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It must be a government job.🙂

Statistically, this thread is pulling more replies and views than some really good trip reports. The difference between these very divergent categories is that we feel better after reading the TR’s and crappy after reading the more “politically” oriented posts. I wonder if we can all agree on these points, none of which I believe are in dispute: 1, Violent deaths in war of any kind are all repugnant. 2, Arguing with someone with different views on these matters never causes another to change their mind—no matter how compelling we believe are arguments to be—and is a bonafide waste of time and bandwidth. 3. We all—hopefully—have more productive things to do (I.e., do another off, get another massage, write a TR or venue report, plan another trip, call a sick friend).

From CNN Travel Savior of many a cramped pair of legs, the jet stream is well known for lopping roughly an hour off long haul west-to-east flights. But it’s working especially hard for travelers in economy class right now, with the jet stream over the Atlantic so strong that flights heading from the US to Europe are reaching speeds equivalent to that of sound. Sound travels at about 761 mph or 1,100 feet per second in “sea level standard conditions,” according to NASA – a little over 661 knots. In the past 24 hours, passenger aircraft traveling east from the US across the Atlantic have reached up to 778 mph. That’s a little over 200 miles per hour faster than normal cruising speeds. But if you’re thinking these flight times are a match for the much-missed Concorde, whose sonic booms used to mark it breaking the sound barrier, it’s time to think again. There’s a difference between ground speed and speed in the air (indicated air speed, essentially the speed of the plane in relation to the air around it). These passenger flights, however speedy, didn’t break the sound barrier. But they did slash flight times. Emirates flight 222 from Dallas to Dubai arrived 57 minutes early on November 1, having reached a top speed of 675 knots, or 777 mph, off the coast of Newfoundland, according to flight tracking site Flightaware. American Airlines flight 106 from JFK to Heathrow arrived 54 minutes early on Wednesday morning, with a flight time of just six hours and seven minutes. It reached a top speed of 778 mph, or 676 knots, also just past Newfoundland. Meanwhile Delta flight 186 raced from Los Angeles to London with top speeds of 760mph, arriving half an hour early on November 1 at 1.08 p.m. Continues at https://edition.cnn.com/travel/article/jet-stream-flights-speed-of-sound/index.html

Most went to friends but, yes, I probably could have monetized to help buy next ticket. Above photo from rookie year. Here’s more recent.

From CNN This city never slept. But with China tightening its grip, is the party over? Hong KongCNN — As the scattered patrons hop from one deserted bar to the next, it’s hard to believe the near-empty streets they are zigzagging down were once among the most vibrant in Asia. It is Thursday evening, a normally busy night, but there are no crowds for them to weave through, no revelers spilling onto the pavements and no need for them to wait to be seated. At some of the stops on this muted bar crawl, they are the only ones in the room. It wasn’t always this way. It might seem unlikely from this recent snapshot, but Hong Kong was once a leading light in Asia’s nightlife scene, a famously freewheeling neon-lit city that never slept, where East met West and crowds would spill from the bars throughout the night and long into the morning – even on a weekday. Such images were beamed around the world in 1997, when Britain handed over sovereignty of its prized former colony to China, and locals and visitors alike welcomed in the new era with a 12-hour rave featuring Boy George, Grace Jones, Pete Tong and Paul Oakenfold. China’s message at the time was that even if change was coming to Hong Kong, its spirit of “anything goes” would be staying put. The city was promised a high degree of autonomy for the next 50 years and assured that its Western ways could continue. Or, as China’s then leader Deng Xiaoping put it: “Horses will still run, stocks will still sizzle and dancers will still dance.” And for long after the British departed, the dancing did indeed continue. Hong Kong retained not only the spirit of capitalism, but many other freedoms unknown in the rest of China – not just the gambling on horse races that Deng alluded to, but political freedoms of the press, speech and the right to protest. Even calls for greater democracy were tolerated – at least, for a time. Continues at https://edition.cnn.com/2023/11/03/economy/hong-kong-nightlife-china-dst-intl-hnk/index.html

Owners may have used this as opportunity to slash expenses across board. Running a venue that size comes with big fixed costs (rent, utilities, upkeep), leaving variables like staffing easy targets. When Lucky Boy occupied same venue, it had 40-50 in rotation plus good show. But It never reopened after Covid.

This marks the return of the Dreamboy policy of only hiring Thais. That policy was abandoned a few years ago in order to boost numbers. I agree that any bar that size will likely experience difficulty without non-Thais. Letting all foreigners go due to one bad apple seems rash.

