Comments Posted By Brian
Displaying 211 To 240 Of 1,055 Comments
Re: Typhoon – Hope the typhoon does not overwhelm the new water pipe!!
Re: Reakey video – I agree that the loser (emotionally, personality, etc.) in the US who moves to SE Asia and is still a loser is probably a minority among expats. Most retiree expats are pretty decent people,
But, I think that the number of retiree expats that are living on the economic edge are more plentiful than you think. Exhibit A is your blog where somebody gets injured/sick/dies. 9 times out of 10, they dont have (adequate) insurance and some bar is hosting a fundraiser to raise money for their medical care or funeral. Also, came across another PI blogger whose parents in the US are dying and he has been saving money for two years just to afford a plane ticket to fly back to visit them!!
There is the “rule of thumb” in the US to have 3-6 months of liquid funds you can access in case of an emergency. Wonder how many expats in the PI would fail that “test”.
» Posted By Brian On 24/September/2025 @ 6:17 am
>Brian, should illegal immigrants be deported?
Yes. I am a big fan of legal immigration. That is the only thing keeping the US population stable. Without immigration, we would be like Korea, Japan, Taiwan, Italy, etc that are going to be in a world of hurt in 25-50 years.
However, the crackdown on illegals will have consequences. Restaurant prices, grocery prices, etc. That being said, I do agree with it.>Should men who identify as women compete in women’s sports?
No. But I do think that this issue is way outsized in amount of newsprint vs. the reality. I read somewhere that in college athletics, the % of trans athletes is ~0.01%. In HS, it is somewhere around 0.1%.So, should they be competing? NO
Is it as big as problem as it was made out to be? NO>It is issue like those that are losing middle American for the dems.
Agree. The republicans did a very good job of picking subjects that resonated and the stupid democrats doubled down on their positions.As in the past few elections, it was more that the losing candidate snatched defeat from the jaws of victory, rather than the other side actually winning.
>I know nothing about crypto, Trump’s or otherwise. But I’m not hearing you claim anything illegal about Jr.’s involvement.
Yeah, but there was nothing illegal about Hunter Biden being named to the board of that one company. If general if the other tribe does something shady, it is “OMG, look at that!!!” If it is (generic) my tribe, it is “may not be morally good and is in a gray area, but all is good.”
>It never crossed my mind to violate the rules when I worked for the government, and if I had, I would expect the consequences for my dishonesty.
If it was a rule that you or your family could not use your office/position to enrich themselves, then why should it be different for the President and his family, or any member of congress and their families? Do you really think that the Saudis would have invested $2B in an investment fund run by President Trumps son if he wasnt President Trumps son? LOL. Again, both sides suck equally.
>“Anyways, life will go on, the sun will come up, hikes will be walked, and beers will be drunk regardless of who is in charge. LOL”
>See? We have found some common ground! I’m just glad I’m not living there.
Yup!! Cheers. I will be at a virtual street side seat with you and will lift a virtual beer (or three) and remember what is really important!! 🙂
» Posted By Brian On 26/September/2025 @ 5:54 am
>Brian, I’d be curious to learn the positions a centrist takes.
I guess I would describe myself as fiscally conservative and socially liberal. Thinking about it, maybe this skews toward libertarianism.
>Comparing Hunter to Donald Jr. seems like a stretch. Do you have any info on how he allegedly gained that wealth?
I dont think it is a stretch. One example, crypto. Don Jr. holds $hundreds of millions in Trump crypto. Do you really think that the launching and increase in price (knowing that Don Jr. basically got it for free) of Trump crypto is some sort of legitimate operation unconnected to the fact that his father is president?
Getting back to Trump crypto/memecoins:
>More than 813,000 crypto wallets have lost a total of $2 billion after buying President Donald Trump’s memecoin, according to an assessment by Chainalysis. Meanwhile, the Trump Organization and its partners gained $100 million in trading fees. Since its Jan. 17 launch, $TRUMP has lost most of its value, which is now about $16 per share, down from its $75 peak.I agree with some of President Trumps policies, but I think he is an asshole and a despicable human. No president and family has enriched themselves more using the office of President than Trump. I think it is a sad commentary that most people on the right seem to give this a free pass. “Oh, that is just Trump being Trump”
Other examples of enrichment: Trump phones, Trump coins, Trump NFT’s, Trump perfume, Trump crypto, Melania NFT, Trump watches, trading cards, $2B investment by the Saudis into a fund run by his son, etc. all done since he became president
I think you are a smart guy and generally pretty fair minded, but not seeing/believing how the Trump family uses the office of the President to enrich themselves is just wearing blinders.
