Comments Posted By John McCrarey
Displaying 1,441 To 1,470 Of 6,593 Comments
Paul, Yeah, that’s what I was trying to say. Thanks!
» Posted By John McCrarey On 17/February/2025 @ 7:02 am
Kein, I’m not aware of any anti-Catholic sentiment here; I believe 80% of the population are Pope worshippers. There’s a large Muslim contingent in the southern islands around Mindanao, but as far as I know, the two groups don’t intermingle much.
I appreciate the feedback on the video; those are some good tips I’ll attempt to incorporate in the future. What I’ve been doing is just recording as I see it rather than thinking about how it looks to the viewer. I’ll do one during the walk this morning and see if it is improved.
Tae is from Yemen, the first person I’ve met from that country. Michael is a world traveler and told me they met in London.
That feline erection must have been fate. That’s the portion of the hike that required a retreat.
As you an see, the missing letters are a pain in the ass. If spellhek doesn’t reognie the word I want, it omes out looking like this sentene. I’m too lay to try and fi it now.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 16/February/2025 @ 9:18 am
Brian, the worst part is the assholes who encroach into the tiny shoulder on turns. Stay in your lane, damnit! Anyway, it is a rare walk for a reason.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 15/February/2025 @ 8:35 am
But is there a bar for us people who don’t enjoy bars?
I think it is called the Nogo Bar.
Yeah, those right-click options will come in handy, even after my keyboard is repaired. In the meantime, I’m getting better at fooling spellcheck into correcting words with missing letters. For example, “klik” got me the click I wanted.
Are pig brains really a thing? I’ve seen monkey brains before, which were a big no thank you!
» Posted By John McCrarey On 15/February/2025 @ 8:32 am
I sincerely appreciate the time and effort you put into this response and your willingness to be my tutor. I’m still on the fence about your offer and don’t want to waste your time. Let me think about it some more and let you know. Honestly, I’m at a point in my life where I don’t want to stress myself, but I also recognize that making my brain get out of its comfort zone might be a healthy step to slowing its deterioration.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 16/February/2025 @ 9:28 am
Kev, that was quite the verbal slapping, but I guess I had it coming. I do appreciate your efforts, but the truth is, I was never a good student. And admit it, hyphens are the least of my grammatical problems.
Why, oh why, won’t you make the effort to just memorize and practice this stuff?
I’m not joking when I mention my brain deterioration, which is manifested in an increasing inability to remember things. I’m struggling with the names of people I know; grammar rules may be a bridge too far.That said, I WANT to do better, and I do sometimes notice when something I write looks off. So, I’m not giving up, but I won’t promise you’ll see significant improvement either. I do appreciate your attempts to educate me.
Why, oh, why didn’t the hyphen and comma keys break instead? Hmm, I guess because they get so little use.
That hand job headline was hilarious!
» Posted By John McCrarey On 15/February/2025 @ 8:22 am
I don’t know the terminology—compound adjectives describing the noun or something like that. I could ask Grammarly but you wouldn’t like that… 🙂
» Posted By John McCrarey On 14/February/2025 @ 8:33 am
Kev, I have a receipt, but online tracking is not an option. That’s why I spent fifty bucks for a back up copy of the POA, just in case!
What I noticed was the lack of hyphens on “problem-solving” and “problem-creating” skills.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 14/February/2025 @ 7:05 am
Thanks for the update, Terry. My memories from the 1970s are a little fuzzy, but that was before the music video era. I think it was more of a smoke-filled room vibe, maybe even sawdust on the floor.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 14/February/2025 @ 6:49 am
Thanks, Kevin. Despite our different viewpoints, it was nice of the stranger to help me out as a witness.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 13/February/2025 @ 7:12 am
Brian, this house belongs to my daughter but the loan and title are in my name because she couldn’t qualify for the mortgage. Now she wants to sell it and can’t list it without my POA.
Yeah, that photo is old and faded like me and the light from the open door distorted the view.
Interesting photo project. I can understand security sensitivity about taking pics on the grounds of the embassy, but I was out by the public sidewalk. Maybe there are holding some USAID secrets in there! 🙂
» Posted By John McCrarey On 13/February/2025 @ 7:10 am
Brian, the Philippines is over 7000 islands! But yeah, the air quality is nothing like what Thailand has been experiencing. Sometimes the normally pristine blue skies get hazy from the fire smoke, but it doesn’t last long.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 12/February/2025 @ 8:06 am
Kev, damn, that little pisser is over 400 years old! Thanks for the interesting link.
I don’t recall seeing much bamboo in Korea, but it is ubiquitous here. It is probably the number one construction material for shanties.
Yeah, the camaraderie spelling didn’t look familiar…should have double-checked. I won’t make that mistake again! I had zero Zeros last night (or anything else containing alcohol).
