CharlieH

There is always a link to the source of the article included.

It's a Wonderful Life - James Stewart,

Just a thought, a possibility, but I often wonder if I put it in a Thai name whether it makes a difference. Not an obvious Farang name. It shouldnt, but the thought crossed my mind more than once when I get a bum deal.

Check the file size. They may be too big,resize and upload. Also check they are acceptable file type

This appears to be user error. Look at those three squares to the left of "start new topic" you have the wrong selected, thats why its asking you for what forums you want , look to the right and none of them are selected so there is nothing to display. You should select the FIRST of those 3 squares and it will display as it should. Hope that helps.

Reported misleading post and response to it removed.

Your questions answered about the rare neurological disorder in the wake of this week’s media coverage of Céline Dion Céline Dion’s sister said this week that the singer’s future music career was uncertain after her diagnosis with an autoimmune disease called stiff person syndrome. The condition prompted Dion to cancel all future tour dates earlier this year and her sister, Claudette Dion, told the Canadian website 7 Jours that she “doesn’t have control over her muscles”. So how common is the condition and can it be treated? What is stiff person syndrome? Stiff person syndrome (SPS) is a rare autoimmune neurological disorder that can cause progressive muscle stiffness and painful spasms in the lower back, legs and torso. Stiffness often fluctuates, getting worse and then improving temporarily. People affected by SPS can suffer from chronic pain, falls, and loss of mobility over time. Who does it affect? It is a very rare condition, affecting an estimated one to two people in a million. It most commonly occurs in people aged 40-50, but in rare cases affects children. The disorder was originally known as stiff man syndrome, but like most autoimmune conditions it is more common in women. What causes it? Scientists are still figuring out the biology behind SPS, and the rarity of the condition makes it difficult to study. However, there is converging evidence that the condition is caused by an autoimmune reaction, where the body attacks healthy tissues. About 80% of people with SPS have autoantibodies in their blood that are thought to target specific nerve cells in the brain that produce a brain chemical called GABA. GABA, broadly speaking, helps dampen down brain activity and regulates motor neurons. One theory is that, with less GABA available in the brain, overactive neurons send signals to the muscles to tense up and continuously contract or become more prone to sudden spasms. Many patients with SPS also have another autoimmune disease, such as type 1 diabetes, vitiligo or pernicious anaemia. How is SPS diagnosed? Since SPS is rare, it is often misdiagnosed as Parkinson’s disease and its symptoms overlap with other conditions, including multiple sclerosis, fibromyalgia, anxiety and phobias. Blood tests to identify autoantibodies can help diagnosis, although a proportion of patients don’t test positive. MRI and CT scans are sometimes used to examine the spine and muscles, although normally to rule out other conditions that could be confused with SPS. Treatments There is no cure for SPS, but there are various treatments that can help keep symptoms under control. Sedatives, muscle relaxants and steroids can help with muscle stiffness and spasms. There is also some evidence that immunotherapy could help. One trial found that patients who were given intravenous immunoglobulin – antibodies that are designed to outcompete the problematic antibodies – had reduced stiffness, improved gait and balance. FULL ARTICLE

From Google: Most expats in the Philippines live in the Metro Manila area, particularly in Makati City – home to many international corporations and the heart of the country's diplomatic community. From luxury condominiums to houses in gated communities, there's a variety of accommodation to choose from. You may want to join one of the expat forums for the Phillipines and get some local knowledge from them. We also have a Philippines General chat forum here too..... https://aseannow.com/forum/390-philippines-general-chat/

Takes self control but I do have just 1 of something everyday. I have a big container with mixed nuts, seeds and a sprinkling of raisins for a healthier option too it not all or just chocolate.

I dont think you'll be disappointed, certainly one of the best Chocolate Ive discovered. If you like the the snickers type bars, they have mini versions called "go-nuts" give them a try, same price per box.

I was basing it purely on his description also some US based facilities have offices there and so on.

I get a similar thing in Makro at 43 bt for a Box of them

You can get these in Pattaya and on Lazada occasionally from "Food variety"

Seems to me youd be happier in the Philippines.

