The D'orn

The Field Service Officer

anthony.fnl@gmail.com (The Bosun) — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 16:53:00 PDT

This is an insight into one of the least known services in the world. I am writing a Novel on my service with the United Nations as a field service officer.

The book will be fictionalised but will be based on true events that happened to me on my 15 years tenure with the UN.

I served in some of the most hazardous post war torn regions in the world Beirut, Cambodia, Mozambique, Angola and the Eastern Congo, this will be my story.

Beirut was a mess in 1990 regardless of the ongoing conflict it was business as usual communications teams were tasked with ensuring the continued operation of the mission communications systems.

The area of operations was vast and most travel was carried out by vehicle although Beirut was only accessible by helo. Beirut was in ruins and sporadic fighting continued and although the team will be unarmed work on vital communications equipments had to be carried out.

Arriving by Helo on the waterfront it suddenly hit you the overpowering and looming international hotels casting a shadow over the heli pad. Standing proud charred with shrapnel and bullet holes they had lost there mystique and inviting appeal now just shells of there former glory.

The order was flash jackets and helmets, and we decided to build a shield in the rear of the cruieser with with tool boxes and spares, a nice shield should they start shooting from behind.

We made sure the med kit, radio and gps were on us with our ready bags containing ration packs, water a roll of toilet paper, if we had to bail out then we had the essentials.

The Apc led the way the team stuck in close and followed with the cruiser, what with shelling and sniper fire cracking and banging around us it was a bit unnerving feeling so vulnerable, the Apc was the place to be.

The smell of cordite wafted through the car, and an unbearable stench of burnt human flesh hung in the air, it was putrid and sickly, the convoy continued through the gray smoke and burning tyres used for road blocks when suddenly the radio blared with a message infroming us the road ahead had been closed due to the heavy fighting, so the only cause of action was to divert to a safe house the Mayflower hotel in Hamra.

Arriving safely at the hotel and after an informal check in our first stop was the hotel bar and as usual old "George" who had been the resident barman and story teller. He was quietly preparing the bar for us when we entered, he was overjoyed with our arrival and soon had us all entranced in one of his magical stories.

Its like he had been created with the hotel believe me he had some stories to tell, from the occupation by the Israelis to being kidnapped himself, by whom and for what got muddled in some of the other stories along with the numerous whiskies taken in, so with more than a few under the belt and a mind full of war stories and the clacking and banging from munitions outside I headed to bed......!

See more at the web site www.fieldserviceofficer.com

This is fiction at its best and will leave you wanting more.

The characters in this book are purely fictional. Any similarities between them and real individuals are purely coincidental.

Well United Nations answer me!

anthony.fnl@gmail.com (The Bosun) — Thu, 24 Dec 2009 15:58:00 PST

I found this question, and a very serious one that was directed to the United Nations. I never did see an answer, so can you answer this ladies question.

Gloire Amani Kabare Ammany

Dear MONUC,

I hope this message finds you well. The reason why I have decide to write to you this message is because I just wonder to know if the Rebel General Laurent Nkunda is still alive in custody (remain in jail in Rwanda) and waiting to be sent back home to face trial (D.R.Congo supervisor by the International Criminal Court and UN). I understood that the ICC has no police force of its own to track down and arrest suspects. Instead it must rely on national police services to make arrests and seek their transfer to The Hague.

My question is if Jean-Pierre Bemba, a former vice president in Congo putted on trial for alleged crimes against humanity of leading militias who murdered and raped civilians in Central African Republic in 2002 and 2003. So what about Rebel General Laurent Nkunda? In 2005, The "Congolese government" issued an international arrest warrant against him for alleged war crimes. In addition, the point I am trying to make is also support by Human Rights Watch who says "his troops have been implicated in numerous killings, torture and rapes."

We want justice for all of them and therefore will send a strong message to those who still using violent. I want straight answer please.

I am one of the youngest generations and only want justice. As I believe in unity instead of division simply because we are one nation (Tutsi, Hutu and other Congolese ethnics within our country are one); and I think it wrong to promote violent to gain peace. I would sincere thanks you for all the taugh job you're currently doing in my country and still hope for change.

Thanks for your time and comprehension.

Gloire

Clockwork Orange

anthony.fnl@gmail.com (The Bosun) — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 15:50:00 PST

A British couple have become victims of a horrendous Clockwork Orange-style sex attack ordeal while on holiday in Thailand.

The professional couple had chosen the Thai holiday island of Koh Chang to round off a memorable one-year sabbatical from their jobs touring the world.

But last night, the couple, one a government employee, the other a businessman, fled Thailand after they were subjected to a night of terror in which they say they were drugged and raped by a gang they suspect preys on foreign tourists.

Paradise lost: Koh Chang island in Thailand, where a British businessman was forced to watch a sexual assault on his wife

The couple did not wish to be fully identified. But the man, Richard, 42, remembers being forced to watch as his wife Susan, 31, was sexually assaulted by two men.

For the next two days, the couple lay almost motionless in their holiday bungalow as gradually their memories returned.

They called the police, but when nobody went to see them, they went to a local hospital to be examined by doctors.

Richard said: 'The doctor there examined us and listened to our story and seemed to know what had happened straight away.

'He told us we were showing all the symptoms of having been given the drug Dormicum – a date rape drug. I do not know the drug, but it seemed of no surprise to the doctor.

'When I asked the doctor if he could check for any traces, he said no, it would have been cleared out of our systems by now.'

Vile: The couple were drugged in the Clockwork Orange-style attack and lay still for two days as they slowly came to their senses

Examinations showed both had been raped and sexually abused in other ways.

They contacted the police, who they say showed scant interest and did little in the way of investigation.

