COVID-19 and expatriation in Hungary

Measures in Hungary are in my view still very soft as compared to other countries (in my view too soft).
The additional measures (for me and my wife) will not change anything (not even the parking fees as we go "out" well before 8 AM.
I think it is good to close pubs and probably for Budapest the night time curfew is good.

I personally expect additional measures shortly.

As a personal note of course I do not like to die (no entitlement, but I prefer to live another 20/25  years (me being (almost 60). The thing which really scares me is the after impact (lungs, heart,..).
Looking at people, the dying option it is not too bad, however I think governments really do know on long lasting effects. Conceptually for countries it is not too bad if people die early (massive, massive savings on pension payments, but they know that budget will be seriously by survivors with health issues)

Perhaps i am naive, but the vaccine is indeed the item to wait for. Yes I am getting older and indeed the world does not need me (apart from spending the assets we have).

Good luck to all reading the post, things will get even more depressive.

The world needs older people! We have experiences to share and one day when we are gone, the generations will believe that the lies are true.
My Japanese DIL didn't even know that in the US during WW11 that American citizens of Japanese origin were put in camps.
They do not teach real history or real facts.

A bit off topic

Indeed Marilyn, people often do not know about history, concentration camps in South Africa, US etc. Whereas I do believe in the Holocaust and hate the world for that (letting it happen), winners are not often challenged (even the US and GB have a nasty past).

People often have strong opinions but even can not point out where China is (let alone smaller countries like Cambodia or Kyrgyzstan).

As another side note, the world needs wisdom (but good we have books and documentation nowadays), I have my doubts though if they need me (I can be arrogant and yes I know a lot but I doubt if the world really needs me).

Trump and Biden have a lot of life experience, but personally I think the US (or any other country) does not need presidents exceeding 65yrs. I notice it with myself, I am less clever, less reactive then at 45 years. (part of life and I have to accept).

Of course I have my (strong) opinions, in the past I vividly defended those (I was quite right wing at the time).  Now I settled to survive, take care of my wife, family (no children, but inlaws and own brothers, sister and still living mother).
Also our animals have a mind and personality of their own (and I love them).

I am afraid totally off topic, but relevant for life.

Marilyn Tassy wrote:

....
My Japanese DIL didn't even know that in the US during WW11 that American citizens of Japanese origin were put in camps.
They do not teach real history or real facts.

That's really bad she didn't know.  But this is par for the course all over the world.  People need to read more.  Mrs Fluffy didn't know Hitler and Stalin had a pact to carve up Poland during WW2.   During the Commie times they were taught the Russian version of history.

The person who I reserve my ire for is Mel Gibson.  His "historical" movies are a complete distortion of the facts.  Not only once but twice - Braveheart and The Patriot.   

The other one which is notorious is the submarine movie U571.  Never has so much nonsense been spoken and distorted by so many.   

But we live in a COVID19 world of alternative facts at the moment.   The orange blob will keep that going.   I heard someone on the radio yesterday saying the USA is looking at 500K+ dead.  All sacrificed for El Donaldo's ego.  He's got nothing to lose if he's re-elected.

I probably shouldn't even mention this since my facts are not clear but on a web. site they had a chart that did predictions and stats in the US.
It went to the year 2025 and about 100 million of us were long gone....
My husband just made my heart race and not in a good way... He said if the US election is left undecided that old insane Nancy Pelosi will be in charge!! Holy Mother of God!!
Her BFF was Squeaky Fromme from the Manson Family. I mentioned in the past that the family lived in my area when I was a child. Creepy people. We had to drive by Spahn's Ranch every time we wanted to leave our then small town and go into the valley to shop. I know people who rented horses and had ,"Shorty" set them up!Not sure if he was short before r after they decapitated him...
Nancy's relations came and pulled her away from her LSD and insanity before all heck broke loose.
I don't trust her one bit to do anything right for anyone.
Mean time, we went to Tesco this afternoon inside Arena Plaza, hardly anyone inside the Tesco. Parking lot was very empty too.Went around noon time.
Our building has a sticker on the front door, some yellow thing that says someone in our house is under quarantine, once again! Why can't people just sit still for a moment or two?
Many service people will not enter a house that has a "sticker person" inside so they are disturbing everyone in the house by traveling all over and being locked in.
I am sorry to say I can't see the world ever going back to the way it was anytime soon if ever. sad may the world as we knew it RIP!

UK government advice on latest HU restrictions:

Travel in Hungary

Budapest Airport is open, but travel disruption and short notice flight cancellations are possible.

