Absolutely Anything Else

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? - @fluffy2560https://youtu.be/XibCflWxZuA?feature=sharedor maybe not - @Fred

Orban is into conspiracy theories.   No-one cares about Soros except him.   He's a broken record.  I wonder what else NEW he's got in his toolbox for BS'ing the public.  Part of it is going to be about elections in a couple of years.  He's not been under threat before but might be now as the opposition are more organised.

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? - @fluffy2560That'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. - @Cynic

It's not quite the same.  In Orban's mind, you have to be up to evil things related to Soros.  No-one cares about Soros.  But they can use any law they want in evil ways and they have an absolute majority. Enough to change the constitution.   It's just another step to autocracy here.   Orban will probably do a "consultation" on it and as usual, everyone ignores it and they'll claim victory anyway.

Anyway, I thought there was an EU wide rule on nationality so if you're unable to renounce, then NL and DE would not take away nationalities because of ones you cannot dispose of, i.e. like Iranian.   Iran doesn't recognise claims on other nationalities if someone is of Iranian heritage or birth - something like that. 

How would they know if you have another nationality anyway?  UK knows because you have to send a colour photocopy of any other passports with the UK passport application.   I think personally it's none of their business.

One of my relatives has two kids, both of them are UAE citizens.  Recently they changed the law there so multiple nationalities were allowed.  So now they've got their British passports too.   Quite right!

The entire world is going mad.

Knew it was coming but not so soon.

I have seen videos on Sweden and other countries such as Germany, The Netherlands, Poland etc; all cracking down hard on immigrants, mostly criminal illegals but some with resident cards too.

That would be something out of the Twilight Zone of they had my husband leave. He and his generation built Hungary, his parents started and he picked up the slack;

He always says OV was in the communist youth party. Soros even paid for his education if you call it that, in the US.

They all probably sit in the same hot tub laughing at us whenever they want to put fear in our hearts they just spread bad news, sit back and laugh.

Like George Carlin used to say, they are in a club and we are not in it.

I admit I am a bit upset, almost cried out of frustration yesterday  and sympathy.

My friend in detention is reaching the breaking point. Said women are in there crying all day long; Said the Muslim women are the majority and taking over. Sounds like gang stuff to me.

A female police officer talked with her and said she will be escorted by a cop on flight out and be handcuffed the entire time!

What, like a housewife that overstayed her visa is a mass murderer or something?

That broke my heart , how cruel.

They so far are not even going to drop her off in the state she asked for!

Told her she can be homeless in any city, does not matter to them;

Wow, her lawyer has filed last min. papers to stop it, her doctor has written a letter stating she is too ill to fly. They may try to get the EU human rights commission involved but dang, this is really getting close. Tuesday is just a few days away.

Hate to see this happen to anyone.

Seems Sweden in no longer the refugee haven it is made out to be.

I think their system was taken advantage of but they should cut some slack with people who are willing to try to act like normal people , not breaking laws or stealing; Perhaps their way of seeing stealing is different though.

Taking tax payer funds is a form of stealing after all.

It is just sad, one thing to read about it on the news and another thing to know someone going through it.

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. - @fluffy2560

True it was so low class and High School it was disgusting.

I remember during the National Rodeo events held in Vegas, our casino sponsored many events. The Gold Coast is the name of the casino.

We were encouraged during those 2 weeks in Dec. to dress in western wear. No uniforms needed but the outfits had to be western.

I swear some of our customers had outfits better put together then a   Hollywood studio could come up with. Some guys had serious handlebar stashes, girls in outfits from the 1990s buckskin everywhere  etc;

I as a person who loves fashion and already had some cool things from living in New Mexico had a western outfit for all of the 2 weeks, Spent money on nice western belts and cowgirl brand jeans with the many pairs of western boots in my arsenal. I looked the part, even had a twist on it with a Spanish Bolero felt hat etc; My uncle a part native man and member of the Nit muck tribe had a custom made choker for me. I wore it it and that evil women had a fit. She demanded I remove it, too much for her ego to take.

Many bosses were pissed with her but they always stick together don,t they?

I removed it but I hated her guts from then on, just a pitiful little person she was.

The entire world is going mad.Knew it was coming but not so soon.I have seen videos on Sweden and other countries such as Germany, The Netherlands, Poland etc; all cracking down hard on immigrants, mostly criminal illegals but some with resident cards too.That would be something out of the Twilight Zone of they had my husband leave. He and his generation built Hungary, his parents started and he picked up the slack;He always says OV was in the communist youth party. Soros even paid for his education if you call it that, in the US.They all probably sit in the same hot tub laughing at us whenever they want to put fear in our hearts they just spread bad news, sit back and laugh.Like George Carlin used to say, they are in a club and we are not in it.I admit I am a bit upset, almost cried out of frustration yesterday and sympathy.My friend in detention is reaching the breaking point. Said women are in there crying all day long; Said the Muslim women are the majority and taking over. Sounds like gang stuff to me.A female police officer talked with her and said she will be escorted by a cop on flight out and be handcuffed the entire time!What, like a housewife that overstayed her visa is a mass murderer or something?That broke my heart , how cruel.They so far are not even going to drop her off in the state she asked for!Told her she can be homeless in any city, does not matter to them;Wow, her lawyer has filed last min. papers to stop it, her doctor has written a letter stating she is too ill to fly. They may try to get the EU human rights commission involved but dang, this is really getting close. Tuesday is just a few days away.Hate to see this happen to anyone.Seems Sweden in no longer the refugee haven it is made out to be.I think their system was taken advantage of but they should cut some slack with people who are willing to try to act like normal people , not breaking laws or stealing; Perhaps their way of seeing stealing is different though.Taking tax payer funds is a form of stealing after all.It is just sad, one thing to read about it on the news and another thing to know someone going through it. - @Marilyn Tassy

Yes, Orban took advantage of Soros's generosity and then stabbed him in the back.    Soros must be almost dead by now so only a problem in Orban's mind. Soros was promoting democracy and it appears to have done the opposite in Orban.  People are at least listening less to him now there's a potential contender - Magyar Peter - who is untested and might be just Orban-lite.  It's inevitably the usual situation where the incumbent begins to get stale and runs out of ideas.  After a while, they make a mis-step and that's the end of them.   One way or another.   Pitchforks at the gates or ballot box.  Obviously ejection by election is more desirable.  Orban and Co might end up in jail. 

Your friend in Sweden is probably an easy win for the government.  Low risk deportation and a nice tick in the box.   It doesn't make sense to handcuff her all the way to the USA.  Once the plane is in international airspace, on what grounds do the Swedes have authority to restrain her?  Even more, when she reaches US shores, the Swedes have absolutely no legal powers.   They'll just tell the US authorities, a deportee is on the plane, the authorities will do doubt meet the plane to check paperwork and once verified,  they'll just be pushed out into the street.   No reason to hold them.   

I've seen Albanian people being deported from Budapest Airport.  They weren't handcuffed, they were just escorted to the plane.  The cops hung about until departure.  But the cops weren't on the plane as far as I could see.  Those deportees were quite calm and weren't kicking off.  It was quite a time ago so maybe things are different now.   

True it was so low class and High School it was disgusting.I remember during the National Rodeo events held in Vegas, our casino sponsored many events. The Gold Coast is the name of the casino.We were encouraged during those 2 weeks in Dec. to dress in western wear. No uniforms needed but the outfits had to be western.I swear some of our customers had outfits better put together then a Hollywood studio could come up with. Some guys had serious handlebar stashes, girls in outfits from the 1990s buckskin everywhere etc;I as a person who loves fashion and already had some cool things from living in New Mexico had a western outfit for all of the 2 weeks, Spent money on nice western belts and cowgirl brand jeans with the many pairs of western boots in my arsenal. I looked the part, even had a twist on it with a Spanish Bolero felt hat etc; My uncle a part native man and member of the Nit muck tribe had a custom made choker for me. I wore it it and that evil women had a fit. She demanded I remove it, too much for her ego to take.Many bosses were pissed with her but they always stick together don,t they?I removed it but I hated her guts from then on, just a pitiful little person she was. - @Marilyn Tassy

I actually worked on a job where we had to have some form of accounting for "community contributions".   Like what had corporates given to communities they claimed to be engaging with.  Corporate Social Responsibility it was called. It came down to money at the end of the day.  Maybe they built a library or they bought a pig to be roasted at some community event - it was all sorts of things.  It was engagement for the mess they were making doing some mining.  So buying off the locals with some trinkets really.   

