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The Pulitzer Prize-winning author Neil Sheehan has died at the age of 84. He is perhaps best known for having told the story of The Pentagon Papers for The New York Times. These revealed the highly secret US history of decision making in the dreadful Vietnam War. They illustrated the decisions and strategies adopted by successive US administrations which substantially increased the war effort even as their own serious doubts about the possibility of success rapidly diminished. There is an utterly fascinating long article in The New York Times about the cloak and dagger story of how he obtained the Papers. He revealed all in a 4-hour 2015 interview which was embargoed until after his death. https://www.nytimes.com/2021/01/07/us/now-it-can-be-told-how-neil-sheehan-got-the-pentagon-papers.html The NYT has a firewall, but by using google and his name you can access it. As a war correspondent in the early days of the Vietnam War, he was fascinated by this first war where "people were dying for nothing". This led him to investigate the War in far greater detail. The result was "A Bright Shining Lie: John Paul Vann and America in Vietnam". This took him 15 years to write and won him the 1988 Pulitzer Prize for non-fiction. He decided to write about the war focussing on one charismatic lieutenant colonel. Vann was very confident the war could be won. Former Secretary of State John Kerry told an audience in 2017 that he never understood the country's anger against the war until he read "A Bright Sining Lie" which showed him that all up the chain of command "people were just putting in gobbledygook information, and lives were being lost based on those lies and those distortions." But Kerry was a bit late. He should have read former Secretary of Defence Bob McNamara's mea culpa in his 1995 book "in Retrospect" where he writes, "We in the Kennedy and Johnson administrations who participated in the decisions on Vietnam acted according to what we thought were the principles and traditions of this nation. We made our decisions in the light of those values. Yet we were wrong, terribly wrong." "A Bright Shining Lie" is a wonderfully written expose that should serve as a lesson for future governments considering war to obtain its goals.

Yes, obviously Billkin, the guy who is playing the role of Teh, is not only a great actor but can also sing! Here is another song Or if you prefer a version with the Thailand Philharmonic Orchestra:

--Actually pretty sure they're just avoiding any chance of having to vote on the 25th amendment incapacity of Trump.

Trial is not blind anymore ( %91.5 protection rate in our trial ) I agree no evidence yet that vaccines can eliminate transmission of covid as it is early for such a data . Even if the transmission is possible there will probably be less transmission by a vaccinated person than an unvaccinated person who carries the virus . But what we know for sure vaccines will protect you for a certain period from getting sick if your body develops enough antibodies

And wonderful OST as well ...

From The Straits Times VIENTIANE (XINHUA) - Work on a fifth bridge linking Laos and Thailand across the Mekong River has begun after a construction agreement was signed in December. The bridge, which will take 36 months to build, will connect Bolikhamxay province in Laos to Thailand's north-eastern province of Bueng Kan. Local daily Vientiane Times on Wednesday (Jan 6) quoted project director Laythong Phommavong as saying that work is currently centred on the site where the bridge and immigration facilities will be built. "We are clearing land on a 50ha area prior to starting construction and this work is now 80 per cent complete," he said. The total cost of construction is estimated to be US$130.3 million (S$171.6 million), of which Laos will be responsible for some US$46.13 million. Laos' construction costs will be financed by Thailand's Neighbouring Countries Economic Development Cooperation Agency through the provision of loans. When the bridge is completed in 2023, it will enable Bolikhamxay to become another regional trade hub and transit route for Laos, Thailand and Vietnam over a distance of just 150km. It will be the shortest connecting route among the three countries, said the report.

I am watching now I told the Sunset About You Documentary 8 short pisodes behind the scenes of making this masterpiece series .worth watching to understand how good this series is and how wonderful are the actors there. https://mydramalist.com/79847-i-told-sunset-about-you-the-documentary

Hey guys, It's been too long. I got my first COVID vaccine two weeks ago and scheduled to get my second next week. Any official statement regarding entrance of vaccinated foreigners to BKK without the requirement of a 14 day isolation?

Every NYE, I see people at parties enjoying themselves, or intimate time with friends and loved ones; while sitting at home watching through social media. Of course I can live it up in a destination city or event, but why alone and not invited. Despite it all, I’m Thankful for a great 2020 and excited about the possibility’s of 2021. I’m thankful for a healthy mind, body, spirit, and this new community. I will give more, love more, and promise to be a little selfish sometimes. I will explore the World and learn to be my own best friend. Happy New Year to All and my fellow loners out there. Love you guys! #Brazil, Dominican Republic, South Africa, Thailand, Colombia,

