Comments Posted By John McCrarey
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Well, if the DOJ had gone after the BLM rioters who actually burned buildings and injured many more people, I might agree with you. The penalties against most of the J6 participants were disproportionate to the “crime”.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 23/January/2025 @ 1:17 pm
It was nice of Biden to open the door for him by preemptively pardoning his corrupt family, the J6 crew, and Fauci.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 23/January/2025 @ 7:30 am
Brian, Yeah, I’m not a fan of tattoos to begin with, but they don’t tend to age well. I see many young women with huge ink masterpieces covering their body, and I try to imagine how it will appear when she’s a wrinkled old woman. I prefer my women the way nature intended them to look.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 22/January/2025 @ 8:10 am
I also have high hopes for Vance as the potential successor. And now, if they manage to kill Trump, MAGA won’t be denied. Hopefully, it doesn’t come to that!
That tat was one of the most creative I’ve seen; glad you liked it.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 22/January/2025 @ 8:03 am
Drain, thanks for the Hong Kong insights. We are going to be there one day going and one day on the way back. Those boat rides sound great; I’ll see if they fit our schedule.
I’m not a China fan and hope things are calm during my brief visit. I’ll keep my eyes and ears open for any signs of trouble.
Sorry the blog has become such a bore. My already minuscule reader numbers have been plummeting lately, and I think you have nailed the reason. I’m trying to think of ways to liven things up around here, so I hope you’ll stick around!
» Posted By John McCrarey On 21/January/2025 @ 4:28 pm
Kev, I wouldn’t have chosen Hong Kong of my own volition, but we are traveling with another couple, and I’m following their lead. It’s a one-day layover on both ends, so it shouldn’t be too bad. Hopefully, war doesn’t break out while I’m in China.
Maybe there are hidden health benefits brewed into beer. Or I was born lucky. It does seem that genes play a role. My father was twice the drinker (and a smoker) that I am, and he made it to 83. Then again, my mother had diabetes and all the bad shit like heart disease I’m trying to avoid, so we’ll see whose genes are dominant in me.
Re: mailman stories. So, are you suggesting I turn LTG into a porn site? 🙂
» Posted By John McCrarey On 21/January/2025 @ 6:48 am
Brian, I didn’t choose the itinerary; we are joining another couple on the trip, so I followed their lead. Dave wanted to avoid Manila, and the flights out of Clark required a layover in HK. I’m not a fan of China, but one day going and one day on the return shouldn’t be bad.
I agree that “budget” airlines cost more in aggravation than the savings are worth. I hope I don’t wind up regretting it, but again, I didn’t have any choice.
I enjoyed my visit to HCMC (Saigon) and am glad to have had the chance to experience the beach city of Da Nang.
I think it was a big mistake for the PI to kick us out back then, but I’m not advocating full-fledged US bases here again. Having the shit we need stored and available for contingencies makes sense, though.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 21/January/2025 @ 6:32 am
To the or not to the wasn’t the question. I altered the caption and left something out. Pretty typical for me these days.
Yes, my commenters have come and gone over the years, proving that people can only take so much of what I provide before running away in disgust. I’m glad you’ve chosen to stick it out so long.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 20/January/2025 @ 7:56 am
Kev, I hadn’t heard any of the hype about “Squid Game” going in, and I didn’t have any expectations. So, I was shocked when all those contestants got mowed down in the first game. My reaction was, “No way!” I should have just told that voice to shut up and enjoyed the show for whatever it is. I’m curious to see what is going to happen next and will continue watching Season Two to see how things play out.
Thanks for the insights and for turning me on to the series.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 20/January/2025 @ 8:10 am
Kev, I posted a comment on your review this morning. I have no fundamental disagreement with your take on “Squid Game.” My “for the most part” remark was premised on my not liking the show as much as you. Also, my rejection of the basic premise of the series (murder and violence to entertain the elites) and my inability to suspend disbelief that they could pull this off without someone on the inside spilling the beans were stronger than yours. That said, it is entertaining, and I’ll be back for Season Two.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 19/January/2025 @ 7:07 am
And that’s all there was to it
Brian, I agree with you. And it is not like people haven’t been warned or don’t know better. Yeah, a tourist on vacation who gets in an accident is different than long-term expats rolling the dice that they won’t encounter a serious medical issue requiring hospitalization. And many hospitals here won’t even admit you unless you demonstrate the ability to pay. That’s why I keep the credit card with a $15,000 credit line available.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 18/January/2025 @ 7:53 am
Kev, Now, now. What I liked about “Dawn” was her spicy, no-bullshit attitude. She was pretty cute, though, now that you mention it. And I identify as a thirty-year-old–don’t be such a bigot! Age is just a number, after all. 🙂
My understanding is that the calorie burn tracked by my Fitbit is for everything- exercise and rest.
