Absolutely Anything Else

My husband keeps saying he wants to move back to the US. I just do not get it, why when it is so messed up there right now.
Of course he talks a big talk so not packing up just yet!
I know we live cheap here in Hungary.
No way could we or anyone really afford dental care or much in the way of waste in the US right now.
We do not have a real budget but then again, my husband is the banker around here and only likes to pay cash.
When paying cash you usually think it over a few times before parting with your hard earned money.

Good news, my brother many go home in a couple of weeks, it has been nearly a year since his nightmare started;
He is using his new leg with a walker to get stronger; Only can do about an hour per day of walking; It is sore and the new leg is heavy. About 8 lbs which does not sound like allot but try lugging it around all day long. - @Marilyn Tassy
I dunno why anyone would want to go to the USA right now. What would be the point?
My 2nd eldest now lives and works just outside Toronto, Ontario and is very worried there will be a war between Canada and the USA. I doubt it'd ever come to that. I told her to stop reading the news or to do it selectively.

If you are going to have a problem, it might be with SS payments. Musk has his hands on the US Treasury. It'll be chaos for weeks if not months. .

Pleased to hear your bro is improving. And his muscles will improve to lug the 8lb/3 or 4kg leg around.

I wish Trump didn't have a leg to stand on. - @fluffy2560

My husband is 77 and is not worried about the future at all.

He says he did his part and that,s it.

Sounds a bit defeatist but he has a point.

Worked starting at age 14 in Hungary. Left for the US,worked hard, paid his taxes and played the game.

He is perfectly fine with nothing but the clothing on his back, so he says;

IDK, part of getting older is you realize nothing matters more then your mental happiness and peace;

Whatever does not give you peace, has to go.

I know exactly what he would do if not for me;Go to some remote Island and live like a local until his money runs out of life runs out.

IDK, part of getting older is you realize nothing matters more then your mental happiness and peace;
Whatever does not give you peace, has to go.
I know exactly what he would do if not for me;Go to some remote Island and live like a local until his money runs out of life runs out. - @Marilyn Tassy

That's hard to disagree with. Musk has a sackload of cash and a frown. I would be willing to bet his friends are people who like his money a lot more than they like him.

So no tariffs against Mexico for a month. But Mexico is going to supply 10,000 troops to protect the border. That wall worked out well didn't it? - @SimCityATWhy not simply (and calmly) invite them to a summit to discuss trade? Why get everyone all riled up? It's such an amateur way of behaving. But that's perhaps what they were expecting anyway. Just get on with talks as that's what they wanted anyway!I expect Mexico is only putting troops there to cover the influx of deportees.  - @fluffy2560 Why? Because it makes Trump look all-powerful (or all-caring, depending on what he's up to) to his public which is who he cares about, not you or me, or anybody else for that matter. He does everything in this way, always has, always will. - @Cynic

Everyone should be concerned about what Presidents Trump and Musk are up to.   It's not clear what is going on over there.

I'm seeing increasing approvals amongst my wider family for the US actions.  That's across the world - UAE, UK and wot not. That's seriously worrying for me.   They all seem to have forgotten what went before and the lessons of history.   The usual stuff they write about is immigration.   This morning there was a raft of postings in our private forums about how the population of the UK has ramped up by around 15-20 million over some period they select.  I wish they'd understand the lessons of history. 

So no tariffs against Mexico for a month. But Mexico is going to supply 10,000 troops to protect the border. That wall worked out well didn't it? - @SimCityAT
Why not simply (and calmly) invite them to a summit to discuss trade?
Why get everyone all riled up?

It's such an amateur way of behaving. But that's perhaps what they were expecting anyway. Just get on with talks as that's what they wanted anyway!

I expect Mexico is only putting troops there to cover the influx of deportees. - @fluffy2560

Why? Because it makes Trump look all-powerful (or all-caring, depending on what he's up to) to his public which is who he cares about, not you or me, or anybody else for that matter. He does everything in this way, always has, always will. - @Cynic
Everyone should be concerned about what Presidents Trump and Musk are up to. It's not clear what is going on over there.
I'm seeing increasing approvals amongst my wider family for these actions. That's seriously worrying for me. They all seem to have forgotten what went before and the lessons of history. The usual stuff they write about is immigration. This morning there was a raft of postings in our private forums about how the population of the UK has ramped up by around 15-20 million over some period they select. I wish they'd understand the lessons of history. - @fluffy2560

According to Sky News (link), the UK population is currently growing by migration, and forecast to be "494,000 more people a year on average over the next decade than the amount who leave, analysis by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) reveals."

If like current migration, 40% of them head to London, it's going to become a bit crowded down there, with no plan to expand NHS, or Education provision by 200,000 every year.

The current Government in the UK is a shambles.

