Absolutely Anything Else

Most alarming. If what you're saying is true, I'm less optimistic than you that things can be reversed. A lack of independent media is the death rattle of all democracies. It's amazing to me that Hungarians could be so foolish in such large numbers as to not appreciate the obvious perils of giving too much unopposed power to ANYONE - let alone a friend of Russia.

marklivesinla wrote:

Most alarming. If what you're saying is true, I'm less optimistic than you that things can be reversed. A lack of independent media is the death rattle of all democracies. It's amazing to me that Hungarians could be so foolish in such large numbers as to not appreciate the obvious perils of giving too much unopposed power to ANYONE - let alone a friend of Russia.

Well, yes.  But remember these are my opinions.

There are pockets and small groups but they won't make any difference - it's just noise.   It's obvious really that it's a set up - first of all create an enemy (refugees/asylum seekers) or Soros, then demonise them in the state control media, create chaos in the opposition, change the legal framework to carry out abuses under the guise of "protecting the people", give away some "freebies" such as cheap electricity and work with like-minded wannabe autocrats in the neighbourhood to get support.   We've seen it before. 

I keep thinking we'll hear about Radio Free Hungary  starting up to provide an independent voice. Donald Trump isn't going to support that in the guise of Radio Free Europe.  Independent media is over here unless some Hungarian liberal group is going to start Radio Free Hungary/Poland/Slovakia/Austria/Czech Republic etc.

I hate to say it but many people here seem to be less educated and less worldly than they used to be. They don't know what other countries' media says about Hungary's political situation and they are not able to speak multiple languages to get a diversity of views.   There was a "nationalist" thing a while back where everything had to be in Hungarian, but let's face it, Hungarian is not a major language group in Europe. So they only have state controlled output.   They need access to a free press but I don't  see that happening any time soon.  Perhaps someone in the diaspora will start it up.

The EU parliament is not going to do anything.  The next stage says unanimous vote on sanctions or majority voting.  Czech Republic already said it would vote against the sanctions.  Presumably Poland and Austria will vote the same way.

All we can do is wait to the whole right wing thing to fizzle out but I don't think it's going to be anytime soon.  I fear for my kids' future.

Thanks for your measured reply. I fear you are right based on historical patterns. On the bright side, Hungarians will have the option of residingelsewhere in the EU if things go south in the foreseeable future. My understanding is that support for being in the EU remains high across the population.

marklivesinla wrote:

Thanks for your measured reply. I fear you are right based on historical patterns. On the bright side, Hungarians will have the option of residingelsewhere in the EU if things go south in the foreseeable future. My understanding is that support for being in the EU remains high across the population.

Yes, that's true but there's quite a long time until the next election.  In a way, the Article 7 process plays into OV's hands.  He now has a ready made enemy available to start rubbishing before the next election in about 3-4 years time.   OV isn't interested in the EU anyway, only interested in retaining power.   People still like the EU but that's because it hasn't been demonised yet.  See if it still is respected in 1-2 years time.   

Free movement, taken to the extreme, means the population decline here would be significant.  Like the US elections with George Bush, 1/2 the population didn't vote for him.  It's the same here, half the population didn't vote for OV and therefore are disenfranchised.   

Google for stories of population decline in Bulgaria.  Many people have left. It could be seen as a model for here.  I read somewhere - forgot where - that one estimate is for Hungary's population to decline by 40% by 2050. I won't care by then but my kids will.   But, in any case, Hungarians aren't necessarily leaving for politics but for economic reasons.  Why stay when they can get 5 x the salary further West?  One or two generations later and they aren't really Hungarians any more.

There are a lot of dimensions to this place.  Lots of people leave here and have success abroad but if they stay here, they'll never achieve the level of greatness they could have had.  That's an old story really.

You may have had a rose tinted view of Hungary but like every else it's a vague semi-directed muddle most of the time.  It would only take moderate thinking elsewhere in the region or even in the USA or Russia to bring Hungary back into sense.

Yes, was going really off topic with car crashes and tv shows.

I am wondering what Kim is going to do with all those office supplies on Better Call Saul.
Any guesses?

When my husband happened to look back in his mirror he saw the truck coming fast towards him, only had a second to decide to steer the car into the shoulder area to avoid a lager accident and hit the car in front of him.
Quick reaction time on his part.
When I was 6 months pregnant and alone, my husband had just went to Maui and i was to follow a month later after he found a apt. etc.
I was driving my little VW bug in Hollywood on a 2 lane road on my way to renew my driving papers.
I wasn't wanting to go through it on Maui and thought I'd just redo them later on the Island after my baby was born etc.
Ok so I was going to make a legal left turn to the DMV and was a t a stop waiting to turn, noticed in my mirror a truck( what's with trucks and bad driving anyways?) coming up behind me way too fast. Being pregnant I was afraid if I got hit my baby would be crushed by the steering wheel so I just hit the gas and went straight, better to miss my turn then get smashed. Really shook me up.
Didn't know how much until I stood in line later at the DMV and felt myself passing out. I didn't tell anyone, I just got out of line and sat on the ground outside until my head cleared, went home and didn't bother with my business that day.
Sometimes it doesn't matter if your right, it's better to play it safe.
My last crash and I hope my last one was also when I was taking a left turn. A ( wait for it!) TRUCK ran the red light and clipped the back of my car as I was coming out of my turn.
So mad, I had just gotten my car back from the shop and it was running like a watch. It was a sweet little Alfa. I spun out and did a 360 in the intersection of the busy 4 lane road.
Did anyone stop when the light turned to check on me, no , not in LA.

marklivesinla wrote:

It's amazing to me that Hungarians could be so foolish in such large numbers as to not appreciate the obvious perils of giving too much unopposed power to ANYONE

Living here for over a decade, I find that many Hungarians are very tribal. Very much group think. Having a reverence for being part of a larger group, the larger the better, and that group having a strong leader. And there is the entire "Holy Crown" thing many feel a strong affinity for.

