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Thursday, June 2, 2011

The truth about women

I grew up in a family of five – four sisters and me. My sisters doted on me from the get go. You see I was their little guy since I was next to the youngest girl. From an early age I realized that men and women are very much different animals and what my sisters gave me in experience was priceless!

I once read an article about women being prose oriented and men being object oriented. Oh, how true that article was! My sisters spent most of their time writing about their dream guy, talking on the phone, talking with each other, talking about each other, talking about their friends, trying on makeup, clothes, drawing, painting, studying actors faces (zodiac characteristics), planning this shopping trip, planning that party and reading romance stories by the boat load! All the while I had to escape with my friends to build the raft, fly the plane, shot the bow, make the gun, throw the knife, build the fort, climb the highest, blow up the bottle, throw 10,000 rocks at anything that moved and catch every living creature in our neighborhood!

Yes, I knew from my childhood that men and women are very different, but what I didn’t know was that my sisters would be my mentors in high school and show me the truth about women. Sarah, the oldest, would say “… and he wonders why she left him? The guy is a complete kiss a..! Anything she said he did! Oh, baby this and Oh baby that! What a dweeb! Tony, don’t you ever act like that around women! They will use you!”
Ah, my first lesson in women and at no charge. This went on day and night through out my high school life and after a while I caught on. This was priceless info and I was privy to it all.

One conversation between Cathy and Susan gave me an incite into the romantic nature of women that I never knew. “The way he looks at me makes me feel sleepy, Cathy told Susan.” “Sleepy! What the devil is she talking about?” I thought to myself, straining to hear from my room. “Yeah, said Susan, he has bedroom eyes. Very sexy!” Man, I knew that clown! He was about as sexy as a late notice! Wow! Where do they get this stuff from? Nevertheless boy, pay attention! You are in training and it is free!

So, never “kiss a woman’s a..” and you must have “bedroom eyes”. Got it! Those two bits of information, even to this day, seem to work for me. Maybe, not so dramatically as stated, but the simple truth is that women want a man to be a man. Here is where you loose your audience! What is the definition of “a man”? I’m rough, I’m tough and I can kick anyone’s a..! I don’t think so! That’s not quite what a real man is. Ok, let’s work on the definition, but what about those “bedroom eyes”? “When I look at women they cream!” Again, missing the point, needs more work.

After a few mistakes, I found out what really makes women tick and it may surprise you! “You don’t need to do anything to get the attention of a woman!” What the heck is that suppose to mean? Women, because of their nature and working countless hours on romance, are much more advanced in recognizing true manly traits. You cannot fake it guys! You can work out and buff up, walk around as though you own the world, make all the money in the world but never really bring it home for women! That’s why the rag tag guy driving the eight-year-old van around seems to get more girls than you do in your Lexus. I’ll grant you good looks and money will get you notice but you will never live up to the image of the man she designed in her early years unless you are that person! Women have a propensity for spotting fakes!

So, what are you telling me? That I have to become the image of the man she dreamed up? Yes, that is what I am telling you and you know why? Because it is in your best interest to be what you were intended to be! Through the brainwashing of society, men have compromised everything in order to keep up with society. Rather than being your own man, you are everyone else’s. I don’t mean you run around helping others too much. What I do mean is that you compromise what you know to be right at work and at home and women loathe that. They may not tell you at the time of the compromise, but they loose respect for men that do not stand on what they believe. Now, I didn’t say you had to be right! You just have to stand on a solid belief in order to attract women. Even the most dreaded dictators in the world attracted women, because they were committed or should have been!

So, what do you mean exactly? Great secret – It is not just major events that strike a women’s id, it is the daily things you do and say that affect her romantic feelings for you. Example, Jim needs his time to work on a job estimate but the house is a wreck so he cleans it for his wife and compromises his better judgment to avoid confrontation. Jim lets his wife’s brother use his equipment when he doesn’t really want to, just to make his wife happy. Jim does what his wife wants when she wants it without being the man he wants to be. Jim has compromised his position in his marriage and his wife, in a very short time, finds Jim less than romantic. Jim doesn’t understand and says “I do everything for her. Why does she act that way?” Sounds like the old ‘kiss a..’!

Romance is not compromising your principals! Romance is living life to its fullest, while being your own man. ‘Compromise’ is necessary at times, but useless compromise defeats romance! Making your point without shouting is romantic! ‘Grabbing the bull by the horns’ is romantic and telling your girl ‘no’ can be very romantic! Looking at her with those ‘bedroom eyes’ is romantic but standing your ground may be twice as effective. It may surprise you that she thought it was very romantic when you brought that stringer of fish into the house for her to clean because this was your intention when you left to go fishing this morning and you accomplished it!

