Wino

All you have to do is to observe the motorbikes and you will see them going the wrong way, driving on the sidewalk (pavement for Brits), weaving in and out of traffic, jumping the lights, ignoring the lights and passing on the left side. I know there are other violations; what did I miss?

Overloading the small bikes with passengers, chickens, pigs, and other market goods.

I have a hard time believing this number. Do you know what the source is for this one?

The Department of Justice puts the U.S. homicide rate at 4.2 per 100,000 in 1909. The U.S. population was about 90,000,000. So, that would be at least 3,700 homicides.

Interestingly enough, after a couple of spikes in the 80s and 90s, the current homicide rate is back down to 1960s levels at 5.2 per 100,000. Of course, the spooky thing is that only 6 out 10 murders are cleared by arrest.

Not sure where these facts came from. A friend emailed me these stats and I thought they were interesting. Could be similiar to some of the facts you hear on the Fox network.

Non unionized employees help the bottom line.

Sure the labor costs are cheaper, but cost of the airplanes, the fuel and landing fees are still very expensive.

I did not realize when I posted that MIA had listed in the title that the event starts September 28 and goes to October 4. I guess the big day is the last day?

It's because of the quality of the motorbikes, the style of driving, and the roads. It's because of the stupidity of drivers who don't look where they are going and come zooming out of intersections. It's because of the constant going the wrong way on divided roads and one-way streets.

I don't think it is because of the quality of the motorbikes. Suzuki, Yamaha, Honda and the like are good quality bikes. It is the crazy drivers and all the traffic, in my opinion.

I am in no way defending Roman for what he did. It was wrong and stupid, but why go after him 30 some odd years later? I don't get it. The victim wants him free. The French and Europeans think he should be free. At 77, what good will it do to put him in jail? Like he is a child predator and we need to keep him off the streets? I think there must be ulterior motives here, although I don't know what that could be. The expense of valuable resources doesn’t make any sense. I thought the State of California didn't have any money! Why arrest him now? Good god he has been to Switzerland many times and is reported to own a chalet, there. Why the international manhunt now for a 30 year old case? Must be one of those closet terrorists.

Getting off the plane at Don Muang I always felt a rush of excitement, ah the good ole days.

I had the same feelings. I still have the excitement but the rush is long gone.

I don't understand why more poeple don't just do a Thaksin and get out of the country.

I think Roman did do a Thaksin and got out of the country, or did Thaksin do a Roman?

I think the airport in Bangkok is very functional and much nicer than Don Muang, but not sure if it is 'world class.'

I love Thailand for many reasons. The lovely Thai people are high on the list but there are many other things. The weather is hot, butI like it much more than the cold of Europe and North America. The food is another reason. The cost of living is relatively cheap and your money usually goes a long way. And the list goes on.

there is every possibility that the 'crazy American' who invaded her house wasn't acting alone.

The 'crazy American' was not acting alone. He admitted that God told him to do it.

Go legalize it.

A lot of women (I suppose from Thailand as well, or perhaps in Thailand specifically) believe that the existence of prostitution reduces rape incidences by some number.

In Roman times and in the early days of the Christian church, prostitution was condoned. Not sure if it was to reduce rape but maybe just to release man's pent-up energy???

A friend of mine said that the Buffalo races are on September 28, this year.

But word of caution - only use motorbikes if you know how to drive one, and if you know and completely understand how the rules of the road work.

Remember that even expert bikers get into accidents - how much more would the risk be if you don't know how to drive one?

While motorbikes are a great way to experience Thailand - do make sure that you adhere to safety rules of the government. Till then, take care!

Even if you are an expert biker, driving in Thailand can be very hazardous. Although I use motorcycle taxis and have driven a motorcycle in Thailand, it still scares the devil out of me.

THE YEAR 1909 in the United States of America

One hundred years ago.

What a difference a century makes! Here are some statistics for the Year 1909 :

************ ********* ********* ******

The average life expectancy was 47 years.

Only 14 percent of the homes had a bathtub.

Only 8 percent of the homes had a telephone.

There were only 8,000 cars and only 144 miles of paved roads.

The maximum speed limit in most cities was 10 mph.