Everyone should comply with the measures put in place in Hungary to limit the spread of COVID-19.

There is a nationwide curfew in force between midnight and 5am, except for people working or commuting to and from work. You should generally not be outside your place of residence during these hours.

It is mandatory to wear a face mask on public transport and taxis, in shops, in bars and restaurants (except when eating or drinking), at sports events, in cinemas, theatres, concert halls, health and social care institutions, and public offices. Compliance with the rules is monitored and violators can face a fine.

Sporting events, cinemas and theatres must restrict attendance using only every third seat in the venue.

New restrictions on events that have recorded or live music mean that many will no longer be able to go ahead. Some venues, like nightclubs, will close. Venues with seating, like bars and restaurants, will be able to stay open for seated customers. Indoor events with over 500 attendees are currently banned.

Visitors to hospitals and social care facilities are banned. As of 1 October, only teachers and students will be allowed into school buildings and will be required to undergo temperature screening upon entry.

Parking nationwide is currently free of charge, to reduce crowds on public transport.

Local authorities have some powers to introduce additional restrictions, so follow local instructions.

Just as an aside, the free parking is quite nice but since local government (and including opposition held areas) have income from that source, one wonders if this is just a convenience to inconvenience some others politically.   This was also discussed when Mr Christmas became mayor of Budapest.

Marilyn Tassy wrote:

....
My husband just made my heart race and not in a good way... He said if the US election is left undecided that old insane Nancy Pelosi will be in charge!! Holy Mother of God!!
Her BFF was Squeaky Fromme from the Manson Family. I mentioned in the past that the family lived in my area when I was a child. Creepy people. We had to drive by Spahn's Ranch every time we wanted to leave our then small town and go into the valley to shop. I know people who rented horses and had ,"Shorty" set them up!Not sure if he was short before r after they decapitated him...
Nancy's relations came and pulled her away from her LSD and insanity before all heck broke loose.
I don't trust her one bit to do anything right for anyone.
Mean time, we went to Tesco this afternoon inside Arena Plaza, hardly anyone inside the Tesco. Parking lot was very empty too.Went around noon time.
Our building has a sticker on the front door, some yellow thing that says someone in our house is under quarantine, once again! Why can't people just sit still for a moment or two?
Many service people will not enter a house that has a "sticker person" inside so they are disturbing everyone in the house by traveling all over and being locked in.
I am sorry to say I can't see the world ever going back to the way it was anytime soon if ever. sad may the world as we knew it RIP!

I always thought of Nancy Pelosi as a bit of an oddball but I don't believe she hung out with the Manson Family.  So I looked and apparently it's fake news (click here).   If she'd really hung out then she'd never have reached the Speaker's chair.   There must be some due diligence.

I dunno what's going on in the USA. From here, it looks like people are losing their minds - some person who believes in the QAnon conspiracy theory has been elected.  I wonder if it's pollution or LSD in the water.

I'm beginning to think we're living in a parallel universe where we're all in a TV show or board game where DT is running some kind of bizarre joke on everyone.   And we're all trapped in the audience with no way to get out.    And COVID19 is the gift that just keeps on giving to mess everyone up.  I can imagine the Gods throwing in these wildcards just for fun.  Ay caramba, mein Gott.... 

Over in the UK, the virus is somewhat out of control.  All they are doing now is entering one month lockdown and intending to slow down hospital admissions to stop the health services being overwhelmed.   I expect we'll get that here soon enough but without the financial support.  I was due to fly to the UK but I expect I'm going to get cancelled....again.

We were at OBI this morning.  We didn't notice any difference from a normal weekday.  We also went to a specialist hardware/tool shop and there were normal numbers of workers and buyers.  Nothing really seems to have changed.   Kids are off school though.

I have to say (subjective perspective) I do not like any of the US candidates. For (almost) pensioners I think a lockdown without subsidies for employees and companies (especially the latter) is best. I have a company myself but I think I will be excluded for any subsidy (consultancy), no business whatsoever since quite a long time (I have to accept, but post-corona, pensioners will be part of the victims (amongst others (India, Brazil)). .
Personally scared on hyper-inflation or massive taxes for dealing with this,

Being a bit philosophical I think most of the members have enjoyed a good and interesting life.  Still I am happy to have a life in good health and mind (especially the latter if I am right (i do not know nowadays)) for 20 more years would suit me quite well (Corona is not helping though).

