Monroe

Anyway, what has this got to do with cheese?

As for making cheese here, it will be a failure. "REAL" cheese does not require refrigeration because it is usually made in countries with average temperatures of between 15 to 25 degees Celsius (many parts of Europe). As an example, a "real" cheese manufacturer (an individual who made cheese) was taken to court by the local Health Authorities for not refrigerating his cheese. He ended up winning the court case because he made "real" cheese that ideally should be stored between 15 to 25 degrees Celsius. This was in Tasmania, Australia. Tasmania has a cold climate compared to the rest of Australia. He now has a thriving business.

Basically, any cheese that is wrapped in plastic is not "real" cheese since the cultures in real cheese require air & an appropriate temperature in order to survive.

Some of the higher regions in Northern Chiang Rai meet those temperature criteria year-round and during the winter, temperatures around Mae Sai (even the lower regions) fluctuate between 45-70 degrees Fahrenheit, or 10-21 degrees C. This is generally when you'll see the locals double-stuffing sweaters--though for many visitors it's t-shirt weather. Also, cattle and goats are readily available around here.

Of course, it's understandable why nobody's decided to open shop--this isn't the same as opening a bar. Land would have to be fanagled from the government (or run through a Thai proxy) if it's in the mountains and the facilities for animals and production would tack on at least a few hundred thousand USD. Since the demand for cheese in Chiang Rai is almost nonexistent, most of it would have to be transported to Bangkok which is another headache entirely.

Hmm, I didn't know that =) Must have been back a good bit as it had been the Mandarin for some time when I was born. Interestingly enough, since my family moved from Hawaii it's been renamed the Kahala Hotel. Doesn't sound nearly as dignified, but I guess the Mandarin Group no longer wanted it.

Also, I hear that Bishop Estate (now King Kamehameha Schools) decided not to allow the Kahala Beach Condos to renew their lease on the property and the place is scheduled for demolition in 2020. The land will most likely be sold to the hotel, but the Waialae Country Club may also try to get their hands on it.

Always hated that about Hawaii--how the multi-million dollar houses and complexes are worth less than the land they sit on. I suppose it's like that in many places, but Hawaii doesn't have the big-city-feel and infrastructure to merit such prices.

I was born in Honolulu and spent 1990-2001 living between there and other countries. My family gradually moved to a section of the Island called Kahala where we rented at the Kahala beach condos. Actually, just for kicks, the address is 4999 Kahala Avenue and is clearly visible on Google Map. It's the low, flat condominium complex with a small, oval-shaped pool situated next to the Old Mandarin Oriental and across the Waialae Country Club Golfing area where the Sony Open is held every year. It's right next to the beach enclosed in its own reef, but we (friends and I) usually found the beach at the Mandarin more suited for swimming--though ours was better for fishing--because the waves were more wild in the western section and it (western section) was closer to the sewer drainage. Apparently, some retiree named Jack Lord from an old television show called Hawaii 5-0 was living in the beachside suite while we were there and died. Didn't really notice it, though, as the place was full of people in their 70s and on.

Anyway, enough about that. It was a very nice, comfortable life for us kids, but looking back it was obvious how stressful it would have been to support all this.

There are really four prominent residential areas--Downtown Honolulu, Kahala and suburbs, Mililani and Kailua:

In Kahala, houses start at about 1.5 million USD and for that price, don't expect anything nice. Think maybe 1-bedroom, 1-bathroom with window AC built in the '50s and infested with termites. If you plan on renting, condos or apartments are the way to go. Condos are around USD 5000/mo, apartments USD 1500/mo. For something nice, expect to shell out upwards of 10-20 million.

It's not all that bad, though. There's a part of central Oahu called Mililani that's up in the mountains (no beaches) with nice, new housing developments that start at around 750,000 USD (2-story, 2000 or so square feet and laid out structurally to maximize space). The houses are nice, but to keep costs low they're very close to eachother. So you'll most likely be able to see into your neighbors bedroom. People living in this area are more local than retiree and most likely have family in the state. Otherwise, it's a lot like living in the housing developments in Nevada or Texas. Just, not as big and more expensive.

