rmacdon61

CHILD PORN: It's my mind and my "right" to see what I want. Viewing child porn is not the same as making/selling it. If I only have 999 megabyte of child porn videos on my computer, it's personal use. What harm is there in my using it? A gig of child porn means dealing right?

Umm....one is abusing kids or has involved the process of abusing them......the other is abusing your own body that doesn't involve asking a kid to take his/her clothes off so pics can be taken for someone else to view them. Slight difference there I think :-)

Plus - he's a rock star, he has to take drugs to aid the creative process.

Unfortunitly, the kids that get hookrd on said drugs often do take off their clothes to support their habit. Think it through to the end result of drug use. What you are saying, is that drug use is a victimless crime??

DRUGS: The wierd thing about people who like to play around with soft/hard drugs is this "right" to do to my body what I like. Using is not the same as dealing? They feel if their use is personal, what harm can it do? If I possess a small amount for myself, it should not be a crime, what harm is there in it? You can add more.

CHILD PORN: It's my mind and my "right" to see what I want. Viewing child porn is not the same as making/selling it. If I only have 999 megabyte of child porn videos on my computer, it's personal use. What harm is there in my using it? A gig of child porn means dealing right?

I would have done one here on SMOKING but you get my drift.

Please point out what the difference is? Believe me, there will be people who "need" to see the difference, usually addicts and they are not to blame, it is a disease but treatable. Get help.

You happy with the temperature?

It was as cold as a mother in law's kiss up here last night.

As you know, I'm just a "city block" way from you and this cold means "close up" and cuddles with the wife. NO COMPLAINTS HERE!!!

Bought a new Toyota 2 months ago, went back for the 1000K check and was quite surprised by my wife's reaction to the staff. She doesn't ask questions or press for information. There is a rattle while backing up at idle. Goes away if you apply some gas, which to me means just something loose or touching that is effected by the low harmonics at idle. Easy to check. No safety issue, but a new car. I could see the service tech just right her off when she went to get the car, I asked her she said "never mind" they say OK. As we backed out, the noise was there. Had the tech listen as I held it in reverse, wife could hear it, the tech could not. Now I would have thot he would get help, some one to also listen, but there was no way that was going to happen. When he walked away, I waited and the wife asked, why you no go? End of service check.

I went under the rear, pushed the exhaust over to the passenger side, haven't heard it since, repaired, maybe should bill toyota? It is no big deal, but as far as service, back home I would not attend that garage again. Maybe due to the flood, when I went to buy, no hondas/Isuzu/toyota trucks, bought the last Vios toyota had and they offered "nothing" with the purchase. Wife said "last car" they no help, can sell easy......

I often feel sorry for thais as they try so hard to be polite that a business can walk all over them. It's almost like my wife fears them and doesn't want me confronting them and insisting on proper service. In defence, there are service places that pride themselves on quality work and if you ask around, everyone seems to know who those people are.

Still, I love this place, love the people.

I will drop in on the bike as the wife is otherwise committed. See you there.

Canada is a melting pot for immigration, has been for decades. Other then my aboriginal brothers, what is a true Canadian? Other then immigrants, for me a canadian is a citizen. The federal government will only employ citizens as you have to have sworn allegiance to the Queen. You do so when you become a citizen. You don't have to, you can go home instead or stay an immigrant.

As language evolves people most often appreviate words in general use. A modern day word in NA is "disrespect" now commonly said as "dis". In Canada, people use a word "eh" which commonly means "you understand the contexted of the sentence I just spoke?" Canadians don't think you are stupid and wouldn't understand a simple sentence, just habit by some eh. Or maybe it is that strong accent they have!!!

Farang also means guava fruit, which thai enjoy, so maybe farand are good, or good to eat or just white like the fruit.

Now if you are in South Africa and a coloured walks up to you and say "hey whitey" did he just dis you?

I was on a Canadian forces base, by permission of a Lt. Commander (he was afro-canadian) whose name I failed to note. I was approached by military police and was asked what my business was and what permission I had for being there. Now as I said, I couldn't recall the Lt. Commanders name, and when pressed for this name, there are many Lt. C's on the base, so replied, he was the "black guy" Lt. Commander, as there not not many of this colour as Lt. C's. They knew him, phoned, confirmed my permission, gave me his name and we parted. OK not politically correct term "black guy" but I meant no disrespect.