They also contacted British authorities, but say the British representative on the island who came to see them was not interested either.

Last night, they were on their way back to Britain, with little prospect of anything being done. But they wanted to make others aware of the dangers of making contact with strangers in such places.

Richard said: 'I know many people are not going to believe this and say that we must have been taking drink or drugs through choice. But nothing could be further from the truth.'

Susan said the night of their ordeal began with a pleasant drink at a beach bar, where they met an Englishwoman and some Frenchmen. They stayed in their company at the bar, although at one point she and her partner left for a short time, returning to join them. It was at that point, she believes, the drinks were spiked.

'Things became a bit hazy. And then one of the Frenchmen lifted me up and carried me out of the bar. In a normal situation I would not let anybody do such a thing. It was bizarre.'

The group all went back to the couple's bungalow.

Coming home: The couple are making their way back to Britain from the island close to the Cambodian border

'Then things got hazier and hazier,' she said.

'Everything was a blur.'

Richard said he could vaguely remember being outside the bungalow and watching through a window as Susan was assaulted by the men.

'The next thing it was light and I was lying on the balcony in a foetal position and the Frenchman were standing above me looking down and laughing and saying what they had done to Susan.'

He realised that at some point he too had been sexually attacked.

The couple said that when they were able to complain to police 'they did not seem very interested'.

After contacting the British Embassy they were visited by a consular representative, a local Thai woman, who told them the police would not take the case seriously.

'We have been contacted by the police who have asked us what we are going to do,' said Richard.

'We do not want to let the matter drop. But we must get home to our families.'

A Thai Police spokesman strenuously denied they were not taking the couple's complaint seriously and said an investigation was under way.

A British Embassy spokesman said: 'The consular team in Bangkok have been in touch throughout to give help and advice to the British nationals involved and are urgently following up with the Thai police.

'A member of staff from our consulate in Pattaya visited the British nationals within the first day of the embassy being contacted to provide face-to-face assistance. Our consular staff in London have also been in touch with the family members in the UK.'

Isolate Drug Dealers

anthony.fnl@gmail.com (The Bosun) — Sun, 24 May 2009 04:04:00 PDT

Justice Minister Pirapan Salirathavibhaga said yesterday that he was thinking of imprisoning drug-dealing prison inmates on some deserted island or oil rig.

"I'm thinking about asking the Royal Thai Navy to find an isolated island or unused old oil-drilling platform, possibly in the Gulf of Thailand, to put these nasty drug-dealing convicts on so they can't contact anyone to ply their trade," he said.
The justice minister conceded, however, that this would need a change in the law.

He said police investigation of major drug dealers was hampered by the fact that most of those masterminding the trade were already behind bars and working through dozens of bank accounts in other people's names. He plans to install signal-jamming devices at major prisons.

Drug dealing among convicts is much less of a problem due to the limited goods to go around, he said. The trade in the general community, masterminded by convicts with networks importing and delivering methamphetamines at various points, is so serious that the prime minister has had to frame a tough policy to tackle it.
Pirapan cited prison searches that regularly found mobile phones with unregistered SIM cards smuggled in by warders in exchange for money.

Only 5-6 key prisons of the 147 nationwide are involved, Pirapan said, expressing the hope that the fiscal-2010 budget would give him the wherewithal to install signal-jammers there and crack down on the warders involved.

I think its a brilliant idea you see movies with all these crims on these rigs and so on so why not put it into practice.

Vietnam Links

anthony.fnl@gmail.com (The Bosun) — Sun, 03 May 2009 19:39:00 PDT

I have just spent the weekend in Vietnam brilliant, these are some of the tour company's I have been told to check out before my next visit as a weekend was not long enough.

Vietnam Sapa Travel
Vietnam sapa travel, sapa travel vietnam, sapa tours, sapa hotels, sapa trekking tour, sapa adventure travel, sapa travel guide.

Indochina Tour Packages
Www. Indochinavoyagestravel. Com will combine the tour in cambodia , vietnam and laos and where you can explore the world heritages in one package.

Vietnam Travel
Travel vietnam, vietnam travel, vietnam tour, tour vietnam, vietnam hotel, vietnam visa, vietnam train, vietnam flight, hanoi hotel

Vietnam Cruise Tours
Vietnam cruise tours, halong bay cruises, mekong delta cruise, mekong delta tours, mekong river travel, halong bay tours

Vietnam Tours
Vietnam tours, vietnam holidays, vietnam travel packages, vietnam hotels, indochina travel packages, vietnam vacations.

Vietnam Top Resorts
Vietnam top resorts, vietnam tours, vietnam hotel booking, vietnam travel packages, vietnam holidays, vietnam vacations.

I hope there is something here for you if your thinking of visiting, believe me vietnam has gone leaps ahead and I believe its going to overtake allot of other popular far east holiday destinations.

SwineFlu

anthony.fnl@gmail.com (The Bosun) — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 06:00:00 PDT

Well for sure I no what bird flu was and now we have swineflu, its quite obvious swine = pig sure but I thought I would put this on as a post just in case your more than worried and want to no what the symptoms are and its actual roots.

In Asia there are no reported cases as yet but with air travel it wont be long. Lets just hope its not a pandemic?

Link to Centre for Disease Control regarding swine flu:
http://cdc.gov/swineflu/

Questions & Answers - Swine Influenza and You

What is swine flu?

Swine Influenza (swine flu) is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A influenza viruses. Outbreaks of swine flu happen regularly in pigs. People do not normally get swine flu, but human infections can and do happen. Most commonly, human cases of swine flu happen in people who are around pigs but it’s possible for swine flu viruses to spread from person to person also.

Are there human infections with swine flu in the U.S.?

