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Brand Loyalty: Might this now be our undoing in this "Modern World"?
Dear Folks, I once had a deep-seated feeling for brands of things like Hitachi, which I still love. However, other brands, not so much. Let me tell you, I think that Hitachi is wonderful. The service provided by this company is quite good….I think. However, other brands, such as Versace handbags, not to mention those baggy women who lug them around the world, I have not much affinity for. So, anyway, I just want to tell you, for your own good: Today, I was able to peel-off the brand name from my ACs. And now that I have peeled off the STICKERS, then these machines are operating better….IMHO. You see, anytime I buy an AC, these days, I always assume that most machines I purchase are about ….. Identical. Of course, you gotta check the specs, such as efficiency. But, really, here where we are, whatever you purchase is basically throw-away garbage. If you don’t believe me, then just BUY what you will, and then you will become enlightened. I would say that the most important thing to consider when buying anything is AFTER=SALES service. If the after-sales service is GARBAGE, then I would not buy it. Sure, I have purchased some products from a brand which off-sources service to a lousy company. But, this is why I am now off-loading my appliances from this company. Garbage in…. Garbage out….. And, the brand I was once loyal to is now…OUT….BIG TIME, IMHO. I guess that I have been around here far longer than most of you, in more ways than one….. I have been in Asia for a very long time. And so, I would say that one should be very careful when purchasing anything, even …the unmentionable. I will never again be taken in. I will first do my research before buying. Even though I stated, at the beginning, that I would not mention specific brands…..I can tell you…. I am thinking of Daikin. Daikin is more expensive, I guess. And, maybe for a reason. Therefore, I hope I can get rid of the Name Brand, Versace, that I purchased….for many years…due to poor performance…. And now, I think I will just go with Daikin. IF there is a better manufacturer that you might recommend, then please do so…because…I know a few other brands which are not typically sold in Thailand, but popular in Japan, which are very well-respected. Any hints? I guess you know…. I love it when all is very cold. Except, I love a Spicy Hot Pot, as I know you do, as well. Best regards, Gamma -
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Even MAGA Is Up in Arms Over Trump’s ‘Flying Grift’ From Qatar
yehaaa his traveling to the middle east, visiting his hotels/checking his investments and the tax payers are paying for it, well done orange man -
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Even MAGA Is Up in Arms Over Trump’s ‘Flying Grift’ From Qatar
1. Thanks for not posting jibberish like the “other guy” 2. Trump has not accepted the plane despite what the loons think. 3. Trump could accept the plane with Congress approval. Personally , I don’t think he should accept due to security issues and lack of technology. Ultimately it’s the decision of Congress and Trump -
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Wise vs Revolut - This is what I've found out
No misunderstanding. I attached the screenshot, showing the transfer with the fee, clearly going from USD in the bank to USD in WISE balance. In fact, it is my understanding that when you Add to WISE balance, it is always added in the currency that is withdrawn from the bank. E.g., if you were adding from a Euro denominated account, the funds would go to Euro denominated balance in WISE. In other wise, the Add transaction should never trigger a currency conversion operation. -
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Report Vietnam Urged to Revamp Tobacco Tax Policies to Combat Rising Affordability
File photo for reference only Phan Thi Hai, Deputy Director of the Tobacco Harm Prevention Fund, highlighted concerns over the growing affordability and accessibility of tobacco products in Vietnam, linked to rising average incomes. Speaking at a recent workshop in Hanoi, she noted that despite three increases in tobacco's special consumption tax from 2008 to 2019, these were insufficient to deter smoking behaviors significantly. Hai pointed out that tobacco use remains a major health challenge, with tobacco smoke containing 7,000 chemicals, including 69 carcinogens contributing to cancer, cardiovascular, respiratory, and reproductive health conditions. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), tobacco use in Vietnam leads to approximately 85,500 deaths annually, with an additional 18,800 due to secondhand smoke. Currently, Vietnam implements a 75% special consumption tax on tobacco based on factory prices. However, the minimal tax impact on retail pricing—due to low factory prices—has not curbed tobacco consumption. For example, a VND10,000 pack of cigarettes has a factory price of about VND3,900, making price increases negligible when accounting for inflation and income growth. With only 36% of the cigarette retail price comprising taxes, Vietnam falls short of the WHO's recommended 70–75% tax level. This contrasts sharply with regional peers like Thailand, the Philippines, and Singapore, where tax shares are significantly higher. Vietnam's low cigarette prices, among the world's cheapest, make these products easily accessible, particularly to low-income individuals and youth. WHO studies suggest that a 10% increase in cigarette prices could reduce consumption by about 4–5%, impacting youth more significantly due to their price sensitivity. Findings from a 2023 survey by Hanoi University of Public Health and HealthBridge Canada indicate that many cigarette brands in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City retail for under VND10,000, further emphasizing affordability. From 2010 to 2022, while Vietnam's per capita income grew by 203%, cigarette prices increased by only 56%, enhancing affordability. To counteract this, Hai argued for a reform in tobacco tax policy with a gradual approach to tax increments. She proposed implementing a minimum absolute tax of VND5,000 per pack by 2026, rising to VND15,000 by 2030, aligning with WHO recommendations and targeting reduced smoking rates in alignment with the National Tobacco Control Strategy. Such fiscal measures aim to elevate cigarette prices in line with income growth, ultimately encouraging reduced consumption and supporting national health objectives. Adapted by ASEAN Now from VN Express 2025-05-13 -
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