Comments Posted By John McCrarey
Displaying 2,761 To 2,790 Of 6,501 Comments
I arrived alive–I’ll call that a good start!
Yeah, it is kind of fun to engage with these spammers now and then. Especially if it puts you on their “ain’t worth calling” list.
Gonna attempt the Pattaya Hash today and put these tired old lungs of mine to the test.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 12/June/2023 @ 8:55 am
Brian, as I understand it, Whiskey Girl is owned by an American who has been working in Saudi Arabia. He hired a manager to run the place in his absence. I guess he’s back now (or at least he was Friday night) and there was some dispute with the former manager (the owner made a big show of posting a sign that said, “Darren does NOT own this bar!”. Anyway, small-town drama.
Yeah, my bar hours (usually five until eight) are probably not a good indicator of how much business a bar is actually doing (most stay open until after midnight). Still, with over thirty bars in town now, I don’t see the expat community having the numbers to make them all profitable. I have been seeing more out-of-towners lately, and I think that crowd is what the bars rely on.
I’m just hoping I’m feeling healthy in Pattaya. I am going to try and get a checkup while I’m there.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 11/June/2023 @ 7:46 am
Kev, we’ll see how the Whiskey Girl remodel goes. I remember thinking when he told me his plans, I’d prefer sitting on a stool at a table. I guess he’s going for more of a lounge vibe or something. Anyway, if I don’t like the new look I’ve got lots of other options.
To be clear, there is a big distinction between voluntarily buying some lady drinks versus being besieged with pleading messages for cash infusions. The latter is where my “not a goddamn ATM” shirt message will be most applicable. I don’t mind buying the occasional lady drink (I don’t like being asked, though) because I know it is how the girls earn and supplement their salary. Most bars pay a ridiculously low daily wage (like five bucks a shift), and the girls are expected to earn drink commissions. In fact, some bars have drink quotas that, if not met, result in a reduction in pay. By charitably “donating” some lady drinks in the bars I visit, I can better ignore the exploitation of these desperate young women. And as an added bonus, they pretend to like me!
I definitely intend to blog from Thailand every day. I’m bringing my laptop with me (I’ve never blogged on my phone before, I can barely respond to messages on that tiny keyboard), so it should be business as usual.
Anything I eat in Pattaya is “local food,” right?
I never knew the origins of “disaster” before. Here’s hoping the stars are aligned in my favor!
» Posted By John McCrarey On 11/June/2023 @ 6:41 am
Kev, let it go is excellent advice. At our parting, promises were made to remain special friends. I felt an obligation to try and do so, which made turning down her invitations hard for me to do. It is now painfully apparent that I mean nothing to her, and that makes it easier to Let–it–go once and for all.
Ha! I remember that movie but hadn’t even thought of that box in relation to the post title. Honestly, it was more of a Gollum thing.
I think these breathing issues may have multiple causes, but they are all manifestations of my COPD. The next step is getting my nostrils cleared so I can breathe through my nose again. I just need some reassurance that the surgery won’t kill me (general anesthesia doesn’t go well with COPD).
Your address is no longer visible. Sorry I didn’t notice that in the original post.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 10/June/2023 @ 7:50 am
Hey, DS. Interesting perspectives. I’ve often wondered if there has been any regret about telling us to leave, especially with China literally knocking on the back door (and stealing whatever else they want). I guess the answer is yes in light of the recent agreement to host US forces at four new bases here.
I never knew that statue was meant to honor those foolish Senators who wanted us gone. I see it completely differently now.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 10/June/2023 @ 7:35 am
No, I have no idea regarding “mahout” meaning; just quoting the email. The writer lives in Cambodia, so it may mean something there.
I’m going to plead the 5th regarding Grammarly. As to clauses, other than Santa, I’d say that you have tried to teach me that the clause has a subject and a verb and that there may be multiple clauses in a sentence. Putting them together requires proper punctuation, which I frequently get wrong. Is that close?
» Posted By John McCrarey On 09/June/2023 @ 9:44 am
Kev, it looks like I joined two independent clauses with a comma. I should have used a semicolon.
I tried the beef dinner. It was just okay tasting, but for only 149 pesos per meal, I can’t really complain. The girls all seemed happy, and that’s what it is all about.
