calibanjr.

The point is that you've never travelled with a kid so you don't know the difference between the services.

Yes, but you nicely described what the differences are in the linked post and they simply dont justify a reduction in fare by 20% FOR A CHILD OLDER THAN 4 years. The airlines' cost for serving a kids' meal vs adults' is probably about the same anyway. Most adults drink say 2 beers on average on a flight. Come on, those two beers cost the airline only a fraction of what the discount for a child is. Please, let's not go there.

I also dont understand why my question seems to be pissing you off. I have nothing against kids travelling as long as they leave me my peace (or against any other passenger for that matter). My question was a genuine one in that I didnt take the weight into account and the "potential" revenues the airlines could make elsewhere. This is the only plausible reason I have read so far that justifies the dual pricing from an ECONOMIC point of view - which was my question all along.

Emsfeld,

I found your question about services eminently reasonable and I was wondering the same thing, trying to figure out the economics of the pricing. I feel the same as you, perhaps the weight difference is worth considering (which I find dubious), but if someone is making an argument that a kids meal and free alcoholic drinks (if those are the only differences) iare anything more than a nominal difference, they are either mathematically inept or overly defensive (my bet).

I don't know about "the best Sandwiches in CMX" as it turns out to be a simple... red lions ...ah'well, who cares..nice try!

But to set the record straight about much of the nonsense published here, an excerpt from the wikipedia regarding this invention" nobody seems to have invented as such, it's one of the things that introduced itself out of necessity:

the concept of a sandwich (as opposed to a wrap) is more recent. During the Middle Ages, thick slabs of coarse and usually stale bread, called "trenchers", were used as plates. After a meal, the food-soaked trencher was fed to a dog or to beggars, or eaten by the diner. Trenchers were the harbingers of open-face sandwiches.[3] The immediate cultural precursor with a direct connection to the English sandwich was to be found in the Netherlands of the 17th century, where the naturalist John Ray observed[4] that in the taverns beef hung from the rafters "which they cut into thin slices and eat with bread and butter laying the slices upon the butter"— explanatory specifications that reveal the Dutch belegde broodje was as yet unfamiliar in England.

If it was initially perceived as food men shared while gaming and drinking at night, the sandwich slowly began appearing in polite society as a late-night meal among the aristocracy. The sandwich's popularity in Spain and England increased dramatically during the 19th century, when the rise of an industrial society and the working classes made fast, portable, and inexpensive meals essential.

It was at the same time that the sandwich finally began to appear outside of Europe. In the United States, the sandwich was first promoted as an elaborate meal at supper.

Ethymology:

The first written usage of the English word appeared in Edward Gibbon's journal, in longhand, referring to "bits of cold meat" as a 'Sandwich'. It was named after John Montagu, 4th Earl of Sandwich, an 18th-century English aristocrat, although he was neither the inventor nor sustainer of the food. It is said that he ordered his valet to bring him meat tucked between two pieces of bread, and because Montagu also happened to be the Fourth Earl of Sandwich, others began to order "the same as Sandwich!" It is said that Lord Sandwich was fond of this form of food because it allowed him to continue playing cards, particularly cribbage, while eating without getting his cards greasy from eating meat with his bare hands.

It's similiar what the Paninni and Tramezzino is to the Italians, the Bocadillo to the Spaniards, the Croque-monsieur to the French, the Bagle, Pastrami on Rye .... the Shawarma, the follow up inventions of nowadays called "wraps" - name it... easy food that can be consumed without the necessity to sit down at a table and the need of crockery and cutlery.

And certainly NOT responsible for the obesity of the people who simply can't control their intake, stuffing themselves like a polish goose for Christmas!

We're talking about a specific sandwich, the club sandwich, so if you're going to reference wikipedia:

A club sandwich, also called a clubhouse sandwich or double-decker, is a sandwich with two layers of fillings between 3 slices of bread. It is often cut into quarters and held together by cocktail sticks. To order a club sandwich without the third piece of bread you would ask the waiter to "hold the club".

