One bright moonlit night, while hurrying drivers were speeding their cars over Phan Fa Bridge to reach their respective destinations, a tiny life was struggling hard to reach its destination, too. Lost, scared and hungry,he was trying to find his way home.
Stuck on the pedestrian island, the dirty kitten tried to make itself as noticeable as it could to the pedestrians waiting to cross to the other half of the road by mewing and getting close to their legs.Finally, its efforts to draw attention to itself paid off, but the person who came to its aid was not among the people closest to it.
Quite unbelievably, the good Samaritan turned out to be a driver who had by chance pulled up his car near it while waiting for the traffic lights to change. In a move to get some fresh air, he wound down his car window. He heard the soft,plaintive, distinctive miaows. Unhesitatingly, he opened the car's door and quickly whisked the small helpless animal into his car before the lights turned green.
"When I saw it for the first time, I was totally shocked. It was so tiny, and it was in very bad shape indeed. Its scruffy hair was full of lice. In my eyes, it looked like a small ragged doll," recalled Nibondh Songsang, who is now the lucky feline's foster-parent.
Mr Nibondh named his diminutive cat Phan Fa after the location where he had found it.
Phan Fa has grown into a very handsome and healthy tomcat. He is now the centre of the Songsang family, and whenever they go out on a family outing, they never leave Phan Fa alone at home.
"He has been an integral part of our family for a year now. I look after him as if he were my own son. I see no difference between humans and animals when it comes to love, understanding and care. I really do love him, and I believe he loves me, too," said 69-year-old Mr Nibondh.
What makes Phan Fa stand out lies in the fact that he belongs to one of the most-popular Siamese breeds known as khao manee , which has white fur and blue or yellow eyes, or one blue eye and one yellow eye.
"Normally, the chances of spotting a stray pure-bred Siamese cat on the streets are practically zero as they are kept by a specialised group of cat devotees. On top of that, they are considered a rare species as their population is far fewer than the foreign breeds that have made their way into Thailand," explained Mr Nibonbh.
At any pet fair, it is not uncommon to see Mr Nibonbh endearingly carrying his beautiful white cat to join in the activities organised exclusively for animal fans.
Recently, Phan Fa brought great pride to his owner by winning the prize for the most beautiful and healthiest cat in a contest sponsored by a leading cat-food manufacturer. A vet who was one of the judges on the panel was immensely impressed by Phan Fa's healthy look."Phan Fa is truly a very healthy cat. His nose,eyes and ears are those of a healthy cat.His glossy and smooth fur shows that he is healthy from the inside out," said Dr Danai.
Many of the owners of the contestants at that particular event marvelled at the fact that Phan Fa had been picked up from along a street instead of being the product of a famous pet-breeding farm.
"My eyes brimmed with tears as Uncle Nibonbh told all of us at the event how he had rescued Phan Fa from the streets and how happy he was to have had the opportunity to get a pet who has now become his closest and most-loyal friend,"said one of them.
However, a healthy life doesn't happen by chance. It is the result of healthy food,healthy care, a healthy lifestyle and healthy relationships, and Mr Nibonbh never ignores these cardinal rules. Also, whenever Phan Fa has a cold or a running nose, or sneezes, Mr Nibonbh never waits to see if his cat will get well by itself.
"I put Phan Fa on a nutritious diet and I bathe him regularly. I make sure that he receives his full and annual shots. If and when he is sick, he is under the care of a vet. At the end of every day, I usually take Phan Fa for a walk in the park. It's vital to play with him from time to time in order to tell him that I love and care for him,"he explained.
Phan Fa is not the first cat that Mr Nibonbh has adopted, though. Previously,he took in three stray cats that had been dumped in a deserted building.
"I am willing to keep more cats, but on the condition that they must be strays.My aim is to help homeless animals. I won't buy pet animals from a farm as there are still countless strays waiting for our help and kindness," said the animal lover.
Mr Nibonbh would like to drive home the important message that love is not enough when it comes to the keeping of pets.
Responsibility is also crucial because now numerous animals, including cats and dogs, are being dumped on the streets and temple grounds every day, clearly reflecting how irresponsible some animal keepers are.
"Animals are not like humans. They are helpless, especially young kittens and puppies. Their survival depends solely on the mercy and sympathy of humans.
"If you want to keep an animal, you must keep it until its last day arrives. But if you are not sure whether you can take care of it throughout its life, don't commit a sin. Don't keep one unless you are fully and truly committed to its well-being,"he recommended.
Saturday, August 22, 2009
POUR YOURSELF A GLASSFUL OF GARDEN
Aquariums are a fixture in many homes, bringing the serenity of the natural world into the living room. And that aquariums are to water, terrariums are to earth, now making their way into many homes as more and more people seek to "go green".
"If your love gardening but don't have a lot of time or the space for an outdoor garden, a terrarium may be an ideal option for you," says Indonesia's terrarium pioneer Anie Kristiani.
And because these pretty miniature gardens are enclosed in glass, you can control everything from moisture to lighting with relative ease.
"You can bring plants in comventional plastic pots into your home, but most of the time, they're dirty," Anie says during a workshop. "Besides, they're less artistic and you can get bored with them pretty easily."
Terrariums, on the other hand, "are dirt-free and can be a great way to add a beautiful decoration to your home," she adds.
And not only for your home: If your office needs a touch of green, terrariums can make lovely desk ornaments there, too.
Terrariums were first used as study aids in laboratories. Dr Nathaniel Ward, an Englihs physician and amateur botanist, created a terrarium by accident in the early 1800s. After going out gathering insect cocoons, he placed them in a covered glass jar. Several days later, Ward noticed that there were tiny plants growing in the jar, next to the cocoons. Enthralled by what he saw, he began to construct terrariums to study ecosystems in miniature.
But you don't have to be a scientist to create a little world of your own - even children can do it, creating their own tiny dreamland in a little jar, while learning about about ecosystems at the same time.
The first thing is to decide on the type of glass container you want your plants to grow in. If you're a beginner, or prefer simplicity, you can choose a small glass, jar or vase. For a more adventurous option, you can choose a wineglass or even a bottle. If you want a bigger terrarium, try a fishbowl.
The next thing to do is to prepare your minigardening tools: chopsticks, plastic frok (your rake), water sprayer and brushes. Then there is the soil, in this case horticultural charcoal, moss, compost and zeolite sand - all of which can be found in any gardening store.
These mediums cash have slighly different properties, Anie explains. Moss works to absorb excess water. Charcoal does the same, but has the extra job of absorbing toxins. Zeolite sand consists of volcanic minerals that absorb air from the surroundings. The compost, which Anie says should be made from plant not animal waste, works as a natural fertiliser.