In another one, there were scholarships awarded to the community by a country who shall remain nameless.  When they read out the winners, they were all relatives of the ruling elite.  Someone had forgotten that was possibility and didn't vet the list of eligible participants.   It didn't work out as the ruling elite were violently overthrown! I said disasters and mayhem follow me. 

Anyway, your egotistical boss should have been told to get lost. You were exercising free speech and channelling your native roots!  That could have been her downfall. 

I remember some probably untrue story on Reddit or somewhere where two women were chatting in a language some busybody (might have been called Karen) was listening too.  Karen jumped up and said, "this is America, speak English or go home"  Or more likely speak "American", whatever that is.   And the women, replied, "We are home,  we're speaking Navajo".

Stupid story but illustrates the point and sticks a finger up to Trump.  Meanwhile, I actually quite like the name Karen.  And the other versions, Carine, Karin, etc. 

I have silly romantic notions of native Americans communing with nature, living their best cultural lives out in the wilderness away from the madness of modern civilisation.  Of course I am sure it wasn't like that.   Perhaps others would say they were probably half-starved, disease ridden, oppressed and desperate.   

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? - @fluffy2560That'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. - @Cynic
It's not quite the same. In Orban's mind, you have to be up to evil things related to Soros. No-one cares about Soros. But they can use any law they want in evil ways and they have an absolute majority. Enough to change the constitution. It's just another step to autocracy here. Orban will probably do a "consultation" on it and as usual, everyone ignores it and they'll claim victory anyway.
Anyway, I thought there was an EU wide rule on nationality so if you're unable to renounce, then NL and DE would not take away nationalities because of ones you cannot dispose of, i.e. like Iranian. Iran doesn't recognise claims on other nationalities if someone is of Iranian heritage or birth - something like that.

How would they know if you have another nationality anyway? UK knows because you have to send a colour photocopy of any other passports with the UK passport application. I think personally it's none of their business.

One of my relatives has two kids, both of them are UAE citizens. Recently they changed the law there so multiple nationalities were allowed. So now they've got their British passports too. Quite right! - @fluffy2560

LOL - noooo, as you're finding out, nationality is not an EU matter, it's one of the few responsibilities that remain with the national Governments.  The "unable to renounce" bit is a part of the Dutch scheme, that's how my kids (and yours) are dual nationals, but the Dutch Government is publicly against people who seem to be collecting passports.  How would they know, well in the UK, part of the passport application process (Section 3) (link) requires you to declare whether you have had or been included in any sort of passport before, you have to send it (a colour photocopy is not acceptable) in with your UK application.

LOL - noooo, as you're finding out, nationality is not an EU matter, it's one of the few responsibilities that remain with the national Governments. The "unable to renounce" bit is a part of the Dutch scheme, that's how my kids (and yours) are dual nationals, but the Dutch Government is publicly against people who seem to be collecting passports. How would they know, well in the UK, part of the passport application process (Section 3) (link) requires you to declare whether you have had or been included in any sort of passport before, you have to send it (a colour photocopy is not acceptable) in with your UK application. - @Cynic

Yes, I said the UK want a copy of the foreign passport.  Been there, done that. But what about the other passport application?  Surely they wouldn't know unless one told them.   

And in any case, the UK doesn't care about dual nationality and I don't think they routinely communicate with each other over individuals' nationalities. It's internal business.

Bit of a misunderstanding,  I am not talking about the EU having competence.

I am pretty sure there was an EU level court case  (might have been ECHR) which established the right to have multiple citizenships so long as they were EU citizenships, even in EU countries which do not allow dual nationality.  I think the case applied to every EU country where dual nationality was automatically acquired. Something like that. 

I think the case was Germany vs SomeoneOrT'Other.  I've tried to Google it but I cannot remember the details.  It was probably 20 years ago. 

For Germany, it's a bit moot as they changed their nationality laws in 2024 and now allows dual nationality without a problem.

Just noticed it's a public holiday today, 15 March 2025

Shops and everything closed.

Meh.....

I know my mom told stories about her grandmother making beaded moccasins and other bead work as a hobby.

My uncle presented me with a beautiful native choker, said he had it made for me; Strange, I had known him all my life but we were not close and he was not a blood relation. The old boss was just jealous... Nothing to do with me.

I think they cuff deportees so they do not go nuts on the flight;

The priest is visiting her on Monday, she is from the church of Sweden in the US.

They were going to house her on the west coast but so far Sweden is not sending her there.

Miami, of course any cop from Sweden would volunteer to spent time in Miami, work and play combo pack!

I am very upset about this,for some reason as a mom I see her as a silly child and put my own child in her place.God knows he has done silly things in the past and still does them.

I am not sending her funds or anything like that so really I should not get too personal about it for my own good.

I feel terrible for her husband though, what the heck did his country do to him?

She sort of explained why they just grabbed her in the morning without warning.

Seems they had been in contact with her on the phone and the cop was rude. Her husband took the phone and told the cop off; Next day the cop called again and her husband refused to let him talk to her;

He pushed her luck and lost.

I wonder if he had been more humble if it would of exploded so much in their face?

Suppose to go see some events today for the holiday but not sure, looks like rain.

I know my mom told stories about her grandmother making beaded moccasins and other bead work as a hobby.
My uncle presented me with a beautiful native choker, said he had it made for me; Strange, I had known him all my life but we were not close and he was not a blood relation. The old boss was just jealous... Nothing to do with me.
I think they cuff deportees so they do not go nuts on the flight;
The priest is visiting her on Monday, she is from the church of Sweden in the US.
They were going to house her on the west coast but so far Sweden is not sending her there.
Miami, of course any cop from Sweden would volunteer to spent time in Miami, work and play combo pack!
I am very upset about this,for some reason as a mom I see her as a silly child and put my own child in her place.God knows he has done silly things in the past and still does them.
I am not sending her funds or anything like that so really I should not get too personal about it for my own good.
I feel terrible for her husband though, what the heck did his country do to him?
She sort of explained why they just grabbed her in the morning without warning.
Seems they had been in contact with her on the phone and the cop was rude. Her husband took the phone and told the cop off; Next day the cop called again and her husband refused to let him talk to her;
He pushed her luck and lost.
I wonder if he had been more humble if it would of exploded so much in their face?
Suppose to go see some events today for the holiday but not sure, looks like rain. - @Marilyn Tassy

I suppose the Church visitor is a bit like visiting the condemned.  Will she get a last meal - Ikea meatballs.  I guess they'll get her out before the hearing.  If the papers have been put in, it should put it on hold but you never know, they might just do it and not care about the consequences.  You know, oops, we accidentally kicked her out.

Elsewhere in Europe, deportees have been found to be illegally deported and the governments have to bring them back.   It's happened a fair bit in the UK and recently in Italy.  UK has form on deporting people with legitimate rights to stay in the UK.   On the other hand, I've never understood why people who have been in the UK 40+ years didn't get themselves or their naturalised.    That said, UK has different types of citizenship - British Nationals Overseas, British Subjects, British Protected Persons.  All nonsense and unevenly applied.  Make them all citizens and wipe all that silliness out.

But in Sweden they sound a bit less tactical they should have been with the cop on the phone.    Maybe they just got the cops backs up and they sought instant revenge.  Like I said, they could have run off to the countryside with burner phones.  Stay with a friend or in some weekend cabin until the lawyer got properly on the job.  It could have dragged it out weeks or months.

I don't think she could argue she's under threat from a tyrannical regime in the USA.  People have got asylum in Canada due to racism in Hungary.   So that would be novel argument.

I don't think we're going anywhere. It's been raining and I could do some stuff around the house - like cleaning.   It's too muddy and wet for the dog walking.  Maybe tomorrow.  For today,   there are always the Audie Murphy movies.

Yes, changed my mind about running around today.

I used to really enjoy those cultural events but seen them, done that.

Might bake a cake!

Probably some good movies in Hungarian on today about 1848.

My husband cracks me up, this morning he said he is not going to the National museum area where OV gives his yearly speech. Said he could not stomach it thinking of the true patriots of 1848 and all.

Rolling in their graves.

Yes, my friends also said her husband told the cop on the phone that he was going to report him; Stirring the bees nest! IDK anything about Sweden but it sounds like the average Swed is a bit too trusting and thinks their gov; is there for them, Americans have learned , no we are there for the gov.

I thought the same, priest coming to give her last rites!

