Bob

Heck, might be more fun if we all could give out warning points. I remain disappointed, though, that I have none to either to display in my trophy case or to dole out as presents.

Well, I was thinking of some more S&Ms delivered, of course, by Khun Thaiworthy in his best leather gear. Come to think of it, Khun TW could do the US a favor by spanking several Republicans until they're able to spell the word "compromise." Seriously, I think it's probably beyond reality to think one can erase most of the nastiness in the US elections and its politics, at least in the short term. It would be nice, though, if somehow we could limit the electioneering to a 4-6 month time period immediately prior to a given election. That ought to give the politicians a bit more time to actually get something done! Alternatively, electing a President for only one 6 or 8 year term might also help. And, importantly, change the terms for all senators and congressmen to a single (or even multiple) 6-year terms. As it is for the House now (2-year terms), those bastards are actually attending fund raisers prior to the time they even enter office! A whole lot has to change before it's going to get much better.

While you raise some notions I'd partly agree with, I do believe you tend to paint a bleaker picture regarding some matters than what's true reality. With respect to various voting machines, I have no doubt that out of 100+ million votes, thousands likely are in error (but, so what, that's miniscule). Millions of votes aren't counted 24 hours later? I suppose that's possible somewhere but I'm not sure where that might be. Not in my home state of Michigan (where there maybe be a thousand or two votes not counted as yet as they wait review); however, that's a small minority of the more than 4.5 million votes cast in Michigan and, of course, it would not make any difference with the result. I suppose we could have a state where the final result in that state could be in doubt (Florida again?) but, again, it makes no difference how that turns out to the ultimate outcome. Money has definitely corrupted the system especially since the Supreme Court ruled there are no limits for PACS. I hope Obama gets a chance to replace one of the right-wing justices in the next 4 years and then maybe there can be another review of the campaign finance laws Congress enacted but the Supreme Court partially tossed out. Yea, the whole process is messy and it always has been. But, ultimately, it's worked fairly well (not perfectly) for 220+ years. That's not too bad. No comment on the "Laos" issue you raised - not because I don't agree with the concept that the bombing should never have happened (just like the Vietnam war should have never happened) - but I do award you the non-sequitur award of the week for straying there.

Nah, just good eyesight and taste.

As horribly non-observant as I can sometimes be, I never noticed this before. Now I'm feeling left out as I don't have any (warning points). Can I buy some? I'd like to give a few out for Christmas.

I suppose the phrase "making more milk" in isolation is a bit odd but, other than that, I'm somewhat missing why you think the title is funny. It's all about how mothers can help their bodies produce/make more milk for their newborns.

Twice and I only hesitate to mention them as I consider such incidents essentially non-existent here in Thailand. Once (8-10 years ago) in Pattaya on Walking Street by a group of rowdy Russians and once (last year) in a girlie bar by the Chiangmai moat by a drunken lout (almost had to have fisticuffs with that dork).

Hmm, you've confirmed what I said - he's a Johnny-come-lately! But he's often slow on the uptake. (above, I should have said "earlier than 10:38AM YESTERDAY..."

That interloper!?! Unless he provided the answer prior to 10:38AM (Thai time) this morning, he's way behind the curve.....

That's it, leave us in suspense. So, what was the problem?

A boy scout, you surely ain't. Given your obvious superlative ability to handle even the most minor of crises, I'd recommend you either get rid of the candles or get yourself a couple of really good fire extinguishers and an assistant who can figure out how to work them!

That's what's made me slightly wonder if I had the right name.....as I can think of no American President so named. Now, even though the topic is about an American President, Koko now's suggesting he meant another President....perhaps Nelson Mandela? Really cheesy, that clue...hehe.

I just tried it too and came up with the same figure (4,300 baht) that you did. And notice that most of the "web promotion" flights are already sold out! If you don't mind going out of DMK, Air Asia has a 3,500 baht price. Just noticed on the "promotions" section of Bangkok Airways website that the promotion they list for BKK/CNX plainly lists the promotion round trip as 4,300 baht. And....adds the following: Surcharge: Fare is exclusive of airport taxes. Remark: Limited Seats per flight

Damn, maybe I don't know it! My clue about the deformities related to the man who I thought the horse was named after. But if it's that name, I sure as hell can't think of an American President with that name (although there was a man from New York State who attempted to garner the Republican nomination for President who had the same name).