The point is, that if you live your life the way you want and stand on your values most women will find you very attractive and truly romantic. Oh, and about those 'bedroom eyes' - Women look at your eyes to see their reflection. That is, if you are honest and truly like what you see in a women, your eyes will reflect what she is looking for - romance.

The Meaning of the Thumbs-up Hand Gesture Around the World

Hand gestures mean different things in different countries. What is considered a cool sign may be a grave insult in another country. This article takes a look at one of the most common signs: the thumbs-up sign.

The thumbs-up sign consists of a closed fist held with the thumb extended upward. The most common interpretation of this sign is as a sing of approval (there is even a metaphor in English: The proposal was given a thumbs-up), but there are some countries where it may be an insult or where it will not be understood.

The origin of the sign is unclear, but one theory is that the thumbs up sign was used by the crowds to signal if a defeated gladiator should be spared, whereas the thumbs down would signal that he should be killed.

Let's have a look at different countries and what the thumbs-up sign means there:

Australia - If it is still or downwards, it usually means OK or alright (or agreement). Thumbs-up with a little upward motion can be a grave insult, depending on context.

Canada - The sign means alright or good. you can use it to signify approval.

China - OK, good.

Egypt - Perfect, good

France - OK.

Germany - Ok, well done, great.

Greece - Means great, good job, OK, congratulations.

Iran - Very obscene gesture.

Iraq - Very obscene gesture.

Ireland - OK, good.

Italy - OK, go or alright or used for hitchhiking.

Japan - Sometimes means ''good'', not widely practiced by adults.

New Zealand - Means like all good, or yes or anything positive really (when hitchhiking this gesture is also used but held right out so people in cars can see).

Russia - Well done, good.

Spain - All right.

Sweden - OK, great.

Thailand - Very obscene gesture.

Turkey - Not used.

United Kingdom - OK, good.

USA - Means ''great'' or ''awesome'' or whatever. Also used to sign approval, but stronger than an OK sign.

Please note that meaning of gestures varies among various parts of countries and also among cultural groups and between generations.

Happy travels!

100+ Free Things to Do in Las Vegas

Almost everyone comes to Vegas to gamble. However, there are a heck of a lot of ways to entertain yourself in Vegas without gambling.

If you're after free things to do in Las Vegas, Las Vegas free shows, Las Vegas free attractions and Las Vegas Free Entertainment I have done the work for you.

30 free things to do in Las Vegas - be sure to keep reading to the end to download not 100 Free Things To Do In Las Vegas but 121 Free Things To Do In Las Vegas.

ALADDIN - They have a rain display where water falls from the ceiling into a reflecting pool below.

ANDERSON DAIRY - Dairy Tour

ARTS DISTRICT, DOWNTOWN - First Fridays

BALLY'S HOTEL - Light, water and sound show

BARBARY COAST HOTEL - Big Elvis

BASS PRO SHOPS OUTDOOR WORLD - the layout of this store is similar to a natural history museum. An extra special feature is the live bass aquarium.

BASS PRO SHOPS - Fishing demonstrations

BELLAGIO - They have an elaborate fountain show on every half hour and can be seen from the street or by standing on the casino's front porch. 1200 nozzles and 4500 lights are used. The Bellagio is also famous for its botanical garden. There are over 7500 flowers, trees and plants displayed and the atrium is changed six to eight times a year.

BELLAGIO - Stunning Bellagio hotel lobby

BELLAGIO - Chocolate fountain

BONNIE SPRINGS PETTING ZOO/OLD NEVADA - Less than half an hour west of Vegas you will find this extensive free petting zoo though donations are accepted gratefully! The whole place is like a recreation of the wild west of Nevada. There is a mining town (small fee), plus a miniature locomotive.

BOULDER CITY - Hoover dam

CAESARS PALACE - Caesar and Cleopatra walk around inside waiting for you to quiz them about historical events. There is also a circular aquarium at the far end. You can take a free tour every weekday to find out how the fish tank works and what the employees do to keep the fish happy.

CAESARS PALACE FORUM SHOPS - Every hour two fountains come to life. There are two shows. The first show features Bacchanal and the second show features Neptune. Very popular and crowded. To easily slip out watch near the back of the crowd. The show starts promptly on the hour.