Hope not.

What is terrible is her health is really not good at the moment, blood tests are not great etc; She really needs some follow up medical care and I doubt the US will help out quickly.

I told her her husband can be a tourist and visit her but who knows, money is always tight and they may even black list him for some reason after his tiff with the cops?

Yes, changed my mind about running around today.I used to really enjoy those cultural events but seen them, done that.Might bake a cake!Probably some good movies in Hungarian on today about 1848.My husband cracks me up, this morning he said he is not going to the National museum area where OV gives his yearly speech. Said he could not stomach it thinking of the true patriots of 1848 and all.Rolling in their graves.Yes, my friends also said her husband told the cop on the phone that he was going to report him; Stirring the bees nest! IDK anything about Sweden but it sounds like the average Swed is a bit too trusting and thinks their gov; is there for them, Americans have learned , no we are there for the gov.I thought the same, priest coming to give her last rites!Hope not.What is terrible is her health is really not good at the moment, blood tests are not great etc; She really needs some follow up medical care and I doubt the US will help out quickly.I told her her husband can be a tourist and visit her but who knows, money is always tight and they may even black list him for some reason after his tiff with the cops? - @Marilyn Tassy

I didn't even know OV was giving a speech.  Who the hell is going to go there and listen to that fatf**k in the rain?  It'll be boring broken record word salad anyway.  I don't know if he has a Hungarian version of "bigly" or "covefe".

Anyway, OV was sticking the boot in on the EU over Russian sanctions renewal but he soon caved in for a few names to be removed from the sanctions list.  And that includes 3 dead people. So what did he win?  Not much.   Toothless tiger whose biggest threat is a nasty suck.

You're not wrong, they work for us.  But that's always been the case.  Some of them just don't know it as well as others. 

I'm sorry to say the Swedish deportee is going to be on the streets looking for medical care.   If she'd been deported somewhere else, she'd get some help.   It might work the letter from the Swedish doctor.  But they'd probably ask for their own medical assessment and she only has to survive the flight of a few hours.   Swedish church might have a Miami chapter to support her temporarily but I doubt it.   Maybe she can come back to somewhere like Finland or Norway?  Or Spain if she can speak Spanish? 

If something like that happened here to me for some reason (like calling OV a fatf**k), the only place we can all go together and live legally as a couple without any complex permit papers problem is Ireland.  I do have an Northern Irish relative way back but it's really grasping at straws.  And I'm getting a bit too old.  My No. 2 daughter said she might go to Ireland on return from Canada but if things go better for them in Ontario, they might just stay there.  And I wouldn't blame them either.  If they can stand that Canadian weather of course.

p.s. Three Audie Murphy movies already lined up:  Destry (1954), Quick Gun (1964) and Guns of Fort Petticoat (1957).

LOL - noooo, as you're finding out, nationality is not an EU matter, it's one of the few responsibilities that remain with the national Governments. The "unable to renounce" bit is a part of the Dutch scheme, that's how my kids (and yours) are dual nationals, but the Dutch Government is publicly against people who seem to be collecting passports. How would they know, well in the UK, part of the passport application process (Section 3) (link) requires you to declare whether you have had or been included in any sort of passport before, you have to send it (a colour photocopy is not acceptable) in with your UK application. - @Cynic
Yes, I said the UK want a copy of the foreign passport. Been there, done that. But what about the other passport application? Surely they wouldn't know unless one told them. 
And in any case, the UK doesn't care about dual nationality and I don't think they routinely communicate with each other over individuals' nationalities. It's internal business.

Bit of a misunderstanding, I am not talking about the EU having competence.

I am pretty sure there was an EU level court case (might have been ECHR) which established the right to have multiple citizenships so long as they were EU citizenships, even in EU countries which do not allow dual nationality. I think the case applied to every EU country where dual nationality was automatically acquired. Something like that.

I think the case was Germany vs SomeoneOrT'Other. I've tried to Google it but I cannot remember the details. It was probably 20 years ago.

For Germany, it's a bit moot as they changed their nationality laws in 2024 and now allows dual nationality without a problem. - @fluffy2560

In the UK, not declaring a previous passport is a criminal offence contrary to section 36 Criminal Justice Act 1925 to make an untrue statement to obtain a passport (link); you pay your money and take your chance, I guess.  They claim the only reason they take it is to ensure that the 2 identities are the same.

I think you're mixing EU citizenship, with EU Nationality (of which, there is no such thing as the latter); we've all seen how quickly we can lose EU citizenship and nobody in the EU was willing to support UK citizens retaining their EU citizenship post Brexit.  You need to be an EU Country National to be an EU citizen.

The UK does accept dual nationality.  I'm a case in point; there was a change in the UK law mid 70's and Cpl Cynic had to go home and sit in his MQ until they checked I was still allowed to serve Her Majesty.

In the UK, not declaring a previous passport is a criminal offence contrary to section 36 Criminal Justice Act 1925 to make an untrue statement to obtain a passport (link); you pay your money and take your chance, I guess. They claim the only reason they take it is to ensure that the 2 identities are the same.I think you're mixing EU citizenship, with EU Nationality (of which, there is no such thing as the latter); we've all seen how quickly we can lose EU citizenship and nobody in the EU was willing to support UK citizens retaining their EU citizenship post Brexit. You need to be an EU Country National to be an EU citizen.The UK does accept dual nationality. I'm a case in point; there was a change in the UK law mid 70's and Cpl Cynic had to go home and sit in his MQ until they checked I was still allowed to serve Her Majesty. - @Cynic

Now it's my chance to say Noooooo...and add we're at cross purposes.

Forget about the UK.  We know that one and the copies of foreign passports.  That's the UK business.  I do all the kids passport applications. I don't know what other countries say about declaring other nationalities.  I did look at my daughter's "data page" from the HU civil registration and it does say in the notes Dad is English and gives my passport number (which is out of date anyway). Doesn't say British and doesn't say anything about any foreign passport held by her.

I have no confusion whatsoever about citizenship of an EU country etc Brexit or otherwise.

What I'm talking about is there was an EU level court case (maybe before 2004), I think Germany, which changed the law there and it would apply across the EU as well because I think it was done at the ECHR.  I'm a bit vague on this.

Germany was the same as some other EU countries that did not allow dual nationality under most circumstances (as far as I knew back then).   

The thing centred around some person who had or applied for German nationality but had acquired by whatever method (I forget), citizenship of another EU country.   The claim was rejected. The case ended with a ruling against Germany which said dual nationality was allowed IF the other citizenship was an EU country.  I just don't remember the absolute details.  This was way before Brexit was ever on the radar.

I remember looking into it because Mrs Fluffy's great grandparents were effectively German with a German name, spoke German etc, children of immigrants from Germany.  At the time, we were looking for an angle to get her an EU passport via that ancestral claim.  We ran into problems because it was not occupied territory unlike Sudetenland etc.

Actually it doesn't matter for Germany now as they've updated their laws in 2024 to allow dual nationality.   We gave up looking into it because Hungary joined the EU.   Became unnecessary for Mrs F to get an EU passport as she got one anyway.

I just wish I could remember the details of the circumstances around these rules way back then.

One of only 2 photos I have even seen of my Rusyn grandmother was a photo for a passport;

She was holding my aunt in her arms and my father was all dressed up in a cute Sailor suit.

Late 1920s; I expected her to dress like a country lady but no, she looked nice in her pearl necklace and ruffled blouse with her hair up in a nice styled bun.

The next photo was probably taken shortly before she passed in her early 40s.

She still looked modern with her shorter hairstyle and outfit.

Never saw any photos of my other granny.

No news from my deportee friend since the night before last.

I really hope they can come up with something on Monday or it is curtains.

My husband saw some news coverage from OV ,s speech yesterday; A large crowd of people by the national museum. He said all the faces looked like zombies, no so called normal looking people, whatever normal is.

My Vegas friend is something too, she has an invite to a upcoming Bernie Sanders rally in Vegas. He is still trying? I bet they donated to his campaign and that is how they got the invite. My husband asked if it was a dinner? NO, I told him, those cost at least $10,000 ahead, she will be lucky if they get a hot dog and cuppa!

Maybe a We love Bernie button!

The longer I live, the more I do not understand anything!

IDK why I feel a bit defeated this morning;

Yesterday an idea popped up for me to go to Minn; for a short trip, like a week to see my 2 sisters and take care of some business, some light shopping too.

At first my older sister seemed chilled about it then she writes back all sorts of down energy stuff.

