Expat Life
How Thai Monks Saved my Life – Thailand’s Tham Krabok Monastery
Chiangrai Times – A former opium addict has described his 20-year love affair with the drug and the vomit therapy that cured him in a tell-all book. At the peak of his addiction, Steven Martin, now 50, would smoke up to 30 pipes per day and was unable to leave his home at night for fear he might not get a fix.
‘Hell on earth’: A Western drug addict pauses over the trough during induced vomiting to detoxify her body at the Tham Krabok monastery in Thailand. Martin says their screams were so loud they could be heard in the local town
‘Opium Fiend, A 21st Century Slave to a 19th Century Addiction’ opens with this harrowing description of the American author trying to cut himself off from a drug that had taken over his life as a freelance journalist in Southeast Asia.
Describing the first time he tried to get help in the late 1990s, he said: ‘After seven years of curious dabbling I had awoken from my pleasant dream and found myself a voracious opium fiend with a 30-pipe-a-day habit.’
He tells how, one Halloween night, in a blacked-out bedroom in Bangkok’s Chinatown, he went into physical and mental free fall.
High fever oscillated with shivering cold, gut-wrenching stomach pains brought on waves of diarrhea.
Howling in agony, he leapt around the room in a kind of devil dance, his body smeared with oily sweat, vomit, mucus and feces.
It was then that he joined Thailand’s Tham Krabok Monastery, where hundreds of Thai and foreign addicts have sought treatment through Buddhist monastic discipline and a vomit-inducing herbal drink in what he calls ‘Thai puking rehab’.
‘Here,’ he wrote in The Fix, ‘under the auspices of monks, novices, and nuns in toga-like robes, you will find scores of recovering drug addicts from countries all over the globe, ready to take a particularly unpalatable cure involving five days of induced high-intensity vomiting.’
He describes being told to kneel with other addicts over a trough and handed a shot glass containing a ‘muddy potion’ to drink. The result ‘brought forth torrents of rust-colored puke […] until the deluge became dry heaves.’
Opium Fiend, A 21st Century Slave to a 19th Century Addiction’ opens with a harrowing description of the American author trying to cut himself off from a drug that had taken over his life as a freelance journalist in Southeast AsiaThis ritual was repeated every day ‘while a crowd of spectators sang songs to conga-drum rhythms and cavorted about while we gagged and retched’.
Such is the nature of coming off opium in this way, he said people who lived near the monastery ‘used to complain that at night they could hear the addicts’ screams all the way into town’.
Although Martin doesn’t advocate opium use, his memoir is no simple cautionary tale, nor was he your average backpacker junkie, such as still roam this region of cheap and plentiful drugs.
After intensive research, Martin says he never found a detailed, honest account by an opium addict, even during the drug’s heyday.
‘And as a result of the almost complete eradication of opium smoking in the traditional Chinese manner, it seemed that such a book never could be written — that the subject had been lost to history,’ he said in an interview.
‘I knew that my experiences were uncommon. I simply wanted to share my story.’
It’s one that in equal measure details both the bliss the drug induced — ‘never again would sleep be so delicious; never again would dreams be so real’ — and the pain of dependence and repeated attempts at withdrawal.
Five years later, now living in Los Angeles, the 50-year-old author acknowledges the drug’s continuing siren call — as do experts on addiction.
‘I think about opium every day — that’s no exaggeration,’ he says. ‘While sleeping I dream about smoking opium, and sometimes I wake up from these dreams lying on my left side, in the same exact position that an opium smoker who is right-handed like myself would lie in order to prepare and smoke his pipes.’
Dr. Christian Brule, a French doctor who coordinated drug policy at the Council of Europe, agrees that opium addiction is extremely difficult to shed, both physically and psychologically, the craving still there decades after the last pipe is smoked.
‘We call it the syndrome of lost heaven,’ he says.
Old addiction: A young Westerner smokes opium by an Asian man in French Indochina in this picture from 1930Martin traces his addiction to childhood, when he exhibited a more than normal penchant for collecting things and an allure for exotic Asian artifacts.