CAMBRIDGE COMMUNITY CENTER - Movies and popcorn.

CANNON AVIATION MUSEUM - This is located at the McCarran International Airport. There is a large exhibit about the aviation history of Las Vegas.

CHINA DATE RANCH - This is a small working farm with a huge selection of fresh dates and baked goods. The date palms have brightly coloured petticoat skirts which keep the birds away and the dates happy.

CHINATOWN - Just like many Chinatowns around the world. A great experience and lots of fun.

CIRCUS CIRCUS - The AdventureDome is free to walk around in though rides cost. The theme here is the Grand Canyon. From 11am to 12pm, every 20 minutes, a different circus act performs on the midway above the casino.

COFFEE ROASTERS OF LAS VEGAS - Find out everything you wanted to know about tea and coffee here. There are tours and classes - tours are free - and you also get to enjoy a free sample.

DESERT DEMONSTRATION GARDEN - A display of hundreds of desert plants and explaining how desert plants grow in the desert.

DESERT PASSAGE MALL - Harbor rainstorm

DESERT PASSAGE SHOPS - Entertainers

DON PABLO'S CIGAR COMPANY - Cigar Factory Tour

ED ROMAN GUITARS - Guitar museum

ETHEL M CHOCOLATES - now who doesn't like chocolate? They have a great tour showing how they make fudge, chocolate squares and more. The address is 2 Cactus Drive Garden and their site is www.ethelm.com. At the end you'll also get a free piece of chocolate.

EXCALIBUR - Aimed at children there are Court Jester performances and medieval acts

FASHION SHOW MALL - Fashion shows

FISHER SPACE PEN COMPANY - This pen has been on every single manned space flight since 1968. 711 Yucca Street, Boulder City.

FLAIR BARTENDER SHOWS - at various Vegas locations

Popularity: How to be Liked & Popular in Relationships

POPULARITY IN RELATIONSHIPS

How to be liked, popular in social, casual, inmate relationships, friendships; what popularity is.

"I am popular, and people still don't like me!" screams a high school student in a discussion form. One advises: "Being popular means you're better than everyone else, so act like it!" Another complains: "People look down on me and my friends, because we're so popular!"

Popularity, even the meaning of do not know many. A glance at high school web-forms show it to be thought of as being rich, posh, an achiever, a show off -and a stigma to be regarded to be! That is far from even what it used to mean centuries ago: common.

Popularity is likeability; regardless of looks, wealth or position or intellect, being liked by other people.

A US president deemed more able and elected did not get the popularity vote -his opponent did ~another who when told someone was anticommunist replied "I don't care what kind of communist" did, also. A wealthier Italian news-media magnet was not popular with people, his rival was. A UK premier considered by women better looking didn't win the popularity vote -the older balding opposition-leader got the women's popularity vote.

Popularity isn't about being looked up to, looks, wealth -a fool and a genius, a weakling and a strongman, poor and rich, can be equally liked, enjoy personal popularity.

Popularity is not synonymous with socialising -you may socialise a lot, take part in all sorts of social activity, attend every party, but still not enjoy any popularity.

Being liked by others, popularity, have to do with one's attitude in one's socialising, interaction with people; the attitude that commonly, to the majority of the people, makes one somebody they like to deal or be with.

It's not being an angel or saintly, about views, opinions, likes, dislikes, preferences, but how one treats others.

People are like mirrors; popularity is based on that. If you stand in front of a mirror and make faces, that's what you get; if you smile, the mirror smiles back at you.

Popularity is respect based -not 'respect for authority', not in the 'yes sir' sense, but respect for others' right to be treated as they are regarded by people entitled to expect to be treated. This simply is being considerate in friendship and toward other people one deals with.

Being considerate is being sincere and helpful; or at least sympathetic, and if one can not be that either, then at the very least empathetic -understanding enough to respect others' right to their views, opinions, preferences ~for your right to same not to spoil theirs.

That is what respect for others means -but it makes you popular because it also makes others respect you.

People who must, do show respect for wealth or position; if they don't have to, here's their saying: Respect not even a king, if he doesn't respect you; but do respect also a pauper, if he respects you!

Let us look at it in literature, in verse (from a poem by O. Metiner - Birlik, 29 Jan 1993 -trnsltd.), about the popular Cypriot thinker-writer-poet the teacher, the late, Orhan Seyfi Ari - it tells it all:

His concern -so sincere!

Greatly respected everywhere!

Years spent -to illuminate!