Nothing serious but the tone I picked up was a bit negative. My husband said she may be envious that I can travel and not have to work etc;

No way are we rich but we are not big spenders on wasteful things either.

I was even thinking of paying her to stay, cheaper then a hotel room plus taking them to dinner etc;

Now, I have to rethink it, probably will be more depressing then fun.

Could just be my inturbattion but I can read between the lines too.

Like my cousin asked me when he visited Hungary years ago, he asked if my older sister was still, Bossy.I laughed then but not now!

I think I will just wait till my husband wants to travel and go somewhere more interesting then Minn.

In my 70 years though, I have never had a vacation by myself or gone anywhere except a plane ride by myself. Weird when I think about it.

I should re watch some Audie Murphy films too.They always have a happy ending, a GP one!

One of only 2 photos I have even seen of my Rusyn grandmother was a photo for a passport;She was holding my aunt in her arms and my father was all dressed up in a cute Sailor suit.Late 1920s; I expected her to dress like a country lady but no, she looked nice in her pearl necklace and ruffled blouse with her hair up in a nice styled bun.The next photo was probably taken shortly before she passed in her early 40s.She still looked modern with her shorter hairstyle and outfit.Never saw any photos of my other granny.No news from my deportee friend since the night before last.I really hope they can come up with something on Monday or it is curtains.My husband saw some news coverage from OV ,s speech yesterday; A large crowd of people by the national museum. He said all the faces looked like zombies, no so called normal looking people, whatever normal is.My Vegas friend is something too, she has an invite to a upcoming Bernie Sanders rally in Vegas. He is still trying? I bet they donated to his campaign and that is how they got the invite. My husband asked if it was a dinner? NO, I told him, those cost at least $10,000 ahead, she will be lucky if they get a hot dog and cuppa!Maybe a We love Bernie button!The longer I live, the more I do not understand anything!IDK why I feel a bit defeated this morning;Yesterday an idea popped up for me to go to Minn; for a short trip, like a week to see my 2 sisters and take care of some business, some light shopping too.At first my older sister seemed chilled about it then she writes back all sorts of down energy stuff.Nothing serious but the tone I picked up was a bit negative. My husband said she may be envious that I can travel and not have to work etc;No way are we rich but we are not big spenders on wasteful things either.I was even thinking of paying her to stay, cheaper then a hotel room plus taking them to dinner etc;Now, I have to rethink it, probably will be more depressing then fun.Could just be my intuition but I can read between the lines too.Like my cousin asked me when he visited Hungary years ago, he asked if my older sister was still, Bossy.I laughed then but not now!I think I will just wait till my husband wants to travel and go somewhere more interesting then Minn.In my 70 years though, I have never had a vacation by myself or gone anywhere except a plane ride by myself. Weird when I think about it.I should re watch some Audie Murphy films too.They always have a happy ending, a GP one! - @Marilyn Tassy

It's good to look at the old photos but it's a bit of a struggle when one doesn't know who anyone is.  And there's no-one to ask.  I was showing my nephew some photos and he had all sorts of made up stories about the people in the photo, lots of soap opera type intrigue.  It was just so much more mundane than that.  Just people together.  No secret cabal or special sauce. 

I read a news report on OV's speech.  More of the same rubbish.  The EU is the root of all evil, Trump is fantastic, evil foreign people are going to take over and oppress the Hungarians, blah-blah-blah.   What I didn't see are any reports on alternative rallies or speeches by the opposition.   Perhaps the HU media doesn't report on that although I read it on a non-HU web site.

I did see Bernie giving some roadshow type addresses.  For an old guy he has stuff to say and far more stamina that I probably have.  But where's his replacement?   He cannot go on forever.  Be good if he could show some up and coming people.

A trip to Minn might do you good.  I get trips to my homeland all the time so I don't really feel so distant.  It's only 2h on the plane.   So in some ways, I don't really notice the difference between here and there.  I just see the bubble around me - one bubble here, one bubble there.   I've been everywhere on my own and Mrs F stayed at home but the kids were young.  Now I always look for angles for her to come with me.   The kids are big enough to sort themselves out now.

We didn't make it to the old buses exhibition in Budaors.   I got up late and we had to go to Decathlon and Aldi.   Then there was lunch and the aftermath.  Just ran out of time.  The younger BIL is coming around with his fiancée.  I don't know why they are coming.  That's going to waste a lot of time hanging abiut. I was thinking of an after lunch snooze on the sofa but looks like we're playing hosts.   I can pretend I'm working perhaps but then Mrs F will need to   actually do the hospitality.   My relatives are not going to come around here as they are 1200 miles away.

Looks like Audie Murphy - Guns of Fort Petticoat for this arvo.  Yes, Audie always had a happy ending - no smoking or drinking and sometimes not wearing a gun.  I wonder what he was like in real life? Apparently he had demons and gambled a lot too and according to Wiki, slept with a loaded gun.  He was clearly a fantastically brave soldier but also not perfect. Like the rest of us in fact.   

If he hadn't died in a plane crash, he could have ended up in Congress.  He certainly didn't have bone spurs.

All these politicians must have body doubles; No one close to 80 years old can run here and there, give a speech then fly overseas.

Unless they are on Adrenochrome!

My husband ran into all sorts of people from all over the world as a Vegas cabbie;

One guy had him drive to some medical clinic;He flew in from somewhere to get anti aging treatments. he really got into telling my husband what they were, stem cells stuff and something about blood...

I believe it is possible to stop aging at least short term, even David Rockerfeller kicked it at what, 106?

I will stick to trying to eat right, sleeping and exercise Try not to take anything too personal or too seriously, this place is it temp anyways

I saw The Unforgiven last night with Audie Murphy;

He had a hard childhood, faked his age to join the Army at 17. Tried at 16 but was rejected because of his age and his baby face.

He was the eldest child and both is parents died. His siblings were sent to foster homes and some with relatives. He promised them he would buy a big house and they all would live together. He did that!

He was an avocate for Veterans with PTSD. He suffered with PTSD himself. Hench his failed marriages and gambling habit.

I know my 2nd step dad had serious PTSD from WW2 and Korea. Not as heroic as Audie but he did his fare share of fighting, 3 purple hearts, one bronze star and a 2 X POW. HIs stories were hair curling so Audies must of really been off the charts.He also was just 17 when he joined up.

I have decided to skip a trip to Minn.I would rather bring my son to Hungary then visit my confused sisters.

I used to think the world had grey areas but now days I see the world more in black and white.

I like speaking of westerns, straight shooters, Do not like trying to figure out what is in someones head; Tell me and let the chips fall. Life is too short to play mind games.

I forget everyone has their own way of seeing things. No one sees the world the same way as each other.

Some people see half a glass of water as empty and other half full.

Today is D day for my detention friend;

She was told over the weekend by a worker to not get on the plane no matter what. How can you escape that if they handcuff you and drag out out? Fake a medical emergency? Faint IDK;

I pray they give her a last min. break and her lawyer is seen by a judge.

All these politicians must have body doubles; No one close to 80 years old can run here and there, give a speech then fly overseas.
Unless they are on Adrenochrome!
My husband ran into all sorts of people from all over the world as a Vegas cabbie;
One guy had him drive to some medical clinic;He flew in from somewhere to get anti aging treatments. he really got into telling my husband what they were, stem cells stuff and something about blood...
I believe it is possible to stop aging at least short term, even David Rockerfeller kicked it at what, 106?
I will stick to trying to eat right, sleeping and exercise Try not to take anything too personal or too seriously, this place is it temp anyways
I saw The Unforgiven last night with Audie Murphy;
He had a hard childhood, faked his age to join the Army at 17. Tried at 16 but was rejected because of his age and his baby face.
He was the eldest child and both is parents died. His siblings were sent to foster homes and some with relatives. He promised them he would buy a big house and they all would live together. He did that!
He was an avocate for Veterans with PTSD. He suffered with PTSD himself. Hench his failed marriages and gambling habit.
I know my 2nd step dad had serious PTSD from WW2 and Korea. Not as heroic as Audie but he did his fare share of fighting, 3 purple hearts, one bronze star and a 2 X POW. HIs stories were hair curling so Audies must of really been off the charts.He also was just 17 when he joined up.

