Gaybutton

Excellent! That's right. A lot of people think they were selling spaghetti sauce. I think the old-timers out there will easily get this one right: Old Gold, Chesterfield, and Carlton were brand names. What was being sold?

I'm not so sure that would work. Unless something truly effective is done to put a stop to the corruption, I doubt that simply raising salaries would change much of any of it. No matter how much money corrupt cops get, it's never enough. Why would they stop fleecing people if it is still just as easy? When it comes to money, the more the merrier.

That's one of my little peeves too. There are several words that are commonly mispronounced. It's one thing if someone is new to Thailand, but many have heard these words spoken for years and still insist on mispronouncing them. I think the most common mispronunciation is 'farang'. It is correctly pronounced 'fa-RAHNG' or 'fa-LAHNG'. Take your pick, but it is definitely not pronounced 'fa-RANG' as in rang a bell. It is also definitely not pronounced 'FAIR-rang.' I hear that one too. I know several people who are aware of exactly how these words are correctly pronounced, but they just won't do it. It's another item on my "I Don't Get It" list.

I know that one! And this time you've got it wrong. It wasn't his daughter. It was his niece, Penny. The airplane was the Songbird. Here's one for you: Remember the television commercial "Mama mia, dat's a spicy meatball-a"? What was being sold?

First, it's Sunee Plaza, not "Sunny" Plaza. I've unsuccessfully tried to eliminate that confusion for years. Technically you are correct about the locations of the various bars. Most people, however, refer to that entire area as Sunee Plaza. So do I, even though the two I mention are actually outside of Sunee Plaza. I've never really understood the confusion about the name. The signs are clearly marked, "Sunee Plaza." The actual Sunee Plaza is owned by Madame Sunee (pronounced SOO nee - one of the few Thai words in which the first syllable is emphasized). It has nothing to do with the sun. The most common misspellings, along with mispronunciations, are 'sunny' and 'sunnee.'

This evening I was in Sunee Plaza, but only for a short while. I did not enter any of the bars, but I did notice that Happy Bar is open again. Also, Look Bar is now a thing of the past. I don't know whether it was sold or simply changed hands, but it definitely has a new name. Now it's called Playboys. As you may know, Look Bar was recently raided. Now it has a new name. It is not uncommon for bars to be raided, get forcibly shut down, and then quickly reopen under a new name. I am only guessing, but I have a feeling that may account for the demise of Look Bar and the opening of Playboys Bar.

I just lost two baht. I don't have any idea. I don't even remember Pat Brady. The only thing I remember is recently seeing an out-take video somewhere of Trigger taking a shit while they were filming a scene.

In my opinion, whether they can be responsible or not, the fact remains that these stories and articles are frightening a significant number of people from even entering their shops. So, now it becomes their problem. They're going to have to figure out what to do to allay those fears. People are going to have to feel assured that there is no way for them to become victims of some sort of set-up and extortion racket. Considering the number of people who go through the airport every day and the number of people who buy duty-free items every day, even if the stories are true, the odds of being caught up in that kind of situation are remote. But people are frightened anyway. Personally, I can't think of anything I need so badly or savings substantial enough to risk the possibility, and I know nothing would probably happen. But given these stories, I would probably still walk right by the duty-free shops and do my waiting at the gate. I think part of what adds to the problem is that there are so many scams perpetrated against farang in Thailand that it makes the possibility of being caught up in this kind of situation seem not at all far fetched.

I didn't look it up. Somewhere in the back of my mind I'm thinking of Bob Keeshan, who later became Captain Kangaroo. That's the only Bob I remember offhand from that time period . . . unless of course it was you.

For further details, see: http://www.suneeplaza.info/cgi-bin/page.pl?p=home

It's a budget accommodation. You get what you pay for. You're not going to get luxury hotel quality, but it's as good as you would expect a guesthouse to be. It's within easy walking distance to Sunee Plaza. I know several people who can easily afford luxurious accommodations, but prefer Two Guys. For guest house quality, you're not going to find anything better, less expensive, or in a better location than Two Guys. Howard's is also a good quality guest house accommodation, similar price range, and just as close to Sunee Plaza. That would be a good choice too. The major difference is, as I see it, Two Guys has a small restaurant. Howard's does not.

