Bazle

I know some people think N Pattaya is too far away from the action (they're wrong!) but if you are not one of them, I'd recommend Sabai Inn in Soi 2. Very good internet rates being offered at the moment (800 Baht less 10% for a 7 night stay for a standard room - superior rooms really not much different) . Big rooms; in-room safe; use of pool at sister hotel just down the Soi; A/C; big bed etc.

(Apologies for these, and if any are repeats.) ------------------------ Jockeys at tomorrows horseracing meetings will wear black armbands out of respect for Jacko who successfully rode more 3 year olds than anyone in living memory Reports of Michael Jackson dying are incorrect. He was caught in the children's ward having a stroke. Michael Jackson death has led to the cancellation of all upcoming dates. One is Thomas aged 9. Another is Dylan aged 6. Apparently Michael Jackson died picking his nose. Doctors said they couldn't blame it on the sunshine or the moonlight. They blamed it on the bogey. MJ's Family have consented and given Michael's body away to Lego...He will be melted down so that little boys all over the world can continue to play with him What's the difference between Michael Jackson and Disney? Disney can still touch kids... Early reports are that the Hospital does not know what to do with the body as plastic recycling is not collected until next Thursday. McDonalds are commemorating Michael Jackson with the McJacko, a piece of 50 year old albino meat between two 8 year old buns At the autopsy they found children's underwear strapped to his upper arm. According to his doctors it is just a patch, he's been trying to quit for a while. Apparently Michael Jackson's body is going to be melted down to be made into toys so that kids can play with him for a change. **NEWSFLASH** When Farah Fawcett arrived at the Pearly Gates of heaven God offered her one wish for the good of humanity. She wished for all the children of the world to be safe. God granted this wish. In other news Michael Jackson died mysteriously last night in Los Angeles. Confirmation has come through that Michael Jackson’s heart attack was brought on by food poisoning – he had eaten some 12 year old nuts When asked for the exact time of death , sources close to Mr Jackson claimed it was when the big hand touched the little hand LA University Hospital does not know what they will do with the body, as plastics recycling does not happen until next Wednesday I also heard that the cause of his heart attack was class A drugs and that Class B & C were playing naked twister in the living room. In a tribute to the late Michael Jackson, his close friend Rolf Harris will be doing two little boys at his funeral!

Ah!! So you are human

It's amazing how many words of wisdom are to be found on toilet walls.

Unless you are able to provide a reply to this, I see no reason why anyone should go out of their way to visit your establishment. "Come and find out for yourself" is a pathetic response.

Haven't had the booking confirmed yet but hopefully flying Thai LHR to BKK on 7 July, returning 23 July. GBP488 with West East Travel. Has anyone had any bad experiences with West East. They seem to be considerably cheaper than Travelocity and Opodo - and usually you don't get something for nothing!!

So what is your USP (Unique Selling Point)? Why should I come to your establishment rather than one of the countless similar ones around (including many which DO provide a "Happy Ending")?

Just as well you don't have sex discrimination laws to contend with

Thank you Joe and Midlife for the information. No, I do not have metal implants, and I would be very concerned if I did and found that they rusted. You might have noticed that when it rains, the vast majority of people seek cover, put on weather-proof clothing, or use umbrellas. The reason for that is that they do not like getting wet. I happen to be part of that majority.

I have the opportunity of taking a couple of weeks off work at the end of July. I'd love to spend it in Patts if I can get a reasonable flight deal, but I'm a bit concerned about the weather. On my last trip, I arrived on 29 October and it was the worst time I've ever spent in Patts. As well as being unwell, the weather was bloody awful for a lot of the time: the rain was persistent, and I was trapped in the hotel. I know there is a lot of rain in July, but I can cope with that if it's for just two or three hours a day. What I can't cope with is all-day rain. Would you guys who have been living in Patts for some years please tell me what it is likely to be like for the second half of July, please. Many thanks.

I might even manage to remember that one!!

IMPORTANT PS Do not let your FA choose your annuity provider for you without input from yourself. You need to check that he is buying for you the best pension possible. It is possible/likely that he will have a vested interest in buying an annuity from a particular provider, whether or not that provider will give you the best pension.

He would if he is going to get the commission!! Annuity rates might fall, but on the other hand might rise. You have to come to your own best guess about that - but be wary of taking advice from someone with a vested interest in your decision.

As I said earlier, look into "income drawdown" as I think there is an alternative that perhaps you have not considered.

Sorry - duplicate post. (The result of rubbish "mobile broadband"!)

Ask your accountant friend about "income drawdown". This thread has been an interesting read. We are all in slightly different circumstances. My variant is that my employer's (crap!) final salary pension scheme is hugely underfunded and I'm concerned my employer is going to go bust. I've decided to draw my pension even though I will remain in employment just to make sure I get some money out while I can - but, obviously, the pension is less than if I had waited.

The one time I went there, it was full of Thai bikers - real strange compared with the usual go-go. The girls were making a beeline for the bikers and weren't interested in we two falangs.

Thanks for the review, Nok. However, could you explain the above two remarks, please. And what is a "sprayer"?

EVA

I Will Survive ~To the tune of Gloria Gaynor's "I Will Survive"~ At first I was afraid, I was petrified. By the ugly fucker lying by my side. I would've drunk a little less, I would've tried to keep my head, If I'd known for just one second I'd be in your crusty bed ... I tried to go, walk out the door. But I laughed so hard at your small knob that I've fallen on the floor. Your butt's a pimply mess, it's just a broken-out disgrace, But I'd rather look at that, than at your fuckin' ugly face ... I want to go, I've got to leave. Your talk of chicks and football really makes me want to heave. I only know I've got to stop my drinking spirits and the beer Cuz when I looked at you last night, you looked just like Richard Gere! I can't believe that we both shagged. You should be wearing concrete shoes, or simply bound and gagged. I'm fucking off right now, I'm jumping on the flippin' train and I'm not stopping till I'm home and washed your greeblies down the drain. Please let me go, I feel quite sick, We had the worst sex in the world and you're an ugly little prick. I should have fucked your gorgeous roommate, at least he's got a nice tight ass But no, I go and trust the booze and now I'm stuck with you, and you have no class. It's time to go, run out the door. You look so ugly it should really be against the law. I'm going to give up all the booze, I'm going to have no stupid fun, Cuz waking up beside your mug, just makes me want to be a nun!

Agreed - particularly the "fusion" food.

Does the 400K include future tea money?

I stayed at Inn House about 4 or 5 years ago. In those days, some rooms still had a good sea view!! Other things change as well so I don't know if my thoughts help at all. It was good value for money, excellent location, clean. It had no room safe (boxes behind reception instead), and could be a bit noisey as there are no carpets to muffle noise, and also because some rooms are designed to be used alternatively as suites by opening interconnecting doors between two rooms. If you get a room like that, you can hear everything in the adjoining room. I also recall that you couldn't get at your safety box 24 hours a day, so you had to remember to empty it the evening before if you were checking out early.

Pete You've got a great business!! I ate there at least once a day for the two weeks I was in Patts recently. Your booming restaurant side proves, for me, that the market is saying to you what I strongly feel - your place is primarily a great restaurant, not the Patts version of the Bangkok beer garden. And a word about your staff. They were all great, but the ones during the day more so. A special mention of Su here - she always came to say hello wherever I was sat and that helped give the place a really friendly and welcoming feel. Best of luck Baz

Today is a lot better (so far) but yesterday was my first full day here and was not nice. I can cope with the rain but when it is totally overcast, dark and miserable as well I find it depressing. I can understand why people have moaned about it.