Desmond Jones

How about the myth that all farangs are rich? In the past I've busted my ass at my job to save all year for the "two week millionaire" experience. Often over the years I've had to go to great lengths with ms long time short time to explain that the rest of the year I'm a working joe, gets up in the morning, go to work 5 days a week. That as well as the "I can't afford to sponsor you" rap, which invariably tends to come up somewhere after day 4 or 5, with however, some notable exceptions. OBLA DEE BROS

Thank you for the pics. It's like a virtual stroll down the Coconut Bar. See you in May. OBLA DEE BROS

Tasers and stun guns are two different things. The stun gun, (or bug zapper), throws an arc charge and must touch the victim. Tasers are guns which shoot projectiles into the skin of the victim. My stun gun, purchased above the freedom market, (dig that), is the JSJ-704 Type Rechargable Ultra-High Pressure Line in Self Defense Device, AKA bug zapper. The input voltage is 6VDCh, Power Current 2.5A, Output Voltage, 2600KV above. The "main function and application" stated are "high capacity direct current discharge, output energy, and good defense". With built in flash light, and charger, it "forms a unique product, beautifully designed". :) I'm in a municipality where teargas and stunguns can be open carried. I checked with my city police department. I suppose in the Peoples Republics of Santa Monica and Berkly this is probably not the case. I sometimes strap mine on just to remind myself I have liberty, and there is still freedom in my country. I have had some instances where it felt reassuring to have the extra line of defense. OBLA DEE BROS

Three years RG went on my short list for stays. I walked through it, opted out. Two years ago I stayed at Sabai Resort for one of three weeks vacation. Then I think it was like 1300 baht per night. A short walk to Big C through the back gate was a plus. Though only open till 8P.The bungalow was directly across from the pool, which was very cool, but just garden view. The room was nice, and clean. The proximity to Second Rd, Big C, the soapies, and Soi 6, were good points. getting down to Beach Rd was no big deal, and moto-taxis at the front at bec and call 24/7. One down side was a hellasich perp walk from the front door. They had a golf cart to take me and the short time girl to the bungalow. The Breakfast "buffet" was one of the worst I'd ever had. Gekos pranced around the closet and ceiling at night, no big deal for me, though if your squemish about lizards take note. The two worst parts though were a thumping disco dance beat from 8P till like 3AM nightly from the disco next door. Made the walls rattle it was that loud. Then just as the sun was rising this Oh Oh bird came and roosted on the tree just outside the front door, serenading me with a song he only knew the meaning of. UT, O, Ut, O, Ut O, Ut O, for what seemed like hours. I wished it change it's tune to like, KU Dude, KU dude, KU dude, but nope I get UT, O. After a week of that, I went back to the glorious jaded, faded, haunts of my all time favorite Sandy Spring, on Soi 13. Sea View deluxe, with a wall of solid ocean view, Eighth floor, three room services menus, steps to the baht bus on beach rd., nice swimming pool, cool reception staff, you get the picture. At around 1600 baht per night I've yet to find a better overall value all around, and as always, welcome feedback from the bm's. Over the years I've become accustomed to having a nice room as a base. I find no sense in traveling halfway around the world for a dream vacation to sit in some dark, cinderblock, no window hotel to save a few baht. But that's just me, so hope this helps, and good luck with your selection. OBLA DEE BROS

I don't get the fuss. For years, I've politely said no thank you, and walked on. What tends to work for me is to not make eye contact, do not break stride, do not shake hands and walk tall and straight right through them. Any further intrusion into my personal space results in "leave me alone". That said I've just returned home with four shirts, and three pairs of Armani wool pants. I have two tailors I use, one in "Made in Thailand" shops, the one I used this time was De Best, on Soi 13, across from the Sandy Spring. As I understand it these guys are trying to make a living, though it's sad they resort to intrusive tactics to get business. How does this match up to white collar investment bankers who've raped the working class of mortgage holders walking away with billions in stolen blood money? The latter is I believe, the best case for resuming public executions in America. Walk blocking touts pale in comparison IMHO. OBLA DEE BROS

I think I know the one, but do you remember the name by chance?

Great pics . Dude, I'm a manhole cover fan too. I got a bunch of pics from Japan, and Okinawa.

Danboy- Naw, I just like VIP, cause it makes me sound important. Samsonite- Sandy Spring has a menu, then one from Sportsman, then one from the resturant on the other side of the hotel, and yet another from across the street. Yep, that makes four.

So ok, I'll have to have a look. Not to be a pest, but can you inform? 1) Cable? 2) Room Service? 3) In room Safe or front desk? 4) What is IIRC300C- I assume you mean 300 baht for member card? Any other BM's have experience with this place? Please post if so, I am curious now.

Twelve hundred is nice. Easy walk to Beach rd through the mall. Ok. Does a superior offer a seaview? Girl friendly right? Is there a side entrance to avoid the "perp" walk? Balcony?

