oleh admin | Mar 25, 2025 | motor bikes, motorcycle riding, safety
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Bring sunglasses for sure.
Did you know that 2025 will be 60 years since Honda initially entered the Thai market? I didn’t until now, but thanks to the announcement of the new Honda New Monkey Chrome Legacy special edition from Cub House Honda in Thailand, this fact is now shared knowledge between us.
It brims with joy and pride as it marks the 60th anniversary of one of the globe’s most beloved motorcycle makers. The bike flaunts a shiny chrome finish on the fuel tank and body parts, while additional styling elements pay homage to Honda’s rich legacy and its iconic Monkey model.
You receive a logo featuring the classic Honda wing emblem alongside two small silver monkeys tracing a precise lineage back to the original Monkey from 1967, which had just a 49cc engine. The motorcycle’s seat comes adorned with vintage-style black leather upholstery and is encircled by stainless steel studs serving as notable embellishments for this ride.
Like how Honda occasionally offers special editions (unfortunately, typically not available in the U.S.), there’s an exclusive limited-edition helmet designed to accompany this motorcycle. This helmet features the same emblem as the Chrome Legacy Monkey, adorned with twin monkey symbols and a touch of elegant 60th Anniversary lettering.
Every one of these Chrome Legacy Monkeys will come with individual numbering and a distinct serial number plate exclusive to each motorcycle. The introduction of this bike took place at the 2025 Bangkok International Motor Show, ongoing until April 6, 2025. This particular date holds significance for those who wish to own the Chrome Legacy Monkey since it will only be accessible up till then. Should you desire to purchase one, ensure you visit any Cub House outlet across Thailand to submit your order before the deadline passes.
The suggested retail price for the Chrome Legacy Monkey is ฿117,000, equivalent to approximately US$3,445 as of this writing.
Given that this monkey is associated with a particular celebration in a specific part of Thailand, it’s unlikely to be spotted elsewhere. Are you, if based in Thailand or having visited, intrigued by riding such a monkey-themed attraction? What are your thoughts about the coordinating helmet? Share your opinions below.
Jumping From Limb to Limb
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Honda Monkey and Dax Receive Charming New Shades for 2025, in Certain Areas
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This Honda Monkey Includes a Companion Helmet; You’ve Gotta Check It Out
oleh admin | Mar 25, 2025 | automotive industry, business, crime, criminal cases, lamborghini
PETALLING JAYA: The owner of a Lamborghini emerged victorious in a lawsuit filed against negligence and an alleged plot to harm him at the Sessions Court. This precedent-setting case involves a firm that had issued approval permits for importing vehicles but allegedly employed deceptive paperwork to understate the car’s value.
As a result, the customs department impounded the vehicle – a 2018 Lamborghini Huracan Performante valued at RM1.3 million.
Judge Sazlina Shafie stated that businessman Yew Chin Teck successfully demonstrated his claims against BHU Autologistics Sdn Bhd based on the preponderance of evidence.
The judge mentioned that Yew, who was being represented by attorneys David Gurupatham and Thej Eashen Previndran, demonstrated that he was a genuine buyer of the vehicle.
Last week, during her verbal judgment, Sazlina stated that the firm had altered the tax papers and reported a reduced levy for a previous version of the vehicle.
Nevertheless, she mentioned that the firm, led by Jarrett Ong and Elora Ng, charged Yew more than they should have.
She stated that the customs department uncovered the fraud due to carelessness and confiscated the vehicle.
Sazlina instructed the firm to compensate Yew with RM830,000 for the inability to use the car starting September 13, 2021.
She additionally instructed the firm to pay an extra RM2,300 each day (as compensation for not being able to use the vehicle) starting from September 14, 2021, continuing up till the realization of the judgment amount.
The payment includes an additional 1.5% interest, along with Sazlina granting Yew RM25,000 for expenses.
Gurupatham informed FMT that the total amount of the judgment stood at RM5.8 million as of last week.
Nevertheless, the judge permitted the customs department and the government to file a countersuit against Yew for failing to pay taxes, levies, and duties totaling approximately RM1.35 million.
Yew was additionally required to pay RM10,000 in expenses to the government, which was represented by federal counsel Nurul Akhilah Rosmi.
The details of the case showed that around 2019, Yew consented to purchasing the vehicle from the firm. Nevertheless, the following year, the customs authority confiscated the car due to suspicions that all applicable taxes, tariffs, and dues had not been settled completely.