I have decided to skip a trip to Minn.I would rather bring my son to Hungary then visit my confused sisters.
I used to think the world had grey areas but now days I see the world more in black and white.
I like speaking of westerns, straight shooters, Do not like trying to figure out what is in someones head; Tell me and let the chips fall. Life is too short to play mind games.
I forget everyone has their own way of seeing things. No one sees the world the same way as each other.
Some people see half a glass of water as empty and other half full.

Today is D day for my detention friend;
She was told over the weekend by a worker to not get on the plane no matter what. How can you escape that if they handcuff you and drag out out? Fake a medical emergency? Faint IDK;
I pray they give her a last min. break and her lawyer is seen by a judge. - @Marilyn Tassy

I think longevity is good genes and luck.  Some people seem to just go on and on regardless with what they do.   I am not sure I'd really care about going on if I was extremely sick or somehow had no quality of life.   One would finally be able to get some decent rest - like for eternity.

Life in the Westerns was really simple.  Bad guy gets comeuppance, hero saves the day against terrible odds, gets girl and the titles roll and the cash register goes keeerrrchingggg.  Well for some anyway.  It's actually quite brain dead. But I do like them so one shouldn't complain. I'm kept entertained.  Clint's Unforgiven made an absolute fortune.   If any one invested in it, they'd have made a packet.  Money for old rope really.  I chose the wrong work to do.  I could have slummed it in the movies.  Biggest problems: cannot write, no imagination and no real talent.    I was hoping my kids could help out but none of them seem to be interested.  I do have hopes for my art degree daughter currently in Uni here in Budapest.  However she thinks my ideas are not proper art.  She called me a "mere consumer" of art rather than an active participant in the art process.  Little bit shocked to be dismissed as irrelevant.  But then again, it's  early days and only the first year.

Putin was in the Kursk region but they said it was a body double.  He did look odd in his camouflage outfit.  Apparently the body double had a squeaky voice so they had to dub an AI soundtrack on to it.   I don't like hearing about what is going on there.  Zelenskyy and the Ukrainians are getting beaten to death while the Orange Blimp and Putler hammer out who gets what as the spoils of war.  Meanwhile the Orange Blob attacks Yemen, ignores court orders and the Europeans faff around amongst themselves and unlikely to make any difference.   The world is circling the plug hole.  And I've beginning to think I've got "PTSD" from reading about this stuff.   Maybe I can sue the media outlets for gadzillions for polluting my mind.

I don't see how the Swedish deportee is going to avoid being dragged on to the plane.  Like you said, feigning illness or kicking off will just mean being subdued physically, maybe even drugged by a load of appropriately dressed enforcers.   If she could get taken to hospital, then they have to keep her there for a couple of days until possibly the judges are involved.   I have no idea what happens anywhere when these things are being done.     

The Albanian deportees didn't seem to care.  It was easy for them to be back in 5 minutes.  All they needed to do was get into an EU country and the way was clear to get anywhere else, even with no documentation.  And they could blend in to the local Albanian community quickly.  Albania is very clan based so they have family connections all over.

Yes, my deportee friend said there is a women in there from Slovakia who was caught shoplifting.

They are going to deport her but she has already booked a train back; Just another EU country to travel to.

So far, no news, I suppose it is a super stressful and busy day for her. Seeing the priest, packing up saying her good byes etc.

I know she broke the law but dang people do worst then this and get away with it, at least in this life they do.

My husband is an odd thinker, he just says she can do better then a mental patient for a husband and find someone new! What about love, as Tina Turner would say!

Talk about cutting ties!!

He sees it as a new opportunity with no limits.Like I stated we all see thinks differently.

I think we all are born sweet and innocent and trusting then the PTSD sets in, trauma after trauma, starting with the school yard bully trying to steal your milk money!

Yes, my deportee friend said there is a women in there from Slovakia who was caught shoplifting.
They are going to deport her but she has already booked a train back; Just another EU country to travel to.
So far, no news, I suppose it is a super stressful and busy day for her. Seeing the priest, packing up saying her good byes etc.
I know she broke the law but dang people do worst then this and get away with it, at least in this life they do.
My husband is an odd thinker, he just says she can do better then a mental patient for a husband and find someone new! What about love, as Tina Turner would say!
Talk about cutting ties!!
He sees it as a new opportunity with no limits. Like I stated we all see thinks differently.
I think we all are born sweet and innocent and trusting then the PTSD sets in, trauma after trauma, starting with the school yard bully trying to steal your milk money! - @Marilyn Tassy

It's really hard for an EU country to deport another EU citizen.   Generally they don't do that.  Perhaps she's leaving for Slovakia so she doesn't have deported written into her passport.   Then she can just come back and so long as she's not caught, they'd never know she's there, specially if she stays with friends.  For all we know, she might be part of a shoplifting gang.  They come in, blitz a town/city, then clear off with the loot.    Then they come back and hit another place.   There was some gang like that in the UK.  They were camping in a forest, going out raiding places and doing burglaries, then loading their vans and scooting back home.  Mini crime wave.

I guess your hubby's stance is because he's not involved.  I mean, if it was his niece or something, then he'd probably have some objection to her being pushed out the door.  So probably, doesn't care.  Even I hardly care - it won't affect me. 

I feel sorry for her just like I feel sorry for the Lebanese kidney doctor who was deported the other day from the USA.  I don't know why ICE or whoever stopped her coming in.  She was just returning back to the US after a visit to her family.  And her paperwork was in perfect order.    I really do wonder how the Feds can ignore the judiciary and mess about with deporting all those Venezuelans.  They may be criminals but federal judges spoken word is the law.   And the judge said no. And if the administration doesn't like it, they have to obey and take it to SCOTUS via Appeals to clear it up.   In the meantime, the deportees have to stay in place so they can assured of a fair hearing.  Rule of law is the bedrock of the US checks and balance system.  It's not optional.   

What I'd like to see is Rubio and Co banged up for contempt.   Trump is immune thanks to SCOTUS. Are they kicking themselves?  Of course, Trump will hang anyone out to dry if it goes the wrong way for him.  Seen that before with Giuliani.  Trump could have bailed him out but didn't.  With friends like that, who needs enemies! 

It's definitely one for popcorn.

Trauma is everywhere.  Modern life is really stressful.  But even back in cowboy times, it would have been pretty dire.  Disease, hunger, shootings, wild animals, war and stuff.  It wouldn't have been nice at all.  Those cases would be entirely about survival rather than how many TVs or pickup trucks we had. 

I did not hear about that doctor being stopped and deported in the US.

Seems they are in overkill mode, going after anyone they see.

My Japanese DIL has a US Green card, working permit, all of it; My son paid all the fees and they were just waiting for her to be called in to become a US citizen; They took so long, well over 18 months and still no news on a date. They decided to just forget it and go to Japan; My son was ready for a change.

I wonder now what her status would be if they wanted to return to the US? Have to start from scratch with papers?

My son had to give them all his tax returns etc; it was allot of stuff; Even had to bring old photos of them together to prove they knew each other a long time, even had people write letters for them saying they knew they were a legit couple; Japan is a well respected country in the US too.

If my DIL was mistaken for a criminal that would be the biggest joke in the world, she is afraid of her own shadow!

No news since the night before last on my deportee friend; I hope I hear good news next time she contacts me. I noticed she was online yesterday in the morning but I did not bother her; Thought she was saying her goodbyes to her husband or talking with her lawyer; Later she was off line; I wonder if they put her somewhere the last 24 hours or so to isolate her from everyone in the center? maybe the took away her computer access? IDK, anything is possible.

People are strange though, my Vegas friend had company yesterday; The le guy who bought her home or the next door old neighbor of hers; Not sure who it was. They brought their grandchildren with them and wanted to see my friends condo;How rude and odd to just expect her to invite them in.

They met outside, I would not like a huge party just showing up either if I were her;They met outside and the people had their nose out of joint about not being invited in.

They asked her for like the 20th time how large her condo was; It is 740 sq feet she said about 700 off the top of her head; They made faces like you poor thing living in a tiny box; Rude again;

I have no idea why she even bothered to talk to them, they are her past and just seem to try and hurt her for no reason.

My friend sent some photos of all the repairs they have done inside , she has taste different then mine but it is still really well thought out and put together nicely, like a designer did her place.

I told my husband I do not care what anyone thinks BUT I am never showing her any photos of our flat until he cleans up his mess! Never going to happen I know it.

Home should be a comfortable place, it does not matter what anyone thinks about it.

My husband said real estate has gone up in Hungary, really surprised me some.

I was wondering though, who can afford to buy right now, sell yes but buying?