Kailua is like Mililani, but with older and larger houses and a crappy school system.

The last place might be downtown Honolulu. A popular place for college students in this area is the Executive Center located at 1088 Bishop St. Rent starts at about 1000/mo for a 1-bedroom, 1-bathroom apartment, but living conditions are relatively nice as there are no termite problems in highrise buildings and each apartment comes with central air. Also, there's a pool and gym located within the building and a Long's Pharmacy just outside the lobby (Long's offers the cheapest food in Hawaii, but everything is pre-made). Right outside the Executive Center is Fort Street Mall which is pretty much an outdoor food court and farmers marker in one. Hawaii Pacific University is within walking distance; the University of Hawaii is within close driving distance as is Waikiki beach.

*edit* Summary: Unless you have family living here; a ton of money; are Japanese; are broke, but really enjoy surfing and living on the beach, or a combination of these you will most likely be miserable after the initial feelings are gone. Standards of living are pretty low here compared to the continental United States. You'll notice that as soon as you step into the airport.

Just what I needed,

Thank you

Would y'all happen to have a link with information on this course?

Or, if anyone knows, what are the prerequisites and cost of this course?

If the United States were to collapse, China and Russia would most likely become the global superpowers and given that they show restraint, life will continue as it has throughout history. But more realistically, the US isn't anywhere near a collapse and will pull out of this rut sooner or later and we'll start getting 50 BHT/USD again =)

There will always be doomsayers, but rarely any who are grounded in reality.

The reason Ron Paul didn't get nominated this year is because his policies were piss-poor and would have caused the United States to collapse. Luckily, 95% of the country knew that and he's little more than a headline on Slashdot, Digg, or some other web-based minutia, where oddly enough, Ron Paul seems to have the largest following.

Heh, the first two posts were nothing more than shameless advertising for Ron Paul.

Dual nationals are barred from serving the the US Armed Forces unless they renounce their citizenship with the other country.

I was considering getting my Thai citizenship, but opted not to as it would have prevented me from doing AFROTC along with college/university courses (free doctorate and continuing the family Air Force tradition =).

I guess it'll have to wait another 10 years.

i asked a cop one time and he said it depends on what your occupation/reason for carrying it is.

So what is an occupation that lets you to carry a blade anyway? Gangster?

I do a lot of gardening and handiwork and find many uses for my pocket knife. The main blade is great for cutting plants (with precision and accuracy, as opposed to ripping it and potentially taking more than intended ), but it also comes with a fabric cutter and a metal saw. If I had to pick: the tool I use most is the screwdriver for odds-and-ends like tightening doors and tinkering with computers. Comes in handy because I tend not to carry screwdrivers (aside from the one included with the tool) wherever I go.

This one displays the different tools on the knife:

lock-blade, fabric cutter, metal saw, phillips-head screwdriver, wire stripper, glass breaker, bottle opener, tweezers (not visible) and toothpick (removeable grey notch on the body of the tool).

Not sure why they put a toothpick in it--the idea seems a bit gross.

As far as fighting goes, this thing is pretty useless. Sure it can seem intimidating, but a big stick or a cane would be better. Also, to the OP, you should be fine as long as you don't bring it to airports (or at least put it in your check-in luggage).

Very interesting blog:

I'm a bit into languages, myself, but between the gym, the markets, helping the family, school and two late-night/early-morning shifts at the UPS packaging center (10 PM to 3 AM and 3:30 AM to 8:30 AM) I'm having trouble finding the time.

I've have English and Thai down pretty well and I'm working on Japanese, but ultimately, I'd also like to know Mandarin, German and Arabic, respectively.

I burned USD 300 on a copy of Rosetta Stone, but was disappointed to find that it didn't really work for me, or anyone I lent it to. I suppose time and practice will help.

Maybe I'll listen in to your Podcasts if I can find the time =)

While I wouldn't personally support a coup in Thailand, I do feel it would do more good than bad for me and my family circles.

