wjmark

.....no worse than Mexico City, or Teheran, in terms of craziness and unpredictability...

Very faint praise....

Never been to Tehran (but would love to).

Did spend a week in the back of taxis in Mexico City about ten years ago, and I seem to remember being impressed with the speed, flow and general (dare I say it?) efficiency of the driving.

Largest city in the f'n world, Lots of everything on the road - (does 10% Volkswagen Beetle seem about right?).

It did seem to move...

maybe my memories are clouded ')

4-wheel genii like to use the oncoming traffic lane to pass me making a right turn. I couldn't believe it. Now I expect it.

I couldn't believe it. Now I expect it. I couldn't believe it. Now I expect it. I couldn't believe it. Now I expect it. I couldn't believe it. Now I expect it. I couldn't believe it. Now I expect it. I couldn't believe it. Now I expect it. I couldn't believe it. Now I expect it. I couldn't believe it. Now I expect it. I couldn't believe it. Now I expect it. I couldn't believe it. Now I expect it. I couldn't believe it. Now I expect it. I couldn't believe it. Now I expect it. I couldn't believe it. Now I expect it. I couldn't believe it. Now I expect it. I couldn't believe it. Now I expect it. I couldn't believe it. Now I expect it. I couldn't believe it. Now I expect it. I couldn't believe it. Now I expect it. I couldn't believe it. Now I expect it. I couldn't believe it. Now I expect it. I couldn't believe it. Now I expect it. I couldn't believe it. Now I expect it. I couldn't believe it. Now I expect it. I couldn't believe it. Now I expect it. I couldn't believe it. Now I expect it. I couldn't believe it. Now I expect it. I couldn't believe it. Now I expect it. I couldn't believe it. Now I expect it. I couldn't believe it. Now I expect it. I couldn't believe it. Now I expect it. I couldn't believe it. Now I expect it. I couldn't believe it. Now I expect it. I couldn't believe it. Now I expect it. I couldn't believe it. Now I expect it. I couldn't believe it. Now I expect it. I couldn't believe it. Now I expect it. I couldn't believe it. Now I expect it. I couldn't believe it. Now I expect it. I couldn't believe it. Now I expect it. I couldn't believe it. Now I expect it. I couldn't believe it. Now I expect it. I couldn't believe it. Now I expect it. I couldn't believe it. Now I expect it. I couldn't believe it. Now I expect it. I couldn't believe it. Now I expect it. I couldn't believe it. Now I expect it. I couldn't believe it. Now I expect it. I couldn't believe it. Now I expect it. I couldn't believe it. Now I expect it. I couldn't believe it. Now I expect it. I couldn't believe it. Now I expect it.

C'mon folks - easy easy!

"Line out" from cassette deck goes to "audio in" on your desktop computer.

Then go to Start, All Programs, Accessories, Entertainment, Sound Recorder (assuming you have windows).

Hit record and make sure the levels are not going into the red. Save file as "your filename here" (the computer is the analogue to digital converter - not the preamp or amplifier...)

Done - saved as a .wav file. Convert to MP3? Lots of programs do that - I use a freebie called CDex.

ISSUES AND PROBLEMS:

1) Notebooks usually only have a mono "mic input" which is about 10mv (1/100 volt) input - can be overloaded easily and will not give best sound quality (and is only mono). You can get external sound-cards for notebooks - I use a semi-pro M-Audio unit. (Hi-end new notebooks have stereo line level (.775 mv) "audio in" connections included these days).

2) "Headphone out" from little portable cassette units don't give the best sound, and can easily overload the "audio in" on most computer sound cards (line level for audio - .775 volts. Audio out of a cassette player can be a few volts - distort distort...). Start with the volume control way down on the cassette player, and the record level way up on the computer.

3) Turntables' cartridges (needles!) are similar to microphones in that they are about 5-10 millivolts output, AND they need special tonal equalization (called RIAA). Solution? Run the TT through a normal stereo amplifier/reciever (assuming it has a "phono input"), and use the "line out" or "tape out" or "record out" from the stereo and put that into your computer "audio in".

