of transgenders suspected of both prostitution and petty thefts, but released them in time for them to go back to work.

Officers rounded up 30 transgenders Oct. 24, finding five Laotians and three with no identification card.

Each were fined 200 baht and released.

Capt. Naetithorn Rattanasuchanont claimed the police action would deter crime by the transvestites, who he said smeared Pattaya’s image and were involved in pickpocketing and other crimes.

Two alleged gang members were arrested in Sattahip for pretending to be hurt in a motorbike crash then robbing a man who came to help them.

Duthi Pakalo, 19, and Klisada Hadrai, 22, were taken into custody Oct. 22 along with a fake gun and the Honda Wave they allegedly used in their crime.

Sawat Boonruam, 24, also

Pattaya police again swept Beach Road of transgenders suspected of both prostitution and petty thefts.

The sweeps happen regu- easily pay off the fines, larly and apparently have which never exceed 500 done nothing to strike fear baht, and are back on the into the streetwalkers, who street within hours.

Shooting suspect becomes victim in apparent payback incident Boonlua Chatree A 19-year-old arrested earlier this month for allegedly shooting a teenage couple after they left an all-night pub was shot himself in a case police suspect is payback.

Thanachart Chaichana suffered a single gunshot to the leg outside a Soi Nernplabwan 7-Eleven Oct. 23. He was treated at Banglamung Hospital.

Thanachart and three 17year-olds were jailed Oct. 12 for allegedly shooting Nattapong Phon-guen, 19,

and 17-year-old Nattawan Pathisarn who left around 7 a.m. from the Red & Blue pub on Thepprasit Soi 2. As they drove home, a rival gang of about seven teenagers pulled alongside and opened fire.

They were released on bail.

Two other suspects Peerapol Eeimsiriarirath, 20, and 18-year-old Jukarin Plugklin - remained at large after the shooting.

After being shot, however, Thanachart confessed that Peerapol was driving as they rode from Soi Nernplabwan

toward Sukhumvit Road Oct. 23. As they did, two teens on a motorbike began following them and fired five shots, hitting Thanachart once.

Peerapol again fled before police could arrive and still remains at large.

Banglamung Police Superintendent Col. Thummanoon Mankhong said it is very likely the latest shooting was perpetrated by friends of the injured couple.

He said the shooters were identified from security camera footage and will be arrested soon.

was arrested for possession of an unlicensed 38-caliber handgun.

Police alleged the two suspects feigned injury after a bike accident on Soi Yang Gnam and waited until 40year-old Paitoon Janlod came to help them. The two then miraculously “recovered” and held up Paitoon at gunpoint, stealing 3,500 baht, police claimed.

Unfortunately, the suspects left one of their mobile

phones at the scene, which enabled the police to track them down. Police revealed that the two criminals were living in the soi and the two criminals said that they needed money for personal reasons.

Sawat was arrested after police caught him acting suspiciously before searching him and finding an unregistered gun. Police investigated and said that Sawat wasn’t involved with the gang.

Bouncer arrested, bar closed after tourist battered Boonlua Chatree Pattaya-area officials again showed they will no longer tolerate abuse of tourists at the hands of Walking Street bar bouncers when they arrested one alleged thug and shut down his employer for 60 days.

Police on Oct. 22 arrested 29year-old Daenthai Paksachart, a doorman at the recently opened Spicy Girls go-go bar, for allegedly putting a beatdown on a Kuwaiti army officer who complained about false advertising by a bar.

Maj. Col. Badun Nasun Alsubalin was seriously injured in the early-morning altercation in which he was beaten and may have been cut with a knife.

Alsubalin told police he

and three friends had been lured into the bar by a Walking Street tout that promised them a sex show. Each was charged a 500 baht entrance fee into the bar that is free to enter for westerners. When they discovered that no such show was on offer they left.

However, Alsubalin forgot his sunglasses and went back to the bar to obtain them. While doing so, he reportedly made his displeasure about being ripped off known and was set upon by several of the bouncers.

The most disreputable of Walking Street’s go-go bars target Middle Easterners, Indians and non-Western tourists with touts and expensive entry fees for promises of shows that don’t exist.

Police and Banglamung District officials led by District Chief Sakchai Taengho returned to Spicy Girls, which opened on Sept. 14, and ordered it closed for 60 days.

They also shut the downstairs Champion go-go bar which was owned by the same operator - after discovering a cache of smuggled liquor behind the bar.

The closure is the second issued by Banglamung authorities in the past four months due to thuggish behavior by bar staff.

A bouncer at Walking Street’s Lucifer disco was arrested June 9 for allegedly assaulting two Israeli customers who belligerently refused to buy a drink. The disco was closed for 60 days as well.

Second 7-Eleven hit by knife-wielding duo Teerarak Suthathiwong Two men who robbed a Sukhumvit Road 7-Eleven have hit at least one more area convenience store.

A clerk at a 7-Eleven on Jomtien Second Road behind

the Villa Navin Hotel called police Oct. 20 after two knifewielding men robbed the store about 1:30 a.m. of 2,000 baht.

Security cameras at the shop were broken, but clerk Amorath Sangrath was shown CCTV photos of the two suspects in

the Oct. 17 robbery and she believes they were the same men.

Both robberies were completed in less than three minutes. Police have been ordered to recheck all CCTV cameras in the area to try and track down the thieves.

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FRIDAY OCTOBER 31, 2014 5

Pattaya consolidates Loy Krathong celebrations at Lan Poh Park in Naklua Urasin Khantaraphan Pattaya has decided to consolidate its usual two Loy Krathong celebrations into one grand event at Lan Poh Park in Naklua Nov. 6.

Deputy Mayor Wattana Chantanawaranon said the celebration will feature both a krathong competition and the Miss Noppamas pageant for young girls, events previously held in separate venues at the Bali Hai pier and in the Naklua park.

This year’s event, beginning

at 6 p.m., not only brings those together, but also features a country music concert, booths selling food and drinks, and vendors selling locally made products.

The krathong contest will award prizes for the mostbeautiful krathongs in three categories: public, elementary and high school students.

A second contest will award prizes for the most-creative krathong. All krathongs must be made from natural materials.

The winners will win cash and trophies from Pattaya city hall. Interested participants can apply the Religion, Art and Culture Promotion office or call 038-253-327 through today, Oct. 31.

The Miss Noppamas pageant will be limited to 20 girls ages nine and under. Their family must be registered in Banglamung District and contestants must be in good health. The winner will receive cash, a trophy and sash from Pattaya. Registration for the contest closed Oct. 24.

220 monks make Pattaya pilgrimage to restore Chonburi temple Urasin Khantaraphan More than 200 monks made a pilgrimage through Pattaya to turn “an abandoned temple into a glorious temple” in Chonburi Province.

Mayor Itthiphol Kunplome and the heads of the Chonburi and Banglamung monk committee’s kicked off the Oct. 19 “Thudong Chaipattana” project at city hall, co-sponsored by the Association of Meditation for World Moral Development in Chonburi.

The project was aimed at encouraging Buddhists to restore the “soul” of Lum Manao Temple in Bothong, which according to organizers is devoid of Buddha’s spirit. They want to install Buddhist beliefs and practices back into the temple.

Activities were held there Oct. 20-23 aimed at doing just that.

The campaign began with the pilgrimage by 220 monks

Over 200 monks begin their pilgrimage through Pattaya to restore the “soul” of Lum Manao Temple in Bothong, which according to organizers is devoid of Buddha’s spirit. and novices of the affluent Dhammakaya sect outside Bangkok, who were mirrored nationwide by more than 100,000 others.

Opening ceremonies began at 7 a.m. with Dhammakaya prayers and, at 8:25, the pilgrims participated in a “shower of manifold” ceremony

before heading out on a four-kilometer walk down Beach Road to Bali Hai Pier.

Buddhists lined the route, offering alms of dried foods and sweets to the monks along the way. The monks and novices then boarded buses to Lum Manao Temple.

Pattaya-area hotels also will be hosting their own Loy Krathong holiday festivals, from the Dusit Thani Hotel in North Pattaya to the Royal Cliff Hotels Group in Jomtien Beach.

A bit of history According to the history written by King Mongkut in 1863, the Loy Krathong festival has its roots in ancient Brahmin culture, going back some 700 years. The spirits of the river were given offerings which were sailed in the river in small boats (krathongs) and in this way the owner of the krathong would gain absolution. This was a Brahmin belief.

The small boats fashioned by the beautiful and talented Nang Noppamas, the daughter of a Brahmin priest and wife of King Phra Ruang, were notable for their construction and beauty. It was this king who then dedicated the krathong to the memory of the Buddha, and decreed that the event would be called Loy Krathong and that it should become an annual celebration to commemorate the skill and beauty of his consort. In this way he lifted it out of Brahmin culture and installed it into the accepted Buddhist way of life. This is the reason that the krathongs now

Loy Krathong this year falls on November 6. carry three incense sticks representing the Buddha, the Dharma and the Sangha.

During the Loy Krathong Festival, people decorate their krathong with flowers, joss sticks and candles which will then sail away, taking with them bad health, bad luck and unhappiness.

Lanterns are well-known symbols in the Loy Krathong Festival, too, being used to decorate houses and temples in worship of the guardian spirits. There are four kinds of lantern used

in the festival: the hand-held rabbit lantern, the hot air balloon lantern (kom loy), the hanging lantern for religious worship, and the spin lantern installed at the temples. The belief in lanterns is that the lights inside compare with the wisdom the people will gain in the next life.

This Thursday, invite your girlfriend, boyfriend, family members and/or significant other to buy or create a krathong, then visit the nearest seashore, lake or river and float away your worries.

Pattaya installs 7 pumps to tackle Beach Road flooding

Pattaya Hospital 90 percent ready to go Jetsada Homklin Pattaya Hospital now is offering 90 percent of its planned services and is just waiting for final health insurance approval to begin a city-wide health-services project.

A spokesperson told Pattaya Mail that the hospital is fully equipped and ready for patients, but they don’t accept any source of health insurance as of yet. In the future they will, but they haven’t declared as to when.

Director of Health Management Rungnapa Thapnhonghee and Dr. Kritsada Manuyawong briefed the press on the hospital’s initiatives Oct. 17.

Kritsada said the hospital recently built a shrine and is purchasing additional equipment for the “20,000 Beds for Pattaya Hospital” project, which sees both inpatient and home-visits by Pattaya Hospital doctors.

Pattaya residents in Moo 10, 11 and 12 villages can register for free medical care at the Soi Buakaow hospital or by calling 036-103-900.

Pattaya sanitary officers have installed 4 water pumps at the entrance of Soi 6/1.

Other pumps have been installed across from Central Festival Pattaya Beach and at the entrance of Walking Street.

Rattanachai Suthidechanai (front left), head of Pattaya’s tourism and sports department, and Pattaya spokesperson Yuwathida Jeerapat (front right), along with Director of Health Management Rungnapa Thapnhonghee (back left) and Dr. Kritsada Manuyawong (back right), give a public report on the new Pattaya hospital’s readiness.

Also at the press conference, city officials announced the publication of the Pattaya 9 magazine to publicize information, tourism sites, hotels, entertainments, and activities. The magazine is aimed at creating a good understanding between the private and public sectors.

Pattaya spokeswoman Yuwida Jeerapan also announced that the city hired 25 disabled residents to work the International Muay Thai

Championships Halloween afternoon at Bali Hai Pier.

Five computer jobs and 20 positions for administrative support were available for the World Boxing Association tournament, which begins at 3 p.m. on Oct. 31. The tournament, free for fans, is being organized by Pattaya and the Royal Thai Navy to stoke tourism and encourage youths to use boxing as way to spend their free time without resorting to drugs.

Jetsada Homklin Pattaya has temporarily installed seven new highpower water pumps along Beach Road to tackle chronic flooding issues while it constructs a permanent solution.

Following yet another round of heavy rain and flooding, Mayor Itthiphol Kunplome oversaw the installation of the pumps at three places along Beach Road Oct. 23. Four pumps are located at the foot of Soi 6 - one of the worst-hit flood areas - two across from Central Festival Pattaya Beach and one at the entrance of Walking Street.

Soi 6 got special attention as, for years, water has raced

down that street and adjacent Soi 6/1 and carved out huge trenches in the sandy beach opposite.

The mayor also inspected Soi 1 and ordered Sanitation Department workers two sweep the street and remove garbage that has piled up due to storm drainage.

Water-quality manager Somphop Wandee said the pumps were necessary as, during heavy rain, runoff flows from East Pattaya down to Pattaya Beach. Existing water pumps have not been able to keep up with the job as they were clogged by garbage and debris carried with the runoff.

The new pumps can handle 550 cu. meters of water per hour and shuttle it into huge

pipes that feed into the sea.

The pumps - which will remain in place until the as yet unspecified end of the rainy season - are only a temporary solution, however. Deputy Mayor Verawat Khakhay said plans are underway to rework Beach Road’s drainage system to solve persistent flooding.

Plans call for huge water sump tanks at the Dusit Curve, the entrance of Soi 6/1, Central Road and Walking Street that will connect to the 200meter-long drainage pipeline.

No timetable for the project was given.

Officials stated that the temporary pumps, once removed, will be installed again at the start of next year’s rainy season.

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VOL. XXII No. 44

Eastern Seaboard commemorates King Rama V on Chulalongkorn Day

Nurse from Bangkok Hospital Pattaya bring carry a wreath to lay in front of the Rama V monument in Banglamung.

Staff Reporters Government officials across the Eastern Seaboard recalled Thailand’s beloved King Rama V on the 104th Chulalongkorn Day. Banglamung District Chief Sakchai Taengho laid flower garlands on the King Rama

V monument Oct 23 for “Somdej Piya Maharaj,” the “King that is loved and respected by his citizens.” Area police, council members, community leaders and local residents attended.

In Chonburi, Gov. Khomsan Ekachai laid a

Gov. Khomsan Ekachai lights the candles for the religious services in Chonburi.

In Sattahip, District Chief Phawat Lertmukda lays a wreath at the district’s monument, expressing their loyalty to the memory of HM King Chulalongkorn.

commemorative wreath before the Victory Monument at Chonburi City Hall in front of a crowd of public servants and students. Khomsan recalled the great king on the anniversary of his death.

In Sattahip, District Chief Phawat Lertmukda did similarly, laying a wreath with

better the kingdom of Thailand with his intellect, eventually, saving the kingdom from being conquered by the Europeans, who were at that time trying to conquer as much of Asia as possible.

HM King Chulalongkorn was born in 1853, the son of

representatives of about 30 local agencies and organizations at the district’s monument. They expressed their loyalty to the memory of the King and participated in religious ceremonies.

Phawat recalled stories of how King Rama V worked hard through missions to

King Mongkut (Rama IV) and Her Majesty Queen Thep Sirinthorn. He is beloved of Thai people and considered a truly ‘enlightened’ ruler among historians.

He died on October 23, 1910, after the second longest reign in the history of the Thai nation.

Rotary marks World Polio Day 2014 with US$44.7 million in grants to fight polio in Africa, Asia and the Middle East Evanston, Ill. - With the world “This Close” - 99% - to eliminating polio from the planet, the effort is receiving an additional US$ 44.7 million boost from Rotary to support immunization activities, surveillance, and research spearheaded by the Global Polio Eradication Initiative, which aims to end the disabling viral disease worldwide by 2018.

Polio is set to become the second human disease ever to be eliminated from the world (smallpox is the first).

To date, Rotary has helped 193 countries stop the transmission of polio through the mass immunization of children. Rotary’s new funding commitment, announced in advance of the Oct. 24 observance of World Polio Day 2014, targets countries where children remain at risk of contracting this incurable,

but totally vaccine-preventable, disease.

“It is fitting that this round of Rotary grants coincides with World Polio Day, which we use to raise awareness of - and support for - the global campaign to end this terrible disease once and for all,” said Rotary International General Secretary John Hewko, the organization’s top executive.

“Rotary is committed to relegating polio to the history books, and we welcome everyone’s support as we move ever closer to our goal of a polio-free world.”

He noted that the end-game strategy against polio includes the introduction of inactivated, injectable polio vaccine to supplement the progress achieved through the immunization of 2.5 billion children with the oral polio vaccine. Leading that

effort is Sanofi Pasteur, the largest manufacturer of polio vaccine and co-sponsor with Rotary of a special program in Chicago on World Polio Day. “As more than 120 countries in the world are introducing the Inactivated Polio Vaccine (IPV), we are beginning the last chapter on polio eradication,” said Olivier Charmeil, Sanofi Pasteur chief executive officer. “At Sanofi Pasteur, we have had a long-term vision of IPV as

the ultimate public health tool able to finish the job started with Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV). Today we are honored to stand alongside Rotary, the historical partner in the battle against polio.”

About $18.5 million will go to the three remaining polioendemic countries: Afghanistan ($7.4 million), Nigeria ($8.4 million), and Pakistan ($2.7 million). An endemic country is one where the wild poliovirus has never been stopped.

Another $9.5 million is marked for previously poliofree countries currently reporting cases “imported” from the endemic countries: Cameroon ($3.5 million), Ethiopia ($2 million), and Somalia ($4 million).

And $10.4 million will go to polio-free countries that remain at risk of reinfection: Democratic Republic of Congo ($1.5 million), India ($4.9 million), Niger ($1 million), South Sudan ($2 million), and Sudan ($1 million).

The remaining $6.3 million will go toward polio eradication research.

Rotary provides grant funding to polio eradication initiative partners UNICEF and the World

Health Organization, which work with the governments and Rotary Club members of polio-affected countries to plan and carry out immunization activities. Mass immunizations of children via the oral polio vaccine must continue until global eradication is achieved.

To date, Rotary has contributed more than $1.3 billion to fight polio. Through 2018, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation will match two-to-one every dollar Rotary commits to polio eradication (up to $35 million a year). As of 2013, there were only 416 confirmed polio cases in the world, down from about 350,000 a year when the initiative launched in 1988.

Pattaya officials try to coax Soi Paniadchang residents to clear wheelchair route Jetsada Homklin Having spent 10 million baht to construct a wheelchair path from the Redemptorist Vocational School for Persons with Disabilities to Big C Extra, Pattaya officials are now trying to convince residents along the route to stop blocking it with cars and other obstacles.

City Council Vice President Rattanachai Sutidechanai took city hall traffic and regulatory officers for a walk along the central Pattaya route Oct. 24, discovering what many predicted before the slightly-elevated path was built: local residents put their own parking needs ahead of the needs of the disabled.

Original plans called for the Soi Paniadchang path to be separated from traffic by a barrier. City hall cut costs, however, by choosing to demark the route with merely a painted line. Without the

In this case, in front of the press, a friendly traffic officer helps wheelchair users negotiate motorcycles parked in the wheelchair path as city officials and police inspect the area (in the background). barrier, police announced parked cars owned by him that they would not vigi- and his customers elselantly enforce parking laws. where, but after his motorOne disabled student told bike was stolen last year, he Rattanachai that about 20 changed his mind. percent of the wheelchair The vendor said he repath is usually blocked at turned to parking on top of any one time by cars, motor- the wheelchair route bebikes, drainage pipes or cause it was in front of his other obstacles. shop where he could keep One Soi Paniadchang game an eye on his car. He told shop owner said he initially officials he wanted to help, respected the path and but told them that he faces

difficulties too, so he couldn’t comply.

The city tried to coax him to cooperate by offering to build a parking zone for motorbikes, but he declined again, saying he fears the construction will cause flood waters to enter his shop.

Rattanachai said his visit wasn’t about forcing residents to cooperate, but to try and convince them of the needs of the disabled so everyone can live harmoniously.

He added that he understands issues faced by both sides and claimed that his requests for orderly parking were generally agreed to.

He said traffic police have been coordinated and if people are found parking in no-parking zones they will be fined 500 baht.

He vowed that, long-term, improvements will be made to resolve the situation permanently, but did not elaborate on what those plans might be.

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FRIDAY OCTOBER 31, 2014 7

A lemur plays with pumpkin at the zoo, in Dvur Kralove nad Labem, 146 kilometers east of Prague, Czech Republic, Thursday, Oct. 23. The zoo is decorated with the many pumpkin lanterns a nd othe r decorations in preparation for Halloween. (AP Photo/ CTK, David Tanecek)

Visitors sit inside a sculpture titled “We’re Frying Out Here” created by artist Andrew Hankin at Sculpture By The Sea, in Sydney, Australia, Friday, Oct. 24. Sculptures and other art forms created by 109 artists from 16 countries, are displayed across the costal area of Sydney. (AP Photo/Rob Griffith)

Supporters pay tribute as the Body of Cpl. Nathan Cirillo is transported from Ottawa to Hamilton, along the Highway of Heroes in Port Hope, Ont., on Friday Oct. 24. Canadians are mourning the loss of Cpl. Nathan Cirillo, the army reservist who was shot dead as he stood guard before the Tomb of the Unknown soldier on Wednesday. (AP Photo/The Canadian Press, Nathan Denette)

The Williams College crew team rests during practice on Onota lake in Pittsfield, Mass., Thursday Oct 23. (AP Photo/The Berkshire Eagle, Ben Garver)

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FRIDAY OCTOBER 31, 2014 9

5 free things in Berlin: Cold War legacy Geir Moulson Berlin (AP) - In January 1989, then-East German leader Erich Honecker declared that the Berlin Wall could stand for another century. Less than 10 months later the border was open, and soon Berliners were in a hurry to tear down the 155kilometer (96-mile) barrier.

However, there’s still plenty to see of the Cold War past as Berlin marks the 25th anniversary of the Wall’s fall. Many of the historical sites are free, though you’ll need to take advantage of Berlin’s efficient and inexpensive transport network - or rent a bike - to get around a city that still lacks a single center and whose sights are widely spread.

Where the wall still stands The Wall’s longest surviving stretch is the East Side Gallery, stretching for 1.3 kilometers (about 8 tenths of a mile) along the Spree River.

Artists covered it in colorful murals after the border opened, adorning it with images such as a boxy East German Trabant car that appears to burst through the wall and a fraternal communist kiss between Honecker and Soviet leader Leonid Brezhnev. They repainted the murals in 2009.

At the Berlin Wall Memorial on Bernauer Strasse, a stretch of the barrier stands at the end of a 1.4-kilometer (nearly one-mile) section of the former border strip, which gives a good impression of how deep a scar the Wall cut through the city. An openair exhibition is spread along the strip, while an indoor museum will reopen after renovation on the Nov. 9 anniversary of the Wall’s fall.

The viewing platform above offers a panorama of the site and downtown Berlin.

Layers of history A third remaining stretch of the Wall runs along the edge of the Topography of Terror memorial site, which includes the ruins of buildings

where the Gestapo secret police, the SS and the Reich Security Main Office ran Adolf Hitler’s police state from 1933 to 1945.

A few small Wall fragments survive at other sites, as do a handful of the 302 watch towers that once dotted the border’s so-called “death strip.”

Where spies were swapped The Glienicke Bridge, on Berlin’s forested southwestern edge, was the setting for a few of the Cold War’s most spectacular spy swaps. In 1962, U.S. spy-plane pilot Francis Gary Powers was exchanged there for a Soviet spy known as Rudolf Abel. In 1986, prominent Soviet dissident Anatoly Shcharansky walked across the bridge to freedom and later, as Natan Sharansky, to start a new life as an Israeli politician. The border was in the middle of the bridge, still painted different shades of green on the two sides of the divide.

The scenically located bridge spans the channel between two lakes. From the bridge, you can walk or cycle along the Berlin Wall Trail, which largely follows the course of the Wall for 160 kilometers (100 miles) around the former West Berlin. Follow the gray-and-white signs marked “Berliner Mauerweg.”

Western and Eastern Allies The Allied Museum, in the western Dahlem district, focuses on the history of the Western allies’ role in Berlin from 1945 until their last troops withdrew in 1994.

West Berlin was made up of the post-World War II American, British and French sectors. Its status as a capitalist exclave deep inside the Soviet occupation zone was secured by the 1948-1949 Berlin Airlift. The original Checkpoint Charlie border guardhouse from the time of the Wall’s fall, from the famous crossing in downtown Berlin, stands outside the museum.

This May 7, 2010 file photo shows youth from Moscow with Russian flags arriving at a wreath laying ceremony of Russian and of former Soviet states representatives in Germany, at the eve of the 65th anniversary of the end of World War II in Europe, in Berlin. Memorial slabs depicting the course of the war, adorned with quotes from Soviet leader Josef Stalin, lead up to a mausoleum topped by the figure of a soldier standing on a shattered swastika. (AP Photo/Markus Schreiber, file)

Soviet War Memorials

This March 4, 2013 file photo shows a man walking alongside the East Side Gallery named section of the former Berlin Wall in Berlin. The Wall’s longest surviving stretch is the East Side Gallery, stretching for 1.3 kilometers (about 8 tenths of a mile) along the Spree River. (AP Photo/Markus Schreiber, File) Across town in the Karlshorst district, the recently renovated German-Russian Museum concentrates on the history and consequences of Nazi Germany’s war against the Soviet Union, which started in 1941 and ended with the Red Army taking Berlin in 1945. The building includes the room where Germany’s surrender was signed on May 8, 1945.

World War II left 26.6 million Soviet soldiers and civilians dead, by the official Russian count, and the Soviet Union built three memorials in post-war Berlin.

During the Cold War, the bestknown to Westerners was the smallest, which is flanked by two Soviet tanks and stands a few minutes’ walk

west of the Brandenburg Gate in former West Berlin.

The biggest and most spectacular memorial stands in Treptow, in former East Berlin. Memorial slabs depicting the course of the war, adorned with quotes from Soviet leader Josef Stalin, lead up to a mausoleum topped by the figure of a soldier standing on a shattered swastika.

Online: Berlin Wall Memorial: http://www.berliner-mauergedenkstaette.de/en/ Topography of Terror: http://www.topographie.de/en/ Berlin Wall Trail: http://www.berlin.de/mauer/mauerweg/ index/index.en.php Allied Museum: http://www.alliiertenmuseum.de/en/ home.html German-Russian Museum: http://www.museum-karlshorst.de/ en.html

This May 6, 2009 file photo shows a cyclist passing over the Glienicke Bridge between Potsdam and Berlin. The Glienicke Bridge, on Berlin’s forested southwestern edge, was the setting for a few of the Cold War’s most spectacular spy swaps. (AP Photo/ Sven Kaestner, File)

This May 6, 2010 file photo shows a woman inspecting original remains of the historical Gestapo and SS buildings at the new documentation center Topography of Terror in Berlin. (AP Photo/Markus Schreiber, File)

This May 8, 2014 file photo shows the hall where German Field Marshal and Supreme Command of the German Wehrmacht signed the conditional surrender at the end of WW II in Berlin. The building now hosts the GermanRussian Museum. (AP Photo/Markus Schreiber, File)

10 FRIDAY OCTOBER 31, 2014

PATTAYA MAIL

VOL. XXII No. 44

Is the Fed a Cult? - Part 1 Paul Gambles Co-founder of MBMG Group Neo-classical economics: An approach to economics that relates supply and demand to an individual’s rationality and his or her ability to maximize utility or profit. - Investopedia1 The Fed is a cult based on neo-classical economic beliefs that are based upon false assumptions. Like all cults, it has many followers who have great faith in its pronouncements even when those pronouncements are clear evidence of false logic and disturbed rationality. In this article, we will take a look at various forms of human thought bias and irrationality which are arguably manifest in the way the Federal Reserve thinks and operates.

I was annoyed and dismayed but not unduly surprised when I came across an article claiming that, despite the events of 2008, neo-classical theory still dominates economics courses in UK universities 2. We cannot expect professors to change their teaching and thinking overnight, but surely six years after the global financial crisis (GFC) which the theory’s models failed to predict - even though it was something which appeared inevitable to me and to a small band of others - it’s time to at least look at different ways of understanding the economy.

Even more alarming is that the US Federal Reserve

seems to be trapped on the same dogmatic path. The conclusions from its latest Federal Open Market Committee meeting3 are that its QE money-creation policy is working, despite economic indicators such as trade and employment suggesting otherwise.

False Assumptions The issue is that neo-classical economics has always made certain assumptions in order to model how we use money. The publisher and editor of the excellent BOOM Finance and Economics website suggests the modern form of this theory is based on three false assumptions: 1. The study of economics is an ‘ethics free zone’; 2. Mankind tends to make rational decisions; 3. Banks, debt and money can be excluded from any analysis of the economy.

Yet, if you ask anyone who is not an economist their opinion on these three assumptions, it is likely they will immediately tell you that being ethical in life is very important and that ethical considerations are especially important in making decisions.

They may also tell you that most human beings are obviously irrational (a brief look at the history books will confirm this). Finally, they will tell you that banks, money and debt are the most important things to watch in an economy.

Common Human Faults I would add some more human characteristics to this:

1. That humans also tend to become emotionally committed to their poor decisions (even when such decisions are obviously faulty). They cling to their (unrealized) losses while irrationally continuing to hope for gains.

This is an aspect of Daniel Kahneman’s Prospect Theory - the “triumph of hope over adversity” - (Kahneman was awarded the Nobel Prize in Economics 2002 for his work in defining this particular cognitive bias). The Fed’s Cult has most of us buying into the hope that they’re doing the right thing on this basis.

2. Humans tend towards using only induction as their preferred method of logical inference without an intuitive understanding or practical experience of the two other means of logical inference - abduction (“Sherlock Holmes’ elementary logic”) and deduction. A tendency towards only using induction generates beliefs in broad correlations without differentiating causations (one of the main bases of the Freakonomics books4).

3. When confronted with two conflicting views of reality, most human beings tend to react defensively to defend the view that most closely resembles their own.

They exhibit fear, anxiety and

Problems in Decision-Making The editor and publisher of BOOM highlights the need to “incorporate demonstrations

of operational decision making by competent professionals who are constantly mindful of the ethical aspect of their decisions and the immediate and long-term consequences. This process can be loosely described as ‘breaking down the silos’ and could also occur within certain professions where silos exist intra-professionally.”

Does that sound like the Fed? Growing up in academic ivory towers in a broken belief system like economics or in an institution like the Fed encourages silos; hence the Fed has a cult built around the egocentricity and hubris of its modern day leaders. For many years after they almost destroyed the global economy by orchestrating the excess of the 1920s and 1930s, central bankers were social and economic pariahs with limited power and no prestige nobody (not even themselves) took them seriously and consequently they had much less power to do harm.

Hubris Definition of Hubris5 Hubris (also hybris, from ancient Greek), means extreme pride or arrogance.

Hubris often indicates a loss of contact with reality and an overestimation of one’s

own competence, accomplishments or capabilities, especially when the person exhibiting it is in a position of power. The adjectival form of the noun hubris is “hubristic”.

This tendency is commonly found in persons who have achieved power. “I am here - therefore, ipso facto, I must be best placed to make these decisions.” Hubris often indicates a loss of contact with reality and an overestimation of one’s own competence. It begets certainty and inductive reasoning. History is replete with examples of intelligent and, in some cases, highly competent, capable individuals whose climb up and conquest of the greasy pole imbued them with such hubris that it blinded them to ethics and consequence.

To be continued…

Footnotes: 1 http://www.investopedia .com/terms/n/neoclassical.asp 2 http://www.theguardian .com/commentisfree/2013/ oct/28/economics-studentsneoclassical-theory 3 http://www.federalreserve .gov/newsevents/press/ monetary/20140917a.htm 4 http://freakonomics.com/ books/ 5 http://en.wikipedia.org/ wiki/Hubris

Please Note: While every effort has been made to ensure that the information contained herein is correct, MBMG Group cannot be held responsible for any errors that may occur. The views of the contributors may not necessarily reflect the house view of MBMG Group. Views and opinions expressed herein may change with market conditions and should not be used in isolation.

MBMG Group is an advisory firm that assists expatriates and locals within the South East Asia Region with services ranging from Investment Advisory, Personal Advisory, Tax Advisory, Private Equity Services, Corporate Services, Insurance Services, Accounting & Auditing Services, Legal Services, Estate Planning and Property Solutions. For more information: Tel: +66 2665 2536; e-mail: info@mbmg-group.com; Linkedin: MBMG Group; Twitter: @MBMGIntl; Facebook: /MBMGGroup

NACC discloses some ministers’ assets The Office of the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) last Friday disclosed assets and liabilities of ministers who have resigned from National Legislative Assembly (NLA) membership to take up ministerial posts in the interim government of Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha.

Public Health Minister Rajata Rajatanavin and his wife have total assets amounting Bt139.27 million. They have no liabilities.

Dr. Rajata’s assets increased by Bt678,939 after leaving the NLA post.

Deputy Transport Minister Arkhom Termpittayapaisith and his wife declared total assets of Bt24.77 million upon accepting the ministerial post, according to NACC. Their liabilities amounted to Bt1.18 million.

Arkhom did not declare his money on deposit when he was appointed NLA member,

possibly aggression - this reaction is termed cognitive dissonance. Most humans have an inherent inability to consider two conflicting views of reality without experiencing internal conflict. This helps the Fed’s Cult to endure.

The founder of the postWWII economic structure, John Maynard Keynes, acknowledged the undue impact people, such as those in charge at the Fed, have on our lives: “The ideas of economists and political philosophers, both when they are right and when they are wrong, are more powerful than is commonly understood. Indeed the world is ruled by little else. Practical men, who believe themselves to be quite exempt from any intellectual influence, are usually the slaves of some defunct economist. Madmen in authority, who hear voices in the air, are distilling their frenzy from some academic scribbler of a few years back. I am sure that the power of vested interests is vastly exaggerated compared with the gradual encroachment of ideas.”

citing that he had lost his bank account books.

The NACC also disclosed assets and liabilities of three other ministers after they resigned from the NLA on August 28.

Energy Minister Narongchai Akrasanee together with his wife have assets approximately Bt281.35 million while their liabilities totaled Bt85,389, said NACC. Tourism and Sports Minister Kobkarn Wattanavrangkul and her husband have assets totaling about Bt317.67 million, it said.

Deputy Education Minister Lt Gen Surachet Chaiwong and his spouse have assets totaling Bt24.3 million. His liabilities amounted Bt7.37 million.

The NACC is scheduled to announce the assets and liabilities of the entire cabinet on October 31. (MCOT)

Mortgage scheme offered to rice farmers to delay supply to market The Rice Policy and Management Committee is launching a short-term mortgage program for rice farmers in some areas in an effort to reduce the amount of paddies entering the market and prevent the price from falling.

Following a meeting of the Rice Policy and Management Committee, chaired by Prime Minister Prayut Chano-cha, Permanent Secretary for Commerce Chutima Boonyaprapatsorn revealed that the committee had approved the implementation of a paddy pledging program for farmers within the northern and northeastern regions.

The objective is to absorb up

to 2 million tons of paddies from the total supply being delivered to the market during the upcoming period.

Under the program, the Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives (BAAC) will pay participating farmers 90 percent of their grains’ market value, or 11,700 baht a ton for sticky rice and 15,400 baht a ton for jasmine rice. Each household is allowed to receive no more than 300,000 baht and pledge no more than 20 tons of paddies. The interest, meanwhile, will be subsidized by the government.

The pledging period will run for four months, from

November 1 this year until February 28 next year. If any of the farmers do not redeem their pledged paddies by the deadline, the grains will be kept in the government’s stock and be put up for auction later on. The quality of the rice entered into the program will also be checked thoroughly by the BAAC before their acceptance.

According to Ms Chutima, the market is expected to see around 5-6 million tons of paddies in the months to come, half of which will be for domestic consumption.

The amount indicates that price increases are still possible. (NNT)

VOL. XXII No. 44

PATTAYA MAIL

FRIDAY OCTOBER 31, 2014 11

TAT appoints new executive director Along the “Mangrove Swamp” in Naklua of Advertising and Public Relations Sandra Quinn The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has appointed Chattan Kunjara Na Ayudhya as the executive director of the Advertising and Public Relations Department, effective on 9 October 2014.

Prior to this position, Chattan took the position as director of the International Public Relations Division in 2012. He was later promoted to be the executive director of the Monitoring and Risk Management Department in 2013.

Chattan gra d u a t e d w i t h a d e g r e e i n Bachelor of Arts in Po litical Science, Chulalongkorn University and earned his Master of Arts in International Relations at Boston University.

Mr. Chattan Kunjara Na Ayudhya can be reached via e-mail: prdiv3@tat.or.th or Tel. 02- 250 – 5500.

Chattan Kunjara Na Ayudhya.

Ministers of Transport and Tourism discuss new campaigns to promote tourism Minister of Transport Air Chief Marshal Prajin Juntong last Friday discussed new measures to promote tourism with Kobkarn Wattanawarangkul, Minister of Tourism and Sports.

Speaking after the meeting, the Transport Minister said three issues were discussed: publicizing the good image of Thai tourism among local and foreign tourists, tightening security measures for tourists on land, water and air transports, and promoting more tourism campaigns such as revival of tourism by

train and biking tours.

According to the minister, the bicycle tour would be piloted in Bangkok before being expanded to areas along the Bangkok-Nakhon Nayok and Bangkok-Nakhon Pathom routes. Moreover, bicycle sub-lanes should be provided to connect main roads to inner communities.

The two ministers also discussed prevention of bodily assaults and all forms of intimidation on tourists, as well as money extortion at tourist spots. The two ministries are set to look into the

insurance issue to ensure fair protection for tourists and at the same time promote effective communication tools and patrols by authorities in risky areas.

Touching on the problem of illegal cars and motorcycles rented to tourists by unscrupulous shops, Air Chief Marshal Prajin confirmed that strict inspection must be done on those shops. And by the end of this year, the government would announce an action plan in line with its tourism master plan. (NNT)

Pattaya is known for its diverse attractions and if it were up to Dr. Sukit Beikloy, D.V.M B.B.A., a veterinarian and dedicated conservationist, it will soon get a new one: a nature trail through one of the few remaining mangrove swamps in Pattaya.

This one can be found behind Naklua Soi 1 and extends from a small residential area along a canal to the Chinese cemetery, Ming Mua. Recently, he led a group of Pattaya expatriate wives for an excursion on the “Mangrove Swamp” nature trail.

