reader

Consult ChristianPFC's blog. He covers all eventualities.

If you use Firefox for a browser, you may notice that the latest update (version 52) has a new feature that warns users about the security status of the web connection they are about to log on to. When you click to enter your log-in ID and password, a pop-up alerts you if the connection is not secure. Firefox advises uses who choose to go ahead that they should select passwords that are unique to that site only. https://www.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/52.0/releasenotes/

From Financial Times Airline passengers travelling from eight Middle Eastern nations, including Jordan and Egypt, will be barred from carrying large electronic devices into the main cabin under new regulations from the Trump administration. The rules, which come into effect on Tuesday, also apply to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, according to a US official. Passengers from the eight countries will have to check laptop computers and other large devices, such as tablets, into the hold on all flights bound for airports in the US. But the restrictions will not apply to flights leaving the US for the same countries, according to the official, who requested anonymity. While some outlets have reported that the ban applies to 13 countries, the US official said only eight nations were on the list. The biggest impact will be felt by Emirates, the huge Dubai-based airline that operates 119 weekly flights between Dubai and a range of US destinations, including New York, Boston, Los Angeles and Seattle. The airline also carries passengers from Asia to the US via Dubai, meaning the impact will be more broadly felt. It will also hit the operations of Etihad, another UAE-based airline, which operates Airbus A380 superjumbos twice a day between Abu Dhabi and New York and serves a series of other US operations. NOTE -- Other sources report that the ban will apply to all devices except cell phones. More information is expected be released within 24 hours. http://www.ft.com/content/a69c65f4-0db7-11e7-b030-768954394623

Maybe guys supporting ladies from afar are just more curious than guys supporting BF's are. But I've hardly heard of any gays who go to the extent that their straight counterparts occasionally go to learn just how faithful their beloved actually is. In his current (Mar. 19) column, Stickman reveals that he frequently conducted investigations at the behest of clients. In about 90% of the cases, he reports that the lady in question was still available for dating. Perhaps guys supporting BF's seem less curious is because they automatically assume that he's still on the market. Or maybe they just don't wish to know for sure because it would dispel the fantasy nurtured by frequent calls, texts and messages to the contrary. If you're interested in reading how Stickman did his investigations, go to stickmanweekly.com.

When all else fails, or you simply suspect that the ID might not be legit, it's always wise to fall back on your first hunch. If it crossed your mind that he looks too young, disregard information to the contrary and go with your instincts. It's not a foolproof method but it's as close as you'll come. Forget the old "Thais look so much younger than they really are." Although that may sometimes be the case, there's always another reason they look so young: they are.

He appears to be quite a hunky young man. It's a shame to put this kind of talent put to waste on pursuits of an unrequited nature. I believe local members should feel a duty to mount some sort of appropriate outreach and redirect his prolific need for release--indiscriminate of what direction he chooses to face.

There seems to be a rising possibility that the move of Jupiter and the new identity of the old location may be a boost for both venues. The chatter that's been generated--for free--has accomplished what no amount of advertising could. Many of us are probably more inclined now to visit both sites. Now that's a win-win in any PR man's book. Keep the news flowing, guys.

From German DW network Customers in Singapore can now get Michelin-starred meals for less than four US dollars. The prestigious food guide has awarded one star each to two street food hawkers in Singapore - the first in the guide's history. Video link below http://www.dw.com/en/michelin-starred-meals-for-less-than-four-us-dollars/av-19421904

From German DW network For years, the number of tourists visiting Thailand has been climbing steadily. In 2017, some 10 million visitors from China alone are expected in the country. Locals are complaining about the environmental impact. Video link below http://www.dw.com/en/mass-tourism-is-damaging-thailands-paradise/av-37880702

It's believed that all were virgins before this bike lover ran amok. From Pattaya One A Thai man has been arrested for sexually assaulting not 1, but 3 motorbikes. Adding this to the list of crazy human fetishes, a man in Chonburi went around cutting open other people’s motorbikes before he masturbated into the vehicles. Police were able to track down the auto lover, Thepsathit Sripranumat, 26, after three people reported their motorcycles being sexually assaulted. According to one victim, a female university student, her motorcycle was raped twice — on Feb. 27 and March 13. She said the man cut a hole in the motorcycle seat before he got on top of it and…you know…did his deeds. Saensuk Police questioned the motorcycle lover, and he admitted that he had assaulted three motorcycles because he was drunk and needed release. He said he didn’t mean to hurt anyone, and he apologized to the victims. http://pattayaone.news/en/man-arrested-sexually-assaulting/

Moses, You don't have to go to the roof to get high on this guy!