The traditional club ingredients are turkey on the bottom layer, and bacon, lettuce, and tomato on the top (it is sometimes called the "turkey club"). Other club sandwich variations generally vary the bottom layer, for example a "chicken club" or a "roast beef club." As with a BLT sandwich, the club sandwich is usually served on toasted bread, but untoasted bread can be used. Mayonnaise is a common condiment, but honey mustard is sometimes used[citation needed]. Some versions also contain ham. Cheese is often added to the sandwich as well, usually Swiss, American, or Cheddar.

It is thought that the club sandwich was invented in an exclusive Saratoga Springs, New York, gambling club in the late 19th century by a maverick line cook named Danny Mears.[1]

The sandwich has appeared on US restaurant menus since 1899,[2] if not earlier.

Is this thread an audition for some retro comedy club in the Catskills? I asked a reasonable question. How about a reasonable answer! The foot is used to send discreet messages in the West. I don't think it is in Thailand. True or False? And PLEASE leave out any references to people or clubs involved in prostitution. That is not a part of this question.

I think you need to wake up. Try to realise the difference between your wishful thinking and reality

I realize most Western men in Thailand are relationship handicapped. They have had few or no meaningful relationships with another person leading to intimacy and use Thailand as a crutch for pseudo relationships between drinking bouts while watching football.

I also realize there are very few differences between Western women and Thai women and most of the differences pointed out on Thai Visa are examples of the males inexperience with women of any nationality.

It is easy when an inexperienced person is confronted with a question to resort to barroom humor to deflect his ignorance and try to identify the person asking the question with the same level of ignorance as his own.

However in this instance I have asked a simple question. It is fact that Western women use under the table foot signals to transmit messages when the eyes or a nod of the head might be observed by other people.

This happened to me frequently in the West but it has never happened in Thailand. I am wondering if it is my stereotyping of Thai women as not using feet because of cultural norms or perhaps Thai women do use feet in contradiction of cultural norms to send messages.

I remember when exiting a crowded tuk tuk years ago and lifting my leg over a Thai woman's head she went nuts at my behavior. Ever since then I have carefully watched where I put my feet, including using them to point or otherwise message things that would be normal in other countries but taboo in Thailand.

I guess that's the way things go on boards. You pose a legit question, especially given the whole "be careful of what you do with your feet" which is almost deemed as important about "mum's the word regarding the royals" . You get some third-rate joking. Ask for some forbearance due to your candor, and get more "you're full of it" type of responses. I'm actually interested in any legit responses you might get. I'd ask my wife (Thai), but she'd start trying to figure out which of her or my friends I'd be referring to, even though I referred her to your post. I'm 43 now, but earlier in my out and about life, footsie was quite often the initial telegraph signal to later communication. Never happened to me with "the wife of the boss" or the like, but it did happen. Never has happened to me here, but if it did, I might have posted as you did.

I'm a women never been pm and also think its because I have a minging photo of me on my profile

Darlo you have now been PM'd by a fellow TV poster - Question what is "minging">

Minging = ugly (not nice)

One of my favorite Britishism's (I'm 'mercan), the sound expresses the meaning so well.

Not on the list, and certainly not aesthetically stunning, but I like CKS in Taipei. Yeah, I'm a fflyer on China Air and live in their VIP lounge when I'm there every 4 months or so, so it's a bit subjective. However, it's efficient, low-key, reasonably low-level comfortably lighted, and I have a thing for the CAir staff. Just used to it I guess, more than anyplace. Singapore is fine, but a bit overrated IMO.

And, oh yeah, Oz, I'm easy to please, and Manila would easily be my worst.

I've spent most of this workday, reading his blog and making flashcards from his videos. The blog alone is pretty interesting, as well as clearly and entertainingly written.

...... NEED I SAY MORE??????

Please don't.

That was my reaction also. Common conundrum on internet boards: When someone is so idiotically contentious with such shoddy material, are they trolling or are they a legitimate jack*ass who actually believes what they're spouting? Then there's always the chance that they're a mole, taking on the identity of the ostensible group they pretend to represent, trying to make them look bad. Being American, I'm going to choose to believe that he's the latter, somebody who's just trying to make Americans look asinine, pretty superfluous given our talented roster in that sport. But on principle, I've directed my post toward you, since I try to avoid directly feeding this type of "person".

Hang on! Hang on!

Advice from two years ago, perhaps two months or two weeks ago, is often not useful.

