Absolutely Anything Else

I know when my husband was planning his exit from commie HU he made sure to not tell anyone, not even his parents;

As it was they still got hauled into the police station and asked about him.Since they honestly knew nothing there was nothing to tell.

He had already moved out of their home for many months ahead of time. The only person he told was the elderly widowed women he rented a bed with. Had an extra bed in her flat, not an extra room!

She liked him so much since she never had children. She told him if he stayed in HU she would leave her flat to him. He thanked her but had to go, just wanted to see the world.

He sent her post cards every so often after he left.

That was a good outcome for his parents since the story was worst for his cousin years beforehand.

His cousins brother had been shot in the knee while walking past the radio station on Oct;23, 1956. 17 years old, had no clue all hell had broken loose and was walking near the station and his uni.

He was on one of the first Red Cross ambulances to Switzerland for treatment.

He had no say on leaving Hungary or not, was just driven out.

His brother told us in person that when the commies found out he was gone they brought in the whole family for questioning. He was only 8 years old but that did not stop the police from beating the crappola out of him; His mom and dad were beat up too for days.

He seemed to still hold allot of resentment towards his older bother even though it was not his fault.

My Vegas friend is sometimes too much; She is the first to run to a doctor and get a vax for everything under the sun, she did not learn her lessons when she had failed surgeries that put her in a wheelchair. Yes, some vaxes are needed but you do not need to be first in line to get them.

OK, so she got 2 cortisone shots in her shoulder recently; My older sister got the same shot in her knee last week and was told she has to wait 3 weeks to get one in her hip; The reason being it is not healthy to get so much cortisone all at once in your system; How my friend is still going, IDK.

I can not tell her a thing, she knows better.

Well the other day she went in with her husband to get their real IDs at the DMV.  She was told that because she is handicapped she can just come in anytime without an appointment and get in front of the line.

Well they went in and the clerk told them, no way, make an appointment. She actually broke down right there crying; IDK, why is it so important for her to get a real ID since she is going nowhere anytime soon?

I know she had to get up super early to get ready and it takes her longer then a healthy person to get out the door but still.

Yes, she is a bit entitled acting at times but how many wheelchair line jumper are there? They could of just done it and let it be over with.

My friend in detention has a new lawyer working on her case.

I honestly think it is really getting too close to the wire to do much about her deportation.

Less the 3 weeks left.

She said there are many women in there that are also married to Swedish citizens; One is even pregnant.

That surprised me that they would lock up a pregnant women.

She was told they will not let her stay or think about it until she actually gives birth.

So just being married to a citizen is not enough.

I also think the fact that her husband is a welfare case is held against them.

Every country wants people who will be paying taxes, not living off tax payers.

What surprised me is she said there are many Spanish speaking women from Columbia in there. Sort of far from home.

I know when my husband was planning his exit from commie HU he made sure to not tell anyone, not even his parents;
As it was they still got hauled into the police station and asked about him.Since they honestly knew nothing there was nothing to tell.
He had already moved out of their home for many months ahead of time. The only person he told was the elderly widowed women he rented a bed with. Had an extra bed in her flat, not an extra room!
She liked him so much since she never had children. She told him if he stayed in HU she would leave her flat to him. He thanked her but had to go, just wanted to see the world.
He sent her post cards every so often after he left.
That was a good outcome for his parents since the story was worst for his cousin years beforehand.
His cousins brother had been shot in the knee while walking past the radio station on Oct;23, 1956. 17 years old, had no clue all hell had broken loose and was walking near the station and his uni.
He was on one of the first Red Cross ambulances to Switzerland for treatment.
He had no say on leaving Hungary or not, was just driven out.
His brother told us in person that when the commies found out he was gone they brought in the whole family for questioning. He was only 8 years old but that did not stop the police from beating the crappola out of him; His mom and dad were beat up too for days.
He seemed to still hold allot of resentment towards his older bother even though it was not his fault.
My Vegas friend is sometimes too much; She is the first to run to a doctor and get a vax for everything under the sun, she did not learn her lessons when she had failed surgeries that put her in a wheelchair. Yes, some vaxes are needed but you do not need to be first in line to get them.
OK, so she got 2 cortisone shots in her shoulder recently; My older sister got the same shot in her knee last week and was told she has to wait 3 weeks to get one in her hip; The reason being it is not healthy to get so much cortisone all at once in your system; How my friend is still going, IDK.
I can not tell her a thing, she knows better.
Well the other day she went in with her husband to get their real IDs at the DMV. She was told that because she is handicapped she can just come in anytime without an appointment and get in front of the line.
Well they went in and the clerk told them, no way, make an appointment. She actually broke down right there crying; IDK, why is it so important for her to get a real ID since she is going nowhere anytime soon?
I know she had to get up super early to get ready and it takes her longer then a healthy person to get out the door but still.
Yes, she is a bit entitled acting at times but how many wheelchair line jumper are there? They could of just done it and let it be over with. - @Marilyn Tassy

Mrs F's grandfather was taken away by the communists and held for several days.  They didn't beat him up though but they did treat him roughly.  He was a countryside vet dealing with all the sick animals on local farms.   Anyway, some commie big wigs were having a pow-wow nearby and wanted pork or beef or something and needed him to certify the animals were healthy before they turned them into sausages etc.  And they kept him until afterwards just in case one of the elite died from food issues. Presumably they would have blamed him regardless.  By Western standards, this is outrageous behaviour but it was their daily work. Why they chose him as their victim, no idea.  Perhaps he was the closest or he was in the files already for complaining about this or that.  No idea.  He died many years ago so no-one to ask.

Your hubby did the right thing.  Keeping stumm and leaving quietly was for everyone's protection.  It was a painful time for many people.  We don't want that kind of government back again despite some people liking it.

Sounds like jobsworths at the DMV.  If they'd asked to speak to the supervisor, maybe they could have got what they wanted.  After all, as I keep saying, the DMV workers work for them, not for themselves.   

I'm doing about 3 outside jobs today.  Tracking down an oil leak on my hobby car, repairing a cupboard and cutting stone for my hi-tech birdbath's base.   As it's 18C today, there's no time to waste when the good weather is upon us!

My friend in detention has a new lawyer working on her case.
I honestly think it is really getting too close to the wire to do much about her deportation.
Less the 3 weeks left.
She said there are many women in there that are also married to Swedish citizens; One is even pregnant.
That surprised me that they would lock up a pregnant women.
She was told they will not let her stay or think about it until she actually gives birth.
So just being married to a citizen is not enough.
I also think the fact that her husband is a welfare case is held against them.
Every country wants people who will be paying taxes, not living off tax payers.
What surprised me is she said there are many Spanish speaking women from Columbia in there. Sort of far from home. - @Marilyn Tassy

Sounds like she does need new lawyers.  But I expect it'll take a bit of luck to stay in Sweden.  If the lawyer had their head screwed on, they could try for an emergency injunction at the EC level to stop the deportation.   If they are determined to deport her then it's grasping at straws this late in the day.   Usually they won't deport at risk people if they are likely to be murdered when they get there.  Don't know if that's a risk for her.  I would be surprised if the courts did not take into account the husband's needs supported by her as a carer.

