Ya, it's shitty out there - everyone knows this - but what are you prepared to do about it?

Wallow in it and have a whinge fest, what else?

As if one person can stop the forces of history. As likely as one person stopping a great earthquake.

Ya, it's shitty out there - everyone knows this - but what are you prepared to do about it?

Wallow in it and have a whinge fest, what else?

As if one person can stop the forces of history. As likely as one person stopping a great earthquake.

earthquakes don't kill people - buildings kill people

Ya, it's shitty out there - everyone knows this - but what are you prepared to do about it?

Wallow in it and have a whinge fest, what else?

As if one person can stop the forces of history. As likely as one person stopping a great earthquake.

earthquakes don't kill people - buildings kill people

If your statement is true, then I wouldn't still have a job

Buildings don't kill people, falling objects kill people

Ya, it's shitty out there - everyone knows this - but what are you prepared to do about it?

Wallow in it and have a whinge fest, what else?

As if one person can stop the forces of history. As likely as one person stopping a great earthquake.

earthquakes don't kill people - buildings kill people

If your statement is true, then I wouldn't still have a job

Buildings don't kill people, falling objects kill people

Ok Ms Tetley, when the earthquake in California happens and a building falls on you, we will refer to it as an object.

Ya, it's shitty out there - everyone knows this - but what are you prepared to do about it?

Wallow in it and have a whinge fest, what else?

As if one person can stop the forces of history. As likely as one person stopping a great earthquake.

earthquakes don't kill people - buildings kill people

If your statement is true, then I wouldn't still have a job

Buildings don't kill people, falling objects kill people

Ok Ms Tetley, when the earthquake in California happens and a building falls on you, we will refer to it as an object.

Only those that are under-designed for that specific magnitude....tho

The whole building don't really fall on you, only part of the building.....so yes I call it/them the "falling object"

Sorry mate you septics are totally to blame, you lot started this problem and then sit back while people put their money in dollars as the best bet.

US may have big problems internally but the expats are sitting quite well compared to the rest of the world, mind you the long term for the US is that you are soon to become a minor trader compared to the EU and China.

As in every culture you have had your time

I'm not arguing most of this except that "you septics" seems to indicate all 320 million of us had something to do with the collapse when in fact only a very tiny fraction did. And as for the fact that we are all totally to blame completely ignores the fact that there was an enormous housing bubble in UK home prices that burst too.

We Americans of course, can't wait for the day when the EU steps up and becomes the worlds "major trader" as you call it. We're tired of it. The majority of Americans openly admit that the GW Bush years were a disaster as proven by the lowest approval ratings ever of any American president since Truman but those days have now ended and many are now advocating that we bring our focus back within our own borders, but of course, the crybaby Europeans would have a temper tantrum crying protectionism even though they have been protecting their own markets for years. We already purchase much more from the EU than the EU purchases from us, mostly as a result of EU government subsidies and tariffs that dwarf the subsidies that the US gives it's farmers and the tariffs the US puts on EU products.

Is the EU prepared to do anything if Russia grabs more land from Eastern Europe and expands it's desired "sphere of influence" westward, or when Iran closes off the Straight of Hormuz and strangles off the oil to Europe and points a nuclear tipped missle at Paris? Will they stand idily by if Hamas gets nukes from Iran and murders the entire city of Tel Aviv in a Holy Jihad? Will they continue to do nothing as millions of Africans die of AIDS, genocide and starvation when they no longer have the US to do it for them and then blame the US for not doing enough? Unfortunately, in nearly every instance of global crisis to date the EU leaders have shown the world nothing but exceptional political cowardice. If a hard decision must be made between doing something for the benefit of the world community or losing votes at home the votes always win out. The Norwegians and the French deserve some credit for making an effort to resolve some problems here and there but the rest of the EU appears to relish the position of just sitting on their asses and doing nothing but whine and complain.

My hope is that the EU will some day stand up and take some sort of a world leadership role. That is of course, once they grow a pair and quit crying that their pussy hurts.

Well spoken and I agree with you totally. well written

Another one of Jings 'Doom and Gloom Topics' - 3rd one in a week I count.

If I reply yes, do I get a prize?

If I reply no, do I get a prize?

and how long do you think you can keep your job?

As the Official Thaivisa Homophobe Detector, forever. It's a job for life.

Yes, I am one of the poor, because I have to work for a living not steal it from others like a good capitalist swine would do.