"Do you realize that Howdy Doody's parents were the Doodys? 'Hello, I'd like you to meet Mr. and Mrs. Doody.'" - George Carlin

Compared to the dinner we had last night, it's hard to believe you're talking about the same restaurant. I had the chicken schnitzel too. There wasn't even a hint of grease on any of our food, and there were six of us. It wasn't just me. We loved it. I have a feeling that whoever cooked our food last night isn't the same person who cooked yours. If anyone else gives it a try, please tell us your own experience. My group gave it a 'thumbs-up.' Lvdkeyes gives it a 'thumbs-down.' I think we need a tie breaker here.

Because some people like to stir up trouble, with or without reason. In the future, to avoid this sort of thing, I think Mark ought to simply post "Krazy Dragon will be closed on August 12" and leave it at that. The important thing is the bar will be closed, not why it will be closed. If people start asking why the bar will be closed, if it were me you know what I would do? I would totally ignore the question. Sometimes, no matter what you do on these boards, you just can't win. Somebody is always going to be right there to create problems where none existed and start making baseless insinuations. There was no reason to start implying that Mark is somehow lying about his reasons. The bar will be closed on August 12. Now everybody knows. Is there anyone out there who hasn't figured that out? If anyone wants to start questioning his reasons, then send him a PM or go to the bar and ask him face-to-face, which I would bet none of the people making the insinuations will ever do. What's wrong with some people, anyway? People are complaining about bars going out of business and the prices charged in so many bars. Meanwhile most people who have been to Krazy Dragon say they greatly enjoy it and Mark's prices are lower than any of the other go-go bars. So, he gets thanked for that by, in effect, being called a liar? Way to go . . .

Isn't anyone else going to take a shot at this? Damn, Bob, are we the only old farts here who remember any of those?

I certainly agree with that.

There are so many holidays I can't keep track of what takes place on which holiday, but if I recall correctly, on this particular holiday the bars were allowed to remain open, but were not allowed to serve alcohol.

In my opinion, when someone logs on and posts negative assumptions or accusations that someone is lying, especially when he has absolutely no basis for such an assumption, then no respect whatsoever is due.

Here's my attempt: 1. In the 1940's, where were automobile headlight dimmer switches located? b. On the floor board, to the left of the clutch. 2. The bottle top of a Royal Crown Cola bottle had holes in it.. For what was it used? b. To sprinkle clothes before ironing. 3. Why was having milk delivered a problem in northern winters? c. Milkmen left deliveries outside of front doors and milk would freeze, expanding and pushing up the cardboard bottle top. 4. What was the popular chewing gum named for a game of chance? a. Blackjack 5. What method did women use to look as if they were wearing stockings when none were available due to rationing during WW II? b. Leg painting 6. What postwar car turned automotive design on its ear when you couldn't tell whether it was coming or going? a. Studebaker 7. Which was a popular candy when you were a kid? c. Wax coke-shaped bottles with colored sugar water inside. 8. How was Butch wax used? a. To stiffen a flat-top haircut so it stood up. 9. Before inline skates, how did you keep your roller skates attached to your shoes? a. With clamps, tightened by a skate key. 10. As a kid, what was considered the best way to reach a decision? c. Eeny-meeny-miney-mo. 11. What was the most dreaded disease in the 1940's and 1950's? c. Polio 12.. 'I'll be down to get you in a ________, Honey' c. Streetcar 13. What was the name of Caroline Kennedy's pony? c. Macaroni 14. What was a Duck-and-Cover Drill? c. Hiding under your desk, and covering your head with your arms in an A-bomb drill. 15. What was the name of the Indian Princess on the Howdy Doody show? c. Princess Moonshadow 16. What did all the really savvy students do when mimeographed tests were handed out in school? a. Immediately sniffed the purple ink, as this was believed to get you high. 17. Why did your Mom shop in stores that gave Green Stamps with purchases? b. They could be put in special books and redeemed for various household items. 18. Praise the Lord, & pass the _________? c. Ammunition 19. What was the name of the singing group that made the song 'Cabdriver' a hit? a. The Ink Spots 20. Who left his heart in San Francisco ? a. Tony Bennett

Yes, that's true. It was the only way I could get any . . .