Maybe the Colombians are actually refugees trying to find somewhere safe.  It's full of drugs down there.  And Venezuela has got a nasty government.  One can imagine wanting to get away from things there.   Maybe they got picked up at the airport and are being deported from there.  I could imagine Colombia just saying, we don't want them back, we don't think they are Colombians, not our responsibility.  That happens in the UK when they cannot prove their nationality - there's nowhere to deport them to.

They lock up pregnant women in the UK prisons.  They have mother and baby units but they don't stay together in there more than something like 3 years.  After that, the kid has to go elsewhere.  Something like that. 

From what I have seen in US films they also let moms in prison stay with their child for awhile; Not sure if it is 3 years though.

My friend had /has some health issues too. She had 2 blood transfusions a month or so ago.

She was suppose to see a GP for an MRI and had shots to try to reduce the size of a tumor in her uterus she has a tumor and ATM they are not sure if it is cancer of not.

She told them she was ill and losing blood, she was told by the police that they do not care if she drops dead after she is out.

Harsh, I always thought Sweden was full of liberals who bent over backwards for everyone, seems times have changed.

So being ill or being pregnant is no pass jail for free card;

Love using the term card, makes me think of Trump.

Ran around today taking care of business and jumped into the Great Market Hall just to see what was going on.

About 3 pm.

Not too busy and the stalls have plenty of items but not many buyers;

Their prices were higher then the shops like Aldi and Lidl are;

I have no idea how they are still in business;

From what I have seen in US films they also let moms in prison stay with their child for awhile; Not sure if it is 3 years though.My friend had /has some health issues too. She had 2 blood transfusions a month or so ago. She was suppose to see a GP for an MRI and had shots to try to reduce the size of a tumor in her uterus she has a tumor and ATM they are not sure if it is cancer of not.She told them she was ill and losing blood, she was told by the police that they do not care if she drops dead after she is out.Harsh, I always thought Sweden was full of liberals who bent over backwards for everyone, seems times have changed.So being ill or being pregnant is no pass jail for free card;Love using the term card, makes me think of Trump.Ran around today taking care of business and jumped into the Great Market Hall just to see what was going on.About 3 pm.Not too busy and the stalls have plenty of items but not many buyers;Their prices were higher then the shops like Aldi and Lidl are;I have no idea how they are still in business; - @Marilyn Tassy

I was guessing about the mother and baby 3 years.  I got that number from some UK TV show I was watching.

Anyway, regarding the Swedish situation, not treating her medical conditions is a bit risky for them.  If she had an incident in custody, then they'd have to take her to hospital and they wouldn't know for some time if they can move her.  And if she died, then maybe her husband should sue the police for negligence.  But they are right, once she's out and somewhere else, it's not their problem. 

Maybe some of the Market Hall people are engaged in money laundering.  Any cash business is suspect.  It doesn't make sense to be in business unless they are making money and turning a decent profit.  Anyone making 15% or less is suspect unless it's a very high volume commodity business.  25-30% is more like the minimums. I cannot see people working hard for 15%.

Trump is of course, a lunatic. I watched a CNN report on fruit importers in California.   They pointed out avocados which were without 25% tariff and lemons with 25% tariff.  As a one off, they can of course, raise prices on the limited number of non-tariff avocados to the same price as the tariff version.  It's a quick buck and a one off until they run out of stock in their refrigerated warehouse.   

I also read for the average American, they will be paying $2000 a year more for just living due to the overall effect of the tariffs. Well, whatever, over here we'll get it in the neck soon enough.  It's going to make my North American (actually Canadian)-made hobby car parts more expensive and Amazon.com is now off the radar for sure.   But quite possibly, we'll all be blown up anyway before I have to worry about it.   I could hardly face the news today as the flip-flopping Trump drives me mad. But while I was fixing my car, I heard some calls on LBC radio (in the UK) and I started to wonder if we are seeing the early days of a long-winded slow-motion break up of the USA.  A caller from Indianapolis was effectively saying that. I wonder which state is going to bring it up first.

I expect those next to Canada might start to say something - maybe Maine or Vermont, possibly Washington.  I did a similar exercise with a guy I knew from Belarus over Russia. Over there, no chance of a referendum but Maine or Vermont, quite a good chance.  But what do I know.  Not much.

It is strange but after being in and out of the US for more then 15 years, I have no real attachment emotionally to the place.

My husband used to tell me he was between 2 countries  and now I know what he was talking about.

They do grow lemons and avocados in Ca. probably not enough for the demand though.

I am sick of the news, the past few days I have let it upset me a bit and it only hurts me, my opinion does not matter to anyone, can not change the world.

They only way we can change the world is by not over reacting and by being the kindest person we can under circumstances.

I learned that when I was getting my cancer treatments, not to take it personal, to see beyond the BS and to believe it will get better. day by day. Easy to say but doing it can be a hard.

Nothing material is that important , sounds like a chiquè, finally got to use my French keyboard!

It is strange but after being in and out of the US for more then 15 years, I have no real attachment emotionally to the place.
My husband used to tell me he was between 2 countries and now I know what he was talking about.
They do grow lemons and avocados in Ca. probably not enough for the demand though.
I am sick of the news, the past few days I have let it upset me a bit and it only hurts me, my opinion does not matter to anyone, can not change the world.
They only way we can change the world is by not over reacting and by being the kindest person we can under circumstances.
I learned that when I was getting my cancer treatments, not to take it personal, to see beyond the BS and to believe it will get better. day by day. Easy to say but doing it can be a hard.
Nothing material is that important , sounds like a cliché, finally got to use my French keyboard! - @Marilyn Tassy

They were Mexican avocados and lemons. It hardly makes any difference to us here as I think ours come from Spain or Italy.  I had some Aldi strawberries today and they came from Spain. I only mentioned the avocados and lemons because of the tariffs.

I've always been between 2 countries - the UK and HU now but it has been others, like Germany and The Netherlands.  I was always more comfortable in DE and NL more than here, even though my family is here and things are familiar. Probably because I have better language skills there.  My links to the UK are declining fast since my parents have gone. I have one daughter in the UK and 3 siblings and of course a lot of cousins but we only meet at funerals.  It's quite remarkable when we meet up, it's just like we are carrying on a conversation from before.  I think when I get past that retirement date, I'll have no excuse but to learn Hungarian properly. I should have the time to do it.  Then perhaps I won't be a stranger in a strange land.

I expect that if I had some dread disease, I'd have different priorities.  I can appreciate for sure what you say.    I guess what I really worry about is keeping my family alive and by extension, when to escape from here.  I cannot help it as professionally I was always looking at risks and Plan A, B, C and D etc.  When push comes to shove, it seems that being kind won't cut it, some scumbag will always try to take advantage of good nature and sense of fairness.  And it has always been so.  My bro felt nothing was important as he was thinking of his chemo all the time.  He tried to be busy but his cancer had other ideas, overtook him and first took away his options and then his life.  Just miserable. Miss him terribly. It's been 10 years.

In other news, I've hoovered my car, touched up some scratches and as it's a really nice day, I'm going to take the furry monster walkies on one our regular routes.  It'll be nice to see some Spring and commune with nature, birds tweeting etc.

Yes ,soon it will be swim season again;

I felt ill yesterday, the day before we ran around and I was hat less.

I dislike wearing hats all the time but I am probably one of the last people to remove a hat until it is actually hot outdoors.

I wonder why the fashion of hat wearing went out of style?

I suppose we can blame it on sitting in cars?

Told my son today that I felt ill yesterday and he was too much; Said I have months to live. What?? He wishes!!

