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As if the 737 Max problems and its grounding for more than a year and a half were not enough for platemaker Boeing, its 787 Dreamliner is also becoming something of a bad dream. After the self-combusting battery fires in its first year of service had been solved, all seemed to go well for this long haul aircraft. Then new troubles started. Deliveries were halted in October last year after one set of production flaws arose. After the 5-month hiatus by March all seemed well and deliveries of new aircraft resumed. In June, though, yet another problem arose and new deliveries were once again suspended for at least another five months. Now the Wall Street Journal has reported that the FAA has recently rejected the Company's proposal that it reinspect the 787. The FAA is unhappy that Boeing's employee group set up as an in-house regulator first needs to agree with the Company's changes to the aircraft. That has not yet happened because the employee group has disagreement amongst its own members. The FAA has stated it will not sign off on the inspections "until our safety experts are satisfied." A few customers were by now pissed off and three airlines cancelled orders for five of the jets. https://www.cnbc.com/2021/06/08/boeing-orders-continue-to-outpace-cancellations-dreamliner-deliveries-still-paused.html https://www.cnbc.com/2021/09/04/boeings-delivery-of-new-787-dreamliners-reportedly-may-remain-halted-until-late-october.html Another comment on the Professional Pilots Rumour site pprune.org suggests the Boeing's decision in March to move all its 787 production to its South Carolina plant is one reason for the 787's continuing problems. Its long term plant in Washington State has been unionised for decades. Boeing has resisted efforts to unionise South Carolina often using bullying tactics. In November 2018 it sacked three long term workers with excellent records on made-up excuses but in reality because they were union members. Boeing's 2011 move to open its South Carolina plant was widely seen as a union busting move. At that time only 2.7% of the state's workers belonged to a Union, the lowest of any US State. Undoubtedly cash was a reason. Average hourly wages at the Washington plant in 2018 were around $33; in South Carolina for the same job $24. The difference in the cost of living between the two states was only around 10%. Another article illustrates the depth of the ill feeling amongst workers in both plants towards the Boeing management. To be fair, Boeing has since fired its former CEO and revamped its Board in the wake of the 737 Max scandal. But it can surely ill afford to keep on having problems with its other major money spinner, the 787. https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2019/may/03/boeing-union-workers-fired-south-carolina https://psmag.com/economics/a-tale-of-two-boeing-factories For my part, I have taken several flights on both the 787 and its competitor the Airbus A350. Although I enjoyed all, I have a clear preference for the A350 especially on overnight flights.

There's no reason to become alarmed, and we hope you'll enjoy the rest of your flight. By the way, is there anyone on board who knows how to fly a plane?

Well, we're not in the middle of nowhere, but we can see it from here

He says "sure." He'll meet you a week from Friday in front of the tacos shop on Soi 4 at 8 straight up. He'll be the guy with the bulge in his pants and you'll be guy with the lecherous grin on your face.

I have used Grab for ages and in Bangkok, I like it. But, in Pattaya, holy shit, the prices are insane. This week, I was going from the Royal Cliff to Salt and Pepper in Soi Day night for lunch. The cost for Grab was 220 baht. My boyfriend pulled out his Bolt application and the cost was 47 baht. That is a huge difference. Now, he sees the same thing in Bangkok as Bolt is the only one he used. I like Grab's SUV feature when I go somewhere so I have stuck to that.

Having flown in the 350 and 787 many times, I, too, enjoyed the ride in both types. But by far my longest flights (nearly 18 hours) have been in the 350 Ultra Long Range (ULR) version. While on the subject of Boeing, last night Frontline, the PBS documentary series, aired Boeing's Fatal Flaw, an investigation with The New York Times that examines the commercial pressures, flawed design and failed oversight behind Boeing’s 737 Max jet. https://www.pbs.org/video/boeings-fatal-flaw-xenaq0/