Dr. Sukit founded the “Conversation Group of Ao Naklua” together with residents of the neighboring residential area. Every 14 days they perform a much needed cleaning of the swamp, and they have replanted parts of

Business Suite. domestic routes. dine or sleep,” Newson said.

“We believe this product The Economy cabins on all will deliver the best travel international A330s will be experience between Austra- fitted with a next-generation lia and Asia, and probably model of the award-winning the best domestic travel ex- Recaro seat, an earlier verperience anywhere in the sion of which has been exworld. We can’t wait for our tremely popular with Qantas customers to experience it customers on the A380 and for themselves,” Joyce said. refurbished B747 aircraft.

Qantas Creative Designer, Economy seats on the A330Marc Newson, said that in- 200s for Qantas Domestic telligent design and func- will also be refreshed. tionality were the guiding Customers in both cabins principles behind the new on the international A330 airA330 Business Suites. craft will be able to enjoy the “The design was based on latest Panasonic eX3 inflight a real understanding of what entertainment system, with Qantas customers needed larger seatback touchscreens on longer domestic flights in addition to Q Streaming and overnight international technology, enabling them flights from Asia, with prac- to stream content from an exticality, comfort, privacy and tensive entertainment library style in mind to create a re- directly to their own devices. laxing environment to work, Domestic Business Class

the mangrove forest at their own expense. The difference with the remaining marshland is dramatic and clearly shows the need for action.

The threat of further contamination and settlements is obvious. Dr. Sukit points out the great diversity of species, birds, amphibians, and crustaceans that live in

this complex environment and are dependent on this specific habitat.

He doesn’t stand alone with his dream, as many communities in Thailand have supported and built such nature trails in mangrove swamps.

Good examples can be found in Rayong, Chonburi and Krabi.

Bangkok Airways “PG Live Chat” Bangkok Airways has introduced a new channel of communication between passengers and the airline’s reservations & ticketing office (including Call Center 1771). Company website www.bangkokair.com now has a “Live Chat Platform” to facilitate and enhance the services offered to passengers.

Prote Setsuwan, vice president - marketing of Bangkok

Qantas unveils new A330 business suites with world-first seat recline from take off to landing Qantas customers are set to enjoy a new standard of luxury on international flights to Asia, Hawaii and key domestic routes, with the airline unveiling the final design of new Business Suites to feature on its A330 fleet, to be progressively introduced from later this year.

Designed in collaboration with Marc Newson, the new Business Suite will be available on all 28 of Qantas’ A330 aircraft, offering the world’s first seats to allow customers to recline in their seat from take-off through to landing.* The Suites also offer fully-flat beds and direct aisle access for every Business Class passenger in a 12-1 layout.

The Vantage XL seat, manufactured by Thompson Aero Seating, was developed and customised extensively by Qantas after ergonomic trials and inflight monitoring with a panel of experts and ongoing feedback from customers.

Qantas Group Chief Executive Officer Alan Joyce said the airline was excited to unveil the Business Suite, which would redefine the inflight experience for customers travelling on more than 15 international and

Dr. Sukit and his team in the mangrove forest in Naklua.

Economy Class. customers on A330 aircraft will also enjoy the same Panasonic eX3 system, while Economy customers will have an individual inflight entertainment experience through either seatback touchscreens or devices provided by Qantas in every seat.

The work to refresh the aircraft interiors - which will take about one month for each will start at Qantas’ heavy maintenance facility in Brisbane this month. The first of the first international refurbished A330 will commence flying in January 2015. * Subject to final CASA certification. ^ Business Suites and Panasonic eX3 entertainment systems to be progressively introduced on A330 aircraft from December 2014.

Airways said, “Bangkok Airways is committed to developing innovative systems by introducing new technology to make our passenger flying experience more convenient. PG Live Chat, as a new communication channel between passengers and our reservations & ticket office, will allow passengers to make bookings through the website, manage their bookings and gather general information 24 hours a day.”

Passengers who are interested in communicating with the airline through PG Live Chat can simply access www.bangkokair.com under Passenger Service and then select PG Live Chat. For more information, please call 1771 Call Center 24hrs. (3 baht /min. within Thailand with landline only.)

12 FRIDAY OCTOBER 31, 2014

Odds and Ends The Associated Press

Woman saved from California chimney 0124ed, then arrested Thousand Oaks, Calif. (AP) - A woman stuck in the chimney of a Southern California house has been rescued and arrested. Ventura County fire Capt. Ron Oatman says firefighters responding to neighbors’ reports of a woman crying had to chisel away much of the chimney and lubricate it with dish soap Sunday to free 30-year-old Genoveva Nunez-Figueroa. The Ventura County Star reports she was arrested on suspicion of illegal entry and giving false information to police. Police say Nunez-Figueroa knows the owner of the home in Thousand Oaks, who wasn’t there.

They wouldn’t elaborate. She had no clear injuries but was taken to a hospital for evaluation. Oatman says firefighters destroyed the chimney and damaged the roof.

Hot dog! Fired Dublin worker wins $25K over snack Dublin (AP) - An Irish cinema may have just bought the world’s most expensive hot dog for an unfairly fired worker.

Ireland’s employment appeals court ordered Dublin’s Cineworld to pay Carl Meade 20,000 euros ($25,640) for canning him over his illicit discount on a workplace snack.

Cineworld said it used surveillance footage to show Meade buying an extra-large hot dog, but paying only for a regular, and taking a slightly pricier brand of candy than what appeared on his signed receipt. The total difference in cost between what he bought, and what he consumed? One euro ($1.28). A three-judge panel found that the employer should have considered Meade’s contention that he’d made an innocent mistake. Meade worked three years for Cineworld before his 2012 dismissal for gross misconduct.

PATTAYA MAIL

DNA linked to how much coffee you drink Malcolm Ritter New York (AP) - How much coffee do you drink every day? One cup in the morning? Or do you gulp it all day?

Scientists have long known that your DNA influences how much java you consume. Now a huge study has identified some genes that may play a role.

Their apparent effect is quite small. But variations in such genes may modify coffee’s effect on a person’s health, and so genetic research may help scientists explore that, said Marilyn Cornelis of the Harvard School of Public Health. She led the research.

The project analyzed the results of about two dozen previous studies with a combined total of more than 120,000 participants. Those participants had described how much coffee they drink a day, and allowed their DNA to be scanned. The new

Official says beer bars are too hot in Vietnam Hanoi, Vietnam (AP) - A ministry official is proposing that the temperature in restaurants selling beer in Vietnam should not exceed 30 degrees Celsius (86 Fahrenheit), a rule that will be hard to enforce considering outdoor beer parlors are hugely popular in the country’s big cities.

Wednesday’s Tuoi Tre newspaper quoted Nguyen Phu Cuong, an official at the Ministry of Industry and Trade which was drafting the regulation, as saying the rule aims to “protect consumers.” Many drinkers, however, say the proposal shows how out of touch officials are because of the popularity of the outdoor bars. “The rules are not realistic,” said Nguyen Van Dan, 55, an engineer, who was sipping draught beer with salad and chicken at an outdoor beer parlor in downtown Hanoi. “They just can’t force us to drink beer in air-conditioned rooms.” Tran Ngoc Son, 51, a businessman who was drinking beer with beef and peanuts at the same restaurant said drinking beer in outdoor restaurants was the “culture” for many Vietnamese. “We just enjoy our beer at outdoors parlors much better than in air-conditioned places,” he said “We don’t need the government to take care for our health.” Last year, Vietnam’s 90 million people consumed 3 billion liters of beer, or 33.3 liters (8.8 gallons) per head, making them the top beer drinkers per capita in Southeast Asia.

Vietnamese men drink beer at an outdoor beer parlor in Hanoi, Vietnam on Wednesday Oct. 8, 2014. (AP Photo/Tran Van Minh.)

Scientists have long known that one’s genes influence how much of coffee one consumes, and a study released Tuesday, Oct. 7, by the journal Molecular Psychiatry has identified some genes that may play a role. (AP Photo/Keith Srakocic) work looked for minute differences in their DNA that were associated with drinking more or less coffee.

Researchers found eight such variants, two of which had already been linked to coffee consumption.

Four of the six new variants implicate genes that are involved with caffeine, either

in how the body breaks it down or in its stimulating effects, the researchers said in a paper released Tuesday by the journal Molecular Psychiatry.

The two other newly implicated genes were a surprise because there’s no clear biological link to coffee or caffeine, Cornelis

said. They are instead involved with cholesterol levels and blood sugar.

Marian Neuhouser, a nutrition researcher at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Seattle and study co-author, said identifying genes related to consumption may one day help doctors identify patients who need extra help in cutting down on coffee if recommended. For example, pregnant women are advised to consume only moderate amounts of caffeine because of risk of miscarriage and preterm birth, she said.

None of the identified genetic variants was related to how intensely a person tastes coffee, and Cornelis said that surprised her.

She doesn’t drink coffee, she said, because she can’t stand the stuff.

Online: Molecular Psychiatry: http://www.nature.com/mp

With their mark on Earth, humans may name era, too

Finnish authorities ban whisky from expo name Helsinki (AP) - It’s a whisky trade fair. But it can’t say it is.

Authorities in Finland have ordered the “Beer and Whisky Expo Finland 2014” to change its name, arguing it violates Finland’s law against advertising liquor. Organizers say the event will now be called simply a beer expo, since advertising mild alcoholic beverages such as beer and wine, is allowed. Chief organizer Mikki Nyman said the decision “smacks of typical patronizing attitudes” of bureaucrats.

Finland, known for its heavy drinkers, has a state-controlled alcohol monopoly. Jarmo Oresmaa, inspector at the regional state administrative agency which gave permission for the event, said the original name of the expo advertised the drinking of whisky, which is illegal.

VOL. XXII No. 44

Seth Borenstein Washington (AP) - People are changing Earth so much, warming and polluting it, that many scientists are turning to a new way to describe the time we live in. They’re calling it the Anthropocene - the age of humans.

Though most non-experts don’t realize it, science calls the past 12,000 years the Holocene, Greek for “entirely recent.” But the way humans and their industries are altering the planet, especially its climate, has caused an increasing number of scientists to use the word “Anthropocene” to better describe when and where we are.

“We’re changing the Earth.

There is no question about that, I’ve seen it from space,” said eight-time spacewalking astronaut John Grunsfeld, now associate administrator for science at NASA. He said looking down from orbit, there was no place he could see on the planet that didn’t have the mark of man.

So he uses the term Anthropocene, he said, “because we’re intelligent enough to recognize it.”

Grunsfeld was in the audience of a “Living in the Anthropocene” symposium put on last week by the Smithsonian. At the same time, the American Association for the Advancement of Science is displaying an art exhibit, “Fossils of the Anthropocene.” More than 500 scientific studies have been published this year referring to the current time period as the Anthropocene.

And on Friday the Anthropocene Working Group ramps up its efforts to change the era’s name

This handout image provided by NASA, taken in 2012, shows city lights worldwide. People are changing Earth so much with global warming and other pollution that many scientists are turning to a new way to describe the time we live in. They’re calling it the Anthropocene - the age of humans. (AP Photo/NASA) with a meeting at a Berlin museum. The movement was jump started and the name coined by Nobel laureate Paul Crutzen in 2000, according to Australian National University scientist Will Steffen.

Geologists often mark new scientific time periods with what they call a golden spike - really more of a bronze disk in the rock layer somewhere that physically points out where one scientific time period ends and another begins, said Harvard University’s Andrew Knoll, who supports the idea because “humans have become a geologic force on the planet. The age we are living now in is really distinct.”

But instead of a golden spike in rock, “it’s going to be a layer of plastic that covers the planet, if not a layer of (heat-trapping) carbon,” said W. John Kress, acting undersecretary of science for the Smithsonian. Kress said the Smithsonian is embracing the term because “for us it kind of combines the scientific and the cultural in one word.”

It’s an ugly word, one that many people don’t understand, and it’s even hard to

pronounce, Kress admitted.

(It’s AN’-thruh-poh-seen.)

That’s why when he opened the Smithsonian’s symposium, he said, “We are living in the Anthropocene,” then quickly added: “the age of humans.”

“Never in its 4.6 billion year old history has the Earth been so affected by one species as it is being affected now by humans,” Kress said.

Steffen, one of the main leaders of the Anthropocene movement, said in an email that the age of humans is more than just climate change. It includes ozone loss, disruption of nitrogen and phosphorous cycles that are causing dead zones, changes in water, acidification of the ocean, endocrine disruptors and deforestation.

Steffen said there’s no scientific consensus for the term Anthropocene yet, but he sees support growing. To become official it has to be approved by the International Union of Geological Sciences’ Commission on Stratigraphy.

That process is detailed and slow, said Harvard’s Kroll, who spearheaded the last successful effort to add

a new time period, the little known Ediacaran period, about 600 million years ago.

It took him 15 years.

The head of that deciding committee, Stan Finney at California State University at Long Beach, said in an interview that he is often called “the biggest critic” of the Anthropocene term. He said while there’s no doubt humans are dramatically changing the planet, creating a new geologic time period requires detailed scientific records, mostly based on what is in rocks.

Supporters also don’t agree on when the Anthropocene starts. Suggestions include the start of farming, industrialization and the use of the atomic bomb.

The Geological Society of America hasn’t taken up the term yet, but may soon start paying attention to the concept, said society president Hap McSween of the University of Tennessee.

“I actually think it’s a great idea,” McSween said. “Humans are profoundly affecting the environment, probably as much as natural events have in the past. And when effects become profound enough, we draw a new boundary and make it a period. ... It’s a good way to point out the environmental havoc that humans are causing.”

Online: Geologic time scale: http:// www.ucmp.berkeley.edu/ help/timeform.php Anthropocene Working Group: http://quaternary. stratigraphy.org/working groups/anthropocene/ Smithsonian Living in the Anthropocene symposium: http://www.si.edu/consortia/anthropocene2014

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Thinner iPads, sharper iMacs in Apple’s lineup Anick Jesdanun and Brandon Bailey Cupertino, Calif. (AP) Apple unveiled a thinner iPad Thursday with a faster processor and a better camera as it tries to drive excitement for tablets amid slowing demand. The company also released an update to its Mac operating system and introduced a high-resolution iMac model that might appeal to heavy watchers of television over the Internet.

The new iPad Air 2, at a quarter of an inch “thin,” also adds many of the features previously available on iPhones.

That includes the ability to take burst shots and slowmotion video, and unlock the device with a fingerprint ID sensor instead of a passcode.

Meanwhile, Apple made its new Mac operating system, Yosemite, available as a free download starting Thursday, Oct. 16. The new 27-inch iMac - which Apple is dubbing the “Retina 5K” model - went on sale Oct. 16 as well.

The company also said Apple Pay, its new system for using iPhones to make credit and debit card payments at retail stores, launched on Monday, Oct 20.

Much of the emphasis at Thursday’s product-launch event centered on how Apple’s devices work well together because the company makes both its hardware and software.

“They’re designed to be incredible products individually but they’re also designed to work together

seamlessly,” CEO Tim Cook said. “This is our vision of personal technology, and we are just getting started.”

New iPads It’s been a year since Apple came out with a lighter, thinner full-size model called the iPad Air. Apple refreshed that with a device that is skinnier by 18 percent at 6.1 millimeters. The rear camera is boosted to 8 megapixels, matching what’s found in iPhones. Previous iPads had a 5 megapixel camera.

The iPad Air 2 will start at $499. Apple also updated its iPad Mini device, with a starting price of $399. The new devices began shipping last week.

The Oct. 16 event comes as sales of Apple’s iPads have dropped. Through the first half of this year, Apple had shipped 29.6 million iPads, a 13 percent drop from the same time last year. Apple has been facing competition from cheaper tablets running Google’s Android operating system. Google announced that an 8.9-inch Nexus 9 tablet is coming next month at a starting price of $399, $100 less than the 9.7-inch iPad Air. It will run a new version of Android, dubbed Lollipop.

Besides competition, there’s been an overall slowdown in tablet demand. Last week, research firm Gartner projected worldwide shipments of 229 million tablets this year. Although that’s up 11 percent compared with 2013, it’s far less than the 55 percent growth seen last year and the more than doubling in sales in 2012.

Facebook creates ‘Safety Check’ tool for disasters

Facebook Inc. is launching a tool that lets users notify friends and family that they are safe during or after natural disasters. (AP Photo/James H. Collins) New York (AP) - Facebook Inc. is launching a tool that lets users notify friends and family that they are safe during or after natural disasters.

The tool, called “Safety Check,” will be available worldwide to the social network’s 1.32 billion users on computers and mobile devices. This includes the basic “feature” phones many people still use to access Facebook, especially in developing countries.

People already use Facebook to tell people they are OK after earthquakes and other disasters but Facebook says the Safety Check tool will make it easier. It grew out of a disaster message board

Mac updates

that Facebook engineers created in 2011 following the earthquake and tsunami in Japan.

Once users activate the tool, it will determine their location using the city they have listed in their profile, the last location they’ve shared or the city where they are using the Internet. If they are in an area affected by a natural disaster, Safety Check will send them a notification asking if they’re safe.

If they say yes, their Facebook friends will be notified. There’s no option to say no. Users can also mark their friends as safe, but the friends have to approve it.

Apple CEO Tim Cook introduces the new Apple iPad Air 2 during an event at Apple headquarters on Thursday, Oct. 16, 2014 in Cupertino, Calif. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez) Cook sought to address the storage of previous those concerns by pointing models. (Just like Apple’s out that the 225 million iPads new iPhones.) So the $599 sold cumulatively since 2010 iPad Air 2 will come with 64 is more than any other prod- gigabytes instead of 32 uct Apple has sold in the gigabytes, for instance. The first four years after launch. $499 base model remains at He also said Apple sold 16 gigabytes. more iPads in the past year Addressing competition than many manufacturers from Android, Apple is also have for personal computers. cutting the price of its 2012 The step-up models of the iPad Mini model to $249. It new iPads will have double had been selling for $299.

The company unveiled new iMacs with a sharper display, following what Apple has already done on its mobile devices and MacBook laptops. The company says the new iMacs have seven times the pixels found on standard high-definition television sets. The new 27-inch iMacs have a starting price of $2,499.

Apple will continue selling standard-screen models starting at $1,799 for 27 inches and $1,099 for 21.5 inches.

Apple also released its new Yosemite operating system for Macs as a free download.

The Mac update includes aesthetic changes as well as new functionality, such as the ability to make phone calls with an iPhone nearby and a one-stop search tool for both locally stored documents and online resources.

Apple has been releasing Mac updates more frequently, in part to time them with annual changes to the iOS system for iPhones and

iPads. Many of the new Mac features will complement what’s found in iOS 8, including the ability to start tasks such as email on one device and finish on another.

During a demo, Apple executive Craig Federighi made a phone call to Stephen Colbert from his Mac and connected with the comedian. The call was actually being made through a nearby iPhone. Federighi also used Apple’s upcoming Apple Watch as a remote control to control a Mac presentation being projected onto a bigscreen set via Apple TV.

Apple Watch Apple says it will release tools next month so that developers can begin making apps for the upcoming Apple Watch wearable device.

Rival smartwatches running Android have suffered from not having many useful apps from the start. Apple is hoping to have a strong app store in place when Apple Watch debuts next year.

Will Apple Pay be the next iRevolution?

Brandon Bailey Cupertino, Calif. (AP) Apple’s skinnier iPads and flashy big-screen iMac are sleek and stunning. But the tech giant is making a bigger strategic bet with next week’s launch of Apple Pay - the mobile pay service aimed at turning your iPhone into your wallet.

The service, which went live Monday. Oct. 20, and has hundreds of banks on board, is “hugely important” says Forrester Research analyst Frank Gillett. It puts Apple in the middle of a wide range of consumer transactions, underscoring Apple’s value as a brand and giving people a powerful new reason to buy iPhones, iPads and other gadgets.

Apple Pay is designed to work on the company’s newest iPhones, which contain a chip that allows payments at a special terminal in retail outlets. It also will be available on the new iPad Air 2 for online purchases only.

“It’s a strategic advance not just because it may be a new revenue source, but because it injects Apple into a whole different value stream” for customers and the company’s business partners, Gillett says.

Mobile pay isn’t new; rival tech companies and the banking industry have worked on such systems for years. But Apple is launching its new service at an ideal time, says Gartner tech analyst Van Baker. Consumers are increasingly worried about the security of traditional credit and debit cards and U.S. merchants are facing new mandates to switch

Apple Pay is demonstrated at Apple headquarters on Thursday, Oct. 16, 2014 in Cupertino, Calif. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez) to safer chip-based cards or other payment systems.

“Consumers are going to have to learn a new way to pay,” Baker said. “That levels the playing field for new technology.”

Assuming there are no system breakdowns or security flaws, Apple will get the benefit of pioneering a mobile payment system that has widespread brand recognition and acceptance from consumers, retailers and banks. That’s crucial to its success, said MasterCard Inc. executive James Anderson, but he doesn’t expect Apple will hold the market by itself. The payment processor

plans to work with other digital systems as well.

“We’ve done a lot of work with Google over the years and I expect we’ll continue to work with them,” Anderson said.

As for the new iPad Air 2 announced at a company event Thursday, analysts praised its technical features, including faster processors, better cameras and Touch ID, which lets users unlock the device with a fingerprint.

“I’ve heard people say it’s evolutionary, rather than revolutionary,” tech expert Carolina Milanesi of the research firm Kantar Worldpanel said after Apple’s announcement. But she added, “why

do you need to revolutionize something that’s already the best in its class?”

The new super-thin iPads should sell well during the upcoming holiday shopping season, even as the worldwide tablet market is showing signs of slowing growth, analysts said. But they’re not the kind of game-changing new product that has made Apple a darling of Silicon Valley and the tech industry’s most valuable company.

The new 27-inch iMac desktop computer with a high-resolution Retina screen struck Bob O’Donnell of TECHnalysis Research as the most cuttingedge hardware product announced Thursday.

“It’s stunning. It shows Apple is doing cool new stuff,” he said. “Unfortunately it’s not going to sell to a lot of people. Not many people are willing to pay $2,499 for a new desktop computer anymore.”

The next major hardware release is likely to be Apple’s smart watch, due out next year. Cook and other executives teased the device several times Thursday, even getting comedian Stephen Colbert in on the act. Reached via Mac call, “Chief of Secrecy” Colbert told head software engineer Craig Federighi to “get back to work” because he was “jonesing for some jewelry.”

TECHnalysis’ O’Donnell thinks the watch is “an interesting product,” but notes that it will compete against fitness trackers and other devices that are primarily niche products. And many of its functions can already be performed on smartphones.

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VOL. XXII No. 44

Henry Heimlich and you My daughter choked on a steak sandwich last week.

Sitting opposite me she gave a muffled sound and looked as if she were about to vomit, then quite panicked, managed with her fingers to dislodge a large chunk of partially chewed steak, before I could rush round the table and administer First Aid. It was a frightening experience for her. And for her father!

Some fairly famous names have gone before her in the choking situation. Tennessee Williams, the playwright, died after choking on a bottle cap.

An urban legend states that obese singer Mama Cass choked to death on a ham sandwich. This theory arose out of a quickly discarded speculation by the coroner, who noted a partly eaten ham sandwich and figured she may have choked to death. In fact, she died of a heart condition, often wrongly referred to in the media as heart failure.

Queen Elizabeth The British Queen Mother notably experienced three major choking incidents where a fish bone became lodged in her throat: initially on 21 November 1982, when she was taken from Royal Lodge to the King Edward VII Hospital for an operation at 3am; secondly in August 1986 at Balmoral, when she was taken to the Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, though no operation was needed that time; and in May 1993, when she was admitted to the Aberdeen Infirmary once again for an operation under general anesthetic.

And for a bit of real life/Hollywood drama, Dr. Royce Johnson performed an emergency tracheostomy on

Pauline Larwood (Bakersfield California resident) at “The Mark” a local restaurant. Pauline was choking on her steak when Bo Fernandez, General Manager / Executive Chef at The Mark said, “She’s choking! She’s choking!” After attempting the Heimlich maneuver Dr. Johnson made an incision on Larwood’s throat and inserted the casing of a ballpoint pen into her trachea. Larwood was then rushed to a local hospital and was further treated, but the biro pen case was enough to give her an airway. For those who follow movies, the biro pen was used in James Thurber’s The Secret Lives of Walter Mitty, ta-pocketa-pocketa-pocketa.

So what do you do when someone is choking? The following comes from the Mayo Clinic. Choking occurs when a foreign object becomes lodged in the throat or windpipe, blocking the flow of air. In adults, a piece of food often is the culprit. Young children often swallow small objects.

Because choking cuts off oxygen to the brain, administer first aid as quickly as possible.

The universal sign for choking is hands clutched to the throat. If the person doesn’t give the signal, look for these indications: Inability to talk Difficulty breathing or noisy breathing Inability to cough forcefully Skin, lips and nails turning blue or dusky Loss of consciousness If choking is occurring, the Red Cross recommends a “fiveand-five” approach to delivering first aid:

Give five back blows. First, deliver five back blows between the person’s shoulder blades with the heel of your hand.

Give five abdominal thrusts (also known as the Heimlich maneuver).

Alternate between five blows and five thrusts until the blockage is dislodged.

The American Heart Association doesn’t teach the back blow technique, only the abdominal thrust procedures.

It’s OK not to use back blows, if you haven’t learned the technique. Both approaches are acceptable.

To perform abdominal thrusts (Heimlich maneuver) on someone else: Stand behind the person. Wrap your arms around the waist. Tip the person forward slightly.

Make a fist with one hand. Position it slightly above the person’s navel. Grasp the fist with the other hand. Press hard into the abdomen with a quick, upward thrust - as if trying to lift the person up.

Perform a total of 5 abdominal thrusts, if needed. If the blockage still isn’t dislodged, repeat the five-and-five cycle.

In addition to the above recommendation from the Mayo Clinic, I would suggest that at all times you should be looking for signs that the person is not getting enough oxygen, and it may be necessary to institute CPR and ring for an ambulance.

If the person becomes unconscious, perform a sweep of the mouth to attempt to dislodge the object, being careful not to push it further into the airway.

UN: We botched response to the Ebola outbreak Maria Cheng London (AP) - In a draft document, the World Health Organization has acknowledged that it botched attempts to stop the now-spiraling Ebola outbreak in West Africa, blaming factors including incompetent staff and a lack of information.

In the document obtained

by The Associated Press, the agency wrote that experts should have realized that traditional infectious disease containment methods wouldn’t work in a region with porous borders and broken health systems.

“Nearly everyone involved in the outbreak response failed to see some fairly plain

writing on the wall,” WHO said in the document. “A perfect storm was brewing, ready to burst open in full force.”

The U.N. health agency acknowledged that, at times, even its own bureaucracy was a problem. It noted that the heads of WHO country offices in Africa are “politically motivated appointments” made by the WHO regional director for Africa, Dr. Luis Sambo, who does not answer to the agency’s chief in Geneva, Dr. Margaret Chan.

WHO is the U.N.’s specialized health agency, responsible for setting global health standards and coordinating the global response to disease outbreaks.

The document - a timeline on the Ebola outbreak - was not issued publicly but the AP was told the health agency would be releasing it earlier this week. However, WHO officials said in an email Friday that the timeline would now probably not be released publicly. No official at the agency would comment Friday on the draft report.

Dr. Peter Piot, the co-discoverer of the Ebola virus, agreed in an interview Friday that WHO acted far too slowly, largely because of its Africa office.

“It’s the regional office in Africa that’s the front line,” he said at his office in London. “And they didn’t do anything. That office is really not competent.”

WHO’s other regional directors - the Americas, Southeast Asia, Europe, Eastern Mediterranean and the Western Pacific - are also not accountable to Geneva and are all elected by their regions.

Piot, director of the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, also questioned why it took WHO five months and 1,000 deaths before the agency declared Ebola an international health emergency in August.

“I called for a state of emergency to be declared in July and for military operations to be deployed,” Piot said. But he said WHO might have been scarred by its experience during the 2009 swine flu pandemic, when it was slammed for hyping the situation.

In late April, during a teleconference on Ebola among infectious disease experts that included WHO officials, Doctors Without Borders and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,

Dr. Peter Piot, the co-discoverer of the Ebola virus, speaks during an interview with The Associated Press at his office at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine in London, Friday, Oct. 17, 2014. Piot questioned why it took the World Health Organization five months and 1,000 deaths before the agency declared Ebola an international health emergency in August. (AP Photo/David Azia) questions were raised about on social media broke out the performance of WHO ex- between the charity and a perts, as not all of them both- WHO spokesman who inered to send Ebola reports to sisted the outbreak was unWHO headquarters, accord- der control. ing to the draft document.

At a meeting of WHO’s netIn the timeline, WHO said it work of outbreak experts in was “particularly alarming” June, Dr. Bruce Aylward, northat the head of its Guinea of- mally in charge of polio eradifice refused to help get visas cation, alerted Chan about the for an expert Ebola team to serious concerns being raised come in and that $500,000 in about WHO’s leadership in aid was being blocked by ad- West Africa. He wrote an email ministrative hurdles. Guinea, that some of the agency’s along with Sierra Leone and partners - including national Liberia, is one of the hardest- health agencies and charities hit nations in the current out- - believed the U.N. agency was break, with 862 deaths so far “compromising rather than aiding” the response to blamed on Ebola.

The Ebola outbreak already Ebola and that “none of the has killed 4,546 people in news about WHO’s perforWest Africa out of at least 9,191 mance is good.”

Five days later, Chan recases. WHO says within two months, there could be 10,000 ceived a six-page letter from new cases of Ebola every the agency’s network of exweek unless stronger mea- perts, spelling out what they sures to fight the outbreak are saw as severe shortcomings in WHO’s response to the put into place.

When Doctors Without deadly virus.

“This (was) the first news of Borders began warning in April that the Ebola outbreak this sort to reach her,” WHO was out of control, a dispute said in the draft document.

“She is shocked.” In the following weeks, the WHO country office heads in Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone were all replaced.

Other experts said it was impossible to predict that the initial Ebola cases in Guinea would spark the biggestever outbreak of the lethal disease.

“There were a lot of mistakes made by WHO but a lot of the best public health minds would have thought we could handle this in July,” said Michael Osterholm, an infectious diseases expert at the University of Minnesota.

“By the time we realized how bad things were, the genie was already out of the bottle,” he said.

Osterholm said the U.N. health agency was far from the only organization to blame.

“If we fault WHO for the early dropping of the ball, the whole world has dropped the ball in some sense,” he said.

“Nobody is to blame because everybody is to blame.”

Meanwhile, Ebola has sent food prices soaring, hurting people’s ability to feed themselves in the three nations hardest hit by the outbreak, the World Food Program said Friday.

Spokeswoman Elisabeth Byrs told the AP that food shortages, panic-buying and hoarding have driven up food prices by an average 24 percent in Sierra Leone, Guinea and Liberia. The price of cassava, a key staple, doubled in Liberia’s capital of Monrovia between July and August, she said.

In one hopeful note, WHO reported Friday that Senegal, which had only one case of Ebola, was now free of the disease.

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Time for a time capsule?

According to the Associated Press, a time capsule was opened this month in Boston in the US. “A Boston time capsule dating to 1901 contained letters, photographs, newspaper clippings, political campaign buttons and a presidential message on U.S. foreign relations; archivists said Wednesday. The shoeboxsized capsule was removed last week from the head of a lion statue that has long stood guard over the Old State House.”

Now, there are many time capsules buried all over the world, all with the intention that ‘sometime’ in the future, they will be dug up and our descendants will avidly study the contents, saying “Look at what they wore in 2014!” and similar. Things will be very different in 2114.

Niagara Falls 1911.

(For starters, none of us reading this will still be around.

In fact, will the world as we knew it still be around?)

However, returning to time capsules, take a look at the photograph, taken in 1911, of the Niagara Falls. Global warming was obviously not a problem, it was rather global freezing. That photograph would have been very suitable for a time capsule, as they portray a condition of the world that has certainly changed since 1911.

Photographically, it is also very good. Note the inclusion of the figures which give an indication of the size of the falls. I have mentioned this before, but when taking photographs of “things”, if

Dear Hillary, I lived in Loei, Issan for two years and I know how hard the people have to work for their daily rice. Their young people come to the big city to make money and send half back to their family. The girls who come to Pattaya go to the bars where they join the world’s oldest profession.

If they get a job in a factory or shop the wage is THB 300 for one day. In Britain, the minimum wage is THB 300 for one hour. The bar girl naturally would like as much as she can get from the Farang. If he gives her too much money or gold, that is his fault, not hers. As to Robert’s derogatory remarks about my education, I know the difference between massacre and genocide. He does not. I hate what the British Empire was, but it subjugate people to make them workers or slaves, it did not annihilate them. Since he prefers German, he should read “Mein Kampf”

by Adolf Hitler and educate himself as to what Genocide means. All I can say to him is “G’Dai Mite, Austraaaalia is a long wai awai.” Hillary, my love, Scotland has waited for independence for 300 years. We can wait a little longer.

Don Dear Don, Thank you for the “my love”, nobody has called me that for so long, my Petal. While I do agree with you in the main, you can’t really compare earnings in Thailand with earnings in Britain. The cost of living there (or Australia) is sky high compared to here, you must agree, so they need much higher wages. There is also the fact that the Pattaya

you can incorporate a person in the photograph, you have immediately given a sense of scale to the “thing”.

Now some of you will be thinking, “Where do I get a waterfall that has frozen over in Thailand?” The simple answer is that you won’t, but there are many situations in Thailand that are likely to change by the time someone opens your time capsule in 2114.

If you think back at how your city or village looks today, compared to how it was 5, 10 or even 20 years ago, you will find there have been great differences. I remember that 30 years ago Sukhumvit Road in Bangkok was two bitumen lanes with dirt

Bangkok Floods 1950. shoulders each side in the Soi 11 Ambassador Hotel area. The Ambassador itself was about three storeys high, and nothing like it is today. Now imagine what your village is going to be like in 30 years from now.

“Ordinary” photographs of your local area will be a wonderful reference in another 30 years. And in 100 years will become exhibits in the local museums.

You could put in your time capsule some shots of the Bangkok floods - then (1950) and now (2011). In your capsule you are giving the future generations an idea of the conditions 100 and 150 years ago. Now that’s a bonus for them!

bar ladies are making a lot more than THB 300 an hour, I am told. Inflation has set in financially, as well as in the superstructures (God bless the inventor of silicone)! Genocide is a ticklish subject, especially for this column, and I am sorry to remind everyone that the British settlers in Australia (sorry Austraaaalia) did a cracking job with the aboriginals in Tasmania, did they not?

Dear Hillary, We have been discussing in our 7-11 conference area just how the price of everything has gone up. Not so much on the groceries side (as we can always cut down on the meat and veg and eat more rice) but on the fun parts of life, which was why we all came here. The COL (Cost Of Loving) index has far outstripped the increase in bread and petrol prices. What can we do about this, Hillary?

George and the lads out front 7-11 Dear George and the lads, I’m not really into economics that much, I’m sorry to say, but I think the reason for the increased prices must be that the Pattaya ladies must use a lot of petrol and eat a lot of toast.

Dear Hillary, I sympathize with you, as I too have had a life-long battle with my addiction to chocolate. I went through hell as a teenager with pimples every day, but I had to keep nibbling the chocolates. I didn’t care. These days I need a Mars bar every day or I can get the withdrawals. What do you do about the cravings?

Chas Chokkie

Bangkok Floods 2011.

There are countless subjects that you can put in your personal time capsule, and obviously technology changes so fast that photographs of techo items should be included. Think back to the airplanes of Louis Bleriot or before that, the Wright brothers.

Today’s aircraft are the Sopwith Camels of tomorrow. Wireless internet, iPods, Bluetooth, Blackberry, LCD screens - all the cutting edge of today will be the blunted edge in 100 years.

Now one important decision you have to make, is the format for your photographs. Sure you can burn them onto DVDs, but will

there be something you can play a DVD on in 100 years?

Remember the eight track stereos, or the five and a half inch floppy disks or even Beta-Cam? Try playing one of those even today. Your DVD might be the same in 100 years. How do you download the information?

In my time capsule I will put prints, done in archival quality, and at least I know that my great grandchildren will be able to view the scenes and items and people of 100 years prior. Sometimes simplest is best.

I do encourage you to exercise your brains and think about what might be interesting in 100 years. And photograph it today.

Dear Chas Chokkie, You have me all wrong, Petal. I am not addicted to chocolate, I just like chocolate. I don’t need chocolate every day, and the chocolates (and champagne) have been pretty sparse recently anyway. If I was feeding your addiction, I’d be in very bad withdrawals by now. Seriously though, I think you should talk to your doctor about this. You might have sugar or something.

Dear Hillary, About a year ago I set up home with a Thai girl, who is many years my junior. Her family comes from the north east and I have been up there and met them, and they seemed nice enough farming folks. They accepted me quite readily, but I always felt a little left out at the family gatherings as they can only speak Thai and my girl had to translate all the time. (They also drink that awful Lao khao stuff!) For this reason, I have not been back up there, though my girl does go up frequently. Is this the usual way families behave in this country? If it is, I will say nothing, but she will often go back for two or three days, the last being the end of Buddhist Lent. Have I anything to worry about?

The Worrier Dear Worrier, You may have lots to worry about, or nothing at all. Are you worrying because you think she is not going back to the family rice paddy? I am having to try and read between the lines too much here. It is very usual for daughters to go home and pay respects to their family, and contribute financially as well. Does your lady have children there that are being looked after by her Mama? Honestly, Petal, it sounds very normal to me. Talk to your friends who have been married to a Thai girl for some time. You’ll find it is the norm in this country.

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VOL. XXII No. 44

Name that Tune It was “Name that Tune” time again at the Sunday, October 19 meeting of the Pattaya City Expats Club.

Club members were treated to another “Name That Tune” quiz from David Garmaise.

The first such quiz, in August 2014, was on pop music generally and was well received by the members and guests. The theme this time was “classic duets.”

David is a long time PCEC member and has done several entertaining and interesting audio-visual presentations over the past several years.

