Comments Posted By John McCrarey
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The death penalty was abolished here in 1987. Given the insanely slow processing of court cases and innumerable nonbailable offenses, a false accusation can put you in jail for a long time without a trial. A standard piece of advice for newbies here is don’t piss off a Filipino–nothing good will come of it. Better off making friends with the police than the lawyers and avoid arrest altogether.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 12/September/2023 @ 6:07 am
I think having six bars in one place is a good thing without the redundancy that normally happens when you have several businesses under one roof selling the same product. The difference being that while all six venues sell alcoholic beverages, they are unique in other ways. Bars tend to have a “personality” that attracts a certain customer base, and those customers then attract other like-minded folk, creating a comfortable “at home” feeling among the guests. I call that the “vibe” of a place, hard to define, but it is a welcoming feeling that makes you glad to be there. I think the theme song to “Cheers” that I posted captures some of the vibe I’m talking about. The bars are different in practical terms as well. You have three bars with dancers if that’s your thing. Wet Spot also has a lot of waitresses and GROs/massage girls looking to keep you company. Next door at Alaska, there are fewer girls overall, but it has a friendly, welcoming feel. The Green Room bills itself as a “sports bar,” but it is a lot like Wet Spot without the dancers–I get swamped by thirsty girls whenever I’m there. Sloppy Joe’s is what I’d call a hangout place; people come to sit, drink, and bullshit among themselves in a pleasant, laid-back atmosphere. La Oficina is the new kid on the block, a smallish go-go bar with a more intimate feeling than its larger counterparts. BarCelona would also fit in the sports bar category (by that, I mean showing events on large-screen TVs) and offering weekly pool tournaments. I like the open-air rooftop atmosphere, which makes it unique among the six bars of the Maze.
“Who could that be in the reflection?”
I hope it doesn’t reflect poorly on me…
Yes, I did notice the ambiguity of “bi-weekly” when I wrote that. He said he came a couple of times a month, and I briefly considered “bi-monthly,” but that felt like once every two months. I probably should have just not gone “bi” at all. Not that there is anything wrong with it.
It’s not the Spanish of “La Oficina” so much as it is the irrelevance as a bar moniker. I mean, you can make a joke about The Office (wife screams, “Where are you?” and you say, still at the office), but that doesn’t translate so well. Plus, Oficina is kinda hard to say, especially after a few beers.
I hadn’t seen the DeSantis fake smile clip, but yeah, I see the resemblance. Looking back at the photos, I can see a pretty clear progression from sober to drunk as the night went on.
Yep. the t-shirt performed well–good fit, lightweight, and sweat-absorbing.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 11/September/2023 @ 8:11 am
“when you’re the leader, do people try to walk ahead of you?”
Normally, yes. Leader is not precisely the right word for it. If it is left to me to pick the trail, I’ll say something like, “Okay, we’ll go up behind Marian Hills, circle back to Four Corners, then take the tires down to Columban.” Folks will walk at their own pace, then periodically wait for us slowpokes to catch up (it is supposed to be a group hike), and then continue on to the next stop. Yesterday, Gary and I stuck together because we walk at a similar pace.
Yes, at the SOB, “home-field advantage” does exist, perhaps more than it should. The home bar goes first, and as a judge, I give their performance a score that sets a high bar for the others to try and exceed. That does happen occasionally. I thought it did this week, but the other judges didn’t see it that way.
It was a bit of a surprise to have a package I wasn’t expecting delivered. I guess I’d forgotten I’d ordered it. I’ll be taking the shirt out for a test walk this morning.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 10/September/2023 @ 7:56 am
Yeah, I cut John some slack; he’s got a lot on his plate these days. I’ve seen the ads where he is trying to hire, including paying higher wages than many of his competitors. I’ve heard he is a strict boss (don’t be late!), which may explain some of his turnover issues. Anyway, I hope it all works out. I’d hate to lose that menu!
I hadn’t really thought about that “yum” versus “yummy” thing. I don’t say “yum” all the time; it’s more of a slangy/lazy/informal rendering not intended to be grammatically correct. That said, it’s not just me using it that way; I’ve heard it before. I think it goes into the “technically wrong, but common usage” category. Like ain’t.
I guess Lucky thought it was ballsy enough for me to publish such drivel!
» Posted By John McCrarey On 09/September/2023 @ 6:35 am
Yep, mama is a special lady. K-pop is big here, so maybe he is in a band.
And yes, I remember living like a King (or was it a rock star?) in my Anjeong-ri palace. Best of all, it was on the government’s dime!
» Posted By John McCrarey On 08/September/2023 @ 5:56 pm
Kev, regarding the wires, I had to go back and look at the pic again because I hadn’t even noticed them. It’s just the norm here.