Once you're set up, you're ready to get creative, with the "landscaping". Designng your terrarium garden will provide you with hours of entertainment as you decide on its theme and how it will look. You can choose all kinds of different themes: an undersea grotto with seashells; spring garden with insects, butterflies and brids; colourful playground full of figuries; or a warm desert with a cactus or two. Decide how you will arrange the plants, flower, rocks and other decorations.
At this stage, Anie says, it's important to decide what kind of terrarium you prefer: A wet one, or a dry one. The difference between the two lies in the type of plants. If you prefer a dry terrarium, choose cactus, cryptanthus (or earth stars) and succulents like aloe vera and sansevieria.
A wet terrarium, on the other hand, is for plants that thrive in humid conditions, such as small leafy verieties like calathea and maranta (both are popularly known as "prayer plants" because of their habit of folding their leaves closed each night, like hands joined in prayer), miniature ferns, small palms, dracacna, fittonia, gesneriaceae, peperomia, scindapsus and synogium (or arrowhead vine).
There are as many options as there are gardeners. You could even combine water-loving plants like bamboo with alyssums, or miniature African violets. Or look around and see if you can find some ultra-mini roses. If your terrarium is large enough, you can try growing herbs such as parsley.
"For terrariums, look for plants that are slow growing with rather small leaves," says Anie, author of "Making Terrariums: A Tiny Garden inside a Glass". "You'll want to find plants that are tolerant of living indoors and small enough to fit comfortably in your terrarium."
"If your love gardening but don't have a lot of time or the space for an outdoor garden, a terrarium may be an ideal option for you," says Indonesia's terrarium pioneer Anie Kristiani.
And because these pretty miniature gardens are enclosed in glass, you can control everything from moisture to lighting with relative ease.
"You can bring plants in comventional plastic pots into your home, but most of the time, they're dirty," Anie says during a workshop. "Besides, they're less artistic and you can get bored with them pretty easily."
Terrariums, on the other hand, "are dirt-free and can be a great way to add a beautiful decoration to your home," she adds.
And not only for your home: If your office needs a touch of green, terrariums can make lovely desk ornaments there, too.
Terrariums were first used as study aids in laboratories. Dr Nathaniel Ward, an Englihs physician and amateur botanist, created a terrarium by accident in the early 1800s. After going out gathering insect cocoons, he placed them in a covered glass jar. Several days later, Ward noticed that there were tiny plants growing in the jar, next to the cocoons. Enthralled by what he saw, he began to construct terrariums to study ecosystems in miniature.
But you don't have to be a scientist to create a little world of your own - even children can do it, creating their own tiny dreamland in a little jar, while learning about about ecosystems at the same time.
The first thing is to decide on the type of glass container you want your plants to grow in. If you're a beginner, or prefer simplicity, you can choose a small glass, jar or vase. For a more adventurous option, you can choose a wineglass or even a bottle. If you want a bigger terrarium, try a fishbowl.
The next thing to do is to prepare your minigardening tools: chopsticks, plastic frok (your rake), water sprayer and brushes. Then there is the soil, in this case horticultural charcoal, moss, compost and zeolite sand - all of which can be found in any gardening store.
These mediums cash have slighly different properties, Anie explains. Moss works to absorb excess water. Charcoal does the same, but has the extra job of absorbing toxins. Zeolite sand consists of volcanic minerals that absorb air from the surroundings. The compost, which Anie says should be made from plant not animal waste, works as a natural fertiliser.
Once you're set up, you're ready to get creative, with the "landscaping". Designng your terrarium garden will provide you with hours of entertainment as you decide on its theme and how it will look. You can choose all kinds of different themes: an undersea grotto with seashells; spring garden with insects, butterflies and brids; colourful playground full of figuries; or a warm desert with a cactus or two. Decide how you will arrange the plants, flower, rocks and other decorations.
At this stage, Anie says, it's important to decide what kind of terrarium you prefer: A wet one, or a dry one. The difference between the two lies in the type of plants. If you prefer a dry terrarium, choose cactus, cryptanthus (or earth stars) and succulents like aloe vera and sansevieria.
A wet terrarium, on the other hand, is for plants that thrive in humid conditions, such as small leafy verieties like calathea and maranta (both are popularly known as "prayer plants" because of their habit of folding their leaves closed each night, like hands joined in prayer), miniature ferns, small palms, dracacna, fittonia, gesneriaceae, peperomia, scindapsus and synogium (or arrowhead vine).
There are as many options as there are gardeners. You could even combine water-loving plants like bamboo with alyssums, or miniature African violets. Or look around and see if you can find some ultra-mini roses. If your terrarium is large enough, you can try growing herbs such as parsley.
"For terrariums, look for plants that are slow growing with rather small leaves," says Anie, author of "Making Terrariums: A Tiny Garden inside a Glass". "You'll want to find plants that are tolerant of living indoors and small enough to fit comfortably in your terrarium."
Serious HOBBY
On entering a house decorated with wall-to-wall enamel signs and illuminated panels, and floor-to-ceiling collectable toys and bottles, one may well think that the place is a museum. In this case, however, it's the private residence of collector Snitvong Thongplengsri in the Pracha Chuen area.
RARE PIECES: Snitvong Thongplengsri with his collectable toys and bottles.
"I wish I could open up my house as a museum," says Mr Snitvong, a property developer, whose enormous private collection lines the walls and spills over onto the floors of the first and second floors of his house and three rooms in his apartment building nearby. His collection is so huge that he can hardly keep track of all the items, and it is actually worth such a lot of money that he can't run it as a museum on his own. Consequently, it remains private property for showing off to personal guests.
Inspired by his wedding designer's private collection 15 years ago, Mr Snitvong started to go through his old garage, only to find nothing from his childhood days. He then started to collect old soda bottles worth a few hundred baht each before going on to search for other rare items.
"It's a lot easier to be a collector these days. Everything from around the world is available on eBay if you can afford it," says Mr Snitvong, remembering the tiring walks through Khlong Thom night market and Wat Suan Kaew in Bangkok, and the garage sales in the US during his MBA studies. But his shopping in bricks-and-mortar markets is a thing of the long-gone past, and in the last decade, websites like eBay and http://www.cokethai.com have allowed him to find the best offers.
Mr Snitvong soon became a regular on eBay, where he sought rare pieces and also offered to international bidders what he had found in the local market. "The only trick is, you need to find the object on the right forum at the right time," he says. The different time zone makes it difficult for some Thai e-shoppers to bid for an item on eBay, as most auctions end in the early hours in Thailand.
Numerous walks and clicks later, his collection now ranges from bottles to glasses, from picture records to porcelain signs, from figurines to battery toys. Lemonade and soda bottles are kept in a cabinet while old-style coffee glasses are arranged in a traditional coffee bar. Many of them are top-quality products in their own categories. His "Ajarn Thong", an old snuff mascot produced by the now-giant pharmaceuticals and food company, Osoth Sapha, is believed to be one of the very few pieces in good condition, and is well-preserved in a showcase.
