Comments Posted By John McCrarey
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Sorry, Aaron. I have no expertise regarding ladyboys. They are rarely seen in Barretto. You might tell your mate to check out Johm’s Resto Bar. I’ve never been inside, but I understand they employ ladyboys there. It’s next door to the 7/11 on National Highway (across the street from Sam’s Pizza).
If a “girl” says to him, “Let’s get something straight between us,” there’s a good chance it’s a ladyboy!
» Posted By John McCrarey On 29/September/2024 @ 7:31 am
Terry, Precisely. It is just so natural and common, I hadn’t even noticed. And how dare they assume those little girls don’t identify as male! It takes a perverted mind to look at happy children playing outside on a hot day and see “nudity or sexual activity.” Shame on them!
» Posted By John McCrarey On 29/September/2024 @ 7:24 am
Kev, Facebook denied my challenge to their decision, so I’ve forwarded my complaint to a third party, the “Oversight Board,” for consideration. I doubt it will make a difference, but at least I took a stand against an unjustified and possibly racist attack on Filipino culture.
Nope, the SOB pics are fine. What’s weird is I’ve gotten advertisements for things like erectile dysfunction meds in my FB feed that were flat-out pornographic. I guess since FB makes money on those, it is okay.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 29/September/2024 @ 7:17 am
Kev, regarding stenosis vs. synopsis, can I blame auto-correct? I don’t know how I missed that.
Yes, I take drinking to heart. And I have the belly to prove it! The real surprise is that my liver hasn’t revolted. Yet.
We share the same taste in country music, it seems. I grew up listening to my dad’s favorites, like Marty Robbins and Patsy Cline, when he came home from work every night. I still listen to them now. I think my ears are still bleeding from that Chinese opera you shared. Ouch!
Yep, I’m gonna keep pounding away. At least for as long as my heart is beating!
» Posted By John McCrarey On 28/September/2024 @ 8:12 am
Brian, the Clark Medical City hospital in Angeles is first-world quality. It’s the go-to place for many expats. It is also VA approved for veterans who require treatment. But yes, I’ll go to Manila if need be.
A trip to Korea is not a bad idea. The last visit I made there I got a little overwhelmed by memories, but with Swan along, that shouldn’t be an issue. I’ll have to see about the visa process. When I lived in Korea, it was difficult to bring a Filipina over to visit. We’ll see.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 28/September/2024 @ 7:59 am
“I bet you’re the picture of health.”
I posted the picture of my health and you called it a “lunatic’s grimace.” Oh, wait. That was the picture of my MENTAL health. Never mind!
» Posted By John McCrarey On 27/September/2024 @ 7:28 am
HaHa! You got me, Mike! If I start spending my cash on expensive ice cream, how am I going to pay for all that beer?
» Posted By John McCrarey On 26/September/2024 @ 5:41 pm
Kev, yeah, when I hear the carols like “Walking In A Winter Wonderland,” I’m like, how would you know? You’ve never even seen snow. But good for the folks who find comfort in three months of Christmas cheer.
“It always saddens me to see the incurious”I’m curious what you mean by that… 🙂 But seriously, I need to try a little harder to share some adventures with Swan and make some memories for her.
You may not like onions, but they like you!
Nope, Swan is not a drama queen; that’s one of the things I love most about her. I’m also really happy that she is not mindlessly jealous. She took the photo of me with the Whiskey Girls and wasn’t bothered by me treating them to a drink. Naturally, I don’t do anything provocative like touching or flirting, of course. Swan shares my philosophy that the girls work hard for low pay, and a lady drink commission is a small act of charity on their behalf. And nope, she hasn’t tried anything overly kinky or masochistic on me. Yet.
Yes, Swan added the smiley face to that photo. It really wasn’t that risqué (she was wearing shorts), but she thought her panties were showing. At least she didn’t make me delete it!
I think 60 will just be the milestone you remember when looking back on your walk in Spain. You got this!
» Posted By John McCrarey On 26/September/2024 @ 4:00 pm
Brian, maybe passion is the first thing to die. I gave up darts a couple of years ago now and don’t really miss playing. My retirement plans included frequent international travel, but now, other than the occasional overnight getaway to the beach, it seems I can’t be bothered. So, yeah, I seem to have grown lazy and unmotivated in my old age. I guess the good thing is I’m still enjoying my life, such as it is. Perhaps making firm plans (and paying for them) like the upcoming La Union trips is the way to go. I ain’t giving up yet!
» Posted By John McCrarey On 26/September/2024 @ 9:41 am
Cums Alone is wearing a Hash shirt in the photo. She got it last year at the Angeles City Hash I took her to.
My normal resting heart rate is usually in the low 60s. I guess that’s a blessing. It shoots up real quick though when I start moving around. I have some arterial blockage, first diagnosed ten years ago. One of the things I want to pursue with the cardiologist is whether that has gotten worse. But yes, given my lifestyle, I’ve been blessed. So far.