And of course, the government or its oligarchs, control most the media. So the population gets mostly only the government's world view (and large part of the population, especially the older ones, only speak Hungarian, so only hear these viewpoints -- and of course they vote). If done enough, in mass, propaganda works to even make people make political and social choices that may even be against their own long term interests.

marklivesinla wrote:

let alone a friend of Russia.

Especially since it was Russian intervention that crushed both the 1848 and 1956 revolutions.

But again, the government message (i.e. propaganda) being dispensed is Russia is now a friend, and Brussels is evil.

marklivesinla wrote:

On the bright side, Hungarians will have the option of residingelsewhere in the EU if things go south in the foreseeable future.

Seems to me large parts of the EU, in general, are going south. I wonder if there will be anyplace to go?

marklivesinla wrote:

Most alarming. If what you're saying is true, I'm less optimistic than you that things can be reversed. A lack of independent media is the death rattle of all democracies. It's amazing to me that Hungarians could be so foolish in such large numbers as to not appreciate the obvious perils of giving too much unopposed power to ANYONE - let alone a friend of Russia.

I honestly try not to say or do anything political here in HU. I'm just a guest here really.My husband is a born Hungarian and we moved back here to retire.
This of course is second or third hand news but we've heard in the countryside areas where there are no jobs and many people are seniors with low income that for a free ride into the city, a hot meal and few thousand forints people voted a certain way, votes were bought in other words.
Can't prove it, probably shouldn't even mention it but who knows why people do what they do when desperate. They may of told these people allot of BS to scare them to vote a certain way.

klsallee wrote:

marklivesinla wrote:

On the bright side, Hungarians will have the option of residingelsewhere in the EU if things go south in the foreseeable future.

Seems to me large parts of the EU, in general, are going south. I wonder if there will be anyplace to go?

Yes, I think that's a good observation.

It's all such a fickle thing. 

Spain for example was all anti-immigrant and now it's all positive since the recent change in PM.  After the Catalan mess, they are no longer seeking to extradite the Catalan president back to Spain on charges of sedition - an abuse of the European Arrest Warrant if I ever saw one. 

Moreover, Spain is supposedly taking  large numbers of refugees/escapees from Venezuela albeit rich ones. 

There's often a phrase being used in the UK because of the Brexit thing and the left, almost communist opposition and that's "politically homeless".   That's an apt phrase for here, the USA, the UK and several European countries or even  Australia.   I think Canada might the only place but even that hangs on Justin T's reputation.  Like anyone, he could be out any time.

Marilyn Tassy wrote:

Yes, was going really off topic with car crashes and tv shows.

I am wondering what Kim is going to do with all those office supplies on Better Call Saul.
Any guesses?

When my husband happened to look back in his mirror he saw the truck coming fast towards him, only had a second to decide to steer the car into the shoulder area to avoid a lager accident and hit the car in front of him.
Quick reaction time on his part.
When I was 6 months pregnant and alone, my husband had just went to Maui and i was to follow a month later after he found a apt. etc.
I was driving my little VW bug in Hollywood on a 2 lane road on my way to renew my driving papers.
I wasn't wanting to go through it on Maui and thought I'd just redo them later on the Island after my baby was born etc.
Ok so I was going to make a legal left turn to the DMV and was a t a stop waiting to turn, noticed in my mirror a truck( what's with trucks and bad driving anyways?) coming up behind me way too fast. Being pregnant I was afraid if I got hit my baby would be crushed by the steering wheel so I just hit the gas and went straight, better to miss my turn then get smashed. Really shook me up.

I am not surprised you were shook up, could have been really bad.

Some guy turned in front of me and smashed the side of my car in.  Didn't look like much but he'd hit the chassis and bent it really badly such that my car was about 6 inches shorter on one side. I  could still drive it but the repairers said it was impossible to fix.  My first car as well!  Guy gave a false name but I managed to track him down as a witness knew him.  He was very surprised when I knocked on his door and asked for money.   He was a PITA.  The car had to go to the breakers.  My Dad and I had just rebuilt it as well.

I don't know what Kim is doing.  She's got a plan obviously and it'll be some clever manipulation.  I am interested how that dig is going under Fring's laundry.  Those German guys are getting really fed up. 

It's all good man! 

Today is supposedly the last day of good weather - rain is expected tomorrow.  Air pressure on my barometer is going down. I am going to have get on my bike and get out there!

fluffy2560 wrote:

Marilyn Tassy wrote:

Yes, was going really off topic with car crashes and tv shows.

I am wondering what Kim is going to do with all those office supplies on Better Call Saul.
Any guesses?

