migrant

Yes, my Son is married to a Lao woman in California. Her parents also fled the country during the war. They instilled in her a fear of the Lao government still.

I don't think the slogan "love it or leave it" originated with the klan assholes. I think it started with the McCarthy witch hunt days in America. That the klan, and others, used it there is no doubt.

There were more than 10 with me last night despite it being a Buddha day, at least I think I remember them.

World worse joke (IMHO) A guy walks into a bar, sits down and orders a drink. The bartender places the drink in front of him and turns back to other duties. Before the man could have his first sip a little monkey comes out from under the bar, goes to his drink, lifts his penis and dips his balls in the drink, then runs back under the bar. The man called the barkeep over and asked him " Did you know there is a little monkey that came out from under the bar, lifted his penis, and dipped his balls in my drink?" "Sorry", said the bartender, "he does that sometimes, let me get you a fresh drink, free of charge". The bartender sets the man up with the new drink and turns to a new customer. Again, before the man could have his first sip, the little monkey hops up from under the bar, runs to his drink, lifts his penis up, and dips his balls in the drink. The customer calls the barkeep over and says, "I'm not angry, but curious, why is there a monkey that hops up on the bar, lifts his penis, and dips his balls in my drink?". The bartender says, "I'm somewhat new here, so not sure but Jack, the piano player over there has been here 20 years so should know". The customer, who is by know really curious, walks across the bar to the piano player who, luckily, is on a break. "Say", asks the customer to the piano player, "Do you know that little monkey that hops up on the bar, lifts his penis, and dips his balls in my drink?" The piano player thought for a second and said, "No, but if you hum a few bars I probably can play it".

I get a box of cigars shipped from my son to me (using Thai names) about 2 - 3 times a month. Had one seized back in August, and one in December, all the rest arrived intact and (fairly) timely. Went to customs in December and they allowed me to pay the tax and take the cigars but warned us (again) that no more would be allowed. Didn't bother to try to collect the August box and it just was received back in the states last week! Have tried many ways and found the best way is to use a Thai name on the return address, and delivery address, keep the box reasonably small (mine hold 36 large cigars) and describe as personal gift value under $10.

Good movie too!!

Will do!

I'm a CPA and come back to do taxes still each year (in the states now). My son took over my practice but I come back during the season to help, and to see family. I'm not into political debates but this video brought me out. I've been doing taxes since 1980. People always complain "I got more money back last year", but they fail to look at the actual tax. Sure if I want to withhold tens of thousands I'll get a big refund. I'm starting back at the office 2/18 and, if anyone is interested, I am happy to let them know how my clients fare.

When I saw the sex toys in the headlines I thought they had closed Nana

Happy Series on Netflix about a hero cop that was disgraced and left the force. Making a living as a hit man he gets visited by a little flying blue unicorn.......... Bizarre and graphic, if you have a strange sense of humor you will like it.

Yes very popular, and very good. Very popular in bars. Flashermac, a Cesar Chavez fundraiser? Viva la Huelga!!

I thought she was going to pole dance up there

I don't trust the baht at this time. Sure the loss on the money in the bank may not be huge, but I hate to lose anything.

Mine is up in mid November so we will see!

Very nice!

Got stung by one of the little scorpions, bastard! Hit my finger opening a BBQ briquet bag. I had checked but the little shithead was in the folds of the bag. Hurt like hell for 2 days, then tingled for 3. Didn't stop the BBQ though but needed a lot of cold beer (for the finger guys).

When West Hollywood "came out of the closet" I believe in the early 80's the saying was "what do you do if you drop your wallet in West Hollywood?", "kick it to LA before you bend to pick it up"

Regarding Coss's question on insurance, and a follow up to CS's comments (that I agree with). The insurance companies ( a personal hate) always end up in good shape. Large claims paid out, simply bump premiums to everyone else. California has earthquake insurance, very expensive. I never purchased the insurance since in most all disasters such as hurricanes, and earthquakes, the Federal government offered very low cost loans. During past natural disasters the government has, I imagine, paid out considerable amounts (I'm sure the amounts are available somewhere on the net) but no real effects to the markets. Perhaps because they are viewed as loans the market guru's discount them?

I lived, on and off, in California for around 15 years mostly in the southern areas, LA and Orange county. I remember working in LA in the very early 80's and seeing homeless camps at that time. Now there seem to be quite a few.

There was a local cleanup here that one needed to take a boat to. Big event, lots of kids, government workers, governor speeches, etc. Out of maybe 1,000 there were 2 other falangs besides me. Getting out of the boat, coming back after the event, I stumbled and fell on the dock (embarrassing, had boats most my life). I was fine, but 5-6 Thais (I'm kind of big) helped me up, grabbed my arm, and wouldn't let go until well on shore. I could have done without it, but it was nice. I've quite a few other examples of very helpful Thais, funny how these are all outside tourist areas!!

Here in Bang Saphan I see quite a few Women in hijab. Started looking closer a couple years back (after all I am a trained accountant) and noticed many cute ones!! In the US I had many Muslim friends, and clients, but saw very few hajibs, probably more burqa's. I've never felt animosity towards Muslims in general but it took me a while to get used to the many I see here wearing some of the garments. Combine that with some of the head covers that the field workers wear and it can be pretty scary for one who sees it for the first time!