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Mandatory travel insurance and GPS trackers for foreign tourists mooted by Thai tourism officials
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Pattaya review by stickman Aug 18, 2024
😁 No your not a bragger ,you never have been,you SaintDomingo will always be remembered as a Saint on this forum You are an absolute blessing ,bless you my friend , bless you and may you have many more Christmas 's . -
154
Swiss man paws for thought after dog bites on Thai beach (video)
Same as electricity pilonnes leaning dangerously, crossings no cars stop for, broken pavements, open drains, polluted sea water, often no garbage collection, fly tipping eyesores, storms drains used by food carts to pour their boiling oil into, air pollution, soi dogs,,, the people don’t give a damn, no one cares , why ? Sheer stupidly , laziness, egoistic, lack of education , I could go on and on. -
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Trump Lashes Out as Kamala Harris Gains Momentum: "not fair"
Former President Donald Trump has sharply criticized the nomination of Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic presidential candidate, calling it "not fair" and intensifying his rhetoric amid growing signs that Harris is gaining substantial support in key battleground states. In a fiery post on his social media platform, Truth Social, Trump accused the Democratic Party of orchestrating "the first ever 'Coup' in America." Trump's frustration follows President Joe Biden's unexpected decision to withdraw from the 2024 race, a move that cleared the path for Harris to become the Democratic nominee. This development has led Trump to assert that he is now facing the unprecedented challenge of running against two opponents: "Crooked Joe Biden" and Harris, whom he labeled a "Radical Left Marxist" and "Comrade." Expressing his belief that the current situation is "not fair," Trump suggested that this could be another form of "Election Interference," echoing his long-standing claims of impropriety in the U.S. electoral process. He particularly voiced his displeasure with the sudden change in his opponent, implying that the Democrats had deliberately orchestrated Biden's withdrawal to strengthen their chances in the election. While Harris remains actively on the campaign trail, preparing to head to Chicago for the Democratic National Convention (DNC) where she will accept her party's nomination, Trump's campaign has expressed confidence in his ability to defeat her. Trump stated, "the good news is that she should be easier to beat than Crooked Joe in that the USA will never allow itself to become a Communist Country." However, recent polling data suggests that the race may be more competitive than Trump's campaign anticipates. A new poll conducted by Focaldata for Semafor shows Harris leading Trump in three critical battleground states. The survey, which took place between August 6 and 16 with 4,854 likely voters across seven competitive states, indicates that Harris is ahead of Trump beyond the margin of error in Michigan (51 to 44 percent), Wisconsin (50 to 44 percent), and Nevada (48 to 44 percent). The poll also shows Harris with narrow leads within the margin of error in Pennsylvania (48 to 47 percent) and North Carolina (47 to 46 percent). Trump maintains a lead beyond the margin of error only in Georgia (49 to 45 percent) and holds a slim advantage in Arizona (46 to 45 percent). These results mark a significant shift from earlier polls that had shown Trump leading in all seven swing states when Biden was still in the race. According to Focaldata's chief researcher, James Kanagasooriam, "The dynamics of the race have been totally upended," adding, "Nobody seems to have locked up Pennsylvania—and if that's the case, come Election Day we will be heading into an election of great uncertainty." Despite the polling data, the Trump campaign remains skeptical. In a recent interview on Fox News, Trump's running mate, Ohio Senator JD Vance, questioned the accuracy of the polls, stating, "First of all, the polls tend to radically overstate Democrats. We certainly saw that during the polling of summer of 2020 and summer of 2016, and of course, a lot of those polls were wrong when we came to Election Day." As the political landscape continues to shift, the Democratic Party is preparing for its nominating convention in Chicago, rallying behind Harris and her running mate, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz. The convention is being held against a backdrop of growing enthusiasm for Harris's candidacy, as reflected in her rising poll numbers and impressive fundraising efforts. In a surprising twist, several prominent Republican figures are expected to attend the DNC, publicly endorsing Harris's bid for the presidency. Adam Kinzinger, a former congressman who represented Illinois's 16th congressional district from 2010 until January 2023, is scheduled to speak on Thursday, the same night Harris will deliver her keynote speech. Kinzinger, a long-time critic of Trump, notably voted to impeach the former president for "incitement of an insurrection" following the January 6 attacks. Last month, Kinzinger wrote that Trump had transformed the GOP into a "cult of personality." Another notable Republican figure, Ana Navarro, a political strategist and co-host of ABC's The View, will host Tuesday night's events. Navarro, who has been a frequent critic of Trump in recent years, explained her support for Harris in a heartfelt Instagram post, drawing from her personal experiences as a refugee who found freedom and opportunity in America. "I'm a little refugee girl who fled communism, who fled Nicaragua at the age of eight, found freedom, found opportunity, found a home in America, and for me to have the chance to stand on that stage and help my girl, Kamala, make history and become the Democratic nominee, it's just such a mind-blowing moment," Navarro shared. The appearance of Kinzinger and Navarro at the DNC comes in the wake of endorsements from other Republican colleagues, including former congresswoman Barbara Comstock. These endorsements from Republican figures align with the Harris campaign's recently launched "Republicans for Harris" initiative, which aims to appeal to Republican voters who "reject the chaos, division, and violence of Donald Trump and his Project 2025 agenda." This bipartisan support may signal a significant shift in the 2024 race, as voters from across the political spectrum rally behind Harris in a bid to prevent another Trump presidency. Credit: Newseek 2024-08-21 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe Cigna offers a variety of health insurance plans designed to meet the minimum requirement for medical treatment coverage, with benefits reaching up to THB 3 million. These plans are tailored to provide comprehensive healthcare solutions for expatriates, ensuring peace of mind and access to quality medical services. To explore the full range of Cigna's expat health insurance options and find a plan that suits your needs, click here for more information. -
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Trump Claims Kamala Harris Declined Fox News Debate