I can report on the situation this week. The Immigration Office in Chiang Mai is apparently not now issuing residence permits. [sorry, this is a report from a guy who has a lot of successful experience in Thailand but still chooses to wear a pigtail like some '60s Mother Earth child and dresses in a dirty tee shirt and nasty [but long] pants! Nonetheless, he did not moan and groan after being turned away; just went to his consular people for the necessary.]

Never mind the reasons for this apparent change of policy. The reasons for which are probably interesting. It might be temporary.

Anyway, just phone first! You can! Just be practical. Thai bureaucracy isn't really any different from bureaucratic behavior anywhere else!

Anyone who has dealt with Thai bureaucracy will know that rules and procedures can change without notice. So the situation this week is also not often helpful to someone reading this thread next week. As you say, it might be temporary.

Also, as I have experienced, two different officials in the same office can give contradicting advice on the same day.

When I attend Thai government offices I show some respect by dressing smartly, and I think this really helps in getting the document I am after.

I agree, phone first and be practical.

Regards

I can second that! I'm guessing it's possible that you can get two different policies from the same official at different times of the day! Maybe it's his/her satisfaction with the lunch they've had, or whatever.

Yeah, you're going to need to throw out some criteria for us, as mentioned above, before you can get constructive answers. Preferred weather, topography, size of town, amenities, real necessities for yourself, monthly budget would help (if you want to be that candid), etc.

No, all you need is a Certificate of Residence available at CM Immigration for 500 Baht. Bring copies of your passport, visa, departure card as well as your rental contract and 1 or 2 photos - I think 1 is sufficient.

Or if you have a work permit you can use that instead of the Certificate of Residence.

/Claus

Give it a shot with the above info, see how it goes and let me know, please, for future reference.

Caveat: I went to CM Immigration with passport, 1 year B visa, work permit and 3 years worth of residential leases and Immigration told me to get bent, as I wasn't on a residential visa. I then went to the consulate and got the boilerplate document they give you for about 35 bucks and all was well at the License Department.

This was 3 years ago mind you (I have a 5 year license now), and this being Thailand, your results may vary.

Dam those southern rednecks

Most states have a requirment that after 30 days of residence in that state you must obtain that states license to drive autos legally within that state ie you could've been in some egg suckin yankee state and gotten the same response.

Additionally the word dam-n is normally put in front of yankee rather than southern rednecks.

There was no malice intended here. Just foolin around. I have lived in the great state of Texas for 5 yrs+ and I am fully aware of what is 'normally' said.

And for sure, the dam_n Yankee states have usually got a lot more Byzantine rules and paperwork about almost everything. I'm from Boston and our DMV is called the Registry (very Orwellian) and they have their own police force and a budget the size of some small countries it seems. They LOVE regulations and paperwork.

Okay, criticizing grammar doesn't effectively attack the thesis of an article, but still, couldn't the writer take the time to have someone edit the article to an acceptable grammatical level? You guys can continue to refute the veracity of the article, which is shooting fish in a .......

I rented cars on my old 1 yr. Thai DL (the fake ID looking type). The thing that made it easy then is that I had a translation of it (not an IDP, which I had to wait a year to get) with my address on it in English, which made it easy for the counter person. If you've got the new type (hardcard) and an IDP, both of which I have, you shouldn't have a problem at all. I still have my translation paper (with my address) to make it easy for the counter person, because, interestingly enough, neither the hard card nor the IDP have my address on them!

On my previous visits to Vientiane , I have stayed in a hotel near the market and had a few beers in the odd bar that I have found around and about. I have been told there is a good selection of bars nearer the Laos / Thai border. Does anyone know of these bars , where they are and if its worth taking a trip from Vientiane city to go there. Maybe there is a web address for these bars ? Any hlep would be apreciated.

If you're talking about bars where you can have a few drinks, then there's no need to travel all the way back to the border. If you're talking about "bars" as in Thailand style beer bars where they trade in more than just alcohol, then you're getting into an lactivity which is illegal in Laos and beyond the scope of this forum (against rules).

If I had meant Lady Bars or prostitution bars then I would have said so .Theres enough of those in Thailand !! I know of some bars I use in the Vientiane City but I have been told there are a few out of town . Information is what I am asking for , not for ANYTHING ELSE . This is what I am lookiing for and any information from anyone else : http://travel.yahoo.com/p-travelguide-6916...-bars+zzandzz...