Got to love Jimmy https://youtu.be/PMCVVBLR51k?si=UPS061ouDhRa2daMBut this is a worry https://youtu.be/u-86053iVNk?si=LCsOGvWzhZa4W8BX - @SimCityAT
I trust the left as much as th right when it comes to the truth. I trust both to lie in order to fill their pockets.
As for Musk, I'm having trouble thinking of a more dangerous man to put near secret information. I commented before about how I won't have starlink for the same reason.
What most are missing is what Isn't being said about USAID. I did a lot of research on thei activities in Indonesia, and there's something Trump is eaither unaware of, or has totally ignored. I suspect the delay in allowing Musk in was so they had tiime to delete critical natioanal security files. - @Fred

I know quite a lot about USAID because I have worked on their projects in the past.   It's tied aid meaning the money has to go to US companies and US citizens.  There are restrictions outside of that who can benefit.    Usually it's bilateral so only the beneficiary country nationals and US nationals can be involved.  Sometimes, 3CNs (Third Country Nationals) can be utilised (me in a few cases).  US businesses bid for USAID work and then hire people to achieve the work, monitored by USAID personnel or other US contractors.

So what they are doing is affecting US businesses directly as well as messing up many people elsewhere.  Most of these businesses are in Washington DC so there will be job losses there.  Some of those companies involved are very large with 10s of 1000s of employees and spread all over the world.

There was a story in the media that the USAID funded security guards on ISIS prisoners/camps in Syria were going to walk off the job.   I don't think Presidents Musk or Trump were expecting that.

The current Government in the UK is a shambles. - @Cynic

I know from experience in government that it's easy to be critical when outside and really difficult to be power and making the decisions.  Doesn't matter which government flavour either.   

But I tend to agree, there's no apparent plan to deal with the challenges.

On the other hand, places like Singapore managed to work it out and be successful (and yes, for years it was an democracy in name only, effectively an autocracy).

My husband is 77 and is not worried about the future at all.He says he did his part and that,s it.Sounds a bit defeatist but he has a point.Worked starting at age 14 in Hungary. Left for the US,worked hard, paid his taxes and played the game.He is perfectly fine with nothing but the clothing on his back, so he says;IDK, part of getting older is you realize nothing matters more then your mental happiness and peace;Whatever does not give you peace, has to go.I know exactly what he would do if not for me;Go to some remote Island and live like a local until his money runs out of life runs out. - @Marilyn Tassy

Can I come to the island as well?    I'm on your hubby's side.  No point in getting all worked up in older age. 

I'm 64 and the actuarial tables and statistics say my average life span is 77 but with modern medicine and half good genes I might get to 84.  My parents were long lived (90 and 99).   So I've got 20 years potentially.  When I discuss this with Mrs F we do wonder about it all.  When the kids hear, they get really upset but it's the reality of life.  I like to plan ahead.

Mrs F and I were talking about going on holiday for a week to somewhere like Gran Canaria or Tenerife.  Just to get away from the constant crap we hear in the news.  We'd just eat pizza, look at the beach, drive around to see stuff.  News would be banned for a week.  Mrs F says the kids have to come so we'll need to find an acceptable time when Uni and schools are off.    It's a weird thing here that no-one seems to know when the holidays are.  They announce them suddenly and without warning.  It's hard to plan!

I've started leaving my phone downstairs during the night.  It's a hard habit to break. All the upheavals and looking at the latest bulletins were affecting my sleep.  Not that  my sleep is that great anyway.  I used to be able to sleep for England in any number of locations - backs of trucks, laying in holes in the forest or even sitting in an office.  These days with my back and hips hurting, I tend to wake up a lot, get really tired and then I cannot get up and to my desk.  I still have stuff to do.

Last night my husband almost booked a flight to Thailand for 10 days.

I put a huge damper on it.

If I am flying that far away it has to be at least for a month or forget it.

I have other places I want to go to first actually.

With our luck it would be the rainy season!

My husband is the most stoic person I know; He must of been a Monk in another life.

He has a way of calming upset people down but God watch out if he is upset, no one can tell him a thing!

In an extreme emergency I think he would be a great person to have in your bunker.

He is a doer not a worry wart. At least he used to be, he does worry about our son and the mistakes he makes natural for parents to do that I suppose.

My Vegas friend is a huge worrier. I swear she was out of her mind with those airline crashes.

I think if you want to worry, it is easy to do, just talk with anyone or visit any hospital.

I told her the other day that I read in the 18th century they used to take stay dogs and cats as payment to enter the London zoo.

Food for the lions.

That put her over the edge.

I told her I am thinking of visiting the zoo here when the weather is nicer. Made sure to tell her I would pay the fee and not be on the look out for stray pets. I do not think she enjoys my humor!

