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27
7 Types of Used Cars to Avoid in Thailand
ex-taxis corollas, while cheap and parts seemingly easy to find.... there's a reason there are age limits on taxis -
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Opinion:Kamala’s newest lie: Trump will send the army after you…
Questioned about the statement , Vance mentions we’ve seen what the extreme left have done during the Summer of Love riots , in America ! Can’t let that happen again! -
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Chiang Rai Certificate of Residence
Next month I'll be back in Thailand right when my Thai drivers licenses expire. I'll be staying in Chiang Rai for most of the time, but originally got my license in Chiang Mai so I've never used immigration in Chiang Rai. Just wondering if anyone has experience on if it's tough to get a COR in Chiang Rai and what the requirements are, either at the main office in the mall, or at the office in Mae Sai, which I'll actually be closer to. I also have the option of just getting the COR from Chamchuri in Bangkok before I head up North since I have an LTR, but I don't know if the DLT in Chiang Rai would accept a COR from Bangkok? Any insights or the best strategy would be great. Thanks! -
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Kremlin Seeks €1 Billion in Legal Action Against Shell Over Russian Exit
I thought Shell was a Dutch company. Do you mean BP? -
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Medicare B covers some drugs too - I didn't know
"Did you know Medicare covers outpatient prescription drugs to protect you against viruses like the flu, COVID-19 and HIV? Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) covers a limited number of outpatient prescription drugs under certain conditions. Usually, Part B covers drugs you wouldn't typically give yourself, like those you get at a doctor's office or in a hospital outpatient setting. Here are some examples of Part B-covered drugs: PrEP medication Shots (vaccinations) Oral cancer drugs" That "Cancer" part is great help, if I need it! -
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Kremlin Seeks €1 Billion in Legal Action Against Shell Over Russian Exit
Russia is pursuing more than €1 billion in damages from Shell following the British oil and gas giant's decision to exit the country in response to Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine. The Russian prosecutor general filed a lawsuit against several Shell entities this month, with a hearing scheduled for December 11, according to court documents. The legal action follows Shell’s decision to withdraw from Russia in 2022, a move that resulted in a $5 billion write-down on its assets. One of Shell’s most significant holdings in Russia was a 27.5% stake in the Sakhalin-2 oil and gas field, a joint venture with Russian state-owned gas company Gazprom and Japanese firms Mitsui and Mitsubishi. However, following Shell's exit, the Russian government seized the joint venture's assets and transferred them to a domestic entity. Moscow offered all partners an equivalent stake in the new business, but Shell refused to sign agreements with the new entity, objecting to the forced transfer. In response, Russia sold off Shell's stake in Sakhalin-2. Russian media reports at the time suggested that President Putin personally approved the sale, transferring Shell's share to a company called Novatek, which later handed it over to a Gazprom subsidiary. Shell received 94.8 billion roubles (about £740 million) in compensation, which was deposited into a Russian bank account. However, Shell has not recognized the transaction and still considers itself the rightful owner of its stake in the Sakhalin-2 project. Despite the compensation payment, the British company remains locked in a legal battle over the situation. Now, prosecutors in Moscow are seeking damages against Shell, although they have not publicly disclosed the reasons behind their claim. Shell previously took a $1.6 billion charge related to Sakhalin-2 in the first quarter of 2022. A Shell spokesperson has yet to comment on the latest legal proceedings. The lawsuit adds another layer to the ongoing tension between Shell and the Russian government, highlighting the broader economic fallout from international companies’ decisions to leave Russia in the wake of its invasion of Ukraine. Based on a report from the Daily Telegraph 2024-10-17 -
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North Korea Claims 1.4 Million Volunteer for Army as Tensions with South Korea Escalate