Bringing up the other side (AOC, etc.). Both sides are guilty. As I stated above, saying that one side or the other has some sort of moral superiority is laughable. I have a problem with either side doing it. Both sides suck.
Imagine back to your days when you were working with the 8th Army. If you (or your family) used that association to generate personal financial gain, what do you think would have happened? Jee Yeun opens up some sort of commercial establishment (store/restaurant, whatever) and prominently indicates that her husband works closely with the 8th Army and has a picture of you and the commanding general displayed. No issues?
Anyways, life will go on, the sun will come up, hikes will be walked, and beers will be drunk regardless of who is in charge. LOL
» Posted By Brian On 25/September/2025 @ 2:53 am
re: politics
John Mc – I am pretty much a centrist and I find it laughable (in a sad sort of way) to see the various political memes and think that there are people that believe that one side or the other has some sort of moral superiority over the other side. The right is just as guilty as the left and vice versa.The right complains about Hunter Biden making a couple of million trading in on his father’s name. The left says “nothing to see here.” Donald Trump Jr’s net worth has increased from ~$50MM to $500MM in the course of the past year and no-one on the right seems to bat an eye. “Nothing to see here.”
I need to start a centrist party. The primary system and election system are so stacked against a third party that I am sure it will never happen.
» Posted By Brian On 24/September/2025 @ 6:01 am
RE: 13 month calendar.
It is called the “International Fixed Calendar”. It does make a lot of sense. Obviously 28×13 =364 so there is an extra “holiday” day at the end of each year. Leap year follows the conventional leap year currently done.I believe it was Kodak (either Eastman or Kodak) who was a big proponent of this calendar and it was used at the company for a long time.
re: SOB contest
Not a surprise that it is on a death spiral. Maybe hold it once/quarter or once per half year to keep it fresh. Every week for something like that becomes boring.» Posted By Brian On 20/September/2025 @ 11:36 pm
Re: news sources
Out of curiosity, where do you go for your news and why do you think those sources are more reliable and unbiased than others?Re: memorial for Art Miller
I dont want this to come off as unsympathetic, but he didnt have enough money for a funeral so they are having a fundraiser for him?! I mean, come on. From his perspective, doesn’t make any difference, but if a person is that hard up for money, they really need to take a look at where they are spending what they do have.» Posted By Brian On 19/September/2025 @ 12:28 am
Re: chart of Asian females
Kind of a weird combination of countries. I am guessing someone asked AI to show what a “typical” Asian 20-something female would look like and that was what was spit out.Not sure why Timor Leste would be included and not Indonesia. Why Brunei and not Malaysia, no Thailand, etc.
Re: House on the beach
Does seem pretty pricey, especially from what it looks like from the outside. The place you are renting; what would you estimate to be the selling price if it went up for sale?» Posted By Brian On 17/September/2025 @ 1:23 am
Re: politcal discourse
I know you like to keep politics to a minimum on your blog, so I will try to keep this brief :). I do think that you are isolated and a bit siloized (probably not a word LOL) in your corner of the PI. I spend the majority of my time in the US and have yet to experience in real life the kind of vitriol that seems to exist on social media, and this is true of both deep red and deep blue territories. If social media and similar things are where a person gets the majority of their information on the pulse of the US, then they are getting a very distorted look at reality. And the algorithms from the social media companies push a person further and further into that silo, which only compound the problem.The whack jobs who are 10-20% on BOTH sides are the ones that get clicks and views. However, in no way do they represent the vast majority of the US population. A reasoned middle of the road response gets quickly lost.
Tyler Richardson does not represent the majority of Democrats any more than President Trump sexualizing his daughter on the Howard Stern show represents the majority of Republicans. (okay, that last is a bit of a cheap, but true, shot. 😛 )
Re: Friday walkers
Kind of cool that even after all this time, there are still “new” trails to forge!» Posted By Brian On 14/September/2025 @ 5:53 am
The day that lives on in infamy
People of a certain age group will always remember where we were when we heard about 9/11.
The equivalent of Pearl Harbor or Kennedy assassination for earlier generations.
» Posted By Brian On 11/September/2025 @ 11:20 pm
Maybe you have discussed this in the past, but any reason not to get a PI retirement visa? Seems (relatively) easy to get.
Could you do a one time (or multiple time) transfer of your monies directly to Swan’s bank account, or is that a road you dont want to go down?
Weather in Korea is starting to turn for the better (or any country in north Asia). Maybe a trip there?
» Posted By Brian On 11/September/2025 @ 2:19 am
Its similar to apple maps in that you can download a trail ahead of time and you can follow it via GPS even if you dont have a cell signal.
