bino

If you have to replace the fan then do so with the one recommended

by the manufacturer.

He spent a lot of money on research, why do you think you know better?

Disagree with you totally... most manufacturers find the adequte solution with the lowest production cost.

For example, tires on cars. Why don't auto manufacturers equip new cars with top of the line, better performing, longer lasting tires?

One thing i find a little crazy though is the Linux computer they're selling at all the shopping centers here ...mainly to people with absolutely no Linux knowledge. If there's any issue, how do they fix it?

They buy the Linux laptop with cheaper sticker price and install copy of Windows.

Buying a DIY computer is an excellent alternative- provided that you buy good quality "bits". Don't buy the cheapest configurations. always spend little extra for recognizable brand name parts.

We recently bought more DIY computers for our office (in fact all of them are DIY) and got them so reasonably that the boss agreed to buying flat screen monitors which were in themselves more expensive than the PCs.

DO buy an original / genuine copy of Windows- this will make DIY computer just as stable as branded computer. Copied Windows disks never seem to be as good as the real thing.

Pantip is as good a place as any, but you may wish to consider going to Fortune Town at the corner of Ratchadaphisek Road and Rama 9. There are fewer shops, but they are a little nicer / cleaner than Pantip. If you are driving, traffic and parking is also more convenient at Fortune Town.

Hope this helps.

If it is for video and music, why not buy an external cd or dvd writer. That way you have unlimited storage and you can make extra copies for backup purposes.

Much cheaper then the external harddisk and as an extra you will be able to make audio(mp3) cd's vcd's and with a dvd writer dvd quality movies.

An external CD writer is a useful item- great forr backing up digital photos and files in an indestructible format.

For music and videos I still prefer an external hard disk. An 80 GB hard disk holds the equivalent of 100 CDs. The hard disk is much more portable than 100 CDs. Also I like to use Winamp in the random mode, accessing my entire music collection at once instead of shuffling CDs.

I am curious about DVD writer though- still haven't tried one yet. Last time I looked at them they were still quite costly. Buying anything that costs more than 4-5 soapies gives me cause to re-evaluate my priorities!

I do understand that the capacity of DVD-RW is huge, and that the prices have come down. Can anyone tell me the capacity of a blank DVD, and the approximate cost of a DVD writer?

I had the same situation- 40 GB in my laptop filled up quickly. Amazing when Irecall that my first computer had a 40 MB hard disk.

The best thing to do is buy two items- a good quality hard disk of the size and type you want and an external case / box to put it in.

I've always had good luck / no failures with Seagate drives made in Singapore. They come with 3 year warranty. (Don't get made in China). You have a choice about size. You can go with a 3.5 inch hard disk intended for a desktop PC or alternatively since cost is no object for you, I would recommend that you get a laptop sized hard disk. It is more expensive, but will be smaller and lighter.

Buying an external case/box is no big deal. Most accessory shops have them, in many configurations to fit whichever drive size you buy. USB is the most convenient, but be sure to specify USB 2.0. You can also choose IEEE 1394 (Firewire- considerably faster) which your Compaq laptop probably has, but you will not find this connection on many desktop PCs.

It isn't too difficult to install the drive in the case. You will need to set the jumper connectors on the drive located next to the cable connector to "Drive is Slave". The drive label will show you the correct configuration. If you are unsure about this- get the people who sold you the drive to do it.

One last bit of advice- do keep a copy of anything you really don't want to lose / can not replace (digital pictures for example) on your laptop as well as the external drive, so that if one drive ever dies, you can restore it with the other.

Hope this helps!

When I was in second grade, the teacher was teaching us how to write simple poems... roses are red, violets are blue, etc. My poem was;

A smile is like an echo,

See what it can do.

Give it out to someone,

And they give it back to you.

I've found this to be true, and one of the rules I live by. I'm a fairly happy person 99% of the time, and usually have a smile on my face. Lots of Thai people have commented on my smile... I've been called Yim Dee, Yim Siam, etc.

Sometimes it is a little game for me. Offer a smile and see what happens. Almost never fails to light up a Thai face. Singaporeans are no fun in this game- they get self-conscious like they have food on their shirt, open zipper or something else.

So- when a Thai woman smiles at me I think that she is probably responding to the smile on my face like any other Thai, and that is one of the biggest reasons I love Thai people and Thailand, land of smiles so much.

This is a true story from the WordPerfect helpline. Needless to say the helpdesk employee was fired; however, he/she is currently suing the WordPerfect organization for "Termination without Cause".

"Word Perfect Technical support; may I help you?"

"Yes, well, I'm having trouble with WordPerfect."

"What sort of trouble?"

"Well, I was just typing along, and all of a sudden the words went away."

"Went away?"

"They disappeared."

"Hmm. So what does your screen look like now?"

"Nothing."

"Nothing?"

