Gaybutton

I'm not worrying, but I'm interested. I don't think it's too early for that. Neither do the Republicans.

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Romney Picked as 2012 GOP Front-Runner Conservative activists on Saturday named former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney the winner of a poll for best 2012 GOP presidential candidate. The poll marked the third consecutive year Romney came out on top. Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal placed second in the annual poll, conducted at the Conservative Political Action Conference. Romney received 20 percent of the vote and Jindal got 14 percent. Close behind were Texas Rep. Ron Paul and Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, who each received 13 percent of the vote. The results were culled over two days from 1,757 of the party activists who came to Washington for the annual conference and filled out ballots on Thursday and Friday. Nearly 60 percent of the straw poll participants were between the ages of 18 and 25. More than half of the conference attendees this year were college students. The choices in the poll were: Florida Gov. Charlie Crist; former House speaker Newt Gingrich; former New York City mayor Rudy Giuliani; former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee; Jindal; Paul; Palin; Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty; Romney; South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford, and "Undecided." There was also space on the ballot for a write-in candidate. The results could go a long way in shoring up a presidential hopeful's conservative resume, as was the case with Romney when he won the straw poll in 2007 for 2008. The eventual Republican nominee, Sen. John McCain, finished fifth in the 2007 vote, and lost to Romney in 2008 as conservatives at the conference expressed frustration that the Senate maverick was close to cinching up the nomination. In criticizing Obama and House Democrats in a speech Friday, Romney -- often interrupted by standing ovations -- made clear that he intends to remain a player in Republican politics as he eyes a potential presidential bid in 2012. CPAC attendees also were able to vote on their approval of President Obama and Republicans in Congress. Only 4 percent said they approve of the job Obama is doing. CPAC ended Saturday with radio talk show host Rush Limbaugh delivering the keynote address. Limbaugh called on conservatives to take the country back. "I want to tell you who conservatives are. We conservatives have not done a good enough job of just laying out basically who we are because we make the mistake of assuming that people know," he said. "We love people. When we look out over the United States of America, when we're anywhere, when we see a group of people such as this or anywhere, we see Americans." In order to take the country back, Limbaugh said, "All we need is to nominate the right candidate. It's no more complicated than that." Limbaugh praised Obama as one of the most gifted politicans he has seen, but said, "It just breaks my heart that he does not use these extraordinary talents and gifts to motivate and inspire the American people to be the best they can be. He's doing just the opposite." Limbaugh accused Obama of wanting people to be in fear instead of motivating the country. In the absence of a clear GOP leader, a political ad airing Friday put out by supporters of Obama implies the conservative radio host has himself become the de facto head of the Republican Party. The ad argues that the Republican leadership in Congress is following Limbaugh's lead in opposing the Obama administration's $787 billion stimulus package. "So who are Republican leaders listening to?," the announcer asks before the 30-second ad cuts abruptly to footage of Limbaugh saying, "I want him [Obama] to fail." It was paid for by Americans United for Change and the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) union, two groups that supported Obama during the election and are advocating for his agenda. In response to the ad, the Republican National Committee said, "The Democrats are running a permanent campaign rather than doing the bipartisan work of governing." Read about the new ad "These ads are part of the Democrats' larger strategy to do something, anything, to try to take the focus off their massive spending binge," RNC spokesman Alex Conant said. Meanwhile, throughout the conference, other Republican leaders and rising stars took turns at the podium. Pawlenty told the conference audience Saturday that Republicans must do a better job of reaching out to working-class voters, a group he said agrees with the GOP on most issues, from gun rights to health care to education. The problem, Pawlenty said, is that lower and middle income voters -- a group he terms "Sam's Club voters" -- don't believe Republicans "are for the working person." He said the party must stress its commitment to job creation and market itself "with a feel and concern and tone and an understanding of the importance and the challenges of the working class of this country. "And it doesn't mean we have to sacrifice our principles to do it," Pawlenty said. Like most of the Republicans who have addressed the annual gathering of conservatives this week, Pawlenty characterized the White House economy recovery package as a "sprawling spending buffet." The governor bemoaned the president's budget plan, unveiled earlier this week, which predicted a $1.75 trillion deficit for the upcoming fiscal year. "A day or two later the Democrats convened a fiscal responsibility summit," he said. "What's next? Are they going to have Rod Blagojevich convene an ethics summit?" Pawlenty and his wife Mary also spoke Friday night to a closed-door reception for "Rebuild the Party," a Web-based grassroots initiative to modernize the party. On Friday, Romney and Gingrich packed the ballroom. Texas Rep. Ron Paul also drew a big crowd and lots of applause. Paul said the conservative movement has struggled to define what it means to be a conservative.