I’ve had a lifetime of drinking and have never done anything illegal while drunk (except for occasionally driving, but I don’t drive anymore). Much more likely that I’d fall down or get run over than wind up in jail.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 12/February/2025 @ 8:02 am
Kev, I’m not sure why San Miguel Brewery chose to call their low-alcohol, low-calorie beer “Zero.” The also have a beer called 0-0, that is indeed alcohol-free.
I’m not aware of any broken fingernails. Swan also denies it.
My memory is a bit fuzzy now, but I seem to recall someone saying they killed the chicken at your table so you’d know it was fresh. Cock fighting is huge in Filipino culture (arenas are everywhere), so seeing a chicken murdered in front of them wouldn’t be a big deal, I suppose.
I was at the US embassy. Does it get more unsavory than that? Just kidding, my mission was accomplished thanks to the helpful embassy staff.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 11/February/2025 @ 11:46 pm
Kev, I should know better by now, but hope springs eternal when you are clawing your way uphill.
Swan says she just hits the pause button on her phone and restarts the video when she’s ready. It doesn’t work like that on my phone; once it shuts down for inactivity, you must start a new video.
Yeah, the apps all vary in their measurements. Having several would perhaps allow you to get an average.
Swan wasn’t pleased with the drunken me, so I will endeavor not to show her that side of me in the future. I don’t like being drunk-drunk, either.
Monday’s Hash trail turned out to be a bitch, too. I’ll post about that tomorrow.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 11/February/2025 @ 8:40 am
Thanks for the tips, Brian. I’ll check them out.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 11/February/2025 @ 8:29 am
Nope, balut is a bridge too far for me. Just the thought of it makes me want to throw up.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 11/February/2025 @ 8:53 am
Brian, I’ve seen people eat live octopus, but didn’t have the balls to join in. And yes, I’ve heard that some people get choked by the tentacles. I’ll stick to puss.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 11/February/2025 @ 8:31 am
Kev, yes, I noticed the smiling faces, too.
Eggs are a popular breakfast item with Filipinos. I was given the option of fried or scrambled with my pork side. One type egg I will never eat is balut.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 10/February/2025 @ 8:11 am
Brian, yes I found the climb harder and longer than Easter Mountain. It may have been the toughest Hash trail I’ve hiked (I didn’t have my usual ability to shortcut).
I last lived in Columbia, SC which was relatively safe, with just some areas to be avoided after dark. But yeah, I still feel safer here in Barretto. When I walk through a slummy area here I never feel threatened. The people are friendly, just poor. I did have my house broken into once, but violence or robberies are almost unheard of here. Probably the most common crime I hear about is pickpockets. I maintain situational awareness for that when I’m riding crowded Jeepneys.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 10/February/2025 @ 8:04 am
Brian, I’m not what, if any limit, I have on ATM withdrawals on NFCU debit card. I do a 40,000 pesos ($700) withdrawal once a week without a problem. Well, the local bank I use limits the amount to 20,000 per transaction, so I have to do two. The down side is the bank charges me 250 pesos each time. Oh well, it is still the most convenient way to access my US account for cash. I pay my helpers with wire transfers using Wise or Remitly services.
UPDATE: Checked with my credit union and the daily ATM withdrawal limit is $1000.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 10/February/2025 @ 7:52 am
Kev, I ordered lunch yesterday and breakfast this morning off the Filipino menu! Pictures coming soon.
The thirty-minute service gap went by unnoticed. I guess everyone was distracted.
It’s rare that I drink 12 beers in one night, but when I do I can maintain control unless I’m not drinking low-alcohol Zeros. I’d say “lesson learned” but you know me…
My cognition is definitely in decline. I just can’t remember if beer is a contributing factor. Leaving the door open was more a matter of being focused on the video. But then again, if I can’t managed two thoughts at once…
Yeah, I know how to spell Yongsan and saw the mistake. I just forgot to correct it. That cognition downhill slope is getting steep!
Swan was not happy with my over-indulgence on Friday and kept reminding me at the Hash circle last night to slow down. I’ll try and do better.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 09/February/2025 @ 9:54 am
Welcome back, Thompson! I was wondering how you’ve been doing, but it sounds like everything is about the same. Maybe you should find a girlfriend just to cook and clean for you. Yeah, you’d have to bang her now and then, but it might be worth it.
When I was ready to upchuck the other night, my girl helpfully brought me the wastebasket to puke in. I’m a lucky guy!
“Sex without love is as hollow and ridiculous as love without sex.”
― Hunter S. Thompson» Posted By John McCrarey On 09/February/2025 @ 8:16 am
Brian, I haven’t been to San Fernando, but I understand it’s a good place for shopping (malls, supermarkets, etc.)
