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peter zwart

Advanced Member
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Everything posted by peter zwart

  1. I’m glad to see people rising up. I sincerely hope it spreads to other European countries. I fear it may already be too late, but perhaps it will still help to some extent. What Brussels is doing can be summed up in one word: DISGRACE.
  2. Some treatments are still cheaper in Thailand than in a Western European country. However, they are working hard to undermine even that added value. The only real advantage left is that there are hardly any waiting times.
  3. Anti-selling can be a brilliant sales strategy. It creates desire. Unfortunately, I don't think it's really going to work in this case (North Korea).
  4. Like so many things, this too is being ruined by the overzealous user/grower. Where years ago you could smoke a joint, get a healthy fit of laughter, feel completely relaxed, and then enjoy a good meal and sleep, the stuff nowadays has been bred to such extremes that it completely knocks you out of this world. I can imagine this leads to many problems, putting the legitimacy of the substance under pressure, turning public opinion against it, and forcing governments to step in by enforcing stricter regulations or even a total ban.
  5. Yes i do know and i hope she had a great time with them.
  6. Setting aside your personal feelings and opinions about America, it is unthinkable to completely ignore the United States. Over the past 80 years, it has firmly established its strategic economic position. That’s not something you can simply bypass. Moreover, I believe it would not be beneficial for the global trade balance if America were to completely collapse. I also believe that we should be grateful to America for certain things from the past, whether they were done out of self-interest or not.
  7. Setting aside your personal feelings and opinions about America, it is unthinkable to completely ignore the United States. Over the past 80 years, it has firmly established its strategic economic position. That’s not something you can simply bypass. Moreover, I believe it would not be beneficial for the global trade balance if America were to completely collapse. I also believe that we should be grateful to America for certain things from the past, whether they were done out of self-interest or not.
  8. Just ask the Catholics, they know all about that.
  9. Whether Trump’s trade war will end up being good or bad for the U.S. is still up in the air. But honestly, I think the bigger issue right now lies with Thailand’s attitude. It’s slowly but surely time for Thailand to realize that it’s not quite the global player it might like to think it is. It’s not an economic powerhouse, it doesn’t have an especially well-educated workforce, and you can’t just ignore a market of over 300 million Americans without facing the consequences. You’re not going to make up for that kind of loss somewhere else. That said, Thailand is a beautiful country, and most people there are genuinely kind and deserve far better than what they’re getting right now.
  10. Basketball of course. Duh
  11. Since I'm above-average attractive, I notice that most foreigners don't dare to talk to me. Very calming.
  12. Whether it’s luck or wisdom, I believe starting this trade war is the right decision. For years, we’ve all been chasing profits—companies, investors, even governments. And in doing so, we’ve helped China grow into an economic giant. Now, China holds a powerful position in the world, one that seems to be turning into something too dominant. Let me be clear, I don’t think China shouldn’t have wealth or success. But I do think there should be a healthy balance in global power. Right now, that balance is shifting too far, and that’s something we can’t ignore. I can understand why Trump wants to make America stronger again. (No, I’m not a Trump supporter.) But I do get his point. He wants to protect American interests—just like Xi wants to protect China’s, and Putin wants to protect Russia’s. It’s a tough game, and every country is trying to win. Will this trade war bring quick benefits for the American people? Probably not. In fact, people will likely feel some pain first—maybe higher prices, maybe job uncertainty. But sometimes, you have to go through short-term difficulties to fix long-term problems. We let things go too far. Now it’s time to push back and find a better balance. That might not make everyone happy right away, but it’s a necessary step toward a fairer and more stable global economy.
  13. Isn't that something that pretty much every mainstream media outlet has done in recent years? And as for this specific topic, that's what you get when you let tumors grow.
  14. Perhaps mom and dad were as stoned as a shrimp? Well, then it's hard to keep things under control.
