Comments Posted By John McCrarey

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Close encounters of the weird kind

Thanks for coming along for the ride, Soju. Great to have you, and I appreciate your comments and feedback.

Over the years the blog has evolved into a diary-like thing. It’s nice to know there are some folks like you out there who find it entertaining. It’s actually a motivation to write something every day so as not to disappoint my readers.

» Posted By John McCrarey On 29/November/2023 @ 9:42 am

Kev, While Swan has strong English speaking skills, English is a second language for her, and it would behoove me to keep that in mind when this type of miscommunication occurs. To me, the context should have made it evident that I was being facetious, but unfortunately, Swan didn’t read it that way. I’ll try to keep in mind the potential for miscommunication in the future. It appears we’ve put the issue behind us as we move forward on our relationship path.

Ah, clause and effect. I can now see the error of my ways and wish I had done something like your example instead (I like rewrite #1 best). I prefer an informal, conversational, writing style, but I think that contributes to the sloppiness I demonstrated here. I’ll strive to do better! Heil Stickler!

» Posted By John McCrarey On 29/November/2023 @ 4:11 am

Rollin’ with the flow

I will typically go with movies that have been recommended or that I’ve read a favorable review. I was just couch surfing when I came upon “End of the World,” and it looked okay from the trailer. It wasn’t.

» Posted By John McCrarey On 28/November/2023 @ 6:27 am

Feeling a bit dated

Yeah, I did watch the video but still failed to make that connection to “crepe.” Now I get it! 🙂

» Posted By John McCrarey On 27/November/2023 @ 1:50 pm

Kev, it takes big cojones to spell the way I do!

Nice to read the “All is Lost” review again. I saw a movie today from 2013 called “End of the World.” The characters were all so cliche, and the dialog so bad I wondered if it might be a comedy. Except it wasn’t funny.

Swan always tells me to smile for the picture. I guess pursed lips are my version of the fake smile.

Yeah, I’ve heard that creepy Radiohead song before. I’m not making the connection to what I posted, though. I’ll have to go back and read the lyrics again.

Here’s hoping I have enough time left to play the long game!

» Posted By John McCrarey On 27/November/2023 @ 6:36 am

Same thing with those nose rings and lip spikes. I might hire them for the circus, but not much else.

» Posted By John McCrarey On 27/November/2023 @ 5:59 am

Now that’s more like it

Kev, and now for the nasal surgery. Then I’ll be breathing easy.

» Posted By John McCrarey On 26/November/2023 @ 5:03 am

Thanks, Brian. Hopefully, I’ve got a few more Easter Mountain climbs left in me.

» Posted By John McCrarey On 26/November/2023 @ 5:00 am

Come and go with me

Thanks, Dan. Read up on “Fair Play” at Wikipedia. Looks interesting. I’ll add it to the queue.

» Posted By John McCrarey On 26/November/2023 @ 5:04 am

Kev, Sit-n-Bull does have good pies and cakes available. I was just disappointed a slice of something wasn’t included in the meal. Is it really a feast if there is no dessert?

You know, one of the benefits of cognitive decline is that everything old is new again. Yes, that was an old joke, but I hadn’t remembered how recently I had posted it here. I should have used my search function like I do for post titles to avoid repetition.

That said, it led to your in-depth analysis and refutation of the joke’s premise, along with some interesting history from your university days. So, it was worth it. Thanks for your insights and education.

» Posted By John McCrarey On 25/November/2023 @ 5:56 am

Terry, yes, my beer belly is insane. No idea where that came from. I do intend to shrink it significantly in the new year. I will use that belly shot as the “before” picture when I reach my goal…

» Posted By John McCrarey On 25/November/2023 @ 5:35 am

Thankfully

Thanks, Brian; I thought you might understand the motivation and rationale for buying the occasional lady drink. Once you see how the system works up close and personal, the urge to help these girls is sometimes irresistible. Honestly, I suppose there is some guilt involved. Paying someone three or four dollars for an eight-hour shift reeks of exploitation. Most of the bargirls are very appreciative when you supplement their salary with drink commissions, and that makes me feel good. Another example of what I call “selfish generosity”–a lady drink purchase buys me peace of mind.

