Stubby

I hear what you're saying, but the counterargument also makes sense. Here's one of many extracts of similar research: Several studies of historical food composition tables show an apparent decline in food nutrient content over the past 70 years. This decline has been attributed to soil degradation and the "mining" of soil fertility by industrial agriculture. Source. And I think even the honest producers of vitamins and minerals say not to replace a healthy balanced diet with supplements. Instead, use them with food to ensure the body gets all it needs. Stubby

How much zinc? I pop a Berocca Performance tablet every morning. That Has 10mg of zinc. I also read that fatty food significantly enhances absorption of vitamin D-3 supplements. So now we have Zinc, fat or oil, and K2 to get the most out of a D3 pill. Anything else, I wonder?

10,000 IU sounds a little extreme? In the UK, when you're lucky to see any sun under the low grey soggy winder cloud cover, the recommendation is 2,000 IU per day. Still, if there's no harm in high doses, then it why not ????

Hi folks. I just want to apologize for my late response. Usually, this forum notifies me of any updates, but I didn't get auto-announcements this time, hence my absence. I only popped in this morning as I was curious that there wasn't a single response. Then I saw all these replies. Strange! I've go to pop out now, but I'll go through them all this evening when I get back home. Thank you all for taking the time to respond. Stubby

Thanks, Hummin, it's another online suggestion, though. I may go down that route if I don't have any joy in local stores. And yes, I will get D3 levels checked at my next medical checkup, but it's not for a while. Still, I know that lack adequate exposure to sunshine the past few months will mean low levels.

Thank you, RS, that's interesting. I have seen some incredible deals online, but I was put off by what the lady said about not trusting online supplements. That's why I posted here. I think she was insinuating they were probably not the products they claim to be. Of course, the only way to know is to wait a couple of months and get tested for D3 levels. Despite that, I have made a note of your suggestion in case I have no luck in the real-world. Stubby.

Yes, I also looked for the K2 with D3 combo pill but was told they're not available in Thailand pharmacies ???? I usually make sure I eaten little fat when I take mine.

Howdy, Folks. Is anyone on here taking vitamin D3 supplements? And if yes, would you mind telling me how much you pay for how many and at what strength? I've been paying around 600 Baht for 600 x 1000 IU. It's all the high-street pharmacies seem to sell. But online, I can see products such as 240 and 250 D3 supplements at 2,000 IU for less than 280 Baht. I asked one of the women in my local pharmacy about that, and she said not to trust online supplements. She's probably right. So, if I want 2000 IU, is my only choice really to fork out 1,200 Baht for two bottles of 1000 IU? Just curious, that's all. Thank you in advance. Stubby

Well said Mr. Nice Guy. How DARE the most persecuted minority in the world try to seek a little safety and security for their families. Shame on them for even dreaming! There for the grace of….

From what I think I know, most "elderly" people won't be around to give a toss in quite some years to come. I mean, we're born, we grow up, we grow old, then catch one of the thousands of nasty killer diseases... and we die. So if not COVID, it'll be something else equally as unpleasant. Heck, your pessimistic realism must be infectious; you've got me staring into a glass half empty now.

Do you even realize just how fckued up that sounds? Why on earth should schools need fortifying by armed guards in the first place? For cyring out loud!!! Wouldn't it be better to put an end to the crazy gun rights?

Sky News UK has started to count daily cases of Monkeypox in much the same way as they did with COVID-19. That is, "X new cases today, which is X more cases than yesterday, bringing the total number of infections to (enter two digits here) since the outbreak began". I'm surprised it's getting so much global attention. I mean, the deadly BA.2.12.1 Omicron variant is still with us, wiping out the unvaccinated left, right, and center as I type.

You sound like one of those aggressive people who drag pet dogs by the scruff of their neck and rub their nose in a poop they did in the house. It seems to me that the guy in the video couldn't hold back, and if nothing else, the pickup at least gave him a little privacy.