When my husband happened to look back in his mirror he saw the truck coming fast towards him, only had a second to decide to steer the car into the shoulder area to avoid a lager accident and hit the car in front of him.
Quick reaction time on his part.
When I was 6 months pregnant and alone, my husband had just went to Maui and i was to follow a month later after he found a apt. etc.
I was driving my little VW bug in Hollywood on a 2 lane road on my way to renew my driving papers.
I wasn't wanting to go through it on Maui and thought I'd just redo them later on the Island after my baby was born etc.
Ok so I was going to make a legal left turn to the DMV and was a t a stop waiting to turn, noticed in my mirror a truck( what's with trucks and bad driving anyways?) coming up behind me way too fast. Being pregnant I was afraid if I got hit my baby would be crushed by the steering wheel so I just hit the gas and went straight, better to miss my turn then get smashed. Really shook me up.

I am not surprised you were shook up, could have been really bad.

Some guy turned in front of me and smashed the side of my car in.  Didn't look like much but he'd hit the chassis and bent it really badly such that my car was about 6 inches shorter on one side. I  could still drive it but the repairers said it was impossible to fix.  My first car as well!  Guy gave a false name but I managed to track him down as a witness knew him.  He was very surprised when I knocked on his door and asked for money.   He was a PITA.  The car had to go to the breakers.  My Dad and I had just rebuilt it as well.

I don't know what Kim is doing.  She's got a plan obviously and it'll be some clever manipulation.  I am interested how that dig is going under Fring's laundry.  Those German guys are getting really fed up. 

It's all good man! 

Today is supposedly the last day of good weather - rain is expected tomorrow.  Air pressure on my barometer is going down. I am going to have get on my bike and get out there!

Exactly we took a nice sunny walk today to get our Vitamin D-3 from the source.
Been going through my fall clothing a bit, seems it's time to pull out the sweaters or what is it in the UK the Jumpers?
So very much easier in Ca. where we have 2 seasons to speak of.
It really is upsetting to have a car crash when you follow all the rules etc.
I have mentioned how my parents got hit on their Harley in the late 1960's, not their fault at all but they got smashed to pieces.
End of their free style dreams after my step- dad recovered from his surgery, thank God our mom was only bruised and shook up.They both used to look so cute in their matching fringed leather jackets.
My step- dad went "nuts" when he got out of hospital, He loved his beer and it didn't mix very well with his meds. He had a few blood transfusions which we  swear didn't mix well with him.
He got colon cancer not long after the accident and we think if was either his job as a Lockheed tool grinder or the bad blood he received that did him in at a young age of 43.

Marilyn Tassy wrote:

.....
End of their free style dreams after my step- dad recovered from his surgery, thank God our mom was only bruised and shook up.They both used to look so cute in their matching fringed leather jackets.
My step- dad went "nuts" when he got out of hospital, He loved his beer and it didn't mix very well with his meds. He had a few blood transfusions which we  swear didn't mix well with him.
He got colon cancer not long after the accident and we think if was either his job as a Lockheed tool grinder or the bad blood he received that did him in at a young age of 43.

43 is too young.  RIP.

I was out on my bike and it was pretty warm 30 C.  I went about 26km around the hills, went past KFKI at Csillaberc and it's 10MW nuclear reactor (!!!), past the glider monument and tried to get to the movie set I spoke about previously. 

Sure enough I managed to see the set through the bushes. It's a large house in the style of a sort of 1900 farm. They've constructed with some kind of maypole nearby and I think they've put up some fake buildings around as well - like sheds.  They've put a lot of blue sheets around the place so presumably that'll be filled in by computer.  I'm not sure this is the set of Terminator 6.  Looks more like some historical drama rather than sci-fi.   

My trip was not completed as I got a flat tyre and Mrs Fluffy had to rescue me.  But I was out for 2.5h and used up 850 kcal.  I'd only have to eat a biscuit and those 850 kcals will be back immediately!

fluffy2560 wrote:

I got a flat tyre and Mrs Fluffy had to rescue me.

I always carry a complete tire (actually inner tube) repair kit. Including the tire removal tools. Easily fits in a saddle bag (the kind that fits under the saddle). On both my mountain and road bikes, I have had to repair flat tires (or worse) on both. And broken chains, bent spokes, problem derailleurs, brake problems, etc. I really do carry a complete kit and multi tool in my saddle bag.  I can repair any "normal" problem (bend forks, not), even if just need to limp home to my bike repair stand.

I have even have stopped and repaired flat tires of other cyclists who did not carry the repair kit.

klsallee wrote:

fluffy2560 wrote:

I got a flat tyre and Mrs Fluffy had to rescue me.

I always carry a complete tire (actually inner tube) repair kit. Including the tire removal tools. Easily fits in a saddle bag (the kind that fits under the saddle). On both my mountain and road bikes, I have had to repair flat tires (or worse) on both. And broken chains, bent spokes, problem derailleurs, brake problems, etc. I really do carry a complete kit and multi tool in my saddle bag.  I can repair any "normal" problem (bend forks, not), even if just need to limp home to my bike repair stand.

I have even have stopped and repaired flat tires of other cyclists who did not carry the repair kit.

Yes, good points, I know the gear. 

I've got some inflatable goo I got at Aldi for pumping up and sealing flat tyres.  Never used it as I'm suspicious of what it will do - don't want to ruin my fancy MTB tyres running them under inflated (normal pressure is 3 bar). 

