tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-68822438782043744572024-03-13T10:43:55.033-07:00TAI PANUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger29125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6882243878204374457.post-6984472355566199012010-07-10T13:20:00.000-07:002010-07-10T13:42:28.721-07:00While taking tea with my former employee Mr. Cameron in London the other day, we mused upon the recent business in the Gulf of Mexico. It had not escaped either of us that someone we knew had substantial investments in the Macondo well operations that have gone so appallingly awry. <br /><br />Young David produced a copy of the Congress report that I was able to peruse. One particular section he drew to my attention concerned the origins of the failed 'blow-out preventer'. Whose company do you think might have designed and provided the substandard equipment? Tracing the serial number of the item, one can ascertain that its origins lie with <span style="font-style:italic;">Gornt Deep-Sea Hydronautics</span> of Manila. <br /> <br />And where might Quillan be at present? Not in Hong Kong, but 'touring the southern states', supposedly on holiday, but I think there might be an ulterior motive. However, Gornt has done a much better job than <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tony_Hayward#Deepwater_Horizon_oil_spill">BP CEO Tony Hayward</a> in keeping out of the limelight. <br /><br />Still, we might yet see QG on the beaches, shovel in hand, trying to sway the media yet.<br /><br />Hope you're enjoying your travels Quillan!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://t2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:E4BemxFHVQIITM:http://cache.boston.com/resize/bonzai-fba/AP_Photo/2010/06/09/1276074109_4461/539w.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 132px; height: 100px;" src="http://t2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:E4BemxFHVQIITM:http://cache.boston.com/resize/bonzai-fba/AP_Photo/2010/06/09/1276074109_4461/539w.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6882243878204374457.post-19914855336281514152010-04-26T00:00:00.000-07:002010-04-26T00:17:41.225-07:00The Noble House sets the trendAs Tai-Pan of the Noble House, I made the decision to relocate our HQ to Europe nearly two years ago. Since then the wisdom of my decision has been vindicated by the situation back East; rising pollution, high speed railway related demolition and the like have made business in HK less and less profitable. Discussing the matter with fellow Tai-Pan and Entrepreneur Eustachian Tsang over a bottle of '84 DP on the deck of the <span style="font-style:italic;">Flying Cloud</span> moored off St-Tropez this weekend, it seems <a href="http://gornt.blogspot.com">other firms</a> are now thinking of following suit. Not that I can blame him with conditions developing there as they are. I would welcome my old sparring partner to the shores of Europe; there's just not the competition here and no-one understands <span style="font-style:italic;">Hong Kong Rules</span>.<br /><p><br />I raised a toast with Tsang to the introduction of some decent competition in Europe, and as the sun beat down onto the clear blue waters (no plastic flotsam here, note), I really did not miss the throngs of mainland tourists that were not on the beach.<br /><p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6882243878204374457.post-26551712123860054892009-11-26T22:16:00.000-08:002009-11-26T22:30:00.216-08:00Dubai LandAs Tai-Pan, I must categorically state that the Noble House has no dealings with Dubai World and that our businesses remain unaffected - we need no extension of our lines of credit. Readers may be interested to note Mr Gornt's proposed joint venture with Dubai World in Central (Rothwell Mansions) seems to be mysteriously quiet after nigh-on a year's work. After all, we all need another luxury flat complex here. Could this white elephant have broken the Dubai firm's back?<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://camplajolla.org/data/images/camp_callan_building_foundations.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 533px;" src="http://camplajolla.org/data/images/camp_callan_building_foundations.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><center>Foundations abandoned at Rothwell Mansions</center>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6882243878204374457.post-50952534476084864662009-08-08T10:04:00.000-07:002009-08-08T10:33:58.829-07:00Tai-Pan Conference Geneva Follow-Up<p><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUQFuloyuPPmlrGP-0_y48dinOlKPY3i9QYGZ8s8DFSZoAFq9KCApNx7YY0lYqEPKWfzRa56smhRztxqQgay9TqFCLDbMvkYavfmBQGSQAIaeztC98vwmKrOjPQmWaOL3wA7JolIOorpY/s1600-h/CIMG0736mini2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUQFuloyuPPmlrGP-0_y48dinOlKPY3i9QYGZ8s8DFSZoAFq9KCApNx7YY0lYqEPKWfzRa56smhRztxqQgay9TqFCLDbMvkYavfmBQGSQAIaeztC98vwmKrOjPQmWaOL3wA7JolIOorpY/s200/CIMG0736mini2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5367647302101861234" /></a><br />This month's Tai-Pan conference in Geneva saw The Noble House again flying in the face of the global recession and secure further business deals and interests which will garner profit admirably.