TotallyOz

President Obama plans to name Solicitor General Elena Kagan on Monday as his nominee to replace retiring Justice John Paul Stevens on the Supreme Court, two sources close to the process told CNN. Kagan to be Supreme Court nominee, sources say - CNN.com I hope this story is accurate as I know Kagan will be a fantastic justice. Way to go Obama. You have balls.

The Saturday Night Live with Betty White this week was fantastic. It was the best SNL skit in years. Betty really did a great job and the writers kept the show moving fast. Watch it!

Did anyone see Saturday Night Live last night?

Yes, I see. The greatest monologue this week was Bill Maher. Watch his show this week. It is a riot.

I think we all spend different amounts when we come to the amazing LOS. Thailand is full of some of the hottest gay action on earth. IMHO, I don't think anywhere else compares. I often get asked how much is spent on a typical stay and I tell everyone that most people can afford a trip to Thailand no matter what their budget. The largest cost is the airplane (for a short trip). What do you spend on a typical day in paradise? Accommodation Food Taxis/Tuk Tuk/Baht Bus/Motorcyle Rental Barfines/Off Fees Tips/ShortTime/LongTime Drinks/Alcohol/Booze/Liters Miscellaneous

I get several PM's every day and this week I have gotten 4 about how much to pay for short times. I usually recommend that people search the forums or give them general suggestions. Here is what I suggest (this is not required but a general suggestion). Bangkok - GoGo Bar: 1500 baht Short time 2500 baht Long Time Free Lance / Gay Romeo: 1000 baht Short Time 2000 baht Long Time Pattaya - GoGo Bar 1200-1500 Short Time 2500 baht Long Time Free Lance / Gay Romeo: 800-1000 Short Time 1500-2000 Long Time Some will say that Sunee is cheaper and the prices should be less. Some will say the prices in Bangkok should be paid all over LOS. Some may say the price suggestions above are too much and some too little. It is only a suggestion that I am given when asked.

On April 13, the "rent boy" (whom we'll call Lucien) arrived at Miami International Airport on Iberian Airlines Flight 6123, after a ten-day, fully subsidized trip to Europe. He was soon followed out of customs by an old man with an atavistic mustache and a desperate blond comb-over, pushing an overburdened baggage cart. That man was George Alan Rekers, of North Miami — the callboy's client and, as it happens, one of America's most prominent anti-gay activists. Rekers, a Baptist minister who is a leading scholar for the Christian right, left the terminal with his gay escort, looking a bit discomfited when a picture of the two was snapped with a hot-pink digital camera. Reached by New Times before a trip to Bermuda, Rekers said he learned Lucien was a prostitute only midway through their vacation. "I had surgery," Rekers said, "and I can't lift luggage. That's why I hired him." (Medical problems didn't stop him from pushing the tottering baggage cart through MIA.) Yet Rekers wouldn't deny he met his slender, blond escort at Rentboy.com — which features homepage images of men in bondage and grainy videos of crotch-rubbing twinks — and Lucien confirmed it. At the small western Miami townhome he shares with a roommate, a nervous Lucien expressed surprise when we told him that Rekers denied knowing about his line of work from the beginning. "He should've been able to tell you that," he said, fidgeting and fixing his eyes on his knees. "But that's up to him." For decades, George Alan Rekers has been a general in the culture wars, though his work has often been behind the scenes. In 1983, he and James Dobson, America's best-known homophobe, formed the Family Research Council, a D.C.-based, rabidly Christian, and vehemently anti-gay lobbying group that has become a standard-bearer of the nation's extreme right wing. Its annual Values Summit is considered a litmus test for Republican presidential hopefuls, and Sean Hannity and Ann Coulter have spoken there. (The Family Research Council would not comment about Rekers's Euro-trip.) He has also influenced American government, serving in advisory roles with Congress, the White House, and the Department of Health and Human Services and testifying as a state's witness in favor of Florida's gay adoption ban. A former research fellow at Harvard University and a distinguished professor of neuropsychiatry at the University of South Carolina, Rekers has published papers and books by the hundreds, with titles like Who Am I? Lord and Growing Up Straight: What Families Should Know About Homosexuality. "While he keeps a low public profile, his fingerprints are on almost every anti-gay effort to demean and dehumanize LGBT people," says Wayne Besen, a gay rights advocate in New York City and the executive director of Truth Wins Out, which investigates the anti-gay movement. "His work is ubiquitously cited by lobby groups that work to deny equality to LGBT Americans. Rekers has caused a great deal of harm to gay and lesbian individuals." Rekers is a board member of the National Association for Research & Therapy of Homosexuality (NARTH), an organization that systematically attempts to turn gay people straight. And the Huffington Post recently singled out Rekers as a member of the American College of Pediatricians — an official-sounding outfit in Gainesville that purveys lurid, youth-directed literature accusing gays of en masse coprophilia. (In an email, the college's Lisa Hawkins wrote, "ACPeds feels privileged to have a scholar of Dr. Rekers' stature affiliated with our organization. I am sure you will find Prof. Rekers to be an immaculate clinician/scholar, and a warm human being.") Rekers lectures worldwide, from Europe to the Middle East, on teen sexuality. Yet during his ten-day sojourn with Lucien to London and Madrid, he had no lectures scheduled. Both men deny having sex on the trip, and emails exchanged between the two before their jaunt are cautiously worded. "I'd like to propose another trip to Rome, Italy, for a week or more," Rekers wrote in an email dated March 21 obtained by New Times. "This is so exciting to have a nice Travel Assistant and traveling companion! Wow! I'm so glad I met you." "I called and talked to the reservation guy in London and reserved a room with two twin beds," Rekers wrote on March 26. "Now that I'm packed, tomorrow I'll work on completing my income tax return," Rekers wrote two days later. "Not fun... But I'll just remind myself that the fun trip is coming soon." In his interview with New Times, Lucien didn't want to impugn his client, but he made it clear they met through Rentboy.com, which is the only website on which he advertises his services. Neither Google nor any other search engine picks up individual Rentboy.com profiles, any more than they pick up individual profiles on eHarmony or Match.com. You cannot just happen upon one. For the entire story: http://www.miaminewtimes.com/2010-05-06/news/christian-right-leader-george-rekers-takes-vacation-with-rent-boy For more and for photos: http://www.pamshouseblend.com/diary/16034/discover-the-qualifications-for-frc-founder-dr-george-rekers-travel-assistantluggage-carrier