Yikes, and no thanks to rucking. Sawmill ain’t nothing compared to that!
It was good to reread the review; I’d actually forgotten that one. I think Nerissa’s fantasy of a life in France or the UK is nothing like the reality she’ll discover. But life is for learning.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 08/September/2023 @ 7:10 am
Yeah, I respect her courage, but I think she needs to think things through. If the guy doesn’t respect her and her culture enough even to visit here, I’m not sure he will be someone to be trusted when she is there on her own. And I think her vision of what life in Europe is like is a fantasy. She’s a grown woman, though, and can make her own decisions. And live with the consequences.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 08/September/2023 @ 6:57 am
The questions you raise in the second paragraph are exactly the ones I’m asking myself. I’ve chosen to take a wait-and-see approach for a few more weeks. I’ve pulled back emotionally, so she will have to convince me that whatever we have together is mutually beneficial. I really am in a place where I am okay with being alone, especially if drama and stress are the alternatives.
As for the sex aspect, I sometimes feel that maybe she just has no interest. That one night we spent together out of town, she told me “she didn’t like it” when I attempted to initiate a coupling. I think the fact that I’m still around is evidence that sex isn’t my primary motivation here. Don’t get me wrong, I like sex and can’t imagine a relationship without it, but I’d like to see if we can connect better emotionally as a priority. And yes, that would make the sex even better!
I might not know Swan well enough to know her best traits, but the ones I’ve observed included generosity, loyalty, caring nature, shared taste in music, honesty, intelligence, seriousness, cleanliness (she doesn’t even like dirty words), goal-oriented, and family-focused (even if she doesn’t have kids, which is a plus from my perspective). That’s ten, subject to change if and when she lets me close enough to learn more.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 11/September/2023 @ 2:50 pm
Honestly, Kevin, this is not about sex. Yeah, that’s important too and I’m not willing to be in a long-term relationship without it, but it is not the sex I’m missing at this point. I’m craving companionship, intimacy, and the feeling that I’m a priority in Swan’s life. Again, maybe she’s just different, but she never opens up about what’s on her mind or in her heart. Whenever I try to find out what is happening with her, she gives me some variation of the “be patient” response. I’m in full wait-and-see mode now and leave it entirely up to her whether she wants to see or talk to me. Sometimes, a full day goes by without a word beyond “good night.” If I ask what she was doing all day, she says we can talk about it over coffee in the morning. It’s weird. I feel lonelier now than I did before I met her. Granted, that may very well change when we are living in the same house. I’m willing to wait and see.
Another concern is that she doesn’t seem to share an interest in the things I enjoy. She did consent to hike with me one day a week, but only the two of us. I’d love to have a girlfriend who does the Hash, but I understand that’s not for everyone (some of the rituals are over the top). But it would be nice if she would join the group hikes occasionally–I envy the couples who participate. And I get that she doesn’t like bars and wouldn’t expect her to hang out in that environment. Still, I rarely get invited to join her in any other activities we might share. I’m not so needy that I expect her to always be by my side; I think time apart is good in a healthy relationship, but she makes no discernable effort to find ways to spend time with me. In fact, even on our “scheduled” times, she will cancel if she gets invited to do something else with friends.
So again, my issue isn’t about the lack of sex. If it turns out she isn’t interested in having an intimate relationship, we can settle for friendship. It may be as simple as she doesn’t find me attractive or interesting. I won’t “fire” her because she is not up for being my lover. I don’t fuck the help anyway.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 08/September/2023 @ 7:36 am
Kev, sorry that my spaghetti-eating method has triggered you. It’s just how I’ve always done it, and it seems much more efficient. I did look around as others ate, and it appears that only I have found the pleasure inherent in simplicity. True story: I used to have staff in Philadelphia, and on one trip, they took me out to eat at a local family-owned Italian restaurant for dinner. One of my counterparts told the female owner I was a spaghetti cutter. She thought he was joking. When I confessed it was true, she looked disgusted, shook her head, and said, “No spaghetti for you!” And she was serious.
“Why do I feel as if I’ve read almost these exact words before?”
Because my love life is like “Groundhog Day.” Anyway, when we are living under one roof, things will change. My feelings now are likely a manifestation of my selfishness and inability to put Swan’s needs first. But I know what I want, and if it turns out Swan can’t or won’t provide it, then I’m prepared to accept that we are not destined to be lovers. I’m not going to settle for a passionless relationship–I’d rather be alone.
It’s good the police are on the lookout for that missing comma!