Amid increasing hostilities with South Korea, North Korean state media reported on Wednesday that approximately 1.4 million young people have applied to join or return to the army. This surge in enlistment was attributed to rising tensions following what Pyongyang describes as a "provocative drone incursion" from Seoul, which they claim has pushed the region to the brink of war. The North's state news agency, KCNA, alleged that drones sent by South Korea had scattered a large number of anti-North Korean leaflets over Pyongyang. This prompted North Korea to retaliate by destroying inter-Korean roads and rail links on its side of the border and issuing warnings that the South would "pay a dear price." The situation has been framed by the North as a looming conflict that requires the nation's youth to prepare for a "sacred war of destroying the enemy with the arms of the revolution," as quoted by KCNA. KCNA also released photographs showing young North Koreans, including students and youth league officials, signing petitions to enlist. The images, while taken at an undisclosed location, were meant to bolster the narrative of a nation rallying in defense. "If a war breaks out, the ROK will be wiped off the map. As it wants a war, we are willing to put an end to its existence," KCNA reported, referring to the Republic of Korea, South Korea’s official name. However, such statements have been difficult to independently verify given the isolation of the North. This isn’t the first time North Korea has made sweeping claims about enlistment numbers. In 2022, state media similarly claimed that 800,000 citizens had volunteered to join the military in a stand against the United States. And in 2017, North Korean media said that 3.5 million people, including workers, party members, and soldiers, had volunteered to fight. Despite these figures, verifying such claims is nearly impossible. According to data from the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS), North Korea currently has about 1.28 million active soldiers, with another 600,000 reservists and 5.7 million Worker/Peasant Red Guard reservists in various unarmed units. While North Korea's rhetoric escalates, Seoul has remained measured. South Korea’s defense ministry did not comment on the latest KCNA report but has made it clear in the past that any harm inflicted on its citizens by the North would mark the "end of its regime." Amid these tensions, vice foreign ministers from South Korea, the United States, and Japan were scheduled to meet in Seoul on Wednesday for talks to address the situation. An official from South Korea’s unification ministry suggested that North Korea might be attempting to consolidate internal unity and build a pretext for further provocations. Pyongyang, facing mounting economic challenges, could be using these heightened tensions to distract from domestic issues, the official added. Park Won-gon, a professor at Ewha Womans University in Seoul, supported this theory, noting that the North appears to be leveraging the drone incident to sever ties with the South and push for a "two-state" system. "If you look at the interviews that keep appearing in state media, there are very harsh words toward the South, and that's their typical public mobilization propaganda," Park said. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has taken an increasingly aggressive stance toward the South, labeling it a "primary foe" earlier this year and declaring that unification is no longer a viable option. Since then, the North has ramped up efforts to cut all inter-Korean ties. The two Koreas remain technically at war, as their 1950-53 conflict ended in an armistice rather than a formal peace treaty. The tension between the neighbors has also been exacerbated by a balloon war of sorts, with North Korea sending balloons filled with trash since May in response to anti-Pyongyang leaflets sent across the border by South Korean defectors and activists. "Overall, there seems to be a sense of legacy building here, of Kim Jong Un looking to fundamentally change the status quo on the Korean Peninsula to preserve permanent two Korean states," remarked Jenny Town of the U.S.-based Stimson Center. Based on a report from Reuters 2024-10-17 -
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Elon Musk Accused of Spying on Amber Heard Amid Cheating Suspicions
Elon Musk has faced allegations of employing private investigators to spy on his former partner, Amber Heard, using sophisticated surveillance tools like infrared cameras and drones. The accusation arises from Musk's reported suspicion that Heard was unfaithful during their relationship, sparking a wave of interest in Musk's actions and behavior. These revelations come at a time when the billionaire Tesla and SpaceX founder is increasingly involved in American politics, recently appearing at a Donald Trump rally and throwing his support behind the former president. Musk, known for promoting himself as a "free speech absolutist" to his 200 million followers on X (formerly Twitter), has consistently declared that freedom of speech is essential to democracy. However, recent claims suggest Musk or those working for him have employed private investigators to suppress information and silence critics. One notable example is Vernon Unsworth, a British cave explorer, whom Musk famously referred to as a "paedo guy" on Twitter in 2018. This accusation came after Unsworth criticized Musk's attempts to help with the rescue of 12 boys trapped in a