Former President Donald Trump has made headlines once again, claiming that Vice President Kamala Harris has declined an invitation to participate in a Fox News debate scheduled for next month. The Republican nominee for president took to his social media platform, Truth Social, to share the news, writing, “Comrade Kamala Harris has just informed us that she will NOT do the Fox News Debate on September 4th.” The vice president’s reported decision not to engage in the debate did not come as a surprise to Trump. In his post, Trump suggested that Harris’s refusal stemmed from her inability to defend her record on various issues, particularly her stance on fracking and her role as the so-called "Border Czar." Trump expressed his belief that Harris is aware of the difficulties she would face in defending her positions, stating, “I am not surprised by this development because I feel that she knows it is very difficult, at best, for her to defend her record-setting Flip-Flopping on absolutely everything she once believed in, including her statements that THERE WILL BE NO FRACKING IN PENNSYLVANIA and her HORRIBLE Performance on the Border, our ‘Border Czar,’ where millions of criminals and people from mental institutions and terrorists, have been allowed to pour into our Country, totally unchecked and unvetted.” Trump also mentioned that the debate, had it taken place, would have occurred in Pennsylvania, though he offered no further details. The former president has previously stated that he agreed to three debates against Harris, including one hosted by NBC News on September 25, in addition to forums by ABC and Fox News. “So we have those three dates and those networks, they’re very anxiously awaiting that date and those dates,” Trump told reporters during a press conference at his Mar-a-Lago estate earlier this month. “We have spoken to the heads of the network and it’s all been confirmed.” However, according to Trump’s claims, Harris has only officially committed to participating in the ABC event. She had previously expressed hesitance about the Fox News debate, while appearing more open to the NBC News one. On August 8, Harris responded to inquiries about the debates, saying, “Well, I’m glad that he’s finally agreed to a debate on September 10. I am happy to have that conversation about an additional debate, or after September 10, for sure.” As the situation unfolds, it is important to note that Harris has not held a formal press conference since President Joe Biden’s July 21 decision to withdraw from the re-election race and endorse her as his successor. This decision has placed her at the forefront of the Democratic campaign, with many eyes on her next moves in the race. Trump's allegations of Harris declining the debate have added fuel to the ongoing political drama, intensifying the scrutiny on Harris as she navigates the pressures of a presidential campaign. Whether or not Harris's reported decision will impact her standing in the election remains to be seen, but it has certainly sparked conversation and speculation across the political spectrum. As the debates draw nearer, the nation will be watching closely to see how these dynamics play out and what they might mean for the future of the 2024 presidential race. Credit: NYP 2024-08-21 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe Cigna offers a variety of health insurance plans designed to meet the minimum requirement for medical treatment coverage, with benefits reaching up to THB 3 million. These plans are tailored to provide comprehensive healthcare solutions for expatriates, ensuring peace of mind and access to quality medical services. To explore the full range of Cigna's expat health insurance options and find a plan that suits your needs, click here for more information. -
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Trump Faces Backlash After Falsely Implying Taylor Swift's Endorsement
Donald Trump, the Republican presidential candidate, has stirred controversy once again by falsely implying that pop superstar Taylor Swift has endorsed him. The former president posted a series of images on social media, many of which appear to have been generated using artificial intelligence, depicting Swift and her fans, known as "Swifties," as supporters of his campaign. Accompanying these images, Trump posted the message "I accept!" as though acknowledging Swift's endorsement, despite no such endorsement having been made. The images, which included one showing Swift fans wearing t-shirts that read "Swifties for Trump" and another mimicking a World War I-era U.S. Army recruiting poster with Swift's face replacing Uncle Sam's, were quickly recognized as doctored or satirical. One of the images even bore a label of "satire" with a headline that claimed, "Swifties turning to Trump after ISIS foiled Taylor Swift concert," a reference to a recent security threat that led to the cancellation of three of Swift's concerts in Vienna. Police arrested two individuals suspected of planning attacks inspired by the Islamic State group, though there is no connection between this incident and the Trump campaign. The backlash from Swift's fanbase was swift and severe. Many of her fans accused Trump of spreading misinformation, and they were quick to point out that the singer has never endorsed him. In fact, Taylor Swift has been vocal about her political stance, supporting the Democratic Party in the 2020 election and criticizing Trump during his presidency. Notably, during the nationwide protests following the police murder of George Floyd, Swift took to Twitter, now known as X, to condemn Trump's rhetoric, stating, "After stoking the fires of white supremacy and racism your entire presidency, you have the nerve to feign moral superiority before threatening violence? We will vote you out in November." Despite this, Trump has attempted to present Swift as a supporter, even re-posting photos that NBC News identified as featuring real women who are indeed Trump supporters, though they have no connection to Swift. This move seems to be part of a broader strategy to appeal to younger voters and Swift's massive fanbase. However, the use of misleading and doctored images has only further alienated Swift's followers and drawn attention to the questionable tactics being employed by Trump's campaign. Earlier this year, the BBC uncovered numerous deepfake images portraying Black individuals as Trump supporters, though there was no evidence directly linking these images to Trump's campaign. This pattern of misinformation raises concerns about the ethical boundaries of political campaigning in the digital age, particularly as artificial intelligence becomes more sophisticated and easier to use for deceptive purposes. Taylor Swift, for her part, has not commented on Trump's recent social media posts, but her political leanings remain clear. Having previously endorsed Democratic candidates and spoken out against Trump, it is unlikely that she will lend any support to his 2024 campaign. Instead, this latest incident highlights the growing importance of media literacy and the need for voters to critically evaluate the information they encounter, especially as the use of AI-generated content continues to rise in political discourse. In conclusion, Donald Trump's attempt to falsely imply Taylor Swift's endorsement through the use of doctored images has backfired, leading to a backlash from her fanbase and further damaging his credibility. As the 2024 election approaches, this episode serves as a reminder of the challenges posed by misinformation and the importance of transparency in political communication. Credit: BBC | NYP 2024-08-19 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe Cigna offers a variety of health insurance plans designed to meet the minimum requirement for medical treatment coverage, with benefits reaching up to THB 3 million. These plans are tailored to provide comprehensive healthcare solutions for expatriates, ensuring peace of mind and access to quality medical services. To explore the full range of Cigna's expat health insurance options and find a plan that suits your needs, click here for more information. -
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The Quiet Demise of Biden's Impeachment Inquiry: GOP Faces Reality