After a stint in the U.S. Navy he moved to the Philippines and then Thailand, home for 18 years.
His introduction to opium came in 1992 in Laos, where the last of the old Chinese-style opium dens still existed.
‘Opium smoking, a habit that had financed empires and made fortunes all over the world, was now so rare that only in this landlocked backwater could the classic Chinese vice be witnessed,’ he writes.
It’s still around in Southeast Asia today, but mainly used by elderly hilltribe people and young Westerners seeking a quick, exotic thrill while trekking in northern Thailand or hanging out in backpacker destinations like Vang Vieng in Laos.
The so-called Golden Triangle, which includes areas of Laos, Myanmar and northern Thailand, remains the world’s number two opium producer although Afghanistan accounts for some 75 per cent of the crop.
But almost everywhere the opium is refined into heroin, which has supplanted the ancient opiate, along with designer drugs and sometimes morphine.
Big business: A Thai soldier displays opium poppies at a hilly area of Tak province during an annual search and destroy opium eradication operation. Steven describes it as ‘a habit that had financed empires and made fortunes all over the world’‘Only very particular personalities still go into this hellish opium experience these days,’ says Brule, who has also worked with addicts while helming several international organizations related to narcotics.
What hooked Martin initially was not the drug itself but obsessive amassment of pipes, lamps and other opium-smoking paraphernalia.
He eventually gathered one of the world’s largest collections, wrote a book on the subject and pursued scholarly research into opium’s history, culture and abiding romantic image.
An opium pipe became for him a thing of rare beauty and ‘symbol of the old Orient — as archaic as rickshaws, Chinese junks and man-eating tigers.’
Closer to home, he came upon the largely forgotten fact that in the 19th and early 20th century the United States was awash with opium. There were dens in Manhattan and popular songs like ‘Fast Asleep in Poppyland.’ “Yen”, was originally used to mean a craving for opium.
Along the way, Martin’s occasional, recreational pipe led to a powerful addiction.
Martin doesn’t hold back when describing the pleasures he drew from the drug. He experienced ‘a welling euphoria followed by a serene sense of well-being washing over me like a succession of tender caresses.’
A few pipes made him feel he could recapture childhood’s boundless optimism and wonder at the world.
‘Opium is a charismatic lover who takes you to heaven, giving you years of warmth and affection, and then, like a schizophrenic, inexplicably and without warning begins putting you through hell,’ he notes.
And Martin was entering the lower depths, rooted to his apartment, his work neglected, afraid to be away for even a single night lest he go without a fix.
The death of a close companion in 2008 – possibly from sudden opium withdrawal – hit him hard.
He had often smoked up to 30 pipes a day with Roxanna Brown, who remains a local legend for her expertise in Southeast Asian ceramics and her tragic life.
A Vietnam War reporter, she lived in constant pain after losing a leg in a car accident and died in a U.S. prison where guards failed to provide her with medical care.
Charges of alleged fraud involving smuggling of Thai antiques were dropped, the U.S. government paying compensation to her family.
With the help of his detox at Tham Krabok Monastery he has freed himself from opium’s grip.
But the last line of his book is no ode to deliverance: ‘When the cravings get particularly keen, I tell myself that when health is lost to disease or old age, I will find a way to once again to light the lamp, take up the pipe, and roll myself into sweet oblivion.’
(CTN News) – We depend on the kitchen’s garbage disposal. John Hammes created garbage disposals in 1927, and while their design has largely remained the same since then, their use has increased to the point where they are now a necessity in almost every kitchen. The following guides will give you all the information you need to select and install a new disposal, properly operate your disposal, and troubleshoot problems.
1. Garbage Disposal: How It Works
A garbage disposal is installed under a sink and contains a grinding chamber for collecting solid food waste. An impeller plate, or spinning disc, pushes food waste against the outer wall of the grinding chamber when the disposal is turned on. Water washes the food through holes in the chamber wall by pulverising it into tiny bits. Disposals indeed have blunt metal “teeth,” known as impellers, on the impeller plate but do not have sharp blades.
