expat_4_life

What's more disturbing is that the US media is constantly bombarding us with the "our democracy" narrative. How it's under threat or about to be destroyed if you don't go along with the "narrative" of the day. Wars, never mind, they are dictators. Everyone we don't like is an authoritarian, dictator, anti-democratic or whatever, sanction them. Meanwhile - this is the "public face" of our democracy laid bare for governments all over the world to see. I don't say this with any glee or expectation of a short-term fix. Sad day for the USA.

Reactions coming in from around the world ...

Biden should be sitting on a park bench in the sun, feeding nuts to squirrels with a blanket across his lap, taking naps before Bingo night starts at 5pm but instead he wants 4 more years as commander in chief. Total madness

I find the hawkers that invade my space annoying as well - many of them are not Thai FWIW. I use the Dog Whispers technique, "No touch, no talk and no eye contact". They soon scamper off elsewhere.

Dr Jill thinks Joe is just fine and Kamala is in the wings! Female and black, how do they skip her over?

Quite curious that we have a debate between two candidates that have not been officially nominated until the party convention. Debates historically have been held after the convention. Then we get Bidens most ardent defenders, the MSM, all chiming in that it's a disaster. Feels like a setup to dump Biden. They have many months to do so. Political moves are afoot. It will be some time before we "learn" what's going on behind the scenes.

Absolutely, Afghanistan also a good example

That was not the point, although I definitely appreciate the "eloquence" recognition 🤩 Make your choices wisely, never 2nd guess or wind up like this guy ...

Not enough, I think that the correct answer - I do love my bum gun

Absolutely not - an Ex is an Ex for a reason. If you got dumped you might have some odd fascination with wishing them lesser fortune. To me it would be some sort of of "weird voyeurism". Each to their own I guess

Fine job of moving the goalposts and it not beyond my "ken" at all, I only referred to your claims regards the Clinton emails. Perhaps you should read the actual article you posted about Trump and the Assange pardon claim which has a mighty fine headline but fails to support it. Trump offered to pardon Assange if he denied Russia helped leak Democrats' emails: lawyer | Reuters

You seem to have a problem with transparency that I fail to comprehend. Then go on to label it as interference ... 🙃 Assange revealed many things ... not simply Clinton emails. He's one of the most prolific "whistle blowers" in recent decades. Probably the greatest public service since the release of the Pentagon Papers.

This has been my experience at Chaeng Wattana over the decades with in-person reporting. I used to purposefully leave it until the last day to get the maximum, or purposefully report within the "grace period" to make my extension and 90 day reports line up and save one trip to immigration a year. Since a few years back, I've been reporting online and 90 days has always been from the submission date.

According to an announcement by Wikileaks, Julian Assange had been released.

Why no mention of who goofed up and left this information vulnerable and what steps are being taken to ensure it does not happen again? Was in incompetence?

Many, many have been over the decades, not sure what more would accomplish https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Israeli_assassinations# It's a game of whack-a-mole by all appearances, kill one and another one pops up. Assassination reinforces the resolve of the ideologues. Decades of retribution, revenge, injustice, war, targeted killing are what preceded the Oct 7th events. One more assassination is not going to fix anything. Looks like war is coming soon.

TBH, this whole trend of posting your DNA, finding long lost "old flames" or "relatives" or whomever doesn't really "click" with me. To what end? Mind you I have 5 sisters that love this kind of thing and certainly don't see any harm. Although there is a possibility you might find some dark secret that is better left that way. I recently discovered that I have another sibling that was given up for adoption before I was born. Probably best that this "secret" did not surface before both of my parents passed away. Does this sort of thing intrigue/interest you?

It will end at some point with negotiations. The sooner the better for Ukraine. Negotiate Now, or Capitulate Later: Ten Incentives for Ukraine to Make Peace with Russia

Perhaps it not as silly as it seems at first glance. You rented a hospital room. Most foreigners are tourists. On balance it probably good that they can locate a tourist in a hospital. Of course that does not detract from the inconvenience it has caused you.

(in other related news) Bangkok, Thailand 20Jun2024 - Thai Immigration has launched a new Non-immigrant visa aimed at attracting gamblers (the NON-O-G), in conjunction with the G-Wallet (which can only be used in government sponsored casinos). Financial requirements are a 2 million baht initial investment in a G-Wallet that is never allowed to exceed the initial investment again and requires monthly deposit of not less that 100k Baht. TAT also announced the "We'll watch your wallet" tourist slogan

Duh, ya think?

Try out this website - latest departure is at 16.30, bit tight with a 15.30 arrival Samui to Koh Phangan (Just press change search)

When all else fails, go with the "drinking bleach" hoax

I agree. I remember him in somewhat fond terms myself. Sure he was a scoundrel but simultaneously a colorful figure and a fighter. I recall 2 of his election posters, fighting corruption was one of his campaign themes. Thus the binoculars and sledgehammer elections posters.

Well, yes, of course Bob. And implement it they will. There is more than one way to "buy" a vote - TiT