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Seriously… isn’t it time the investment community stopped listening to the rating agencies? Moody’s, Fitch, and S&P– these are the usual suspects who completely missed the boat on the US sub-prime debacle. Back in 2005, they gave pristine credit ratings to risky mortgage portfolios stuffed full of borrowers who are notorious for not
I was having breakfast this morning at my favorite Bangkok cafe– they do a delicious American breakfast with eggs, bacon, toast, orange juice, and fresh fruit for under $3… and it’s delicious. For another $3 I could get a backrub while I eat. As I was reading the local paper, something caught my
Tony looked the part– measuring tape draped over his shoulder, wire frame spectacles, and ashy hands that had been sullied by the chalk marks he had been making on my garments. “SAHM SIP!” he said in Thai, announcing my 30-inch waist to an anxious-looking recorder. The fitting was almost over, and Tony’s crew
I was reading a menu, but I wasn’t in a restaurant. Liposuction: $625 Tummy Tuck: $1,250 Breast Enlargement: $1,125 Sex change operation: $1,625 I did a double take. Yep, that wasn’t a misprint. Thailand is renowned for a lot of things– beautiful beaches, crazy nightlife, political instability, etc. One of the things it
First of all, thanks to all the well-wishers (especially Dusty) after my accident… your concern is much appreciated, and I’m feeling a lot better. Today I want to talk about real estate in Thailand, and particularly here in Pattaya. I’ve spent the last few days scouting property, and talking to agents, developers, and
I’m actually reporting tonight from bed-side in my hotel room; I managed to crash my $3/day motorcycle rental this afternoon, and between the cracked rib and other pleasantries, I’ve decided to call it an early evening. Fortunately for me, Thailand has some of the best healthcare in the world, at least if you’re
The air smelled of sweat and blood, and I could barely hear my friends talking to me over the screaming crowd. With each blow, bookmakers were shifting odds and taking bets with such a frenzy that the arena may as well have been the New York Stock Exchange on Black Monday. This was
November 4, 2009 Thailand I arrived into Thailand at 3am this morning from Shenzhen, and instantly I felt a bit happier. China is undoubtedly a booming colossus full of opportunity, but culturally it can be a bit grating after a while. After a month on the mainland, I needed a break, and Thailand
He has ruled through 12 US Presidents, a string of military dictatorships, several coups, and a historic transition to democracy. At 81 years of age, King Bhumibol of Thailand has really seen it all. Despite his essentially ceremonial position, King Bhumibol is revered, almost worshiped, by his people– not like other constitutional monarchies
