wicketkeeper

On foot simply bend down to pick up a stone. It doesn't matter if there is no stone available. Simply the act of bending will discourage all dogs.

Works all over the world. On a bike just keep going.

There's indoor wrestling in my place most evenings.

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) in the UK has dozens of extremely useful info-mercials concerning the various skills and safe practices of driving. For example - how to join and leave a motorway, signalling, use of lights, reversing, parking, and so on, for cars and motorbikes. Since both Thailand and the UK drive on the left they would be perfect for immediate use and cost little, if anything at all. I would be happy to investigate further should a corporate sponsor such as an oil company or motor manufacturer, or the Government be interested in reducing the death rate and improving driver skills on Thailand's roads.

I would rather sweat than shiver any day.

Which is the best British curriculum school in Chiang Mai and why?

Where can I buy hibiscus tea in Chiang Mai? I have tried all the Rimpings, the Siam Celadon shop on Thapae Rd, the Royal Projects shop in Nong Hoi and the internet. It is supposed to be a useful aid in maintaining or lowering blood pressure and I am on a mission to find it.

All assistance and leads are greatly appreciated.

Where can you buy hibiscus tea in Chiang Mai? I've tried all the Rimpings, the Siam Celadon shop, the Royal Projects shop in Nong Hoi and I've searched the internet. It is supposed to be an excellent aid to maintaining or lowering blood pressure and I am on a mission to control it.

Any assistance or leads are gratefully appreciated.

Thanks for the heads up. I will definitely take a look. Always good to know what is going on in CNX, something that Thai Visa could do more thoroughly I reckon.

I'm with Happy. If I don't register will I have a Happy ending?

Sampalyang is a mooban 5 minutes walk from Plaza 89, just beyond the defunct UFO Bowling. It is quiet, friendly and traffic free. Four years ago the streets were flooded but the water was not high enough to flood houses. A refugee vehicle came round and dished out fried chicken and rice and bottled water and my neighbour launched a boat so it was quite an event. No problems since. There are a couple of houses available for rent/sale and I can recommend the place. The first house I saw in Chiang Mai is the one I am in now.

It is very convenient to town. Songtaews available from Plaza 89. It takes about 15 minutes by bicycle or m/bike and it's also quite close to Promenada and the Super Highway. Good for children, swimming pool in the mooban, no obvious drawbacks. Recommended.

The key advice anybody can offer you is to talk to a professional. Just as you would see a doctor if you were ill, or a lawyer when going to court, you must talk to a professional investment and financial advisor.

My funds and I have been with Don Freeman for the past two years and he advises and manages my portfolio with excellent results.

Email him at [email protected]. He is based in Phuket and visits Chiang Mai regularly where he holds monthly meetings of the Money Club.

His rates are extremely reasonable and he will offer a free initial consultation.

Can anyone recommend a stand for my MacBook and does anybody know where I can buy such a stand in Chiang Mai?

My MacBook gets hot. I have already had trouble with the track pad, necessitating a new battery. I want to buy a stand to elevate it and provide circulation but I can't find anything in Chiang Mai so far. I've tried the Mac outlet in Airport Central Plaza and all those computer shops.

Egg HAMMER,

HAMMER Egg

TV Campaign and billboard

Don Freeman is a financial adviser and has guided my investments for three years with great success.

He lives in Phuket and travels to Chiang Mai frequently and hosts the Chiang Mai money club, a monthly meeting for expats mainly.

Feel free to contact him at [email protected] and check out his website at www.freemancapital.net

He won't try to sell you anything and his advice is free. Good luck.

On the other hand, last week I went to Chiang Mai Ram hospital dental clinic for a routine clean. A nurse took my blood pressure beforehand as usual and noticed my slow pulse. After a brief interrogation she arranged an appointment, following the clean, with a resident cardiologist on the spot, who gave me an immediate EKG and re-arranged my prescription to improve the problem. No waiting, no appointment in a week's time, minimal charge, unbelievable service and attention. On top of that I have a wonderful Thai lady dentist who sings to me.

You say "thanks for polishing the bike" and smile. Their usual reaction is to move away, embarrassed. But smiling.

If nobody carries their passport will they lock us all up? Time for Solidarity? Discussion?

If you do not have motivation you will never achieve anything.

For life changing information on diet and eating habits read this pdf.

http://www.pdf-archive.com/2011/05/19/gary-taubes-2010-why-we-get-fat-and-what-to-do-about-it-ebook/

It might motivate you.

A series of road safety TV commercials would help.

Like the UK one of a hammer hitting an egg to promote crash helmets.

IMO you need professional help and advice, not random opinions about half understood facts and circumstances.

Are there any restaurants or hotels that serve proper porridge?

Here's the answer. Google to get the pdf.

Why we get fat and what to do about it.

by Gary Taubes

Life changing.

Thanks to all for very helpful and stimulating responses so far. It's great to get the benefit of local knowledge.

I'm planning a safari in March by car to the Malaysian border covering Andaman and Gulf coasts to check out your suggestions.

Trat and Ko Chang will have to wait a while.

This may take a few weeks but what the hell, I'm in no particular hurry.

Any further thoughts are always welcome.

I live in Chiang Mai and like the town.

If it was on the coast it would be perfect, but it wouldn't be Chiang Mai.

Where's the best place to live on the coast - town, village or island - for a 60+ retired, single Brit who likes bars, mountain bikes and used bookshops, not necessarily in that order.

Not Pattaya, not Phuket, not Hua Hin.