<br /><br />On the final day, business finished, the assembled Tai-Pans and European businessmen left the <i>Beau-Rivage</i> for some <i>fillets de perche</i> and <i>Chasselais</i>. When we arrived at the restaurant and were seated, however, we noticed that one of our number was missing. No prizes for guessing whom - our esteemed friend Mr. Quillan Gornt. Dinner continued without our companion, and our party decided to take a stroll along the waterfront where the <i>Fetes de Geneve</i> were taking place. And whom should we see there, you may enquire, but M. Gornt. He had seemingly monopolised an entire funfair dodgems ride and populated it with scantily clad young ladies of all varieties. He was screaming around the track, alternately swigging from a bottle of inferior champagne and shouting '<i>Vive la rue de Berne!</i>' at the top of his voice, while ploughing into these poor girls in their cars. His extra mass left them little hope of a gentle nudge, but sent them flying and whirling at each contact. An amusing spectacle, but mildly embarrassing for Hong Kong's reputation in international business circles.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6882243878204374457.post-38366373405712353102009-07-26T02:21:00.000-07:002009-07-26T02:25:45.858-07:00Tai-Pan Conference: Geneva<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://cache.virtualtourist.com/2944901-Geneva-Geneva.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 380px; height: 250px;" src="http://cache.virtualtourist.com/2944901-Geneva-Geneva.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br><br />Geneva is the location for this August's Tai-Pan Conference. It is unknown whether Gornt has recovered his mental well-being enough since his 'funny turn' the other week when he invested several billion in yoga and 'hip-hop' dance schools.<br /><br />The Noble House looks forward to a successful and prosperous session, with several high-importance deals lined up with Swiss companies.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6882243878204374457.post-7918086410020176202009-06-23T08:53:00.000-07:002009-06-23T09:08:18.273-07:00Anniversary CelebrationsAs many of you already know, and have kindly demonstrated, today is my birthday. As Tai-Pan of The Noble House, I would like to extend my invitation to a champagne reception tonight at the Victoria and Albert hotel to celebrate (No presents please; donations to Struan's Hong Kong Architectural Heritage Society).<br /><br />I look forward to celebrating another successful year with you all.<br /><br />Good joss to one and all.<br /><br />The Tai-Pan<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/0/01/ThePeninsula%40Night.png/449px-ThePeninsula%40Night.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 225px; height: 300px;" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/0/01/ThePeninsula%40Night.png/449px-ThePeninsula%40Night.png" border="0" alt="" /></a> <center>The V&A Bedecked in Birthday Celebration lights for The Tai-Pan</center>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6882243878204374457.post-47155147735758073072009-06-14T01:29:00.000-07:002009-06-14T02:40:10.840-07:00The Tai-Pan's ReturnDear Shareholders,<br /><br />this past month's trip back home to Hong Kong for the AGM and Asian leg of the Tai-Pan Summit in Hanoi was, I am glad to report, despite swine flu, a great success for The Noble House. New friendships and ventures were struck and old ties reaffirmed, all of which are critical to our prosperity and future. <br /><br />It has, however, reinforced the remoteness of my current situation to our roots in Hong Kong. For the time being, it is absolutely essential that I remain here in the low countries to lead our European business operations, but I will endeavour to return as soon as feasibly possible to re-assume my seat in the Great House and office in the Struan's building. <br /><br />There is of course <span style="font-style:italic;">nulli secondis in oriente</span> to The Noble House of Asia, nor to Hong Kong, and although a global firm, our futures are inextricably intertwined.<br /><br />I wish you all the bet of joss.<br /><br />The Tai-Pan of the Noble House<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.crunchgear.com/wp-content/photos/hong_kong_island_hk084.