Later, Yew initiated a lawsuit against the firm for negligence as well as conspiracy to harm him.
oleh admin | Mar 25, 2025 | highways, infrastructure, politics and government, roads, transportation
Proposals for a £9 billion road tunnel connecting Kent and Essex have officially received governmental approval.
The much-discussed Lower Thames Crossing, featuring a 14.5-mile roadway with a 2.6-mile tunnel under the River Thames, received development consent from Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander on Tuesday morning, as stated by the Planning Inspectorate.
The work on the project has been continuing since 2009, having consumed more than £1 billion of public funds. The efforts have faced numerous delays and controversies from start to finish.
The objective of the Lower Thames Crossing project is to ease the congestion at the Dartford Crossing by developing a new motorway-standard route.
This connection between the A2 and M2 in Kent with the A13 and M25 in Essex would occur through what could become Britain’s longest road tunnel.
It is anticipated that this could almost double road capacity across the Thames east of
London
.
National Highways said the government is ‘currently exploring private finance options for the project’.
The construction might begin next year, with the anticipation of the new road opening in the early 2030s.
This route aims to ease traffic on the orbital M25, connecting with it close to South Ockenden in Essex. Additionally, it will link up with the M2 near Rochester in Kent.
Matt Palmer, who serves as the national highways executive director for the Lower Thames Crossing project, referred to it as “one of the most significant infrastructure initiatives in the United Kingdom.”
He said: ‘It will unlock growth with quicker, safer and more reliable journeys, and redraw the blueprint for building major projects in a net-zero future by scaling up the use of low-carbon construction, and leaving a legacy of green spaces, green skills.
‘Ours plans were crafted based on input from the local community and then fine-tuned through thorough scrutiny conducted by impartial specialists.’
Mr Palmer stated that National Highways is dedicated to ‘collaborating with our neighbors’ to construct the crossing in a manner that provides them ‘chances to work and acquire new abilities while minimizing negative effects.’
“We are prepared for immediate action and have secured our delivery partners. Today’s decision enables us to collaborate with the government on securing funds and begin thorough planning, which will allow us to commence construction at the earliest opportunity,” he stated.
David Wells, CEO of the trade association Logistics UK, stated that the announcement came as welcome news for businesses nationwide “held back by bottlenecks when navigating the Thames,” he commented positively.
‘The industry stands unified in its support for this crucial trade route,’ stated Mr Wells.
Jim Dickson, the Labour Member of Parliament for Dartford, stated that his constituency has been plagued by ‘constant traffic jams’ due to former administrations ‘avoiding’ the choice regarding the Lower Thames Crossing.
“This choice will unleash economic expansion throughout the nation and at last provide a resolution to the traffic turmoil confronted by my constituents every day,” he stated.
The Thurrock Council in Essex has persistently objected to the initiative, highlighting adverse effects on economics, society, and the environment. However, the head of Dartford Borough Council in Kent supports the plan.
Local activists from the Thames Crossing Action Group assert it would be ‘extremely damaging and detrimental,’ and an unnecessary expenditure of funds.
Read more
oleh admin | Mar 25, 2025 | health, motor bikes, motorcycle riding, technology, therapies
Prepare to go deep.
Few bikers would dispute calling their motorcycles “therapists” or describing rides as “therapy sessions.” I definitely agree with that sentiment, having dealt with significant mental health challenges over the last ten years. Although I rarely discuss this topic on SANGGRALOKA, it’s crucial to mention here for the purposes of this piece.
Counselors, psychiatrists, and even monks: I’ve consulted them all. I sought solutions from both Eastern and Western healing practices, as well as various methods in between, adopting whatever proved effective for me.
However, I’ve always had one refuge, a solution to my problems that has never faltered in alleviating some of the burden—taking a drive.
Photo by: Honda
Regardless of whether that experience involves riding my Street Triple through the nearby mountain roads for three hours, continuously circling
Willow Springs on a BMW S1000RR
, or
hitting a motocross track
It often seemed quite akin to a therapeutic session. After dismounting the bicycle, I’d feel more energized, lighter, and better equipped to tackle life’s challenges with an optimistic outlook.
However, after piloting Honda’s 50th Anniversary Gold Wing from Birmingham, Alabama to Daytona, Florida, which covered approximately 700 miles, I witnessed an aspect of motorcycle therapy that was entirely new to me since I had never previously ridden such a machine.
Unknown to me at the time, I was the ideal candidate for this two-wheeled therapy since I had been grappling with some personal matters just prior to taking the ride.
