AmeriThai

I don't like some American slang words like "groovy" or "enjoy" ...

"Groovy" has pretty much gone the way of the dinosaur, except for retro-views of the 60s and Austin Powers movies.

If it was a Thai card, I'd turn it in to the nearest branch of that bank.

Foreign card, I think I'd leave a note with a phone number at the ATM. The owner could be back in a day or two looking for it.

If the caller can ID the card, meet up and give it back. No calls after a week ? Cut it up and toss it.

The problem with leaving a note with phone number on the ATM is that some clown is likely to tear it off and toss it.

If the cardholder was just before me, and still around, I'd make an effort to yell at them to get their attention and get the card back to them. I know I'd sure appreciate it. Otherwise, I'd either turn it into the card's bank (if possible), or call the card company. There are toll-free phone numbers printed on the back of cards to report finding lost cards. Accidents can happen sometimes, but people still need to remember to get their card back after making a transaction.

Disneyland just isn't what it used to be.

I've never met a Thai woman, unless a Pattaya migrant worker, that has married a Western man with a beard.

Does anyone have any theories about why they hate them so much?

Could it be that they look so plain silly?

So that's how Santa spends his off time. I'm not surprised. Goes right along with sneaking into people's houses at night when they're asleep.

Okay, I understand. Just wanted to make sure you weren't talking about "customs" on entry to the country.

So you don't understand customs and cultural differences, but you're trying to 'help empower' this girl with her family problems? Just curious, but how much time have you spent in Thailand? How well do you understand the language?

I'm definitely a novice in this area with no claim to any expertise AmeriThai.

The way it unfolded was by living with her, listening to her problems and watching her interact with her parents.

Things unfold in lots of different ways for people. How long did you live with her and her family? Was this the first time you've been to Thailand?

Unfortunately for me, I share my birthday with a certain terrorist incident which is America's biggest tragedy. Just can't seem to get too happy about my birthday anymore.

Nonsense! There are probably millions of people around the world who have the same birthday as you. Some maybe the exact same year as you. You have every right to be happy to have a birthday. I'm happy just to know I'm still alive and breathing when i wake up in the morning.

same age as me now sunset but shhh, dont tell anyone

Your secret is safe here.

If there is it's been banned.

Just a NOTE: What might get you more attention than starting a thread on TV indicating that it's your BD is to take off all your clothes, run out into the street, and scream at the top of your lungs, 'It's my fricken birthday!'

Wearing her birthday suit?

The comments about his nuts are hilarious. Poor bugger!

And while you're feeling so "Ahhhh", have a look at the other side of the coin.

It's been years and years since I've been there, but I recall seeing a number of birds, like peacocks, wandering around with no tail feathers. Just a bare butt. Maybe they were molting though.

Happy Birthday, Sunset75!

Can we have a slice of your virtual birthday cake?

I don't understand why people asking sensible questions get flamed. Especially if it was already discussed on thread #8736 on 7th July 2001..."why didn't you do a search?!??!!!"

Not everyone understands the search at first, and just maybe there are plenty of new members that would find the topic interesting this year. Those bored by it needn't respond.

You're right about that. I still have a hard time pin-pointing a search, although the "Tag Cloud" seems to be helpful (though not exhaustive) with leading to general subjects based on certain keywords. But instead of the questions asking why a search wasn't done, seems to me posting a link if possible would be more helpful.

If you come from America, the legal age of consent is 18. This is an international law that the United States is signed onto.

Barry

That may be, but I think there are still a few states that allow age of consent below the age of 18. However, that usually takes into account that both parties are under 18. It doesn't mean a guy who's 45 can go out and have sex with a 15 or 16-year-old girl, which would be a sex crime (statutory rape and contributing to the deliquency of a minor).

Do others observe the end & mid-month telephone calls between family members - about five minutes of numbers being spoken and written down as they search the country's ticket re-sellers for that special number?