David played the first few bars of 12 duets from the 60s, 70s and 80s, and invited the audience to name both the song and the singers. The classic duets theme proved

to be a little tougher than the August quiz, but audience members still got the majority of the songs and singers right. It was more than just a quiz. Once the audience had a go at identifying each song, David played a video version of the song and provided some background information.

“Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” was one of several duets recorded in the Spring of 1967 by Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terell. Six months later, Tammi collapsed during a performance and was diagnosed with brain cancer.

She died two and a half years later at the age of 24.

“Ebony and Ivory,” by Stevie Wonder and Paul McCartney, was a big hit in

Club member David Garmaise is one about 60 members and guests that took the opportunity to get their flu shots done during the PCEC meeting.

Member David Garmaise provides some interesting facts about the tunes after the audience Named that Tune for him during his presentation at the PCEC Sunday meeting.

1982 in both the U.S. and the “Something Stupid,” was U.K. But it was not everyone’s recorded in 1967 by Frank cup of tea. People either Sinatra and his daughter loved it or hated it. It was “too Nancy Sinatra. It was the first saccharine,” many people instance of a father-daughsaid. “Ebony and Ivory” ter number-one song in was named the tenth worst America. Nancy Sinatra has song of all time by one maga- said she thinks it’s “very zine. It was named the worst sweet” that some people reduet ever by BBC listeners fer to “Something Stupid” as in 2007. the “incest song.” David In 1980, Barbra Streisand played a video clip of Nancy and Barry Gibb recorded singing the song with her the song “Guilty,” on an al- brother Frank Sinatra Jr. It was bum of the same name. Hav- amazing how Frank Sinatra ing released 21 albums of Jr.’s voice resembled that of her particular brand of his father. Frank Sinatra Jr.’s songs, Streisand wanted to career never really took off do a pop album and she in comparison to his asked Barry Gibb and his father’s. But, then, those team to produce it for her. It were pretty big shoes to fill. was her best selling album Kenny Rogers and Dolly to that point.

Parton had a big hit with “Islands in the Stream” in 1983.

One member of the audience knew that the song was written by the Bee Gees. According to Barry Gibb, it was written as an R&B song for Diana Ross, but then became the most successful country song of all time.

PCEC member John Fishback announces that he is organizing a new special interest group called Stay Healthy in Pattaya. The group will meet periodically to share ideas and information for a healthy life.

David showed a clip of Judi to sing “Little Drummer Dench and Brendan O’Hea Boy” together, but Bowie did singing a spoof of “I Am 16, not care for the song. In the Going on 17” from the Sound few hours remaining before of Music, taken from a 2002 the show was to go on air, U.K. tribute to the music of the writers and composers Richard Rodgers. While not frantically retooled the song. really a classic duet, the They added a new melody song was nevertheless very and new lyrics and called it amusing owing to the fact “Peace on Earth.” Bowie that the two performers were liked it. “Peace on Earth / several decades older than Little Drummer Boy” went on 16 and 17. to become a holiday chestThe quiz also included nut. Bowie was 30 and “You’re the One That I Crosby 73 when this song Want” from the movie was recorded. Crosby died Grease in 1978, featuring of a heart attack a month afOlivia Newton-John and ter the shoot.

John Travolta; “Don’t Go Master of Ceremonies RiBreaking My Heart,” by chard Silverberg then brought Elton John and Kiki Dee everyone up to date on up(1976); “I’ve Got You Babe,” coming events and called on

by Sonny & Cher (1965); and Judith Edmonds to conduct “Say, Say, Say” by Paul the always informative Open McCartney and Michael Forum where questions are asked and answered about Jackson (1983).

David ended the quiz with Expat living in Thailand, esa duet by Bing Crosby and pecially Pattaya.

For more information on David Bowie. Bowie was a guest on a Crosby Christmas the PCEC’s many activities, TV special. The producers visit their website at www. wanted Bowie and Crosby pcecclub.org.

Family Day is lots of fun at Thai Garden The PCEC arranged with Phyathai Sriracha Hospital to administer flu shots during the Club’s Sunday meeting. Here club member Les Edmonds is locating his name on the signup sheet for the nurse.

Employees and their children pose for a family day photo with Thai Garden Resort management, led by General Manager Rene Pisters (2nd right).

Hotte Flink Thai Garden Resort hosted its sixth-annual family day for employees, giving them a chance to partake in all the hotel’s amenities just like the guests they serve.

About 150 moms, dads and kids enjoyed games and activities prepared to entertain

them Sept. 27. Everyone took turns jumping in the swimming pool, some fun they are not be able to do on a regular basis.

General Manager Rene Pisters and Manager Danilo Becker personally took care of their “guests” and managed to make them smile and laugh the entire day.

Since sports and games

make one hungry, a sumptuous buffet was prepared with all the goodies children like the most.

This family day showcases the creative teamwork of the management and the employees and it shows that, without this kind of spirit, no good hotel would be able to work properly.

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Skål ‘sells out’ at Amari Paul Strachan

Brendan Daly, GM of Amari Pattaya.

Tony Malhotra, Skal Pattaya President.

Peter Malhotra, MD of Pattaya Mail, Ken and Pitcha Whitty of Paulaner Thailand, and President Tony Malhotra.

Wipawan and Scott Tanner from MJ Smokehouse, Amari Pattaya’s Chef Leonard Faust, Mark Bateman of PRTR Recruitment, and Brendan Daly GM of Amari Pattaya.

Patrick Menhorn of Newspaper Direct, Gary Marshall of Travel Daily Media, and Darren Brodie.

Since its re-launch in March 2013 Skål Pattaya International & East Thailand has garnered a sizable and loyal following, mostly from the hospitality industry and from other businesses that are related to the world of travel & tourism.

The October meeting, held at the Garden Wing at the Amari Pattaya on Thursday the 9th, attracted 64 guests which is the largest at any Skål gathering in Pattaya.

In addition to the large number of guests, the evening was also showered with sponsors namely Massic Travel, Etihad Airways, Paulaner Beer, who provided the ‘Oktoberfest beer’, Wine Dee Dee supplying Prosecco, red & white wines, and the Amari Pattaya as the venue sponsor.

Upon arrival, the Amari served a variety of tapas and this was enhanced by delicious smoked salmon & smoked salmon larb from Scott Tanner from the MJ Smokehouse.

President Tony Malhotra welcomed the guests and made the traditional Skål toast, which was followed with the highly popular ‘Ice Breaker’ session where the microphone was handed round and everybody was able to introduce themselves, their company and mention any promotions or upcoming events.

During this there was a brief speech by the President of the Thai Hotels Association Eastern Chapter Sanpech Supabowornsthian and the new director of the Tourist Authority of Thailand Pattaya office, Suladda Sarutilavan.

Although the ‘Ice Breaker session took some time, it added great value for the gusts who were really able to network but in a different way from the norm.

The buffet was then opened with a variety of succulent dishes such as slow braised pork belly with chick peas, basil pesto crusted sea bass fillet and rosemary pumpkin puree, lamb loin roasted in pastry with tomato relish, pan fried chicken breast with massaman curry

sauce, and mild red curry with minced shrimp stuffed lychees.

There then followed a presentation from Vikrom Malhotra manager of Massic Travel who gave an outline of the various services that they provide. He highlighted that they are a member of IATA which effectively means that when people buy tickets from smaller outlets around the city, those businesses then end up buying from Massic Travel to provide their clients with the flights, etc.

This was followed by a brief update from Dave Malhotra about Massic Travel’s new feature for purchasing tickets online.

The final presentation was given by the Business Development Manager for Etihad Airways Max Sukkhasanitkul.

Max gave a brief history of the company stating that it was founded in 2003 and has a clear vision for the 21st century to be a global airline, challenging and changing the established conventions of airline hospitality and how they had won many awards for their achievements.

Max also acknowledged the strong and vital working relationship between Etihad and agents such as Massic Travel.

The evening finished with a vote of thanks by Kate Gerits, the General Manager of the Holiday Inn Pattaya who thanked Ken Whitty from Paulaner, Wine Dee Dee, Amari Pattaya, Massic Travel, Etihad Airways and all the guest speakers.

The next Skål Pattaya International and East Thailand event will be held on Thursday November 13 at Dusit Thani Pattaya with a special panel discussion on Pattaya tourism: Where are we going? - by 4 leading authorities of the Travel & Tourism industry. The cost is 900 baht for all guests which includes an international buffet dinner, wine and beer. For reservations email: skalpattaya@gmail.com.

More details will be announced in the Pattaya Mail and can be found on the Skål Pattaya Facebook page: www.facebook.com/ skalpattaya.

Paul Wood of Defence International Security Services, Rene Pisters, GM of the Thai Garden Resort, and Hans Banzinger of Swiss Paradise Resort.

Peter Maholtra, MD of Pattaya Mail, chat with Parag Kshirsagar and Areewan Thammasorn from Compass Hospitality Bangkok.

Vikrom Malhotra, GM of Massic Travel.

Max Sukkhasantikul, Business Development Manager of Etihad Airways.

Sanpech Supabowornsthian, President THA Eastern Chapter, President Tony Malhotra, TAT Pattaya Director Suladda Sarutilavan and Asst.

Director Auttapon Thaweesuntorn.

The executive team from Massic Travel and Etihad Airways.

Callum and Stuart Mackie of Solar Golf.

Richard Smit and Corolien Hoffman from Recreational Pattaya Biking.

The Holiday Inn Pattaya Team (l-r) Sukhumnanda Sukudom, Sarad Upadyay, Kate Gerits, and Michael Gerits with Svetlana Troubtchaninova.

Koonlapatporn Intarasing, of Siam Winery, Sukhumnanda Sukudom, Asst DOS from Holiday Inn Pattaya and Bantwat Kerkpittaya of Wine Dee Dee Pattaya.

Paul Wood, Onusanee Saensing, GM, and Manita Santikarn, Coaching GM of Regus, with Sue Kukarja Communications Director of PMTV.

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ISC discovers Hilton’s World of Chocolate

Heewon practicing her decorating.

Thank you to the Hilton staff!

Bee Nutchaya Year 2, 3 and 4 children from the International School of Chonburi have had a chocolaty term learning about their topic ‘From Bean to Bar’.

They have investigated the

journey of chocolate and found out where in the world cocoa is grown. This topic has taken them back in time to when the Aztecs were besotted by drinking it, through Willy Wonka’s magnificent factory, into the kitchen to create their own chocolate bar, behind the lens to produce their very

“This is a cocoa bean?”

own chocolate bar adverts and finally to the high heights of the Hilton to experience chocolate making by professionals. The bakery team at the Hilton put on a ‘choctastic’ performance at the Horizon Restaurant.

The children felt real cocoa pods, watched a video about the history of chocolate,

participated in a chocolate quiz (obviously rewarded with chocolate!), watched the team make chocolate decorations which they themselves then made and ate. It was a magical experience and it has been an exceptional way of learning about something which we all love very much.

Record number of Regents’ students aim for Oxford and Cambridge

(Above) Giulia’s verdict - “Delicious!”

(Left) Learning how to decorate with chocolate.

Pattaya scout assembly planned for February Year 13 students from Regents on an Outdoor Education expedition last month.

Tim Eaton

Deputy Mayor Wattana Chantanawaranon (center) presides over the preparation meeting for Pattaya’s scout assembly in February.

Jetsada Homklin Officials have begun planning for Pattaya’s first scout assembly to be held over three days in February.

Deputy Mayor Wattana Chantanawaranon chaired the Oct. 16 meeting on the assembly, which is aimed at instilling morals, ethics, discipline and unity in youths.

Each school will send 64 students split into eight squads and two divisions to attend the assembly at the Eastern National Indoor Stadium.

Year 13 students at Regents International School Pattaya are setting their sights high this year, with four of the 45 International Baccalaureate Diploma candidates submitting applications to join degree courses at the world-leading universities of Oxford and Cambridge in the UK. The four have their work cut out for them, having applied for some of the most popular - and thus highly competitive - degree courses on offer at Oxford and Cambridge. Politics, Philosophy and Economics (PPE), Law,

and Economics and Management are the degrees of choice for the Oxford applicants, and Natural Sciences for the Cambridge applicant.

The ambition demonstrated by every member of this year’s graduation cohort owes much to the impressive performance of last year’s graduates from the British international school, who scored on average 33 points in the IB Diploma Programme - more than 3 points higher than the global average. Three of those students achieved 40 or more points, recognized as the hallmark of an outstanding individual performance.

Head of Sixth Form, Rachel

Batty commented, “At Regents, we believe that all students have the potential to become confident, independent learners who will achieve highly. When you combine that outlook with a large staff of very capable and motivated teachers who are specialists in their field, a great number of potential subject combinations and facilities which help prepare students for undergraduate life, it’s no wonder that results at Regents have improved significantly over the last two years. So, too, have our students’ success at obtaining places at excellent universities around the world.”

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E-mail: comhaps@pattayamail.com

Fax: 038-427596

ATTENTION! Public Service Announcements in our Community Happenings pages are FREE! All Commercial promotions will be charged at a very reasonable rate of 10 Baht per word.

Please send your Community Happenings to:

comhaps@pattayamail.com, DEADLINE: Saturday 5:00 PM Please contact us by E-mail for any information that you may require.

Events The next meeting of the Pattaya City Expats Club (PCEC) will be on Sunday, November 2. Everyone is warmly welcome. Stuart Saunders, winner of the Bronze, Silver & Gold Medals for Transportation, Health and Environmental Inventions at Thailand Inventors Day, will share with the club the roller-coaster ride of ‘the inventor’ & some of his works. The Club meets every Sunday morning at The Tavern by the Sea Restaurant located on the North end of Beach Road (part of the Amari Orchid Resort).

The program starts at 10:30 a.m. with a buffet breakfast available from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m.

A Joint Chambers Eastern Seaboard Networking Evening will be held at the Cape Dara Resort Pattaya on Friday, November 21, from 6.30 - 9.00 p.m. (last drinks served at 8.30 p.m.). Price of admission is THB 350 for members of BCCT, AustCham, AmCham, GTCC & SATCC and THB 750 for non-members. For more information and reservations, go to chamber websites: www.bccthai .com, www.austchamthailand. com or www.amchamthailand .com.

On Tuesday 4 November, Pullman Pattaya Hotel G in collaboration with PILC (Pattaya International Ladies Club) presents the race that stops 2 nations. Melbourne

Cup 2014 - Beachside. Turn up the ‘Fashion on the Field’ and have your glamorous hat ready because there’s more than just the race to happen! Enjoy a welcome glass of sparkling wine, free flow soft drinks, live sushi station, canapé style party, and a lavish ice cream buffet. The Best Dressed wins the “Fashion on the Field” prize and an exclusive photo shoot. Tickets: THB 1,000 net for PILC members, THB 1,200 net for non-PILC members, THB 750 net additional for free flow bubbly, wine, spirits. Raffle with fabulous prizes awaits you, including a special Grand Raffle prize!

100% of the proceeds benefit PILC charities. Get your tickets now before they are gone! Call 091 442 4423 or email us at SpecialEventsPILC @gmail.com.

The Rayong-Pattaya Ladies Circle will hold its 2nd annual red-carpet gala charity evening on Saturday, November 8 at the Amari Pattaya ballroom in north Pattaya. The event will feature live music and entertainment, a silent auction, spot prizes, champagne reception, buffet dinner and a free-flow of beer and wine. Tickets cost THB 2,800 and proceeds from the event will be donated to Women With A Mission to help with their charity work. For more information or to reserve tickets, call Michelle on 082 179 1037 or Rosy on 092 252 9119 or Bron on 089 898 0658.

Pattaya Soul Club presents the Souled Out 3rd Anniversary party on Saturday 8th November from 8 p.m. - 10 p.m. at the Access Inn on Pattaya Third Road (nr. entrance to Soi Lengkee). Admission price is THB 400 which includes a free-flow of wine & San Miguel beer.

Musical entertainment will feature the very best of Northern Soul & Motown.

All proceeds will be donated to the ‘Take care Kids charity. For more information go to www.facebook.com/ PattayaSoulClub.

Green Pattaya in co-operation with the International School of the Eastern Seaboard Thailand will be conducting a clean-up of the Pratamnak/Cosy Beach area on Saturday 8th November from 09.00 to 11.30. Volunteers are advised to dress for the occasion with long sleeves and a hat to keep the sun off. Refreshments and snacks will be provided. For more information go to www. facebook.com/GreenPattaya.

The Pattaya Long Boat Racing Festival 2014 will be held on 22nd & 23rd November at Lake Mabprachan in East Pattaya. Along with boats racing for the HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn’s trophy there will also be a buffalo race, motorcycle motocross event and a folk drumming contest.

Events start from 09:00 until 18:00 and admission is free.

The Pattaya International Fireworks Festival 2014 will be held on 28th & 29th November. The festival typically features 45-minute shows by different nationalities and can sometimes

Ham, Cheese and Pea Frittata The Italian word “frittata” derives from fritta and roughly translates to egg-cake. Outside Italy, frittata was seen as equivalent to omelet until at least the mid-1950’s. In the last fifty years, “frittata” has become a term for a distinct variation described as Italy’s version of an open-face omelet.

Cooking Method

Ingredients Serves 4 2 tbspns Heat oil in a 22 cm ovenproof Olive oil 1 fry pan over medium heat. Cook Red onion, thinly sliced 9 onion, stirring, for 2-3 minutes Eggs 200 gm until softened but not colored. Leg ham, cut into 1 cm cubes Whisk eggs in a bowl with salt Frozen baby peas (not thawed) 1 cup (120 gm) 2 cups and pepper. Add ham, peas, Cooked macaroni or other short pasta 1 cup (120 gm) pasta and cheese to pan with Grated cheddar cheese onion. Pour over the eggs, then Chutney, to serve reduce heat to very low and cook for 6-8 minutes until almost firm, tilting the pan and drawing in the sides from time to time so egg cooks evenly.

Preheat the grill to medium, then place pan under the grill for 3-4 minutes until top is golden. Cool slightly, then turn out and slice. Serve with chutney and salad.

start as late as 9 p.m. Together with the firework displays there will also be booths selling locally made products, a carnival-style parade, shows, concerts, magic and juggling acts and 3D painting photography along Beach Road.

The third annual Ocean Marina Pattaya Boat Show will take place from 27th to 30th November at Ocean Marina Yacht Club, Jomtien, Pattaya. Over 100 exhibitors and in excess of 6,000 visitors are expected at the show this year with its expanded four-day format. Leading luxury boat brands from around the world will be exhibiting as well as boat builders and accessories, boat services and technology, marine toys and gadgets, super bikes and cars, luxury real estate and resorts. There will also be an International Fishing Boat Competition (29th and 30th November) and the Boat & Yacht Thailand 2014 Conference (28th November). Other highlights include free yacht cruises, kayak and paddle boat experiences, an open-air drink and food festival with live band, jetpack flying board and radio control power boat demonstrations, games and much more. For more information visit: www.facebook. com/oceanmarinapattaya boatshow.

Ploenchit Fair: Saturday 29 November, 10.00 a.m. 8.00 p.m. at Bangkok Patana School.

BCCT Christmas Luncheon: Friday 12 December, 11.00 a.m. - 3.00 p.m. at Amari Watergate Bangkok.

Loy Krathong Nong Nooch Tropical Garden will hold an early celebration of the upcoming Loy Krathong Festival on Wednesday, November 5, from 6 p.m. - 10.30 p.m. The event will include a spectacular sound and light show featuring over 200 actors and

actresses, a large fireworks display, a Miss Noppamas beauty contest and a sumptuous international buffet.

And not forgetting the releasing of krathongs onto the lake and waterways around the beautiful garden. For more information, call 081 781 3884, 038 238 061-63 or visit website: www.nongnooch gardenpattaya.com.

Celebrate Loy Krathong at the Dusit Thani Pattaya on Thursday, November 6. Enjoy a buffet of Thai and international cuisine with BBQ stalls, shows and complimentary krathongs for everyone. From 6:30 p.m. onwards.

Buffet price is THB 1,590++ for adults and half price for children 5-12 years old (food only). Location: The Point and Lagoon Pool, Dusit Thani Pattaya. For reservations, call 03842 5611-7 Ext. 2149, 2150.

Loy Krathong by the beach at Centara Grand Mirage Beach Resort Pattaya: November 6, from 18.30 - 23.00 hrs. Celebrate northern style with a gourmet international buffet served on the beach under the brilliance of a full moon. Complimentary Thai herb beverages and a lantern will be included in the price of THB 1,499 ++ (THB 750++ for children). Also a merit food offering ceremony for the monks will be held in the garden opposite the Oasis restaurant at 09.09 hours at a cost of THB 100 net per set.

For more information or reservations, call 038 714 981.

Celebrate Loy Krathong at the Royal Cliff Grand Hotel on Saturday, November 8 starting at 7 p.m. Enjoy an evening of scrumptious international cuisine, interactive entertainment and captivating traditional performances and release a

Krathong for good fortune and blessings. Price: THB 1,400 ++ per person (price is subject to 10% service charge and 7% government VAT).

For more information or reservations call 038- 250421 Ext. 2007 or 2037, Email: gromain@royalcliff.com or go to website: www.royalcliff.com.

Kantary Bay Hotel’s Loy Krathong celebration on Thursday, November 6, includes a grand buffet dinner, a performance by a classical Thai dance troupe, a welcome drink and a Krathong for each guest. Priced at only 750 baht net per person (children under 12 receive a 50% discount). For more information, contact Kantary Bay Hotel, Rayong at tel.

038-804-844 or visit www.kantarycollection.com.

Join Amari Pattaya for a unique evening of Loy Krathong celebrations. Enjoy traditional Thai dancing, music, cuisine, a Miss Noppamas contest and experience floating your own krathong. The celebration will be held on Thursday, November 6 at the Free-Form Pool in front of Essence Restaurant. The event will cost 1,200 THB net per person and the buffet starts at 19:00. For information and reservations contact Essence Restaurant, Amari Pattaya on 038 418 418 ext. 836 or 837 or email fbreservation.pattaya@amari.com.

Loy Krathong under the stars at Elements Restaurant - Sheraton Pattaya Resort on Thursday November 6 from 6.30 p.m. - 10.30 p.m.

Experience a unique Thai heritage atmosphere combined with live stations cooking up the best of Thai street food plus fun fair games for all the family, including ring-tossing Continued on page 20

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From page 19 and balloon darts. Prices are THB 1,900 net for an adult and THB 950 net per child under 12 (food only). A beautiful handmade Krathong will be specially provided for you to make a wish together.

For more information or reservations call 038 259 888.

drinks at 50% discount. The “All You Can Eat Buffet” starts at 18:00 until 21:00 hours and offers a wide variety of soups, salads, bread, cold cuts, smoked salmon, choices of hot food dishes, live cooking stations and of course a home-made desserts selection. All this for just 399 baht net for adults

Enjoy delicious Thai and International cuisine at Mata Hari restaurant.

Dining As well as the excellent European food for which it is very well known in Pattaya (including some very rare Dutch items), Mata Hari restaurant also has a complete range of Thai cuisine, including Thai Isaan on request from Chef Jackie, herself coming from Isaan. Mata Hari restaurant is located at the top of the hill on Thappraya Road, and for reservations (strongly recommended) phone 038 259 799 or email louismatahari@gmail.com or go through the website at: www.mataharipattaya.com.

The Thai Garden Resort offers nightly dining presentations with different themed buffets! Happy Hours are from 17:00 - 18:00 with most

Thai Garden Resort chef merrily cutting away at the roast pig. and 199 baht net for children under 12 years old. What you see is what you pay, no additional service charges or VAT. For reservations call 038 370 614 or make your booking at www.thaigarden.com

Fax: 038-427596 under “buffet reservation”.

Thai Garden Resort is located on North Pattaya Road, 200 meters from the Dolphin roundabout and 200 meters before Tesco Lotus.

Saturday Night BBQ Buffet at The Bay Restaurant: Dine al fresco and enjoy a fantastic selection of meat and seafood BBQ items as well as international cuisine in the Saturday Night BBQ Buffet. Open from 6:30 p.m. 10 p.m. at The Bay Restaurant of Dusit Thani Pattaya.

Buffet price is THB 1,490++ per person (food only) - add a free flow of wine, beer, juice and soft drinks at an additional THB 599++ per person. For reservations, call 038 425 611-7 Ext 2149-50.

Havana Bar & Terrazzo at Holiday Inn Pattaya offers the following on a weekly basis: Monday - signature cocktail at just THB 180 net per glass; Tuesday - enjoy all traditional and signature pizzas at only THB 279; Wednesday - local draft beer at THB 119 net per glass; Thursday - enjoy a selection of pasta dishes with a glass of house wine or beer at only THB 450 net/person; Friday - enjoy a BBQ seafood platter with a variety of local seafood. Price starts from THB 1,200 net; Saturday - enjoy one of the best Mojitos in town at THB 159 net all night; Sunday - lucky draw, a chance to get 50% discount off your bill. Hi Club membership gets 10% discount. For more information or reservations, call 038 725 555 or email to: info@ holidayinn-pattaya.com.

Surf & Turf at Elements restaurant - Sheraton Pattaya Resort: Grilled Australian tenderloin, lobster & pumpkin hash, red wine sauce: THB 950++; Sautéed snow fish, braised beef cheek & mushroom ragout: THB 600++; Wok fried Szechuan lamb with sea scallops, Thai kale & Shaoxing wine: THB 450++; Tenderloin Carpaccio & crispy oysters, horseradish aioli: THB 425++; Crispy pork belly, blue crab & apple salad: THB 425++. For more information call 038 259 888 or email: info.pattaya@ sheraton.com.

Louis Restaurant is offering a new weekly set dinner menu alongside the regular a la carte menu items. The set menu includes a choice of starters and main courses of John Dory fish fillet served with sautéed spinach and boiled potatoes (THB 490); Piccata of chicken breast topped with ham and mushrooms (THB 490); Pan fried rock lobster, fish, shrimps and scallops in a light curry sauce (THB 790) or Grilled Australian beef tenderloin topped with goose liver risotto timbale (THB 850/950).

Desserts include Crepe Brulee followed by freshly brewed tea or coffee. Louis Restaurant also offers a set lunch menu for THB 250-290.

Louis is located on Naklua Soi 31 or North Pattaya Road Soi 6. For reservations contact Vichai on mobile 081 001 3298 or email: alois. pattaya@gmail.com.

Centara Grand Phratamnak Resort Pattaya: Ruffino Restaurant presents a BBQ buffet dinner on Friday, Oct. 24 featuring international BBQ meats and seafood complimented with tasty appetizers, salads and pastas. Price: THB 1,299 net per person including free flow wine and beer or THB 999 net per person including free flow soft drinks. Ruffino also offers Monday to Wednesday from 7-9 p.m. a homemade pizza “buy 1 get 1 free” promotion and Chef Luca has created a delicious rustic 3-course set dinner perfectly paired with a carafe of red or white wine for THB 888 net per person, only available on Thursday’s from 6 to 10 p.m.

Halal international buffet dinner @ Harbour - only THB 420 net per person. The buffet dinner includes halal food, an international buffet line and many selections of dessert. The food is certified and cooked by a halal chef with 40 years experience.

Both indoor and outdoor dining options are available.

Harbour restaurant is located at the A-One Royal Cruise Hotel on Pattaya Beach Road (Soi 3), Open daily 6.00 pm - 10.00 pm. For more information, call 038 259 555 Ext 4236.

Sugar Hut Restaurant is open for lunch with set menu prices from 240 to 350 baht net/set. Menu items include chili fried rice, pork soup with tofu, noodles, fresh spring rolls, salad, fruit, desserts and more. For inquiries and reservations, call 038 364 186, 038 251 686.

Marco Polo Chinese Restaurant is famous for its authentic Shanghainese and Szechuan cuisines prepared to perfection by master Chinese chefs. Enjoy a dim sum lunch daily from 11.00 a.m. to 2.00 p.m. and dinner from 6.00 p.m. to 10.00 p.m. daily.

Starting on November 1, the Verandah Coffee Shop will be serving an international seafood BBQ buffet dinner every Saturday from 6.30 p.m. - 10.00 p.m. Price THB 995 net for adults and THB 550 net for children. Also make sure to call in at the Montien Bakery Shop for freshly made cakes, pastries and breads plus a range of Thai desserts. Open daily from 9.00 a.m. - 7.00 p.m. (Every day). For more information, call the Montien Hotel, Pattaya, tel. 038 428 155, 038 361 340 ext. 1620, 1621, or email pattaya@montien.com.

Edge restaurant at Hilton Hotel Pattaya offers a Monday “Post weekend BBQ” featuring freshly grilled sausages, Korean style pork cuts and chorizo burritos while Tuesday’s “Mediterranean Fare” includes Middle Eastern dips and salads, pizza and pasta. On Wednesday, Edge presents “Burgers, Salads and Gourmet Sandwiches” where guests can create their perfect burger, toss a fresh salad or grab a gourmet sandwich. The tastes of Southeast Asia, India, China and Japan come together for Thursday’s “Extended Asia” followed by Friday’s

“Seafood Pattaya” where the crystal waters offer up fresh local prawns, crabs and lobsters served on ice or grilled. Saturday’s “Classics & Confectionaries” presents timeless favorites such as Greek salad, oven-baked whole salmon, green curry and bouillabaisse and margherita pizza. In addition, guests will be able to indulge in traditional Thai desserts with a modern twist. Every Sunday, the chefs pull out all the stops and offer the hotel’s famous “Sunday Brunch” that brings together a wide selection from around the globe. Bookings are absolutely essential for this very popular event. Monday to Thursday @ THB 480 net; Friday and Saturday @ THB 540 net, Sunday Brunch @ THB 1400 net; Wine Buffet @ THB 1100 net. “Seven Days, Seven Themes” is available from Mondays to Saturdays from 12 p.m. to 2.30 p.m. and from 12 p.m. to 3.30 p.m. on Sundays. An International Buffet Dinner is also available 7 days a week priced at THB 920 net on Monday - Thursday and Saturday & Sunday, and THB 1100 net on Friday.

Edge restaurant is located on the 14th floor of the Hilton Hotel Pattaya. For bookings, please dial +66 (0)38 253 000.

Eat to the New Beat at Starz Diner located at the Hard Rock Hotel Pattaya between 2nd Road and Beach Road, Central Pattaya: A selection of Pan Asian and continental flavors, from the griddle, BBQ char-grill, pan, fryer, steamer, wok, and tandoori oven, as well as some really delicious desserts. Sat: THB 850++, Sun-Fri: THB 750++ food only. Sat: THB 1,080++, SunFri: THB 980++ including free flow drinks. Children under 11 years of age eat for free.

Show time for live music is from 6:30 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. For more information call 038 428 755-9 or go to http:// pattaya.hardrockhotels.net.

This month, enjoy fresh Alaskan king crab at Mantra Restaurant’s famous Sunday Brunch or from the special à la carte menu set by Executive Chef Leonard Faust and the Mantra culinary team. Dishes not to be missed include the king crab tempura kakiyagi with tensuyu dip, king crab lasagna and the king crab curry to mention a few. Enjoy a range of classic wines, be it by the glass or the bottle, to accompany this crab extravaganza. For more information, contact Mantra Restaurant & Bar at 038 499 591 or email email@mantra-pattaya.com.

Monday Curry Night at Tavern by the Sea. The Tavern by the Sea Restaurant introduces the following daily promotions: Monday Curry Night features the tastiest curries, naan bread and salad buffet for just THB 499 net per person. Wednesday is Ribs & Wings evening: finger licking good ribs and 6 different kinds of wings - all you can eat for THB 449 net per person. Thursday features KFC (Krazy Flying Chicken) from 18:30 to 22:00. As much as you can eat of wings, legs, breasts and whole chicken BBQ grilled, Thai, Tex-Mex, Indian and French style, served with rice, potatoes and a salad bar: only THB 449 net (excludes beverages). Friday & Saturday Churrasco Nights offer prime meats and seafood, grilled to perfection on the fire and freshly skewered for you on the churrasco pens at the Tavern. All complemented by a full buffet of starters, side dishes and desserts. Only THB 749 net per person. Every buffet is open from 18.30 - 22.00 hrs. There is also a daily happy hour from 11 am - 6 pm. Watch all the premier live sports on one of the many widescreen TV’s or on the big projector screen (Sports hotline 038 418 419).

Amari Pattaya, Beach Road, North Pattaya, Tel 038 418418.

Alaskan king crab at Mantra Restaurant.

Baby veal @ Acqua Restaurant: Served three ways in three well known Italian recipes, baby veal is presented scaloppini Saltimbocca style with Chanterelle mushrooms, roasted in the manner of vitello tonnato and employed as a veal roulade with an heirloom Pachino tomato salsa. Prices start from THB 690++ (subject to 10% service charge and 7% VAT). Acqua Italian Restaurant is located in the main lobby of Centara Grand M i r a ge Beach Resort Pattaya, and opens from 18.00-23.00 hrs. For reservations, call 038 714 981.

Continued on page 21

VOL. XXII No. 44

PATTAYA MAIL

Groups & Associations

From page 20

Promotions eforea spa at Hilton Pattaya has announced its new special promotion package, “Relax, Renew and Emerge Brighter”.

Guests can book the package for only THB 3,500 and receive a 90-minute meditation massage, inspired by traditional Australian Aboriginal techniques, which focuses on instilling a deep sense of mental and physical relaxation. A choice of native aromatic oils is prescribed to suit your individual needs to rejuvenate, harmonize or detoxify. For an additional THB 500 guests can enjoy a 30-minute body scrub and receive an eforea music CD, which features soothing tunes that they can relax to in their own home.

For more information, call 038 253 000, email pattaya. info@hilton.com or visit eforeaspa.com.

Tea Tree Spa at Holiday Inn Pattaya is offering a 150 minutes promotional package featuring products by Carole Franck that aid the contouring process, reduce cellulite, firm muscles and improve the body’s natural detoxification processes.

Available every day at the Tea Tree Spa from 10 a.m. until 10 p.m. Price: THB 4,990 net per person. For more information and reservations, call 038 725 555 ext. 3902 or email: spa.reception@ Holidayinn-pattaya.com.

Spa Cenvaree at Centara Grand Mirage Beach Resort, Pattaya introduces a signature “Salt Pot Muscles Melter” treatment, which combines a deep tissue massage and hot salt pot compress to release tension in the shoulders and lower back muscles. Each pot contains a blend of coarse salt and medicinal herbs to provide relief to tired muscles.

Therapeutic oils such as Pettigrain, Eucalyptus and Lavender penetrate deeply into muscle tissue during this therapy and help rebalance your body. Price starts at 1,995++ baht for 90 minutes. For more information or reservations, contact Spa Cenvaree on 038 301 234 ext.

4333 or email: spacenvareecmbr @chr.co.th.

The Cliff Spa at the Royal Cliff Beach Resort Pattaya is currently offering a ‘Jet Lag Massage’ for re-balancing the body system and a treatment of rose, geranium and orange oils rub to improve circulation and boost the skin texture and radiance.

Special price only 2,200 baht net for a 60-minute treatment from 1st October - 30th November 2014. For more information Tel: 038 250 421 ext.

2828/ 2628 or email: cliffspa @royalcliff.com. Cliff Spa is open daily from 10:00-22:00 hrs.

Now at Café Kantary Sriracha visitors can enjoy a happy hour, featuring savings on a host of refreshing beverages. Every Wednesday from 1pm to 3pm, every visitor who purchases a beverage will receive a free beverage of equal or less value. The offer is limited to

Delicious baby veal @ Acqua Restaurant.

2 free beverages per visitor, and excludes alcoholic beverages. For more information, please contact Café Kantary, Sriracha: Tel. 03831-410, or visit www. cafekantary.com.

Indulge in luxurious honey with Breeze Spa’s two new products, the Almond Milk Honey Body Scrub and the Oat Honey Cookie Body Mask. These invigorating spa treatments are perfect to help restore the skin after a long, hot summer. With a special promotion across all Breeze Spas, guests booking any 90-minute massages will enjoy a selection of one of the treatments from the honey collection. Valid from now until 30 November 2014. Breeze Spa is located at Amari Pattaya at the north end of Beach Road.

For more information or to make a reservation visit, www.breeze-spa.com.

Entertainment On Friday, October 31, from 22.30 to 01.00 hrs, Centara Grand Mirage Beach Resort Pattaya will host an ‘Absolutely Ghostly Costume Contest’ at Zulu Jungle Bar. Highlights include a live DJ, snacks, sexy naughty ghost show and the costume contest. All guests will receive 2 Halloween cocktails, food, and lucky draws for exciting prizes. Tickets are priced at THB 345++. For more information or reservations, call to reserve at 038 714 981.

The Miss International Queen beauty pageant will be held at the Tiffany Show Lounge in Pattaya at 9 p.m. on Friday 7th November. All proceeds from the event will be donated to Thailand’s Royal AIDS Foundation. For ticket information and reservations call 038421700 or go to the website: www.tiffanyshow.co.th.

On November 15, Mantra Restaurant & Bar will present a Tribute to The Endless Summer Concert, which will be themed and decorated as a beach party.

Barry Upton’s Beachcombers will perform more than 40 songs in three sets, mainly focusing on classics from The Beach Boys, but also including other hits from famous surf rock bands from the 1960s and 1970s. Price for the set menu is 2,600++ THB per person, which includes the entry fee. Guests can also choose to dine from the à la carte menu, with an additional 650++ THB per person being charged for entry. Both prices include the performance and a souvenir

T-shirt. Performance starts at 19:45. For more information, contact Mantra Restaurant & Bar at 038 429 591 or email email@mantra-pattaya.com.

Acclaimed crooner Palapol Ponkongseng will host a mini concert on November 19 from 7 p.m. until late at the California Steak Restaurant on the 9th floor of Kameo Grand Hotel, Rayong. The voice of Palapol, delicious food and refreshing cocktails will be on hand for your enjoyment at only THB 1,500 net per person; guests who make 4 reservations will receive 1 free bottle of wine or liqueur (mixer included); guests who make 5 reservations will be charged for only 4! (This offer does not include free wine or liqueur).

For more information and reservations, call 038-621626, or visit website: www. kameocollection.com.

