Wrong Turn

PB has a good point on fossilization.

Also, with the phonetic alphabet, I give the students a custom-made chart, and tell them to learn it at home. I put a large phonemic alphabet chart in front of of the class, off to the side of the whiteboard.

I only use the phonemic alphabet for difficult things, and ias a reinforcer.

With adult students, pronunciation problems seem to be fossilized (but I'm not sure). It seems like a motor issue. After you're finished drilling students individually, and tell how their pronunciation is wrong and tell them which way is proper, their bad pronunciation habits return, almost immediately.

Yes...anything can generate an allergic reaction...if you look around hard enough, you'll find someone allergic to just about anything

Alcohol is a toxin. Rashes are often a way the body gets rid of them. There's other stuff in booze too. Find the poison that suits you, and avoid the ones that don't. Maybe a pack or 2 of cigs could help fumigate you a little.

I use to go on heavy drinking sessions over a period of severals days at Uni. I wouldn't call it a continuous binge. But I'd probably start drinking at say, 1 PM, until after midnight, and get up and do it again for a few days.

I would get rashes, and rash spots on different parts of the body.

I was told by one guy who used to be a hardcore drinker, that the rash was because it's how the body deals with the "poisoning of the body."

So, it could be the OP's body dealing with the poison in that manner.

You could try to reduce cholesterol levels which in the long term may help with BP

Plant stanols found in some yoghurt drinks and "butter/ margarine" spreads (Benecol ) and

Oatmeal as in plain porridge both are said to reduce Cholesterol levels

Yeah. Every morning I have Oats, with cinnamon and a banana for breakfast, for cholesterol.

I'm also to to reduce sodium intake. Sodium can be in many foods (especially restaurants) but we're unaware of how much, and we often cannot actually taste the sodium in our foods.

I am going for moderate paced walks 3x per week from about 1.5 to 2 hours.

(Thanks also, to Moldy for the info on foods. I suppose it's about elimination and reduction.)

What's wrong with helping the US economy from sliding down to recession? From past experiences, once you are there, it takes time to recover. The idea is to pump up consumers spending. All the financial institutions like Citi, Bear Stern, suffered their losses on bad lendings and had to charge those losses against their earnings. The persons who suffered from their misdeeds are their shareholders like myself. Many heads were chopped off. One good thing about the US is the rule on moral hazards. They never believe in helping out the wrongdoers.

The very fact that the US Federal government is returning $145 billion dollars to taxpayers - about 4 months from now - means that there are underlying and comprehensive problems in the US economy.

As for consumption spending, it now accounts for over 70% of the US economy. Government solution: just go out and buy more stuff.

I don't think anyone really know how bad it will bet, or if it will get worse.

Again, the very fact there printing these checks out and mailing them to taxpayers means things are seriously, wrong.

I don't think this is a normal cyclical recession (if we are even in one). Since 1945, there have been 10 recessions, which average from 8 to 16 months in length.

I have no opinion about too much salt, but if you are worried about having too much then extra potassium apparently is the go....as I am lead to understand (let this constitute a disclaimer....

I don't have a link for the following statement, so apologies.

Bananas do have lots of Potassium, and help the Potassim : Sodium, ratio.

A person with high BP or a family history of high BP cannot go wrong with eating a banana a day with breakfast. Bananas also raise HDL (good) cholesterol and lower LDL (bad) cholesterol.

Great post above, FP.

If you talk to some of us old vets after a few beers, you would probably be surprised at how critical we are of our political and military leadership before, during and after the war.

I hang out with a few vets, and even a guy who was in LRRPs. Yes, they had a lot of courage.

I agree with you on McNamera, Johnson, and Westmoreland.

Now I have a few questions for you.

1. How old are you?

2. Did you ever serve in the military in whatever country you are from?

Fair questions, FP:

I am 38 (Born in 1970.)

No, I didn't ever serve in the military, but respect those that do, and have. I do respect all Vets.

My point in political, not military.

I didn't apologize, and I wasn't flaming you, nor anyone else. I'll let you folks get back on topic.

But I will add: the Domino Theory was bunk for many reasons: Sino-Soviet split, Indonesia's Suharto in '65, and Malaya in '55.

And in 1991, the USSR imploded.

Thanks for that history lesson.

It's not a history lesson - unless you're ignorant or uninformed.

Two questions for your, "Farang Prince."

1. How old were you when you were supporting the South. Was killing Ngo Dinh Diem a good idea? Was supporting Nguyen Khanh? Or, Nguyen Van Thieu?

and,

2. What was your education level at that time?

Just been asked by a student what the phonetic cpelling of these made up words would be. He says it is for some report.

Could anybody help as I am stumped as I never studied the phonetic alphabet.

I use the phonemic alphabet with intermediate levels when students have difficulties with certain stresses, sounds, dipthongs, etc.

It can be very helpful with linkage also.

...specifically their melatonin supplements: melatonin-plus, knock-out, etc.

If you're using Melatonin to sleep, recent studies suggest it only helps if you pituitary gland is not producing enough naturally.