I am happy that I could go to school, have a job, meet very interesting people, have nice holidays and IN THESE TIMES enjoy life a bit and not be in a desperate situation.
Being married, have nice animals, good house and big garden (and for that matter Internet and TV helps in keeping myself sane and from time to time emphatic)

The good thing about living in a village in Hungary is that there are no mobs robbing houses (yet), there are still shops and home deliveries, government and infrastructure (police, hospitals, Gas/Water/Electricity) still seem to work (we should feel privileged in being allowed to have access).

Apologies for sounding chaotic, but that is the way I feel.

I've been wanting to check out some places outside of Budapest but my husband is dragging his feet.
He is 73 and can fix just about anything but the problem is he no longer feels like fixing anything.
If we had family here it would be different to buy a large house then having a place just for the 2 of us.
We are good in our little flat in the city.
He is a city boy anyways and I'm frm the S. Ca. burbs.
We have found a few interesting spots to purchase but again, what for?
I never expected to live to 30 when I was a teenager but now at nearly 66 I'm not going without a fight.
We are in great health, for now. I take zero meds an dmy husband takes a half pill for his speedy heart. Not a big surprise , his heart has acted that way since he got ill as a 5 or 6 year old. It was enough to keep him 4F from the HU military service.
Yesterday however as we entered our flat and hubby was working the keys our silly single 64 year old neighbor walked out of her flat, 2 doors down and came toward us.She had a mask on , we said hi and she came closer and started coughing her head off. That was weird and soemthing I'd perfer to avoid. I waved her back so now she probably thinks I'm an evil person. Even in normal times I don't enjoy someone hacking in my face.
Some people just don't think.
See people all the time here lowering their maks and spitting on the st.
Virus or no virus that's not exactly a healthy or considerate thing to do,
My husband on one hand says the county life would be nice, we even found an area near water and so reasonable in price we could just pay cash for it but.. A big but, he always says village people are not his type. Since he is Hungarian they will want to get to know us and that always gets odd. People get jealous or werded out because they never can figure out why he moved back to Hungary from the US.
He also says there could be gangs of low life people who would love to bother 2 old people on their own if and when they get desperate. At least in the city we are not the only foriegners around.
If our boy tires of Japan then we would move to a larger place or just give him this flat and move ourselves to a smaller town. Right now Japan seems rather good for him, safe at least.
No one knows much about us and we basically live lower then we can afford to. Don't do flashy or try to draw attention to ourselves.
I save my flashy things for Vegas and then only for special times.
Can't tell yo the last time I even looked into my pretty things. Locked away for now.

Very much depends on what one wants where to move, we ourselves live in the countryside (which is fine), however looking to move to an appartment (garden is far too big in the long term and the house is too big for 2).
Having said that in our street there is an interesting mix of expats and locals, crime is virtually non-existent and (for the expat part), many of them are 70+ and some 80+, public transport is fine and many of the elderly residents like the thermal lake (Heviz) and restaurant culture (in my view far too limited (no Indian, no chinese, ..), but in pre (and probably post) corona times the Hungarian restaurants are good.
Budapest of course has a lot too offer, but if you are not too demanding in culture (eg Keszthely in my view offers more then enough) living in the countryside is fine from that aspect as well.

We ourselves will put out house up for sale (even have done so), but we are in no hurry at all (could be 5 or 10 more years), we bought at a good time 5 years ago and are willing to cash in if possible, but we are fine if not.
A proper balance between price, area, and also size of the house and garden (not too big) is important. Whereas we have  English speakers in the neighborhood, our experience is that it is much easier when you speak German.
When getting older (I can still drive but I do not know for how many more years (eye-sight?) public transport is a very important pre-requisite (my wife does not have a driving license).

I have lived in cities myself before and personally I do not like them. A size of 40.000 is more then enough and honestly village life is even better. Budapest is far too big and even when living in London in the center (next to Tower bridge) with all the CCTV crime and asocial behaviour is everywhere (I have to admit that CCTV really helps though in limiting crime).

For Hungary I can only speak for Heviz and surroundings, in the 5/6 years we have lived here in any case no problems with crime, good infra-structure, quiet friendly neighbors, no need to be able to speak Hungarian (although I wish I could), a bit more expensive than other areas but convenient.

Can you deal with the QUIET is one of the key questions, sounds good and in  my view it is good, but not all can deal with it. In the past once per week to a restaurant, once per two weeks to a concert, for my wife a few times per week swimming, a bit of strolling here or there at Balaton from time to time.