Never Ending Roads
The route ahead was marked by seemingly never-ending straight sections from the beginning of my journey all the way to where I needed to go. However, fortunately for me, I had the chance to take both the 2025 Gold Wing and the 1975 Gold Wing GL1000—a pioneering edition—for a spin around Barber Motorsports Park prior to our departure. This helped alleviate any nervousness about tackling those curvy stretches further along the way.
Photo by: Honda
Photo by: Honda
Photo by: Honda
Straight, lengthy sections of road are typically what I consider merely a pathway to reach more winding routes. However, riding the Gold Wing altered my perspective completely.
Rather than feeling impatient or slightly annoyed—which is how I typically react on such routes—I experienced a serene sensation after allowing the Gold Wing to perform its primary function: smooth gliding. In this mindset, I covered countless miles, observed the leaves transform in both shape and hue, and became captivated by the flickering play of sunlight filtering through the surrounding foliage.
It felt akin to transferring art pieces into an untouched storage device.
Photo by: Honda
However, eventually, my mind kicked back into gear and the mental machinery started humming along smoothly. As you can understand, I cycled for several hours, roughly the duration of an average ride. Upon regaining clarity, I felt just as euphoric as usual after such a session. Yet, considering this was merely one-third of a lengthy 400-mile journey, what should I have done next?
Well, those personal matters I brought up before came to mind and now appeared much more manageable.
The path continued endlessly, and thus I pressed on. This pushed me to confront my problems head-on; however, fortunately, I approached them with an upbeat mindset, thanks to the preceding hours filled with serotonergic cycling bliss. During this time, I managed to devise potential resolutions for these challenges. It was akin to having one of the most effective therapy sessions imaginable. Yet, knowing I still had many miles ahead, I returned to a state of Zen-like calmness.
Photo by: Honda
Photo by: Honda
Photo by: Honda
Once I had logged approximately 300 miles, my mind became active once more, flooded with increased levels of dopamine and serotonin. Recalling the solutions I’d discovered for my problems, a voice inside me declared, “What are you waiting for? We’re going to be here for the next several hours.” Utilizing my Cardo, which is part of the bike’s integrated Android Auto system, along with the Gold Wing serving as my personal mentor, I began making phone calls.
I achieved greater advancement with the challenges over the course of those two days on the Gold Wing compared to what I might have accomplished in two weeks if I had stayed at home.
The revamped user interface and seamless support for wireless Android Auto definitely warrant praise since I prefer not to tweak settings when I’m out driving unless they’re extremely easy to navigate. Although I think there’s still room for improvement in refining the system, getting accustomed to using it during rides was quick and effortless.
Photo by: Honda
Rather than progression through challenges, I’ve made certain life choices; however, these weren’t influenced by my time traveling. Instead, I feel it was the Gold Wing motorcycle itself that inspired me to take these steps.
Flying On Golden Wings
-
The Honda Gold Wing Marks 50 Years of Smooth Riding, Features CarPlay
-
What Are The Differences Between A 1995 Honda Gold Wing And A 2023 Harley CVO Road Glide?
Riding an Ocean
Usually, after spinning as a way to refresh my thoughts, I return with elevated, positive vibes, although they’re quite frenzied since that’s how I ride—the sort of energy demanded by my Street Triple. However, my mental state following those long hours on the Gold Wing felt entirely distinct.
I experienced both the serenity and strength of the sea working with me, much like the Gold Wing does.
Photo by: Honda
It felt like the traits of the motorcycle had permeated my mind and body, almost as if I was becoming one with it—this probably happens when you ride for about 11 hours daily.
Above all else, I experienced a sense of empowerment, largely due to the bike’s unstoppable yet seamless 1833cc flat-six engine. This powerhouse delivers approximately 125 horsepower along with an astonishing 125 lb-ft of torque, propelling you forward smoothly instead of with intense acceleration. However, confidence on an over-800-pound motorcycle doesn’t just come from sheer force; it requires much more than that.
Honda’s advanced front suspension design and interconnected braking system provided me with greater stability than expected during brake applications or slow-speed turns. Maintaining control was one of the motorcycle’s standout features, which consequently allowed me to stay composed as well.
Photo by: Honda
However, comfort, pouches of power, and a user-friendly bundle were what I anticipated. What caught me off guard was something that would cherish the edges as much as I do.
