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Sony Ericsson W660i
When it comes to music mobile phones, Sony Ericsson has done lately a great job with its Walkman range. This latest addition neatly combines impressive music skills with 3G features into a compact candy bar design that’s likely to have broad appeal. The phone’s music features do not disappoint. It comes with a 512MB memory stick, so that it can hold a decent number of songs. Although the 2-megapixel camera shoots reasonable snaps, there is no flash for indoor shots. Also, although the sound quality is very good when listening with headphones, switching to the built-in speakers is a disappointment. There aren’t a lot of surprises with this mobile - except from the music-playing features, it’s a pretty basic handset. It does feel well built, though, and it has all the features that most users will want, as well as being easy to use. In short, it’s a very good option for those after a solid and reliable midrange mobile.
Typical price: 15,000 Baht
Motorola Razr 2 V8
It’s incredible to think that the Motorola Razr V3, one of the most important mobiles ever to be produced, came out in 2004, particularly when you keep in mind that it’s still selling well. After many ups and downs and a series of avarage phones, Motorola has finally produced a Razr worthy of its name - Motorola Razr 2 V8.
The Motorola Raz 2 V8 is definitely a step in the right direction and will make many Razr fans very happy. It’s a shame that there’s no 3G, no memory card slot and that the camera isn’t better, but the V8 is till the best Razr since the original.
Super-slim, iconic RAZR design with clamshell form factor, stainless steel frame, metal and glass housing, internal antenna.
Typical price: 15,000 Baht
Apple iPhone
The iPhone is a lovely device with a sleek interface, top-notch music and video features and innovative design touches. The touch screen is easier to use than we expected and the multimedia performs well. But a host of missing quite major features, a dependency on a sluggish EDGE network and variable call quality - it is a phone after all - left us wanting more. For those reasons, the iPhone is noteworthy for not what it does, but how it does it.
If you want an iPhone badly, you probably already have one. But because you’ll have to sign a two-year contract with AT&T to get an iPhone and shell out $499 (16,500 Baht) for the 4GB model or $599 (19,900 Baht) for the 8GB, we suggest you wait until the phone comes down in price and the network improves. Hopefully, both will happen soon.
The good: Large crisp bright touch screen, the touch sensitive controls including zooming into pictures with just two fingers, the 4GB or 8GB hard drive for your MP3 tracks and movies, Coverflow application, the inclusion of a digital camera, the ability to access voice messages out of sequence, the Wi-Fi connectivity and of course the software interaction including YouTube, Google Maps and Apple’s Safari internet browser.
The bad: No 3G connectivity, no video mode, zoom or flash for the digital camera, Bluetooth only works with headsets rather than allowing file transfer, there is no removable memory, the headphone jack has been recessed into the device meaning your regular headphones are unlikely to fit, there is no video out even with a third party docking station, no voice recording, no instant message application, no support for custom ringtones, no flash or java support, no support for third party applications beyond the web browser, no hard QWERTY keyboard, it doesn’t work with the 64-bit version of Windows, the price is very expensive and finally the fact that it’s all been done before.
Typical prices: $499 (4GB) or $599 (8GB)
Nokia 6110 Navigator
Nokia blitzed the market earlier this year with the GPS-powered N95, but the 6110 is its first mobile to earn the name ‘Navigator’.
The 6110, however sophisticated, cannot rival even a basic dedicated GPS unit for in-car use. The screen lacks touch sensitivity and it’s too small for really clear navigation. The 6110 does have real advantages: its portrait format LCD is well suited to pedestrian navigation; it’s small and light enough to pocket easily; and the integration of phone and GPS is impressive. Above all, this Nokia is simply an attractive, powerful mobile phone, making it an ideal choice for anyone who spends more time on foot than behind the wheel.
