spidermike007

This is interesting stuff. Wonder what could be accomplished. I do think meeting is a good start. But, what kinds of concessions can Kim be talked into? He will not get rid of his nuclear weapons. He has spent tens of billions of dollars on them, and they are his only deterrent. That simply will not happen. So, Washington is going to have to be very creative with this. And creativity and vision of not exactly a strong suit of the deflector in chief. He is not a good, nor a fair negotiator. I have known men who have sat across the table from him, when I was in commercial real estate in New York, and they all said the same thing. He is not reasonable, he is not fair and he has made his fortune through abuse, cheating, and lying. That does not work when it comes to a major negotiation. It might have worked when he was buying an apartment house from a guy who really needed to sell. But, it does not work in diplomacy. I believe Trump does not have a diplomatic bone in his body. His only technique is that of a bulldozer. Not effective diplomacy.

The sanctions are no doubt having an affect. The Chinese have honored their promise to cut trade with North Korea, and they are smart in doing so, as they were becoming radioactive partners. North Korea has to do something. 

The second issue is where would they meet? No doubt Kim wants to meet in North Korea. I doubt Trump would travel there. So, South Korea would be the natural spot to meet. But, Kim has not left the country since he has become "Supreme leader". And for good reason. There are tens of thousands who want him dead. He would have to bring a security detail of thousands with him. Complicated. Let us see how this plays out.

There are so many things these absolute fools could be doing, if only they cared. Talking about it is one thing. Doing something is another. Real men and women act, they do not endlessly engage in blather.

The government could be educating the public about the horrors of white rice. Thailand produces a huge amount of gorgeous brown, red, and black rice, and some of it is organically grown. Just think of the difference that alone would make in the diet. White rice has virtually no nutritional value. It is only popular because of the obsession with white here. The 7/11 diet is a huge contributing factor also. No doubt the people are plumping up. 20 years ago it was rare to see a fat Thai. Now? 

As far as the malnutrition goes, I know little about that. All of the Thai people I see eat to their hearts content. But, there are some large slums in Bangkok, and chances are those folks do not eat too well. There are 900,000,000 people worldwide living in slums. No doubt there is great inequality. Is the Thai government doing one iota to address that? Does Little P. care one iota? The answer is absolutely not.

Little P. - Moving Thailand backwards at an astonishing, alarming, and breath taking pace. Not making Thailand great. 

10 hours ago, Dexlowe said:

Oak????

 

What was Spider Mike saying about real men in another thread?

 

Harold????

 

What was ... oops, repeating myself.

Here we go again- it cannot be said enough here, especially for the newbies-

The biggest part of the problem here, is the extreme emasculation that is taking place in the West. Most men, in the US, Europe, and Oz, are no longer real men, when it comes to dealing with their women. Their women have made their lives so difficult, and alot of women have gotten so far away from their innate femininity, and have become dominant, and super controlling, and men just go along with it. Most men have become so hungry for love, or emotionally desperate for some kindness, and TLC. And most are so desirous of being around a real woman, who knows how to act like a woman, and manifest the dignity, within femininity. So, it is easy for the con artists, like this worm Nat, to take advantage of emotionally wounded men, who seem to be willing to do anything to regain a semblance of normality in their lives, with a decent woman. In my opinion she has a cute face, but the body is nasty. That is about it. Based on her interviews, there is not much there. What we call an empty suit.

The bottom line is this. Take your time getting to know a woman here, or anywhere. Time is your ally. It is rarely their ally. They are usually trying to step up the timetable. We need to push back. We need to assert control. An environment like this allows us to do so. Take advantage of that. Be a man. Step up. Pay tribute to the gender. Refuse to lay down anymore. Refuse to be a doormat. Refuse to check your cajones at the door. Start making the decisions, and stop saying "honey what do you want?". "What will make you happy?" "Where do you want to eat?" I have so many friends, who come here, and from the very start, make the same mistakes they made back in the West. Except here, they do not need to make those mistakes. The environment does not dictate that they behave like lambs. Many do not know, or realize that, or they succumb to "force of habit". Every ship needs a captain. If the man is not willing to be the captain of the ship, the woman will take over, here in Thailand. Most women here seem to want a strong man. But, if they end up with a wimp, they will take charge. Someone has to.