Regarding the rich VIPs, yeah, I couldn’t help thinking how did these idiots become filthy rich? You know when even I think a joke is lame, it has to be pretty bad. Yes, I read your review just before bed last night and concur for the most part. I’ll go back later and leave a comment with my thoughts.
I am eligible to purchase health insurance on a tourist visa, including the near-worthless PhilHealth national plan, but I’m okay for now with paying out-of-pocket. For something major, I’d likely go back to the USA for treatment anyway.
Geez, looking at your toes was bad enough–keep those fingers away from me!
» Posted By John McCrarey On 18/January/2025 @ 7:46 am
Btw, the eye isn’t as bad as it looks, and is healing fast.
Yes, that odor was the fart poem. I admit, it stinks!
» Posted By John McCrarey On 18/January/2025 @ 7:54 am
Kev, oops! Well, tabs wasn’t a typo at least; it is what I’ve been calling them, and you are the first to correct me. Thanks! Dr. Jo says tags can be hereditary, and my mom had them; then again, she was also diabetic.
Okay, I may be guilty of some hyperbole–I’m not totally blind in the left eye. When I close my right eye, everything is blurry to the point that all I can see is the background light and shapes. I couldn’t read the eye chart at all and could barely make out the number of fingers the technician held up from six feet away. The doctor did diagnose a cataract and said I could schedule surgery whenever I wanted it. But yeah, his flippant attitude was a bit off-putting.
The roast beef was tasty, what little there was.
I’m definitely watching “Squid Game” to the end. I thought the VIPs in episode 7 were off-putting, and it was sad to see my favorite contestant go in episode 8. I’ll watch the finale of Season 1 tonight. I just don’t understand how it all works…an island with a high-tech complex and hundreds of employees engaged in murder and mayhem. There have apparently been many iterations of the games, yet no one has ever defected and reported what’s happening. The authorities have never been suspicious about the island activities or wondered about all those people who have gone missing. Who is funding the operation, and what do they gain from it? Episode 7 implied that the elites gamble on the outcomes, but surely this is about more than that. Anyway, I have your review queued up and ready to read after tonight’s episode.
As to the pronunciation of La Union, I conducted a test to find out, asking Swan the name of the province where Bauang is located. She said it the Spanish way. Me, I’m an old union man, so I will pronounce it accordingly!
Did I have a roving eye back then? I was married when I met Carol. So, she knew what she was getting. I eventually learned my lesson. Jee Yeun is the only wife I never cheated on.
No comment on my every day/everyday sentences?
» Posted By John McCrarey On 17/January/2025 @ 6:44 am
Brian, yes, I’m going to get a second opinion. This doctor did a good job fixing my right eye a couple of years ago, and I suspect I have a similar cataract issue…he just said I could get the surgery done at my leisure. What bothers me is when I asked about glasses, he agreed it was an option but didn’t bother to have me fitted for a pair.
Good luck with the calorie counting! I agree a benefit is that it makes you think BEFORE you eat. Sometimes I even make smarter choices.
Fixed the link. Sorry about that!
» Posted By John McCrarey On 17/January/2025 @ 6:10 am
It’s good to have YBC as an option. Royal has been so disappointing lately.
Johnny was in his seventies when he passed away. I don’t know much of his story, but he was involved in the music scene in NYC in the 70s and spent the last years of his life managing bars in the Philippines. He was working in Angeles City when he died.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 16/January/2025 @ 7:44 am
Brian, the Navy MSC ships are crewed by civilians, and you can see the guys in Barretto when the ships are in port. As I understand it, military members are not allowed to leave SBMA when off-duty.
Re: the videos. Glad you enjoyed them. I have no idea what that noise is, but it sounds like a belch. I need to pay more attention next time. At least it wasn’t a fart. I hope.