Not sure about the DVD player (could be anything) but your speaker problem is likely just a wiring issue. Very unlikely that a speaker would go out and certainly not more than one. You'll obviously need somebody to wade into the maze behind your tv to figure out what's happening (and everything could be wired through the dvd player or surround system if you have one of those). Just for the hell of it, might want to check your tools (or some equivalent name) section of your tv, surround system, and dvd player to make sure the sound is on (and/or turned up high enough to hear).

Hmmm....have read a couple of biographies, ol' George had several horses and all apparently had different names (and some, it seems, had names that changed over time). But I think I know which name you're referring to (was the horse, perhaps, missing a leg and the sight in one eye?).

Out of curiosity, are these pool tables (larger pockets, etc.) typical in a bar in the US or snooker tables? In at least some of the photos, looks like the old standard pool (not snooker) table I'm more used to from the states.

Damn! I'm now in love (about the 17th photo showing the Aquix swimwear with lime green & yellow side bands). I was hoping that you would allow me my fantasy as to what the wearer of that outfit might look like but I do see him wearing a blue tie in a couple of other photos; nevertheless, like many others, a fine-looking dude. As usual, some very nice photos.

I can't seem to google up any information about the content of the show itself but I'm imagining it could be a very clever adaptation of an "odd couple" type scenario involving an older gay couple. I hope the writing and comedic skills of the writer(s) can even come close to matching/fitting the capabilities of these two superb actors. Could be really witty and funny as hell.

Contrary to some thinking, not everything in Thailand is for sale. There are lots of principled poor folk here although I'd have to agree that there are not too many of them floating around certain sections of Pattaya or Bangkok.

Respectfully, you're dead wrong. And, if you think that it would be wise for Michael to even attempt a forced solution here without some active support of the boy's immediate caregivers (whether that be momma, grandma, or dad), I respectfully and wholeheartedly disagree.

Disagree or not, Michael asked for some opinions here and he's gotten them. My opinion may be "negative" to some but from my view it's an honest assessment as to what Michael and the boy are facing (based, of course, on what we understand from the information Michael's provided us). No doubt, as mentioned, Michael's motives are good and he most definitely has a "jai dee" heart; that, however, absolutely doesn't change the family background and attitudes about the value of a better education. I'm doubtful if Michael can make the educational choices for the boy without the family's consent and I generally believe that the kid won't really take good advantage of any special or improved education without at least attitudinal support by family members (and I gather there is little or none of that). And, unlike the west, a good education provides less of a springboard to success here than in the west and good jobs and careers here depend more on who you know versus what you know. Anything you can do, Michael, certainly is "good" and it's even possible (I've been there, done that, a few times) that you feel the effort is worth it even if the prognosis for a good end result is poor. So, as they say, take your best shot and do whatever it is (if anything) you feel might be helpful. I've paid for college/university educations (and some high school) for more than one Thai guy here and I don't regret a moment of it. There are positives - both in they being smarter or more educated and my own private satisfaction with making the effort; however, if one asked me to honestly assess as to whether any of that actually made any difference whatsoever in the current lives or careers (or lack thereof) of the participants, I'd have to be honest and simply say "no." Still, as noted, I don't regret the effort and I think the whole process has led me to better understand how things really work here in Thailand.

While your motives certainly are commendable, Michael, I'm doubtful that whatever you do will do any good. Without a revamped educational system (which isn't going to happen at least within a time frame to help this kid) and without some reasonable parental/grandparental encouragement (which seems to be totally lacking), it's difficult for me to believe you'll get anything accomplished with/for the kid. Plus, sad or not, even if he had a decent education, his future success at finding a decent job is 99% tied to who he or his relatives know. That's just how it works here.

Ditto. Makes me want to go back to Taipei and see the event in person.

Nice photos, Michael. And, yes, when the rice plants approach harvest time, there's something about that green color and "waving grains of rice" that's really beautiful.