TorquayFan

If you are considering investing in a 7/11, be extremely careful. Should you be lucky enough to find a profitable 'hotspot', the usual form is there will be another branch or branches set up very close to you within a year or two. IF your Missis wants to work all hours fair enough but it may not make you rich. As ever, location is the critical factor. The passing 'footfall' and being able to park closeby are crucial too.

Darkside - more about this DNA vax today - "Abstract - Although the efficacy of vaccines targeting SARS-CoV-2 is apparent now that the approved mRNA and adenovirus vector vaccines are in widespread use, the longevity of the protective immune response and its efficacy against emerging variants remains to be determined. We have therefore designed a DNA vaccine encoding both the SARS-CoV-2 spike receptor- binding domain (‘RBD’) and nucleocapsid proteins, the latter of which is highly conserved amongst beta coronaviruses. The vaccine elicits strong pro-inflammatory CD4+ Th1 and CD8+ T-cell responses to both proteins in mice and rats, with responses being significantly enhanced by fusing the nucleocapsid sequence to a modified Fc domain. We have shown that the vaccine also stimulates high titre antibody responses to RBD in mice that efficiently neutralise in pseudotype and live virus neutralisation assays and show cross reactivity with spike proteins from the variants B.1.1.7 (Alpha), B.1.351 (Beta) and B.1.617.2 (Delta). The vaccine also showed good protection in a viral challenge model in ACE2 receptor transgenic mice. This DNA platform can be easily adapted to target variant proteins and we show that a vaccine variant encoding the Beta variant sequence stimulates cross-reactive humoral and T cell responses. These data support the translation of this DNA vaccine platform into the clinic, thereby offering a particular advantage for rapidly targeting emerging SARS- CoV-2 variants." https://www.scancell.co.uk/Data/Sites/1/media/publications/papers/brentville-et-al-2023.pdf

Darkside - lets hope by the time this vax is widely administered, the variants in the vax are still relevant to the variant ruling in the community . . . My other reservation is about vax in mRNA format - after side effects after my 4th it's a NO from me ! I'm hopeful that a daily dose of 5000iu vitamin D3 will help ward off another bout of Covid for me. We need better vax than there have been so far - something better - a 2nd Generation. This is one of many such projects : https://www.scancell.co.uk/a-novel-bivalent-dna-vaccine-encoding-both-spike-protein-receptor-binding-domain-and-nucleocapsid-protein-of-sars-cov-2-to-elicit-t-cell-and-neutralising-antibody-responses-that-cross-react-with-variants-1 I'm hoping for a better alternative to arise.

Hello Tall Guy - on my EVA flight to LHR last week, in the departure lounge, as we boarded, we were asked to wear masks on entering the aircraft. In the event, I saw only one or two masks on passengers in total, other than the one I was wearing ! If I recall the cabin crew were masked when serving. And this, "There were no COVID related restrictions, or vaccination requirements, anymore for incoming international air travelers" - this was true at both ends, BKK and LHR . . . .

Raz/Des - Skyscanner just now - KLM GBP 640, Eva GBP 750 and Thai GBP 825. My flight was cheaper a few days before I left than in Feb when I booked it.

Spicy no - the LHR route is TPE-BKK-LHR and LHR-BKK-TPE Marin - they might require masking inwards to TPE - I don't know. Going to LHR they certainly asked us to mask up on the aircraft but only a few did !!

Des cheers - yes I was happy enough with Eva last time - 5 years ago. Mr J - re. Thai - a plus is they go direct and are 9 across format I think. Toby - I don't agree - I think it amazing that they can fly you 6,000 x 2 miles with baggage for approx £800, usually in relative comfort. One point in favour of EVA - baggage in the hold - 2 x 23 kg - remarkable. Perhaps I'll go in the hold next time !

Hi Buick - yes there were 10 seats across, 4 in the middle - usually in my experience it's 9 and 3. Unsurprisingly, the aisles seemed very narrow too. In the lounge we were asked to mask up on entering the aircraft - but almost everyone stayed maskless. Andy - yes I'll go Qatar or Thai next time. Sid - NOT 'snowflake' at all as you say. I usually enjoy the flight but this was gruesome. Inaudible announcements in particular, should not be trivialised. And just to add, choice of entertainment was poor and sound quality from earphones not good. Thanks Guys

On the 10th I flew with EVA to London - it was a disappointing experience after flying with Finnair, Qatar and Thai in recent years. 1. the economy seats were the narrowest that I can recall and the legroom tight 2. the flight schedule was brought forward 40 minutes then we boarded and left 1 hour late 3. the safety review before take off was forgotten 4. it was so cold I wanted gloves 5. public announcements - volume too low and couldn't make out what they were saying at all - they should use pre-recorded messages where possible. Taiwan English proved hard to follow. 6. food service was frantic - really really rushed. Coffee arrived amidst the chaos of eating main course. Why? Is it so they can knock off asap ? Staff were almost running up and down the aisles on occasions. 7. as soon as the first meal was cleared they came around and closed the window shutters - it's a daytime flight FGS 8. the interior of the 777-300 ER looked shabby - dust build up around the a/c vents, carpet worn 9. the service was totally impersonal I am booked to fly back later with EVA but I'll be choosing another airline next time.

Thanks for that SM - what a monster !

