Gaybutton

There are actually two ways coconuts for drinking are most commonly sold in Thailand. One is the chilled large green coconuts that you get when you go to the beach. The other is a roasted coconut. I don't particularly care for the roasted ones, but a lot of people love it. When you're here, try both. This photo is of the roasted coconuts:

As an aside, one thing about the way White House press conferences are done has always bothered me. That's the preferential treatment the more prominent and well known reporters get when it comes to who gets picked to ask questions. I would rather see something such as a prominent reporter gets the first question, then the next question comes from a reporter whose name was earlier drawn out of a hat or something, then a prominent reporter, followed by another name drawn out of a hat, and so on. That might be kind of a dumb way to do it, but I'd like to see the reporter questions done in a more "everybody's equal" manner.

I used to take pics in bars, always with permission or by request of the bar owner, but no more. Many customers get very upset when someone is taking photos, even when they clearly see that the camera is not aimed in their direction. Because of that, I don't do it anymore. However, any bar owner who wishes to post his own photos here is welcome to do so.

I have a feeling it was a lot less voluntary than meets the eye. I think it was probably made clear to her to either retire immediately or get fired. Either way, I still can't help but think she was over-punished for what she said. The most stupid aspect of it, in my opinion, is not only coming out with these comments, but making them at a Jewish heritage event at the White House. Still, I think a suspension would have been sufficient. She was a reporter for close to 60 years and arguably the most famous and important White House correspondent in history. She comes out with one grossly outrageous statement after all that time and she ends up treated as if she were a criminal. I think she deserved punishment for what she did, but not to this extent. I don't think the punishment fits the crime and I don't think she is being treated fairly. But, apparently few people, if any, agree with me.

It is not necessary to suggest the absolutely obvious when the perfectly obvious will do. I don't think I asked why someone doesn't call. I think I asked if someone has called. If I wanted to know that badly, then yes I would call. But I'm asking out of curiosity, not necessity, and I'm not curious enough to start calling airlines. I'm not planning to go anyplace any time soon and even if I do go, I'm not buying a ticket for someone else.

Ray Charles

I disagree. I don't think she's gone over edge, getting senile, or anything else. She made an extremely stupid comment publicly. Again, everybody says something they regret sometimes. I certainly do, almost daily - sometimes more than once daily. I have not lost my respect for her because of her statement. You know who I've lost respect for? The news agencies she worked for so many years, that's who. Every one of them instantly threw her right to the wolves. When Andy Rooney made a stupid controversial comment one time, CBS suspended him, but they didn't just throw him away like a piece of garbage. But that's what these news agencies did to Helen Thomas and I think that stinks, no matter how inappropriate her comments were. I think she deserves better than that. After all these years she makes one terrible comment, and they respond like this. I also think the real reason the news agencies instantly got rid of her was only for the sake of appearances. I don't believe for one second that any of them really, truly gave a damn about what she said. I think the correct response would have been to suspend her, but not to flat out dissociate themselves from her and force her to retire.

I agree. I think her comments were a BIG mistake on her part. But I also think that too much is being made of it. After all, who hasn't put his foot in his mouth every so often and said something they would give anything not to have said? I think she should be embarrassed, criticized, and have to apologize for it, but to have to end the career she's had because of it? I think that's overreacting.

I understand that, but I'm talking about what to do if you want to buy a ticket for someone else, such as RichLB wants to do. Also, if I'm going to buy a ticket through a Thai travel agent, I'm very likely going to pay cash for it. I guess it's a good thing my name isn't Hussein Achmed Babalaba. In other words, how do you buy a ticket for someone other than yourself if the airlines now have this kind of policy in place? Has anyone asked the airlines that question? I'll give you another circumstance. You're in your home country. Your Thai boyfriend manages to get a visa to visit you. Now you want to buy a ticket for him. How? Not only will he not be the person named on the credit card, he won't even have the credit card. Even if you want to travel together, you buy two tickets - one for him and one for yourself. His name still won't be on the credit card that purchased the ticket. I mean what do you have to do, go to a bank, somehow get a credit card for him, put the ticket money in his account, and then let him buy the ticket himself? Doesn't that strike you as just a wee bit on the absurd side? Another scenario - Let's say the airlines don't have a problem if you've bought two tickets with your credit card, one for yourself and one for your boyfriend, as long as that was made clear at the time of purchase, you can show the credit card when you're checking in, and as long as you are traveling together. At the last minute, for some reason you can't go, but the boyfriend still can go himself. Now what happens? So, again - how do you buy a ticket for someone else? One other question - Just what is this policy supposed to accomplish in the first place? Welcome, once again, to my "I Don't Get It" list.

I still don't see it.

Helen Thomas Retires By Anne E. Kornblut Veteran White House reporter Helen Thomas announced Monday that she is retiring, effective immediately, in the wake of a controversy over her comments on Israel, according to a report from her employer, Hearst News Service. Thomas told a rabbi at a White House event last week that Jews should "get the hell out of Palestine" and go back to Germany and Poland. "I deeply regret my comments I made last week regarding the Israelis and the Palestinians," Thomas said in a statement on her Web site. "They do not reflect my heart-felt belief that peace will come to the Middle East only when all parties recognize the need for mutual respect and tolerance. May that day come soon." http://voices.washingtonpost.com/44/2010/06/gibbs-helen-thomas-remarks-off.html http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Aeqb8h0I-Bg

Has anybody called any of the airlines to ask how to handle it if you're buying a ticket for someone else? I can't believe the airlines would have some sort of policy in place that prevents it from being possible to buy a ticket for someone else when using a credit card. Also, what about a ticket paid for in cash?

