Regular features from June 2003 90th Issue

The Digital Doctor - The Need for Speed

So your computer is getting sluggish and you can't afford to splash out on a new 3GHz Pentium 4. Well neither can I, so why not tweak a little more speed out of your existing machine? Chances are that, unless you're a supergeek with the latest tools and know how, your computer isn't running at its optimal speed. There are two primary methods of enhancing the performance, firstly is add to or upgrade the hardware, and the second option is to clean up the software a little.
Over time your computer gradually slows down, a bit like we do really, but usually a lot quicker on the machine! More programs get added, files get split up, things get misplaced, all this will hinder the overall performance of what was once your blisteringly fast pride and joy. I guess most of you are using some version of Microsoft's planet domination software: Windows. Which version you use should relate to the specification of your computer, For example you wouldn't want to put Windows XP on a 5 year old Pentium II if you wanted to get any work done. A rough guide is memory and below is a basic recommendation of what operating system goes 'comfortably' with the minimum amount of memory installed:
Windows 95 - 32MB RAM
Windows 98 - 64MB RAM
Windows ME - 128MB RAM
Windows 2000 - 128MB RAM
Windows XP - 256MB RAM
Of course this is just a basic guide and not to say that each version of Windows wont run on a slower machine but the point I am trying to make is that the easiest way to increase the speed of your computer is to add more RAM. SD modules (which most of you reading this will have) are very good value at the moment with 128MB at around 850 Baht. It takes around 2 minutes for someone who knows what they're doing to do the installation.
If you're not inclined to fiddle with the innards of your box and don't want anyone else to then you can run a few simple programs and make a few changes to improve your software. As files get opened, saved and downloaded they gradually become split into parts when they are being written to your hard disk, they become what us geeks call 'fragmented'. The hard disk will take longer to open files as it has to search in different locations for the segments of the fragmented files, thus slowing down your machine. Windows comes with a program called 'defrag' which will put all these files back into logical order so the disk can access them quicker … maybe! (Open 'My Computer' > right click C drive > properties > tools > defragment now). The boffins at Microsoft must have had so much fun creating a program that usually takes 2 days to complete or will get stuck in a perpetual loop of restarting itself while displaying a mesmerizing screen full of little blue squares. A better version called DiskKeeper Lite does the same job but far quicker and more efficiently without the re-starting. This should be done at least once a month to keep your hard disk in good order.
Many programs you use insist that they run every time you start windows, this will slow you down as they are using up your memory by sitting dormant waiting for you to run them. The worst of these narcissistic culprits are MSN Messenger, Real Player, Yahoo Messenger, ICQ, CD writing software, and those useless calendars that have become trendy now-days. You can safely remove them from your startup tray (next to the clock) as doing this doesn't uninstall the program, just prevents it from being on all the time regardless of whether you're using it or not. The only ones you really need after the clock are Anti-virus, Firewall if you have one, language switcher and possibly volume control. Go to Start > Run > and type msconfig > startup tab to see a list of what is running. Windows 2000 users do not have msconfig but can safely copy the file from a 98 machine and use it the same. Windows ME users will have the biggest problems with this as ME is very resource hungry, that is it likes running loads of unnecessary stuff in memory to slow your machine down. Not much you can do there after turning them off except install a proper operating system!
It may also be an idea to uninstall programs you don't use anymore, after all they're just taking up space. You can do this by using 'add/remove programs' in Control Panel or the uninstaller that comes with the program. Make sure you don't remove anything that you may need later though unless you have the installation CD to put it back.
If you're using an older machine with less RAM (64MB or less) you can run a little program called Mpower which optimizes by freeing up unused memory. As you run programs they use up memory, when you close them again bits will remain in memory and gradually build up so you have less free RAM to do other stuff. A little like the defrag does with the hard disk, Mpower does it with the memory and it only takes a few seconds Mpower can be downloaded free from www.mindbeat.com. If you're a heavy user it may be a good idea to do a quick restart of your machine when you go to lunch for instance, to free up your memory and start again fresh.
There are a number of utilities programs such as Norton Utilities or Systemworks that can do some of these tweaks for you but I have always found the manual way far more effective. With a few little modifications your machine won't be like new but you'll notice a difference in startup and operational speed. If you have any questions on the issues this month or would like help upgrading your computer don't hesitate to call The Doc on 01-1911742 or email webmaster@observergroup.net