The food-ratings can be be your checklist to try if you find a Filipino restaurant nearby.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 25/September/2024 @ 6:17 am
It’s hard to say, Brian. It’s primarily an expat hangout, and I think now that owner Griff is back in town, his drinking buddies are more inclined to drop in. Also, when there is a pool league match, some folks stay after for a bit.
I’m a once week visitor for the feeding tradition, but Hideaway would not be worth the trip across for me otherwise.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 24/September/2024 @ 7:51 am
I shared the link with Swan so we’ll see if she accepts the challenge!
» Posted By John McCrarey On 24/September/2024 @ 7:46 am
The only steaks I’ve ordered through Swan have been USDA ribeye. I’ll check the menu closer for other options. Thanks for the link.
I’m usually faster than Swan. I must have slowed down for a photo and was catching up. She looks good from behind too, though. “Had a friend”? I remember the walks you posted with your walking buddy, but none recently. What happened?
I think next time I eat at Mugshots, I’m going to try the fish filet. I’ve been craving one, and I discovered on my last visit to McDonald’s that filet-o-fish sandwiches are not on the menu. Remember those?
Saw John last night at the restaurant. He was sitting mostly upright in his recliner and seemed to be in reasonably good spirits. He was happy to have survived the public hospital experience.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 23/September/2024 @ 7:05 am
Yes, I have had lumpia numerous times…it’s called Shanghai lumpia here, so I assumed it was Chinese.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 22/September/2024 @ 1:20 pm
There must be a Filipino restaurant somewhere nearby in Seoul. You should see for yourself. For me, it’s not that I hate the food, but there are usually options I like better.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 22/September/2024 @ 7:40 am
Thanks, Dan. Hopefully, it’s fixable.
The cartoon was gently mocking Kamala Harris’ answer to an interview question that went like this:
TAFF: You talked about creating an ‘opportunity economy.’ I wonder if we could drill down on that a little bit. When we talk about bringing down prices and making life more affordable for people, what are one or two specific things you have in mind for that?
HARRIS: Well, I’ll start with this. Um, I grew up a middle class kid. My mother raised my sister and me. She worked very hard… I grew up in a neighborhood of folks who were very proud of their lawn, you know? And, um, and I was raised to believe and to know that all people deserve dignity, and that we as Americans have a beautiful character… So, when I talk about building an opportunity economy, it is very much with the mind of investing in the ambitions and aspirations and the incredible work ethic of the American people and creating opportunity for people, for example, to start a small business. Um, my mother, you know, worked long hours and our neighbor helped raise us… She was a small business owner. I love our small business owners… Our small businesses are so much a part of the fabric of our communities, not to mention, really, I think, the backbone of America’s economy…
So, now when you someone asks a question you can’t or don’t want to answer, all you need to do is say, “I was raised in a middle class neighborhood…
» Posted By John McCrarey On 22/September/2024 @ 7:35 am
I guess happy endings would fall under “exercise.”
Yes, I call that sexercise.
John posted this morning that he has been released from the hospital. He can stand up with assistance but still can’t walk. I reckon that’s progress.
My understanding is surgery until the blockage is severe, and as of now, I’m in the moderate category. Still, aortic stenosis is progressive, so my day under the knife may be coming. I’ve waited all my life to be considered “elite,” but it turns out I could have lived without it—one more milestone on the road to being a grumpy old man.
Yes, the electrocardiogram was just a first step. I’m sure there are many more tests to come. I am curious to learn more precisely where I am on that scale of doom. I’m also interested to learn whether the blockage in the artery that was diagnosed ten years ago has progressed.
I’m trying to keep a positive attitude. I’m “only” 69, after all. My mother had heart disease and made it to 78. I hope to do better than that. It ain’t over yet!
Thanks for your support and encouragement.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 21/September/2024 @ 8:05 am
Thanks, Brian.
Yes, I’d like it better if these vloggers said, in my opinion, rather than this is the cold, hard truth. Their truth isn’t necessarily mine.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 21/September/2024 @ 7:44 am
Thanks, Drain.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 21/September/2024 @ 7:39 am
Scott, nah, we keep a bottle at home, but she only drinks here on special occasions. She’ll have a glass of wine (or two at the most) when she is out barhopping with me. I usually have three or four beers for every wine she drinks.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 20/September/2024 @ 7:25 am
Every day is a new adventure, rain or shine.
“Then we know what his calling is.”
Asswipe?
» Posted By John McCrarey On 20/September/2024 @ 7:23 am
Yeah, I agree. Bob had her quit a job, move to Davao, had her kid move in with them, and THEN decided he wanted to chase other women. Bob was an asshole, but that shouldn’t be a crime.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 20/September/2024 @ 7:11 am
How can you mend a broken heart?