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 323px;" src="http://www.crunchgear.com/wp-content/photos/hong_kong_island_hk084.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6882243878204374457.post-27550722775380902322009-05-06T10:41:00.000-07:002009-05-06T10:54:41.820-07:00Noble House Records Presents: The SleevesNoble House Records is pleased to announce that <a href="http://www.myspace.com/thesleevesofhongkong">The Sleeves</a> will be playing a special gig to celebrate the Tai-Pan's homecoming at <a href="http://www.undergroundhk.com/v2/">The Underground</a> on 16 May.<br /><br />So come and "rock out" with the Noble House! <br /> <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://c3.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/106/l_f2b7947e96bd4c59944f4f5b3080b9a6.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 224px;" src="http://c3.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/106/l_f2b7947e96bd4c59944f4f5b3080b9a6.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6882243878204374457.post-18277866560002190862009-04-29T09:42:00.000-07:002009-04-29T09:57:09.874-07:00Tai-Pan's Transportation TamperedIt is with some concern I reflect upon my lucky escape today. Returning to The Tai-Pan's Residence on Struan Road, taking the final corner my brakes suddenly gave out. Luckily my experience as an amateur racing driver was not wasted, and I was able to safely recover a potentially life threatening situation. After coming to a controlled stop (and not having broken any traffic regulations) my thoughts immediately turned to a similar incident; once, returning from an evening reception at my mansion on Peak Road, Quillan Gornt's Bentley's brakes mysteriously gave way. Although no real connection has ever been made, Gornt has always blamed the Noble House for this incident. I would therefore expect that it is Gornt who is behind this latest sabotage, again trying to divert attention away from his recent Amsterdam escapades.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://margotmystic.files.wordpress.com/2009/04/car-accident.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 304px; height: 181px;" src="http://margotmystic.files.wordpress.com/2009/04/car-accident.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><center>Not the crash in Question, but another one of Gornt's recent write-offs.</center><br /><br />With a warning not to accept lifts from Gornt, especially during the small hours of the morning, I wish all of my employees in the Netherlands a Happy Queen's day for tomorrow.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6882243878204374457.post-20158942116047861262009-04-26T03:02:00.000-07:002009-04-26T03:07:41.556-07:00Press Release: AGM & Shareholder MeetingThe Noble House Press office, 26 April 2009<br /><br />The Noble House today confirmed the location of its 2009 AGM and Shareholder meeting. It will take place at the Royal Samuiian (Noble House Resort Group), Koh Samui, Thailand, between 28 May and 1 June. This will run following the annual Tai-Pan conference in Hong Kong, hosted this year by Victoria Bank.<br /><br />Shareholders should register their interest to attend by 10 May.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6882243878204374457.post-31762099555283424102009-04-18T05:39:00.000-07:002009-04-18T05:53:07.381-07:00Tai-Pan Summit ends with mixed resultsOver the past week in Amsterdam, the heads of several Hong Kong firms and institutions have been meeting with European business leaders. Progress on several important deals was going well until the head of <a href="http://gornt.blogspot.com/">Rothwell-Gornt</a> stormed off after his 'unique' negotiation style failed to win over property developers from Amsterdam's city centre. I did not see him again until the following morning, when the newspaper was served with my breakfast.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWKKyeWDNZPSLajJMrpztwvlOve1UBadKSBhfHxPoYiAvc7WUy2zNwwKrzYa_uUfSw_lhik6U1JL4c0R1-gRveJ9dKrPRnLp6LG2QkrDVTPdHVLD_oS9qBBeEy3zIhR0l3S93sDToVTpU/s1600-h/newspaper.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 234px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWKKyeWDNZPSLajJMrpztwvlOve1UBadKSBhfHxPoYiAvc7WUy2zNwwKrzYa_uUfSw_lhik6U1JL4c0R1-gRveJ9dKrPRnLp6LG2QkrDVTPdHVLD_oS9qBBeEy3zIhR0l3S93sDToVTpU/s320/newspaper.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326010515930457218" /></a><br /><br />Poor Gornt looked a little the worse for wear, and slightly spaced out, when he was photographed leaving a premises in the Red Light District at 3 a.m., and was heard to be rambling about 'Hallucinations' and 'Stark reality' as the headline states.