But because I work for a wage, I've always been poor...at least relatively.

Had a friend, ----, who once ran a ritzy jewelry shop in Beverly Hills. Only for the upper crust, who didn't want to buy anything "cheap". My friend ---- used to oblige them by buying jewels, Batik, etc. here in Southeast Asia and selling it to those who had more money than common sense at a 100% markup. The more it cost, the more they wanted it. They would turn up their nose at a $150 ring, but if you put a tag on it at $1500. then marked it down to $500, they fought each other to buy it.

Last time I heard of ---- the IRS wanted him for unpaid back taxes, and he no longer owned the jewelry store.

As for the stock market...a lot of people called me a fool for not putting my money into such things. "Put it in, and keep it in",they said, "the stock market will always go up, not down."

Now they aren't quite as sure about that as they used to be.

I've still got my money in the bank, they've lost theirs in the "current economic downturn".

As Kurt Vonegut said, "So it goes....so it goes"

Yes, I am one of the poor, because I have to work for a living not steal it from others like a good capitalist swine would do.

It's good capitalists that create jobs so that people like you have one.

I think there is a triple whammy for some.

Firstly, people were just about wising up to the fact that Thailand is no longer the real cheap place it used to be. Most people have to budget and very few can be totally care free money wise.

The FX rates that relative newbies got used to, with GBP over 70 for instance just fuelled the inflationary fire. I remember pre 1997 but have had 60 or so in my head for the last decade. 70 was overly generous, 50 is miserly. Guys sitting waiting for it to magically go back to 70 are in for a long wait.

The economic slump worldwide has either cut pensions, cut the value of assets or made your income less secure, depending upon where you are on the work / retirement ladder. Fear is a great leveller.

So overall, I see fewer people coming out to LOS to retire and those thinking about it will work longer. people expecting to cash in their houses are finding no buyers at decent prices so their dreams have been blown away.

The final nail in the coffin is the emergence of more friendly places. Not better, just easier to live. They will be the ones which will benefit I suspect.

My 401K has lost 25% of it's value since the meltdown began. I am still working and receiving the same pay however, and actually get a reasonable yearly increase thanks to my union, but my hopes of retiring soon have definately been put on hold for what looks like the unforseeable future.

It was you Yankee Doodle Dandies that started it all,

how I dream those happy exchange rates of only 2 or 3 years ago.

I personally had nothing to do with it; I am not a Wall Street tycoon. I have no debt and I save money.

Thanks for your valuable contribuion to the discussion though.

I had almost forgot that us septics are responsible for all the world's problems.

Too bad about those GBP exchange rates, I guess that's my fault too.

Go whine somewhere else.

As your post was whining from beginning to end I merely added my pennies worth.

Goes to show how touchy yanks can be. Though not contributing (in your eyes) I'll

contribute towards your grasp of english:

It's "I had almost forgotten that us..." blah, blah, blah.

You forgot one important question

NO, but will be very soon

Sorry mate you septics are totally to blame, you lot started this problem and then sit back while people put their money in dollars as the best bet.

US may have big problems internally but the expats are sitting quite well compared to the rest of the world, mind you the long term for the US is that you are soon to become a minor trader compared to the EU and China.

As in every culture you have had your time

I'm not arguing most of this except that "you septics" seems to indicate all 320 million of us had something to do with the collapse when in fact only a very tiny fraction did. And as for the fact that we are all totally to blame completely ignores the fact that there was an enormous housing bubble in UK home prices that burst too.

We Americans of course, can't wait for the day when the EU steps up and becomes the worlds "major trader" as you call it. We're tired of it. The majority of Americans openly admit that the GW Bush years were a disaster as proven by the lowest approval ratings ever of any American president since Truman but those days have now ended and many are now advocating that we bring our focus back within our own borders, but of course, the crybaby Europeans would have a temper tantrum crying protectionism even though they have been protecting their own markets for years. We already purchase much more from the EU than the EU purchases from us, mostly as a result of EU government subsidies and tariffs that dwarf the subsidies that the US gives it's farmers and the tariffs the US puts on EU products.

