MrBill

United will be rolling out their first 787s in a few months. They have opted for 9 across seating in coach rather than the 8 across favored by Asian carriers. Also, I just read that American is retrofitting all of their 777s from 9 across seating to 10 across, while suggesting that it will give the aircraft a "roomier feel." Right I plunk my butt into a seat that is now 18.5 inches instead of a previous 20.5 inches and it's bound to feel more roomier. I can't wait!

Has anyone ever used this app? I just read about it this afternoon. http://www.expertflyer.com/

Ah, Bob... don't forget about the Moses statue near the Hesburgh Library. For the last 25 years he's been forced to accept the name, "First Down Moses," but as of today, he can rightfully claim his real moniker, "We're #1."

o Irish!!! Bama fan? Curses on you from an Irish grad I'll be sitting at home watching the game on my big screen thinking about how it's unavailable in Thailand 555. Seriously. I tried to stream yesterday's game on my computer and found it was blocked in Thailand. I did finally find a radio stream just before the start of the 4th quarter. Go Irish!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I wouldn't categorize this as a "little gem" but I had the breakfast buffet at the Marriott by Royal Garden this morning while waiting for the tour to Nong Nooch. I love Marriotts for their buffets and this one was as good as any I have had before. All you can eat (dangerous for me), cereals, a cold curt station, bar with fresh fruit and juices freshly squeezed before your eyes, omelet station, various pastries, and an area with Thai, Japanese and Indian selections. A bit pricey at 650 bht to which they add 165 bht in service changes and VAT. I wouldn't do it often at that price, but the food was, fresh & hot and service was attentive. For a special occasion or change of pace, I would recommend it.

I've never heard of a "MegaDo" but sorry I missed this. Any airliner geeks on this board may enjoy this NY Times article on the new 787 Dreamliner: http://travel.nytimes.com/2012/12/02/travel/test-flying-the-boeing-787-dreamliner.html?partner=rss&emc=rss

I can't comment on how the stats compare to kids in the USA, but as one who works with teens regularly, the ages at which Thai children are becoming sexually active are about the same as in the USA. So much pressure on kids these days. Too often they mistakenly equate having sex with being loved (at least in the USA)

Two cents (or bhat) from one who doesn't get to spend much time in the area... as it rained all day on Wednesday, I sat on the porch of Le Café Royale working on a writing task I had been neglecting. I noticed that the staffs from LCR, Copa and Ambience interacted frequently and in a friendly manner. I also noted that customers from LCR and Ambience who were brave enough to venture out, were carrying umbrellas provided by those institutions, suggesting to me a strong customer service orientation. I have also often read a out how well run Funny Boys and Panorama are. Lastly, after viewing Loy Krathong and feeling hungry I checked into food options at Panorama and Castro next door. Both offered food and both got their food from LCR. For me, there was a feel of an association of businesses who understand that working together is in everyone's best interest. Walking down the soi there seems to be a sense or pride that I found missing on the other sois where each business seems to work hard at dragging you away from the competition and into their lair.

I was there Monday I think it was. I can't say it was hopping, but I liked the atmosphere. Drinks were reasonable, I was given a little container with salted peanuts that was refilled periodically. No hovering mamasan but someone (the manager?) politely checked periodically to see if I had decided on someone. A few of the boys pushed to sit down with me but accepted "Mai krab, kop khun krab" graciously. There was one boy, #89 named New, if you like infectious smiles and rock-hard abs, give him a look He also has a great sense of humor and is just plain fun to be around.

I live in DL's largest hub city. They have reduced the number of passenger complaints in the past year so I think they're coming out of merger mode. My biggest problem with them in he past is that the FA's disappear after the service. Their fares from my home city tend to be higher as well. United is boasting they and their Star Alliance partners offer the most award seats and this just might be true. I flew business class for 120K and $131.20 taxes. DL wanted 380K for same dates. And by the way, that old woman flight attendant you refer to, his name is Fred

OK to cancel unless what you thought you saw read, "Michael is ALWAYS right!" Then, I suggest you keep the appointment and book another back-to-back

Do you think it's better to view from Jomtien or is somewhere around Boyztown/beach area OK?

I know this isn't specifically an inside Thailand topic, but this morning I read about Travel & Leisure magazines 2012 Best Airlines Awards. Since so many of us do a lot of (at least to get to LOS) flying, I thought I would pass the info on. http://travel.yahoo.com/ideas/world-s-best-airlines.html

I think one of the fireworks displays last night spelled out "Michael is right!"

Surprisingly, none of these stores sell the less popular XD media for my Olympus as I checked them all out first, even though PowerBuy and IT Center sell Olympus cameras. And only 1 store at Tuk.com, Good Luck Accessories, had them. As for the phones, after an hour of wandering around and getting, "You want copy or original..." I would be afraid of paying for an "original" and still get a copy. The packaging all looked so authentic. Definitely a buyer beware situation.

The only place in town I could find XD media card was at Good Luck Accessories in Tuk.com. I also ended up buying an awesome mini-speaker. I plugged it in to my iPod and the sound quality was impressive 900 bht.