The tallest structure in the world was the Eiffel Tower

The average wage in 1909 was 22 cents per hour.

The average worker made between $200 and $400 per year ...

-A competent accountant could expect to earn $2000 per year,

-A dentist $2,500 per year,

-A veterinarian between $1,500 and $4,000 per year,

-A mechanical engineer about $5,000 per year..

More than 95 percent of all births took place at HOME .

Ninety percent of all doctors had NO COLLEGE EDUCATION! Instead, they attended so-called medical schools, many of which were condemned in the press AND by the government as 'substandard'.

Sugar cost four cents a pound.

Eggs were fourteen cents a dozen.

Coffee was fifteen cents a pound.

Most women only washed their hair once a month, and used Borax or egg yolks for shampoo..

Five leading causes of death were:

1. Pneumonia and influenza

2. Tuberculosis

3. Diarrhea

4. Heart disease

5. Stroke

The American flag had 45 stars.

The population of Las Vegas , Nevada was only 30 !!

Crossword puzzles, canned beer, and ice tea hadn't been invented yet.

There was no Mother's Day or Father's Day.

Two out of every 10 adults couldn't read or write.

Only 6 percent of all Americans had graduated from high school.

Marijuana, heroin, and morphine were all available over the counter at the local corner drugstores.

Back then pharmacists said, "Heroin clears the complexion, gives buoyancy to the mind, regulates the stomach and bowels and is, in fact, a perfect guardian of health."

Eighteen percent of households had at least one full-time servant or domestic help.

There were about 230 reported murders in the ENTIRE U.S.A.!

20% off in Oct and Nov if you book before the end of Sept.

Mods, please move to whichever sub-forum is most appropriate.

I find it hard to believe that Air Asia can make any money because their fares are so cheap. They must be doing OK because they are expanding into more markets. Keep up the good work.

The victim was paid an undisclosed amount by Roman Polanski.

I heard that the victim did file a civil lawsuit and reached an undisclosed settlement. The victim, Samantha Geimer, who long ago identified herself publicly, has joined in Polanski's bid for dismissal, saying she wants the case to be over. I think the victim's wishes should hold some weight. What exactly were the charges? I thought it was unlawful sexual intercourse with a minor. Or was it rape?

I ensure a daily endorphin release via strenuous exercise a minimum of five times weekly.

I use to love that endorphin release. I have been out of that routine for a while, but hope to find the energy and time to do it again. Maybe get my fat ass back on my bike?

Just saw an article in the Bangkok Post. They mentioned Suvarnabhumi airport aims to be one of the top 10 best airports in the world. Do you think Bangkok's airport is really world class? I am no expert, but not sure if I would say Bangkok's airport is in the top ten category. I really like the airport in Singapore. What do you think?

Madrid.

Maybe Madrid, but does the International Olympic Committee want to conduct the Games in Europe again after London 2012?

The International Olympic Committee will choose a city to host the 2016 Summer Olympics on Friday in Copenhagen. The candidates are Tokyo, Rio, Madrid and Chicago. Who do you think will win?

Susan Atkins was able to get married twice when she was in prison? What's wrong with Charlie? He is probably to fond of his cellmate, Bubba.

The Department of Justice certainly has plenty to do. However, the context of this case should not be forgotten. Roman Polanski plead guilty, not on some whimsical lark. He plead down to sexual intercourse with a minor. A minor in this case was a thirteen year old girl, that he hired as a photographic model. He drugged her with sedatives and alcohol, then had non consensual sex with her. He plead guilty because he wanted to serve less jail time. While on bail awaiting sentencing, he apparently had a change of heart. He fled to Europe. I don't think a question of innocence has been raised. Somehow only forfeiture of bail seems inadequate in this case.

The victim, now 43 years old, thinks it is not wise to bring this issue back after 30 years. I heard Roman fled the country after the judge did not go along with the negotiated plea bargain.

Another place to visit in Chaing Mai is the zoo. I really enjoyed walking around and enjoying the animals and gardens. Watching the pandas at feeding time was an added treat.

But now that it's obvious that the flu is really minor that should become the story, not all this fear mongering claptrap.

What would the media do without all the fear mongering. Many the bird flu will come back in vogue?