eumenades

Yes. I worry about this quite often. Putin could press the button and many would not know why. I spend a lot of time explaining world history to my wife, but i sometimes think it just does not interest her. And so, I turn to the historical movies.

Yes. Dasa is terrific and a major source for much of my reading.

He may well be suffering from a recognised mental disorder - but even so, he should be kicked out of Thailand. My apologies to any Thai readers.

Adds a whole new meaning to the expression '<deleted> naked' !

Could be! I used to bunk off school on Thursday afternoons to watch Vincent Price in Hammer films at the Gaumont. (The start of a lifelong interest in cinema.) That followed by a small chocolate bar in Bentalls. Luxury days!

Not to mention pillow-talk !

You don't need to.

The French - famous for rude and hostile reactions to non-speakers - open up wonderfully at attempts to use their language. Be ultra-polite, "Excusez-moi monsieur, pouvez-vous me dire ... ?" And they will practically drive you there. Voila!

Sometimes, yes, but not always. "When in Rome ..."

I don't really understand all the negativity one gets about learning a foreign language. On my bike travels i have usually been treated with friendliness and respect. They love it if you can speak a few words of their language and it does wonders for International relations.

Mike, You are right, but I really think you should use your insights a little broader than this. Try dropping words like 'ludicrous'.

The UK had a great solution for full-bladdered taxi drivers. A London cab shelter is last of remaining 13 to be given listed status. (Source : The Guardian.) a wooden structure in St John’s Wood joins 12 other surviving shelters out of the original 60 built between 1875 and 1950. Many had a rail fixed to the exterior so cabbies could tether their horses while they refuelled with hearty plates of food and exchanged gossip with fellow drivers. Each shelter had a small kitchen and space for about 10 drivers to sit and eat a meal. Gambling, drinking and swearing were forbidden. Thirteen still stand. All have now been protected with Grade II-listed status on the advice of Historic England. Obviously a great answer to our urine-soaked Sois in Bangkok today!

Two-Way Family Favourites The Navy Lark Round the Horne The Woodentops Hank Twizzle Mr Turnip Bill and Ben Muffin the Mule The rag and bone man (yes!) The tattoos on the milkman's hands Getting the hell whacked out of me Lavender stair polish The Silver Cafe at Bentalls Austin 7s The Fire Brigade Ladies Only compartments Steam trains to Portsmouth The Bash Street Kids Trying to get my flaccid penis into the girl next door (Hey, I could still get nicked for that!)

Remember these people think like cops and our notions of reasoning may have little effect. If they think you can be accused of an oversight, you are done for

Probably Christchurch in Convent.

Well, there goes our nude basketball games on Koh Pha-nang.

The farangs were all secretly high on gummies.

Or some of that Prickpot crap that chokes you without getting high.

Are our demimondaines regard as partners?

I the UK one can get two years for carrying a knife used in an altercation.

I am astounded by some of these reactions. Living overseas requires learning the language as a matter of courtesy, let alone convenience. I speak three other European languages - mainly through visits and curiosity. It is true Thai is a difficult language to learn mainly through : 1) the alphabet, 2) Thais replying to one's attempts in English, 3) fear of making a <deleted> of it. The alphabet is excruciating : eight types of 'p' similar with 't's. bits that go backwards and crazy 'second-floor' vowels, some phonologically missing entirely. But think of how difficult English must be with its Chaucerian German spelling. Advice : keep up, you cannot get any worse, win tiny arguments and save money when bargaining.

And, of course, Asean has a policy of 'non-intervention' in the politics of its neighboring countries.

When I lived in Sukhumvit Soi 27, my m/c tank was covered in dust every 24 hours. (Berlin smelled of sulphur when i got off the plane.)

Sounds great. Some new creative concoctions here! Try this for a hot day in Songkran : Jump in the pool in your unchanged underwear and wiggle stuff around a bit to dissolve accumulated perspiration. Get out and sit in a plastic chair and let it dry naturally (only takes 30 minutes). You will feel totally relaxed for another three hours, and treat everyone kindly.

Thai beer is the successor to 70s Eurofizz. The monopoly means we have to tolerate consumer manipulation and widespread indifference to quality.