The link to that editorial is: http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/local/1252...ory-gay-reality That editorial brought out something I hadn't really thought of. The gay farang community was certainly upset over this, but how did the gay Thai population feel? Are they outraged over the few people responsible for the threats that shut down the parade or do they view the entire Red Shirt movement as supportive of this incident? Are Thai gays willing to speak out about it? You might be interested in the following: http://blog.nationmultimedia.com/SoHo/2009/02/28/entry-1 ____________________ Here is another editorial I found in the BANGKOK POST: _____ Rak Chiang Mai 51: A pride or a disgrace for Chiang Mai? by Veera Prateepchaikul Organisers of last Saturday’s Gay Pride parade in Chiang Mai are demanding an apology from the Rak Chiang Mai 51 group for what they described as an uncivilized action by some 30 red-shirt hooligans who broke up the parade with force and intimidation. There is not much that the organisers who comprise non-governmental organizations working on HIV/Aids problem can do towards the Rak Chiang Mai 51 group as they are too civilized. But they should have known better that even a verbal apology from the group would be impossible because the self-righteous group believes they are above the law and thus immune to any legal sanctions. According to news reports, some 30 red shirts went to Tawan Trendy Mall where a stage was built to welcome the Gay Pride parade which was due to kick off from Buddasathan, through the Night Bazaar and finally ending at the mall. Once there, the red shirts launched verbal attacks against the event claiming that it was unsuitable and would tarnish the city’s reputation. The gang then dismantled the stage and threatened to resort to violence if the parade was to be held, forcing the organisers to call off the event. This latest thuggish act by the red shirts associated with the Rak Chiang Mai 51 has not only shamed the northern capital well-known the world over for the friendliness and hospitality of its people but may turn away many would-be visitors. Several state agencies have avoided Chiang Mai as a venue of their seminars or meetings for fear that they will be disrupted by the red shirts. For those who may not have any memory about the notoriety of the Rak Chiang Mai 51 group, the followings are some of the incidents perpetrated by the group’s red-shirts: A few days before the breakup of the Gay Pride parade last Saturday, dozens of red shirts went to Chiang Mai provincial hall where hundreds of corn farmers were protesting and demanding help from the government. The red shirts tried to intervene but they were rejected by the farmers who made clear they did not want politics to get mixed up with their protest. But the red-shirt leaders felt offended by the rejection and engaged in angry arguments with the farmers. Luckily, there was no violent incident. On January 23, a few hundred red shirts led by Mr Petchavak Wattanapongsirikul, self-appointed leader of Rak Chiang Mai 51 raided a branch monastery of the Santi Asoke sect in Chiang Mai under a false pretext that some illegal objects might be hidden in the premise. The red shirts’ blatant act stunned the Santi Asoke followers who are mostly children, women and the elderly. However, these people did not put up any resistance and allowed the red shirts to make the arbitrary searches which produced nothing illegal. A similar ugly incident occurred in Lampang province when some 300 Rak Chiang Mai 51 red shirts went to Lampang Regent Lodge hotel to make searches after it was reported that Chaiwat Sinsuwong, a People’s Alliance for Democracy leader, was due to attend a seminar organized by PAD’s Lampang chapter. And there was that shameful incident which happened at Chiang Mai University when one red-shirt protester slapped the face of a female lecturer who tried unsuccessfully to talk reasons with a group of red-shirt protesters who attempted to break up a get-together party of the university alumni in search of Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thuagsuban who was reported to attend the event as an alumnae. But the worst violent incident involving the Rak Chiang Mai 51 group was the red shirts’ raid last year of a community radio station of a PAD follower in the northern capital. The father of the station owner who was a very old man was allegedly beaten to death by the red-shirt protesters. Of all the violent incidents involving Chiang Mai’s red shirts, the Rak Chiang Mai 51 leaders have never made any apology or shown remorse for the death of the poor defendless old man beaten to death in a cowardly manner by the red shirts. The reluctance of the Chiang Mai police to take legal actions against the law breakers seems to have emboldened the Rak Chiang Mai 51 to the extent that they believe they can take law into their own hands and can escape scot free for all the violence perpetrated by their street thugs. Despite the notoriety of the Rak Chiang Mai 51 and the shame the group has brought on the northern capital, one may wonder aloud what has happened to the city and its people? How can they be so apathetic and so tolerable with such senselessness without uttering a voice of protest?