I also carry an inner tube and pump and the tools in a small cycling rucksack along with 2 or 3 bottles of water.  In this case, I was only about 2km from the house, so I just phoned up Mrs Fluffy, she was there in 10 minutes and we put the bike in the back of the car - quick release wheels.  Easier to repair it at home which I did immediately I returned. 

It was thorn I picked up crossing a field.  It was a short cut which turned out to be a lot longer.  I should have known better really.  I'd cycled across the same field 2 or 3 years before and yup, I had a 2 flats then as well (front AND back).   It's a well known sign of madness doing the same thing each time and expecting a different result. *sigh*.

fluffy2560 wrote:

I also carry an inner tube

Ah. Yes. I know some do that. I was always a too cheap DIY to just do a full tube replacement.

fluffy2560 wrote:

In this case, I was only about 2km from the house, so I just phoned up Mrs Fluffy, she was there in 10 minutes

Wow. Nice. A custom personal support vehicle.

fluffy2560 wrote:

I'd cycled across the same field 2 or 3 years before and yup, I had a 2 flats then as well (front AND back).   It's a well known sign of madness doing the same thing each time and expecting a different result. *sigh*.

Hm. I don't think that is a sign of your madness. Rather I just think that field simply hates you. That is how the world seems to work today: Never assume personal fault if you can find a way to blame others. Even if that "other" in an inanimate object.

klsallee wrote:

fluffy2560 wrote:

I also carry an inner tube

Ah. Yes. I know some do that. I was always a too cheap DIY to just do a full tube replacement.

fluffy2560 wrote:

In this case, I was only about 2km from the house, so I just phoned up Mrs Fluffy, she was there in 10 minutes

Wow. Nice. A custom personal support vehicle.

fluffy2560 wrote:

I'd cycled across the same field 2 or 3 years before and yup, I had a 2 flats then as well (front AND back).   It's a well known sign of madness doing the same thing each time and expecting a different result. *sigh*.

Hm. I don't think that is a sign of your madness. Rather I just think that field simply hates you. That is how the world seems to work today: Never assume personal fault if you can find a way to blame others. Even if that "other" in an inanimate object.

Hmmm....I never knew inanimate objects could bear a grudge!  That field does have it in for me.  The problem is that it looks like well groomed grazing but it's actually the remnants of a  vineyard and there are lots of wild berry plants in there too.  And they have thorns.  I actually have special anti puncture tyres.  Yeah, that works.

I am not that keen on putting patches on my MTB inner tubes.  26" inner tube costs about 500 HUF which is almost nothing. Repair kit costs about the same or cheaper.   

My bike gets a lot of abuse and banging up and down across tracks.  I do however have a box of patched tubes "for emergencies" and for the Fluffy family road bikes.  I've kept the punctured tube from today and will repair it tomorrow and put it in the box of patched tubes.

Mrs Fluffy was rearranging the compost heap so I think I provided a welcome diversion!

klsallee wrote:

marklivesinla wrote:

It's amazing to me that Hungarians could be so foolish in such large numbers as to not appreciate the obvious perils of giving too much unopposed power to ANYONE

Living here for over a decade, I find that many Hungarians are very tribal. Very much group think. Having a reverence for being part of a larger group, the larger the better, and that group having a strong leader. And there is the entire "Holy Crown" thing many feel a strong affinity for.

And of course, the government or its oligarchs, control most the media. So the population gets mostly only the government's world view (and large part of the population, especially the older ones, only speak Hungarian, so only hear these viewpoints -- and of course they vote). If done enough, in mass, propaganda works to even make people make political and social choices that may even be against their own long term interests.

marklivesinla wrote:

let alone a friend of Russia.

Especially since it was Russian intervention that crushed both the 1848 and 1956 revolutions.

But again, the government message (i.e. propaganda) being dispensed is Russia is now a friend, and Brussels is evil.

In that case we should hate US. UK and France till the end of time.

fluffy2560 wrote:

Marilyn Tassy wrote:

.....
End of their free style dreams after my step- dad recovered from his surgery, thank God our mom was only bruised and shook up.They both used to look so cute in their matching fringed leather jackets.
My step- dad went "nuts" when he got out of hospital, He loved his beer and it didn't mix very well with his meds. He had a few blood transfusions which we  swear didn't mix well with him.
He got colon cancer not long after the accident and we think if was either his job as a Lockheed tool grinder or the bad blood he received that did him in at a young age of 43.

43 is too young.  RIP.

I was out on my bike and it was pretty warm 30 C.  I went about 26km around the hills, went past KFKI at Csillaberc and it's 10MW nuclear reactor (!!!), past the glider monument and tried to get to the movie set I spoke about previously. 

Sure enough I managed to see the set through the bushes. It's a large house in the style of a sort of 1900 farm. They've constructed with some kind of maypole nearby and I think they've put up some fake buildings around as well - like sheds.  They've put a lot of blue sheets around the place so presumably that'll be filled in by computer.  I'm not sure this is the set of Terminator 6.  Looks more like some historical drama rather than sci-fi.   

My trip was not completed as I got a flat tyre and Mrs Fluffy had to rescue me.  But I was out for 2.5h and used up 850 kcal.  I'd only have to eat a biscuit and those 850 kcals will be back immediately!