Last night my husband almost booked a flight to Thailand for 10 days.I put a huge damper on it.If I am flying that far away it has to be at least for a month or forget it.I have other places I want to go to first actually.With our luck it would be the rainy season!My husband is the most stoic person I know; He must of been a Monk in another life.He has a way of calming upset people down but God watch out if he is upset, no one can tell him a thing!In an extreme emergency I think he would be a great person to have in your bunker.He is a doer not a worry wart. At least he used to be, he does worry about our son and the mistakes he makes natural for parents to do that I suppose.My Vegas friend is a huge worrier. I swear she was out of her mind with those airline crashes.I think if you want to worry, it is easy to do, just talk with anyone or visit any hospital.I told her the other day that I read in the 18th century they used to take stay dogs and cats as payment to enter the London zoo.Food for the lions.That put her over the edge.I told her I am thinking of visiting the zoo here when the weather is nicer. Made sure to tell her I would pay the fee and not be on the look out for stray pets. I do not think she enjoys my humor! - @Marilyn Tassy

I've been to Thailand many times.  It's certainly no paradise but many people like it.  There's a lot of strange stuff that goes on there, even involving the monks.  You see monks on mobiles and carrying briefcases and flying on planes. I think it's a kind of penance for some wrongdoing that they were found guilty of.  I think they call it a "wai" or similar.   So they do the penance and they are forgiven.  If only we all had a get out of jail card like that.  Shave your head, dress like a Hare Krishna and carry on as normal for 6 months.

Your friend shouldn't worry about the LGBT dwarves running ATC and the FAA.   She'll be safe with them.  Everyone knows dwarves are magic.  There are better things to worry about.  Like Musk and his interference in the Treasury. 

A decent payment system is vital to any economy these days.  For us over here, best to avoid any payments in USD for some time.  USD transactions have always had to go through the US Treasury and US banks.   So doing it all in EUR avoids that antiquated and now potentially unreliable system controlled by Musk.  In other words, steer well clear of USD and go via the ECB (European Central Bank).   They have a pretty good instant payments system for the Eurozone.  I recently sent Mrs Fluffy 10 EUR as a test and it was immediately there - within just a few seconds. 

I'm glad we don't take pets to the zoo.  I hope they tranqualised the animals before chucking them to the lions.

There's a lot of stray dogs in Bucharest.  Bridget Bardot was interfering with their controls when we were there for a bit. Packs of dogs roaming the streets and parks. It was a serious problem.  One of them killed a Japanese guy - bit him and he bled to death.

Maybe Trump can put Musk in charge of animal control.  Keep him under control as well.   He can fire them into space to join the other junk he's fired up there like his crappy Tesla roadster which people thought was a rogue asteroid in danger of colliding with earth!

@Marilyn Tassy

Uk banks started playing up a couple of days ago. I'm taking extra cash out to pay a few local bills so you are not that crazy

@anns

Barclays was Friday and lasted the weekend. Yesterday the Lloyds and Halifax app login and online banking were down. But soon, it was sorted out.

@anns
Barclays was Friday and lasted the weekend. Yesterday the Lloyds and Halifax app login and online banking were down. But soon, it was sorted out. - @SimCityAT

Yes it was Barclays Bank.   

I should say Barclays is the correspondent bank for some online banks like Revolut.   

Correspondent banks provide banking services to other banks. 

There may be some knock on effects elsewhere where Barclays is involved.  I read they cover 40% of all UK banks' payments.  I don't know how far that extends into Europe. Like all UK banks, they certainly are connected to SEPA (the Eurozone payments system) so international traffic will have had some hits probably.

@anns

It's always wise to have some extra cash in hand. I think you are a bit slow to catch on.

@anns
It's always wise to have some extra cash in hand. I think you are a bit slow to catch on. - @SimCityAT

Yes very true but not enough to pay a big big bill. But it is wise to invest elsewhere I suppose

@anns
It's always wise to have some extra cash in hand. I think you are a bit slow to catch on.  - @SimCityAT
Yes very true but not enough to pay a big big bill. But it is wise to invest elsewhere I suppose
- @anns

Don't do what Hungarians of the old school do and hide it in various stashes around their houses.  When they pass, no-one knows where any of it is.  And they definitely don't trust banks. 

My MIL passed in December 2024 and we're still wondering about her valuables and where they've gone.  She had no funeral plans/policies or anything like that.  We did find enough to pay for some of her funeral but there is probably more hidden here and there. 

They are definitely good at squirreling their nuts away and never telling anyone.

Word of advice, check out every single jar, bow and look into every pocket of clothing. Look behind cabinets for a secret hiding place.

I know, my husband let a mover take a old ugly jar that was hidden behind his step fathers bed. He was busy and not thinking clearly. Probably was where his step dad stashed his extra cash.

We brought some gold to HU years ago in the form of a coin , his step dad thought it was a gift; My husband did not want to insult him by saying it was not so he let it slide;

When his step dad died my husband s sister grabbed it for herself.

She dipped her sticky fingers into everything before my husband got back to Hungary;

Knowing her daughter, my MIL had a back account with my husband as the only beneficiary.

We had been sending her money for years and instead of spending it, she saved it for us.

We gave it to her to enjoy life with but she was never one to spend on herself.

