The Beer Bar

News today that former President Biden has an aggressive form of prostate cancer that has already spread to his bones. While we will all wish him well in such difficult times, there is one issue I find somewhat baffling. As I understand it, prostate cancer is a slow growing cancer. Even so, it is the second highest form of cancer death in the USA. As it is one of the most common cancers in men, generally men over a certain age (is it 50?) are recommended to have regular prostate cancer checks through either physical examination or simple PSA blood tests. How often did the White House doctors check his for this cancer? How did the cancer develop so quickly? Surely it …

I knew that the subway had withdrawn 'ELDER' cards (half price fares) but hadn't realised that Sky Train Rabbit Cards had age restrictions.

Just spoke with my guy in Bangkok. He was in his apartment near Quarter Hotel on Soi Tarntawan when his building began to shake strongly. On the way out he and another resident helped remove an 88-year-old man and got him outside. He now says many businesses are closing around Silom. Has not felt any aftershocks yet. From the Nation A building under construction in the Chatuchak district has collapsed following a significant earthquake, trapping 43 workers, according to the National Institute for Emergency Medicine. Seven workers managed to escape the site, and the Narenthorn Emergency Medical Services Center, along with its rescue network, has been d…

Stand by for a slew of new books about why Joe Biden hung on to power well beyond his sell-by date and the Democrats remain struggling to come out of the mess of losing the election. Many will have more than a few nuggets of truth, but undoubtedly many will also depend on unnamed sources. Still, from all the advance PR, Biden is going to come out of it as the villain of the piece with others around him being in virtually the same category. Let me start with a small remembrance. More than 30 years ago I was sitting with friends in their Tokyo apartment when the Senate hearings on President Bush I's pick for the Supreme Court was being grilled. Clarence Thomas had been…

From Pattaya Mail By Barry Kenyon A group of Pattaya-based retirees say they are both confused and aggrieved by continuing ambiguity about their Thai tax liability from January 1 2024. Thai Revenue stated many months ago that “most” overseas income transmitted to Thailand from that date would be subject to personal income tax, to be collected the following year. The requirement applies to all tax residents, namely Thais or foreigners residing in the kingdom for at least six months in a calendar year. The policy is said to be principally aimed at closing tax loopholes exploited mostly by super-rich Thais in the past. Kurt Fischer told the Pattaya Mail, “We a…

The Algorithm started serving this guy's videos to me. Charming Taiwanese guy does lots of local attractions and food videos. Speaks very good Thai. He was an exchange student apparently

My nomination from NPR - Pope meets Sinner As if the Pope does not meet sinners every day of the week LOL (Sinner in this case was of course the Italian Jannick Sinner, the World No. 1 mens tennis player, and the Pope is a tennis fan. https://www.npr.org/2025/05/15/nx-s1-5399048/pope-leo-jannik-sinner-italian-open

Two court judgements today have hit the headlines, one in the USA and one in the UK. The one which will be most talked about is the resentencing of the Lyle Brothers in the USA. In 1989 they were convicted and sentenced to life in prison without the possiblity of parole for the brutal murder of their parents. They had basically alleged they snapped one evening and could take no more of the regular sexual molestation by their father. A judge has resentenced the pair to 50 years in prison but now with the possibility of parole. The brothers have admitted to the murder. Relatives say the brothers have demonstrated remorse and rehabilitation and have undertaken and paid …

I heard on the news that 5 air traffic control employees took 45 days off of "trauma leave," blaming stress over equipment failures at that airport. That airport already suffers from understaffing, and this action will obviously necessitate more overtime and pressure from those who remain, as well as more danger to the public. I find this behavior reprehensible and irresponsible. Although I felt stress as a primary care physician (as well as real personal danger) during the COVID-19 pandemic, it never occurred to me to ditch my fellow health care professionals and take 45 days off due to stress. At the very least, I feel those employees should be required to get daily men…

Hi I saw an advert for an escort in London, they do body to body massage, or sex, and it says escort is 18yo and does outcalls The website says age verified, and they've said in message that they are 18 They look like somebody could think they were 16. Is it safe to go ahead? Are there safe ways to go about it? I thought of meeting them giving them money to book a hotel. That then should ensure they are 18 and be more anonymous for me. What do you think? Thanks

In my whoring days I was often slightly reluctant to take boys back to my hotel. So if near Soi Twilight I'd opt for the nearest short time rooms which were usually in the garage at the Suriwong Hotel across the road. Basic furnishing with a large bed, a TV and a bathrooom with a full somewhat narrow bath with a shower - athough I could never imagine anyone intent on sex wanting to have a bath. But they fulfilled their function and were cheap. Having spent a small part of my career working in Tokyo and visited at least another 50 or so times, I got used to the much more common "Love Hotels" which are dotted all over the country. It is estimated that there are some 37…

We all remember the fuss Trump made prior to his first inaugural when he blasted Boeing for delays in delivery of 'his' new Presidential 747. Of course we know it's actually two Air Force 1s because where one flies, the other is virtually on its tail so no one knows which of the two the President actually has his ass on. With Boeing still unable to deliver until 2027 or even 2028, today comes news that Trump's continued annoyance at Boeing may lead to him acquiring from the Qatar government one of their 747-800 aircraft as the new Presidential Air Force 1. The White House says it is in negotiations with the Qataris. And of course where is Trump headed to on his upcom…

https://uk.news.yahoo.com/barebacking-explained-gen-z-trend-094425423.html? For real.... Lol