cave in Thailand. "It's the most disgusting thing that you can call anybody, really," Unsworth remarked about the baseless slur. While Musk later apologized, the damage was done, and Unsworth continues to feel the impact of the false accusation to this day. "I've not spoken to anyone in depth about Musk or the effect it had on me," he explained, emphasizing how the label continues to haunt him. "I'll be tarred for the rest of my life." Unsworth recalls how even his visit to receive his MBE from the Queen in 2019 was overshadowed by Musk's remarks. "The stigma is always there," he said, reflecting on the long-lasting consequences of Musk’s actions. In addition to targeting Unsworth, Musk’s surveillance efforts reportedly extended to Amber Heard, with whom he was romantically involved in 2017. Heard was filming *Aquaman* on Australia’s Gold Coast at the time, and Musk’s security team is believed to have hired a private investigations firm to monitor her. The surveillance involved multiple operatives, infrared cameras, and drones, at a cost exceeding AUS$100,000 (£51,000). Musk did not respond to requests for comment on these allegations. There were also rumors that Heard was seeing an Australian football player during her time on the Gold Coast. An anonymous tip to a local newspaper claimed the player was "spending many nights at Amber Heard's house" and leaving in the morning "looking like the cat that swallowed the canary." The tip was later traced back to Musk’s company, SpaceX. When contacted, Musk admitted someone close to him had sent the message but denied any personal involvement. Both Heard and Musk declined to comment on the matter. These incidents raise questions about Musk’s conduct behind the scenes, contrasting with his public stance on free speech and transparency. Based on a report from the Daily Mail 2024-10-17 -
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UK to Study Weight-Loss Drugs to Help Unemployment in the UK
The UK government is considering offering weight-loss drugs to unemployed individuals with obesity, aiming to address both the nation's rising obesity rates and unemployment. Health Secretary Wes Streeting has proposed exploring the impact of obesity treatments, such as Novo Nordisk's Wegovy and Lilly’s Mounjaro, on employment status and overall health. In a recent opinion piece, Streeting emphasized the significant burden obesity places on the National Health Service (NHS) and how unhealthy eating habits shorten life expectancy. He stated, "Our widening waistbands are also placing a significant burden on our health service." Streeting believes that weight-loss treatments could be “life-changing” for many, helping them not only improve their health but also potentially return to work. He highlighted that these treatments could be a way to alleviate the £11 billion the NHS spends annually on obesity-related issues, a figure even higher than the amount spent on smoking. According to Streeting, "The long-term benefits of these drugs could be monumental in our approach to tackling obesity." The announcement coincides with the UK government’s £279 million investment in pharmaceutical company Lilly, a chief rival of Novo Nordisk in the obesity drug market. This partnership will include a five-year real-world study led by Health Innovation Manchester and Lilly. The study will examine the effects of obesity and diabetes treatments on participants’ quality of life, employment status, and sick leave. It will take place in Greater Manchester, aiming to find innovative ways to deliver healthcare to those living with obesity. The government's approach to using weight-loss drugs for unemployed individuals also raises ethical concerns. Last year, Novo Nordisk suggested to the Conservative government that weight-loss treatments could be targeted at people claiming state benefits, a strategy that has faced criticism. Dolly van Tulleken, an obesity specialist at the University of Cambridge, warned about the potential pitfalls of prioritizing treatment based on individuals' economic value rather than their health needs. She emphasized that while treatment should be available to those who qualify, simply offering the drugs without addressing the root causes of obesity, such as access to healthy food, would not solve the problem. Van Tulleken stated, “You can treat people all you want, but if we’re putting them back into the conditions that made them sick in the first place, it’s incredibly important to stop that.” The study will enroll 5,000 participants, but the scale of obesity in the UK presents a daunting challenge. With over two-thirds of the adult population classified as overweight or obese, widespread treatment would be necessary to make a lasting impact. Despite these concerns, the NHS predicts that weight-loss medications could benefit up to 300,000 people, according to James Bethell, a former health minister. The government's push to explore weight-loss drugs as a means of getting people off benefits and back into the workforce is ambitious, but it also raises important questions about health equity, ethics, and the broader societal factors that contribute to obesity. If successful, this initiative could mark a new chapter in how the UK tackles both its obesity crisis and unemployment. However, the challenge will be ensuring that such treatments are accessible and part of a more comprehensive strategy that addresses the underlying causes of obesity. Based on a report from Politico 2024-10-17 -