When my mother passed, my sister took some of her things to give to the homeless.

My sister was not rolling in cash herself so when she looked into the zipper of moms handbag and found an emergency $100. bill she was thrilled; My mom used to cut holes in her closet walls and stash cash there too;

People who lived during the depression had different security systems then we do nowdays;

That would be bowl;even look inside the oven!

Word of advice, check out every single jar, bow and look into every pocket of clothing. Look behind cabinets for a secret hiding place.I know, my husband let a mover take a old ugly jar that was hidden behind his step fathers bed. He was busy and not thinking clearly. Probably was where his step dad stashed his extra cash.We brought some gold to HU years ago in the form of a coin , his step dad thought it was a gift; My husband did not want to insult him by saying it was not so he let it slide;When his step dad died my husband s sister grabbed it for herself.She dipped her sticky fingers into everything before my husband got back to Hungary;Knowing her daughter, my MIL had a back account with my husband as the only beneficiary.We had been sending her money for years and instead of spending it, she saved it for us.We gave it to her to enjoy life with but she was never one to spend on herself.When my mother passed, my sister took some of her things to give to the homeless.My sister was not rolling in cash herself so when she looked into the zipper of moms handbag and found an emergency $100. bill she was thrilled; My mom used to cut holes in her closet walls and stash cash there too;People who lived during the depression had different security systems then we do nowdays; - @Marilyn Tassy

There's a lot of nooks and crannies to get into.  We really do not know where anything is.  And it's a large house absolutely full of complete trash furniture no-one wants.  There must be over 1000 books as well, all of them look worthless.  That's because the MIL and FIL were both teachers.  Tools of their trade.   Mrs F thinks the books might be saleable but we'd have to look at each one and check through every page to make sure there's no cash in them.  There's also several outbuildings and another house as well.  All of these are full of junk too.

I've suggested we get some storage boxes, we go through each pile and triage into chuck, maybe and keep for further checks.  But this isn't getting a lot of traction with Mrs F and her brother.  I've already been over there doing repairs. I replaced a light switch in an unused room.  The floors there are covered in old tools, broken bits and just stupidly useless things like garden stuff.  It needs a major blitz.  And I think a lot has to go to the dump.  Mrs F's cousin is suggesting she'll come and help.  So that's positive.

Good idea to go through the books.

A relation in Poland asked for old winter coats after WW2.

She asked family in the US to send them if they had them but to not send anything new; She said the post would take new items for themselves; She also asked to send a $5.00 bill. To sew the bill into the lining of the coat.

Maybe some funds are hidden in a sewn pocket in an old rag?

Never know what some people consider and hiding place.

Sounds like a big horrible job to clear the house out.

Enjoy!!

Good idea to go through the books.A relation in Poland asked for old winter coats after WW2.She asked family in the US to send them if they had them but to not send anything new; She said the post would take new items for themselves; She also asked to send a $5.00 bill. To sew the bill into the lining of the coat.Maybe some funds are hidden in a sewn pocket in an old rag?Never know what some people consider and hiding place.Sounds like a big horrible job to clear the house out.Enjoy!! - @Marilyn Tassy

It's just really difficult to be involved as a 3rd party.  Really it's down to Mrs F and her brother.   And they seem so laid back on it, I begin to wonder if they could get any further horizontal.   In the absence of anything else to do, I'd be clearing it quickly as possible.  Seeing any progress is going to very difficult due to the sheer volume of junk.  It could possibly take 2 or 3 years to fully clear it.   It's become a thing I have to get used to that people here are not in a hurry to do anything.  I'd want to get on with the job right away to get it out of the way.

My FIL was a hoarder and he would collect anything he could think was vaguely useful.  It's still hard to explain why he had an electric air raid siren he salvaged from repair work on the roof of the local town hall.

I've also got a bee in my bonnet over people's unruly trees.  I've got a massive beef with my neighbours over their various trees dropping their leaves and pine cones in my garden and now, I'm fed up with them blocking our garden light.  I hope the trees fall on their houses during a storm!  It's that bad!   

Anyway, I mentioned that because at the MIL's, there are out of control trees there.  There are three of them but they only gave one a severe haircut.  Now the other two are in danger of damaging the house and a neighbouring building.

My half sisters tree went through part of their roof in Indiana during a storm.

She no longer has the house, lost it by going mental after her husband died 2 years ago. Never looked for a job and the taxes etc; added up to the point where the bank took it.

Some old 2 bedroom home built in the 1940s. Still it was her home.

IDK how some people can see their world crashing  down around them and be passive about it.

Everyone is different, I know when I am under stress to take action, I feel more in control if I am doing something about it. Just biting your nails with worry does nothing to solve the problem.

I usually crack up after a bad situation, while it is happening I usually try to find a solution.

Yesterday was strange. My husband was running late for a dental appointment so I went to start up our car. Have to warm it up in cold weather so the old clutch does not slip;

I unlocked the passenger side out of habit then slipped into the drivers seat to start her up.