Following an extensive journey down the open highway and through my open thoughts, I encountered a series of swift curves and thought to myself, “Wow, turns, I really enjoy these.” As soon as I leaned into them, it seemed like the Gold Wing shared, “Yeah, you’re definitely not alone here.” The stability near the motorcycle’s peak lean angle of 40 degrees felt just as comfortable to me as cruising steadily on the expressway at 70 miles per hour.
Photo by: Honda
Photo by: Honda
Photo by: Honda
In every aspect, I experienced both the tranquility and strength of the sea, be it during a U-turn, driving down the road, or pushing the cylinder heads nearer to rubbing against their casings. This ensured that those 350-mile journeys did not fly by unnoticed, but were instead met with due appreciation and awareness.
The Humble Pie Never Felt So Sweet
I admit I’ve joked about Gold Wings and their riders before, but I’m glad to be proven wrong. Now I get it: I see why this motorcycle model has surpassed nearly all others in longevity, why over 700,000 units have been sold, and why it has attracted a dedicated global fan base.
I’ve never had such an extensive journey on a two-wheeler as with the Gold Wing. It pushed my mental boundaries and took me to unexplored locations. With joy, I embraced lengthy stretches of road that would typically bore me due to monotony, but instead, they turned out to be incredibly rewarding experiences.
Photo by: Honda
I once believed that Gold Wings were meant for older folks, but I was mistaken. It turns out this motorcycle is designed for riders who have both leisurely time and substantial funds at their disposal—characteristics typically associated with those in retirement. Were it not for my current financial constraints and busy schedule, I would certainly consider purchasing a Gold Wing myself. Moreover, Honda ensures that when I am financially prepared and age-appropriate for owning such a vehicle, the Gold Wing will still excel as an impressive sports bike.
The Gold Wing is undoubtedly comfortable; Honda would have to make significant mistakes to ruin this aspect. However, during a preview session where we rode the newest version at Barber Motorsports Park, it became evident that engineers concentrated on enhancing the bike’s sportiness over recent updates in anticipation of future generations of Gold Wing enthusiasts. This effort clearly paid off, as I can confirm.
Photo by: Honda
If you have the luxury of taking extended leave and can shell out the initial cost of around $25,200 for the Gold Wing—or better yet, splurge an extra few thousand dollars for the special edition 50th Anniversary Gold Wing Tour DCT with a starting retail price of $29,700—head over to your nearest dealership immediately for a test drive. It will undoubtedly redefine your understanding of riding a sophisticated motorcycle.
oleh admin | Mar 25, 2025 | employment, government, healthcare and medicine, medicine and healthcare, news
PETALONG JAYA: The Ministry of Health’s ePlacement system is anticipated to reopen sometime between May and June, according to Health Minister Dzulkefly Ahmad.
According to a Berita Harian report, Dzulkefly mentioned that the ministry anticipates restarting the ePlacement system following its completion and testing phase. This system enables contract doctors to apply for permanent roles.
“This new ePlacement system is more equitable and does not rely on the ‘first-come, first-served’ approach, which previously caused technical issues,” he stated.
We will revamp and reimagine the system to ensure every aspect is considered… we aim to avoid everyone opting for positions in the Klang Valley; it’s crucial to have opportunities available in Sabah and Sarawak as well.
On March 17, the ministry announced that the planned placement session for 2,245 candidates scheduled for that day needed to be rescheduled because of significant technical issues triggered by “abnormal access” to the ePlacement system.
The report indicated that during the placement session held on February 27, the ePlacement website was visited more than 19 million times. This massive traffic overload caused the system to crash, making the database inaccessible.
The placement session held on February 27th witnessed more approvals than originally allotted, with fewer than 1% of positions occupied in both Sabah and Sarawak.
The ministry additionally mentioned that the placement session planned from March 25-27 has been postponed because of some technical issues. They also stated they were striving to develop a “clear, equitable, and merit-driven” process.
oleh admin | Mar 25, 2025 | churches, courts, government, politics, politics and law
A court in Tokyo has directed the Unification Church in Japan to dissolve, as requested by the nation’s government.
The church, officially named the Family Federation for World Peace and Unification, faced greater examination following the 2022 assassination of ex-Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.
The suspected killer alleges that the church caused his mother’s financial ruin, and he holds Abe responsible for his party’s connection to it.
In 2023, Japan’s education ministry requested the disbandment of the church, alleging that it had caused harm to its members and their families via deceptive funding and enrollment practices.
In support of their submission, the governmental body presented 5,000 files and evidentiary items to the court, derived from over 170 witness interviews.