Healthcare issues are a downside to living here, that’s for sure. Lots of guys schedule surgery back home or in Thailand. In an emergency, it’s the luck of the draw. I put off that nasal surgery for a long time because I didn’t trust getting general anesthesia here. Anyway, it is something to be cognizant of when you decide to retire in the PI.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 16/January/2025 @ 7:38 am
Welp, it is an everyday challenge to use the correct word forms in my writing. And every day I find a way to fuck it up. It’s been a while, but I have had issues with using other words too. I’m going to meditate on that awhile.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 16/January/2025 @ 8:10 am
I don’t know, you’ve seen the retardation I can fill a blog post with.
It’s early in the morning for brain gymnastics, but here we go:
1: “this pills” should be “these pills”
2. “everyday” is two words
3. there should be a period at the end of the sentences
4. “is” should be “are”
5. “3” should be spelled out
6. there should be a comma before “doctor”
7. I can’t find it. Does that make me ignorant or apathetic?» Posted By John McCrarey On 15/January/2025 @ 8:15 am
So, when exploring in the DMZ, walk around the landmines. You don’t want to blow that!
I hadn’t even noticed that cloth when we hiked by, but it could be to help passersby notice the barbed wire fence. Or it might be someone just hung their shit there and forgot about it. Odds are better for the latter.
Yes, Tim is doing a good job on our hikes. The proper footwear helps, of course, but he appears stronger during the climbs as well.
The hillside will look better once the roads are paved and there are some houses up there. I’m guessing Alta Vista had a similar look in the early days. It has just been frustrating that the work is progressing so slowly. I thought they might have given up on the project, but I saw a few workers building curbs and gutters during the hike. At the rate they are going, it will be years before they are finished.
The slaughterhouse is another weird thing. It was built well over a year ago and is indeed intended to be where pigs go to die (that lechon isn’t going to make itself!). But as far as I can tell, it has never opened for business—usually a couple of maintenance guys out front, but no sign of any animals or murderous activity.
Lick and Spit (aka Ashley) runs It Doesn’t Matter with her husband, Chris. I hadn’t heard about the troubles of the actual “hawk tuah” girl. That first interview that led to her fame was funny, but I haven’t cared enough to follow her story after that. Hope she didn’t fuck up her opportunity.
Yes, I’m sure Tim will figure out how NOT to spend his dough. He told me he is on a vacation budget and staying within the boundaries he’s set. When Tim’s here for the longer term, the things he’s lovin’ now will grow old and the repetition boring. He’ll be fine.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 15/January/2025 @ 8:01 am
Kev, I’d say the average decent lodging in Barretto is in the $25-40 range, but a couple of places are $80-100, which makes the Coffee Shop rooftop a bargain even for here. I’d definitely recommend it to any out-of-town guests. I don’t know much about Tim’s circumstances, but he told me he has several income-generating properties back home in Pennsylvania. He’s here through the end of the month but hopes to get things set up where he can come and stay for six-month intervals. He’s living large on his vacation and lovin’ it. The girls are lovin’ it, too!
Underage girls? I haven’t noticed any on “Squid Game.” The one I like is the pickpocket; I think her number is 67. She’s cute, but I love her “I’m not taking any shit” attitude. Yeah, I get the concept of the games, but I’m waiting for the “why” to be explained. That man behind the cyber-truck mask has invested a shitload of money in those facilities. Holy crap, maybe that’s Musk! Anyway, I will definitely read the review at the conclusion of Season 1.
I read the “12 Angry Men” review; I guess I just forgot to comment.
Underage girls? I haven’t noticed any on “Squid Game.” The one I like is the pickpocket, I think her number in 67. She’s cute, but I love her “I’m not taking any shit” attitude. Yeah, I get the concept of the games but I’m waiting for the “why” to be explained. That man behind the cyber-truck mask has invested a shitload of money in those facilities. Holy crap, maybe that’s Musk! Anyway, I will definitely read the review at the conclusion of Season 1.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 14/January/2025 @ 8:51 am
Brian, there is one other unit (a one bedroom) on the rooftop. I’m not sure if other guests are allowed congregate up there. That’s something I definitely want to know before going long-term.
Tim is being a typical “two-week millionaire” during his visit, and uses the same justification–it is still a lot cheaper than back home in the USA. Like you, I would make signing a long-term lease contingent on getting a discount. I’d pay $1000. a month for that place (my current house is $750.) and perhaps the hotel would think guaranteed occupancy was worth the reduced rate. Of course, it is just a fantasy for me because it wouldn’t work with my dogs.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 14/January/2025 @ 8:29 am
Winding our way through another day
“Oh, look! A river!”