Typical price: 19,000 Baht
Arts & Culture
“Treasure Hunting”
An exhibition by Anastasiya Rubanova
1 – 30 September, 2007
“ Treasure Hunting “ is a unique exhibition of graphics and batik by Ukrainian artist Anastasiya Rubanova. This exciting solo exhibition features Anastasiya’s sizeable graphics and etchings, alongside her colorful batiks. The result is an unusual show of graceful natural shapes, where different media extend each other in subtle ways and unveil the hidden beauty of a microcosm. Anastasiya invites you to take a closer look at real treasures, which are close to us but usually unseen in our everyday life - the multitude of variations of insects and plants.
Anastasiya’s large-scale etchings are interesting because of the ancient and unique technique. The artist learned the secrets of this time-consuming and ancient art form from professors of Kiev Art Academy, who are the keepers of the forgotten technologies of old masters. Anastasiya’s etchings will invite you inside the world of insects.
Anastasiya’s beautiful soft-color batiks show you the life of the plants, full of unnoticeable movements. Batiks by Anastasiya combine pure emotions and unique craftsmanship, supported by her confident ability to use this very complex technique. She has been working on her batik skills for over 15 years.
Anastasiya studied art in Ukraine; she completed a National Academy of Fine Arts and Architecture in Kiev and got a Master degree in Arts at the same Academy. More recently she taught painting in the Art College in Sudgou, China. This is Anastasiya Rubanova’s sixth solo exhibition and her first one in Bangkok.
The Rotunda Gallery is at the Neilson Hays Library, 195 Surawong Road, Bangkok (Tel. 02-233-1731) and it’s opening hours are: Tuesday-Sunday 9.30 am - 5.00 pm.
Castaway
Arrrrgh!.....the islands new inhabitant is a twisted celtic fire starter, painted face, the works. he will probably get complaints from the nearest island to turn the music down. eyes down for a scottish stream of consciousness.......
1. Once a year you are allowed 1 visitor, for 1 day only. In the 3 years you can choose 1 family member (or close friend), 1 living famous person, and 1 historical figure (alive for their visit!).
A) FAMILY/FRIEND: My girlfriend Nid. A very difficult question! My friends all tell me I don’t have any mates and my family don’t like me. I’d like my son to visit me but since I wouldn’t have any money for him and he never visits me much on the main land, I couldn’t see him wanting to visit me on a desert island! It would have to be my girlfriend Nid. She could comfort me from my loneliness... then let me know all about the new boyfriend she’s met whilst I was away! Arrrrggghhhhh! No, on second thoughts it would have to be my son and talk about how he is doing in his filming career and football, and his fantasy league progress... or perhaps not... I’d feel too lonely in a different way my son couldn’t help with... so it would have to be Nid (as long as she doesn’t let me know what she’s been up to because I DON’T WANT TO KNOW OK)!
B) FAMOUS LIVING: Paul McCartney. I was considering inviting over someone like Miss World for obvious reasons, but she would only start bitching with my girlfriend for sure, so not a good idea really. The Beatles always interested me and Paul’s stories would fascinate me. Paul would convince me he has more talent than John had, then we could have a wee karaoke night with a bottle of whisky from my home brewing kit. I suppose it would be a nice wee break for Paul too, what with all the hassle he’s been having from his divorce case.
C) HISTORICAL FIGURE: Leonardo da Vinci. Apparently Mr. Da Vinci was a bit of a clever dude and he might give me some insight into the mysterious wonders of the world and maybe even give me the secret to that code everyone’s been going on about. I used to be a tour guide at Roslyn Castle and would like to know if there is any special significance to Roslyn Chapel next door. I had some very strange mind-bending experiences there – but that’s another story!
2. You can take 5 music CDs with you, but no box sets, compilations or greatest hits. Double/triple albums count as one choice.
A): CARAVAN – In the Land of Grey and Pink. Back in the 70’s I went off on hallucinogenic misadventures to places I should not have gone. When things were dark and my mind was puzzled, this album brought me back to happiness and security. This must be the best Prog Rock album of all time, happy and tuneful with a touch of mystery. A great pick-me-up album for coming down. I’m sure some readers will know what I mean! I’m sure there will be dark days on Dolphin Island and Caravan will shaman the evil spirits away!