In its decision regarding the case, the Tokyo District Court declared on Tuesday that it would be rescinding the official recognition of the religious group based in South Korea, commonly referred to as Moonies by its adherents. The term “Moonies” originates from the surname of the church’s founder and self-declared Messiah, Sun Myung Moon.
If the group fails to overturn this ruling effectively, they stand to lose their tax-free status and will be required to sell off all their holdings within Japan.
The church, which has expressed consideration for filing an appeal, described Tuesday’s ruling as “totally unacceptable,” asserting that the court provided “an incorrect legal interpretation.”
For the first time, a religious group in Japan is facing the consequences of a revocation order as per the nation’s civil code.
The Unification Church, established in Seoul in 1954, gained official recognition in Japan during the 1960s. This development is believed to have received backing from Abe’s grandfather, ex-Prime Minister Nobusuke Kishi.
After Abe’s murder during a political event, attention was drawn to the connections between the church and Japan’s governing Liberal Democratic Party.
In 2022, former Prime Minister Fumio Kishida conducted a cabinet reshuffle that led to the removal of seven officials associated with the church. Prior to this, Economy Minister Daishiro Yamagiwa stepped down due to his connections to the same group.
oleh admin | Mar 25, 2025 | ancient history, archaeologists, archaeology, heritage, history
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It started, much like many significant breakthroughs, with a
metal detectorist
Along with a fortunate chime. In December 2021, Peter Heads came across what was destined to become one of the biggest and most consequential findings.
Iron Age
discoveries ever made in Britain: the Melsonby Hoard.
Currently, following detailed excavations and studies, archaeologists have revealed over 800 artifacts discovered by Heads close to the village of Melsonby in North Yorkshire, England. The precise site remains undisclosed.
“Simply put, this discovery represents one of the most significant and thrilling finds from the Iron Age in the UK. It offers fresh insights into life during the Iron Age in northern regions and Britain as a whole, while also highlighting links to continental Europe,” states Duncan Wilson, CEO of Historic England.
Characterized by specialists as an “archaeological time capsule,” the collection is believed to have been interred during the first century AD, corresponding to the period mentioned.
Roman conquest
of southern Britain.
Included among these discoveries are fragments from at least seven four-wheeled carts and two wheeled chariots, which is quite uncommon for Iron Age Britain. The horse gear found includes several sets fully adorned with Mediterranean coral along with colored glass pieces, indicating an upper-class society that flaunted their affluence and rank via luxurious conveyances and intricate ceremonies.
As stated by Dr. Sophia Adams, a curator at the British Museum, “This represents the biggest collection of horse harnesses and vehicle components ever unearthed in Britain. Its importance lies not only in the sheer number of artifacts interred approximately 2,000 years ago but also in their superior craftsmanship and variety.”
The discovery also included three ritualistic spears that were bundled together meticulously. Additionally found were 28 iron rims along with two decorative cauldrons or containers. Among them, one covered container was presumably utilized for mixing wine and had been intentionally placed at the base of a substantial trench. Other artifacts comprised cast copper-alloy bridles, linchpins, and rein rings.
However, it’s not merely the quantity of artifacts that has stunned scholars; it’s also their state of preservation. Numerous items appear to have been intentionally damaged or scorched prior to being interred.
ritual
That sparks fascinating inquiries into Iron Age society. Could this have been a grand show of authority? Perhaps a burial ritual? Or maybe a sacrifice to deities?
This discovery has once again sparked discussions about Britain’s links with mainland Europe prior to the Roman invasion. Although certain artifacts resemble items found earlier within Britain, several others show strong similarities with those from across the continent, suggesting robust trading routes and common technological practices.
Worth £254,000 (€304,000), the Melsonby Hoard is now central to a fresh fundraising initiative launched by the Yorkshire Museum in York with the aim of making it accessible for public display.
oleh admin | Mar 25, 2025 | health, healthcare and medicine, illness, medical conditions and diseases, medicine and healthcare
Recently, I was informed that I have Ramsay Hunt syndrome. My left facial side has drooped and is extremely painful. I am unable to shut my eye and my mouth feels rigid. Could you tell me how long these symptoms might persist?
Dr Ellie Cannon replies:
Ramsay Hunt syndrome is a troubling variant of shingles.
It is caused by the varicella zoster virus, which many individuals harbor since their youth.
It also leads to chickenpox, but during later stages of life when the immune system becomes weaker, it may reactivate, resulting in a agonizing blistering rash along one side of the face and neck area.