» Posted By John McCrarey On 07/September/2023 @ 7:58 am
Thanks for the link; very interesting and something I’d never considered before. I wonder why.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 07/September/2023 @ 7:35 am
Brian, honestly, even at the friend level, I’m feeling ignored. But perhaps this is my test. We’ll see what happens come October when we are living in the same house.
With the exception of hotel bars, every bar allows waitresses to have a drink with a customer. I’d guess 50% or more employ GROs whose job is to drink with customers. I define “gogo bars” as ones with dancers, and that’s about 25% of the total bars in town.
I’ve often offered that tip instead of the lady drink option, and the girls almost always prefer the drink. I asked them why since the tip was worth more than the commission and was told that they have to meet a lady drink quota every night (or sometimes a week) or their salary is reduced. Also, some bars require all tips to be shared.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 07/September/2023 @ 7:33 am
Drain, I’m not really ascribing bad motivations for Swan’s actions; she seems sincere and is trying to be honest about her distancing. And as she is quick to point out, we’ll be living under the same roof soon, and we’ll have lots of time to share together. Whether that leads to more intimacy and emotion remains to be seen.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 07/September/2023 @ 7:14 am
“you’ve long been a man who follows his, uh, baser appetites.”
And this is where all those bad habits began. My first love, Karen, moved two hours south to San Diego, but I never technically broke up with her. I’d drive down to visit once a month or so. And then I met Gail; she was just a natural fit, like dating your best friend. I should have cut the strings to Karen and gone on with my new life, but no, I wasn’t that smart. After one visit with Karen, she wanted to ride back to Orange County with me. When we got to my apartment, I was surprised to see my roommate was having a party. When Karen and I walked through the door, we were face-to-face with Gail, who was a guest at the party. Talk about awkward. At that moment, I realized that Gail was who I wanted, and I did break up with Karen for good the next day. It was too late, though, to fix things with Gail.
My love life has been a Groundhog Day of fuck ups ever since.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 06/September/2023 @ 6:53 am
Thanks, Soju. I reminded of the great Joe Walsh refrain: Everybody’s so different, I haven’t changed.
I didn’t like how 8-tracks would click over right in the middle of the song, causing a brief but irritating pause. Plus, with cassettes, I could make my own mix tapes from my extensive album collection. Nothing is more romantic than giving your girl a cassette with all your favorite love songs.
Thanks for reminding me of the song. Indeed, a dreamer lives forever!
» Posted By John McCrarey On 06/September/2023 @ 6:34 am
I think the gals might like my unbathed smell. I’ve had several sniffing my clothes and complimenting the smell of the fabric softener my helper uses. “Is that Downey? Nice!” Honestly, I find it irksome because I wear expensive Armani cologne, and they never seem to notice that smell.
I don’t eat a lot of local delicacies, but balut is one I will NEVER sample. Just the thought of eating an aborted duck fetus grosses me out.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 06/September/2023 @ 6:39 am
Ah, yeah, I agree Jana works much better.
I didn’t mean to imply that the lady drink experience is always negative or disappointing. It can be sometimes, and I intend to overdo it when it’s not, so I just need to the point where it is a treat for special occasions.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 05/September/2023 @ 7:36 am
Re: reversed image. Yeah, I had that backward. Didn’t think it through. Again.
Actually, with the bargirls, I’m paying for some companionship and company when I want it, and the rest of the time, I’m just feeling sorry for the girls who are working hard to make a living. I wouldn’t want their job! I’m alone most of the time in my life, so getting out and having a drink with someone is about the only socializing I do. As to “bar guys,” well, when I run into one of the Hashers in a bar, we’ll drink, chat, and buy each other drinks. We usually don’t have a bargirl around in that scenario. As for craving female attention–not really. Attention that you pay for is pretty much unsatisfying. I often choose bars without GROs so I can drink in peace. The problem is, after all this time, my regulars expect a drink when I visit the bar, and it kills my buzz to disappointment. I’m cutting way back (probably half of what I used to buy), so it’s a weaning process.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 05/September/2023 @ 3:47 am
Alright, guys, this “Jana/Lana” went completely over my head. Can someone explain to my feeble brain what you are talking about?
» Posted By John McCrarey On 05/September/2023 @ 3:32 am
Yeah, I wasn’t really clear on that distinction until now. But when you order the roast beef deep at Sit-n-Bull, the waitress always asks, “You want that with au jus or with gravy?”
» Posted By John McCrarey On 04/September/2023 @ 9:51 am
If I recall, the new base on Humphreys has an Outback.
So, billa is what Aussies call dill and bong is the word for dough. Which make dildo…
I just call the dip sandwich “good”… 🙂
» Posted By John McCrarey On 04/September/2023 @ 9:49 am
Kev, I had to look up “billabong” when I first heard it, too. As you likely surmised, Outback Resort is an Aussie-owned facility. Billabong still seems like a weird name for the bar, though.