<br /><br />Gornt's PR department <a href="http://gornt.blogspot.com/2009/04/gornt-does-amsterdam.html">went into overdrive</a>, thinking attack the best form of defence, trying again to smear the name of the Noble House. As their allegations are entirely fictional, they have settled out of court. I wish Quillian a quick recovery, and am sure he can regain the vast amount of face that he lost with a generous donation to the Amsterdam Orphans fund.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6882243878204374457.post-52714217021146344332009-04-06T10:42:00.000-07:002009-04-06T11:24:19.187-07:00Shipping Slump Stops Some (but not the Noble House)Recent <a href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/asia-pacific/7973752.stm">media reports</a> are spinning a yarn tale over the effect of the downturn on the shipping industry here in the Fragrant Harbour. Some are weighed down by charter chains, but no shipping firm has yet got into serious financial trouble (unlike some from Asia's second world city). Having started as a shipping and export firm, the Noble House knows the business back to front, although this forms a much smaller part of the company these days. Having always owned and used its own ships it is still sailing through the storm as Mr Howse has testified on the BBC (a slight lapse in memory for names can be forgiven!) while others are drifting towards the rocks and reefs. So for secure shipping through the financial turmoil, you can still be sure of the Noble House.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.globalization101.org/uploads/Image/News%20Analyses/hong-kong-shipping.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 200px;" src="http://www.globalization101.org/uploads/Image/News%20Analyses/hong-kong-shipping.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6882243878204374457.post-45000008406314924632009-03-14T03:02:00.000-07:002009-03-14T11:37:48.580-07:00Swire Slick Spoils SeasThe Noble House is sad to learn of the disaster that has struck <a href="http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/australasia/oil-disaster-hits-prime-australian-beaches-1644187.html">the Australian coast</a>. The <a href="http://www.swire.com/eng/global/home.htm">Swire</a>-owned vessel <span style="font-style:italic;">Pacific Adventurer</span> shed its cargo of oil after being caught in the tail of a cyclone. As Tai-Pan of The Noble House I would never permit a vessel to go to sea unless it was deemed safe, especially through typhoon-wracked waters. That is why Struan's reputation is unblemished, and is Hong Kong and the World's firm of choice when it comes to ocean transport.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.marinetraffic.com/ais/showphoto.aspx?mmsi=477822000"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 200px;" src="http://www.marinetraffic.com/ais/showphoto.aspx?mmsi=477822000" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><center>The <span style="font-style:italic;">Pacific Adventurer</span> before the incident</center>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6882243878204374457.post-12640678426843132082009-02-25T09:33:00.000-08:002009-02-25T09:39:22.960-08:00Noble House RecordsThe Noble House is proud to release the first album by our newest signing on the Struan Sounds label.<br><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1dKIaF4r1mssxmS-3nuUxjWLOJUt1QrrP0zM5ExkGXydw2YNt35qSDj094qIjFOB9AtrGy-NberdeHemDwmpVhyphenhyphen40AosPXXIcUGSdrlGwU1Ti7NggRc7__42xxejTiKkJ4rdU2Ue1XqU/s1600-h/album.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1dKIaF4r1mssxmS-3nuUxjWLOJUt1QrrP0zM5ExkGXydw2YNt35qSDj094qIjFOB9AtrGy-NberdeHemDwmpVhyphenhyphen40AosPXXIcUGSdrlGwU1Ti7NggRc7__42xxejTiKkJ4rdU2Ue1XqU/s320/album.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306789848038579314" /></a><br />Available from all good stockists in Victoria.<br /><br />If you are thinking of moving into the music industry, you would do well to read HKOB holdings' <a href="http://hkorbust.blogspot.com/2009/02/50-cents-for-your-soul-new-album.html">guide to making it in the record industry</a>, based on an oiriginal idea by Noble House Publishing.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6882243878204374457.post-71088477492095483732009-02-23T10:35:00.000-08:002009-02-23T10:44:58.540-08:00Financial Crisis hits home at Rothwell Gornt?Browsing through the <span style="font-style:italic;">Taipan Times</span> personal ads section, I happened to notice something that made me wonder if Gornt's company has quite the reserves he claims. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnm7J_gzee4b6YxabCFufVqbWsIOpsOcwH8kzQ6sM2LQBNgoz79TtObQ5cb6jUkDTPL_G_d-_DpYC5Fumw7wzHRRW0UKt8QTsicXkDJFgmDRMdzDH0lmz6Gkzw5EP-usfU54w9ciT9V4Y/s1600-h/SeaWitch+copy.