By the way, as per definition as a foreigner you are rich and with eg maintenance people will overcharge you , but I am sure that is the same in Budapest, we are fine with that and we accept, just knowing a few people you can trust is enough. Jealousy might however be more explicit in the countryside then it is in the city. (Honestly I myself do not care, my wife might be more sensitive)

In a way I feel guilty of having had a good job in the past (but I worked very very hard, more often then not working 12 hours per day, sometimes 16 and one time even 36). Still many Hungarians also work hard and they get/got a fraction. Am I very clever (no I am not), I just have been lucky.
However that is life.

I'm OK with being where I am in life. I honestly never pushed myself hard to do anything I didn't want to do.
My husband was the "brains" in the outfit and never ran from work. Had a machine  shop we started up ourselves with a HU partner and he still worked fr another HUngarian full time. Worked 12 hour days or longer all the time. Can't remember how many over baked left in the oven dinner waited for him at home as he never had normal work hours. ( word of advice, never have a HU business partner... long story)
In the end, most of that work has long been forgotten and all the big bucks spent...
We are fine here in Hungary have more then we need but then again, you never know what the future holds.
Frugal is my new way of life, hated it at first but now I am used to it.

I am wary of any sort of new vax for this virus.
I remember in the early 80's when people were dropping from AIDS.
Knew a guy, a friend of my sister and my SIL who had AIDS.
We went to a house party at my bro's home and the guy was a guest.
No one told us he had AIDS ( yes he was gay) and we shared snacks out of the same bowl and my husband had a fun time joking and talking up close to him.
We found out later he was ill with AIDS and sort of wondered why no one had given us the optin of not coming to the party, all was OK though.
Poor guy passed a few months later.
At the time no one knew how to treat AIDS, with this virus I'm afriad they may get it very wrng at first as well and make people mre ill with a cure.
I later say a year later went shopping and on the PA system they wanted someone to go outside the store where a man had gone down and needed CPR. I just learned CPR because my Iranian friend's son had almost drowned and I thought some adult should know how to do something other then stand around screaming. I wasn't there at the pool when her son was in trouble but I hung there most days so took the course.
Well, since AIDS was all over the news I was a tiny bit put off from helping this man. No else came forward so I thought heck guess it's up to me after all.
Did mouth to mouth on him while another man gave cheast compressions.
A nurse came over shortly and took over for me. I felt ill , guess emtionally worn out.
My husband was really upset when I told him because of AIDS and not knowing how anyone could get it. Learned the next day the man passed so that was creepy.
I had thought to myself at the time about the man;s family and if he was my family I'd wish someone to try and help, if I got ill then at least I tried to help smeone. My thoughts later however were of getting my own family ill.
Thank God you couldn't catch AIDS from giving CPR but who knew back then? Same thing now, who knows what's really going on.

BTW, even my HU husband doesn't trust workmen here these days. He says many nevr learned the correct way in trade school and some are just helpers who act like they know their stuff when they don't. They overcharge even Hungarians. Hubby said all the people who knew how to fix things moved out of the country to make some bucks.

Marilyn Tassy wrote:

I've been wanting to check out some places outside of Budapest but my husband is dragging his feet.
He is 73 and can fix just about anything but the problem is he no longer feels like fixing anything.
..
..... A big but, he always says village people are not his type. Since he is Hungarian they will want to get to know us and that always gets odd. People get jealous or werded out because they never can figure out why he moved back to Hungary from the US.
He also says there could be gangs of low life people who would love to bother 2 old people on their own if and when they get desperate. At least in the city we are not the only foriegners around.
....

I tend to agree with your hubby Marilyn.  I'm easily capable of fixing many things but I cannot be bothered.  I've got to replace the water pump on my hobby car but looking outside it's miserable and wet and I am lucky to have the choice not to do it  unless I want.  So the difference  is the option not to do it.  If I was reliant on the car then I'd be more in a hurry.  I have decided to do the water pump tomorrow as it's forecast to be sunny but we'll see then if I get interested.  Other stuff to do.

One doesn't have to live entirely in the countryside or entirely in the city. We live in a large'ish village in a typical suburban street but we're right on the edge of Budapest.  It was deliberate choice.  Not too far but far enough especially for kids.  The border is only 400-500m away up the hill.  So if we want city services we can go to Moscow Square (no, Kallman Square who?) and be there in 20 minutes either by bus or car.  We have plenty of foreigners around here of all persuasions but while we know some,  we are not involved with them other than in passing nods and the odd word.