The Republican-led effort to impeach President Joe Biden has reached a quiet but inevitable conclusion, as the long-anticipated report from the House Judiciary, Oversight, and Ways and Means committees made it clear that the GOP lacks the necessary votes to proceed. The nearly 300-page report, released on Monday, details the findings of the impeachment inquiry, accusing Biden of engaging in what they termed "impeachable conduct." However, the report stops short of calling for an impeachment vote, leaving the decision to the wider GOP Conference. House Speaker Mike Johnson issued a statement shortly after the report's release, urging Americans to read the report and praising the committees for their work. Notably, Johnson's statement did not mention any next steps, a strong indication that the GOP leadership does not plan to bring an impeachment vote against Biden to the floor. Committee leaders such as Reps. Jim Jordan of Ohio and James Comer of Kentucky have also refrained from demanding an impeachment vote, signaling a broader acceptance within the party that the effort is effectively over. This marks an anti-climactic end to one of the party's most high-profile investigations during its narrow majority in the House. The outcome, however, was predictable: with a slim three-vote margin, it has been evident for months that House Republicans do not have the votes to impeach Biden. Even as investigators presented their findings in private briefings, centrists within the party expressed skepticism about the existence of clear evidence of a crime or impeachable offense. Acknowledging the political reality, one GOP lawmaker, speaking anonymously, admitted, "We don't have the votes. We won't have the votes. It's math. … The report is going to be the end of it." Despite the report's findings, some conservative members of the party continue to push for impeachment. Rep. Greg Steube of Florida took to social media to ask Speaker Johnson, "When are we voting to impeach Biden?" Similarly, Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia, who had previously suggested forcing a vote on impeaching Biden over border issues, reiterated in a statement that the president "must be impeached." She also voiced her frustration with Congress for not having already brought articles of impeachment against Biden. However, neither Greene nor Steube explicitly stated that they would force an impeachment vote when Congress reconvenes in early September, something they could do without the support of party leadership. Such a vote, though, is almost certain to fail, as GOP lawmakers estimate that many of their colleagues remain unconvinced of the need for impeachment. Some conservatives have floated the idea of holding a vote anyway, forcing their colleagues to take a public stand just weeks before the election, but the lack of broad support makes this an unlikely scenario. If the GOP does not proceed with an impeachment vote, it will be the first formal presidential impeachment inquiry in modern history to end without a vote, barring the case of Richard Nixon, who resigned before an impeachment vote could take place. This reality is something a growing number of Republicans appear willing to accept, as they explore other potential avenues to address their concerns. Among the alternatives being considered are criminal referrals to the Department of Justice for James and Hunter Biden, the president's brother and son, respectively. Additionally, some Republicans are pushing for bipartisan legislation to tighten financial disclosure requirements for presidents, vice presidents, and their family members. Rep. Tim Burchett of Tennessee encapsulated the current state of the impeachment effort, stating in a recent interview, "I'd say we're finished with that." Comer, one of the key figures in the investigation, has also distanced himself from the push for impeachment, noting that he "never asked" for an impeachment inquiry to be formally opened. Instead, he pointed out that former Speaker Kevin McCarthy believed it would help the GOP in court. Over the past several months, House Republicans have dedicated significant time and resources to their investigation, which has primarily focused on the business dealings of Biden's family members. A substantial portion of their report delves into the financial activities of Hunter and James Biden, including their business ventures and loans they received. The report claims that the Biden family and their associates received $27 million from foreign entities, which they argue would not have been possible without Joe Biden's political influence. However, investigators struggled to establish a direct link between Biden's actions as president or vice president and these business dealings, or to prove that he committed a crime. Some former business associates of Hunter Biden told investigators that Hunter would occasionally put his father on speakerphone during meetings with potential business partners, but they noted that these conversations were limited to pleasantries. In other instances, witnesses recalled Joe Biden making brief appearances at dinners or lunches, though they emphasized that no business was discussed during these encounters. Both Hunter and James Biden have consistently denied that Joe Biden was involved in their business deals, a stance that has been repeatedly echoed by the White House. In their report, GOP investigators argued that they did not need to provide evidence of a crime or a quid pro quo to justify impeachment. However, this position has not satisfied many of their Republican colleagues, who believe that more concrete evidence is necessary to move forward with impeachment. Meanwhile, Democrats quickly seized on the report's release, declaring that it effectively exonerated President Biden. Maryland Rep. Jamie Raskin, the top Democrat on the Oversight Committee, was quick to respond, stating, "The report they throw out into the world during an August congressional recess and at the start of the Democratic National Convention as a last-minute face-saving gesture is actually a Banana Republican cream pie they have just pressed into their own faces." Raskin also circulated a memo to Democratic members titled "President Biden Exonerated by Impeachment Inquiry," further solidifying the party's position that the report cleared Biden of any wrongdoing. GOP leaders have been working to defend their investigative efforts, with Speaker Johnson's office and various committees compiling a list of what they consider to be the investigative successes achieved during the GOP's majority in the House. These include pressuring then-Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle to resign in the wake of an assassination attempt against former President Donald Trump, as well as Judiciary Committee investigations into Vice President Kamala Harris' handling of border issues and resignations at Columbia University, which has been under investigation by the Committee on Education and the Workforce. The lack of votes is the primary reason behind the GOP's stalled momentum on impeachment, but there is also a shift in the party's political calculus. With Biden's decision to drop out of the presidential race, Republicans are increasingly directing their focus toward Vice President Kamala Harris and vice presidential candidate Tim Walz. The GOP has launched investigations into Harris' work on the border and recently initiated a probe into Walz's dealings related to China. Interestingly, the GOP's impeachment report mentions the "Biden-Harris" administration approximately 20 times, despite the fact that Harris was not the primary focus of the investigation, which largely centered on the business activities of Biden's family members and the federal investigation into Hunter Biden. The report's release also coincided with the first day of the Democratic National Convention, with Biden scheduled to speak later that evening. In the end, the impeachment inquiry into President Biden appears to be drawing to a close without the dramatic conclusion that many had anticipated. As Republicans grapple with the realities of their narrow majority and shifting political landscape, the focus is gradually shifting away from impeachment and toward other strategies to achieve their goals. Credit: Politico 2024-08-21 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe Cigna offers a variety of health insurance plans designed to meet the minimum requirement for medical treatment coverage, with benefits reaching up to THB 3 million. These plans are tailored to provide comprehensive healthcare solutions for expatriates, ensuring peace of mind and access to quality medical services. To explore the full range of Cigna's expat health insurance options and find a plan that suits your needs, click here for more information. -