Hard Rock Cafe Pattaya presents ‘Mix Tape’ every Friday night from 9 p.m. till 2 a.m. at the Moon Deck. A roster of four guest DJs play soulful funky sounds, deep house, tech and all manners of groovy tunes laced with rock & roll. For more information and/or reservations, call 038 426635, send e-mail to hrcpr.pty@hardrockhotels.net or go to www.facebook.com/ HardRockCafePattaya.

The North Star Library on Sukhumvit Road, north Pattaya holds regular Thai language classes Mon - Fri from 10.30 till 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. till 2.30 p.m. Cost of admission is 100 baht per session for library members and 200 baht for non-members.

Private lessons are also available for 200 baht per hour. In addition, the library also holds Yoga training every Tuesday from 1 - 2 p.m. at the Father Ray Foundation. Cost is 1200 baht for 6 sessions (first session free).

For more information, call 081 575 4854 or email wan_nujan@yahoo.com Come and enjoy live music at the Jazz Pit Pub. Listen to great music by Thomas Reimer, one of the most famous European Jazz guitarists, playing live on Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 7.00 p.m. - 11.00 p.m. The Jazz Pit is located on Soi 5 off Pattaya Beach and 2nd Road. Tel: 038 428 374. And you can also catch Thomas performing on Sunday, Monday, Tuesday from 7 p.m. - 10 p.m. at the Sugar Hut restaurant on Thappraya Road, call 038 364 186 for details.

Al-Anon Family Group: Are you bothered by someone else’s drinking? Maybe we can help. Sunday meeting at 2 p.m., Pattaya, Satree Pattaya Center, 519/56 Pattaya 2nd Road, Soi Skaw Beach near the Skaw Beach Hotel, next door to Scandalia Restaurant. Thursday meeting is at 10:30 a.m. on the 4th floor of Jomtien Plaza Condotel. For more information, call the Helpline 092 674 4109 or Richard 084 867 4138.

Alcoholics Anonymous meetings in Pattaya: The Pattaya Group meets Wednesday and Thursday at noon (open); Monday, Tuesday and Friday at 5 p.m. (closed) and Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday at 7:30 p.m. (closed) at the Satree Pattana Center, Soi Skaw Beach (2nd Rd): contact Mick on 087 994 6224, Bob 087 939 2463 or Joe 082 715 2082. The Good Morning Pattaya Group meets 9 a.m. every morning.

All meetings are ‘open’: contact 084 564 8479. The Jomtien Group meets every day at noon at Jomtien Long Stay Hotel: contact: Warren on 086 158 9688, Andy 080 570 1404 or Henk 086 070 6684, Thai contact: Somchai 081 445 3302. The Scandinavian Group meets on Tuesdays and Fridays 6 p.m. at the Norwegian Seaman’s Church, Thappraya Road Soi 7: contact Hans 085 135 7755 or Rune (Rayong) 089 754 9515. 10.30 a.m. meetings every day at Satree Pattana Centre on Soi Skaw Beach off Second Road. Call 084 564 8479.

For the past 28 years the Samaritans of Thailand have been providing confidential crisis intervention services over the telephone.

The English-speaking unit, Samaritans English Help Line operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to provide support to the expatriate community. English-speaking staff, trained in crisis intervention will provide active, non-judgmental and empathetic listening services on the phone. All calls will be handled on an anonymous basis and are free of charge. Please call (02) 7136791 (24hrs a day, 7 days a week).

Overeaters Anonymous meetings in Pattaya/Jomtien - The ‘Up to You’ group meets Wednesdays at 9:3010:30 a.m. in the housing area just behind Pan Pan Restaurant in Jomtien on Thappraya Road. Call Steve at 038-364-207(h) or 089250-1359 (cell) for directions or more information.

Narcotics Anonymous Hotline: 082 811 2686. There are 3 English speaking meetings in Pattaya near Central Festival and 2 more in Jomtien each week. Also regular Thai speaking meetings at 12 Midday every Sunday and Persian Farsi speaking meetings at 5.30 pm on Thursdays. Please call the Hotline for details.

FRIDAY OCTOBER 31, 2014 21

22 FRIDAY OCTOBER 31, 2014

PATTAYA MAIL

VOL. XXII No. 44

by Colin Kaye

Changing Tastes The other night, I was reminded again of the importance of decent wine glasses. The wine was ordinary and one I knew well, but the large glass made all the difference. The wine tasted better than usual. If you haven’t already got some, invest in glasses that are large and tulip-shaped. The rim needs to be narrow to concentrate the aroma, but wide enough to get your snout inside. Because you’ll need to swirl the wine around, a large glass enables you to accomplish this without spilling the contents all over the table. The budget priced Madison red wine glasses are ideal with a capacity of 425ml (9 ozs). Using these large glasses about a third full, you’ll find that the aromas are more pronounced and you’ll notice how the aromas and tastes develop in the glass. Of course, if money is no object, consider the superb glasses from Zalto, Spiegelau or Riedel, but I manage with something rather more modest.

You might be surprised to know that today almost 40% of German wine is red. Germany has become the rising star for Pinot Noir, known there as Spätburgunder. Forget those bland commercial wines that were popular in the 1960s and 1970s because Germany makes some of the finest wines you can get. The only set-back is that German wines are difficult to find in Thailand. That is, until Wine Garage came on the scene. If you are becoming a bit jaded with the usual selections in the supermarket, you’ll be pleased to know that Wine Garage was founded to promote artisanal boutique wines. They have a fascinating selection of wines, including some Rhône reds rarely seen in these parts. There are also some interesting wines from Germany and even some from Austria as you’ll see from their website (https://winegarage.asia/). Of course, you can order online and you can pay by bank transfer or PayPal, which makes things ever so easy. They’ll deliver anywhere in Thailand.

Schlossgut Diel Riesling Nahesteiner Trocken 2012 (white), Germany (Bt. 1,300 @ Wine Garage) The River Nahe joins the Rhine at the town of Bingen.

The river flows from the south west, more-or-less parallel with the Mosel which is further to the north. In the Nahe region, 75% of the vineyards are planted with white Grapes dominated by Riesling which covers 28% of the surface.

In recent years, Riesling (REEZ-ling) wines from the Nahe been rated highly by international wine critics.

The Schlossgut Diel vineyards and medieval castle were bought by the Diel family in 1802 and today the winery is owned by wine writer Armin Diel, one of Germany’s most acclaimed Riesling producers. His daughter Caroline, a graduate of Geisenheim University became partner in the winery in 2007. She oversees the vineyard work and winemaking together with cellar-master Christoph Friedrich. With nearly sixty acres, Schlossgut Diel is one of the largest landowners of the region and produces powerful wines which still maintain elegance and finesse.

This superb wine is a pale straw colour with a perfumed aroma of green apples, grapefruit and a distinct reminder of orange peel. The fresh aroma is quite complex and I could easily spend the evening with my nose in the glass.

But I was almost certainly a dog in a previous life, so this is not surprising. The taste is stunning - like a flash of bright stainless steel across the palate with a dash of grapefruit and citrus. The flavours are as complex and as beguiling as the aroma, with hints of lime, peach and

Caroline Diel. grapefruit against a mineral background. Although it’s only 12.5% alcohol content, there’s a real smack of assertive acidity on the palate, bringing the flavours into sharp focus. The aroma develops well in the glass and after a time the profile changes and becomes softer. So does the taste, because the acidity seems to soften and lets more fruit come through. The wine is beautifully balanced, with a long clean and satisfying finish, but as the word trocken indicates, it’s dry as a bone.

As to food, I’d really prefer to enjoy this wine without distraction. Nevertheless, Riesling is a food wine par excellence and a dry one like this works brilliantly with fried or baked fish, seafood dishes and chicken or pork dishes in cream or butter sauces.

Larry Cherubino Pedestal Cabernet-Merlot 2012 (red), Australia (Bt. 1,100 @ Wine Garage) From the other side of the world and the opposite end of the spectrum to the Riesling this wine was made by Larry Cherubino who produced his first wine in 2005 after many years of experience in the Australian wine business. His company has had phenomenal success with its range of award-winning wines.

This Cabernet-Merlot blend is from the Margaret River and it’s a very dark purple-crimson colour with long syrupy-looking legs. The symphonic aroma has intense black cherry, plum and blackberry with sweet background aromas and reminders of moist tobacco and dark chocolate.

The authoritative taste has black fruit, a tang of acidity and rounded oaky tannins. This opulent wine is perfectly dry with a long and satisfying finish. I thought I could pick up a faint leafy, minty note on the finish too. It’s really splendid: rich, firm and superbly balanced.

But then after a time, perhaps after about twenty minutes, I noticed a subtle change in the aroma and the taste.

It was as though the Cabernet Sauvignon (which accounts for 80% of the blend) started to give way to let the herby, black-olive and redcurrant aromas of the Merlot come through. At the same time, the mouth-feel started to soften and the tannins seemed to melt into the background.

Mind you, this will only be noticeable if you have a large wine glass.

This is a big confident wine and at 14% alcohol content it’s a food wine too. You won’t go far wrong if you drink it with the best beef steak you can afford. Unless of course, you’ve spent all your money on new wine glasses.

VOL. XXII No. 44

PATTAYA MAIL

FRIDAY OCTOBER 31, 2014 23

Bali Hai Sunset Known as one of the most romantic restaurant settings in Pattaya, the Bali Hai Sunset restaurant really does have an incredible view of the sunset over Koh Larn.

To be honest, it is a trifle difficult to find but it can be approached from the Bali Hai pier (thread your way through the tour buses), then run along the sea front and turn up the hill at the lighthouse and Bali Hai Sunset is on your right. Coming from the Jomtien side, turn

front of the restaurant, which would be safer than street side on that very twisty climb, though there are a couple of lay-by’s which will take two cars each.

From the car park, the entrance to Bali Hai Sunset cannot be missed and you descend to a deck which is over the beach and rocks and gives an uninterrupted view across the Bay of Siam and the local islands. (Take your camera if you get there before sunset.)

Crab rolls. off Pratamnak Road at the top of the hill as if going to the Royal Cliff and then on down to the Sheraton and continue along till you start to go down the steep hill and Bali Hai Sunset is on your left. There is a car park in

venues. There are several large tables, able to seat up to 10 diners, so this venue is good for groups. The kitchen is in the far corner, and there is a function room along one side.

The menu has many photographs, something I push for always, especially where visitors are concerned - not everyone can read English. The Euro items begin with Appetizers (B. 75-250) with salmon at the top end and garlic bread at the other. There

Scallops.

The wooden tables and chairs are somewhat rustic, as befits an open air restaurant subject to sea breezes, but the crockery and glassware are of a good standard, and not the ‘picnic’ sets one often is given at seaside

are also some stand-alone items such as a Farmer’s Plate (B. 245) and NZ mussels and cheese (B. 195).

Soups are up next (B. 95125), followed by 10 different pastas (B. 145-245), and then it is into the mains, with

seafood choices first up (B. 275-359) with the garlic and parmesan baked prawns looking very interesting.

Duck and chicken items were next and then pork (B. 245-395) followed by a Chateaubriand (B. 395) and a fillet mignon, also at B. 395. These are all made using Thai beef which can be a lottery at times. A section called “Imported” has rib eye at B. 795 and sirloin at B. 695, a safer bet for the carnivores.

The largest section in the menu is for Thai items, with several pages covering soups, stir-fries, curries and noodles, with most under B. 200. There are also specials such as steamed whole sea bass (B. 425).

There are pages of cocktails, but local beers are available (B. 70-85). The wine list was not available, and wine lovers will have to make do with the house white.

Having decided to go Thai cuisine for the review, as there are far more Thai items than western ones, my choice was the deep-fried crab rolls and the garlic scallops. The crab rolls were excellent and I enjoyed them very much. The scallops

were presented with sliced tomato and pesto, and whilst enjoyable, did not have enough garlic for my taste.

To wash them down I selected the house white (an Italian Casanova), which was eminently drinkable without being memorable.

Bali Hai Sunset was a pleasant and relaxing dining out venue. It was not expensive; however, the emphasis is certainly on Thai cuisine, though there are plenty of

choices on the European side. I would recommend this restaurant as a good place to take overseas visitors to give them an idea of the laid back life we have here. And remember to take your camera for the sunset.

Bali Hai Sunset Restaurant. Tel: 08 2202 7718 (Thai) or 08 0004 1616 (English). Open six days from 3 p.m. to midnight Thursday to Tuesday (closed Wednesdays).

24

FRIDAY OCTOBER 31, 2014

“THE WEEK” RUNS FROM OCTOBER 31, 2014 - NOVEMBER 6, 2014

Aries 21 March - 20 April Although you may be in the mood for fun, the week ahead brims with things that could lead you on something of a merry dance. Why? Well, you could have things to accomplish, but emotional issues might vie for your attention too. A reduced schedule might help you to keep calm.

Taurus 21 April - 21 May Is someone set to try and push you into following their lead against your better judgment? Tensions may escalate this week, with a Full Moon in your sign bringing things to a head. However, Mercury’s move into Scorpio can pave the way for enlightening conversations.

Gemini 22 May - 21 June Expect a little pressure at work, or to be busier generally. This week’s backdrop suggests it’s a good time to pare down your routines, removing activities that waste time and serve no real purpose. By way of a contrast, the weekend brings much greater potential for fun and relaxation.

Cancer 22 June - 23 July Romantic opportunities sizzle this week. Feelings flow and your sensitivity to others may increase, encouraging you to be open and honest with family and friends. However, don’t get too carried away, as there could be certain things which are actually best left unsaid Cancer.

Leo 24 July - 23 August You need to be conscious of responsibilities that need urgent attention. Some of these may be less than exciting, and might even involve an element of discomfort. Still, tackling these should leave you with a sense of accomplishment and enough time to focus on more engaging projects.

Virgo 24 August - 23 September This week, decisions may need to be made, and feelings of pressure acknowledged. Be especially careful around the time of the lunation on Thursday, when a conversation could put you on edge. If this can wait until the weekend, you might find yourself having a more fruitful discussion.

Libra 24 September - 23 October It may be time to take a look at your natural abilities or hobbies and consider whether any of them could be useful. It’s possible you might earn extra cash or get a better job by using a talent that’s lain dormant for a while. Later, you may want to splurge on a few well deserved luxuries.

Scorpio 24 October - 22 November It looks like a busy week for you Scorpio, with a focus on personal projects and self-expression.

In addition, the developing Full Moon reaches its luminous peak on Thursday. As a result, relationships could get rocky if feelings spill over, so do try to choose your words carefully.

PATTAYA MAIL

Crossword No 1109

Classic Tailor

1 Japanese wrestling (4) 3 Put together (8) 9 Whole number (7) 10 Expertise (5) 11 Electronic sound reproduction (5) 12 A light amusing play or film (6) 14 Fate (6) 16 Talking bird (6) 19 Disagree (6) 21 Cook’s garment (5) 24 Bury (5) 25 One of Shakespeare’s plays (7) 26 Opposite (8) 27 Way out (4)

Down 1 Asian country (3,5) 2 Not loud (5) 4 Rigorous (6) 5 Derby venue (5) 6 Constructor (7) 7 Fish that may be jellied (4) 8 Cold-shoulder (6) 13 Be highly noticeable (5,3) 15 English cheese (7) 17 Geronimo’s people (6) 18 Archer’s missiles (6) 20 Smithy (5) 22 Unwind (5) 23 Bluish-white metal (4)

Answer to 1108 Across: 1 Puppets, 5 Barge, 8 Corgi, 9 Bloomer, 10 In doubt, 11 Dirty, 12 Hebrew, 14 Outset, 18 Spies, 20 Bramble, 22 Frantic, 23 Moral, 24 Aided, 25 Sedated.

Down: 1 Peckish, 2 Pared, 3 Epicure, 4 Sabots, 5 Broad, 6 Remarks, 7 Early, 13 Brigand, 15 Unarmed, 16 Trebled, 17 Abacus, 18 Sofia, 19 Sited, 21 Burst.

Ten-Minute Sudoku An easy Sudoku puzzle that should not take long to complete.

The rules of Sudoku are simple. Enter digits from 1 to 9 into the blank spaces. Each row must contain one of each digit. So must each column and each 3x3 box.

Answer next week.

Last week’s answers:

No. 012

Capricorn 22 December - 20 January Attending social events brings lively opportunities to connect with an important group of people. Whether you’re looking for business or fun, the week ahead supplies a range of options. Later, a surge of feeling could entice a romantic liaison to develop in strength and passion.

Aquarius 21 January - 19 February Your focus is likely to be on pushing ahead with goals and ambitions, and in an efficient a way as possible. In this regard, a Sun Pluto link early on may coincide with a decision that makes a positive difference. Meanwhile, Thursday’s Full Moon puts the focus on home affairs.

NEWLY LAUNCHED! Read your Daily - Weekly - Monthly Horoscope Log on to www.pattayamail.com/horoscope

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Across

Sagittarius 23 November - 21 December Despite loving action and adventure, you may feel like taking time out to think about your priorities and future goals. The week ahead seems to involve a need for introspection, particularly around midweek when a certain issue might require extra attention Archer.

Pisces 20 February - 20 March Experiences that involve radical change may really draw you Pisces. Deep down you might feel it’s time to throw off the old and embrace something new and refreshing. However, you could find it hard to abandon some of your more comforting and most loved habits.

VOL. XXII No. 44

Answers next week.

VOL. XXII No. 44

Missing English man in Thailand Editor; Hello, I’m just getting in touch as I have a news story / editorial piece that I think may be of interest to you. We are searching for Ian Patrick Lowe, who turned 70 years of age on the 5th Oct 2014. His last known address was in Armthorpe, Doncaster, and it is thought that he has since moved to Thailand with his Thai wife. The location in Thailand is unknown.

Ian Lowe was a member of the RAF for a time. Ian’s sister Pamela Anne Lowe, brother Christopher Lowe, mother Nora Anne Lowe and stepfather Kenneth Lowe all moved from

Gloucestershire in the 1950’s/60’s to Australia, where Kenneth, Christopher and Pamela are still thought to reside.

Ian hasn’t been heard of for a long time and we have set up a Facebook page in order to find him: https://www. facebook.com/pages/Where-is-IanPatrick-Lowe-Doncaster-Expat-in-Thailand/574271126029207?ref=hl I hope you are able to use this. I’m afraid we don’t have any photos of Ian but hopefully the story is compelling enough.

Olivia Piepe Email: whereisianlowe@gmail.com

Illegal beach shanties Editor; Free enterprise in Thailand can provide a possible income for those people with a good business idea and who are willing to work. It is a cornerstone of the economy, necessary for the survival of so many. But this must be done with respect, and when an individual or company begins a business that is not appropriate in a certain area, it must be regulated.

Directly across the Police Box at Sigma Hotel on Jomtien Beach Road past Soi 19 is

Cocktails Bar. This shack of a structure not only blasts music late into the night and early morning, disturbing visitors and residents, it is right on the beach, on the sand, so very illegal. Yet despite many complaints to the police and City Hall about the noise and illegal venue, the illegal shanty continues to exist and operate daily with its oversized speakers.

Why doesn’t City Hall and the police enforce building and business regulations

Potatoes are fattening Editor; Re: Chiang Mai feels the arrival of winter (PM Sunday, 05 October 2014) - Potatoes are the most fattening item in the world! Pure empty

starch with no nutrition or energy at all. They are only good if people are starving and need to stay a live until spring.

Rudy Allan

Check the taxis Editor; Re: Pattaya’s overhaul of motorbike-taxi sector stuck in neutral (PM Friday, 10 October 2014) - Why don’t

they check the taxis? They never turn on their meters and always charge 300 baht or more.

John Wayne

Tube’s the way Editor’ Re: Pattaya’s overhaul of motorbike-taxi sector stuck in neutral (PM Friday, 10 October 2014) - All they have to do is have something

FRIDAY OCTOBER 31, 2014

PATTAYA MAIL

similar to a London zoned tube map, coloured departure and destinations and the colour match is the fare price. It’s kids stuff.

Asian Ron

Write to the Editor:

E-mail: mailbag@pattayamail.com Note: Letters printed herein in no way reflect the opinions of the editors or writers for Pattaya Mail, but are unsolicited letters from our readers, expressing their own opinions. No anonymous letters or those without genuine addresses are printed, and, whilst we do not object to the use of a nom de plume, preference will be given to those signed.

Pattaya Emergency Numbers Pattaya Call Center ................................ 1337 Police Station .......................................... 191 - Pattaya ................................................... 038 424 186 - Banglamung ......................................... 038 221 800-1 Highway Police ....................................... 038 392 001 Fire Brigade ............................................. 199 Pat. Int. Hopsital ..................................... 038 428 374-5 Bkk-Pat Hospital ..................................... 038 259 911 TAT Central Office: Region 3 Pattaya . 038 428 750 Tourist Police ......................................... 038 429 371, 1155 . .................................................................. 038 410 044 (FAX)

and close this business?

Respectfully submitted by Sir William of Doodadshire

25

Will Jomtien 2nd Road sidewalks ever be acceptable?

Editor; Years ago, when I first came to Jomtien, 2nd Road (previously Thappraya Road) was partly without a proper surface and the sidewalks were just natural soil and in the rainy season more or less unusable. Then all of a sudden work began to asphalt the surface and not long after stones were laid down on the sidewalks.

It was almost a luxury not to have to walk in the road with its heavy traffic.

Not long after the results

of inadequate craftsmanship became clear. Stones started to sink in and one had to be very careful not to trip over the now again uneven surface. More than one year ago, for unknown reasons, somebody had the idea to dig up huge holes every ten, twenty metres on the left and right sidewalk from Royal Hill down past Jomtien Market. These holes remained unprotected for a long time, then some had red-and-white painted bamboo stick-

fences and although this is about one year ago, nothing has happened, nothing has changed to improve the situation.

Not only is this a shame for a place whose politicians consider it equal to the Riviera it is also back onto the road and the traffic which makes walking rather a hazardous experience.

Is there any hope that the sidewalks will be ever in an acceptable state again?

Hans F. Brennecke Jomtien

Please use environmentally friendly krathongs Aloha Editor; It’s that time of year again to celebrate Loy Krathong, November 6. One of the primary reasons for this celebration is to worship the goddess of the water in the expression of gratitude for the life that water gives throughout the year.

Please think twice before buying a krathong if the base is made from Styrofoam. It can and does kill our marine life, freshwater fish and waterfowl, turtles, dolphins.

Our lakes, oceans and rivers are already having a big

problem from the flooding of storm drains and water resources, due to weather conditions.

The traditional krathong is a raft with a diameter of about the size of a hand.

Most bases were made from the banana stalk, while some are made of bread and sometimes, sad to say, made of foam.

The Pollution Solution group recommends the bread base, because, whilst many krathongs are lost in the rivers, oceans and lakes, bread will eventually become

food for fish and other animals. Even though banana stalks are biodegradable, they take a little longer to decompose and will not harm the environment.

We ask you not to buy the Styrofoam krathongs, as you would be adding to the problems. Please look around; there are many very deserving krathong makers that care, use bread or banana stalks and deserve your sale. They all have been decorated with exquisitely folded banana leaves, flowers, candles, incense, etc.

Many people feel that the transmission of Loy Krathong to water rids one of problems and helps with relationships. For whatever one’s reason is to celebrate, please also consider the environment. Enjoy Loy Krathong and please think about Mother Nature and all living things when you buy a krathong.

Khop khun khrup, mahalo, thank you, The Pollution Solution Group along with Pattaya City Hall.

Gerry T. Rasmus (aka KOTO)

Might is right so get out of my way Editor; Re: Beach Road is a race track for coaches (PM Friday, 10 October 2014) - “Thai teamsters motto” Might is right so get out of my way.

There is also some strange thought that the pedestrian in Pattaya has no rights at all. In the entire length of Beach Road there is not one controlled Pedestrian crossing & from start to finish on 2nd Road there is only one intersection controlled by lights (Pattaya Klang).

City hall & police are remiss in their “duty of care” for the people & tourists of Pattaya.

Beach Road should have at

least 3 sets of lights for pedestrian crossings. (Never mind flashing amber lamps or zebra crossings, they don’t work.) 2nd Road is controlled by one set of lights for the full length from Pattaya Tai to Dolphin Roundabout.

There seems to be something about one way streets where the traffic jockeys for a place to be first at the next traffic jamb. Traffic on Klang can be congested but not to the point of chaos. Buses stay in their own lanes. But when making a left turn are forced to make a wide dangerous turn entering the lane

of oncoming traffic. This is caused by the cars & motorcycles hogging the left lane.

In some countries large vehicles display a sign on the left rear stating, “Do not overtake turning vehicle”.

I dispute the theory that Thais can not drive. They are capable drivers but lack “road sense”. How often have you seen someone booked for an illegal right hand turn from a two way street into another (mostly motorcycles). Proper way move to center of road, when oncoming traffic is clear, make a 90 degree turn into center lane then merging to

PATTAYA MAIL PUBLISHING CO., LTD.

the left. Thai way & some farang move to the far side of road (against oncoming traffic). When you can, make a turn into oncoming traffic and continue against the flow until you can merge left into the correct lane.

Take Buakaow - maybe 3kls long and not one controlled crossing. No sidewalk but not very wide. You can get across it easily. Doesn’t work all the time. I have the steel rods & screws in my leg to prove it (hit & run farang).

Meanwhile, stay cool and enjoy the time you have left.

Sean

Member

62/284-286 Moo 12, Thepprasit Road, Nongprue, Banglamung, Chonburi 20150.

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26 FRIDAY OCTOBER 31, 2014

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VOL. XXII No. 44

Women With a Mission Bronwyn Carey

Bronwyn, Kylie, and Rosanne (WWM) receiving an award from the Father Ray Foundation for their work with the handicapped.

Khru Boon Choo and Rosanne Diamente with trainers from Sattahip Hospital training staff at the Baan Khun Boon Choo.

Students from Sang Ga U School on Koh Lanta wearing Jesters T-shirts. Jesters sponsored their lunches through WWM after the tsunami.

Rosanne working with Tangmo, who is blind, at the Khru Boon Choo Centre in Ban Chang.

Women with a Mission’s Kylie Grimmer, Rosanne Diamente and Bronwyn Carey gather for a group photo at their last fundraising golf tournament at Phoenix golf course.

Laurie Bastien, a volunteer working with WWM, working with Nung at the Khru Boon Choo Centre in Ban Chang.

Students from Regents International School with the WWM team working to build fish tanks to help set up small businesses for families with handicapped members.

Rayong-Pattaya Ladies Circle (RLC) has announced their 2nd Annual Red Carpet Ball to be held at the Amari Pattaya on Saturday 8 November. Last year the expatriate community packed the ballroom at the Hard Rock and was wowed not just by the spectacular ball, but also by the Hollywood glitz and glamour, a fashion show, and a Latin dance exhibition. The Red Carpet Ball overnight established itself as the expatriate highlight for 2014, and the 2015 event is now eagerly anticipated. Once again the RLC has committed the funds raised from this event to go to Women With a Mission (WWM), a not for profit private organisation who are celebrating ten years of operation in Thailand. Pattaya is home to several large charitable institutions, so who are WWM, what do they do, and why do they receive continued broad community support?

On December 26, 2004 a tsunami devastated large parts of SE Asia, including parts of Thailand’s southern region. While money and aid was flowing into Thailand from local and international sources, there were still many parts of southern Thailand that fell between the gaps. Bronwyn Carey, who had a career working on community projects in Australia, and had headed the PILC Welfare Group in Thailand, saw the need and sent out a message for help.

Rosy Diamente and Kylie Grimmer, also heavily involved in local charity work, put up their hands and together it was these three ladies who made an initial trip to the southern provinces of Thailand very soon after the tsunami, with the intention of making a one-time contribution.

Pic of the children in the new canteen at Hway Ka Loke Boarding House on the Thai Burmese Border.

Coinciding with the planning of their trip, the Father Ray Foundation contacted them advising that funds that had been donated from the UK for tsunami aid and they were wanting a reliable channel to deliver the aid on to the ground without the inefficiencies of a large NGO or high administration costs.

The Father Ray Foundation is largely Pattaya-based, but they would initially assist WWM with setting up initial contacts and an investigative trip through the Catholic network in southern Thailand, and continue to partner with them today.

Helping Hands Pattaya, as they were originally known, was one of the earliest offerers of aid to visit the area, travelling to Krabi and the islands of Lanta Yai and Noi, where they saw first-hand the devastation. They met and talked with survivors, visited hospitals and were taken to see an overflowing makeshift morgue in Krabi where they were shown the process of body identification.

HHP, after their initial thoughts of a once-off contribution, chose small-scale projects where they could provide direct practical assistance that did not conflict with the mainstream aid coming in from the Thai Government, Thai Red Cross or other large NGO’s. HHP quickly identified that the most effective use of their expertise and funds would be to work within the communities supporting women, children and schools.

Most families in the region had relied on fishing or farming both as an income and a source of food. The fishing fleets had been mostly wrecked and the farm land heavily salinated with seawater. These projects would require major funding and would take time to rebuild, but in the meantime people were in dire need of food. A first project was the provision of school lunches, with support from Jesters Care for Kids, for the 58 students of Sang-Ga-U School, children of the small sea-gypsy community at the southern tip of Koh Lanta Yai.

Students from Regents School with the family after finishing building catfish tanks for them as a Round Square Week project.

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n - A Ten-Year Journey Soon after, HHP met with Senator Meechai’s PDA, an organisation that had always championed village selfsustainability, and convinced them to help trial a school lunch farm project for Wat Koh Lanta, a school with over 200 students, also on Lanta Yai Island. With initial emergency funding from Pattaya Sports Club, they assisted the school to set up a small farm (vegetables, mushrooms, chickens and fish) to grow food to provide lunch for the school children, their only substantive meal for the day. The pilot project was successful and the beginning of seven school farms over three years. By May 2005, just five months after the tsunami, the school farm projects were already feeding 1,000 children each day.

In other tsunami projects, HHP provided sewing machines for women in Krabi enabling them to start up their own micro-enterprise to support their families, supplied milk products over three years to infant survivors of Phangnga Province and took on a few individual cases, such as providing diapers for a baby boy born to a mother diagnosed with cancer soon after surviving the tsunami. Funding came via family, friends and local charities, including Rayong Ladies Circle and Pattaya International Ladies Club. In a lasting legacy from the initial milk project, the UK-based Thai Children’s Trust, who initially channelled their funds through HHP, continue funding Baan Than Namchai, an orphanage established 6-months after the tsunami.

After initially committing to a once-off form of assistance that stretched to a year, after three years their work in the tsunami areas gradually started to wind down as the projects achieved their goal of becoming self-sustainable and self-managed.

After a short break, and a renaming of their group, they started working as ‘Women With a Mission’, working with the local governments helping to improve the lives of the severely handicapped (both children and adults) in Chonburi and Rayong.

Along with help from the Redemptorist Center in Pattaya, they embarked on a campaign to build and renovate toilets, and install ramps to improve wheelchair access in homes of the handicapped to give them the opportunity for better quality independent living. Rosy led this project as Kylie and Bronwyn were living out of Thailand at the time, and today continues to work tirelessly and passionately, driving WWM’s handicapped projects.

WWM was gradually starting to expand their focus towards migrant students living in north-western Thailand and it was during this time that another natural disaster

FRIDAY OCTOBER 31, 2014 27

The first school lunch farm project in Koh Lanta after the tsunami. struck; Cyclone Nagis in May 2008, which devastated Burma and damaged migrant schools along the border areas of Thailand, specifically the Burma-Thai border town of Mae Sot, in Tak Province.

An immediate call for support was put out by WWM, raising B50,000 to fund repairs to a migrant school, which led to WWM being asked to assist with clothing and rice. Friends, the local Thai community and local organisations and businesses rallied and 2 containers of goods (1 x 20ft, 1 x 40ft) were sent to Mae Sot for the people of Burma.

Following this, and using their experience from southern Thailand, they began to initiate school lunch farm projects in the border area, and also gave assistance to build mushroom growing ventures so the mushrooms could form part of the children’s diet and that part of the crop could be sold, providing much needed income for the schools.

Hway Ka Loke School and Boarding House came to their attention as one of the largest Karen migrant schools in the area. Housing 250 migrant children, with a further 100 Karen day children from the surrounding area using it as their only hope for an education, it was struggling severely to make ends meet without regular funding support.

Since taking on the role of principal funders for HKL, WWM have been providing daily meals for boarding house students and school lunches for all students, a mere 850 meals a day! They have rebuilt and improved school buildings and dormitories, built a new canteen, boys’ boarding house and installed a deepwater well with funding from dear friends, Mary and Matthew Kelly, and a UK-based Foundation. They have been paying teachers’ salaries,

meeting running costs and subsidising the school’s pickup truck. Regents International School students funded construction of a computer room, enabling access to the internet, and a sewing room so that the older girls of HKL could learn and develop new skills. Step by step, WWM together with their friends and supporters, have been making improvements to the lives of these children.

At the same time WWM had visited Umphium Mae Refugee camp at the request of a local organization, as conditions in the camp were one of the worst. The camp was full of children, some orphaned, but many just sent across by their parents to escape the danger. These children were living in squalor, crammed into makeshift huts, little sanitation, little food, and only very basic education facilities. WWM made the decision to help a particular boarding house, and again focused on improving the lives of the young, with additional food, clothing, books, and basics such as candles so the children could study in the evenings.

In order to provide assistance to families struggling to support severely disabled family members, WWM again led by Rosy, and with the help of the local municipality set up small-scale fish farm projects in our local Pattaya community where they helped build fish tanks, provided the fish fingerlings and food, and then worked with these families to grow fish for their own consumption, but reserving part of the stock for sale so they could generate income.

Some of this was to buy more fingerlings and fish food to keep their project running, with enough left over to make a small profit.

In all, twenty-five familybased fish farm projects were initiated. They attracted

Getting ready for lunch at CDTC school.

supporters for this project, again including Regents International School, who had encompassed it in their ‘Round Square’ program as a community project. This has helped form a strong enduring link between WWM and Regent’s with the school now providing a full boarding scholarship to one of the Karen students from Hway Ka Loke School.

WWM continue to work with the disabled in our community. When WWM first visited Baan Khru Boon Choo two years ago, the center housed 56 children with a variety of disabilities.

Today there are over 110 young disabled people attending the center, either as day students or boarders.

WWM has been able to set up a special classroom for children with autism and cerebral palsy and has provided training for the staff.

WWM volunteers, with professional skills including speech therapy, physical therapy and teaching the deaf, have been working at the school for the past two years and have made dramatic improvements to the programs, and importantly, to the quality and prospects of the children’s lives.

Ten years has seen a lot of hard, dedicated work for the three ladies who run this private organisation and they have accomplished much in areas where the need is greatest. Importantly they commit their time at no cost, and personally supervise the programs to ensure every baht is spent wisely, and where possible, try to make all programs self-sustaining.

The Red Carpet Ball is not just a celebration of their 10 years of dedicated work, but recognition of WWM’s important work throughout the

Hedie Sizoo teaching sewing to students at CDTC school.

Thailand community. They have much gratitude for their supporters and donors over the past ten years and know that without their support, none of this would have been possible.

WWM subscribe to the beliefs of ‘Nourish, Educate and Care’, funding daily meals, including school lunches; providing teacher salaries, teaching materials and school uniforms; offering access to services and resources to disabled and underprivileged children and their families, and more information can be Giving out hygiene supplies found on their website - to the students at Hway Ka Loke Boarding House. www.mywwm.org.

Students in their new uniforms in the classroom at CDTC school.

Students using the new computer room funded through Regents Gold Fish Program.

Staff at Baan Khru Boon Choo Centre with Laurie Bastien, Rosanne, and Wanji at the end of 2 days of training by Laurie Bastian.

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Disney pens love letter to Japan with robot film Yuri Kageyama Tokyo (AP) - Disney executives call their next film “a love letter to Japanese culture.” No wonder: This nation can’t get enough of animation, especially Disney’s.

Walt Disney Animation Studios is practically bending backward to woo Japanese moviegoers after the stupendous success of “Frozen.” The fifth-highestgrossing movie of all time made more than US$250 million of its total in Japan alone, nearly a third of its overseas numbers and more than five times what it made in France, according to Box Office Mojo.

“Frozen” is third of all time in Japan, behind “Titanic” and Japanese animation classic “Spirited Away,” delivering success that even Disney executives acknowledge was surprising.

Following “Frozen” into theaters in the country that is the birthplace of manga

John Lasetter (right), chief creative officer at Pixar, Walt Disney Animation Studios and Disney Toon Studios, poses for a photo with Japanese actors, Miho Kanno (center) and Kotaro Koizumi, during the opening ceremony of the 27th Tokyo International Film Festival in Tokyo, Oct. 23. (AP Photo/Koji Sasahara) and Hello Kitty is “Big Hero 6,” which stars a Japanese whiz kid as its hero, aptly named Hiro.

Disney shows its love for Japan by setting the story in a picturesque town that’s a cross between Tokyo and San

Francisco, San Fransokyo, complete with cable cars and futuristic trains.

“Big Hero 6” opened the Tokyo Film Festival last week — the first Disney animation film to have its global premiere in Japan. It opens at

theaters around the world in November and December.

Its directors, Don Hall of “Winnie the Pooh” and Chris Williams of “Bolt,” did a lot of research and tapped Japanese sources to help make San Fransokyo authentic, down to signposts, manhole covers and faces of passersby.

Williams said the world they created was inspired by Hayao Miyazaki, the animation legend who won an Oscar for “Spirited Away.”

Hall said the mouth-less face of Baymax, the inflatable marshmallow-like robot, was inspired by a bell he saw at a Japanese temple.

“I saw a smile,” Hall told reporters recently while in town for the Tokyo Film Festival.

“I thought it would be the perfect face for Baymax.”

The rubbery Baymax, designed to be a health care robot by Hiro’s older brother Tadashi, becomes a companion for Hiro, and an embodiment not only of

Tadashi’s charming and loving persona but also of his message of peace, even after Tadashi dies in an explosion.