I'm not sure, but I think I heard the owner say that he will be carrying corned beef before too long. I could be wrong about that . . . I wasn't paying much attention at that moment . . . but I think that's what he said.

If you are Jewish, or simply enjoy Kosher food, now Pattaya has an excellent restaurant, King David Kosher. There is an excellent review in PATTATA PEOPLE: http://www.pattayapeople.com/default.asp?Folder=16&IdArticle=18061 The restaurant is located on Third Road, just a couple blocks south of the X-yte Disco, on the other side of the street at Soi 22. Some of you may remember a now out-of-business restaurant, "Hans." King David Kosher is located in the same building. A group of six of us tried it last night, some Jewish, some not. All of us loved it. The service was excellent and so was the food. It was a very friendly atmosphere. Between the six of us, we tried all the items in the review and were greatly pleased with all of it. The dishes are served to everyone at the same time. It is not done "Thai style" in which some people can be completely finished before others are even served. If you want the matzo-ball soup, they ask that you call in two days in advance so they can prepare it. You can also call ahead if you wish special order items that are not on the menu. The upstairs part of the restaurant has been converted into a synagogue. Religious services are held daily and all are welcome. They, of course, have religious services for all the major Jewish holidays, followed by specially prepared holiday foods. You are welcome for those as well. They ask that you call ahead about 10 days in advance for those holidays, especially if you wish to attend the Passover Seder. They do carry hard-to-find Jewish food products, such as matzo. If you are looking for something they don't have, they will be happy to try to get it for you. The article is slightly in error. The restaurant is not closed on Friday. They close at sundown on Friday and reopen at sundown on Saturday.