2 thais talking, one says Hey I just sold my car". The 2nd thai says "to who?". 1st guys says "a man who is a tourist/immigrant/visitor/worker by permit, HaHa most likely will say a "farang" no dis intended............................... It's just easier to refer to someone you don't know and want to narrow down who it is by mentioning something that will identify them.

To quote VF does it really matter in world affairs today or was that "who gives a sh**"

Ditto VF (is that a politically correct reference to you?)

I have looked at that wall across from the Chiang Rai Beach with the cave. My first thot was, wow, great climb that!

From Wikipedia

Farang (Thai: ฝรั่ง [faràŋ]), also spelled falang, is the generic Thai word for a Westerner. A general term for foreigners is Thai: คนต่างประเทศ khon tang prathet ('people from other countries'). There is no expressly negative or positive implication in the word itself. However when it is used along with other words, it can bring a negative meaning depending on the context.

I'd say same as farang using less then "endearing" terms for a thai? I often use the term Farang when referring to "a farang friend" or a "thai friend" to the wife. I would have to guess that it depends on where you are standing, the tone and look of the person saying it. My church refers to other parishioners like myself as farang openly so I assume not a bad thing?

I am certainly not going to lose sleep over it. Them that like me, like me, them that don't, well suck it up Susie HaHaHa.

I tease the wife when we are in Canada, she is now the "FARANG". I always thot it meant foreigner? They seem to use the term for African/Middle East and others?

The one thing mentioned is the ladies. Thinking of my dear wife, she has the chance to meet other ladies married to farang, discuss all our faults and money .

I find it interesting the new ladies have no problem mixing in, in fact they seem overly pleased at the prospect. It is actually good for them to compare notes, who's husband is good looking, which has the biggest...................smile . You know, girl talk. They may be thai, but they are girls and talk they love. Now I am rather out going, people type of person, really enjoy meeting new and my old friends. I think those who want to isolate and be alone are a VERY small group when you look at people who travel, some 1/2 way around the world to be here. Most are looking to meet others and just haven't found their way around yet.

I did find the directions somewhat difficult to understand, but then I lose my car at the mall too.

The botton line is, what ever does he gain by having his passport, other then to show he still has some control in Thailand.

As far as a passport being a "right", Canada, which as a canadian I would describe as very liberal, will not issue a passport to a person that:

(d) is subject to a term of imprisonment in Canada

Now if you serve your term, it is most likely you will get a passport, but travel would be subject to any country on entry.

A Canadian was involved in the bombing of the Bridge on the River Kwai . I believe he was shot down during a raid that did damage a bridge upstream of the bridge made famous by the movie.

Had to put a Canadian spin in here :jap:

When you mention Canadian soldiers of the Second World War

I feel obligated as a Dutchman to show my respect.

My home town was liberated by Canadians and they played a

major role in the liberation of the rest of the Netherlands.

Many gave their lives. They are and will be remembered.

L.

On the pictures one of the monuments at Hoge Veluwe that will

keep the memory at life.

. . . . . . . . . .

Here the Canadian war cemetery at Holten, where 1355 Canadians rest.

. . . . .. . . . .

My father was with the 8th Recce in Holland. He was an engineer and dispatch motorcycle rider. He didn't speak much on his experience in Europe but did say he was always sad when ordered to blow up a bridge they had just reapired or replaced to prevent germans from coming up from the rear. He spoke very highly of the Dutch and my father was not a man to praise lightly.

A tourist can purchase a bike. You will not be able to get regist/plates for the bike in 30 days so will only have a bill of sale in Thai. Given the flood and the lack of available bikes (north) maybe BKK has some? Most dealers will take a credit card (3% more on purchase) but Visa/Master card offer insurance on purchase above the insurance (gov) given with the bike on purchase. Crossing into Laos with a bill of sale I have no knowledge of. Would seem a rental would be easier and more practical.

While you're wasting time sneering at Lifan, Lifan owners are happily out riding. I'd buy one in a minute, but I still got a lot of life left in my lowly Phantom.

I'm not sneering at anyone, I considered a Lifan but haven't heard any good things, and no I dont count "I had this problem and then this problem and then it was back at the dealers for 6 weeks but now I've managed to reach 3,000kms, fingers crossed" as good.

The guy 2 doors down from me has a triumph.