You know, it’s funny how that superficiality works. I recall once sitting in an Itaewon bar, and these hot Korean gals came in, looking for fun. They scanned the room and didn’t even pay me a glance–I felt invisible. I remember thinking, “Yeah, you’ll hook up with some young soldier, and he’ll use and abuse you when you could have had a mature and respectful man like me.” Maybe thirty minutes later, some ugly girls came into the bar. I didn’t give them a second glance and laughed at my hypocrisy.
I also remember a new waitress at the Barretto dart bar where I used to hang out. I didn’t find her attractive at all. But over the next few months, I got to know her and was really impressed with her personality. And then I looked at her one day and thought, “damn, when did she get so beautiful?” It was too late for me by then, but it was a good reminder to look for the inner beauty as well.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 20/September/2024 @ 7:37 am
Thanks for the link, Drain. I’ll definitely check it out. Your assessment of CBS’s news standards and quality matches my own, so nothing you say is surprising. And yes, trouble is on the horizon with China. I expect to have a front-row seat when China pulls the trigger. That fancy shipyard across the bay I can see from my window is an obvious target. Whenever I hear a jet engine overhead, I look up and wonder if the time has come.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 19/September/2024 @ 8:32 am
Kevin, Your experience is what inspired me to have my heart looked at. I’m not displaying the severe symptoms you had, but I want to know if the breathing issues may be heart-related. Hopefully, I’ll find out more later this afternoon.
I’ve made lifestyle changes in the past for health reasons–I took up walking after that heart diagnosis ten years ago. If drinking indeed were a matter of life or death, I’d probably give it up or at least reduce my consumption. I doubt (and hope) that is not the case.
But what do you call a woman who only wants you for your good looks? The motivation for an attraction to money seems more genuine somehow. Anyway, Swan loves me for who I am, bless her heart. She is definitely high-quality, AND she likes to cook! I’m a lucky man, indeed!
» Posted By John McCrarey On 19/September/2024 @ 8:23 am
Thanks, Brian. I’m anxious to find out more this afternoon.
Regarding love versus the attraction to money, it seems to me that Western women being drawn to young, handsome guys is no less shallow than a Filipina looking for a meal ticket. I think the fringe benefits you get from a Filipina are better, though.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 19/September/2024 @ 8:08 am
Not much, but better than nothing
Yes, the person doing the ECG talked about a “treadmill,” so I think that might be the next step. Of course, every f’n hill I try to climb these days feels pretty stressful…
» Posted By John McCrarey On 18/September/2024 @ 7:34 am
Kev, when we first started our walk, some of our regulars were nowhere to be seen. I thought we would have leftover candy for a change, but that didn’t turn out to be the case.
“The kids usually come to us, but tried to keep them dry yesterday.”
I left out “we” before tried. I was trying to convey that we usually stay on the street, and kids come out to us. Due to the rain, we ventured into the housing compound to hand out the candy.
Back in those days, I thought I was a rebel, and punctuation rules didn’t apply to me. Or maybe my typewriter was a cheap model without those punctuation keys. One of those.
Yep, those red ink pens must have been running dry when the teachers graded my work. But no writer is totally worthless–s/he can always serve as a bad example.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 17/September/2024 @ 8:26 am
I have no idea what’s up with my lack of stamina these days. (trigger that old apathy or ignorance joke)
Regarding Streetwalker, I think a double entendre is almost as funny as a pun.
Yes, John was asking folks to patronize his restaurant to help him generate revenue. They told me last night that he is still in the hospital. A public hospital (Gordon) with a bad reputation. Expats call it “the place where people go to die.” I couldn’t help but wonder if I was having my last supper there yesterday. John has been dealing with kidney failure and getting thrice-weekly dialysis for a couple of years now. I assume his current issues are related to that.
The “land of opportunity” isn’t so much these days. That’s sad, but I’m glad Filipinos see opportunities back home in the Philippines.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 16/September/2024 @ 7:37 am
«« Back To Stats PageKev, nope, preventive maintenance just isn’t a thing here. I don’t walk in a couple of places during the rainy season because of the slimy concrete. I’m tempted to carry a bottle of bleach and go on an algae-killing mission.
I wimped out because my legs were feeling sore and tired, and we had a couple of kilometers to go on a narrow, traffic-infested road that was no fun to walk. I’d just had enough.
The bar is named La Oficina, and that’s how they spelled it on the signage. I hadn’t noticed the misspelling until you pointed it out just now. It’s a stupid name for a bar, regardless. The story I heard was they wanted to call it “The Office,” but the owner of a now-closed bar by that name objected.
Yes, for the love of “h”! My name is spelled Jhon more often than it is correctly. Or maybe that’s right here, and I’m wrong. I’ll just stick to Gwapo.
I forgot, is David older or younger than you? I have it in my head that you are the middle child.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 15/September/2024 @ 8:39 am