I know he is our son but at times he is really too much;

We are still waiting for him to grow up, let,s see he is pushing 50 so might not ever happen.

I could see myself living back in the states but it is so expensive now and the longer we are gone, the more shocking the prices are;

I used to split rent with my sister, my share was $60. a months and electric. Only took about 3 days worth of tips to pay my monthly bills and the rest was for fun.It was a large 2 bedroom apt.

Less then half a weeks pay to live on, what happened in the US?

My moms house payment was a whopping $108. a month!

Oh well, sound like my husband when he reflects on bread in Hungary costing 5 forints

Cousins,I only knew 2 of my female first cousins and everyone else were male cousins. I was the baby of the boomers. Then my brother came but most of my cousins are a good 7 to 10 years older then I am.

One female cousin from each side.

Both bull headed and spoiled.

My cousin who visited us here in Hungary was the older bro of the cute blonde one; They did not speak to each other for years and years. IDK what went on between them. She passed a couple years ago from MS and he never said a thing about it, his wife just said he did not get along with his sister.

She was older then me but since she was short, blue eyed and blonde she got all the attention and everyone thought she was the baby.

Being tall has it,s perks but down side too. Everyone used to think I was older because I was taller then some adults. Only perk was sneaking into clubs at 15 with my sister, she would draw darker circles under my eyes and shadow my face to make me pass as 21 to get in. Loaned me her clothing and college ID to enter. Never was stopped but never dared to order anything stronger then a soda.

I talk big about not letting the media get to you but after watching world news with what is going on with the EU, I am a bit concerned to say the least.

WW2 was not enough?

Maybe we all will be heading home before too  long.

Yes ,soon it will be swim season again;
I felt ill yesterday, the day before we ran around and I was hat less.
I dislike wearing hats all the time but I am probably one of the last people to remove a hat until it is actually hot outdoors.
I wonder why the fashion of hat wearing went out of style?
I suppose we can blame it on sitting in cars?
Told my son today that I felt ill yesterday and he was too much; Said I have months to live. What?? He wishes!!
I know he is our son but at times he is really too much;
We are still waiting for him to grow up, let,s see he is pushing 50 so might not ever happen.
I could see myself living back in the states but it is so expensive now and the longer we are gone, the more shocking the prices are;
I used to split rent with my sister, my share was $60. a months and electric. Only took about 3 days worth of tips to pay my monthly bills and the rest was for fun.It was a large 2 bedroom apt.
Less then half a weeks pay to live on, what happened in the US?
My moms house payment was a whopping $108. a month!
Oh well, sound like my husband when he reflects on bread in Hungary costing 5 forints

Cousins,I only knew 2 of my female first cousins and everyone else were male cousins. I was the baby of the boomers. Then my brother came but most of my cousins are a good 7 to 10 years older then I am.
One female cousin from each side.
Both bull headed and spoiled.
My cousin who visited us here in Hungary was the older bro of the cute blonde one; They did not speak to each other for years and years. IDK what went on between them. She passed a couple years ago from MS and he never said a thing about it, his wife just said he did not get along with his sister.
She was older then me but since she was short, blue eyed and blonde she got all the attention and everyone thought she was the baby.
Being tall has it,s perks but down side too. Everyone used to think I was older because I was taller then some adults. Only perk was sneaking into clubs at 15 with my sister, she would draw darker circles under my eyes and shadow my face to make me pass as 21 to get in. Loaned me her clothing and college ID to enter. Never was stopped but never dared to order anything stronger then a soda.

I talk big about not letting the media get to you but after watching world news with what is going on with the EU, I am a bit concerned to say the least.
WW2 was not enough?
Maybe we all will be heading home before too long. - @Marilyn Tassy

Yes, swimming ideal but not quite warm enough for outside dipping.

It's such a nice day, it's definitely time to be outside.  We're going to go to go out and do something this weekend as it's IWD (International Women's Day).   It's a big thing but I always forget.  It says on Monday, it'll be 21 C. Wow!   At last the outside world becomes more properly accessible.  We've got our windows open (and obviously no heating).  By April, our heating will be off.

I wonder if hats went out of fashion because of improved heating or clothing?   Humans loose a significant amount of their body heat through their heads so a hat makes a good difference and of course, it's fashion statement.  I also think it's harder to get in and out of cars with hats on.  Cars seem too low these days and one has to stoop to get in.

What's up with your son?  I don't know your relationship, but it seems an unusual thing to say.  I wish I had opportunity had arisen with my mother to tell her that we loved her but she was in a coma at that important time.  Should have done it before.  We've got a relative who is 50+ going on 15.  Sometimes you get flashes of normality for that age but sometimes I wonder what is going on in people's heads.  I hardly know what is going on in mine so I'd better solve that first.

Rents and utilities are incredibly expensive now.  It's bonkers expensive.   I wonder if we could afford those costs if we lived in the UK, especially if we're on a pension income only.    We do have cheaper eggs than the USA. I think they've reached $12 a dozen over the pond.  That's an awful lot for eggs.  They need some hero characters from Star Wars  to help - Princess Layer and Hen Solo.

I'm going to try not looking at any news over the weekend as I'm getting too crazy about it.  I already looked this morning and I was very unhappy.   I don't think it will work to try and not look. I'm still listening to the radio.  Maybe a big mistake.   I am not in social media (apart from here).  If I was, I'd be on the way to the mental asylum.   I hadn't anticipated stopping work would leave my mind at a loose end likely to be taken down an unhappy rabbit hole. 

I need a good TV show to binge.  I could read a book - a detective novel by very popular Scottish writer Ian Rankin.   I've still got some stuff to do in my shed, so there's always that.

I try to not put much into zodiac signs but for sure our son was born under a bad moon! He has a bit too many fire and air planets in his chart.

Like many in his generation, they are in their own world.

Zodiacs are crossing over into witchcraft so not putting much stock in them.

I actually must be part masochist, I have invited him to visit us if he wants to.

He needs to take care of his HU ID and get a new HU passport;

He contacted the HU embassy in Tokyo but they want him to come in person;

The bullet train from where he lives to Tokyo round trip is $500.!

Might as well pay a tiny bit more and visit us in person instead.

IDK, we bought him a ticket a few years ago and last min he did not come. Just changed his mind the day of the flight. Made us mad for sure.

He has not been to HU in about 20 years so he may or may not even like it here.

I try to not put much into zodiac signs but for sure our son was born under a bad moon! He has a bit too many fire and air planets in his chart.Like many in his generation, they are in their own world.Zodiacs are crossing over into witchcraft so not putting much stock in them.I actually must be part masochist, I have invited him to visit us if he wants to.He needs to take care of his HU ID and get a new HU passport;He contacted the HU embassy in Tokyo but they want him to come in person;The bullet train from where he lives to Tokyo round trip is $500.!Might as well pay a tiny bit more and visit us in person instead.IDK, we bought him a ticket a few years ago and last min he did not come. Just changed his mind the day of the flight. Made us mad for sure.He has not been to HU in about 20 years so he may or may not even like it here. - @Marilyn Tassy

I've had a similar situation when I bought a ticket for one of my kids and then she decided not to come for reasons I won't explain here. I made her pay it back.  I feel guilty about it as it was inflicting pain. But I felt her reasons were insufficient to excuse her not coming.  She would disagree with me but I'm sticking to my guns on that one. It was quite a time ago and she's been here multiple times since.