The walls are totally hidden behind much-sought-after enamel signs like Raleigh, Michelin, Goodyear, Singer (sewing machines), Harley Davidson, and "Sam Taharn" (petrol stations) (Three Soldiers - now part of PTT), and illuminated signs featuring beer brands that turn his living area into a small, alcohol-free pub at night.
Mr Snitvong is fascinated by the original technology used in making the signs that keeps them in such good condition despite the passage of several decades. A replica of an enamel sign can be made to order for about 10,000 baht, he says, but it isn't very popular among serious collectors. Such a replica is the result of multilayers of airbrush paints, which make the sign look like an original metal plate coated with porcelain.
According to Mr Snitvong, the decades-old porcelain signs are easier to take care of, unlike delicate stamps or printed materials. He simply applies white oil on the surface of the signs regularly to keep the rust away.
Due to their complicated maintenance needs, not included in his enormous private collection are easily-damaged items that require a high degree of protection like fragile porcelains, stamps, banknotes, printed materials and amulets.
Printed materials are not only hard to store, but, thanks to advanced technology, they are easily duplicated, and it is hard to identify a fake. Many are stolen from libraries or archives and can't be put on public display. "What's the point of collecting something you can't show to the world? It's a pity," Mr Snitvong says.
For most collectors, such priceless items are meant only to be kept out of reach or touched only with gloves on, to prevent any possible damage caused by the handlers' sweat. But Mr Snitvong wants things that he can not only put his hands on without wearing gloves but also can play with.
"I'm not Sotheby's or Christie's. These items are meant to be touched and played with," says the 42-year-old collector while taking several toys out of their boxes. A like-new tin model of a Jaguar XK-E made in Japan is also regularly taken out of the showcase and passed around by his guests' hands - without gloves on.
Unlike other collectors who often hesitate to let a collectable item out of its box, Mr Snitvong is proud to demonstrate how a battery-powered Charley Weaver Bartender mechanical toy, produced in 1962, shakes his cocktail mixer, pours the drink into his cocktail glass, and his body moves excitedly. Smoke is then released from the ears.
To most collectors, the motto is to pass collectable items on to a new collector to keep them alive. A professional collector is not emotionally attached to the collection. Out of 10 pieces, a collector should keep only one piece. Keeping eight out of 10 items bought from the market isn't good practice, he says.
Investing in collectable items for a living isn't recommended, says Mr Snitvong, unless you can afford to not regret splurging away a disposable fortune. Or unless you can turn a really large collection into a museum and make a living out of it. Now, the money he spends on his collection comes from income from apartments and his family's housing estate projects.
Many people in the US invest their money on antique items for sale at garage sales after their retirement. Today, Mr Snitvong only collects and keeps them for his enjoyment.
"But I can't say that I'll never sell an item [even though I love it very much]," he admits.
He is willing to let go of his prized articles if he is happy with the offer, he says. For example, he is more than happy to give up his large collection of enamel signs for a Mercedes-Benz sports car.
Relate Search: Snitvong Thongplengsri, Pracha Chuen, Khlong Thom night market, Wat Suan Kaew in Bangkok
RARE PIECES: Snitvong Thongplengsri with his collectable toys and bottles.
"I wish I could open up my house as a museum," says Mr Snitvong, a property developer, whose enormous private collection lines the walls and spills over onto the floors of the first and second floors of his house and three rooms in his apartment building nearby. His collection is so huge that he can hardly keep track of all the items, and it is actually worth such a lot of money that he can't run it as a museum on his own. Consequently, it remains private property for showing off to personal guests.
Inspired by his wedding designer's private collection 15 years ago, Mr Snitvong started to go through his old garage, only to find nothing from his childhood days. He then started to collect old soda bottles worth a few hundred baht each before going on to search for other rare items.
"It's a lot easier to be a collector these days. Everything from around the world is available on eBay if you can afford it," says Mr Snitvong, remembering the tiring walks through Khlong Thom night market and Wat Suan Kaew in Bangkok, and the garage sales in the US during his MBA studies. But his shopping in bricks-and-mortar markets is a thing of the long-gone past, and in the last decade, websites like eBay and http://www.cokethai.com have allowed him to find the best offers.
Mr Snitvong soon became a regular on eBay, where he sought rare pieces and also offered to international bidders what he had found in the local market. "The only trick is, you need to find the object on the right forum at the right time," he says. The different time zone makes it difficult for some Thai e-shoppers to bid for an item on eBay, as most auctions end in the early hours in Thailand.
Numerous walks and clicks later, his collection now ranges from bottles to glasses, from picture records to porcelain signs, from figurines to battery toys. Lemonade and soda bottles are kept in a cabinet while old-style coffee glasses are arranged in a traditional coffee bar. Many of them are top-quality products in their own categories. His "Ajarn Thong", an old snuff mascot produced by the now-giant pharmaceuticals and food company, Osoth Sapha, is believed to be one of the very few pieces in good condition, and is well-preserved in a showcase.
The walls are totally hidden behind much-sought-after enamel signs like Raleigh, Michelin, Goodyear, Singer (sewing machines), Harley Davidson, and "Sam Taharn" (petrol stations) (Three Soldiers - now part of PTT), and illuminated signs featuring beer brands that turn his living area into a small, alcohol-free pub at night.
Mr Snitvong is fascinated by the original technology used in making the signs that keeps them in such good condition despite the passage of several decades. A replica of an enamel sign can be made to order for about 10,000 baht, he says, but it isn't very popular among serious collectors. Such a replica is the result of multilayers of airbrush paints, which make the sign look like an original metal plate coated with porcelain.
According to Mr Snitvong, the decades-old porcelain signs are easier to take care of, unlike delicate stamps or printed materials. He simply applies white oil on the surface of the signs regularly to keep the rust away.
Due to their complicated maintenance needs, not included in his enormous private collection are easily-damaged items that require a high degree of protection like fragile porcelains, stamps, banknotes, printed materials and amulets.
Printed materials are not only hard to store, but, thanks to advanced technology, they are easily duplicated, and it is hard to identify a fake. Many are stolen from libraries or archives and can't be put on public display. "What's the point of collecting something you can't show to the world? It's a pity," Mr Snitvong says.
For most collectors, such priceless items are meant only to be kept out of reach or touched only with gloves on, to prevent any possible damage caused by the handlers' sweat. But Mr Snitvong wants things that he can not only put his hands on without wearing gloves but also can play with.