I could see a second coup weakening the THB and lowering land values. With a weakened THB and a strengthening USD, I wouldn't be surprised to see the exchange rate back up in the 40:1 range. I won't go much further, but almost inevitably, a worse time for Thais is the right time for foreign investments.

So while I would like to support democracy, I wouldn't ignore a chance to make some money.

Sounds interesting.

Up in northern Thailand there are little bugs that don't look very threatening, but their bites turn into prominent red bumps that happen to be very itchy (more so than mosquito bites). I don't recall the name of said bugs, but I'll ask around.

A picture of the blister would be nice if you're willing.

Oy, probably haven't flown as many flights as some of the members here (maybe 200 international and 100 domestic flights total) but the part I dislike most is when the inflight meal service begins. Haven't eaten them in a few years (except for maybe the fruit and dessert), but it's easy to tell when somebody's opened the plastic seal on the hot dish.

It'd be nice if they simplified the menu a bit:

Drink

Main course: sandwich and chip/healthy snack selection

Fruits

then maybe a cookie or a piece of cake

Wouldn't require heating, fewer smells and probably cheaper.

I'm not really even that picky when I eat, I just try my best to avoid things that may cause stomach/digestive problems or make me sick. Actually, airline food and expired food are the only things I won't eat if given a choice.

It's been awhile, but I've seen older thread resurrected.

To add some closure to the thread, I decided to go with these shoes:

Saucony ProGrid Paramount Running Shoes. Got them on sale at www.endless.com (owned by Amazon) for USD 136 with free next-day shipping. Original price was USD 165, and I tried them out at Sports Authority before ordering. Just wish they came in something other than gold.

and these are my previous running shoes:

I've circled a portion of the adidas shoe in the last picture that caused some grievances.

The plastic that used to be in that area broke off and weakened the structure. Whenever I stepped, the shoes would sink and produce a loud clicking noise. The problem began manifesting itself after about a month, but progressively became worse.

The structures on other parts of those shoes have also snapped, but have not fallen off so they can't be noticed in these pictures.

Well, there's the moment everyone's been waiting for. I wonder if they could somehow stop this in its tracks or if the world will be facing an epidemic. Imagine what would happen to society if this thing got out of control.

Sex and suggestive behavior don't seem all that bad to me compared to violence. Yet, there seems to be some sort of societal taboo against them--even in places where violence is relatively acceptable.

Do I find the Nana to be horrible and unbearable? Not really.

Have I been to the Nana hotel? Yes, back when I was 14 or so and I found it alright.

It's not the cleanest place ever, but it looks nice at night and the bathrooms are clean. I've been to the Four Seasons and the Mandarin (not just in Thailand =), but there's more fun to be had down on Sukhumvit. That is, unless you're into putting on airs.

I find Reuters to be alright and relatively unbiased in their reporting. There was an issue with one of their freelance photographers editing photos awhile back to give them an anti-Israeli slant, but they no longer accept his photos.

Edit: Should mention, if there's one to avoid, it's Fox. They have a reputation for putting a right-wing spin on their information.

So, I'm the only one long the $USD Index? Maybe it's finally time to be a contrarian.

I'm thinking there will be a time to go long on the USD. I wouldn't say now is that time, but it's coming up. That's assuming the Democrats get the office.

If you look at the records, the US has been in similar or worse situations during the last 100 years and it's pulled out and come back on top as soon after the liberals regain control.

Adjusted for inflation, Bush Jr. did to the economy what it took both his father and Reagan to do (not in a good way, either). The biggest problem I see here is that the US is falling while the rest of the western world is rising. In previous years, they were mutually screwed.

I like to divide the class thing up a bit more (add, "etc." to the end of each list).

Working Class: food service, grocery store workers

Lower-Middle Class: truck Drivers, manual laborers, plumbers (even though some of them make a decent amount of money)

Middle Class: teachers, police, cubicle workers

Upper-Middle Class: doctors, architects and sometimes attorneys and dentists

Celebrities: Celebrities

Upper Class: Business Execs, prominent politicians

Sucks to constantly label people, but do what's natural, I suppose.