On Tuesday Singapore had its highest number of new one-day covid cases in more than a year. As a result the government has paused reopening and introduced some new restrictions. What is worrying is that discounting children under 12, 90% of the population is fully vaccinated. The majority of the 809 new patients are aged 66 and over. Of these, 75 are seriously ill requiring oxygen - double the number form 2 days earlier - and 9 are in intensive care. Dale Fisher, a professor at Singapore’s National university hospital who specialises in infectious diseases, said on Monday "We’re sort of feeling our way, but clearly you can’t just open the gates and say the vaccine will look after us. It needs more than that." Singapore is now considering booster shots especially for older people. China's new outbreak stems from the Delta variant brought in to the country by a returnee from Singapore. https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/sep/15/singapore-reports-biggest-spike-in-covid-cases-in-a-year-despite-81-vaccination-rate

Thanks reader...I'll be there on bended knees.

I am big. It's the pictures that got small.

I am envious of your ability to travel and hope the trip is amazing. I have not been to Brazil in ages. And, with the quarantine still in event upon return to Thailand, it looks like mid 2022 before I can consider a trip. Have fun and enjoy! Glad you are now in an area where the flight time is better.

I have been wanting to write about my crazy adventures in Brazil. Because for the better part of the past year I have been living in Rio working remote. It’s been a life changing experience. Once I broke free of the GP scene (be careful it’s a trap). I discovered a whole new world! I have experienced places in Rio that I don’t think many Gringos or expats wouldn’t dare to venture to. Bailes in Mandu, São Joao, Penha, Providencia, CDD, Rocinha, Vidigal and so many other cool places. Which were all very safe for me because I used common sense. Also because I’m a young black man and I’m accompanied by other black Brazilians I never don’t feel safe. It’s been amazing getting to know people and really finding my place in the city. The experience of a younger bisexual black American man is a unique one. And it has gotten meinto some amazing situations. There are also some amazing parties outside the favelas gringos don’t go to. Park Bar in Lagoa on Wednesday night! When I do log in here I get a lot of questions about the sauna in Bangu. It’s called Boate Casa Grande google it for the address and all that info. It’s best on Sunday but open on Friday and one other day I don’t remember. Don’t pay more than 100 and don’t go if it’s raining. Invest in learning Portuguese, the past 6 months I’ve taken it serious and it feels great actually knowing what people are saying around you. I've also spent significant time in Bahia so if you have any questions lmk. And to think just a couple of weeks ago I found out the beach showers is where most people go to take a piss.Especially when the ocean is cold. Lol!!!

From Thai Enquirer The cabinet on Tuesday approved measures to attract foreign investors and experts to Thailand for a long-term stay with a 10-year visa. Thanakorn Wangboonkongchana, the government’s spokesman, said that the measures should attract more than one million foreign investors and experts within five years, which should increase the amount of money spent in the economy by more than one trillion baht. “This includes 800 billion baht from the expected increase in investment and 270 billion baht from the expected increase in tax collections,” he said. The measures include: A 10-year “long-term resident visa,” also for spouse and children A work permit Exemption from foreign income tax Land and real estate ownership and rentership rights 90 days report not required No quota of hiring four Thais for every one foreign employee The four groups that can apply for the visa include: Wealthy global citizen: People with a high income of at least US$80,000 in income over the past two years and a minimum asset of $1 million Wealthy pensioner: Pensioners, age 50 and above, with a stable pension of at least $80,000 over the past two years Work-from-Thailand professional: Foreign workers with employers outside of Thailand, more than five years of working experience and make at least $80,000 over the past two years High-skilled professional: Professionals working in targeted industries such as future services, infrastructure buildings, logistical systems and digital systems who make at least $80,000 over the past two years https://www.thaienquirer.com/32668/cabinet-approves-long-term-10-year-visa-to-attract-foreigners/

Seems to me totally nonsense and unrealistic forecast . Wealthy persons can just aply for the Elite Visa pay the amount required and skip all these redilucious measures.

If that is the case you can forget it. How many people are going to travel thousands of miles for Christmas and the New Year only to find all entertainment closed???