But if you feel Melatonin helps you, then it's probably OK to keep taking it.

I didn't apologize, and I wasn't flaming you, nor anyone else. I'll let you folks get back on topic.

But I will add: the Domino Theory was bunk for many reasons: Sino-Soviet split, Indonesia's Suharto in '65, and Malaya in '55.

And in 1991, the USSR imploded.

I salute all of you guys that were there and did your job in spite of Cronkite's BS opinion.

I don't look down on the Vietnam Vets, but I definitely don't salute them, or hold them high in my opinion.

They were very ignorant and young.

They sheep that were told to go to Vietnam, and did so.

The Vets didn't study the Vietnamese language, history, nor have strong political or ideological views, and were too young to be considered educated. The average was about 19.

The average DEROS date was after 1 year. Most vets spent the first 6 months learning, and the last 6 months trying to stay alive.

That's not a commitment. That's being a sheep.

The Americans were in Vietnam for their own financial interests, and couldn't care less about the Vietnamese people. Yes, a few individual vets may have cared, but that's the exception, not the rule.

I hope it's OK to post this cut and paste. Posters on the topic of BP, seem very well informed, but here's a snippet:

What Is High Blood Pressure (HBP)

And Why Is It Dangerous?

Blood pressure is the force your blood exerts on your arteries as it flows through your body. If you have high blood pressure it means that your blood is exerting too much force on your arteries and is making your heart's job--pumping blood--more difficult than it should be.

Now, your heart is a powerful and efficient muscle, but if it's forced to work too hard for too long it can enlarge, wear out or fail, causing a heart attack, stroke, aneurysm... and an early death.

When you have your blood pressure taken, you're given two numbers referred to as your Systolic and Diastolic blood pressure.

Your Systolic blood pressure is the measurement of the pressure your blood exerts on your arteries when your heart beats, while your Diastolic blood pressure is the measurement of the pressure your blood exerts on your arteries when your heart is at rest.

What's The Difference Between Normal Blood Pressure and High Blood Pressure?

For an average adult:

Blood Pressure Stage Systolic Diastolic

Normal <120 <80

Pre-Hypertension 120-139 80-99

Stage One Hypertension 140-159 90-99

Stage Two Hypertension 160+ 100+

If your blood pressure consistently reads in the Hypertension or Pre-hypertension categories, then you need to take immediate and lasting action if you want to live a long and healthy life.

According to the American Heart Association, about 65 Million Americans over the age of 20 have high blood pressure. That's about one in three adults.

In 2003 more than 52,000 Americans died from complications related to high blood pressure. Between 1993 and 2004 the rate of death from high blood pressure rose nearly 30 percent.

.

....the most vivid recollection I have of those reports was that after every firefight the dead***were piled up in neat rows and counted religiously. Made me think the whole point of keeping count was some magic total would be reached when somebody would claim victory and it would all stop.

Stupid really, but then I grew up and read about Gen.Wastemoreland an' all and realised there was no plan at all.

Sometimes it's best just to be young and dumb. American generals just love that.

Westmoreland really was a buffoon.

War of attrition? It was for the Americans, eventually.

The Americans didn't study the language, culture, and history of VN.

About a month ago around Suk Soi 25 I saw this guy with a rather large suitcase sitting on the sidewalk displaying a sign saying "Looking for Work". I stopped and talked to him and he said that his wife had just threw him out and he was trying to find work. He was in his late fifties and if you were to see him anywhere else you would think he was doing alright. I told him I couldn't help him out with a job but I suggested he move down to Soi 4 area where there are many expats here on R&R from the middle east that culd probably give him a few leeds. So yesterday (22 Jan) I'm in Bangkok and I see the same guy sitting on the sidewalk in front of the Asoke skytrain/subway station with his suitcase and sign. Has anyone else talked to this fellow?

Long-term expat see these things occasionally.

If he's sitting in a public area with a suitcase and a sign looking for work, I think things aren't too rosy for him, right now.

Perhaps he's trying to be creative.

Looking for job leads on Soi 4?

Good luck.

Networking happens in expat hangouts, but maybe a plane ticket back to home-country would allow him to get his things in order.

And if his wife threw him out, it sounds like she was paying the bills, perhaps.

Maybe this guy is telling the truth; maybe he's not.

Never a dull moment.

Phang Rang AB, 35th CES 68-69

You guys logged in some serious flight time during Tet 68. Actually I thought Tet 68 was a major screw-up on the part of the North Vietnamese. They sacrificed countless Viet Cong cadres in hopeless attacks on heavily fortified base camps and cities and it was the first time the NVA came out in the open in force. They were decimated by our firepower.

But even though it was a tactical blunder, they still won a strategic victory because they convinced Walter Cronkite that the war was no longer "winnable." And when Cronkite went on CBS to make his "learned" pronouncement, it strengthened the anti-war movement and eventually led to our withdrawal from Vietnam.

There are a lot of interesting things about the Tet Offensive, in 1968.

It was a major military for the Americans and ARVN.

General Giap even publicly stated that it would take 10 years to recover the casualties of the South Vietnamese Communists, VC.