"I'm not Sotheby's or Christie's. These items are meant to be touched and played with," says the 42-year-old collector while taking several toys out of their boxes. A like-new tin model of a Jaguar XK-E made in Japan is also regularly taken out of the showcase and passed around by his guests' hands - without gloves on.
Unlike other collectors who often hesitate to let a collectable item out of its box, Mr Snitvong is proud to demonstrate how a battery-powered Charley Weaver Bartender mechanical toy, produced in 1962, shakes his cocktail mixer, pours the drink into his cocktail glass, and his body moves excitedly. Smoke is then released from the ears.
To most collectors, the motto is to pass collectable items on to a new collector to keep them alive. A professional collector is not emotionally attached to the collection. Out of 10 pieces, a collector should keep only one piece. Keeping eight out of 10 items bought from the market isn't good practice, he says.
Investing in collectable items for a living isn't recommended, says Mr Snitvong, unless you can afford to not regret splurging away a disposable fortune. Or unless you can turn a really large collection into a museum and make a living out of it. Now, the money he spends on his collection comes from income from apartments and his family's housing estate projects.
Many people in the US invest their money on antique items for sale at garage sales after their retirement. Today, Mr Snitvong only collects and keeps them for his enjoyment.
"But I can't say that I'll never sell an item [even though I love it very much]," he admits.
He is willing to let go of his prized articles if he is happy with the offer, he says. For example, he is more than happy to give up his large collection of enamel signs for a Mercedes-Benz sports car.
Relate Search: Snitvong Thongplengsri, Pracha Chuen, Khlong Thom night market, Wat Suan Kaew in Bangkok
Vets use stem cells to treat animals
Five-year-old Lucy the Labradoodle's back limbs have been rendered unusable by rheumatoid arthritis, and she must scoot along the ground with her front paws to grab a bone. Her owners believe that a costly stem-cell treatment is the reason she's even lived as long as she has.
In fact, they say, she seems to be improving.She no longer yelps or whimpers in pain, and she needs far less medicine than before. Lucy's owners credit the stem cell treatment, despite what experts say is a lack of evidence such treatments work.
"We didn't think she'd live anywhere near this long, and I know it's because of the stem cells," says owner Carol Fischman,57, of Vero Beach.
Thousands of dogs and horses with degenerative arthritis have had stem cell treatments,costing around $2,500 to $3,000(85,280 to 102,378 baht) per procedure.
University of Florida veterinarian Kristin Kirkby,who performed Lucy's procedure, said that the outcomes on five similar treatments have all been positive. But that's from owner-reported results, not scientific scrutiny.
Owners tell her their dogs have an easier time getting around the house and getting into position to urinate. Mostly, they just report their dogs appear to be more comfortable overall.
To get hard results, Kirkby says the university plans to start taking a pain inventory of each animal at the beginning of the process, followed by an evaluation and checkups afterward to measure changes.
"I think it's an exciting field. Undoubtedly the future of scientific research is going this way,"Kirkby said."It's early on, especially in the small animal side, to know what the results can be."
Vet-Stem, a California company, is developing the stem cell therapy and began treating horses in 2003. It derives stem cells from fat samples taken from dogs and horses across the country.
The procedure has been used mainly to treat osteoarthritis, which involves loss of cartilage in the joints, but Vet-Stem is researching treatments for other diseases. Vet-Stem claims the therapy enables animals to replace cartilage and other tissue.
Since 2003, the privately held company has treated 3,500 horses and 1,500 dogs and plans to begin treating cats later this year. More than 1,500 vets are licensed to use the procedure.
Dr. Bob Harman, veterinarian and Vet-Stem founder, said it made sense to use these fatbased adult stem cells, which the body uses to create scar tissue and repair damage, to treat chronic disease in animals.
"Really, all we're doing is harnessing the existing repair machinery in the body, concentrating it,and putting it right where an injury occurs, where healing is needed, to heal naturally," he said
Adam Gassel has used stem cells to treat almost 40 dogs at his Irvine, California, veterinary clinic during the past two years.
"I was pretty sceptical," he said."I was hoping that dogs would just be more comfortable."
But for about 25 percent of dogs, their owners report they are like puppies again, able to get back to normal activities, he said. Another 25 percent are able to stop taking medicines they were dependent upon.
In all, Gassel said, all but 20 percent of the animals show some positive response to the therapy, according to their owners and the requests for pain medicine.
One peer-reviewed study by researchers at Cornell University, published in the American Journal of Veterinary Research and sponsored in part by Vet-Stem, found that tendinitis in horses was improved by injection of the adult stem cells.
Two other studies published in Veterinary Therapeutics found that dogs with osteoarthritis showed improvements in lameness after stem cell injections. Those studies also were sponsored by Vet-Stem and conducted by Vet-Stem researchers and other veterinarians.
Jonathan Slack, director of the University of Minnesota's Stem Cell Research Institute, said adult stem cells from fat can become cartilage in a laboratory cell culture.
Conclusive results on whether the stem-cell injection process actually makes new bone cells in animals don't exist, to his knowledge.
"I guess from the dog's point of view," Slack said,"it's good if it does work."
Whatever the scientific merits of the therapies,Lucy's owners say they would do it again for the Labradoodle - a cross between a standard poodle and a Labrador.
She's had her stem cell treatments through an IV three times, and the Fischmans want to give her a fourth one soon, despite the $3,000-perprocedure cost.
"I like the dog as much as I like my kids," said Dr. Charles Fischman,59, who is an immunologist."People will spend more on their dogs than they will on themselves."
In fact, they say, she seems to be improving.She no longer yelps or whimpers in pain, and she needs far less medicine than before. Lucy's owners credit the stem cell treatment, despite what experts say is a lack of evidence such treatments work.
"We didn't think she'd live anywhere near this long, and I know it's because of the stem cells," says owner Carol Fischman,57, of Vero Beach.
Thousands of dogs and horses with degenerative arthritis have had stem cell treatments,costing around $2,500 to $3,000(85,280 to 102,378 baht) per procedure.
University of Florida veterinarian Kristin Kirkby,who performed Lucy's procedure, said that the outcomes on five similar treatments have all been positive. But that's from owner-reported results, not scientific scrutiny.
Owners tell her their dogs have an easier time getting around the house and getting into position to urinate. Mostly, they just report their dogs appear to be more comfortable overall.
To get hard results, Kirkby says the university plans to start taking a pain inventory of each animal at the beginning of the process, followed by an evaluation and checkups afterward to measure changes.
"I think it's an exciting field. Undoubtedly the future of scientific research is going this way,"Kirkby said."It's early on, especially in the small animal side, to know what the results can be."
Vet-Stem, a California company, is developing the stem cell therapy and began treating horses in 2003. It derives stem cells from fat samples taken from dogs and horses across the country.