Which makes me believe that the requirement is actually $80k a year for at least 2 years instead of $40k a year.

I have just watched that PBS Frontline documentary. Although i have followed the 737 Max saga virtually since the first crash in Indonesia and read hundreds of informative articles, especially from such knowledgable sources as The Seattle Times which won the Pulitzer Prize for its Max coverage, watching that programme filled me with horror. There is no need to explain why as this quickly becomes obvious. I used to love Boeing's 747 series. I first flew one long haul in 1979 when my trip from Europe to Asia had three en route stops. I remember the start of non-stop flights on the 747-200 series when passenger numbers had to be limited to 70% of capacity to allow for the extra fuel tanks. And then the glorious 747-400 designed specifically for Pacific routes, a plane I just loved boarding and loved flying in. I must have taken at least 500 flights on a mix of long haul and relatively short haul sectors. Learning that Boeing's own chief test pilot could not control the 737 Max and crashed it in his first flight in a simulator in November 2012 is chilling. Since then, the deliberate lies, the deliberate deceptions, the unrelenting pressure to keep information from the FAA, the far too cosy relationship between the Company and the FAA and then, following the crashes, the deliberate attempts to deflect blame on to foreign pilots should be engraved in large letters on all Beoing headquarters and manufacturing plants. As for the allegations that "American pilots would not have lost control", that is yet again another deliberate lie. Prior to the crashes several US pilots did in fact report to the anonymous hotline for pilot incidents that their 737 Max had gone out of control. Fortunately they were at a sufficiently high altitude that they were able to gain control of their aircraft. I have written before I will never fly a 737 Max. Some suggest it must be the safest plane in the sky after the last two years. Frankly I don't care. I trust neither the plane nor Boeing. The 787 problems appear to be manageable and so I will fly that plane if there is no alternative. But never in a 737 Max.

Salt and Pepper in Soi Day / Night 2 is amazing. It is reasonable and good food and the owners are friendly and kind. I have eaten there hundreds of times over the years and the food tastes great and always comes with a smile. I ate there just this week and the place was very quiet. And, as always, the food was excellent! They are one place that gays have gathered for many years (maybe 20 or so) and I hope they are around for another 20. https://www.facebook.com/saltandpepperpattaya

I recall Salt and Pepper with smile too. Once I was supposed to have dinner there with one of our members , their regular . I arrived early , took a seat and immediately I was nicely asked if I can move because this table is taken by somebody who is about to arrive in a second and is regular there. I moved with no fuss and who was that regular ? Guy I was supposed to dine with. We all have good laugh. Their Chicken with cashew nuts is the best in Pattaya Word of warning - they were used to close one weekday so make sure you know which day it is. Otherwise you may be forced to look for another venue, not there's shortage of those in vicinity. This happened to Christian PFC , biguyby and me, we arrived to find it shuttered all of the sudden even if night before it was opened and busy. Upon moving to place across the soi we had good time constructing conspiracy theories as of what could happen only to find truth next day while passing by .

count me in but to Thailand I can fly even on barn's door

How much I need a Thai food fix....going to Brasil in a couple of weeks, there is a decent Thai place in SP, not as good as in Thailand, but pretty close.

From Thai Enquirer The Ratchaphreuk Taxi Cooperatives are turning abandoned taxis into vegetable gardens and frog ponds over the roofs and hoods of the cars, and converting them into a way to help their employees who are suffering from the Covid-19 pandemic. As a result of the lack of tourists and lockdown measures, taxi drivers have returned their rentals since February, leaving more than 300 taxis in the lot. Continues with photos https://www.thaienquirer.com/32706/abandoned-taxis-turned-into-vegetable-gardens-and-frog-ponds-to-support-workers/

I'll start: As you wish.

Not much time until opening though, hope they get the approval soon. Bangkok pattaya is basically most of our itinerary anyway, so if this is approved, plenty of tourist traffic can be expected. If my country allow for travel, id be heavily considering going haha. 7 days spent in bangkok, and then to pattaya and return to bangkok before going back. This is exactly my previous travel route lol. Only differents are the tests and selection of hotels. For SOP and restriction, i deal with that here anyway.