$500 seems a bit much.  Can he not go by bus or slower train?  If he's not working, then why not take the time to see the country and other things.  Take a week to do the round trip, stay in capsule hotels or home stays, eat local food.  Treat it like tourism and an experience. It's often not the destination but the journey.  Take a load of photos, maybe a travel guide for Expat.com !!!

Looks good weather wise (20C) but next week will be raining a lot.   I was planning to look at my car's oil leak again.  I can only do that when it's dry weather.   It's not a critical leak, just annoying as it's been a recurrent problem for some years. I thought I solved it last summer.   Meanwhile, today, dog walking after a fleeting visit by my BIL .

Yes, I know we would like to charge our son but he is not working full time and I hate to think he will dig a hole for himself.

We hate tossing money away but after all, he is the only child and we bought tickets for 4 of my husbands relations in the past, none who I was overly excited to see either.

If we keel, he will get everything, even the junk in our storage units.

Believe me my husband is not willing to be a fool again if he should want to come and does not, then we will make our own plans. Our son dislikes flying  just like we do.

That is the only reason he never visits.

I think our old car is up for inspection this year...IDK maybe we will not pass this time? A bit of small rust spots on the side. We find we hardly ever use the car; Used it for Tesco yesterday but only because I like to do a water run. Could always get it delivered if needed.

Husband wants to start buying water from the spas again; The Rudas is a pain to lug water home from but it is possible. We use glass bottles and they get so heavy.

Just one bus over the 7 bus goes directly there and back but still...

I remember years ago I drank only Rudas water for 2 weeks, felt light as a bird mentally. Bird brain??

The Arena mall  seemed a bit busy yesterday although Tesco was not too busy.

That one hour parking gets to be a pain. People just park their cars on the way out and have to buy time; Holds everyone up. They should have a min; of 3 hour parking as they used to. How can you see a movie or do much shopping in one hour? The shops should cover the costs for parking.

We may take the bus over there next week because we want to check some things out and it bugs to pay for parking.

IDK if they do not want to pay for parking for widow shoppers they could give free parking with a min; purchase in the mall.

Guess I am spoiled, never had to pay for parking in Ca unless it was on the beach or downtown.

Strange thing, my detention friend mentioned there is a 19 year old women from the Philippines in the center. They told her she has to buy her own ticket home. Wonder why since they want her out?

Yes, I know we would like to charge our son but he is not working full time and I hate to think he will dig a hole for himself.
We hate tossing money away but after all, he is the only child and we bought tickets for 4 of my husbands relations in the past, none who I was overly excited to see either.
If we keel, he will get everything, even the junk in our storage units.
Believe me my husband is not willing to be a fool again if he should want to come and does not, then we will make our own plans. Our son dislikes flying just like we do.
That is the only reason he never visits.
I think our old car is up for inspection this year...IDK maybe we will not pass this time? A bit of small rust spots on the side. We find we hardly ever use the car; Used it for Tesco yesterday but only because I like to do a water run. Could always get it delivered if needed.
Husband wants to start buying water from the spas again; The Rudas is a pain to lug water home from but it is possible. We use glass bottles and they get so heavy.
Just one bus over the 7 bus goes directly there and back but still...
I remember years ago I drank only Rudas water for 2 weeks, felt light as a bird mentally. Bird brain??
The Arena mall seemed a bit busy yesterday although Tesco was not too busy.
That one hour parking gets to be a pain. People just park their cars on the way out and have to buy time; Holds everyone up. They should have a min; of 3 hour parking as they used to. How can you see a movie or do much shopping in one hour? The shops should cover the costs for parking.
We may take the bus over there next week because we want to check some things out and it bugs to pay for parking.
IDK if they do not want to pay for parking for widow shoppers they could give free parking with a min; purchase in the mall.
Guess I am spoiled, never had to pay for parking in Ca unless it was on the beach or downtown.

Strange thing, my detention friend mentioned there is a 19 year old women from the Philippines in the center. They told her she has to buy her own ticket home. Wonder why since they want her out? - @Marilyn Tassy

We were at Allee yesterday watching the Bridget Jones:About a Boy movie.  It was an IWD trip. There,  we just give the cinema the parking ticket, they put it in the machine and we get free parking.  It's been like that forever although I think it was limited to 3h. Maybe it's for longer now, never tested it for longer.   

I also don't like paying for parking.   This might explain why the "high street" (US: main street) is in decline.  From here, we can go via public transport but if we have to carry something, forget it.  It's a problem in the UK where there is limited space in towns and villages for parking.  It's not like those places evolved for cars.

I can understand people not liking flying. I still do a fair amount but nothing like the intense amounts I did before COVID.  But there are other ways to travel.  Even in Europe it's possible to go everywhere by train.  It might be significant for me reaching 65 this year.   And there's always car rental and doing a tour.   I would think Japan is really full of transport opportunities.  I went to Tokyo and they have a reasonably good public transport system but I was only in the area of one of the airports.  No idea about other islands and cities but it must be fairly easy to get around. The ticketing system was however absolutely atrocious.  I had to ask in a local tourist office how it worked and they came with me to the machine sorted it out for me.  That was very kind of them but I think they had nothing else to do!  Once i had their transport payment card, it was easy to get around and top it off.  It is a very very busy place.

Well, never mind, time for dog walking!  It looks a bit cloudy but at least it's not raining.

BTW,   if the Filipino has to pay for her ticket, why doesn't she just refuse and then they'd have to look after her forever!  Maybe she'd get something out of it like free Swedish lessons, health care and social well-being.  They cannot keep her in there forever.  I mean habeus corpus and all that. It's no life but it would mean she could stay until she builds a case. 

As for your specific detainee, I don't fancy her chances.  They'll probably deport her before she has a chance before a judge.  Play for time perhaps the best policy.

My contact from Burma is getting near the end of her allowed and legitimate stay in the UK.  I've told her to work on paperwork for staying there now, before it gets dodgy and the officious and official buzzards start circulating.  She's been there a good 3 or 4 years and she has highly specialised sought after skills.  Be an absolute asset.

But then again, Mrs F's Ph.D holding super expert cousin was rejected by the British for citizenship  after some years there and went, obviously, to the USA.  It's been some years married to a US person.  So also probably a US citizen by now. 

Yes, the time is getting really close for my friend in detention. IDK, her lawyers better start doing something fast.

Her husband has contacted the church of Sweden in the US and the priest may be able to help, if not now, later with help with dealing with future paperwork.

I was surprised at our family reunion in Poland when I met one of my distant cousins and her husband and daughter.

For one thing she looked so many like my deceased sister, at least with her face and coloring. Mush shorter and did not have the long model like legs that my sister had.

She and her husband both were Hungarians from Hungary. Both lived in the UK, in Kent and both were doctors They did research work and their daughter was starting medical school in the UK. I suppose they also were UK citizens, had lived in the UK at the time for more then 10 years.

I did not speak much to her, she was not really friendly like everyone else was, why waste my time? Only had 3 days and there were more interesting people to chat with.

Snobby, that is the word for her, her husband was much friendlier and my husband chatted a  bit in Hungarian with him; Both guys were, not blood relations to the reunion and probably would of rather be anywhere else!

Oh yes, saw on the news that the US is thinking of closing their military base in Germany and moving 35,000 troops to Hungary instead!  Good thing or bad?