Maybe there used to be one, but if it's there it's either no longer visible or it's very well hidden. If it's there, I can't find it.

Last night I tried mine. Now, I'm no cook, but mine came out really good - juicy, very tender, and very flavorful, so I'm certainly pleased and that's where I'll be shopping when I want beef of that quality from now on. Have you tried yours yet? You mentioned that he's less expensive than Villa Market and I think Villa Market is less expensive than the grocery store in Central, so in my opinion this guy has the best prime beef at the best prices.

I was wondering who was going to be the first to say it . . .

There is no such thing . . .

Thank you, Mr. Reagan . . . And I never said it would double their customers, but I'm definitely saying it will prevent them from losing a lot of customers. I'm saying that. So is the poll results. And as long as we're twisting each other's words (but it's too loud) . . . http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8FTTFo6mcug

Last night I spent some time at the opening. They've really done a beautiful job. It's a very friendly place and the boys working there couldn't be any nicer or more attentive. Yaya himself speaks English quite well (and he's damned good looking!). There won't be a communication problem and Yaya is right there to help you if a translation problem does occur. There is seating at the bar as well as comfortable seating outside. My drink was a drink. I actually got a good gin-&-tonic, not a glass full of tonic with a slight hint of gin as you get in some other bars I've been in. They do have a computer station set up and there was also one on the bar. It's a good place, well worth dropping by next time you're in Sunee Plaza. I certainly was very pleased. I felt genuinely welcomed and that my business was truly appreciated. I think this bar will quickly become a favorite.

Ok, I won't let it stop me, just as it doesn't stop you from disregarding results staring you right in the face. Noooooo, that poll can't really represent how most farang customers feel. No way. The reality is that these results represent the opinion of just a few people who happen to post here, but if we had a way to poll all the farang customers then the real results would surely be entirely different. Bar owners, take note. Don't pay attention to these results. The best thing to do is disregard them.

And you don't think the poll is an accurate representation of how most customers feel about the music volume???? Great. Turn up the volume. Make the music as loud as it can get. In fact, get more speakers. Customers are going to love it. They're sure to flock right to those bars.

While that is true, it's hardly the point. I'm with Lvdkeyes on this one. I don't get it. It's crazy. What happens if your credit card has been lost or stolen? That could happen right in the airport if you happen to be the victim of a pickpocket. I've also seen ATMs eat credit cards. What does happen if you paid cash for the ticket? Given that all kinds of things could happen to a credit card, it's difficult to understand that airlines would require seeing the card that bought the ticket and if you can't produce it, you don't get to board the flight. I don't understand why they would need to see it in the first place. If you have other forms of identification, what's the necessity of the credit card? Who comes up with these ideas, anyway? I can just picture the executive meeting at the airline: "Hey Dan. I just thought of a good way to increase security. Let's start requiring passengers to show their credit cards. You know, the one they bought their ticket with. That's a sure fire way to cut down on terrorist tactics." "What's that supposed to accomplish?" "Well, that way we can make sure nobody boards a plane if their ticket was paid for by Ali Ben Gabba." "Great idea! Phil, call the printer. Let's get this one rolling before the end of the day." "I'm working on another idea. This one's perfect. It'll solve all our security problems!" "What's that, Phil?" "Nobody gets to board the plane. Bing-O! No more security issues!"

I wonder what you have to show if you pay cash for a ticket. If it were me and I was buying the ticket for someone else, before purchasing I would ask the airline how to work that. I would think they have some sort of alternative if you tell them at the time you're purchasing the ticket that it's for someone else.

Also, Rhonda at Norcross Travel can get tickets, even when the flight originates in Thailand. I'm sure she'll put the ticket in whatever name you want. If you use Skype or a similar program, calls to toll-free numbers in the USA are free. Rhonda's number in the USA is 888-888-7157. She'll issue an E-ticket. All you would have to do is download and print it out and take it with you to the check-in counter at the airport. If for any reason your friend can't download and print it, you can do it for him and give it to him or mail it to him. She has always gotten tickets for me at much lower prices than anywhere else, so it might be worth talking to her before you commit to anything locally.

Not yet. I just discovered this place today and it isn't even dinner time yet. I did buy some beef and I'm going out to dinner tonight, but I'll try it tomorrow or the next day. I don't think he carries lamb, but I could be wrong. I didn't notice any and it didn't occur to me to ask what he can get that isn't present in the shop. But give it a try. Besides, you know light years more about cooking that I'll even know, so your opinion will carry far more validity than my own. I'm anxious to know what you think of it.

Today I noticed a small butcher shop called Prime Beef. They are located on Central Road (Pattaya Klang) just past Soi 6, about a half a block before you get as far as Foodland, on the same side of the road, as you're headed toward Sukhumvit. I spoke to the owner. He has been there for 8 months and I never noticed this shop before today. He has all kinds of prime beef, ranging from steaks to prime rib, and at reasonable prices. He also has a store in Bangkok. If you're looking for good, aged, grain fed prime beef, you might want to stop in and have a look.