Despite Tadashi’s intentions to devote Baymax to healing and cuddling, Hiro adds some of his own more conventional robotic-design touches, such as a powerful fist, metallic ware and skysoaring rockets, as Hiro embarks on his mission of solving the mystery of Tadashi’s death.

It’s a safe bet that Japanese are enamored of all things Disney — and that they are willing to spend.

Disneyland and DisneySea parks, outside Tokyo, had 31 million visitors last year, up 14 percent from the previous year, nearly all Japanese.

Each spent an average of about $100, or 10,000 yen, on admission tickets, eating out and goods purchases.

Mickey Mouse is so popular here the rodent’s image is sold as traditional festival

dolls, is a mascot wearing the blue uniform of the World Cup soccer team and is a familiar pattern on fashionable clothing in collaboration with design brands.

But can the new film duplicate the success of “Frozen”?

It might take a super-Hiro.

“Big Hero 6” features fantastic music by Henry Jackman but not a potential smash single like “Let It Go.” It also lacks fairytale princesses, which were a big part of the “Frozen” merchandising frenzy.

The new film is about brotherly love and a little boy’s perennial fantasy, a loyal robot friend. But even in robot-innovator Japan, Disney half-heartedly showed a fluffy stuffed doll in Baymax’s likeness. It wasn’t even inflatable.

Roy Conli, who also produced “Frozen,” was unfazed, emphasizing “Big Hero 6” was “a love letter to Japanese culture.”

“We hope that Japan loves it,” he said.

‘Fury’ a barrage of heavy-handedness Jake Coyle Los Angeles (AP) - The relentless barrage of heavyhandedness in David Ayer’s World War II tank drama “Fury” begins immediately. A lone horseman approaches on the grim horizon of a foggy, corpse-strewn battlefield. Out of the muck leaps a man who pulls the rider down and savagely bludgeons him in the eye.

Ayer, a veteran of the Navy and L.A. crime films like “Training Day” and “End of Watch,” wants to make it clear from the start that he’s making a film about the barbaric brutality of war. Setting it in April 1945 in the waning days of WWII in Europe only furthers the point that all war — even the supposedly “good” ones — is hell.

Into Germany rumbles Sgt. Don Collier (Brad Pitt) and his M4 Sherman tank. With “Fury” blazed on its gun and a claustrophobic warren of bickering soldiers within, the tank is a killing machine, as are its hardened inhabitants.

The cast — Shia LaBeouf as the gunner, Jon Bernthal as the loader, Michael Pena as

the driver — work to show the darkness that has settled behind their eyes after years of war.

Good and bad — the usual battle lines of most WWII tales — isn’t the dichotomy of “Fury.” Afar cry from his debonair “Inglourious Basterds” Nazihunter, Pitt’s commander is a tough, even cruel boss (and the eye-stabber of the opening). “We’re not here for right and wrong,” says Pitt. “We’re here to kill.”

Such bleak, unnatural mantras are occasionally spouted

by Collier and his crew. The tank, a kind of a roaming lone wolf after its platoon is decimated, is joined by a new recruit, a fresh-faced, ill-prepared typist named Norman (Logan Lerman).

The air of the near-colorless “Fury” is relentlessly fetid, the screen filled with mud. The romance of “the greatest generation” has been drained away, leaving only the harsh realities of war and perhaps a more honest view of what it does to men.

But “Fury” is by no means a realistic movie. It’s an “unflinching” account of war — “unflinching,” in quotes,

This photo shows, from left, Shia LaBeouf, Logan Lerman, Brad Pitt, Michael Pena and Jon Bernthal in Columbia Pictures’ “Fury.” (AP Photo/Sony Pictures Entertainment, Giles Keyte) because every moment of with WWII than the movie of improvised domestic life the film is composed to grind “300.” in a German village; and the your face into the muck and The balance of the movie final battle (easily a quarter be proud of itself for doing so. feels off, suggesting Ayer, of the movie). The drama of Since this grisly verisimili- who wrote and directed, the pure-Hollywood end is tude is the point of “Fury,” may have intended a much weakened because the stoit ought to have considered longer cut of the film. As it ries of the men haven’t been drawing from real events for is, it’s composed of a hand- articulated. its story or central battle. ful of large chunks: the initiaThe same issue plagues Instead, it culminates in a tion of Norman; an open-field the village scene, in which lengthy, against-the-odds fight showdown with a German Collier, with Norman in tow, that has less in connection Tiger tank; a long interlude tries to create a respite of

order. In a bombed-out town, he orchestrates a dinner with a German mother (Anamaria Marinca) and her attractive daughter (Alicia von Rittberg). The scene’s fragility is the movie’s best moment, where every gesture is heightened by the women’s fear.

But the scene’s grace, too, is hackneyed. Norman plays the piano, and their less couth tank-mates cause an over-the-top interruption.

Pitt’s strong presence can do only so much for the forces of pretentiousness swarming around him.

For a better WWII tank thriller, look to Zoltan Korda’s “Sahara,” with Humphry Bogart in the Libyan sands. Made during the war in 1943, it may have been propaganda, but its aim was truer than the pseudo realism of “Fury.”

“Fury,” a Columbia Pictures release, is rated R by the Motion Picture Association of America for “strong sequences of war violence, some grisly images and language.” Running time: 134 minutes. One and a half stars out of four.

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Fabulous Birds A few nights ago, having nothing much better to do, I started to make a list of classical music inspired by birds.

Yes I know, sad but true.

Incidentally, I realise if this week’s title has brought unwholesome thoughts into your mind, the revelation that this column has merely feathered connections might come as a disappointment, but that’s how it is. Life can sometimes be a bit of a let-down.

Anyway, back to the birds.

Most classical music doesn’t describe anything at all but some composers, especially those of the late nineteenth century often turned to nonmusical ideas, particularly those from nature. Even in the eighteenth century the French composer LouisClaude Daquin wrote a tinkling harpsichord piece called The Cuckoo, though you have to listen carefully to hear the quaint cuckoo imitations.

Bird themes also appear in Mozart’s opera The Magic Flute and Rossini’s opera The Thieving Magpie. Tchaikovsky’s ballet Swan Lake has swans by the truck-load. Then of

Michel Fokine, the fiftyminute ballet was first performed in June 1910 and turned out to be a huge success with both audience and critics.

Igor Stravinsky (1882-1971): The Firebird (Finale).

Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra cond.

Pierre Boulez (Duration: 10:54; Stravinsky around 1910. Video: 720p HD) course, there’s Stravinsky’s wonderful music for The Firebird. This splendid work was one of the first pieces of classical music I ever discovered.

Igor Stravinsky was a young and virtually unknown composer when Sergei Diaghilev, the founder of the Ballets Russes, hired him to compose for the dance company.

Stravinsky’s first project was the music for a ballet based on Russian folk tales about a legendary and magical glowing bird - The Firebird.

With choreography by

The Firebird was considered a very difficult piece to play. In many ways, it still is. The first twenty bars for example, are written in the scary key of C flat, enough to drive most string players into a state of apoplexy. The work is well ahead of its time but shows a command of the most complex rhythms and there’s wonderful sparkling orchestration using some techniques which were completely new.

The music not only brought Stravinsky instant fame, but

it also marked the beginning of a fruitful collaboration between Diaghilev and Stravinsky which resulted two further ballets Petrushka (1911) and The Rite of Spring (1913), major works of the early twentieth century.

The Firebird was written for a massive orchestra (including quadruple woodwind and three harps), but the composer later made three smaller-scale suites for concert performance. This recording, conducted by the French composer and conductor Pierre Boulez is the original 1910 version but it’s just the last ten minutes of the piece, starting at bar 1,022 – yes, honestly.

I have the score in front of me. Even so, it’s a good taster to sample the exciting flavour of Stravinsky’s musical style. One of the many magic moments is at 07:41 when, over shimmering strings, a solo horn announces the noble melody that dominates the heroic final section, written with seven beats to the bar.

John Denver gets star on Hollywood Walk of Fame Los Angeles (AP) - Things are a little sunnier on the Hollywood Walk of Fame following the posthumous unveiling of a star for John Denver.

The “Sunshine on My Shoulders” singer received the walk’s 2,531st star last week, 17 years after his death.

Denver’s son, Zak Deutschendorf, and daughter, Jesse Belle Denver, attended the unveiling.

Denver rose to fame in the 1970s with a series of sunny, optimistic songs that included “Rocky Mountain High,” ‘’Thank God I’m a Country Boy” and “Annie’s Song.”

He died in a 1997 plane crash at age 53.

Last Friday’s unveiling coincided with the opening of a Hollywood exhibition of photos called “Sweet Sweet Life: The Photographic Two of John Denver’s three children, Jesse Belle Denver (left) and Zak Works of John Denver.”

Deutschendorf (right), accept the Hollywood Walk of Fame star on behalf The musician’s photos will be on of the family at the posthumous ceremony for the late singer on Friday, display at Hollywood’s Substrate Gallery for the next month.

Oct. 24. (AP Photo/Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, Bob Freeman)

If you want to hear the entire work, there’s a YouTube video of this same version played by the combined WDR Sinfonieorchester and the Kölner Philharmonie conducted by Jukka Pekka Saraste.

Many conductors have recorded their interpretations of this work.

Leopold Stokowski recorded The Firebird Suite eight times, more than any other conductor. His last Firebird recording was with the London Symphony Orchestra in 1967 when he was aged eighty-five.

Ralph Vaughan Williams (1872-1958): The Lark Ascending.

Janine Jansen (vln), BBC Concert Orchestra cond. Barry Wordsworth (Duration: 15:00; Video: 480p) The Lark Ascending was written for violin and piano in 1914 and was orchestrated by the composer six years later. The first orchestral performance was given in 1921, under the conductor Adrian Boult and today the

work is nearly always heard in this version. It’s a musical reflection on a poem by the English poet George Meredith, about the song of a skylark. The title has a pleasing ring to it, which perhaps wouldn’t have been the case if Meredith had instead written about the Great Tit or the Little Brown Bustard.

Three years ago, BBC radio listeners voted the work Britain’s all-time favourite and for several years it stayed at the top of the Classic FM Hall of Fame.

Not surprising really, because this is lyrical evocative music in which the violin mimics the “silver chain of sound” that Meredith describes. There’s a wonderful and compelling sense of place too. It can only be England.

When Vaughan Williams was making sketches for the piece, he visited Margate for a short holiday – on the same day that Britain entered the Great War. A small boy observed the composer making notes and assuming he was writing a secret code, informed a police officer who promptly arrested the composer for suspicious behaviour.

Handy hint: To watch these videos, either use your Smartphone to read the QR codes or go to this article online, click on the “live” links and go direct to the videos.

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VOL. XXII No. 44

E-mail: socialscene@pattayamail.com

Brendan Daly (centre), GM of the Amari Pattaya, together with his management team presented a cheque of 220,000 baht to the Better Life Foundation in support of underprivileged children. The funds were raised at the Passion Fruit Puff charity event in honour of HM the Queen’s birthday.

Chatchawal Supachayanont, GM of the Dusit Thai Pattaya, led his management team and staff on the annual ‘krathin’ merit making pilgrimage to Chaiyaphum and Nakhon Ratchasima provinces. As part of the holy journey, new bathroom facilities at Wat Sriwilaiwanaram and Ban Nonravieng School were inaugurated together with donations made to the local schools and temples. This was made possible by the generous financial contributions of hotel staff and associates.

His Excellency Kirill M. Barskii (2nd left), Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Russian Federation to the Kingdom of Thailand, along with Alexey Falunin, First Secretary and Vice-Consul of the Russian Federation to the Kingdom of Thailand, paid a visit to the Honorary Consul Office of the Russian Federation in Pattaya located at the Royal Cliff Hotels Group recently. On hand to welcome theme were Panga Vathanakul (2nd right), the Honorary Consul and MD of Royal Cliff Hotels Group, Victor Kriventsov, Director of Sales and Marketing, and Antonello Passa (right) the general manager.

Capital Market Academy (CMA) Batch 18 organised a party for CMA new members Batch 19 at the Centara Grand Mirage Beach Resort Pattaya recently. (l-r) Prapan Assawapalangprom, Chanin Rungsang, Supatra Chirathivat, senior vice president for corporate affairs and social responsibilities of Centara Hotels & Resorts, Janya Sawangjit, Dr Possawat Kanoknak and Prapan Assawapalangprom.

VOL. XXII No. 44

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Isaacson’s new book tells of digital revolution Hillel Italie New York (AP) - Walter Isaacson has a different way of looking at history.

Mention the second half of 1969 and he won’t talk about Woodstock or the moon landing but the development of the microprocessor and the first time separate computers were connected.

And the 1990s? Not the Clinton-Lewinsky scandal or “Seinfeld.”

“In the end, the microchip had far more impact,” he says.

The author of best-sellers about Steve Jobs, Albert Einstein and Benjamin Franklin, Isaacson has long prided himself on making science and technology accessible to the general public. After books focused on one man’s story, he has taken a broader approach and written what he hopes will become the first major chronology of computers and the Internet: “The Innovators: How a Group of Inventors, Hackers, Geniuses, and Geeks Created the Digital Revolution.”

“The Innovators” includes stories of Jobs, Bill Gates and other familiar names in the field, but it also honors such lesser-known pioneers as the 19th-century mathematician Ada Lovelace, daughter of the Romantic poet Lord Byron and among the first to express the concepts for digital technology. “Poetical science,” she called her work.

The geeks may find this old news, Isaacson says.

But others — readers of Isaacson’s previous books — may be open to know more about the people who made their gadgets possible and about the gadgets themselves.

“Because I think the reader might want to know: How does a transistor work?

What is a semiconductor?

Why do a lot of transistors on a circuit allow it to perform logical tasks?” he says.

“And those are beautiful concepts and I want to do them justice while explaining them in terms that an average reader who hasn’t studied technology can enjoy.”

Isaacson, 62 and a resident of Washington, D.C., spoke recently at his pied-a-terre in Manhattan that overlooks Central Park, an Apple store just a short walk away. Wearing slacks and a light blue shirt, he says he had planned the book for more than 20 years, since he was editor of new media for Time magazine. He was also encouraged by Gates and Jobs, both of whom believed the digital revolution was made possible by the intersection of personal computers and the Internet.

“The Innovators” was in the top 10 on Amazon.com upon its Oct. 8 publication, and has already been adapted

by Geoffrey Cowan for a graduate course he teaches on entrepreneurship and new media at the University

Author Walter Isaacson. (AP Photo/Bebeto Matthews) of Southern California. “I want to show my students examples of how the innovators broke rules and took chances,” said Cowan, an author and playwright and USC’s former dean of journalism and communications.

Isaacson’s new book is a story of how the great advances and best companies are born out of contrasts and competition.

The cover features pictures of Jobs and Gates, but “The Innovators” is a tribute to both individual and team efforts, such as Bell Labs in the 1930s and ’40s and the groundbreaking

Rowling writes backstory of Potter character New York (AP) - Harry Potter fans can look forward to a Halloween treat, with some tricks, from J.K. Rowling.

In an announcement posted last week on her website, www.pottermore.com, the author revealed that she has prepared a 1,700 word story about the witch and former Hogwarts professor Dolores Umbridge. The story will appear on Halloween, Oct. 31, on her site. It will include Rowling’s “revealing first-person thoughts” about Umbridge, according to the announcement.

Umbridge first appeared in “Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix,” the fifth of seven books in Rowling’s multimillion-selling series. Imelda Staunton played her in the film adaptations of the Potter books.

Author J.K. Rowling.

(Photo by Dan Hallman/Invision/AP)

Warner Bros. sticks with superheros and Legos New York (AP) - Time Warner is banking on comic book superheroes, a new line of movies from the creator of Harry Potter and Lego franchise sequels to drive its box office numbers higher.

The company’s film studio, Warner Bros., plans to release at least 10 superhero movies over four years from its comic book unit DC Entertainment, beginning with 2016’s “Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice.”

Others include “Wonder Woman” and “Justice League Part One” in 2017, “The Flash” and “Aquaman” in 2018 and “Cyborg” and “Green Lantern” in 2020.

It plans to release three Lego sequels after the “The Lego Movie” packed theaters. It will also release three movies written by “Harry Potter” author J.K. Rowling called “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them.”

online forum The WELL. Isaacson also cites the achievements made possible by cooperation among government, schools and the private sector, including legislation passed in the 1990s that made the Internet available to

the general public. (A key sponsor, then-U.S. Sen. Al Gore, did indeed help create the Internet.)

And Isaacson tracks the Utopians who think of the Internet as a public space and believe that knowledge should be shared without ownership and the entrepreneurs who wanted to make money — a dynamic embodied by Apple founders Steve Wozniak and Jobs.

“When Steve Wozniak looked at the specs for the Intel microchip, he realized that he could create a whole new personal computer and he wanted to share it with everybody in the Homebrew Computer Club,” Isaacson said, referring to a gathering of technophiles founded in the mid-1970s in a Menlo Park garage in California.

“But his friend Steve Jobs says, ‘Why don’t we go to the garage and make these things ourselves?’

“Thus Apple is born.”

Isaacson not only wrote about the Internet, he also made it part of the writing process. He posted passages

online and incorporated responses into the book.

For a future project, Isaacson would like to attempt a hybrid between Wikipedia and a traditional narrative. His idea is to have readers contribute written and visual stories and he would edit them into a bound volume.

He’s a fan of the Wikipedia community and in his book describes a debate over the page for Albert Einstein. He noticed the entry contained an erroneous reference alleging the scientist visited Albania in 1935 in an effort to escape the Nazis and move to the United States.

Isaacson kept removing the passage, but others kept restoring it. Isaacson’s view prevailed.

“At first I didn’t credit that success to the wisdom of crowds, since the push for a fix had come from me and not from the crowd,” he writes.

“Then I realized that I, like thousands of others, was in fact part of the crowd, occasionally adding a tiny bit of its wisdom.”

Veni Vidi Vici Veni, Vidi, Vici is a Latin phrase that is known by most people, so it is understandable that author Peter Jones would use it for the title his latest book (ISBN 978-178239-390-0, Atlantic Books, 2014). Jones actually expands the title to be, “Everything you ever wanted to know about the Romans but were too afraid to ask.”

A more detailed explanation of Veni, Vidi, Vici (I came, I saw, I conquered) reportedly originates from a letter that Julius Caesar wrote to the Roman Senate around 46 BC, in the city of Zela (no w i n To k a t P r o v i n c e , Tu r k e y, a n d known as Zile), after achieving victory in his short war against Pharnaces II of Pontus at the Battle of Zela.

Author Jones is far from the stuffy professor, immersed in his subject, and totally without a humorous bone in his body.

On the first page of the introduction he writes of graffiti on a wall in Pompeii which runs, “I came here, had a shag, then went home.” The last of the romantics muses Jones.

The format of this book is also different from the usual historical tomes, where each chapter has a broad overview of the years being covered and then followed up by what Jones calls ‘nuggets’ which are short explanations or expansions on some of the subjects. This definitely makes for easy reading, stops any laboring of the main theme and has the reader looking forward to the next ‘nuggets’.

Peter Jones has studied all the historical reports that are known about the Romans

in times long past, and is not afraid to say that much of the stories are made up. That includes Romulus and Remus and the shewolf that raised them. Damn! I liked that story. Carthage, however, was indeed sacked, but it was not sown with salt. That is another make up says author Jones. In fact, Caesar rebuilt Carthage 100 years later.

There is much that we have to thank the Romans for, and one lasting feature is pozzuolana cement, a very much harder and durable mix and one that can even set under water. The development of this Roman finding is still used today.

In 133 BC it was found that with the army overseas fighting wars, the rich were taking advantage of this and appropriating land illegally. This required laws to be pushed through the senate to counter this. Seems that the Thai situation today is very similar.

Continuing to compare business today in Thailand and in Cicero’s time in Rome, Peter Jones states, “Governors needed a lot of cash as they had to make three fortunes (1) To recoup election expenses, (2) To bribe the jury on charges of provincial mismanagement and (3) to live off.”

The eruption of Vesuvius in AD 79 is given in great detail, with the initial explosion 500 times greater than the bomb that destroyed Hiroshima.

At B. 545 at Bookazine, this is a superb book for anyone with even the slightest interest in the Romans and their influences upon us still today. Good resource material for students in their last two years at school.

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VOL. XXII No. 44

Cream vocalist and bassist Jack Bruce dies at 71 Gregory Katz & Sylvia Hui London (AP) – Jack Bruce was part Mississippi Delta and part Carnaby Street. In his glorious heyday as bassist and lead vocalist of 1960s power trio Cream he helped create a sound that combined American blues and psychedelia to thrill audiences throughout the world.

Bruce, who died last weekend of liver disease at age 71, enjoyed a long, respected solo career after the band’s acrimonious breakup, but will be best remembered for his stint with Cream and for classics like “Sunshine of Your Love” and “I Feel Free.”

Much of the attention was focused on guitar wizard Eric Clapton, but Bruce wrote many of the band’s signature tunes and served as lead vocalist. He also provided the intense bass guitar that, with Ginger Baker’s explosive drums, underpinned Cream’s rhythmic, driving sound.

They had it all — commercial and critical success — until individual egos intervened and they disbanded,

The late British musician Jack Bruce is shown performing in this Dec. 7, 2008 file photo. (AP Photo/MJ Kim) entering rock and roll mythology as the original supergroup: super-talented, and super-troubled.

Bruce was an important member of the British blues movement, which saw bands like the Animals and Rolling Stones first imitate and then expand on the

American blues tradition as exemplified by Muddy Waters, John Lee Hooker and other stalwarts.

Cream, inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1993, played a mix of traditional blues songs, with long, often improvised instrumental breaks, and their own tunes. They enchanted critics and fans alike at first, but after two years some found their extended jams to be self-indulgent, with band members seeming to show off their musical virtuosity rather than trying to complement each other.

Songs like “Spoonful” often lasted 20 minutes or longer,

with each member playing extended solos that sometimes seemed repetitive.

Bruce enjoyed a long career after Cream’s acrimonious breakup, and in 2005 he reunited with former Cream bandmates for critically acclaimed concerts in London and New York City.

Five years later, however, Bruce said Cream was “over” — an indication of ongoing tensions between the band members. Clapton had said the familiar problems were just beneath the surface during the band’s reunion performances.

Publicists LD Communications said Bruce died of liver

disease at his home in Suffolk, England. He had received a liver transplant some years ago and continued to suffer a variety of health problems.

A statement released by his family said “the world of music will be a poorer place without him but he lives on in his music and forever in our hearts.”

Black Sabbath guitarist Tony Iommi said on Twitter that Bruce had been his favorite bass player and greatest influence.

“He was a hero to so many,” Iommi said.

In its heyday, Cream sold 35 million albums in just over two years and the band was awarded the world’s first ever platinum disc for their double album “Wheels of Fire.”

The band started out playing traditional blues tunes, but quickly added a psychedelic flavor that brought still more popularity at the height of the flower power era.

But they broke up with little warning, in the midst of their commercial success. Clapton wrote in his 2007 autobiography that the band lost its direction musically and that “any sense of unity” had disappeared.

“We were also suffering from an inability to get along,” he said. “We would just run away from one another. We never socialized together and never really shared ideas anymore.”

He also felt they were eclipsed by the arrival on the

scene of guitarist Jimi Hendrix, whose trio seemed to break new ground with each album.

Bruce went on to record the first of his solo albums, “Songs For a Tailor.” He also fronted many of his own bands.

He was known for mixing rock, jazz and classical sounds, and his songs were covered by many artists including Hendrix, David Bowie and Ella Fitzgerald.

Bruce returned to the studio around 2000 to record his solo album “Shadows in the Air,” which hit number five on the British jazz and blues chart.

He was born to musical parents in Glasgow, Scotland on 14 May 1943. His parents travelled extensively in Canada and the U.S., and the young Bruce attended 14 different schools. He finished his formal education at Bellahouston Academy and the Royal Scottish Academy of Music, to which he won a scholarship for cello and composition.

He left Scotland at the age of 16 and in 1962 joined his first important band, the influential Alexis Korner ’s Blues Inc., in London. The band featured drummer Charlie Watts, who later joined the Rolling Stones.

Bruce was playing and touring with his Big Blues Band until recently. In 2012 he played in Cuba, and performed in London at the famed bar Ronnie Scott’s. His 14th solo album, “Silver Rails,” was released earlier this year.

A cult classic Pretty Things: Parachute (Harvest) June 1970 was an eventful month. Edward Heath defeated Harold Wilson in the UK general election, Brazil defeated Italy 4-1 in the World Cup final and John Lennon defeated Paul McCartney in the music press. It was also the month of The Pretty Things’ first Harvest LP (released on Motown’s Rare Earth label in the USA), their first recordings after their rebirth as prog rockers with the concept album “SF Sorrow” two years earlier.

In 1975, critic Steve Turner claimed that Rolling Stone magazine had named “Parachute” album of the year in 1970. It was a lie, but it stuck as people still mistake the Turner-quote for a fact. As 1970 was also the year of “Led Zeppelin III”, “Deep Purple In Rock”, “Bridge Over Troubled Water”, “Live At Leeds”, “Cosmo’s Factory”, “After The Gold Rush”, “Layla”, “All Things Must Pass” and “American Beauty”, to name a few, “Parachute” was up against

stiff competition. But a good collection of music it is.

The old rhythm & blueschampions display some great and unexpected versatility. There’s charming traces of whimsical British psychedelia, there’s bits of well-crafted prog, there’s tighter and harder elements

bordering on hard rock - and as the icing of the cake there’s the beautiful and very Beatlesque “The Good Mr. Square” / “She Was Tall, She Was High” (so delicious it wouldn’t have sounded out of place on “Abbey Road”). The bright and airy vocal harmonies leave a

sweet smell of illegal tobacco over the proceedings. An absolutely delightful album!

Unfortunately The Pretty Things did not take this musical direction any further as the band started to disintegrate at the end of the year.

A reshuffled line-up returned in 1972 with “Freeway Madness”, sporting a more pedestrian hard-rock approach to the music.

Released: June 1970 Produced by: Norman Smith Contents: Scene One/The Good Mr. Square/She Was Tall, She Was High/In the Square/The Letter/Rain/ Miss Fay Regrets/Cries From the Midnight Circus/ Grass/Sickle Clowns/She’s a Lover/What’s the Use/ Parachute Personnel: Phil May – Vocals Vic Unitt - Guitars Wally Waller – Bass, Guitar, Vocals John Povey – Keyboards, Vocals Skip Alan – Drums

VOL. XXII No. 44

Dutch Swing College Band heading to Pattaya A popular saying goes: “There are two kinds of music, good music and bad music”. For the true fan of good traditional jazz music the choice is simple, because there is only one Dutch Swing College Band, and it’s heading to Pattaya for a free ‘live’ performance on Thursday 27 November 2014 at Central Festival Pattaya.

The Dutch Swing College Band started out as an amateur-college combo on WWII Liberation Day (May 5 th, 1945) and through the years it has grown into a world famous jazz ensemble that has toured all five continents to much acclaim.

The swing band played a prominent musical role during the post-war period at a time when many youngsters were falling under the spell of the original American music: jazz. The band, which has existed for almost seventy years, has given concerts all over the world and the sounds have been registered on practically all types of recording mediums since 1945. The band has also appeared frequently on TV and in film productions.

Through the years many big names in jazz music have been backed by the Dutch Swing College Band, from Sidney Bechet, Joe Venuti and Rita Reys to Teddy Wilson.

The expression “The Hague School” was born out

CLUBS IN PATTAYA To be listed, please send your information to <admin@pattayamail.com>

Lions Club of Jomtien Pattaya English speaking Lions club meets 2nd Wednesday of the month. Call President Peter Smith 081 805 6717, 038 303 072 email: <lions@aacondo.com> Website: www. jomtienpattaya.lionwap.org

Lions Club of Naklua Pattaya Meets at Green Park Resort, 4th Tuesday of the month. For information. President Jakapan Pintanon Tel. 090 985 0146

Lions Club of Pattaya Banglamung Meets every 16th of the month at 7.00pm at Ruen Thai Restaurant on Pattaya 2nd Road. President Sasithorn Kleetiang Tel. 086 392 0838

Lions Club of Pratumnak Pattaya Meets every 2nd Thursday of the month at 7.00pm at Ruen Thai Restaurant on Pattaya 2nd road. President Navin Khakhai Tel. 081 683 0056, 038 420 771

Pattaya Business and Tourism Association (PBTA) Meets every 2nd Thursday of the month. Call President Sinchai Wattanasartsathorn 038 426 357. Website: www.pattayatourism.org

Pattaya City Expat Club The world-famous Dutch Swing College Band. (Photo/Bas Meijer) of the big influence of the DSC on the Dutch jazz scene. Deservedly many jazz fans consider the DSC almost as an institution.

Fortunately, the Dutch Swing College Band has never presented itself as a show or glitter orchestra. The musicians have always succeeded in capturing the public’s attention with their excellent jazz performances. Cheap show tricks are absolutely out of the question.

In 1960, the DSC turned professional. Throughout the music’s evolution and in spite of quite a number of

personnel changes (and contrary to many imitators) the DSC remained the showpiece of Dutch traditional jazz music. Bob Kaper heads the current line-up, in succession to Frans Vink Jr (1945’46), Joop Schrier (1955-’60) and Peter Schilperoort (1946’55 and 1960-’90).

From the very beginning the most striking characteristic of the band has always been its unique and recognizable sound. In other words, no recordings of American virtuosos were ever copied: the Dutch Swing College Band created their

own interpretations, arrangements or compositions. An entirely personal approach.

The current line-up of the highly experienced band has proved that the old name Dutch Swing College Band still guarantees professional performances of traditional jazz music of an international standard!

The performance at Central Festival Pattaya shopping mall on November 27 will take place from 18.30 hrs – 22.00 hrs at the Beachfront Sunken Amphitheatre. Admission is free of charge to all music lovers.

Mick Jagger, the film producer, heads to work Mesfin Fekadu New York (AP) - Song credits won’t be the latest place to feature Mick Jagger’s name. Instead, look to upcoming films and TV shows.

The Rolling Stones frontman has been busy producing projects, from this year’s James Brown biopic “Get on Up” to a not-yettitled HBO series directed by Martin Scorsese.

Jagger is also behind the HBO documentary “Mr. Dynamite: The Rise of James Brown”. The rock icon said he was asked to produce the documentary before the film.

“I was really interested, but I was kind of a bit documentary-ed out at that point,” the 71-year-old said with a laugh, explaining that he was asked to produce “Mr. Dynamite” around the time he finished working on

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Mick Jagger is shown in this July 21, 2014 file photo at the world premiere of the film “Get On Up” at the Apollo Theater in New York. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP) the 2012 Stones’ documentary, “Crossfire Hurricane.”

“It’s very time-consuming ... but I said, ‘Yeah and I’d really like to do the documentary.’ Then I woke up the next morning and thought a feature film would be a

great idea.”

Jagger asked Oscar-winning director Alex Gibney to work on the documentary, which takes an overarching look at the Godfather of Soul’s life. Brown died in 2006, at 73.

“The fact that we were doing it after Mr. Brown had passed allowed people to be a little bit more free about talking about him,” Gibney said.

Gibney, whose credits include “Taxi to the Dark Side,” said he enjoyed collaborating with Jagger.

“I heard some things that made me nervous, but I had a great time. He’s a good producer,” he said. “I just heard rumbles ... but I didn’t find that to be the case. Just the opposite.”

Jagger’s other upcoming production projects include the films “Tabloid” and “The Tiny Problems of White People” with Colin Firth. He’ll play rescheduled dates with the Stones in Australia and said in a recent interview that his production duties have helped him deal with his tumultuous year following the suicide of his longtime partner, L’Wren Scott.

Meets every Sunday at Tavern by the Sea restaurant, Amari Hotel, Beach Road. Buffet Breakfast available from 9.30 a.m. Meeting starts at 10.30 a.m. and finishes about 12.00 noon. Website: www.pcecclub.org

Pattaya International Ladies Club The PILC organizes regular lunches and coffee mornings.

President Helle Rantsen. Tel. 085 8 71 2837, email: <presidentpilc@gmail.com> Website: www.pattaya-pilc.com

Pattaya Sports Club Clubhouse located on Pattaya 3rd Rd., next to Pattaya Driving Range. Open 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. every day. Call President Peter Malhotra at 038 361 167, Fax 038 361 929. Email psc@cathinet.com See Pattaya Mail Sports Round Up for activities. Website: www.pattayasports.org

Rotary Club of Eastern Seaboard Meets every Thursday at 6 pm at Siam Bayshore Hotel Pattaya. President Russell Iffland. Tel. 086 089 0402 E-mail: <russelliffland@gmail.com> Website: www.rotary-es.org

Rotary Club of Pattaya Meets every Monday at 6.30 pm at Town in Town Hotel, President Satienpong Kumnon. E-mail: <juristic@ksc.th.com> Website: www.rotarypattaya.com

Rotary Club of Phoenix Pattaya Meets every Tuesday at 6.30pm at Holiday Inn Hotel Pattaya. President Ingo Raeuber. Tel. 081 949 9433 Email: <ingoraeuber@hotmail.com> Website: rotaryphoenix-pattaya.org

Rotary Club of Pattaya Marina Réunion tous les vendredi à 19 h, Hôtel MERCURE, Pattaya 2nd road, Soï 15, Contacter Président Joseph Roy 085 436 2402, E-mail: joseph.roy@hotmail.com Website: www.rotarypattayamarina.org

Rotary Club of Jomtien-Pattaya Dinner meeting every Wednesday 6.30 pm at Royal Cliff Grand Hotel. President Vutikorn Kamolchote. Tel. 081 447 4152 E-mail: <vut@vnresidences.com> Website: www.rotaryjomtien pattaya.org

Royal Varuna Yacht Club Open every weekday from 8am to 8pm. Weekend from 7.30 am to midnight. Call 038 250 116, 087 075 2194. Commodore Dave Littlejohn. Email: rvyc@loxinfo.co.th Website: www.varuna.org

Skål International Pattaya & East Thailand Meetings: Date and venue will be announced by email, Facebook and in the Pattaya Mail. President Tony Malhotra. E-mail: skalpattaya@gmail.com Website: www.facebook.com/skalpattaya

Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9876 (VFW) Meets the 2nd Tuesday of every month at 1 p.m. at the Hog’s Breath Saloon on Soi 46/3. For information, call Quartermaster Eric Larsen at 038 423 462 or Email: <vfwpost9876@hotmail.com> www.vfwpost9876.org

Y.W.C.A. Meets as notified call Chairwoman Praichit ‘Nidnoi’ Jetpai 038 716 316. E-mail: <pattaya@ywcabangkok.com>

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VOL. XXII No. 44

Tel. 038 411 240-1, 038 413 240-1 Fax. 038 411 833

E-Mail: mailmarket@pattayamail.com

Pets

Articles For Sale/Rent As614/22-52/ Space Saving Wall-Beds and Custom made furniture, Kitchens and Condo refurbishment. www.wallbed furnitureshop.asia.Tel: 089-003 6894 As611/27-52/ For Fans of M.J.B. the Cartoonist to Pattaya Mail, you can now buy Mike Baird‘s two new EBooks called “Life in Fun City” and “More of Life in Fun City” from www.bangkokbooks.com at $4-99 each. Both E-Books are the Best of his Pattaya Mail cartoons over 13 years in beautiful full colour. You can carry them around with you, show them to your friends, store them on your computer or give them as a unique gift. You never know - you might see yourself in them!

Articles/Services Wanted Aw02/44/ Desk Space wanted for rent in existing office (share).

Email planpaccoltd@yahoo.co.uk Aw01/26-52/ Missionary in Rayong sponsoring Little Duck Nursery needs help.

Please - Any unwanted items you have would be appreciated.

(Eng) Rev Stephen 086 600 5682, (Thai) 038-621343

Business Opportunities Bop01/44-48/ Associate Business Brokers Pattaya – 580,000 baht LARGE EARNING POTENTAL! Operate your own business in the field of selling businesses and properties.

Includes full businesses model and company set-up with visa and work permit, training and materials. Interested parties will have to complete a standard confidentiality agreement. Contract: phill@ tsba.info www.tsba.info 087 034 0568

Pets03/27-52/ Adorable homeless puppies available for adoption to warm and caring homes! All puppies are healthy, vaccinated and acclimated to people. If you are looking for a friend for life, just call 088 402 6772 or e-mail to karin@ carefordogs.org.

Pets02/27-52/ **Free Cats and Kittens** We are still trying to find loving homes for over 40 cats and kittens. Please check the pictures on our website or ring Sandra. Call 085 287 5004 http:/ cats4youinpattaya.webs.com

Property for Rent Houses, Villas Prb/44/ A 3 Bedroom, 2 Bathroom 2 storey House in Jomtien available for 28,000 Baht per month. Ref: HR1436. Contact Alan Bolton Property Consultants on 081-996-2489 or email info@pattaya-property. net Check our website www. pattaya-property.net Prb/44/ A 2 Bedroom, 3 Bathroom 2storey House in East Pattaya available for 25,000 Baht per month. Ref: HR1985.

Contact Alan Bolton Property Consultants on 081-996-2489 or email info@pattaya-property .net, Check our website www. pattaya-property.net Prb/44/ A 3 Bedroom, 2 Bathroom single storey House in East Pattaya available for 35,000 Baht per month. Ref: HR2060. Contact Alan Bolton Property Consultants on 081996-2489 or email info@ pattaya-property.net, Check our website www.pattayaproperty.net Prb/44/ A 2 Bedroom, 2 Bathroom single storey House in East Pattaya available for 21,000 Baht per month. Ref: HR1813. Contact Alan Bolton Property Consultants on 081996-2489 or email info@ pattaya-property.net, Check our website www.pattayaproperty.net Prb/44/ A 3 Bedroom, 2 Bathroom single storeyHouse in East Pattaya available for 20,000 Baht per month. Ref: HR1733. Contact Alan Bolton Property Consultants on 081996-2489 or email info@ pattaya-property.net, Check our website www.pattayaproperty.net Prb11/44-49/ Office space Office space Office space: Now available for rent. Great location in the Heart of Pattaya and Jomtien. ample parking in a garden setting. Already 60% full.