Cover photo of the 1986 William Higgins classic. Great baker's dozen cast of Tony Stefano, Grant Fagan, Steve Henson, Art Williams, Brent Woods, Chad Johnson, David Ashfield, Joey Hart, Lee Mann, Paul Stevens, Tim Barnes, Michael Gere, Troy Ramsey,

The title of more than one movie we've all viewed, those who find themselves in Chiang Mai have a chance of at least getting a hot pie rushed to them by the cute guy who found himself the topic of this article (extra topping not included). From Coconuts We’ve seen a cute bus conductor and moto-taxi driver with six packs, but this adorable pizza delivery guy is the internet’s latest obsession. Netizens have been sharing photos of Poom Jierwiriyapant, a delivery guy for The Pizza Company as well as a Fine Arts student at Chiang Mai University. (photos at link below) http://coconuts.co/bangkok/news/cute-guy-delivers-hot-pizza-door-bmw-bike/

Bangkok was named the city with the best street food in the world by CNN for the second year running. CNN noted that it’s nearly impossible to stay away from our city’s street cuisine since vendors sit on almost every block in the city. After Bangkok, CNN rated Tokyo, Honolulu, Durban, New Orleans, Istanbul, Hong Kong, Paris, Mexico City, Cairo, Marrakesh, Cartagena (Colombia) , Portland (Oregon, U.S.), Dakar (Senegal), Bali, Mumbai, Ho Chi Minh City, Miami, Rome, Rio de Janero, Sydney, and Beijing, respectively. http://coconuts.co/bangkok/food-drink/cnn-calls-bangkoks-street-food-best-world/

You've received some first-rate advice here from guys who walk the walk. Your punch list is more than adequate. Only thing I'll add is that if you're scouting around early in the day (afternoon), I found GC open the last few times I ventured down that soi. There were three guys plus the bartender when I arrived about 2:30 on my last visit. Enjoyed their attitude and inhibition. No fems which made it all the better for me.

Thong (right), 34, a transgender woman serving time in a men’s prison for car theft, applies make up to Ao (left), a 28-year-old transgender woman serving an 8-year sentence for smuggling 24 kilos of cannabis. (Axel Kronholm/For The Washington Post From Washington Post In an attempt to better accommodate the needs of transgender women and address some of the problems LGBT people face in prison, the Thai Department of Corrections is conducting a pilot project at Minburi prison. A special wing that will have the capacity to house 150 prisoners has been renovated and painted pink. http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/asia_pacific/thailands-transgender-inmates-offered-separate-detention-still-craving-hormones/2017/03/15/05e4b3fe-0444-11e7-ad5b-d22680e18d10_story.html

By DAKE KANG Associated Press Teak chips from pulverized balconies and broken-up floors shower down on workers as they cart out an old TV, a bamboo sofa and a shattered mirror from a house dating back to the 1920s. Meters away, a man wielding a sledgehammer smashes down the frame of a rusting door as dozens of residents look on behind hastily erected barriers. "It's so sad," said Sudjit Sananwai, an architect and longtime visitor to Fort Mahakan, watching as dust rises from splintered wood beams of homes that once belonged to the guards of Thai kings. "People don't understand the value of these houses. They let them demolish everything." Fort Mahakan was built during the late 1700s in part to resist a French invasion, one of 14 strongpoints that ran along the perimeter of the island that defined the borders of old Bangkok. Only one other fort remains; the rest were victims of development. Now just 30 houses within moldy white walls remain here, half the number of two decades ago. Above the houses' worn but well-maintained wooden eaves looms the Golden Mount, with a shining temple perched atop a steep hill. Along one side runs an ancient royal moat, harkening back to an era when Bangkok was called the "Venice of the East," with thousands living in houses stilted above canal waters. The city is setting siege not just to a fortress, but to one of the last communities in Bangkok to maintain a centuries-old way of life, preservationists say. There are few laws in place, however, to protect historic sites beyond temples and palaces. Fort Mahakan was once home to palace guards and their families. Over the centuries, they left, family by family. Residents today come from mixed backgrounds — some have lived there three generations or longer, some are newer arrivals. Most eke out a living as street vendors. The city government contends the residents are squatters, living there illegally ever since authorities seized the land under expropriation laws in 1992. Some residents accepted compensation to move out, but more than 200 have refused to budge despite years of threats and deadlines. Officials want to build the park as part of a 1978 master plan to conserve and develop the old city. But preservationists believe their plan glorifies monks and kings while ignoring the history of everyday people — sterilizing the past and purging it of any charm that might draw tourists. A Thai architects association has proposed an alternative plan to renovate 24 houses and turn them into a tourist attraction while letting old residents stay, modeled after the preserved hutong alleyways of Beijing. http://www.newsobserver.com/news/business/article136665168.html

