Bacon1

Off Topic post removed @MarcusAurelius

Squirrels, perhaps?

Renewed fighting between Thailand and Cambodia has sharply escalated as Royal Thai Air Force F-16 fighter jets carried out airstrikes across Cambodian territory, intensifying a long-running border dispute that has already displaced hundreds of thousands and drawn regional diplomatic concern. The strikes — including operations targeting alleged military sites, weapons depots, and logistical hubs — come amid heavy ground clashes and rocket exchanges that have undermined a fragile ceasefire that was brokered in recent months. Thailand’s military says it launched precision airstrikes with F-16s along the disputed border after fresh clashes left Thai soldiers dead and wounded, asserting the action was aimed at degrading Cambodian military capability and protecting national sovereignty. These operations have hit strategic targets including weapons depots, supply routes, and compounds Cambodia is accused of repurposing for military use. Cambodian officials vehemently dispute Thai claims, accusing Thailand of bombing civilian areas — including villages, towns, and near displaced-person shelters — without clear military justification. They report civilian casualties and injuries from several of the strikes and have condemned the attacks as violations of Cambodian sovereignty and international law. The conflict has triggered one of the worst humanitarian situations in the region in decades, with more than half a million people forced from their homes, many seeking refuge in overcrowded camps with limited access to food, water, and medical care. Cambodia has warned that even areas near major cultural and tourist sites are at risk as the violence spreads. International diplomatic efforts are underway to stave off further deterioration: China’s special envoy has visited Phnom Penh to promote de-escalation, and key ASEAN meetings are being used as platforms for peace dialogue. Key Takeaways Thai F-16 airstrikes have expanded the border conflict into broader territory, hitting military and contested sites inside Cambodia. Cambodia accuses Thailand of striking civilian areas, leading to deaths, injuries, and widespread displacement. Humanitarian and diplomatic crises deepen, with hundreds of thousands displaced and international mediators pushing to halt hostilities. Adapted by ASEAN Now from Source 2025-12-21

On Dec. 19, 2025, a violent assault unfolded across two busy metro stations in Taipei, Taiwan, killing at least three people and injuring around 11 others before the suspect also died. The rampage began at Taipei Main Station, where the assailant set off smoke bombs in the crowded transit hub. He then moved toward nearby Zhongshan Station and adjoining shopping areas, wielding a long knife and attacking passersby indiscriminately. Police later pursued the suspect as he fled on foot. During the chase, he fell from a building and died at the scene, according to authorities. Officials say he was a 27-year-old man identified as Chang Wen from Taoyuan and that he appeared to have acted alone. Security forces and emergency responders quickly sealed off affected areas. Victims with stab wounds and smoke inhalation were treated at local hospitals, with some reported in serious condition. Taipei’s mayor and Taiwan’s president publicly condemned the attack, emphasizing the rarity of such violent crime in the city and pledging heightened security across public transport hubs. Investigations into the attacker’s motives and any potential links are ongoing. The incident has drawn international media attention and prompted concern among commuters and travellers about safety on Taipei’s transit network. Authorities are reviewing emergency response measures and communication protocols to better protect the public. Key Takeaways Deadly subway attacks in Taipei on Dec. 19 left at least three civilians dead and multiple injured. The 27-year-old suspect used smoke bombs and a knife, acted alone, and died while fleeing from police. Security has been tightened at transit hubs as authorities investigate motives and enhance public safety. Adapted by ASEAN Now from Source 2025-12-20