I picked up a sweet beach bike in Vegas last trip over at a second hand shop for only $20.
Even has a bell on it which retails in the shops for more then $20. new.
Had to buy one inner tube for $10.
I love riding around the neighborhood because no one walks in Vegas and I can use the sidewalks without fear of the crazy drivers there.There are allot of bike trails too but I just cruise to the store to pick up bread so not to bother bringing the car out of the garage. There is a nice park in the neighborhood with tennis courts and a trail which goes behind the wash area where they have some really nice homes built . More like a nature preserve then a wash, plants planted rocks in place, very well kept up and peaceful.
My husband picked up a bike too for about $15., crash helmets were $5. each so we are set for under $60.
My brother bought a bike once ,he may still have it forgot what brand but it was a professional one which cost a pretty penny. Very light weight and fast.
Mine is a heavy clunker but works for me, has a nice comfy big seat not that I need a big seat but why not?
Those racing seats kill be after about 20 mins.
Bought my DIL a child's size bike( she is tiny like a child) she only went out with us a few times although she seemed to enjoy it
Probably a good idea to carry an extra tube and fix it kit if you are
out in the wild. I never ride too far away, no where that I can't walk back home if the bike goes flat.

Speaking of calling a spouse to the rescue , did that once myself in Ca.
My cute little Alfa had a flat when I came out of the ladies gym I used to go to daily.
My husband worked as a free lance sub contractor so I knew his time was his own.
I had a spare etc. in the car but didn't know how to change the tire.
Called him up to rescue me.
Well, I got a hear full for bothering him and being a dummy who was too lazy, too silly, too stupid etc. to drive a car and not know how to fix a tire.He drove about one hour over to help me out.
He loosened the bolts but make me change the tire myself, I was crying and fussing like a baby but got it done.
Was told next time to do it myself or walk home.
My husband is sweet but sometimes I suppose i push his limits.

Thanks, yes 43 is way too young to check out. My sister was also just 43, sort of a creepy number now.
My good friend was 45 when she left, her life was extended though because she almost passed as a child from polio so everyday past that was a blessing for her.
Great lady, wonderful husband and 2 sons.
She was 7 years my senior so like a big sister to me, never complained about her health ever, always positive and never left her ill health stop her from doing anything.
Even having her sons was not easy for her, she had rods in her spine and then breast cancer.
Sad how some people have to suffer while others people barely catch a cold.

Movie sets are interesting. We had a place called, Corriganville Movie Ranch in our town.
Think Mr. Corrigan had been a stunt man before he opened up his movie ranch. Was open to the public on weekends. There was live action stunt men dressed in old west clothing, a bar, street shootouts and public hangings. Stage coach rides and old times shops.
It was later bought up by Bob Hope, all gone now.

panzer25 wrote:

.....

In that case we should hate US. UK and France till the end of time.

Who is "we"?

fluffy2560 wrote:

panzer25 wrote:

.....

In that case we should hate US. UK and France till the end of time.

Who is "we"?

The problem with politics is people hate the population and not those in charge.
Most of the time the average person could care less about politics in their country, they are just trying to live their lives and raise their families.
I still hold to no wars we should just place all world leaders in a cage and let them tough it out.
Have strict limits on how long they can hold power and do not give them any income or allow them to make any money while in office. They will have their physical needs taken care of by the public, housing food and clothing but that's it no in office for years and leaving with a huge bank account from making under the table deals and friends that give you insider tips.
Utopia on earth? Sadly don't see it happening any time soon.

Marilyn Tassy wrote:

fluffy2560 wrote:

panzer25 wrote:

.....

In that case we should hate US. UK and France till the end of time.

Who is "we"?

The problem with politics is people hate the population and not those in charge.
Most of the time the average person could care less about politics in their country, they are just trying to live their lives and raise their families.
I still hold to no wars we should just place all world leaders in a cage and let them tough it out.
Have strict limits on how long they can hold power and do not give them any income or allow them to make any money while in office. They will have their physical needs taken care of by the public, housing food and clothing but that's it no in office for years and leaving with a huge bank account from making under the table deals and friends that give you insider tips.
Utopia on earth? Sadly don't see it happening any time soon.

Donald T is supposedly not taking a salary for his "work" as President. 

Like the afterlife, the problem with Utopia is everyone has a different idea of what it consists of.  My utopia is maybe someone else's hell.

Politics is like the weather or fashion,  highly changeable.  Was 30 C and brilliant sunshine yesterday and now it's dullness with a chance of rain.   It's a muddle and everyone muddles through during the here and now.   

Weather forecast for Utopia - highly changeable with winds from North, South, East and West, cloudy and  sunny where you are with a change of rain if a depression forms.  Temperatures whatever you like.

panzer25 wrote:

In that case we should hate US. UK and France till the end of time.

Care to explain a bit more?

Margaret Thatcher took a reduced pay when she was an MP and PM because of her hubby Denis had a well-paid job.

Yes, the tide has turned.
Deciding if I really need to go out in the dust storm or not today.
Wind doesn't bother me mush but if it rains with wind then no help for getting soaked to the bone.

Yes Trump is suppose to not be taking any pay but I don't think any pres takes the job for the money, more for the contacts they make.

Looked on U Tube for the old Corriganville movie ranch.
Lots of films and tv shows made out there.
The owners name was "Crash" Corrigan so yes, guess he was a stunt man.
It was bought by Bob Hope when Crash either died or got to old to run the place.
Burnt down in 1979. Is  a state park now with bike trails and dirt bike tracks.

