Matt B

OK phone guys out there. I have a question or maybe a lost cause. I have a Nokia 1200 prepaid phone bought in Thailand, and used on the Thai AIS network. I bought the phone second hand and then just used my existing SIM with it over there. The phone is unlocked, displays welcome screen etc. I got a T-Mobile SIM card and activation kit for it when I can back to the USA, but it doesn't pick up any network signal. I activated the number online with the phone serial etc, but still have no network picked up by the phone. A friend of mine has T-mobile here as well, so I know there is coverage. It's not a great phone, but I just needed a cheap emergency back up. I really don't want to go buy yet another crappy phone when I may not be here long. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.

I am a US citizen who has been working and living abroad in Asia for the past 2 years. My work contract and permit has expired here and I will be returning to the US soon. Not my choice of destinations, but I will need to return for a while. I am looking at the unemployment numbers and getting a bit worried. If I am unable to find work in the short run, is there any chance of filing an unemployment claim? It's not looking too pretty at the moment.

I was walking down the street today here in Chiang Mai Thailand, and spotted what looked like a 1000 Baht Thai bill. It would be worth around $30.00 US dollars, so I picked it up. However instead of a picture of the king on it there is a picture of a Yugioh character. Has anyone else ever seen one of these or tell me what it is? I doubt it's worth anything, but I am curious. I'll probably just give it to one of the Thai kids downstairs. Thanks for any and all responses.

This is a real situation that happened to me this weekend, and I am looking for honest and adult opinions. I am a 37 yo man, and life has been rough to say the least over the past few months due to business and money troubles. Last Sunday, a friend tried to visit, but I was in no mood for company. I asked him to "go away" without opening the door and he did. He then called another friend stating that "I would not let him in" and that he knows "I have a gun". That friend then called my mother saying "He won't let anyone in and he has a gun!!!" My mother freaks out (thinking suicide) and then calls the cops! Long story short, the cops show up, arrest me, and take me to the hospital where I spent the last 2 days handcuffed to a gernie and being pumped full of needles and drugs (some of which were kinda fun, then oh ya handcuffs). 2 psychiatrists interviewed me on different days and finally ovrerode the doctor's decision to hold me, but what a friggin ordeal. 48 hours that I will never get back. Trying to make the best of it I got to watch the entire series Axe Men on the History Channel while handcuffed to a hospital bed.

Thanks for reading all that. My question is "who should I be angry with?" The police were very nice despite the handcuffs and all. The hospital staff were actually very helpful also despite the complete lack of help getting my prescriptions and nearly causing me a stroke In the interview/interrogation. The nurses were freaking out watching my stats when my heart rate hit 159 and my BP hit 190 over 140. Not pleasant, when you're trying to answer questions like "On a scale of 1 to 10 how happy are you with your life?".

In my opinion, the blame lies with my friends and family who were too quick to jump to conclusions without a full understanding of the situation, but I welcome any thoughts or impressions. Points will be awarded as I make my decisions. I understand it's a complicated issue, but the kind of question I myself enjoy contributing to. And Yes, it's all true. Just got home an hour ago and still peeling the IV bandaids from my arms and EKG stickies from my chest.

The news media has been peppered with celebrity deaths over the last few months. I was tired and frustrated with the constant coverage on Michael Jackson. Today the media is dominated by the death of US senator Ted Kennedy. Granted he had some major accomplishments, but his crimes are very evident. His money and family got him out of more trouble than we can possibly imagine over the years.

I hate to see this guy immortalized on national TV when his legacy is based on family money getting him out of trouble.

I hate popular culture in the USA today, but for God's sake gimme MJ on my TV and let Teddy burn in hell. MJ can burn in hell also, but I'd rather see a pop icon being immortalized than a fraud like Teddy.

I am currently out on bond for a misdemeanor obstruction charge last month. I've been to court a few times, but the prosecutor and my public defender can't reach an agreement and keep calling for a continuance. My question is when is my bondsman released of his responsibility? Is it the first court date, Judgment, Sentencing, or Completion of sentence (paid fines)? Any help is greatly appreciated.