Hi Guys, I thought I would give a quick update about my most recent trip to Rio. I’ve been in Brazil the better part of the past 3-4 months. But in mid-December, I went home for what I thought would be a few months. On a last-minute whim with encouragement from friends, I decided to go back to Rio for New Years'! I booked my flight on the 29th with Delta, a one-way to SP, for about $350 and arrived in Brazil on the 31st. The flight time did not leave me much time for a PCR test as rapid is not accepted. I found a laboratory in Atlanta that would do the test with same-day results for $180. There were about ten people who I observed that were not allowed to board the flight due to the dates on their test. Once I arrived, I headed for my apartment then the beach. The beach was more packed than I have ever seen in my life. All the Paulistas come to Rio for the new year. Thousands of guys flooded the beaches. I ended up having to bargain with someone for two chairs and an umbrella 100real. It was worth it. Guys were making out and sucking dick and showing off their erections. The police raided the beach on three occasions, confiscating people’s speakers who were playing loud music. For NYE, the first party I went to was in Vidigal. It was fun with many people but not the vibe my local Brazilian companions were looking for. So we went to a party in Morro de Providencia. And my god, it was insane. Thousands of people packed into a tent. We partied until 7 am. The beaches remained packed but at a much more enjoyable level. On a side note, a Brazilian told me that the beach is divided by race. White gay Brazilians stay closer post nine while brown and black gays stay around the hot boyz tent. This was very evident after the Paulistas left. For the first 3 days I did my straight thing, then hit the saunas for the first time this past Sunday. The Sauna scene was underwhelming until yesterday at Point. I saw about 5 new boys that I was interested in. And took 3 of them home with me. I tried to upload w picture of the beach but got an error message. Next for me is São Paulo then back to

Truly very sad to hear this. I also met him in Montreal years ago when several of us would meet there. Sat in many Clubs with him and shared many a meal in his company. All great memories of him. Very sad , RIP my Traveling Friend.

And of course by now everyone should know the reason for this. The majority of the sauna guys are with their family; this is holiday time--from Christmas to New Years and perhaps a few days beyond.

RIP. I didn't know him personally but read many of his posts from the old thai forum. Great guy it seems.

Why is somebody holding up a gun in the air at a party? That's scary.

I had compromised once only by paying half the amount asked and the other half after the deeds is over, when asked to pay upfront before. Of course we were both already in the room. Turns out boys also had been duped before, where client didnt pay, or didnt have money or enough money with them, hence the request. Luckily it turns out great and we met few more times after, of course without the need to pay upfront. Ill never pay upfront before meeting though. Thats a telltale scam.

His posts were always those of a man with a gentle and generous spirit.

Like in Afghanistan??

After all the shock and worry of yesterday, I was downright blissful when I woke up this morning. Congress had done it's job, and Trump was blocked on Twitter. Sadly they soon unblocked him, but for an hour or so I had this great preview of a time 14 or so days from now when I don't have to see or hear what latest catastrophe he's caused every single morning, and maybe our government can be less actively incompetent. Fully support the calls for Pence to invoke the 25th, but I know he doesn't have the balls. Also, everybody with a spine quit their cabinet positions months or years ago... Now even the rats are jumping (including McConnel's wife, so she won't have to actually do something of use to earn her fucking Presidential Medal of Freedom...). So yeah, second impeachment. Hopefully gets through the House ASAP... and then, I assume, dies in the Senate. Again.

While trying to clean things up, I made the Latin America Forum and the EU Forum non-viewable for anyone who has not posted on the site for at least 10 posts. Why? Well, it helps me and gives me time to go through thousands of threads.

Finished Valhalla this week

From The Thaiger / Bangkok Post Bangkok residents will see construction of a number of rail projects finally completed this year, with hopes this will do something to alleviate traffic problems in the capital, as well as improving air quality. The Bangkok Post reports on 4 electric rail routes it’s hoped will be up and running later this year. The Pink Line This 34.5 kilometre track between Nonthaburi and Min Buri is expected to begin with a trial run in July. The route will cover a total of 30 stations between the central Thai city of Nonthaburi and the Min Buri district in the east of the capital. The opening of the Pink Line is eagerly anticipated by Bangkok residents fed up with doing battle with traffic on the Ram Inthra thoroughfare. The monorail line will operate driverless carriages, travelling at a maximum speed of 80 kilometres per hour. Each train will have capacity for 1,000 passengers and the line is expected to be fully functional by October 2022. The Yellow Line Also in July, the 30.4 kilometre Yellow Line is expected to begin test runs. The monorail route will connect 23 stations between the Bangkok district of Lat Phrao and the central province of Samut Prakan. Trials are expected to run between Wat Sri Iam and Samrong stations. There has been some debate about the 2.6 kilometre stretch between the Ratchada-Lat Phrao and Ratchayothin intersections, with some saying it will take passengers away from the MRT Blue Line by allowing them to transfer to the Green Line without having to use the Blue Line. A spokesperson for the Mass Rapid Transit Authority says it’s a matter of wait and see. The “Light Red” and “Dark Red” Lines Finally, these 2 lines are expected to be up and running by November. The Light Red Line is a 15 kilometre stretch, linking the Bangkok districts of Bang Sue and Taling Chan, while the Dark Red Line is a 26.3 kilometre route connecting Bang Sue and Rangsit, in the province of Pathum Thani, just north of Bangkok. Both lines will begin trial runs in July, when the public will be invited to travel for free. The lines, collectively known as the State Railway of Thailand’s Red Line, were approved in 2007, but construction did not begin until 2013. The commuter train system has been hampered by ongoing delays and questions about the cost. It was originally projected to cost 75.5 billion baht, but that has risen to 93.5 billion baht. The 4 new lines will come as a welcome addition to the 3 lines completed last year, including the new Gold Line connecting Krung Thon Buri station with Khlong San district office, and extensions to both the MRT Blue Line and BTS Skytrain Green Line. Click on image to enlarge map