In other news, France wants the US to return the Statue of Liberty!

Talk about, Indian Givers!

Ugly thing anyways, has a mans face,probably a replica of Cesare Borgia.

They used his likeness to paint Jesus so why not lady liberty?

Trump is using the 1778 law of the Alien Enemies act. Suppose to be for people who,s country the US is at war with. OK, so we are at war with just about everyone?

Just read the US is going to deport several hundreds of Hungarians too.

We did know Hungarians in the US who never bothered getting legal in 30 odd years.They got in legal trouble and were deported.This was ages ago though.

IDK, I have a very bad feeling about my deportee friend. I now suspect they isolated her some time last night so she would not over excite the other ladies around her. She is probably mid flight by now.

I will post if I hear any news, hope it is good news.

In other news, France wants the US to return the Statue of Liberty! - @Marilyn Tassy

https://deepdreamgenerator.com/ddream/7000apljic1

In other news, France wants the US to return the Statue of Liberty!Talk about, Indian Givers!Ugly thing anyways, has a mans face,probably a replica of Cesare Borgia.They used his likeness to paint Jesus so why not lady liberty?Trump is using the 1778 law of the Alien Enemies act. Suppose to be for people who,s country the US is at war with. OK, so we are at war with just about everyone?Just read the US is going to deport several hundreds of Hungarians too.We did know Hungarians in the US who never bothered getting legal in 30 odd years.They got in legal trouble and were deported.This was ages ago though.IDK, I have a very bad feeling about my deportee friend. I now suspect they isolated her some time last night so she would not over excite the other ladies around her. She is probably mid flight by now.I will post if I hear any news, hope it is good news. - @Marilyn Tassy

I am sure if France insisted enough, they'd give the Statue of Liberty back.  Really it doesn't deserve to be there right now.  The only thing is that the building backlash might bring the Orange Blob down and they'd have to put it back again.  So it's only 4 years to contain Donny and Co but the damage they are doing will take years to repair.  It might never be repaired.   

It's quite remarkable in such a short period the US has gone from natural ally and friend to a place run by Satan and his demons.   It might be the difference between love and hate in a failed love affair.  Two sides of the same coin.  It seems the US really didn't love us after all and is now in love with Russia and jealous of China's involvement and their self-serving flirting with Moscow.   It's a bad love triangle.  I guess Europe is on the heap, the old discarded faded beauty.  Maybe it mirrors Trump's life.   

There's a stitch up going on with Russia now with Putin and Trump dividing the assets of Ukraine. And without Zelenskyy at the table.   Really, this is going to mean conflict, even low level conflict for many years.  Russia hasn't budged an inch.

The lack of attention to the Fed judges ruling is truly a giant constitutional crisis.  It effectively makes SCOTUS and the federal judiciary redundant.  If the judges don't matter, then what's the point in SCOTUS existing?  Might as well just close it down and they should all go home.   I wonder just how far it can go.   It seems the founding fathers didn't think of this scenario.  I thought it was an almost perfect system of checks and balances.  Apparently not.

I did read that the fed judges spoken words from the bench are the law.  The written order is irrelevant.  I saw that as one argument against obeying the orders.  It's literally as it leaves his/her lips, that's the judgement.  Incredible messing about with the judiciary.  And where are the Democrats in all this. Schumer should be ashamed of himself voting with the GOP on the budget.  More this goes on, the more I think they need new blood.

There's an element of nudging the schadenfreude meter. I read about some Trump supporter who travelled with his Peruvian wife back to the US from Puerto Rico.   While she had a Green Card application in progress, she was detained.  Now she's somewhere like Louisiana and he's somewhere else far away.   He said that he expected the southern border to be strengthened and for it not to affect him personally.   I guess he can vote in the mid-terms for someone else.  In the meantime, his wife will be in Peru.   All I can say is how could anyone trust Trump or the GOP?  Now he's signed his wife away, he's well and truly screwed.

I reckon your deportee will be on the way to the USA.  "Ooops too late" in the words of the El Salvador president. Only direct flight I could see is Stockholm to Newark on SAS and that's tomorrow in the afternoon.  If that's the one, she'll be dumped at Newark and she's on her own.  Not very nice but at least she's not being deported to South America or Cuba.

In other news, France wants the US to return the Statue of Liberty! - @Marilyn Tassy

https://deepdreamgenerator.com/ddream/7000apljic1 - @Fred

I know, so many Americans are fat.

Not me but I am perhaps too vain to ever order greasy fried foods or sit around all day long.

5 foot 9 inches tall and barley 120lbs, what is that 55 kilos?

I wanted to ride a pony in the park but at the time I was overweight, I was 52 kilos and 50 was the limit.

I know in Hawaii everyone at my job wanted to feed me, even clients brought me snacks,they all thought I was anorexic, no way.

Speaking of S. America, my friend may actually be met by members of the church of Sweden who could she said, send her to S. America! I am not making this up either! IDK, first it was SF,  Miami ,now S.America? I am concerned about her, no news, she is gone dark.

I really do think she had a last min. medical emergency or they isolated her until she is taken away.

Why S. American? No idea, thought that only allowed a 90 day stay without a visa?

Newark, now that is another country!

She does not speak Spanish either.

I read something about that doctor you mentioned being deported after trying to re enter into the US. Something about her attending the funeral of an anti US guy wanted by the FBI .

I had suggested my friend go to Minn. It has the largest population of Sweds in the US. They even serve Surstromming fish in buffets! My sister tried it once, only once.

Who knows what is real any longer?

Speaking of S. America, my friend may actually be met by members of the church of Sweden who could she said, send her to S. America! I am not making this up either! IDK, first it was SF, Miami ,now S.America? I am concerned about her, no news, she is gone dark.I really do think she had a last min. medical emergency or they isolated her until she is taken away.Why S. American? No idea, thought that only allowed a 90 day stay without a visa?Newark, now that is another country!She does not speak Spanish either.I read something about that doctor you mentioned being deported after trying to re enter into the US. Something about her attending the funeral of an anti US guy wanted by the FBI .I had suggested my friend go to Minn. It has the largest population of Sweds in the US. They even serve Surstromming fish in buffets! My sister tried it once, only once.Who knows what is real any longer? - @Marilyn Tassy

Yes it's a tricky one. The RI doctor was at the funeral of a Hezbollah official but she said he was a religious figure as much as being in Hezbollah. And the doctor was an observant Muslim.  Pictures show her in a hijab.  If she was in the USA, that'd be free speech but at the border, obviously free speech is not allowed.  Apparently she was only one of three kidney doctors in RI at the same level.    There are other examples with a few Germans getting detained due to a language problem.  Really becoming absurd.

Anyways, the Swedish deportee could go to South America and be a missionary.  It's a job and could get her some points to return to Sweden.  But she'll probably have been banned for like 5 years.   Big stamp in the passport.   

One of my friends has a government pension from Sweden. It's very generous and he only worked for them for a very short period (<1 year).  Apparently they tracked him down via a friend of a friend.  He had no idea he was even entitled.  He says he only has to prove once a year he's alive by getting the local police to stamp a form.  Then the money keeps coming. Never knew the cops did that.

Meanwhile, I see the Chief Justice is now admonishing Trump and telling him how it is in fairly neutral terms.  It's going to be interesting over the next few weeks.  I think SCOTUS needs to deal with the large amount of dockets on Trump policies.  It's just bonkers that they said a President was immune to prosecution for official business.  We already know what Nixon had to do.   But the right wing of SCOTUS must be wondering what they got themselves into.

I'm planning dog walking. It's so nice and sunny outside but it's way too cold for the way it looks.  It'll be alternately cold in the shadows and sweaty in the sun. But I believe tomorrow (Thursday) will be into middle 2 digits and continuing sun before it all goes wrong beginning next week.  We're planning a day trip to Balaton.  We've been planning it for weeks but we were always defeated by the weather. 

It was nice and crispy outside today.

We went to the Rudas to get mineral water but they were closed; Only open 2 days per week now.

Too bad, instead of fresh healthy mineral water with dinner, I opted for some red wine.

Both are good for the stomach! Well the Rudas is open, just mean the side building where the water pumps are located.

No news from Sweden, I am concerned but again, not my problem and there is nothing to be done about it.

It was nice and crispy outside today.
We went to the Rudas to get mineral water but they were closed; Only open 2 days per week now.
Too bad, instead of fresh healthy mineral water with dinner, I opted for some red wine.
Both are good for the stomach! Well the Rudas is open, just mean the side building where the water pumps are located.
No news from Sweden, I am concerned but again, not my problem and there is nothing to be done about it. - @Marilyn Tassy

It is very crispy indeed. 