I had to go back and look at the post again to see what you were talking about regarding oxygen and the dogs. I see now that the tank was next to the dog’s food and water when I took the photo. Don’t worry; it is safely beside my bed now.
Regarding the ongoing samgyeopsal controversy, there are several outlets in my area, and only one uses the “correct” spelling. One of my readers emailed a comment that I’ll share here: “Just so you know – there are many places that spell it samgyupsal -mahout as many spell it that way as those who spell it the other way. I don’t consider it misspelled since it is a foreign language translation to English, and in those cases, there will be variations.”
One thing is for sure–grilled pork belly tastes much better in Korea than it does here.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 09/June/2023 @ 7:15 am
Rascal, I hope you enjoy the fresh air back in Korea! 🙂
» Posted By John McCrarey On 09/June/2023 @ 6:38 am
Brian, my old place sat vacant for several months but is occupied again now.
I did renew my lease here for another year, but if I found the right place, I’d pay the price to break it. I’ve got some feelers out, so we’ll see. I’d jump on one of the new places but I doubt any will be a rental. What usually happens is a foreign owner has to return to the homeland and they rent during their absence. My former landlord developed the subdivision and built several houses as models–those are the ones he rents now.
I’ll settle for the change of scenery and beach walks. I’m also planning to participate in the Pattaya Hash, so we’ll see what that’s like.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 09/June/2023 @ 6:37 am
I’m sure I’ll try some local delicacies, but damn, it’s my goal to eat Mexican in every country I visit. Doesn’t everyone?
Nope, anything below 90, and I can feel it. I just bought an oxygen tank yesterday, but no way that’s coming on a plane. I will pack my nebulizer, though.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 08/June/2023 @ 9:28 am
Thanks, Rascal. I went hiking in the Rockies once in my 40s and felt the difference altitude made to my oxygen levels.
Yes, you can’t win in a confrontation with a local. Discretion is definitely the better part of valor in that regard. You are right about the slander thing, too. Better to just shut up and let it go.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 08/June/2023 @ 8:03 am
Kevin, yeah, I am going to do that. Brian gave me some hospitals to look for in his comment. My airfare and hotel are non-refundable; otherwise, I might have postponed this trip until things settle down. Anyway, I’ll play it by ear. Woke up this morning puffing and huffing, and my oximeter says I’m at 87. Not good!
Regarding food, the strange thing is that I’m not really a big fan of Thai delicacies. I’ll see what’s on offer from the vendors and try to be a little more adventurous than usual. Maybe I’ll surprise myself.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 08/June/2023 @ 6:21 am
Brian, thanks for the hospital info. I may see about getting a consult with a doctor there on possible alternative treatments for whatever it is that ails me.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 08/June/2023 @ 6:12 am
Yeah, Rose is a thieving liar rotten to the core. As far as I know, she didn’t pay, and for that reason alone, she should be banned from attending any future Hash. Stealing beers just exacerbates her crime. I’m pretty certain she won’t be showing her face in my presence again.
Saw the doc yesterday and got an antibiotic prescription. Hope it works before I leave for Thailand. I had a scary incident last night; I’ll post about it today.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 07/June/2023 @ 4:21 am
DS, that’s pretty much what I said to her–why would I loan you money after you stole from me? When she persisted in her begging, I chose to walk away rather than create a scene in front of my Hash mates. When she tried to re-engage at the bar with her drunken entreaties, I’d had enough and told her to fuck off. I don’t think I’ll be seeing her again.
In a way, it is a blessing when people reveal the true nature of their character. I remember thinking at the time that 500 pesos is a small price to pay to find out someone is a worthless piece of shit. Not knowing can cost you a lot more over time.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 07/June/2023 @ 4:12 am
Kev, to be clear, I had no issues with Haysbert’s performance, just the way his role was written. Yes, he was definitely a New Testament God in the episodes in which he appeared (only four or five total). He was very hands-off and let his Heavenly children and humans exercise free will. No major miracles at all.
No, Jesus didn’t play a part in the story at all. In fact, I don’t recall him even being mentioned, which is strange now that I think about it. A couple of Lucifer’s brothers were featured, but there were angels with wings and powers of their own. Poor Jesus was only human and didn’t rate, I guess. I’m trying to avoid spoilers, but I suppose I can reveal that in the story, God has decided to retire and step down from the throne. Determining who would be his replacement was a big part of season five.