Here is what some people think:

It's been documented that the North was considering a peace deal just prior to the Tet Offensive.

But the South Vietnamese were asked to "sacrifice" during the TET Offensive. Obviously the Offensive took place in South Vietnam

With such high Southern casualties, it would make it easier for the Northerners to take over, hold the administrative positions, government posts, etc.

The Southern VCs were squeezed out off all of the important jobs and political and governmental opportunities by the Northerners. The northerners own the nice plots of land, and expensive properties, which they stole from the Southerners.

And yes, farangprince, Cronkite made many innacurate statements about the Tet Offensive. Public opinion, not the battlfield.

The human autonomic nervous system (ANS) which controls blood pressure (BP) is a highly sensitive machine. Doctors love to prescribe drugs against high BP but it is actually much much better to change your lifestyle - more exercise, better eating (and drinking) habits, cut smoking, etc. than to use drugs.

I've read this thread and understand that:

More exercise

Better eating and drinking habits

Quitting smoking can help lower BP.

Question:

Are there any specific foods that help lower Blood Pressure?

im assuming u farang and yr wif e thai.

best interest of kid to grow up thai sir. unless there r extenuating circumstances.

who is gonna get custody of you sir.................a little humour never hurts..............lol.

Why better to grow up Thai? I can provide a better life for my daughter than my wife can.

I am no 'old man' and my daughter is only 4 months old. My wife ran away to Phuket with our little girl 6 weeks ago and i have not heard anything since. Her mother is there, working as a cook (maybe?) and she is presumably doing the same. She is not a bar-girl although I wouldnt be surprised if her mother drags her down that level.

I just have a couple of questions:

1. why did you get married?

2. why did you have a child?

3. what is your education level?

4. what is her education level?

I suppose qualifying our partners is the way to avoid these bad stories.

But generally speaking, East and West don't mix well in many ways.

My point: don't get married, legally.

Do the Buddhist temple thing.

Why do you establish a legal document that quantifies your relationship?

I've heard so many stories.

I have no sympathy for guys that get ripped of.

moral of story is dont mkae mistakes.

only once in my life i left cash in my hotel room. of course it was stolen. live and learn.

I'm sorry about the OP's theft.

But one thing I never, never, do, is put any important documents into a bag, backpack, suitcase.

I keep these items on my person (on my body).

Usually a money belt that is under my underwear.

Good luck, though, and hopefully you can get your money back for the passport.

Many social situations have drinking as a component, if not the main point.

If you ahve succeeded in stopping drinking or stopping drinking too much, what strategies do you employ in these situations? Or do you just completely avoid such situations?

A social situation can mean a couple of different situations.

Meeting at a restaurant to eat dinner, while your mates sit around and drink several beers. When I'm not drinking sometimes (not always it can get boring) and I say I'm going home to relax, sleep, whatever.

Meeting a person(s) at a bar. I stop in say "hi," chat, and leave whenever I decide it's the right time. Honestly, being in bars while not drinking is very boring.

Which sadly to say, is it the booze that made the conversations and even friends interesting?

Yes, it can be difficult sometimes.

Finding more friends that are non-drinkers can help.

Thanks Vinny....I had already checked that but although it gives all the info about how to do it, it doesnt say why...and now I know...because there are no benefits for me, as I dont intend living in the UK again.

Cheers everyone

I stand to be corrected, but if a foreigner (Farang) registers a Farang-Thai marriage their home embassy, it's recorded.

So, if you ever leave LOS without your spouse, separate, or get a divorce, go through the legal process of getting a divorce in Thailand and register the divorce at your embassy.

Otherwise, you could return to the UK and be unable to marry again, because you still, are legally/technically married.

This is why one of my friends has not registered his marriage to his Thai wife at the Canadian embassy.

You would not believe what I over heard some Thais on the skytrain saying about the dress code.

Well, please tell. We're waiting.

I am 60. My (sole) exercise routine is about an hour on the treadmill (expending around 300-400 calories) about 4-5 times a week. It occurs to me that this exercise largely neglects my upper body. Is a punchbag a good, simple and cheap item to get this upper body exercise? If so, where does one buy one and what's the approximate cost?

Yes, a punching bag is very good.

Also, dumbbels can give you are complete upper body (and lower body work out). You can really work you legs with dubbells.

Dumbbels are better than nautilis machines. Way better.

You only have to buy dumbbells once, they are small and easy to store, and you can use them in your own home.

Hi.

Just joined the forum, although been living in Thailand on and off for several years.

I'd just like to post a comment about the recent passing-away of the the eldest sister of King Bhumibol.

The Princess was a much loved member of the Royal family, giving much of her time to attending to the needs of others, especially the poor and needed people in Thailand. She will be missed by the many people she assisted and befriended during her long life.

Long live His Majesty King Bhumibol!

Just a sidebar....my GF had to make a trip to the local police station and they sent her out because of her dress, seems it did not meet the prescribed mourning dress code. Also, they questioned why she looked so happy!

I think only Thais should follow this practice of the mourning dress code.

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