Norway’s Crown Princess Mette-MaritCrown Princess’s Lung Crisis Norway’s Crown Princess Mette-Marit, 52, is expected to undergo a lung transplant after a significant worsening of her health, the Royal Palace announced on December 19, 2025. Recent medical tests showed a notable decline in her ability to breathe due to chronic lung disease, prompting doctors to begin preparations for transplant surgery. Mette-Marit was diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis in 2018, a chronic condition that causes scar tissue to form in the lungs and makes it harder to absorb oxygen. Despite years of treatment and management, doctors observed a clear negative shift in her condition during the autumn of 2025. Her role as Crown Princess and wife of Crown Prince Haakon, heir to the Norwegian throne, has been increasingly affected by her health struggles. Palace officials and medical experts noted that although no decision has been made about when she will be placed on the transplant waiting list, the time for surgery is approaching and preparations are underway. Professor Are Martin Holm of Oslo University Hospital said that ensuring readiness for a transplant is now a priority. Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stoere praised her openness about her condition, saying it may help others with similar health issues. Mette-Marit has continued to participate in modified royal duties where possible, but her schedule is being adapted to accommodate her health needs. The princess has expressed determination to remain engaged in public life while balancing rest and medical requirements. Her family, including Crown Prince Haakon and their children, have been publicly supportive throughout the process. Looking ahead, the palace has not announced a specific timeline for placing her on the lung transplant waiting list. Medical teams will monitor her condition closely as they prepare for surgery when the appropriate opportunity arises. The wider Norwegian public and international observers are watching developments in her treatment. Key Takeaways Crown Princess Mette-Marit, 52, faces a lung transplant after her pulmonary fibrosis markedly worsened. Doctors are preparing for transplant surgery, but no waiting-list date has been set. The princess continues adapted royal duties while focusing on her health. Adapted by ASEAN Now from CNN 2025-12-21

U.S. forces stopped a second merchant vessel in international waters off the coast of Venezuela on Saturday, escalating pressure on Caracas and marking another enforcement action after a Dec. 10 tanker seizure. The move occurred under orders tied to a newly declared U.S. blockade targeting sanctioned oil tankers. The vessel reportedly stopped voluntarily and allowed U.S. personnel to board, according to American officials who spoke on condition of anonymity. This intercept follows President Donald Trump’s announcement of a full blockade on sanctioned oil tankers entering or leaving Venezuela. Tensions have been rising between the United States and Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro’s government amid broader diplomatic conflict over oil exports and sanctions. The Dec. 10 seizure of an oil tanker near Venezuelan waters marked the first such U.S. action in recent weeks. Trump has defended the blockade as part of efforts to hit Venezuela’s oil trade and recover U.S. energy investments he says were unlawfully taken. Maduro has rejected the U.S. moves as attempts at regime change, ordering Venezuelan naval escorts for oil tankers in defiance of the blockade. International reactions to the U.S. actions have varied, with some regional leaders calling for diplomatic intervention to prevent escalation. Analysts warn that continued interdictions of merchant vessels could further strain U.S.–Venezuela relations and disrupt global oil markets already sensitive to supply tensions. Looking ahead, U.S. officials say military operations may continue and have not ruled out expanded actions to enforce the blockade. Venezuela’s response, including naval escorts and criticisms of U.S. policy, suggests the standoff may persist and complicate future oil shipments from the country. Key Takeaways • U.S. forces intercepted a second merchant vessel off Venezuela as part of a blockade on sanctioned oil tankers. • The vessel reportedly stopped voluntarily and allowed U.S. boarding amid rising tensions with Caracas. • Continued enforcement actions could heighten geopolitical strain and affect Venezuelan oil exports. Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Guardian 2025-12-21

