PhotoJohn

Last year, just prior to Loy Krathong, the city advertised just which days, times, and locations the Khom Loys (Hot Air Lanterns) could be launched.  I expect them to do the same this year.

Here's the number for RAM Hospital:  053-920300

Ask for the Eye Clinic.  They will make an appointment for you.

I highly recommend Dr. Kullapop at Dental World.

Having come here with a terrible fitting partial denture from the States (this was in 2010), I went to Grace Dental Clinic.  They have a large staff of doctors, but I was lucky enough to have been assigned Dr. Kullapop to do my work.

He started from scratch and made me a new denture that fit perfectly.  Several years ago, I had more dental work done which required that the denture be adjusted.  This time though Dr. Kullapop wasn't available and the doctor who worked on me messed up my denture resulting in my teeth no longer making good contact.

So, I went to the front desk and insisted on seeing Dr. Kullapop.  They finally told me that he left them to work somewhere else.

A google search revealed that he was at Dental World.  I was otherwise happy with Grace, but I had to leave them to return to Dr. Kullapop's care.

He recently made a lower partial for me and I couldn't be happier with it.  Both my dentures are comfortable and make good contact.

Now the Doctor does the molds and fitting, etc., but the actual dentures are made somewhere else.  I don't know where.

All I know is they fit perfectly and I haven't had a problem with them.

If I had to look for a new dentist, for some reason, my priority would be the best fitting dentures.  So, even if mine were to break, I wouldn't change doctors.

The original branch of Bangkok Bank that I opened my account was not helpful with what I needed.

On the advice of a friend, I simply opened an account at a different branch while closing my original account at the same time.

I've been a happy camper ever since.

I just bought the LIDE 220 at IT City in Pantip Plaza about two months ago.  I love it.

Their meatloaf dinner has been one of my favorites there (better be hungry though).  If I'm not quite that hungry, I'll get a tuna sandwich and either fries or onion rings.  It's all good.

Their cherry pie is the best around.  Their apple pie is almost as good.

Just found out they make their own english muffins.  Had one the other day with an omlet for breakfast.  Just great.

Gotta stop now.  I'm drooling.

Here is what you're looking for.  I had to get mine on ebay.  Couldn't find it in thailand.

OK.  Now I'm feeling foolish.

I was convinced that I had Climate Control A/C, but now I can't find anything to back that up.

Evidently, what I have is Auto A/C that maintains whatever temperature you set it for.  I think the salesperson and the lack of english specs. caused my confusion.

Still, I can't understand why I'm not experiencing the same problem now with my Honda City as I was with my Toyota Vios.  

Using A/C in my Vios didn't seem to help at all.

I found two similar threads discussing car heaters, but neither gave a definitive answer to my question.

In 2011, I bought my first car here; a Toyota Vios J model.  Several times during rainy weather, I found myself having to steer with one hand while constantly wiping the windshield with a towel in my other hand.  The J model didn't even have air ducts going to the windshield vents.

Having enough of that, I finally upgraded to a Honda City with climate control.  Over a year now, and my windshield hasn't fogged up at all.  I don't think this car has a heater though.

At least when I set it to it's highest setting, there's only cool air coming out.  But now, for a different reason, I want to change cars again.

My present issue is that I'd like to go back to a Toyota Vios again.  This time, the G model with Climate Control.  

I need to know that I won't have the same problem with fogging that I had with the J model.  Not really concerned about warm air.  I just want a clear windshield in poor weather.

So, is a heater really necessary to dry the air, or should any car with Climate Control do the job?

An alternate idea, that I'm considering myself, is to replace the door lock with a keyless entry system. Then you won't have to worry about keys at all.

You can do this without modifying the door, and if you move, just reinstall the original lock and take your keyless system with you.

HomePro has a good selection of them. I think they start around 5000 baht.

My LifeSpan treadmill owners manual specifically states "Use only 100% Silicone and avoid using aerosol silicone sprays which include additives and petroleum distillates."

The salesperson where I bought my treadmill sold me an expensive can of aerosol silicone spray, which I'm now reluctant to use. I am using it until I can get the proper lube, which I just ordered on ebay.

If it doesn't say 100% Silicone, it may not be the right thing.

I believe "Prasat Ta Muen Thom" is worth a visit, if you like ruins half as much as I do. It's right on the Cambodian border. Google maps actually shows it in Cambodia, but the area under Thai control (with a strong Thai military presence).