I notice that vitamin supplements are pretty expensive in Thailand for some reason. I eat a varied diet and take a few vitamins to make sure I'm topped up. One vitamin I take is D3, but ideally, I'd prefer a D3+K2 supplement rather than different pills, which also increases the price. However, I've been to three of the bigger pharmacies but haven't had any luck. I know it's possible to order online, but one never knows whether online supplements are genuine or not. So, if anyone here knows of a pharmacy chain in Thailand that sells them, please let me know. Thanks in advance, Stubby

I know this thread opened some time ago, but the topic never goes out of date. DRUNKS CAN'T HOPE FOR CHANGE Hoping for change won't yield any results; it must come from positive action. But, unfortunately, many drunks fail to quit because they cling to the 'just one more day/week' or, I'll stop on (insert date here).' The trouble is they mean it, and that's what keeps them going... they believe their own BS as they keep moving the goalposts. Drunks always find "justifiable reasons" for "just one more" or a more appropriate date to stop. And so the cycle continues, sometimes for years, other times till the end. Henry Ford once said, and I quote: "If you always do what you've always done, you'll always get what you've always got." It's true, and it applies to all areas of life. THE POWER OF DRY FRIENDS The best way to stay away from booze is to make new friends, others who have been where you are now but no longer drink. See, people need people, and it's all about sticking with those who can understand and support each other. Seriously, there's real power in quality relations. LEARN WHO YOUR REAL MATES ARE Now, that doesn't mean you have to say goodbye or stay away from friends who drink. It just means you meet up with them when they're not drinking or make your excuses and leave if they start. If they rib you and try to get you to change your mind, well... who needs friends like that, right? Finally, it's a good idea to stay away from wet places until your sobriety is under control. And even then, it's advisable to visit them with sober friends. Stubby

Fair enough. So you're saying that most people who take yabba for occasional recreational use enjoy it without severe consequences? From what I've read, one in ten drinkers become alcoholics. Maybe that's a similar statistic for addicts in general. However, there will be the so-called problem drinkers (borderline alkies) in between. I'm surprised yabba is still a problem in Thailand, though. I thought its price went through the roof in Taksin's reign.

Why do people take yabba if it makes them go crazy? I thought the whole idea of getting off one's face was that it made you feel fantastic. Or maybe it's the eventual craving for more that puts addicts over the edge? I've been in Thailand for many years, yet I'm still ignorant of this societal menace.

Did you read and understand the fine-print? Are you serious, OMF? Definition of fine-print: Small print or mouse-print is less noticeable because it's considerably smaller than the more obvious larger print it accompanies that advertises the product or service. But it doesn't end there. A SCAM BY ANY OTHER NAME Everyone knows why small print exists, right? And not only that, the deliberate legal jargon often used is incomprehensible to most. Moreover, it has insanely long sentences, and some policies have a higher word count than a freaking novel. It's a disgraceful practice that should be illegal. Indeed, authorities should force insurers to enlarge the font and shorten the terms and conditions by removing the unnecessary legalese and jargon. Here's an idea; insurers improve the readability of their terms & conditions so that every literate person can understand them. But they won't, and we all know why. WHAT THE HECK AM I TALKING ABOUT? OK, here's a typical extract from a vehicle insurance policy that runs to tens of pages: We do not insure for such loss regardless of: (a) the cause of the excluded event; or (b) other causes of the loss; or (c) whether other causes acted concurrently or in any sequence with the excluded event to produce the loss; or (d) whether the event occurs suddenly or gradually, or blah, blah, blah' ... (my addition at the end). Is it any wonder why people who thought they had coverage—like the chap in the hospital here—end up on sites like GoFundMe? Stubby

Good points, well made. And that, my friend, is the purpose of a rational debate ;)