Ramsay Hunt syndrome happens due to a shingles outbreak
impacts a nerve within the skull known as the facial nerve
In addition to blisters, this may result in facial paralysis and issues related to hearing, balance, and vertigo. It can also lead to difficulties with taste and the persistent ringing in the ears known as tinnitus.
It is also extremely painful, which is precisely why the
NHS
provides a shingle vaccination for all individuals between 70 to 79 years old, along with those who turn 65.
Typically, it is addressed using the antiviral medication acyclovir, which aims at the virus and reduces the likelihood of long-term complications.
Considering the severe discomfort it induces, physicians should also offer pain management solutions like amitriptyline and gabapentin.
Sometimes, steroid pills are prescribed to combat the inflammation.
If patients are unable to close their eyes because of muscle weakness, it’s crucial for them to consult an ophthalmologist to ensure proper protection and prevent long-term harm.
However, even with treatment, the condition may persist for an extended period, and regrettably, symptoms like hearing loss and facial muscle weakness might turn into lasting issues.
Would you place your faith in a chiropractor?
Would you place your faith in a chiropractor?
I received a diagnosis of severe osteoporosis 14 years back and underwent treatment with alendronic acid for half a decade. Afterward, I was informed that my bones had recovered and the therapy ceased. This occurred almost ten years ago—should I consider getting tested again as a precautionary measure?
Dr Ellie replies:
Osteoporosis is a disorder that leads to the weakening of bones over time, and these risks become more significant as we age.
It is most prevalent among women, especially those who have experienced menopause.
Weaker bones make severe fractures more probable, which can be extremely painful and even fatal. Hip injuries are among the top reasons for mortality in elderly women because such breaks significantly reduce movement capability and heighten the chance of critical health issues.
If a person receives an osteoporosis diagnosis, physicians typically prescribe medications aimed at enhancing bone density, like bisphosphonates including alendronic acid. Additionally, the NHS suggests taking calcium and vitamin D supplements along with engaging in weight-bearing exercises such as walking or dancing.
Typically, after about five years, if the scans indicate considerable enhancement in bone strength, the treatment gets discontinued. According to NHS guidelines, patients ought to get scanned and evaluated by a bone specialist every two to five years—or sooner if they experience a fracture. Patients who haven’t had such a review should notify their General Practitioner, who will arrange for a referral accordingly.
In December, I received antibiotics for a persistent chest congestion and mucus buildup. The issue persists and disrupts my sleep despite having taken medication. Although I have asthma, this time there isn’t any associated wheezing, so I doubt they’re related. Any suggestions on what else I could try?
Dr Ellie replies:
A persistent cough accompanied by mucus might indicate a chronic lung condition.
Too much mucus that persists can be linked to chronic bronchitis, a form of COPD—chronic obstructive pulmonary disease—that causes swelling in the air passages. Its symptoms encompass a persistent cough with lots of phlegm, discomfort in the chest during coughing, difficulty breathing, and a painful throat.
Individuals who smoke are more susceptible to developing chronic bronchitis.
Write to Dr Ellie
Have a query for Dr Ellie Cannon? Send your email to DrEllie@mailonsunday.co.uk
Family doctors usually consider a diagnosis of chronic bronchitis when patients produce an excess amount of mucus for at least three months each year over two or more successive years. However, if deemed necessary, they may offer treatments earlier than this timeframe. These treatments commonly include steroid-based inhalers aimed at reducing inflammation.
A persistent cough may also be linked to whooping cough – often referred to as the hundred-day cough – which is caused by a bacterial infection.
It is commonly addressed with antibiotics; however, numerous patients continue to have a lingering cough for multiple months even after the infection has subsided.
In this scenario, their only option is to wait it out – however, the symptoms will subside over time.
If individuals with asthma encounter a persistent cough following an infection, using steroid inhalers might prove beneficial. This is due to the fact that infections can intensify asthmatic inflammation, which could necessitate additional medication to regain control over their condition.
Occasionally, irritability from coughs can be due to the stomach, where acid moves up into the throat — this condition is referred to as acid reflux or heartburn.
Seeking advice from a pharmacist about trying an over-the-counter antacid medication might alleviate these symptoms and assist in identifying the root issue.
Read more
oleh admin | Mar 25, 2025 | economics, government, government regulations, laws and regulations, politics and government
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Budget plan tackles ‘unequal’ credit card fees
-
FURTHER READING: Federal Budget 2025 live coverage: One group of Australians not benefiting from Albo’s spending spree
The Albanese government has indicated the cessation of debit card surcharges, though they have not gone as far as prohibiting the practice entirely.