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Legendary broadcaster Paul Harvey Dies (CNN) -- Paul Harvey, the legendary radio host whose career sharing "the rest of the story" with listeners spanned more than 70 years, has died, according to ABC Radio Networks. He was 90. Harvey died at a hospital in Phoenix, Arizona, where he kept a winter home, said Louis Adams, a spokesman for the networks. He was surrounded by family members when he died, Adams said. Known for his deliberate delivery and pregnant pauses, Harvey's broadcasts were heard on more than 1,200 radio stations and 400 Armed Forces networks and his commentaries appeared in 300 newspapers, according to his Web site. He had been hosting his radio shows part-time for much of the past year, after recovering from physical ailments including pneumonia and the death of his wife, Lynne "Angel" Harvey in May 2008. "My father and mother created from thin air what one day became radio and television news," said Harvey's son, Paul Harvey Jr., in a written statement. "So, in the past year, an industry has lost its godparents and today millions have lost a friend." Born in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Harvey began his radio career in 1933 at KVOO-AM there while he was still in high school, his Web site says. He helped clean the station and was eventually was allowed to fill in on air, reading news and commercials. "Paul Harvey was one of the most gifted and beloved broadcasters in our nation's history," ABC Radio Networks President Jim Robinson said in a written statement. "As he delivered the news each day with his own unique style and commentary, his voice became a trusted friend in American households." Some critics faulted Harvey for the way he seamlessly intertwined news stories with advertisements, which he often read in his own voice in the middle of a story. But his accolades were plentiful -- from his 1990 induction into the National Radio Hall of Fame to receiving the Presidential Medal of Freedom from then-President George W. Bush in 2005. "Paul was a friendly and familiar voice in the lives of millions of Americans," Bush said Saturday in a written statement. "His commentary entertained, enlightened, and informed. Laura and I are pleased to have known this fine man, and our thoughts and prayers are with his family." No cause of death was immediately known.

My congratulations too. I gave lvdkeyes a call when I returned home from the breakfast. He told me GT had already informed him and he said, "I'm just stunned!" He said he didn't come to the breakfast because by the time he woke up this morning it was already too late for him to get there. On top of that, Pattaya had another heavy rain storm this morning. For those of you who did not know about the breakfast, GT was generous enough to host a breakfast at the Marriott this morning for invited guests. The guests invited were those who were eligible to win the contest and some additional people who post on the board and are local in Pattaya. We wanted to make sure we had people who could attest to the fact that nothing was 'rigged.' Those in attendance, along with GT and myself, were PattayaMale, GaySacGuy, and Shebavon. Although they were not contenders to win, Geezer and RichLB were also with us. Yes, as GT says, the names went into a real hat. Our hostess was a young Dutch lady who is a management trainee at the Marriott. We asked her to do the honors when it came time to draw the winning name. GaySacGuy was the official photographer for us. Today he is returning to Ubon Ratchathani. After he arrives home he'll get the photos posted. GayThailand is also leaving us this evening. He's headed off to the USA and expects to return to Thailand in about two months. So, a good time was had by all. I'm almost sorry to see the contest come to an end. I got so used to counting and tallying posts that now I'm going to have to figure out something else to do! Again, congratulations to lvdkeyes. For those who didn't win, now is the time to start trying to convince GT to sponsor another contest . . .