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Queen Elizabeth II's Unspoken Thoughts on Donald Trump Revealed in New Biography
A new biography of Queen Elizabeth II, written by the veteran journalist Craig Brown, has revealed candid and striking remarks the late monarch allegedly made about former U.S. President Donald Trump and his wife, Melania. Known for her discretion and astute judgment, Queen Elizabeth reportedly described Trump as "very rude" and speculated that he and Melania must have had "some sort of arrangement," questioning why she would have remained married to him otherwise. These claims are made in Brown's book, *A Voyage Around The Queen*, which is being serialized in the Daily Mail. The biography offers an intriguing blend of well-known anecdotes and fresh insights into the queen's life, drawing on Brown's connections within elite circles. The journalist, who has a background in Parliamentary sketch writing and contributions to the satirical magazine Private Eye, has long been regarded as an insider in British high society. His previous works, including a kaleidoscopic biography of Princess Margaret, have been praised for their originality and depth. In the new book, Brown recounts that a few weeks after Trump's visit to the United Kingdom in 2018, Queen Elizabeth confided in a lunch guest that she found the then-president "very rude." The queen reportedly took particular issue with Trump's habit of looking over her shoulder, as if he were searching for someone more interesting to engage with. This behavior, according to Brown, especially irked the queen. Furthermore, the queen is said to have speculated about the nature of Trump’s marriage to Melania, suggesting to her guest that the couple must have had some kind of arrangement. "Why would she have remained married to him?" the queen reportedly mused, expressing her bewilderment at the dynamics of their relationship. These revelations are particularly striking given the queen’s reputation for being a consummate diplomat who rarely voiced her personal opinions, especially in public or to those outside her immediate circle. Her comments, as recounted by Brown, offer a rare glimpse into her private thoughts about one of the most controversial figures she hosted during her long reign. Trump, for his part, has often spoken highly of Queen Elizabeth, describing their meetings in glowing terms. Following his state visit in 2019, Trump told Fox News that they had shared a jovial time together, saying, "We were laughing and having fun. And her people said she hasn’t had so much fun in 25 years." He later faced criticism for these remarks, with some suggesting that the lighthearted nature of the visit was inappropriate. Despite Trump’s public admiration for the queen, Buckingham Palace has not commented on the claims made in Brown’s book. The revelations add to the complex portrait of Queen Elizabeth as a leader who, while often seen as reserved, could also be a sharp judge of character, unafraid to express her true feelings in private. Brown’s biography, like his earlier work on Princess Margaret, combines a mix of well-known stories with original reporting, offering readers new insights into the lives of the British royal family. His portrayal of Queen Elizabeth, especially in her interactions with figures like Trump, provides a fresh perspective on the late monarch, highlighting her discerning nature and her ability to navigate the complexities of her role with both grace and subtlety. As the serialization of *A Voyage Around The Queen* continues, it is likely that more revelations will emerge, further illuminating the private thoughts and feelings of a monarch who was often viewed as inscrutable. For now, these accounts of her encounters with Donald Trump offer a fascinating glimpse into the inner world of Queen Elizabeth II, a figure who, even in her passing, continues to captivate the public imagination. Credit: Daily Beast 2024-08-21 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe Cigna offers a variety of health insurance plans designed to meet the minimum requirement for medical treatment coverage, with benefits reaching up to THB 3 million. These plans are tailored to provide comprehensive healthcare solutions for expatriates, ensuring peace of mind and access to quality medical services. To explore the full range of Cigna's expat health insurance options and find a plan that suits your needs, click here for more information. -
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Revolutionizing Weather Forecasting: Nvidia's AI Model Sets a New Standard for Precision
Nvidia Research has unveiled a groundbreaking generative AI weather model. This new model, which represents a significant leap forward in the accuracy of short-range weather forecasting, holds the potential to revolutionize how we predict and respond to natural disasters such as flash floods and tornado outbreaks. Nvidia shared the details of this innovative model with Axios, marking a pivotal moment in the intersection of technology and meteorology. The importance of this development cannot be overstated. Nvidia claims that this is the first AI model to demonstrate enhanced capability in simulating extreme weather events with precision down to the kilometer scale. If these findings are validated by other researchers, we could be on the cusp of a new era in weather forecasting. The implications of such advancements are profound, as more accurate short-term forecasts could save lives and protect property by providing more reliable warnings of impending weather hazards. Historically, AI weather and climate models developed by tech giants like Nvidia, Microsoft, and Google, as well as various research institutions, have shown promise in generating medium-range, global weather projections. These models have sometimes rivaled or even surpassed traditional, physics-based models that require the immense computing power of supercomputers. However, Nvidia’s latest model, as outlined in a new preprint study, takes this technology a step further. It not only delivers accurate forecasts but also offers the potential to refine global climate change projections for more precise application at local scales. This process, known as "downscaling," has traditionally been limited by computational constraints, but Nvidia's model could help overcome these barriers. "I'm convinced we're at that moment now where AI can compete with physics for storm-scale prediction," said Mike Pritchard, a climate scientist at Nvidia and a coauthor of the study, in an interview with Axios. His confidence underscores the transformative potential of this