This is a particularly sad day. I am not a Catholic but i believe Pope Francis was a force for good in our world bedeviled by wars, dictators, self-interested narcissists and all manner of other madness. I recall seeing the excellent movie "The Two Popes" some years ago when it had been suggested that many cardinals wanted Francis, the name he chose, to succeed John Paul II. I believe one reason for concern at the time was the role he had played in the troubles in Argentina. What a huge pity that the world was saddled with the ultra-reactionary Benedict instead of the pastoral Francis! May this most recent Pope rest in peace, and may his Church realise that a return to ul…

Most of us grew up with it. For some it had been a long drawn out ghastly struggle. For many it would result in even longer bitter memories of the death of colleagues and loved ones. For others it was a mere tangent to history in a part of the world we knew precious little about. For 3 million Vietnamese, they had died where they fought or lived, victims of an illegal war waged as we now know on the mere pretence of enemy action against a US warship. Although the Vietnam War officially ended with a Peace Deal between Vietnam and the USA in January 1973, one party broke the deal. North Vietnam kept up its activities in the South until it fully united the country. Libe…

From CNBC President Donald Trump has dramatically reversed course, dropping his country-specific tariffs down to a universal 10% rate for all trade partners except China. China’s tariff rate will jump to 125%, effective immediately, the White House says. White House advisors claim the flip flop was always the strategy, suggesting that the past week of massive tariffs that triggered huge market losses was all for show. Beijing has reciprocal 84% tariff rate on U.S. goods, effective April 10. The EU approved retaliatory tariffs on U.S. imports. China issued new travel warnings for its citizens about visiting the United States. Tru…

Headline on today's BBC website - Americans used to be steadfast in their support for Israel. Those days are gone https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cr4n90g6v9qo Given Israel's actions against the general population in Gaza and elsewhere, is that surprising? 52,000 murdered in Gaza - a great many being women and children. Major preventions re aid for the general population. No more need be said.

Thailand reports anthrax fatality after beef consumption; 377 exposed, livestock quarantined

We've been considering using a wedding planner, but most of the planners in this area don't seem to want to pick up their phone. One planner wants to charge US $6000, but states she won't answer the phone, and that she could take 72 business hours to answer any e-mails. Is this the norm? I'm not sure what all of that money is going towards if it's just putting up a barrier of communication with a "Don't call us, we'll call you" attitude. They can't even afford a part-time (say 1 PM to 5 PM daily) receptionist? How helpful are these people? Would you use one if you had to do it again?

The outbreak of hostillities between India and Pakistan has forced airlines either to reroute flights or cancel them altogether. THAI Airways has rerouted European flights. China Airlines has cancelled five European fights. Korean Air is operating flights over a more southerly route and adding refuelling stops en route. Almost all airlines have stopped overflying Pakistan. Some flights are operating into India. Lufthansa's Franfurt Delhi flight takes a more southerly route and approaches Delhi from the south rather than the west. If you have a fight to or from Asia in the next few days, best to check the latest situation with your airline. https://glo…

From Pattaya Mail Thai Airways International has confirmed the purchase of 45 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft under its business rehabilitation plan. The move aligns with its strategy to modernize the fleet and expand capacity. Future orders beyond the 45 aircraft will depend on business needs and return on investment, as the airline aims to make commercially sound decisions. The aircraft procurement plan has also entered the scope of upcoming Thai–U.S. bilateral discussions, where the purchase is viewed as contributing to increased U.S. exports. However, the airline’s executives stated that it is still too early to assess the full impact of the current U.S.–Ch…

Recently noticed I hadn't received mileage credit for my last trip to bkk so called airline customer service. Since I was crediting miles to a partner account, they told me to contact that airline to initiate the process. Thought it was unusual work around but I followed through. The partner (AA) took my flights numbers and ticket number and said they would submit form to carrier (CX). Five days later received email from AA customer support, requesting copies of ticket receipt and boarding passes. I hadn't retained boarding passes for outbound flights but did manage to find my return boarding passes still in my carry on backpack. Sent those along today. Lesson …

From The Nation IAG reports that six global casino giants, led by GEG, Melco, and MGM, are ready to bid for Thailand's Entertainment Complex project, while Crown, Bally's, and Peermont have withdrawn to focus on their domestic markets. IAG reveals six global casino operators ready to bid for Thailand’s Entertainment Complex Project, led by GEG, Melco, and MGM, while Crown, Bally's, and Peermont withdraw to focus on domestic markets The entertainment complex project in Thailand has captured the attention of major global operators. According to the latest report by Inside Asian Gaming (IAG), a leading media outlet coveri…

From The Thaiger Officers arrested a Thai man posing as a police officer who extorted money from migrant workers and their employers at the popular tourist destination Asiatique the Riverfront, in the Charoen Krung neighbourhood of Bangkok Restaurant owners and business operators in the area questioned officers at Wat Phraya Krai Police Station about the frequency of operations targeting migrant workers after observing repeated inspections at the location. According to the complainants, a Thai man who claimed to be a police officer visited various restaurants and businesses, engaging with foreign workers, particularly those from Myanmar, Cambodia, and Laos.…

https://loyaltylobby.com/2025/04/28/now-live-thailands-new-digital-arrival-card-mandatory-for-foreign-arrivals-from-may-1-2025/?omhide=true https://tdac.in.th/