Former Pakistani prime minister Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi were each sentenced to 17 years in prison by a special court in Pakistan on 20 December 2025 for corruption involving the Toshakhana state gift system. The verdict adds to Khan’s existing jail terms and will begin after he completes a 14-year sentence from a separate graft case. The couple were convicted for criminal breach of trust and corruption related to valuable gifts, including luxury watches and jewellery gifted by Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman during official visits. Under Pakistani law, officials must buy such gifts at market value and declare any proceeds from sales. Prosecutors said Khan and Bibi undervalued the items at about $10,000 compared with their actual market worth of roughly $285,500, allowing them to keep and sell the gifts at a reduced cost. During the trial at Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi, the court ordered 10 years’ rigorous imprisonment under the Penal Code and 7 years under anti-corruption laws for each defendant. In addition, fines totaling 16.4 million Pakistani rupees were imposed on both. The case was initiated in July 2024 and involved testimony from more than 20 witnesses. Supporters and Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) party condemned the ruling as politically motivated, with legal teams planning appeals at the Islamabad High Court and critics claiming the proceedings lacked fairness. Government officials, including the Information Minister, defended the verdict as lawful, emphasizing the financial loss to the state from the undervaluation. Looking ahead, Khan remains incarcerated under multiple sentences, with his political future uncertain and the PTI sidelined in national politics. Appeals against the Toshakhana verdict are expected, and nationwide debate over the legal process and its implications for Pakistan’s justice system continues. Key Takeaways • Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi were sentenced to 17 years each in the Toshakhana corruption case involving undervalued state gifts. • The punishment includes combined prison terms under criminal breach of trust and anti-corruption statutes and heavy fines. • Appeals are planned amid claims of political bias and ongoing national controversy over the legal process. Adapted by ASEAN Now from Sky News 2025-12-20

Perhaps Mr Harrisfan & Mr Transam will go together? But who will present the cortage???😂

Results Among men, the annual all-cause ASMR per 100,000 people increased from 1,356.3 in 2021 to 1,437.8 in 2022 (6.0% increase). Among women, the annual all-cause ASMR increased from 722.1 in 2021 to 785.8 in 2022 (6.5% increase). Compared with the period 2020 to 2021, COVID-19 (+29.1 per 100,000 people for men and +13.4 per 100,000 people for women), senility (+14.1 per 100,000 people for men and +12.5 per 100,000 people for women), heart disease, malignant neoplasms (for women) and “other causes not classified as major causes” substantially contributed to the increase in all-cause ASMR from 2021 to https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11821379/ Men 2021: 1,356.3 2022: 1,437.8 Visibly larger absolute increase Women 2021: 722.1 2022: 785.8 Lower absolute level, but still a clear rise Not 600,000 ---------------- Dr Shin Murakami, as mentioned earlier. https://www.a.u-tokyo.ac.jp/english/researchers_e/profile_e/?id=prof-murakami_shin&utm_source=chatgpt.com

Troll post removed @georgegeorgia

Short video with- as the title says: " some jaw dropping facts" Awesome achievement by Norway!

@GarryP I’ve removed the inappropriate emoji from my post and am issuing a warning that your comment on the original post was inflammatory. 13. You will not publicly comment on moderation in an open forum. You will not comment on actions taken by individual moderators or on specific or general policies and issues. You will not post a negative emoticon in response to a public notice made by a moderator. You may send a private message to a moderator to discuss individual actions or you can email support (at) aseannow.com to discuss moderation policy and account suspensions.You will not block communication from moderators or Admin. Aggression, personal attacks, derogatory comments or any form of abuse toward moderators, Admin, or this forum in general will not be tolerated and will result in strict consequences. There is absolutely no excuse for abusive behavior.