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnm7J_gzee4b6YxabCFufVqbWsIOpsOcwH8kzQ6sM2LQBNgoz79TtObQ5cb6jUkDTPL_G_d-_DpYC5Fumw7wzHRRW0UKt8QTsicXkDJFgmDRMdzDH0lmz6Gkzw5EP-usfU54w9ciT9V4Y/s320/SeaWitch+copy.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306063918022470050" /></a><br /><center>Sea Witch, currently of <a href="http://www.rhkyc.org.hk/">Hong Kong Royal Yacht Club</a></center><br /><br />Gornt's favourite cruiser, the Sea Witch (named after his ancestor <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tyler_Brock">Brock's</a> clipper) is up for sale. And at a price I think is quite unreasonable for such a junk (all puns intended). <br /><br />I fear that if he's trying to raise capital to attempt to purchase new property, selling this isn't going to even raise enough money for the taxi ride to the estate agent.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6882243878204374457.post-65368003707700789012009-02-08T01:15:00.000-08:002009-02-08T01:52:18.425-08:00Struan's Cola - Hong Kong's safe ColaThe Noble House, as everyone knows, is the purveyor of Hong Kong's finest soft beverage - Stag Cola: The cool of the Highlands in the heat of the tropics.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjouVvyhGxCO-DR5qj2T9pUF8frJQLWczr6X8Xxx1Cc-ejiQKKnbm6mboG-hLMhhPZzzixpBkYDxI9FCD0BmCu04r9oUCN8r6DaL0vqz1XW4Lcvfmhl2e7h0Lz-Ug5HtRqRJaSBOoNs4P8/s1600-h/struan's.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 160px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjouVvyhGxCO-DR5qj2T9pUF8frJQLWczr6X8Xxx1Cc-ejiQKKnbm6mboG-hLMhhPZzzixpBkYDxI9FCD0BmCu04r9oUCN8r6DaL0vqz1XW4Lcvfmhl2e7h0Lz-Ug5HtRqRJaSBOoNs4P8/s200/struan's.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5300357419032056258" /></a><br /><br />As the Tai-Pan of the Noble House, particularly when it comes to our products, the safety and health of Hong Kong is a great concern of mine. I am particularly worried that Gornt is pressing ahead with the release of 'ExtraJoss - Active', after the scandal that arose during its recent trial period in the Philippines.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja6Fa0DYwcopUKvlxeElp_vBSSlaEFo3w0A95qmn2bYah2GHd2m9eWwNps2_v222PFA2-mnLxJ93WsFCRsUsjioG2ffFhrTXKTGgDbpJd5in7wt1tiTiacikpq1prqnArSKthEmFLL2D8/s1600-h/extra-joss.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 151px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja6Fa0DYwcopUKvlxeElp_vBSSlaEFo3w0A95qmn2bYah2GHd2m9eWwNps2_v222PFA2-mnLxJ93WsFCRsUsjioG2ffFhrTXKTGgDbpJd5in7wt1tiTiacikpq1prqnArSKthEmFLL2D8/s200/extra-joss.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5300357480552237986" /></a><br /><br />It turned out that the factory Gornt bought to make this product used to be a pesticide factory. Subsequently, the 'ExtraJoss - Active' was tainted with abamectin, chlorthiophos and kasugamycin. As their marketing gimmick inside the ring-pull would say: Bad Joss.<br /><br />Not only has Gornt gone ahead with ExtraJoss regular here in Hong Kong, but the source is still the same. Can he guarantee the safety of this product? He has so far avoided any comment on this product, and ExtraJoss - Active is not even listed on the <a href="http://gornt.blogspot.com">Rothwell-Gornt</a> website.<br /><br />Citizens of Hong Kong - if you want to stay safe, drink Struan's Stag Cola.<br /><br />The Tai-PanUnknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6882243878204374457.post-62056366248346940152009-02-01T09:36:00.000-08:002009-02-01T09:52:55.086-08:00Press Release: 2008 4th Quarter and Full-Year ResultsThe Noble House has now released its complete results for 2008, and is pleased to retain its position as Hong Kong's most profitable company.<br /><br />Earnings in the 4th quarter dipped slightly, in line with the global financial crisis, but it was still a record 135th year straight of growth in profits.<br /><br />2009 looks to be a financially challenging year for the world, but The Noble House is sure that its diverse portfolio and dedicated staff will help it maintain its position as Hong Kong's most profitable trading house.<br /><br />Please contact Euthanasia Tan (ex. 5154) for the full report.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6882243878204374457.post-36739877566680788032009-01-18T01:21:00.000-08:002009-01-18T03:15:47.794-08:00Year of the Ox<span style="font-weight:bold;">Report on the Annual Consultation with Master Yip</span><br /><br />I have just returned from consulting our venerable 'Feng Shooee' advisor, Master Yip. The Noble House takes Chinese geomancy very seriously, as you are aware from the positioning of our office doors, and always consults Yip for his predictions over the following year for those members of staff who are keen to receive HK's most eminent astrologer's view upon the fortunes of the coming cycle. As Tai Pan of the Noble House, I have taken the liberty to interpret some of Yip's findings into business related contexts.