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The FGC-9 DIY Gun Threat Not Just a Weapon for Neo-Nazis or the far-right
In an era where technology has blurred the lines between the impossible and the possible, the creation of firearms at home is no longer a far-fetched concept. Today’s sentencing of a 20-year-old neo-Nazi in the UK is a grim reminder of the terrifying reality that 3D-printed firearms, like the FGC-9, have become. Jack Robinson, who was found to be at an "advanced stage" of building his own semi-automatic rifle, was sentenced to six-and-a-half years in prison. His case highlights the growing concern about the accessibility of such deadly weapons, which are crafted with simple, everyday materials and 3D printers. When Robinson was arrested at 18, police uncovered more than just his half-completed gun. His home in Portsmouth housed a disturbing collection of military-style gear, stab vests, and memorabilia from Nazi Germany. More troubling, however, were the 500 documents Robinson had downloaded, which contained instructions for explosives, weapons, and 3D-printed guns, as well as a vast array of white supremacist propaganda. His online activity, operating under usernames such as “kill all Jews,” revealed the depth of his dangerous ideology. As prosecutor Naomi Parsons stated, it was purely "fortuitous that police found the gun before it had been completed and assembled.” The rise of 3D-printed firearms, particularly the FGC-9, has posed new challenges for law enforcement in the UK and globally. Standing for "F--- Gun Control" and using 9mm ammunition, the FGC-9 can be entirely constructed at home using unregulated parts and everyday materials. This design has made the gun a favorite among criminals and extremists alike. The FGC-9, which first appeared in 2020, is unlike earlier homemade guns because it is reliable, easy to produce, and doesn't require commercially manufactured components like barrels. As a result, it has rapidly spread across continents, finding its way into the hands of terrorists, insurgents, and organized criminals. The FGC-9's creator, known by the pseudonym JStark, crafted the weapon not only for practical use but also as a symbol of rebellion against gun control laws. His aim was to inspire people worldwide to make weapons at home, defying what he called “tyrannical” governments. JStark's words, “We together can defeat for good the infringement that is taking place on our natural-born right to bear arms,” reflect the ideological motivation behind the weapon. While the FGC-9 has gained a following in Europe, its influence is being felt in Britain, where authorities now prosecute individuals for simply possessing its instruction manual. Robinson’s case is one of more than a dozen in the UK over the past four years involving individuals either attempting to build the FGC-9 or possessing its manual. While some aspired to commit mass shootings, others saw the weapon as a business opportunity, planning to sell it to gangs. The FGC-9 has also become particularly popular among far-right extremists. In Robinson’s trial, the judge ruled that he was a dangerous offender, with his interest in firearms tied to his extremist ideology. “I find you were motivated by terrorism,” said Mrs Justice McGowan, who cited the material found in Robinson’s possession that glorified the killing of Jews. The FGC-9 is not just a weapon for neo-Nazis or the far-right, however. Recent cases have shown that jihadists, too, have begun to take an interest in the gun. In October, a Londoner named Abdiwahid Abdulkadir Mohamed was convicted of six terror offenses for possessing the FGC-9 manual and other instructions for homemade weapons. This growing, cross-ideological appeal of the FGC-9 is deeply troubling for authorities around the world. Though the number of 3D-printed firearms seized in the UK remains relatively low, the National Crime Agency has warned of the increasing threat posed by the technology. The agency is working with partners to suppress the availability of such weapons, but the detailed manuals and the ease of access to 3D printers make the fight against homemade firearms a daunting task. As Dr. Rajan Basra, a researcher who has studied the FGC-9, puts it, “People can get involved in making the gun because they’re just looking to experiment. But with time, they become more familiar with the ideology behind the FGC-9 and may come to adopt that worldview.” The case of Jack Robinson, like others before it, sheds light on the alarming accessibility and ideological underpinnings of the FGC-9. As technology continues to advance, the potential for homemade, high-powered firearms to disrupt societies grows. What once seemed like science fiction is now a dark, global reality. Based on a report from the Daily Telegraph 2024-10-17 -