SimCityAT wrote:

Margaret Thatcher took a reduced pay when she was an MP and PM because of her hubby Denis had a well-paid job.

Money usually makes people hungry and therefore more determined to do better and moreover, the threat of money disappearing makes for accountability.

If I'd paid for today's weather, I'd want my money back.

Rumour mill has it that it'll be 4 deg C later this week (at night).

When I say rumour mill, I mean, the weather forecasters.

fluffy2560 wrote:

If I'd paid for today's weather, I'd want my money back.

Rumour mill has it that it'll be 4 deg C later this week (at night).

When I say rumour mill, I mean, the weather forecasters.

We had a story last night, can't see any damage, will have a lot of sweeping to do. But we have had a drop in temperature. Time to think about putting the heating on. 10°C at the moment.

fluffy2560 wrote:

If I'd paid for today's weather, I'd want my money back.

Rumour mill has it that it'll be 4 deg C later this week (at night).

When I say rumour mill, I mean, the weather forecasters.

Made a mistake and slept with my window open all night long.
Froze up the flat.
Well not froze but it did get chilly inside this morning.
Think I gave myself a head cold but won't tell my husband because he really dislikes it when I mess around with my health, careless etc.
Will be putting on my beret today for sure with the chill and wind, have errands to run and plan on walking.
City hall, post office, copy shop and stocking shop, large piac too.
Not sure I can get it all finished in one day.

Has anyone every tried the Tofea Grill?
Our 86 year old neighbor took us out to a nice restaurant a couple years back for her birthday dinner.
Quail egg soup and all.Shots of Unicum and a bottle of nice wine.
My husband will have his 71st. in a few weeks and we want to treat her and her daughter to a nice meal.
Problem is, she can't leave the house any more.
They live on the top floor with no lift and she can't walk very far these days.
We thought about treating them to a take out from Trofea because they often get take out from there for their lunches and it seems they enjoy it.
We will order together and have our little "party" at their flat, bring bubbly and cake over too.
It's a shame the older lady can't get out, I wanted to go out that day but it's not my BD so Trofea it is.
We took out our neighbors a long while back to a All you can eat place near the building.
At that time it was all you can drink beer or wine with the cover charge.
They food was pretty good with a grill cook at the ready to fry up and meats etc,. that you chose .
What bothered me was our neighbors usually went crazy with cooking at home, they really ate well and allot, loads of drinking and eating.We took them to all you can eat , the 4 of them for a party of 6.
When we got there the teenage girl picked at a tiny portion of food, the granny barely ate and neither did the couple, only one beer each too.
I felt a bit jipped since they barely ate, the food was good, still can't figure out why they barely ate their meal. They are not on any special diets or only have to eat Kosher.
Oh well, lets hope Trofea is tasty, I know my neighbors like it but maybe I won't.

Marilyn Tassy wrote:

......
Well not froze but it did get chilly inside this morning.
.....

Has anyone every tried the Tofea Grill?
Our 86 year old neighbor took us out to a nice restaurant a couple years back for her birthday dinner.
Quail egg soup and all.Shots of Unicum and a bottle of nice wine.
My husband will have his 71st. in a few weeks and we want to treat her and her daughter to a nice meal.
....
Oh well, lets hope Trofea is tasty, I know my neighbors like it but maybe I won't.

Yes, I was discussing  with Mrs Fluffy if we should put the heating on but she says it's just not cold enough!!  It's about 11 C outside now.  I was planning some outside work on my car today but it's not going to happen with cold, high winds and rain.  Mrs Fluffy tells me Thursday is the day for outside work.

I've been to Trofea many times.  I've been to three of their places, one in Óbuda, Király Street and one in Újlipótváros (Pest side north, near Margit bridge).  Haven't been for maybe 6-8 months.   

There's something weird about Trofea and it's online presence - there are multiple web sites which do not even discuss the other restaurants. I am not sure they are all part of the same chain.  They seem to have the same logo and almost the same pricing but seem to be run independently.  Quite inconsistent.

If you time your visit, it's a reasonable price with a flat fee with all-in drinks/food within a 3h window.  Kids under 12 eat free which is OK if you have kids.  Outside of the cheapest period I think it's debatable if it's worth it especially if anyone has medical issues or dietary needs or just eats like sparrows.  But it's certainly very convenient and the food is fine if sometimes rich.  The wine/beer is acceptable (the wine would be what we Commonwealth muckers call "plonk" - drinkable but not a connoisseur's wine).   

If you say it's someone's birthday, you'll get a free cake!   Strangely enough, every time we've been, someone in our party' had a "birthday" plus or minus several (or more) months.