It's a bit of a drive but there's free mineral water near Szentendre.  It's at the Lajos Spring.  I am sure I've posted here about it before.  It's open 24x7 and you need lots of your own clean plastic bottles.  People get like 20-30 bottles at a time.  It's very nice clean mountain water filtered through the hills.  We drank it all up quite quickly.  Fresher it is, the better it is.  As always.   

We often buy "szikviz" here.  Our usual supplier closed down and now we get it from an new place. It's really just tap water with bubbles.

No news is good news, Swedish or otherwise!

Seems to be tax season, we've had our house property taxes today and also for the cars.

By comparison with the UK, it's cheap as chips.

We went to the Rudas yesterday and got several bottles of mineral water;

They have 3 different types.

One for your stomach, one for your throat and general health and one for youth.

I need all 3!!

No, I got a few bottles for my stomach and my husband got another type;I made a mistake and drank 4 big glasses yesterday;

System is in shock, now I have a tummy ache! Suppose to make it better , not worst!

Tax season, so far we do not pay property tax in Budapest on our flat. My husband did get a notice to pick up a bit of mail at the post today from the tax dept; He is pissed off and nervous;

Could be they are just checking to see if we rented out anything, sold something of value or are working; None of the above.

No  news from Sweden, S.America or Miami. I am very concerned now, hope to God they did not send her to Africa or the middle east, anywhere just to remove her; Yikes!

She must be somewhere that has no internet.

My Vegas friend was suppose to go to that Bernie Sanders rally yesterday. She usually hurts herself after a big day and needs bed rest afterwards. Just using the WC in public wears her out.

IDK why she puts herself in these situations.She was talking about going to a protest over Trump too.

She is out of her mind with worry. The Nellis Air fort base is just outside of Vegas and they planes are always flying over her place. Drives her nuts.

I had young Air force men playing on my tables once in awhile, many were on their way to the middle east; All very nice young men I felt sort of sorry when they lost their bets.

We went to the Rudas yesterday and got several bottles of mineral water;They have 3 different types.One for your stomach, one for your throat and general health and one for youth.I need all 3!!No, I got a few bottles for my stomach and my husband got another type;I made a mistake and drank 4 big glasses yesterday;System is in shock, now I have a tummy ache! Suppose to make it better , not worst!Tax season, so far we do not pay property tax in Budapest on our flat. My husband did get a notice to pick up a bit of mail at the post today from the tax dept; He is pissed off and nervous;Could be they are just checking to see if we rented out anything, sold something of value or are working; None of the above.No news from Sweden, S.America or Miami. I am very concerned now, hope to God they did not send her to Africa or the middle east, anywhere just to remove her; Yikes!She must be somewhere that has no internet.My Vegas friend was suppose to go to that Bernie Sanders rally yesterday. She usually hurts herself after a big day and needs bed rest afterwards. Just using the WC in public wears her out.IDK why she puts herself in these situations.She was talking about going to a protest over Trump too.She is out of her mind with worry. The Nellis Air fort base is just outside of Vegas and they planes are always flying over her place. Drives her nuts. I had young Air force men playing on my tables once in awhile, many were on their way to the middle east; All very nice young men I felt sort of sorry when they lost their bets. - @Marilyn Tassy

I think we will have to go to the Lajos Spring up in the hills behind Szentendre.   We take the dog there and collect the water.   The problem there is that it's mobbed a lot of the time so we should get there early enough to avoid the rush. 

But we'll wait until the weather has improved.  This weekend is supposed to be good but I cannot see us going anywhere.   I've still got this cupboard to paint.   We're also expecting the wood for the grave surround for the MIL.  It's just raw rood cut to size and we'll have to assemble it and paint it.  Then disassemble it and take it to the graveyard. It's going to need all of us on the job with spades because that mountain of earth looks like it's still there.

I've always worried that mineral water is too salty. I mean they have a lot of sodium in them and that's not good for me as it increases blood pressure.  With it coming out of the mountain directly, we've no idea exactly what's in it.  I guess we shouldn't worry about it too much.

We didn't have property taxes for a couple of years.  I thought they'd scrapped them but they seem to be back again.  Registered letters arrived.   There's two payments, one for the first 6 months, then another for the second 6 months.  Might as well just pay it in one go.  Mrs F says that the local government isn't receiving as much money from the central government as they thought they would.  Hence the bill.   Not really surprising.  Maybe they are after us as we usually pay immediately.   Compared to local government taxes in the UK, it's really very cheap but that's the issue, it's all relative to where you are.  Location, location, location etc.

I'd probably have gone to see Bernie S too.  He's a bit of a legend but can he hold a crowd for hours.   Maybe it's a farewell tour.  Perhaps we've come around to Elvis again.  Never mind.  And protest over Trump, yup, I'd do that too if I was a voter.  I was watching CNN and some GOP senator Tump/Musk apologist was moaning in a town hall that the hostile crowd was overdoing it, saying "Why are you so interested in what is happening in the Federal government?".   Now, that really makes you wonder if they are actually the donkeys or some other dumb animals.   

And I also read an interview with Musk and apparently he doesn't understand at all why anyone is hostile to him and burning his Teslas etc.   I also heard an interview where they were correcting that autism doesn't relate to lack of empathy.  Either way, Musk, autism or not, is getting the message.  Over here in Europe, he's not going to get a good welcome. I cannot see him ever visiting here again.   I see so many Teslas here.  But now I see many BYD competitor cars.  I think the BYDs look far nicer.   Teslas look dated.

And since the US kicked out the South African ambassador, I would think all of Musk Senior's businesses and wider family could be in for a hard time over there.    How to win friends eh?

As for Nellis AFB and any others, those are starting to look like unfriendlies.  It's really rather upsetting and the work of one man and his out of control acolytes.   They are throwing away centuries of alliances for short term politics.

I'm making a prediction that the first thing people will do here when meeting Americans is establish their politics and the demeanour will change accordingly.   It must be like a throwback to times where the German community in the UK got hostile reactions in the lead up to WW1. And prior to that, Queen Victoria and Albert (he was German), everything was fine.   

My German ancestors in the UK were very and long dead by WW1 so there was no knock on effects we know about.  They could have gone to the UK in the wake of Queen Victoria and Albert getting it on in 1840.  There was quite a community of well respected German businesses back then.  It all declined post-WW1. And of course then there's the Japanese Americans in WW2.

I suppose the Swedish deportee will pop up again.  Presumably she's got relatives who will take her in for a bit.  I have no idea what happens when one gets deported.  Do they give them like $200 for food and a couple of nights in a motel?  No idea at all.

She mentioned her husband was going to give her some money but IDK. More likely his parents are chipping in.

The US does not give a ratz you know what about people with hard times; Hench all the homeless camps all over.

Some

churches may help temp if you are clean and willing to work but again IDK;

My half sister with her homeless history is my go to for this info. She has kept her gym membership for years, always a good place to take a shower under the radar.

I remember in the 80s some guy at our gym had a van and it was said he was homeless.

Surprise since most of the members were well off or at least middle class.

One guy used to get on my nerves, he tried to chat with us ladies like he was one of the group but once in awhile his snobby attitude would pop up; I remember an older lady and i chatting about gym socks, he butted in, I just wear mine once and toss them away, they only cost $5; a pair.

Waster!

I do hope she contacts me soon, I am really worried, she may of gone off the deep end.

The tax thing was no problem although my husband is asking why they want 8,000; Something about car tax? IDK, he has to read the documents; I can live with 8,000 forints, could be worst.

Bought a lotto ticket for next week; Waste of a buck but you never know...

Was really lovely outside but a bit windy. I see it is suppose to rain for the next few days.