technology. The model, referred to as StormCast, is detailed in a paper submitted for peer review, co-authored by researchers from the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory and the University of Washington. Nvidia asserts that StormCast can operate at the mesoscale level, meaning it can resolve small-scale weather systems and simulate some of the complex physics involved in the formation, intensification, and dissipation of thunderstorms. These "convection-allowing models" are crucial for predicting the development of dangerous weather phenomena like derechos, squall lines, and deadly flash floods. According to the study, StormCast already outperforms the top U.S. short-range weather prediction model, the High-Resolution Rapid Refresh (HRRR), particularly in predicting the evolution of storms as observed on weather radar. Despite these advances, Pritchard emphasizes that traditional physics-based approaches should not be entirely supplanted by generative AI. Instead, he suggests that AI can be used to enhance and test the "physical credibility" of new models, ensuring that we can trust AI predictions and understand their limitations. The field of weather prediction and climate research is undergoing a rapid transformation, driven by the capabilities of AI models. These models offer significant advantages in terms of computational power and timeliness compared to traditional methods. While experts generally agree that the future of weather and climate forecasting will involve greater reliance on AI, there is also a consensus, including among Nvidia Research, that the established, proven methods should not be abandoned. One of the most intriguing aspects of AI models like StormCast is their ability to generate forecasts in minutes using readily available computers, a stark contrast to the hours it takes for traditional models to run on the world’s most powerful supercomputers. This speed opens up the possibility of incorporating such models into ensemble systems, where the model is run multiple times with slightly varied initial conditions. This approach can help forecasters assess the sensitivity of their predictions to changes in various parameters, thereby increasing confidence in the forecast or highlighting areas of uncertainty where storm behavior might differ from expectations. Nvidia, as a leader in AI-enabling chip technology, has made substantial investments in advancing scientific knowledge across various disciplines, including weather and climate science. The company has even created a digital twin of Earth, which Taiwan plans to use to improve typhoon predictions. StormCast is capable of producing hourly forecasts at small geographic scales, leveraging generative AI that has been trained on historical weather observations and forecast outcomes. Nvidia Research asserts that it is the first AI weather simulation to accurately predict variables like temperature and moisture concentration, which are crucial for determining atmospheric buoyancy. Buoyancy, in turn, plays a critical role in the formation of severe weather events, including tornadoes, large storm complexes, and heavy snowfall. This represents a significant breakthrough, as buoyancy is a key factor in determining whether a group of thunderstorms will intensify, merge into larger systems capable of producing flooding rains, or weaken and dissipate. Looking ahead, Nvidia is collaborating with The Weather Company and Colorado State University to further test the new model, with the possibility of making it more widely available in the future. This collaboration highlights the ongoing efforts to refine and validate the model’s performance across different meteorological contexts. Credit: AXIOS 2024-08-21 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe Cigna offers a variety of health insurance plans designed to meet the minimum requirement for medical treatment coverage, with benefits reaching up to THB 3 million. These plans are tailored to provide comprehensive healthcare solutions for expatriates, ensuring peace of mind and access to quality medical services. To explore the full range of Cigna's expat health insurance options and find a plan that suits your needs, click here for more information. -
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Opinion: Police Impartiality Amidst Discrimination Against White Men
In a profession that demands unwavering impartiality, the police force is increasingly under scrutiny for practices that appear to contradict this principle. Police officers and detectives regularly demonstrate courage in the face of violence and danger, yet the leadership within some police forces seems to be swayed by divisive identity politics, casting doubt on their claims of impartiality. This contradiction raises important questions about the integrity of policing and whether these forces are truly as neutral as they claim to be. While the complexities of police operations, such as handling protests and responding to crime, are beyond the scope of this discussion, the administrative track record of some police forces over the past five years reveals troubling trends. These trends suggest that certain police forces are straying from their core mission of impartial law enforcement. For example, Cheshire Constabulary was found guilty of discrimination not just on the basis of race, but also sexual orientation and gender. The force rejected a prospective officer simply because he was a white heterosexual man. This case highlights the troubling possibility that identity politics may be influencing recruitment decisions within the police force. Similarly, the British Transport Police has been criticized for funding a scholarship that covers the tuition and living costs of a three-year law degree at King's College London. The scholarship, worth £75,000, is exclusively available to individuals of black heritage, with the expectation that they will use their education to "fight injustice." While the intent behind the scholarship may be noble, the exclusionary nature of the criteria raises concerns about fairness and impartiality within the force. In another case, a Metropolitan Police Chief Superintendent in 2022 expressed a desire to establish a charity and employ fundraisers to channel millions of pounds from businesses into minority-owned businesses. This initiative, while perhaps well-intentioned, further underscores the extent to which identity politics is shaping the priorities of some police leaders. Even more recently, Thames Valley Police, often regarded as a progressive force, was found guilty of racial discrimination when it promoted an Asian Sergeant to Detective Inspector without allowing a group of white Inspectors the opportunity to apply. Such instances suggest that these are not isolated incidents but part of a broader trend within policing. Experienced police officers often express frustration at these developments, noting that such occurrences are far from rare. The question arises: are these incidents merely coincidental, or do they reflect a deeper issue within policing—a problematic embrace of divisive identity politics? The decision by the National Police Chiefs' Council and the College of Policing to create a "Police Race Action Plan" in response to the death of George Floyd is another example of this trend. Floyd's death occurred thousands of miles away in a different country, with no direct involvement or connection to British policing. Yet, some of the most progressive and activist officers in the UK seized the moment, viewing it as an "opportunity" to push their agendas. The national director of the Police Race Action Plan, a Commander in the Metropolitan Police, recently struggled to articulate just how significant an "opportunity" Floyd's death and the Black Lives Matter movement presented for policing. This statement is indicative of a broader mindset within some police leadership, where identity politics and social activism are increasingly prioritized over the core responsibilities of law enforcement. Moreover, the creation of separate race action plans by every police force in the country has led to a situation where forces seem to be competing with each other in their commitment to identity politics. This focus diverts valuable time and resources away from the primary duties of fighting crime and protecting the public. It is important to acknowledge that this critique is not a blanket denial of racial or other disparities within policing, the criminal justice system, or society at large. These disparities were thoroughly examined by Labour's David Lammy in 2017. Commissioned by Conservative Prime Minister David Cameron, with the support of Theresa May, Lammy's report demanded that if criminal justice agencies could not "provide an evidence-based explanation for apparent disparities between ethnic groups, then reforms should be introduced." This "explain or reform" approach might seem reasonable at first glance. However, it often leads to a preference for reform over explanation, as reform is the path of least resistance for policymakers and senior leaders. In today's public services, the prevailing attitude seems to be that no one gets called racist for promising reform, even if the underlying issues remain unexamined. The swift and often reflexive dismissal of concerns about "woke" and "two-tier" policing by many police chiefs further suggests that asking them to critically assess, let alone reject, the influence of identity politics within their forces is akin to asking them to act against their own interests. If courageous police chiefs do not soon break ranks and address these issues, it will become increasingly clear that the problems within police leadership are even more severe than previously feared. Addressing these deep-rooted issues may require a complete overhaul of the leadership within the police force. Only by rebuilding the commanding heights of policing can we hope to restore the impartiality and integrity that the public rightly expects from those sworn to protect and serve. The task is daunting, but it is essential if we are to prevent the further erosion of trust in one of the most vital institutions in our society. Credit: Daily Telegraph 2024-08-21 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe Cigna offers a variety of health insurance plans designed to meet the minimum requirement for medical treatment coverage, with benefits reaching up to THB 3 million. These plans are tailored to provide comprehensive healthcare solutions for expatriates, ensuring peace of mind and access to quality medical services. To explore the full range of Cigna's expat health insurance options and find a plan that suits your needs, click here for more information. -
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UK Public Encouraged to Surrender Zombie Knives and Machetes Ahead of Upcoming Ban
The government is urging individuals in possession of zombie-style knives and machetes to hand them in to police stations ahead of an impending ban on these dangerous weapons. The authorities have assured the public that there will be no repercussions for those who surrender these items safely. This initiative is part of a broader effort to combat knife crime and enhance public safety. Zombie-style knives and machetes will be officially added to the list of prohibited dangerous items starting from September 24. This list already includes weapons such as butterfly knives, samurai swords, and push daggers. Although a ban on ninja swords was not included in the recent King's Speech, policing minister Dame Diana Johnson indicated that the government plans to make them illegal in the near future. The initiative is a key component of a larger strategy aimed at reducing knife crime by half within the next decade. Dame Diana Johnson emphasized the urgent need to restrict access to these lethal weapons, stating, "Too many people have access to weapons that can lead to devastating, life-changing consequences. There is no legitimate need for a weapon of this kind to be in our homes or on our streets. That is why we will continue to make sure the tightest restrictions are in place to limit the availability of these lethal weapons." She further explained the significance of the ban on zombie-style knives as part of the government's comprehensive plan to address knife crime. "Implementing a ban on zombie-style knives is just the first step in our ambitious, dedicated plan to halve knife crime within a decade, and will closely be followed by making ninja swords illegal," Dame Diana said. She called on the public to play their part in making communities safer by surrendering these dangerous weapons. "It is absolutely crucial that members of the public come forward and safely hand in these weapons. We are offering people the chance to do the right thing—to help make our streets safer, prevent further loss of life, and save so many futures." The success of this initiative relies on the cooperation of political, policing, and community leaders working together to tackle the knife crime epidemic. Dame Diana highlighted the importance of collective effort in achieving the government's goal: "We cannot do this alone, political, policing, and community leaders must work together to bring the knife crime epidemic to an end and offer a better future for our young people." The weapons surrender scheme is set to run for four weeks, from August 26 to September 23, and will be available at police stations across England and Wales. People in possession of zombie knives, machetes, or other prohibited weapons are encouraged to contact their local police station for advice on how to safely package and surrender these items. In addition to bringing weapons directly to police stations, individuals can also use surrender bins. To find out more about these alternative disposal options, people are advised to contact their local police force, council, or anti-knife crime charities. The government has issued a stern warning that anyone found in possession of a zombie-style knife or machete after the ban comes into effect will face serious legal consequences, including the possibility of a prison sentence. This measure underscores the government's commitment to eradicating knife crime and ensuring that such dangerous weapons are no longer a threat to public safety. Credit: Sky News 2024-08-21 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe Cigna offers a variety of health insurance plans designed to meet the minimum requirement for medical treatment coverage, with benefits reaching up to THB 3 million. These plans are tailored to provide comprehensive healthcare solutions for expatriates, ensuring peace of mind and access to quality medical services. To explore the full range of Cigna's expat health insurance options and find a plan that suits your needs, click here for more information. -
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The Curtain Falls: Russia’s YouTube Ban and Its Impact on Society