B) BEATLES – The White Album. I don’t really think this is the Beatles best, but I chose it because it’s a double album and therefore has more music for me to enjoy than (say) Sgt Peppers. Plenty songs to sing along to and I’d look forward to my new pal Paul giving me some insight into how the songs were written.
C) PRODIGY – Music for the Jilted Generation. There’s no one around to complain about the noise. Set the decibels to explode. There’s one thing you can say about Prodigy – they are not dull! Definitely something to listen to after polishing off a bottle of whisky and painting ones face tribal.
D) PINK FLOYD - Dark Side of the Moon. Another album worth its weight in gold particularly whilst played mega loud! I almost passed on this because it was too familiar, but I just love singing along to Money.
E) The CLANCY BROTHERS and the DUBLINERS – Irish Drinking Songs. I was going to try to look clever or delude myself and pop in a nice opera or classical album. If truth be told, I would much prefer to listen to songs that would cheer me up and make me feel closer to home. I know I’m Scottish, but I obviously enjoy Irish influences, perhaps because my ancestor’s were Irish! I’d clear a wee area of the island and make it into a homely bar. I’d brew my own beer and play games like throwing a spear at a tree while listening to the Irish drinking songs. I’d close my eyes and imagine I was in a bar with all the Irish people clapping at the end of songs and giggling along with the ‘crack’. I could even learn the words to all the songs. By this time I would have grown a long beard, my clothes would be in Crusoe style tatters and I’d have gone a little bit insane. Great!
3. You can take 5 books as well as one religious book (i.e. Bible). A choice can be a ‘Complete Works of...’..
A) Complete works of CHARLES DICKENS. There’s enough interesting reading in that lot, so much so I probably wouldn’t even be able to finish them all, even after 3 years. Dickens spins a great yarn, creates colourful interesting characters and his stories have great insight into mans good and dark sides.
B) The ENCYCLOPAEDIA OF HOME BREWING. The reason I would need this book is obvious. With my home brewing kit I’d need the knowledge on how to make good beer.
C) ULYSSES by James Joyce. I’ve never read this book and it was voted the best novel of all time by The Modern Library readers so that’s good enough for me. I’d sit it on my bookshelf, look at it every day and say to myself, “I must get round to reading that some day”. The fact that I never would, would give me something to look forward to the next day and so on and so on. There’s logic there somewhere! Can you say would, would together? (We think you can can, Ed).
D) THE GOD DELUSION by Richard Dawkins. I love watching and listening to Richard Dawkins on TV and I enjoy reading his essays which are available on the Internet. I’ve never found the time to read one of his books, so I’d look forward to reading it and comparing it with “the nature and destiny of man” In this book, Dawkins argues that belief in a supernatural creator qualifies as a delusion, which he defines as “a persistent false belief held in the face of strong contradictory evidence”. He is sympathetic to the observation that “when one person suffers from a delusion it is called insanity. When many people suffer from a delusion it is called religion.”
Following the September 11 attacks, when asked how the world might have changed, Dawkins responded: “Many of us saw religion as harmless nonsense. Beliefs might lack all supporting evidence but, we thought, if people needed a crutch for consolation, where’s the harm? September 11th changed all that. Revealed faith is not harmless nonsense, it can be lethally dangerous nonsense. Dangerous because it gives people unshakeable confidence in their own righteousness. Dangerous because it gives them false courage to kill themselves, which automatically removes normal barriers to killing others. Dangerous because it teaches enmity to others labelled only by a difference of inherited tradition. And dangerous because we have all bought into a weird respect, which uniquely protects religion from normal criticism. Let’s now stop being so damned respectful! “
I fully concur with his thoughts and ideals – a great mind – he should be the Prime Minister of the UK
E) THE BEDROOM SECRETS OF THE MASTER CHEF – Irvine Welsh. I love reading Irvine Welsh books. He comes from the same background as me and writes in the same working class Edinburgh dialect I was brought up with. There are many experiences I identify with in his stories and I’m sure I’ve met some of the character’s he’s written about. I’ve never read this book, but I’ve read all his others, hence the choice. The book’s been compared with Oscar Wilde’s “The Picture of Dorian Gray” and Robert Louis Stevenson’s “The Strange Case of Doctor Jekyll and Mr. Hyde” That’s good enough for me!