Heh, not sure if this counts, or if it's just a family thing, but:

Whenever somebody in my family or area gets a new car, house, etc. they'll continue to purchase it's license plate number, address, etc. in the lottery until it wins.

Also, if somebody has a dream about this or that the first thing they think is what it means to the lottery.

Ex: I had an aunt that was pretty close to my immediate family who died in the hospital just over a year ago. Since then, my mother dreamt that she (aunt) gave her a visit and began listing off numbers. After waking up, my mother wrote down the numbers and purchased a lottery ticket on them.

----------------------

On the belief that ghosts don't travel overseas, the morning after (Have to wake up at 5:30 for school) my aunt died--as I was eating breakfast and watching the news--there was a loud bang on our door and my mother began praying and told whatever it was that it could leave. She then told me it was my aunt coming to part ways with us. I'm not particularly superstitious, but I didn't argue.

----------------------

The transference of bad luck/karma/whatever seems to be prominent. When the family was younger, one of my aunts would often make fun of a boy who had an eye significantly smaller than the other (that same smaller eye could also never fully close unless manipulated my some other force). When she had her second child--a boy--that child had the same condition. An eye for an eye?

I'd have to guess that up to the age of 56 the obese cost the most due to complications of obesity (slower healing, less active, more prone to infection, etc...).

For the lifetime group it's probably the normal-weight nonsmokers that cost the most because they are less likely to die of complications relating to smoking and/or obesity and more likely to live to an older age. It takes resources to keep people going.

Some decent information here, looked up all the listed shoe brands and saw some decent models.

The Adidas are alright, too--guess I just ran sour with their Bounce line. Though the Asics and Saucony shoes really got my attention. Unfortunately, Sports Authority doesn't have them in stock (nothing new there) so I'll have to go to a shoe store. Will be about 2 weeks before I have the time to check, but I'll get one of each (Asics for outdoor and Saucony for indoor).

Thanks y'all

Was interested in anyone's opinion as to which company makes the best shoes for general exercise. I've gone through a few pairs in the last year by Adidas, Reebok and ECCO, but I'm thinking there's something better out there that can be readily obtained.

The Adidas were sub-par: too heavy, poorly made (broke apart), little padding, and for some reason have taken on a smell that I've never noticed in my other shoes. This happened with both pairs, so I'm thinking it's not just a poorly made shoe in the batch. Both shoes average at USD 110 each.

The Reeboks were alright, but nothing special. Around USD 80-90, so I got what I paid for.

The ECCO (not Ecko) shoes were probably my favorite of these. Lightweight, well padded, lacing was done well (never unlaced and it wasn't difficult to match lace pressure on either shoe) and were only USD 100. That being said, I still feel there's better out there at a reasonable price (no more than USD 150).

Would be interested on hearing people's opinions and maybe even descriptions.

It's horrible for a guy to fancy a mature chick? Grief, I fancy hundreds of ladies so I must be an undesirable. I'll reform immediately.

Right on, I wouldn't mind a middle-aged, well-to-do lady. Bonus points if she happens to be a vampire.

Mmm, mostly Hawaii and Thailand with brief stints in some 10-15 other places.

Of course, I've been spoiled by living in only full-AC residences (my father gets crabby in the heat =) as far as I remember and I've always enjoyed sweating in conjunction with exercise. I drink a lot, but I drink fast, so that's no problem. The one thing I have noticed is the mildewey smell on the clothing, but I'm fine with that too because I only wear running shorts (sometimes a tank-top) unless I'm going to something formal, or if my father's around.

Oy, in Minnesota at the moment so I'm pretty familiar with cold weather. Of course, it's supposed to hit 6 Celsius tomorrow with a 40% chance of rain (unusual for this time of year), so I'll be packing my umbrella =).

There's probably been a few occasions where I've woken up and cursed the cold, but I can't ever recall waking up in a warmer place and hoping it was -41.

Eh, at least I have it better than the Russians =)