That's telling 'em! I agree that it is probably best not to say something if you don't really know what you're talking about. By the way, how do you know that none of the people who posted on this thread are doctors and/or have no training as diagnosticians . . . . . . ?

Here's the final Tally: Steve1903 - 176 posts, name in hat 49 times KhorTose - 211 posts, name in hat 46 times GaySacGuy - 227 posts, name in hat 47 times Shebavon - 268 posts, name in hat 43 times Slackersam - 300 posts, name in hat 40 times Laurence - 303 posts, name in hat 63 times Astrrro - 311 posts, name in hat 73 times Pattayamale - 370 posts, name in hat 87 times lvdkeyes - 472 posts, name in hat 80 times fountainhall - 529 posts, name in hat 80 times MonkeySee - 848 posts, name in hat 119 times

Don't forget to save some change for the toll booth they'll set up on the jetway as you're about to enter the aircraft.

That's right. That's the place.

"I'll give him a cookie and send him home." - Don Rickles

"Either you're dead or my watch stopped." - Groucho Marx

Then inquiring minds need to go and see for themselves. There are some of each.

Now all three threads are merged into this one.

First it was the 'J.J. Pub' (not to be confused with the J.J. Karaoke. They are two different venues). Then it became the 'Hey Nicky' bar. Now it's 'Number One.' To get there from Pattaya Tai, just go up the soi on the east side of Tuk Com. In case you're not sure which soi that is, if you were standing in front of Tuk Com, facing Tuk Com, it's the soi on the left side, where all the motorbikes and cars go up the one-way soi to park. When you go up that soi, you'll come to an intersection at the rear of Tuk Com. Keep going one more intersection. You'll pass the J.J. Karaoke. Turn left at that second intersection, as if you were headed for Tuk Com's car park. As soon as you make that left, there it is. You would have to be completely blind to miss it. Also, while you are on the soi that takes you past Tuk Com, you'll spot a large sign for 'Number One.' If, for some reason, you still can't find it, just ask anybody at the back of Tuk Com. I agree with you in that I think everyone ought to at least go and give it a try. Just because it didn't particularly excite me doesn't mean that you won't love it. You can't go by my opinion or anybody else's opinion. You need to try it for yourself.

Ryanair Considers Charging Passengers to Pee LONDON, England (CNN) -- The ever budget-conscious boss of Ryanair has suggested the discount airline may start charging passengers for using the toilet on board its flights. Michael O'Leary said the airline had revived inquiries into whether the airline could install coin-operated toilets on its fleet. "People might actually have to spend a pound to spend a penny in future," he said in a BBC interview, adding "We're always in Ryanair looking at the ways of constantly lowering the costs of air travel and making it more affordable and easier for passengers to fly with us." Asked by the incredulous presenter what passengers would do if they found themselves without money mid-flight, O'Leary replied: "I don't think there is anybody in history that has got on board a Ryanair aircraft with less than a pound." Sound Off: Is it fair to charge a fee for a flush? The Irish airline is renowned for its cheap flights and regularly advertises competition-crushing deals to boost capacity on its short-haul routes. The company has made no secret of its quest to boost revenue by any means possible. It already charges for food and each bag checked into the hold is subject to a fee. Last week Ryanair announced plans to remove all its check-in counters in an effort to encourage travelers to take just one piece of hand-luggage. Ryanair's latest revenue-raising proposal has surprised few in the industry who are accustomed to its method of business. "It seems Ryanair is prepared to plumb any depth to make a fast buck and, once again, is putting profit before the comfort of its customer," said Rochelle Turner, Head of Research at Which? Holiday. The consumer group also warned that move might hit Ryanair where it hurts. "Charging people to go to the toilet might result in fewer people buying overpriced drinks on board, though -- that would serve Ryanair right," Turner said.