Options

If you read the financial press you would have recently seen billionaire investor Warren Buffett, the president of Berkshire Hathaway Inc. calling derivatives "financial weapons of mass destruction." It's worth a chuckle but from the world's most respected investor the question one has to ask is why does he say that?
After all derivatives were invented to reduce risk and they perform this job highly effectively for millions of people to day. For anyone whose livelihood depends on a market price- stock prices, bond prices, oil prices and so on- derivatives have a useful roll to play. Derivatives, in particular Options, can be traced back to the origin of markets.
When markets were invented derivatives were invented too.
Buffett I'm sure was referring to the cataclysmic collapse in 1998 of Long Term Capital Management (LTCM) which almost precipitated the collapse of the World's top 14 Investment banks. The banks supported the dismantling of LTCM with a 3.5 Billion Cushion to save their own posteriors. So traumatic was this experience that half the world's financial markets seized up in fear. US Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan arguably the world's most powerful man was forced to take emergency action and cut interest rates to get them working again. It was as if a country had collapsed.
For those interested in the full story, get "Inventing money" by Nicholas Dunbar.
Two of the disgraced principals of LTCM Myron Scholes (No not Paul) and Fischer Black a few decades earlier had won the Nobel Prize for economics with their Black-Scholes-Option -Pricing-Model.
Even though as stated options in one form or other have been a feature of business activity since time immemorial, options on financial instruments became the new phenomenon after publication of the Black/Scholes paper and they expanded into all spheres of financial activity throughout the 80's and 90's.
In modern financial practice options are essentially the most versatile and exciting of the fundamental derivative building blocks. Their inherent flexibility coupled to sophisticated methods to establish their value (Black/Scholes again) has created opportunities for intermediaries to provide tailored solutions to many previously insurmountable risk-management problems.
The terminal products examined last month have the virtue of eliminating price or value uncertainty at some point in the future.
The situation is different when it comes to options. The holder or buyer of the option has the right but not the obligation to purchase at the expiry of the contract.
If the current market price is above the contracted price the holder gains and will take advantage of the right to purchase
If the market price is below the contracted price the holder is not obliged to purchase and can buy cheaper in the market. This is called a call option or buying long.
The other type of transaction in options is called a" put option" or short selling. This allows the holder the right to sell but not the obligation at the pre arranged price (or rate). If the underlying asset of the option falls in price then the holder gains and will take advantage of the right to sell at a higher price than the market price.
Put options illustrate one of the ways how people can make money on falling markets.
There are then two different types of option. American -style options and European-style options.
An American option can be exercised at any time up to and including the expiry date.
European options can be exercised only at the expiry date.
An option derives its value from its underlying asset, hence the name derivative.
Derivatives are now so entrenched in the financial system that despite Warren Buffets criticism they are here to stay.
Despite the LTCM fiasco, Greenspan came to derivatives defense after the Buffett criticism. He stated that financial market participants who purchased derivatives had been able to spread their risks and this had helped to lessen the severity of the 2001 recession. He added "The benefits of derivatives has far exceeded their costs."
So we know what Buffett and Greenspan think. I'd be interested in your opinion. .

For further information on any area of personal finance contact Jerry McMenamin
At info@swissinvestcenter.net

Travel Snippets

Phuket Give Away
ex-Bangkok throughout the low season, until October 31st.