Again, I’m no theologian, but one of the Bible verses I remember is along the lines of “For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son…” Now I’m wondering how that reconciles with Lucifer and his siblings, who all call God dad in the show.
I’m looking forward to your take on the series.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 06/June/2023 @ 6:03 am
Going to see Dr. Jo this afternoon.
Yeah, I think Joy depends on me for cash and confuses that with importance. Or maybe she means exactly that–I’m important because of the money.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 06/June/2023 @ 2:15 pm
Kev, I really appreciate the tip regarding rales. When I researched some more on the internet it seems I might have a sister condition to rales called rhonchi. My sound only occurs when I exhale, and the website I viewed linked to a YouTube video where I could compare the sounds of both afflictions. Also, rhonchi is most often related to COPD. I definitely will consult my docs to see what meds I might take to relieve the symptoms. It was so bad during yesterday’s Hash that several people asked me if I was okay.
I’m not sure what’s up with the drama…I keep trying to avoid it, but it finds me anyway. Even had some more yesterday after the Hash. I’ll save that story for today’s post.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 06/June/2023 @ 6:20 am
Hey Brian, not sure what’s up with the email…I got a message saying it wasn’t deliverable (your Yahoo address). Anyway, sorry we won’t be able to hook up this trip; another time perhaps. Sounds like you have interesting work with all that travel. Enjoy and stay safe!
» Posted By John McCrarey On 06/June/2023 @ 5:41 am
Yeah, the pun fell flat, as sometimes happens. “In doctor nate” was indeed intended to be a play on “indoctrinate,” and the connection in the post was supposed to be my introduction of my doctor friends to the hiking joys easily accessed from our Alta Vista neighborhood. Alas, any “joke” that has to be explained is, by definition, a failure.
No idea what’s up with those soda bottles on fence posts; I assume it is for decorative purposes. I guess a culture that loves to litter so much might see beauty in hanging trash around the yard.
Yes, Presto is very much like an Oreo, as are the Bingo cookies I normally hand out. The main difference is that I never spell Presto or Bingo with an “a” at the end. Like I initially did when I typed “Orea” above.
Yes, avoiding drama has become my primary goal in life of late. I frequently hear drama alarm bells (dradar?) as I become more acquainted with a woman. Perhaps that explains why I don’t have a girlfriend.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 05/June/2023 @ 7:00 am
It’s her breast feature!
» Posted By John McCrarey On 07/June/2023 @ 11:07 am
Kevin, re: multiverses–that’s cool! So, my mission in the afterlife will be to visit my alternate universes for all eternity. Sounds like a plan!
I had totally forgotten your unfavorable review of Frost’s poem. As I re-read that post just now, I’m thinking, “Yeah, but…” so it was nice to see I made those points in my comment all those years ago. I think what a poem says and it’s meaning are subject to the interpretation of the individual reader. Our different takes on this poem seems to confirm that.
About Mary–I wasn’t upset about the money so much as it was about her being unapologetically late. But as to your larger point, I’ve had similar thoughts of late–maybe I should just quit being that guy who comes to the rescue and see what happens. I expect the result would be far fewer “friends” in need. I haven’t found a charity yet like commenter Brian suggested, but I’m thinking that in the meantime, I can focus my efforts on some meaningful projects instead of being nickeled and dimed to death constantly.
Your “you commented as well” didn’t strike me as rude at all. But maybe the line about “The crowded greeted him” distracted me and crowded out any objections. Ha! Gotcha! 🙂
» Posted By John McCrarey On 03/June/2023 @ 7:25 am
Kevin, I gotta say, 8-10K is my comfort level, even on flat paved ground. I didn’t remember we had gone as far as we did during our walk; I guess I’ve really lost my stamina since that day. I could see myself doing a long morning and another long afternoon walk; I’d just need a significant rest break (i.e., nap) in between.
Nope, during the hike, I commented that I had made the right choice in rejecting retired life on SBMA. It would have been a completely different lifestyle and would have required having a vehicle. It would be nice and comfortable in many ways but also boring. It still has that vanilla “living in America” vibe. Maybe if I had a wife and was a stay-at-home kind of guy, it would be okay, but I’m glad I chose Barretto.