More: hearts, his sultanate!

What's it saying? So respected, because he was sincerely concerned, helped -therefore popular.

Many fail in relationships with others, because they are not popular -popularity is not difficult. All one needs to do is to have regard in one's dealings to what people consider others entitled to expect.

That pays, and if you don't do that people think you are stupid, because you are not cashing in on it. But if you do, you do not become unpopular -you benefit, its psychological: a cop is nicer to you for speeding if you get out of the car. Why? Inside the car you are insisting on your territory -outside, recognising his status.

On such scientific experiments are based the gist of the experts' advice on popularity in relationships, below:-

To be considerate and become popular in relationships, be clever, use psychology to cash in on it: appreciate human nature in your relationships -which briefly is this:

One's major relationships, basically, are with people in four categories (the last three being interchangeable) with varying degrees of popularity: Blood relatives, e.g., parents or cousins -which one cannot choose; Intimate, e.g., spouses and lovers -which one carefully chooses; social, e.g., friends and acquaintances -some dearer than others; and, casual, e.g., work or class mates, the grocer, strangers -of necessity. (Within the last three one may become another.)

In all four relationships, each party in varying degrees feels protected by a physical personal space. Do not violate that personal space without permission -it makes people feel uncomfortable, your company disliked, you not popular: That personal space in the first two is about 1.5, in the last two 4 feet (45cm, 1.2m).

In all of these relationships people crave for something, depending the nature of the relationship, which makes the difference between being liked by them or not -popularity or unpopularity with them. In the first, blood relations, one craves for approval. In the second, spouses, lovers, expect understanding, affection, appreciation. In the third, social acquaintances, friends want popularity -to be liked by you. In the fourth, casual, others: co-operation. Showing these makes popular.

Here are some general rules about how to earn likeability, popularity, be famous, in these relationships:

The first two relationships, relatives, family relations or intimate relationships, have fewer such rules. This is because in matrimonial relationships, personal relations -steady emotional or sexual relationships, living together, boyfriends, girlfriends, lovers, habitually we take for granted or are caringly tolerant toward each other. We are more involved in these family or other intimate relationships. The constancy and importance of our dealings reflect others' personal likes, preferences more in close or intimate relationships, we know most.

Generally these earn one popularity in such intimate relationships: The elderly are somewhat set in their ways -popularity with them is appreciating that. In parenting, popularity with kids begins with empathising with them; if unsympathetic, still being understanding -to be popular with teenagers make them feel that you regard them not as children but as gown ups.

In male and female relationships these remembering these boost one's likeability, popularity: With men, one is more popular if one does not make them appear or feel week. Women like romantic compliments, and to be made to laugh. In intimate relationships all like constant reassurance, to be shown appreciation, frequent praise. In such relationships these make liked, fonder, popular.

The other two kinds of relationships, with friends and acquaintances, with others, involve different measures for popularity. Popularity in social relationships depends on standard rules of conduct. To be popular socially, remember: Social relationships often are not so important to people as their intimate relationships; just as you do, others also like appreciation, even flattery.

The generally applicable rules of being famously liked, popularity, in social, casual relationships are these:

Be a talker but do not bore ~also be a listener: give others a chance also to talk, to tell you about themselves. Appreciate the views of others, even if you disagree; do not criticise unnecessarily. To be popular, if someone wants to be clever avoid an inessential battle of wits. If it is important to you, do not spinelessly agree with the ridiculous; don't show up if unimportant -neither earn popularity. Be a sport if you have heard a joke before do not spoil another's fun or enjoyment. Do not be a stiff, join the laughter of a harmless trick on you. If suggesting something, ask if it is okay; show you value others. These make a famous personality, in social relationships earn one social popularity.

Popular friendships are special popular relationships. When confided in, do not betray confidences of friends. If depended on, do not allow yourself to be subjected to moral blackmail; but, if helping or consoling be positive and sincere. If your friend rejects your helpful advice it may be because of confusion, do not nag. If the issue is someone dear to you or to your friend try not to take sides ~never speak ill of someone dear to a friend, even if your friend does in anger (it passes). In unexpected visits don't stay too long -be considerate. Don't forget friends, keep in touch when they cannot; if away a phone call, letter, fax, email, postcard pleases - especially on birthdays, anniversaries ~ask how they are, show you care. These make famous with friends, boost your personal popularity rating in friendships.

