Bacon1

Two off topic posts removed. @save the frogs @Harrisfan

Post removed Discuss the topic, not other members, please. @Zaphod Priest

Should anyone need assistance with ideation, this is a good place to contact. https://www.samaritansthai.com/

In Madrid on 12 October 2025, two activists from the environmental group Futuro Vegetal were arrested for throwing biodegradable red paint over José Garnelo’s 1892 painting First Tribute to Christopher Columbus, displayed at the Naval Museum. The damage affected the left side of the canvas, and museum officials initially held the women before handing them over to the National Police. They face charges related to crimes against cultural heritage. The activists rolled out a banner that read: “October 12, nothing to celebrate. Ecosocial justice.” They said their action was a protest against what they call ongoing “extractive neocolonialism” that exploits Indigenous territories and natural resources. Futuro Vegetal’s statements singled out Spain’s National Day—celebrated on 12 October—as honouring a legacy built on colonial oppression. Spain’s National Day marks Christopher Columbus’s 1492 arrival in the Americas under Spanish patronage. Officially it underscores Spain’s historical links to the Hispanic world. But many see it differently: as beginning centuries of colonialism, dispossession, and suffering for Indigenous populations. Several Latin American nations and Indigenous groups now call it Día de la Resistencia Indígena or Day of Indigenous Resistance. Meanwhile, another protest unfolded at Madrid’s Reina Sofía Museum. Around 20 activists from Marea Palestina staged a sit-in in front of Picasso’s Guernica, demanding an end to what they called “the genocide against the Palestinian people.” Visitors were briefly evacuated before normal operations resumed. Key Takeaways: Two members of Futuro Vegetal used red paint to protest Columbus’s legacy at Madrid’s Naval Museum, targeting a Garnelo painting. They framed the protest as opposition to ongoing neocolonialism and colonial commemoration tied to Spain’s National Day. Charges include damage to cultural heritage; protests also took place at Reina Sofía Museum involving Marea Palestina. Adapted From https://euroweeklynews.com/2025/10/12/red-paint-attack-on-columbus-canvas-by-futuro-vegetal-activists/

Post removed. Discuss the topic, please. @Yagoda Replies removed

The OP has made a valid thread asking for advice. Don't clutter the thread with unnecessary comments, please. Be helpful. Flame post removed. @theshu25 Reply removed

Nearly two decades after Madeleine McCann’s disappearance, her family is once again at the centre of a disturbing ordeal. Polish national Wandelt and Karen Spragg from Cardiff appeared before Leicester Crown Court this week, accused of stalking Kate and Gerry McCann — the parents of the missing girl whose 2007 disappearance in Portugal remains one of the world’s most haunting mysteries. Prosecutors allege the pair harassed the McCanns with persistent phone calls, letters, and social media messages. Wandelt is said to have called Kate McCann over 60 times in a single day and sent messages to the couple’s twins, Amelie and Sean, on Instagram, claiming to be their missing sister Madeleine. The court heard how the accused allegedly waited outside the McCanns’ home, confronting Kate as she arrived, demanding a DNA test and attempting to block her entry before banging on the door. In addition to the alleged harassment of the McCann family, Wandelt is also accused of contacting David Payne, one of the friends who was dining with Kate and Gerry the night Madeleine disappeared. Both defendants deny all charges. The case revives painful memories of the 2007 tragedy, when Kate discovered that three-year-old Madeleine was missing from their Praia da Luz holiday apartment while the couple dined nearby. Witness Jane Tanner, part of the “Tapas Seven,” recalled seeing a man carrying a child in pyjamas around the time of Madeleine’s disappearance, a sighting later ruled unrelated. As the new case unfolds, the McCanns once again face unwanted attention, enduring the ongoing intrusion that has shadowed them since that fateful night in Portugal. Key Takeaways: Two individuals accused of stalking Kate and Gerry McCann face trial in Leicester. Wandelt allegedly made over 60 calls in one day and sent messages posing as Madeleine. The case renews painful attention on the family nearly 18 years after Madeleine’s disappearance. Adapted From: https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/madeleine-mccann-tapas-7-now-36030882