Does this new merger affect your travel to Thailand? Will it make it easier for you on your trips? Does it mean that you will switch which airlines you are traveling most with? I have been with NWA for years and am Platinum. They rarely, if ever, upgrade on international flights unless an overbooking in coach. I am also Platinum with Continental. They don't fly to Thailand so I use the mostly going to Brazil and Europe. I rarely travel with United. However, my Platinum with Continental will transfer over to Untied when they merge and I have been told that United often upgrades on their International legs. If this is the case, I will be greatly benefited by this merger. Anyone else?

There was a recent thread on having a motorcycle and GB suggested we start another thread. I am doing that. I also am curious to see the answer to the polls. mahjongguy had said: - If you are older than 55, consider carefully if you should be driving a motorbike. I am 61 now and I know that my reaction time and peripheral vision are not sufficient for driving in a country where the #1 cause of death (all deaths) is from motorbike accidents. Just last week a 64yo Belgian acquaintance of mine went home in an urn because he misjudged an oncoming car. A secondhand Toyota Corolla costs more but it's just as simple to purchase and a lot more likely to get you where you're going in one piece.

I think one of the best investments you can buy in Thailand is a motorcycle. They are the easiest for getting around and make life so much easier. If you live a distance from where you go on a daily basis, they also will save money over the long run. It is very easy to buy a motorcycle in Thailand and to have it in your own name. Here a few suggestions. Motorcycles start around 30,000 baht and go up from there. If you buy at a dealer, the prices are negotiable. Be sure to get them to give you 2 helmets (they do with all Thais) and a wrench tool set for fixing minor issues. You can take out a loan for it but the rates are crazy and I suggest paying cash. If you want to put on a CC they will charge you 2.5 percent. They may ask for 3 but tell them NO. Once you purchase, you need to get permission from Immigration. To do this, be sure your Visa is 60 days or longer. Otherwise there may be problems. Coming in on a Visa On Entry is 50/50 whether they will be able to do the paperwork or not. I always get a 60 day extend-able Visa so I know I am covered. You will then go to Immigration. Once at Immigration, you need a copy of the purchase, 2 photo ID's, Copy of your passport, Copy of Home Papers or Rental Agreement and copy of your Visa pages. You can get all the copies at your home or there is usually a place next to Immigration offices that will make for you. If you do yourself, be sure to get a copy of your Visa as well as the stamped page with the entry document. They will take all this and you pay them 200 baht. They will tell you when to pick up the document. You go back and pick it up and take it to the place you purchased the vehicle. Once you give to them, they will tell you to come back in 60 days or so. I usually go early and it is normally done. Be sure to get the insurance and pay for tags at purchase. In case you lose the bike or it is stolen, you will get a partial refund. Also, be sure they give you a temporary tag when you purchase. Make all the arrangements before you pay for the cycle. Once you go back and get your tags, there is a sticker they give you to put on the cycle. Have them put it on for you and you are good to go. Be sure to go back and get services at the suggested dates. I hope this helps.

