eljeque

Fake man-eating snakes

http://home.att.net/~crinaustin/Snake2.htm

World's largest snake isn't quite as large as they thought. (Reuters)

Reuters | Latest Financial News / Full News Coverage

KENDAL, Indonesia (Reuters) - It's still a big snake, just not a record-breaker.

When a recreation park in Indonesia put a huge reticulated python on show last week, keepers insisted to reporters it was 49 feet long. That made it the longest ever caught.

But amid growing skepticism of the claim, a photographer working for Reuters returned to the Curugsewu park in the small central Java town of Kendal Wednesday with a measuring tape. The snake's true length -- around 21 feet

"I have no idea why the snake has shrunk," said one keeper when asked about the discrepancy, as the snake lounged on a tree branch inside its cage.

According to the Guinness World Records, the longest discovered snake was also a reticulated python from Indonesia. It was 33 feet long when found in Sulawesi island in 1912.

In 2002, Samantha, a 25-foot snake which was dubbed the largest in captivity, died in the Bronx Zoo in New York. Samantha came from Indonesia's side of Borneo island.

Record-breaking or not, word of the huge snake in Kendal has spread, tripling the number of visitors to the state-run park, normally known just for its scenery and waterfalls.

Just last week in the PI I was reading in a local newspaper how just over 1000 Filipino's had been returned home after having refuge in the PI Embassies in countries like Lebanon, UAE and Saudi.

Given the 1.2 billion USD a month remittance coming to the PI I am sure they do not want to break that golden egg but they do seem to take care of their own when something goes wrong

I lived in Saudi for 8 1/2 years. For the most part, the Embassies of their countries do not give a hoot about the well-being of their fellow nationals in the ME.

Three years ago a 5 1/2 meter python was captured on th east side of Sukhumvit in Pattaya. That was the largest snake I have ever heard being caught in this specific area.

This one takes the cake:

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3845750

This is a 49 foot python in Indonesia.

49-foot python captured in Indonesia

983-lb creature believed to be world's largest

Giant python on display

Dec. 31: A python believed to be the largest ever kept in captivity, is put on display in Kendal, in central Java, in Indonesia.

Updated: 10:00 a.m. ET Jan. 8, 2004

JAKARTA, Indonesia - Indonesian villagers claim to have captured a python that is almost 49 feet long and weighs nearly 990 pounds, a local official said.

If confirmed, it would be the largest snake ever kept in captivity.

Hundreds of people have flocked to see the snake at a primitive zoo in Curugsewu village on the country’s main island of Java.

Local government official Rachmat said the reticulated python measured 48 feet 8 inches and weighed in at 983 pounds.

The Guinness Book of World Records lists the longest ever captured snake to be 32 feet. The heaviest — a Burmese Python kept in Gurnee, Ill. — weighs 402 pounds, the book said on its Web site.

The Indonesian newspaper Republika said the snake, which was caught last year but only recently put on public display, eats three or four dogs a month.

Reticulated pythons are the world’s longest snakes. They are capable of eating animals as large as sheep, and have been known to attack and consume humans.

The species is native to the swamps and jungles of Southeast Asia.

© 2007 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Another one you may consider which is considerably cheaper and I get my hair coloured with them (800 baht and they blend colours to get the right shade for you) is Schwing and the hairdresser is Nikki on Soi Lang Suan and the telephone number is 02 251 7727. Nikki used to work in Beverly Hills for a long time and he's popular with the American Embassy staff.

Hope that helps!

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Hey girls, after reading through the suggestions here and calling several, I took the leap and went with Nikki. He's wonderful. I felt totally at ease with his suggestions and said "go with it". And let me tell you, after having years of bad hair cuts and colour in Asia, this is NOT something I do lightly. I'm very happy with the results and will continue to be spoilt rotten by Nikki :-)

Btw - the haircut is 800 baht. Colour, highlights, etc are a different/higher price but still cheaper than a hair college I checked on.

thanks SmartFish! I now feel 'safe' in Thailand.

desi

Here's just one more option: From eljeque's Mom

Somsak Ruanchang on Yaek (soi) 5 where it crosses Soi 36 at Sukumvit. Call for further directions.

