Gaybutton

It's the only short-term suggestion I can come up with. I have nothing to do with the actual programing, so I cannot personally fix the problem or restore the 'IPB 2.2.0 default' option. I don't know what happened to it any more than you do. All I can tell you is that Firefox works beautifully with this site and the problem doesn't exist for me. I do know that both Stef and GayThailand read the board and they are aware of the problem. I cannot speak to why they have not commented about it, but I am sure they are trying to fix the problem. Is anyone else out there who uses IE 7 experiencing the same problem Buaseng is having?

I use the Firefox browser, which after becoming accustomed to it, I like much better than IE 7 anyhow. It works beautifully with Firefox. Why not give it a try?

Those of you following the situation in Burma may be interested in what you will see when you click the following link: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2007/10/01...es_30050787.php

Maybe so. Now that the web site will certainly go offline because I revealed such a deep, dark secret that people could not possibly have discovered on their own, I guess I'll have to take the blame.

I went to the fireworks display. I was right at the Bali Hai pier. The show began at 7:15 PM and for about ten minutes it truly started off as one of the most spectacular fireworks displays I have ever seen. Then something went wrong. A set of fireworks went off, but instead of rising vertically as it was supposed to, it veered off horizontally, nearly hitting a boat (couldn't see whether people were on it) and then hit the water, causing a loud explosion. The crowd waited few moments. Nobody was sure whether that was part of the show or accidental. A police officer was standing next to me and was using his police radio. Then he turned to me and said, in English, "It hitting water. Show cancel now." I suppose for safety reasons they decided to cancel the rest of the show. Everyone ended up leaving disappointed.

I was back in Villa Market today. Good news. Now they do have hamburger buns. As a matter of fact they have two brands of them, one of which is the same brand they have at Foodland. They are a little hard to spot. I spotted them by sheer accident. When you enter the store, go to the opposite end of the bread counter and look on the lower shelves. That's where they are. Also, Villa Market is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Excellent! The only other 24-hour grocery store, besides the 7-Elevens, that I know of in Pattaya is Foodland.

According to PATTAYA PEOPLE, it will begin at 7:00 PM. I haven't been able to find any other time announcements. http://www.pattayapeople.com/default.asp?F...;IdArticle=7728

The following appears in the BANGKOK POST: _____ Hollywood (Agencies, BangkokPost.com) - Actor/director Sylvester Stallone suffered a series of death threats on the Thai-Burmese set of the upcoming movie sequel about heroic John Rambo. He also provided Hollywood reporters with some unique accounts of events along the frontier that seem more out of one of the Rambo movie scripts than real life. Stallone and his crew made the movie around the border of Thailand and troubled Burma, where he insists a "full-scale genocide" is currently going on. The 61-year-old, who witnessed refugees fleeing from Burma to Thailand, and the crew received a "lot of threats" and were warned they'd be shot. Stallone tells TV show Entertainment Tonight, "It's the most brutal regime in the world and the most secretive. It has an oppressive regime that (keeps all riches) for themselves. Everyone is forced into drugs or prostitution or slavery. "People are escaping all the time (from Burma), coming over with gaping, maggot-infested wounds, their ears being cut off. You saw a lot of suffering, a lot of malnutrition. "We were on the Salween River and we were told to get out because we were going to be shot."

I can't answer you about why you are still getting everything centered. Is anyone else out there still having that problem? I can, however, help you a little bit with getting rid of the banners. I use Adblock plus, which is a free program. You can download it at http://adblockplus.org/en . You might have to block a lot of ads until it stops all of them on certain web sites, including this one, but once you do you're not plagued by them anymore.

Yes, while I think Villa Market is excellent, that still doesn't mean that it might not be necessary to shop around for specific items elsewhere. Before Villa Market opened, my priorities were to start at Carrefour, and if Carrefour didn't have what I want, I would then try Foodland, Tops, Friendship, Best, Food Mart, Lotus, and Big-C, usually in that order. Most of the time I would eventually find what I was looking for unless it was an item that just isn't carried in Thailand at all. Now that Villa Market has opened, I think from now on that's going to be my first stop.

