forcebwithu

Probably one of the best books I've read set in the Civil War period. The Killer Angels by Michael Shaara. Amazon.com Review This novel reveals more about the Battle of Gettysburg than any piece of learned nonfiction on the same subject. Michael Shaara's account of the three most important days of the Civil War features deft characterizations of all of the main actors, including Lee, Longstreet, Pickett, Buford, and Hancock. The most inspiring figure in the book, however, is Col. Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain, whose 20th Maine regiment of volunteers held the Union's left flank on the second day of the battle. This unit's bravery at Little Round Top helped turned the tide of the war against the rebels. There are also plenty of maps, which convey a complete sense of what happened July 1-3, 1863. Reading about the past is rarely so much fun as on these pages.

Must have just missed crossing paths with you Friday. From a little bit earlier than you... Huai Chak Nok Mabphrachan I think Mabphrachan has benefited somewhat from the recent rains. Two weeks earlier there was a land bridge from below where I was standing to the rounded point of land on the right side of this pic. That land bridge is now underwater.

They could very well be number one due to under-reporting of road deaths. Heard they don't count it as a road death unless they find you as corpse at the scene of the accident. Die on the way or at the hospital and it's not counted as a road death.

Still there. Here's a link to Streetview of their location (Theprasit near Soi 6). Okay shop if you're looking for an inexpensive bike. If you're looking for a better quality bike I would recommend SV Bikes also on Theprasit, corner of Soi 8)

For the casual rider I agree, but if your rides are typically in the 50km + range on a regular basis then purchasing a lightweight, high quality bike makes good sense. The lower weight equates to less kg pushed around over a ride, and the higher quality components means more energy going into turning of the wheels vs overcoming friction of the gearing and bearings.

Chase doesn't charge for the transfer.

Live in the area and never thought to give this restaurant a try as I eat pretty much exclusively thai food. Based on the restaurant's name, didn't think they had Thai food. Tried their gang keow gai (green curry with chicken) and have to say it's one of the best I've had. Thanks MM for the recommendation.

Good one! LOL

Are you sure about that? Per the terms and conditions: Fees 4.1 Customers will have to pay a 10 baht fee in order to activate the Card if the first top-up is less than 1,000 baht. 4.2 When activating and topping up the Card for the first time, customers must top-up the Card with at least 20 baht. Regardless, I can't be arsed with remembering to bring a cash card to see a movie, especially if it might be a spur of the moment decision to go. That's what cash is for.

No minimum top up, but if less than 1000B there's a 10B fee. For those of us who don't go to movies with any degree of frequency, and potential holiday customers, this card has absolutely zero benefits.

Thought I'd take the teraak to a movie tonight at The Avenue Major Cineplex. Was surprised to learn you can no longer directly pay for the tickets with cash. Instead you must first top up their M Cash card with cash, then use the card to purchase tickets. This works fine for food courts where you can immediately receive a refund of the unused balance, but not so with M Cash. Once they have your cash they keep it until you use it, or you lose it if you don't renew the card after 1 year. Needless to say Major Cineplex won't be getting any more of my business.

I normally have a short attention span measured in seconds, but found the video hilarious. Shared it with a few other American friends who thought the same. Thanks for posting.

FYI, just back from my 90 day report. I lucked out 90 days earlier and got the new computer generated TM47, so reporting this time was a breeze. No other documents or copies required. Unfortunately the new system was no longer working so they've reverted to the old way of doing things. Next report I'll have to bring a new TM47 and all the requisite supporting documentation.

Coincidently, just got back from getting my teeth cleaned and a filling. Been using Dental Paragon, Pattaya Klang for four years now. Teeth cleaning B500, filling was B800.

News to me. Delta still flies out of BKK.

I'll +1 to another poster's Google Docs recommendation. Even though I have Office installed, I find myself using Google Docs much more. While I haven't used the feature myself, Google Docs also allows for working offline when not connected to the internet.

Shilo's answer is spot on. For my bank transfer I wasn't asked for an address. Posted before, but to save you looking it up, the routing number for the New York branch is 026008691.

Thought I'd post the results of my test transfer to Bangkok Bank, New York branch. On 8 April I sent 100USD from my PNC account to Bangkok Bank, New York using PNC's Pay Other People feature (it's an electronic transfer, but not ACH). That method isn't immediate, but takes three business days for the transfer. Since it's free I can live with the delay. This morning, 11 April, the funds posted to my Bangkok Bank account in the amount of 2,920THB. A call to the Pattaya branch office got me the details of the transaction. The exchange rate the bank used was 32.17. That compares favorably to today's 32.288 international (off-shore) rate as shown by xe.com. Bangkok Bank charges a 200THB receiving fee, and somewhere along the way my 100USD became 97USD before the conversion to THB. Not sure what the $3 fee was about, and the CSR I talked to didn't know either. She did give the direct line to the International Transfers desk for BB (02 685 7777), but I didn't bother calling. Thought I'd do that next time I make a transfer. Still a good deal when compared to the cost of using wire transfers. Thanks again Shilo for the info on Bangkok Bank.

Went today and set up a new account. Once I got past the need work permit, no my retirement visa is ok bit, all went smoothly. As you suggested, I'll let the account "settle" for a few days and then execute the US ACH transfer. Thanks again for the info.

Shilo, good info. I'm going to give this a try. Do I need to get a separate account at the Bangkok Bank, New York branch? If so, can I do that here in Pattaya?

Did you try going back to Spankys and asking for your card? Worked for me.

While I don't use my Chase ATM card for international withdrawals, Chase does allow online wire transfers ($40) and I have two credit cards through Chase. No fee account is $1,500 minimum daily balance. Chase is aware that I'm living in Thailand, but I still use a US mailing address so that might help.

Thanks losgrad. I'm a big believer in spending the money up front for as much quality as the budget allows. The bikes last longer and the better components make for a more enjoyable ride. I remember reading about the bike thefts. A poster on another board recounted a first hand experience with them. I believe he now carries a collapsible baton and pepper spray within easy reach on his bike. Heard on the grapevine several of the Thai riders around here have friends in high places. The word was put out to get those guys, and in short order they were caught.

A cable lock is fine for short periods of time, but if you have an expensive bike I wouldn't recommend outside storage. Not only is theft a problem, but the weather here will quickly trash your bike. I use cheap, rear wheel bike stands and park my bikes inside.