Do you carry your passport with you in LOS? If not what do you take that is an acceptable form of ID? I normally always have with me my DL from USA as well as a laminated copy of my passport with my visa on the back. Most of the shops know how to shrink these and make them small like an ID that fits into your wallet. Do you think this is acceptable proof or should I be taking my passport with me everywhere I go. I am never more than 10 minutes from it.

Be careful what you do as most of us live in small cities and even if we live in larger ones, the scene is still small. I remember years ago going with my ex to a few bars and he wanted to drink with his friends while I went to a few gogo's. I did not want to take someone back to my place so I got a short time room over the bar. I took 3-4 boys up for a little fun. I paid the bar and left and walked back to the ex and he said, "did you have fun with the boys you took for short time?" I said yes. I asked how he knew. He said, "there is nothing you can do in Pattaya that I don't know about." I laughed and knew he was right. Yesterday the current Boyfriend and I were talking and I was teasing him that I had taken a few ladies and ladyboys over the weekend to my place (he was home for the weekend). He laughed. I inquired why he laughed as he knows I would never bring anyone to my apartment and I am not that into ladies. He said, "you went out 2 times on Saturday and 3 times on Sunday and you were out alone and came back alone and no one visited you." I said, how do you know. He said that he was friends with the security (one was once a doorman at Kaos). I laughed and remember back to my first boyfriend in Thailand and the short time story. Yes, we live in a small place but the boys talk about us as much as we talk about them. Be careful what you do if you are trying to hide something. Me, I have never once lied to the boyfriend and he knows I only have eyes for him (with an occasional short time BJ).

Just curious as I almost bought a place there years ago and backed out, I have passed by the site several times in the past week and nothing seems to be happening. What is the latest on the developments there? When I looked into this I do remember a launch day but can't remember what that date was. When is it supposed to be finished?

We had a harsh post today that was over the top and put the member on moderated status. We did this to keep posts from being live before we read them. When someone is placed on Moderated status, their posts simply become invisible before they are made public. This particular poster was treated harshly be several in a thread. I'll be one of the first ones to say that several were attached in this tread and it was a one sided debate. One of that that went over the top was myself. I can't put myself on Moderated status for calling someone a troll but I'll try to be nicer in the future. And, to this individual if I went overboard in my debate with you I apologize. I tend to take a lot of shit at times but I also dish it out at times and I try to pace myself when this happens. Your moderated status is only until we see that your future posts are in line with the board policies. We do the best we can to keep the site moving forward and at times we make difficult decisions. When a post is in question, we normally move to a forum to discuss. In this case, it was obvious that the post was meant to belittle someone and was removed immediately. I wish things like this would not happen but sometimes they do. We encourage debate but in a gentleman's atmosphere.