If anyone needs, I have a separate RIAA phono pre-amp equalizer here, which I will rent out for the incredible cheap price of "one beer".

Any questions? Ask away - I was a hi-fi techie for years...

And I remember one other post where someone actually said (or iimplied strongly), that unless someone is able to spend 30,000 baht a month, they shouldn't even be here.

I think this might have been a post where I said that if a properly registered business owned by a farang consistantly made less than this in profit per month, the business should be retired.

I just don't see how that amount can be worth all of the taxes, visits to the Work Permit office, and red tape B.S. that a foreigner has to go through.

If one can live on 5,000 baht per month, that is fine with me.

No - not what I was referring to! Businesses and business inverstors have different needs etc.

No this was someone lording it over poorer people - not what I have noticed in your posts and pesonality! Cheers, Mark

I forgot to mention - I am learning from videos - lots of beginner vids for drums on U-tube

There is a music shop somewhere in Airport Plaza - I think it was also around 400bt (expensive I think - see posting on cheap charlies!!!).

And there is a small music shop on the north moat road - on the inside of the moat (south side) - west of Chang Puak Gate.

I am pretty sure they teach - nice people - I bought a practice set of drums there for 5,000.

happy hitting - it is fun!

I am glad to see this topic. For some time now I have had a pet peeve about some of the postings on TV.com

I have wanted to post about the opposite to 'cheap charlies' - people with money who think that poorer (or cheaper) people have no right to be here.

I remember one post, someone was saying that given the air prices in Thailand, there was not only "no reason for anyone" not to fly Cm-BKK (as opposed to the bus), but there was actually "no reason" for anyone not to fly first class.

And those who condemn people who fight being ripped off for 20 baht (in restaurants etc...) - what planet are you from. Do you just accept theft as a normal part of being farang?

And I remember one other post where someone actually said (or iimplied strongly), that unless someone is able to spend 30,000 baht a month, they shouldn't even be here.

There are too many people (retirees and others) here with just a bit too much money and attitude.

All us farang have a right to be here if the Thai government says so...

And we all have (by virtual of being alive) a right to live our life within our means, and to be careful about our futures (or not to be made to feel bad for not having as much money as some other person).

Just because someone can't plunk down 5 million on a house here does not mean that they are inferior or undeserving.

We all know that financial success is based on luck as much as anything else (just the luck of not being born in Thailand makes most of us here so much richer...). Smart creative hard-working people can suffer in poverty through no fault of their own. Dumb plodders can often strike it rich.

My guess is that those who criticize those poorer than them are not part of any wealthy elite, but rather just rich enough that they must feel they are better than others. Wealthy elite wannabees!

I am not going to be happy if someone overcharges me 20 baht. I will say something, and if I have a choice, I won't pay it.

That is true for five baht too. If someone charges me 15 baht for a coffee that is normally 10 baht, I say something, or I walk away!

I will bargain strongly for something if I feel it is too much. On the other hand, my favourite little joke to play on Thai market people is when they quote me some incredibly cheap price on something (eg.: 35 baht for a shirt etc...). Then I ask for a discount - offering them 34 baht. Invariably the fall apart laughing!

Cheap charlie that I am!!! Thanks for the opportunity for a pre-breakfast rant.

WJ

p.s. - what is the opposite derogatory term to "cheap charlie"? I can think of one that has the initials "A.A.", but won't say it here!!!!!!!

You got me scared, so I went to a shop I know has Similan, and bought a couple more bottles! I took the last two bottles in the window.

For those interested, they say that they have more in stock.

The shop is in Thanin Market, just west of Chang Puak rd between the moat and Superhighway.

The shop is not in the covered market section, but on the northern lane that borders the market. They have all sorts of bottle piled in the window, and they did say they have more Similan in the back. And only 160 baht!