In a move that has sent shockwaves across the digital landscape of Russia, the Kremlin has begun shutting down access to YouTube, one of the last remaining platforms where independent voices could still be heard. The decision, while not entirely unexpected, has profound implications for a nation that has increasingly found itself isolated from the rest of the world, both culturally and politically. The timing of this move is telling. On August 11, 2024, the Olympic closing ceremony in Paris captivated the world, including many Russians who, despite the ongoing war with Ukraine and the new Cold War proclaimed by the Kremlin, were eager to watch the global event. The ceremony, which featured Hollywood star Tom Cruise descending from the top of the Stade de France to take the Olympic flag from gymnast Simone Biles, was particularly poignant for Russians due to their historic affection for Paris, a sentiment that dates back to the 19th century. Yet, due to the harsh reality of international sanctions and the isolationist policies of their government, Russian viewers had no official means of watching the event. Instead, millions turned to YouTube, as they have done for years. For people like 70-year-old Elena from Moscow, YouTube was a lifeline. She managed to catch most of the ceremony on her iPad, albeit with some delay, and it brought her a sense of connection to a world that is increasingly out of reach for many Russians. But almost immediately after the ceremony, the access that Elena and millions of others enjoyed was cut off as the Kremlin moved to block YouTube across the country. For Elena, who lacks the technical know-how to navigate around the restrictions with a VPN, this marked the end of her access to a window on the world. This crackdown on YouTube has been in the works for years. Vladimir Putin, Russia's president, simply cannot tolerate the existence of a platform that offers contradictory and widely available sources of information in an increasingly despotic state. This is not the first time the Kremlin has sought to control the flow of information to its citizens. In the early 2000s, television was seen as a powerful tool of mass communication, and the government kept it tightly under control as it was the most popular media and entertainment platform in the country. However, the landscape began to shift in the spring of 2017. That year, protests erupted across many Russian cities, sparked in part by a video about the corruption of then-Prime Minister Dmitri Medvedev. The video, produced by opposition leader Alexey Navalny's team, was posted on YouTube and watched over 20 million times. It galvanized a new generation of protesters, including teenagers, who took to the streets in unprecedented numbers. Suddenly, Russian-speaking YouTube had gone political, with well-known bloggers producing heavily political content and opposition politicians becoming some of the platform's most popular figures. As YouTube's influence grew, the influence of traditional television began to wane. By 2019, for the first time in Russian history, online advertising revenue overtook that of television. TV ad spending increased by 9% to 187 billion rubles ($2.1 billion), while Internet ad spending surged by 22% to 203 billion rubles. The shift was unmistakable, and even mainstream journalists began migrating to YouTube, a trend that was only accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic. During the lockdowns, the demand for Russian-language content on YouTube skyrocketed. By the time the pandemic struck, the Kremlin had already been working for two years on a new censorship system designed to deal with the perceived threat posed by YouTube. This system, known as the Sovereign Internet, was composed of several elements. The first involved providing Russian Internet service providers with special equipment that allowed censors to suppress and redirect traffic across the country from a central point in Moscow. As the situation evolves, the impact on Russian society and the response of the nearly 100 million users who relied on YouTube will be critical to watch, as it could lead to further resistance against the government's tightening grip on information. Credit: CEPA 2024-08-21 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe Cigna offers a variety of health insurance plans designed to meet the minimum requirement for medical treatment coverage, with benefits reaching up to THB 3 million. These plans are tailored to provide comprehensive healthcare solutions for expatriates, ensuring peace of mind and access to quality medical services. To explore the full range of Cigna's expat health insurance options and find a plan that suits your needs, click here for more information. -
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The Unstoppable U.S. Oil Boom: Why No President Has Managed to Slow It Down
In 2020, during his campaign for the presidency, Joe Biden made a bold pledge at a New Hampshire town hall, vowing to bring an end to drilling on federal lands. With deliberate emphasis, he stated, "No more drilling on federal lands. Period. Period. Period. Period." However, nearly four years later, the reality of his presidency tells a different story. Under Biden's leadership, the United States is now producing more oil than any other country ever has, and his administration has approved more drilling permits on public lands than his predecessor, Donald Trump. This unanticipated boom in fossil fuel production reveals a challenging truth for both Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris: it is nearly impossible for any U.S. president to significantly curb oil production, a key driver of both the economy and climate change. As Jason Bordoff, founding director of the Center on Global Energy Policy at Columbia University, aptly observed, "If you were to show someone who came from Mars the line of U.S. oil and gas production over the last 15 years, they probably would not be able to tell whether a Republican or Democrat was in the White House." Despite Biden's earlier promises, his administration's actions have continued to fuel the U.S. oil boom, with the country expected to produce an average of 13.2 million barrels of oil per day this year—surpassing both Saudi Arabia and Russia. This surge in production, while beneficial for the economy in the short term, has complicated Biden's broader climate agenda, which aims to transition the nation away from fossil fuels. Even Biden's landmark 2022 climate legislation, the Inflation Reduction Act, which has significantly boosted the production of renewable energy sources such as solar and wind, has not been enough to offset the continued dominance of oil. The challenges Biden has faced in trying to reduce the nation's reliance on fossil fuels stem from a combination of legal obligations, political pressures, and market forces. In June 2021, a federal judge struck down Biden's attempt to pause oil and gas leasing on federal lands, a policy move that had been challenged by Republican-led states. Then, in February 2022, Russia's invasion of Ukraine further complicated the situation by disrupting global energy markets, leading to higher fuel prices and record profits for oil companies. These obstacles highlight the difficulties Harris would likely encounter if she were to win the presidency in the next election. Although some former administration officials suggest that Harris could avoid what they view as Biden's strategic missteps, the reality is that any president will face significant challenges in trying to reduce U.S. oil production. As one former administration official noted, Biden's early pledge of no more drilling was "an early strategic mistake because it set expectations in a way that was not going to be achievable legally and politically." Despite these challenges, Biden's administration has defended its record on fossil fuels. John D. Podesta, senior adviser to the president for international climate policy, emphasized that the surge in U.S. oil production is largely a "market-driven phenomenon" that has short-term economic benefits, even as the country works toward a long-term transition away from fossil fuels. "On the gas side, I think it was important that