"Sunset" bars down along the river. Tons of 'em with a great view of the river in the evening, hence the nickname. Big Beer Lao for under a buck. Take a tuk-tuk.

Georgie wants more selection in his close proximity, of course! Who wouldn't?

Caliban, how about lunch sometime at the Chinese restaurant? I have been there, but did not know what to order. I want to pick your brain.

About the Vietnamese place, is that the original Giorgio's (across from Bake and Bite) that it is South of?

Hi G-man, yeah that's the Giorgio's, across from B'nB, just south of Pantip. I'll take you there and go with ya to Jia Tong Heng, too, when I get back. I'm not making the TV party, had to change my flight. Underestimated my workload, or rather overestimated my capabilities, I guess.

I've been in LA for a month now, back in CNX on Tuesday just too late for the TV Party. One of the luckier happenstances is that Carl's Jr. is running their Portobello Mushroom Burger promotion, which just emerges every now and then. My favorite fast food burger ever, but as mentioned, only available for a limited (and never predictable) time. Love 'em.

Already been to Tommy's, InNOut, Fatburger, and a few "real serious" burger joints, as well as the usual great Mexican food. That's about the only upside for me, when on an LA road trip.

Two places my Thai wife will be happy to eat with me at any time:

1. Jia Tong Heng. Sri Don Chai Rd, maybe 100 meters east of Pantip. Tied for the best Chinese food I've ever had, which includes NYC and San Fran, but not China. All the Thais in my office know of it, though most of them live outside the city or on the west side of town. One of my top 50 favorite restaurants I've ever been to.

2. Unknown Name, Vietnamese restaurant. Pracha Sampan Rd, maybe 50 meters south (opposite side) of Giorgio's (which I like as well). Wife loves it. Visiting Vietnamese friend gave it a B, but that's provincialism (to me). Brought my exchange brother (German, high school exchange 25 years! ago) there with his wife. He freaked out at the quality of the food and the ludicrous bill.

I won't be able to join the party. My name can be removed from the list. Anyways, thanks to Thaivisa for the kind invitation.

If MonsieurHulot isn't going, I think that I will give up my two seats also. The truth is that the place will be packed to the gills and it will seem lonely without Blinky Bill to sort out the riff-raff.

Please cancel my 2 places.

SAY IT AIN'T SO, George! I'm gonna be JUST rolling in and you'll bail on me? Well, I'll still stop by the store to bug ya.

Alright, looks like I'll get a flight on China Airlines on the 5th, so it will be my first evening out when I get back, if I'm allowed in! So calibanjr. +wife, please. Thanks.

I'm still stuck in LA, scheduled to be in CNX on the 7th, but wait-listed by ChinaAirlines for an earlier flight. I'll keep you posted. I'm sure you're waiting with 'bated breath.

I was making an appointment for a cleaning at Grace today and they said Dr Jarunee wasn't working there any more. Does anybody know if she set up shop elsewhere and where it might be?

Quite an interesting (not) introductory post. I hope it doesn't speak volumes.

Man dies in Viagra-fuelled orgy How many pills in a normal bottle. I have only seem them in blister type packs.

I actually know someone who actually passed away in similar circumstances a few years ago, but he had only taken one pill after dinner. He unfortunately passed away in his lounge chair before going to bed. Sad situation but think at 62 yrs he did have a bit of a heart problem, that his Doctor was not aware of.

Man dies in Viagra-fuelled orgy | PerthNow

Man dies in Viagra-fuelled orgy

March 05, 2009 01:30pm

A 28-year-old man has died after swallowing an entire bottle of Viagra to keep him going for a 12-hour orgy with two women.

The women had bet mechanic Sergey Tuganov $6,000 that he wouldn’t be able to satisfy them both non-stop for the half-day sex marathon.

But minutes after winning the wager, the randy 28-year-old dropped dead with a heart attack, revealed Moscow police.

One of the women, named only as Alina, said: “We called emergency services but it was too late, there was nothing they could do.”

If true, just another notch on Darwin's belt.

Running here in Sri Ping Muang.