Oh yes, saw on the news that the US is thinking of closing their military base in Germany and moving 35,000 troops to Hungary instead! Good thing or bad? - @Marilyn Tassy

I think there are 160,000 US forces in Germany.   So 35,000 is not all of them.  I expect a large chunk will return to the USA and probably will lose their jobs. 

35,000 is a town full of people.  There's nowhere to put them.  There's the NATO airfield at Papa but it's got no facilities/housing for 35,000 troops and their families.  I suppose we'd be talking about 100,000+ people in total. If they did move them, it'd take years.  It'd mean building a completely new town.  I don't think the locals would like it much.

If I could think of one airfield which could be refurbished, it'd be Tokol, south of Budapest.  It's an ex-Soviet place with a long working runway and things like bunkers.   It's also got lots of land around it.

A thing about Trump and his boss Musk, there's no way they could pull out of NATO at the moment but if they did, then the US would have to leave all NATO bases and not have access to any of them.  And I cannot see anyone continuing to let them use NATO bases in the future. And there are a lot of NATO bases all over Europe from Turkey to Spain.  US forces would not be able to operate in Europe without NATO.  Even the gruesome twosome must realise it'd be a dumb thing to do.

In any case, the US cannot leave NATO easily now because they need 70% of the Congress to agree and that's not going to happen. Not yet anyway.  Not within Donny's final term.  Shady Vance might plow on with it.   I think Musk aka Dr Evil might disappear soon as his businesses are suffering due to his high visibility, Nazi tendencies and political interference.  Donny could well dump him prior to the mid-terms.

Yes, the time is getting really close for my friend in detention. IDK, her lawyers better start doing something fast.
Her husband has contacted the church of Sweden in the US and the priest may be able to help, if not now, later with help with dealing with future paperwork.
I was surprised at our family reunion in Poland when I met one of my distant cousins and her husband and daughter.
For one thing she looked so many like my deceased sister, at least with her face and coloring. Mush shorter and did not have the long model like legs that my sister had.
She and her husband both were Hungarians from Hungary. Both lived in the UK, in Kent and both were doctors They did research work and their daughter was starting medical school in the UK. I suppose they also were UK citizens, had lived in the UK at the time for more then 10 years.
I did not speak much to her, she was not really friendly like everyone else was, why waste my time? Only had 3 days and there were more interesting people to chat with.
Snobby, that is the word for her, her husband was much friendlier and my husband chatted a bit in Hungarian with him; Both guys were, not blood relations to the reunion and probably would of rather be anywhere else! - @Marilyn Tassy

Probably the Church of Sweden cannot do anything to help except stand around praying.  Like anyone in government is going to care about that.   

But if they can get a case into the legal system, it will delay any work on it.  They surely (I suppose) cannot deport her while there's a case outstanding.  They are probably overwhelmed with cases so it could delay it for months and months and I am sure they would have to let her go home to her hubby in the meantime.

We've got a wedding to go to sometime in the future.  Not really my thing but I'll have to go.   I'm also getting messages about going to the UK to see my parents memorial and have a lunch.  The headstone is already paid for but the lunch would be paid for out of some of my remaining (but tiny) inheritance that's being held on account.  No-one is offering to put me or us up, drive us around etc so I've said no to that.  Not coming if I have to pay anything significant.  I'll go to see the graveyard when I happen to pass the place but I cannot envisage that happening anytime soon.   

My friend from Burma has to live in the UK more or less continuously for 5 years before being able to get citizenship possibly even up to 7 years.  She must at least close to it.   I hope it works out for her.   She's very determined and hard working. I've got no connections that could smooth the way.  It's not like I've got a best friend in parliament who will work on it. 

I had a US colleague had he was well connected with powerful people in New York.  He wrote his representatives and managed to get a couple of very qualified HU medics sponsored into the USA.   

I've got nothing like that for the UK or even here.  It's not like you  can meet a politician and slip a few notes in a brown envelope under the table and it'd be taken care of.  I obviously missed those tricks way back when I arrived.

Meanwhile, in Ontario, I think it's a really short time to Canadian citizenship.  Just 3 years perhaps.  Hope that works out for my daughter and her BF.

Oh yes, saw on the news that the US is thinking of closing their military base in Germany and moving 35,000 troops to Hungary instead! Good thing or bad? - @Marilyn Tassy
I think there are 160,000 US forces in Germany. So 35,000 is not all of them. I expect a large chunk will return to the USA and probably will lose their jobs.
35,000 is a town full of people. There's nowhere to put them. There's the NATO airfield at Papa but it's got no facilities/housing for 35,000 troops and their families. I suppose we'd be talking about 100,000+ people in total. If they did move them, it'd take years. It'd mean building a completely new town. I don't think the locals would like it much.

If I could think of one airfield which could be refurbished, it'd be Tokol, south of Budapest. It's an ex-Soviet place with a long working runway and things like bunkers. It's also got lots of land around it.

A thing about Trump and his boss Musk, there's no way they could pull out of NATO at the moment but if they did, then the US would have to leave all NATO bases and not have access to any of them. And I cannot see anyone continuing to let them use NATO bases in the future. And there are a lot of NATO bases all over Europe from Turkey to Spain. US forces would not be able to operate in Europe without NATO. Even the gruesome twosome must realise it'd be a dumb thing to do.

In any case, the US cannot leave NATO easily now because they need 70% of the Congress to agree and that's not going to happen. Not yet anyway. Not within Donny's final term. Shady Vance might plow on with it. I think Musk aka Dr Evil might disappear soon as his businesses are suffering due to his high visibility, Nazi tendencies and political interference. Donny could well dump him prior to the mid-terms. - @fluffy2560

There are around 40 bases left, with 2 set to close. There were 220 at one point but the majority closed in the 90s after the cold war.

Oh yes, saw on the news that the US is thinking of closing their military base in Germany and moving 35,000 troops to Hungary instead! Good thing or bad? - @Marilyn Tassy
I think there are 160,000 US forces in Germany. So 35,000 is not all of them. I expect a large chunk will return to the USA and probably will lose their jobs.
35,000 is a town full of people. There's nowhere to put them. There's the NATO airfield at Papa but it's got no facilities/housing for 35,000 troops and their families. I suppose we'd be talking about 100,000+ people in total. If they did move them, it'd take years. It'd mean building a completely new town. I don't think the locals would like it much.

If I could think of one airfield which could be refurbished, it'd be Tokol, south of Budapest. It's an ex-Soviet place with a long working runway and things like bunkers. It's also got lots of land around it.

A thing about Trump and his boss Musk, there's no way they could pull out of NATO at the moment but if they did, then the US would have to leave all NATO bases and not have access to any of them. And I cannot see anyone continuing to let them use NATO bases in the future. And there are a lot of NATO bases all over Europe from Turkey to Spain. US forces would not be able to operate in Europe without NATO. Even the gruesome twosome must realise it'd be a dumb thing to do.

In any case, the US cannot leave NATO easily now because they need 70% of the Congress to agree and that's not going to happen. Not yet anyway. Not within Donny's final term. Shady Vance might plow on with it. I think Musk aka Dr Evil might disappear soon as his businesses are suffering due to his high visibility, Nazi tendencies and political interference. Donny could well dump him prior to the mid-terms. - @fluffy2560

There are around 40 bases left, with 2 set to close. There were 220 at one point but the majority closed in the 90s after the cold war.