we could supply our friends and allies in Europe after the illegal invasion of Ukraine and cutoff of Russian sources of supply," Podesta said. "On the oil side, we continue to benefit from production and the effect that it has on stabilizing prices around the world." Anne Bradbury, CEO of the American Exploration and Production Council, a trade group representing independent oil and gas companies, pointed out that much of the record production seen today is the result of policies enacted by previous administrations, both Republican and Democrat. However, on the campaign trail, Trump has framed the current boost in oil production as a Democratic tactic to lower gasoline prices ahead of the election. "Now [Biden’s] drilling like crazy," Trump claimed at a rally in March. "He went back to my policy. You know why? Because it was up to $6, $7, $8 a gallon. … They allowed them to continue drilling, but the day after the election, it’s over." The limitations of any administration's control over oil production are evident when considering the legal and logistical constraints involved. While the federal government can regulate drilling on federal lands and waters, it has no authority over drilling on private or state lands, which include some of the largest shale deposits in the country, such as those in the Permian Basin in West Texas. Moreover, even on federal lands, there is a two-step process for oil and gas production: first, the administration must decide whether to auction off new lands for leases, and then it must issue permits for the actual drilling to begin. Biden's administration has faced significant legal challenges in trying to stem new leases on public lands. The pause on leasing that Biden attempted to implement early in his presidency was struck down by U.S. District Judge Terry A. Doughty, a Trump appointee, who ruled that the administration could not stop leasing without congressional approval. Since then, the Interior Department has resumed quarterly lease sales, although it has auctioned off fewer acres overall compared to the Trump administration. During Biden's first three years in office, the Bureau of Land Management leased 232,630 acres, a steep decline from the more than 5 million acres leased during Trump's first three years. Despite the administration's efforts to limit new leasing, the approval of drilling permits has continued, largely due to legal requirements. "The fact is that President Biden has followed the rule of law in this country, and the rule of law says that if you have already given a lease to a fossil fuel company, you have to give a permit," explained Leah Stokes, an associate professor of environmental politics at the University of California at Santa Barbara. The political realities surrounding gas prices have further complicated Biden's efforts to reduce fossil fuel dependence. High gas prices are a political liability for any president, and Biden has taken steps to address rising fuel costs even when those actions seem to contradict his climate goals. For instance, in late 2021, as gas prices climbed above $3.30 a gallon nationwide, Biden urged major oil-producing countries to ramp up production. This move, while intended to alleviate economic pain at the pump, drew criticism for its perceived inconsistency with Biden's climate messaging. The invasion of Ukraine by Russian forces in 2022 further intensified the pressures on the administration. In response to the crisis, Biden released 30 million barrels of oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve and pledged to supply the European Union with natural gas to help offset the bloc's reliance on Russian energy. These actions, while necessary in the short term, highlighted the ongoing tension between maintaining energy security and pursuing aggressive climate goals. If elected, Harris would inherit the same challenges that have plagued the Biden administration. Experts suggest that Harris's campaign has already learned from some of Biden's mistakes, particularly in avoiding climate promises that are not politically or legally feasible. For example, after Trump and other Republicans attacked Harris for supporting a ban on fracking in 2019, her campaign clarified that she would not seek to ban fracking if elected president. The impact of Biden's climate policies may become more evident in the coming years, particularly if Harris continues on a similar path. Prolonging Biden's strict limits on emissions from cars and trucks, for instance, could accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles, which do not rely on gasoline or diesel. Washington Governor Jay Inslee, whose climate proposals during his 2020 presidential campaign influenced Biden's policies, noted that a Harris administration could focus on expanding renewable energy, gradually reducing the nation's reliance on fossil fuels. "This is not an instant transition," Inslee said. "We don’t flip a switch and totally eliminate fossil fuels. It’s a thermostat. And to turn down that thermostat, you need to have as aggressive a development of non-fossil-based sources as possible." In conclusion, while Biden's presidency has seen record levels of oil production despite his climate-focused campaign promises, the complexities of legal obligations, political realities, and market demands have made it difficult to significantly slow the U.S. oil boom. As Harris looks ahead to a potential presidency, she faces the challenge of navigating these same obstacles while trying to advance a more sustainable energy future. The tension between economic imperatives and environmental goals will likely continue to shape U.S. energy policy for years to come. Credit: W.P. 2024-08-21 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe Cigna offers a variety of health insurance plans designed to meet the minimum requirement for medical treatment coverage, with benefits reaching up to THB 3 million. These plans are tailored to provide comprehensive healthcare solutions for expatriates, ensuring peace of mind and access to quality medical services. To explore the full range of Cigna's expat health insurance options and find a plan that suits your needs, click here for more information. -
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Cigna International Medical Insurance Domicile (worldwide cover) Question
While reading through the Feb 2024 Policy Rules for CIGNA-EU and CIGNA-UK (Guernsey), I found a big difference between these policies. The CIGNA-UK policy is only for expats (country of habitual residence must be different from their country of nationality). Where as, the CIGNA-EU policy is only for people living in their country of nationality. It surprises me that the CIGNA-EU (international medical insurance policy) is not for people who live what I would call "internationally". Here's the actual language: CIGNA UK Policy Rules Section 1.1 (pg 4): This policy is only offered to beneficiaries whose country of habitual residence and country of nationality are the same designated country. -
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THAILAND LIVE Thailand Live Wednesday 21 August 2024
Drunken Tourist Allegedly Attacks German Man and Thai Wife in Pattaya PHOTO: รักสยาม นิวส์ In the early hours of August 20th, 2024, a violent altercation erupted at the Gold Bar Beer in Soi 6 on Pattaya Beach Road, Nongprue sub-district, Banglamung district, Chonburi province. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1336045-drunken-tourist-allegedly-attacks-german-man-and-thai-wife-in-pattaya/ -
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Good reasons to vote for Harris?
If Joe Biden saved the economy, why does Harris want price control?
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