Norway is building what will become the world’s longest undersea road tunnel, a massive engineering project stretching roughly 27 km (17 miles) and plunging about 392 m (1,286 ft) below sea level. Construction is part of the Rogfast project, which promises to transform travel along Norway’s rugged west coast and significantly reduce reliance on ferry crossings. The project, officially known as the Rogaland Fixed Link (Rogfast), has been underway since January 2018 and is slated to open in 2033. The tunnel will connect Randaberg and Bokn across the Boknafjord and include a spur to Kvitsøy island, enhancing road continuity along the European E39 highway. Norway already has an extensive network of subsea road tunnels, including the current longest such tunnel, the Ryfylke Tunnel (14.4 km), but Rogfast will surpass all existing subsea road links in both length and depth once finished. Engineers are blasting and drilling through solid bedrock beneath the fjords, a method Norway has refined over decades of tunnel building. Officials say the tunnel will cut travel times significantly between key cities like Stavanger and Bergen, boosting ease of transport for commuters, freight, and tourists alike. Cost estimates place the project in the tens of billions of Norwegian kroner, financed through government funds and future tolls. Experts highlight both the technical challenge and the economic payoff: eliminating ferry crossings could improve reliability and reduce long-term travel costs for residents and industry along the west coast. Despite delays and cost revisions early in the project, construction has advanced steadily with major contracts awarded and excavation progressing. Looking ahead, completion in 2033 will mark a milestone in global infrastructure, setting new records for subsea road tunnels and serving as a model for large-scale marine tunneling. Key Takeaways Norway’s Rogfast tunnel will span ~27 km and drop ~392 m below sea level, making it the longest and deepest undersea road tunnel once complete. The project began in 2018, connects key points on the E39 highway, and is expected to open in 2033. Rogfast aims to replace ferry crossings, cut travel times, and improve transport for commuters, freight, and tourism along Norway’s west coast. Adapted From https://www.zmescience.com/science/news-science/world-longest-undersea-road-tunnel/

From the above link. 'He was convicted of the murder of Aiden Chapman, 25, who sustained catastrophic brain injuries after being struck by Gilheaney’s car. A couple on their way home from midnight mass were also attacked in the early hours of Christmas Day 2024 in London’s West End."

Inflammatory post removed @GarryP

A vigorous debate within Donald Trump’s MAGA base has flared up over the long-awaited Jeffrey Epstein files, highlighting deep divisions over transparency and trust in the Trump presidency. The issue has drawn attention after the U.S. House and Senate unanimously voted on 18 November 2025 to pass the Epstein Files Transparency Act, requiring release of government documents related to the convicted sex offender. President Trump signed the Act and the Department of Justice began releasing redacted files, but many supporters remain dissatisfied with what has been disclosed. Jeffrey Epstein, a financier convicted of sex trafficking minors who died by suicide in 2019 while awaiting federal sex trafficking trial, left behind a trove of investigative documents that some political commentators and activists long claimed contained explosive revelations about powerful figures. Trump had previously signaled willingness to release the files during his 2024 campaign, but later characterised the controversy as a “hoax” encouraged by opponents, leading to confusion and frustration among his core supporters. The DOJ and FBI have stated that no specific “client list” existed and that protection of victim identities necessitates redaction, a position that sparked backlash from some MAGA activists. Experts and analysts say the controversy taps into broader themes within MAGA politics, including anti-elite sentiments, conspiracy theories, and distrust of government institutions. For many within the movement, the Epstein files became symbolic of perceived deep-state cover-ups, and disappointment at the handling of the documents represents a strain on loyalty to Trump. Some prominent MAGA figures have publicly urged fuller disclosure, while others continue to amplify claims of withheld information, though there is no evidence that the files contain the sensational allegations some supporters expect. Looking ahead, the release process is expected to continue with additional redacted records made public in the coming weeks under the Transparency Act. Political pressure from both Republican lawmakers and Democrats may drive further legislative or legal efforts aimed at compelling more comprehensive disclosure, even as debate persists within conservative circles about Trump’s leadership and alignment with his base. Key Takeaways MAGA supporters are deeply divided over the release and contents of the Epstein files. The Epstein Files Transparency Act passed unanimously and triggered phased document releases. Continued redactions and handling of the files may fuel further political and intra-movement tensions. Adapted From https://theconversation.com/why-maga-is-so-concerned-with-epstein-and-why-the-files-are-unlikely-to-dent-loyalty-to-trump-270109