» Posted By John McCrarey On 25/November/2023 @ 5:45 am

Kev, yes, I know we have different viewpoints on the subject of bargirls. I see guys in the bars touching the girls inappropriately or paying to take them out of the bar, and that just goes against my nature. I mean, if that’s what they like and the girls agree, more power to them. I can drink alone and be okay with it. But I also enjoy chatting and joking with the girls. They make 150 pesos (three bucks) for eight or more hours a day sitting in a bar full of foreigners. Lady drink commissions are what they rely on to pay the bills. So, I consider it an act of charity when I buy them a drink. Yes, the Cheap Charlie girl I’ve known for over five years hurt my feelings with her rude behavior, but that’s on me. It’s good to be reminded that, indeed, I mean nothing to them other than being the means to an end.

» Posted By John McCrarey On 24/November/2023 @ 8:30 am

Thanks for reading and commenting here, Thorgoth. Nothing to be dubious about!

» Posted By John McCrarey On 24/November/2023 @ 8:20 am

Dan, I was a letter carrier for the Postal Service for eight years, so I can de-liver for you!

I’m just making the best of the days I have left. I would rather drink with Swan than a bargirl, but Swan chooses not to join me. Anyway, hanging in the bars is in my genes. I’m not suggesting it is good or healthy, but it is what I do, and I make no apologies for it. Different strokes for different folks.

» Posted By John McCrarey On 24/November/2023 @ 8:18 am

On a binge

Kev, I’ll post about the ultrasound results today, but the short version is all those bad possibilities were not in evidence.

Interesting remembrances regarding Frakes and Father Sloyan. Thanks for sharing!

» Posted By John McCrarey On 23/November/2023 @ 7:30 am

Thanks, Dan. I’ve never taken a sleeping pill in my life, but if this trend of sleepless nights continues I’ll consider it. Maybe increasing my beer intake would work the same way.

One thing about spending sleep time in front of the TV is the opportunity to explore the vast Netflix offerings. I’ll consider re-watching the Godfather 2 film again.

» Posted By John McCrarey On 23/November/2023 @ 7:25 am

No shame

Kev, yep, I’m going to keep Hashing as long as I can, even if I’m missing the “good” parts.

Yeah, I guess all the clients of that funeral home are Breathless. At least, I hope so!

Dr. Jo was taken aback by that bruising. She said it could indicate something more severe than a simple muscle strain. I’m getting an ultrasound done today to help her identify the problem.

Thanks for the good wishes…

» Posted By John McCrarey On 22/November/2023 @ 6:20 am

Brian, you’d think I’d remember a cough that cracked a rib–a muscle strain seems more likely to me. But it could be something else. I’m doing an ultrasound of my abdomen today. Dr. Jo wants to see what’s going on inside of there.

» Posted By John McCrarey On 22/November/2023 @ 6:15 am

Making progress

Kev, yes, I still have hills to climb. Maybe I’ll try tomorrow.

The West differs from the South, but most country folk are down-to-earth and good neighbors. There are genres within country music, just like with rock-n-roll. I can enjoy some but not all of the country music offerings.

McQueen really did have an amazing life, short though it was. I vaguely recall watching “The Sand Pebbles,” but I’d be hard-pressed to tell you what it was about.

» Posted By John McCrarey On 21/November/2023 @ 6:00 am

Nice dad joke, Brian!

Yep, not 100% yet, but I’ll get there.

» Posted By John McCrarey On 21/November/2023 @ 5:52 am

The Watcher

Dan, I am currently taking vitamin B in the morning. I’ll look into the other remedies you mention.

I’m about as dumb as they come when it comes to smoking. I didn’t smoke in my teens and twenties (well, other than pot) but started around 30 (had a girlfriend who smoked, so I would join in). Anyway, twenty years of 1 to 2 packs a day took its toll and permanently damaged my lungs. All I can do now is try to keep it from worsening.

» Posted By John McCrarey On 20/November/2023 @ 5:56 am

Not serving beer and heaven in the same sentence is a contradiction of terms. Sounds more like hell.

» Posted By John McCrarey On 20/November/2023 @ 5:49 am

A sick SOB

Thanks, Goldberg. There is no easy fix for my lung damage–that’s on me for twenty years of smoking. My nasal surgery concern is about going under general anesthesia, but I checked when I was last in Thailand, and they put you out there too.