Thanks for the feed back.
Well I think it will not be any drinks included since it will be home delivery, think it's a bit cheaper too because no refills.
Free cake, will remember that since it will be his BD.
I'm not sure what location our neighbors usually order from, probably the one on Kilary  since it is closer.
3 hours to eat is forever. Suppose if people are doing more talking then eating then it could pass by fast enough.
Yes, was put off when we took our neighbors to the Grill down the st. from us. They barely touched a thing, don't mind paying but do mind wasting money if no one is hungry.
Hate to cook for people who won't eat.
My mom used to cook for an army and everyone had a "doggie bag" to bring home with them.
On my mom's 65th Bd my crazy step -dad told her not to cook, she usually cooked no matter what day it was since we all headed to her house for a party. At least 10-12 people or more for dinners.
His idea of taking care of the meal was to order a 6 foot long Subway sandwich!!
We never laughed so hard in our lives.
Have all sorts of silly photos of us each taking turns trying to bite the end of that thing! Almost X rated!!
Another time he ordered a family meal from KFC and he must of spent a weeks' pay, he got like 5 buckets of chicken and all the sides.
When you're feeding a small army you can't order crazy food like that.
My husband took his step-mom out once to get to know her a bit better and to ask questions about his father, how he was etc.
My husband was only 18 months old when his parents divorced and he didn't hang much with his father. Once they had a nice short road trip together here in HU when my husband came to HU alone, that was really about it as far a them hanging much together.
He wanted to take his step- mom to a nice place p in Buda which was his father's fave place to eat.
She didn't want to go, they just went to a tea house.
She told my husband she only eats her own food.
At least she didn't waste his time or money .
She only eats Kosher food so he understood and wasn't upset that she wouldn't eat with him.
My mom would never invite anyone over a second time if they refused to eat everything she cooked.
She was a good cook and the only person who didn't like her food was my sisters MIL who was visiting from Wales.
My mom had to make "special" boiled potatoes etc. for this women because everything was too spicy for her delicate taste.
My mom told my sister to NEVER bring that women over again.
Mom loved her spicy food, she would of loved Hungarian dishes.

3 search parties are going out this week to look for my old friends relation who has been missing since Aug 10th. In the hills of S. Ca.
Last week they had K-9 units looking for him, nothing has turned up so far, except his car.
All volunteers are asked to show up for the search, bringing dogs, drones whatever they can .
There were a few bodies found in the area recently, not his.4 or 5 bodies, one was a young women.
Seems it may be part of a ritual for a gang.
Really upsetting to find bodies where your child is missing.
So many people from our old hometown are helping out, nice to know the community is behind you in your hour of need.
Matthew Weaver is his name, aged 21.
My SIL is asking for the 100th time for prayers for her elderly father, he is 95 I believe.
He has pneumonia and has been in hospital for weeks now.
They are preparing her mom aged 93 for the worst.
Everyone is asking for prayers, it's getting to be allot of pray requests lately.
Not everyone is the type who prays, I'm about "prayered" out ATM.
Sounds horrible but sometimes caring about others is way too draining.

fluffy2560 wrote:

If I'd paid for today's weather, I'd want my money back.

Rumour mill has it that it'll be 4 deg C later this week (at night).

When I say rumour mill, I mean, the weather forecasters.

Accuweather did not predict this storm. Even my barometer did not fall yesterday. I have never known a barometer to not predict a storm.

This storm seems to have come out of nowhere. Even this morning Accuweather did not report any rain for today. I guess my rain gauge with 1.0 cm or water in it is lying to me....

Autumn certainly arrived overnight this year. Much like Spring, which did the same.

We live in crazy times. And not just about politics.....

Marilyn Tassy wrote:

3 search parties are going out this week to look for my old friends relation who has been missing since Aug 10th. In the hills of S. Ca.
Last week they had K-9 units looking for him, nothing has turned up so far, except his car.
All volunteers are asked to show up for the search, bringing dogs, drones whatever they can .
There were a few bodies found in the area recently, not his.4 or 5 bodies, one was a young women.
Seems it may be part of a ritual for a gang.
Really upsetting to find bodies where your child is missing.
So many people from our old hometown are helping out, nice to know the community is behind you in your hour of need.
Matthew Weaver is his name, aged 21.
My SIL is asking for the 100th time for prayers for her elderly father, he is 95 I believe.
He has pneumonia and has been in hospital for weeks now.
They are preparing her mom aged 93 for the worst.
Everyone is asking for prayers, it's getting to be allot of pray requests lately.
Not everyone is the type who prays, I'm about "prayered" out ATM.
Sounds horrible but sometimes caring about others is way too draining.

Yes, I thought that was his name.  Easy to Google.   I know it's a tough time but praying isn't going to do much to change outcomes.  Just like wishing or crossing fingers.  But I suppose if it helps people, fair enough.   

Anything could have happened to him but after all this time, it's not likely to be a rescue but a recovery. Quite disturbing to read there's a spate of missing people in that area.

fluffy2560 wrote:

Yes, I was discussing  with Mrs Fluffy if we should put the heating on but she says it's just not cold enough!!  It's about 11 C outside now.

I only start to heat when the indoor temps drop to 19°C*. Indoor temp is currently at 22°C

What happens outdoors is not necessarily relevant.


* Or when the wife says, "I'm cold".

klsallee wrote:

......
Accuweather did not predict this storm. Even my barometer did not fall yesterday. I have never known a barometer to not predict a storm.

This storm seems to have come out of nowhere. Even this morning Accuweather did not report any rain for today. I guess my rain gauge with 1.0 cm or water in it is lying to me....

Autumn certainly arrived overnight this year. Much like Spring, which did the same.

We live in crazy times. And not just about politics.....

Accuweather has got worse recently.  On my phone, it was telling me it was 27 C yesterday here but that's because it (apparently) couldn't update for here but could update everywhere else in my list.  My non-Internet barometer showed falling pressure and rain last night. 