Is the EU prepared to do anything if Russia grabs more land from Eastern Europe and expands it's desired "sphere of influence" westward, or when Iran closes off the Straight of Hormuz and strangles off the oil to Europe and points a nuclear tipped missle at Paris? Will they stand idily by if Hamas gets nukes from Iran and murders the entire city of Tel Aviv in a Holy Jihad? Will they continue to do nothing as millions of Africans die of AIDS, genocide and starvation when they no longer have the US to do it for them and then blame the US for not doing enough? Unfortunately, in nearly every instance of global crisis to date the EU leaders have shown the world nothing but exceptional political cowardice. If a hard decision must be made between doing something for the benefit of the world community or losing votes at home the votes always win out. The Norwegians and the French deserve some credit for making an effort to resolve some problems here and there but the rest of the EU appears to relish the position of just sitting on their asses and doing nothing but whine and complain.

My hope is that the EU will some day stand up and take some sort of a world leadership role. That is of course, once they grow a pair and quit crying that their pussy hurts.

I really like to know why Americans always think there must be some World leadership and military schemes.

And NO its not a minority of the 320 millions of the Americans who is the cause for the financial collapse. But the majority who over borrowed and overspend and have one of the lowest saving rates in the West. And the housing market collapsed because they could not paid their second or third mortgage because they over reached the limits of their numerous credit cards.

You never wondered why in continental Europe foreclosing of house mortgages are almost non existent?

And BTW the EU export figures are equal to the US

only in import the US beats the EU

US import 2.19 trillion

EU import 1.466 trillion

but I guess the EU are just better bussines people

No, I not belong to the new poor. maybe I'm one of the lucky ones. I'm a pensioner with and indexed state pension, I never gambled on the stock market, I just collect my additional lump sum pension from my employer, who had a fixed guaranteed interest rate and have some savings.

I never lived above my means and never had a debt, when I liked something I saved till I could paid it cash. And now all of this made me today a gentleman of leisure with no worries.

So even the Euro drop to 40 Bath it will not create too much problems. Only have to buy a cheaper car or keep it a few years longer and travelling less than it was intended.

My 401K has lost 25% of it's value since the meltdown began. I am still working and receiving the same pay however, and actually get a reasonable yearly increase thanks to my union, but my hopes of retiring soon have definately been put on hold for what looks like the unforseeable future.

It was you Yankee Doodle Dandies that started it all,

how I dream those happy exchange rates of only 2 or 3 years ago.

I personally had nothing to do with it; I am not a Wall Street tycoon. I have no debt and I save money.

Thanks for your valuable contribuion to the discussion though.

I had almost forgot that us septics are responsible for all the world's problems.

Too bad about those GBP exchange rates, I guess that's my fault too.

Go whine somewhere else.

As your post was whining from beginning to end I merely added my pennies worth.

Goes to show how touchy yanks can be. Though not contributing (in your eyes) I'll

contribute towards your grasp of english:

It's "I had almost forgotten that us..." blah, blah, blah.

Another brilliant response.

Sorry mate you septics are totally to blame, you lot started this problem and then sit back while people put their money in dollars as the best bet.

US may have big problems internally but the expats are sitting quite well compared to the rest of the world, mind you the long term for the US is that you are soon to become a minor trader compared to the EU and China.

As in every culture you have had your time

I'm not arguing most of this except that "you septics" seems to indicate all 320 million of us had something to do with the collapse when in fact only a very tiny fraction did. And as for the fact that we are all totally to blame completely ignores the fact that there was an enormous housing bubble in UK home prices that burst too.

We Americans of course, can't wait for the day when the EU steps up and becomes the worlds "major trader" as you call it. We're tired of it. The majority of Americans openly admit that the GW Bush years were a disaster as proven by the lowest approval ratings ever of any American president since Truman but those days have now ended and many are now advocating that we bring our focus back within our own borders, but of course, the crybaby Europeans would have a temper tantrum crying protectionism even though they have been protecting their own markets for years. We already purchase much more from the EU than the EU purchases from us, mostly as a result of EU government subsidies and tariffs that dwarf the subsidies that the US gives it's farmers and the tariffs the US puts on EU products.

Is the EU prepared to do anything if Russia grabs more land from Eastern Europe and expands it's desired "sphere of influence" westward, or when Iran closes off the Straight of Hormuz and strangles off the oil to Europe and points a nuclear tipped missle at Paris? Will they stand idily by if Hamas gets nukes from Iran and murders the entire city of Tel Aviv in a Holy Jihad? Will they continue to do nothing as millions of Africans die of AIDS, genocide and starvation when they no longer have the US to do it for them and then blame the US for not doing enough? Unfortunately, in nearly every instance of global crisis to date the EU leaders have shown the world nothing but exceptional political cowardice. If a hard decision must be made between doing something for the benefit of the world community or losing votes at home the votes always win out. The Norwegians and the French deserve some credit for making an effort to resolve some problems here and there but the rest of the EU appears to relish the position of just sitting on their asses and doing nothing but whine and complain.