A fascinating CNN article on medical tourism and some employers willing to pay for plane tickets to Thailand and other countries to save costs. 'I can't afford surgery in the U.S.,' says bargain shopper - CNN.com After you read the article, here is the list of approved accredited hospitals in Thailand: Thailand Bangkok Hospital Medical Center Bangkok , Thailand Program: Hospital First Accredited: 30 June 2007 Program: DCSC Certification Acute Coronary Syndrome First Certified: 30 October 2008 Program: DCSC Certification Breast Cancer Conserving Therapy Program First Certified: 1 November 2008 Program: DCSC Certification Heart Failure Program First Certified: 29 October 2008 Program: DCSC Certification Primary Stroke Center First Certified: 31 October 2008 Bangkok Hospital Pattaya Chonburi, Thailand Program: Hospital First Accredited: 19 September 2009 Bangkok Hospital Phuket Phuket, Thailand Program: Hospital First Accredited: 23 May 2009 BNH Hospital Bangkok, Thailand Program: Hospital First Accredited: 29 May 2009 Bumrungrad International Bangkok, Thailand Program: Hospital First Accredited: 2 February 2002 Re-Accredited: 8 April 2005 Re-Accredited: 31 July 2008 Program: DCSC Certification Program Primary Stroke Program First Certified: 28 October 2006 Re-certified: 25 November 2009 Program: DCSC Certification Program Acute Myocardial Infarction with ST Segment Elevation First Certified: 28 October 2006 Re-certified: 27 November 2009 Program: CCPC Certification Program Diabetes Mellitus Type 1 and 2 First Certified: 24 March 2010 Program: CCPC Certification Program Chronic Kidney Disease Stage I to IV First Certified: 26 March 2010 Chiangmai Ram Hospital Chiangmai, Thailand Program: Hospital First Certified: 7 November 2009 Samitivej Srinakarin Hospital Bangkok, Thailand Program: Hospital First Accredited: 11 August 2007 Program: DCSC Certification Program Low Back Pain program First Certified: 14 August 2009 Program: DCSC Certification Program Primary Stroke program First Certified: 12 August 2009 Samitivej Sriracha Hospital Chonburi, Thailand Program: Hospital First Accredited: 8 November 2008 Samitivej Sukhumvit Hospital Bangkok, Thailand Program: Hospital First Accredited: 27 January 2007 Re-accredited: 13 February 2010 Program: DCSC Certification Program Lung Cancer Program First Certified: 6 December 2008 Program: DCSC Certification Program Acute Myocardial Infarction Program First Certified: 4 December 2008 Program: DCSC Certification Program Osteoarthritis of the Knee Program First Certified: 15 August 2009 http://www.jointcommissioninternational.org/JCI-Accredited-Organizations/

One of the things I like about Bangkok GoGo bars is their fast movement across the stage so that in any one song, you get to see most of the boys. In Pattaya, the movements are very slow and often a new boys does not enter the stage until a new song starts. This means that the majority of the boys stay on stage for about 10 or more songs. If I have someone I think is cute sitting down waiting, the likelihood of me waiting 10 songs is nil. I asked Mamasan Rose last night about this as she has worked in both places and she said that there are fewer boys in one bar and so they tend to spread them out. To me, I much prefer the faster viewing. I know some like to sit in a bar and watch the boys on stage, but for me, I get bored quick and rarely stay in any one bar for more than 15 minutes. I can't see sitting there for 3 hours. To each his own. My favorite way the boys move is one of the ladyboy bars in NanaPlaza. They seem to pounce on the stage when they want to show off their goods and they wander around the stage when they want and dance and have a good time. I do wonder what most of you prefer?

I had a headache a few days ago and thought I would follow TravelerJim's advice and use my insurance for a nice plan they offer at Bangkok Pattaya. I had the Happy Brain Package. It was 16,000 baht and included a MRI and Ultrasound. It has had blood work, EKG and about 20 other things that were checked. All in all, I think this was an excellent package. I have done their heart package before and this one was great as well. I told my family after the visit if I ever get sick, this is the hospital I want to be in. I know some have horror stories about it but I have always liked the treatment I get there and the atmosphere is great. Keep an eye out for their special packages as they are not always online and I saw this one only after I was at the Dental Clinic.

I wandered last night into Boyztown. The BF was home with his son and I wanted to see what the bars were offering. I first went to BBB as I wanted a muscle boy. I sat for a while and did not see anyone I wanted (other than a cute ladyboy). BoyzBoyzBoyz is a great bar. It has a wonderful atmosphere and the decorations are great. It is very comfortable to sit and relax and no one bothers you. The guys are handsome and strong. The drinks were 160 baht for a diet coke. FunnyBoys is always one of my favorites. In my opinion, this is one of (if not the) best run bar in Pattaya. There are always cute boys, the staff is great, the atmosphere is great and the place runs like a well-oiled machine. I wish all the owners of other bars would go in this place and take notes. While I did like the bar, I did not find what I wanted there so I moved on. I was planning to go to Bubbles and Lucky7. But, a boy sitting on the porch at ToyBoy caught my eye. I went over and chatting and went inside. The place is very nice. Drinks were 140 baht for a Diet Coke. The boy sat and we chatted. I decided to take him home. This is my first short time in Thailand since arriving. As soon as we got home, he dropped his clothes and sat on my couch. He started to play a video game and we chatted a bit. He was not shy in the least. While sex was good, it was not fantastic. He is not a well-oiled machine and perhaps this is what I found attractive in him. He was not mechanical and his movements left much to be desired. However, I really enjoyed my time with him. His 30 minute shower make me wonder if I was that horrible for him or if he just loved the bathtub. Perhaps a mixture of both. But, he did call me to come in with him, "Farang, come here," he said with bubbles all over his face. Boyztown was quite in general and not as many boys as I have seen. But, I had a good time! As often has been said, "It only takes one boy to make or break your night."