I believe that's correct. Bangkok Post has a handy graphic

That caught my attention as well. I am no expert on the elite visa and rights within Thailand, but my understanding was that if you wanted to own land previously you had to do it under a trust or company with a Thai citizen (lawyer or partner etc) as the majority holder. I know that there are ways to game this and keep the asset safe but it sounded tedious. If this allows a foreign individual to own land and property that would be a big incentive.

https://thepattayanews.com/2021/09/14/tourism-authority-of-thailand-plans-to-propose-no-quarantine-tourism-under-one-sop-one-system-scheme-for-fully-vaccinated-foreigners/ It is refreshing to see some small steps in the right direction and a proposal that looks to standardize the process rather than adding another level of complication. The article has a lot more detail, but nothing is set in stone yet and decisions are a few weeks away.

Why do you have to be such a mega-bitch? Lick It Up Baby, Lick It Up. Well, fuck me gently with a chainsaw. (all same movie)

Be sure to tell us about your visit! I want to know about the food and weather and...

Toto, I've a feeling we're not in Kansas anymore.

The Bangkok Post's lead this morning is about the Oct. 1 re-opening but--unsurprisingly--it's woefully short on details. Nothing about what tourists (domestic, international), nothing about entry requirements, nothing about movement restrictions, nothing about insurance requirements. What is there a lot about? Phetchaburi . Tourism to reopen despite Covid, minister says Tourism and Sports Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn has confirmed Bangkok, Chon Buri, Phetchaburi, Prachuap Khiri Khan and Chiang Mai will begin implementing their tourism reopening plans on Oct 1 as planned. The 21 other provinces will follow suit on Oct 15, he said on Tuesday, dispelling doubts over whether the government would be able to proceed with its plan in the face of the ongoing pandemic. Mr Phiphat admitted the high number of new Covid-19 infections is a major hindrance but said the ministry is fully prepared for the reopening. Asked about the 200 plus new cases of Covid-19 recorded daily in Phuket, he said these high figures stem from the province’s active case finding in every community, including migrant workers. Phuket was the first province to pilot the tourism reopening programme. Deputy Prime Minister and Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said that the ministry is fully prepared for the Oct 1 reopening. Phetchaburi is ready to reopen to tourists on Oct 1, with effective Covid-19 controls to reduce the threat of new infections, deputy provincial governor Natthawut Phetpromsorn said on Tuesday. Strict disease control measures remain in place to contain infection clusters, said Mr Natthawut. Bubble and seal measures applied at factories and markets have reduced the incidence of the disease, he said. Now that infections have dropped, Phetchaburi can prepare to reopen for tourism on Oct 1, in line with the government’s plan, he said. All sectors are well-prepared, he said, adding that tourists can have confidence that popular destinations such as Cha-am district are safe and free from the virus. Visitors could enjoy their stay in the province, said Mr Natthawut. Phetchaburi public health office chief Phetchakit Thaensawat said that 54% of targetted groups in the province have been vaccinated, comprising mainly people aged 60 years and over, and people with any of seven underlying conditions, and pregnant women. Vaccination would reach 70% when more vaccines arrive, Dr Phetchakit said. https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/2181731/tourism-to-reopen-despite-covid-minister-says

I and I'm sure many of us would be happy to have an opportunity see that with our very own eyes instead of just YouTube option but day of shine will come

256a590781f8d91b8f77a24b2a3762b7.mp4

Houston, we have a problem.

Good to hear !!! St.Olaf , MN will be eternally proud of her, it's most famous daughter by far

'Round up the usual suspects.' and... 'Louis, I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship.'

All right, Mr. DeMille, I'm ready for my close-up.

You're terrible Muriel. That's not a knife.

"Are you talking to me? ARE YOU TALKING TO ME??!!" "It's beyond my control"

What's up, Doc?

"A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away..." The opening scrolling credits on all Star Wars movies for those who didn't know it....