The procedure has been used mainly to treat osteoarthritis, which involves loss of cartilage in the joints, but Vet-Stem is researching treatments for other diseases. Vet-Stem claims the therapy enables animals to replace cartilage and other tissue.
Since 2003, the privately held company has treated 3,500 horses and 1,500 dogs and plans to begin treating cats later this year. More than 1,500 vets are licensed to use the procedure.
Dr. Bob Harman, veterinarian and Vet-Stem founder, said it made sense to use these fatbased adult stem cells, which the body uses to create scar tissue and repair damage, to treat chronic disease in animals.
"Really, all we're doing is harnessing the existing repair machinery in the body, concentrating it,and putting it right where an injury occurs, where healing is needed, to heal naturally," he said
Adam Gassel has used stem cells to treat almost 40 dogs at his Irvine, California, veterinary clinic during the past two years.
"I was pretty sceptical," he said."I was hoping that dogs would just be more comfortable."
But for about 25 percent of dogs, their owners report they are like puppies again, able to get back to normal activities, he said. Another 25 percent are able to stop taking medicines they were dependent upon.
In all, Gassel said, all but 20 percent of the animals show some positive response to the therapy, according to their owners and the requests for pain medicine.
One peer-reviewed study by researchers at Cornell University, published in the American Journal of Veterinary Research and sponsored in part by Vet-Stem, found that tendinitis in horses was improved by injection of the adult stem cells.
Two other studies published in Veterinary Therapeutics found that dogs with osteoarthritis showed improvements in lameness after stem cell injections. Those studies also were sponsored by Vet-Stem and conducted by Vet-Stem researchers and other veterinarians.
Jonathan Slack, director of the University of Minnesota's Stem Cell Research Institute, said adult stem cells from fat can become cartilage in a laboratory cell culture.
Conclusive results on whether the stem-cell injection process actually makes new bone cells in animals don't exist, to his knowledge.
"I guess from the dog's point of view," Slack said,"it's good if it does work."
Whatever the scientific merits of the therapies,Lucy's owners say they would do it again for the Labradoodle - a cross between a standard poodle and a Labrador.
She's had her stem cell treatments through an IV three times, and the Fischmans want to give her a fourth one soon, despite the $3,000-perprocedure cost.
"I like the dog as much as I like my kids," said Dr. Charles Fischman,59, who is an immunologist."People will spend more on their dogs than they will on themselves."
Stanley Gibbons eyes China, Dubai
Stanley Gibbons Group, the stamp and autograph dealer founded in 1856, will expand into China and Dubai after welthy collectors and investors in Asia, including Thailand, helped boost sales.
"India has been a big emerging market for us in terms of wealthy collectors," CEO Michael Hall said in a phone interview last week. China will revolutionise the stamp collecting market.
Stanley Gibbons began trading in Bahrain and Thailand this year. Overseas sales helped drive first-half revenue up 18 per cent to pond9.6 million (Bt553 million), the company said in a statement last week.
"The sales that we're making overseas are predominantly of higher value stamps, which we're selling through international agents," said Hall. "We're also doing more international business online than we ever did. Next year we're going to launch foreign language websites, because that's a current barrier to trade."
Net income climbed 22 per cent to pond1.28 million in the six months ended June 30. Stanley Gibbons remains confident of growing fulllyear sales and profit, the St Helier, Jersey-based company said in the statement.
Stanley Gibbons' stock has dropped 1.5 per cent this year, giving the company a market value of pond32.9 million.
The company has maintained the dividend at 2 pence per share and has said it appointed Donal Duff chief operating officer.
"India has been a big emerging market for us in terms of wealthy collectors," CEO Michael Hall said in a phone interview last week. China will revolutionise the stamp collecting market.
Stanley Gibbons began trading in Bahrain and Thailand this year. Overseas sales helped drive first-half revenue up 18 per cent to pond9.6 million (Bt553 million), the company said in a statement last week.
"The sales that we're making overseas are predominantly of higher value stamps, which we're selling through international agents," said Hall. "We're also doing more international business online than we ever did. Next year we're going to launch foreign language websites, because that's a current barrier to trade."
Net income climbed 22 per cent to pond1.28 million in the six months ended June 30. Stanley Gibbons remains confident of growing fulllyear sales and profit, the St Helier, Jersey-based company said in the statement.
Stanley Gibbons' stock has dropped 1.5 per cent this year, giving the company a market value of pond32.9 million.
The company has maintained the dividend at 2 pence per share and has said it appointed Donal Duff chief operating officer.
Just what Mama needs
Mother's Day is three days off, and if you haven't bought your mum a gift get, well, it's a good thing you're reading The Nation. We've got a rack of ideas here that ought to keep you in her good books for at least another year. Just pick the shop and the items that you think suit her best and get your wallet out.
Patploy
Conceived on a trip to Japan and born in Chiang Rai, this store-full of cotton patchwork and quilted bags and accessories is in the Zen zone on the second floor of CentralWorld.
Designer Panida Powsrisornjit and her sister draw inspiration from flowers and cartoons and frill up the cotton with colourful imported yarn and zips.
"The best thing is our bags can be washed, and I guarantee they won't lose their shape," sayd Panida, who's on the job daily from 10 to 10. Call (080) 135 3895 or (081) 649 8606 or dial up www.PatPloy.com or wwww.Goodddd.com.
Liken
This star attraction at the Bangkok gift and houseware fairs can completely refurbish your home with Japanese-influenced decor in animal shapes with floral and marine paterns.
Eco-minded owner Gullayanee "Kat" Jiamisnkul sells ceramics, denim bags and tablecloths and hardwood and teak furniture at 866/15 Soi 28, Lad Phrao 101. She's open daily except Sunday from 9 to 6. Call (02) 729 2568-9.
Goose
More terrific scrapbooks and photo albums are on offer at Goose on the fourth floor of Siam Discovery Centre. Stationer sisters Penpunnee and Kesinee Horrungrueng cater to cool people with simple, functional, charming designs using materials brought in from the US, Holland and France.
They've also got notebooks, organisers, binders, storage boxes and marking pens in any colour you want, and those Acme Studio pens featuring desings by Frank Lloyd Wright and Todd Falkowsky. There are antique brass seals and rubber stamps from America, wrapping paper from Nepal, stickers from Canada and Les Deglingo's cotton dolls from France.
Be there any day from 10 to 9. The phone numbers are (080) 201 9421 and (086) 622 3094.
Phonthip Jeweller
One of Fon's Code 10 neighbours is 27-yera-old Phonthip Tangviriyamate, who makes dazzling silver bracelets, necklaces, earrings, rings and brooches.
Resin, refined silk and leather mix in with the precious metals in designs inspired by plants and coral.