For those who venture to Saphan Kwai in search of massage options, they’ll be pleased to know that that work on new sidewalks (and the water pipes below them) is just about complete on both sides of Sutthisan Winitchai rd. and walking confit are good. Shop update — Saengchan Spa on Inthamara 25, that closed in August for repairs, appears now to have consolidated its operations with KK Massage near Inthamara 23. One hour oil 380, wide selection on LINE or available on tablet upon arrival. On weekends you may find a handful of guys available in the shop. (Line: @bkk23)

From Thai PBS World Myanmar’s military junta has used foreigners including Thais as human shields in northeastern Shan State, where fighting the junta and an ethnic alliance is escalating, according to The Irrawaddy online. Instead of sending them back to their respective countries, the junta’s anti-human trafficking unit sent them to military camps, the online quoted a humanitarian worker as saying. Apart from Thais, other foreign nationals were those from Nepal, Ethiopia and Laos. “The army is using them as forced labor to build bunkers, dig trenches, and carry timber. They are practically human shields.” The foreigners are being held in front-line outposts in Laukkai town where their lives are at risk from fighting that could erupt at any time. They could possibly be caught in the crossfire, the Irrawaddy online reported. The Brotherhood Alliance could launch attacks against Laukkai [any time]. And if they do get killed during rebel attacks, the junta will presumably attempt to frame the Brotherhood Alliance for targeting foreign civilians. The Brotherhood Alliance, made up of the Arakan Army, Ta’ang National Liberation Army, and Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army, has captured dozens of junta bases in and around the towns of Mong Ko and Chin Shwe Haw, northeastern Shan State, since launching its “Operation 1027” offensive a week ago. Fears are now mounting that the fighting will spread to Laukkai, a border town sandwiched between Mong Ko and Chin Shwe Haw and controlled by the junta-allied Kokang Border Guard Force and militia.

From Thai PBS World The cold season in Thailand may arrive in the middle of this month, about two weeks later than usual, and it may only last about a month. Somkuan Tonjan, head of the Central Weather Forecast Sub-division of the Meteorological Department, said today that the department has not yet declared the official arrival of the cold season because the cold front from China is not strong enough to push the temperature below 24oC. He said that, normally, the cold season starts in the middle of October and lasts through to the following February. In some years, such as in 1983 and 1999, the cold season arrived in the middle of November. He explained that three elements, wind, rain and cold mass, are used when assessing the cold season in Thailand, adding that the key element, the cold mass from China, has not yet arrived. From the assessment of the weather for the next four months, Somkuan said that the average temperature is forecast to drop by fewer than 2-3oC and the temperature at ground level is not expected to drop below 20oC. He admitted that the delay in the arrival of the cold season this year may affect the management of water resources and agriculture, adding that, normally, the Royal Irrigation Department plans the management of water resources in November.

Good to keep in mind that not all bars and pubs will take advantage of the new ruling. Staffing may prove to be an issue because simply extending hours doesn’t mean workers will be amenable to change. And I don’t think there are a lot of readers here who are necessarily excited about the idea of partying that late. Many would prefer to be in bed with off, I’d think. Those who do enjoy the wee hours typically do it in the dance clubs. I suspect the bars in Sukhumvit area will be more enthused with the concept. From Thai PBS World Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has given the greenlight for pubs and bars in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket and Chon Buri to stay open until 4am, tentatively from December 15, to promote tourism and increase revenues. Government spokesman Chai Wacharonke told the media that the government has carefully considered the proposal with security agencies and is fully aware that, in reality, many pubs and bars have been operating beyond the 2am closing time illegally and it is time to put night-life venues in order and in compliance with the law. Apart from moving closing time to 4am, he said the prime minister has instructed authorities to look into the impacts, such as the noise problem, which may disturb people near the venues, drunk driving and drug abuse. There are steps to be taken by agencies before the new order comes into effect. These include the amendment of Interior Ministry regulations regarding operating hours of entertainment venues, the issuance of licenses, zoning, social problems and support plans to ensure the safety of customers and the public. Chai said the prime minister has advised that any step which can be done first must go ahead, such as zoning of the night life venues, adding that the prime minister stressed the importance of addressing the drunk driving problem. The prime minister later told the media that the new closing time for nightlife venues is not only intended for tourists, but also for Thais whose businesses are related to tourism, such as restaurants and food shops.

At 6-5, 250 pounds, will stack him up against any of your Mr. Universe wannabes at Tawan any day of week and twice on Sundays.

Thanks for the introduction 🙏

If you reported the actual number of Russian prisoners, you’d end up one yourself. 😀

And don’t forget her hunky boyfriend, Travis Kelce. Best tight end in NFL.