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c80y3yx1jdyo

Shocking as it might sound, but make sure you have the correct visa. You can't work on a tourist visa in most countries.

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c80y3yx1jdyoShocking as it might sound, but make sure you have the correct visa. You can't work on a tourist visa in most countries. - @SimCityAT

She must have been very naïve in what she said to the border control agents.  If she said she was on holiday and seeing some friends, they probably wouldn't have said anything,  If she told them she was helping them around the house in exchange for board and lodging, she shot herself in the foot.   And in Trump's America, they are being really excessively hard for trivial reasons and annoying millions.  I wonder how many people are cancelling their travel there. 

That said, for many years, US border people and I use the word people advisedly, are known for being a PITA.  Just nasty, nasty stuff.  I avoid any travel that goes through the USA if I can help it.   It used to be Canada was super friendly but since 9/11, they are not very nice either.   Best thing if going somewhere near the USA or Canada are direct flights without stop overs.  There's always a chance of being diverted so best get the ETAs just in case. 

I used to often travel on business. You can go to the US for work if you say you are going on business - just tick the box on the ETA.  That allows you to have meetings, discuss contracts, do training, attend a conference and so on.    That's much the same as anywhere.

I might have to go somewhere where I need a business visa but I cannot apply online. I have to go to their embassy.  In Vienna.  Great, a whole day wasted and travel costs.

There are around 40 bases left, with 2 set to close. There were 220 at one point but the majority closed in the 90s after the cold war. - @SimCityAT

Some of them are massive. Like Ramstein Air Base.   There are plenty of others. I only really know the ones I've driven past.  You see signs for them on the autobahn.  Ramstein has a large military hospital and is a staging point to the USA.  If it's gone, they'll have to go elsewhere.

I reckon any draw down will take years. 

I believe the US does not pay for the bases, it's offset against other costs elsewhere.  So whatever it means by moving troops to Hungary, probably means costs for Hungary. 

And we'll have no say in it.  People already complain about the C-17s over Balaton taking off and landing at the Papa Air Base.  I expect there would be some protests.

@fluffy2560

Melissa Chavin, a US immigration lawyer based in London, said Ms Burke could be released either through voluntary departure or expedited removal, but the process of appearing in front of a judge as part of voluntary departure could be delayed because judges had been fired by the Trump administration.

@fluffy2560

I read a story, can't remember where the other day, the locals very very concerned as the local economy relies on the base. Shops, plumbers, electricians, schools, bars, backers etc..... are all served because of the base.

@fluffy2560
I read a story, can't remember where the other day, the locals very very concerned as the local economy relies on the base. Shops, plumbers, electricians, schools, bars, backers etc..... are all served because of the base. - @SimCityAT

Oh yes indeed.  There are many people there who have married locals and have stayed there when their military service ended.  For every 1 service persons, there's probably 4 or 5 or maybe even more behind the scenes dependent workers.   So it'll be devastating for them. 

I was in Kosovo and it was an absolute crazy time as the aid flowed in.  Some people made a lot of money.  When it started to reduce, it really hit the local economy hard.   Hardly surprising really.  Don't know what it's like there now.   

@fluffy2560
Melissa Chavin, a US immigration lawyer based in London, said Ms Burke could be released either through voluntary departure or expedited removal, but the process of appearing in front of a judge as part of voluntary departure could be delayed because judges had been fired by the Trump administration. - @SimCityAT

I did hear that many immigration judges have gone.   Makes no sense to keep her there.  Just take her to the airport and put her on the plane.   Possibly they cannot as the US treats all visitors as potential immigrants and they are robotically following the procedure.

Reminds me of the teenage French jogger the US went bananas over.    Insanity and an utter waste of everyone's time.

I would think many jobs are connected to the bases.

My uncles wife used to write me often but she has since passed; Their daughter a US citizen was a  Lawyer working for the US Army in Germany. Her daughter was 16 or 17 at the time and had won a Miss Teen Modeling contract and was going  to move to Italy from what I remember.

Sorry to have lost contact with them.

My step father was based in Germany for 2 years in the late 50s early 60s; Hmm, wonder if Elvis was there     at the same time?

Both in the Army.

My husband said the same thing, where would they put 35,000 troops and all that goes with them.

I am sure they can set something up fast if needed.

Army corps of engineers is good at that.

Mean time my cousin in Vegas as 2 daughters.One is larger then life, Reminds me of Mae West. Was working in Hollywood for awhile but now said Hollywood is dead;She has moved back to Vegas and  is managing a small casino. What a surprise since I only know she learned to deal poker for the World tour of poker; Never knew she knew anything about casino business; Nice to know just in case my son gives up on Japan and moves back to Vegas. He has 14 years of casino floor management experience.

I am sure she could juice him in where she works.

What a team they would be, 2 second cousins, one big blonde and busty, she is 6 feet tall , he is a redhead and 6 foot 3. Not sure Vegas is ready for that.

I would think many jobs are connected to the bases.
My uncles wife used to write me often but she has since passed; Their daughter a US citizen was a Lawyer working for the US Army in Germany. Her daughter was 16 or 17 at the time and had won a Miss Teen Modeling contract and was going to move to Italy from what I remember.
Sorry to have lost contact with them.
My step father was based in Germany for 2 years in the late 50s early 60s; Hmm, wonder if Elvis was there  at the same time?
Both in the Army.
My husband said the same thing, where would they put 35,000 troops and all that goes with them.
I am sure they can set something up fast if needed.
Army corps of engineers is good at that.

Mean time my cousin in Vegas as 2 daughters.One is larger then life, Reminds me of Mae West. Was working in Hollywood for awhile but now said Hollywood is dead;She has moved back to Vegas and is managing a small casino. What a surprise since I only know she learned to deal poker for the World tour of poker; Never knew she knew anything about casino business; Nice to know just in case my son gives up on Japan and moves back to Vegas. He has 14 years of casino floor management experience.
I am sure she could juice him in where she works.
What a team they would be, 2 second cousins, one big blonde and busty, she is 6 feet tall , he is a redhead and 6 foot 3. Not sure Vegas is ready for that. - @Marilyn Tassy

I used to work in Germany and we had people in that company who were originally military personnel who hung around.  It was all good.  Didn't notice anyone who looked like Elvis.

Army Corp of Engineers could put up a tent city for 35,000 which would be fine for operational personnel, but not for the accompanying families and civilian staff which could number over 100,000+.    And they'd have to pipe in water, electricity and sewage to the area.  It would mean a whole new and secure town next to the airfield, complete with all the accoutrements like local healthcare, shops, roads etc.  I believe the biggest base (Bagram) in Afghanistan had 7000 personnel at its largest size and we're talking about 5 x that amount.   If it was China, I could believe they could do it in a short time but it'd probably take 6 months even for them.

Couldn't your son do some casino work in Japan?  Or maybe on cruise liners for part of the year?  Asian people are really keen on gambling.  Think of Macau, It's all gambling there.  I think that's how they finance the place.  A bit like Monaco.

Years ago he actually thought about Macau.

Japan has no legal casinos that have blackjack, craps etc; They are big on Pinko.

They have underground casinos but no way does he wants to do illegal work anywhere like that. Run but the Akuza probably...

Worked in Vegas with a very nice lady from Turkey; She was a master at the wheel, roulette.