Better to ask in the Chiang Mai forum....MOVED

What's your favorite snack here in Thaikand ? What am I missing that I need to try ? Potatoes chips/crisps, choc bars what ? I think most people like a snack sometimes or maybe watching a movie etc, so what's yours ?

By Barbara Plett Usher, State Dept correspondent and Anthony Zurcher, North America correspondent BBC News The US has a new diplomatic objective in the Gaza War - to convince Israel to scale back its military operations in coming weeks. This is a crucial test of the Biden administration, and whether it succeeds could help determine the next phase of the war - as well as the president's own political fortunes back home. In public, the American effort to shape and restrain Israel's war has taken the form of advice rather than pressure. US officials - from Mr Biden to Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin - have continually affirmed what they present as Israel's right to self-defence, and declared that a military operation which stops short of removing Hamas from power would only guarantee more attacks. As the conflict wore on, they've also become more outspoken about the need to protect civilians, warning that not doing so would land Israel with a "strategic defeat." Much of the world sees this approach as failing to temper a relentless bombing campaign that ranks among the most deadly and destructive this century. US officials insist their strategy has been the most effective way for the administration to influence an Israel traumatised by the unprecedented Hamas attack and disinclined to hold back. Yet American policy since that day has fractured Joe Biden's Democratic Party, lost him crucial support among young and Arab Americans and left the US looking isolated on the world stage. So far, President Biden's approach has achieved tangible, if limited, results. Persistent and painstaking diplomacy cleared a path to allowing some humanitarian aid into Gaza early on in the war, and helped broker a seven-day ceasefire to encourage hostage releases and the delivery of more assistance to desperate civilians. The Americans have certainly been very hands on. A steady stream of senior officials to the region has meant there's been someone in the room much of the time, having the difficult conversations face to face. "These trips are important because we have constant issues that we're dealing with together with the Israelis," said a US official. Each of Mr Blinken's three visits to the region has been a whirlwind of activity and he's been keen to highlight continued American efforts to free the hostages, increase humanitarian aid and ensure the conflict does not expand to consume the entire Middle East. Progress on protecting civilians has been hard to see. This week the death toll in Gaza reached 20,000, according to the Hamas-run Gaza Health Ministry. The Hamas raid on southern Israel on 7 October killed some 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and saw about 240 taken hostage. FULL ARTICLE

The Supreme Court's decision not to rule quickly on whether Donald Trump can be prosecuted on election-subversion charges may help delay his trial, according to ex-prosecutors. But they told the BBC this strategy of filing repeated challenges will only put off the inevitable and could even backfire on the former president in terms of timing for his White House campaign next year. On Friday the justices declined to rule on whether Mr Trump has immunity from prosecution in the case, turning down special counsel Jack Smith's request to take up the matter in an expedited manner. The Supreme Court offered no explanation, saying only that Mr Smith's petition "was denied". The special counsel's office has not yet commented on the decision, which is seen as a major setback to his case against Mr Trump. It is unclear, however, how long the trial might be delayed, or whether it might be pushed back beyond the 2024 election. Mr Trump is currently the Republican frontrunner for a rematch against President Joe Biden next November. The special counsel indicted the ex-president in August for allegedly conspiring to overturn the results of the last election in the lead-up to the US Capitol riot on 6 January 2021. Friday's ruling means that the US Court of Appeals for the DC Circuit will have to hear the case first. But eventually, it is likely the Supreme Court will have to make a ruling anyway. Mr Smith had argued that the appeals process could delay the start of the trial, which is due to begin on 4 March. For now, the judge in the case, Tanya Chutkan, has paused proceedings while Mr Trump's legal team appeals. He has repeatedly argued he has immunity from prosecution because he was acting in an official capacity at the time of the riot. Gene Rossi, a former federal prosecutor with decades of experience at the US justice department, told the BBC the decision is a "huge setback for Jack Smith on the scheduling front". Supreme Court will not fast-track Trump immunity case Judge rejects Trump immunity claim in election case "However, his request for expedited review was a noble attempt to move this trial along," he added. "Mr Trump, whose immunity appeal is not strong, will not face the 6 January music for multiple months." FULL STORY

What you are loooking for, and may have more success in finding is "Shiatzu" masssage, thats deep tissue massage.