Some beggar man came walking down the sidewalk, saw me in the car and started talking outside the window; He looked at the unlocked door for a second and it crossed my mind that he intended to open the door up to talk to me;

Thankfully he walked on to his next victim and my husband came over.

Next I got bored waiting hours for the oral surgeon to look at my husband tooth so I did some shopping and put the bag in our car; Decided to just walk home and let him deal with his tooth himself; I knew they were not going to be pulling it.

Had to give him back the car keys before leaving him and had my backpack on while waiting for the lift to the waiting area; Some middle aged space case women was standing in front of the lift in front of me.

It was slow and she just put down 2 shopping b    gs in front of the doors, took off her coat and fiddled around; The lift arrived and I waited for her to enter, just fiddling with her coat; I got in barely thinking she would move her self faster, pushed my floor and she went nuts on me; IDK, good thing I do not understand much; I paid her no mind, just said OK, as she walked out on the 1st; floor I said, have a terrible day!

What is a Hungarian Karen called? A Katarina??

I am sorry, no matter how long I live here I will never understand the self importance people place on themselves, as if the world should stop for them lone;

Walked home in the fresh air, only took a 10mins, not even sure why we drove over:

I should of remarked that the 1st; floor was the psych clinic!

One thing I find true is most Hungarian tend to get easily emotional about small things but only when it comes to themselves.

If they offend or upset someone else it is a minor issue.

Found a meme today that showed an interesting link between the tv show The Simsons and the resent American Airline crash with that black hawk. Season 14 episode 11 from 2003;

Creepy but that show seems to foretell the future.

I should of remarked that the 1st; floor was the psych clinic!
One thing I find true is most Hungarian tend to get easily emotional about small things but only when it comes to themselves.
If they offend or upset someone else it is a minor issue.
Found a meme today that showed an interesting link between the tv show The Simsons and the resent American Airline crash with that black hawk. Season 14 episode 11 from 2003;
Creepy but that show seems to foretell the future. - @Marilyn Tassy

I looked up that Simpsons link to the AA and Black Hawk crash.  It's tenuous at best.  There wasn't a very good YT video on it.  Just blah-blah AI waffle.

My neighbours cut off only the branches which are directly above the boundary line.   I'd say that counts as offending and upsetting someone with a minor issue.  Now I have to get up a ladder and clean my shed gutters out because of their crazy ass tree mania.   I can do it now as I'm 64 and fit enough but in 10 years time, I'm not going to be very keen on going up a ladder in a tight space, balancing and getting their crap out my of my gutters.

Mrs F has said she's going to chuck all the pine cones over their fence.  Their pine tree is probably 50ft high.   I might cut some of the tree branches myself as I have a long branch cutter chainsaw.   I can just about reach I think but I have no way to reach the highest levels.

I'm going to need a pysch ward every autumn (US: fall) when their leaves block everything up.  Yet again.

Mrs. Fluffy thinks like I would,chuck away!!!

Let them pick up their cones and see how fun it is.

Be careful, my grandfather was a handy man and feel off a ladder in his 60s; Broke something in his neck but recovered.

Watched a UK show about emergencies and many were men over 65 who fell off of ladders;

Balance issues I think.

I hate it when my husband stands on the top of our old rickady wooden ladder to adjust the curtains;

I run over and try to support the ladder but honestly, if he looses his balance I can not do a thing.

He still acts like he is a 28 year old surfer with perfect balance, if only so!

I watched some info on the food stamp program in the US. Trump, my friend calls him Chump; is  making   changes that will leave many wondering where their next meal is coming from.

He also wants to give out monthly boxes of food to the needy instead of allowing them to pick their own diets;

Insects and chemical meals delivered right to your door!

Soylent Green time!

Many people do take advantage of the aid system but for those who do not, it is going to be very difficult.

I suppose it is great though if you have the means to enjoy the new 15 mins city going to be built in Gaza.

IDK, sounds like we are in for some fun times!

Maybe you could talk your neighbor into growing some walnut of fruit tress.

Anything over the fence is yours!!

Maybe you could talk your neighbor into growing some walnut of fruit tress.Anything over the fence is yours!! - @Marilyn Tassy

Oh we've got access to many fruit and nut trees and grapes over at the MIL's place.   A lot of it goes to rot as there's just too much of it.  We go over there and we collect apples by the bucket full.  The grapes there were for wine and not really good for eating.  My FIL liked his palinka.  And a lot of it.  The nut trees are the trees that need a damn good haircut.  There's resistance to cutting them from the BIL, even though the trees are in contact with the buildings.

We've got some plum trees here in pots.  I'm suggesting we put them in the MIL's garden.  At Fluffy Towers, I have a plum tree which was planted in the ground, then same time as the ones in pots.  The ground one has grown to about 6ft tall quickly but the pot ones are more like small bushes.   The plums from that particular variety are really good for eating so it's obvious where they should be grown.