For the men out there who are trying to find their way, in this rather complicated arena, always remember one thing. Take your time. If it is good, it is only going to get better. If there are issues, they are going to reveal themselves over time. 2 years minimum, before you commit large sums of cash, or commit to marriage. And that is two years, full time! Be like Bond. Do as Bond would do. Be a man. Man up. Now is the time to show who you are. And lastly, the one about getting along with the parents is a good one. Often, that is a sign of an emotionally healthy woman. When I used to date, the two questions I would ask were-

1. How is your relationship with your mom and dad? How about your siblings?

2. What is the most money you have ever spent on a handbag? Wow. Was that ever a revealing question. The answers were all over the map, but inevitably demonstrated alot about her character. 

Always remember, if it is good, it is only going to get better. If there are problems, or if she is a big baby, who only looks like a real woman, but in reality is a 13 year old, or if she is a con artist, if she is only in it for the money, those realizations will manifest themselves over time. Time allows clarity. Never, ever move too quickly. That is the undoing of most of these guys. Be like Bond. be a real man. Man up. Do yourself proud. 

1 minute ago, heybruce said:

The story is about burning forests, not farms.  Thai people burn undergrowth in forests during the dry season to allow edible mushrooms to grow.  That is probably contributing more to the smoke problem than farms.

I think you misunderstand the nature and extent of the problem. Thailand has suffered for decades, due to the burning of the crops, especially sugar cane, from December to March each year. Regardless of the fires they start in forests, it is minuscule, compared to the damage to the air and the environment caused by the burning of the cane, in particular. 

Sugarcane burning emissions have a negative impact on public health in areas downwind of the fields. Research evaluating the impact of sugarcane burning on public health has consistently shown a direct or indirect effect on two domains: cancer and respiratory disease. The effects were noticeably pronounced in children and the elderly. First, sugar field burning contributes to particulate matter pollution. Particle pollution — especially fine particles — contains microscopic solids or liquid droplets that are so small that they can get deep into the lungs and cause serious health problems. Numerous scientific studies have linked particle pollution exposure to a variety of problems, including: premature death in people with heart or lung disease, nonfatal heart attacks, irregular heartbeat, aggravated asthma, decreased lung function, and increased respiratory symptoms, such as irritation of the airways, coughing or difficulty breathing.

Source: https://www.epa.gov/pm-pollution

http://stopsugarburning.org/the-problem/

The effects of cane burning in northern thailand- difficult to find any studies on the effects of cane burning in Thailand, as the authorities are so fabulously indifferent to their peoples health. Here is one from Florida-

Records show that sugar cane burning in Glades, Hendry and Palm Beach counties emits over 2,800 tons of hazardous air pollutants per year. The burning accounts for 86 percent of Palm Beach County’s emissions of formaldehyde, a probable carcinogen, and 69 percent of emissions of toxic acenaphthylene, a pollutant linked to genetic mutations and cancer.

Sugar growers burn fields to remove excess leaves around cane stalks before harvesting. In some parts of Brazil and Australia, sugar growers have shifted to a greener approach; they cut away the leafy parts of sugar cane and use it to mulch fields. Sugar growers could also use the leafy cuttings as biofuel in processing plants that (unlike the open fields) have pollution control equipment.

https://earthjustice.org/cases/2015/curbing-pollution-from-burning-sugar-cane-fields-in-florida

And she brags about it! This is only one of the reasons why men here have to use great caution, when dating. You just never know who she is. A guy meets her, she has this story about working in a factory, and you are only the second fareng I have been with! How does one know? You are thinking she is innocent, and she has had over 5,000 men. Probably not uncommon. At least 1,000 is not uncommon. 5,000? We call that a champion.