Available spaces from 575sqm.to 16sqm. Tel. 081 805 3849. Gary Email: lou997@hotmail.com Prb10/44-48/ 2-storey house on a ½ rai, in Soi 14 off NakluaPattaya Road, big balcony, 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, maid’s room, covered parking for 3 cars, needs some work: 20,000 baht/month (yearly contract).

Phone: 086 063 5848 Prb06/42-46/ A 2 and 4-Bedroom Terraced House on Soi 5 Pratamnak Rd. for rent. Phone 081 782 0206

VOL. XXII No. 44

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Tel. 038 411 240-1, 038 413 240-1 Fax. 038 411 833

Prb09/44-48/ CORNER TOWNHOUSE, Off Soi Khaotalo, Like new, quiet, safe, two bedroom, one bathroom, patio, carport, Thai kitchen, air-conditioned, FULLY FURNISHED, 10,000 Baht/Monthly, English 087 805 5276 Prb08/43-44/ For rent: 2storey pool-villa Na Jomtien, 160sqm living area, 2 bed, 3 bath: 25,000 baht/month. Tel. 084 723 3275 Prb07/43-44/ House for rent: 5min from Foodland, Townhouse, 2fl, 270sqm, 4 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, Euro kitchen, fully furnished, Safe in the wall, big terrace, all windows/doors iron fence, Indoor water tank with pump, big living room, all room air-con, sleeps 7 people. Tel 081 161 3270 (Hans) minimum 6 months â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 1 year at 14,500 baht, 3 months deposit, 1 month rent.

Email: cadillac67@gmail.com Prb05/42-46/ A beautiful 3Bedroom Villa with private pool and garden off Soi Chaiyapruk (Beach side) Jomtien. Phone 081 782 0206 Prb04/41-45/ Fully furnished, 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 3 A/ C, swimming pool, a beautiful and clean place to live. Tel 084 351 8254 (English) - 10,900 THB per month

E-Mail: mailmarket@pattayamail.com

Condos, Apartments Prc/44/ 80sqm, 1 Bedroom Condominium in established development located in Pratumnak available for just 20,000 Baht per month .Ref CR1613. Contact Alan Bolton Property Consultants on 081996-2489 or email info@ pattaya-property.net, Check our website www.pattayaproperty.net Prc/44/ 52sqm, 1 Bedroom, 1 Bathroom Condominium in abrand new development located on soi 1, Beach Road, North Pattaya available for 25,000 Baht per month. Ref: CR2969. Contact Alan Bolton Property Consultants on 081996-2489 or email info@ pattaya-property.net, Check our website www.pattayaproperty.net Prc/44/ 79.5sqm, 1 Bedroom, 2 Bathroom Condominium in established Central Pattaya development available for just 19,500 Baht per month. Ref CR1225. Contact Alan Bolton Property Consultants on 081996-2489 or email info@ pattaya-property.net, Check our website www.pattayaproperty.net

Prc/44/ 46sqm, 1 Bedroom, 1 Bathroom Condominium in this popular Central Pattaya development available for just 20,000 Baht per month. Ref CR2649 Contact Alan Bolton Property Consultants on 081996-2489 or e-mail info@ pattaya-property.net, Check our website www.pattayaproperty.net Prc/44/ 46sqm 1 Bedroom, 1 Bathroom Condominium in established development located in the city center available for just 18,000 Baht per month. Ref CR2461 Contact Alan Bolton Property Consultants on 081-996-2489 or e-mail info@pattaya-property. net, Check our website www. pattaya-property.net Prc/44/ 44sqm, 1 Bedroom, 1 Bathroom Condominium in this recently completed development located in Jomtien for just 24,000 Baht per month.

Ref: CR2800. Contact Alan Bolton Property Consultants on 081-996-2489 or email info@pattaya-property.net Check our website www. pattaya-property.net Prc/44/ 48sqm, Studio Condominium in established development located in Wong Amat available for 15,000 Baht per month. Ref: CR2663. Contact Alan Bolton Property Consultants on 081-996-2489 or email info@pattaya-property. net Check our website www. pattaya-property.net Prc10/44-48/ Apartment for Rent: 2 minutes walking distance to Jomtien beach, 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom, fully furnished, separate kitchen, free WIFI, 500 baht/day utility included, 2 persons allowed in the room maximum, one month lease, for pictures email juanitareed@hotmail.com or for appointment call 081 653 1950 and 083 578 6664 Prc09/42-46/ Pattaya Beach Road Soi 13: Studio â&#x20AC;&#x201C; wooden interior, balcony: 9,600 baht/month. Studio + big terrace: 12,000 baht/ month. Tel 081 835 0967

Prc08/41-50/ VIP Condo (Ban Amphur), studio for rent, 40sqm, flat screen TV, free Wifi, newly renovated, large swimming pool, tennis courts, good gym, on the beach, 1 month 15,000 baht/month, 1 year 13,000 baht/month. Tel 086 069 4399 and 083 687 1900 Prc07/40-03/ Furnished Studio For Rent: A/C, Hot Water, Cable, Swimming Pool 4,500 baht per month Nernplaubwon Soi 53 at Mapyaillia Soi 45, Tel 085 276 8457 (Eng).

089 931 4170 (Thai).

Prc02/34-48/ Condo 32sqm for rent: located near Big C Extra, Foodland, fully furnished, balcony, air-con, big swimming pool: 6,500 baht/month (ADSL-connection available) Call 082 973 9440/ 082 862 7964 Eng/Ger (after 1 p.m.)

Prc01/38-47/ Royal Park Luxury Service Apartments and penthouse suite, Jomtien, 56-70 sqm, one bedroom, large living area with balcony and European kitchen. Free internet. Enjoy our rooftop swimming pool. Short walk to the beach. Monthly and daily rentals, starting 17,000 bath/month. Contact 086 111 7414 or check on our website www.royalparkjomtien.com to see why we are number 1 in Jomtien.

Property for Sale Houses, Villas Psb/44/ A substantial 3 Bedroom, 4 Bathroom Detached family House in East Pattaya on offer for 6,950,000 Baht. Located in a well established village with all the facilities a family could ask for. Ref: HS3704.

Contact Alan Bolton Property Consultants on 081-996-2489 or email info@ pattayaproperty.net Check our website www.pattaya-property.net

Psb/44/ A 4 Bedroom 4 Bathroom house with private pool in Naklua for only 11,100,000 Bath. A perfect family house in a fantastic location. Ref HS4115.

Contact Alan Bolton Property Consultants on 081-996-2489 or email info@pattaya-property. net, Check our website www. pattaya-property.net Psb01/43-05/ Rayong Banphe - near Mae Ramphung beach, new houses and villas for sale, 2-4 bedroom, private pool/land, partly furnished: Price 2.7 - 8.5M.baht. Tel (Thai) 081 863 6063, (Eng) 086 158 5667

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Tel. 038 411 240-1, 038 413 240-1 Fax. 038 411 833

VOL. XXII No. 44 E-Mail: mailmarket@pattayamail.com

Psb/44/ A 3 Bedroom 2 Bathroom house with communal pool in East Pattaya. An ideal family home or rental investment for 3,400,000 Baht. Ref HS3866.

Contact Alan Bolton Property Consultants on 081-996-2489 or email info@ pattayaproperty.net, Check our website www.pattaya-property.net Psb/44/ A 3 Bed, 4 Bath House in East Pattaya, located in an exclusive, secure village close to Mabprachan lake. On offer for just 5,000,000 Baht. Ref: HS3850. Contact Alan Bolton Property Consultants on 081996-2489 or email info@ pattaya-property.net, Check our website www.pattayaproperty.net Psb/44/ A Brand New 2 Bedroom, 2 Bathroom House located just off the Highway 7 in East Pattaya on offer for 2,890,000 Baht. The owner is offering a finance scheme of 69 months. Ref: HS3711. Contact Alan Bolton Property Consultants on 081-996-2489 or email info@pattaya-property. net, Check our website www. pattaya-property.net

Send your property related articles to

propertynews@pattayamail.com

Psb/44/ A 5 Bedroom, 3 Bathroom House in Soi Nernplubwarn in East Pattaya on offer for only 3,850,000 Baht.

A large, fully furnished house for a very low price! Ref: HS3851. Contact Alan Bolton Property Consultants on 081996-2489 or email info@ pattayaproperty.net, Check our website www.pattaya-property.net

Condos, Apartments Psc/44/ A 58 sqm 1 Bedroom 1 Bathroom Condominium right in the heat of the city.These unit make excellent rental investment in one of the most popular projects in Pattaya. Priced at only 3,400,000 be quick not miss out. CS4431. Contact Alan Bolton Property Consultants on 081-996-2489 or email info@pattaya-property. net, Check our website www. pattaya-property.net Psc/44/ A 46.5sqm 1 Bedroom High Floor Condominium in the recently completed Nova Cliff development in Pratumnak, on offer for only 3,422,400 Baht. Stunning Sea, Koh Larn and Panoramic Views. Ref: CS4563. Contact Alan Bolton Property Consultants on 081996-2489 or email info@ pattaya-property. net, Check our website www. pattayaproperty.net

Psc/44/ A 75sqm Brand New Fully Furnished 1 Bedroom Condominium in Pratumnak, 5,990,000 Baht. A spacious condo ready to be lived in, enjoy the modern style, large balcony and pool view. Ref: CS4586.

Contact Alan Bolton Property Consultants on 081-996-2489 or email info@pattaya-property. net, Check our website www. pattaya-property.net Psc/44/ A 25sqm 1 Bedroom Condominium in South Pattaya, 1,199,999 Baht! Due for completion in Q3 2016 this property offers exceptional investment value. Facilities include large pool and shopping centre. Contact Alan Bolton Property Consultants on 081996-2489 or email info@ pattaya-property.net, Check our website www.pattayaproperty.net Psc/44/ A 117sqm, 2 Bedroom 2 Bathroom, Sea View Condominium with large balcony for 14,300,000 Baht. This popular, well established development in Pattaya offers an unrivalled common area and is located on Beach Road. Ref: CS2984. Contact Alan Bolton Property Consultants on 081996-2489 or email info@ pattaya-property.net Check our website www.pattayaproperty.net

Psc/44/ A 24.2sqm Studio Condominium in Central Pattaya on offer for 1,325,000 Baht. Be the first to own this property, 80% payment now and 20% in March 2014. Ref: CS4475. Contact Alan Bolton Property Consultants on 081996-2489 or email info@ pattaya-property.net, Check our website www.pattayaproperty.net Psc02/43-47/ The Avenue, 2 bedrooms, 8th floor, views, F/ F, 2 TVâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s etc, built in wardrobe, 45sqm: THB 2,750,000 (great rental).Tel. 083 911 3965 Psc01/43-50/ For Sale: 74sqm, 3-room condo, 2 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, balcony, swimming pool, First floor Majestic Condominium Jomtien, fully furnished, Farang name, Price 2,300,000 baht. Urgent Tel 087 485 3770 and 082 474 3154, email: josger8586@gmail.com

Land for Sale P05/42-46/ Land for sale: 7 Rai (3,000,000 baht per Rai). Close o Dolphin Show in Huay Yai. Tel 089 444 4407 Email: noisuk71@gmail.com P04/27-52/ Land in USA for Sale: 24.3 acres (61.46 rai) (9.8 hectares) of prime wooded land in northern New York State is now up for sale. Formerly a

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tree farm, the ambitious could recoup some of the purchase price by harvesting the wood.

7 minutes from downtown Potsdam, New York, home to 2 major universities, Clarkson College and SUNY (State University of New York). Located near the St. Lawrence waterway and Lake Ontario, beautiful Hanawa Falls is just around the corner. Only about 20 minutes from Adirondack State Park.

Lake Placid, home of the 1932 & 1980 Winter Olympics, is just one and a half hours drive away. Less than 2 hours drive from Ottawa, Canada. Land could be used as a hunting lodge (plenty of wild game in the area), or as a quiet, secluded residence, or developed into many house lots. Only US$70,000 OBO. Contact Dorothy Petrosky: dottreal@twcny.rr.com or email Dan at totopm@csloxinfo.com.

Services Provided Sp14/44-48/ Service construction: Tiling, painting, electricity, water pipe, ceiling, art wall etc.

Call 087 783 4015 or 087 136 7036 Sp13/44/ Architect Engineer: Houses, Condos, Tel: 085 083 4221.

Sp12/37-45/ Thai Massage, Thai-oil massage services will visit you, English speaking Call 083 745 6557 Sp06/26-52/ Connex Asia Co. specializes in providing general contracting, renovation works, construction management and design/build services to a wide range of market segments. With over 15 years experience in the Pattaya marketplace, our team of construction professionals is dedicated to providing our clients with quality workmanship in a timely manner.

In short: we are dedicated to service! Call Winnie 038 422986 or 081 802 1467, wpsvo@chonburi.ksc.co.th Sp02/26-52/ Swimming Pools: Connex Asia has a long history of providing our clientele with quality swimming pool construction, premium equipment, and unsurpassed customer service. We have the knowledge with years of experience to fit your needs, your desires, and your specifications. All our pools are absolutely chlorine and salt free. Call Winnie 038 422 986 or 081 802 1467, wpsvo@chonburi.ksc.co.th

FRIDAY OCTOBER 31, 2014 37 E-Mail: mailmarket@pattayamail.com

Sp11/08-52/ WWW.321CLEAN .COM – General home cleaning: Dynamic team and foreigner follow-up. Call now on 089 886 5445 (English), 080 091 2924 (Thai) or leave a message on our web site.

Sp04/26-52/ Magna Carta Law Office can assist you in securing loans from a minimum 700,000 up to a maximum of 50 Million Baht through various financial institutions with no credit checks or black marks and no penalty for a bad credit history. All loans are secured against either land or property and we are able to lend you up to 50% of the appraised valuation of your asset. The funds will be available around 10 days from the start of the application. Loans can be for a period of 6 months to 1 year and can be extended for longer if needed. Call either 038-373735 or 081-9833-620 for an appointment.

Sp01/26-52/ Magna Carta Law Office in South Pattaya offers One-Stop Quality Legal Services. Criminal, Civil, Family & Labor Law Consultancy, Full Accounting Service, Company Set-up, Visa and Work Permit, Notary Service, Real Estate Transactions, Last Will & Testament. You can visit our website www.magnacarta.co.th for the complete list of services.

Call us at 038 373 735 to 6 or email us at legal@magnacarta. co.th to set an appointment for a FREE NO OBLIGATION INITIAL CONSULTATION

Staff Wanted Sw01/43-44/ Condominium Administration has one vacancy for an accountant: Qualifications - Bachelor degree in Major Accounting, with knowledge of E x p r e s s , E x c e l and Word programmes, Fluent in English reading/writing and speaking, Good personality and dynamic.

Interested persons call for appointment at 081 801 7781, email: thananan@accounting-tax.co.th

Sw02/43-44/ Business and Accounting Services employees wanted for our Thepprasit Rd offices. Following vacancies exist for: 1 Administrative/receptionist staff, fluent in English reading/writing and speaking, computer literate, knowledge of French is an advantage. 2 Accountants, any degree in Major Accounting with knowledge of Express, Excel, Word, able to close A/C and prepare details of F/R, Good personality and dynamic. Interested persons call for appointment at 081 801 7781, e-mail: thananan@accountingtax.co.th

Vehicles for Rent Vr28/43-47/ Jay’s Rent A Car: Toyota’s & Honda’s. All top of the range, for your safety all serviced by Toyota/Honda, all have A.B.S./airbags + 1st class, rental Insurance, Rent the best, Please ring for details: (Thai) 084 865 5102 or (Eng) 085 283 4915.

Vr/39-01/ Low season prices all through high season 100% insurance. New Honda City.

Tel: Nat 084 738 8812 Holiday Car Rent

Vr27/44/ Fortuner 3ltr from 1000 baht per day, full insurance, also Toyota and Isuzu pickups only 550 baht per day, 2 left, well maintained nice cars, long term discounts available, just ask! Call 089 932 7965 you ring we bring!

Vr26/35-46/ SPS Car and Bike Rentals: cars from 500 baht/day, Yamaha Nouvos and Mios from 80 baht/day, free delivery in Pattaya area. All cars with 1st class insurance. Tel. 081 177 3307, 038 405 165, www.pattaya-carhire.com

Request English Teacher in Chiangmai

38 FRIDAY OCTOBER 31, 2014

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VOL. XXII No. 44

Tesla’s extended warranty

US GP this weekend The final three Grands Prix for 2014 are in count down.

With double points for the last GP that makes 100 points up for grabs. The only players still left in the game are the Mercedes duo of Hamilton and Rosberg. With Hamilton’s current form, he has to be the favorite, but with 100 points lying on the table, anything could happen.

This will be the third F1 GP at the Circuit of the Americas (COTA). The circuit is 5.5 km long and is made up of twenty turns with an elevation change of 41 m. According to COTA, the final plan of the circuit was released on September 1, 2010, showing a design inspired by the European tradition of sculpting the circuit to the contours of the land. The design draws from several European F1 circuits, including a recreation of Silverstone’s MaggottsBecketts-Chapel sequence, Hockenheim’s arena bends, and a replica of Istanbul’s Turn Eight. Other corners were loosely inspired by the Senna ‘S’ at Interlagos and the Österreichring’s SebringAuspuffkurve. A feature of the circuit is a deliberate widening of corners, to encourage drivers to follow multiple racing lines, which did seem to work in last year’s GP. The circuit runs counterclockwise, the others being Marina Bay, the Korea International Circuit, Yas Marina, and Interlagos.

From the start line, the cars

US will climb to the first corner the highest point of the circuit - with the apex of the corner positioned on the crest of the hill. They will descend back down the hill to navigate a series of fast sweepers modeled on Silverstone’s Maggotts-Becketts-Chapel complex and through a blind corner at Turn 10, taking them to the far end of the circuit and a hairpin at Turn 11. The cars will then follow a 1.00 km straight back towards the pit and paddock area before entering the final sector of the lap and weaving through a series of corners modeled on Hockenheim’s stadium section. This will be followed by

GP. a downhill, multi-apex corner with limited run-off before the final two corners of the circuit, a pair of left-hand bends that return the cars to the main straight.

Despite influences by Herr Tilke, the circuit did see passing last year. Unfortunately, with the time differential between Texas and ourselves here in Thailand, the US GP, at the Circuit of the Americas (AKA COTA), kicks off at 3 a.m. our time. Even the most hardy of us have drawn the line at this one. 3 a.m. is just too late to be sitting down to watch the GP, so we will be looking to the internet the next morning, just as you will.

also fell in that 12 month period by 18 percent.

Some of the reasons put forward by the FTI include lower farm prices, weak domestic consumption, tightening up of loan criteria, poor economic outlook of neighboring ASEAN countries, a decreased demand for pick-ups in Australia and increased competition

from cheaper Eastern European vehicles, coupled with a very slow global economic recovery.

It would look that the Thai auto manufacturing industry will need to promote the products very heavily in the ASEAN group, in the hope that the institution of the AEC will stimulate their economies.

But on the other side of the coin News just to hand from the Thai Board of Investment (BOI), five manufacturers have been given the nod to progress with the eco 2 program. These include Ford and GM, Nissan, Mitsubishi and Toyota. Notably the future presence of VW that everyone though would be producing a Polo sized light car for the eco 2, is not mentioned.

Thailand aims to achieve annual motor vehicle production of three millions units by 2015. The projects announced under the eco 2 program so far are expected

Tesla S. this should have been our short term, as our warranty repolicy from the beginning of serves will necessarily have to the Model S program. If we increase above current levels. truly believe that electric This is amplified by the fact that motors are fundamentally we are doing so retroactively, more reliable than gasoline not just for new customers. engines, with far fewer mov- However, by doing the right ing parts and no oily residue thing for Tesla vehicle owners or combustion byproducts at this early stage of our comto gum up the works, then pany, I am confident that it will our warranty policy should work out well in the long term.” reflect that.

Whilst this looks very “To investors in Tesla, I must good for Tesla owners, on acknowledge that this will paper, the resale value of a have a moderately negative nine year old Tesla just went effect on Tesla earnings in the through the floor!

How to recognize a “classic”

An optimist is someone who brings their lunch to work?

The latest figures from our local auto industry are not encouraging. The Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) has reported that the Year On Year figures for September showed a fall of 15.6 percent.

Domestic car sales fell by almost 28 percent, reflecting the general downturn in the community coffers. Exports

Long warranties are becoming the name of the automotive game these days. Hyundai in Australia is now offering a seven year warranty brave? Foolhardy? Or just complete confidence in the product?

However, Tesla is now on the bandwagon with a selected component eight year warranty! Tesla boss Elon Musk reporting on his blog, “The Tesla Model S drive unit warranty has been increased to match that of the battery pack. That means the 85 kWh Model S, our most popular model by far, now has an 8 year, infinite mile warranty on both the battery pack and drive unit. There is also no limit on the number of owners during the warranty period.

“Moreover, the warranty extension will apply retroactively to all Model S vehicles ever produced. In hindsight,

to add a further 800,000 vehicles from 2019.

The five manufacturers receive tax concessions in return for the commitment to invest in expanded manufacturing facilities in Thailand.

Ford and GM’s investment plans are for about THB 1.8 Bn and THB 1.2 Bn respectively.

According to the Thai BOI announcement, Ford plans to boost the output of its Rayong manufacturing plant by 180,000 vehicles a year, while also adding production capacity for 2000 engines a year.

Ford already builds products such as the Fiesta, Focus, Ranger and - soon Everest SUV in Thailand, exporting them to Australia and other countries.

The third-generation Ford Ka five-door hatch and fourdoor sedan that went into production in Brazil earlier this year could be a prospect for the new Ford plant, with speculations that Ka production will be extended to Thailand, China and India.

So, despite the FTI gloom, doom and disaster, the big players look to making hay while the sun still shines.

There is always debate on what makes for a “classic” motor car.

A couple of years back I was approached by someone trying to work out how many classics there were down here in fun-town Pattaya. My reply was, “Not many” as you very rarely see any vehicle with classic history or pedigree sitting at the side of the road, and a quick query amongst the monthly car club natter night enthusiasts revealed that very few of them owned anything which, in my opinion, were classics. The Honda Jazz, whilst being a great little car, is hardly a classic!

For me, a classic is a car which has had significant impact on motoring history. It is also a vehicle which has been out of production for a number of years, so that the manufacturer’s advertizing claims and slogans have been forgotten. “Safety Fast” was on all the brochures about MG cars, but when you think about it, very few were ‘fast’ and even fewer were ‘safe’.

I believe there is a tendency in countries such as Thailand to confuse ‘old’ and ‘classic’.

For example, Fiat must have sold very well in the late 1950’s and early 1960’s judging by the number of battered old Fiat 1100’s that are still around.

Some of these are now half a century old - but does that make them a ‘classic’?

MGB’s were a very successful mass-produced sports car that brought open-top motoring to the masses in a way that the Triumph TR series did not. So according to my definition fit into the classic category. However, what do you make of this MGB? Goes nicely, but

Caterham 7. doesn’t quite sound the part.

Why? Because it has a Toyota Corolla engine in it too. Can we call this MGB/Corolla a classic? I know what I think, what do you think?

My feeling is this, if we allow this in as a classic, then we have to allow anything that looks like a classic in to the category. Bugatti T35’s built on a VW platform spring to mind immediately, but we don’t have to go that exotic. What about the thousands of 351 Cobra replicas? A 351 Cobra is most certainly a classic, but is a ‘new’ one a classic too?

Another classic that has spawned whole generations of clones is the Lotus 7, and in particular, the Super 7. An instantly recognizable vehicle which has influenced automotive design for 40 years. According to any definition, the Super 7 has to be a classic. But what about the Caterham? A newer and better Super 7 without a doubt, but it is a copy of the original design. Can we call it a classic too?

Unfortunately we haven’t got many Caterhams or

Cobra replicas down here, so the debate continues but quietly. However, let me loose in a Caterham/Cobra at the Prince Bira circuit and it won’t be quietly, I can assure you!

For interest, here are some of my entries for a classic car category: 1973 Porsche RS Carrera (the forerunner of the ultimate Porsches), 1964 Mustang 289 V8 (the first of the really powerful Mustangs), 1966 Morris Cooper S (the first of the mass market pocket rockets), 1946 MG TC (first introduced sports cars for the masses to America - but ‘safety fast’?), 1958 Ferrari LM 250 (what a shape, what a noise, what a car), 1936 Cord 810 (classic Gordon Buerhig design with the coffin nose and hydraulic shifter), 1931 Mercedes SSKL (the first road car you could race and win) and the 1955 Citroen 2CV complete with canvas seats (First car made from roofing iron!).

Of course there’s lots more, but there are not too many in Thailand, I’m afraid (though there used to be a V8 Tatra in Chiang Mai).

Autotrivia Quiz Last week I asked what car is this? It was the Lightburn Zeta “sports”.

So to this week. When we pull up at the traffic lights, why should we remember Herbert Frood?

For the Automania free beer this week, be the first correct answer to email viacars@gmail.com.

Quiz car.

VOL. XXII No. 44

Darkside Tuesday Darts League Standings Oct. 21 (week 8) Team P W L F A T/G Pts. Chill Bar 8 7 1 51 21 8 14 PJ Pub 7 6 1 37 26 4 12 Oscars Bar 8 4 4 42 30 4 8 Load Out 7 3 4 37 26 2 6 Double Dutch 6 2 4 17 37 2 4 Moonies 8 0 8 14 58 2 0 Results: Chill Bar (6-1)-(3-0) v Oscars Bar, Moonies (1-0)-(8-1) v PJ Pub and Restaurant

Wednesday Darts League Results & Standings Oct. 22 (week 7) Team Buffalo Jack’s W. Tankies Jantha Coffee Oscar’s Sports Bar i-Rovers ‘A’ i-Rovers ‘B’ Moonies Yates’ Bar Bye The Clinic

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P 6 6 6 6 6 7 7 6 7 7

W 6 5 4 3 3 3 3 2 2 1

L 0 1 2 3 3 4 4 4 5 6

For 37 41 41 31 30 29 21 24 15 19

Against. Pts. 17 12 13 10 Results: Bye (0-0)13 8 (9-1) v Moonies, i23 6 Rovers ‘B’ (4-0)-(5-1) 24 6 v The Clinic 34 6 42 6 30 4 48 4 44 2

Asia Back Packer’s Monday Darts Super League Standings Oct. 20 (week 16) Team P W L F A B/L Pts. Buffalo Jack’s 16 13 3 91 45 11 26 Load Out 14 12 2 89 33 9 24 Legends 15 12 3 82 49 11 24 W. Tankies 15 9 6 76 55 9 18 Jantha Coffee 16 8 8 67 69 9 16 Double Top 13 8 5 62 47 8 16 i-Rovers ‘A’ 15 6 9 52 75 8 12 Don’t Tell MaMa’s 16 5 11 56 70 4 10 i-Rovers ‘B’ 16 2 14 29 105 4 4 Bye 16 1 15 30 86 3 2 Results: Buffalo Jack’s (5-1)-(0-0) v Bye, Don’t Tell MaMa’s (7-0)-(1-1) v i-Rovers ‘B’, i-Rovers ‘A’ (5-1)-(0-0) v Jantha Coffee

Pattaya 8-Ball Pool League Results & Standings Oct. 20 (week 10) Team Played Won Lost For Agst Diff Points Smile Bar 10 9 1 107 43 64 28 Phimai Geordie 9 9 0 103 32 71 27 Asian Nomads 10 6 4 73 77 -4 22 Funny Girls 8 5 3 62 58 4 18 Pom Bar 9 4 5 58 77 -19 17 Crazy Eddie’s 9 4 5 57 78 -21 17 San Snack Bar 8 4 4 66 54 12 16 Connections 10 2 8 59 91 -32 14 Parrot Inn 7 3 4 48 57 -9 13 Doggy Style 9 2 7 48 87 -39 13 Ta Bar 8 2 6 53 67 -14 12 Bye 3 0 3 16 29 -13 3 Results: Crazy Eddie’s 9 v 6 Funny Girl, Doggy Style v Bye, Smile Bar 12 v 3 Parrot Inn, San Snack Bar 6 v 9 Phimai Geordie, Pom Bar 8 v 7 Ta Bar, Connections 4 v 11 Asian Nomads

Crumpton Oaks Cider Monday Pool League Standings Oct. 20 (week 10) Team P W L +/BP Pts. Legends 10 9 1 34 0 27 Rest Stop 10 8 2 29 0 24 Nicky’s Bar 11 8 3 20 0 24 Links Bar 10 7 3 22 1 22 Sweethearts Bar 10 7 3 13 0 21 Shoot Pool 10 6 4 6 1 19 Dean’s Bar 10 5 5 -6 1 16 Offshore Bar 10 5 5 -3 0 15 Cheers Bar 9 4 5 -11 2 14 Wok ‘n’ Rok 10 3 7 -24 1 10 Classroom 9 2 7 -23 2 8 Two Dogs 10 1 9 -42 0 3 Mates Bar 11 0 11 -15 0 0 Results: Legends 6-10 Offshore Bar, Nicky’s Bar 8-10 Links Bar, Rest Stop 10-5 Dean’s Bar, Shoot Pool 10-9 Classroom, Sweethearts Bar 10-9 Cheers Bar, Two Dogs 10-4 Mates Bar

King Factory Friday Night Pool League Results & Standings Oct. 24 (week 1) Team P W L Legends Pool 1 1 0 The Butchers Arms 1 1 0 Sweethearts Bar 1 1 0 The Rest Stop 1 1 0 BYE 1 0 0 Pook’s Bar 1 0 0 Links Bar 1 0 0 Shoot Pool 1 0 0 Results: Bye A-W The Rest Stop, Legends Pool 15-5 12-8 Pook’s Bar, The Butchers Arms 13-7 Links Bar

D +/Pts 0 10 3 0 6 3 0 4 3 0 0 3 1 0 0 1 -4 0 1 -6 0 1 -10 0 Shoot Pool, Sweethearts Bar

Tuesday Darts League Results & Standings Oct. 21 (week 16) Team P W L F A B/legs Pts. Londoner 15 15 0 140 40 12 30 Legends 16 12 4 99 58 8 24 Buffalo Jack’s 15 10 5 94 66 8 20 Yates’ Bar 15 10 5 80 60 11 20 Jantha Coffee 16 10 5 85 73 12 20 The Swan 15 9 6 84 58 13 18 Crazy Eddie’s 15 8 7 84 69 6 16 Nervous Wreck 15 7 8 73 78 7 14 Shoot Pool 16 7 9 71 83 7 14 i-Rovers 16 6 10 80 86 7 12 Bye 16 5 9 36 68 5 10 Scandalic 15 4 11 60 95 6 8 W. Tankies 15 3 12 43 90 2 6 Bye 16 0 15 0 105 0 0 Results: Bye (0-0)-(0-0) v Jantha Coffee, Legends (7-1)-(0-0) v Bye, Shoot Pool (71)-(5-0) v i-Rovers

Links Bar Wednesday 9-Ball Pool League Results & Standings Oct. 22 (week 19) Team Legends Pool Mates Bar Links Bar Pook’s Bar George & Dragon FCUK Inn Classroom Crazy Eddie’s The Ranch Connections Queen Vic

P 16 19 15 17 15 15 18 16 15 15 17

W 13 10 10 9 7 5 6 5 5 4 4

D 1 2 0 2 2 5 2 3 2 2 1

L 2 7 5 6 6 5 10 8 8 9 12

+/74 -2 46 12 10 0 -32 -10 -16 -26 -56

Pts. 40 32 30 29 23 20 20 18 17 14 13

Results: FCUK Inn 13-7 George & Dragon, Legends Pool 14-6 Connections, Pook’s Bar 8-12 Mates Bar, The Ranch 128 Queen Vic

40 FRIDAY OCTOBER 31, 2014

PATTAYA MAIL

VOL. XXII No. 44

Bill & Kae – a dynamic winning duo PSC Golf from Tropical Bert’s Tuesday, Oct. 22, Green Valley – Stableford This is probably the last time we will play here until we come back to the next low season. I said probably because nothing is set in stone. We now come to a time when green fees go through the roof and tee times get hard to book.

Today we found Green Valley wet after the rain of late but all in all it was in really good condition. The fairways were reasonably dry but in places they were a little bit soggy, which fit in well with the ‘lift, clean and place’ ruling employed on the day and we did pick up a lot of mud on the ball.

The weather was great, the greens in good conditions and all in all a great day. So finish and get back to Bert’s.

In the A Flight, 0 to 15, the winner was John Davis with 34 points on count back from Andre Van Dyk in second and Mark West in third.

In the B Flight the winner was Don Carmody with the best score of the day and 37 points. We then had a 4-way count back on 33 points that

Tuesday’s winners with one of Bert’s finest.

Bill Steinmann and Kae Tusagad saw Graham Buckingham in second, Mikito Homma in third and Derek Brook and Dick Warberg just missing out.

Near Pins: Steve Hamstad, Peter Blackburn, Tom Cotton, John Davis Long Putt: Daryl Evans

Friday, Oct. 25, Plutaluang N & W – Stableford With Second Road resurfacing mostly completed, getting to Tropical Bert’s is a little smoother these days.

Many golfers took advantage

of this and there was a large crowd on hand to tackle the always interesting Navy Course. After the usual last minute adjustments for noshows or walk-ins, by 8:30 everyone was assigned a ride and off we went.

Playing Navy is always interesting. With two complete courses those trying to get into “the zone” must wait until the last minute to know where to focus. The challenging and interesting layout keeps you on your toes, or it keeps you looking for lost balls. Today North and West were the courses of choice.

Recent rains make all area courses play long due to almost total lack of roll, so the long Navy course played longer, and lift/clean/place was necessary. Dark skies, at moments very dark, made many wonder if rain or maybe that eclipse was about to happen, but all stayed dry.

Tough, long, interesting, damp... a combination to test all the golfers, and back at Bert’s with one shining exception the scores reflected this combination.

Rising to the challenge and then some - Bill

Steinmann dominated with an amazing 42 points! Exceptional golf Bill, how did you do it? Next overall was petite Kae Tusagad who showed golf is a game of the mind by mastering the course and conditions with an excellent 36 points.

A-Flight (0-16) 1st Bill Steinmann (10) 42pts 2nd Alex Pedersen (9) 33pts 3rd Ted Morris (15) 31pts B-Flight (17-36) 1st Kae Tusagad (19) 36pts 2nd Mike O’Brien (20) 34pts 3rd Daryl Evans (23) 33pts Near Pins: Roy Dayton, Kae Tusagad, Tom Cotton, Steve Hamstad Note: Due to the fact that Tropical Bert’s will soon be relocating to the ‘dark-side’, we are also having to relocate. Starting in November, our new location will be B.J Holiday Lodge on Soi 3 off Beach Road, Pattaya and we will be called Tropical Golf from B.J. Holiday Lodge. We particularly want to thank Bert and Pu for being there for us over the last 10 years or so, and wish them all the best in their new Tropical Bar at Soi. Watboonsampan.

Freddy’s the Star act PSC Golf from Lewiinski’s Golf Society Sunday, Oct. 19, Green Valley Stableford A Flight 1st Freddy Starbeck (12) 42pts 2nd Bob Watson (3) 42pts 3rd Dave Stockman (7) 42pts B Flight 1st Claude Harder (16) 42pts

2nd Jorn Finnerup (21) 42pts 3rd David Anderpauch (16) 38pts Near Pins: No 5 Freddy Starbeck, No 8 Dave Palmer, No 12 David Anderpauch, No16 Tony Huxtable The man of the match was none other than Freddy Starbeck who out-counted a

host of 42 point returns.

Aussie star Bob Watson and Dave Stockman, both with 42 points, filled the A Flight podium with Bob lifting the silver and Dave the bronze.

Freddy also had a hole-inone on the fifth hole par 3 and just for good measure a near pin.

B Flight was not to be outdone as Claude Harder and Ireland’s Jorn Finnerup battled it out for the top spot, both incredibly with 42 points each but with Claude having the better inward nine.

The superb performance of the field was reflected in the fact that Phil Davies, Peter ‘the silver surfer’ Henshaw and Don ‘the ladies man’ Lehmer went to a count back for the third spot, all with 37 points, as Phil edged the other two in the count back.

Spare a thought for David Anderpauch who had 40 points and would have filled the B Flight bronze spot if he had been a member. But he did get a near pin which he was allowed to keep.

Back at Lewiinski’s, Freddy gave a bell ring to celebrate his hole-in-one.

Tuesday, Oct. 21, Greenwood Stableford A Flight 1st Peter Larsson (12) 36pts 2nd Tom Gorey (12) 35pts

Freddy Starbeck.

B Flight 1st Mike Jeffreys (17) 38pts 2nd Bruce Walters (26) 30pts Many of our regular players will remember Greenwood by its old name Noble Place. Even with its new name it still plays the same, which is to say it is one of the top courses on the schedule and with a very competitive price it remains a firm favourite with the players no matter that the travel time is a little longer than some of the other courses.

Once again it was in first class condition today with the greens being flat and fast and with the fairways looking and playing superbly.

B Flight’s Mike ‘the Welsh dragon’ Jeffreys was the

only player to better his handicap on the day to take the man of the match honours. Mike’s 38 points was eight clear of a trio of players and the resulting count back handed the silver to Aussie starlet Bruce Walters, leaving no podium steps for Aiden Murray and Peter Moon.

A Flight was the domain of Peter Larson with a solid even par round; Peter was a stroke clear of Tom ‘the Irish rover’ Gorey.

No 2’s were recorded so a rollover to Friday.

Friday, Oct. 24, Mt. Shadow - Stableford A Flight 1st Tom Gorey (12) 37pts

2nd Per Forsberg (15) 36pts 3rd Thierry Petrement (12) 35pts B Flight 1 st Peter Henshaw (20) 38pts 2nd Lou Szigligeti (22) 34pts 3rd Marcus Earp (35) 33pts Irishmen Tom Gorey and Peter ‘the silver surfer’ Henshaw were the stars of the day as they both topped their respective flights. Peter was the man of the match and top in B Flight with a sparkling 38 points.