Danboy- I asked about the membership and was told about the scheme. I costs around 300baht, and offers about a 300 baht discount per day off the published room rate. Brings the price down considerably, though in low season, I have no idea what the purpose is. Hence the "scheme". Any other Americans get the negative connotations I do from that word. I know it's popular, though I still get the willies when I read it somewhere. Tomcat- I was asked in the e-mail to give credit card to "hold" the room. Not a problem with that, as card is not charged until I check out. Lovedog- Agree dude, I tend to book a week at a time, as in the past I become bored or miserable or both, I can catch a flight to Phuket or whatever without getting "locked" into a deal.

I sent the e-mail this morning to confirm. Seaview Deluxe, 8th floor, with VIP membership confirmed 1600 per night. I am still waiting for anyone to rise to the challenge of beating this rate with said amenities. JMHO though.

I wonder if we crossed paths before dude. I've been a semi-loyal customer for over ten years now, and have seen the price nearly double since my first stay.That said, I understand enough about the economics. I've ceaselessly promoted the hotel to newbies on the board, and aside from one disaster stay with construction and a nasty respiratory infection from air con water I've had fabulous experiences. Last year I got the member card, for the discount, literally buying into the scheme. I stay in top floor sea view deluxe, and love the view and sunsets from the balcony. Have not found a comparable hotel which "ticks all the boxes". Making the reservation for my upcoming trip, I'm offered 1600 per night for the deluxe sea view with the VIP membership. So, please, in all earnestness, all of you who say there are better places for less, please let me know. These are my minimal requirements. 1) Pool 2) Balcony with seaview 3) One block from beach rd 4) Cable 5) Room service 6) Guest friendly 7) Lobby or room safe. 8) Wi Fi I keep hearing BM's say there are better deals for the money, so please respond and tell us where, and how much, and what amenities. OBLA DEE BROS

He "opened" for Kings of Leon? Paul Weller opening for Kings of Leon is like Bob Dylan opening for Cristina Aguilar. Amazing. The guy deserves to be sainted. Made me wanna get a Vespa, after watching Quadraphenia for about the hundreth time. Anyway, right now, I'm very into Middle Brother, Deer Tick, Delta Spirit, and the Dawes. New Laurel Canyon revival alt rock/country. Raw, honest, and about as unpretentious as it gets.

Sportsman on Shenigans on Sundays have carvery, Oishi in Big C plaza for lunch.

TKO, Love the avatar, 555555555555.

I tried a bottle of "Gentleman Jack" in gift box mostly to get the free tumblers, but last friday at the Total Wine store there was a display and guy was standing over a barrel with bottles, saying if you bought one they' d engrave it. I tried to just buy the barrel but the dude wouldn't give. After a few drinks though, I still prefer single malt Isley over anything US or Canada produces.

Well Joey, knowing you'll get the last word on this I'm happy for you. I hope you got a medal, and they found a chest to pin it on.

So MM says the bottles are back, that's a damn good sign, knew it wouldn't be forever economics and all.

Patriots Joey. OBLA DEE BROS

But of course the only country you can actually think of at the moment that has a past that it tries to forget is the United States. Fair go. It's hard to think of any other country that has ever had such a shameful past as a drought. There's probably not another country since Earth cooled with THAT shameful a past. Still.... I'll give you a few minutes, see if you can think of another example -- not as bad of course, but still has something in its past it tries to forget. Go ahead. Give it a shot.- Joey. Jeez........ See fewwas my good frienemy Joey was baggin on Merica. K? Den e kawed US some big word like "Imperialistic". Dat huute bad. Joey vewy bad wit baggin on Merica like dat. I tink he twi to hut my fewwings. Waa! Joey day huut!! But wait, there is more. Joey taught the whole board that the Canadians burned the White House. Sacre' Bleu, could it be?????? Not the English right Joey? The Canadians you say? Why Joey, I never knew, all this time I was deluded with imperialistic propaganda that it was a British force that occupied and burned selected structures in Washington DC, the whitehouse being one of them. But of course as all the boardies know by now, your version of history is the "most" correct, despite what may be so easily found in the Funk and Wagnells. This post was composed as the last of the US troops back out of Iraq. Hows that for imperialism Joey?

Nice man, I'll cheers ya on Christmas day. That's some kinda redemption bro, but it's the JD that I can't stomach. Funny part though is, the barrels that get toasted on the inside to make the Jack Daniels get sent to Scotland to age my single malt from Isley which I do so love so much. Now I do know that some casks come from sherry casks from france, but many single malts utilize the barrels from the bourbon manufacturers in Tennessee and Kentucky. Yummy and boggie makes me groggy, sweety and fruity, right rooty tootie. When I come to your island I'm going to tour the distilleries in Scotland, and drink my way around!

Themms fightin words Sam, and just when I was gonna invite you to St. Louis, home of the Cardinals, the Clydesdales, and Anheiser Bushe, fine brewers of Budweiser. Dude if you think bud is bad, you gotta try Bush beer. Your opinion will change in a nano second. Any ways, thanks MM, good to know carslburg is back in draft, yummy yummy. And Sam I'm gonna knock back a 6 pack O Buds in your honor this weekend.

OP said bottle, does this include draft as well, if so, yummy yummy.