I think you make a good point. I have a B-250 with 3000K now and my jury is still out on it. Fine riding bike, good power curve for a 250 and great on fuel. It is no "NINJA" corner bike, but no cruiser is. No issues and as with all new bikes expect some little growing pains. Don't let the cheap price throw you, maybe a market strat. Very solid Yamaha Clone, even the frame is beefier. Back home in Canada, we don't have long riding seasons, but have NEVER owned a "no pain" breakin bike yet. Part of the joy of riding is doing a little self preservation wrenching and jsut giving it a quick shine, which the Lifan has, lots of shine.

A Canadian was involved in the bombing of the Bridge on the River Kwai . I believe he was shot down during a raid that did damage a bridge upstream of the bridge made famous by the movie.

Had to put a Canadian spin in here :jap:

Unfortunitly, cars that do stop keeping off the tracks waiting the light, are passed by cars and scooters and would never make the light. It becomes a matter of using a "POLICE" controlled crossing. Even having drop gates would only get stuck on the roof of the cars in the way. Heavy traffic causes people to push their luck to get through, sometimes at their own risk. It will happen again and again.

Have a one year old Lifan B-250. Would like to buy stuff like sissy bar, luggage rack, you know stuff maybe to trick it out.

I have tried leaving posts to request but they seem to get swallowed up in heated discussions about the bike in general.

Even tires? Any findings on replacement (mine are like marbles in corners). Checking local here in Chiang Rai, I always get "maybe Bangkok"

Thanks guys/gals

My visa issued September 1, 2011 says "Retirement Visa." It was issued inside Thailand.

They do not issue long stay (retirement) visas inside Thailand. You have an extension of stay of your previous entry and the reason is "retirement".

So as stated, the "NON-O" stamp in my passport, issued Mae Sai, Dec.07/11 is an extention of stay based on a reason, be it retirement, court appearance, medical or other, with a proof of income? I will never receive a "NON O-A" stamp/visa as long as I just stay and get "extention of stay" , NON-O stamps every year? Cost was 2000 bt at that time.

I did screw up apparently and didn't have enough time left on my "visa exempt" entry (last day left) and had to run across into Burma and back to qualify. The wierd thing is, they sent me away after taking my paper work and had me return on my "last day left" of my "visa exempt" entry to get the "NON-O" stamp?

Mine is not to reason why, but to do and stay!!!

Have been, was difficult to find (before my GPS) but worth the trip. This was Sept, 2010. I was the only person there. The wood work is quite beautiful inside.

Yes Svenvan, saw them last year up in Wawi too and the wife told me the thai call them christmas flower. They were so tall I thought they couldn't be poisettia but did a net search and sure enough. We do have them growing here in the village as well, quite nice but not as large (3M) as some of the trees up high.

On flowers, I note the poinsettia are all doing great. Saw them last year and poinsettias have always played a big part in my christmas. So nice to have that here as well. They seem a much deeper red here or maybe just me enjoying them so much.

I have been looking for a scapper with brush for removing the ice and snow off the windows in the morning here in CR, anyone know where to buy??

I am looking for a shovel also,

Don't ya just hate those morning when you wake up and................................

Always a good question as to why broadcast an arrest and not just "turn" the bad guys. Given the results of the arrest, I would think most ppl would be willing to turn rather then book into BKK Hilton? You can't ignore a tip and stop the drugs but you can play catchup with the upper links. The usual questions of, how long have you had it, where did it come from and where is it going. Each right answer buys time, you will go to jail, it's just a matter of how long you get to play "hide the weinie".

I have been looking for a scapper with brush for removing the ice and snow off the windows in the morning here in CR, anyone know where to buy??

Was in Mae Sai yesterday to complete my retirement visa NON O as written on the stamp in passport. Also paid 200bt for an address certificate for my DL. I have been to this immigration office a number of times and it certainly has never heard the saying "land of smiles". Don't get me wrong, they are very quick and will speak english if you keep the wife away from them. One thing noted by them is they suggested I get a new passport because the one I have was accidently run through the wash machine. Most old stamps are still legible and it is of couse very clean . The male that did my final stamp yesterday was very clear on the 90 day reporting which I appreciated. Only a few people there in the AM and service was as I said excellent and VERY professional with no smile. Cost 2000 bt. Used the annual income letter from Canadian Consulate CM. My next question would be if an address book, I think green is issued by request?