For a number of years, Somsak was the hairdresser to the Miss Thailand Universe competitions, and to many Thai celebrities while he operated a very busy salon at the Imperial Queen's Park Hotel on Soi 22/Sukumvit. A number of articles also appeared about him in upscale magazines. He has since downsized and besides operating his small salon, he remains sought after as hair stylist for television commercials in Australia, Malaysia, and India. He continues to maintain a list of impressive clients at his smaller salon and is very well-respected in the hairdressing community. I have been seeing him for 10 years and he is always my first and last stop if I only have a little while in Thailand. 02-661-3548 FAX: (02) 661-3549

Prices: Will vary depending on the length of one's hair.

If this involves a serious amount of money (20,000,000 ? Baht), then it might be worthwhile to locate a high profile international law firm in Bkk with an office in Phuket. They would not only know the law, but more important, they would know how to implement it quickly.

I wish you the best of luck.

Could you not have paid with a credit card? Being from the US, you ought to know that if you charge something on a credit card and the product fails to meet your satisfaction and for whatever reason you cannot settle the matter with the vendor, you can petition the credit card company to cancel the charges.

Can you pay the second half by credit card? This way, if the goods are not what you expected, then you would be able to get the second 1/2 back.

"High-end tourists are quality tourists," the minister said, indicating that "the ministry will not focus on quantity but on the quality of visitors."

What makes the amount of money that one spends a designator for their quality.

During the next six months, Dr. Suvit said, the ministry would further penetrate the high-end tourist market, improve the quality of tourist attractions, services, facilities to serve this group of tourists in particular.

Has anyone ever seen a tourist attraction's quality improved? How is this done. Might the government actually clean up the beaches in Pattaya?

What about improving the infrastructure between the tourist attractions. High quality tourists don't like hitting their heads on eletric wires on the streets or putting their feet into the holes in the sidewalks.

Trust me on this one. This is not self promotion. I was on the computer after my mother, and she did not sign out. That is why I posted under her name.

This is not self-promotion. I have no connection with NJ Bookcentre, the Thai Embassy, the City of Penang, or Malaysia, although I do enjoy having a Super Supreme pizza without pork!!!!!

I hope that you have an enjoyable journey and tell us all about it upon your return.

my book

Not the same person, but the same last name!

Again, I wish you the best of luck on your trip.

I am sure that it will be eventful, even if not necessary. Please do inform us of any predicament that you find yourself in, as we would all enjoy the story.

I think you should plan for three days there..... just in case the Embassy is closed for a day OR two!

Have a safe journey.

Go to the schools where sewing is taught. I think the government even has schools like this.

I mean, if do by ourselves, visa is refused, but if use agency, visa is approved meaning agency have special connection with them or not after new regulation OCT2006.

There is a special relationship between a person giving money and another person receiving it. This exists throughout societies around the world. The connection being, not the actual handing process, but the money which is being handed. The money can be in an envelope or not, in a bag or not, in another form, not paper, but gold, or in liquid form such as a bottle of Johnny Walker Black Label, or a nice watch, or many other forms or products which money is used to access.

"New regulation OCT2006" changed nothing concerning this "handing" process whch has existed since time immemorial. This handing process is not unique here or anywhere else, nor is this time of man any different than the past. It is not dependent on technology either. It is truly a door opener. These travel agencies have long established handing histories with the government employees in the embassies. Allow them to use their experience to assist you for the grand total of about 300 baht. That is less than the cost of the taxi back and forth twice.

If you paid the for the taxi back and forth to the Embassy twice, you would get your visa and more than likely in the same time frame, although I have been told by others that they had an extra day's delay. That would hurt your cause.

Please provide all of us with a meticulous account of your trip so that we can all gain from your experience. Do not arrive to the airline check-in counter with less than 45 minutes before the flight is due to leave as you will not be allowed to check in!