Russia’s top spy Sergei Naryshkin has confirmed a “rather lengthy telephone conversation” with the newly appointed head of Britain’s MI6, Blaise Metreweli, in what officials say underscores ongoing direct contact between the two intelligence services. The call comes as European Union leaders met in Brussels to discuss plans for funding Ukraine’s defence, drawing intense diplomatic focus. Naryshkin, director of Russia’s Foreign Intelligence Service, said the call occurred “a few days ago” and noted that Russian intelligence officers work officially in London while MI6 officers operate in Moscow. Metreweli took over as MI6 chief on 1 October 2025 amid heightened geopolitical tensions over Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The conversation was interpreted by analysts as a potential sign of Moscow seeking to shape perceptions amid broader talks involving Washington and Western allies, according to military experts cited by Sky News. Meanwhile, EU leaders held crunch talks on Thursday in an effort to unlock funding mechanisms for Kyiv, including controversial proposals to use frozen Russian assets — a plan that has met resistance, particularly from Belgium, over fears of Russian retaliation. At the Brussels meeting, Belgium’s Prime Minister Bart De Wever warned that using the frozen assets could “drastically increase the risk of Russian retaliation,” highlighting divisions within the bloc about how best to support Ukraine financially. Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy defended the effort, saying Ukraine has the right to the funds because “Russia is destroying us.” The telephone call and EU talks occur against a wider backdrop of diplomatic and military engagement, with further US-Russia discussions expected in the coming days as Western nations seek to coordinate policy on Ukraine’s defence and a broader peace process. Key Takeaways Russia’s intelligence chief spoke by phone with the new MI6 head amid ongoing geopolitical tensions. EU leaders met in Brussels to debate Ukraine funding, facing internal disagreements over frozen Russian assets. Further US-Russia talks are anticipated as Western allies continue efforts to support Ukraine. Adapted From https://news.sky.com/story/vladimir-putins-spymaster-has-telephone-call-with-mi6-chief-as-eu-leaders-meet-to-discuss-ukraine-funding-13485384

Offensive meme removed @BLMFem

At the 33rd Southeast Asian Games in Thailand, the host nation has surged to the top of the medal table with a commanding lead, drawing widespread attention across the region’s sporting community. Thailand’s athletes have collected well over a hundred gold medals, putting them far ahead of other competing nations in the multi-sport event held across Bangkok and Chonburi. The biennial SEA Games began on 9 December 2025 with nations from across Southeast Asia competing in dozens of sports ranging from traditional events to Olympic disciplines. Cambodia withdrew its delegation before competition began, reducing participation to ten competing nations. Thailand’s dominance has been reflected in its medal haul throughout the competition, with the host securing around 197 gold, 130 silver and 93 bronze medals as of 18 December 2025, according to the official standings. Indonesia sits comfortably in second place among the medal rankings, while Vietnam and other nations such as Singapore, Malaysia and the Philippines round out the top positions. The strong performances by Thailand have elicited reactions from athletes, officials and fans alike, highlighting the advantages of competing on home soil. Indonesia’s athletes have continued to accumulate podium finishes, keeping pressure on the chasing pack. Vietnam’s delegation has also recorded significant success across several disciplines, with standout results in rowing, shooting and football solidifying its third-place status. Looking ahead, competitors remain focused on the final days of the games, which conclude on 20 December 2025. Several medal events are still to be decided, offering opportunities for movement in the standings and potential breakthrough performances from nations aiming to close the gap on the leaders. Key Takeaways Thailand leads the SEA Games 2025 medal tally by a wide margin as the host nation. Indonesia and Vietnam currently hold second and third in overall standings. The games, running until 20 December, still have key competitions remaining that could affect final rankings. Adapted From https://www.olympics.com/en/news/sea-games-2025-full-medal-table-33rd-southeast-asian-games-thailand