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New Jersey Couple’s Encounter with Wolves Turns Birthday Celebration into a Wild Adventure
Michee Jules and his wife Maya set off to Quebec, Canada, in February to celebrate Michee’s 34th birthday, but their vacation took an unexpected turn when they found themselves surrounded by a howling pack of wolves outside their cabin. The couple, who had been warned about the presence of wolves in the area, were stunned when nine wolves appeared outside the glass walls of their cabin, filling the night air with eerie howls. The encounter left a lasting impression on the couple, who are already planning to return. “I’d definitely go back to Canada again just for this experience alone,” Michee added. What was meant to be a quiet birthday getaway became an unforgettable wildlife adventure that connected the couple with nature in a way they never expected. Based on a report from the NYP 2024-10-17 -
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Canada’s Stand Against India: A Bold Call to Action Against State Terrorism
Canada’s recent accusations against India are not just a diplomatic dispute but an alarming case of state terrorism that the Canadian government is right to expose. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) recently made a startling revelation: agents of the Indian government, including the High Commissioner to Canada, have been involved in a systematic campaign of intimidation, extortion, and murder targeting their opponents in Canada. This is not a strategic move by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to distract from his political issues. It’s a genuine national security concern, too significant to be dismissed as political maneuvering. There is no longer any reasonable doubt about India’s involvement. This isn’t a courtroom where guilt must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government doesn’t deserve the benefit of the doubt. When Canada asked India to cooperate in the investigation, it refused. Even after being presented with evidence, India continued to deny responsibility. It’s implausible to think the High Commissioner acted alone without orders or knowledge from higher up. India’s actions do not reflect the behavior of an ally, nor do they reflect a democracy that respects the rule of law. While India operates within the framework of democratic institutions, its current government’s behavior reveals a troubling shift towards autocracy. The notion that democracies like Canada should tolerate occasional state terrorism from India in the name of maintaining an ally against China is both morally and strategically flawed. India, at the end of the day, acts in its own interest. Canada has been shielded by the belief that it has no enemies or threats to its sovereignty. This illusion is dangerous and leaves the country vulnerable to the actions of both hostile nations and indifferent bullies pursuing their own goals. It is high time that Canadians recognize the peril they face in a world that is increasingly hostile. How past governments contributed to this vulnerability should be investigated, as Justice Marie-Josée Hogue’s public inquiry seeks to do. But more importantly, it’s time to open our eyes to the dangers and take decisive action. Based on a report from the Globe & Mail 2024-10-17 -
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SBA Disaster Loan Program Runs Out of Funds Amid Hurricane Response
The Small Business Administration (SBA) has run out of money for its disaster loan program after an overwhelming demand in the wake of hurricanes Helene and Milton. Announced on Tuesday, the SBA confirmed that it had "exhausted funds" for its critical disaster loan services, which provide essential financial relief to small businesses, homeowners, and renters impacted by natural disasters. President Joe Biden emphasized the importance of the program in a statement shared with several outlets, saying, "This program is a critical lifeline to small businesses, homeowners, and renters affected by disasters." However, the SBA has had to "pause new loan offers for its direct, low-interest, long-term loans to disaster survivors" until Congress approves additional funding. Biden sought to reassure disaster survivors, stating that House Speaker Mike Johnson had pledged to replenish the disaster loan program when Congress reconvenes. "Americans should continue to apply for these loans," Biden said, adding that the SBA will keep processing applications and disbursing loans once the necessary funds are secured from Congress. Earlier this month, Biden had warned congressional leaders that the program would run out of money "well before" Congress was set to return. The warning came as the demand for assistance surged after the recent hurricanes. Despite this, Speaker Johnson appeared