We planted some grapevines last year but we've only planted grapes for eating.  Not keen on the wine grape varieties in Hungary for nibbling on.

Mrs F suggested we go over to the MIL's and muck about.  I can muck about here.  I'd only go over there if there's some difference I can make.  I'm not allowed to finish my electrical work replacing a damaged light fitting, so don't think I'll make a difference spending 2h over there hanging about.  If I went over there, I'd be brutal and chuck all the rubbish in boxes.  I think they are not that far along in their mindsets on actually tackling the job.

Mrs. Fluffy thinks like I would,chuck away!!!Let them pick up their cones and see how fun it is.Be careful, my grandfather was a handy man and feel off a ladder in his 60s; Broke something in his neck but recovered.Watched a UK show about emergencies and many were men over 65 who fell off of ladders;Balance issues I think.I hate it when my husband stands on the top of our old rickady wooden ladder to adjust the curtains;I run over and try to support the ladder but honestly, if he looses his balance I can not do a thing.He still acts like he is a 28 year old surfer with perfect balance, if only so!I watched some info on the food stamp program in the US. Trump, my friend calls him Chump; is making changes that will leave many wondering where their next meal is coming from.He also wants to give out monthly boxes of food to the needy instead of allowing them to pick their own diets;Insects and chemical meals delivered right to your door!Soylent Green time!Many people do take advantage of the aid system but for those who do not, it is going to be very difficult.I suppose it is great though if you have the means to enjoy the new 15 mins city going to be built in Gaza.IDK, sounds like we are in for some fun times! - @Marilyn Tassy

Yes, one of our neighbours fell off his ladder and broke his hip.  And then he died.  Never got out of hospital.  He left his half repaired car in the garden and now his relatives have parked it in the street with semi-deflated tyres (US: tires).  The relatives did clear up his broken dishwasher and fridge which were lying there too. 

Chump is a good name.  I know Arab Americans are kicking themselves over Chump's Gaza plan.  They voted for a third candidate, not Kamala and therefore ended up wasting their votes.   There was a news report from Dearborn on the BBC about it.

There's no way that Gaza is going to turn into Chump's Riviera with a US base on it.  Trump has already rowed back saying US troops would not be deployed.  If they were, and the 2 million Gazans were forced out, then US forces would find themselves being blown up and shot at on a daily basis by 2 million insurgents.  Just be another Afghanistan, Viet Nam, Iraq and blah-blah.  It could even blow up into a wider way.  And the US has no support for that plan apart from just a few countries - the usual pariah ones.   I could see the US losing access to bases in the Middle East, not least because of Gaza but because of potential to leave NATO.  If the US leaves NATO then they can forget accessing many bases across the world.  Russia and China only too happy to step in.   

Probably as Chump's popularity fades, I think he'll bomb Iran in collusion with Israel.   The pretext would be Iran's nuclear programme.  Nothing like a war for winning popular votes in the short term.  It's all a bit close to us relatively speaking.

I can see China taking Taiwan within 2 years knowing that Chump will do nothing about it. 

I'm wondering when South Africa is going to arrest Musk's Dad and Musk's siblings over some random charges "unconnected" to the loss of a USAID project of $400M and looney statements from Musk (and his Dad). Might be a step too far for South Africa but I can see it as one potential scenario.

Good though to see Fed judges stopping some of the madness.  That's overnight news.

I saw an article on yahoo about Trump offering white South Africans refugee status and resettlement in the USA;

Whites only!

IDK what to say.

I know when we were considering living there my husband told me to not mention I was part Native American on the entry forms. At the time I did not know I also have a bit of African DNA. Like 4 % Nigerian and a few fractions of Sierra Leon and another tribe. About 8 % in total;

I was 20 and it really made me mad to think of denying my heritage just to be excepted and for our future lives over there;

My husband said a little thing like saying I was part Mohawk could keep us from being able to live there and for any jobs he hoped to get.

He said so what has the native culture done for you exactly that you should ruin our lives to be part of them? Man, what a thing to have to think over.

SA literally had a questionaire when you entered back in 1975. They asked you your  race, your political views,your religion etc.

I am glad we did not move there but I still wonder how I would of finally decided to answer those questions if it came down to it.

I would bet my life that many S Africans were not white as snow either but denied it till their death bed;

Now Elon and the crew would do a DNA test before entry I suppose?