She mentioned her husband was going to give her some money but IDK. More likely his parents are chipping in.The US does not give a ratz you know what about people with hard times; Hench all the homeless camps all over.Somechurches may help temp if you are clean and willing to work but again IDK;My half sister with her homeless history is my go to for this info. She has kept her gym membership for years, always a good place to take a shower under the radar.I remember in the 80s some guy at our gym had a van and it was said he was homeless.Surprise since most of the members were well off or at least middle class.One guy used to get on my nerves, he tried to chat with us ladies like he was one of the group but once in awhile his snobby attitude would pop up; I remember an older lady and i chatting about gym socks, he butted in, I just wear mine once and toss them away, they only cost $5; a pair.Waster! I do hope she contacts me soon, I am really worried, she may of gone off the deep end.The tax thing was no problem although my husband is asking why they want 8,000; Something about car tax? IDK, he has to read the documents; I can live with 8,000 forints, could be worst.Bought a lotto ticket for next week; Waste of a buck but you never know...Was really lovely outside but a bit windy. I see it is suppose to rain for the next few days. - @Marilyn Tassy

Yes, I got the impression if you're dumped in the USA, you're not going to get any help from anyone.  I suppose begging might bring in a few dollars but unlikely to mean being able to afford shelter.  Might make enough to eat but it'd be street living.  Miami might be better than NY as it'll be warmer.   If she's got medical conditions, she needs some care for those too.  No idea how that works for street people.  Maybe people are just dead in a tent or cardboard house. 

Paying $5 for socks and using them once seems really wasteful.   Surely they could last a lot longer if he washed them in the shower along with the other underwear.  Wear them until there are holes in them and then stitch them up!

We got tax demands for cars too.  It's not that expensive relatively speaking.  It's more than it is in the UK (at least for some types of cars and engines). 

I think US retirees need to be on the watch for changes at the SSA.  I saw some Trumpist guy (Luttnik? Lutt-nincompoop? Whatever) saying that retirees and other recipients (70 million of them) wouldn't care if they missed a check (UK: cheque).  And complainers are all fraudsters.  Come on!  I wondered what that guy had been smoking!  OK for him as he's a billionaire apparently.  How he managed that with deranged logic one has to wonder.

There are rising prices everywhere and every $ counts.   They want to cut SS payments.  It had to happen they're going to come for retirees who have paid in for decades. It's basically a cash raid.  This is the trouble with government.  They can take it away on a whim. 

I worry for myself as I'm very (very) close to pension age.  It seems what happens in the USA gets mirrored elsewhere.  I could see my benefits being cut back too.

Elsewhere it seems US Embassies are asking farmers in Poland and Korea and other places if they can supply eggs to the USA.   Weird that federal cut backs probably hit controls on bird flu - presumably Agriculture department.  And that forces egg imports.   It will take years to build up the flocks again.

I've reminded Mrs F to buy a lottery ticket.   No chance but meh, we can dream a bit.

She mentioned her husband was going to give her some money but IDK. More likely his parents are chipping in.The US does not give a ratz you know what about people with hard times; Hench all the homeless camps all over.Somechurches may help temp if you are clean and willing to work but again IDK;My half sister with her homeless history is my go to for this info. She has kept her gym membership for years, always a good place to take a shower under the radar.I remember in the 80s some guy at our gym had a van and it was said he was homeless.Surprise since most of the members were well off or at least middle class.One guy used to get on my nerves, he tried to chat with us ladies like he was one of the group but once in awhile his snobby attitude would pop up; I remember an older lady and i chatting about gym socks, he butted in, I just wear mine once and toss them away, they only cost $5; a pair.Waster! I do hope she contacts me soon, I am really worried, she may of gone off the deep end.The tax thing was no problem although my husband is asking why they want 8,000; Something about car tax? IDK, he has to read the documents; I can live with 8,000 forints, could be worst.Bought a lotto ticket for next week; Waste of a buck but you never know...Was really lovely outside but a bit windy. I see it is suppose to rain for the next few days. - @Marilyn Tassy
Yes, I got the impression if you're dumped in the USA, you're not going to get any help from anyone. I suppose begging might bring in a few dollars but unlikely to mean being able to afford shelter. Might make enough to eat but it'd be street living. Miami might be better than NY as it'll be warmer. If she's got medical conditions, she needs some care for those too. No idea how that works for street people. Maybe people are just dead in a tent or cardboard house.
Paying $5 for socks and using them once seems really wasteful. Surely they could last a lot longer if he washed them in the shower along with the other underwear. Wear them until there are holes in them and then stitch them up!

We got tax demands for cars too. It's not that expensive relatively speaking. It's more than it is in the UK (at least for some types of cars and engines).

I think US retirees need to be on the watch for changes at the SSA. I saw some Trumpist guy (Luttnik? Lutt-nincompoop? Whatever) saying that retirees and other recipients (70 million of them) wouldn't care if they missed a check (UK: cheque). And complainers are all fraudsters. Come on! I wondered what that guy had been smoking! OK for him as he's a billionaire apparently. How he managed that with deranged logic one has to wonder.

There are rising prices everywhere and every $ counts. They want to cut SS payments. It had to happen they're going to come for retirees who have paid in for decades. It's basically a cash raid. This is the trouble with government. They can take it away on a whim.

I worry for myself as I'm very (very) close to pension age. It seems what happens in the USA gets mirrored elsewhere. I could see my benefits being cut back too.

Elsewhere it seems US Embassies are asking farmers in Poland and Korea and other places if they can supply eggs to the USA. Weird that federal cut backs probably hit controls on bird flu - presumably Agriculture department. And that forces egg imports. It will take years to build up the flocks again.

I've reminded Mrs F to buy a lottery ticket. No chance but meh, we can dream a bit. - @fluffy2560

America is really screwed ATM, even countries are advising people not to visit like Canada, Mexico, Germany and the UK. I wouldn't be surprised if others will follow.

Trump is a character.... He keeps on posting that Egg prices are dropping, Grocery prices dropping to below when Biden was president. It's all a big fat lie, because they aren't.

You are right about SS, he is going for them, so I would be worried if I was recieving it. The poor gets poorer and the rich get richer.

And now he has abolished the education department. We have 4 years of this man, the world should really be worried.

He also said that King Charles is going to make America an a Associated member of the Commonwealth.

America is really screwed ATM, even countries are advising people not to visit like Canada, Mexico, Germany and the UK. I wouldn't be surprised if others will follow.Trump is a character.... He keeps on posting that Egg prices are dropping, Grocery prices dropping to below when Biden was president. It's all a big fat lie, because they aren't. You are right about SS, he is going for them, so I would be worried if I was receiving it. The poor gets poorer and the rich get richer. - @SimCityAT

Yes, totally agree.  Don't go there, it's just too risky.  I was upset last time I went to Canada because they were not friendly at all.   That was perhaps 5 years ago. Basically same a*****es as US border guards. It was very different to my very first visit to Canada where they couldn't have been nicer, laid back and kind to the kids. 

I was watching the Canadian Foreign Minister saying how friendly Canada was with the UK.   It was the first country she mentioned.  And she's clearly a French Canadienne.   The upheaval has brought people together.   Looks like when the chips are down, it's in everyone's interest to remain united, even internationally.  Hardly big news of course.

I'd like to see a more solid bloc emerging amongst the English speaking nations - without the USA.  The Commonwealth could be the basis for it but some countries would push back on that, given the historical context.

It's looking a bit like a house of cards over there.  Anyone with funds in USD will need to minimise exposure.  Get out of USD and into some other currency like EUR or GBP.   

Anyway, with one of my kids in Ontario, anything that eases UK and Canadian travel and deepens engagement has to be a good thing. I am more than happy about that.   We had all planned to visit Canada later in the year - for up to a month post my retirement date.  We're  very up for that but we'd have to know the situation as they are not too far from the US border - only perhaps 100km to Niagara Falls.

Weirdly, Brexit has put the UK in a strangely interesting position.  I can however see the UK and EU joining up to a defence pact - perhaps even a world defence pact involving Australia and NZ and Canada too.   The AUKUS pact on nuclear subs is an interesting one - I wondered if Canada might like some nuclear subs.  They currently use older UK diesel electric subs.   They could have a parallel development, bringing the French in on the nuclear missiles, to maintain a high level of independence from the USA.   It might bring the AUKUS arrangements to an end.   BTW, there's video of Trump not knowing what AUKUS is.

I did see Trump threatened Iran again and gave them a deadline on nuclear activities.  And what's he going to do if they ignore him?  Is he going to declare war on Iran?  Superficially I don't care about Iran but it's not that far away and Iran and Russia are temporarily best buddies of convenience. 

And now he has abolished the education department. We have 4 years of this man, the world should really be worried.He also said that King Charles is going to make America an a Associated member of the Commonwealth. - @SimCityAT

I think no-one wants a Trumpist USA in the Commonwealth spreading poison and dissent.  Never going to happen.

King Trump vs King Charles.

Pfff.....baszd meg as they say around here.