She worked in Turkey and told me what happened once when the bosses thought a dealer had skimmed off of them.

They rounded all the dealer up and locked them in a room; They took the one dealer in trouble in a room next door so the dealer could hear what was going on.

Ouch, pow, bang, boom, no, please; Shouts and lots of dealers crying and in fear.

She had enough but was too afraid to even say she was quitting; She came up with an excuse to quit by saying her mother was ill in another town and had to help her.

The Akuza would not even go that lightly if they thought someone skimmed off the top.

Vegas is safe, the mob is gone or at least in the background; The US gov taxes the casinos and our tips so they are not going to mess that up.

I mentioned before how my friend Mona was one of the first female dealers in Vegas.

She made a small mistake on her table and was called into the back room; These were the mob days; Dealer made a ton of money but they had mob bosses watching their every move too. She went to the back and was punched in the stomach so hard she passed out cold. I asked her what happened next. She said she needed the job so when she came to, she just went back to her table.

I never would of done what she did, never would of worked in such a dangerous work place. When I worked in the casino it was all legit and had protections for workers etc;

My son mentioned they were thinking of opening regular casinos in Japan and needed gaming teachers; He would be great at that. So far no casinos as of yet.

Years ago he actually thought about Macau.
Japan has no legal casinos that have blackjack, craps etc; They are big on Pinko.
They have underground casinos but no way does he wants to do illegal work anywhere like that. Run but the Akuza probably...
Worked in Vegas with a very nice lady from Turkey; She was a master at the wheel, roulette.
She worked in Turkey and told me what happened once when the bosses thought a dealer had skimmed off of them.
They rounded all the dealer up and locked them in a room; They took the one dealer in trouble in a room next door so the dealer could hear what was going on.
Ouch, pow, bang, boom, no, please; Shouts and lots of dealers crying and in fear.
She had enough but was too afraid to even say she was quitting; She came up with an excuse to quit by saying her mother was ill in another town and had to help her.
The Akuza would not even go that lightly if they thought someone skimmed off the top.
Vegas is safe, the mob is gone or at least in the background; The US gov taxes the casinos and our tips so they are not going to mess that up.
I mentioned before how my friend Mona was one of the first female dealers in Vegas.
She made a small mistake on her table and was called into the back room; These were the mob days; Dealer made a ton of money but they had mob bosses watching their every move too. She went to the back and was punched in the stomach so hard she passed out cold. I asked her what happened next. She said she needed the job so when she came to, she just went back to her table.
I never would of done what she did, never would of worked in such a dangerous work place. When I worked in the casino it was all legit and had protections for workers etc;
My son mentioned they were thinking of opening regular casinos in Japan and needed gaming teachers; He would be great at that. So far no casinos as of yet. - @Marilyn Tassy

I've always thought the gambling business was dodgy and mafia driven. I expect it still is but the distance between the dodgy people and the actual casino operations must be substantial.   Just a web of holding companies and shell businesses.  I had a colleague once and his dad was a betting guy, especially horses.  Apparently, it was all a fix.  I wouldn't be surprised.  The only horse race I've ever bet on is a special one in the UK which is called The Grand National. 

I'd have thought Japan could introduce casinos for Chinese visitors only.  Maybe on one specific Japanese island and no Japanese allowed inside.  It could be a good earner for the government.  I was in the Bahamas and they have casinos like that if I remember correctly.   Place called Treasure Island.  I went to the public beach there and quite frankly, it was terrible!  It was awful.  To be honest, all of the Bahamas was quite rubbish.

For awhile they were thinking of opening up casino dealing schools in Japan, not sure what happened but for now it is off the table.

In the 70s when we were in Vegas I was always amazed by the dealers; I thought , wow you have to be really on your toes and good with math to be a dealer.

Yes and no, mostly you have to grin and plug your ears and smile and never say much to the players.

One word of great advice I got from a lady dealer was, Never look them in the eyes.

You defo need a clear mind to deal all day long.

I worked in what are called mid range or locals casinos, off the strip.

Actually they are harder places to work then dealing with mostly tourists;The locals are sharp, watch your every move and go there to make money, not to actually have fun.

They will moan about anything they think was done wrong, not clear to see or done too fast.

The strip casinos allow the dealer to make pay outs one by one where as in the local casinos they want the payouts done in one shot; Say roulette,  straight up, 35 to one, red or black even money etc; In a strip casino you can first pay off the black or red then go from there; In a local casino you had better be able to hold several figures in your head at once and do just one big pay out.

To me roulette is the hardest one to deal because you usually work alone while in craps there are 3 other dealers there to correct you if you make a mistake adding things up.

I dealt roulette but only a few times other then on an audition. I just did not need the stress; I would muck on my breaks to be right there in the game and observe a more experienced dealer making large payout and I would set up the chips for payouts In fact at a few jobs I never told them I knew some of the games that I did know;Just did not want to be stuck dealing baccarat all day long to a table of angry Chinese players.

Mucking is just being a helper by putting the right colored chéques in stacks of 20 and organizing things. New strip casinos have machines that can do that but mucking is fun.

Also games like roulette have different payout per player so that is something to keep on you mind at all times. Some chips, checks are worth say 25 cents and another color they player bought in for a buck per chip, chéque. Sometimes they were worth $5.00 or more.

My son was great at dealing that game; He learned the hard way downtown on a 10 cent wheel; People would buy in with just $2. with each chéque only worth a dime; If they won they enjoyed looking like a big winner with a stack of chéques, Wow, so rich with their $7.00 winnings!

Our son was and still is a presentable looking handsome guy. In gaming school the older female instructor knew all the casino managers in town and knew what look they wanted for the public.

He was hired at a strip casino right out of school; He only learned blackjack at school but it was enough for his good paying job;

After a few month they had a huge lay off and only kept dealers who knew 3 or more games;

He was so mad he decided to go to a break in house and learn every single game they had, craps, roulette, pia gow poker, all of them; When he knew them all he was asked at the Golden Gate casino to be a floor manager; He met the old guy Mr. Boyd . He declined because of all the low life players in these houses.

Not sure if that was the right move or not but he was only 22.

He worked for awhile in a now defunked, casino run by a Japanese company. They turned the property into a strip club.

He got hired at a well known locals casino.Dealt for less then a year there and became a manager for 14 years; He was then offered a slot as the night shift pit boss; Only 3 of those slots in any casino.Just one slot below being full casino manager.More money, more power but as he was ready for Japan he gave it to another guy. He had been taken under the wing of an older pit boss and trained but the old guy had brain cancer and left. His words of advice to my son were to show how valuable he was by teaching the other dealers games on his days off and by taking a short college course in management.He did not listen but it is never too late. My son did teach some games at work but he could of had full management support and held classes during off hours for all dealers if they wanted to learn. That would of been a good move on his part. He never was good at kissing arse; He sometimes did run the entire gaming pit for a couple hours if the  pit boss had something going on but did not get paid more for it. All risk, no extra pay. He loved it though. In charge of all the games at once, set table limits, opened and closed games as needed etc;Chatted with the big players and made judgement calls on games in in dispute.  My husband and I sometimes went in and watched him from afar.Pit boos at work and cry baby at home!