  15. Life coaches are often great conversationalists, but I’ve found that many of them speak mostly from a textbook. Plenty of theory, but little real understanding of how life actually works. It’s a bit like getting parenting advice from someone without kids , well intentioned, but out of touch.
  16. Cannabis Advocates Warn of Economic Damage from Policy Shift.................................... That is the short-term vision.
  17. I welcome a bad day every now and then. It makes me appreciate the good days all the more.
  18. I believe that the concept of friendship is becoming an extinct phenomenon. People are becoming increasingly individualistic, more easily offended, and less willing to go out of their way for others. A good acquaintance suits me better. And that can be someone of any nationality. If you like each other, then you like each other. If it doesn’t click, we simply move on cheerfully. Not angry, not aggressive, and with mutual respect.
  19. Jaguar sales crater a shocking 98% after ‘woke’ rebrand, EV pivot.........................What a massive blunder.
  20. Crackling Sound in the Ear – What It Might Be Thanks for the detailed explanation. Based on your history — previous infections after swimming in pools, current crackling sounds, wax removal, and no recent dental work — here are the most likely explanations: 1. Eustachian Tube Dysfunction (ETD) This is one of the most common causes of crackling sounds, especially when chewing, swallowing, or yawning. The Eustachian tube connects the middle ear to the back of your nose and helps equalize pressure. If it becomes inflamed or sticky — often after infections, allergies, or exposure to irritants (like chlorine in pools) — it can cause a crackling or popping sensation. Why it fits your case: You had ear infections and are regularly exposed to water and pressure changes. Inflammation might persist even after the infection clears. Treatment: Use a nasal steroid spray such as fluticasone (Flonase) or mometasone (Nasonex) for at least 2–3 weeks. Try gentle Valsalva maneuvers (pinch nose, close mouth, and gently blow) a few times a day to help open the tubes. Avoid pressure changes (e.g., swimming, diving, or flying) if possible during this time. Decongestants may offer short-term relief but are not recommended long term. 2. Middle Ear Fluid (Otitis Media with Effusion) Even after the infection is gone, fluid can remain trapped behind the eardrum. This can cause bubbling or crackling sounds. It may not be visible through a basic ear exam, especially if the ear looks otherwise healthy. Treatment: This usually resolves on its own, but nasal steroids and time can help. If fluid persists for several months or affects hearing, an ENT might suggest a pressure-equalization test (tympanometry) or even small tubes to help drain it. 3. Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Dysfunction You mentioned this feels different from previous TMJ issues, but it’s still worth considering. The joint is right next to the ear canal, and inflammation or imbalance in the joint can cause clicking or crackling sounds. Less likely in your case if there’s no jaw pain, stiffness, or obvious clicking when moving your jaw. 4. Fungal Infection (Otomycosis) Frequent swimmers are prone to this. It can cause itchiness, a crackling sensation, mild discharge, or a feeling of fullness. Your ENT gave you antifungal drops, which is a good precaution. If the crackling continues after completing the drops and there’s no itchiness or discharge, then a fungal infection is probably not the current issue. 5. Residual Wax or Eardrum Scarring Even after professional wax removal, a very thin layer or dry residue may be left near the eardrum. In some cases, minor scarring or changes to the eardrum (from past infections or trauma) can alter its movement and cause odd sounds. You mentioned using a camera to check yourself, but even high-quality home scopes can miss subtle membrane changes or deeper wax residue. What You Can Try Next: Start a nasal steroid spray like Flonase (fluticasone) once or twice daily and continue for 2–3 weeks. Avoid swimming in pools for now, or switch to vented earplugs if you return to it. Don’t use irrigation or camera tools in the ear frequently — overcleaning can cause irritation. Monitor for any new symptoms (pain, hearing loss, dizziness, discharge). When to See an ENT Again: If the crackling persists beyond a few more weeks or if it gets worse, it’s a good idea to return to the ENT and specifically ask about: Tympanometry (to measure pressure and fluid behind the eardrum) Eustachian tube function Signs of tympanic membrane scarring or retraction
  21. But it doesn’t make people crazier than they already are. And we can also wave goodbye to the bunch of weirdos who come rushing in. Not a bad scenario.
  22. Sure, 145 million baht isn't an astronomical amount, but wouldn't that money be far better spent on new equipment for public hospitals or on better training and salaries for doctors? Last time I checked, it's still called medicine (make people better when they are sick), not make-believe science.

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