The following appears in THE NATION: _____ Ex Post-Officeman Gets 50 Years By The Nation Published on February 28, 2009 The Criminal Court yesterday sentenced a former postoffice official to 50 years in jail for embezzling nearly Bt300,000. Komkrit "Soranat" Wongsasing took Bt299,674 from 24 money orders between November 16, 2000 and March 2, 2001 when processing money orders at Dusit Post Office. Komkrit, 32, has returned the money to Cat Telecom, which organises money orders via post offices. "I was too young to realise I was doing wrong. I was worried about taking care of my elderly parents," he said. Because Komkrit pleaded guilty, the court commuted his sentence from 100 years. He was convicted of abuse of authority and corruption. Komkrit was arrested on November 18 last year.

That's an idea. I prefer the simple approach. I'll just leave a nice turd for them out in the aisle. Hasn't it occurred to this airline that people would probably prefer to pay a few cents more for their ticket than to have to put a coin in the slot to use a toilet?

This evening I did just that. I went with a few friends. As I thought, it's really no different from any other go-go bar. The common complaint among us was the music volume - far too loud for us. We had to shout to be heard, and even shouting at the person right next to you, it was still hard to hear. Also, they allow smoking inside. The boys on stage mostly were doing the usual "one knee shuffle," although I will say that some were dancing and appearing to have a good time. There is a cabaret show at 11:00pm. I understand that several participants in the show are Tiffany's Show boys. I dislike cabaret shows, so I was gone prior to the show. I didn't think to ask about off fees. I had a gin and tonic. 150 baht. One of my friends had a Coca Cola. 120 baht. The bar is owned by a Japanese lady-man.

"You're forgetting just one little thing. You ain't been invited yet." - John Wayne, 'The Sons of Katie Elder'

My place . . . . . . .?

Why? They're all coming here . . . . . .

Crab? Moi? Whatever gave you that idea? Personally I prefer son-of-a-bitch, but I suppose I can live with whatever is pitched . . . Actually, I think GT posted his message just to make me have to sit up late counting posts for a couple more nights . . .

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If your post is directed at me, I'm not knocking it at all. As a matter of fact, I hope they succeed. If you go back over posts I've made throughout the years, you'll find I've always tried to convince people to go to the Soi Day-Night bars, especially during the days when there were several of them. The problem was that people just wouldn't go to those bars. Those bars were no different from the other sets of go-go bars in town, so my conclusion is the problem was the very fact that they were no different. If Number One is also no different, and I have no way to know because I haven't gone yet, then based on past history I see little chance for success. On the other hand, if they are offering something truly unique, something to make it truly worthwhile going there, then they probably have a good chance. Lek's bar failed because he spread himself too thin and really didn't offer much of anything any different from what you could find anywhere else. Birdcage failed. I thought their ideas were good ones and I thought their concept was unique, but people didn't seem to like their show and the criticisms and suggestions for improvement fell on deaf ears. Its real chance of success came to an end when Mr. Quill was no longer able to be a part of it. I have always believed Soi Day-Night has a lot of potential, but the trick is getting people to go there. If it turns out to be the same kind of go-go bar that you can find in the main gay areas of Pattaya, then somehow I doubt it will be standing room only. I think what will happen is people will go at first, out of curiosity, but if the bar isn't giving them a very good reason to return, then I doubt that they'll get the customer numbers they'll need in order to succeed. That's been the history of Soi Day-Night bars and I see no reason to think it will be any different now. Again, I'd love to see Soi Day-Night become the fourth main gay venue area of Pattaya, but Number One is going to have provide something especially attractive to people, especially in light of the fact that so many bars tried that area and failed. If they are able to achieve success, then other people might try investing in that area again and Soi Day-Night will have a good chance. That's going to be tough to do. Simply hanging a new shingle on the door, but offering nothing particularly exciting or different from the other bars in town won't be enough. You know how to get me to be a regular? All it would take would be to keep the music volume at a reasonable level.