"It's blank; it won't accept anything when I type."

"Are you still in WordPerfect, or did you get out?"

"How do I tell?"

"Can you see the C:\ prompt on the screen?"

"What's a sea-prompt?"

"Never mind. Can you move the cursor around on the screen?"

"There isn't any cursor: I told you, it won't accept anything I type."

"Does your monitor have a power indicator?"

"What's a monitor?"

"It's the thing with the screen on it that looks like a TV. Does it have a little light that tells you when it's on?"

"I don't know."

"Well, then look on the back of the monitor and find where the power cord goes into it. Can you see that?"

....."Yes, I think so."

"Great! Follow the cord to the plug, and tell me if it's plugged into the wall."

....."Yes, it is."

"When you were behind the monitor, did you notice that there were two cables plugged into the back of it, not just one?"

"No."

"Well, there are. I need you to look back there again and find the other cable."

....."Okay, here it is."

"Follow it for me, and tell me if it's plugged securely into the back of your computer."

"I can't reach it."

"Uh huh. Well, can you see if it is?"

"No."

"Even if you maybe put your knee on something and lean way over?"

"Oh, it's not because I don't have the right angle-it's because it's dark."

"Dark?"

"Yes-the office light is off, and the only light I have is coming in from the window."

"Well, turn on the office light then."

"I can't."

"No? Why not?"

"Because there's a power outage."

"A power... A power outage? Aha! Okay, I know what the problem is. We've got it licked now. Do you still have the boxes and manuals and packing stuff your computer came in?"

"Well, yes. I keep them in the closet."

"Good! Go get them and unplug your system and pack it up just like it was when you got it. Then take it back to the store you bought it from."

"Really! Is it that bad?"

"Yes, I'm afraid it is."

"Well, all right then, I suppose. What do I tell them at the computer store?"

"Tell them you're too stupid to own a computer."

This question has been stuck in my head, so I did some google research on boat propellors, which are essentially the same thing. There is a lot of information available about "buying the right propellor".

It seems there may be some merit to haha's theory. Many sites offer the opinion that a light weight carbon fiber composite propellor will save fuel, and spin up to maximum RPM faster. The downside is that the blades are subject to flex which will decrease efficiency. Even aluminum props are subject to flex. Stainless steel and bronze are the stiffest.

But if you think about it (or sleep on it like I did) you will realize that the compressor is the biggest electicity drain in an aircon system, not the fan. Many people who don't use aircon will run a 16 inch pedestal fan instead, and see only a negligible amount of electricity used on the monthly bill.

But- even negligible amounts can add up. If somebody offered me one baht for every aircon fan in Thailand, I'd sure as h*ll take it!

The heavier fan will use more energy to start up, but probably less to keep going as polished metal and momentum from the weight of the fan would help overcome drag on the fan blades.

I'm no expert / physicist either, but it seems to me that overcoming the drag on a fan blade would be defeating its purpose. The blades should be under a constant amount of drag as they are consistently "biting into" and moving air?

I bought my laptop (new) and my GF laptop (used) from Global Solutions on the 4th floor of Pantip plaza. I have also bought used hardware from Pratom.com in Fortune Town. Both of these were decent shops (IMHO) with english speaking staff. Don't have the numbers- I usually just go down there when I need them. I find it is almost impossible to speak with a Thai on the telephone.

Kringle is right though- you probably won't get much from these shops as they will be looking to be able to price it competitvely themselves and make a profit.

Tell the forum about the laptop U want to sell... maybe someone here will be interested or know someone else who is.

Just tried this WinMX thing, ok if you don't mid waiting 6 hours to get a song, even with hi-speed conection.

6 hours? Are you sure? I only posted my original post 5 hours ago...

Some speed tips for you:

When connecting to the network with high speed internet, make a "primary" connection to the network.

Go into the settings -> WinMX peer networks.

Set North America or Europe as Preferred Peer Cache

Change the allocated bandwidth to the max setting; 15 KB/s OUT, 22.5 KB/s IN

Go into the settings -> Search

Change the Default Search Parameters "Any Connection" to "DSL or faster"

Change the Default Search Parameters "Any Bitrate" to your preferred bitrate ( I use equal to 128 Kbps. Higher bitrates have better sound quality, but are larger files to store / download)

Go into the settings -> File Transfers / Queuing.

Change the Max Total Uploads to 1

Go into the settings -> Bandwidth Throttle

Ensure that Limit Incoming and Outgoing Bandwidth are unchecked

When searching, choose the files that have the highest number of users and the highest number "available" in the status column to take advantage of Multi Point downloading.

I am using True ADSL 2.5 MBPS, and consistently get download speeds of 20 KB/s. I have seen it burst up to 100 at times, and crawl a t 2. Bestt I ever got on Dialup was 4. Depends on lots of factors beyond control.

