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The decision to go to war in Ukraine was made by the attacker and not the attacked. Likewise was the case in Israel. At that stage, there can only be one response: defend and retaliate. Trying to trace this all back half-a-century ago to whether the US had appropriate diplomats in place is absurd. Iran, like so many Mideast nations, would end up radicalized one way or the other. The momentum was already in place. When the Arab Spring made its first appearance, many thought it was signaling the beginning of the end of Mideast tensions. That was then and this is now. History rarely takes a chartered course. We can claim, as Peter had, that inaction by the international community that’s permitted Iran to pursue enrichment activities. And it’s a point worth debating. But once the first missiles dropped on Israel, it became academic.

No, just not the answer you desire.🙂

Go back read what I said about Israel making good on its vow to prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon. It’s understood that if Iran persists in developing one, that would constitute a grave miscalculation of the consequences. If you’re curious what the US might do, this is as clear a statement as you’re going to get: ”While I’m not going to forecast any potential response to these attacks, I will say that we will take all necessary actions to defend US and coalition forces against any threat,” he said. “Any response, should one occur, will come at a time and a manner of our choosing.” Couldn’t have—and won’t—make it any clearer than that. If British assets were attacked, I’m confident we’d see a very similar statement out of Downing Street. Patience is a virtue, Peter, and the Buddha tells us that the future is inexplicable.

I chose not to pre-empt the Defense Department announcement today of military actions by US ground and naval forces against attacks from terrorist organizations. It is likely we will see more of this activity going forward. It should come as no surprise since the US is Israel’s staunchest alley in the region. i doubt that you—or any observer—needed me to tell you that the US wouldn’t sit on its hands in the face of aggression against its assets or its ally. From CNN A US Navy warship operating in the Middle East intercepted multiple projectiles near the coast of Yemen on Thursday, two US officials told CNN. One of the officials said the missiles were fired by Iranian-backed Houthi militants, who are engaged in an ongoing conflict in Yemen. Approximately 2-3 missiles were intercepted, according to the second official. Later Thursday Pentagon press secretary Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder confirmed that the USS Carney shot down three land attack missiles as well as several drones that were launched by Iran-backed Houthi forces in Yemen. The incident was one of a series in recent days with US bases being targeted by drones in Syria and Iraq amid increasing tensions in the region as the war between Israel and Hamas continues. The drone attacks targeting the base in Syria resulted in “minor injuries,” Ryder said. On Wednesday, two drones targeted the al-Tanf garrison in Syria, where US and anti-ISIS coalition forces are based, Ryder said. One drone was engaged and destroyed, and another drone impacted the base resulting in minor injuries to coalition forces, Ryder said. That same morning, in Iraq, early warning systems indicated a possible threat approaching the al-Asad airbase where US personnel are stationed. No attack occurred, but personnel sheltered in place and an American civilian contractor suffered a cardiac episode and died shortly thereafter, Ryder said. On Tuesday, US forces defended against three drones near US and coalition forces in Iraq, Ryder said. Two of the drones targeted the al-Asad airbase, which resulted in minor injuries to coalition forces. And in northern Iraq near Bashur airbase, US forces engaged and destroyed a drone, resulting in no injuries or damage, Ryder said. “While I’m not going to forecast any potential response to these attacks, I will say that we will take all necessary actions to defend US and coalition forces against any threat,” he said. “Any response, should one occur, will come at a time and a manner of our choosing.”

From what I understand from others, joiners not a problem.

Since I no longer do offs from bars and confine myself to massage shops, I enjoy the uncertainties involved. I don’t haggle over what I hope the outcome will be. I guess you might say each massage is a new adventure. At my age, I find that I need that sort of experience more than I need the promise of sex.