Frequently in Thailand although seldom in the U.S. It seems like it's mostly part of social gabbing between family members and friends though. Gives them something else to talk about, other than the latest 'what's going on in the neighborhood'. Everyone seems to have their own 'latest' system that usually changes on a daily basis. Use so and so's date of birth plus their age, or the number of family members, minus any pets, etc. And of course, serial numbers of crisp currency.

I believe the marriage must have been over 10 years. All wives can also qualify if the marriage lasted over 10 years. Not sure of the spousal rules on previous US residence are though.

Yes, this is the case (as far as I know).

I have an American friend who went through the steps on this. He said the legal validated marriage has to be at least 10 years.

Also, He said that she had to spend two years inside the US. (Please check this.)

Do SS disability payment qualifications differ from the "retirement" or old age qualifications? I don't know.

I assume that the SS website is use friendly and comprehensive enough to answer these questions. SS has gone online for many service information, recently.

I would think the info on the SS website should cover most questions, but there's bound to be some needing more detailed information.

Yes, SS disability qualifications differ from regular SS "retirement" benefits. It's a whole different ball game.

It looks like a common problem. But so far nobody has come up with the real reason, what is actually happening to the rubber?

Worked out that my "new shoes" were worn 15 days, so that they cost me about 300 Baht/day's use. My "Adda" sandals from Tesco cost about 200 Baht and last until my GF can't stand the smell/sight of them, about 18 month to 3 years on average. So less than one Baht/day

As for what's happening to the rubber, it may be poor quality and subject to breaking down more quickly. Just a wild guess though.

LOL about the stinky sandals!

I liked my wife's surprise learning that 7-11 wasn't started in Thailand.

As stated, check at the source. It might not be a bad idea to check with the U.S. Consulate office in BKK. I think she should qualify for survivor's benefits from her deceased husband's Social Security benefits. Of course, she'll need proof of marriage as well as her husband's SS#, and proof of death.

I might say that Social Security Administration can be a real hassle, even in the U.S. with U.S. citizens, with benefits other than normal retirement benefits. I'm not sure if the wife and any children would also need to have a Social Security number or not, but those are things to check about.

Welcome Angela. Glad to have you join us. Do you and your husband spend much time in Thailand?

These Merrells won't rot or slip

and no need for sox!

I have some by Timberline, somewhat like the lower pic. Has both velcro tighteners and snap clips. Great durable tread and feels like walking on a cloud. Bought them on sale about 3 years ago, buy one pair get a second pair free. $30 for both pair ($15 each). They're holding up great. Haven't needed to use the second pair yet.

SILICON is the stuff used for computer chips.

SILICONE is the stuff used for sealing, lubrication and to increase the mass of sized-challenged breasts.

SILICA is the stuff used to absorb moisture. Once it is saturated, it is of no use. But by heating it in an oven you can expel the absorbed moisture and reuse.

True, but the outer covering of the packets can and do become worn which can break open leaving silicon chips scattered all over. Probably just easier just to replace them before it gets to that point.

You probably mean those silicon packets to absorb moisture.

I had two little packs of those silicon packets in my laptop bag and within 4 months they had broken up. Was it the heat do you think? I am unsure

Possibly, but I'm not sure. It may depend on how much heat and for how long it's exposed under those conditions. I'm assuming you're talking about the packet cover breaking up, not the silicon. It might be a good idea to toss and replace the olds ones. I use them for my cameras, and have never had a problem though.

Maybe it's alcolhol fumes Mr 12 beers!

No, seriously get a couple of large plastic sealable boxes, and put anything liable to mould in there. before I did this I had a problem with video VHS tape - all ruined, low quality CDs and anything leather. Put some chemical to absorb any moisure in the box too (forget the chemical name)

You probably mean those silicon packets to absorb moisture.

One of the few I do like is "diddley squat". No idea where it comes from, but it sound good!

http://www.thefreedictionary.com/diddle

http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/diddle

Also came across this:

Jack Squat and Diddley Squat got together one night and fell into a black hole. The result was they *really* came up with nothing!