Hope these help you out- no guarantee though!

This is a true story- found on the internet.

STATE OF MICHIGAN

Reply to: GRAND RAPIDS DISTRICT OFFICE STATE OFFICE BUILDING 6TH FLOOR

350 OTTAWA NW GRAND RAPIDS MI 49503-2341

JOHN ENGLER, Governor

DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY

HOLLISTER BUILDING, PO BOX 30473, LANSING MI 48909-7973

INTERNET: http://www.deq.state.mi

RUSSELL J. HARDING, Director

December 17, 1997

CERTIFIED

Mr. Ryan DeVries 2088 Dagget Pierson, MI 49339

Dear Mr. DeVries:

SUBJECT: DEQ File No. 97-59-0023-1 T11N, R10W, Sec. 20, Montcalm County

It has come to the attention of the Department of Environmental Quality that there has been recent unauthorized activity on the above referenced parcel of property. You have been certified as the legal landowner and/or contractor who did the following unauthorized activity:

Construction and maintenance of two wood debris dams across the outlet stream of Spring Pond. A permit must be issued prior to the start of this type of activity. A review of the Department's files show that no permits have been issued.

Therefore, the Department has determined that this activity is in violation of Part 301, Inland Lakes and Streams, of the Natural Resource and Environmental Protection Act, Act 451 of the Public Acts of 1994, being sections 324.30101 to 324.30113 of the Michigan Compiled Laws annotated. The Department has been informed that one or both of the dams partially failed during a recent rain event, causing debris dams and flooding at downstream locations. We find that dams of this nature are inherently hazardous and cannot be permitted. The Department therefore orders you to cease and desist all unauthorized activities at this location, and to restore the stream to a free-flow condition by removing all wood and brush forming the dams from the strewn channel. All restoration work shall be completed no later than January 31, 1998. Please notify this office when the restoration has been completed so that a follow-up site inspection may be scheduled by our staff. Failure to comply with this request, or any further unauthorized activity on the site, may result in this case being referred for elevated enforcement action. We anticipate and would appreciate your full cooperation in this matter.

Please feel free to contact me at this office if you have any questions.

Sincerely,

David L. Price

District Representative Land and Water Management Division

The Reply:

Dear Mr. Price:

Re: DEQ File No. 97-59-0023; T11N, R10W, Sec 20; Montcalm County

Your certified letter dated 12/17/97 has been handed to me to respond to. You sent out a great deal of carbon copies to a lot of people, but you neglected to include their addresses. You will, therefore, have to send them a copy of my response.

First of all, Mr. Ryan DeVries is not the legal landowner and/or contractor at 2088 Dagget, Pierson, Michigan - I am the legal owner and a couple of beavers are in the (State unauthorized) process of constructing and maintaining two wood "debris" dams across the outlet stream of my Spring Pond. While I did not pay for, nor authorize, their dam project, I think they would be highly offended you call their skillful use of natural building materials "debris." I would like to challenge you to attempt to emulate their dam project any dam time and/or any dam place you choose. I believe I can safely state there is no dam way you could ever match their dam skills, their dam resourcefulness, their dam ingenuity, their dam persistence, their dam determination and/or their dam work ethic.

As to your dam request the beavers first must fill out a dam permit prior to the start of this type of dam activity, my first dam question to you is: are you trying to discriminate against my Spring Pond Beavers or do you require all dam beavers throughout this State to conform to said dam request? If you are not discriminating against these particular beavers, please send me completed copies of all those other applicable beaver dam permits. Perhaps we will see if there really is a dam violation of Part 301, Inland Lakes and Streams, of the Natural Resource and Environmental Protection Act, Act 451 of the Public Acts of 1994, being sections 324.30101 to 324.30113 of the Michigan Compiled Laws annotated.

My first concern is - aren't the dam beavers entitled to dam legal representation? The Spring Pond Beavers are financially destitute and are unable to pay for said dam representation - so the State will have to provide them with a dam lawyer. The Department's dam concern that either one or both of the dams failed during a recent rain event causing dam flooding is proof we should leave the dam Spring Pond Beavers alone rather than harassing them and calling them dam names. If you want the dam stream "restored" to a dam free-flow condition - contact the dam beavers - but if you are going to arrest them (they obviously did not pay any dam attention to your dam letter-being unable to read English) - be sure you read them their dam Miranda rights first.

As for me, I am not going to cause more dam flooding or dam debris jams by interfering with these dam builders. If you want to hurt these dam beavers - be aware I am sending a copy of your dam letter and this response to PETA. If your dam Department seriously finds all dams of this nature inherently hazardous and truly will not permit their existence in this dam State - I seriously hope you are not selectively enforcing this dam policy, or once again both I and the Spring Pond Beavers will scream prejudice!