We can debate whether or how any particular nation should respond to an attack like the one launched by terrorists against non-combatants a few weeks ago in Israel. We can try to reduce it to well-crafted academic arguments. But what we can’t do—unless we were among those actually subjected to that terror—is experience those emotions and losses first hand no more than we can appreciate what London citizens experienced during the blitz. Nor can we fully understand the motivation behind Air Marshal Sir Arthur Harris’ retaliation tactics. Why? Because war quickly becomes a gravely personal matter when it’s your countrymen who are dying. However, one thing we can appreciate is the need for the support of a loyal ally in the wake of those events.

That’s a bit above my pay grade. Since you’re the one speculating about what the US can and cannot do, I’m content to leave that up to you to determine. I do, however, agree with Vinapu. Israel will make good on its vow to never allow Iran to acquire a nuclear weapon. Are we talking about the same Russia that has had to appeal to Iran and North Korea for munitions?

From CNN Cambodia’s newest and biggest airport opened to commercial operations in the province of Siem Reap in the country’s northwest this week. The China-funded Siem Reap-Angkor International Airport is now the main gateway to one of the country’s most popular tourist sites, the UNESCO-listed Angkor Archaeological Complex. On Monday morning, a flight operated by Thailand’s Bangkok Airways was the first to land at the new airport, which is located about 40 kilometers (25 miles) away from the protected area. Using the International Air Transport Association-designated code SAI, it replaces Siem Reap International Airport (REP), which first opened in 1932 and is only a few kilometers away from the Angkor complex. The new airport, funded by China as part of its Belt and Road Initiative at a cost of about $1.1 billion, was designed to initially handle 7 million passengers a year – 2 million more than REP – and has a 3,600-meter-long runway. According to the Economic and Commercial Office of the Chinese Embassy in Cambodia, it’s the first overseas international airport to be constructed under a “Build-Operate-Transfer” model by Chinese enterprises and is operated and managed by the Yunnan Aviation Industry Investment Group. Designated a “4E airport,” it can accommodate larger commercial planes, including many of those used on global long-haul routes.

You are correct. I passed by again this afternoon and took a second look. Green Massage is still operating in original location. I now think it was Olivia’s that moved (from second shop now run by Avarin) and into larger space further up Surawong.

It may be incontrovertible in your reasoning but not in mine. So we, as you say, agree to disagree. While Xi and Putin hope to profit from the situation, no autocratic regime has more to lose than Iran if it miscalculates the consequence of future actions.

Attempt as you might to trace current political situation back to US-Iran history pales in comparison to overwhelming impact of the holocaust. Nothing was going to be the same after the systematic slaughter of six million Jews. And nothing will be again.

The weak link in Vietnam’s transportation infrastructure has been its rail network. Although this new service doesn’t represent an increase in speed, it does in comfort that is much needed.

Finally had the opportunity to try this shop today. When I arrived and inquired what guys were available, I was presented with an array of about eight cards with photos. After making my selection, a houseboy accompanied to my cubicle on the third floor and pointed out the shower down the hall. Before leaving, he hung a card with my masseur’s photo on the outside of door. My guy arrived about five minutes after I finished showering. He had a huge smile and the first thing he did was give me an embrace and said he be right back. He was hunkier than the photo suggested but proved himself very agile. Following the workout, we showered together which he succeeded in turning into additional fun. Before leaving the lobby, he brought me a cup of warm tea. One hour oil 400. Mattress pad on the floor. Found the facilities very clean throughout. Gladly adding this place to my other list of Saphan Kwai favorites: K Man, One Spa and KK.

In my post above about massage shops, I incorrectly referred to “Urban Thai” as “Urban Male”. ============ While arriving at Saladaeng station this evening, I discovered that a new, 7-11 type convenience store has opened in a large space on the lower level platform. As you descend the central stairway, you’re greeted by the entrance to Turtle Cafe. It has about everything you expect to find in a 7-11 (including prepared meals) in addition to a McDonald’s style hot an cold beverage counter. Thais are masters of the retail trade.

Completely disagree. If there was no holocaust, we wouldn’t be having this conversation.