However, since my original posting, it's all sunny, blue skies are back again with some passing cotton wool type clouds at 4000ft (I listened to ATIS for Budapest). My own weather station shows increasing pressure almost 20 C but still windy.

I'm using the Norwegian weather service these days on my laptop.  The Norwegians have a nice interface - www.yr.no - and in multiple languages.

klsallee wrote:

fluffy2560 wrote:

Yes, I was discussing  with Mrs Fluffy if we should put the heating on but she says it's just not cold enough!!  It's about 11 C outside now.

I only start to heat when the indoor temps drop to 19°C*. Indoor temp is currently at 22°C

What happens outdoors is not necessarily relevant.


* Or when the wife says, "I'm cold".

I'm usually the one complaining about it being cold.   

We're planning to buy some wood for the wood stove this week.   I haven't bought any wood in few years as we had quite a stash.

Looking like 30K HUF per 1m3 and about 50K for 1.7m3.  That seems quite expensive to me.  That's in like OBI or Bauhaus.  Local suppliers are even more expensive and want +10K HUF for delivery! Pffff......!!!

We only need about 1 or 2 tonnes of wood (2000kg) to last us 6 months as we don't use it all that often - couple of times a week depending on how cosy we think we should be. 

I think a tonne of (properly dry) wood would be 4m3 (250kg say per 1m3 cube) so we'd be looking at about 8 x 1m3 cubes or maybe 5 x 1.7m3 approx.

So that's a bit of a blow,  240-250K HUF seems too much.

Marilyn Tassy wrote:

....At least 10-12 people or more for dinners.
His idea of taking care of the meal was to order a 6 foot long Subway sandwich!!
....
She was a good cook and the only person who didn't like her food was my sisters MIL who was visiting from Wales.
My mom had to make "special" boiled potatoes etc. for this women because everything was too spicy for her delicate taste.
My mom told my sister to NEVER bring that women over again.
Mom loved her spicy food, she would of loved Hungarian dishes.

6ft Sub?  What's wrong with that?*

I would think with 10-12 for dinner, a buffet service would be the right thing to do.  If everyone brought something, it would really help.  It's just too much to do for one person.  Not everyone is Gordon Ramsay (Kitchen Nightmares - UK version is good show, US version not as good).

Something wrong about that woman from Wales. Curry is a national dish in the UK these days.
 

*Just joking.

fluffy2560 wrote:

I think a tonne of (properly dry) wood would be 4m3 (250kg say per 1m3 cube) so we'd be looking at about 8 x 1m3 cubes or maybe 5 x 1.7m3 approx.
.....
So that's a bit of a blow,  240-250K HUF seems too much.

I have never been able to buy dry wood in Hungary, in any significant amount, at a decent price. Not worth it. Better to plan ahead.

I buy fresh cut green wood in later winter, or early spring. Two metric tons/tonne of green wood will give me about 3 cubic meters of stacked wood (i.e. dry wood). Price is about 30,000 HUF a ton, split (plus delivery).

Oak takes two years to dry. Black Locust (what they call "white Acacia" here) can dry in one summer.

P.S. Don't trust anyone here who says they have dry wood. It may not be really dry enough to burn. If you don't have a wood moisture meter, buy one, and test on the inside of a fresh log split (not on the outside of a log). It needs to be below 20% moisture content. 15% is better.

klsallee wrote:

fluffy2560 wrote:

I think a tonne of (properly dry) wood would be 4m3 (250kg say per 1m3 cube) so we'd be looking at about 8 x 1m3 cubes or maybe 5 x 1.7m3 approx.
.....
So that's a bit of a blow,  240-250K HUF seems too much.

I have never been able to buy dry wood in Hungary, in any significant amount, at a decent price. Not worth it. Better to plan ahead.

I buy fresh cut green wood in later winter, or early spring. Two metric tons/tonne of green wood will give me about 3 cubic meters of stacked wood (i.e. dry wood). Price is about 30,000 HUF a ton, split (plus delivery).

Oak takes two years to dry. Black Locust (what they call "white Acacia" here) can dry in one summer.

P.S. Don't trust anyone here who says they have dry wood. It may not be really dry enough to burn. If you don't have a wood moisture meter, buy one, and test on the inside of a fresh log split (not on the outside of a log). It needs to be below 20% moisture content. 15% is better.

I know this experience.   The MIL bought some wood from someone hawking it around. It was terrible.  We had to stack it a couple of years and even then it was pretty crap.   I think the wood in places like Obi or Bauhaus is brought in from places like Ukraine and should be relatively dry when they've bought it in bulk.  We are so slow off the mark.  We should have sorted this last year. 

I have a moisture meter. I got it in Aldi a month ago for about 3-4K HUF.  It has a number of settings like wood, concrete/plaster.  I've measured myself just now and I'm 19% so I'd probably burn quite well.

I looked on some web sites and they give interesting information on the amount of heat kW given off per kg (for example).  The differences are surprisingly large and the moisture content vital to get that efficiency.

The Obi/Bauhaus cubes are made up of mixed woods so who knows what one really will get.

fluffy2560 wrote:

I looked on some web sites and they give interesting information on the amount of heat kW given off per kg (for example).

If you want to get really geeky or wonkish about firewood, go to the woodshed at hearth.com. Yeah, I am a forum member there too.

But don't go overboard and go full hipster*:

https://vimeo.com/138791666

* Yes, this video is satire, not real.