It earns popularity with acquaintances to keep some distance; people dislike being taken for granted. In casual relationships it makes popular, it is expected, in one's dealings to be seen to be reasonable. If pursuing an interest, giving a stranger's role or status recognition gets co-operation -it's using psychology, cleverly cashing in on human nature, benefiting from popularity.

These tried and tested advice, tips on popularity, work.

It always works and earns popularity in relationships to always wear a smile; be fair, empathetic; show interest.

Holiday Destinations by Flight Duration

If like me you're one of those people who love going on holidays, but cannot abide the whole flying experience, then this feature will be your new best friend.
Location, hotel, weather, nightlife – these are all major factors that we consider when planning a holiday. Although often overlooked, your flights play a hugely important role in your whole holiday experience as well. A bad flight or a flight that’s too long can be the difference between a fantastic holiday and an ok holiday.

ExclusiveLondon.co.uk has complied a list of holiday destinations by flight duration to help you choose the perfect holiday. If you don’t like lengthy flights, you may think you are just limited to holidays in France or Germany, but there are many destinations featured below that may be closer than you think. Flight durations are based on flights leaving from London, UK.

1 to 2 hours

Austria (Tryol, Salzburg)
Belgium (Brussels)
Denmark (Copenhagen)
France, North to Mid (Paris, Lyon)
Germany (Frankfurt, Munich, Hamburg)
Ireland (Dublin)
Netherlands, The (Amsterdam)
Scotland (Edinburgh)
Spain, North (Bilbao)
Switzerland (Basel, Geneva, Zurich)

2 to 3 hours

Romania (Bucharest)
Hungary (Budapest)
Finland (Helsinki)
Balearic Islands (Ibiza, Majorca, Menorca)
Italy, North (Milan, Venice)
Latvia (Riga)
Lithuania (Vilnius)
Costa del Sol (Marbella)
Poland (Krakow, Warsaw)
Portugal (Lisbon)
Czech Republic (Prague)
Iceland (Reykjavik)
Netherlands, The (Rotterdam)
Bulgaria (Sofia)
Spain, Mid to West (Barcelona, Madrid)
Sweden (Stockholm)
Tunisia (Tunis)
Austria (Vienna)

3 to 4 hours

Bulgaria (Sofia)
Greece, North to West (Halkidiki, Preveza)
Greece, South (Kalamata, Athens)
Greek Islands, North to West (Corfu, Kefalonia, Skiathos, Zante)
Gibraltar (South of Spain)
Turkey (Istanbul, Anakra)
Madeira (Island South of Portugal)
Malta (Valletta, Birkirkara)
Morocco (Casablanca, Marrakech, Rabat)
France, South (Marseille, Montpellier, Nice)
Norway (Oslo)
Portugal (Porto Islands)
Italy, Mid to South (Rome, Naples, Sicily)
Russia (Moscow, St Petersburg)
Spain, South (Seville)

4 to 5 hours

Azores Islands, The (inc. 2 hour flight from Lisbon, Portugal)
Canary Islands (Fuerteventura, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, Tenerife)
Greek Islands, East to South (Mytilene, Cyprus, Mykonos, Kos, Santorini, Crete, Rhodes)
Egypt (Cairo, Luxor)
Jordan (Amman)
Syria (Damascus)
Turkey (Izmir, Bodrum)

5 to 6 hours

Israel (Eilat)
Africa, West (Nigeria)

6 to 7 hours

Africa, West (Gambia, Ghana, Senegal)
Saudi Arabia (Riyadh)
Oman (Muscat)
United Arab Emirates (Dubai)

7 to 8 hours

Antigua (St John’s)
Barbados (Bridgetown)
Bermuda (Hamilton)
USA, East (New York, Boston)
Canada, East (Montreal)
St Lucia (Castries)
Trinidad (Port of Spain)

8 to 9 hours

India, North (New Delhi)
India, West (Mumbai, Goa)
Pakistan (Karachi)

9 to 10 hours

Aruba (Oranjestad)
Bahamas (Nassau)
Bangladesh (Dhaka)
Botswana (Gaborone)
Cuba (Havana)
Dominican Republic (Santo Domingo)
Jamaica (Montego Bay)
Kenya (Nairobi)
St Kitts (Basseterre)
Tobago
Zimbabwe (Harare)