A sweeping new study exploring lifespan across mammals reveals that female animals tend to live longer than males—on average 18.6% more in the wild. Researchers analysed age- and sex-specific mortality data from 134 populations across 101 mammal species to reach this conclusion. This female advantage is not simply due to differences in ageing rates; it's driven by lower mortality risk for females throughout adulthood. Potential mechanisms include genetic factors (like the “unguarded X” hypothesis), hormonal and mitochondrial resilience, and the different pressures of reproduction and behaviour. Behaviour also plays a role. In many species, males engage in risky behaviours such as competition, conflict, or extravagant displays that increase mortality. Parental investment differences and ecological stressors further contribute to lifespan gaps. While humans also show a female longevity advantage (around 7–8% on average), the disparity in many wild mammals is much larger. The new research challenges simplistic explanations and pushes us to consider how sex, genetics, behaviour and environment conspire in shaping lifespan. Key Takeaways In 60 % of studied mammal populations, females live longer than males—mean advantage ~18.6 %. The lifespan gap stems not from slower ageing in females, but consistently lower mortality risk during adulthood. Genetic safeguards (e.g. double X chromosomes), hormonal & mitochondrial resilience, plus male behavioural risks all likely contribute to sex differences in longevity. Adapted From: https://theconversation.com/why-do-so-many-female-animals-live-longer-than-males-new-research-266824

At 53, Katie Mitchell has become the United Kingdom’s longest-surviving recipient of a combined heart and lung transplant, a milestone that draws attention to organ donation and transplant medicine. Diagnosed at age 11 with Eisenmenger syndrome—a rare congenital disease that leads to damage in lung circulation and eventual heart failure—Mitchell’s condition deteriorated until she underwent a joint heart and lung transplant in September 1987 at Royal Papworth Hospital. Though such dual transplants remain rare (only about five are performed per year in the UK), hers has defied expectations. Mitchell expresses deep gratitude to her donor’s family and credits the medical teams for extending her life. She reflects on the fragility of survival, noting that many fellow transplant patients did not live as long, and wonders why her body responded so well to immunosuppressant therapy. She also underwent two kidney transplants in 1994 and 2015, further highlighting her resilience. Current data show more than 8,000 people are waiting for transplants in the UK, and a subset of those are awaiting heart-lung procedures. Mitchel’s journey is often held up by clinicians as both a triumph of surgical skill and a beacon of hope for patients in need of multiple organ transplants. Her story underscores the power of organ donation—not only in saving lives but in extending life far beyond earlier prognoses—and adds weight to calls for more people to confirm their wishes to donate. Key Takeaways: Katie Mitchell, aged 53, now holds the UK record for longest survival following a combined heart and lung transplant. Her transplant in 1987 originated from treatment of Eisenmenger syndrome; she has since undergone two kidney transplants. Her case reinforces both the life-saving potential of organ donation and the importance of immunosuppressive therapy. Adapted From https://www.theguardian.com/society/2025/oct/13/katie-mitchell-becomes-uk-longest-surviving-heart-and-lung-transplant-recipient

Too much bickering. Stop please

Personal attack removed. @Alpha4 Discuss the thread topic & not other members.

Troll post & reply removed @Bday Prang

Several flame posts removed that were also combative & quite unnecessary. @JakeC 9. You will not post disruptive or inflammatory messages. You will respect other members and post in a civil manner. Personal attacks, insults or hate speech posted on the forum or sent by private message are not allowed. Quoted replies removed.

Copy of Yellow Book Certificate of residence Copy of your extension of stay Why don't they try a WISE transfer or WU?

@Bday Prang https://aseannow.com/topic/1364675-updates-on-cannabis-laws/

Flame post removed @Ralf001

https://www.nationthailand.com/news/policy/40051766?utm_source=chatgpt.com https://thailand.prd.go.th/en/content/category/detail/id/2078/iid/401785 Cannabis was reclassified & this was published in The Royal Gazette. https://www.lexology.com/library/detail.aspx?g=0fa2d6be-3c4d-4660-b4a9-743c83d725b6&utm_source=chatgpt.com

Spiders don’t see the world as we do. Their vision is split among multiple eyes, each tuned for different tasks—some detect color and detail; others sense motion and light. In most species, vision isn’t their primary sense for survival. Instead, they lean on vibrations, air currents, touch, and chemical cues to fill in gaps. Take the jumping spider (Salticidae) as a standout example. It has eight eyes: two large principal eyes up front that deliver sharp, colored images, and several secondary eyes that cover a wide field in black-and-white, alerting it to movement from many directions. Those front eyes form an X-shaped zone of clarity, while side and rear pairs fill in peripheral detection. Its vision rivals that of pigeons or cats when scaled for its size—humans are only ~5 to 10 times better. Some jumping spiders even detect ultraviolet and red wavelengths thanks to specialized photoreceptor filters. Yet many spiders outside jumping spiders are less visual. Their secondary eyes often only perceive motion or changes in brightness, not refined shapes. For web‐building hunters, vibration sensing and mechanoreceptors (in hairs or slit organs) are more crucial than sight. Altogether, a spider’s “view” is a synthesis: limited sharp imaging in key directions combined with broad motion detection and alternative senses filling in the rest. Key Takeaways: 1. Multi-eye design yields specialization. Spiders use distinct eyes for high-resolution vision and for motion detection across a wide field. 2. Jumping spiders have surprisingly good vision. Their front eyes produce sharp, coloured images; their side eyes monitor movement. 3. Non-visual senses matter more for many spiders. Vibrations, airflow, touch, and chemical signals often drive perception when vision is weak. Adapted From https://theconversation.com/how-does-the-world-look-through-a-spiders-eyes-264406#