<br /><P><span style="font-style:italic;"><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Yip: The Heavenly Stem and Earthly Branch are both grounded in earth, with concealed seams of gold and hidden springs. The coffers re-fill, but are spilled anew by chaos.</span></span><br /><br />Tai-Pan: Although seemingly stable and initially profitable, the property/land sector will drain the funds poured into it. Not a good year to invest in new building projects (Shame about your new developments in Central and Kowloon West, <a href="http://gornt.blogspot.com">Gornt</a>). This also could be a veiled hint that there will be a general disaster to hit Asia - but then the astrologers do get caught up with big events happening in China in years that end in 9 (PRC founding, Tiananmen, May 4th movement etc.).<br /><span style="font-style:italic;"><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Yip: The giants that fell leave space for new dragons; those that did not fall must bend like the bamboo or shatter.</span></span><br /><br />Tai-Pan: The Noble House was largely unscathed by the financial crisis due to forethought and diligent diverse planning. There will be new competition filling the vacuum left by competitors no longer with us. <a href="http://gornt.blogspot.com">Rothwell Gornt</a> did not collapse, but will have to fight hard against its rigid structures to adapt to new times. The Noble House will survive and prosper due to its flexibility. <br /><span style="font-style:italic;"><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"><br />Yip: The rat leaves chaos, the Ox stabilises; restraint, toil, wisdom and determination are the characteristics of the Ox. Those like the Ox will prosper.</span></span><br /><br />Tai-Pan: Not a year for excess, put your head down and work. I'll put off buying that new AMG SLK as an example to the rest of the Noble House. <br /><span style="font-style:italic;"><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Yip: Be careful those born in the year of Ram, Horse, Dragon and Dog. </span></span><br /><br />Tai-Pan: I know his birthday is a closely guarded secret, but I'd wager Gornt was born under one of these signs. Advice I didn't need in this instance!<br /><br /><br />For a full report, please contact The Tai-Pan's secretary Dyspepsia Wong on ext. +5118.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.vam.ac.uk/images/image/29025-large.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 327px; height: 450px;" src="http://www.vam.ac.uk/images/image/29025-large.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6882243878204374457.post-68527195223633650302008-12-27T07:09:00.000-08:002008-12-27T07:31:02.456-08:00A Festive Message from The Tai-Pan2008 has been quite a year for the Tai-Pan and the Noble House, with extreme highs and lows, massive and unpredictable changes, and unsolicited holidays to Turkestan. In light of this, I am looking forward to calmer seas to steer the <i>Flying Cloud</i> and the rest of the fleet through, but with the economic forecast set to gales (storm-force later, veering south to south-westerly), the barometer falling in line with the stock market and piratical activity on the increase - both on the seas and in certain peoples business habits, we will need all the joss we can get to win through. But mark my words, as Tai-Pan of the Noble House I have no doubt that we will not only win through, but come out above and beyond all our competitors from the current financial typhoon.<br /><br />Wishing you all much joss in the New Year.<br /><br />The Tai-Pan<br /><br /> ___________________________<br /><br /><br /><center><span style="font-weight:bold;">Extracts from <a href="http://www.feer.com/">The Far Eastern Economic Review</a>'s interview with The Tai-Pan</span></center><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">What has the Tai-Pan been up to recently, and what are the Tai-Pan's plans for 2009?</span><br /><br />There have been some rumours and reports that the Noble House has been distracted from the market recently, and has not been punching at its weight. Let me quash these immediately; they are but the vicious propaganda of certain rival tycoons and would-be tai-pans. I have personally been engaged in many international projects that will see the Noble House through the current fiscal crisis and also reap benefits for us, the most important trading house in Hong Kong, long beyond this time. These should start to come into fruition in 2009.<br /><br />...<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">What do you make of the story that Quillian Gornt was behind the attack on the Noble House's stables that left the cream of your horses lame?