PEOPLE CAN WEAR WHAT THEY LIKE, BUT THERE ARE CONSEQUENCES IT ALL CHANGED FOR WOMEN It's a funny ol' world. I remember when the so-called unisex clothing first came out. I thought it was a new range of fashionwear for men and women... in my ignorance. It wasn't that. It just meant that women could start wearing trousers, pin-striped suits, flat caps, trilbies, long socks, and flat shoes without the stigma. There's nothing wrong with any of the above, but unisex clothing was basically men's clobber on women. NO CHANGE FOR MEN! Heterosexual blokes, on the other hand, didn't start wearing blouses, long dresses, fishnets, high heels, or playing netball. Of course, they could if they wanted to, but most haven't gone down that path, at least not in public. And let's be honest. If a man anywhere attends a mainstream job interview in hot pants, a midriff shirt, and blood-red lipstick, well... he's not going to make the shortlist, is he. CHANGING ROLES? I do believe male makeup is now quite popular among Gen Z and Millennials males and less of a thing with women. In fact, modern women in the west are more like men than men ever were. That's not the case with transgender Thais. In fact, some of the best-looking women in this country are fellas. It's probably why they can... and should.... be allowed to wear what they want. Me? Well… I couldn't give a rat's ar$e what anyone wears be they gay, straight, or Australian. But what I won't do is try to learn the 100 newly recognized genders and their associated pronouns. Stubby

Thank you.

Good afternoon, CM Forum. I know there are plenty of excellent paper maps on the Northern Thai motorcycle loops. But does anyone know if there's a motorcycle app covering the loops and places of interest en route? I can't seem to find anything, hence this post. The GT Rider hard copy maps are excellent, but they're not really practical when you're on the road. I prefer to have the phone out of sight and plug in my Bluetooth earphones. I won't hold my breath, but there's no harm in asking. The day loops I have in mind from Chiang Mai city are: Chai Prakarn Loop Mae Kuang Dam Loop Mae Ngat Loop Mae Wang Loop Phrao – Wiang Pa Pao Loop Phrao- Chiang Dao Loop Samoeng Loop San Kamphaeng Loop Thanks in advance. Stubby

It's true, and most people in major UK cities wouldn't dare walk to the corner shop for a pint of milk after dark. Why? Take your pick. There's the: One-punch knockout thugs hiding around corners (just for kicks) Acid attacks at random pedestrians (just for kicks) The moped snatch & grab gangs operate with impunity Out-of-control stabbings (with a rise in machete attacks) Worst still, the criminal thugs are getting younger and more violent. I wish I weren't like that, but it is, and it's getting worse. The UK isn't safe; it's become a divided and violent nation. I've never felt afraid walking around Thai cities after dark. Biggest threat? Ensure your wallet is in your front pocket when walking by ladyboys in certain areas. Stubby

Excuse my ignorance, but how does medical marijuana help in the treatment of the above?

I thought so. No disrespect, but ex-smokers stand out a mile with their anti-smoking rhetoric. And you're right; this thread is about e-cigarettes. But your complaint is about how harmful they are to non-smokers, and vaping is a smoking alternative. But I say HOW DARE those who jump in cars and on motorbikes for short trips complain about a tiny furl of steam drifting upwards from an e-cigarette... from the neck up—not the ground. SELFISH VAPERS... REALLY? The same people who gripe about vapers force pedestrians to breathe in their lovely cocktail of vehicle fumes from big fat exhaust pipes. But do we call to ban all cars, motorcycles, trucks, and busses, or limit their use to only essential journeys? No, we don't, the complaint is about poor air quality in general, which the above contribute to. THINK PERSPECTIVE On the scope of things, I would say that a bit of steam from some random vapor registers less on the pollution radar than bad breath. So, if you're worried about inhaling toxic air, you may want to target your objection to the real culprits and leave the vapers be. It's just a thought. These are the reasons I think the minister is right to urge the authorities to revise e-cigarette use in Thailand. "When you point one finger, three fingers point back to you." ~ Native American proverb.