I went to the Villa Market today too. As Wowpow says, "At last!" Villa Market is now open and I stopped by today. My first impression as I walked in was 'magnificent.' This is quite a grocery store. First, if you are not familiar with the location, it's on the ground floor of the new Cineplex. Getting there from Pattayaland, or just about anywhere else in south Pattaya or Jomtien, if you don't have a car just take a baht bus north on Second Road. Shortly after you pass the Royal Garden shopping mall, start looking for Soi 13. That's where it is. Those of you familiar with the Lek Hotel, it's about half a block before you get there. If you drive, then I suggest going up Soi Starboys (That's what I call it. I don't know the actual name of the soi, but it's the one where the Star Boys bar is). The entrance to the parking lot is on that soi. What a grocery store! As you enter, they have a very nice luncheonette, similar to the one at Foodland if you're familar with it. Prices are quite inexpensive, ranging from 50 baht for soups up to 250 baht if you want a steak dinner. As soon as you enter the grocery store itself, the first thing you'll encounter is their bakery. There is a fabulous selection of fresh baked breads, including breads from the Continental Bakery. They even have several different varieties of bagels. As a matter of fact, in their frozen food section they also have Lender's Bagels, if you are a fan of those. I haven't seen that brand anywhere else in Thailand. After the bakery section comes the produce section, filled with the highest quality fruits and vegetables. Free samples are given out at the produce section. In fact, free samples are given out all throughout the store, including their deli section, the bakery, and even in their liquor area. There is one of the best selections of liquors and wines that I've encountered anywhere in Thailand and they were giving out free samples of several different wines and beers. Their deli section is excellent. They carry many brands that you won't find elsewhere. I did not, however, see any corned beef. I was a little disappointed in that, but I don't have to be. I was talking with one of the store managers and asked about special orders. I was told that you can special order just about anything they don't normally carry. They'll be happy to special order it for you and call you once whatever it is arrives. Speaking of store staff, there are plenty of English speaking staff members, all of whom were very friendly and helpful. If you're looking for something, but can't find it, just ask. They're delighted to help. They won't just point and say "over there." They'll take you right to it. I was also impressed with their meats section. They carry many cuts of beef, for example, that I haven't seen elsewhere. They even have brisket. I haven't seen a brisket since leaving the USA. Some of the items I noticed, items I haven't seen elsewhere, included things like English muffins, frozen Healthy Choice and Lean Cuisine dinners, real maple syrup, many different kinds of coffees including Maxwell House and Taster's Choice, Wishbone salad dressings, Birds Eye frozen vegetables, a full selection of various Sara Lee products, Jello, Reese's Peanut Butter Cups (that's for you, Jomtien), and the list goes on and on. You'll just have to see for yourself. Within the Cineplex shopping center many of the stores have already opened and many are still not ready. Of course, both the movie theater and bowling alley are already open. There are some good restaurants there too, such as Shenanigan's, Au Bon Pain, BKK Grill, and an international food court is under construction and coming soon. I think most of you will enjoy a visit to the Cineplex and I know the "farang" living here are going to be greatly pleased with the Villa Market.

Click the following link for details: http://www.pattayamail.com/current/news.shtml#hd2

That's hard to say. It worked quite well for me, that's for sure. Most of the kiosks still offer a good view of the boys and some are more private, depending on what you are looking for. I think, as anything else, some people are going to like it and some won't. The best thought I can offer is for people to try the bar and decide for themselves whether they like the way it is done.

This evening was the opening night for Jungle Boys and some friends and I have the distinction of being the first customers. That didn't last long. Within an hour the bar was packed. I arrived at 8:00 PM. The bar was getting crowded by 8:30. I stayed until 11:30 and when I left it was still packed. It was easy to see that these boys really were new to the bar scene. At first they were a little awkward and unsure of what to do. That didn't last long either. As the bar started getting crowded, the boys became much more sure of themselves and by the time I left, they had shed all of their inhibitions and seemed to be really enjoying themselves. There was absolutely none of the usual totally bored attitude so common in many bars. Most of the boys come from Khorat. Most are boy-next-door types and there will be more coming. All of them were very friendly and seemed to be having just as good a time as the customers. I know I certainly enjoyed it thoroughly. One of the things I most enjoyed about the bar was not only the friendliness, but the cozy, welcoming atmosphere. I didn't feel as if I was just another customer, sitting in the audience and only ogling the boys. I felt more as if I was somehow a part of it all and every customer's presence is significant. The boys do not wear number badges. Instead they wear name badges. I like that idea. The numbers seem so impersonal, but the simple idea of having the boys wear name badges changed that and gave each boy an individual personality. Only a few boys dance at a time. The other boys "float" and 'kibbitz' with the customers, but are not pushy or aggressive in any way. There are no pushy mama-sans, thank goodness. If you call a boy over to sit with you, you will neither be pressured to buy the boy a drink nor pressured to take him "off." The bar does allow smoking, but the owner told me that he is in the process of having a ventilation system installed that will quickly clear out any smoke. The boys are not allowed to smoke, even when sitting with customers. There is a staff room for them and if they want to smoke, that's where they have to go. Beer and soft drinks are 100 baht. Hard drinks are 120 baht. I meant to ask the price of "off" fees and, of course, forgot all about it. Perhaps someone else can tell us that before I have a chance to go again. I really enjoyed Jungle Boys. The owner has put quite an effort into it and I think the bar will be a great success. There are still more innovations to come, but the bar was as ready as he could have made it in time for the announced opening. He has really been working hard. Last night, he said, he got a grand total of three hours sleep. I think this is a fabulous bar with a truly innovative concept. I think most people who give it a try are going to enjoy it as much as I did and will be repeat customers and will be there often. Congratulations to the owners of Jungle Boys. You have truly introduced something new to the Pattaya bar scene and I think your efforts will be very well received.