2. Garbage Disposal Mistakes You Should Never Make
There is a difference between a regular trash can and a garbage disposal. You shouldn’t just toss everything down the drain, even leftover food and liquids. Finding out what goes in the trash and how to use the garbage disposal properly will help keep things running smoothly and free of jams. In most cases, you shouldn’t add fibrous or rough food scraps, potato peels, oil, grease, pits, or other sharp or hard items.
3. The Troubleshooting Guide for Garbage Disposals
If you take the time to diagnose and fix the most common issues with your trash disposal, you can avoid spending hundreds of dollars on repairs or a new device. Jams are the most common cause of disposal issues.1 Ignoring a jam and restarting the machine repeatedly can burn up the motor, but fixing a stuck disposal is easy.
4. Clogged garbage disposals can be repaired
The most common cause of disposal clogs is improper foods, such as grease, potato peels, and hard-to-grind foods. Clogs can occur in the disposal itself, but most often, they occur in the drainpipe downstream. You can prevent clogs by removing problem scraps from the disposal and throwing them in the trash. Maintain a clean environment as well.
5. Disposal of Garbage: Selecting a System
When selecting a new trash disposal, you can be as general or as specific as you like. You may get by by purchasing a generic model from your neighbourhood home centre or appliance store. Conversely, you can find a model with all the characteristics you need by researching the most recent additions to some disposals, such as upscale stainless steel grinding chambers or more insulation to reduce noise.
6. Installation of garbage disposals
Even if it doesn’t require much plumbing or electrical wiring knowledge, installing a garbage disposal is not a picnic. Most reasonably handy homeowners can install a new disposal in a matter of hours.
7. Removing garbage from landfills
When replacing a sink or a broken garbage disposal, it is essential to remove the disposal first. For easier disassembly and removal, many disposal models have a mechanism that allows you to swiftly detach the motor unit—the bulky component—from the washbasin assembly.
As each situation is unique, pay attention to your sink’s outlets, power source, and other specific details when researching garbage disposals. Based on these details, you can determine what kind of garbage disposal you can get and how easy it will be to install and repair it.
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(CTN News) – Are you feeling lost in the maze of financial decisions? Do you struggle with making a plan for your finances? Financial planning ensures a stable financial future in today’s fast-paced world.
This article will discuss the importance of financial planning, the key steps to creating a financial plan, and the common mistakes to avoid. Let’s dive in!
Introduction to Financial Planning
Financial planning is the process of managing your finances to achieve your financial goals.
It involves assessing your current financial situation, setting financial goals, creating a plan to achieve them, and regularly reviewing and adjusting your plan.
Why Financial Planning is Important
Financial planning is essential for several reasons. Firstly, it helps you achieve your financial goals, whether buying a house, paying off debt, or saving for retirement.
Secondly, it helps you manage risk and uncertainty by ensuring you have a financial cushion in case of emergencies or unexpected events.
Thirdly, it helps you make informed financial decisions by providing a framework for evaluating your options.
Key Steps to Creating a Financial Plan
- Assess your current financial situation: Start by calculating your net worth, which is your assets minus your liabilities. This will give you a clear understanding of your current financial position.
- Set financial goals: Identify your short-term and long-term financial goals. Short-term goals may include paying off debt or saving for a vacation, while long-term goals may include retirement or purchasing a house.
- Create a budget: A budget is a plan for income and expenses. It helps you identify areas where you can save money and prioritize your spending.
- Choose the right investment strategy: There are various investment options available, such as stocks, bonds, and real estate. Choose a strategy that aligns with your financial goals and risk tolerance.
- Review and adjust your plan regularly: Your financial situation and goals may change over time, so it’s important to review and adjust your plan regularly.
Common Mistakes to Avoid in Financial Planning
- Not having a plan: Many people make the mistake of not having a financial plan. Without a plan, it’s challenging to achieve your financial goals.