» Posted By Brian On 11/September/2025 @ 11:09 pm
>Brian, well I often see a map of the trail before hand, but that’s pretty useless when you are on a narrow dirt path and come to a junction, the maps are not detailed enough to follow precisely.
I can only speak to something like “All Trails” but in that app, I can set a trail, share with someone, and my path is highlighted. If a person walking my trail starts to deviate from my highlighted trail, it will let me know that I have left the trail. You can zoom in as much as you can on a satellite view.
I dont know what the distance is before it notices. It may be 100ft, 100 yards.
Of course, everyone would have to have the same app. I am sure that would lead to a whole new set of bitching from people about “why didnt you use App X instead of App Y, etc.” LOL
» Posted By Brian On 10/September/2025 @ 11:25 pm
RE; Hash Trail
Has any Hare ever marked the trail on an app, such as All Trails, and then shared it with the group? Seems like this would be a logical thing to do. The trail can also be physically marked, but others could have it on their phones, and this would hopefully alleviate missed turns, etc.Im sure that half the fun is following the markings, but seems to lead to a lot of bitching also. #shrug
Re: water problems.
Bummer. Are there any fitness clubs in town that may have a locker room/shower facilities?» Posted By Brian On 10/September/2025 @ 2:47 am
Okay John, you are going to have to explain the joke about the girls name to me….
Re: perspective on aging
Yeah, weird how 70 doesnt seem that old when you are that age or close to it. To someone in their 20’s, someone 70 is pretty darn ancient.Enjoy the weekend. Good to change things up. Familiarity can breed contempt.
» Posted By Brian On 05/September/2025 @ 11:06 pm
>My impression is that a lot of these guys getting into the bar business here have more money than sense,
Well, as they say: How do you make a million dollars in the bar business? Start out with 2 million!!
Like you, I have thought it would be a cool idea to have some sort of “Cheers” type expat bar. But also like you, I am smart enough not to do it.
» Posted By Brian On 01/September/2025 @ 12:46 pm
Re: guns meme
As is usual, it is a bit more nuanced than “guns aren’t the problem, people are” vs. “people aren’t the problem, guns are”Take a homicidal whack job and drop them in Singapore where it is almost impossible for anybody to buy a gun and the odds of them going on a shooting rampage is pretty low. (Not to say they won’t go on a stabbing rampage however.)
As with most things, 100% freedom (ie no laws) and 100% tyranny (ie dictitorial nanny state) usually end up with the same problems under a different name.
What both sides are lacking is common sense. Both sides are so entrenched that their side has all the answers when it comes to gun violence such that the end result is nothing gets done and the best we can do is offer “thoughts and prayers” when another school shooting, etc happens.
Anyway, back to lighter fare
re: chicken or egg
John, here is a way for you to answer that question for once and for all. Next time you stop in at your local McDonalds, order an egg McMuffin and some chicken nuggets. See which one you receive first! 😛» Posted By Brian On 30/August/2025 @ 10:55 pm
Looks like an awesome start to the 70’s!!
Good on ya’.
» Posted By Brian On 28/August/2025 @ 10:45 pm
Happy Birthday John. Here’s to many more. It is funny how the closer you get to a particular age, the younger it seems. 😛
Have a great party!!!!
re: Teri – what does Teri do that Swan (or you) does not do or could not do? I thought you mentioned that Swan was a certified caregiver. Are you just looking to try and up employment in your neck of the world or does Teri (and her replacement) actually provide some benefit? LOL You have definitely been spoiled with the cost of labor there in the PI. Dont tell me you are turning into someone like King Charles where he (supposedly) called his aide into the room because he dropped his pen (or something similar) and needed it picked up.
re:Mama -I see she is still rocking the nerdy glasses look.
» Posted By Brian On 27/August/2025 @ 11:10 pm
re: call centers
On the surface, seems like a good idea, but there are always unintended consequences. Would US workers flock to do these types of jobs? Our president keeps reminding us that the economy is great, unemployment is low, etc. Will the net result be higher wait times? On the positive side, communication would be much better when you did talk with a person. I would guess that if this passes, companies will invest even more in AI chat/voice bots.» Posted By Brian On 25/August/2025 @ 2:03 am
Re: video
I think that most/all relationships are transactional, and this is even more true in a developing country where there is a large age gap.In a “traditional” western relationship where both sides are close in age and relatively close in economic status, the initial transaction is more likely to be love on both sides and then maybe moves to security (financial and otherwise). In a developing country with a large age gap, I think it generally starts with one partner thinking of security and financial gain first and then possibly moving to love/attraction.