No, I'm sorry, but I don't. I don't understand why you are still experiencing the problem. It's working fine for me now. I'm sorry. I assumed that if it's working for me then it's working for everyone. I use the Firefox browser, if that helps. The only suggestion I can come up with is to try clearing your cache and hitting the refresh button. The web site owner is certain to see this post, so he will be aware that there is still a problem. It might help to let him know what browser you're using.

The U.N. seems to be all talk and no action. Commercial flights are still running between Burma and Thailand. Thai Air Force stands ready to evacuate Thais if the situation becomes dangerous for them. Thailand has issued travel warnings not to go to Burma. The following appears in the BANGKOK POST: _____ Air Force on Standby to Evacuate Thais POST REPORTERS The Foreign Ministry has urged people to seriously reconsider plans to travel to Burma while the military has begun drawing up an evacuation plan for Thai nationals as the security situation there continued to deteriorate yesterday. People should closely watch developments in Burma before deciding to travel there, the ministry said. Foreign Ministry spokesman Tharit Charunvat said the Thai embassy had called on Thais in Rangoon to stay in contact with the embassy after Burmese troops began to use violence to try and stamp out a monk-led uprising yesterday. Roughly 200 Thai diplomats and businessmen are known to be residing in the former Burmese capital. Events in Burma have also forced Defence Minister Gen Boonrawd Somtas to indefinitely postpone a scheduled visit to strengthen military ties with the ruling junta there today. Supreme Commander Gen Boonsang Niampradit said the armed forces are being constantly updated on the situation by the Thai ambassador and military attaches in Burma. He said a contingency plan was being drawn up and aircraft were on stand-by to evacuate Thai nationals in case the situation worsens. Authorities are also monitoring the situation along the Thai-Burmese border but checkpoints remain open and commercial flights were also still operating between Thailand and Burma yesterday. The National Legislative Assembly will today ask the government to adopt a clear stance on the growing troubles. ''The government must take a clear stand on this issue,'' said legislator Wallop Tangkhananurak. However, while most people were expressing fears of a repeat of violent crackdowns during the 1988 uprising that left thousands dead, some were voicing concerns of how the unrest may affect trade. ''I hope the protest will not get out of hand and lead to border closures as it will have repercussions on border trade,'' said Pattana Sitthisombat, president of the Chiang Rai chamber of commerce.

The problem seems to be solved, so I'm un-pinning this topic.

I do know, at least when it comes to central and northern Thailand. Many smaller cities have such resorts, especially in areas where there are no appreciable hotel facilities. I have stayed in such places a few times, but I was staying as a traveler and not as a short-timer. Some of these places are very nice, spotlessly clean, conveniently located, and are usually quite inexpensive. I remember one, for example, in Chainat that was much nicer than some hotel rooms I've been in. It was in a beautiful setting. It's been a couple years, but if I remember correctly the room had an air conditioner, television, and may have had a hot shower. I'm not sure if I'm remembering that correctly or not, but I do remember the room was about 400 baht per night. It never occurred to me that these places might also be used as short-time rooms, but now that you mention it, that's most likely true. I have been told that many paddy boys and buffalo tenders out in the rural boondocks are perfectly willing to make themselves available for a few hundred baht. I've never attempted it, but several Thai boys have told me that it's true. They don't expect a lot of "farang" to come driving up making offers, but locals often partake. That's what I've been told, anyway.

It's the same location as the Nok Nok bar used to be.

What you say makes sense and is entirely logical, which is exactly why I doubt it will ever happen that way.

The home delivery of newspapers certainly seems promising. I don't think I've ever seen that sort of service in Thailand. I also like the dog walking idea. I have spotted a dog grooming businesses in Pattaya and they seem to be doing quite well. Something else included with that could also be pet feeding. Many people have pets or would like pets, but can't take pets with them when they travel. That sort of service could solve that problem. Something else you mentioned to me, but did not include in your post, is a shopping service. Door-to-Door has grocery store items available for delivery, but it is quite limited. I have a feeling that there might be enough people who don't want to be bothered with shopping, but know what they want and from which stores they want it that such a business idea just might work.

Perhaps now they do just that. As far as I know, this is the first time bars have been closed or otherwise penalized on the basis of the off-duty behavior of their employees, so there was no precedent. Quite frankly, I doubt that prior to this incident any of the bars really gave a damn about whether the boys were druggies or not, as long as they behaved themselves during working hours. I don't know which boys from which bars were caught. Maybe those boys really were fired as a result. As far as whether bars are going to be routinely closed whenever their employees are found to be on drugs, that remains to be seen. There have been no raids since this incident. We'll have to wait and see what happens next time there is one. What really amazes me is the fact that it was well known that the police often do perform drug tests during raids and arrest anyone found to be on drugs. While no bars were ever closed before as a result, everyone in Sunee Plaza knew this raid was coming at least a full hour ahead of time. The under-age boys got out long before the police showed up. Your guess is as good as mine as to why some of the boys on drugs didn't also disappear.

For those of you following the Burmese uprising, I suggest this web site: http://english.dvb.no

I'm not a lawyer, but I'm wondering why these phones are locked solely to AT&T in the first place. Why isn't that a violation of anti trust laws?

Aside from the helmetless motorcyclists, who would even notice?