When I arrived at BKK I checked out the various tele kiosks. 12Call was mobbed and no queuing process. DTAC had fewer customers but had a special: 299 bht for sim card, 100 bht phone minutes and 7 day unlimited Internet/texting. Call quality has been fine in CM, BKK and Pattaya. Renewal of Internet option for 1 more week 250 bht. I was charged an additional 100 bht for "connect to Internet" even though I was already connected, so I think I might have made a donation to the person who helped me add money to my account. Only downside is that text messages from, DTAC about my account are in Thai only, but hotel staff have happily translated for me when necessary.

I visited TUK.COM today for the first time ever. I recall seeing past posts where residents have recommended going to TUK.COM for electronic needs. When I arrived in Thailand I discovered that when Frankfurt security went through my camera bag they forgot (or chose not to) put my digital media and camera battery back in the bag. My camera uses the less popular and more expensive XD media and I finally found one at T.C. Since it was my first time visiting, I walked around looking at different things including phones. One of the vendors offered to sell me the new Apple iPhone 5S dual sim card Android phone for 1650 bht. What a deal! Well, as they say, if it looks and sounds too good to be true, it probably is. I knew that there was no such thing, but the packaging looked authentic. Anyway, I was wondering how you experienced folk determine which of the vendors are selling reputable stuff? I wouldn't mind picking up a new phone if I found a deal, but much of what I saw was about the same price as in the USA give or take a few bucks.

I was there last night for a bit. "Happy Hour" was posted as 8:00 - 9:30 PM but verbally it was extended to 10:00 PM. There were only 4-5 customers even though drink prices were 75 bht. The boys were trying to drag customers upstairs, after they had bought a drink for themselves and a boy.

I have to give Thai Airways kudos for dealing with my lost luggage. I flew from Detroit this past Tuesday. LH DTW-FRA-ROM and on to BKK on Thai. The flight from FRA to ROM had a normal connection of only 50 min, but we were 45 min late departing FRA. I made the TG flight as the doors were closing. My luggage didn't. When I got to BKK I went to baggage service. They took all my travel details. I went on to Chiang Mai with only the clothes I as wearing, so I bought a few things. I got a text msg from Thai on the morning I was departing back to BKK (2 days after arriving). My luggage had arrived and would be waiting for me at baggage service when I arrived in BKK. When I picked up my luggage I mentioned the purchases I had to make. I was given a form to complete - name, permanent address, passport #, flight #/date and signature. I handed it back to the TG representative, and a few moments later I was handed an envelope with 5,000 Bht. If it was my home carrier, Delta, I would anticipate a 6-8 weeks wait for processing, IF I could prove my purchases with proper receipts.

At least once every trip to Pattaya I go to Cafe Royale for their Banana pancake (one). It's made to order so it does take a litte bit of wait time, but the thing fills the entire plate and is (or was the last times I had it) so light with an intense flavor of a ripe banana. That and a glass of OJ fills me for a morning of exploration.

Personally, I think this needs to be Lesson #1. If people would do a little more of this, the other 9 lessons would fall into place without effort. I can remember my first trip to LOS. I came with a gay tour group. 9 men, mostly from USA, a few from Europe. We came about the time of the king's birthday celebration. Our Thai guides planed an evening excursion to the Grand Palace to see all the lights and fireworks. 8 of the group asked to get out of the van before we reached the palace as they were afraid of getting to the bars a bit late and not getting "the best boys." I could see the hurt on the faces of the guides.The next day there was a half-day tour planned to the Teak Palace. Only 2 of us went. There is so much beauty in Thailand that isn't found in gogo bars. Take time to get to know the people and the culture. It's truely an amazing place with amazing people. My personal pet peeve is people who get angry and call a Thai "stupid." I don't want to generalize, but I've heard it most often from European visitors and it may have to do with their own lack of fluency with English, as one guy in a restaurant screamed, "Stupid waiter" when his check bin didn't come fast ebnough. Another I saw screamed "Stupid boy" when a boy he was fondling accidentally knocked over his drink when he grabbed the boy in the privates.

a. Yes, there does seem to be a clique. Intimidating, not now. I stopped visiting for several months because it seemed that all the posts were personal attacks and bully beat downs between regulars that had nothing to do with the thread topic at hand. But that seems to have gone by the wayside. b. Feel welcomed and sometimes ignored. A very few regulars seem to be put off when an occasional poster asks a question that has been asked before. Things change so fast in Thailand that I do not trust info posted months ago let alone over a year. I do appreciate those who don't mind repeating info to help out a new or infrequent user. c.Some of the banter, especially when people disagree over trivial things can be negative.My mom always said, "opinions are like assholes. Everybody's got one." No need for multiple posts of "I'm right and you're wrong." Life's too short let it go!

You forgot cute horny boy!

It's been 4 years since I've been to thailand (that's gonna change in 2 weeks) but last time I was there NN had an office in Pattaya where you could buy tickets and they took you there and back without the need for 1 day advance booking. Sorry I cannot remember where the booking office was located, but it was a short and inexpensive tuk tuk ride from my hotel near Boyztown. BTW, on the way home they dropped off directly at my hotel.