You can send your wallet by transferwise ... the boys will happily take care of it until you follow!

He had some excellent posts, condolences to those of you that knew him as a friend.

His last post was on Saturday morning board time , which means Friday afternoon at where he lived so it looks it was sudden. He was always an advocate for fair treatment of boys and basher of cheap Charlies. Rest in peace

I had been wondering why he didn't post here anymore. Then I went to gayguides and saw his latest posts. I liked firecat69, having met him once in Thailand. Rest in peace!

From Bangkok Post Thai inoculation schedule The government has set three phases of Covid-19 vaccination for citizens, with the first phase to cover 1 million people in vulnerable groups from February to April, the chief of the Disease Control Department said on Thursday. Dr Opas Karnkawinpong, the director-general, said the first phase would involve 2 million doses, and be used to reduce the rate of severe illness and death from Covid-19 and to maintain the national health system. The 2-million-dose vaccination was set from February to April. It would be for 80,000 medical personnel and health volunteers, 20,000 disease control workers, 900,000 people aged 60 and over, and people with chronic diseases. The first recipients would be in Samut Sakhon province, greater Bangkok and the eastern provinces of Chon Buri, Rayong, Chanthaburi and Trat, which had high levels of infection and had been declared maximum control zones, he said. People with chronic disease who may otherwise die after Covid-19 infection included those with severe respiratory illnesses such chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma, cardiovascular disease, renal failure of stage 5 and over, stroke, diabetes and all kinds of cancer. Medical personnel to be vaccinated were those likely to be in contact with Covid-19 patients. Disease control workers included officials at border checkpoints, disease control areas along the border and field hospitals. The second phase would involve 26 million doses to be given to people in vulnerable groups nationwide in May and June, to protect the national economy, society and security. The third phase, set for later this year to early next year, would involve vaccinating enough of the general population to develop herd immunity and stop the spread of Covid-19 at community level. Each person would need two doses, four weeks apart. It would take 1-2 months for the vaccine to have full effect, Dr Opas said.

Nomatic, Yeah, usually I have a couple of friends over. but this year that was illegal. First new years eve I can remember being on my own. but with Sabrina and Queen of the South and some vodka tonics it ended up being ok.

You remind me of a similar experience! This was 1993, and I am known for having very bad memory, so I do not recall most details. I do remember the train was full and overcrowded. My friends and I were hanging out in between cars, and this boy saying he was 19 but looking like 15. We had no sexual interaction at all, but he was extremely insisting about visiting his home and staying to have diner and overnight. We did not dare to accept, despite his sometimes uncomfortable insistence. Like you, I also regret not taking his offer.

Not a good time for international traveling.

From The Thiager The executive chairman of Asia Aviation, the largest shareholder in Thai Air Asia, says the Covid-19 resurgence has “destroyed the low-cost carrier”. Tassapon Bijleveld says that, even without a national lockdown, bookings have plummeted. “Travel sentiment has plunged lower than last year. This is different this time because people are voluntarily skipping their travel plans even without a nationwide lockdown order from the government.” According to a Bangkok Post report, Tassapon does not expect things to improve next month. Despite the Thai government introducing extra holidays over the Chinese New Year period, Tassapon predicts that the new wave of Covid-19 will prevent most domestic tourists from travelling. “This could be the quietest Chinese New Year we’ve ever had.” ========================================= From The Nation Bangkok Airways suspends flights, closes ticketing office due to new Covid wave In response to the new wave of Covid-19 infections and the Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration’s announcement urging people to avoid inter-provincial travel, Bangkok Airways on Friday suspended a few flights, including Samui-Phuket and Phuket-Hat Yai from January 10-31.

A very good friend of mine and a long time poster on this board passed away in the USA. Firecat traveled with me to several continents and I have never met someone kinder to the boys he met. He is going to be greatly missed!

Another former Pattaya farang also died at around the same time. He was known as Hubba Bubba Jim and died in Atlanta, Georgia of Covid. Jim didn’t post but was a well known raconteur.

in short, no gates will open any time soon

Yes, Firecat69. They found him yesterday. His adopted son in Thailand had not heard from him since Saturday so he called me today to help. I called the USA and they found him yesterday. I don't know much more.