Aussie Lou Zigzag followed Peter up the podium steps on 34 points and Marcus Earp had the better of the mathematics as he outgunned Aiden Murray for the third podium step.

Tom sat atop the A Flight podium with a sound 37 points, Per Forsberg and the man in the bold print Freddy Starbeck were strung out in one shot increments and in that order.

Tom Gorey, Thierry Petrement, Paul Smith and Bob Watson shared the rollover 2’s pot.

Note: Lewiinski’s is situated on Pattaya land Soi 1, Beach Rd Soi13/13 near Walking Street. Anyone wishing to play with us just pop in and add your name to the list or call Colin on 089 826 0764. Transport is provided.

VOL. XXII No. 44

Friday DFiT, Dusit Thani Pattaya: Visitors using the group fitness membership can avail of the THB 2,000 offer for five visits to the gym after their membership has expired. The offer includes unlimited use of DFiT facilities including tennis courts.

For more information, call 038-425611 ext. DFiT. 1:00 p.m. The Pattaya Bridge Club meets upstairs at Altos Restaurant, 144/99 Thappraya Road near flyover. Contact Jeremy Watson 085 818 2172, www.pattayabridge.org.

2:00 p.m. Pattaya Sports Club Bowling at PS Bowl on the top floor of Tops Supermarket at the junction of Central and Second Roads. Contact La at PS after 1:30 p.m.

Saturday Pattaya Archery Club meets between 10am and 12 midday every Saturday, Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday at our dedicated shooting range within easy reach of Pattaya, near the new railway road. Beginners of all ages are welcome, and equipment and coaching are free. For more information call Eric, the club President , on 089 535 1193 or visit www.pattayaarcheryclub.com Ocean Marina Yacht Club invites experienced sailors and learners for racing weekends and funsail/training weekends. The club has 5 star clubhouse facilities and a fleet of 25' racing yachts available. www.omycsailing.com, phone Kev Scott 087 825 0011.

8:00 a.m. Diving with Mermaid’s Dive School. Contact Mermaid’s Dive Center, tel. 038 232 219 - 20, email: mermaids@loxinfo.co.th 8:00 a.m. - noon & 2 - 6 p.m. (Sat & Sun - Also Monday to Friday) Horseback riding at the Horseshoe Point Riding Academy, the biggest equestrian center in South-East Asia. Show jumping, hacking, trail, dressage and classical dressage. Training courses from beginners to advanced riders with English speaking instructors. Leisure trail riding, group and private classes. All levels of riders welcome. Over 100 horses and ponies available. Located on 1,500 acres of beautiful tropical garden land just outside Pattaya. Free shuttle service available. For more information: phone (+66) 3873 - 5050 (ext. 4016-18), fax (+66) 3873 - 4973 or email: ridingschool@thehorseshoepoint.com 8:30 am. -10:00 am. International Players Academy meets every Sat. morning for Jr. Intermediate level Tennis at Ambassador City Tennis Courts. Visitors are welcome, just bring your tennis racket, ages range from 10-16. For more details call CJ on 086 086 2121

DATE:

FRIDAY OCTOBER 31, 2014 41

PATTAYA MAIL

Fri 31

Sat 01

Indoor Lawn Bowls Free at Coco Club every Saturday for school or college aged children from 11.00am - 2.00pm, with Male – English and Female Thai tutors. Parents can sit at the bar and watch. New champions needed! Call Sue on 087 135 8357 or pop in to the club at Baan Amphur - signposted behind Phoenix Golf.

3.00 pm - Pattaya Cricket Club practice nets at Horseshoe Point next to Siam Country Club. All ages and abilities welcome. Please contact Simon at pattayacricketclub@gmail.com

Sunday Badminton players are invited to play 3 mornings a week at X-zyte Sports Club on Third Road. We play 10-12am Sunday, Tuesday and Friday with a mix of mostly 50+ farangs and younger Thai’s.

The Amazing Sunday Golfers are a friendly group of average index who welcome new players. Each Sunday they have friendly games on different courses with a meeting point at the course.

Contact Philippe at 082 546 0770 or email 2012tasg@gmail.com to be updated each week for the upcoming game.

8:00 a.m. Diving with Mermaid’s Dive School. Contact Mermaid’s Dive Center, tel. 038 232 219 - 20, email: mermaids@loxinfo.co.th 12:00 p.m. Pattaya Sports Club Softball plays slow pitch recreational pick-ups games at every Sunday at 12 noon. New players always welcome regardless of skill level, experience, age or time away from the game. For more information and directions see the softball page at the Pattaya Sports Club website www.pattayasports.org or contact John at scrabbleking@yahoo.com or call 089-932-5433 2:00 p.m. The Pattaya Backgammon League (PBL) meets every Sunday at B.G. House & Restaurant @ 2 p.m. For further details phone 081 664 9085 or email tournament@ pattayabackgammonleague.com 3:00 p.m. Pattaya Jungle H3 meets every 1st and 3rd Sunday of each month and departure is from the Lek Hotel on 2nd Rd at 3pm. For more info please call Kai on 01 863 5095.

Monday 1:00 p.m. The Pattaya Bridge Club meets upstairs at Altos Restaurant, 144/99 Thappraya Road near flyover. Contact Jeremy Watson 085 818 2172, www.pattayabridge.org.

3.15 p.m. Pattaya Hash House Harriers: The club for drinking people with a running problem meets every Monday at 3:15

Sun 02

Mon 03

Tue 04

Blue Moose Golf

p.m. in Pattaya Third Road, in front of the Buffalo Bar close to soi Lengkee, and just down the road from the Boxing Roo. We depart at 3:30 p.m. sharp. More info at: www.pattayah3.com.

Tuesday Chess and Scrabble Club: every Tuesday 12pm - 5pm at Hoek-Van-Holland in Jomtien. Take Thappraya Road to intersection with Beach Road. Dong Tan Police sub-station is right there. Walk back towards Pattaya 10 meters along walking path. Hoek-Van-Holland is on the right, before the parking lot. Bring your own chess set and/or scrabble board. For more information please see website www.hoek-vanholland.com - Everyone welcome.

The Pattaya Chess Club meets every Tuesday evening from 6:30 p.m. onwards at Brauhaus on 2nd Road between Soi 7 and Soi 8. Learners and anybody who would like to play chess are most welcome. Boards and clocks are provided.

Pattaya Ladies Netball Club: 7.30 pm every Tuesday at Fairtex Sports Club. All ages and abilities are welcome. 100 baht per person. Please email pattayanetballclub@gmail.com to confirm or find us on Facebook – ‘Pattaya Ladies Tuesday Night Netball’

Wednesday 1:00 p.m. The Pattaya Bridge Club meets upstairs at Altos Restaurant, 144/99 Thappraya Road near flyover. Contact Jeremy Watson 085 818 2172, www.pattayabridge.org.

3.00 pm - Pattaya Cricket Club practice nets at Horseshoe Point next to Siam Country Club. All ages and abilities welcome. Please contact Simon at pattayacricketclub@gmail.com.

4.00 pm – Club Petanque Thailand plays Wednesdays and Saturdays from 4 p.m. until 9 p.m. The court is open for groups every day. New and bigger surface. Very good drainage as well as better lighting. No membership fee. Find us at Soi Nernplabwan 100/2 Moo7, next to Sutawas Temple and small Banglamung Police station. Contact: 085 280 7182, fax 038 248 067, email: petanque.Th@gmail.com (English, French, German, Scandinavian); (Thai & Chinese: 080 618 2831.)

Thursday 7:00 p.m. Pattaya Panthers and Panties (mixed) Touch Rugby every Thursday night at Horseshoe Point next to Siam Country Club. New players are always welcome - we are a very sociable team!

Please contact Paul Crouch on 089 902 6286 or pjcrouch@hotmail.com

Wed 05

Thu 06

TBA Khao Kheow

Bunker Boys

RichmanPoorman

Green Valley

Green Valley

The Haven

Greenwood M.

Green Valley

Pleasant Valley Greenwood

Plutaluang

Outback Golf Bar

Burapha Khao Kheow St.

Khao Kheow

Green Valley

Green Valley St.

Pattavia St.

I-Rovers

Pleasant Valley

Green Valley

Kronborg

Mt. Shadow

Pattavia

Lewiinski’s

Green Valley St.

Silky Oak

Pattaya Golf Soc. Travellers Rest

Greenwood

Green Valley St.

The Links Billabong Golf

The Golf Club

Plutaluang . Greenwood M.

Treasure Hill St.

Pattavia

The Emerald

Eastern Star St.

Green Valley St. Plutaluang

.

Pattavia St.

Plutaluang

Eastern Star St.

Eastern Star

Mt. Shadow Khao Kheow

Green Valley St.

Green Valley St. Pattavia

Eastern Star Plutaluang

TBA

The Emerald

Crystal Bay

The Emerald Khao Kheow

TBA

TBA

TBA Pattavia

Phoenix Khao Kheow

Pattavia

Bangpakong

Players Lounge

Beaver Bar

Burapha

Green Valley

Greenwood

Green Valley

Khao Kheow

TBA

Khao Kheow St.

Pattavia

Mt. Shadow

Growling Swan

Witherspoons

Mt. Shadow

Bangpra

Donovan’s Golf

Le Katai

St. Andrews

Green Valley

Eastern Star

Siam Country Rst

Sugar Shack

Bangpra TBA

Tropical Golf Jomtien Golf

Fri 07

TBA

TBA

TBA Greenwood

Plutaluang The Emerald

Transportation leaves from Cafe Kronborg on Soi Diana Inn at 8:15 a.m. on Mondays and Thursdays (call Dave 083 602 2117). Blue Moose golf plays on various days of the week, call Gay Wilanan 0811441054 for details. The Bunker meet at The Ranch on Pattaya 3rd Road. Please contact Buff on 086 046 5091 or 080 605 5663. The Haven departs from Soi Thirteen (Soi Pattaya 13) at 8:30 a.m. on its scheduled days (contact Stephen at 038- 710-988/9). The Pattaya Golf Society departs from the Elephant Bar on Soi Buakhao on its scheduled days (contact Len Jones 081 949 1468). Lewiinski’s departs from Soi Pattayaland One (Soi Pattaya 13/3) at 9:00 a.m. on its scheduled days of Sunday, Monday, Tuesday/Wednesday and Friday. Tropical Golf meet at The BJ Holiday Lodge on Pattya Soi 3, Beach Road at 8 a.m. on Tuesday’s and Friday’s for breakfast before leaving via minibus to the course (contact Derek on 089 034 0629 ). Travellers Rest play Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday - please contact Fergus Brennan on 086 056 7019. The Outback Golf Bar is situated 6km from Sukhumvit Rd. along Siam Country Club Road. Telephone Jack on 081 578 1956. Donovan’s Golf Society plays at Green Valley Golf Club on Saturdays, Tuesdays and Thursdays. Call Steve at 081 996-3026 for details. Jomtien Golf meets every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at Siam Cats, Soi 5 Jomtien Beach Rd. at 8:30am for 10am Tee-off. Contact Glyn on 086 837 5464 for details. The Siam Country Group (Mabprachan) play golf every Tuesday & Thursday. Call Jeff on 089 094 1841. The Growling Swan (formerley The Bunker Bar in Soi Chaiyapoon) generally plays on Mondays & Thursdays. Please contact Peter on 086 150 3086 or email to petergrey@y7mail.com. The Billabong Golf Bar located at Mabprachan Lake play golf every Monday, Wednesday & Friday. Contact Bob Philp on 082 204 3411. The Tara Court Golf Group play every Sunday, Tuesday & Thursday. Call Joe on 089 249 1364 for details. Witherspoons Golf Group, Soi Buakhao, Contact Paul on 092 374 4276. The Beaver Bar & Grill in Ban Chang plays at Emerald Golf Course every Friday with first Tee at 8 a.m. All are welcome. Contact Larry on 087 147 8986. The Players Lounge - call Bob on 080 096 8232.

42 FRIDAY OCTOBER 31, 2014

PATTAYA MAIL

No bikes, just buggies PSC Golf from Siam Country Resort Tuesday, Oct. 21, Eastern Star Stableford Tuesday was a visit to the often maligned Eastern Star, where we found the course to be in more than acceptable condition. The fairways were rolling out, which is the exception at the moment, with many courses unable to get the mowers out regularly.

A small minority of greens had some repair work, but overall they were in satisfactory condition, rolling consistently.

In reference to the headline, we had Rick Bevington (H/cap 22), of Bikes for Tykes notoriety, play with us today and gain second spot, a solitary point behind winner Jeff Wylie (7) with 35 points.

Near pins went to Paul Taylor & Jeff, with 2 left unclaimed, so we will donate that prize money to Rick’s Bikes for Tykes charity.

K & Mam joined the group at Eastern Star.

Friday, Oct. 24, Wangjuntr Stableford Thursday was a Public Holiday, so to avoid the extra charges we shifted our game to Friday and went to Wangjuntr to play the Valley course. We played this

day as a social day, with the choice of tees up to the individual, as the course has some challenging holes.

The fairways were the converse of Eastern Star, with very little roll due to the grass being quite long as the weather has not been mower friendly. There was plenty

of work going on this day, so with a run of favourable conditions they (the fairways) will soon be back to their normal state.

Several memorable holes, but the elevated par-three 17th ate Gerd & Dan’s lunch, while Jeff flew the green and got a great ricochet off the rocks, only to leave his birdie putt a roll short.

Note: Siam Country Resort, Restaurant & Bar is located just off Siam Country Club Rd, after going under the arch past the 7/11, turn right after 50 metres, with the venue on the left another 200 metres along. Golf from here is generally played on Tuesday & Thursday, with the Resort hosting prompt presentations on both days.

As a PSC affiliated venue we welcome ALL golfers, including ladies & seniors (>60s) who have opted for the “Silver” tee option. Call 089 094 1841 for scheduling or enquiries.

VOL. XXII No. 44

Alan takes the Biss-cuit The Backyard Golf Society Last Friday’s Backyard golf outing at Emerald was a very slow affair, with our lads catching the Beaver players as early as hole #4 and then having to wait on all of the remaining holes. That said, we got off the course early enough to prevent ‘The Quiet Man’ from fretting too much about getting down the road.

The winner today and taking the biss-cuit was Alan ‘the Biss’. The Biss also shared the near-pin with ‘Mr Quiet’, apparently no one was bothered about too accurate a measurement on the par 3, 15th green.

The Biss also won 7 of the 18 skins, with 4 going to the newly rebadged Neville ‘The Impregnator’ Scurrell. The old-age dad will be heading over to The Philippines at

the end of November to wed his ‘sheila’ Irish. ‘The Quiet Man’ won 3 skins, Irish John (not related in any way to the future Mrs. Impregnator) won 2 and we have 2 rolled over to next week’s game.

It was welcome back today to Mickey the Yak (and Mrs Yak as well of course), over here for some relaxation in the Land of Smiles. Irish John also returned from his 3 week Guinness appreciation trip to The Old Sod. We have lost Mr. Oddie on a trip to Chang Mai; rumours that he has headed up there for a dicey operation on his syrup of fig will only be proven if he returns with a new rug for next week’s game. Foos yer Doos has also departed to the calm, warm waters of offshore Aberdeen.

And the match goes on PGA of America President, Ted Bishop, and his buffoonery, keep the recent Ryder Cup match alive and near the top of social media hits.

Within the space of an incredulous tweet or two, coupled with an outrageous elaboration on Facebook, Ted Bishop has certainly done his bit to raise the game’s profile. Which is just as well, for the game suffers around this time of year with most big names resting during the transition between seasons. In short, it’s a nothing time in golf. Thus, incredible antics from the likes of the President of the PGA of America, no less, are guaranteed air time.

Readers of this column will be aware of the criticism made by Ian Poulter, of both Nick Faldo and Tom Watson and their performance as

Ryder Cup Captains, in his recently published autobiography No Limits: My Autobiography.

It all began last Thursday 23 October, when Bishop and Faldo co-hosted a programme on Golf Channel.

Bishop, who was responsible for appointing Watson as Ryder Cup Captain, was obviously enraged by some of the anti-Faldo antiWatson comments made in Poulter’s book. So enraged in fact that later on the same day he took to Twitter:

As if that wasn’t enough, Bishop later used Facebook to elaborate: Tom Watson (8 majors and a 10-3-1 Ryder Cup record) and Nick Faldo (6 majors and all-time Ryder Cup points leader) get bashed by Ian James Poulter, Bishop wrote. Really?

Sounds like a little school girl squealing during recess. C’MON MAN! The posts didn’t last long before they were deleted by PR conscious PGA staff, but the damage had been done.

Then PGA President Ted Bishop doing a “Rickie Fowler” at the last Ryder Cup.

Two issues were now demanding an explanation.

The President of the PGA had just initiated a vitriolic put-down of a player who has not only been Team Europe’s talisman, but has helped push the Ryder Cup to hitherto unseen economic heights, and thus contributed hugely to PGA coffers (US$80 million estimated PGA share from Gleneagles).

The other problem facing Bishop and the PGA was his derogatory use of the term “girl”. In this age of gender equality and inclusiveness,

his choice of words, especially from one holding such office, is, well, amazing. Former LPGA Tour pro and board member Suzy Whaley, who many believe could become the PGA’s first female president in 2018, said, “I was extremely disturbed by it. For me to hear comments that are derogatory about young girls, or insulting, just because you are a girl, is offensive.

The PGA of America finds it quite critical to be inclusive and we will continue to do so moving forward.”

Has the president lost the locker room?

Most commentators have been harshly critical, but not all. Davis Love, the 2012 captain; “Ted Bishop has been a great supporter of golf, the PGA of America members and the PGA Tour during his presidency,” Love said. “I have said things in my passion for the

Ryder Cup that I wish came out differently. We all make mistakes on social media. I consider Ted a friend and will not remember his presidency for this incident. I’m sure he didn’t mean it to be derogatory to anyone except Ian. I have sat in board meetings with him trying to get more women involved (in golf).”

Bishop was also the promoter of the recently appointed 11-man task force set up to review America’s dismal Ryder Cup performances of late. This, along with anything else associated with Bishop may now struggle for support.

Poulter, when asked for comment, released the following statement to Golf Channel; “Is being called a `lil girl’ meant to be derogatory or a put down?” Poulter said in the statement. “That’s pretty shocking and disappointing, especially coming

from the leader of the PGA of America. No further comment.”

And what of the PGA’s response?

Less than 24 hours after Bishop’s initial social media posts, the PGA of America Board of Directors voted to remove him from office with immediate effect. Stating that Bishop’s remarks were inconsistent with PGA policies, Chief Executive Pete Bevacqua went on to say; “The PGA of America understands the enormous responsibility it has to lead this great game and to enrich lives in our society through golf. We must demand of ourselves that we make golf both welcoming and inclusive to all who want to experience it, and everyone at the PGA of America must lead by example.”

But the board didn’t stop there. Bishop, whose two year term was due to expire next month, was informed that he will not become honorary president. In an unprecedented move, Bishop was also advised that he will never be recognised as a past president in the association’s history. In short, any reference to his time there will be airbrushed.

Has he lost the locker room? You bet he has, and not only that, it now appears he was never there.

Beware the downside of social media, especially if you’re an egoist.

Golfnutter

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Melia makes a winning return PSC Golf Bunker Boys @ The Ranch Monday, Oct. 20, Pattavia G.C. – Stableford It was a bright sunny morning but a disappointingly small group of golfers turned out for our competition at Pattavia, and it was destined to be a lonely day because when we arrived at the course we found that we were the only golfers there! Why no one should choose to play this course is a mystery, because it offers good value for money and the fairways and greens were in excellent condition, although the greens were slower than they can be, which many might consider a bonus.

The round progressed smoothly until the leading group reached the 7th hole when a sudden storm blew in and halted play for about 15 minutes forcing us to shelter under the trees. We resumed again after the rain stopped and one of the features of this course is how remarkably quickly the greens drain following heavy rain.

The storm returned once again as the leading group

th

putted out on the 15 green, but this time it was much heavier, forcing us to wait for an hour in the drinks station (which unfortunately was closed due to the lack of customers). Two golfers decided enough was enough and returned to the safety of the clubhouse as the lightning crashed around, but the remainder of the field sat out the storm and completed the final three holes with the fairways very soggy but the greens still almost unaffected.

Gordon Melia produced the best performance of the day, playing in the first game of his annual visit and took the top podium position with 37 points. Peter Allen took second place ahead of Geoff Parker, winning the count back over the last six holes.

1st Gordon Melia (17) 37pts 2nd Peter Allen (36) 34pts 3rd Geoff Parker (15) 34pts Near Pins: Geoff Parker and Gordon Melia.

Wednesday, Oct. 22, Eastern Star – Stableford It was another bright,

sunny morning as we teed off at Eastern Star with an apparently clear course ahead of us. The fairways were much improved from our previous visit almost four months previously, but the greens continue to be slow and problematic, as they have been for many a year.

The round progressed smoothly until we started the inward nine, when the storm clouds began to gather and the distant sound of thunder could be heard. At first it appeared that he storm might pass us by, but as the leading group played the twelfth hole, the heavens opened and we were forced to take shelter for half an hour as we caught the edge of it. Fortunately, the greens were relatively unaffected by the deluge (they couldn’t get any slower!) and the remainder of the round was completed in benign conditions.

It turned out to be a day when the higher handicappers rose to the top with Les Hall recording his first win of the year scoring 33 points.

Gerry Keys took second place, one point clear of the

Gordon Melia. quickly improving Peter Allen, and the lower handicappers recorded scores that are probably best forgotten.

1st Les Hall (25) 33pts 2nd Gerry Keys (27) 32pts 3rd Peter Allen (36) 31pts Near Pins: Les Hall and Peter Habgood.

Ebrahim takes the plaudits PSC Golf from The Growling Swan San Mig Stu

Monday, Oct. 20, Mt. Shadow – Stableford Two buses were loaded and departed the Growling Swan a little earlier than anticipated on a fine sunny day. The journey to the course up highway 7 was mostly uneventful and with the traffic being light we arrived at the course early. As it was not very busy we teed off 20 minutes before our designated tee off time of 10 a.m.

The course looked inviting however as we later found, was a bit untidy, perhaps as a result of the recent storms in and around Pattaya. The round was quick, the first nine holes (1 hour and 45 minutes) but was slowed by several groups being slotted in front of us on the back nine which rounded the game to 4 hours and ten minute.

A warm welcome was given to Randy Lodinger from Texas USA and farewells were made to Rudy Reganesse heading to Samui before returning to his home in Cape Town South Africa. We wished Graham Rice well as he departs to Australia to compete in the Queensland semi finals leg of the National Holden Challenge team event being held in Port Douglas, North Queensland.

Today’s scribe, being in the leading group, was not privy to much innuendo of today’s happenings as when

Friday, Oct. 24, Treasure Hill – Stableford Twelve golfers today for our Stableford competition at Treasure Hill and although the course was quiet, a five-ball was teeing off as we approached the first tee and proceeded to hold up the leading group throughout the round.

When we played this course last month it had been in great condition, but it soon became apparent that several greens have suffered badly over the last few weeks and look in danger of being lost if action isn’t taken soon.

Geoff Parker had an indifferent front nine, but he recovered on the back nine, scoring twenty one points, which was sufficient to secure first place. Terry Hamilton was playing in the first game of his visit and experienced a similar round to Geoff, but could only manage 20 points on the inward nine, taking second place one point clear of Tore Eliassen.

The weather throughout the round was bright and sunny, and in contrast to recent days there was no threat from passing thunder storms which made a pleasant change, which was appreciated by all.

1st Geoff Parker (15) 35pts 2nd Terry Hamilton (19) 34pts 3rd Tore Eliassen (19) 33pts Near Pins: Geoff Parker, Tore Eliassen and Gordon Melia (2).

Note: The Bunker Boys are a PSC affiliated golf society, who now play out of The Ranch bar on Pattaya 3 rd Road (in front of the fire station, and almost opposite the Buffalo Bar). We play ek on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, so if you enjoy a fun day out, and a friendly but competitive golf competition why not come and join us. We meet at The Ranch at 9 a.m. for breakfast and transportation, and new players are always welcome.

Contact “Buff” on 086 046 5091 or 080 605 5663 for all enquiries or check website: www.bunkersociety.com.

9th John Preddy & The Memorial Golf Tournament Monday 24th November 2014 : Emerald G.C.

Left-right: Mashi Kaneta, Stu Rifkin, Peter Grey and Eb Alansari. we returned to the club house the power was out and the stand by generator (if there was one) was also out of action. With no food on offer, as the kitchen runs on power apparently, everyone went back to the GS for presentations and cold drinks.

Eb Alansari had a fine round scoring 42 points for the win, followed by Mashi Kaneta with 39, Stu Rifkin coming in third with 38 and Kae Tusagad was 4th on a count back from Andrew Allen, Kev Waycott and Bob Akapita whilst Roy Dayton took out 8th spot.

Our host Peter Grey managed to win the NAGA cap despite having one of his better rounds and kindly

donated to Deefa the Charity dog, which is a (minor) penalty for having the worst round of the day. He also won a new ball as consolation.

1st Eb Alansari (14) 42pts 2nd Mashi Kaneta (15) 39pts 3rd Stu Rifkin (17) 38pts 4th Kae Tusagad (19) 37pts 5th Andrew Allen (31) 37pts 6th Kevin Waycott (8) 37pts 7th Bob Akapita (16) 37pts 8th Roy Dayton (25) 36pts Near Pins: 6th Mashi Kaneta, 8th Eb Alansari, 15th Graham Rice, 17th Kevin Waycott Long Putt: 18th Kevin Waycott Note: The GS is a friendly golf outlet and caters for and encourages all golfers, young and old, male or female to

have a hit on any of our weekly outings. We generally play Mondays and Thursdays at one of the many fine golf courses in and around Pattaya.

Please contact Peter Grey if you are interested in playing on 0861 503086 The Growling Swan also caters to the bowls enthusiasts.

Bus transport departs the GS on Wednesdays at 10 a.m. when they go to Coco’s for undercover, synthetic green bowls and on Sundays at the same time for open, grass bowling at The Retreat. Please contact Paul Rennison on 0843 454005 if you wish to partake.

The cost including return bus transport, bowling fees and a hot lunch is less than 400 baht so great value for a day out!

The John Preddy memorial golf tournament has been held for the last 8 years, but this year we are expanding the event to remember those local golfing friends who have passed away recently. A new Memorial Trophy has been purchased which will be inscribed with the names of those departed friends and will be held in the bar of the winning team for one year. The team event is intended to be an inter-society tournament including as many golf societies as possible.

Format : Individual Stableford competition in Four-balls Team Event (Best 3 individual Stableford scores per hole) Teams from all bars and golf societies welcome Entry : Entry Fee 2,200 Baht per player.

All players with valid handicaps welcome.

Entry Fee includes: * Green Fee + Caddy Fee. * Free Memorial Tournament golf shirt. * Technical Prizes on every hole (2 Flights) * Lucky draw * Free Buffet at Lewinski’s. * Trophies for Individual Champion, 2nd and 3rd * Memorial Trophy (plus 4 individual trophies) for winning team Tee times will be allocated on payment of the Entry Fee at: (i) The Ranch Bar, Pattaya 3rd Road, contact “Buff” Tel. 086 0465091. (ii) Rabbi’s Elephant Bar, Soi Buakhow, contact Len Jones. Tel 081 9491468. (iii) Lewinski’s Bar, Soi Pattayaland 1, contact Jim Elphick.

Tel 084 913 9318.

Supported by PSC: All proceeds to local children’s charities

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Miss Nut nails it in the North Jomtien Golf with the IPGC Monday, Oct. 20, Chiang Mai Highlands – Stableford Our normal annual Giant Panda tour to Chiang Mai was slightly different this year as we also incorporated a trip to Chiang Rai. Our first round at the Highlands saw the divisional cut for the 24 players made at 316 and 17+. It was a tough test of golf here today with the best two scores of the day coming in division 2 with Glyn Evans beating Miss Nut on a 17/16 back nine count back after they both scored 35 points each.

Colin James came in third with 34.

In division 1, Al Griffiths beat Paul Renall on a backnine count back of 19/16 after they both came in with 34 points and David Lehane was third one point behind.

Near pins went to Grant Cadell, Don Head, David Lehane, Steve Snelgrove, Glyn Evans, Colin James, Miss Nut and Andy Oz. Grant Cadell birdied the 7th for the only ‘2’ in division 1 while a rollover in division 2 went to Mae Jo on Tuesday.

Our presentation afterwards was at the Welcome Inn and the new owner Scottish Andy and his wife Boom

Left-right: Chris Voller, Miss Nut and Colin James. paid our total bar bill for all the golfers, we then supported them by staying for a few more bevvies.

Tuesday, Oct. 21, Mae Jo - Stableford Day two and with 26 players out Miss Nut recorded the best score of the day in division 2, winning with 38 points, a score she has never recorded with us playing off the white tees in the past two years. Kari Aarnio took second place with 33 and Colin James was third with 31.

Chris Voller shot 34 points to win division 1, with Edward Bourn in second place on 29 after beating Dennis Scougall 17/14 on a back-nine count back

Near pins were claimed by Edward Bourn, Jack Grinvold, Paul Renall, Chris Voller, Kari Aarnio, Colin James (2) and Terry Redding.

Edward Bourn birdied the 14th, Jack Grinvold the 7th and Paul Renall the 2nd to share the ‘2’s pot in division 1 while Kari Aarnio scooped the rollover in division 2.

After two days Miss Nut was in the lead, with Kari Aarnio and Colin James in second and Al Griffiths, Paul Renall and Chris Voller fighting for third place.

Today’s freebee at the Welcome Inn for all Jomtien golfers and partners was a Lasagna buffet. Many thanks to Andy and all the staff again.

Jomtien Golf Group on tour.

Friday, Oct. 24, Santaburi Stableford There were 24 out today at Santiburi near Chiang Rai and with 40 points, playing off 17, Reijo Heiskanen topped the division 2 standings. Colin James came in second on 35 and the Welsh boy Mike Lewis took third with 34.

39 points won division 1 for Chris Voller, with Dennis Scougall second three points behind and Edward Bourn in

third with 35.

Near pin prizes went to Edward Bourn, Grant Cadell, Don Head, Chris Voller, Kari Aarnio, Colin James and Andy Oz. Grant Cadell birdied the 7th and Paul Renall the 17th to split the ‘2’s pot in division 1 and Reijo Heiskanen and Colin James did likewise in division 2.

This course at Santiburi is an absolute must if you are in this area and we had many positive comments afterwards

from all the golfers.

We were very lucky with the weather this week with forecasts of 70/80% of heavy rain each day but we only had a few spots at Mae Jo and that was it.

3-Day Scores 1st Miss Nut 104pts 2nd Chris Voller 101pts 3rd Colin James 100pts T4th Al Griffiths 95pts T4th Colin James 95pts A great week was had by all and many thanks to Lyn for the efforts with the organizing.

Aslett takes out DeVere monthly medal PSC Golf from The Outback Golf Bar Monday, Oct. 20, Burapha - Stableford Twenty-three players here a Burapha today on the A & B nines and for those of us who played Chiang Mai Highlands, and in particular Alpine Resort the previous week, the rough here was like playing from a billiard table!

There had been no recent rain and the course was in fantastic condition with all place-getters playing to their handicap or better. Stephan Blazsanyik (Waldo) won Div B with 37pts on a count back from Tim Knight with Bruce Mcadam in third on 36.

The consistent John Cunningham had the day’s best score of 39pts to win Div A from another very steady player who has seen his H’cap reduced to 6, Geoff Stimpson (37) and another 6 marker who has bounced back from his poor

form in the North, Brad Jordison in third with 36.

There were three ‘2’s from John Cunningham, Brian Maddox and Ivan Plunkett.

Div A (0-18) 1st John Cunningham (06) 39pts 2nd Geoff Stimpson (06) 37pts 3rd Brad Jordison (06) 36pts Div B (19+) 1st Stephen Blazsanyik (22) 37pts 2nd Tim Knight (25) 37pts 3rd Bruce McAdam (26) 36pts

Tuesday, Oct. 21, Laem Chabang Stableford A small field of ten played the challenging C and B courses as usual starting on the tough C nine in fine but very hot weather. Hardly surprisingly, carts were restricted to the path so we played ‘lift, clean and place’ on the closely mown fairways (winter rules).

Tony Aslett (centre) celebrates his victory on Friday flanked by Greg Hirst (sponsor left) and the runner up, Peter LeNoury.

Rod Crosswell, although showing signs of a long and tiring tour in Thailand, was the winner with 36pts, beating Brad Jordison, who loves this course, on count back. Kim Danboise was third with 35pts and Robert Moore next with 31.

There were no ‘2’s.

1st Rod Crosswell (16) 37pts 2nd Brad Jordison (06) 36pts 3rd Kim Danboise (15) 35pts 4th Robert Moore (12) 31pts

Wednesday, Oct. 22, Khao Kheow Stableford 11 Outbackers turned up today to play B & C nines here at Khao Kheow, which was in reasonably good

condition although the greens had been cored a week ago so they were a bit lumpy and bumpy on some holes.

John Lawton and Tony Aslett hit almost identical second shots on C1, both going into the water, bouncing along for a few times before jumping out and landing on the fairway. Did it hit a rock, was it a pro-footballing fish who headed it out or was it just the luck of the Irish for them both to do this?

But come to think of it, neither of them are Irish.

Welcome back to Mick Indge having his first game for some time and goodbye to both Steve Cain, who has

enjoyed a few games with us and Rod Crosswell, who has enjoyed almost as many B52’s with Suzi Lawton as he has rounds of golf with the Outback.

The same Suzi won the day’s honours today with 40pts, way in front of the lads as Brad took second on 36, with Peter Nixon and Rod both returning 33pts for third and fourth.

Once again there were no ‘2’s.

1st Suzi Lawton (26) 40pts 2nd Brad Jordison (06) 36pts 3rd Peter Nixon (12) 33pts 4th Rod Crosswell (15) 33pts

Friday, Oct. 24, Green Valley - Medal The DeVere Monthly Medal normally held on the first Friday of every month, was delayed through our tour commitments and Greg Hirst (our sponsor) not being available earlier in the month and also being shifted across to St Andrews, which we feel is a bit tough to play stroke on.

An excellent field of 31 people played today and although they let the carts on the fairways we should have had preferred lies, as the ball often ended up with a lump of mud on it and there was no chip and run around the greens.

A couple of technical errors forced Tim and Brad to DQ themselves and Bruce failed to complete the course, other than that, there were no dramas and the scoring showed the course to have played one shot tougher than par.

The winner was Tony Aslett with a net 69, a great result from him. Peter LeNoury was a very good second with 70, followed home by three tied on 71; JP Maffray, Greg Hill and Andy Makara, who has been out in the wilderness for a while – good to see you back Andy.

The last two podium places went to Peter Stonebridge and playing partner, John Cunningham, both on 73 and John got the low gross medal with 79.

There were five ‘2’s from Eddy Beilby (5 th), Peter LeNoury (12th) and three more on the 16th, from Brad Jordison, J P Maffray and Andy Makara.

1st Tony Aslett (25) net 69 2nd Peter LeNoury (10) net 70 3rd Andy Makara (27) net 71 4th Greg Hill (18) net 71 5th Jean P Maffray (11) net 71 6th Pete Stonebridge (18) net 73 7th John Cunningham (6) net 73 Note: The Outback Golf Bar is situated about 6km from Sukhumvit Road along Soi Siam Country. Call Jack on 081 578 1956.

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Bryan Carroll conquers Kabinburi PSC Golf from The Golf Club Steve Ellison

Monday, Oct. 20, Green Valley – Stableford T1 st Peter LeNoury (10) 39pts T1st Ken Grimes (20) 39pts 2nd Robbie Taylor (28) 37pts Green Valley is a golf course that continues to impress both locals and visitors alike. There were so many golfers who came back for the presentation that commented on what a great day they had and how perfect the course is looking, and playing.

It was a competition that the 24 golfers got through without rain, which seems to have appeared a bit late this year. The rain that we should have gotten in September is now pelting down in October, but surely this can’t last much longer?

This is also the season of the swallows returning to Capistrano, or at least the snowbirds from Europe, Japan and the States are making their way back to Soi LK Metro! This last week we have seen our old mates Ken Aihara, Ray Powell,

Ken Grimes, Peter LeNoury and Robbie Taylor.

Peter LeNoury, Billy Eyles, Barry Collier, John Hutt and more (I have forgotten with apologies) come back to join in the fray that is the Monday comp!

Speaking of Mr. LeNoury, his recent travels around Thailand have not hurt his golf game, as he most efficiently rode back with a fine 39 to tie with Ken Grimes for 1st place. Kenny’s partner in ‘Grime’, one Robbie Taylor, was a couple back and his respectable 37 gave him sole second place.

Wednesday, Oct. 22, Kabinburi S.C. – Medal 1st Chaten Patel (13) net 68 2nd Bryan Carroll (18) net 76 3rd Dale Shier (12) net 79 A slight change of plans to the schedule as there were so many blokes with schedule conflicts we all opted for an easier road trip of just over 2 hours up to Kabinburi and save the Khao Yai trip for another day. It may have been the best decision as we had 3 days of beautiful

Bryan Carroll with Por at the Kabinburi clubhouse.

weather to welcome us to Prachinburi.

We had a lot of first timers on this trip and all were very happy with the condition and layout of the course. This is billed as the “Longest Golf Course in Thailand” and at 8,075 from the tips, it must surely be true. The course was designed by famed Japanese course architect Yoshikazu Kato, who also penned Treasure Hill and the world famous Blue Canyon down in Phuket.

With a first place and 2 second place finishes, the tour winner was Galwayman Bryan Carroll. Bryan turned 70 a couple of months back and to score this well 3 days on the trot is great going indeed. Won’t be long now before the old boy is shooting his age!