After new rule of immigration, Is it still better to use agency to get tourist visa?

Hi Panda,

I don't know if "better" is the term I would apply. It would certainly depend on one's personal situation. For those who require a simple tourist or business visa, it is definitely expedient and efficient providing one has selected a trustworthy service. In Penang, NJ Books Centre is a legitimate Visa shop. It was very busy and it was one of several. NJ did what they promised! If you have concerns about your Visa, it might be that you would want to personally go to the Consulate or Embassy in Malaysia or elsewhere. Is it possible for you to check with your Embassy or Consulate in Thailand (even by phone) prior to your Visa run? This action might allay any fears/concerns that you might have regarding your own specific needs.

Please read through to the end for your answer. Sorry, but I wrote this item yesterday prior to reading your request just moments ago. Rather timely, don't you think?

I just returned from my 60-day "Visa run" to Penang which is increasingly becoming the country of choice to complete this task for most long-term tourists as well as those requiring business or work visas. At the end of 60 days, 15-20 minutes at Thai Immigration will provide you with a 30-day extension giving you 90 uninterrupted days.

I was picked up at the airport shortly after my arrival of 4:35PM via Thai Air Asia, taken directly to nj bookcentre ([email protected]) and couldn't be more delighted with their fast, efficient, and courteous service. I completed the application, and provided them with my passport and two photos. They, in turn, gave me an ID card accepted at any hotel or guest house in Malaysia while one's passport is being processed. I arrived on a Wednesday evening, and as promised, my passport was ready at 2:00PM on Friday. NJ has been owned/operated by the same family for the past 30 years. Their father, originally from Madras, just passed away three weeks ago and his four sons and two daughters continue to run the agency. NJ is also a licensed money changer, operates a motorcycle rental service, book center, and can either respond directly to other tourist needs or refer you to someone who can. After paying for the chauffer service to the office and the Visa, we were provided with a map, set our direction, and sought out a hotel. Their office often appears chaotic. After spending my final hour there prior to leaving for the airport on Sunday, I realized that they are simply very busy, yet always manage to provide that extra bit of service that makes a difference. In my case, it was mailing a postcard to my son as I was simply too tired and too hot to walk any further that afternoon--a small kindness that leaves a very good impression warranting this recommendation. Their money exchange rates were also the best around. I highly recommend the family at the nj bookcentre.

Fees:

Tourist visa: rm 100 + 30 service fee

Non immigrant visa: rm 200 + 30 service fee

Pick up service at the airport: rm 35 one way, Return (R/T) rm 70 only

For easy calculation: just add 0 to the amount shown i.e.: rm (ringgit malaysian) 100 is equal to Bt 1000.

For more information:

Tel: 604-261-6113 or 264-2033

H/P: 016-430-6474

#425 Chulia Street, 10200 Penang, Malaysia

[email protected]

Ask for Mr. Ali

NJ works with TR Inter Tour in Hat Yai:

Tel: 074354387

Fax: 074354386

H/P: 01 5987914

Address: #19 Kimpradit, Hatyai

Songkhla 90100, Thailand

Ask for Mr. Ah Toy

Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore by A/C mini-bus, bus, train, air tickets.

Taxi service, rental cars, hotel reservation, package tours

This photo is from The Nation newspaper one month ago.

I am raising funds to assist the young karaoke singer who was attacked by a policeman in Angthong last month. She is mother to one little boy and her own mother has cancer. Through the assistance from Mr. Surasak, the journalist at The Nation responsible for reporting the story, my girlfriend was able to make contact with Suphansa Wichananant, the victim.

She is in reasonably good spirits considering her situation, and her brother is going to assist her to get a small stand and sell earrings and accessories at the local night market, once she recovers from the shock.

She is caring for a child and a very ill mother as well. Tragically, she is now virtually unemployable. She is very grateful for everyone's good wishes.

Only a few hundred baht from a few hundred members at THAIVISA.COM would make a tremendous difference in her life. For overseas members, friends in Thailand can make donations via ATM transfer for you. Any and all assistance would be most appreciated.