In late March and early April 2009, cases of human infection with swine influenza A (H1N1) viruses were first reported in Southern California and near San Antonio, Texas. CDC and local and state health agencies are working together to investigate this situation.

Is this swine flu virus contagious?

CDC has determined that this virus is contagious and is spreading from human to human. However, at this time, it not known how easily the virus spreads between people.

What are the signs and symptoms of swine flu in people?

The symptoms of swine flu in people are similar to the symptoms of regular human flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people have reported diarrhea and vomiting associated with swine flu. In the past, severe illness (pneumonia and respiratory failure) and deaths have been reported with swine flu infection in people. Like seasonal flu, swine flu may cause a worsening of underlying chronic medical conditions.

How serious is swine flu infection?

Like seasonal flu, swine flu in humans can vary in severity from mild to severe. Between 2005 until January 2009, 12 human cases of swine flu were detected in the U.S. with no deaths occurring. However, swine flu infection can be serious. In September 1988, a previously healthy 32-year-old pregnant woman in Wisconsin was hospitalized for pneumonia after being infected with swine flu and died 8 days later. A swine flu outbreak in Fort Dix, New Jersey occurred in 1976 that caused more than 200 cases with serious illness in several people and one death.

How do you catch swine flu?

Spread of swine flu can occur in two ways:

* Through contact with infected pigs or environments contaminated with swine flu viruses.

* Through contact with a person with swine flu. Human-to-human spread of swine flu has been documented also and is thought to occur in the same way as seasonal flu. Influenza is thought to spread mainly person-to-person through coughing or sneezing of infected people.

Are there medicines to treat swine flu?

Yes. CDC recommends the use of oseltamivir or zanamivir for the treatment and/or prevention of infection with these swine influenza viruses. Antiviral drugs are prescription medicines (pills, liquid or an inhaler) that fight against the flu by keeping flu viruses from reproducing in your body. If you get sick, antiviral drugs can make your illness milder and make you feel better faster. They may also prevent serious flu complications. For treatment, antiviral drugs work best if started soon after getting sick (within 2 days of symptoms).

How long can an infected person spread swine flu to others?

People with swine influenza virus infection should be considered potentially contagious as long as they are symptomatic and possible for up to 7 days following illness onset. Children, especially younger children, might potentially be contagious for longer periods.

What can I do to protect myself from getting sick?
There is no vaccine available right now to protect against swine flu. There are everyday actions that can help prevent the spread of germs that cause respiratory illnesses like influenza. Take these everyday steps to protect your health:

* Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.

* Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.

* Try to avoid close contact with sick people.

* If you get sick with influenza, CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.

What should I do if I get sick?

If you live in San Diego County or Imperial County California or Guadalupe County, Texas and become ill with influenza-like symptoms, including fever, body aches, runny nose, sore throat, nausea, or vomiting or diarrhea, you may want to contact their health care provider, particularly if you are worried about your symptoms. Your health care provider will determine whether influenza testing or treatment is needed.

If you are sick, you should stay home and avoid contact with other people as much as possible to keep from spreading your illness to others.

If you become ill and experience any of the following warning signs, seek emergency medical care.

In children emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:

* Fast breathing or trouble breathing
* Bluish skin color
* Not drinking enough fluids
* Not waking up or not interacting
* Being so irritable that the child does not want to be held
* Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough
* Fever with a rash

In adults, emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:

* Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
* Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
* Sudden dizziness
* Confusion
* Severe or persistent vomiting

Can I get swine influenza from eating or preparing pork?

No. Swine influenza viruses are not spread by food. You cannot get swine influenza from eating pork or pork products. Eating properly handled and cooked pork products is safe.

Songkran festival death Toll

anthony.fnl@gmail.com (The Bosun) — Sat, 18 Apr 2009 17:08:00 PDT

Good news the fatalities are down on last year and believe me when I was in Phuket the police were out if full force, just walking into town from the hotel I saw police giving out tickets left right and centre, mainly for not wearning helmets but hey that's what is the cause of so many deaths in Thailand.

So Songkran's "seven dangerous days" ended yesterday with 373 deaths and 4,332 injuries in 3,977 road accidents nationwide.

The number of deaths increased by five from last year, but there were 471 fewer injuries and 266 fewer accidents.

Well I am back from Phuket and yes my province still have Mum, Dad, Granny and the yongest dhild and baby on the bike with not helmets zipping past on the main road, why the police are not uniform in their approach nationwide I dont no, but it needs urgent attention.

Walmart's Easter

anthony.fnl@gmail.com (The Bosun) — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 09:00:00 PDT

You no I love the spirit of mankind and this restores my faith in the corporate giants and gives me a reason to share and celebrate easter with close friends, I love Walmart for what they are doing to help Americans keep their holiday traditions alive while staying within their budgets, Walmart is serving up more savings on meal items likely to be in shopping carts in the days leading up to Easter. Walmart shoppers can feed a family of eight a turkey or ham dinner with all the fixings for under $35, including two bottles of wine:

Turkey Dinner - $34.56

1 - 14-16 lb. hen turkey ($0.88/lb.) -- $14.08
2 lbs. fresh asparagus ($1.77/lb.) -- $3.54
4 lbs. sweet potatoes ($0.50/lb.) -- $2
2 cans Delmonte corn (14.5 oz each) -- $1.50
Dinner rolls (24 ct.) -- $2.50
2 bottles Oak Leaf wine (750 ml) -- $5.94
Edwards pie (25.5 to 36 oz.) -- $5