From VN Express Vietnam's railway sector is set to put into service a pair of high-quality trains on the popular Hanoi-Da Nang route on Friday, catering to the growing demand from both domestic and international tourists. The high-quality trains have undergone comprehensive refurbishments, including fresh paintwork and meticulous interior enhancements, such as new blankets, sheets, pillows, and window curtains. The bed compartments have been designed to create a luxurious and cozy ambiance. Continues at https://e.vnexpress.net/news/places/luxury-trains-to-come-on-hanoi-da-nang-link-4665587.html To ensure a comfortable and premium experience, the railway sector has installed new water heaters and bright white ceramic sanitary equipment in the washing compartments and restrooms.

From The Thaiger In a viral incident, a Thai transgender person chased a foreign tourist of unknown nationality around Pattaya Beach and threw ferocious punches and kicks at him. The incident came after the tourist reportedly refused to buy a companion service offered by the attacker and allegedly insulted her. The incident, captured in a video and shared via TikTok on ghostcars001, quickly spread across Thai social media platforms, sparking a fervent online discussion. In the widely viewed footage, the transgender woman is seen relentlessly pursuing the tourist along Pattaya Beach during the evening. In a fit of rage, she attempts to land punches and kicks on the tourist who, on his part, tries to evade her and protect himself from the blows. Ultimately, he manages to break free and flee the scene. Subsequent to the incident, local media descended on the scene, close to Soi 13/1’s mouth on Beach Road, on October 15 to gather eyewitness reports. According to a 56 year old bystander named Jaem, the incident unfolded on Friday, October 13. Jaem recounted observing a group of three tourists leisurely strolling along the beachfront. They were then approached by the transgender woman who was later identified in the video. She reportedly offered her companion services to the tourists. However, the tourists refused the proposition, leading to one of them allegedly dousing her with water and hurling insults at her. This derogatory act seemingly triggered a violent response. Pattaya’s police department reported on Sunday that they had apprehended the transgender woman seen in the video. Legal proceedings are currently ongoing. Simultaneously, efforts are being made to locate the assaulted tourist to gather his account of the incident. The transgender individual’s identity remains undisclosed to safeguard her privacy.

I’ve seen the 56 Suriwong rooms. Basic, clean and perhaps the best located hotel in relation to Patpong.

Wanted to use a medium with which you’re familiar.🙂

Big - not small Medium - not big, not small Small - not big

From CNN An artsy quarter of Madrid, a sustainable pocket of Melbourne, and an up-and-coming zone in Medellin – what do these places have in common? They’re among the coolest neighborhoods in the world, according to global publisher Time Out. Every year, Time Out polls its staffers and contributors from around the globe to assemble a list of the 40 most fun, interesting and fashionable ‘hoods. Topping the 2023 list is Laureles, in Colombia’s bustling city of Medellin, which is the hometown of musicians J Balvin and Karol G. According to Time Out, up-and-coming Laureles has a “pretty laid-back reputation” despite being home to the Estadio Atanasio Girardot soccer stadium and famed nightlife street La 70. Still, though, it has thus far resisted the gentrification other Medellin neighborhoods have experienced, with Time Out‘s Luis Gomez noting that traditional fruit vendors still push their carts through the streets in Laureles. See Time Out’s 39 cool neighborhoods, including Sang Wat in Bangkok’s Chinatown: An artsy quarter of Madrid, a sustainable pocket of Melbourne, and an up-and-coming zone in Medellin – what do these places have in common? They’re among the coolest neighborhoods in the world, according to global publisher Time Out. Every year, Time Out polls its staffers and contributors from around the globe to assemble a list of the 40 most fun, interesting and fashionable ‘hoods. Topping the 2023 list is Laureles, in Colombia’s bustling city of Medellin, which is the hometown of musicians J Balvin and Karol G. According to Time Out, up-and-coming Laureles has a “pretty laid-back reputation” despite being home to the Estadio Atanasio Girardot soccer stadium and famed nightlife street La 70. Still, though, it has thus far resisted the gentrification other Medellin neighborhoods have experienced, with Time Out‘s Luis Gomez noting that traditional fruit vendors still push their carts through the streets in Laureles. See Time Out’s 39 other cool neighborhoods, including Sang Wat in Bangkok’s Chinatown: https://www.timeout.com/travel/coolest-neighbourhoods-in-the-world