- Overlooking risks: Financial planning should also involve managing risks, such as unexpected expenses or job loss.
- Not diversifying investments: Investing all your money in one asset class, such as stocks, can be risky. Diversify your investments to reduce risk.
- Failing to review and adjust the plan: A financial plan is not a one-time exercise. Review and adjust your plan regularly to align with your current financial situation and goals.
Conclusion
In conclusion, financial planning is critical to achieving your financial goals and ensuring a stable financial future.
By following the key steps to creating a financial plan and avoiding common mistakes, you can take control of your finances and make informed financial decisions.
FAQs
- What is financial planning?
- Financial planning is the process of managing your finances to achieve your financial goals. It involves assessing your current financial situation, setting financial goals, creating a plan to achieve them, and regularly reviewing and adjusting your plan.
- Why is financial planning important?
- Financial planning is essential for several reasons. Firstly, it helps you achieve your financial goals. Secondly, it helps you manage risk and uncertainty. Thirdly, it helps you make informed financial decisions.
- What are the key steps to creating a financial plan?
- The key steps to creating a financial plan include assessing your current financial situation, setting financial goals, creating a budget, choosing the right investment strategy, and reviewing and adjusting your plan regularly.
- What are the common mistakes to avoid in financial planning?
- Common mistakes to avoid in financial planning include not having a plan, overlooking risks, not diversifying investments, and failing to review and adjust the plan regularly.
- How often should I review my financial plan?
- Reviewing your financial plan at least once a year or when a significant change in your financial situation or goals is recommended.
- Is it necessary to hire a financial planner?
- Hiring a financial planner is unnecessary, but it can be beneficial, especially if you have complex financial goals or investments.
- Can financial planning help me save money?
- Financial planning can help you identify areas where you can save money and prioritize spending to achieve your financial goals.
- How do I choose the right investment strategy?
- Choosing the right investment strategy depends on your financial goals, risk tolerance, and time horizon. It’s essential to do your research and seek professional advice if needed.
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Sewing Machines
What this post isn’t, I’ll tell you right away. An expert sewist did not create this post with years of experience with various sewing machine brands.
That being said, this piece is created by a newbie sewist who was recently in your shoes, went down a rabbit hole studying machines, and would want to share her discoveries in case they can assist.
What to Look for When Buying a Sewing Machine
The features you require will be determined by the type of projects you intend to do. As a sustainable design creator, I’m mostly interested in manufacturing and upcycling garments; thus, my experiences will be geared around that.
Longevity
If at all possible, avoid small sewing machines. These devices are extremely portable and inexpensive, but they are not built to last.
I tried to sew on my family’s 10-year-old Shark Euro Pro X, and it couldn’t perform a good stitch at all, even though it had scarcely been used when it was new (even my sewing instructor couldn’t get it to operate).
You should also evaluate the projects you want to work on as you develop your expertise. If you’re serious about sewing, it can be worth investing in a fancier machine to “grow into it” rather than updating afterward.
New vs. used/vintage/refurbished.
Buying a used machine is a terrific method to save money if you’re starting. Reliable new machines will cost at least $150-200, but a nice used one will cost between $50 and $100.
Many sewists prefer old machines to current ones since newer machines include plastic parts that don’t last as long. I had planned to buy an antique Kenmore for $75 on Offerup, but the seller ghosted me, so it didn’t work out.
I was also thinking about acquiring a vintage Singer, but it didn’t have all of the features I wanted, and I was concerned about maintaining it. Note that many older machines are simpler and may not have as many stitches.
If you do decide to buy a secondhand machine, I recommend visiting locally so you can ask the vendor to demonstrate its functionality.
If you buy online, it may be best to acquire a manufacturer-refurbished machine rather than a used one because individual sellers may not know how to properly pack their equipment, and you won’t be able to verify that it works.
Computerized vs. mechanical
Because computerized machines have a computer, they have additional stitch possibilities and can automatically alter thread tension.