It’s called a “roast beef dip” on the menu, but I’m not sure how that differs from a French dip. The sauce is au jus, although gravy for dipping is also an option.
I don’t know jack shit about words sometimes. Although I’ve said “jack shit” out loud before, I don’t recall ever having written it. At first, I did a two-word version, but then wondered if I needed to capitalize “Jack.” I eventually decided that jack isn’t a name in this context, and I did it as one word to emphasize that. In hindsight, I should have just looked it up.
Yeah, I’ve had more of those “wet leg” moments than I care to admit, especially as I grow older. You suckered me (I’m sure unintentionally) with that “The More You Know” link. I thought it would be more than the old six-second intro clip NBC used back when truth was still part of the news business.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 04/September/2023 @ 5:32 am
Never dry per se, but “normal” versus “insane” rain nine months out of the year.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 03/September/2023 @ 7:09 am
Beer and “ber” do go together. How else could you endure a Christmas song about a sleigh ride in the snow in the Philippines during September?
Haha! I’m impressed you notice details like that. I was always a left-wristed watch wearer. When I started wearing my fitness tracker, my non-dominant hand was the only place to go. And then one day, my watch band broke; I couldn’t find a decent replacement, and then accepted that the watch was redundant–the tracker tells the time, too. Geez and you remember that photo from the embassy–how embarrassing. My story now is I was silently protesting the overreach of the deep state and signaling that it was time for Trump to step forward and MAGA!
I’d never visited OnlyFans until just now. Sign me up!
» Posted By John McCrarey On 03/September/2023 @ 7:04 am
Spot the error? One too many commas. Oops.
Yeah, you only visit when you are drunk seems like a weird complaint from a bargirl. I could see it if she worked in a department store, but it’s her job to entertain drunks at the bar.
Regarding the self-restraint, it seemed to me Peter was up for it until he couldn’t get it up. That’s when he gave up on the idea of doing Sarah. It seemed more physical than heroic. Give him a Viagra and see what happens in that situation. It also seemed a bit hypocritical for Sarah to be upset with Aldous about his promiscuous ways when she herself was a cheating bitch. It didn’t seem she ever achieved self-awareness when she lost both Peter and Aldous. Now, I need to win the heart of my Rachel, although perhaps I’m unworthy as well.
I checked your blog to see if you had reviewed the movie, but apparently not.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 02/September/2023 @ 6:13 am
Ron says he enjoys his work. I asked about his retirement plans and he wants to keep working. That’s a great situation when you get paid for doing a hobby or pastime.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 02/September/2023 @ 5:54 am
Let’s hope Prince doesn’t unleash any of his famous Purple Rain!
What? Are you saying I’m not wealthy?
Water is out again this morning, but this time it appears to be a problem with the pipes. Nothing like look for a plumber on a rainy Sunday morning. Hmm, maybe I don’t have to go to the creek, I’ll just shower in the front yard.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 03/September/2023 @ 6:50 am
Kev, my sleep schedule has evolved into pretty much the opposite of what it was when I was a younger man. I’m used to it now, and it works out pretty well for me. I think the scamdemic curfews made my late nights a thing of the past once and for all. Sometimes I lament leaving the bars so early, but then again, I’ve gotten to where I can hit my “sweet spot” of inebriation pretty consistently by eight p.m. I’ve thought about starting my drinking later so I could stay out later (live music doesn’t usually begin until nine), but then I’d have to walk into town in the dark.
I’m not sure whether (ahem) I’d ever heard of an auto-antonym. Interesting reading; thanks for the link!
» Posted By John McCrarey On 01/September/2023 @ 6:27 am
Soju, Yes, that’s a San Mig light. Some special promotion, I guess. Or they are looking for affirmation.
Yeah, maybe it’s an Asian thing to treat dogs like animals rather than friends. I’ve seen a lot worse than depicted in that photo. I remember seeing a truckload of dogs on the way to the slaughterhouse once in Korea. They were packed in like sardines. As I passed, one of the dogs made eye contact with me, and I’m still haunted by the look of pain and suffering on its face.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 01/September/2023 @ 6:12 am
«« Back To Stats PageRegarding movie titles, I did it with quotes first, didn’t like it, so I italicized it but didn’t bother taking the quotation marks off. At least I didn’t use boldface font.
Tomorrow begins the “Ber” months–Christmas season in the Philippines is here! So, let’s hope October doesn’t bring a lump of coal…
» Posted By John McCrarey On 31/August/2023 @ 5:24 am