My hope is that the EU will some day stand up and take some sort of a world leadership role. That is of course, once they grow a pair and quit crying that their pussy hurts.

I really like to know why Americans always think there must be some World leadership and military schemes.

And NO its not a minority of the 320 millions of the Americans who is the cause for the financial collapse. But the majority who over borrowed and overspend and have one of the lowest saving rates in the West. And the housing market collapsed because they could not paid their second or third mortgage because they over reached the limits of their numerous credit cards.

You never wondered why in continental Europe foreclosing of house mortgages are almost non existent?

And BTW the EU export figures are equal to the US

only in import the US beats the EU

US import 2.19 trillion

EU import 1.466 trillion

but I guess the EU are just better bussines people

Nearly every one of your assumptions and statistics is wrong. Ever heard of a reference?

In essence, what you are saying is, "Ouch! My pussy hurts!"

but I guess the EU are just better bussines people

That is a good one. You are much worse off economically than the U.S.!

I dont have assets myself but my family lost a huge amount of money in property and stocks, and have gone from very comfortable to scraping by. Its sad to watch and I wont have any inheritance I am sure!

but I guess the EU are just better bussines people

That is a good one. You are much worse off economically than the U.S.!

Only because they are the victims of US business people.

I grew up in a household that being taught to pay everything in cash, we don't believe in using credit. That's how I learn to find the way to save cash to buy things I want.

It was one of the best life lessons from my own family. I'm eternal in debt up until today.

As you can guess, everything we acquire; house, land, automobiles, vacation, shopping etc, pai all in cash. We use credit card only the things we order from online, and when a bank statement comes at the end of the month, we paid off in full amonunt. We carry zippo balance in our credit card.

I believe if you live beyond your means, the financial melt down won't have much effect on you, you could afford a long wait to ride out of this down turn.

So what ? If it puts a little dent on the kid's inheritance.

That's a nice general rule that works quite well up to the point where you lose your job in an economic tailspin. Then you may find credit card debt the only way to get make it through till you're employed again. Sometimes conditions outside of your control may assign you to the nouveau pauvre, even if only temporarily.

Whatever you said is true, as it's happening right now during the economic meltdown. People who had lost jobs or got laid off have to resort to depend on credit cards to get by until they found a new employment. Most are dreadful having their credit max out.

We are retired now.

Hubby was in the workforce for over 30 years. I ran a tied ship in our household. We taked ' buggeting' very seriously.

This word ' Buggeting' was liked a bible in our home.

The first thing we made sure that our rent or mortgage was under 20% of take home pay. It wasn't easy, we had to sacrify lot of things, but we were young and strong, we could put up all the hardships. We did it because we know at the end of the road we would meet our dreams.

This thread is a work of art

but I guess the EU are just better bussines people

That is a good one. You are much worse off economically than the U.S.!

Only because they are the victims of US business people.

lol pwnd

I grew up in a household that being taught to pay everything in cash, we don't believe in using credit. That's how I learn to find the way to save cash to buy things I want.

It was one of the best life lessons from my own family. I'm eternal in debt up until today.

As you can guess, everything we acquire; house, land, automobiles, vacation, shopping etc, pai all in cash. We use credit card only the things we order from online, and when a bank statement comes at the end of the month, we paid off in full amonunt. We carry zippo balance in our credit card.

I believe if you live beyond your means, the financial melt down won't have much effect on you, you could afford a long wait to ride out of this down turn.

So what ? If it puts a little dent on the kid's inheritance.

That's a nice general rule that works quite well up to the point where you lose your job in an economic tailspin. Then you may find credit card debt the only way to get make it through till you're employed again. Sometimes conditions outside of your control may assign you to the nouveau pauvre, even if only temporarily.

auch, that's so the total opposite of what you should do!

going in debt when you're not making money??? never!

what about cutting back on expenses?

Sorry mate you septics are totally to blame, you lot started this problem and then sit back while people put their money in dollars as the best bet.