</span><br /><br />I am sure that Commissioner Tang and his police are leading a full and thorough investigation into this unwarranted and heinous attack. Whomever the culprit may be, I am sure that the full weight of the law will be thrown at them for this barbaric deed. I was shocked to hear about Gornt's best jockey being embroiled in that seedy affair in Bangkok, and am sure that the fifteen years handed down by the judge was a fair and just sentence, and should serve as a warning to other jockeys who try to feed barbiturates to their steeds. <br /><br />...Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6882243878204374457.post-23614165422990838822008-11-30T01:42:00.000-08:002008-11-30T02:09:43.056-08:00Failed attempt on the Tai-Pan's wealth and lifeYou may have noticed that I have been unable to bring you any news recently; well, it's hard to write to my audience when you've been snatched from the steps of your Gulf Stream by a gang of armed thugs (who might as well have been wearing 'I love Gornt' badges and T-Shirts), manacled, sent to Xinjiang by freight train and had a run-in with the local Party officials who tried to extort a substantial portion of your investments from you using a variety of uncommonly unpleasant ancient Chinese techniques. Fortunately there was a local militant uprising, and I was unwittingly sprung from jail, and helped escape across Central Asia by camel train.<br /><br />That's the last time I go property hunting in Italy.<br /><br />In my absence, I see that <a href="http://gornt.blogspot.com/">Gornt</a> has had free reign and run wild over Hong Kong with his evil schemes. I also notice he's remained awfully quiet about my disappearance...<br /><br />However, as Tai-Pan of the Noble House, I knew I would survive this ordeal, and have already rectified the damage done my stocks and holdings by Gornt in my absence. As I am not an evil man by nature, I've decided to show my gratitude to Gornt by making a gift of a holiday to him. Well maybe not to him exactly. Checked your stable recently Gornt?<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://tour.airstreamlife.com/weblog/PP%20horse%20beach.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 250px;" src="http://tour.airstreamlife.com/weblog/PP%20horse%20beach.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6882243878204374457.post-322417991639361552008-10-24T10:01:00.000-07:002008-10-24T10:21:17.090-07:00Busy WeekAs Tai-Pan of the Noble House, it is only seemly and fitting that I have an appropriate abode in which to dwell. This week I have been viewing and selecting from among the finest properties in the Netherlands. Sadly, nothing is available at the same altitude as the Tai-Pan's residence in Hong Kong.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.minbuza.nl/binaries/afbeeldingen-nieuw/foto-album/nederland-in-beelden/detailfoto-s/029.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 393px; height: 294px;" src="http://www.minbuza.nl/binaries/afbeeldingen-nieuw/foto-album/nederland-in-beelden/detailfoto-s/029.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><center>A small property with a central location</center><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.holland-pal.org/pics/vredespaleisJH.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 510px; height: 346px;" src="http://www.holland-pal.org/pics/vredespaleisJH.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><center>A bit gothic for my taste</center><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://architecture.myninjaplease.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/05/netherlands-institute-1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 450px; height: 358px;" src="http://architecture.myninjaplease.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/05/netherlands-institute-1.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><center>Quite modern...</center><br /><br /><br />And then I found this. It reminded me of home, and that terrible incident in Aberdeen Harbour. So I bought it as a business interest.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.hotelbelga.nl/Sea%20Palace%20Chinees%20Restaurant.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 640px; height: 480px;" src="http://www.hotelbelga.nl/Sea%20Palace%20Chinees%20Restaurant.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><center>No repeats please</center><br /><br />But where will the Tai-Pan's residence be in the Netherlands?Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6882243878204374457.post-78726447790357911482008-10-16T09:38:00.000-07:002008-10-19T01:15:47.868-07:00Right MoveIt seems that again I have taken an enormous risk that has paid off, and placed the Noble House clear out of danger, while other HK businesses are heading <i>e scylla in charybdis</i>. By repositioning many of the Noble House's most critical interests outside of HK, I have avoided the impending doom that <a href="http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601080&sid=amKzbqki1L.Q&refer=asia">John CW Tsang is denying the existence of</a>. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://eur.i1.yimg.com/eur.yimg.com/xp/premiere_photo/20050905/20/2444359729.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px;" src="http://eur.i1.yimg.com/eur.yimg.com/xp/premiere_photo/20050905/20/2444359729.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><center>Comprador Philip Chen would have agreed</center><br /><br />In fact, things are looking so good here that I am actively seeking land to develop new European headquarters for the Noble House here in the Netherlands (which is probably now more laissez-faire in terms of economy than HK). <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.stroom.nl/gfx/uploads/web%20KJ%20view1%20(4legs%20without%20logo).jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px;" src="http://www.stroom.nl/gfx/uploads/web%20KJ%20view1%20(4legs%20without%20logo).jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><center>A design competition to design the new HQ buildings will be opened for budding young architects here in the Netherlands</center>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6882243878204374457.post-24414691280509747362008-10-15T09:58:00.000-07:002008-10-15T10:29:02.981-07:00New FrontiersAlways a follower, never an innovator (except in areas of deception and underhand dealings), Rothwell-Gornt's head <a href="http://gornt.blogspot.com/">Quillian Gornt</a> has finally come into the internet age, and sat at the e-business table. Just as I thought he might, he has been so distracted with trying to manage this new venture, that he failed to notice that the building plot in front of his house was sold. To me. I can now reveal the new plans for <i>Struan Heights</i>. Enjoy the view, Gornt.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxSd6cP24PMDQ2GtMvBLen_UWfNx4KijfmsWIDQ-1VGz30KELtxKjcm3lF-1h2X0EtXMEYFhHpPRoiUfgpHKp3SC55RYpiH5JsVqgDsoGg3mtIdyp5LA51kuoLtQBVgC9DPb3bflMtBtI/s1600-h/struan+heights.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxSd6cP24PMDQ2GtMvBLen_UWfNx4KijfmsWIDQ-1VGz30KELtxKjcm3lF-1h2X0EtXMEYFhHpPRoiUfgpHKp3SC55RYpiH5JsVqgDsoGg3mtIdyp5LA51kuoLtQBVgC9DPb3bflMtBtI/s200/struan+heights.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5257433933807644242" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6882243878204374457.post-28531143241619854852008-10-13T12:41:00.001-07:002008-10-13T12:47:58.380-07:00An additional thought<p><br><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.geocities.com/noblehouse1988/C126_560SEC.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px;" src="http://www.geocities.com/noblehouse1988/C126_560SEC.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />I think it's about time I traded in my reliable old Merc, as it's probably causing HK's air pollution all by itself as my head butler takes it out for its weekly stretch. <br /><br />Demand for the former property of the Tai-Pan is usually high, so I'll start the bidding at HK$1.5M in bonds, bullion or property (HK island only).Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6882243878204374457.post-43295751157809703202008-10-13T12:08:00.000-07:002008-10-13T12:35:53.159-07:00New DealAnother deal investing further in Dutch heating oil went ahead today with a small Anglo-Dutch joint venture called <a href="http://www.shell.com">Shell</a>. The company was so pleased to be doing business with the Noble House that the CEO personally came out to sign the deal. It seems that in these tough times for all but the Noble House, even oilers are affected. I believe that with the Noble House's investment they should be able to pay their staff this year. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://cache.daylife.com/imageserve/02SX7BF3jV4vs/610x.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px;" src="http://cache.daylife.com/imageserve/02SX7BF3jV4vs/610x.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><center>The oil company's CEO, very happy after today's meeting</center><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v56/mbe25/noblehouse21b.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v56/mbe25/noblehouse21b.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><center>The Tai-Pan of the Noble House, musing on a deal in warmer climes</center>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3