10 to 11 hours

Canada, South (Ottawa, Toronto)
USA, South East (Atlanta, Miami)
USA, West (California, San Francisco)
USA, North to West (Montana, Seattle)
USA, South (New Orleans)
Brazil (Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paulo)
Argentina (Buenos Aires)
Cayman Islands (George Town)
Hong Kong
Grenada (St George’s)
Mexico (Mexico City)
Namibia (Windhoek)
Chile (Santiago)
South Africa (Cape Town)
Sri Lanka (Colombo)
Tanzania (Dodoma)
Zambia (Lusaka)

11 to 12 hours

Australia (Sydney)
Thailand (Bangkok)
Hawaii (Honolulu)
Japan (Tokyo)
Mauritius (Port Louis)
South Korea (Seoul)
Singapore
Venezuela (Caracas)

12+ hours

Fiji (Suva)
USA, West (Las Vegas)
Malaysia (Kuala Lumpur)
USA (Montana)

Savannah Georgia - America's Most Haunted City

In 2003, the American Institute of Paranormal Psychology named Savannah America's Most Haunted City. And Savannah is able to support the title. Ghosts, apparitions or paranormal activities have been reported at many of Savannah's inns, restaurants, private residences, and of course, cemeteries.

There are many magnificently restored buildings nestled around Savannah's twenty-one squares. Many of these buildings are stately homes supposedly still occupied by former owners. James Habersham has been known to roam around the Olde Pink House, now a restaurant, but formerly his home. Juliette Gordon Low, the founder of the Girl Scouts, was born and raised in Savannah. Her parents, long deceased, are said to still roam Juliette's childhood home.

Savannah's Sorrel-Weed House, visited by The Atlantic Paranormal Society (TAPS) in 2005 as part of their SciFi Ghost Hunters Halloween special, is supposedly haunted. The story goes that Mrs. Weed caught her husband in a compromising position with one of the Weed's many slaves. Mrs. Weed, very distraught, ran back to her second-floor bedroom. After a long argument with her husband, she either threw herself (or was thrown) to her death from a second floor balcony. Soon after Mrs. Weed's death, the slave found with Mr. Weed was found hung in her slave quarters. Both women are said to be still roaming the grounds.

The Hampton-Lillibridge House was said to be so haunted, that Jim Williams (of "Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil" fame) had an exorcism performed at this former boarding house. On countless occasions, residents and passersby have heard the sound of jazz coming from inside the home.

The Kehoes were a very prominent family in Savannah, as Mr. Kehoe owned the ironworks on the riverfront. The Kehoes built this fireproof, all-iron home and lived there with their 10 children. The Kehoe's heirs sold the house in 1930 and the property changed hands many times to include use for 65 years as the Goette Funeral Home. It is now a beautiful bed and breakfast where many of its visitors report supernatural occurrences such as a woman screaming, a nurse shushing visitors, the Lady in White making appearances, and several instances involving ghosts of children.

The list goes on and on!

So, what is it about Savannah that makes it so attractive to ghosts and ghost stories? Many people start with the fact that Savannah is literally built on its dead. Savannah was the first city in Georgia founded in 1733. It was established in the same location as the Creek and Choctaw maintained their burial grounds.

As the colony began to grow and thrive, it needed more room. Buildings were erected on the burial plots of the original colonists. Tombstones in cemeteries were moved to make room for sidewalks and roads. Places of worship were erected on the graves of slaves.

Second, Savannah has a very violent history. Many bloody battles and skirmishes were fought in Savannah. One of the bloodiest battles of the American Revolution, the Siege of Savannah, where about 1200 men lost their lives in one hour, was fought in Savannah.

Also, the city has been victim to many city-wide fires, at least two yellow-fever epidemics and several hurricanes.

Third, Savannah has been a major port city since the days of King Cotton, so many a sailor has ventured through Savannah spinning a romantic tale or two.

Fourth, Savannahians are (proudly) an eccentric bunch, as were their ancestors, which adds history and volume to the ghost stories. Take the

Lastly, I blame the large amounts of Spanish moss hanging from the majestic oak trees. The blankets of moss look like ghostly shrouds and give the entire region an eerie look.

Whatever the reason, the ghost stories are endless, earning the Savannah the right to the title of America's Most Haunted City.

Thai Wives and Girlfriends: a Few Stories

Anyone who lives in Thailand for a while hears stories about western men (or farang as we are known here) and the bizarre behaviour of their Thai wives and girlfriends. To those looking from the outside it is often a source of amusement. Sometimes it is just strange behaviour. Other times it is a shocking willingness to totally screw over their farang partners.

Some of the things these women do just make you laugh but there are other times they take your breath away with the sheer audacity of their actions; their ability to put aside any semblance of morals and just scheme away to their own ends. There are other times when it is just their plain stupidity that takes the breath away.