In my humble opinion, the Spring Pond Beavers have a right to build their dam unauthorized dams as long as the sky is blue, the grass is green, and water flows downstream. They have more dam right than I to live and enjoy Spring Pond. So, as far as I and the beavers are concerned, this dam case can be referred for more dam elevated enforcement action now. Why wait until 1/31/98? The Spring Pond Beavers may be under the dam ice then, and there will be no dam way for you or your dam staff to contact/harass them then. In conclusion, I would like to bring to your attention a real environmental quality (health) problem: bears are actually defecating in our woods. I definitely believe you should be persecuting the defecating bears and leave the dam beavers alone. If you are going to investigate the beaver dam, watch your step! (The bears are not careful where they dump!) Being unable to comply with your dam request, and being unable to contact you on your dam answering machine, I am sending this response to your dam office.

Sincerely,

Stephen L. Tvedten

For free mp3 you will need a peer-to-peer file sharing program.

Best right now are

ares

soulseek  (or is it soulsearch?)

Also Kazaa (beware the spyware/adware official versions)

Morpheus (legal program)

Direct Connect 

Bit torrent (for albums)

do  a search for peer to peer, or p2p and you will find the links.

After the demise of Napster a friend turned me on to a peer to peer program called winmx. It can be downloaded at www.winmx.com.

I've found it to be an excellent program for downloading mp3 files. You can share and download any file type MP3, MPG, etc. (Lots of movies online if that is your thing and you have a fast connection) It offers multi-source downloading, which tracks all users who have the same file, and switches your download source if your current source goes offline in the middle of a transfer. It has an auto-complete feature that will seek out file sources, even if the computer has been shut down / restarted.

There is a facility to "browse" users files, and a chat option. Best of all, there is no spyware in the program. I've been using it for years, downloaded thousands of songs and have never found any kind of tracking on a file.

I have only recently upgraded to ADSL, it has worked fine on dialup connection. Albeit a little slower. There is a large user base, and it is possible to find just about any song online. I recently found some obscure nightclub bands from my hometown.

To be fair, I have never tried any of the others listed above as this program has always worked for me, better than Napster ever did. You might want to give it a try.

I've got to agree with naka... baht buses are great for a short trip down beach road during an afternoon of shopping, but some proper air conditioned taxis would be a good thing.

Imagine a "quality" tourist couple who likes to get dressed up and go out for dinner and entertainment in the evenings is staying in Jomtien and wants to go to Pattaya for dinner. After a ride in a baht bus they are likely to be sweaty and smelling of exhaust.

I'm sure someone like that would pay a metered taxi for comfortable transprtation instead of having to ride in the back of a truck like a dog.

Med certificates for visas / work permits can be obtained anywhere. Hospitals are convenient and cheap. I went to Viphavadi Rangsit hospital (closest to my home) last time, cost 110 Baht. They took my blood pressure, weighed me, listened to my chest with a stethoscope, asked me if I had Elephantitis... then wrote up the certificate and sent me on my way.

In lower Sukhumvit you can go to Bumrungrad Hospital. They will do the same, and include an eye examination for 300 baht.

Hope this helps.

Board games - Monopoly, Scrabble etc... Can't get anything decent here andwould like to introduce the kids to such joys on rainy sunday afternoons.

You can buy Scrabble in Thailand- although it is called Crossword. The board is same layout, but more colorful, and the tiles are plastic instead of wood.

You will find it at Central Dept Store or similar.

Hope this helps.

Pouring raw sugar in the gas tank doesn't work too well... the crystals will sit in th bottom of the tank below the fuel line pickup,and any that do make it in to the line will gett caught by the fuel filter.

What DOES work is to buy a bottle of cheap spirits (rum or whiskey), heat it up a little in the microwave and dissolve as much sugar as possible into it. Once cooled, pour it into the fuel tank.

When this mixture hits the hot engine, it will essentially coat the fuel injectors / carburetor and piston rings with treacle. The victim won't get more than 5 miles, and the damage is extensive. Usually new engine required.

About Super glue... once knew a man who had his ass cheeks glued together by a a scorned woman when he came home and passed out face down on the bed!

Today we were driving to Athens in the car and I have something of a cold.

I started sneezing....

My Wife: "You be flu."

Wanting to correct her English, I said, "No. You 'have' the flu."

My Wife confused: "No, you have the flu. I not have flu."

Enjoying this thread and laughing like crazy. Prompted me to make my first post.

The girls in my office are a great source of laughs when we try to communicate. One day I sneezed out loud. My secretary asked me a few minutes later...

"Why you hate me?"

My reply... "I don't hate you at all! What makes you think that?"

She said... "You shout out loud HATE YOU" (ah choo!)

Everyone in the office laughed for days after that. We still do whenever anyone sneezes.

Another time, she was trying to tell me about sea urchins... couldn't find the word so she described it as "Lambutan Sea" !!

More to come... as I remember them!