The biggest part of the problem here, is the extreme emasculation that is taking place in the West. Most men, in the US, Europe, and Oz, are no longer real men, when it comes to dealing with their women. Their women have made their lives so difficult, and alot of women have gotten so far away from their innate femininity, and have become dominant, and super controlling, and men just go along with it. Most men have become so hungry for love, or emotionally desperate for some kindness, and TLC. And most are so desirous of being around a real woman, who knows how to act like a woman, and manifest the dignity, within femininity. So, it is easy for the con artists, like this worm Jariyaporn, to take advantage of emotionally wounded men, who seem to be willing to do anything to regain a semblance of normality in their lives, with a decent woman. 

The bottom line is this. Take your time getting to know a woman here, or anywhere. Time is your ally. It is rarely their ally. They are usually trying to step up the timetable. We need to push back. We need to assert control. An environment like this allows us to do so. Take advantage of that. Be a man. Step up. Pay tribute to the gender. Refuse to lay down anymore. Refuse to be a doormat. Refuse to check your cajones at the door. Start making the decisions, and stop saying "honey what do you want?". "What will make you happy?" "Where do you want to eat?" I have so many friends, who come here, and from the very start, make the same mistakes they made back in the West. Except here, they do not need to make those mistakes. The environment does not dictate that they behave like lambs. Many do not know, or realize that, or they succumb to "force of habit". Every ship needs a captain. If the man is not willing to be the captain of the ship, the woman will take over, here in Thailand. Most women here seem to want a strong man. But, if they end up with a wimp, they will take charge. Someone has to.

Always remember, if it is good, it is only going to get better. If there are problems, or if she is a big baby, who only looks like a real woman, but in reality is a 13 year old, or if she is a con artist, if she is only in it for the money, those realizations will manifest themselves over time. Time allows clarity. Never, ever move too quickly. That is the undoing of most of these guys. Be like Bond. be a real man. Man up. Do yourself proud. 

18 minutes ago, sawadee1947 said:

well, this would be an issue for the top soldier: make Thailand a better environment to live. With this high amount of soldiers it should be possible to watch in dry season that burning fields and forests will be detected (caused by whatever it might be) and extinguished. What a useless govt.

Only if they were interested in public safety and welfare, which they are not. They care about the common man, not one iota. It does not ever even enter their consciousness. It is all about the money for the leaders here. End of story.

4 hours ago, mgthom63 said:

Seriously?

If you're not getting intellectual stimulation from a very smart Thai wife, maybe you're not matching her intellect and/or taking the time to converse with her? 

I can't understand arguments that married life is not enhanced by mutual intellectual stimulation...unless one takes the view that a wife (Thai or otherwise) is only there to fulfill basic and submissive sexual and physical needs (such as cooking, cleaning, child-care, etc).

And you also brought an honor to her and her family?  Based upon your diatribe about women, I think you should feel honored she agreed to marry you!

.   

Funny reply. I could say alot of things about it, but I will say it is a fairly typical view of a western man, who has suffered a lifetime of indoctrination. No, it is not about cooking and cleaning. We have a very good maid. So my wife does not have to clean much. We have no children, and we are very fortunate in that regard, so no child rearing required. She is a gourmet cook, so whenever I want, she is thrilled to whip up an incredible meal. But, mostly it is about outstanding companionship, being with a kind, loving woman who always has my back, as I always have hers. It is the most satisfying relationship I have ever been in. We have fun, we talk, but we don't try to break down the origins of the universe, and the conversations are lovely, but not particularly deep. She speaks very good english, but is not fluent, so that is one aspect of it. But, the primary aspect is just a lack of interest on her part, in the deeper subjects, (such as astronomy, physics, science, botany, theatre, independent film, etc.), which I find to be the case with alot of Thai women, and I am fine with that. 

I am not sure about who you are with, but I have met very few Thai women that I would describe as philosophical, or intellectual. Most Thais simply do not have inquiring minds. Most are not taught to be curious souls, as youngsters. This does not mean they are not smart. But, most of the intellectual kind of stuff I like to discuss with my friends, my wife considers bizarre, and uninteresting. And that is not even one iota of an issue for us. I learned long ago that an intellectual woman, who can match me intellectually, also tends to be a combative woman, and the chance of harmony is low. I for one, love a harmonious house, where my woman is joyful and light hearted, with a great sense of humor, and an amazing attitude toward life, and us. Just my point of view. Whatever works for you, stick with it.