Bangkok, Thailand (CNN) -- Thousands of anti-government protesters have once again brought Thailand's capital to a standstill, as they seek to unseat a leadership -- led by Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva -- they say is illegitimate and undemocratic. They support Thaksin Shinawatra, who was prime minister from 2001 to 2006, before he was ousted in a bloodless coup. After his removal, he continued to play a role in Thai politics -- even from outside of the southeast Asian nation. What is happening now? Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva declared a state of emergency April 7, hours after anti-government demonstrators (known as "red shirts" for the clothes they wear) stormed the country's parliament. Three days later, the deadliest clash in more than a decade between protesters (in this case the "red shirts") and the military erupted, leading to the deaths of more than two dozen demonstrators and military forces. Media and analysts in Thailand say civil war may be looming, with another group called the "multi-colored shirts" (supporters of Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva). They are displeased with the disruption caused by the red shirt protests. They are generally middle-class city dwellers. They are not pro- or anti-government, they simply want the government to shut down the reds to end the violence and interruptions to daily life. The red and multi-colored shirts have clashed in Silom Road, Bangkok's business and financial district. Meanwhile, Thailand's independent election commission has recommended the dissolution of Abhisit's Democrat Party after accusing the party of accepting an $8 million campaign donation from a private company and mishandling funds allocated to it by the commission. The ruling still must be reviewed by the country's attorney general's office and its Constitution Court. A democrat party spokesman maintains the party has fully complied with all laws concerning the uses of funds during the election campaign and the party says it will fight the recommendation. Haven't these protests been going on for a long time? Yes, Thailand has been embroiled in political chaos for years and many here are growing weary with the instability. Ever since Thaksin came to power, there have been protesters opposing his allegedly corrupt and autocratic rule. Those protesters donned yellow shirts (the color of the king) and occupied the two main airports in Bangkok, until finally the pro-Thaksin government was brought down by a court ruling. In revenge Thaksin's supporters copied the yellow shirt tactics and took to the streets in red shirts. Why do the sides divide on colors? It's an easy way for them to create an identity. It all started with the yellow shirts wearing a color associated with Monday, the day of the week that Thailand's revered king was born on. That was designed to show their allegiance to the king, and more broadly the traditional elite which has dominated Thai politics for years. Thaksin's supporters then picked a color to distinguish themselves from the yellow-shirts. Why are they arguing? Essentially this is a classic power struggle. It's easy to portray this as simply rich against poor, but it is much more complicated than that, as illustrated by the fact that the reds leader is in fact a multi-billionaire. Thaksin rode to power by enacting populist policies which gained huge support from the rural poor. His radical approach ruffled a lot of feathers among the elite, who felt he was in danger of becoming too big for his boots, and could erode their position. The "civil society" also become concerned over allegations of corruption and his brutal war on drugs, which saw summary executions. He was also criticized for his heavy handed response to violence in the Muslim dominated south. Finally the army decided to oust him in a coup, which had the backing of the aristocratic elite and much of the middle class, who were becoming uneasy with the cult of personality growing around Thaksin. That set the stage for an embittered power struggle, between Thaksin loyalists and those loyal to the army, aristocracy and their traditional Democrat Party. What are the wider implications of the protests? If the divisions in Thailand can't be healed it could lead to a deteriorating security situation which would have wider implications for the region. Thailand's relations with Cambodia are especially frosty since Thaksin was appointed economic adviser to Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen. The worst case scenario would see Cambodia drawn into the dispute, with Thaksin using the country as a political base, adding to the already considerable tensions on the border. So who is Thaksin? Visionary leader or venal despot: Opinions vary, like the color of the shirts his supporters and detractors wear. If you sport red, you think Thaksin was the only prime minister to offer the rural poor a voice and real benefits; if you wear yellow, you view him as akin to Ferdinand Marcos: greedy, self-serving and dangerous. What is not in dispute is that he won two elections, was the only Thai prime minister to serve a full-term in office and is still hugely popular. But critics say he bought his support and was only in politics to help himself. What is he accused of? In 2008 he was found guilty and sentenced in absentia to two years in prison for a land deal that enabled his wife to buy a valuable city plot for a fraction of its true value. The case currently being considered by the Supreme Court relates to the transfer of shares in his communications company Shin Corporation. The prosecution alleges he illegally transferred the shares to his family, who then sold them to the Singapore government's Temasek without paying tax. The court will also rule on whether Thaksin's government implemented policies that benefited his businesses, including a low interest loan from the Thai government to the Myanmar government to buy equipment from Shin Corp, a change in tax laws that benefited Shin Corp and changes to satellite laws that helped Shin Corp. What does Thaksin's defense team say? The defense team argues that neither Thaksin nor his wife owned the Shin Corp shares while he was prime minister, selling them to their son before he took office. It was their son who decided to sell Shin Corp to the Singaporeans. The defense also claims that the Assets Scrutiny Committee -- which has led the investigation in this case -- was politically motivated, having been appointed after the coup that ousted Thaksin, and therefore was biased against him. How much money is at stake? 76.6 billion baht (about US$2.3 billion dollars). That is the total value of his and his family's assets that are currently frozen in Thailand. But there is speculation that he has a great deal more money elsewhere. For the rest of the article: Explainer: What are the protests in Thailand about? - CNN.com