Good luck, hope you enjoy it. Think I'll have a Cuba Libre right now! Lots of ice!

I have also done the rounds looking for one of these (not bought yet but plan to). I need one with USB connectivity. A few places have the Sony products, like Pantip Plaza and Airport Central. But yes they are expensive when you look online and see the USA prices.

I have only found the Olympus product sold at a small booth in the IT mall section at Airport Central Plaza (CNX) and at Pantip Plaza in BKK. There is one Olympus model (VN-3100PC I think) that is below the price of the cheapest Sony model, at a bit over the 2,000 baht mark. It was the same price in CNX and BKK. I will probably get this one.

If you find any bargains please send me a PM. Cheers

- CB

YOU DA MAN!

I went and bought the VN2100pc (64meg) for 2390bt. I fought for a discount and could get none!

Now I will never forget anything again - except maybe to take my Olympus with me!

Thanks, Mark

ps - A Japanese person might not know much about karate, but I'd bet most would know quite a bit about sushi...

I know quite a lot about Japanese food but it was not part of my birthright. Being Japanese does not magically give them knowledge about. Like everyone else they have to acquire it by experience and application

CB

Well of course it is cultural, not genetic, or magical! And upon reflection the odds are huge that an average Japanese male would know more karate than an average Westerner - I believe that all Japanese boys must take it in high school, and have done so for many years...

experience and application

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Regarding the Similan - it comes in a brown box. And I still have 3 1/2 bottles, so thanks for worrying about me, but I'm ok!

If I have a few large Singha's, then I get a nice buzz on. If I have half a Chang, I get a hangover for two days. Sometimes get sick too.

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I like various Scotch's - don't know them well and I not great on names etc. But I do remember liking Laphroaig. I also enjoyed a cask-strength Bowmore I picked up in duty-free years ago.

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Tops and Rimping have an acceptable Vietnamese version of the Japanese plum wine Ume-Shu (about 250bt). Considering that the Japanese Choya (15%) is 4 times the price, this is a good deal. It is in a rectangular 600ml bottle with an orangy label. Says on the label 'Mild Ume Tairiku - 12%'. I pop it in the deep-freeze and then drain the stronger drink, leaving the ice crystals behind. I have ice-distilled it down to where it will actually flambe!

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But for Thai spirits, there is a little known product I think is really good. SangSom makes what they call an 'international rum' named SIMILAN. 80 proof, smooth, nice flavour, and I can hammer back 8-10 Cuba Libres*, get hammered myself, and not have any hangover - good clean booze. 180bt, but it is really hard to find.

Really hard to fine - don't know why. But I always stock up when I see it somewhere!

*Cuba Libre = rum, coke, lime juice

=== === ===

ps - A Japanese person might not know much about karate, but I'd bet most would know quite a bit about sushi...

I just bought a 4G Sony recorder at Siam TV. Cost about 5,000 bt.

But it is 5,000bt.

In Canada Olympus and Panasonic have some for about 70$ - 2200 baht.

Any of these in Thailand?

I am looking for a little electronic voice memo recorder.

Should have VOR, USB, mic input, and speed adjust.

Sony makes a few but they are double the price they should be - 512meg for 4000bt.

I know Panasonic and Olympus make good ones much cheaper. Anybody know where I can get one in CM? Or even in Bangkok?

(ps. I don't want a little MP3 player that does voice recording - I want an actual memo unit)

I have checked all the usual suspects - N. Panich, Panthip, Computer Plaza, IT Center (or whatever it is called), etc etc

Thanks, Mark

I wasn't thinking clearly last night.

If you need to save any data, you can also install it into a 'external USB' box.

Then just plug it into any computer, and get your stuff

Before you reformat your drive, make sure you get everything you need off of it!

If you install it as a second 'slave' drive into a computer that already has a system drive, you can access all the data you may still have on the hdd.

