pelagicpete

I think time is of the essence. It plays a very important part in the core of my existence. On many occasions I have deeply considered the effect on my life if it were possible to alter time, either way, negatively or positively. And I think I am not alone. People all around the world are troubled by the obtruding value of time itself, as it so frequently appears when one least expects it to. This seems to be a most regular occurrence that can be observed at or near 1100 pm on most days in the Western World. The Cry goes up "TIME PLEASE" in hundreds of thousands of public houses and ones life instantly changes. A tinge of sadness creeps in, along with a steady reduction of fluid intake, and an immediate dispersal of like minded human beings to God knows where. Time is not an unknown factor to many of us.

3 days ago, the 18th March, I got a pink bill. Never had a pink one before. No idea if it is real or fake.

I am sorry, I cannot let this go unanswered. Shame on the Independent for publishing this load of old cobblers. This has been written by a republican journalist, it has no standing and not an ounce of truth where the beliefs hopes and fears of the mass of general public in the UK are concerned. There have always been a hard core of republicans who like to make a name for themselves by attempting to reduce the value and social importance of our Royal family. This is not new. But for a large national newspaper to put out a story attempting to 'gentrify' this opinion is a shame and tells us much about the editorship of today's modern Independent newspaper, nothing else. Maybe it is the opinion of a few of their metro friends and they felt the need to virtue polish their obviously shaky place in the rankings. Well, I call BS and shame on them for this wanton attempt at destruction of our Royal family, a beloved institution that does a lot of good around the World. Bless them, in a hard world they are a ray of light.

For the planes themselves, I would apply the same questions as a car. which has the least after sales market of spare parts? (should Toyota and Honda go into this market?) and which has the best resale value?

Not sure if this is true or correct, but I think I did read a while back that Starmer promised to update expat pensions in all countries with every increase, if Labour got into power this time. Did anyone else have that understanding?

Low hanging wires also

This "misunderstanding" does raise an interesting question: namely would the Chinese Police be enforcing Chinese laws or Thai laws? Presuming this ever came to pass, which I doubt.

This is one of those rare ideas that seem odd, but turn out to be genius. Tourists will love the idea, and elephants now are endangered because there is not enough work to sustain them. This therefore answers both problems. There is more cruelty to humans, children and the old folk, than ever there was to elephants and animals in general. It would be great to see the remaining elephants on patrol all over Pattaya and surrounding areas, this is very sustainable promotion of Thailand.

I have noticed that the Just Stop Oil movement is still up and running, annoying many people by blocking traffic and spoiling many sporting events. I am confused as to where this comes from.... why stop oil? what is the science behind this idea? And how exactly does one stop oil? We see a mixture of white middle class humans who must have some education, glueing themselves to roads and spraying orange powder everywhere, but for what? Who is behind it all? I am so confused by the illogicality and yes, insanity of it, I would like a rational explanation of what they think they are up to and hope to achieve. Can you tell me?

NatWest is the problem now.

Animals procreate most when certain conditions are met. One is economic security, ie enough income/long term jobs. Another is family life/security. Another is availability of food that is affordable. Another is a home to live in. These items and more can be created by society itself, assisted in man's case by a strong beneficial government, mindful of humanity and not corrupt.

One comment I have heard from locals is that they will not vote at the next election, for what is the point when the people they vote for get the most votes and are not allowed to win? why bother to vote, for what?

1,310 members of the electorate is an insignificant sample. If the number had been around 500,000 then it would be more significant. This result should not be taken very seriously. However, in a democratic election, the majority of the voting public called for MFP to offer a PM.

For how many of these days is the sale of alcohol prohibited?

One factor that is not mentioned very often is the 'time of day'. The large global companies that have employees around the world often have an employment rule that bans the use of company vehicles between the hours of 6pm and 6am. Statistically this is the time of maximum danger. This may be a useful pointer for tourists and expats in Thailand. Taxi services are a better bet for health and cost.

IMO if we have a legal use of Cannabis it does at least three things: 1/ It removes the sales from the underworld, so reducing criminal activity. 2/ it provides the Government with taxes to pay higher wages 3/ It replaces alcohol for some, reducing road deaths and alcohol related killings/madness. This is enough for its legality to be permanent in every case.

Alcohol is expensive, ganja is cheaper, alcohol causes accidents, ganja less so. I hope this is a factor in years to come. Also, ganja retail sales now create tax revenue. Ganja is now legal (sort of) and removes mafia and corruption from the financial and criminal equation. Ganja sales help small retail businesses to survive and feed families now, unlike before.

where an invading Army is locked in battle abroad, there are inherent logistical weaknesses and in this case, a lack of well trained forces. One of the biggest advantages that Ukraine has is that it is fighting on its own land FOR it own survival with shorter and safer logistical supply lines. It is almost impossible to beat that kind of motivation and advantage. Ukraine can also repair most of the damaged military equipment and send it back to the front. Russia cannot do that. And Russian supply lines are vulnerable. Not to mention the technical advantages of the drones 'eye in the sky' that has proved itself.

I am not American by birth so I do not have the right to make a statement, but I can say that the UK banned private ownership of all guns over .22 calibre and with the exception of shotguns back in the '90's. The availability and use of such guns is now entirely in the hands of criminals and youth gangs in inner cities. The way forward to allow the sport to continue (for most it was a sport) and to prevent access to guns was never explored. The law was enacted suddenly in a storm of media protest and political fear. I believe it is possible to restrict ownership of guns to responsible sports people if the will is there, politically.

Dictionary Definitions from Oxford Languages · Learn more vo·ca·tion·al adjective relating to an occupation or employment. "they supervised prisoners in vocational activities" (of education or training) directed at a particular occupation and its skills. "vocational school"

But the use of Polonium in Salisbury ( I was born in Salisbury, so it's personal) is OK???

Aha!! The ICC has teeth!

I wonder what the deal was, obviously there was one, what did Erdogan get?

This is obviously written by Communist supporters for China. It suggests 'appeasement', "don't provoke China", and we know, after the last World War, how effective that is. I still have scars from the bombed out housing estates after the last experience of 'appeasement' that was Chamberlain's "Peace in our time". Sadly for us the only viable response to interstate bullying on both sides of the world is to stay strong and build an effective, forceful stepping up of regional defence. That is exactly what is happening now on both sides of the world. The reply to our response from the countries that are now aggressive is the same; namely 'you are provoking us', 'we are being attacked', 'we must defend ourselves', 'we want respect', etc etc. There is always a percentage of people in the West who will buy into this rhetoric and quote it against our defence activities. Just pray that our government's defensive strategic initiatives do not deviate as a result or you too and your children may carry the scars.

This is the best answer I have seen to explain how it works here and in Asia generally. Having been here for 24 years I can affirm that this is how it is and the advice is good.