unconcerned, telling CBS News that the issue "can wait" because Congress had already approved $20 billion in additional funds for FEMA as part of a stopgap government funding bill. This funding, Johnson argued, would allow FEMA to "address immediate needs" in disaster areas while Congress worked on a more permanent solution for the SBA loan program. The $20 billion was allocated as part of a government spending measure that extended federal funding until December, at which time Congress is expected to review the SBA disaster loan program’s finances and potentially approve further funding. For now, the SBA’s disaster centers and in-person teams remain deployed across the country. Despite the funding pause, the agency is encouraging disaster survivors not to wait to begin the loan application process. "Disaster survivors in need of an SBA loan for personal belongings, residential property damage, and business damage and disruption should not wait to apply," the SBA said. "Our disaster teams can take them through the application process and position eligible applicants to receive offers and funds as soon as Congress appropriates additional resources." The SBA's disaster loan program provides a vital source of financial relief for individuals and businesses facing devastating losses after hurricanes, floods, and other natural disasters. As funds have been exhausted, affected communities are left in limbo until Congress takes action to replenish the program. President Biden has reiterated his administration’s commitment to continuing support for disaster survivors and urged lawmakers to act swiftly upon their return. Representatives for Speaker Johnson did not immediately respond to requests for comment, leaving it unclear when the issue will be addressed in Congress. For now, thousands of disaster survivors wait for further clarity as the need for financial relief continues to grow. Based on a report from AXIOS 2024-10-17 -
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Unpredictable Nature of Life Expectancy: Risks in the Assisted Dying Bill
The debate over assisted dying legislation has intensified as medical experts warn it could lead to premature deaths among individuals who may still have years left to live. Activists have expressed concern, highlighting the inherent difficulty in predicting how long terminally ill patients will survive. As Kim Leadbeater's Assisted Dying Bill heads to the Commons, campaigners argue that the government’s policy of reviewing benefits for terminally ill individuals after three years is an admission that prognosis is not an exact science. Under the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) guidelines, terminally ill individuals must be expected to die within 12 months or less to qualify for fast-tracked financial support. However, the DWP reviews such cases every three years, acknowledging that the initial life expectancy predictions may often be incorrect. In July 2021, the DWP updated its regulations, extending the eligibility window for terminal illness benefits from six months to 12 months, but still keeping the three-year review in place. This has raised concerns about the accuracy of life expectancy estimates, particularly as Ms. Leadbeater’s bill may define terminal illness as having a prognosis of six to 12 months. Experts in palliative care and oncology caution against placing too much faith in these timeframes. Professor Katherine Sleeman from King’s College London explained: "It is not possible to accurately determine someone’s prognosis as a number of months, say six months or 12 months." She noted that doctors rarely give precise timelines, and that predicting death is often more accurate in the final days or hours rather than months ahead. According to Prof. Sleeman, the DWP’s data demonstrates this uncertainty, as many people outlive the 12-month prognosis by years. "There is nothing special about six months when it comes to terminal illness, or 12 months for that matter," Prof. Sleeman added. "Why are we not talking about four months or eight months? This is an arbitrary line in the sand." She warned that such arbitrary predictions could lead to dangerous consequences if used to justify assisted dying. Baroness Finlay of Llandaff, a former professor of palliative medicine, echoed these concerns, stating, "Predicting life expectancy is impossible." She shared her own experience of patients living well beyond their expected timelines, sometimes for years. Dr. Chris Parker, a senior oncologist, provided a real-world example, saying that he saw a patient just that morning who had been told ten years ago he had terminal cancer. "He’s now alive and well," Dr. Parker said, highlighting the unpredictability of life expectancy. He warned that some patients might opt for assisted dying under the belief they have only months left to live, but in reality, they could have enjoyed years of good health. "I have little doubt that some patients would choose assisted suicide if it was legal, because they were told they had less than six months