Don't forget to get all your MyDocs. emails, email addresses, bookmarks, photos, music, letters, (porn - kidding) vid, etc etc.

If you want to do it yourself, buy a second hdd - they are cheap. Take out the original, and set it to 'slave'.

Install windows on your new drive, then turn off the computer, and then install the old drive as the slave.

Windows should boot from your new drive properly, and then you can copy stuff from the old one. THEN you may format it!!!

Pilates and Yoga have a lot of similarities, but a major difference is that Pilates focuses on the deep core abdominal muscles that stabilize the spine, pelvis, allowing the rest of the body to release and function in a easier way.

The field of physiotherapy has been adopting Pilates methods over the last 10-15 years as they work so well.

At one level, Pilates is actually a type of physiotherapy, and on the other, it is a dramatic form of exercise that improves any type of movement and athletic endeavor...

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Here is a link the Pilates ChiangMai site: http://pilates-chiangmai.tripod.com/

(I am not sure if TV.com allows internet links, so if not, do a Google search for: pilates-chiangmai )

To find out what 'monger' means to many farang in Thailand, do a Google search (don't use quotes) for:

thailand monger

That should clear things up a bit!

Took a meter taxi from the new airport a few months ago. Usually I find Bkk taxis honest, friendly, and cheap.

But this one (from the Arrivals Level) had a 'rigged' meter. I watched the meter jump and jump. It was a slightly different meter than usual - missing the 'time' and 'distance' displays.

Halfway home the meter hit 200bt (when I know that the whole ride was only 200 a few weeks earlier), so I looked for a place to stop him. As we came off the highway, I told him to stop.

We got out, and I brought out 200 bt (the meter was already at 240bt), and put it on the back seat. The driver started yelling 300bt because it was an airport job.

I walked away, and we got in another taxi - normal meter - finished the ride for 65bt. If I had stayed in the original taxi, it would have been at least another 200bt.

Liars, cheats, scumbags. I don't like being ripped off for 30bt, let alone 300bt.

I don't mind paying what I think is fair, even if their 'rigged' meter say more.

And I don't 'tip' people who rip me off.

Hi, I am going to Chang Mai in May...just for a few days..family stuff.

I would love to go to ...err..maybe Burma, or somewhere different..

I am a very devout monger..

Any suggestions will be gratefully received..

I added the emphasis. No-one has reallly answered his question.

Only Maejo Man alluded to it...

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Back 'off-topic' - if you go to Tatchilek, there is a seedy-looking tout hanging around just inside the border, named 'Slim', who is really a hel_l of a nice guy.

Indian background, and university educated, he does make his money from tourists, but can help you find anything (back on-topic: anything!), and is a good guide, and a really interesting man...

all of this indian food thing makes me wanna have Kulfi

ras malai

People have been posting about martial arts, fitness, rehab, etc., so I thought I would mention that there is a Pilates studio here in Chiang Mai.

It is small, and geared towards private and small-group teaching. It is fully equipped with challenging equipment, and the farang instructor has years of experience dealing with back pain, injury, general fitness, and sports enhancement.

(Tiger Woods does Pilates).

PM me for details.

Cheers, Mark

There is also a small Pilates studio in Chiang Mai. High end exercise, with one-on-one training.

PM me for details, Mark

..

Rimping did have a few Japanese miso pastes, and a Thai one as well.

Sorry, but only deet works. Sorry.

Here by 3:31 - out by 4:29.

Exactly what I wanted - right on time - works great - quieter and cooler already!

4500 was not cheap, but it was fair.

Have your condo office refer you to someone who has done work in your building and then use that as the high benchmark.

It is the company that the condo uses. I have seen their work, and it is good (and the installers wear uniforms!!!)

I too think it is a high price, but they said they could be here today at 3:30 - done by 5:00.

I said yes, but also said that if they are late, i knock 500 off, and if it takes until tomorrow, another 500 off.

The condo woman looked at me funny...

We shall see at 3:30 today