I saw an article on yahoo about Trump offering white South Africans refugee status and resettlement in the USA;Whites only!IDK what to say. I know when we were considering living there my husband told me to not mention I was part Native American on the entry forms. At the time I did not know I also have a bit of African DNA. Like 4 % Nigerian and a few fractions of Sierra Leon and another tribe. About 8 % in total;I was 20 and it really made me mad to think of denying my heritage just to be excepted and for our future lives over there;My husband said a little thing like saying I was part Mohawk could keep us from being able to live there and for any jobs he hoped to get.He said so what has the native culture done for you exactly that you should ruin our lives to be part of them? Man, what a thing to have to think over.SA literally had a questionaire when you entered back in 1975. They asked you your race, your political views,your religion etc. I am glad we did not move there but I still wonder how I would of finally decided to answer those questions if it came down to it.I would bet my life that many S Africans were not white as snow either but denied it till their death bed;Now Elon and the crew would do a DNA test before entry I suppose? - @Marilyn Tassy

We're (I suppose) mainly British, Irish and German here in ancestry.   That's quite a few generations back. We've done the family tree.  The Irish bit we haven't track enough.  I didn't mention the Hungarian bit.  Probably because we're unclear on it but might be some Serbian from Mrs F but definitely German for sure.

I suppose we'd have fitted in well in SA during apartheid as far as looks go as we all look like WASPs.   One of our kids goes really brown in the summer and has jet black hair.  By the end of summer looks Mediterranean, like Spanish or Italian.  People do actually think there's Spanish in there somewhere as the language skills include Spanish to a very high level.  But no, no Spanish or Italian blood we are aware of. 

Musk is mongrel anyway.  His mother is Canadian - she's no angel, I've heard her interviewed and it wasn't good.   Musk's father is half British - looney tunes. And Musk himself is a naturalised American.  So the nightmare of the Musk family tentacles means he has access to the USA and could have unfettered political access to Canada and the UK.  Just the same as Trump could be a British citizen as his mother was from Scotland.  These countries are OK with dual or triple nationality.   So one could imagine even more interference in politics from these people. 

I wonder when finally democratic forces rush to the White House to remove Trump from office, if Canada or the UK will give him sanctuary.  I say that while trying to avoid any hint of irony re the pro-Trump rioters at the Capitol.

ID

I did not know Must was S. African, he has an accent but I could not figure out what it was.

In the early 1980s before we purchased our home, we lived in Tarzana, a nice area of the SF valley;

I had several friends living in the building and we hung at the pool with our children and a few of us went to the gym together.

Long story, we lived there for a few yeaers, had a cool apt on the second floor with a bonus patio. Worth living there just for the extra space which was not extra in our rent.

Only 4 apts in the huge complex came with the huge patio.

My son could ride his tricycle there, we had a BBG grill, a set of weights with a bench, table, chairs and an extra storage room outside.

My sisters friend was a black women whos older brother lived in the complex ; He and his Jewish wife alos scored a huge patio apt.

Ok, so a couple and their 2 kids moved in from S; Africa; They were Jewish too; The wife did not work but hung by the pool along with us.

One day our black neighbor and his wife walked by the pool with their son;

My gosh, the reaction from the SA women was insane!

She about had a heart attack!

She said in SA they would march them to the boarder and force them out of the country!

WTH?, She was a guest in the US and this couple were US citizens, really rude of her to open her nasty mouth up and say such a thing, knowing everyone knew this black man and his wife in the building; They were friendly and took their son swimming often plus my sister knew his sister and everyone saw the guy of tv; He was a big part actor, did allot of weekly American tv show as a quest actor.Show like CHIPS where he was a motorbike gangster in an episode.

Man, I never would of made it in SA for long. My husband was right, he said I would be arrested before I left the airport on arrival!  Just by being friendly to the so called wrong people;

Anyways if what Trump proposes happens it really goes against everything American, everyone is equal under the law.

A bit part actor that is. We had several of them in our building. They would often come out and let everyone  know to watch them that week!

@Marilyn Tassy

Elons mother is Canadian and his father is S. African. He grew up in S. Africa then when his parents divorced she took the family to Canada. That was when he was a teenager.

@Marilyn Tassy
Elons mother is Canadian and his father is S. African. He grew up in S. Africa then when his parents divorced she took the family to Canada. That was when he was a teenager. - @SimCityAT

Yes, that's right but like many in SA, there's a British connection. Elon's Dad is half-British which makes Elon eligible for a British passport and citizenship.  Probably there could be some Dutch in there.  Musk is not exactly a common name and there's a bit of a theme of odd names in the Musk family.  No-one is called James or Peter.  I think the Dad is called Errol.  I don't really know the origins of that name and didn't bother looking into it.  Not that it matters.

Musk Junior went to college in Canada but left to go to the US.  Makes you wonder what it is he doesn't like about the land of his mother's birth given his boss's criticism of the country.   As I said, I saw Mrs Musk Senior interviewed and I didn't like her much.  She comes across as having a massive chip on her shoulder about something and she was not very measured in her words.  Not the sort of thing I'd have expected.  But then again Musk Senior isn't exactly pleasant either.  Seen him interviewed and thought he was an ***hole.  Looks like some kind of dysfunctional family with extremist views.

@Marilyn Tassy
Elons mother is Canadian and his father is S. African. He grew up in S. Africa then when his parents divorced she took the family to Canada. That was when he was a teenager. - @SimCityAT

Interesting. My husband did say SA was beautiful and deep down it felt like home.

