tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-78540042012-01-29T19:55:40.756-08:00Living life to the fullest with Random Acts of Kindness, Generosity, and Consideration all over the world. Bouncing between Thailand and California and every place in-between.Sevenwindshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10910297416802849277noreply@blogger.comBlogger11871100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7854004.post-2621135068384695742012-01-29T05:35:00.001-08:002012-01-29T05:40:34.747-08:00

Well, this is the second to the last weekend left here in California and then its back over to the other bookend.  Can't wait as it seems like its been so long ago.  My Thai friends are ordering things to be brought back over to the LOS and/or sending me things to bring back.  I feel like a Fed Ex delivery man sometimes... So what are some of the things people want from the states?  Here

Sevenwindshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10910297416802849277noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7854004.post-67521994587196190932012-01-23T07:07:00.001-08:002012-01-23T07:07:36.576-08:00

Got back late last night after a long drive back from Vegas.  Around 200 miles from the Bay Area, I caught up with the big storm and it started raining.  The weather in Vegas had been great..very mild weather except for Saturday when there was strong winds and it kicked up some sand storms. Had a great trip business wise and some interesting possibilities for the upcoming year and I did have

Sevenwindshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10910297416802849277noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7854004.post-81818787454934721592012-01-17T08:33:00.001-08:002012-01-17T08:33:21.092-08:00

Getting ready to head over to Vegas for a few days.  First to hang out a bit and second to attend to some kite business.  This is a good time to go to Vegas because its cheap.  The weekends after the big CES leave a kind of void for the hotels  and some bargains can be had.  Instead of the Strip, I will be staying downtown this time because I will have my car with me.  Downtown is also more

Sevenwindshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10910297416802849277noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7854004.post-13557981629434860982012-01-15T07:49:00.001-08:002012-01-15T08:10:45.896-08:00

Living in my bifurcated world of California and Thailand, hearing the term 'football' requires a context setting.  Say 'football' in the LOS and you're supposed to be talking about Soccer.  Football is synonymous with soccer everywhere else except the USA, where its a sport all its own. The Sports starved Bay Area has had its football heroes and glory of the past.  Especially when they were

Sevenwindshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10910297416802849277noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7854004.post-79154099716315348592012-01-14T12:59:00.002-08:002012-01-14T13:01:06.492-08:00

After a few days in the Bangkok Monkey House, the alleged terrorist 'confessed' to the plot and also said the plot was called off due to it being discovered.  Its amazing how people arrested by the local police so readily 'confess' to crimes don't they?   You see it in the papers all the time, with the criminals posing for pictures and giving reenactment of the crime, etc.  Must be the sudden

Sevenwindshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10910297416802849277noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7854004.post-45343657335585072492012-01-13T07:09:00.002-08:002012-01-13T07:09:48.167-08:00

http://bangkok.usembassy.gov/011312emergencymessage.html By Western areas, I would assume they mean the areas around Sukhumvit and/or Khaosan Road, either of which would be devastating to the tourism industry. Be on guard friends, the war on terror has indeed gone global, and yes, we did bring it upon ourselves.

Sevenwindshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10910297416802849277noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7854004.post-45973182408251675022012-01-11T09:04:00.000-08:002012-01-11T09:24:36.111-08:00

Another week has passed with little or no rain in the bay area, which bring thoughts of drought in the region.  But with the good weather is the opportunity to play some golf, which I did earlier this week and maybe again today.  The highs have been in the 60s, which is very unusual for this time of year. Unfortunately, the golf courses are a bit dry and there are lots of brown spots due to

Sevenwindshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10910297416802849277noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7854004.post-1095782851740498522012-01-07T15:34:00.003-08:002012-01-07T15:38:58.475-08:00

I wrote last week about Stevia, a natural sweetener derived from plants once cultivated in South America.  Stevia comes in powder form and packets and I've been using them in my coffee for about a week now.  First, I must agree with many that Stevia does not have an aftertaste when used in the correct amount - not a least to my taste buds.  Knowing that not all people have my kind of taste buds

Sevenwindshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10910297416802849277noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7854004.post-63746138835879258642012-01-05T23:36:00.001-08:002012-01-05T23:45:32.336-08:00

If you love Thailand and want to find out a bit about its history, albeit in a dramatized way, be sure to check out Kingdom of War 1 &2.  In Thailand, the films were released as King Naresuan 1 & 2 and released internationally, with subtitles under the current name.  They are interesting productions with casts of hundreds   thousands and many historic peeks of ancient Siam and Burma which get

Sevenwindshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10910297416802849277noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7854004.post-76635744798697659782012-01-05T17:30:00.001-08:002012-01-05T17:41:27.886-08:00

Wasted no time after the New Year to shop for tickets back to the LOS.  A number of airlines have some good deals from the west coast, especially Korean Air where you can get a RT fare for under $950, but I decided to stay with my regular airline (EVA) and take advantage of their special web fare for their Evergreen Club members where you can buy discounted fares with  mileage deducted from

Sevenwindshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10910297416802849277noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7854004.post-87359048055428489692012-01-02T09:22:00.003-08:002012-01-02T09:30:12.852-08:00

Yesterday, I posted about my discovery of a replacement for the artificial sugar substitutes like Equal and Splenda called Stevia.  I believe that unless I begin to monitor my sugar intake and food consumption carefully, I will soon begin to develop symptoms of Type 2 or age onset diabetes.  My mother had developed type 2 which eventually led to her having four strokes, and unfortunately I'm on

Sevenwindshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10910297416802849277noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7854004.post-76759292749035452332012-01-01T10:52:00.001-08:002012-01-01T11:00:36.100-08:00

This blog is now more than six years old.  I wrote my first entry back in late 2005 and now its 2012 and so much has changed.  Back in my first New Year's entry, I wrote the following wishes for each country: For Thailand: A peaceful and successful transition to the new constitution and election of a new Prime Minister in an election noted for its fairness and honesty. A peace accord reached

Sevenwindshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10910297416802849277noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7854004.post-77243914688829848412011-12-31T21:27:00.001-08:002011-12-31T21:27:53.642-08:00

Could have gone out tonight to the same party I go to each year at a friend's house, but tonight I decided it was better to stay in and not get everyone else sick by being there. I believe I am still in the contagious stage and I don't want anyone else to get what I got as a New Year present.  So its New Year's eve alone in California when I should be home in the LOS celebrating at the farm.  

Sevenwindshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10910297416802849277noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7854004.post-54566168079958355972011-12-30T18:18:00.003-08:002011-12-30T18:19:49.793-08:00

Developed a fever yesterday and symptoms of the flu.  It was inevitable, with the change from the warm weather in the LOS to the cold Bay Area, all the  holiday parties and gatherings and all the shopping.  But the fever has broken and now I am in recovery mode and getting a lot of sleep. I did accomplish a lot after my return and maybe in that process, pushed myself a little too hard.  

Sevenwindshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10910297416802849277noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7854004.post-74845355075885919392011-12-24T09:39:00.001-08:002011-12-24T09:39:12.331-08:00

Its Christmas eve here in the Bay Area and the next few days are going to be fun and busy.  So before I forget, my fond wishes to everyone for a wonderful Christmas and may Santa bring you all you had wished for.  

Sevenwindshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10910297416802849277noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7854004.post-62376409101873538542011-12-21T21:02:00.000-08:002011-12-21T21:02:01.519-08:00

Back in body but not in mind.  I'm still jet lagged with my brain and system somewhere over the Pacific between here and Thailand, but I'm here for the next few weeks and will make the most of my stay here.  Everything is still working here and the only problem I came back to was a leak from my kitchen cabinet where an old can of peaches went bad and started to leak syrup down to the counter.  

Sevenwindshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10910297416802849277noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7854004.post-22853051881207946412011-12-20T17:36:00.000-08:002011-12-20T17:36:02.798-08:00

Heading off to the airport in a few hours for the ride on the big silver bird to California.  Checked out the weather and its going to be a cool 16C for a high and 3C for the low.  Considering it is a pleasant 73F this early morning with a high in the 80s in the big mango, its going to be a shock to my system.  If it wasn't for the necessity of having to go back, hibernating here in the LOS

Sevenwindshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10910297416802849277noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7854004.post-75331781024932539472011-12-19T18:32:00.002-08:002011-12-22T08:26:38.393-08:00

The piers for footing being built for some bungalows Back from upcountry and the farm/resort.  The trip was short and productive as the time is running short for me here before I go to California for a few weeks.  By the time I get back, they will be well along the progress to completion.  I'm expecting the roofs to be up and the finishing work ready to begin.  The next few weeks are the

Sevenwindshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10910297416802849277noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7854004.post-61012822228394749142011-12-16T19:00:00.001-08:002011-12-16T19:00:33.882-08:00

My how time flies.  Its almost the end of the year and time for the holidays.  Christmas has definitely arrived in the big mango as one can see many stores and office buildings with large Christmas Tree displays.  Its always funny to me to see how Christmas is interpreted here in Asia.  Its seen as a great sales event and the hero is Santa Claus instead of the religious figure for whom the

Sevenwindshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10910297416802849277noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7854004.post-40781139752198883632011-12-14T03:22:00.001-08:002011-12-14T03:22:32.655-08:00

Got into the big Patty today after a wonderful day of golf at the Siam Country Club Plantation course. Wonderful course and great weather as it was cool and a bit breezy. Like a pleasant summer day back in the Bay Area.My friend really surprised us with great rooms with great views even though it is high season here and the hotel is nearly full. Great views and a great room too. Here is the

Sevenwindshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10910297416802849277noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7854004.post-9303401910180050152011-12-12T16:33:00.001-08:002011-12-12T18:09:19.483-08:00

Nightfall as viewed from the gates of Marina Palms Farm/Resort It feels sooooo good.  I love it this time of the year when the temps finally begin to drop and I can sleep with the aircon off and just having the windows open.  There is a northern high pressures ridge over China and that has pushed temps in the LOS down.  In the mountains of the North, there is supposed to be frost and B's

Sevenwindshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10910297416802849277noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7854004.post-53027838217729501382011-12-11T23:33:00.001-08:002011-12-12T16:55:16.971-08:00

With only a little over a week to go and many things to do, I got one of my tasks out of the way and thought it was interesting enough to post about it.  We went looking for palm trees today.  Why?  Well our little resort bungalows will be completed in a few months and we have already decided on a name for our little mini resort. It will be called Marina Palms - and what else would such a

Sevenwindshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10910297416802849277noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7854004.post-4897924219059704202011-12-04T18:42:00.001-08:002011-12-04T18:50:49.841-08:00

Happy Birthday to HRM the King on his 84th birthday.  As the longest reigning monarch currently in the world and still the most beloved figure in the LOS, thanks for your leadership and unifying factor to this country on this day.  Have a long and happy life with many many more birthdays! Still one of my favorite photos of HRM Its also Father's day in Thailand so well wishes to all the

Sevenwindshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10910297416802849277noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7854004.post-61247962088589365732011-11-28T16:52:00.001-08:002011-11-28T17:40:49.989-08:00

B and I took a little break yesterday.  We went for a little drive and a short day trip from the Mango as we will have a few busy days ahead of us.  With flooding still remaining in the region, we decided to go south to the Cha Am area for the day.  I wanted to check out a quiet little beach area called Hat Chao Samran and B wanted to eat some seafood in Cha Am at a restaurant she visited there

Sevenwindshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10910297416802849277noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7854004.post-11851916869983991962011-11-23T16:24:00.001-08:002011-11-23T16:46:38.064-08:00

Its Thanksgiving day.  A day to celebrate the fortunes we have been given during this year.  How fortunate that we are not flooded, broke, sick, or otherwise in trouble.  Yes, we have to be thankful for each and every day as we are not in control of the time and place of that final moment here on the merry-go-round we call life.  We need not only to celebrate today, but all the days ahead and

Sevenwindshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10910297416802849277noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7854004.post-78540577985403816832011-11-21T17:11:00.001-08:002011-11-21T17:43:26.222-08:00

Its been a hectic week or so after my return from the Big Sing.  With a trip upcountry to check the farm and meeting the contractor for the resort bungalows, its been one thing or another in the big mango.  I had to finish up the revisions to the plans last night in order to submit them to the contractor today so we could make the lucky day deadline.   I've also been researching how to

Sevenwindshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10910297416802849277noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7854004.post-64943865679872688222011-11-18T20:14:00.001-08:002011-11-18T23:54:19.263-08:00

There are times when you know you are in the wrong place at the wrong time.  Its a time when you know that you are in big trouble and trying not to panic and do something stupid and not knowing what is ahead, only hoping for the best and trying you best to believe in yourself and your vehicle. Yesterday was one of those moments.  As I wrote yesterday, I took a wrong turn coming back from the

Sevenwindshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10910297416802849277noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7854004.post-57942014995728007382011-11-18T07:03:00.001-08:002011-11-18T07:15:53.769-08:00

I'm safely back in the mango after a trip up to the farm.  Took a different path that one I planned and it worked out going up to the farm.  Unfortunately, when I came back today, I took a wrong turn and ended up on the outer ring road headed towards western Bangkok.  While the eastern part of Bangkok and the outer ring road has only a very small section flooded, the western part of the outer

Sevenwindshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10910297416802849277noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7854004.post-25057488270538620602011-11-15T16:41:00.001-08:002011-11-15T18:25:28.956-08:00

Getting ready to go up to the farm tomorrow, which will hopefully turn into a farm/mini resort soon.  The main roads up to the Northeast are blocked so we will be taking the long way around the flooding.  It will be an interesting drive as I plan on taking the road 304 from Chonburi to Korat through the mountains.  Its supposed to be a beautiful drive and so I will see it as an outing rather

Sevenwindshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10910297416802849277noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7854004.post-89728546516503117602011-11-14T00:21:00.001-08:002011-11-14T22:54:03.111-08:00

Just got back from the big Sing.  Had a bit of fun, but for the large part, the kite festival was rained out.  Heavy rains on both days caused minor flooding in Singapore's western side on Saturday and we were again washed out on Sunday during the world record attempt of having the most kites in the sky.  Minutes after getting everyone organized with kites and on the field, the rain came and

Sevenwindshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10910297416802849277noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7854004.post-15173330568781367112011-11-08T17:11:00.000-08:002011-11-08T17:16:57.419-08:00

Will be leaving for the big Sing (Singapore) tomorrow.  Haven't been there in about six months and it was under better times.  It isn't to escape the floods here in Thailand, but to attend another Kite Event.  Same venue (the Marina Barrage); same great people, different times, and hopefully good weather and wind.  Unfortunately the forecast for this weekend down in the big Sing is

Sevenwindshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10910297416802849277noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7854004.post-41926920023092283042011-11-07T03:04:00.001-08:002011-11-07T03:10:13.840-08:00

The flood has had some impact on the supply chain here in the LOS (understatement of the year).  There is no shortage of food - not yet, but a few items are really hard to come by.  For example, if you are a diet drink lover, Pepsi Max, Diet Coke, and Coke Zero are pretty much a rare commodity in my neck of the woods, especially the bottles.  At my local Tesco, even the regular coke sold out

Sevenwindshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10910297416802849277noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7854004.post-53215960926901358702011-11-06T01:34:00.000-07:002011-11-06T04:56:19.302-08:00

I'm in recovery mode, but resting at home sleeping and surfing the net.  Can't help but flame the press and some internet media for the misinformation they are sending out and the fear and confusion its causing.  Here is an example. I get this email with the following in the subject line from Thaivisa, who is typically a pretty decent source of information about Thailand and usually well

Sevenwindshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10910297416802849277noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7854004.post-12317029935095343282011-11-05T18:24:00.001-07:002011-11-05T18:24:49.249-07:00

Was supposed to go upcountry today to meet the contractor and review plans for our farm project, but came down with the flu yesterday.  Running a low grade fever, stuffy nose, stuffy head, and a slight cough.  Felt better only after taking a couple of NyQuils that I brought over from the states.  It would have been one heck of a long drive upcountry too as I would have had to take the long

Sevenwindshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10910297416802849277noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7854004.post-80645575037626023372011-11-02T16:56:00.001-07:002011-11-02T17:01:39.154-07:00

A Thai friend of mine told me with a bit of humor on my return, and it was so true.  He said "Welcome to Fantasy Island...I mean Bangkok Island". An island is a piece of land surrounded on all sides by water.  That is exactly the situation that big mango island is in right now.  But things are great, things are grand so far on Fantasy Island so there is no reason not to come by for a visit!

Sevenwindshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10910297416802849277noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7854004.post-5679362825592624262011-11-01T18:10:00.000-07:002011-11-01T21:07:56.735-07:00

There is a wonderful human side of floods when people come together to fight the flood waters, donate and distribute food, and provide comfort.  But there is a very dark side as well, and its starting to manifest itself as the flood threat and waters continue to move through the area.  There are reported incidents of locals breaking flood walls, sluice gates, and other structures in an attempt

Sevenwindshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10910297416802849277noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7854004.post-63890620091395903342011-10-31T17:36:00.000-07:002011-10-31T17:36:54.706-07:00

The sudden increase in the blog traffic is solved, I think.  Considering tonight is Halloween night in most parts of the world except here in the LOS where is already November, I figured I would start there.  It turns out that one of the most popular movies during this period is "Nightmare on Elm Street".  That's the Freddie Krueger movie where he comes and kills you in your dreams and you

Sevenwindshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10910297416802849277noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7854004.post-68130982132034803782011-10-31T15:46:00.002-07:002011-11-01T03:28:09.404-07:00

The traffic on this blog was very usual today.  In a matter of hours, we received over 660 hits from the UK on one of my posts back in 2007 on the subject of "Nightmare Death Syndrome".  http://siamcal.blogspot.com/2007/08/nightmare-death-syndrome.html They are all from the UK or Ireland and referred via a google search of "Asian Death Syndrome". Could this be a homework assignment of

Sevenwindshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10910297416802849277noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7854004.post-66921148676234408472011-10-31T00:33:00.002-07:002011-10-31T00:33:33.631-07:00

Its the day after the weekend when the big mango was supposed to be washed into sea by a huge Tsunami flood wave from the north.  Well, it still dry and quiet here and things are great - thanks in large part to the hard working people who have kept the waters at bay and the foresight of those who financed and built the flood walls around the big mango.  One of the reasons that I thought Bangkok

Sevenwindshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10910297416802849277noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7854004.post-80184197427056537962011-10-29T13:01:00.000-07:002011-10-29T13:10:18.821-07:00

Its my usual jet lag on the second day as I am wide awake at 3AM in the morning.  I've been dosing on and off all day and will likely go back to sleep around dawn for a few more hours.  In the meantime, a check of the traffic cams indicate no flooding or other problems in the big mango.  By the way, there is no need for reporting from me or anyone on the current conditions.  Just refresh my

Sevenwindshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10910297416802849277noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7854004.post-79667452005243742602011-10-29T01:02:00.002-07:002011-10-29T01:15:51.989-07:00

Its about 3PM here in the big mango and all is quiet.  Nothing is stirring, not even a mouse - nah really as nothing is happening.  The tide came and went and the flood barriers which costs millions of baht held up around the western side of the city, keeping everything dry in the inner city.  Story here:  http://www.bangkokpost.com/breakingnews/263761/high-tide-no-breaches.   Outside the flood

Sevenwindshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10910297416802849277noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7854004.post-79117125812734162252011-10-28T18:00:00.000-07:002011-10-28T19:25:08.321-07:00

The peak high tide was supposed to have been 20 minutes ago.  So far, nothing is happening.  The 2-3 foot Tsunami flood wave didn't envelope the big mango and by the looks of the 150 or so traffic cams that I can see online (some embedded here), the flooding situation hasn't changed any.  Inner Bangkok is dry and cars are operating normally.  Missing are the crowds of people typically out on

Sevenwindshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10910297416802849277noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7854004.post-88741284575868147242011-10-28T02:14:00.001-07:002011-10-28T02:14:08.742-07:00

Got into the big mango around noon time and aside from the long lines, things went pretty smoothly.  B picked me up so it was nice to get a big welcome back at the airport.  Driving back was no problem and we didn't see any water in the streets or anywhere around the neighborhood.  On the approach into the airport, I didn't see the huge lake of water around Bangkok I was expecting.  In fact, it

Sevenwindshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10910297416802849277noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7854004.post-86658443329126993432011-10-27T16:02:00.001-07:002011-10-27T16:02:02.758-07:00

Taking my usual meal at the EVA lounge. Smooth ride and got a chance to sleep and watch "Too Big To Fail". Good movie, and I suspect that 95% percent of the people had no idea how really close we came to financial doomsday. While he was partly responsible for the mess when he worked for Goldman, I have a better understanding and appreciation of what Hank Paulson did during the crisis. Leaders

Sevenwindshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10910297416802849277noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7854004.post-20429352980794536752011-10-26T19:17:00.000-07:002011-10-26T19:17:06.042-07:00

Getting ready to head off to the airport to take that silver bird back to the big mango.  Its been almost two months, but a productive one as far as business and personal affairs go.  Now its time to go back to work in the big mango, flood and all.  Its just so unfortunate that communication has been so poor from the FROC, the government, and the Thai media.  Politics and saving face has no

Sevenwindshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10910297416802849277noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7854004.post-5821256765548295432011-10-25T17:48:00.001-07:002011-10-25T23:56:44.870-07:00

If you believe these things, this is the most useful map yet.  At least one can estimate the worse case scenario flooding depths at various points in the city.  Sure there will be places that will be higher and those that will be lower.  By the way, the correct conversion for meters to feet is 2.54cm (25.4 mm) equals 1 inch.  One foot of water is 30.48 cm. and for almost a live view of the

Sevenwindshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10910297416802849277noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7854004.post-41691177358400847232011-10-25T09:05:00.002-07:002011-10-25T09:05:37.649-07:00

Decided to include some last minute items to the bags today after evaluating the flood situation and talking to B over the phone the last few days.  I will be bringing over a water filter, similar to the one I have in my emergency back pack here in California, some beef jerky, and some additional first aid supplies.  B tells me that some people are in panic and are buying stuff off the shelves

Sevenwindshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10910297416802849277noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7854004.post-63444884257316677572011-10-23T09:49:00.000-07:002011-10-23T09:49:09.532-07:00

Getting my bags packed this weekend in anticipation of my return to Bangkok.  Trying to decide what extra stuff to bring back because of the situation there.  With most of the central part of Thailand flooded, there are some issues that are going to be around for the next few months.  Most of the issues, such as shortages of certain products and transportation disruptions can be dealt with by

Sevenwindshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10910297416802849277noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7854004.post-31915888678850826012011-10-21T17:32:00.001-07:002011-10-21T17:32:15.936-07:00

As a followup to yesterday's post on hearing, here is a really cool optical illusion.  There are no gimmicks here, only what you see.  Stare at the center cross for about twenty seconds.  Keep staring and you will be amazed at what you see or should I say don't see.

Sevenwindshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10910297416802849277noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7854004.post-769583788200673212011-10-21T00:02:00.002-07:002011-10-21T00:06:32.677-07:00

This is a lead in to a neat site I just discovered while surfing.  Its called Top 10 Incredible Sound Illusions Here is a sample of one of the items. What is this guy saying? Proof is in these incredible examples that what you think you heard may not be what you really heard. Not only can't you trust your eyes, but you can't trust your ears either.  Is that why people never hear

Sevenwindshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10910297416802849277noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7854004.post-60693028872118624072011-10-20T20:57:00.002-07:002011-10-20T20:57:34.867-07:00

Another quake 3.8 this time.  Hey, can I get my ticket to the big mango changed for like....tonight???????

Sevenwindshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10910297416802849277noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7854004.post-58797486544032119632011-10-20T19:54:00.001-07:002011-10-20T19:54:54.814-07:00

Since there is such a gap of information on what is happening with the floods, it might be good to do a bit of monitoring on your own.  Take for example, this website: http://dds.bangkok.go.th/Canal/ It provides an interactive map of all the measuring stations and depths of the water in the canals around the big mango.  Since the plan of the government is to drain some of the water through the

Sevenwindshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10910297416802849277noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7854004.post-23978632901820195562011-10-20T17:54:00.001-07:002011-10-20T17:54:44.290-07:00

We had a little one today -- a 4.0 Richter, but it felt a lot bigger because the epicenter was just south east of Berzerky, which is right next to Emeryville, etc., I couldn't have been more than a mile away from the center. It was felt all over the Bay Area and was reminiscent of the 89 quake in a number of ways.  First, they both happened in October (almost the same day) and both happened

Sevenwindshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10910297416802849277noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7854004.post-63389386018555793252011-10-18T21:26:00.001-07:002011-10-18T21:28:29.632-07:00

Just over a week left now before I return to the big mango.  Tons of things to do, and not enough time.  It will be good to get back despite the threat of floods and other problems.  Its still home and if I can help in some way when I get back, I will.  Last year, I helped with food donations and morale support to the volunteers that went into the flooded areas to deliver the food to the

Sevenwindshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10910297416802849277noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7854004.post-1107905723383771712011-10-14T16:55:00.002-07:002011-10-14T16:57:56.450-07:00

My youngest son recently started to work for a major gaming accessory company and is attending the Major League Gaming convention in Florida.  If you are into games, here is a link to some of the live streaming of the games going on during the weekend.  This link is for StarCraft2, and these guys are professionals who actually get money and a salary to play games against each other. Gaming is

Sevenwindshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10910297416802849277noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7854004.post-23436483066744715092011-10-12T21:34:00.000-07:002011-10-13T06:09:37.579-07:00

After a couple of days in SoCal for a potential business venture, I'm finally back.  I decided against investing so it was a long, but interesting trip.  With just two weeks left before I head back to the big mango, its busy times for me here.  It also seems like a critical period for Bangkok as the flood waters bear down on the capital, but I've heard mixed opinions on exactly which areas will

Sevenwindshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10910297416802849277noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7854004.post-81369229764850477782011-10-09T06:58:00.001-07:002011-10-09T06:58:20.736-07:00

Have you heard about the Kaem Ling project?  Kaem Ling is the "Cheek of the Monkey" and describes the Bangkok flood control system that was developed in 1995.  This was an idea by HRM the King as here is a reference to how it works.  As the flood waters bear down on the big mango, most believe the major parts of the capital will be OK.  In the diversion of water, those outside of the gates

Sevenwindshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10910297416802849277noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7854004.post-11601683664654861432011-10-09T00:00:00.000-07:002011-10-09T00:00:43.315-07:00

Like bargains?  I do.  I like to get good things at a bargain price - not poor quality things at a cheap price.  So in the last few days, I ran into a website called Woot.com.  Its a relatively new comer to the group buying business model where a large number of people can buy things cheaply as a group.  This is a very basic and interesting company with little of the service and other frills you

Sevenwindshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10910297416802849277noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7854004.post-70596197975697660102011-10-07T18:06:00.000-07:002011-10-07T18:06:57.744-07:00

Its golf news today.  Yep, Tiger made the cut at the Frys Open, but the really important news is that I got a letter from the USGA saying that I was chosen as a volunteer at the 2012 US Open at the Olympic Club in San Francisco.  I tried to volunteer a few months back only to receive a letter telling me all the positions were filled. If I wanted to, I could be put on a waiting list and so I

Sevenwindshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10910297416802849277noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7854004.post-25001320202070537542011-10-06T11:46:00.000-07:002011-10-06T11:49:38.433-07:00

Steve Jobs died yesterday, an icon in American business and the digital world.  He made a difference in the world of followers and square building architects. I met Steve Jobs once - before he was famous.  I met him and didn't know who he was at the time and maybe if I did, I might have had a different course of history in my life.  In the early days of micro computing, before the concept of

Sevenwindshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10910297416802849277noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7854004.post-39137979584765812352011-09-29T07:35:00.000-07:002011-09-29T07:35:28.488-07:00

Can't believe that there have been so many posts in what was going to be just a little experiment five years ago.  Over the years, a lot has happened and I'm glad I had a chance to write it all down for me to remember and share.  Its been a fun ride, but in reality it was also a lot of work.  Writing is not an easy task.  You have to have something to write about and then there is the process

Sevenwindshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10910297416802849277noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7854004.post-86370848534796164162011-09-27T20:53:00.003-07:002011-09-27T20:54:00.831-07:00

Boy it was a great weekend for golf.  With the FedEx cup, the Solheim cup, and the latest news on caddie changes, its going to be an interesting couple of months in what is traditionally a quiet period in golf.  I even had a change to go out and play a round yesterday at a local muni.  Unlike in the LOS, I changed my shoes in the parking lot, drove a golf cart, and didn't have a caddie to

Sevenwindshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10910297416802849277noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7854004.post-35964350012291716702011-09-22T21:44:00.000-07:002011-09-22T21:46:02.277-07:00

Found out today that my planned trip back East to North Carolina might be cancelled.  Since it was planned for the end of October, that means that I could get back to LOS that much sooner!  Anyway, I'm going to do some shopping for cheap airfares during the next few days and try to wrap up everything here as quickly as possible.  I have a couple of birthday parties to go to in October, then I'm

Sevenwindshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10910297416802849277noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7854004.post-83779330572646175572011-09-19T22:23:00.002-07:002011-09-19T22:26:13.692-07:00

Spent a lot of time during the last few days back here in California researching and experimenting with RC technology.  RC being short for Radio Controlled or Remote Control.  Its not like I am picking up another hobby, but its in connection  with a new business venture for the big mango.  Fortunately for me, I have a technical background which included some experience with electronics when I

Sevenwindshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10910297416802849277noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7854004.post-83986125185414351052011-09-17T22:12:00.000-07:002011-09-17T22:12:03.807-07:00

Quiet and slow weekend.  Finally over most of my jet lag and catching up on such things as mail, laundry, etc.  The movie "Dirty Harry" just came up on the History Channel.  I remember distinctly when that movie came out and a number of other movies that featured San Francisco during that period.  Bullet, Magnum Force, and Towering Inferno were just a few during that period when the city was

Sevenwindshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10910297416802849277noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7854004.post-47423138755756103882011-09-14T21:47:00.000-07:002011-09-14T21:47:06.893-07:00

My network router and ADSL modem combo flaked out on me.  For the last few days its been hit or miss with my ISP and wireless connections.  First I lost my ISP connection a few days ago and thought it was AT&T.  I even filed a trouble report, only to have someone call me back two days later and ask if I was still having trouble.  Then my wireless devices couldn't connect.  If they did, they

Sevenwindshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10910297416802849277noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7854004.post-41741738941540966472011-09-13T20:43:00.000-07:002011-09-13T20:43:21.896-07:00

Being away is refreshing and enlightening.  Having been in the Land of Smiles for the last 2 1/2 months, coming back to the Bay Area is like visiting some place new with a familiar look.  Yes its familiar, but some things are not exactly the same as before.  As one of my professors once said, we use our brains to fill in and extrapolate the changes and don't notice them unless they are really

Sevenwindshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10910297416802849277noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7854004.post-17070132844992006672011-09-11T09:12:00.000-07:002011-09-11T09:16:24.134-07:00

There are moments in your life that you never forget. Like I know the exact place and circumstance where I heard about John F Kennedy's assassination, or Bobby Kennedy's killing, or the big October 1987 earthquake in the bay area. I also remember distinctly how I heard about the September 11th events. I watched them unfold from my bedroom that fateful morning on CNBC. I was still working as

Sevenwindshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10910297416802849277noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7854004.post-76950931281871756042011-09-09T03:04:00.004-07:002011-09-09T03:04:58.388-07:00

Well I'm back in California.  Slept most of the way back from Taipei and then slept another 5 hours this evening after I got in.  Now its 2:30AM and I'm wide awake.  So I figured I would surf the web a bit and get a bite to eat - shouldn't as I have been eating all the way from the big mango.   Uneventful trip except for the bumpy ride.  I was so tired that I slept through most of it, being

Sevenwindshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10910297416802849277noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7854004.post-39848794403479679252011-09-08T04:17:00.001-07:002011-09-08T04:17:45.401-07:00

Waiting at the gate for my flight back to SFO. Spent two hours reading and eating at the EVA lounge and got bored so I wandered the airport a bit. Found free WiFi at the gate (c7). Anyway, very uneventful flight so far and missing home already.The interface on this blog software is real fickle, not allowing me to put in certain words. More from the other bookend. Posted using BlogPress from

Sevenwindshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10910297416802849277noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7854004.post-16911753529660878452011-09-07T16:19:00.000-07:002011-09-07T16:55:27.273-07:00

and I will be heading off to the airport for my trip over to California.  It was so much easier to get ready this time as I believe my mentality has finally changed from 'going back home' to going over to California for a visit.  Thailand is my home now and during the last few weeks something really strange happened.  I got this feeling of belonging here as if the country suddenly said '

Sevenwindshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10910297416802849277noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7854004.post-79838240840899518492011-09-06T23:11:00.000-07:002011-09-07T00:29:27.579-07:00

Here in the Land of Smiles:  Thailand Post is making money (1 billion baht per year) and the service is excellent.  In fact, I LOVE the post office here because they go out of the way to help you.  Take for example, my necessity to mail something back to the USA yesterday.  My box was a bit crushed and a bit too flexible and so the lady at the counter told me to go over to the box counter.

Sevenwindshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10910297416802849277noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7854004.post-18229174923283482972011-09-05T22:45:00.000-07:002011-09-09T03:06:44.747-07:00

Some of you that have been reading Bangkok Buddy's blog already know of the shocking news of Alan's death.  He was nicknamed "the bowler" on his blog.  The three of us and Alan's son just had dinner not more than two or so weeks ago.  We shared a moo-ka-tat out in the Ratchada area and all laughed at how big his son has gotten.  Alan was looking good and adapting well to normal life away from

Sevenwindshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10910297416802849277noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7854004.post-19670952372711043852011-09-04T23:41:00.000-07:002011-09-04T23:41:16.317-07:00

Four more days before heading over to California for about 6-8 weeks.  Just in time to take care of some personal business and batten down the hatches for winter time as I will be here when it starts to rain and storm again on the other bookend.  Really felt 'comfortable' on this trip in terms of getting things done and establishing a regular routine.  In fact, my routine began to be quite

Sevenwindshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10910297416802849277noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7854004.post-68873897434650862382011-09-03T20:29:00.001-07:002011-09-03T20:34:00.435-07:00

You know how sometimes things are so obvious that you don't see them?  Well today, I found a little gem right under my nose.  All these years, I have been living about 2 blocks from Lumphini Park and haven't really spent any time inside it.  I've been there on a couple of occasions during the afternoon and early evening, but not in the morning.  Its always been a bit hot when I got there and

Sevenwindshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10910297416802849277noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7854004.post-7266674606627769672011-09-03T18:05:00.000-07:002011-09-03T18:09:57.858-07:00

The priest and I had a discussion the other night on the Thai education system during the free buffet.  By the way, the buffet was great  with many coming out for the penne pasta, fish cake, bean spouts, and fruit.  One of the topics on the discussion of Thai education centered on the literacy rate - which was quoted as above 98% for Thailand.  For a poor country like Thailand, that seemed

Sevenwindshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10910297416802849277noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7854004.post-28450254713743463152011-09-01T23:41:00.000-07:002011-09-02T01:08:20.677-07:00

The little white rock ding near the roof  and then the cracking started quickly towards the center Vanna got new shades today.  Its not like she got bored of her old pair or anything, but a nasty rock came out of nowhere and dinged her old pair pretty badly on the way up to the farm.  It wasn't going to be an urgent matter until we noticed that it was not only a rock ding, but one

Sevenwindshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10910297416802849277noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7854004.post-71656352726431776922011-08-31T19:27:00.001-07:002011-08-31T19:27:53.576-07:00

We're back from the farm.  A couple of long but productive days as things are going along pretty well with the bungalows and our farm house 'center'.  Since the last trip, we added more soil to the property..about 200 trucks full to raise it up about 18 inches and level it off in preparation for the bungalows and the farm house center.  The water is installed and we made the appropriate 'deals'

Sevenwindshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10910297416802849277noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7854004.post-16205997448143292702011-08-29T08:09:00.002-07:002011-08-29T08:09:48.611-07:00

We're headed upcountry to the farm for a couple of days.  Last visit before I head over to California.  I want to  layout the new bungalow configurations on the property before I leave as it is likely that the contractor will start on them while I am away.  Instead of a house, we are building a few bungalows to make the place more 'resort' like.  There is a lot of land and we like the outdoor

Sevenwindshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10910297416802849277noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7854004.post-24600092259000817292011-08-28T04:40:00.002-07:002011-08-28T09:20:53.457-07:00

It must be the weather, the water,  or something, as I did what I thought I would not do again...I bought another bike.  Yeah last time, the idea of a folding 'A' bike seemed like a great idea as both Bangkok Buddy and I plucked down some money and each bought one.  Unfortunately, the bike didn't live up to our expectations and my bike is still sitting in the corner all these years.  It was too

Sevenwindshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10910297416802849277noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7854004.post-69728269502846850562011-08-26T18:43:00.003-07:002011-08-26T18:43:49.224-07:00

From the Bangkok Post I'm not sure to call this guy dedicated, hard working, or stupid.  But his barber shop is open amid the floods that are ravaging the north of Thailand.  I appreciate his desire to serve customers, but the way they wire up circuits here in the LOS, I doubt that the plug is grounded -- which may result in one shocking experience for both he and his customer.  Hey,

Sevenwindshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10910297416802849277noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7854004.post-4829763040566489312011-08-24T18:16:00.001-07:002011-08-25T00:40:05.119-07:00

Owning your own place here in the LOS has its benefits, but also its share of responsibilities, the least of which is general maintenance of things that pop up unexpectedly.  The day before yesterday, as I was squeezing about 4 kilos of free limes that we got from B's friend into juice, I noticed that there was water coming out from under my kitchen cabinet.  When I went to investigate more, I

Sevenwindshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10910297416802849277noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7854004.post-61842335602467169762011-08-22T17:02:00.004-07:002011-08-22T17:02:38.383-07:00

Think this is good until the 19th of September

Sevenwindshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10910297416802849277noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7854004.post-75855756634622227892011-08-22T16:44:00.002-07:002011-08-22T17:39:45.032-07:00

I'm always in search of places like parks in the big mango.  More so recently that they have closed the kite club's gathering place and parking lot near the Impact Arena.  Looks like another giant condo complex is going up right where we have been flying kites for the last ten years...such is the fate of open space here in the big mango. Anyway, I was in the Yannawa area yesterday

Sevenwindshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10910297416802849277noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7854004.post-66032437733825709442011-08-19T05:12:00.001-07:002011-08-19T05:12:11.956-07:00

The regular Friday eve gathering for the free meal and meeting up with other expats in the big mango.- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhoneLocation:Nakhon Thai 16,Bangkok,Thailand

Sevenwindshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10910297416802849277noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7854004.post-37890757343843181602011-08-18T17:22:00.001-07:002011-08-18T17:22:24.612-07:00

Maybe that's why there are so many dismemberment of certain parts of the male anatomy here in the LOS...555 As they say, if you live by the sword, you might just die by the sword

Sevenwindshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10910297416802849277noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7854004.post-74069945173261573182011-08-16T18:37:00.000-07:002011-08-16T18:37:18.614-07:00