The 2025 Federal Budget presented on Tuesday evening targeted the unjust fees imposed on Australians as a result of their preferred payment methods.
‘The Government is tackling unjustified high credit card fees to secure a better bargain for customers during transactions,’ as stated in the Budget summary.
‘The administration is ready to
ban debit card surcharges,
Subject to additional efforts by the Reserve Bank of Australia and measures to guarantee that both small enterprises and consumers can enjoy the advantages of reduced-cost transactions.
There was no indication provided about when these additional charges would be prohibited.
Good news continued for bank patrons as per the latest Budget, where the administration has implemented measures to curb the tendency of banks shutting down in rural regions, albeit on a temporary basis.
The announcement stated that they have obtained pledges from leading financial institutions to keep more than 800 of their outlets operational in rural and distant areas of Australia up till at least July 31, 2027.
The banking industry has also committed to increasing its investments in Australia Post’s Bank@Post service, thereby ‘offering more assurance and options for bank customers across approximately 1,800 rural and distant areas’.
Last month, an Australian fed up with paying bank card fees and weekend surcharges wrote a 55-page letter to the Albanese government, asserting that these charges are often unlawful.
This followed the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA)
solicited inputs from the public last year as part of its examination into merchant card payment fees and surcharging
.
Over 100 entries were submitted — with 79 being disclosed publicly and 22 kept private — however, a missive penned by an individual named McLean Roche caught attention due to its extensive length, meticulous research, and intense indignation towards additional charges.
The Australian not only alleged that illegal and unfair practices were occurring repeatedly with tap-and-go fees; they also asserted that they possessed evidence of this through images of receipts and charge descriptions.
An instance that Roche provided within the filing was about ‘hosting a substantial family gathering during Sunday brunch, only to face an unexpected $101 additional charge – turning a $675 ‘fee’ into $776 because of such extra costs.’
This reflects the situation in Australia where there is rampant unchecked sur charging, a significant portion of which is unlawful.
inflationary
— this is what consumers encounter daily,” they asserted.
An additional element included in the submission was a
Qantas
receipt for airfare charges made with an eftpos card showed a supposed additional fee of $4.53, but Qantas actually levied a charge of $14.60 – representing a 69% hike.
Roche asserted that the airline insisted the booking was properly subjected to a 1.03 percent credit card surcharge, which covered their expenses related to handling the transaction. The company clarified that ‘least cost routing’ was not employed because this method does not apply when using credit cards.
Roche also highlighted numerous other occasions where they were enraged, such as ‘a sandwich with an additional 16.2 percent fee – which includes a 1.2 percent card processing charge for using a debit card, along with a 15 percent weekend surcharge.’
A different receipt included a caption stating that the ‘3.55 percent eCommerce payment surcharge is incorrect and unlawful.’
Other unspecified allegations of illegality involved a ’10 percent levy on takeaway orders,’ a ‘fixed charge of 1.5 percent,’ an additional payment surcharge coupled with a ‘daily fee,’ and a ‘2 percent retail surcharge.’
As stated by the RBA, ‘merchants possess the authority to impose a surcharge on card transactions; however, this charge must not exceed the cost incurred by the merchant for accepting that particular card during the transaction.’
Various payment options and distinct card issuers come with differing fees.
In 2023, the RBA stated that the average expense for a debit-card transaction stood at approximately 0.4 percent, whereas a credit card transaction came out to be roughly 0.8 percent, and a charge card transaction amounted to about 1.3 percent.
Roche’s assertion that the additional charges are unlawful seems to originate from the Competition and Consumer Act 2010, which prohibits stores from imposing overly high fees for credit card transactions.
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) possesses the authority to probe into and implement enforcement measures in instances where excessive surcharging may be occurring.
Roche stated in the filing that ‘It’s a significant concern that both the RBA and ACCC have not measured the extent and financial impact of all surcharges, along with various forms of exorbitant fees.’
As per their claims, illegal extra fees have cost Australians over $2 billion in total.
This assertion is supported by a report from last November that discovered that
Australians have spent billions of dollars on unlawful charges for governmental services.
for at least twenty years.
The problem was revealed following the discovery by the NSW government that since 2016, approximately 92 million transactions incurred unlawful merchant fees totaling $144 million.
triggering a review by the Albanese Government of federal payments
.
Finance Minister Katy Gallagher stated that starting from January 1, 2025, the government will introduce legislation to prevent merchants from imposing debit card surcharges passed on by the Australian Taxation Office and Services Australia.