There is a large ex-pat community here in Bauang and it has a nice beach town vibe about. Before the scamdemic there were a lot more bars to enjoy, but it’s still fine as an occasional weekend hangout.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 09/February/2025 @ 8:11 am
Kev, nope, no parsley for me. No idea what the hell it was doing on top of a taco!
Well, pecan pie is hard to resist, so I’m lucky it is hard to find in these parts. A small slice was 250 pesos, which should help me avoid future over-indulgence.
Yeah, it is always nice to see someone like Baio who is not part of the Hollywood hivemind. That video always cracks me up.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 08/February/2025 @ 8:32 am
Brian, yeah, those steps that I’ve seen are all on the other side of the river. Hope I never have to use them!
I live about a kilometer from town, do a morning dog walk, and then a me walk. It all adds up.
I don’t know about the Fitbit calorie count, either. I assume it includes the normal burn as the baseline and then adds in the exercise count. The important number is intake, and if I can stay under 2000 a day, I should be okay.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 08/February/2025 @ 8:25 am
I’d forgotten about that test. I was going to retake it and see what progress (or regression) I’ve made, but alas, the website you linked no longer exists.
There are some Filipino dishes I enjoy; lechon is probably my favorite, but there are almost always options I enjoy more available. I’ll concede that I’m not much of an adventurer when it comes to food. What I see the locals eat most often is full of noodles or rice-based. Not healthy choices for me. How about this: You pick a Filipino dish that looks interesting, and I’ll try it and video the experience for your enjoyment.
“Relax, take a breath, and accept the Filipino way.”
I’ll try and remember that! 🙂
» Posted By John McCrarey On 07/February/2025 @ 7:10 am
I had intended to get a retirement visa when I moved here, but it was a bigger hassle than I wanted to deal with. The tourist visa isn’t ideal, but it works for me.
I’m not unhappy, so there’s that.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 06/February/2025 @ 8:34 am
Thanks for the YouTube guidance; I’ll have to check out the purchase option. I had Amazon Prime when I first moved here, but many of the shows weren’t available in the Philippines for some reason.
5K isn’t that much? Did you forget who you are talking to? Do a 5K highway walk BEFORE starting a Leech My Nuggets trail would not be a wise choice for this old fart.
Yes, I do want to have the ability to edit my videos. The first step is learning to use the software so I can use several short snippets in one video. I’d honestly prefer doing narration live, but if the background noises are that much of a distraction, I may have to reconsider. Anyway, it’s a work in progress, but I appreciate your suggestions and advice. I’ll likely be consulting you once I acquire the equipment.
I’ll attempt to make a Mama interview my first. She must have some interesting stories to tell.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 06/February/2025 @ 8:47 am
«« Back To Stats PageKevin, the starting point wasn’t that much further from my house; it was all those climbs after the start that put me off. Next week, we start at Waltermart, a 5K journey from Barretto, and I have no issues with taking a Jeepney to get there. Leech My Nuggets is the Hare, and I always enjoy his trails. Vienna Sausage, not so much.
Yep, a hands-free camera is on my shopping list. My only concern is finding an easy way to upload the videos to my YouTube account. I also need to find some convenient software for editing.
I didn’t realize you could hear my gnarled old lungs at work in the video. The phlegm is a side-effect of the COPD, but it’s been a little worse than usual these past couple of weeks.
We take a brief rest stop at Onelia’s now and then. She doesn’t speak much English, so the conversation is light. I always dispense some cookies when I pass through.
I treated Mama to dinner a few years back. She’s also hard to talk to, and the conversation is limited and surface. Marissa was with me then, so we learned a little more about her (former bargirl at a place called Kinky’s, had some boyfriends on the ships when the Navy base was here, but not much detail). That was the time when I had rented her a place to stay on Baloy; she went in, looked around, and told me, “No, thank you.” She seems to prefer her homeless lifestyle.
I’ll consider an occasion interview with some of the local characters once I get some better equipment. I’m not sure how comfortable folks will feel being recorded, but we’ll see what happens.
Regarding the Hash attendance, some groups came up from Angeles City and Manila to join us. I don’t think that was specific to Vienna Sausage, but some of the hardcore folks enjoy his insane trails.
Nope, Scott didn’t do a trail this week. It was his girlfriend’s birthday, and he was at her beach party during the Hash run. His not being there as a guide and fellow shortcutter was a factor in my decision to forego the Hare’s trail.
Watching Groundhog Day on YouTube is a no-go. What was listed as the “full movie” turned out to be clips from the film stuck together sequentially. We gave up on that bullshit last night. I guess it is time to visit Pirate Bay.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 05/February/2025 @ 7:50 am