US may have big problems internally but the expats are sitting quite well compared to the rest of the world, mind you the long term for the US is that you are soon to become a minor trader compared to the EU and China.

As in every culture you have had your time

I'm not arguing most of this except that "you septics" seems to indicate all 320 million of us had something to do with the collapse when in fact only a very tiny fraction did. And as for the fact that we are all totally to blame completely ignores the fact that there was an enormous housing bubble in UK home prices that burst too.

We Americans of course, can't wait for the day when the EU steps up and becomes the worlds "major trader" as you call it. We're tired of it. The majority of Americans openly admit that the GW Bush years were a disaster as proven by the lowest approval ratings ever of any American president since Truman but those days have now ended and many are now advocating that we bring our focus back within our own borders, but of course, the crybaby Europeans would have a temper tantrum crying protectionism even though they have been protecting their own markets for years. We already purchase much more from the EU than the EU purchases from us, mostly as a result of EU government subsidies and tariffs that dwarf the subsidies that the US gives it's farmers and the tariffs the US puts on EU products.

Is the EU prepared to do anything if Russia grabs more land from Eastern Europe and expands it's desired "sphere of influence" westward, or when Iran closes off the Straight of Hormuz and strangles off the oil to Europe and points a nuclear tipped missle at Paris? Will they stand idily by if Hamas gets nukes from Iran and murders the entire city of Tel Aviv in a Holy Jihad? Will they continue to do nothing as millions of Africans die of AIDS, genocide and starvation when they no longer have the US to do it for them and then blame the US for not doing enough? Unfortunately, in nearly every instance of global crisis to date the EU leaders have shown the world nothing but exceptional political cowardice. If a hard decision must be made between doing something for the benefit of the world community or losing votes at home the votes always win out. The Norwegians and the French deserve some credit for making an effort to resolve some problems here and there but the rest of the EU appears to relish the position of just sitting on their asses and doing nothing but whine and complain.

My hope is that the EU will some day stand up and take some sort of a world leadership role. That is of course, once they grow a pair and quit crying that their pussy hurts.

I really like to know why Americans always think there must be some World leadership and military schemes.

And NO its not a minority of the 320 millions of the Americans who is the cause for the financial collapse. But the majority who over borrowed and overspend and have one of the lowest saving rates in the West. And the housing market collapsed because they could not paid their second or third mortgage because they over reached the limits of their numerous credit cards.

You never wondered why in continental Europe foreclosing of house mortgages are almost non existent?

And BTW the EU export figures are equal to the US

only in import the US beats the EU

US import 2.19 trillion

EU import 1.466 trillion

but I guess the EU are just better bussines people

Nearly every one of your assumptions and statistics is wrong. Ever heard of a reference?

In essence, what you are saying is, "Ouch! My pussy hurts!"

Just check the CIA fact book, or is this not a valid source?

but I guess the EU are just better bussines people

That is a good one. You are much worse off economically than the U.S.!

you should look up the meaning of self-delusion in a good dictionary.

That is a good one. You are much worse off economically than the U.S.!

Typical yanks. Cause the problem, then sneek into the background blaming everyone else for the problems they cause worldwide in the first place. God bless America and all who sail in her.

That is a good one. You are much worse off economically than the U.S.!

Typical yanks. Cause the problem, then sneek into the background blaming everyone else for the problems they cause worldwide in the first place. God bless America and all who sail in her.

Yes, the US is screwed. But so is almost all the world. The US has been very successful at EXPORTING this crisis. Have a nice crisis and pass the ammunition ...

Just check the CIA fact book, or is this not a valid source?

Weren't they the one's that told Bush of the weapons of mass destruction in Iraq ?

That is a good one. You are much worse off economically than the U.S.!

Typical yanks. Cause the problem, then sneek into the background blaming everyone else for the problems they cause worldwide in the first place. God bless America and all who sail in her.

Yes, the US is screwed. But so is almost all the world. The US has been very successful at EXPORTING this crisis. Have a nice crisis and pass the ammunition ...

That's all bullshit of course. America had nothing to do with stupid Brits getting on the "proprty ladder" (wish I'd coined that phrase) at the worst possible time. America had nothing to do with European Banks making a ton of imprudent loans to Eastern Bloc nations and then stepping on the cash flow 40-50 times over.

You could blame Greenspan if you want. I think you folks call him "Sir Alan".

This thread is a work of art

Since I started it, does that make me a Poll Picasso?