Religious book (F): THE NATURE AND DESTINY OF MAN by Reinhold . I’m not into organised religion, but I respect Jesus’s teachings and Christian theory. I’ll let this man try to convince me about Christianity, although personally I think we are merely robots, manufactured here by aliens in their own likeness. Our purpose could be to supply them with spare body parts or we could be computer chip designers, collecting all knowledge known to man on to one chip. A bit of a bleak outlook perhaps, but at least we would be serving some kind of purpose on this planet. I have never read this book, but it sounds good and it might just be right for me since I will have lots of time to reflect and think and it may save me from selling my soul to the devil while no one was looking. I wouldn’t want to do too much deep thinking though. I might need the Dubliners or Caravan to cheer me up and take me out of dark depressions that this book might lead to. Despite the possible nightmares this book could cause, I think it could be a very interesting read, so bring it on Mr Niebuhr, whatever way it is you pronounce your name.
4. You can also take 5 movies on DVD (one box set allowed).
A) The MARTIN SCORSESE Film Collection (Warner Boxed Set). After Hours/Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore/Goodfellas/Mean Streets/Who’s That Knocking At My Door? For anyone who loves films, there is no need to explain why I chose this boxed selection. The movies speak for themselves.
B) 2001 A SPACE ODYSSEY. I just love this film. Imagine the night sky on Dolphin Island. All the stars are out. Get out this DVD and rock the heavens. Some fantastic moments but for me HAL is the star. IBM claim their new 9000 series mainframes brought out in the 90’s, were not named as a direct result of this film. The writer, Arthur C Clarke, also denies the name HAL was not a play on words even though the first of each letter is one ahead of IBM. (Spooky) When Dave is pulling out HAL’s chips, HAL regresses in time. Eventually, HAL starts singing “Daisy, Daisy, give me your answer please” (“On a Bicycle Built for Two”). This was the first song ever sung by an IBM computer in the real world. Coincidence? Who cares, the film is magnificent.
C) BARRY LYNDON. Another Stanley Kubrik masterpiece. The locations chosen for this epic wonderful film were real locations (no studio sets), and lighting was done by natural sunlight and candlelight. The film takes us into a lifetime journey of an Irish lad without prospects who becomes part of 18th-century English nobility? His climb to wealth and privilege is the enthralling focus of this tremendous Stanley Kubrick version of William Makepeace Thackeray’s novel. Kubrick found inspiration in the works of the era’s painters. Costumes and sets were crafted in the era’s designs, and pioneering lenses were developed to shoot interiors and exteriors in natural light. The result? Barry Lyndon endures as a cutting-edge movie that brings a historical period to vivid screen life like no other film before or since. If you’ve never watched this movie, then you are in for a treat, but a word of warning, it goes on for hours, which is another reason I chose it!
D) CASINO. I chose this film because it is not in Scorsese’s boxed set. I love this film, together with the performances of De Niro, Joe Pesci and Sharon Stone, who put on fantastic acting performances, as do the rest of the cast. There is not one boring moment from the beginning to end in this film and the music is great.
E) THE GODFATHER. I struggled with this choice because I find it hard to leave out the Elephant Man, but the more I thought about it, the more convinced I was that no collection can be without The Godfather (although there are may be too many gangsters in all the movies I’ve chosen) Who cares, this is a pure classic with drama, betrayal, great sets, great acting, indeed its got nearly everything!
5. You can take 5 items that will make your stay more enjoyable. Please note boats and ships cannot disembark from the island.
Item A) Home Brewing Kit. Going to an Island for 3 years is a great opportunity to stop bevvying and to detox the body, but what could I offer Paul and Leonardo when they visit?
Item B) A bottle of the most expensive (drinkable) wine in the world. For the sheer indulgence.
Item C) A medical box. Filled with arthritis type pills, skin cream, headache tablets, bandages, stitching thread for deep cuts, operating scalpels etc in case I need to amputate my leg or something like that (another reason for the home brewing kit).