Please make deposits, no matter how small to her account:

Suphansa Wichananant

<snip>

Please keep this post alive with your responses.

STORY BELOW

Karaoke singer accuses policeman of chopping her arm

SARABURI: -- A policeman in Saraburi was temporarily discharged from service on Thursday pending an investigation after a woman accused him of chopping her right arm.

Pol Lance Corporal Nirut Thammasap has been charged with attempted murder and causing serious injuries for his alleged attack on Suphansa Wichananant on February 25, a karaoke singer.

Suphansa alleged that Nirut chopped her arm after she refused to share a table with him and two of his male friends at a karaoke bar she was working.

She said the three followed her on motorcycles and one of them used big knife to cut off her arm.

Two other friends, Nirat Kongtham and Prasarn Bundok who allegedly assisted in the crime have not been charged with any offence.

It is not yet clear on Thursday who chopped her arm.

-- The Nation 2007-03-23

Iced Lemon Tea re-fills at Sizzler at 45 baht for the one who earlier mentioned that nothing is free in Thailand.

Jingthing,

*** You have five posts here. This place could not be that worthy of your time, could it be?

Frankly, it pisses me off to hear people diss such a noble and competent venture on trivialities like tea refills

*** at 65 baht for 5oz in a 10oz glass, I do not blame him for commenting.

and taxes,

*** The Service Charge: If I went into Carefour Supermarket and asked for the salmon which I just pulled off of the ice to be cooked, I would expect to pay an additional fee. When I go into a restaurant, I expect that the cooking and serving of the food to be part of the price on the menu, and it should not have an additional charge added. That is the difference betwen a restaurant and a market.

when this rib joint is the real deal, and people in Thailand are very lucky to have this eating option. I for one appreciate the pro opinions. Try the ribs with the side sauce. Try the chicken wings. Then say you don't like it. (Doubtful.)

*** You seem to be putting a lot of energy into defending this restaurant

OK, it is not so cheap when you consider their high drink prices and plus plus pricing, but quality costs, and it is certainly reasonable.

*** The drinks and the plus plus are not costly for the restaurant to produce. They could charge for the expensive items instead.

Free tea or no free tea is an absurd detail to focus on.

*** It was one of a few details which were mentioned in the OP, but not focused on.

Who eats ribs everyday anyway?

*** That kind of response is not going to bring customers back or convince anyone to go there.

Great Title

IN Pattaya

I was getting a lot of lookers for a few of my friend's houses which were all identical, but some were not finnihsed yet--they are all about 3.0M baht up, until a few months ago and then it really cooled down.

A more accurate way to say it would be "Deposits taken on 100% of our units"

Take a look at how often rape or attempted rape is part of a video, a tv show or a movie. It is unbelieveable. No kidding, if the criminals started to actually receive serious penalties or life in prison and financial, then you woud start to see a change.

IN Thailand, children are not punished ans adults are not demonstrably punished for violent crimes. A year in jail???

ALREADY DONE

Nation,

I would like to set up a fund to receive donations for this girl. For publicity, I would use some websites for tourists to provide information about the bank account; funds could be deposited using a simple ATM transfer, or by going into a bank here in Thailand.

Can The Nation establish can account for this purpose?

If not, can I get in contact with the journalist of this story and have them get me in contact with the girl and her family, so that I could arrange to have people deposit funds into her account to assist her.

Thank you for any assistance that you can provide.

I am sure that this appeared in the BkkPost or The Nation. Loook in the internet to find out who wrote the article, an contact him/her. Tell them that you can organize www.thaivisa.com members to make donations to help this young woman. I am sure that they will be able to accept the funds from all of us.

I will be the first one to send in 1,000 . Please PM me and let me know what you were able to do.

I am sure that the newspaper would be delighted to help, and can also legally accept the money.

I alway wondered why there are virtually no Pi restaurants compared with Thai, Chinese etc.

Is it that bad?

................. yes, it really is. It is even worse in the PI than it is in other countries.