From Pattaya News 14 transgender people were lifted off Pattaya Beach last night for documentation inspection and drug testing at the Pattaya Police Station. At 10 PM on October 15th, Pattaya police conducted an impromptu inspection of Pattaya Beach in order to address various issues such as theft, drug abuse, violence, and prostitution. The sweep also comes after a viral TikTok video which appeared to show a transgender individual attacking a tourist on Pattaya Beach, although the exact details behind the attack are vague and unverified by the media. Comprising over 30 law enforcement personnel, their primary focus during this operation was transgender “gangs” lingering on the beachfront, allegedly engaging in sex work. During the walk around, Pattaya police apprehended 14 transgender people and took them to the Pattaya Police Station for documentation check and drug testing. After completing the procedures, the individuals were released without any fines, and there were no reports of substance abuse. Trans criminals have posed quite a challenge for Pattaya police, especially in multiple cases of pickpocketing.

There have been some changes in the local massage scene since my last trip in July. One new shop has entered the scene to become the lone mixed (male and female staffed) shop in either Patpong 1 or 2. Chaichana has opened on Patpong 1, nearer the Surawong end on the same side the original Madrid was located. When I stopped by the other night, it had three guys—two of whom I found attractive—seated outside with four young women. They offer all the traditional services, including neck and shoulder massage. Some of the public services are offered on the first floor. Thai and oil massage facilities are located on the lower level accessed by wide and easily negotiable stairs. There are three large massage suites, all with massage tables and en suite shower. One hour oil 500. Hours 3pm until midnight. Attire is red polo shirts. Meanwhile on Surawong, there has been some consolidation and (if memory serves me correctly) some space swapping. The shop at the corner of the driveway for Tarntawan Hotel is now known as Avarin and has also taken over the space which appears to have been the long-time home of Green Massage a few shop fronts away. Green is now situated in smaller quarters between the twin Avarin shops. Avarin staff in maroon polos while Green continues to wear the inexplicable orange. Avarin one oil 590. Further up Surawong you’ll find Olivia’s encamped in a large quarters adjacent to the still more expansive Urban Male shop. All of the shops mentioned have male and female staffs. Toured the new and Foodland market in the recently opened Park Silom building at Silom and Convent roads. Located on the lower level, it’s L-shaped layout is expansive, featuring a salad bar and prepared (7-11 style) take away meals starting at 49 bht. It also offers an expanded beer, wine and liquor shop. The attached Took Lae Dee restaurant was going quite strong at 10pm on Monday night with about 25 customers. Like the flagship Patpong location, market and restaurant open 24/7. And for those in need, you’ll find an immaculately maintained restroom on same level. There’s a Dairy Queen outlet also on lower level that I think closed at 9.

From The Nation Thailand’s railway police clocked in for their last day of work on Monday, after 129 years combating petty crime, smuggling and even drug trafficking on trains. The Railway Police Division (RPD) will be disbanded on Tuesday (October 17) and absorbed into other units under the National Police Bureau. Railway police were established in 1894 during the reign of King Chulalongkorn (Rama V), under the name Railway Security Unit. They were later reorganised and renamed the Railway Police Unit before eventually being upgraded to the Railway Police Division. Railway police stations are situated throughout the country It has jurisdiction over more than 450 railway stations and over 4,000 kilometres of track with more than 5,000 railway crossings. It is charged with protecting the safety of more than 30 million passengers annually.