248. . . I see from one of Campbell's latest that the UK Govt still have material on line suggesting that transmission is prevented by the vaccines and broadly, USA authorities continue to recommend boosters for all including babies 6 months and older. MMmmmmm

I will be in the UK soon and I'm over 75 but I won't be taking up the NHS on this offer. I noticed recently - https://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-11775169/Death-rates-NOT-higher-Covid-vaccinated-Brits.html and https://arstechnica.com/science/2023/02/unvaccinated-more-likely-to-have-heart-attack-stroke-after-covid-study-finds/ However my simple view remains that the current vaccines being offered are poorly targeted at current variants and I am not quite reassured on the issue of possible vaccine damage - (I had unpleasant symptoms after my 4th - 50% Moderna aspirated). My 'faith' is placed now in natural immunity after being infected in 2020 and 2022 and 5000iu of Vitamin D3 daily. And trying to stay fit generally. Anyway, that's until a much improved vaccine becomes available, when I may think again. MMmmmmm

It's very hard to find a beer today on the main street at Kanchanburi. This morning, just for fun, I asked a few cannabis bars if they were 'weeding' today, and yes of course they are. Strange to ban beer and not 'ganja' ? Or not ?

As one of a small group of 'Business Studies' students, I once met Jack Cohen, who started Tesco in London aeons ago. His barrow trading had expanded to over 100 stores before WW2 according to this https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jack_Cohen_(businessman) He'll be turning in his grave as he reads today's Guardian : "Tesco faces a landmark lawsuit in the UK from 130 former VKG workers who are suing Tesco for negligence and unjust enrichment. A seven-year-old girl, who was raped in the factory compound while her mother worked late making F&F clothes, is also a claimant. The workers made F&F jeans for the Thai branch of Tesco’s business between 2017 and 2020." https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/mar/03/thai-factory-used-by-tesco-faces-criminal-charges-over-treatment-of-workers How widespread is this problem in Thailand ? Temporary farm workers in remote areas, labourers/builders, immigrant workers are all vulnerable to similar exploitation, one suspects.

JRG - whereabouts do you expect to go? Phuket area may prove expensive and Pattaya is full on - maybe somewhere a bit quieter such as Cha am or Jomtien would be good? Depends on what you are looking for . . . . If you make friends easily in the US then I'd guess you'll be OK here. But have a good look around. Good luck.

Most of the batteries I have seen are 'Sealed for life' and IMO that is perfectly OK. Nigel the little shops should give you a rebate for the old battery. Taatoo - routine replacement is OTT for me. The driver can usually notice when the battery is beginning to weaken. For the sake of a few baht I would get some extra amp hours. GL

Forget the Main Dealer - expensive as said! Shop around at a few places convenient to you. The little shops are usually great - they'll get what you want and will come to your house to fit it if you are close by. It's a good idea to get a higher amp/hour rating than specified. Last year I paid B2,800 - B500 for an 80 amp/hour '3K' battery for my Vigo, (bigger than the one you need) and they gave me B500 for the old battery, unasked ! (the lead is stripped out and reused). B1800-B2200 probably.

Larry I wonder if that was a premium price in the tourist 'area' - where exactly? I recently had 3 stitches in Bangkok Hospital, Chantaburi. Total costs including removal B13,000 including B6500 for a CT brain scan which was necessary because I take blood thinners. The anti biotics which I did not take, were just B300. You bill was excessive and even mine seemed expensive - but I was very grateful to have been in AND out in 90 minutes - in the UK I'd still be waiting for the ambulance !! Hope you OK now.

That brilliant fun song, "Baby its cold outside', has also had a hard time from the 'woke' crowd in recent years. Apparently Chief Musical Drip of the USA, John Legend, has recorded a rewritten sanitised version which I won't link! My favourite version - Tom Jones in trouble again . . . it's fun, remember? 'Bloody freezing in' it' LOL https://www.nme.com/news/music/more-us-radio-stations-are-banning-baby-its-cold-outside-2417681

Yes the Cleveland study highlights just 30% protection against infection. Presumably thats the first step in protecting against serious illness, hospitalization, and deaths. Protection from the new bi-valents seems limited by the fact that they are targeting variants that have largely passed through. Re. the Qatar study - re. deaths defined as a result of vaccination, very different conclusions here https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36055877/

2 threads ? See reply on the other. ATB

If you ever go abroad the 90 day requirement will run from your re-entry date. So IMO its unusual for the 2 dates to coincide but you are OK. If you had renewed 31/12, you would still have to do your 90 days from 3/2.

Place H please re-read my post : "Thats not what I said. about China. I was making the point that the UK has had a lot of yellow cards (x?) but that we cant compare to China, because we dont have that (yellow card) data from them." I understand yellow cards - Im just saying, 500,000 is a LOT, leaving aside claims that unreported events might increase that figure dramatically. BFN

PlaceH - re your last. Thats not what I said. about China. I was making the point that the UK has had a lot of yellow cards (x?) but that we cant compare to China, because we dont have that data from them. But moving on, I would suggest theres a good chance that "inactivated virus" vaccines are quite likely to be less harmful. Brian - thanks for the links.

PlaceH I am not pushing an agenda - just wanting to know more. Yellow cards - of course they are just indicators and thats why they are counted. The numbers can point to a possible problem. Its the facts behind the trends that we need to know. Where are they? Its hard not to notice in these discussions, that the excess heart deaths never seem to be explained. With respect, as if, its all wonderful so shut up and lets go with it. MMMmmmmm