Ham Dinner - $34.40

1 - 7-8 lb. half spiral slice ham ($1.58/lb.) -- $12.64
Green Bean Casserole:
- 2 cans Delmonte green beans (14.5 oz. each) -- $1.50
- 1 can Great Value mushroom soup (10.75 oz. each) -- $0.94
- 1 container Great Value french fried onion rings (6 oz.) -- $2.50
Betty Crocker scalloped potatoes twin pack (9.8 oz.) -- $2
Dinner rolls (24 ct.) -- $2.50
2 bottles Oak Leaf wine (750 ml) -- $5.94
Bakery angel food cake (15 oz.) -- $4
Strawberries (16 oz.) -- $1.50
Great Value whipped topping -- $0.88

Customers looking for children's Easter gifts will find them at Walmart's affordable prices, while supplies last, such as:

$1 - Assortments of giant lollipops, 12-ct. bright plastic eggs, large bubble wands, kites and sidewalk chalk.
$5 - Fisher Price Little People Easter Tube, Mr. or Mrs. Potato Head "Spud Bunny", Play-Doh 12-pack and Jr. Sports Baseball racket or golf sets.
$10 - Giant plush Floppy Pals, Littlest Pet Shop on the Go Bag, and $10 video games for Nintendo DS and DSi, Wii, Xbox and PS2.

What other countries do you no of that would give you this sort of a deal in the spirit of easter to have the family sit down and be able to afford a family meal and get together for under 40 bucks?

Songkran Festival

anthony.fnl@gmail.com (The Bosun) — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 04:02:00 PDT

Well its that time of year again and its Thailands New Year and also when you run for cover or lock yourself indoors with enough booze and food to bide you over the silly season.

Yes Its Songkran Festival and that means buckets of water usually mixed with flour and perfume heaved at you at any time of day regardless of what your up to, even on the back of a motorbike taxi's, dangerous Yes! and unfortunately this is when the death toll will start to climb along with the drunk driving. Of course there are laws in place and the police do their best to control the festivities but some times to no avail.

So what I am going to do is head up to Phuket and sit by the pool and venture out only when they get tired of biffing buckets of sqishy, smelly water from the backs of utes and the sidewalks, Yes I will get wet but the majority of the time will be in the hotel pool, and by choice.

Some dignitaries are dodging the party as well the ASEAN Summit +3 and +6 will start on Friday in Pattaya where ASEAN leaders will meet their counterparts from China, Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand and India over the weekend.

The summit's venue was relocated from Phuket to the more subdued Chon Buri in order to avoid Phuket's ribald and sometimes unruly water-throwing activities during the annual Songkran festival.

Anyway once again take it easy out there if your amongst the water and lets just hope the death toll from the stupidity of some revellers is low if not at all and make it a happy holiday.

Saatchi and Saatchi

anthony.fnl@gmail.com (The Bosun) — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 23:51:00 PDT

Well not quite Saatchi & Saatchi but for value for money then go CMF thats right since I have been with CMF ads I have been very pleased, for example here are my advertisements I have on at the moment.

Advert ID	Placed By	Placed On	Status	Requested	Ends	Price	Views	Clicks
2670	One World One Reason	Master And Student	Running	30 Mar 2009	29 Apr 2009	1	164	5
2515	One World One Reason	Graffiti and Street Art Blog	Running	28 Mar 2009	27 Apr 2009	2	203	3
2061	One World One Reason	More Than Sew So	Running	17 Mar 2009	16 Apr 2009	2	1,807	4
1787	One World One Reason	My Thai Photo Blog	Running	14 Mar 2009	14 Apr 2009	1	465	0
1737	One World One Reason	Simply Shinade	Running	14 Mar 2009	14 Apr 2009	1	531	9
1736	One World One Reason	A Singaporean in London	Running	14 Mar 2009	13 Apr 2009	1	502	5

I mean take a look at my advertisement on 'More Than Sew So' and I have still 16 days to run on it so taking into consideration of the price of $0.50 / 30 days (2 credits), and for $10 US you can buy 40 credits. The average price of the advertisement spot is between 1 and 5 credits so for 30 days that is great value. Take a look for yourself.

Monkey kills owner with coconut

anthony.fnl@gmail.com (The Bosun) — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 04:53:00 PDT

Well its been heard of but well a coconut collector in Nop Phitam District was killed after his favorite monkey dropped a coconut onto his head on February 25.

Leurit Chanchum, 48, from Village 4 Tambon Krung Ching, was hired by a neighbor to collect coconuts using his trained macaque.

When the monkey was up the tree, it threw down some coconuts to its owner. One of the heavy nuts hit Mr Leurit square on the head, knocking him unconscious.

A neighbor took him to Tha Sala Hospital, but he never regained consciousness and later died from his injury.

The Monkey was not charged with murder and still collects coconuts, but the deceased mans wife now has him on a longer lead so she can dodge the coconuts and not have to stand at the bottom of the tree?

Elvis hated Fraudsters

anthony.fnl@gmail.com (The Bosun) — Sun, 29 Mar 2009 05:53:00 PDT

The D'orn will come for Entrecard, and my friend at http://turnipofpower.com/ hates the guy much as I do, he is a spoilt brat that can only be put down by mummy and daddy for being so naughty, he is lying through his teeth about Entre F.U and why people are wasting there lives clicking for this idiot I will never no.

Yes I was spending over an hour whilst I was in the rut of that boy, its like being employed by Mr Scrooge don't you ever feel you are lining the pockets of the idiot whilst you are wearing thin your mouse with your click finger.

Anyway folks read the link above from the Turnip, he hates him and like most of us has very valid reasons why.

I shall be advertising my blogs on CMF and Adgitize far more civilised, make the change and you will see you were wasting your time at Entre F.U.

