ricklev

What if they are not though. What if they are fighting tooth and nail to protect the poor and middle class while a small fringe on the left is over the top on some things. Why would some media and politicians emphasize the weirdness so you believe it to be a major problem? I get that it is hard to see it that way!

Yes, everything you mentioned is a problem, but consider the possibility that all that hate and anger is just designed to distract you while the things that created and sustained a middle class in the USA are taken away along with the social safety net and more and more of the wealth of the country is transferred into the hands of relatively few people at the top.

Great question!

I have never read a single specific example of any crime the Colombians committed or any shenanigans allowing them to stay in the US while waiting for a court case. But I am happy to be educated. Could you please provide an example.

If I wait 5 years I will also have saved $10,000 dollars in the five years. However, I might live to 100 making those savings negligible compared to the increased rate. 🙂 Google tells me I don't have to wait for the open enrollment period to add Part B if I return to the USA after living abroad. There is a 2 month special enrollment period but I don't know if that is true. You can enroll in Medicare Part B while living overseas if you are 65 or older and qualify for Medicare. You can enroll at a U.S. embassy or consulate in your country. When can you enroll? During your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP): You can enroll during your IEP, which is a specific period of time. During the General Enrollment Period (GEP): You can enroll during the GEP, which runs from January 1 through March 31 each year. During your Special Enrollment Period (SEP): You can enroll during your SEP, which begins when you return to the U.S. and lasts for up to two months.

Grab is now accepting my Bangkok Bank MasterCard debit card.

So many comments about them being criminals and scum and not a single post that provides any information of what they've done other than enter illegally. I agree, illegal immigrants should be deported, but not dehumanized. I need a little more than just Donald Trump's word that they are rapists and criminals. But that's just me I guess.

Are they really criminals? What did they do that makes them "worthless"? I am genuinely curious and could not find any information about that online.

This works! I have a PM2.5 meter and I know. It doesn't reduce it to 2 ppm as my air purifier does but it does get down to 10 ppm from 80 ppm in an hour or so. You have to follow the directions it comes with. However, I do have an old fashioned giant floor type split unit mounted on my ceiling so a lot of air is passing through.

"Worthless" Shame on you!

I used to have a high opinion of AARP, although I am not sure why. After the murder of the United CEO I started reading articles about the relationship between AARP and United and it sure made me change my opinion of AARP. https://prospect.org/blogs-and-newsletters/tap/2024-12-11-how-aarp-shills-for-unitedhealthcare/

Thanks for your comments. The way I see it Part B is $2220 ($185X12) per year in 2025 which means the first year penalty is about $220 and the savings is about $2000 by not enrolling. My understanding is that if you live abroad you can sign up for Part B at any time and immediately receive the benefits, so it seems reasonable to wait until it is needed, even with the compounded monthly increase. (Am I wrong?) I am less concerned with the cost of coverage if I have to go back than with the cost of living and livability of the city. That is why I was curious if anyone had thought about it. I will have to immediately find housing. I am just musing. Hopefully my health will remain excellent and my biggest issue will be the rising cost of my Thai insurance policy.

Some (just a few really) of the drivers are so full of stress, confusion, jealousy, greed and anger towards their customers that they are in a state of consciousness that is almost drug like, and then some of them enhance that state with drugs like yaba, that is so cheap now it is almost free. Anybody that has lived here for a while has had the upsetting experience of being on some kind of public transport with a driver who is not right in his mind. I have had drivers deliberately pull forward quickly while I was boarding in an effort to make me fall. And this was for no reason in any way related to me. Just his mood.

I just completed this quiz. My Score 70/100 My Time 124 seconds  

Thanks. That is a scooter ride from my condo. I will give it a try. Which barber do you like there?

I visit Chiang Mai for three months every summer and the 100 baht haircut I get from my favorite barber is absolutely perfect. It's a Thai style hovel that would not suffer from a good cleaning but the guy is an artist that takes pride in his work if not the cleanliness of his shop. There is always a line of Thai guys in front of me making for a long wait. I can't find the place on Google Maps though.

Do you just take the next one available or do you have a favorite? I remember the first time I went there, maybe 15 years ago, the barber closest to the window, reached under his chair and pulled out some Japanese nudey magazines for me to enjoy while getting my hair cut.

Any suggestions for a barber shop that is simple and cheap. I mean an old fashioned shop with a few chairs priced under 200 baht, usually around 100-120 baht these days. I used to go the one on Thonglor just down from the BTS as they had a lot of experience cutting Japanese and farang hair, but the guy I liked there retired. It's not so much about the price as it is the simplicity and speed. My cut is a pretty simple number 5 on the clippers with no fade and finish with scissors. It's the no fade on the side that most Thai barbers just can't wrap their head around. I have no interest in salons or hipster shops. Just your basic barber!

It always amuses me that my country, the self-proclaimed greatest country that god ever created in the history of the world, has not figured out the best way to clean their asses. I did read that the great Covid toilet paper shortage woke up a few to the beauty of the bidet. On a political toilet side note, I purchased this from Lazada last night to celebrate the inauguration of the president the USA deserves.

No idea what that means but have great day. 🙂

No JUSMAGers here?

I just completed this quiz. My Score 30/100 My Time 96 seconds  

I have been taking it for a few years. Is it good? Does it help? No idea. :). Can't hurt I figure. I buy it from IHerb.

I recently turned 65 and enrolled in Medicare although although not in part B yet. I figure with part B it may be useful for catastrophic coverage, if I can get back there. I do have Thai insurance but it is only 5 million baht and not that great. I wonder if other people have researched the best/cheapest city to go to if need be? I no longer have family ties in the USA. Thanks.

I am a USA citizen but not a veteran. About 10 years ago I would occasionally go to the cafe at JUSMAG on Sathorn and enjoy cheap USA beers and good food. It was possible then to show my USA passport to enter. Is that still true? Worth going? Thanks!