For awhile they were thinking of opening up casino dealing schools in Japan, not sure what happened but for now it is off the table.
In the 70s when we were in Vegas I was always amazed by the dealers; I thought , wow you have to be really on your toes and good with math to be a dealer.
Yes and no, mostly you have to grin and plug your ears and smile and never say much to the players.
One word of great advice I got from a lady dealer was, Never look them in the eyes.
You defo need a clear mind to deal all day long.
I worked in what are called mid range or locals casinos, off the strip.
Actually they are harder places to work then dealing with mostly tourists;The locals are sharp, watch your every move and go there to make money, not to actually have fun.
They will moan about anything they think was done wrong, not clear to see or done too fast.
.......His words of advice to my son were to show how valuable he was by teaching the other dealers games on his days off and by taking a short college course in management.He did not listen but it is never too late. My son did teach some games at work but he could of had full management support and held classes during off hours for all dealers if they wanted to learn. That would of been a good move on his part. He never was good at kissing arse; He sometimes did run the entire gaming pit for a couple hours if the pit boss had something going on but did not get paid more for it. All risk, no extra pay. He loved it though. In charge of all the games at once, set table limits, opened and closed games as needed etc;Chatted with the big players and made judgement calls on games in in dispute. My husband and I sometimes went in and watched him from afar.Pit boos at work and cry baby at home! - @Marilyn Tassy

I only got about 10% of that.  I've got no idea about any of those casino games or the names or even how you play it.  It's just a different world to mine.  My world consists primarily of DIY, gardening, the dog and sometimes the cat, old movies,  the kids and looking too much at the Presidents Swastika and Orange Blob's antics. 

I've often thought I'm susceptible to addictions so I fear actually gambling in case I end up going nuts on it.  I don't know if that's some kind of OCD type thing.   Being worried about OCD is in fact OCD.   Like a dog chasing its own tail.

I begin to wonder if there's not more now as retirement is arriving.   I had anticipated more time to do extra things but I find myself sometimes at a loose end now I'm not involved in work.    Mrs F and I said we should think about going somewhere at the weekend, maybe Balaton or maybe to the Matra.  I cannot be bothered to go to Austria.  We used to go there quite a lot but it's not worth spending money on the fuel.   If we did go somewhere, we'd go for the day.  Really need some ideas for that.

Only thing Mrs F came up with is a bus exhibition in Budaors on Sunday. It's being organised by the BKV.  Exciting!

I know the casinos make a killing in profit but they always do allot of good for the community.

Loads of charity events are sponsored by them throughout Vegas.

I know our casino manager a really nice Italian guy, a former baker used to dress up as Santa for a handicapped children,s  event every year.

They also support the schools.

Yes, I will say not all but a large portion of the higher ups were of Italian heritage but I hate to sterotype anyone. I never even had a problem,only one female boss was nasty/ She was nasty with everyone who was not a cute young man in the 20s.

It was creepy, any female who was decent looking was on her hit list; A few people quit because of her.

She was my direct boss 3 days per week, always a stressful time with her around. I was lucky that our days off fell on different days so 4 days a week we missed each other.

Yes, she was Italian too!

Short with dark hair always done in a flip style, like she was stuck in the 60s. Wore huge shoulder pads like someone from the TV show Dynasty would wear. This was the late 1990s and she still wore suits from the 80s with huge pads in the shoulders.. The highest heels she could stand in to make up for being short;No problem but she would not even say good morning to anyone unless it was a young man.

The story was that a young male dealer was her fave and they had an affair. She had a baby with him but he ran back to NY to get away.

Some people will do anything to get a good shift and an early out!

She almost had me in tears a couple of times, she was that mean.

I know a few times she tried to get on my nerves by sending me 3 days in a row the the boring stupid mindless game called, Let it Ride. You knew they had it in for you if you spent days over there.

We used to call the game, let it Rip.

Outside of her, I got on with everyone.

I know the casinos make a killing in profit but they always do allot of good for the community.Loads of charity events are sponsored by them throughout Vegas.I know our casino manager a really nice Italian guy, a former baker used to dress up as Santa for a handicapped children,s event every year.They also support the schools.Yes, I will say not all but a large portion of the higher ups were of Italian heritage but I hate to stereotype anyone. I never even had a problem, only one female boss was nasty/ She was nasty with everyone who was not a cute young man in the 20s.It was creepy, any female who was decent looking was on her hit list; A few people quit because of her.She was my direct boss 3 days per week, always a stressful time with her around. I was lucky that our days off fell on different days so 4 days a week we missed each other.Yes, she was Italian too!Short with dark hair always done in a flip style, like she was stuck in the 60s. Wore huge shoulder pads like someone from the TV show Dynasty would wear. This was the late 1990s and she still wore suits from the 80s with huge pads in the shoulders.. The highest heels she could stand in to make up for being short. No problem but she would not even say good morning to anyone unless it was a young man.The story was that a young male dealer was her fave and they had an affair. She had a baby with him but he ran back to NY to get away.Some people will do anything to get a good shift and an early out!She almost had me in tears a couple of times, she was that mean.I know a few times she tried to get on my nerves by sending me 3 days in a row the the boring stupid mindless game called, Let it Ride. You knew they had it in for you if you spent days over there.We used to call the game, let it Rip.Outside of her, I got on with everyone. - @Marilyn Tassy

Probably the casinos are trying to ingratiate themselves with the locals. Buying them off.   It makes you wonder about criminal elements that possibly come in with casinos - vice, drugs etc.  That's the perception. I don't know if that applies to native owned casinos which presumably are like family businesses.   I like the idea the tribes have their own income  and control on their own affairs.

The Italian gangster is indeed quite the stereotype.  My knowledge on that subject is almost only through the movies.  How representative that is, I couldn't say.  Of course the villains in the movies have always changed over time - we've seen Germans, South Africans, Arabs of some kind, Russians, North Koreans, even the British and so on.   

You hardly ever see Icelandic or Pacific Islander gangsters but I think there has to be some around.  We just don't see them in the movies so much.  I have seen a slightly threatening Icelander in a TV show.  But while imposing,  he was rather portly so would need heavies to carry out his master plan of evil.   There have been some dodgy Kiwis but they were relatively harmless in the general scheme of things.

Maybe Let it Ride was the Italian Dynasty throwback's equivalent of the naughty step.  And it sounds like she was utterly insecure and wanted to be in control everywhere.  She could probably have ended up in trouble for harassment in the workplace.

This takes the biscuit for depressing headline of 2025 so far:

Hungary threatens dual nationals with expulsion in latest campaign to 'defend sovereignty'

Possibly another step closer to HUexit?

This takes the biscuit for depressing headline of 2025 so far:
Hungary threatens dual nationals with expulsion in latest campaign to 'defend sovereignty'

Possibly another step closer to HUexit? - @fluffy2560

https://youtu.be/XibCflWxZuA?feature=shared

or maybe not

This takes the biscuit for depressing headline of 2025 so far:Hungary threatens dual nationals with expulsion in latest campaign to 'defend sovereignty'Possibly another step closer to HUexit? - @fluffy2560

That's similar to the Dutch scheme; my kids are dual nationals (UK/NL), and the Dutch Government will not withdraw the Dutch entitlement because their status results from having a UK/NL father and mother. However, if she applied for a UK passport, my wife would lose her Dutch nationality immediately, with no right to appeal.

Nothing to do with the CIA (link).  I should add; the Dutch Government document says "might", when my wife asked at the Gemeente, she was told she would lose her Dutch passport.