Here are a few of my favorites: "Go ahead. Make my day" "What a dump" "Fasten your seat belts. It's going to be a bumpy night" "Frankly, my dear, I don't give a damn "I'm gonna make him an offer he can't refuse" "Take your stinking paws off me, you damned dirty ape" "Open the pod bay doors, Hal" "Is it safe?" "I'll get you, my pretty, and your little dog too" "They call me Mister Tibbs" “I'll be back”

"I'm having an old friend for dinner"

'Forget it, Jake, it's Chinatown.'

Bond, James Bond!

The international Gay Games scheduled for 2022 in Hong Kong have been postponed by a year to November 2023. The pandemic and Hong Kong's very strict quarantine regulations are blamed for the year's delay. Even fully vaccinated Hong Kong residents have to spend 21 days in a quarantine hotel if they come from high risk countries. “We want to make sure that everyone is able to come to the event,” Gay games founder and co-chair Dennis Philipse told HKFP. “We cannot be in a bubble event, people cannot be in quarantine for 21 days.” The Games will be the first to be held in Asia. Organisers won the bid to hold the Games in Hong Kong in 2017. They were expected to have an economic impact of around HK$1 billion (US$128 million), drawing 12,000 participants, 75,000 spectators and 3,000 from 100 countries. But the successful bid for the Games was slammed by some Beijing lawmakers who were then rebuffed by the city's leader Carrie Lam. Since then Ms. Lam has shown that she is now merely a Beijing puppet. It will be interesting to see whether the Games can actually take place or another reason will be found for their cancellation. https://hongkongfp.com/2021/09/15/breaking-hong-kong-gay-games-postponed-due-to-covid-travel-restrictions/

From Phuket News Well known and well liked Florian Hallermann, GM of the Zeavola Resort on Phi Phi Island, was last seen on Saturday (Sept 11). Photo: Zeavola Resort The search parties, separated into four teams comprising regular police and tourist police officers, rescue volunteers and members of the public, scoured the island today (Sept 14) and came across a startling discovery, the body of a Thai man found among mangroves on the island, reported Thai-language daily Thai Rath. The Thai man is believed to have died at least three days ago, said the report. Mr Hallermann, an Austrian national, was last seen walking through the Laem Thong area in Moo 8, Phi Phi Island, on Saturday. https://www.thephuketnews.com/search-for-missing-expat-phi-phi-resort-gm-continues-81402.php

From Chanel News Asia The Lower Sesan 2 dam has sparked controversy since long before its December 2018 launch. (File photo: Ly Lay/AFP) PHNOM PENH: A massive China-financed dam in Cambodia has "washed away the livelihoods" of tens of thousands of villagers while falling short of promised energy production, Human Rights Watch (HRW) said on Tuesday (Aug 10). The 400-megawatt Lower Sesan 2 dam in the kingdom's north-east has sparked controversy since long before its December 2018 launch. Fisheries experts had warned that damming the confluence of the Sesan and Srepok rivers - two major tributaries of the resource-rich Mekong River - would threaten fish stocks crucial to millions living along the Mekong's flood plains. Tens of thousands of villagers living upstream and downstream have suffered steep losses to their incomes, HRW said in Tuesday's report, citing interviews conducted over two years with some 60 people from various communities. "The Lower Sesan 2 dam washed away the livelihoods of indigenous and ethnic minority communities who previously lived communally and mostly self-sufficiently from fishing, forest-gathering and agriculture," John Sifton, Human Rights Watch's Asia advocacy director and the report's author, said on Tuesday. "Cambodian authorities need to urgently revisit this project's compensation, resettlement, and livelihood-restoration methods." "There's no doubt at all that (the dam) contributed significantly to the larger problems the Mekong is facing right now," said Mekong energy and water expert Brian Eyler, while adding that more research was needed on the exact losses. https://www.channelnewsasia.com/asia/cambodia-dam-destroyed-livelihoods-tens-thousands-human-rights-watch-2103306