The following appears in the BANGKOK POST: _____ Samui Crash Kills Pilot Officials Say Rain, Wind Struck Plane as it Landed Writer: SUPAPONG CHAOLAN AND AMORNRAT MAHITTHIROOK Published: 5/08/2009 Aviation officials have rushed to Koh Samui to begin investigating the crash of the Bangkok Airways plane which killed the pilot and injured 12 people, four of them seriously. Those injured include the co-pilot, the two crew members and nine passengers. The accident yesterday forced the closure of the one-runway airport and it will remain out of action until the Civil Aviation Department officials order the debris to be cleared. Witnesses to the accident, including airport staff, have suggested a heavy rainstorm at the time was likely to have disrupted the landing of PG 226 from Krabi which had 68 passengers, two pilots and two crew members on board, the CAD said. The accident occurred at 2.30pm. The French-manufactured 70-seat ATR 72-500 aircraft skidded off the runway as it was touching down in heavy rains and strong winds. It crashed into an old air traffic control tower. Bangkok Airways president Puttipong Prasarttong-osoth said the pilot apparently died on impact. Mr Puttipong and CAD director-general Kannika Khemawuthanont said civil aviation officials were dispatched to the resort island to investigate the accident along with Bangkok Airways staff. As the airport was closed, the officials had to take a flight to Surat Thani and continue to the resort island by ferry. Deputy chief of the department Wutthichai Singmanee said the investigators needed to examine the flight recorder first. The front part of the plane hit the old air traffic control tower which had been transformed into a fire station. The front section was severely damaged. Mr Puttipong said chief pilot Chartchai Pansuwan, 58, who died in the crash, was an experienced operator and had piloted ATR72-500 aircraft for 14 years. The aircraft was commissioned in 2001 and had flown more than 19,000 flights. The aircraft, including accident coverage, was insured for US$250 million (8.5 billion baht) with Bangkok Insurance Co. The four passengers seriously injured were two Britons, one Swiss and one Italian. Most of the injured suffered broken legs or leg wounds. Mr Puttipong said most of the passengers were foreign tourists including nationals of Germany, the Netherlands, Israel, Spain and France. Somchai Baimuang of the Meteorological Department yesterday said strong winds reaching 30 knots were recorded at the time of the crash. An official at the airport who asked not to be named said there were heavy rains and strong winds before the landing. "During the landing there was a strong wind. What happened is similar to the crash of the One-Two-Go plane in Phuket," he said. On Sept 16, 2007, a One-Two-Go plane crashed while landing in bad weather in Phuket, killing 88 people. Health officials said nine people remained hospitalised including the co-pilot who was among the last to be evacuated from the aircraft. Following the crash, calls for donations of blood Type B were made through television and radio stations. The airport closure forced Thai Airways International to cancel two flights, TG 288 and TG 287, between Bangkok and Samui. According to THAI, the cancellation affected 292 passengers and accommodation would be arranged for them. Bangkok Airways has set up an emergency call centre number - 02 265 8777. Samui airport currently handles 16 flights a day. That figures increases to 24 during the high season. ____________________ And this, from THE NATION: _____ Bangkok Airways Crash Kills Captain, Injures 11 Published on August 5, 2009 A Bangkok Airways turboprop skidded off a runway on the southern resort island of Koh Samui yesterday, killing its pilot and injuring 11 passengers and crew. Airline president Puttipong Prasarttong-osoth said Captain Chartchai Punsuwan was killed when the aircraft, an ATR72-500, hit an unused air-traffic-control tower. The co-pilot was injured in the accident, Puttipong said, adding that Chartchai had flown for Bangkok Airways for 19 years. The captain also had 17 years' experience flying the ATR 72-500. The accident took place amid heavy rain as the pilots attempted to land. Eyewitnesses said there was a loud noise when the aircraft hit the tower following the landing, after which a fire broke out that killed the pilot and injured 11 others. The ATR72-500 can seat 70 passengers. Koh Samui Airport is closed temporarily while the Civil Aviation Department investigates the cause of the accident. Puttipong said four passengers received serious injuries: two Britons, one Spaniard and one Italian. Bangkok Airways' insurers will be responsible for compensation. The aircraft is covered by Bangkok Insurance for US$250 million (Bt8.5 billion). The airline yesterday cancelled seven flights out of Koh Samui Airport and another seven to the island. Passengers on Koh Samui were transferred by boat to Surat Thani Airport for charter flights to Bangkok. Bangkok Airways is allowed to operate 34 flights a day |to Koh Samui, while Thai Airways (THAI) has a twice-daily service. THAI senior executive vice president Narongsak Sanga-pong said the national flag carrier also had to suspend its service to Koh Samui, due to the airport's closure. As a result, two return flights were suspended, affecting 292 passengers. Once the airport reopens, the company will resume its normal flight schedule. Treated in hospital Injured passengers Bangkok-Samui Hospital Thanawat Premrudee, 35, co-pilot Linda Thongkorn, 28, crew member Supanasa Namjit, 25, crew member Nicolas Havel, 39, Briton Panteli Pantelis, 39, Briton Joyce Goosleng, 26, Briton Claire Ballantye, 38, Briton Elodie Lacovangelo, 41, Swiss Mirella Gastaldi, 39, Italian Ban Don Inter Hospital Abreheam Gzaaf, 42, Dutch Lucar Gzaaf, 11, Dutch

Neither did I. Of course I also never got any. But I did send flowers to my hands every so often . . .

In all honesty I fail to see the problem. In a bar you would check a boy's ID card before taking him off, wouldn't you? Why wouldn't you do the same thing when you meet a boy from Gay Romeo? I never have a Gay Romeo boy come to my place at first. I meet him in some sort of neutral territory. If there is the slightest doubt about his age, I'll check his ID card. Also, in all honesty, I have never had a problem with any boy I met via Gay Romeo. I've never had one steal. I've never had one lie to me about his age. The only kind of problem I've ever encountered is when a boy who sounded very exciting when we chatted turned out to be a dud. Some will try to tell you they are not interested in money. The usual reason they give is they are looking for a boyfriend. It has been my experience that the more they insist they are not money boys, the more likely they are to be money boys. I don't mind that if they are honest about it up front. Some of the best boys I have ever met came from Gay Romeo. I agree that caution is certainly the smart thing to do, but I don't see a reason to feel that you need to be so overly cautious that the caution now turns to fear. Read the guestbooks. Many people write their honest opinions of the boys they've met in those guestbooks. If someone has written something negative about the boy, there are plenty of others to choose from. I love Gay Romeo. I'd much rather meet a boy via Gay Romeo than taking a boy off from a bar.