Nah, that’s too clean to be a river.
On Golden Pond was released 44 years ago. Henry Fonda’s character does suffer from some heart issues at the end, but they aren’t fatal. Sound familiar?
I’m not sure they allow substitutions, but we took the fries and leftover taco to Chu at Green Room.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 13/January/2025 @ 7:47 am
Kev, I was actually surprised that a dubbed version was offered on Netflix. I’m usually fine with subtitles, but my current vision issues make reading them from the couch more difficult. Besides, Swan might have a hard time keeping up. Fortunately, the dubbing is done well, so it is not a distraction.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 12/January/2025 @ 7:19 am
Kev, yeah, I’m still just experimenting with the video thing. Now, I know better than trying to record in a crowded room. Thanks for the tip on the lavalier mike. If I get serious about vlogging, I’ll definitely invest in some equipment.
That angry-looking woman is my caregiver/helper. Maybe she didn’t appreciate the walk from the hospital to Texas Joe’s.
Well, there is nothing faux about enjoying a hot Filipina in tight jeans and cowgirl girl. Yippie yi yay!
That excuse for not pulling the pork didn’t make sense to me, either. It tastes good to me both ways. Maybe you have to cook the pork longer to make it easier to shred. I’ve never had a problem pulling my pork roast after eight hours in the crockpot.
It’s true; Google has all the answers. I just didn’t care enough to look. I was surprised that LTG Campbell had his own Wikipedia page.
Yes, and I have a demented monkey mind and a low-level attention span. I’m going to take it slow, one or two episodes at a time, and hopefully won’t miss much of the story that way. Going into yesterday with no idea whatsoever what the series was about made that first episode a little shocking. I’m watching it in English, which is a nice option when your eyes aren’t up for reading subtitles.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 11/January/2025 @ 7:19 am
Brian, I’ve really just been watching the bottom line, but now that you mention it, my beer calories are way up there close to 50% of my total intake on some days. Luckily, I do have some Irish genes. Who knew beer could be such a healthy beverage!
» Posted By John McCrarey On 12/January/2025 @ 7:14 am
Kev, yep, Tim is our visitor and wore appropriate footwear (and socks!) this week.
I’m trying the CICO strategy as of now, although I’m cognizant of the harm carby calories can do. For now, I’m reducing the portion size when I can’t resist a dish with a high amount of carbs.
I’m only on my second round of chelation, so it is too soon to say how effective it will be, but Dr. Jo did note that my blood pressure is lower than it has been. I’ll call that a good start.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 10/January/2025 @ 7:08 am
Winner, winner, chicken dinner!
Brian, you are the first reader to express curiosity about my calorie chart posts. Thanks for that!
Yes, the “snack” category is always alcohol consumption. I had a bowl of Swan’s homemade coleslaw for breakfast. Swan made a beef and broccoli dish for lunch, and all I had for dinner was the apple strudel with ice cream. I usually don’t skip dinner (and twelve beers isn’t the norm either), so I think I’m getting a pretty well-rounded and nutritious diet most days.
Once I achieve my goal (less than 200 pounds), I’m looking forward to a weekly cheat day. We’ll see how that works out for me.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 09/January/2025 @ 7:40 am
Kev, I’ll definitely be hitting YBC most every week from now on. Maybe I’ll go there first and then fill in the gaps at Royal. The fact that YBC has maintained stock that Royal is out of proves it is not a product shortage; rather, Royal just can’t seem to manage inventory. It appears they don’t reorder until they run out.
I didn’t eat the fries anyway; not worth the carbs.
Regarding the video, thanks for your encouragement. I have so much to learn. I would like to be able to edit several snippets from a hike into one video, but I have no idea how that’s done. Guess it is time to read up on the subject. Anyway, it is something I can do to fill some hours productively. Or if it proves to be too big a pain in the ass, I can just keep it simple. We’ll see.
I never knew you had a YouTube channel–thanks for the link! And don’t worry, I’ll find a way to screw up that doesn’t involve punctuation. I’m pretty good at mispronouncing words…
» Posted By John McCrarey On 09/January/2025 @ 7:23 am
«« Back To Stats PageThanks, Ginger. Maybe I’ll do one weekly.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 09/January/2025 @ 7:01 am