I read an article a while back that Elvis use to hate being told he had more people at his concerts than there actually were, so I don't think he would sign up for EntrE FU then

Return Of The Goddesses

anthony.fnl@gmail.com (The Bosun) — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 17:23:00 PDT

Let the journey begin "The Burning Memory"

Peter Alexander is an award-winning documentary film and television commercial writer-director.
His feature film and...more http://www.kennebecentertainment.com/

This is not an advertisement, and to be honest I am just giving Peter's work some acknowledgement and I truly hope you enjoy his web site and his work.

Thai Obama

anthony.fnl@gmail.com (The Bosun) — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 22:37:00 PDT

Thai Obama sings to a different tune

DEAD RINGER? Suphoj "Obama Thailand" Bunseupwong with a photo of US President Barack Obama.

SARABURI: While your average Southeast Asian would struggle to make his way in the world as a Gerorge W Bush lookalike, America’s dashing new president is providing some exciting new career prospects for some men across the region.

One Indonesian has already found fame in the Philippines owing to his uncanny resemblance to President Barack Obama. He was well compensated after being flown over to the Philippines to do a commercial for a stomach-ache remedy with a rather less-convincing lookalike of Filipino President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

Now Thailand has its very own Obama in the form of 50-year-old Saraburi resident Suphoj Bunseupwong.

Like President Obama, Mr Suphoj will be spreading a message of hope – not through rousing speeches, but through cheerful luk-thung country music songs.

Mr Suphoj, or “Obama Thailand” as he is now known in his village, was until recently preoccupied with running the sports store he owns in Ban Mor District.

A sports fanatic, he shot to local fame after taking part in a football tournament where the announcer pointed out how much he looked like the new US president.

News travels quickly in a Thai village, and before long curious locals were calling in at his shop to see for themselves. I don't really think he's that similar, but he will make some money out of his resemblance! to Obama, I don't think the CIA will be using him as a body double though?

Billionaires Lead Phuket's Top 5

anthony.fnl@gmail.com (The Bosun) — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 01:08:00 PDT

Well its good to see the kiwi's are leading the way with the Billions, I haven't seen the Kiwi's yet will get them to buy me a beer if I do? These guys have done really well good on yah! anway Thailand’s resort island of Phuket is fast becoming the place for the rich and famous in search of tropical island living coupled with great investment. According to the recently-launched Phuket Insider blog, two of Forbes magazine's leading billionaires have uber-luxury villas in Phuket

Phuket's “Top 5” are reported as:

1. New Zealand’s wealthiest brothers, Richard and Christopher Chandler (one brother formerly CEO of the Sovereign Group), with a fortune valued at over US$2 billion according to Forbes.

2. Canadian Robert Friedland of Ivanhoe Energy and Mines, with Forbes reporting a net worth of US$1.4 billion.

3. Hong Kong’s Allan Zeman, who is regarded as 'The Father of Lan Kwai Fong”. While his personal worth remains undisclosed, he is highly ranked amongst Asia’s most wealthy and influential businessmen.

4. Finnish Formula One star Kimi Raikkonen, the latest addition, earning a reported US$44 million per year and ranked by Forbes as the 5th highest-paid sports star and the 26th highest-paid celebrity.

5. British Binatone founder Gulu Lalvani, with his globe-trotting celebrity and multi-million dollar personal fortune.

Singha Thailand Open

anthony.fnl@gmail.com (The Bosun) — Mon, 09 Mar 2009 01:15:00 PDT

Jyoti Randhawa produced a stunning final Round of 65 (-5) with no dropped shots to take him to seventeen under par on 263, claiming the King's Cup and winning $79,250.

In Phuket after starting the day as joint leader in the final day of the Singha Thailand Open golf tournament in Phuket, Indian national Jyoti Randhawa won the four-day event to take home the King's Cup and nearly US$80,000.

Jyoti led at the 40th Singha Thailand Open at the start of today’s play with fellow Indian SSP Chowrasia and Welshman Rhys Davies at the top of the leader board on (-12).

By the end of the last round, it was Jyoti who held his nerve and came out triumphant. Jyoti produced a stunning final Round of 65 (-5) with no dropped shots to take him to seventeen under par on 263, claiming the King's Cup and winning $79,250.

Jyoti was over the moon with his win.

I am really annoyed as missed out on the final day, but Jyoti had a really good game, well I am back to my golf course just outside Trang, the fees are certainly cheaper

FLESH DRESS

anthony.fnl@gmail.com (The Bosun) — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 02:45:00 PST

Don't put on that red dress tonight, But guys there is nothing wrong with this, as far as I can see she's welcome to my next red carpet night. This is not the girl under fire but put her here in this article as she's equally as beautiful.

Siriwimol ‘Mai’ Charoenpura

Actress Julajak ''Ying'' Kritiyarat is apologising for the revealing dress she wore to the Thai film awards _ and taken a poke at a DJ who likened her in that dress to a prostitute.

On the red carpet at the Suphannahongse awards on Sunday, Ying, recently back from overseas, wore a red dress she bought in Milan. A see-through cutaway across the front revealed the top of her thigh, a red G-string, and if that was not enough, a small tattoo dedicated to her French boyfriend.

Spotting actresses who show the most flesh at the film awards is a national pastime. After getting flak for revealing too much on what is supposed to be a formal occasion, Ying brought out the dress in the daytime to show that, away from camera flashbulbs that illuminated her G-string and tattoo, the dress actually looked respectable.

She chose the red dress, which cost about 10,000 baht {35 baht to the US dollar}, because it was the least sexy on offer. She says it slipped, revealing more of her body than she intended, including her ''David'' tattoo, which she had contemplated covering with tape, but then thought better of it.

Some reports called her ''Nong Seaweed the Second'', a reference to actress Chotiros ''Amy'' Suriyawong, whose dress caused a scandal at the 2007 film awards.

Amy's evening gown, which was split up the sides, also slipped, supposedly revealing her pubic hairs (her ''seaweed'').