I have heard many talk about the Dancing Boys of Afghanistan and while I have not seen the documentary yet, it is now on Itunes for those interested. It is a documentary on children who are sold into slavery for dancing as well as sexual abuse. What is a very taboo subject in countries like this is often practiced in the open and protected by the authorities. As I have said, I have yet to see this ABC news special but have read about it on another board and many wanted to view this and can't seem to see it. ITunes has made this possible. To make this topic relevant to Gay Thaiiland, I once saw a guy from Afghanistan in Pattaya and he was dancing. I wonder if he is a part of this documentary.

The AOT asked for 3,000 baht. I passed. The regular taxis were charging 1500 baht. I knew I should have arranged a taxi before but I didn't and there were no men waiting there trying to coax me into a car. When I saw the car I cringed. It was horrible. Old, ugly, beaten up and not clean. I did not want to offend the man and say his taxi was a piece of shit so I got in. MISTAKE When you don't like something, NEVER get in. The air con was bad and the car bumped up and down the whole way. At the first toll he told me he had no money and could I give him 100 baht to pay for the tolls and take out of money for the ride. I agreed (what choice did I have). About 30 minutes later, he asked to stop for gas and I agreed. Again, guess what? No money for gas and could he borrow 800 baht. What choice did I have. He took an awful road into Pattaya to save a few baht from tolls and I was pissed. I could not wait to get to Pattaya. I did tip him 50 baht but that is the least I have ever tipped a driver. And, I learned a valuable lesson. Have my guys I use in Bangkok meet me there from now on. Never again will I be unprepared. Anyone else have any taxi horror stories?

The BF and I want to hit all the real Ladyboy bars. I have seen many of them in the area and they are outside of the Gay areas. 1. Can anyone tell us of any all ladyboy bars in Pattaya? Please add as many to list as you know of. 2. Anyone want to join us when we get this organized for a night of fun?

I recently had the pleasure of taking Bangkok Air. I usually travel on Thai air when I am in Asia but my travel agent suggested I give them a try. Their price for a business class seat was quite a bit better than Thai Air. They also offered free changes to any segment of the ticket. When I checked in at the airport, they gave me a Fast Track through immigration. I have flown with Thai Business and never gotten that ticket. I also have flown with NWA and Delta Business and didn't get the Fast Track through immigration. Is this an option for all the airlines and they give it out sometimes or when you travel Business are you supposed to get one though certain airlines? The lounge in Bangkok was nice. Good food (not gourmet). Good Free WiFi. I liked the way it was decorated. It was not big but it was very clean and looked great. When it was time to board they put me in a special van and drove me to the plane. We were a good 5 minutes ahead of those in economy. The food on the plane was OK for airline food. The flight attendants were very nice and helpful. All in all, I really enjoyed my experience with Bangkok Air. Anyone else like it? Hate it? Had a different experience?

I have a project I am working on with some friends in the USA and we are trying to find a list of charities that are primarily involved in the gay community and meeting the needs of the gay community in Thailand. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

I was able to drive to lunch today on the motorcycle for the first time today without getting wet. It was a wonderful feeling. I did love Songkran and I had a blast. I played every day for several hours and would love to do it more but also am quite happy to take a break. It is interesting to me the amount of commercialism that is associated with this holiday. I can't even count the amount of money I spend on water guns, masks, power, food, water, Ice, etc. etc. etc. The holiday really reminds me of a wet version of Halloween. I am not sure where the masks came into the holiday but they seem to be more popular this year then when I first started coming to Thailand. I hope that everyone had a fantastic holiday season! To those of you that left for foreign lands to avoid the madness, welcome home!