For the first time in more than 50 years, the authorship of the iconic Vietnam War photograph known as Napalm Girl — showing nine-year-old Phan Thị Kim Phúc running naked from a napalm strike on June 8, 1972 — is being formally questioned. The long-accepted credit to Associated Press photographer Nick Ut has now been labeled contested history by major institutions after a new documentary revived claims it may have been taken by another photographer. The photo, officially titled The Terror of War, earned Ut the 1973 Pulitzer Prize and World Press Photo of the Year and became one of the most recognizable images of 20th-century conflict. That narrative has dominated historical accounts for decades, with Ut’s own story — including rushing Phúc to medical care after capturing the scene — closely intertwined with the image’s legacy. In 2025 the documentary The Stringer, directed by Bao Nguyen and narrated by veteran photojournalist Gary Knight, premiered at the Sundance Film Festival and on Netflix, arguing that Vietnamese freelance photographer Nguyen Thanh Nghe actually shot the famous frame before selling the image to AP for US $20. The film includes witness interviews, forensic reconstruction, and claims from former AP photo editor Carl Robinson that editorial decisions at the Saigon bureau reassigned credit to Ut. The controversy prompted independent inquiries. The World Press Photo organisation announced in May 2025 that it had suspended attribution of the photograph to Ut, citing analyses suggesting Nghe or another photographer, Huỳnh Công Phúc, may have been better positioned to capture the scene, and left the official author listed as unknown. Meanwhile, the Associated Press completed its own lengthy investigation and concluded there was no definitive evidence to change the longstanding credit to Ut, noting the passage of time, missing records, and inconclusive technical findings. AP and Ut both continue to defend the traditional attribution, though the dispute has prompted broader discussion about authorship, historical record-keeping and representation of non-Western journalists. Key Takeaways • The iconic 1972 Napalm Girl photo’s authorship is now formally disputed, with World Press Photo suspending Ut’s credit. • A 2025 documentary claims Vietnamese stringer Nguyen Thanh Nghe took the photo and sold it to AP. • The Associated Press retains Ut’s credit, stating there’s no conclusive evidence to change it. Adapted From https://theconversation.com/who-really-photographed-napalm-girl-the-famous-war-photo-is-now-contested-history-267440

Two posts removed for vulgar comments. @Harrisfan @NanLaew

Flame post removed @georgegeorgia Community Standards Do not post defamatory, offensive, or discriminatory content. Avoid flaming, trolling, or stalking other members

Which brand of ACV do you use?

The Metropolitan Police is facing legal action over plans to require officers and staff to declare Freemason membership, a move that could reshape transparency rules within the force. Freemason organisations say the policy is discriminatory and risks undermining public trust in their members. The Met has confirmed it has received a letter before claim, signalling a potential judicial review. Earlier this month, the Met announced that Freemasonry would be added to its declarable associations policy. The change followed a review into the unsolved 1987 murder of private detective Daniel Morgan, which cited Freemasonry as a source of “mistrust” in investigations. Under the policy, officers must declare past or present membership of any organisation that is hierarchical, has confidential membership, and requires members to support and protect one another. The United Grand Lodge of England (UGLE), the governing body of Freemasonry in England, dates back to 1717 and describes Freemasons as one of the “oldest social and charitable organisations in the world.” Despite this, Freemasons have long been viewed as secretive and have previously been linked to allegations of corruption within the Met. The Met said it would not be appropriate to comment further. UGLE argues the requirement could undermine the credibility of Freemasons and breach human rights and data protection rules. Its grand secretary, Adrian Marsh, said: “Freemasonry has the highest moral and ethical standards,” adding that the Met’s decision casts “an aura of mistrust over the entire Freemason community.” He said legal action was unavoidable unless the policy is withdrawn. The Met’s decision was influenced by a survey showing two-thirds of officers and staff believe such memberships affect perceptions of police impartiality and public trust. Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley has promoted the policy as part of wider transparency reforms, with Cdr Simon Messinger saying public confidence must take precedence. The dispute is now expected to move toward a judicial review unless an agreement is reached. Key Takeaways Freemason bodies plan legal action against the Met over mandatory membership disclosure. The policy follows findings from the Daniel Morgan murder review highlighting mistrust. The Met says transparency and public confidence outweigh secrecy concerns. Adapted From https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c14v5xjp03yo

Inflammatory comment removed @hotandsticky