Her horrified film company boss promptly cut her out of a movie she was making, and Thammasat University, where she was studying, called her in for a reprimand.

Ying, 30, denies she wore the dress to create a scandal. She was not some brash newcomer but had been in the industry since her teens.

''We're supposed to wear something a little sexy on the red carpet _ but if anyone was offended, I apologise,'' she said. Dont worry my dear you dont have to apologise to me as I saw nothing wrong with the dress, but cant find a photo with you in it why?

MERMAID'S REST

anthony.fnl@gmail.com (The Bosun) — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 01:18:00 PST

When visiting Songkhla, a province bordering Malaysia, the first stop for most visitors is the city of Hat Yai, its transportation and business hub.

Colourful Mickey Mouse kites on sale at Samila Beach seem to pique the interest of this boy. They cost only 20 baht each.

Songkhla has various cultural, historical and natural attractions which can be explored in a couple of days.

Located around 950 kilometres south of Bangkok on the Gulf of Thailand coast, it takes around an hour to fly to Hat Yai from the Thai capital. Once there, rent a car and tour the province. Although the southern region has been marred by violence lately, Songkhla continues to receive tourists, and for safety it has erected security checkpoints on main roads.

Samila Beach is a good place to start your tour. It still draws foreign visitors, especially from Malaysia. A popular activity here is to get yourself photographed with the province's icon _ a mermaid's statute. Visitors don't mind climbing rocks to get close to the statue while some even pose sitting in her lap. Not far from this statue is another built and dedicated to the nearby twin islands of Ko Noo and Ko Maew, or cat and mouse islands respectively.

Although Samila is not sandy white and neither the sea crystal-clear like on the Andaman coast, children can still be seen frolicking on the beach enjoying a swim or flying kites. The beach area, recently developed and turned into a public park, is dotted with tall pines appointed with seats under whose shade visitors can relax and cool off.

Other points of interest are the City Gate and the 1,800-metre-long bridge built in 1986 and named after Songkhla's most famous son, Gen Prem Tinsulanonda, a former prime minister now senior statesman and Privy Council president.

This historic tunnel in Na Thawi district is part of Khao Namkhang National Park. A bastion of the Communist Party of Malaya since World War II and long after that, at its height it sheltered 30,000 communist cadres fighting the government in Kuala Lumpur, who fled persecution at home to the Thai side of the border. The kilometre-long tunnel, which has three levels and cuts through the mountain, took two years to dig. It boasted several underground bunkers used variously as hospital, kitchen, shooting range, dormitory, and for conferences, radio transmission and holding nupitals. The longest manmade tunnel in Thailand also had a basketball court and opened to tourists in March 1997.

Pang Ming Sang, 53, is a former member of the Communist Party of Malaya who fled to Thailand when just 16 and spent the better part of his youth in the tunnel. He fondly recalled his marriage: a simple affair, the vows taken over candy and a cup of coffee, he said, adding that communist cadres were not allowed to have children, and if a female cadre got pregnant she was forced to abort the child. In the mid-1980s when the government led by Gen Prem Tinsulanonda announced a general amnesty in return for communist fighters to give up their armed struggle and return to civilian life, he accepted the offer with both hands. Under the deal each cadre was given a house, 15 rai of land, and a daily subsistence of 18 baht for a two-year period. According to him, most of the 2,000 Malay communists hiding in Khao Namkhang at the time are still alive and made Thailand their home. Then he showed his ID card. ‘‘I am so happy. I’ve just received my Thai citizenship.’’

This bronze Phaya Nak serpent King sprayed rust green, built in 2006 at a cost of 28 million baht, is a relatively new attraction. The serpent with a distinct head, body and tail—three kilometres long— extends the length of Samila Beach.

This Guan Yin shrine is also located in Na Thawi district, not far from Khao Namkhang National Park. It is popular among Chinese from Malaysia and Singapore who come to pay their respects and pray for health and prosperity. The shrine recently added an ironwood pillar engraved with dragon.

If in Hat Yai, try breakfast with dim sum and Bak Kut Teh, tender pork spare rib soup served in a broth of Chinese herbs, garlic, and spices. There are more than 50 restaurants serving this traditional morning meal with tea.

"Siam Sunrays"

anthony.fnl@gmail.com (The Bosun) — Sat, 21 Feb 2009 23:23:00 PST

Cuba's got the Mojito. There's the Singapore Sling and the Manhattan. Thailand hopes a newly created drink called "Siam Sunrays" will enter the world's cocktail lexicon and help draw tourists back to the country.

The Tourism Authority of Thailand unveiled the drink Thursday, calling it "Thailand in a glass — the new punch in Thai tourism."

The cocktail consists of a shot of vodka, coconut liqueur, a dash of chili pepper and sugar, lime juice, a few slivers of lemongrass and ginger — shaken not stirred, then strained into a glass — with ice and soda water.

It's the latest strategy to revive Thailand's key tourism industry, which was battered by political protests last year that culminated in a weeklong shutdown of Bangkok's two main airports. The airport seizure stranded more than 300,000 travelers at the start of the peak holiday season, dealing a devastating blow to Thailand's tourist-friendly image.

"Successful signature drinks are one way to fast-track holiday destinations onto the world tourism map," the tourism authority said in a joint statement with the Thai Hotels Association.

Siam Sunrays was the winner of a competition sponsored by the two agencies to create a national cocktail.

"Thailand's new signature drink is based on very Thai ingredients," the statement said, adding that the drink was now available at hotels and resorts across the country.

"Red Zone" in war on Pirated goods

anthony.fnl@gmail.com (The Bosun) — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 01:58:00 PST

Evidence seized in a Customs Department raid in Patong in 2007. File photo.