The following four stories all happened around my own little housing estate in Phuket where there are quite a few farang-Thai couples. These stories are just a small sample of the things Thai women can get up to.

Unreasonable Behaviour

A young European guy and his Thai girlfriend have lived in the house opposite me for the last three months. They are both very sociable and quickly introduced themselves. We sometimes share a few drinks in the garden He seems like an easy-going guy. She is very chatty and usually happy. She doesn't drink, smoke, gamble or take drugs which is a promising start for Thai girlfriend material.

The problem is she regularly goes completely off the rails. Every two or three days they have a huge argument. I say argument, but in fact it is usually only her voice you can hear screaming abuse. She throws things, windows get broken and then there are tears and drama in the street.

The upshot is usually that she packs her bags and declares she is leaving for good. A big show is made of this. She comes to say goodbye to us because she is never going to see us again. She calls a taxi and then stands outside her house shouting to her boyfriend that she is leaving for good.

He quietly stays inside and ignores the whole charade. The thing is we all know she isn't leaving. She may be back the same day. If not, she will return the next day somehow looking triumphant. In fact, this pretence of leaving has become so shallow that instead of taking her packed bags, she now makes a habit of hiding them in our house so she doesn't have the hassle of carrying them.

What are the arguments about? Some of them are the usual accusation that he is playing around with other women. Often, it is that he has spent money on something she thinks is wasteful. But it is HIS money! He pays her a generous allowance. When Thai women do this routine of trying to stop their farang boyfriends spending their money, it is not because they want to save him money. There is a simpler motive. The more the boyfriend spends, the less there is leftover for her to squeeze out of him.

This girl has already told my wife she has three other farang boyfriends. This is one of the things us westerners just don't get. It is not only that they play these games and deceive their boyfriends. They think it is something to boast about and if they can boast about it right under their boyfriend's nose, all the better. Why she thought my wife wouldn't tell me, I don't know. She probably assumes all Thai women deceive their farang partners and that my wife would be impressed at her cunning.

I wouldn't get involved in other people's relationships so I will not be telling this guy about the other boyfriends. Anyway, I don't think he is such a fool. He is returning to Europe this week and I doubt if he will be continuing his relationship with this particular Thai girl - but you never know.

Gambling

The previous occupants of this same house were a European guy and his Thai wife. He worked in Europe for six months a year and lived in Phuket for the other six months. He had been doing this for years and when he was in Phuket, they always seemed to have a good relationship. The problem was that for the six months he was away, his wife had to entertain herself and her vice was gambling.

Gambling really does seem to be a major problem for some Thai women. I know several of the Thai wives on our estate play a regular card game. They all say the same thing. It is just a bit of fun for small money. I have seen them play and it is not for fun. They get very intense, there is little conversation and although the stakes start small, they quickly grow. I have heard of women winning or losing as much as 30,000 baht in these 'fun' games.

There seems to be something in the Thai mentality that leaves them very open to gambling addiction. Perhaps it is their belief in lucky numbers and fate. Whatever it is, there is good reason why gambling is illegal in Thailand. It is an endless source of problems, especially for Thai women with money and time on their hands such as wives of farang.

So every morning this Thai woman set off for her local card game. Sometimes she would be gone for two or three days - they really can play that long. She had been doing this for years and I guess she wasn't losing too much. But then the problems started.

The first sign was when she started asking to borrow money. At first, it was only small sums that we were happy to give her. But then she wanted 10,000 baht. I knew this was a sign of a serious problem. She was chasing her losses. The only way she could repay the money was if she got lucky at cards so I refused her the loan.

Of course, there are other ways to borrow money in Thailand. Once one of these girls is on the slope she will keep sliding. Soon there were rough looking Thai men appearing on her doorstep demanding repayment. She sold her motorbike and started renting one instead. She sold jewelry and furniture but used the money to chase her losses and the loan sharks kept appearing. She started disappearing for a week at a time. It was obvious her situation was out of control. Then she was gone.

I don't think the loan sharks got her. She packed her bags in the middle of the night and ran. There were rumours about how much she owed and for those sorts of sums she would have to do a good job of disappearing. There were calls from her husband asking why he could not contact his wife. When he returned to Phuket, there was no sign of her. She had not returned to her family, or at least not that they would admit. She just ran away from it all, the debts and the marriage.