The shop's also open daily from 10 to 10. Call (081) 620 3809 or see www.PhonthipJwewller.com
Flow
Valaipan "Fon" Chupan often outshines the other young designers in the Code 10 zone at Siam Paragon with fantastic yellow-gold brass jewellery.
The "Be Flow" collection inspired by Thai architecture mingles silver and Jim Thompson silk in an array of pearls, with "Geo Flow Metric" gets natural in wood grain and water lines.
Be there any day from 10 to 10 ro investigate via (086) 977 8381 or www.FlowOrnament.com.
Guate
Mana Promrat's little piece of Chaktuchak Weekend Market boasts a splendid collection of leather bags and accesories that are complex in the cutting and stitching but still simple and functional.
Most of the designs are in geometric shapes, with an eye, says Mana, to "conserving Thai-style handicrafts".
He's in Section 23, Soi 33, from noon to 7 every weekend. Phone (081) 444 9144 and (081) 818 6911 or visit www.GuateMana.com.
Amitie
If Mum likes rustic French wooden furniture, Panomporn Tresukosol and Wannipa Keatkajohnjumroen say, "Bienvenue!"
They've got two floors cosily stocked with hand-painted hardwood gear and zinc garden tools, plus lots of decor items with flower and animal designs that are made primarily, fro New Zealand pinewood. Don't miss the corner laid out with camel carpets from Egypt.
The store is 933 Soi Thonglor and open from 10.30 to 6.30 six days a week and 10 to 3 on Sundays. Call (02) 712 8335-6 or visit www.AmitieFurniture.com.
Nancy J's Factory
The best (and safest) gift is a card, and the ones at this store in the Atrium zone on the third floor of CentralWorld are handmade. Hobbyists and students crowd in here to see what Chatchaya Watcharaporn's come up with.
There are also fancy scrapbooks made materials imported from the US, and you can customise your own, with expert advice if needed, In fact, the Factory's focus is on do-it-yourself, so all the bits and pieces are first rate, in prices ranging from Bt60 to Bt1,000.
Drop by any day from 10 to 9.30 or call (081) 773 7888.
Patploy
Conceived on a trip to Japan and born in Chiang Rai, this store-full of cotton patchwork and quilted bags and accessories is in the Zen zone on the second floor of CentralWorld.
Designer Panida Powsrisornjit and her sister draw inspiration from flowers and cartoons and frill up the cotton with colourful imported yarn and zips.
"The best thing is our bags can be washed, and I guarantee they won't lose their shape," sayd Panida, who's on the job daily from 10 to 10. Call (080) 135 3895 or (081) 649 8606 or dial up www.PatPloy.com or wwww.Goodddd.com.
Liken
This star attraction at the Bangkok gift and houseware fairs can completely refurbish your home with Japanese-influenced decor in animal shapes with floral and marine paterns.
Eco-minded owner Gullayanee "Kat" Jiamisnkul sells ceramics, denim bags and tablecloths and hardwood and teak furniture at 866/15 Soi 28, Lad Phrao 101. She's open daily except Sunday from 9 to 6. Call (02) 729 2568-9.
Goose
More terrific scrapbooks and photo albums are on offer at Goose on the fourth floor of Siam Discovery Centre. Stationer sisters Penpunnee and Kesinee Horrungrueng cater to cool people with simple, functional, charming designs using materials brought in from the US, Holland and France.
They've also got notebooks, organisers, binders, storage boxes and marking pens in any colour you want, and those Acme Studio pens featuring desings by Frank Lloyd Wright and Todd Falkowsky. There are antique brass seals and rubber stamps from America, wrapping paper from Nepal, stickers from Canada and Les Deglingo's cotton dolls from France.
Be there any day from 10 to 9. The phone numbers are (080) 201 9421 and (086) 622 3094.
Phonthip Jeweller
One of Fon's Code 10 neighbours is 27-yera-old Phonthip Tangviriyamate, who makes dazzling silver bracelets, necklaces, earrings, rings and brooches.
Resin, refined silk and leather mix in with the precious metals in designs inspired by plants and coral.
The shop's also open daily from 10 to 10. Call (081) 620 3809 or see www.PhonthipJwewller.com
Flow
Valaipan "Fon" Chupan often outshines the other young designers in the Code 10 zone at Siam Paragon with fantastic yellow-gold brass jewellery.
The "Be Flow" collection inspired by Thai architecture mingles silver and Jim Thompson silk in an array of pearls, with "Geo Flow Metric" gets natural in wood grain and water lines.
Be there any day from 10 to 10 ro investigate via (086) 977 8381 or www.FlowOrnament.com.
Guate
Mana Promrat's little piece of Chaktuchak Weekend Market boasts a splendid collection of leather bags and accesories that are complex in the cutting and stitching but still simple and functional.
Most of the designs are in geometric shapes, with an eye, says Mana, to "conserving Thai-style handicrafts".
He's in Section 23, Soi 33, from noon to 7 every weekend. Phone (081) 444 9144 and (081) 818 6911 or visit www.GuateMana.com.
Amitie
If Mum likes rustic French wooden furniture, Panomporn Tresukosol and Wannipa Keatkajohnjumroen say, "Bienvenue!"
They've got two floors cosily stocked with hand-painted hardwood gear and zinc garden tools, plus lots of decor items with flower and animal designs that are made primarily, fro New Zealand pinewood. Don't miss the corner laid out with camel carpets from Egypt.
The store is 933 Soi Thonglor and open from 10.30 to 6.30 six days a week and 10 to 3 on Sundays. Call (02) 712 8335-6 or visit www.AmitieFurniture.com.
Nancy J's Factory
The best (and safest) gift is a card, and the ones at this store in the Atrium zone on the third floor of CentralWorld are handmade. Hobbyists and students crowd in here to see what Chatchaya Watcharaporn's come up with.
There are also fancy scrapbooks made materials imported from the US, and you can customise your own, with expert advice if needed, In fact, the Factory's focus is on do-it-yourself, so all the bits and pieces are first rate, in prices ranging from Bt60 to Bt1,000.
Drop by any day from 10 to 9.30 or call (081) 773 7888.
JUST FOR PLEASURE
Choose from an array of products to enhance your life of happiness with your pets
By Chompoo Trakullertsathien
At the 6th Pet Expo Thailand 2009 held recently at the Queen Sirikit Convention Center, a vast variety of pet products and accessories made their debut, out to pamper both pets and pet owners alike. The response to the Trendy Fashions and Lifestyle Exhibition for Pets and Pet Lovers event was overwhelmingly positive.Most of the edible products on display were manufactured primarily for the sake of the physical and mental health of canines, although many were also suitable for felines. A lot of them came in the form of snacks that double up as functional toothbrushes to keep teeth clean and healthy if fed to the animals properly.