Item D) A toolbox (with tools in it!) including saw, screws and nails. I need to build myself a house and bar don’t I! OK that’s more than one item, but surely a few nails wouldn’t be such a privilege (he says in an appealing manner)!
Item E) A bed with luxury mattress. Zzzzzzzzzzzzz!
6. You are allowed to take one pet with you. Please give details here.
Its got to be my “best friend” Whisky, an adorable Golden Labrador who loves to play all the time and is unbelievably obedient, loyal and fun.
7. Please tell us the 3 things or people that you think you would miss the least during your stay.
A) WORK. Wouldn’t it be great just to lie in bed and not worry about having to get up for any reason, unless of course Leonardo or Paul come disturbing me from my slumbers! Just when I was having a good dream too.
B) THE NEWS. Iraq, Middle East, Terrorists bombs, Bush & Blair lies, Glasgow Celtic getting beat in the Champions League final – NO THANKS!
C) MONEY. No worries about money, which would be completely useless on the Island. Of course I’d have invested my money in a high-interest off shore capital account before I left for the Island!
8. Finally, you must set yourself an objective to be achieved within your three-year stay, something that you have always wanted to do (within the constraints of being on the island of course!). Any item required will have to be included in your list of five allowed.
Well I suppose I’d have to write that book I have always promised I’d write. I’ve started a few but never got past the first few pages. If that means I need a pen and paper – scrub off the bottle of wine if than means I need pen and manuscript, I exchange a 100,000 pound bottle of wine for pen n’ paper! Oh dear!
SUMMARY
We have another potential book here, trouble is, he almost forgot a pen, paper or computer. If it’s a classic maybe you could carve it in stone Jocky.
The book choice shows that he is not into light reading although as he suggested Ulysses might be a bit of a ‘pose’. It seems to be the acknowledged ‘great’ book, but few have been able to finish it. Please note that we did a review of ‘The God Delusion’ in the June issue. Richard Dawkins is definitely worth reading whatever your view of the world, good choice.
There are definite ‘hippy trippy’ influences here.... Caravan, Pink Floyd and ‘2001’ are definitely for the expanded consciousness inclined. We suspect these are blasts from the past as belting out a bit of Prodigy is not very ‘chilled out man’, not to mention gangsters (Godfather etc.) blowing each other away.
We suspect he might be on hallucinogenics if he thinks Celtic will get to the Champions League final, but heck, the poor chap is not harming anyone. But he’s seriously off his rocker if he thinks we are going to dish out the cash for the worlds most expensive bottle of wine.
We would suggest to him the Pogues and the Dubliners rather than his choice, a bit more raucous. And a note for him, if he can find some traditional Irish music by Dervish he might be pleasantly surprised.
Finally why is he so worried about his girlfriend while he is away on the island? Don’t worry Jocky we will watch out for her while you are away, know what we mean, wink wink!
Useful Telephone Numbers for Hua Hin
Railway station
032-512 770, 032-511 073
Bus station of Hua Hin
032-511 654, 032-512 543
Bus station of Prachuabkirikhan
032-601 901
Bus station of Pranburi
032-621 443
Hua Hin Hospital
032-520 401
Dog Rescue Center
0-1981 4406
Wild life Rescue Center (Tayang)
032-458 135
Department of Land Cha-am office:
032- 430 846-7
Department of Land Hua Hin office:
032-536 164, 032-512 407
Department of Land Prachuabkirikhan:
032-611 211
Department of Land Pranburi
032-622 199
Local Government (Hua Hin)
032-521 340, 532 471
Local water supply
032-511 677
The Power Board of Hua Hin
032-512 215, 032 513 165
Observer office:
032-531 078
Red Cross.
032-512 567
San Paolo Hospital
032-532 576-85
Polyclinic International
032-516 424, 032-516 425
Shell Cooking Gas
032-511 144, 032- 515 620
The Communication Authority of Thailand
(Hua Hin)
032-511 351
Rotary Club of Hua Hin
0-1916 6637
Meeting every Thursday 8.pm
at Hua Hin Grand Hotel & Plaza
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