Thursday, Oct. 23, Kabinburi S.C. – Stableford 1st Bryan Carroll (18) 37pts 2nd Ray Powell (15) 34pts 3rd Phil Smedley (11) 33pts

Friday, Oct. 24, Kabinburi S.C. – Stableford 1st Ken Aihara (5) 33pts 2nd Bryan Carroll (18) 31pts 3rd Ray Powell (15) 31pts Note: The Golf Club is located on Soi LK Metro. Just call 085 434 3377 or see our website www.golfclubpattaya .com and for more information mail us: pattaya4golf @gmail.com and see updates at www.facebook.com/ golfclubpattaya... all handicaps welcome!

Beautiful Bangpakong IPGC Pattaya Golf Society at the Elephant Bar From the moment one arrives at Bangpakong Riverside Country Club, one knows this place is special.

Walk towards reception and you can’t help but notice the superbly manicured expanse of lawn leading away from the clubhouse, its texture appearing more like an undulating carpet than grass. On entering the locker room one is taken with the expansiveness; its space and quality of appointments immediately apparent. And all this for a green-fee/caddie-fee of 1,100 baht - a great way to start a round of golf!

From the first tee onwards the visual effect of perfectly presented turf continues.

Due to recent rain, carts were not permitted on the fairways today, Monday, Oct. 20, which automatically invoked our preferred lies rule.

A bit of a joke, that. Such was the quality of these fairways, there would be no occasion where placing would give a better lie than the one already provided. These would be the best fairways this golfer has encountered in Pattaya, and this after heavy rain!

The greens were good to very good and evenly paced, whilst the bunkers were well presented with an excellent firm base. The course does

Wednesday winner Paul Herring flanked by mates Brad Lewis and Dave Angus-Crouch. not play long even though the distance from the white tees is 6683 yards. The predominately flat terrain has many water hazards that ensure the golfer’s stroll in this wonderful park is not overly easy.

Four golfers scored ‘2’s today; Murray Edwards and David Thomas on 7, and Jon Batty and Mark Lang on 13.

There was a close tussle at the top were three golfers were inseparable, finishing as they did on the same score. Today was a case where the PGS was thankful is does not utilise countback, as all three golfers finished five points clear of the next best score; three very good rounds of golf and three deserving winners.

Back at the Elephant Bar we said farewell to Mike

Wilshire, who returns to his farm up in Issan, until the next school holidays. Alan Flynn won the beer draw, whilst the booby bevy went to Mike, partly for a 10-16 split between nines, but mainly to give him good cheer on his departure.

T1st Brad Lewis (3) 39pts T1st David Thomas (8) 39pts T1st Jon Batty (9) 39pts

An Aussie clean sweep Wednesday, 22nd October dawned as a dismal and grey day and the prospect for the Pattaya Golf Society was a testing stableford competition at St Andrew’s.

As with other Pattaya groups there is a reluctance by some golfers to play courses where carts are compulsory, preferring to play the game as

originally intended, on foot, and so the field was reduced in numbers to three playing groups. Having said that, there was still a lot to play for on this challenging yet very playable course. Fairways were in very good condition and the greens, though a little inconsistent still had some pace.

Many of the field were playing the track for the first time and the advantage of “naiveté” helped their progress. The final holes were played through the inevitable heavy rain making fairways soggy and one green in particular became flooded.

There were no birdie ‘2’s and the maximum “pool” was awarded to the three place winners, who ironically were all Aussie friends sharing the same golfing holiday.

In third place was Monday’s winner Brad Lewis, labouring under the effects of ‘flu, with 29 points and in second was mate Dave Angus-Crouch on 33 points. The winner was Paul Herring with a very creditable 37 points.

The non-winners beer draw was won by John Tallett and the Booby Bevy went to new member Gerade Gomez, playing his first PGS competition.

Pattavia: Great value for money On Friday 24 October, the Pattaya Golf Society took five groups to the much-improved Pattavia Century Golf Club. The course was very well presented with fairways bunkers and greens all in good order. These and the recently completed clubhouse, providing a superb vista over the par-5 finishing hole, are in such contrast with the course as it used to be. At 850 baht green-fee/caddie-fee it represents superb value for money.

On this day our golfers found the pin placements far friendlier than was the case three weeks ago, when only one player broke par.

The winner back then carded 37 points whilst two players tied for second on 31. Today 37 points earned 4th place, suggesting the course is indeed playing easier; due to added run and less punitive pin positions. Pin placement has a huge effect on scoring at Pattavia.

There were three ‘2’; two on the 4th achieved by Tony Campbell and Mark Lang whilst David Thomas managed one on the 7th.

Today’s winning score was

a big one, made more incredible by the fact that it was accomplished by a golfer having his first game with the PGS since returning from the UK. Extremely well done Paul Edgar!

Back at the Elephant Bar we welcomed new members, Aussies Darrin Blakie and Craig Blythe, both from Coffs Harbour, NSW, while welcome-backs were extended to Englishmen Paul Edgar and Syd Harrison.

The lucky beer draw was won by John Tallett and the booby bevy went to Jon Batty. This was awarded in commiseration of poor Jon having to pay a walking fee of 600 baht for bringing his wife to the course. As if that wasn’t bad enough, he forked out another 600 baht for the compulsory cart that a “walker” must have. Jon, the stand-out winner of our previous visit here, managed a mere 13 points for his front nine. Expensive creatures, wives.

1st Paul Edgar (16) 42pts 2nd David Thomas (8) 41pts 3 rd Murray Edwards (22) 38pts 4th Mark Lang (7) 37pts A great day out at a course representing excellent VFM, provided the wife stays away.

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Smith steals the limelight at PSC monthly tourney

Low Gross winner Paul Smith.

C Flight winner Douglas Jasper.

A Flight winner Max Scott.

Seniors winner Jim Elphick.

B Flight winner Butch Porter.

Lady golfer Patsada Ryves.

Report: Nigel Cannon/ Photos: Peter Blackburn For the 73 players it was ‘millionaire’s’ golf at Treasure Hill on Wednesday, Oct. 22 for the Pattaya Sports Club’s 137 th monthly golf tournament. On this occasion there was a 1-tee start and with no one else on the course, the first groups got away well ahead of their scheduled time.

The course was well presented and the weather was sunny and hot, with just a short, sharp shower that soon went away.

It was the first time that PSC had held their monthly tournament on a Wednesday as opposed to the usual Friday.

Golf Chairman Mark West, together with Peter Blackburn, Dick Warberg and Nigel Cannon, arrived early to prepare for the players arrival, together with the course staff who were on hand and helpful.

The first groups came back to the clubhouse in well under 4 hours and the remaining players were around the 4 hour mark, but it was clear as the cards were returned that it was not going to be a high scoring day! However Paul Smith (H/cap 3) came in with a 75 to win the low gross for the second month in a row.

‘A’ Flight - playing medal from the white tees - needed a count back as both Max Scott (4) and Dave Stockman (7) returned net 72’s, with Max getting the nod on the back nine.

PSC Golf Chairman Mark West (left) with 50-50 winner Thierry Petrement.

‘B’ Flight’s golfers were play- for Pattaya Country Club ing Stableford from the yellow would be available shortly tees and saw Butch Porter (16) and that the new clubhouse in top spot with 36 points. there should be open by the ‘C’ Flight produced the end of the year. best Stableford score of the Before Nigel announced day from Douglas Jasper the prize winners he intro(27) with 39 points. Jim duced the only lady playing Elphick (26) meanwhile won on the day, Patsada Ryves the Seniors’ flight with 38. (aka Sand), who is a caddy The presentation and prize at Green Valley. Sand has a giving was at the ever-popu- 14 handicap and has played lar Lewiinski’s, where once with some success in the again Colin and his team pro- International Caddy Chamduced an excellent buffet pionship that PSC supports, and drink service that was having come 2nd and 13th appreciated by all. in recent competitions.

At the presentation, Nigel Nigel then went on to inCannon welcomed everyone troduce Freddy Starbeck, and introduced Golf Chair- who kindly donated 2 x 1000 man Mark West who ex- baht vouchers for his D’ablo pressed his appreciation to restaurant, and the popular the day’s players and those Aussie Bob Watson, who who assisted him at the was celebrating his birthday. course, and also to Colin for He then announced the the buffet, the PSC office winners and Mark presented staff for the pre-tournament the prizes, followed by the work, and Kit, who sold the lucky draw and the 50/50 50/50 lucky draw tickets. draw, which was won by Mark outlined his recent Thierry Petrement. meetings with local courses The next PSC tournament endeavoring to obtain favor- will be held on Thursday able rates for PSC members. 20th November at the He announced that vouchers Pattavia Golf Course.

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Owen walks the walk in Khao Yai PSC Golf from the Billabong Golf Bar second and Wayne Harman took third with 105. Sel Wegner took the last podium place with 101.

The near pins today were taken by George Barrie, Greig Ritchie, Owen Walkley and Bill Trainer.

All in all it was a great trip away and all enjoyed the courses.

Sunday, Oct. 19, Khao Yai C.C. – Stableford This course is a must for anyone travelling to this area; loved by all who play here and today was no exception. This is a Jack Nicklaus design with scenery to match any course in the country.

There were five groups playing and we were off to an early start by the friendly staff. Near the pin’s were again sponsored by Fon and Mal Farquharson and of course Zac their little boy.

The course was in magnificent condition as always with fast greens and fairways hard to match anywhere. It was a great day out with some banter on the first tee and some friendly wagers about who would get the better score. It usually takes somewhere in the 40 points plus to get in the money here but today the course had some say in the matter and there was only one player who scored better than 40.

Mal Farquharson had the best score of the day, 41 points, to win from second placed Wayne Cotterell and Bob Philp third, both with 39.

Fourth place went to Wayne Harman with 38 points.

There was one ‘2’ recorded,

by Mike Gosdon.

Monday, Oct. 20, Sir James G.C. Stableford Sir James Golf Resort today, and with only two players out of five groups having played here before everyone was flying blind. What a beautiful golf course! The staff and caddies were fantastic, and the course was

Wednesday, Oct. 22, Green Valley Stableford

Some of the boys at Sir James Golf Resort & Country Club. truly great. I won’t mention price, suffice to say the value would put many courses in the Pattaya area to shame.

We played off the yellow tee blocks which were about 6,200 yards and some of the holes were a real challenge, par fours at 420 yards plus.

Cottee managed an eagle and Capt Bob, who has had all there is to have at golf managed an albatross, albeit with his second ball as he hit his second shot straight left, took a drop then with a certain amount of anger proceeded to hit a 220 yard three wood into the hole for a birdie!

There were two more ‘2’s today, from Doc Vale and George Barrie. There were no near pins however as the Capt forgot them.

George Barrie, playing off his 28 handicap, took line honours today with 37 points.

Second place went to William Macey with 36 on a count back over Owen Walkley on the same score and fourth

place was claimed by Sel Wegner on a three-way count back over Cottee and Richaaard Steadman, all on 35 points.

Tuesday, Oct. 21, Rancho Charnvee Stableford This course is a must to play if you are going anywhere near Khao Yai, but the green-keeper who put the pins in for this day must have had a fight with his wife before he came to work, they were in brutal positions.

With the amount of rain they had the day before it was not surprising the carts were on the path only but on the second nine the marshall came and told us we could go on the fairways so that made it a little easier for some of the guys.

This being the decisive day for the overall prizes, some went about it with aplomb while others like Sel, who got a little carried away with the red wine the night before, didn’t fare so well.

In fourth place was Bob Philp on 33 points while going one point better in third was Greig Ritchie. Wayne Harman grabbed second with 36 points and Owen Walkley took top spot with a very tidy 38.

In the 3-day overall standings, Owen Walkley came out on top with 108 points, two ahead of Bob Philp in

Green Valley was in its usual condition, fairways fantastic but the greens were not as slippery as they normally are.

With only five groups playing, as the teams that went to Khao Yai were having a rest day, it was a pleasure to see George Gamble, Merv Chakley and Tom Hand back for a game. We also had good mate Bob Van Mol over from Vietnam for a holiday and some golf.

There were no ‘2’s today so all the prizes went to best scores. Taking fourth place was the aforementioned Bob Van Mol with 34 points off his six handicap. Third went to Neil Harvey with 36 points,

being beaten by George Barrie on count back over the last six holes, and first spot was taken by Bob Finley with 37 points.

Friday, Oct. 24, The Emerald - Stableford The course was in good condition with the greens nice and quick and with six groups playing we got off to a good start and never got wet as we played.

Emerald isn’t a course that coughs up ‘2’s easily and today was no exception as there were none. This meant that the prizes went to 5th place and this spot was taken by Owen Walkley with 32 points. Coming in fourth was Brian Maddox with 33 points, third place went to Gareth Gill with 34, second to Wayne Cotterell with 35 and taking the top spot and having a great day out was Richard Steadman with a great 39 points.

Note: The Billabong is situated just off Siam Country Club Road looking straight down Lake Mabprachan.

Give Bob a call on 082 204 3411 if you are looking for a game.

Pattaya Sports Club Bowling League

West wins a close one PSC Golf from Café Kronborg Monday, Oct. 20, Treasure Hill Stableford 1st Mark West (13) 31pts 2nd Dave Richardson (27) 31pts 3rd Niels Hansen (12) 28pts 4th Kenny Chung (22) 27pts Treasure Hill was the challenge today and after a swift check-in we were off the first tee 20 minutes early under hot conditions with partly cloudy skies all day. The course was in the best condition we have seen it, even the bunkers.

Back in the clubhouse after a 3 hour and 55 minute trek we gave welcomes out to Leif Kirkgaard, Peter Bygballe and Steen Habersaat, all back from Denmark, and also to PSC Golf Chairman, Mark West.

Mark West (left) with Dave Richardson.

That same man, Mark West, was the winner today on a count back from Dave

Richardson while Niels Hansen finished in third and Kenny Chung took fourth

200 Bowlers: David, Preecha & Heinz.

One week remaining in this league and the order of the top three teams has now been decided: Indiana wins the first place trophy, Bavaria second and Canada third.

First place Indiana won all four points from VFW Post 9876 with Preecha leading the way with a 579 series, which included 206 and 215 games, and Jang Shaw bowled a 526 series. David Shaw bowled very well for VFW with a 568 series and games of 182, 201 and 180.

Second place Bavaria split their match against Brother D with each team winning two points. Antero Ronkainen bowled a 514 series for Brother D and Leo Kretscher had a 511 for Bavaria. Mai Munsitha bowling as a Pacer had a 225 game and 580 series.

Third place Canada won all four points from Balloon led

by Lek Reaper who bowled a 553 series with games of 181, 189, 183 and Tue Pettae had a 526.

Pacer Heinz bowled a 583 series with games of 173, 224, 186 and Markku bowled a 528 series.

The next 30 week league will begin in two or three weeks and we would love to

have new bowlers join us.

You do not need to be a good bowler just gets started and I am sure you will improve. Show up at PS Bowl above TOPS supermarket at 13.30 on Friday and inform La Montgomery that you want to be on a team.

Teams are picked by a blind draw. For more information call La on 081 838 4225 after 11.00 am.

Results & Standings Oct. 24 (week 29) Pos. 1 2 3 4 6 5 7 8

Team Indiana Bavaria Canada Green Tree VFW Post 9876 Balloon Café Kronborg Brother D

Score 4–0 2–2 4-0 1–3 0-4 0–4 3–1 2-2

Standings 76 – 40 70.5 – 45.5 68 - 48 58.5 – 57.5 53 - 63 51.5 – 64.5 45.5 – 70.5 41 - 75

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Pattaya Cricket Club comes second in Phuket Pattaya Cricket Club, affiliated with the Pattaya Sports Club, toured Phuket on Oct. 18-19, but despite losing both games all players and supporters enjoyed a thoroughly entertaining weekend.

The Saturday 30-over fixture at the picturesque Alan Cooke Ground against a very strong Phuket Cricket Group XI saw PCC bowl first in extremely humid conditions. The PCG opening batsmen soon settled in against an obviously jetlagged Andy Emery and the PCC sponsored Thai U19 representative Pao. But Pao showed his determination and character when he had the dangerous I Mushtaq (33) caught at mid wicket by the PCC captain Simon Philbrook from a quicker bouncer.

The introduction of spin in the forms of a laid back Paul Hack (2/39) and a very angry Bobby Young (only 117 years between them) soon brought a turnaround of fortune. Ably assisted by some excellent catching, PCC contained the run rate and hauled themselves back into contention. However, a strong finish by the late middle order of S Ullah (34) and M Rehman (33no) meant a challenging total of 180 would be required for victory, despite Bobby’s career best 3/26 from his 6 overs.

Venky and Pao started the run chase and it was Venky who dominated with a fluent 27. Mike Khan (39) continued the innings momentum but wickets kept falling regularly against very accurate

PCG bowling until eventually PCC finished on 127 all out. Young Bobby Young was rightly awarded the man of the match trophy which went a small way to appeasing the angry Geordie.

After an early night PCC took to the field on Sunday in a T20 game against Patong Cricket Club. Again bowling first, a refreshed Andy Emery served up an opening over of quality buffet bowling for the Patong openers to feast from. It took Paan (2/28), the second Thai national cricketer sponsored

by PCC and Paul Hack (3/26) to bring some normality to the innings but with absolutely no support from the rest of the bowlers, Patong CC set PCC a near impossible target of 180 to win.

United beat 8-man Roi-Et, Chonburi edge closer to Premier League title Pattaya United secured their place in next season’s Thai Division 1 with a convincing but ultimately bizarre victory against Roi-Et FC at the Nongprue Stadium in Pattaya last Saturday.

United took the lead on the stroke of halftime as forward Cristiano Lopes brought the ball under control on the edge of the Roi-Et penalty area before turning sharply and dispatching a low leftfoot shot into the corner of the visitors’ net.

Roi-Et’s chances of getting a foothold back in the game were dealt a severe blow at the start of the second half as Prasomtong was dismissed from the field for a dangerous challenge on Pattaya midfielder Rapepat Nakphet. Barely 10 minutes later Pattaya virtually put the game to bed as Sarawut Feungdan connected with a left wing cross to put his side 2 goals up.

With Roi-Et’s discipline starting to break down, they lost another man to a red card as Sittilor was sent off for an ugly two-footed lunge on United’s Senala in the 65th minute. The hosts hammered

Brazilian Cristiano Lopes (centre) fires Pattaya United ahead against Roi-Et FC at the Nongprue Stadium in Pattaya, Saturday, Oct. 25. (Photo/Pattaya United FC) home their numerical advantage 3 minutes later as Lopes once again displayed some sublime skill to dummy a defender before calmly chipping the ball past the Roi-Et keeper to make it 3-0.

Playing the final 20 minutes against nine men, a goal route appeared to be on the cards but Roi-Et had other ideas. In the 70th minute their numbers were reduced to eight as Korean defender Jeong Hyung-Jun took a wild kick at Pattaya’s Chatdanai Joompha and promptly received his marching orders from the referee. Three minutes later Roi-Et defender

Thai Division 1 Standings – Oct. 26 Team Nakhon Ratchasima Saraburi Siam Navy Bangkok Chiangmai Ayutthaya BBCU Trat Krabi Phuket Ang Thong TTM Lopburi Pattaya United Nakhon Pathom Roi Et Phitsanulok Khonkaen Sriracha

P 33 33 33 33 33 33 32 33 33 33 32 32 33 33 33 33 32 33

W 19 16 17 14 14 15 13 13 13 12 10 9 12 8 10 8 6 0

D 10 12 8 14 10 6 9 7 7 10 14 14 5 15 8 11 9 3

L 4 5 8 5 9 12 10 13 13 11 8 9 16 10 15 14 17 30

+/- Pts. +29 67 +17 60 +15 59 +16 56 +14 52 +5 51 +3 48 +13 46 +3 46 +0 46 +12 44 -2 41 -10 41 +0 39 -5 38 -22 35 -21 27 -67 3

Hemkeaw went down injured and was unable to continue.

With the visitors having used all their substitutes and having only six fit outfield players, the referee was forced to abandon the game under Thai League rules with the result standing in Pattaya’s favour.

United’s final match of the current league season will take place this coming Saturday, Nov. 1, away at Phitsanulok FC. Kick-off is scheduled for 4 p.m.

At the top of the Thai Premier League table things couldn’t be closer, with Chonburi FC holding a one point advantage over Buriram United with two matches remaining. Chonburi defeated Bangkok United last Sunday, victors over Buriram earlier in the week, in an entertaining match that finished 4-2 in the hosts’ favour. Buriram meanwhile rebounded from their midweek defeat to Bangkok by beating Chainat Hornbills 3-1.

Chonburi were due to play away at Chainat this past Wednesday, Oct. 29, with Buriram also having an away fixture at TOT. This coming Sunday in the final round of matches, Chonburi will play a home game against TOT and Buriram face Police United at the New I-Mobile Stadium.

Kick-off time for this weekend’s games is 6 p.m.

Pattaya Cricket Club on tour in Phuket.

Venky (7) and Nathan Williams (8), who had flown in from Dubai for the game, opened and soon departed, quickly followed by Paul Hack (1), Mike Khan (4), Andy Emery (0), Paan (0), Darren ‘heavy roller’ Allcock (0) and Bobby ‘Mr Angry’ Young (0). Cameos from Colin Clark (14) and Bob ‘hamstring’ Newell (16) helped the stranded captain Simon (45no) to a disappointing total of 120 all out. “Thank

goodness for extras” (25) was heard coming from the captain’s lips as he trudged off the field only to be buoyed later by the man of the match award.

It was a thoroughly enjoyable long weekend for all concerned where old faces met new faces and cricket was just the conduit that made it all possible.

PCC wish Pao and Paan all the very best for the forthcoming season and will be

monitoring and assisting whenever they can.

The season starts at the beginning of November with practice net sessions most weekends at the glorious Thai Polo Ground. All players and supporters are welcome and encouraged to contact the club either through the website www.pattayacricketclub.com or the club Facebook page.

Finally, the club would like thank all its future sponsors for the season ahead.

A speedy afternoon at EasyKart

An excited, but nervous bunch of teenagers at EasyKart.

They raced as fast as they not once, but twice.

Derek Franklin could, overtaking friends, The EasyKart course has A group of twenty very spinning out of control and two race tracks, 800m and nervous teenagers from the bumping into the bound- 350m in length, there is also a Father Ray Children’s Home aries, and all with huge smiles viewing stand. The staff are recently arrived at the on their faces. Much to the experienced and friendly and EasyKart race course, which annoyance of the boys, it there are a variety of vehicles is located next to the over- turned out that several fe- to choose from, depending on pass on Third Road near the male drivers lapped them, the racers age and experience.

Bali Hai Pier, for an afternoon of go-kart racing.

All ready to go.

Hosted by the friendly team from EasyKart, the teenagers were given safety instructions before watching other drivers race around the track at very high speeds.

For a usually confident group of young people they watched in worried silence, but all worries, doubts and fears disappeared as they climbed into their vehicles, fastened their helmets, started their engines and made their way to the track.

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Redskins end Cowboys’ 6-game streak, 20-17 in OT Brandon Weeden took over at quarterback after Romo was hurt, and his first play was a handoff to Murray for 51 yards to the Redskins 6, pushing him over 1,000 yards for the second season in a row.

The previous Dallas running back with consecutive 1,000-yard seasons was NFL career rushing leader Emmitt Smith with 11 in a row from 1991 to 2001.

McCoy put Washington up 17-10 early in the fourth quarter with a 7-yard run on a quarterback draw, slicing between three defenders across the goal line.

Weeden answered with a matching 80-yard drive capped by his 25-yard scoring pass to Jason Witten.

Other NFL results (week 8): Denver 35, San Diego 21; Detroit 22, Atlanta 21; Kan-

sas City 34, St. Louis 7; Houston 30, Tennessee 16; Minnesota 19, Tampa Bay 13, OT; Seattle 13, Carolina 9; Cincinnati 27, Baltimore 24; Miami 27, Jacksonville 13; New England 51, Chicago 23; Buffalo 43, N.Y. Jets 23; Arizona 24, Philadelphia 20; Cleveland 23, Oakland 13; Pittsburgh 51, Indianapolis 34; New Orleans 44, Green Bay 23.

Dalton sails home at Navy Travellers Rest Golf Group Andy Rich Washington Redskins quarterback Colt McCoy (right) prepares to pass under pressure from Dallas Cowboys defensive end Anthony Spencer (left) during their NFL football game, Monday, Oct. 27, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Tim Sharp)

Schuyler Dixon Arlington, Texas (AP) Colt McCoy’s successful return to Texas trumped Tony Romo’s dramatic return to the game.

McCoy directed Washington to Kai Forbath’s 40-yard field goal in overtime and Dallas was unable to answer after Romo came back from an injury to his surgically repaired back, sending the Redskins to a 20-17 victory last Monday night that ended the Cowboys’ sixgame winning streak.

McCoy, the former Texas star playing at the home of

the Cowboys for the first time since his final college game in his home state, calmly drove the Redskins (3-5) to the winning points.

The Cowboys (6-2) had one last chance, but didn’t get a first down. Romo’s final pass on fourth down was knocked away by Bashaud Breeland.

Romo left the field after getting sacked by Keenan Robinson in the third quarter. He lay motionless for several minutes but returned for the final Dallas drive of regulation.

McCoy, who was 25 of 30 for 299 yards, threw 23 yards

to Pierre Garcon to get the winning drive going. On third-and-3 from midfield, he fled the pocket, pointed to Jordan Reed to run up the field and lofted a pass that Reed caught while tiptoeing inbounds.

Another 16-yarder to Reed made Forbath’s job much easier.

Cowboys running back DeMarco Murray extended the record he took from Jim Brown two weeks ago with his eighth straight 100yard rushing game to start the season. He had 141 yards rushing and another 80 receiving.

Thai windsurfers get bonuses for Asian Games medals

The big news this past week concerns the TRGG going over to a five day week. As from November and the start of the high season in Thailand the TRGG will be organizing golf every Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday at different venues on every day. Already the numbers arriving in Pattaya to play golf have shown a marked increase despite the inclement weather and it looks as though this trend will continue leading up to Christmas.

The TRGG organisers have been working hard to get the best deals from the various courses around Pattaya and claim that what they have to offer is second to none, so when you arrive in Pattaya come and look us up at the Ned Kelly Bar in Soi Lengkee.

The weather last week was decidedly “iffy” and many of us got a good soaking.

After many a downpour it required a lengthy wait whilst the greens turned into ponds and back to greens, which led to a tedious six hour round on Wednesday.

Needless to say good scores were hard to come by.

Monday, Oct. 20, Plutalunag Stableford

Thailand’s four successful windsurfers display their Asian Games medals as they pose with public officials and TWA representatives at Jomtien Beach, Oct. 19.

Surasak Huasoon Pattaya congratulated windsurfers who participated in and boosted the reputation of Thailand at the recently held Asian Games in South Korea.

Former Culture Minister Sonthaya Khunplome, along with Mayor Itthiphol Kunplome and Pattana Bunsawad, secretary of the Thailand Windsurfing Association,

saluted the silver and bronzewinning windsurfers.

To motivate and build the morale of windsurfers and jet-ski racers, the Mayor organized a welcome-home party at Jomtien Beach on Oct. 19. Thailand sent four athletes and two trainers to Incheon for 40 days for both training and the games. They brought home four medals.

Nuttapong Phothinopparat won silver in the Mistral One

Design Class while bronze medals went to Ek Bunswad in the Men’s RSX, Sarocha Phumprai in the Women’s RSX, and Siriporn Keawduagngam in RS1.

The officials presented all four winners cash bonuses from sponsors and a halfgram gold necklace each.

Eight windsurfers will next be heading to the 4th Asian Beach Games, being held from November 14-23 in Phuket.

On Monday the TRGG headed off to play Plutaluang (North and West courses) and they managed to stay dry, which led to the best score of the week. Tim Dalton hasn’t appeared at the top of the leader board for a while so I would guess that the 38 points he put together will have had him whistling a happy tune.

It required a count back to separate the two guys who came second and third; Mike Sanders just managing to outdo Louis Flanagan (the Ian Poulter of the TRGG). It takes something special to outdo Louis as you never know from one day to the next what colour outfit he is going to turn up in. It might be an eye-watering lime green or a delicate shade of plum or an outrageous sky blue & pink. Anyway Mike

John Baxter.

Neil Bramley.

let his golf make the final statement.

1st Tim Dalton (19) 38pts 2nd Mike Sanders (6) 35pts 3rd Louis Flanagan (13) 35pts

2nd Bob Chiofalo (19) 33pts 3rd Frank Courtney 15) 29pts

Wednesday, Oct. 22, Burapha - Stableford It was over to Burapha (A and B courses) on Wednesday and although we started off in very hot, humid conditions the thunderstorms soon rolled in and proceeded to soak us. It also didn’t help having a very slow five-ball in front of all our four-balls so we were backed up all the way round the first nine holes.

Now the courses are getting busy I would request the course Managers to look at the issue of playing numbers. The previous week at Treasure Hill we even had to play behind a six-ball, which is just not on really.

Such were our numbers at Burapha it required two divisions. In Division 1 Mike Sanders went one better than on Monday and finished top of pile, with his old adversary Mike Rushant in second and the ever reliable Jim Sykes taking third spot.

In Division 2 it was John Baxter who recorded the best score of the day in very trying conditions and he was followed home by Bob Chiofalo and Frank Courtney.

Div.1 (0-14) 1st Mike Sanders (6) 32pts 2nd Mike Rushant (12) 31pts 3rd Jim Sykes (11) 30pts Div.2 (15+) 1st John Baxter (16) 35pts

Friday, Oct. 24, The Emerald Stableford On Friday we rounded off the week at Emerald and again two divisions were necessary. In Division 1 it was ‘Mr. Unorthodox’ Neil Bramley (he grips the club left hand below right hand) who was the cream on top of the milk. Again it required a count back to decide who was second and third and it was Poopay who got the better of her other half Fergus, not for the first time she reminded me.

In Division 2 it was two Gary’s fighting it out for top spot and it was Gary Ralph who just got the better of Gary Bennett, with John McGovern coming in third.

Div.1 (0-14) 1st Neil Bramley (8) 37pts 2nd Tewin Poopay Lamthong (13) 34pts 3 rd Fergus Brennan (13) 34pts Div.2 (15+) 1st Gary Ralph (16) 36pts 2nd Gary Bennett (18) 34pts 3rd John McGovern (26) 33pts Good luck to all you golfers for the coming week and if you would like to play a round of golf with the TRGG, please phone Fergus Brennan on 086 056 7019 or pop into the Ned Kelly Bar in Soi Lengkee and add your name to the weekly lists which are posted on the notice board.

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Thai youth win world sailing team racing championship

Thailand and Singapore Optimists battle for position on the Rio De La Plata in Buenos Aires, Argentina. (Photo/Matias Capizzano)

Thai junior sailors leap into the water to celebrate victory in the team sailing event, Sunday, Oct. 26. (Photo/Matias Capizzano)

Shown in the group photo with the flag are the team with supporters. Front row (left to right): Nopporn Boonchert, Suthon Yampinid, Voravong Rachrattanaruk, Intira Panpiboon, national coach Somkiat Poonpat, and Sutida Poonpat. Back row (left to right): Nima Chandler and Jordan Rumsby of the Royal Varuna Yacht Club, which is bidding to host the Optimist World Championship 2016, and Luis Velasco, Chairman of the 2014 Organizing Committee. (Photo/Matias Capizzano) The Thai national junior sailing team claimed gold in the team racing event at the Optimist World Championships 2014 in Argentina last Sunday, returning to shore to cheers from around the world.

After a two year absence from the prestigious international event, the five member team defeated Asian Games gold medalists Singapore in the team racing finals which saw 38 nations competing for the title in round robin bouts on the Rio De La Plata off the coast of the Club Nautico San

Isidro of Buenos Aires.

After a much deserved rest on Monday, the sailors were due to resume individual fleet racing with Voravong Rachrattanaruk and Suthon Yampinid, currently placed 13th and 14th after three days, still within reach of a top ten result, and Nopporn Booncherd in 30th out of 270 sailors from 50 countries.

All sailors at the international event are under 16 years of age; the youngest on the Thai team, Intira Panpiboon of Pattayaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Royal Varuna Yacht

Club, is only 12. All other Thai sailors are with the Sattahipbased Junior Sailing Squadron of Thailand and Yacht Racing Association of Thailand, including Suthida Poonpat, cousin of former Optimist World Champion Noppakao Poonpat, who led the Thai team to a sweep of all four titles on offer at this same event in 2010.

The Thai Optimist team also participated in the 2014 Asian Games, taking bronze in Incheon, Korea, earlier this month.

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Butch blazes his way to Green Jacket glory From page 52 There were also many technical prizes to hand out, the Long Drive awards went to Mark Pekuri (A Flight), Ken Price (B Flight) and Martin Blurta (C Flight) while Near Pin prizes were picked up by Brian Dodd, Kurt Kanter, Larry Ball, Joe Buda, Ray Regan, Mal Thomas, Joe Zonca, Sugar Robertson, Todd Bedenis and David Dgira.

In addition to all the division and technical prizes listed already, Jack Levy from MLG Consulting donated 20,000 baht to be contested on the 18th green with the longest putt made winning 50% of the prize and 50% going to Jesters Care for Kids, particularly towards an 11-year old girl’s heart operation. Stuart Rhodes 45-ft putt won by inches as he was in the

Rick Kaban (right) - A Flight winner. penultimate group and only four more attempts were made.

Plenty of folks helped to make this tournament

happen, not least of those being Alan Bolton Property Consultants’ for their annual sponsorship and Sinto

Asian and European teams set to clash at FIVB Pattaya Beach Volleyball

Do they have to put up with canine intrusions at Augusta? for designing and producing the quality event shirts.

On the day many made it painless with Eddie Behr running the check-in, Bill, Serge, Ann and Apple getting the cold beers to the golfers and Woody getting everyone into the proper sized shirts. That done, all the golfers had to worry about was scoring and then getting back to the TQ for the tasty roasted ox leg and prize-giving.

Matt Miller (left) - C Flight champion.

Volleyball players, tournament organizers and Pattaya City officials pose for a photo at an Oct. 28 press conference to promote the upcoming Pattaya Thailand Challenger FIVB beach volleyball event.

The US$50,000 Pattaya Thailand Challenger, which is part of the FIVB beach volleyball professional women’s tour, is set to be a clash on the sand between the Asian and European teams whose entries dominate the draw. This is the first time in a decade that international beach volleyball has returned to Pattaya with the tournament being staged from 5 – 9 November off Pattaya Beach Road adjacent to the Tropicana Hotel.

The 24 team main draw includes 3 teams from Germany and Thailand, 2 teams from Kazakhstan and one team each from Australia, Czech Republic, Italy, Japan, Norway, Poland, Russia, Sweden, Ukraine, USA and Vanuatu. A further 4 teams will join the main draw from

the qualifying rounds. Thailand is represented by 4 teams in total in the tournament with Radarong and Udomchavee, Numwong and Hongpak and Tangkaeo and Chantira in the main draw and Srinuch and Pronsuda in the qualifying.

The tournament is being held over 5 days, with the qualifying rounds taking place on 5 November, main draw pool play on 6 November and the knockout stages starting with the round of 16 from 7 – 9 November.

Matches will be played on two courts only, a centre court seating 2,000 spectators will host most of the matches, except some qualifying and pool play matches which will be staged on a second court.

A third court is available for practice at all times.

Admission to the tournament is free and a sponsor zone on-site includes a beer garden, and sponsor booths with activities and games to enhance the spectator experience for beach volleyball fans.

For fans who are unable to make the trip to Pattaya, CTH TV, Sports Spirit channel will provide extensive “live” coverage of the main draw matches throughout the tournament from 6- 9 November, including the semi-finals and finals which will be held on Saturday 8 November and Sunday 9 November respectively from 15.30 onwards.

For more information on the tournament, contact Pentangle Promotions Co., Ltd at Tel: 02-3113414/5 or via the website at www. pentanglepromotions.com

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Butch blazes his way to Green Jacket glory 2014 TQ Masters Golf Tournament The 21st edition of the annual TQ (Tahitian Queen) Masters Golf Tournament was held at The Emerald Golf Resort on Friday, Oct 17, with a field of 73 eager golfers, split into three divisions, playing in a singles stableford format in a battle to the wire for the coveted Green Jacket.

After a quick dispensing of the complimentary and most welcome bloody Caesar’s at sign-up (an essential TQ Master tradition) the first 4ball teed off at 9 a.m. in partly cloudy but warm conditions.

Play proceeded at a steady pace and the on-course roving beer carts manned by Bill, Sung, Apple and Ann made sure the golfers’ seemingly unquenchable thirst was adequately attended to.

The course was presented in fine condition for the event but was still a bit damp from recent rains so the ‘lift, clean and place’ ruling came into effect. One player who had a

Butch Porter (left) receives the TQ Masters champion’s trophy and Green Jacket from Mamasan Ead. day to remember was Kurt Kanter who made the most difficult shot in golf when he sunk his tee shot on the par four #2 hole for an albatross... congratulations Kurt!

Apres golf everyone changed up and headed back to the TQ rock ’n’ roll bar in Pattaya for the presentation ceremony, which was preceded by the announcement of an extended

Kurt Kanter recorded an albatross on the par-4 second at Emerald.

happy hour and a leg of ox barbecue provided by Bjarne of the Café Kronborg.

With appetites sated it was time to announce the winners of this year’s tournament.

Taking first place in the A

Flight was Rick Kaban with a fine 39 points, three ahead of Sugar Robertson in second and a further point up on Chaten Patel in third.

B Flight winner was Butch Porter with a whopping 41

points while Richard Anderson and Steve Elllison were locked in a battle for second place on 35 points each, Richard finally prevailing on a 17/16 count back.

Matt Miller was the top dog in C Flight with a 39 point haul and he was able to sit back and relax as Ross Schifeke and John Mackay fought for the scraps on 38 points each, the 22/20 back nine split falling in Ross’ favour.

So we came to the winner of this year’s TQ Masters, and with it the honour of donning the prestigious Green Jacket. With his high 41 points tally of the day, Butch Porter was announced as the 2014 champion and he duly went up on stage to receive his trophy and prized emerald garment from Mamsan Ead, who performed her presentation duties with customary aplomb.

Continued on page 51

Teed-up and raring to go.

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