He is the smartest and most honest guy in the race.  The media and political machines they work for can't bear to see him telling the truth, so they try to ignore him.  Too bad for America. The Daily ShowGet More: Daily Show Full Episodes,Political Humor & Satire Blog,The Daily Show on Facebook

Sevenwindshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10910297416802849277noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7854004.post-18231058435605083022011-08-16T18:32:00.001-07:002011-08-16T18:32:41.958-07:00

Sevenwindshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10910297416802849277noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7854004.post-63723380859039450872011-08-16T04:40:00.001-07:002011-08-16T04:40:21.597-07:00

Actually, there is a lot to talk about in the LOS, but the weather is the big topic today.  There is widespread rain and some areas are flooded in the north and along the river outside of the flood containment walls around Bangkok.   Did you know that there is an official Thai meteorological Department website that can give better detail of the weather conditions than say, yahoo or weather

Sevenwindshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10910297416802849277noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7854004.post-47642466170972077942011-08-15T17:53:00.002-07:002011-08-15T17:59:01.756-07:00

Had a chance to wander over to the eastern part of the big mango yesterday.  I was looking for something I saw in a small shop near  Seacon Square about a  year or so back.  As I was driving north from Bangna Trad on Srinakarin Road,  I saw a totally different appearance on the face of the old Seri Center.  On the outside, it read "Paradise Park"...that was interesting.  As  I drove by it

Sevenwindshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10910297416802849277noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7854004.post-48901290578291818762011-08-15T01:29:00.001-07:002011-08-15T01:29:21.535-07:00

Evidently, I only posted a segment of the complete performance of these students at their graduation ceremony.  These are all amateurs -  students, the will someday make up all walks of life in Japanese society (pun intended).

Sevenwindshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10910297416802849277noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7854004.post-72802945449596475722011-08-14T08:09:00.000-07:002011-08-14T08:09:23.649-07:00

Wanted to share this video of a new sport in Japan.  I thought about doing this one time with a team of Segway owners...thought that would have been spectacular.  Now, this team just needs to add some music, lights, and they can tour around the world like other famous acts...

Sevenwindshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10910297416802849277noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7854004.post-84123265969799866102011-08-12T18:07:00.003-07:002011-08-13T04:48:58.645-07:00

Its hard to convince people about why I like living here in Thailand.  Often, I tell them its the food and the cheap prices for everything.  With a snicker, they always assume that is just a cover story for the real purpose that I am here...that I am some kind of low life bum living in a country made unfairly infamous for its red light escapes by the media.  But in reality, I do live a pretty

Sevenwindshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10910297416802849277noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7854004.post-85662436149674548702011-08-11T21:39:00.000-07:002011-08-11T21:39:11.850-07:00

It came on late yesterday but internet coverage was also available around 9PM local time.  We are not starved for golf coverage here in Thailand as the Thailand Open was also going on this week at Suwan Golf and Country Club.  It was raining on and off yesterday when I tried to play at my golf club and gave up after nine holes when it started to come down really hard.   Poor Tiger, he had a

Sevenwindshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10910297416802849277noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7854004.post-21989892817930347412011-08-09T23:49:00.001-07:002011-08-09T23:49:26.707-07:00

Some time ago, I posted on this blog about a supplement called Resveratrol and how I was taking it to help me avoid or delay the onset of type 2 diabetes, which runs in my family.  Its been over two years now that I have started taking Resveratrol on a daily basis.  My first posts about it was in these blog entries.   http://siamcal.blogspot.com/2009/06/resveratrol-anti-aging-pill.html

Sevenwindshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10910297416802849277noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7854004.post-65121215360770303422011-08-09T18:49:00.002-07:002011-08-09T18:50:25.822-07:00

Actually, Mother's Day and the Queen's Birthday is on the 12th, which is this Friday.  Here in Thailand, its always easy to remember father's day and mother's day because they coincide with the birthday of the King and Queen.  For the family oriented Thais, Mother's day is one of the biggest holidays of the year, travel wise.  Starting today for the next couple of days, the buses, trains, and

Sevenwindshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10910297416802849277noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7854004.post-77224584949933516982011-08-09T03:23:00.001-07:002011-08-09T03:23:23.772-07:00

Re-posted from Moonbattery The monkeys here in the land of smiles would not miss........5555

Sevenwindshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10910297416802849277noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7854004.post-43039312938482520792011-08-08T14:30:00.001-07:002011-08-08T14:30:47.212-07:00

Received an anonymous comment yesterday asking me to stop gloating about how well gold is doing and to stop my comments on the bad economy, market, etc.  The contributor sounded quite angry, I guess because he/she is being impacted by this firestorm of selling in the market. In reflection and retrospect, I'm thinking maybe the person was correct.  This is supposed to be a blog on living life

Sevenwindshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10910297416802849277noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7854004.post-8400693600006867772011-08-08T05:00:00.001-07:002011-08-08T05:00:10.710-07:00

Ben Bernake was wrong. Maybe in his little intellectual university mind gold is not money, but in the reality of the world it is. Gold can be exchanged for goods and services. Gold can be a store of value. Sounds like it meets the definition of money to me - a lot better than a "federal reserve NOTE" $1700 vs $30 per ounce when we got off the gold standard.   

Sevenwindshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10910297416802849277noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7854004.post-62481537400420649562011-08-08T03:48:00.004-07:002011-08-08T04:10:52.409-07:00

Just got back from a great weekend upcountry at the farm.  It was B's birthday this weekend and like many Thai girls, she wanted to spend the day with her parents and family.  After all, without the parents there would be no birthday right?  It was a bit of a family gathering with B's grandfather, aunts, and uncles all coming to the party.  As it was, it really wasn't a big or fancy party

Sevenwindshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10910297416802849277noreply@blogger.com0