Karon Front Village Package
Including r/trip economy airfare BKK-Phuket-BKK with Thai Airways. R/trip airport-hotel transfers and twinshare accommodation in Seafront Superior Room with daily breakfast. 2 nights bht 7500 p.p. 3 nights bht 7900 p.p. 4 nights bht 8300 p.p. additional nights at bht 550 p.p. incl breakfast.
Phuket Giveaway # 2
In conjunction with Layan Spa and Resort we now offer the following packages from Bangkok until July 31st,2003.
Layan Spa and Resort. Including r/trip economy airfare BKK-Phuket-BKK with Thai Airways, r/trip airport-hotel transfers and twinshare superior room accommodation with daily breakfast. 2 nights bht 7900 p.p. 3 nights bht 9900 p.p. 4th night free.
Also...
25% discounts on food only at The Cashew Nut Restaurant
10% discounts on spa treatment
15-min neck & shoulder massage
Free transfer to Phuket Town
Free transfer to Patong Beach
Blue Canyon Golf Discovery
bht 14,600 p.p. twinshare including r/trip BUSINESS CLASS airfare from Bangkok to Phuket, airport-course r/trip transfers,1 night twinshare accommodation at the Clubhouse Hotel with rounds on the Lake AND Canyon courses inclusive of green fees.
Single supplement at baht 1800.
NEPAL
Dwarikas- Kathmandu Heritage property at giveaway rates
Special 7 night package at US$ 444 per room inclusive of tax. Benefits include:
Daily complimentary breakfast/Complimentary fruits and flowers in the rooms/Platter of freshly baked cookies in the room. Daily complimentary bottle of mineral water/Complimentary upgrade to deluxe rooms subject to availability 15% discount on laundry charges, business centre charges,long-distance telephone calls charges and on food and beverages consumed in the Hotel's restaurants and bar.
Conditions:
The package is applicable for a minimum of 7 consecutive nights If less than 7 consecutive nights are spent in the hotel there will be no refund Additional (consecutive) nights may be booked and the cost will be worked out on a pro-rata basis The above special offer is based on accommodation in our standard rooms (an upgrade will be made subject to availability) and available for a maximum of two persons sharing a room (an extra bed is available on request at extra cost). Valid until 30 September 2003.
A living tribute to the architectural and cultural heritage of Nepal. www.dwarikas.com
Bangkok Airways Discovery Pass
until 15 April 2004.
Simple: Minimum 3 coupons, maximum 6.
First flight to be confirmed,others may be left open dated.
Valid on BKK Airways and Siem Reap Air.
Domestic coupons for Thailand and Cambodia at usd 50 per sector.
International coupons to/from Thailand priced at usd 80 per sector (except Xian service).
Bangkok and Chiangmai to/from Xian at USD 150 per sector.
Child fares applicable at 50% on domestic and 75% on international.
Sailing the Gulf
New affordable liveabord sailing weekends from Bangkok to Ko Mak and Ko Wai in the Gulf of Siam are now available for families or just for friends needing to unwind.
Read On.......
Depart early from Bangkok on Saturday (0600) for the 3 hour drive to Laem Ngob where you join one of fully crewed and skippered ketchs, The Thida or The Shearwater.Laem Ngob is the boarding point for Ko Chang but our trip sails well beyond there to Ko Mak on Saturday where an overnight mooring is taken. All berths are in the main cabin.On Sunday tehre is a visit Ko Wai or Ko Rang for snorkelling and exploration.
Lunch is provided on board on Saturday with dinner at a small island resaurant.On Sunday both breakfast and lunch are provided on board.
Our tour arrives back at Laem Ngob at around 1800 on Sunday for the transfer to Bangkok.
Package includes transport to/from Bangkok,sailing,snorkelling, food and accommodation on board the boat.
Aboard Shearwater baht 7500 p.p.
Aboard Thida baht 9500 p.p.
email info@dtctravel.com to book
Maekok River Village
Escape to the far north for a few days with a difference.
Enjoy relaxing in the peaceful and beautiful surrounds of Ban Tha Ton at The Maekok River Village Resort, located about 3 hrs north of Chiangmai and 1.25 hrs west of Chiangrai.
TRAVEL SNIPPETS PROVIDED BY DTC TRAVEL CO.LTD BANGKOK www.dtctravel.com email info@dtctravel.com Tel 02 259 4535. All above available from DTC or your local travel supplier info@dtctravel.com.

A look at current events through the eyes of Transformational Thinking.
By Bill Gould