Like the garden of Eden was there. Well hidden of course with those political views of the time.

He also went to Durbin and Cape Town, liked it allot.

@Marilyn Tassy
Elons mother is Canadian and his father is S. African. He grew up in S. Africa then when his parents divorced she took the family to Canada. That was when he was a teenager. - @SimCityAT
Yes, that's right but like many in SA, there's a British connection. Elon's Dad is half-British which makes Elon eligible for a British passport and citizenship. Probably there could be some Dutch in there. Musk is not exactly a common name and there's a bit of a theme of odd names in the Musk family. No-one is called James or Peter. I think the Dad is called Errol. I don't really know the origins of that name and didn't bother looking into it. Not that it matters.
Musk Junior went to college in Canada but left to go to the US. Makes you wonder what it is he doesn't like about the land of his mother's birth given his boss's criticism of the country. As I said, I saw Mrs Musk Senior interviewed and I didn't like her much. She comes across as having a massive chip on her shoulder about something and she was not very measured in her words. Not the sort of thing I'd have expected. But then again Musk Senior isn't exactly pleasant either. Seen him interviewed and thought he was an ***hole. Looks like some kind of dysfunctional family with extremist views. - @fluffy2560

Yes, I know about the chip on the shoulder attitude. I worked for a a SA hair salon; In Westwood; They had about 11 shops all through Cal; Some of the stylists were from SA and believe me, they loved to boss around us assistants; Cheapos too!

I actually heard one of the top stylists call someone a Keffer! I was shocked they were not fired;

That couple who moved into our apt; complex was something else too. Huge man who had a huge golden star on his neck with chain, wife had the same and used to bounce around the pool area in her gold lame bikini but never ever went in the water, might of messed up her hair! Just too much!

Good though to see Fed judges stopping some of the madness. That's overnight news. - @fluffy256

Internal US politicsatre just that, so of little interest unless you are an expat in the US, especially a brown one.

A guy I work with has just scrapped his green card application because he's scared of trump turning military bases into internment camps for foreigners before he kicks them out. It would take a raving mad racist to be in charge before that could happen.

US expats all over the world should be a little worried. Trump, love him or hate him, tends to bring out hate in people. That might well translate into hate for US expats in a number of countries - Time will tell.

Moving on to non-US expats all over the world, rapid political change tends to bring instability, and that's never good for anyone.

The financial markets might well panic if a massive policy change upsets the US Dollar, and countries Trump sanctions could well refuse Dollar transactions. The would have been impossible before Biden stole Russia's money, but things have moved on.

We are living in interesting times

Good though to see Fed judges stopping some of the madness. That's overnight news. - @fluffy256 Internal US politics are just that, so of little interest unless you are an expat in the US, especially a brown one.A guy I work with has just scrapped his green card application because he's scared of trump turning military bases into internment camps for foreigners before he kicks them out. It would take a raving mad racist to be in charge before that could happen.US expats all over the world should be a little worried. Trump, love him or hate him, tends to bring out hate in people. That might well translate into hate for US expats in a number of countries - Time will tell.Moving on to non-US expats all over the world, rapid political change tends to bring instability, and that's never good for anyone.The financial markets might well panic if a massive policy change upsets the US Dollar, and countries Trump sanctions could well refuse Dollar transactions. The would have been impossible before Biden stole Russia's money, but things have moved on.We are living in interesting times - @Fred

You're not wrong, a lot of it is for domestic consumption. Trump claims victory where there's no such thing.  Mexico and Canada must be falling off their bar stools laughing - they did nothing and the tariffs were suspended. 

I find it very strange the average person there probably has never really looked into history, read any books or doesn't keep up with international affairs and has no knowledge of discourse. 

BTW, we won the lottery for a green card  but  also scrapped our green card applications when Bush Junior became President.  The Trump/Musk co-Presidency is far far worse than him.  I could not imagine going to live in such a divided society. But division is what they thrive on.  It's a classic recipe practiced by wannabe autocrats.

If I was advising expats (and I'm unqualified to do so obviously), I'd be saying get paid in EUR.  Don't get paid in USD because everything USD goes through the US Treasury and it's now controlled by a third party. While it was always antiquated, slow and clumsy, it was reliable.  But now I wouldn't take the risk of random interference with such a payment  system.  Those things have to work 24x7x365 non-stop.   The advantage of being paid EUR is that it goes through the ECB in Frankfurt. It is extremely reliable, modern,  consistent and fast.  The SEPA system is very strong and useful. 

And with the ECB SEPA system there's no random dude messing about with it.

Far-right European leaders gathered in Madrid last night, focusing on Donald Trump's return to power. Under the slogan "Make Europe Great Again," the gathering featured Viktor Orban, Matteo Salvini, Marine Le Pen, and Geert Wilders as speakers.