Well after my last post it seems just 3 hours up the road in Phuket they acknowledged the scale of the trade in counterfeit goods on the island, the head of the Phuket Customs Office has identified Patong as one of several “red zones” in the battle against pirated goods, the state-run Thai News Agency has reported.

Phuket Customs Officers say the problem was the worst in areas popular with tourists, such as Patong and Kata-Karon.

These areas have been designated as “red zones” in order to facilitate a crackdown and arrest those responsible for the trade in counterfeit goods and intellectual property rights infringement.

Law enforcement officers from different agencies would monitor the red zones regularly, he said.

A total of six people were arrested for the sale of counterfeit goods in the month of January, it was reported.

For the problem to be solved in the long term, consumers would have to refrain from buying such products and respect intellectual copyright laws. Copyright infringement does great damage to the national economy, he said.

This is easier said than done as the trade will continue regardless, although it won't be as open, its know gone to under the table and behind closed doors and up the alley. Don't worry the illicit trade will continue its a livelihood to allot of people.

Rolex, Gucci, Christian D'or all Fake

anthony.fnl@gmail.com (The Bosun) — Mon, 16 Feb 2009 01:31:00 PST

Yes! from Gucci to Christian D'or and of course imitation Watches that are in fact very good copies and versions of popular brand watch models. Replica watches can be the answer for you if you are a watch enthusiast and you are thinking of starting your own collection, or you just love the look of them. Some of the top original branded luxury models can set you back a hefty sum of money, not to mention that you will only be able to afford a smaller number of watches.

The best advantage of a replica designer watch is that you could purchase more makes and models of watches for the price you would be paying for a single one. There are now replica designer watches after virtually every model of designer watch. You can even get a hand crafted Swiss replica watch that will be hand crafted to look exactly like the original.

The most popular sought out replica watch is the Rolex. With such a huge popularity, a Swiss replica watch after a Rolex model will come with a higher price but they are guaranteed to be as close to the original as possible. Only the most experienced experts can tell the difference between a well hand crafted Swiss replica watch and the original.

If you decide on going with a replica watch, all you have to do is choose your favorite model of designer watch and then an offer that will satisfy you. Although retailer shops offer more credibility and after sale customer services, there is no doubt that the widest selection of replica designer watches is to be found on online shops. Keep in mind to check for the functions and features you are going to need from your watch like alarm, chronograph or water proofing.

With a high demand, there are also some ill intended people that you will be better off just giving the whole thing a miss, you should also keep in mind that if a deal looks too good to be true, it probably is, so best avoid the very tempting extremely low price offers.

I personally wear a Seiko dive watch and that is original, in the early days I had my fair share of the fake Rolex's and other well known brand names, but most of the time the cockroach inside would die after a couple of months or I would forget and take a shower, instant 'stop' my waterproof watch was in the bin, so what did that cost me $30 or $40, be sure that is small change to what gets funneled through the illegal network.

So bottom line is I really do not support the copy of anything from handbags to DVDs, but the truth be known we are not going to stop the trade, its big real big and it supports much more sinister trades, way beyond the fake Rolex, try drugs, human trafficking, gun running, narcotics and money laundering, so think twice folks, your ticker Timex does the job so why invest in some of these sinister trades.

Sir Winston Churchill

anthony.fnl@gmail.com (The Bosun) — Sun, 08 Feb 2009 03:13:00 PST

I thought I would bring this in from my other blog, it had great reviews on Qassia, so welcome aboard the
WINSTON CHURCHILL

In 1972 and having joined the Royal Navy, I got my sea legs and had the adventure of a life time and what a feeling of free spirit.

I joined the Churchill in Southampton and sailed the English channel, the two week adventure took us to various ports from Foey to Guernsey/Jersey and St Malo in France, we were a real mixed bunch from serving military like my self in the Royal Navy, marines and there were also under privileged teens from all over England. We cooked, stood watch and learnt what it was like to haul canvass to the point your finger tips were like sea barnacles. We hit a force 8 gale coming back across the channel and believe me the training we had gone through most certainly paid off as it was all hands on deck and batton down the hatches, I will always remember my time on the old girl and those good friends I made, the ultimate sea experience. You left the ship with your head high and with great respect to those old salts that ploughed the oceans trade routes, now I understand why the Tot of Navy rum once a day was well deserved. Avast me hearties

The Sir Winston Churchill is a 3-masted schooner, designed in classic topsail style and created to respond to the challenge of entering a British-built competition in the Tall Ships race. From the launch in 1966 until 2000, the ship was used for sailing training, carrying up to 46 trainees and instructors, and won numerous racing prizes.

She has been entirely refitted and converted for luxury cruising, strictly retaining her original beautiful lines and seaworthy nature, and now accommodates up to 12 guests in 6 luxurious staterooms.

History

The Sir Winston Churchill, a Camper & Nicholsons design with gracious timeless lines, was built between 1964-66 by Richard Dunston (Hessle) Ltd. She was originally built to respond to the challenge of competing in a Tall Ships race, at a time where no other English vessel existed to enter the race. Under the patronage of the Duke of Edinburgh and with funds of public support, The Sir Winston Churchill was launched in 1966 and initially used for sail training. Under the management of the Sail Training Association, she participated and won many racing awards.

Now, entirely refitted in 2000, the Sir Winston Churchill makes her presence in the yacht charter market and ensures a genuine unforgettable sailing experience. So this is what the old girl is like now fully fitted and up for sale, heres a look at what you get for your money Happy sailing if you invest, and there is always a old sailor in dry dock that would love to come along as crew, maybe I could polish the Brass.

Oh I forgot to mention the price tag is £2,700,000
VAT PAID
All serious offers considered.

Dream on??