At least in 3013, you could still freely drive to this area. In Surin province, about 5 km east of Buriram province, right on rt. 2407.

It's not a large area, but it's unique in that it's built on bedrock, and not much restoration was done to it. See attached pics.

This came from our condo's TOT technician in answer to my complaint about the unusually frequent service interruptions I've been having.

The tech said that the work they've been doing in this area (along Charoenrat Road, T Watket area) is the reason for the frequent disruptions. They're upgrading their system to VDSL, which he said will be about 10 times faster than the current ADSL.

He indicated that it would probably be about a month for the new system to be ready. We'll get new VDSL modems.

He couldn't give me any details about pricing or anything else.

I just hope its more reliable.

Since there hasn't been any recent discussion on this, I just wanted to remind everyone that tomorrow, Saturday, Oct. 25, 2014 is the day for the Free Event at Mae Jo University.

There was a fair amount of conflicting info as to the date, but Oct. 25 has been confirmed.

This is the event for the massive release of the hot-air lanterns (Khom Loys).

^{I recently had mine repaired at the electronics store on the ground floor of Big C Extra (the one near the new Central Mall).}

^{It needed a new magnetron. It's been working perfectly ever since. Think it ran me about 600 baht and took 3 days.}

All our seats are taken now.

For those looking for transportation though, there will be lots of buses going and coming from the event.

Hope everyone enjoys the weekend festivities.

Admission to the event is free, as opposed to next week's event which cost $100. I understand that event is already sold out.

I think you're right about the Khomloys though. However, you're not required to buy any. I just go to take photos.

This is the annual free event for the mass release of lanterns at Mae Jo University.

The Chiang Mai Photography Group (CMPG) is once again attending the event in pre-arranged air conditioned vans.

This year, we still have just two seats left that are available for the first respondents.

We're leaving Chiang Mai at 4:15 pm and returning around 9:30 pm.

If you'd like to join us, it will be a chance to meet some of our members, and ride there and back in comfort without worrying about traffic or parking.

If interested, please PM me for all the details.

How about a "Feature Phone"?

Since it sounds like the OP would like to save some money, if possible, and no-one has mentioned this yet, I think it's worth considering.

Until a few months ago, I didn't know what a Feature Phone was. The majority of the phones available in the various shops around town are Feature Phones.

A Feature Phone will do most of the things a Smart Phone will do and for a lot less money. It might be a good choice, especially if you're getting into a technology you're new to.

You can browse the internet, check and send e-mails, use google maps, play games, get news and weather updates, listen to music, store your pictures and most anything else a smart phone will do. The difference being that you can only open one application at a time.

The operating system is more basic than android or the iphone and the number of add-on applications that are available are much more limited, but it may all that you'll need.

I had the opportunity recently to spend an afternoon photographing their grounds

and the pictures are ... where ?

just interested : ) ... dave2

Well, here's a few. It's a very large resort and there's a lot I never got to see.

I agree with LC. I had the opportunity recently to spend an afternoon photographing their grounds. I can assure you that they don't skimp on anything, including the quality of their staff.

I think it's unfair to group them with businesses who might be upset over the increase of the minimum wage.

Not today. But there is a similar event on this Friday, Nov. 30, at the same location. It will cost you though.

Check out this link: http://www.yeepenglanna.net/

Here's a link to a map showing the route: http://www.yeepenglanna.net/map.html

Our last seats were just taken. I sent a confirmation to those who responded first.

There should be a number of other good options for transportation though, for those who still need a ride.

This is the free festival with the beautiful candle-lit procession followed by the massive release of lanterns. 1,000 lanterns released into the sky all at once. It's quite a spectacular event, especially for photographers.

Our Photography Group has considered this as one of our best photo opportunities of the year.

This year we have two air-conditioned vans reserved for our group. We're leaving Chiang Mai at 3:30 in order to arrive there in plenty of time to stake out the best spots to photograph the procession. We'll be returning around 9:30 pm.

We happen to have four open seats for anyone who might wish to join us. It will be a good opportunity to meet some of our members. But better yet, you'll have a comfortable, pre-arranged ride to and from the event. The traffic and parking for this event is always a nightmare if you drive yourself.

If you're interested in joining us, please PM me for all the details.