Beauty products, like shampoos, deodorant sprays, and serum nutrient lotions were available in a multitude of packaging and containers. All of them were for the same purpose: To keep dogs' coats glossy and smooth. More importantly, they were made from natural ingredients that are environment- and animal-friendly.
Items to keep dogs amused and entertained, like toys, were also produced from natural materials. In this regard, rubber occupied the front position.
The hottest commodities at the expo turned out to be pet accessories,because of their distinctive and adorable designs. Pet owners could not help but be attracted by them, and they were snapped up by the dozens.
Here is a partial list of the products that are selling like hot cakes.
MUNCHIES
Paragon snacks are suitable for dogs of all ages and sizes. They are high in fibre but low in protein. A bit softer than Paragon, Petory chewable edibles are suitable for young and advanced-age dogs.
Imported from the US, Pegetable is a supplementary food. Besides helping to clean a dog's teeth, it is rich in beta-carotene, minerals and vitamins, all of which are important nutrients in pets' diets.
ACCESSORIES
Devil headbands are popular as most, if not all, dog owners tend to consider their pets as lovely devils at one time or another. They come into various sizes.
To protect dogs from eyeirritating ultraviolet rays and strong winds, pet glasses are supplied with interchangeable lenses. Available for all sizes of dog, the eyewear are stylish as well as functionally beneficial.
GROOMING
Milk shampoos are in high demand because they contain milk and refreshingly fragrant natural substances.
Gone are the days when unwell dogs cannot be given a shower or a bath. In the market is a new grooming product that can keep sick dogs clean. The pet owner simply sprays this product onto the dog's coat and then wipes it off with a towel. The spray produces tiny bubbles, so it does not leave behind any residue on the dog's hair.
When dog owners have no time to comb their dogs, they can make use of coatenhancing lotions that get rid of dirt and smoothen their pets' hair.
DRESSING UP
As far as apparel is concerned, pet owners like to follow the trend. Giant silkscreened T-shirts are much sought after for their cool and chic styles. Moreover, they carry cute messages like "I love Mom and Dad" and "Super Dog". Tiger-stripe patterns and military-uniform imitations are at the top of the shopping list in this category.
Special pyjamas and nightgowns meant for pet lovers who want to show their closeness to their animals can choose to wear "mine and my pet's" costumes with the same pattern.
Luxury accessories like necklaces, fashionable collars and body harnesses for dogs receive a warm welcome from owners who are enthusiastic followers of fashion. The necklaces come in sets for owner and pet to share their commonality.
TOYS
Toys are indispensable when it comes to keeping dogs occupied during leisure. Playthings that produce a sound when squeezed attract the attention of dog enthusiasts as they are fun items in the eyes, and to the ears, of humans and animals. Eye-catching and wide in range,the choice is practically unlimited.
By Chompoo Trakullertsathien
At the 6th Pet Expo Thailand 2009 held recently at the Queen Sirikit Convention Center, a vast variety of pet products and accessories made their debut, out to pamper both pets and pet owners alike. The response to the Trendy Fashions and Lifestyle Exhibition for Pets and Pet Lovers event was overwhelmingly positive.Most of the edible products on display were manufactured primarily for the sake of the physical and mental health of canines, although many were also suitable for felines. A lot of them came in the form of snacks that double up as functional toothbrushes to keep teeth clean and healthy if fed to the animals properly.
Beauty products, like shampoos, deodorant sprays, and serum nutrient lotions were available in a multitude of packaging and containers. All of them were for the same purpose: To keep dogs' coats glossy and smooth. More importantly, they were made from natural ingredients that are environment- and animal-friendly.
Items to keep dogs amused and entertained, like toys, were also produced from natural materials. In this regard, rubber occupied the front position.
The hottest commodities at the expo turned out to be pet accessories,because of their distinctive and adorable designs. Pet owners could not help but be attracted by them, and they were snapped up by the dozens.
Here is a partial list of the products that are selling like hot cakes.
MUNCHIES
Paragon snacks are suitable for dogs of all ages and sizes. They are high in fibre but low in protein. A bit softer than Paragon, Petory chewable edibles are suitable for young and advanced-age dogs.
Imported from the US, Pegetable is a supplementary food. Besides helping to clean a dog's teeth, it is rich in beta-carotene, minerals and vitamins, all of which are important nutrients in pets' diets.
ACCESSORIES
Devil headbands are popular as most, if not all, dog owners tend to consider their pets as lovely devils at one time or another. They come into various sizes.
To protect dogs from eyeirritating ultraviolet rays and strong winds, pet glasses are supplied with interchangeable lenses. Available for all sizes of dog, the eyewear are stylish as well as functionally beneficial.
GROOMING
Milk shampoos are in high demand because they contain milk and refreshingly fragrant natural substances.
Gone are the days when unwell dogs cannot be given a shower or a bath. In the market is a new grooming product that can keep sick dogs clean. The pet owner simply sprays this product onto the dog's coat and then wipes it off with a towel. The spray produces tiny bubbles, so it does not leave behind any residue on the dog's hair.
When dog owners have no time to comb their dogs, they can make use of coatenhancing lotions that get rid of dirt and smoothen their pets' hair.
DRESSING UP
As far as apparel is concerned, pet owners like to follow the trend. Giant silkscreened T-shirts are much sought after for their cool and chic styles. Moreover, they carry cute messages like "I love Mom and Dad" and "Super Dog". Tiger-stripe patterns and military-uniform imitations are at the top of the shopping list in this category.
Special pyjamas and nightgowns meant for pet lovers who want to show their closeness to their animals can choose to wear "mine and my pet's" costumes with the same pattern.
Luxury accessories like necklaces, fashionable collars and body harnesses for dogs receive a warm welcome from owners who are enthusiastic followers of fashion. The necklaces come in sets for owner and pet to share their commonality.
TOYS
Toys are indispensable when it comes to keeping dogs occupied during leisure. Playthings that produce a sound when squeezed attract the attention of dog enthusiasts as they are fun items in the eyes, and to the ears, of humans and animals. Eye-catching and wide in range,the choice is practically unlimited.
Dog "origin of pneumonic plague outbreak"
A dog is suspected to be the origin of an outbreak of pneumonic plague in northwest China that has killed three people and left 10,000 under strict quarantine, state media reported.
Ziketan, a remote town in a Tibetan area of Qinghai province, has been locked down since Saturday in an effort to contain the spread of the highly virulent disease.
One patient was in critical condition and eight others were infected, most of them relatives of the first fatality, a 32-year-old herdsman, Xinhua news agency said.
Initial tests had shown the herdsman's dead dog was the likely origin of the outbreak, Xinhua reported on Wednesday, quoting Professor Wang Hu, director of the Qinghai disease control bureau.
Prof Wang said it was likely that the dog died after eating a plague-infected marmot and that the man became infected when he was bitten by fleas while burying the dead dog. He died three days later.