to live, but in truth, if they had not had assisted suicide, would have lived for years and enjoyed a good quality of life," he said. This lack of certainty is supported by data from Oregon, where assisted dying has been legal for terminally ill patients since the late 1990s. In 2022, one patient lived more than five years after making their first request for assisted suicide. In other cases, patients have survived over four years beyond their predicted death date. Despite these concerns, some prominent figures, like Dame Esther Rantzen, advocate for the legalization of assisted dying. She has called on the public to contact their MPs and encourage them to support the bill, which she believes could be "carefully legalised." However, even her case illustrates the challenges in predicting life expectancy. Diagnosed with stage four lung cancer 18 months ago, Rantzen believed last Christmas would be her last. As Dr. Matthew Doré, a palliative care consultant, noted, "She may get another one!" He questioned how many people in Rantzen's situation might have chosen assisted dying 18 months ago, not knowing they would live much longer than expected. The debate around assisted dying continues, but medical professionals and data alike highlight the danger of relying on uncertain prognoses to determine who should have the right to die. As Prof. Sleeman and others suggest, this is an area where a cautious approach is necessary, as even the best doctors cannot predict the future with precision. Based on a report from the Daily Telegraph 2024-10-17 -
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Sebastian Stan Defends Trump Film: 'He Should Be Grateful' for Its Complex Portrayal
Sebastian Stan, the star of the new and controversial film *The Apprentice*, believes former President Donald Trump "should be grateful" for how the film portrays him. Stan, who plays Trump in the movie, expressed that the film offers a "complex, three-dimensional take" on Trump's early years as a New York real estate mogul. Trump, however, has expressed his displeasure with the film, calling it "fake and classless" and threatening legal action against its producers. He also voiced hope that the film would "bomb" at the box office. *The Apprentice*, which explores Trump’s life during the 1970s and 80s, specifically highlights his relationship with lawyer and mentor Roy Cohn, played by *Succession* star Jeremy Strong. Cohn, a controversial figure, taught Trump certain principles, including never admitting defeat. The film has not been without challenges, with director Ali Abbasi describing its production and release as "the most challenging thing I’ve ever done." The film had its world premiere at the Cannes Film Festival, where it received a standing ovation. Abbasi recalled thinking that there would be a bidding war among distributors such as Warner Bros. and Netflix. However, the reality was far from his expectations. Abbasi revealed that securing a distributor was "extremely difficult" due to Trump's threats of legal action. Despite these obstacles, the film was eventually released in the U.S. last week, though it has struggled at the box office. The film's UK release is set for Friday, following its British premiere at the London Film Festival. Abbasi stressed the importance of releasing the film before the upcoming U.S. election on November 5, where Trump will face Kamala Harris. He remarked, "Intellectually and as an artist, it's much more exciting [to release it now]." Jeremy Strong, who portrays Roy Cohn, suggested that while the film is not a political statement, it may influence some voters. "In some small way, I think it could move the needle on how people feel [about] or perceive him, but the film is not a political act, it's a story," Strong said. The film has received mixed reviews, and there is speculation about its potential impact during awards season. Vanity Fair’s Richard Lawson noted that the outcome of the U.S. election could play a crucial role in whether the movie is considered for an Oscar nomination. "If Trump wins the election, I don't think [awards voters] will want to have anything to do with this movie," Lawson said, suggesting that a win for Kamala Harris might allow for a more favorable reception. Stan’s portrayal of Trump is not a caricature or exaggerated, comedic take often seen in impressions of the former president. Instead, *The Apprentice* presents a more serious and nuanced study of Trump’s early years and his relationship with Cohn, which shaped his future. Stan reflected on the complexity of the characters, stating, "They [Trump and Cohn] are very complex individuals, and that's what it's like in life, no-one is morally completely on the right side or perfect in any way." Stan concluded by asserting, "I think [Trump] should be grateful, to be honest. We have pretty much handed him, I think, a very complex, three-dimensional take on his life, and I can't recall anybody else doing that." Based on a report from the BBC 2024-10-17
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