That is not necessarily a bad thing. Both sides are getting what they want.
(Back to the video. I have to say that some of Reekay’s examples were kind of face palm. “I want to encourage my wife to learn new things, so when she said she was interested in cooking, I bought her a wok!” LOL. But his point is well taken. I think you need to let your partner grow and whatever happens, happens.
Always the joke that a girl goes into a relationship thinking, “my boyfriend is really good, but once we are together, there are some changes I need to make to him so that he is perfect.” The guy goes into a relationship thinking, “my girlfriend is perfect. Once we are together, I dont want her to change at all!!”
Of course, what happens is that the guy never changes and the girl does.)
» Posted By Brian On 23/August/2025 @ 11:23 pm
Re: Beckies post
I think this is one of those posts that no matter which side of the political spectrum you fall, you are in agreement that it applies to the other side. LOLDemocrats are 100% sure that it applies to Republicans.
Republicans are 100% sure that it applies to Democrats.A rare instance of bipartisanship. LOL
Re: Aging and death. I saw recently (in the past year or so) that Greg Kihn passed away.
» Posted By Brian On 22/August/2025 @ 11:29 pm
For group #3, I think it would come down to quality of life. Would (generic) you rather have a relatively good quality of life, but need to be in the US or have a miserable quality of life but be stay in the PI?
» Posted By Brian On 21/August/2025 @ 10:30 pm
Re: Video
The guy seems to have a pretty good grasp of the positives and negatives of a medical issue in a developing country. For basic, or medium basic care and treatment, local docs/hospitals will suffice. Complicated or chronic care, US (or other home country) is probably the best bet.I have met expats who need complicated or chronic care. Seem to fall into two categories.
1. Those who can’t go back to their home country (mainly due to lack of funds), so have to suffer through a decline in their country of choice. These guys usually turn pretty bitter.
2. Those who head back to their home country because the quality of care needed where they are at just isn’t there.
3. I supposed there is a third category of those who can return to their home country but choose not to for one reason or another. Haven’t met any of those yet. LOL
Granted, the above is based on a pretty limited set of data points.
» Posted By Brian On 21/August/2025 @ 2:36 am
Yes, it is a cover. If you go You Tube and look at the video you posted, it indicates that it is “The Mick Lloyd Connection – A Tribute to Garth Brooks”
He certainly does have a similar sounding voice, which is a good thing for a cover band. LOL
» Posted By Brian On 21/August/2025 @ 2:03 am
Re: music video
Im a Garth Brooks fan, but it is interesting that he doesn’t put his music on You Tube or any of the streaming services. Even the video you linked is a cover version. He tried to start a streaming service that was much more artist friendly (higher % of the $’s from streams would go to the artist rather than the music label) but it was never able to gain enough traction.Saw him in concert a couple of times in recent years. Both times, he kept adding shows in a city until they did not sell out. Tickets were reasonable and he did not want there to be a secondary market that would push prices up. Granted, he has more than enough money already, but it was still a nice way to handle things.
Never really knew of him during his peak in the 90’s. LOL
» Posted By Brian On 19/August/2025 @ 11:30 pm
Re: vlogger
Not a big deal, but it seems like he is slightly looking off camera. Not sure if he is reading a script that he has to the right of the camera or maybe he thinks the camera lens is in a different position than it really is located. (first world problem!)But, he does bring up a lot of points that are common in SE Asia. LOL
» Posted By Brian On 18/August/2025 @ 11:25 pm
RE: discount coupons
The more you buy, the more you save!!!!! LOL» Posted By Brian On 15/August/2025 @ 11:33 pm
Re: videoke. I have to agree with the hotel’s policy. In my experience, 95+% of the people who want to do amateur singing in public should not be allowed to do so. Unfortunately, they usually think they are quite good and it is tough to get them away from the microphone.
(But, I do have fond memories of karaoke in Korea, though that was usually in a private room in the KTV, so nobody was too bothered.)
» Posted By Brian On 13/August/2025 @ 11:19 pm
Re: Chinese navy/coast guard. I had seen that previously and had a chuckle over it. What goes around comes around I guess. LOL
re: your getaway. Are you not a pool guy? Even if they have a “swim up bar”? 😛
» Posted By Brian On 12/August/2025 @ 11:35 pm
«« Back To Stats PageLooks like it will be a good trip.
(Just my opinion, but I am not a fan of one night stands (in hotels that is!!! Realize why you are doing it at the beginning and end of the trip, but not a fan of doing it in the middle of a trip. I like to get at least 3-4 days in a location. Otherwise, I feel rushed.)
» Posted By Brian On 11/August/2025 @ 9:29 am