CREDIT Suisse investment analysts predict that the US dollar will stay strong this year, while most Asian currencies remain weak, including the baht. At the firm’s annual Market Outlook Seminar, attended by more than 200 Thai clients and guests, four Credit Suisse analysts provided a comprehensive outlook on global financial markets. Financial markets are likely to remain challenging in 2017, they said. Growth in global gross domestic product is expected to accelerate slightly, from 3.1 per cent to 3.5 per cent, albeit with pronounced regional differences. http://pattayaone.news/en/thai-baht-tipped-stay-weak-us-dollar/

From Daily Mail (UK) Colourful graffiti vibrantly daubs the concrete walls but music no longer pumps through this deserted nightclub. Batman Nightclub, in Pattaya, Thailand, was abandoned 20 years ago and the only residents of this eerie place filled with discarded rubbish and pools of murky water are vermin and bats. First constructed in 1994, just south of Bangkok, the nightclub was one of Pattaya's most thriving spots for nighttime entertainment, with many Western tourists visiting for a taste of Thai nightlife. But just a year and a half after the official opening, the six-floor club was shut down for underage drinking and drug use. American photographer Dax Ward travelled to the desolate building to photograph the lifeless remains of the bottom floor of the nightclub. He said there was 'an overall sombre vibe about the place... but still some beauty amongst the decay'. Some of the graffiti is fresh from recent events, however. (interior photos at link below) http://www.dailymail.co.uk/travel/travel_news/article-4275170/Inside-Thailand-s-abandoned-Batman-nightclub.html

All of us enjoy a good gay read, especially by someone who takes us into places and situations we may not have ventured ourselves, or with guys we can vicariously lust after. Rather than to continue to lament Numazu absence, I offer some of my favorite gay reads from the past, any of which will hopefully take your mind off Burboy, Shanboy, et al. City of Night (John Rechy). A young man arrives in NYC in the early 60's and soon discovers Times Square. Dancer from the Dance (Andrew Holloran). A strikingly handsome (and otherwise innocent) young lawyer is kissed by a Puerto Rican messenger boy while working late in his Manhattan office in the mid-70's and his life changes forever. Note: it has nothing to do with ballet. My last offering may surprise. Bangkok 8 (John Burdett). It's a first rate mystery but the author makes it clear that it's a story of the love an Amerasian detective has for his Bangkok police partner, his soul brother since boyhood. Perhaps others have suggestions to get us through these difficult times.

The giggles are spreading. The Nation today ran this photo to accompany article about the Happy Zone. Audience memebers look they just got off a tour bus. The poles look familiar but the ladies grasping them not so much. http://www.nationmultimedia.com/news/national/30309069

From Pattaya One Pattaya “happy zones” are set to be put into action next week. The head of the provincial police made a flying visit to Pattaya yesterday to say that the resort “will be a great place to be for the whole world to enjoy”. This comes as authorities are setting up the “Happy Zone” scheme in Walking Street. Chonburi chief Somprasong Yenthuam said that a party launching the new “happy” era for the resort would be held on Saturday March 25th. And the chief told reporters yesterday they can expect an end to attacks on tourists in Walking Street, and no more swindling or padding of bills. Explaining the “Happy Zone” project he asked for the cooperation of operators in the area to put CCTV outside their properties so that they could be “the electronic eyes” that could help with any necessary evidence gathering. “The Happy Zone project will turn Walking Street into a place of happiness for tourists. We have asked the operators to ensure there are no under 20s, no weapons and most importantly no trouble for tourists. “That means no physical attack or swindling of visitors at all”. The chief said that local police, soldiers and district officials were all onboard with the project. He himself was under orders from on high to make the project a success. “This will ensure that Pattaya will be a great place to be for the whole world to enjoy”, said chief Somprasong. http://pattayaone.news/en/pattaya-happy-zones/

Thanks, Forrestreid, for posting correction.

"Actually, contrary to what the OP states, I think Stickman is actually fairly regularly read by quite a few posters here" Exactly where did I say that in my post?

stickmanweekly.com