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer will travel to Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, to attend a high-stakes Gaza peace summit co-hosted by US President Donald Trump. The summit aims to formalise the first phase of a US-brokered agreement that includes a ceasefire, the release of hostages, and an exchange of Palestinian prisoners. Starmer’s office says he will commend Trump and regional actors such as Egypt, Qatar and Turkey for their diplomatic initiative and push for unified international efforts to ensure the deal is fully implemented. He is expected to emphasise Britain’s commitment to humanitarian aid and the next phases involving ceasefire oversight and transitional governance in Gaza. The agreement’s first steps are due imminently: hostages held by Hamas are to be released, while Israel withdraws troops from parts of Gaza. It is seen as a “turning point” after more than two years of conflict, but major obstacles remain—especially concerning Hamas’s disarmament, Gaza’s governance, and guaranteeing lasting peace. Starmer’s appearance places the UK centre stage in shaping post-conflict diplomacy. His role now is not just symbolic: he may influence how humanitarian corridors are managed and how international actors coordinate reconstruction. But critics warn that success depends on whether the parties stick to the terms, and whether a fragile ceasefire holds. Key Takeaways 1. International spotlight on UK — Starmer’s trip underscores Britain’s emerging diplomatic role in the Gaza peace process. 2. High-stakes deal launches — The initial agreement includes hostage releases, Israeli pullback, and a phased ceasefire. 3. Critical implementation phase — The real test lies ahead: disarmament, governance in Gaza, and whether the truce holds. Adapted From https://www.express.co.uk/news/uk/2120162/Starmer-heads-to-Egypt-for-Gaza-peace-summit-with-Trump

Diane Keaton, the beloved actor whose presence shaped American cinema for decades, has died at the age of 79. Her passing, confirmed via People magazine, comes as a sudden shock: no prior health warning was public, though a source close to her says her condition “declined very suddenly.” Best known for her Oscar-winning performance in Annie Hall (1977), Keaton’s career spanned romantic comedies, dramas, and collaborations with Woody Allen. She also starred in The Godfather Trilogy, Reds, Something’s Gotta Give, The First Wives Club and Book Club. Her style—quintessentially independent, quirky, and authentic—became part of her on-screen identity. Hollywood and peers responded with heartfelt tributes. Bette Midler, Mary Steenburgen, Elizabeth Banks, and others praised Keaton’s warmth, originality, and creative spirit. Her collaborators called her rare, irreplaceable, a true icon. Beyond acting, Keaton directed music videos, curated design ventures, and explored photography. In 2024 she even released what might be her final public work: a holiday single. She leaves behind two adopted children, Dexter and Duke, and a legacy grounded in emotional honesty, artistic boldness, and an unmistakable presence in film history. Key Takeaways 1. Diane Keaton passed away at 79; her sudden decline surprised many. 2. Her body of work spans genres and includes defining roles in Annie Hall and The Godfather. 3. Tributes have poured in, highlighting her influence, originality, and personal generosity. Adapted From https://www.theguardian.com/film/2025/oct/11/diane-keaton-oscar-winning-star-of-annie-hall-and-the-godfather-dies-aged-79

I took my son out for his first pint. Got him a fosters. He didn't like it - I had it. Then I got him a carlsberg, he didn't like it, I had it. It was the same with Guinness and Cider. By the time we got down to the whisky I could hardly push the pram... +

Six Feet Under is incredibly good. The ending......wow!!

Based on the pattern, severity, and duration of symptoms, together with additional clinical features and characteristic findings, I came to the correct conclusion of influenza. Additionally, I assessed my pmh experience & am sure it was so.

Moved to The Lounge

Flame post removed. @KhaoHom 15.You may not discriminate, use slurs, or post hostile or abusive comments based on personal characteristics such as race, gender, age, religion, ethnicity, nationality, disability, medical history, marital or family status, gender identity, or sexual orientation. Posts breaching this rule will be removed, and posting suspension or account closure may result. Replies removed.