"The first victim buried the dead dog without any protection. After he became infected, his relatives and neighbours were in close contact with him without taking any protective measures, leading to their infection," Prof Wang was quoted as saying.
The World Health Organisation says the bacteria which causes the plague is endemic in some rodents in the region,such as marmots.
Meanwhile, residents of Ziketan said on Wednesday scared people were trying to leave despite the strict quarantine to contain the virulent disease.
"Some of my hometown folks left,they are afraid of pneumonic plague,"said a businessman who works in the town but hails from neighbouring Sichuan province.
"There are checkpoints in the street and the roads are strictly controlled so they can only leave on foot," the man,who refused to give his name, said by telephone.
"I heard many migrant workers have left, they may go back to their hometowns," he said.
"Those who left without permission lack responsibility. I will not leave."
Health Ministry officials yesterday told Xinhua no one had escaped from the quarantine zone and that no new cases had been reported.
Ziketan, a remote town in a Tibetan area of Qinghai province, has been locked down since Saturday in an effort to contain the spread of the highly virulent disease.
One patient was in critical condition and eight others were infected, most of them relatives of the first fatality, a 32-year-old herdsman, Xinhua news agency said.
Initial tests had shown the herdsman's dead dog was the likely origin of the outbreak, Xinhua reported on Wednesday, quoting Professor Wang Hu, director of the Qinghai disease control bureau.
Prof Wang said it was likely that the dog died after eating a plague-infected marmot and that the man became infected when he was bitten by fleas while burying the dead dog. He died three days later.
"The first victim buried the dead dog without any protection. After he became infected, his relatives and neighbours were in close contact with him without taking any protective measures, leading to their infection," Prof Wang was quoted as saying.
The World Health Organisation says the bacteria which causes the plague is endemic in some rodents in the region,such as marmots.
Meanwhile, residents of Ziketan said on Wednesday scared people were trying to leave despite the strict quarantine to contain the virulent disease.
"Some of my hometown folks left,they are afraid of pneumonic plague,"said a businessman who works in the town but hails from neighbouring Sichuan province.
"There are checkpoints in the street and the roads are strictly controlled so they can only leave on foot," the man,who refused to give his name, said by telephone.
"I heard many migrant workers have left, they may go back to their hometowns," he said.
"Those who left without permission lack responsibility. I will not leave."
Health Ministry officials yesterday told Xinhua no one had escaped from the quarantine zone and that no new cases had been reported.
Going gaga over Guru
Launchedin 2007 as an online shopping site, Guismono, featuring weird but funky dolls by Thai designer Piyanch "Tonn" Sirikulchayanont, quickly drew thousands of browsers.
Today, fans of his signature Gugu doll with its wide orane mouth and playful accessories, can shop in real time, a the store he opened last year in the hig-end Crystal Mall on Ekamai-Ramindra Road as well as at his recently opened boutique at Navamin City Avenue.
Tonn came up with the idea for his Gugu doll several years back while preparing for a textile art project in Sweden. He returned home to Bangkok in 2001 and started selling the dolls, along with T-shirts, mugs and canvas bags under the name Guismono, marketing them through Propaganda and Zen then online on a Japanese website.
"The name comes from worlds the Swedish use when referring to a ghost's voice," he says.
His products received such a warm welcome that in 2008, he teamed up with friends and opened the Crystal Mall store. It's stocked not just with Gugu dolls and his other accesories but also decorative items by other Thai labels and funky miorts from the West.
The new branch at Navamin City Avenu on Nawamin Road area has more space and offers a wide range of toys and collectible items along with gadgets from Korea, Japan, the US, Taiwan and China.
"We also stock design products by Applique, ETC and Propaganda," says partner Anocha Chanyaem. "Our store facuses more on smallers stuff like gadgets, clock, toys and collectible items from aboard."
Tonn's fans will find plenty of Guismono's products too, including Gugu dolls, plastic tote bags, pencil cases, bottle and canvas bags. It's a great plce to shop for home and for friends, with a selection of splendid products such as ETC's paper clips and glass vases, Propaganda's colourful bins, quality toothbrushes by One Morning as wellas Lenarai's iconic figures inspired by the songs-for-life and Carabao.
Also on sale are iPod cases and speakers from Korea, Lego-like lapms, wire holders form Hong Kong, King Banana stationery, snake & shooter ladder games from Japan plus bubble-head figures inspired by President Obama, Spiderman and Demonique form the US, cigarette-shaped lighters, wall clocks, wooden chess games and music boxes from Taiwan.
>> AT A GLANCE
Guismono is on ground floor of Navamin City Avenue mall on Kaset-Nawamin Road and is open daily form 11am to 10pm. Visit www.Guism.com
Today, fans of his signature Gugu doll with its wide orane mouth and playful accessories, can shop in real time, a the store he opened last year in the hig-end Crystal Mall on Ekamai-Ramindra Road as well as at his recently opened boutique at Navamin City Avenue.
Tonn came up with the idea for his Gugu doll several years back while preparing for a textile art project in Sweden. He returned home to Bangkok in 2001 and started selling the dolls, along with T-shirts, mugs and canvas bags under the name Guismono, marketing them through Propaganda and Zen then online on a Japanese website.
"The name comes from worlds the Swedish use when referring to a ghost's voice," he says.
His products received such a warm welcome that in 2008, he teamed up with friends and opened the Crystal Mall store. It's stocked not just with Gugu dolls and his other accesories but also decorative items by other Thai labels and funky miorts from the West.
The new branch at Navamin City Avenu on Nawamin Road area has more space and offers a wide range of toys and collectible items along with gadgets from Korea, Japan, the US, Taiwan and China.
"We also stock design products by Applique, ETC and Propaganda," says partner Anocha Chanyaem. "Our store facuses more on smallers stuff like gadgets, clock, toys and collectible items from aboard."
Tonn's fans will find plenty of Guismono's products too, including Gugu dolls, plastic tote bags, pencil cases, bottle and canvas bags. It's a great plce to shop for home and for friends, with a selection of splendid products such as ETC's paper clips and glass vases, Propaganda's colourful bins, quality toothbrushes by One Morning as wellas Lenarai's iconic figures inspired by the songs-for-life and Carabao.
Also on sale are iPod cases and speakers from Korea, Lego-like lapms, wire holders form Hong Kong, King Banana stationery, snake & shooter ladder games from Japan plus bubble-head figures inspired by President Obama, Spiderman and Demonique form the US, cigarette-shaped lighters, wall clocks, wooden chess games and music boxes from Taiwan.
>> AT A GLANCE
Guismono is on ground floor of Navamin City Avenue mall on Kaset-Nawamin Road and is open daily form 11am to 10pm. Visit www.Guism.com
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