14 hours ago, rickb said:

Most civilized countries have stop signs where minor roads intersect with major roads forcing the drivers to stop and look before proceeding.  I can't think of many places where I did see a stop sign at such intersections here in Thailand.  And when there was a stop sign, I don't recall seeing anybody actually stop.  Once again, nobody wants to obey sensible driving rules here in Thailand and the deaths associated with poor driving attests to that.

Civilized? Does that not translate into law and order, and the efficient implementation of that law and order? Thailand has decades to go, before it can truly be considered civilized in that regard, and before it can take itself seriously, in regard to public and traffic safety. As of now, they remain number one. In traffic fatalities. Takes alot of talent to gain that number one spot. And alot of incompetency, indifference, and utter disregard for the common man.

16 hours ago, maxcorrigan said:

Exactly if he knew what he was doing and believed in it, he would not have needed to cloak himself in a blanket amnesty, that he knew he would probably need one day to cover his ar..se, and don't even talk about art.44, seems to be a very fragile politician, as he terms himself lately!

He reminds me alot of Trump, incredibly fragile, very low self esteem, a great deal of self loathing, and very thin skin, masked by a grand presentation of himself, and a large ego. Both are fabulously incompetent fools, and both are unwilling to take good advice, or act with wisdom or vision. Both are men of tremendous ignorance incapable of doing good for the people. 

8 minutes ago, sawadee1947 said:

in these days? I doubt it. But if so did you call the fire brigade? Did you go to the police with phone video as proof?

Funny man. Up in the Chaiyaphum area, and also the Kanchanaburi area, it is an exception to find a sugar cane grower who does NOT BURN. We are talking about thousands of growers who burn. So, calling the police as a solution is inane, ineffective, and naive, sorry to say. But, at least they would have a good laugh. 

When I was living in the states, I tried dating women my own age, or nearly my age. Nearly every one of them were less energetic than I am, less motivated to try new things, less open minded, less passionate about their lives, more established, and therefore incapable of even a three day trip, that was spontaneous, without a great deal of planning, set in their ways, and alot less fun to be around than younger women. I really did try. But I find a younger woman and I, to be far more compatible. To each his own. But even now, I notice my friends who are trying to establish relationships with women over 40, to be having a hard time, due to their lack of an open mind, and know it all attitude. For the most part. Of course this does not apply to everyone. But, it seems to apply to many.

On 5/1/2015 at 11:47 AM, lovelomsak said:

In IMHO most men who marry in Thailand like the submissiveness of a younger thai woman. Beauty is only skin deep and gets boring real quick. I have it found it hard to find a woman in Thailand who can carry an intelligent conversation. Many times it starts good but falls apart because of their lack of worldliness, and brain washing. My wife who is 20 years younger than me answers all my questions with a question. Example 'Are young hungry?" reply "Are you hungry?". " Do you want pizza?" reply "Do you want Pizza?" We cannot discuss home planning doesnot have a clue about planning absolutely anything.Gets angry when I try to do. Things like preparing for university for the children is dismissed as will deal with it when the times come and I will just pay.But she is 45 kilos and has the body of a young woman. And smiles a lot and we laugh a lot life is care free and fun. We live life without a care and enjoy company for companies sake. She has simple tastes easy to please. Small village girl with little expectations. Very, very affordable not an expensive woman to have around. Men compromise for happiness.

I found most women here who feel they have something going for them in Thailand be it looks, job, or even just the top mobile phone and a car, are difficult to be around. they all want to be princesses.Not the type you go out and have a bowl of noodles with at the local shop. If you take them out must be to a place that is new and expensive, even if they do eat noodles when they are there.

You want to know what men are looking for well here goes. Submissive,kind,fun,easy going and easy on the eyes. Like I tell my wife the less you demand the more you get. The happier our life the more you get. The easier our life the more you get. I tell her I wouldnot have married someone who expects a lot and gives a little. She asks nothing and appreciates all I give her.Many princesses offer nothing and demand to be treated special.