I’m trying to remain confident that I’m on the road to recovery. I appreciate your support and concern.

» Posted By John McCrarey On 19/November/2023 @ 7:22 am

Kev, thanks for the interesting link. I also took the three quizzes offered to see where I stacked up on the alcohol abuse scale. I passed two with flying colors (meaning no indication of addiction). On the third, I scored twelve points out of forty (lower points being the good end of the scale), but that one said I might have an abuse problem. Then I saw it was from the World Health Organization, which has zero credibility with me.

Now, I acknowledge that I do drink every day, and I consume several drinks when I’m out. Is that a problem? Well, given that I’m drinking low-alcohol beer, that I usually don’t get classic drunk, that I confine my drinking to a narrow window of fewer than four hours, and I rarely drink at home, I feel like I’m in control and don’t have a drinking problem. Regarding health, I do not see cause and effect. Yeah, if I’m boozing it up with whiskey or other hard stuff, the impact would likely be evident. My six to eight Zeros contain less alcohol than two or three stiff liquor drinks. I usually know when to say when and rarely come home drunk. I’d say the beer helps my mental health and provides about the only social interactions I have these days. Bottom line, I feel like I’m in control of my drinking, and drinking doesn’t control me. I enjoy it and don’t want to stop. That’s different than not being able to stop.

Regarding the oxygen tank I borrowed, I offered to buy it from her, and she declined, my impression being that she considers it helping out a friend. So, once it is empty, I will ask her again: do you want it back, or should I buy a new one? I like having a backup tank in case of emergency.

Heh, I never even thought of the “is” versus “are” in that meme. They both sound right to me.

Yes, the views from my place are amazing. Makes it harder to be depressed when you are surrounded by beauty.

I did hear about several China-funded projects being canceled. I wasn’t sure who initiated that. Either way, though, I agree that the less China, the better!

» Posted By John McCrarey On 19/November/2023 @ 7:16 am

What’s the Beef?

Dan, good point. I did have a chest x-ray, and no one said anything about pneumonia.

» Posted By John McCrarey On 18/November/2023 @ 4:12 pm

“But at least -yet- you haven’t been classically scammed by a south-east Asian pick-up artist in a pink bikini with sleek golden curves yum yum.”

Dan, that’s my dream!

So far I’m still maintaining my daily bar visit routine, but getting there on foot is infinitely more difficult. I’m trying to remain confident that this will pass soon. But yes, it is good to have Netflix to fill those otherwise sober hours. And I have beer in the fridge in case of emergency!

» Posted By John McCrarey On 18/November/2023 @ 7:46 am

None of the docs I’ve seen have mentioned pneumonia specifically, and I hadn’t even considered the three variants it uses to attack the lungs. If the antibiotics don’t work, I’ll have to consider other options. I don’t currently have a fever, for whatever that’s worth.

Kev, I finished “Beef” last night, and you are right; the two main characters were both losers in their own right. The reconciliation and awakening to their faults was the fuel for the tenth and final episode. I generally enjoyed this one.

In addition to the upgraded antibiotic, the pulmonary doc altered several of the drugs/inhalers I’ve been using since I was first diagnosed. The surgery ain’t happening until I’ve stabilized.

» Posted By John McCrarey On 18/November/2023 @ 7:42 am

Thanks for the viewing tips, Brian. That will come in handy as I explore this brave new world named Netflix.

Yes, the pulmonary doctor I saw yesterday confirmed that surgery in my current condition is a no-go. He believes the meds he prescribed will clear up my lungs by early next week. Here’s hoping!

» Posted By John McCrarey On 18/November/2023 @ 7:29 am

Keep breathing

Kev, yes, Dr. Jo has prescribed an antibiotic based on believing I’m experiencing a respiratory infection. I’m hoping that’s the case (and the drugs work) because otherwise, I’ll have to deal with this being an exacerbation of my COPD.

Thanks for the introduction to Alan Watts. I read his Wiki entry and found links to lots of other videos. A fascinating man. He died when I was in high school, but you’d think I would have heard of him given my involvement in the counterculture. Or maybe I just got stoned and missed it.

» Posted By John McCrarey On 17/November/2023 @ 7:05 am