‘This new law will grant the finance minister authority to swiftly and effectively modify Commonwealth surcharging regulations, including preventing Commonwealth entities from imposing debit card surcharges,’ she stated.
Nevertheless, the controversial additional fees imposed during weekends and public holidays at numerous eateries fall under the purview of the ACCC to examine individually.
According to legal firm
Freedman and Gopalan
‘, adding an extra fee during weekends or public holidays is entirely permissible, provided the customer is informed’.”
There is no restriction on how high this additional charge can go. It needs to be clearly shown on the menu and should not be any smaller than the tiniest font used elsewhere on the menu.
The ACCC also tackled this concern, stating that ‘restaurants, cafes, and bistros which impose an additional fee on specific days are not required to present you with a distinct menu or pricing sheet, nor must they include the extra charge within a separate price column.’
Nevertheless, the menu should incorporate the phrase ‘a surcharge of [percentage] applies on [the specific day or days],’ with this statement being highlighted equally visibly as the highest-priced item on the menu.
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oleh admin | Mar 25, 2025 | culture, greenland, heritage, indigenous, traditions
Aviaja Rakel Sanimuinaq is an Inuk from Greenland who serves as both a shaman and a spiritual healer. Adorned with traditional Inuit facial tattoos, she assists individuals in connecting with their forebears to mend historical traumas.
During my upbringing, it was quite normal for me to discuss the relationship with spirits,” Sanimuinaq remembers. “However, my mother advised me not to mention it as it could be perilous. I couldn’t grasp her reasoning since I hadn’t encountered the repression endured by my forebears.
Today, she is part of an expanding group of Greenlanders who are embracing their Inuit roots and spiritual traditions.
Describing the importance of her tattoos, she explains, “Each pair of lines represents our realm and the spiritual dimension. The gap between these lines symbolizes the unknown.”
Even though around 90% of Greenland’s population identifies as Inuit, the majority are members of the Lutheran Church, a religion brought by Danish missionaries over three centuries ago.
“The sanctity of Christianity remains holy in my view, just like Buddhism and Hinduism do. My profession holds equal importance for me too. This is how I see things—our culture’s emergence along with ours as a community should involve recognizing the legitimacy and equality within our cultural framework,” explains Sanimuinaq.
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In recent times, there has been an increasing refusal to accept the colonial heritage imposed by European missionaries, who dismissed Inuit customs by deeming them heathen.
“The generations present here today are those who truly think that we have the ability to heal,” she states.
Yet another ‘charm offensive’ from the USA
Greenland remained under Danish colonial rule until 1953, at which point it transformed into a province. It achieved home rule in 1979, and three decades later, it evolved into a self-governing territory. Nonetheless, Denmark continues to oversee the island’s external and defense matters.
The recent comments made by U.S. President Donald Trump regarding Greenland have drawn considerable interest. In his remarks, he stated that using military power to take over the island wouldn’t be off the table, emphasizing that asserting U.S. dominance over it is crucial for America’s national security. He similarly stressed this point about Puerto Rico.
In the meantime, Usha Vance, who is married to US Vice President JD Vance, along with US National Security Adviser Mike Waltz, plan to tour Greenland next week prior to the upcoming local elections.
As reported by local media, their schedule features a trip to the capital city of Nuuk, participation in a dog sledding event in Sisimiautown which is Greenland’s second most populous municipality, and possibly visiting the country’s sole United States military installation located in the northern region.
However, as the focus remains on the island and its mineral wealth, this increased scrutiny is simultaneously intensifying calls for self-determination. More people in Greenland feel emboldened to voice their concerns regarding the inequities brought about by past colonial governance.
Included among them is Inuk singer-songwriter Naja Parnuuna, who has fully adopted her pre-Christian Indigenous roots.
I once felt that being a Dane was considered trendier,” she explains, “or that speaking Danish seemed more impressive than actually practicing our own customs, which I found somewhat awkward.
Via her melodies, she has rediscovered her origins and inspires others to follow suit.
“I started to understand the significance of embracing one’s origins or even my own background. That’s why I believe it’s crucial to revive this awareness so that our community, and us as individuals, can rediscover self-love,” she states.
For Sanimuinaq, this cultural resurgence is about rediscovering their Inuit heritage.
“The Inuit voice has not been heard. We have remained incredibly secluded for centuries,” she states. “It’s essential for us to free ourselves and seize the platform. To take charge and lead our own path. This is what fills me with hope.”