Forgot to add the wife speaks 3 languages also. Thai,Loa and English

Intellectual stimulation is way, way overrated, in a trait for a wife. Granted, even though my Thai wife is very smart, I do not get much intellectual stimulation from the relationship. But, I get so much else. And in all of the relationships I was ever in with really smart women, who I got intellectual stimulation from, there was also so much grief to contend with. Such combative women. So much competition. Yikes. Thrilled to death to have left all of that behind. 

When I was only in the relationship for a year or so, I had dinner with a very sharp American friend. I asked him about that. He laughed. He said, when you feel the need for intellectual stimulation, call me. We can hook up for the meal, and break down the origins of the cosmos. Do not fret. That same brain that gives you that stimulation, also tends to give you so much grief, it is not worth it, on any level. Get over it. Enjoy all of the other qualities, that make your day so delightful and fulfilling. Great advice, that I have followed to this day. 

In the US, many people I speak to say their woman was a better version of herself before they got married. In my case, my wife seems to be more secure in her role of wife, than she was as a girlfriend. Also, since I did not want to have children, marrying her was an honor I brought to her and her family, by showing my earnestness and my long term commitment to her. Since then, she is even more delightful, lighthearted, and loving. And she is very devoted to me, as I am to her. 

In terms of the states, nearly everyone I know in the states tells me that their wives do not try as hard, once they are married. That the motivation to be all they can be just sort of disappears. I can see if for myself. They often do not seem the same as they were before. And this especially applies once the kids were born, though that might happen here, to some extent too. Fortunately, I do not know about that part of the equation. Here, I do not see that happening. For some reason, the cultural differences allow the women here to be a greater version of themselves. Does that make sense? I realize if you are a Western woman, it is not easy reading this stuff. And certainly this does not apply to everyone, either here or there. Some in the west are just exceptional, and capable to rising against the tide. But, it does apply to most, from my point of view.

4 hours ago, sawadee1947 said:

Unfortunately that is not the point.

1. Most of pollution comes from Burma.

2. Burning is prohibited in Thailand up to 20. April.

A solution is possible only by ASEAN states together.

While some or most of the pollution comes from Burma, I have personally witnessed burning here in Thailand on many occasions. The amount of smoke is tremendous. Look at this chart, and then in a scientific manner, please try to convince me that the pollution that is plaguing the Khon Kaen area, and causing a massive amount of lung disease, and respiratory issues, is being caused by Burma. 

Regardless of what they are doing in Burma, the Thai people could dramatically improve their quality of life, by stopping the practice of burning. No amount of pressure from ASEAN is going to make any difference. Thailand has already broken dozens of promises they made, when signing multiple ASEAN charters. It means nothing to this government, nor any other administrations. Prohibited does not mean a thing, unless it is enforced. The officials here are so weak, they rarely enforce any laws. And the burning continues. 

13 minutes ago, KKr said:

"Well the Russians had no impact on our votes whatsoever, but certainly there was meddling.

 

Funny. After spending over a year claiming that there was no meddling, and defining the Russians as being the nicest people he had ever met, he is now forced to admit there was meddling. Does he even realize what a goon he is? Does it ever occur to him how he appears to the world? Does he care? 

 

NO, No, and no.
and maybe doesn't get the information to understand the impact either.

I really do not think he cares. He is so out of touch, so oblivious, so caught up within his own desires, and ego gratification, that anything else does not matter. I think it is important to not lose sight of one important aspect of this show. It is the Donald show. It is planet don. It is a reality TV show, with little don as the host. He is able to devote a few hours a day, to pretending to be president. But, for the most part, it is about running the show, and that is the most important thing for the charlatan. The American people? They mean nothing to him. His base? They mean nothing to him. The world. It means nothing to him. His family? They are sort of important. But Melania? Not really. 

Tiny DT- Continuing the trend of decreasing the quality of life, for the average America. Moving America backwards. Re-populating the swamp with his own brand of alligators and crocodiles. The art of I cannot make a deal to save my life!

