jacko

If it can create a spark that will jump over a cm, I don't think I would play with it.

You are right. The once famous Thai smile is seen less frequently, certainly in the GO-GO bars. Mind you it was often the case in some of the Asian oriented 'Baby' places, like porcelain dolls up there. But now you are more likely to see a bored expression. I wonder what is behind it, westernisation of the Thais in general, more pressure on the girls with quotas and the like, fewer girls and hence longer dancing stints? The respectful 'wai' has been relaced with an open palm looking for a tip. But now and again, catch a girl's eye and make her smile and it is like the sun coming up.

I suppose you mean wear......Please define many, more than 3 or some sizeable percentage of the total 800,000,000 Muslim women? 100 Million of them live in Indonesia and choose not to wear Burkas. 60% of them live in Asia where dress codes are not so severe. Define 'cover up'....we were talking Burkas, which of course has nothing to do with religion, nor is it a religious costume. I would be interested to see an Islamic costume, I don't know of one. I think the definitions in Islam are:- (1) The BEST garment is the garment of righteousness. (2) Whenever you dress , cover your chest (bosoms). (3) Lengthen your garment. I am not convinced that enforcement of wearing Afghanistan style Burkas would be accepted by many in Indonesia, Thailand, Turkey, Malaysia etc. I suggest the line quoted above is a fabrication of your mind.

Are you bringing your own laptop? Why not just buy a feww days of Edge/GPRS from your telephone network.

Yes and in that sentance is something important. If you don't pay your debt, you forfeit the property or land.There are a lot of people out there picking up bargains from people who cannot service their debts and need cash. Of course you can borrow money from Thai banks using your land/home as collateral. Interest rates are low at the moment and hence a loan looks attractive. What will you do with the money? Will it be used in some venture that will generate a better return that the interest teh loan costs you? Home improvements, buying an adjacent plot for example etc Listening to Thais regarding borrowing money is not a good approach, they understand borrowing, but are absent minded when it comes to repayment and rarely think of the future.

Just go and see an insurance broker.I have exra insurance for my bike, but it really covers my liability and bail costs. My medical insurance covers accidents and hospital costs. There have been a few new players in local medical insurance game lately and a broker who should have his finger on these policies could aim one specifically at what you require.

I always thought he was a bit up-market, but here is the web site.Alan Bolton

Bob Newhart.

I mentioned someplace that the TGF's brother has been laid off.He is back at his mother's likely pondering where his next months car payment will come from.

Thickly buttered baguette........

Cold Mountain.

So it does bother you what others are wearing!

Gattaca.

Was it actually a Burqa, which I alway associate with Afghanistan and has a cage like veil, or the black coverings more common around the Middle East? I most certainly see the latter around, curious people who are somewhat lost, perhaps no differently than the guy from the UK with his wife who was sold a beach holiday in the sun. It disturbs me too, but only in as much as it reminds me too much of a past life, surrounded by such sights.

Ole blue eyes..Frank Sinatra

I got bloody drenched yesterday. Set off in a light drizzle to go 1 KM on the bike, it was pouring down 100m later and it took me a bit further to find someplace to stop and get out of it. Spent the next 20 minutes under an awning. Quite amazed that the Thais seem to just carry on as much as normal,although rather dangerous as those on bikes are blind. My prize goes to the old man who seemed to be maintaining his cigarette as well as riding with his feet up.

Now now petal, take it easy. You just ignore mine there's a nice little boy.

I got you to fix your error, and the only person I insulted was myself. Which other boards are you talking of? No this isn't the highlight, just a routine prior to having a swim and then a massage with extras. That should cover the morning. Don't let my little jibes distress you.

Which photo is that....................... Sorry I am being a cunt, they are all exactly the same!

Angela Lansbury.

My, how a thread diversifies. My pool needs pumping out again. quite a long steady rainfall here yesterday around 4-6pm, and in the morning. I'll take a ride ino town later and see if there are any effects.

How about intent?The police did not get up that morning with the intention of killing anyone. The terrorists got up with the intention of killing, maiming, creating widows, widowers and carnage, invalids and broken hearts.

Yes of course, I now now very well where Tigglebitties Bar is.I just don't know where Na Kluea is any more.

Aha, so that area is Na Kluea, not to be confused with Na Kluea on the other side of North Rd.

Then learn to discriminate between what are extremely unfortunate accidents, and acts of clear terrorism. Had the initial acts of terrorism not occurred, the unfortunate killing of Menezes would not have happened.