When we get into problem solving skills in Transformational Thinking, we approach it with the concept that, until you identify and eliminate the root cause, the problem will continue to bite you in the buttocks. The old, "Here we go again!" syndrome. We've all been there. What if our world leaders applied the same concept but without the polarizing effects of straight linear logic? What is the root cause? Extreme points of view? What caused that? And that? You have to get to the roots or you have a recurring problem on your hands. Whether we are talking about the Israeli/Palestinian issue, the impending threat of war, mass starvation, revolutions, drug wars, genocide, deadly viruses spreading their tentacles of death, or ecological threats imposed on nature, like the extinction of entire species. These are the results of some of our world leaders' best thinking. Frankly, that thought doesn't bring me much comfort.
You will have noticed by now, I am certain, that I have failed to take a single side of a single issue thus far. That's my opinion and I'm sticking to it. And, by the way, it should be yours. (Only joking, of course!)
There is a natural process called critical mass, one much renowned in the field of applied physics. It is sometimes referred to as the "one hundred monkey syndrome, the result of an experiment years ago in Japan, but that's another story. The idea is that change occurs when critical mass is reached. I don't know all that much about physics but I do know that works in my field, thinking. Trends and fashions, public opinion polls, demonstrations, press coverage, even right down to idioms that are universally accepted. All these are ways of measuring critical mass within the global community. These are ways of measuring our reality. As we look back through history, we see tidal waves and ripples that were created centuries ago and still having tremendous impact on the way we think today. Likewise, some of the decisions made by our world leaders today will probably have a lasting, perhaps, devastating effects on future generations.
To complete the cycle of life, it all comes back to us, here and now. What are you doing today, right now, to make this world a better place? One way or another, whether by active participation or by apathetic withdrawal, our decisions have ripple effects. The next time someone asks you which side of an issue you fall on, tell them all of them and mean it. Don't you get a little tired hearing people moaning and groaning about the mess this world is in while they sit idly by and wait for someone to change it for them? Shared responsibility, remember? When's the last time you forgave a rudeness? Discussed the world situation without prejudice, either positive or negative? Formed an opinion only after carefully considering all factors, even ones that require a little imagination and creativity? Considered the impact on others you decisions would have before making them?
The world abounds in what we refer to in Transformational Thinking as selective ignorance, indeed, even amongst the best informed. You see it often in prejudice. We all know there is more we could/should be doing to take an active role in creating a better reality we all say we want and deserved. It is important to be well informed before determining a course of action and that leads us to the final point, action.
What if our world leaders apply Transformational Thinking before taking action? Would that make the world a better place? Perhaps. It would certainly make them better leaders, worthy of the people who place their trust and respect in them. What if we lead by example? That would certainly make the reality we share a better one. What are we waiting for?

Help us make Hua Hin a safer place

It’s now over one and a half years since Christine, the valiant French lady started Hua Hin’s Dog Rescue Centre (DRC). since that time the DRC has seen a lot of changes, not least of which is the greater safety enjoyed by you, Hua Hin’s residents and visitors.
With the support of her two helpers Verity (British) and Liana (Italian), not 3 Australians as reported on Cable TV last month! Christine can care for more dogs on the street. Liana is a qualified vet from Vetenary University of Genova in Italy. “When she joined us we were able to inject more dogs on the streets, the beach, temples, anywhere where we’re called” explained Christine. Commonly, the dogs are injected against mange and for birth control leaving the local authority to inject stray dogs against rabies.
“The downside of this greater care for stray dogs, giving the public better protection, is added cost.” I think we’re injecting an extra 30 dogs a month” stressed Liana who can often been seen rushing from place to place with her black box full of medicine. “Medicine for mange costs 2,000 Baht for 100ml which will inject some 60 dogs. Birth control medicine cost 80Baht for 3cc which will protect only 3 dogs and sedatives for aggressive dogs costs 100 Baht for 20cc to quieten one dog”. The work is not without its dangers, Liana is still carrying the scars on her fingers from a dog bite suffered whilst injecting it. There are many additional costs such as vets bills, oral medication for infection and of course food for the 33 dogs now housed at the DRC. Many of these dogs have been very ill from broken bones, poisoning, starvation, mange, infected intestines, infected lungs and cancer.
“Money or lack of it, is now of great concern, especially as we’ve experienced sticky fingers with some of our donation boxes” said Christine who like everyone else in Hua Hin is suffering from lack of funds in the low season. “I don’t want to stop caring for stray dogs roaming around Hua Hin, but shortage of money is making it very difficult.”
The DRC is very grateful to everyone who has donated money. Some kind pregnant Thai lady even came to the centre to donate money after she’d read about thefts from our donation boxes.
If you would like to help the DRC with it’s cause please put some money in our donation boxesor come to the centre from 9am -10.30 am any morning. Donation boxes can be found at many outlets including the shopping mall, tourist office, Western Tours, Vet’s surgeries, as well as many restaurants.
“Please don’t forget some of the 33 dogs at the DRC who are such affectionate animals and in a healthy condition would give their right paw for a good home” stressed Verity who with Liana take some of the pups to Petchkasem Road to give away free.
“We’ve found 3 good homes so far”.

Henk and Pon enjoying a great night at Beachcomber celebrating Pon’s birthday

Nigel left holding the baby at his birthday with all the family

Craig (centre) at the grand opening of the new U Turn Bar

Many Happy Returns Alex

Kevin gives in gracefully to another year

This month it’s Anthony at Neil’s birthday

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