12 minutes ago, robblok said:

Why they would choose him.. how about his popular policies that he is rolling out.. its the way how Thaksin got to power. Stuff like that works here in Thailand. We will see how good it works in the next election. (whenever that will be)

Can you please share with us, what the nature of those policies are? We would love to know. So far, all I have heard is rhetoric and hyperbole. I have not seen any constructive policies.

Regardless of how you feel about Thaksin, we must never forget, he was the first leader in the nations history, to ever do anything to benefit the common people. Universal health care for the Thai people was a stunning achievement. It exists to this day, which is testament to the popularity of that idea. Little P. in his wildest dreams, could never consider anything that would be as helpful to the normal people, who he very obviously despises. He is a typical politician, though he claims to be different. He is responsible for protecting the elite, the super wealthy, the powerful, those that are connected, and those in power in the administration, the police, and the army. That is all he does day and night. Other than collect cash. Billions. Nothing else. 

1 hour ago, lannarebirth said:

 

That's some high praise for a bag man for the 1%. Gary Cohn is personally responsible for blowing the biggest hole in the ship so far.

I am not sure where the praise is here. Just stating that he was showing a little bit of honor by leaving the sinking ship S.S. Donald. 

After all, this incredibly corrupt man was second in command, during these horrific periods, when Goldman Sachs was responsible for the following misdeeds and catastrophes-

The Malaysian Slush Fund Fraud.

Goldman Sachs raised billions of dollars for a Malaysian government investment fund — known as 1Malaysia Development Berhad, or 1MDB — that wound up in a shadowy web of personal bank accounts that were used to buy high art, luxury real estate, and fund movie productions like The Wolf of Wall Street. Investigators have described it as one of the largest financial frauds in history.

The ABACUS Fraud.

In 2010, the firm agreed to pay $550 million to settle claims that it misled investors in a subprime mortgage product known as Abacus 2007 C-1. Goldman acknowledged as part of the settlement that its marketing materials were “incomplete” and agreed not to commit intentional fraud in the future.

Role In America’s Mortgage Meltdown.

The money to be made in trading mortgage-backed securities had a larger effect on Wall Street and Goldman Sachs than just creating room for the occasional fraud. It also fed the appetite for mortgage-lending that contributed to the housing bubble and later the financial crisis. And Cohn was at the center of Goldman’s big move into mortgages as the housing bubble inflated. When Cohn took over the mortgage unit in 2000, it was trading just $1 billion of securities a week, according to a 2010 story by the Wall Street Journal‘s Susanne Craig. Just three years later, it was trading $50 billion, Craig reported.

Cohn Gave The Financial Crisis Commission Bad Info Under Oath.

Cohn testified under oath to the Financial Crisis Inquiry Commission in 2010 that Goldman Sachs had gone to the Fed’s discount window–its facility for providing banks with emergency funding–only once. A year later, a court ordered the Fed to release data on Fed borrowings. It was discovered that Goldman had gone to the discount window five times between the fall of 2008 and early 2010 to borrow a total of $60 million.

With the cranks and nationalists ascendant in Trump World, whoever replaces Mr. Cohn is unlikely to be any better than he is, and possibly quite a bit worse. No sound economist would risk his or her reputation by working in this administration. Since before even taking office, Mr. Trump has reeled from one scandal to the next. Recent weeks have brought a parade of senior officials departing, most under a cloud of suspicion. The first-year turnover among senior staff members in the Trump administration is significantly higher than for the past five presidents and is double the rate for the first year of the Reagan administration, the previous record-holder, according to the Brookings Institution.

And why would the Thai people choose such utter incompetence, such modest intelligence, such an extraordinary lack of vision, such a lack of progressive thought, and such a greedy and corrupt man child? If given a choice, is the key word here.

This charlatan is completely lost. He has no idea who he is, what he represents, nor does he ever even consider his people, in any decision he makes. It is all about Planet Little P. Always has been, and always will be. A man of such small stature, on every level. Except for his ego. In that regard, and in many other regards, he is much like Trump.

Little P. Moving Thailand backwards at a breath taking, alarming and astonishing pace, and not making Thailand great again.