sabang

Thanks owen, I will read it with interest. Having skimmed your summary, I can say it is a methodology based on existing investment science rather than anything new as such. It is actually quite similar to the approach used by myself when I was an offshore investment adviser, and is still used by my company. In practise, one's clients and their somewhat random consumption and investment patterns provide the main uncertainty, or Beta, to a model retirement portfolio.

I would not question the physical prowess of these athlete's. But we are talking about tough, and fighting. My best refernce is the State of Origin series, if you can get it you should see it. The plain fact is that this poll will reflect the nationality of the majority of voters, unless we are more international than I realise. The Fridge (Perry) would not have mixed it with a top grade League forward. Different skills.

Mostly true. But they can't fight.

BigD. Rhymes with Obesity.

Yes, great all round sportsman, but they fight like windmills. I have played both games. sabang

A rugby player, of course. But you failed to specify- league or union? So I choose League, because you let me. No armour, obviously.. sabang

Perhaps you should respond to the post about you letting someone down, Khum Toom?

Top five for food (no consideration for price, value, ambience)- Mata Hari The Peak Chinese at the Dusit Casa Pascal Manhattan Steak house Swiss Paradise, east of Pattaya My personal favourite's (consideration given to taste, price, value, ambience) Mata Hari Leng Ke Chinese Tocino, east of Pattaya Mom Aroi, north Naklua Cherry Restaurant

I guess we are all different in this regard. I retired just after my 43'rd birthday in 2003, after a very busy business career. I fully expected to have a year or two off, then return to the workforce. It hasn't happened yet. I am still contemplating returning to the workforce at some stage, if only for a hobby. But there is absolutely no urgency about it. Seems I slipped quite easily into the life of being a retired bum, with time on my hands.

I like living in Los, and most of the bad news seems from another planet. On the night of the coup I was getting aled in Pattaya, read about it in the newspaper next morning. The only things that really bother me here is the driving, and street crime. I hope the visa situation does not stuff up too many people's plans though.

There is no paradise. On Earth. Wherever you go, check it out for a while first. the Viet are much better at ripping you off than the Thai. It will get worse. The Khmer are a lawless land. Watch your step- it costs one fifth to get you killed there than here. Maybe the closest I can suggest to meet your aspirations is southern Sri Lanka.

If second hand, I reckon you are better buying off an expat than one of the car dealerships here. Pattaya Trader, or supermarket boards all have cars for sale. It's probably the safest advice to buy a locally assembled car, Toyota or Honda, but I picked up an 1994 Audi80 for 130,00Bht from an expat, and I am quite happy with it.

What a fine thread, and Perturbed is quite correct- this would also make a fine Blog. Thank you, and I look forward to reading about the travails and fortunes of 2007 at Jasmine. All the best. sabang

If it all becomes to much Ewe, you can always try the greener pastures of New Zealand.

The largest regional centre of global logistics (by far) is also the city that is pretty much at the centre of the countries you mention. But Hong Kong is expensive, although business friendly. This company needs to be more than a mum & pop outfit to have the budget to set up there, pay an expat wage, and see it through. It is, on the information you present, probably the number one choice. Most global logistics operations have their regional HQ there. Basing from the new Thai International airport is quite logical too. It would be cheaper to set up here, although the tax and regulatory environment certainly does not match that of HK. The container port is close to the airport also. Singapore is also a fair choice. I think in the final analysis, it depends on where they expect to sourcing most of their business from. If they are truly global, my guess is they will bite the bullet and choose HK.

Alan, stay ahead of the pack mate. You've won my custom. I tend to be a bit of a boring shite when it comes to GoGo's- I stick to the ones I know, and that know me. We shall meet soon, i hope.

One of the most endearing things about Einstein is that after he moved to the USA and became comfortably ensconced at Princeton, he had a few groupies. Yes, he was a dirty old man. Shame, in spite of all his brilliance, that he never made it to Pattaya.

Spot on mr. mango. And I think most of them would not be the least offended by it.

"I hit the roof!!! Told them it was too late! so the girls just carried on dancing to an empty room. What made it worse was that they then got horny and started having sex with each other with no one watching except me an ywo other guys. A third guy ventured back upstairs and was immediately grabbed by the three horny girls and as one sat on his face the other gave him a blow job. Not sure what the third girl was doing but she was involved somehow. So that was the disaster of the show, next I went downstairs." Well I know someone who had a great New Years Eve! Shame that most missed the show, but thats TG's. It's not unusual for most of the crowd to head off after midnight, given the smorgasbord of entertainment on offer. And it's not unusual for the crowd to enjoy themself more than the host. I popped into your place once, but it was a few weeks before you took over. Will be sure to come again- do save a pork chop for me! sabang

You won't get the Aman in Phuket for less than US$500 a night, unless you know more than I do. Whilst I'm not a fan of the Marriott here, fair play to the guy. It's not that much dosh after all. Maybe it's his first time here, maybe thats where he likes to stay, main thing is he's chuffed with the deal. He should book his room for double occupancy, to avoid those annoying joiner fees.

It's fine. I stay there sometimes as I know Vic, the owner. Not sure about High season, but it's only around 6-700 Bht for an aircon room. The view from your window is quite fun, looking over Soi 6 and it's various attractions. Of course it's totally girl friendly- some people even window shop from their loom! The Queen Vic pub can be a welcome respite from the happenings outside also. They have a few fan rooms too, about 450 Bht, but no window. I wouldn't bother unless it's cool season. Occupancy rates there are quite high, but Vic or Jane can often fix you up with a room at the nearby Lord Nelson if they are full. sabang