Pretend Pregnancies

A good friend of mine was very pleased that his wife was expecting their first child. His wife's sister was also pleased but for slightly different reasons. She wanted copies of the ultrasound scans of the foetus. She had an Australian boyfriend who she was siphoning like an old banger. She had already twice convinced him she was pregnant and needed medical expenses. Then of course, she had two miscarriages and so needed more medical expenses.

Now she was trying the same routine for a third time but he was proving a little harder to convince. He wanted to see the ultrasound scans. So what good fortune that her sister just happened to be pregnant.

My friend absolutely put his foot down. No way would he let his child be used as a tool in a Thai bargirl scam. It is one thing to stand back and watch these girls rip off their farang boyfriends. It is a totally different thing to play an active role in the deception.

Without a copy of an ultrasound scan, her bluff was called and she was caught out. The Aussie boyfriend dumped her. All kinds of drama followed. She had a Thai boyfriend and together they were living the high life. Without her benefactor, she quickly ran up huge debts. The Thai boyfriend left her. She got her mother to take out a loan. She defaulted on the loan and her mother spent two days in prison until my friend paid her bail - after all, she is also the mother of his wife.

So much drama and heartache that you think she might actually learn her lesson. And then would you believe it - the Aussie boyfriend decided to give her another chance. Now she is spending his money like water again and convinced that everything she did has worked out for the best.

Oh yeah, one other thing she hasn't told the Aussie boyfriend. He is very keen to start a family but she cannot have children. She is infertile.

Totally Screwed

All these previous stories fade in significance compared to what happened to this guy. I don't know him personally but I know his neighbours. He worked in Bangkok and came to Phuket at weekends to see his wife. Their relationship was already rocky and they were working towards agreeing an amicable split. They owned the house but there was still an outstanding mortgage.

One weekend he returned home to find it deserted. Everything of value was gone. He was confused and started looking for an explanation. He was soon given one by a bank representative who arrived shortly afterwards. The bank has repossessed the house.
"That cannot be," said this guy. "I pay the mortgage every month." The
bank guy explained - "that mortgage is with a different bank. Your wife took a second mortgage on the property and she has not paid."

The farang guy realised he was totally screwed. He started looking for a way out but there was none. Can I take over the payments? It is too late. I will get a lawyer! It is too late. We have been taking action for months. It is finished now.

In a blind fury, this farang guy started smashing up the house. The bank called the police and they arrested him. The house was no longer his property so he would have to pay for the damages.

Over the next few days, the full extent of his wife's treachery became apparent. She had not only taken a second mortgage on the property but also she had used it as collateral for a loan from the local mafia. She had taken the money and disappeared. There were now two banks and the local mafia arguing over who had claim to his house.

I had met his wife only once a few weeks before. She came around our house asking for a 100,000-baht loan. She said she would write up a contract and pay back 110,000 baht the very next week. Naturally, we refused this generous offer. She must have known even then that she had no intention of paying. She carried on doing the rounds until she found a sucker willing to give the loan. It was actually a local Thai guy she fleeced.

It is a small world. Another friend of mine recently met this farang guy working offshore. He was working all the hours he could get to pay off his debts. The bank with the original mortgage has insisted he must pay it off or they will have him blacklisted from Thailand. He still loves Thailand and his life here and does not want to be blacklisted.

Conclusion

I certainly don't want to generalise and say all Thai women are scheming or crazy. All four of these women had one thing in common; they had all worked in the sex industry. That is not to say that all Thai girls from the sex industry are bad. It is not even that all Thai girls who have never worked in the sex industry are good. However, on the whole this sort of behaviour is much more likely to come from women who have worked in the sex industry.

The tourist sector of the sex industry is all about extracting as much money as possible from the customers. The girls learn to lie, scheme and play their customers like a fiddle. They can take the same mentality into their long-term relationships. They are still playing the game and unfortunately, the basis of their relationship is how much money they can squeeze from their farang.

I do know plenty of guys who have great Thai wives. I would go as far as to say that the sort of stories above are the minority and most men who settle in Thailand find a great woman. The cultural differences will always cause a few difficulties and Thai women certainly do a few things we find strange. As long as both sides are willing to compromise then it can all work out fine.

This is not a purely Thai phenomenon. I know men who have been fleeced by women in their own countries. And the divorce rates in the west are so high that there is really no point in harping on about the number of failed farang-Thai relationships. This devious side of the Thai female is not a universal truth. However, these stories do seem to be more common here than elsewhere. I think it is mostly a by-product of the way many of these relationships started.

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