Wino

I wasn't petrified, but was amazed that many people could fit in a small space. Reminded me of the trick college kids use to do years ago. They would see how many people they could fit into a phone booth. Today, you would be lucky to find a phone booth, even a pay phone is sometimes hard to find.

What is your citizenship? For many western countries a thirty day arrival visa is free. I would not count on any job oppurtunities. It may be difficult and expensive for you to obtain a work visa and permit.

I was wondering who Obama beat for the Nobel Peace Prize. According to this website http://www.benjaminbradley.com/politics/who-did-obama-beat-to-win-his-nobel-prize/, here is the answer: Sima Samar, women’s rights activist in Afghanistan: “With dogged persistence and at great personal risk, she kept her schools and clinics open in Afghanistan even during the most repressive days of the Taliban regime, whose laws prohibited the education of girls past the age of eight. When the Taliban fell, Samar returned to Kabul and accepted the post of Minister for Women’s Affairs.†Ingrid Betancourt: French-Colombian ex-hostage held for six years. Dr. Denis Mukwege: Doctor, founder and head of Panzi Hospital in Bukavu, Democratic Republic of Congo. He has dedicated his life to helping Congolese women and girls who are victims of gang rape and brutal sexual violence. Handicap International and Cluster Munition Coalition: “These organizations are recognized for their consistently serious efforts to clean up cluster bombs, also known as land mines. Innocent civilians are regularly killed worldwide because the unseen bombs explode when stepped upon.†Hu Jia, a human rights activist and an outspoken critic of the Chinese government, who was sentenced last year to a three-and-a-half-year prison term for ‘inciting subversion of state power.’ Wei Jingsheng, who spent 17 years in Chinese prisons for urging reforms of China’s communist system. He now lives in the United States.

Have you ever talked with an Englishman with a cockney accent?

If it weren't for Sarah Pallin, Levi would be working in the oil fields of Alaska or else selling drugs like his mother.

When I jumped, it was with a company called AJ Hackett (I think). Any way it was an international company with outlets in many countries. They were very professional (except for that wisecrack about a new employee). I could not have removed my harness if I tried. Some of these fly-by-night outfits might be a lot different.

I am sure there was no intent to murder these Indian men. I think the ladyboys found a couple of fresh suckers to fleece and only meant to rob them. As we all know, alcohol and sleeping pills are a dangerous combination.

I don't understand. What does this have to do with Taskin?

Now that is a ripoff! Is that Kasikorn Bank?

I am all for home ownership. Why make the landlord rich when you can double or triple your homeowner investment. The problem for me is that I am not sure where I want to "hang my hat." Thailand is nice but so are many other places, Indonesia, Philippines, Brazil, Cuba, who knows. I want to experience a wide range of places before putting down roots in only one area.

I would not be surprised to learn that the ambassodor-elect gives a great foot massage. I don't think we have to worry about David doing any tongue action with Marcellus's wife.

Phnom Penh - The Cambodian military has rejected recent Thai media reports that its soldiers have laid landmines in the disputed border region around Preah Vihear temple, local media reported Thursday. A brigade commander stationed at the 11th-century Hindu temple said there was no reason to lay landmines, and said the comments amounted to standard provocation by Thailand. "Cambodian soldiers are not laying landmines along the border," brigade commander Yim Phim told the Phnom Penh Post newspaper. "All the mines on the border were put there in the 80s and 90s." His comments came after a recent article in Thailand's The Nation newspaper which alleged Cambodian troops were mining the contested area. If the allegation were true, it would be a breach of Cambodia's obligations under the Ottawa Convention, which among other things bans the use of landmines. The article drew a furious response from the Cambodian ambassador to Thailand, who described the article as "extremely provocative" and "rabble-rousing" in a letter to the newspaper on Tuesday. Preah Vihear temple and the area surrounding it have long been a source of friction between the two countries. The temple sits on Cambodia's northern border with Thailand, and was awarded to Cambodia in 1962 by the World Court,while the area around it remains disputed. Last year the UN's cultural body UNESCO added Preah Vihear to its World Heritage List, a move that rankled Thai nationalists. At least seven Cambodian and Thai soldiers have since died in occasional clashes around the temple complex. However, in late August both sides stood down troops and promised to find a peaceful solution to the issue. -- The Nation 2009/10/09 http://www.nationmultimedia.com/

True, there is a nominal fee for using an ATM out of your zone. I am not sure what the charge is, but it is not much. I usually use my card in the area I opened my account and so no big deal for me.

I am not sure which it was? Levi getting away from the Palin family or vice versa. If Levi takes after mama, I am not sure how smart a guy young Levi is.

Exactly, rich vs. poor, educated vs. uneducated, same same.

I have heard that some of those ladyboy thieves can even unzip your zipper. They must have had a lot of experience with zippers? Your rubber band idea is a good one.

Rich vs. poor, educate vs. uneducated, in essence it comes down to the have's and the have not’s or a money situation.

Interesting to know, indeed. A spokesman for the police in Spain said Gately died at 1.45pm in his house in Port Andratx, and added: "At the moment it is not known how he died. There are no signs of suspicious circumstances."http://uk.news.yahoo.com/5/20091011/tuk-stephen-gately-s-death-not-suspiciou-45dbed5.html

He has opened the door and is working hard. As the article above states, "To get ready for his close-up, Johnston is training three hours a day, six nights a week at an Anchorage gym with a local body builder."

My heart goes out to the suffering families, too. I hope there is dry weather and aid soon. Just read that the death toll in the Philippines, as a results of the mudslides has risen to over 250 deaths. May they rest in peace.

I have no idea what will bring these two groups together. There is such a big divide between rich and poor in Thailand. That creates a big problem and political riff. I may be a bit too simplistic here but the poor red shirts and the more well-to-do yellow shirts are not going to see eye to eye anytime soon. I just hope they don't shut down the airport, again.

Might be a good idea not to travel in and around the Hua Hin area October 12 and the 27. Security forces are being deployed in mass to make sure the upcoming summit of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is safe. I hope there are not demonstrations but who knows?

Many expats say Kasikorn Bank is the easiest bank for foreigners to open an account. I am glad I ended up at Kasikorn because they are friendly, provide good service, and have many branches and ATM's around Thailand. The online banking is also a big plus.

What a crock! I have heard of debreding a wound but removing a scab to prevent scarring is a new one to me. Sounds like something out of the middle ages. The best way I know of decreasing the chances of scarring is to promote healthy healing. Wash and clean the wound, put antibiotic ointment and a bandage. Keeping the scab moist will minimize hard scabs that may prevent healing. Once the wound is closed you can substitute the antibiotic ointment with petroleum jelly or aloe vera. Some people believe onion extract or lemon aids in preventing scarring but not sure if any of that has been proven in studies. Of course, a balanced diet, plenty of fluids and not smoking helps the body rejuvenate the damaged skin area.

The thought entered my mind that I should consider the Apple operating system. My nephew and many others swear that Apple is the best thing since sliced bread. I don't know much about it but know it is expensive. Is it a case where you get what you pay for?