Kofi Annan- Worst Public Official Ever

anthony.fnl@gmail.com (The Bosun) — Sat, 06 Dec 2008 18:26:00 PST

I once watched UN workers loot a warehouse full of relief supplies during our efforts to help people after a tropical cyclone that killed a quarter million people. They took all the valuable things, like batteries, and generators and sold them to a known black marketeer, who then resold them to the few live people in the area. This was almost four days into the effort and the first time a single UN functionary had made it to Bangladesh. Then they commandeered all the small planes and helicopters we had assembled to distribute the aid for use taking their clowns on aerial joyrides to assess the damage, something we had accomplished days before, prior to actually helping some people. Sadly this was not the only instance of UN malfeasance I saw. I hate the UN......period. I don't know if there has ever been an organization with loftier goals that has failed so badly that they are literally harmful wherever they go. I realize they have been responsible for immunizing quite a few children, but honestly when you look at the scope of their incompetence and the damage they have done in the name of good, they are a major net loss to the world.

UN and Hizbollah flags fly side by side in Lebanon

The most corrupt public official in recent history wanders around making the most outrageous and mindless statements and gets a pass from the vaunted watchdog media. Kofi Annan is a disgrace and his tenure at the UN has shown that it cannot possibly be looked at as a force for good. They support, legitimize and then provide cover for evil worldwide. Normally that would be a metaphor i.e. providing diplomatic cover, or covering up their own or a client state's atrocities. But in this case it carries the military meaning of being placed in front of bad guys in order to become a bullet sponge protecting them. This is exactly what the UN allowed their "peacekeepers" in Lebanon to become. Then once Hizbollah had invaded Israel and kidnapped several soldiers, Kofi left his troops there to provide cover for Hizbollah who co-located with them and attacked the Israeli population by launching missiles from right next to UN positions. It shouldn't have been news to anyone that UN and the terrorists were partners, they were perfectly blatant, and the UN had more or less assisted and covered up their role in a previous Hizbollah kidnapping and murder of Israelis. Even worse is that the Canadian soldier who died had complained about having Hizbollah camped out with them and noted Israel's necessary response. via Michelle Malkin

A Canadian U.N. observer, one of four killed at a UNIFIL position near the southern Lebanese town of Khiyam on Tuesday, sent an e-mail to his former commander, a Canadian retired major-general, Lewis MacKenzie, in which he wrote that Hezbollah fighters were "all over" the U.N. position, Mr. MacKenzie said. Hezbollah troops, not the United Nations, were Israel's target, the deceased observer wrote.

Yet somehow we still hear calls for the UN to come riding to the rescue, as if that has the potential to make things better. Well if you want to see a serious spike in rape and corruption, coupled with propping up of despots and enabling of oppression, then the UN is just the ticket. Past that they are a disgrace.

http://www.blackfive.net/main/
This is a great site and recommend a visit and a little about Uncle Jimbo
Retired Special Operations Master Sergeant, James Hanson is now focused on writing about the military, politics, intelligence operations and foreign policy. “Uncle Jimbo” is the Executive Director of BLACKFIVE Media. Keep up the good work Jim

Recession, Not in the United Nations

anthony.fnl@gmail.com (The Bosun) — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 04:39:00 PST

Hi Folks People keep asking me how do you get a job in the United Nations, well folks whoever wants to be put in the worst war torn countries in the world, not only dodging bullets making sure you don't get your leg blown off with a cluster bomb or catch Malaria or Cholera then I suggest you enquire at the French foreign legion, nah just kidding but a close comparison. How do I know, well I spent 15 years in some of the worst places you can ever imagine and well off the tourist map, so here's a wee list that might help you get your foot in the door provided it has not already been taken off by the rush at the recruiting office of third world employees Good luck, oh and ladies I kid you not there are reported cases of UN female staff being raped in the field so please think twice. You may of course direct your questions and I shall be happy to answer them as honestly as possible.

Don't get me wrong ! the UN carry out some marvellous work, there is a recession and it is affecting the UN's missions mandates.

How can you say we don't have any more! and close the gates on thousands needing your help?

Be Carefull out there and more to follow

Job Opportunities in the UN System
	United Nations (UN)		United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
	United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA)		United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS)
	United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)		United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF)
	United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA)	International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research

Icebergs

anthony.fnl@gmail.com (The Bosun) — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 05:37:00 PST

Icebergs by Betty Salter, I have great honour in showing this picture. I am not making money or selling her work only promoting it as I feel it is deserving of the recognition. I spent six months in Antarctica so I believe painting or photographing is fantastic, I just don't want to see it exploited, its one of our lasts bastions of life.
Good luck Betty

You can see more of Betty's fantastic work at her web site:
http://www.bettysalterart.co.nz/index.html

This painting was a long time in the planning then a long time painting but completely satisfying to do.

I studied the nature of icebergs, how, as they float in the sea, the imbalance between what is above and what is below makes them turn over, revealing the fresh ice from underneath that has already been sculpted by wave and water flow.

The smaller upper portion is further sculpted as it melts, creating unique fantastic shapes. Irregular icebergs have usually calved off small crevassed glaciers and can form into the most fascinating shapes. Cracks and crevasses already in the ice when it calves can be enlarged into caves and arches by the sea.

Tabular icebergs, the very large flat topped bergs, are created when calving from ice shelves. These can be of massive proportions, towering 10 or more stories high and containing enough fresh water to supply a city larger than Auckland for a year or so.

After roughing out the main plan onto the canvas, I set about designing my own icebergs. I really enjoyed this stage, it felt like two dimensional sculpting.

Because I wanted a sense of reality even though this is an idyllic odyssey, I had to take care in the scale between the various wildlife species so back to my many reference books. In this way the painting progressed.