As to the power situation, we do get more outages than I was used to in Korea or the States, but they do come with every storm. We have had a couple of recent scheduled “brownouts” while the power company trims tree branches away from the lines, which should help reduce outages in the coming stormy season. But yeah, it’s a pain in the ass (when I lose power, I also have no water pressure), and I can hear the generators come on all over the neighborhood. For me, it hasn’t been so frequent or long in the dark as to warrant such a purchase. I guess I’m adapting to life in the third world. And don’t get me started on those damn potholes!
I don’t know a whole lot about Vasco’s, but have I heard the owner was a shipwreck treasure hunter at one time. There is a small museum attached to the restaurant displaying some artifacts. There is definitely a nautical theme to the place, but it is not reflected in the food offerings, which are pretty much your standard resto-bar fare. It’s funny; I hadn’t made the connection between Vasco de Gama and the name of the place. Of course, Magellan was the Spanish explorer who “discovered” the Philippines and got killed by a local warlord named Lapu-Lapu down in Cebu during his first (and last) visit.
Anchors Away is just another way to spell “too lazy to look it up.” Thanks for the link! I won’t make that mistake again.
No, I didn’t buy any replacement food for the girls. I really only bought from the vendor to help her out. As I mentioned, I had bought stuff from her for bargirls several times in the past. Coincidentally, she was at Sloppy Joe’s last night when I arrived last night, and she didn’t say anything to me about buying from her. I think she knows that I know what she did.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 02/June/2023 @ 6:35 am
Brian, during the recent joint US-PI military exercise there were several American Navy ships in port and lots of cargo and troops were flown into the air field at Cubi Point. So, for that two weeks you could definitely spot a lot of American military personnel on SBMA. They are all gone now and I saw nothing during the walk to indicate a permanent presence is coming in the future. Everything I’ve read about the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement says the former bases at Subic and Clark in Angeles will NOT be reactivated.
We shall see what happens in reality. The facilities at SBMA seem like they would be ideal to support a larger US military presence here.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 02/June/2023 @ 5:49 am
You can’t always get what you want
Yeah, the pickles on top weren’t that appealing, but wound up being tasty. You expect to see Cheez Whiz, but that sauce John concocted really made the sandwich very flavorful. He told what was in it and how he made it, but alas, that Foodie talk went over my head.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 01/June/2023 @ 6:15 am
Yeah, there may have been 100 yards of crossover on the trail, but even then, we were going in the opposite direction. The Hare’s trail started in Subic town, and we left from Barretto.
No confusion, most of the kids call them biscuits, but I’m still the cookie man.
Yes, you are correct. I may not have passion, but I can live without the drama that comes with it. I’m not sure I’m happier without her, but I’m better off.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 31/May/2023 @ 7:06 am
Kevin, the last one I said the words I love you to.
The SOB is a competition where the girls perform choreographed dance routines in costumes. The normal “dancing” in the girly bars is standing on a stage while scantily clad and perhaps occasionally swaying to the music. There are occasional exceptions, but most of the girls are just waiting around for someone to call them down for a drink, not dancing.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 29/May/2023 @ 6:55 am
Even after five years here, I haven’t grown tired of the views and countryside that surround me when I hike. It’s a blessing and a reminder that I’m lucky to be here.
We figured we’d eventually find a path serving as an access point to the creek. For some folks, it’s their water source for laundry and the like. And sure enough, when we headed up the trail we found that shelter was nearby, and then we saw the house shortly afterward. Nothing like a little adventure!
» Posted By John McCrarey On 28/May/2023 @ 6:12 am
Kev, yeah, I picked up on the humorous vein of the comment about eating forks. It was all in good pun!
I’d probably just have the sign say “No swimming with the crocs” but then people might just take off their plastic shoes and jump in.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 27/May/2023 @ 7:15 am
«« Back To Stats PageSoju, This being the Philippines I’m pretty confident nothing more is taking place at this conference than having an excuse to spend time at a beachfront resort. Hell, they can’t even pave the streets competently. Alas, foreigners have no gun rights at all here and even if I had a girlfriend I damn sure wouldn’t want her armed!
» Posted By John McCrarey On 26/May/2023 @ 7:51 am