US actor Vin Diesel's former personal assistant is suing the Fast & Furious star, accusing him of sexual assault during the 2010 filming of Fast Five. A lawyer for the actor, real name Mark Sinclair, said his client "denies this claim in its entirety". Asta Jonasson claims in the lawsuit that the actor pinned her to a wall as he performed a sex act on himself. She is further suing for wrongful termination, claiming his company fired her hours after the alleged attack. Ms Jonasson's lawsuit, which was filed in Los Angeles on Thursday, alleges that the sexual battery took place in Atlanta's St Regis hotel during the filming of Fast Five. She says in the lawsuit that Mr Sinclair, 56, physically overpowered her in his hotel suite and "ignored Ms Jonasson's clear statements of non-consent" as he groped her. The lawsuit alleges that after she "screamed and ran towards the nearby bathroom", the film star "pinned her against the wall with his body" and performed a sex act on himself. "Mere hours" after the incident, the lawsuit says that she was contacted by the actor's sister Samantha Vincent - who runs his production company One Race Films - and was fired. She is also suing the actor's sister and his production company. Ms Vincent did not immediately respond to a request for comment. "It was clear to her that she was being fired because she was no longer useful - Vin Diesel had used her to fulfil his sexual desires," the suit alleges. It adds: "Ms Jonasson felt helpless, her self esteem was demolished, and she questioned her own skills and whether a successful career would require her to trade her body for advancement." The former assistant also claims that another executive from the company propositioned her in the same hotel a few days before the incident with Mr Sinclair. In addition to sexual battery, her lawsuit includes claims of gender discrimination, illegal retaliation, emotional distress and wrongful termination. Bryan Freedman, a lawyer for Mr Sinclair, said in a written statement to CNN on Thursday: "Vin Diesel categorically denies this claim in its entirety. "This is the first he has ever heard about this more than 13 year old claim made by a purportedly 9 day employee." FULL STORY

Chinese authorities are investigating a hospital over an incident where a surgeon allegedly punched the patient he was operating on at the time. It was captured in a clip that went viral on Chinese social media this week, sparking outrage online. The hospital's parent group, Aier China, has suspended the surgeon and dismissed the CEO of the hospital where the incident took place in 2019. The BBC has contacted Aier China for comment. The video appears to show the surgeon punching a patient in the head at least three times while operating on their eyes. Aier China, which operates a chain of eye hospitals, said the incident took place during an operation in its hospital in Guigang, a southwestern Chinese city. The patient was an 82-year-old woman and "during the surgery, due to local anaesthesia, the patient had intolerance". She moved her head and eyeballs multiple times, according to their statement. As the patient could only speak a local dialect and did not appear to respond to the doctor's warnings in Mandarin, the surgeon "treated the patient roughly in an emergency situation". Local authorities say the patient sustained bruises on her forehead. After the surgery, the hospital's management apologised and paid 500 yuan ($70, £55) as compensation, according to the patient's son who spoke to local media outlets. He also said his mother is now blind in her left eye, though it is not clear whether it was due to the incident. Aier China said the hospital failed to report the incident to headquarters. On Thursday it announced the dismissal of the Guiyang hospital CEO and the suspension of the surgeon - who is also the hospital dean - over "serious violations of the group's regulations", which included other unspecified offences. Though the incident took place in December 2019, it only came to the public's attention this week after a prominent Chinese doctor, Ai Fen, shared CCTV footage of the surgery. Dr Ai, who was among a group of doctors who alerted the public to the initial Wuhan Covid outbreak, had posted the clip on her Weibo account where she has more than two million followers. Dr Ai has been embroiled in legal disputes with Aier China since 2021 when she went for an operation at one of their hospitals . She has claimed she nearly became blind in one eye due to that operation, but Aier China has denied the allegation. FULL STORY

15. You will not discriminate or post slurs, degrading or overly negative comments on the basis of race, gender, age, religion, ethnicity, nationality, disability, medical history, marriage, civil partnership, pregnancy, maternity, paternity, gender identity, sexual orientation or any other irrelevant factor.

If anyone fancies trying it ?........