You really shouldn’t drink when you’re alone, GP. 🙂

When I moved into smaller living quarters I gave away a bunch of old vinyl. It was like parting with old books that I’ve always found difficult. As I think back on the artists, first that come to mind is the Eagles, Bellamy Brothers, Don McLean, Beachboys and very likely a handful of some of Peter’s selection. Ashamed to admit I can no longer find the names for the songs I can still hear. No matter what the youngsters say, pop will never be that good again.

I do. Copied original from Thaiger which was quoting TAT. Took farang (I.e., Vinapu) who scrutinizes all new routes and fares to unearth error. Personally I think it would be so much easier if all news sources used 24-hour clock.

From Pattaya News The city of Pattaya is preparing to host the inaugural Pattaya International Jazz Festival 2023, featuring the enchanting theme “The Rhythm of the Night” along the shores of Pattaya Beach on November 10th to 11th, 2023 This event is open to the public and is expected to draw an estimated 20,000 attendees, with anticipated tourism revenue of over 300 million baht, according to Pattaya City officials. The festival will showcase both Thai and international jazz artists, headlined by world-renowned jazz musician Kenny G, along with many other talented performers including The Firefly Fellowship, Pae Sax, Natt Buntita, Oil Jira, Pamai & Duck Club, Nop Ponchamni and the Groovetomatix Band, ETC Band, and Infinity feat Tami Jones Andrews & Wannayot Mitranon.

From The Nation The forensic evidence collector in Israel has revealed that many of the Thai workers killed in the Hamas attack had been shot in the head. A news reporter from Voice of America (VOA) in Israel interviewed officials overseeing the identification of bodies of slain individuals after the gruesome attack by Hamas militants on October 7. They said they found that the bodies of some Thai workers had been subjected to torture. From the interviews with the Israeli officials at the Churra base, it was revealed that the Thai workers who lost their lives and were sent to this location were agricultural labourers for the communities in Israel, known as kibbutzim. yCurrently, the bodies of the deceased are still being delivered for inspection by the officials every day, despite the fact that the Hamas attack and the killing of the victims occurred over 25 days ago. Israel has said that the attack by Hamas on October 7 killed 1,400 people, and 826 bodies had been identified so far. Natha Ketz, the official at the Churra base, told VOA that among the bodies, some were foreign workers from various countries. He mentioned that last week he had received the bodies of around 8 to 10 Thai workers who were working in agricultural areas near the Gaza Strip. "I received their bodies, and at that time I saw that their hands were tied behind their backs... They were in a kneeling position, with bullet holes in their heads," Ketz said.

From Amnesty International Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine was accompanied by escalating repression against dissent within Russia. Peaceful anti-war protests were dispersed, often forcibly, and those speaking out against the war faced prosecution. New legislation was introduced restricting protests and the activities of NGOs and civil society activists. Prosecutions of Jehovah’s Witnesses continued. Torture and other ill-treatment remained endemic in places of detention. Abductions and enforced disappearances continued to be reported in Chechnya. Fair trial standards were repeatedly violated. Conscientious objectors were refused alternative civilian service. New legislation further stigmatized and discriminated against LGBTI people.

Thai Airways International (THAI) will start direct flights between Bangkok and Istanbul on Dec. 1. The outbound flight is scheduled to depart Suvarnabhumi airport at 11.45pm and arrive in Istanbul at 6.05am, local time, the following day. The inbound flight, meanwhile, will depart Istanbul at 4.30pm. and arrive at 5:35p.m. The next day.

Walls are historically built primarily to control borders as was objective in China in 221 BC. Regarding those sections of wall between the United States and Mexico, we need only look to the recent past for the answer. The wall has delayed but in most cases not deterred those seeking to gain entrance without prior approval to enter. The more compelling question centers on the prevailing rules governing asylum. Between 1990 and 2021, the US admitted 767,950 asylum seekers into the country.

Not quite, unfortunately. (3 days ago) Biden administration waives protection laws to build border wall Conservationists, Indigenous communities, and others are criticizing the Biden administration for waiving 26 federal protection laws to fast-track the construction of up to 20 miles of border wall along the Rio Grande Valley in South Texas. (2 days ago) Trump falsely claims he’d promised Mexico would pay for ‘a piece’ of the border wall Former President Donald Trump attempted to rewrite history in a speech in Iowa on Sunday, falsely claiming he had campaigned for the presidency in 2016 on a promise that Mexico would pay for “a piece” of his border wall. (1 day ago) Texas Senate allocated $1.54B to border wall The Texas Senate approved $1.54 billion in additional funding to build a wall along the Texas-Mexico border as well as increase law enforcement at the Colony Ridge development in Liberty County.