JerseytoBKK

I could list a long string of rebuttals but I won't because that's exactly what Putin wants. He wants the right and left in the US and other NATO countries to attack each other. Congratulations!

Another highly partisan political remark. Wouldn't it be nice if people could just focus on the positives - like the need to support Ukraine against the ORCS.

While I didn't vote for him, I'm EXTREMELY IMPRESSED by what he just did. Now please send 100+ F-16s and lots more Abrams.

Instead of 31 Abrams, it should be 300. The argument that it's too complicated to maintain is BS. Retired Gen Ben Hodges talked about it over 6 months ago. Ukraine can do what the US did in Iraq. Hire a company to provide field level maintenance. 100 experienced mechanics at $1,000 day for 120 days = $12M. Add in overhead and profit for the supplier and you're under $20M. During those 120 days the 50 2 man teams are also training Ukrainian mechanics so that they'll take over after the initial contract is finished. For more extensive repairs there are already facilities in Poland. How about sending 100 F-16? Again the need to train pilots for 6-12 months is a smokescreen. When Ruzzia invaded, Ukraine put out a call for international volunteers. They quickly had to amend the call to experienced volunteers because so many wanted to join. If the US announced they are sending 100 F-16s, then Ukraine could form an international volunteer air wing staffed with experienced F-16 pilots. I doubt it would take more than a week to get over 150 volunteers. Would probably have to state that current active duty foreign pilots couldn't resign from their own air force to limit the number of volunteers. Ukraine sank the Moskva. Blew up Putin's pride and joy Kerch bridge. Regularly bomb "Ruzzian (occupied) territory". Western countries have sent Himars, advanced APCs, long range artillery and now Western tanks. All the talk about WW3 is just Ruzzia propagandists trying to scare people. As long as Ukrainian tanks aren't driving towards Moscow, there will be no WW3.

US State Department: "Based on a careful analysis of the law and available facts, I have determined that members of Russia’s forces and other Russian officials have committed crimes against humanity in Ukraine." "These acts are not random or spontaneous; they are part of the Kremlin’s widespread and systematic attack against Ukraine’s civilian population." https://www.state.gov/crimes-against-humanity-in-ukraine/ Powerful statement. Now back it up with powerful actions instead of token gestures like 31 Abrams.

It was also approved by the Food and Drug Administration (or their equivalent) in many countries. In the US, the FDA and Big Pharma have a very close relationship. Anyone who researches the Biogen Alzheimer drug fiasco can't help but wonder what the hell is going on with the FDA..

For those who aren't aware of Perun's weekly presentations on the war, yesterday he released an analysis of how much and what type of aid Ukraine needs to succeed. Already over 4,000 comments and 99% of the comments marvel at the in-depth research he does and his superlative presentation skills. His videos are usually around an hour long and no one complains about the length and most would keep tuning into his presentations even if they were twice as long. He's that good. The previous week, his analysis talked about not underestimating Russia and their ability to prolong the war despite sanctions.

It can get worse than this. There was a period of 4-6 weeks back in 2017 or 2018 when it was almost impossible to find N-95 masks. On the BTS in the morning almost everyone was wearing masks. Time to stock up on the N-95 masks with the "cool flow valves". I decided back then that in Jan and Feb I would leave for less polluted areas/countries and return in March. Didn't have to do that the last 3 years but it seems that's what I'll be doing again.

Japan is still 3 shots ever since they reopened in October. Anything less than 3 shots requires a PCR test.

BBB+ is considered investment grade. So is BBB and BBB-. Here are the 3 major rating companies: https://www.fidelity.com/learning-center/investment-products/fixed-income-bonds/bond-ratings The question is how trustworthy are the ratings? Anyone remember the AAA ratings of mortgage backed securities and the 2008 financial crash? The reason I'm looking at this thread is that my GF asked about a bond offering that True just advertised that has a "credit rating of BBB+ with a “positive” outlook from TRIS Rating Co., Ltd. on October 7, 2022." " in June 2016 when S&P Global Ratings, the world’s leading provider of credit risk research services, acquired a 49% equity stake in TRIS Rating" So does this partnership make TRIS as reliable as any of the big 3?

I keep a retirement account in Chase/JP Morgan so I get SWIFT transfers at no cost. Bangkok Bank charges .25% when receiving dollars. I check the actual amount deposited against the XE rate that day and it's always very close after accounting for the bank charge. For me, Chase to Bangkok Bank offers the best rate.

A good example of UN "politics" is the fact that Russia, China and Cuba are members of the UN Human Rights Council and members are elected by the UN General Assembly. "The Human Rights Council is an inter-governmental body within the United Nations system responsible for strengthening the promotion and protection of human rights around the globe and for addressing situations of human rights violations"

Excellent video about the liberation of Izium. English subtitles.

Over the last 2 years, my girlfriend has really gotten into baking and frequently buys the 500 gram package from bakery supply places. Don't know the current price but she says it's much cheaper than the price from the supermarket. The Elle & Vire is excellent quality and I was very surprised on how good it is. Noticeable difference between this and NZ butters when she bakes.

Almost 18 months ago, I did the visa exempt > 90 day non-O > annual extension. I posted all the steps, including that when you submit the non-O paperwork, you will need to return for the new visa and the appointment is usually made for you just before your current permission to stay expires. I knew to expect this because many others have posted the same before I went and also since my report. This forum does a great job of providing information for those willing to research a topic.