They are known to function more smoothly, but with all of their possibilities, they can be overwhelming, and if the computer inside breaks, it will be an expensive repair.
Mechanical devices are simpler and less expensive, but they lack functionalities. It all comes down to personal preference because I selected a mechanical machine for my first machine. All the possibilities I describe will be mechanical, but remember that a computerized machine may still be your best option.
Straight stitch and zigzag stitch
As a novice, you only need a good straight stitch and a zigzag stitch. If you don’t have a serger and want to finish the seams/edges of the fabric, a zigzag stitch is essential. Most current sewing machines include at least these two stitches, although older machines may have a straight stitch.
Stitch length adjustment
Changing the width of your stitch can be useful in creating ruffles or working with more delicate fabrics. Some basic machines don’t allow you to do this, including modern ones, so keep an eye out for it.
Drop-in bobbin
Drop-in bobbins are often easier to use because the tension is automatically adjusted, and you can see how much thread is left through the glass plate.
Front-loading bobbins can be more difficult to adjust, but some sewists claim it depends on your experience.
A TikTok follower advised me that front-loading bobbins sometimes take a long time to correct, so I went with a machine with a drop-in bobbin.
Automatic buttonhole
If you plan to sew a lot of clothing with buttons, having a 1-step buttonhole machine can help you make cleaner buttonholes. Many machines feature a 4-step buttonhole that requires human stops and readjustments.
Needle threader
Some people can thread their needles by hand, but if you don’t have quick fingers or good vision, opt for a machine with a needle threader.
Sewing Machines for Beginners
This post contains affiliate links, meaning I receive a tiny percentage on any purchases you make at no additional cost. This cash permits me to maintain my site, which I greatly appreciate.
The links above the sewing machine names go to Amazon because there are loads of reviews and extensive information, but I advise you to buy from smaller businesses if possible.
There are even more recommendations for machine shops after the piece!
1. Brother ST371HD ($200)
The Brother ST371HD is a heavy-duty machine made to sew through thick fabrics. When Angelina of BlueprintDIY tested it, it could sew through 10 layers of denim! This machine had everything I wanted, including:
- drop-in bobbin
- automatic buttonhole
- straight and zigzag stitch (among many others)
- stitch length adjustment
- needle threader
I almost bought it, but I ultimately went with a higher-end Janome (it’s last on this list since it’s the most expensive).
2. Singer Heavy Duty 4452 ($220)
I considered buying a manufacturer-reconditioned Singer 4452 on eBay ($160), but I opted against it after hearing many people say to avoid new Singer machines.
This laptop contained all of the features I desired (though I found the grey color ugly). Because Singer is such a well-known brand, many setups and troubleshooting videos should be available.
The machine has a high rating on Amazon (4.6 stars and 6,500+ ratings), indicating that it has helped many people. It’s also heavy-duty, which means it’s built to last and can sew through thick fabrics.
I didn’t want to take the chance after wasting hours with my family’s faulty (non-Singer) small machine.
3. Janome Magnolia 7318 ($230+)
This machine was one of the former picks of the NYTimes Wirecutter, which does in-depth, blinded tests to provide trusted appliance recommendations.
The Janome Magnolia 7318 is no longer in production, but you can still find new and refurbished models from $220-300. I was seriously considering this one, No automated buttonhole or needle threader.
4. Bernette 35 ($300)
Bernette is a brand under Bernina, one of the most trusted sewing machine companies. Their machines are said to be smooth, reliable, and high-quality. I used a computerized Bernina when I went to a local sewing studio was lovely.
That said, this particular model has a front-loading bobbin, which may be trickier to get used to than the drop-in bobbin. It also has a 4-step buttonhole instead of an automatic one.
5. Janome Sewist 725S ($375) – my machine
I was persuaded into buying this machine by the woman at Ken’s Sewing Center, an online sewing retailer based in Alabama. I called to ask about their refurbished Janome Magnolia 7318, and she upsold me to get the Janome Sewist 725S (after I slept on it for a night).
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