I seem to be occasionally  known as the British guy but I'm not the only one but really it's Mrs Fluffy - she seems to know everyone.  I know people gossip about us because people have gossiped to Mrs Fluffy about the foreigners living in our street not knowing Mrs Fluffy is rather intimately familiar with those people! 

We moved here deliberately  - country but close to the city, blue buses and  within easy reach of medical services.   We've got the COVID19 isolation hospital nearby which is either unfortunate or lucky.

cdw057 wrote:

....

Can you deal with the QUIET is one of the key questions, sounds good and in  my view it is good, but not all can deal with it. In the past once per week to a restaurant, once per two weeks to a concert, for my wife a few times per week swimming, a bit of strolling here or there at Balaton from time to time.

Having lived a very hectic life and being sent all over the world, the quietness and general restfulness of the countryside in one place is pretty good. 

It doesn't last though - 6 months and it starts to get old but as I progress through time, it's looking pretty good for the future lifestyle.

In COVID times, all that overhead of going here and there is becoming distinctly less unattractive now I think about it.

Tried to go to the UK on the plane tomorrow (Sunday).  Cancelled due to lockdown.   That's the 4th time now.   Good news is full refund but I had plans that are all but a distant dream now. Damn that virus.

To cheer me up post-Joe win, I was kind of hoping Donny T does a Scarface leaving the White House*. 



*Without hurting anyone of course, he's hurt enough people already.

fluffy2560 wrote:

Marilyn Tassy wrote:

I've been wanting to check out some places outside of Budapest but my husband is dragging his feet.
He is 73 and can fix just about anything but the problem is he no longer feels like fixing anything.
..
..... A big but, he always says village people are not his type. Since he is Hungarian they will want to get to know us and that always gets odd. People get jealous or werded out because they never can figure out why he moved back to Hungary from the US.
He also says there could be gangs of low life people who would love to bother 2 old people on their own if and when they get desperate. At least in the city we are not the only foriegners around.
....

I tend to agree with your hubby Marilyn.  I'm easily capable of fixing many things but I cannot be bothered.  I've got to replace the water pump on my hobby car but looking outside it's miserable and wet and I am lucky to have the choice not to do it  unless I want.  So the difference  is the option not to do it.  If I was reliant on the car then I'd be more in a hurry.  I have decided to do the water pump tomorrow as it's forecast to be sunny but we'll see then if I get interested.  Other stuff to do.

One doesn't have to live entirely in the countryside or entirely in the city. We live in a large'ish village in a typical suburban street but we're right on the edge of Budapest.  It was deliberate choice.  Not too far but far enough especially for kids.  The border is only 400-500m away up the hill.  So if we want city services we can go to Moscow Square (no, Kallman Square who?) and be there in 20 minutes either by bus or car.  We have plenty of foreigners around here of all persuasions but while we know some,  we are not involved with them other than in passing nods and the odd word.

I seem to be occasionally  known as the British guy but I'm not the only one but really it's Mrs Fluffy - she seems to know everyone.  I know people gossip about us because people have gossiped to Mrs Fluffy about the foreigners living in our street not knowing Mrs Fluffy is rather intimately familiar with those people! 

We moved here deliberately  - country but close to the city, blue buses and  within easy reach of medical services.   We've got the COVID19 isolation hospital nearby which is either unfortunate or lucky.

The burb area sounds lovely.
Sorry about the cancelled flight.
I don't even want to think about not being allowing into Japan right now.
My husband.( Mr. Logic) says there is nothing either of us could do if for some reason Our son needed us.
We are not doctors or miricle workers and he has a wife and family over there to help out if needed.
True but still.. I always liked thinking i just had to buy a ticket and I could visit him anytime I wanted to.
Of course he is welcome here in Hungary and as a HU citizen they shouldn't turn him away.
Just heard another 5,000 people here in Hungary have been infected with C-19 and it's mutating.
We went produce shopping at a large outdors farmers market yesterday.
Some young man passed by me and sneezed really loud, I moaned and walked away from him as fast as I could.
It made me think what this virus is doing to our mental health, used to be we'd say, "God bless you" now we think, "God blank you!". That's just terrible how easy we can be manipulated against each other.

Marilyn Tassy wrote:

.....
We went produce shopping at a large outdoors farmers market yesterday.
Some young man passed by me and sneezed really loud, I moaned and walked away from him as fast as I could.
It made me think what this virus is doing to our mental health, used to be we'd say, "God bless you" now we think, "God blank you!". That's just terrible how easy we can be manipulated against each other.

Your hubby is right.  What could you do there if something happened in Japan?

We were out at  Hármashatárhegy (airport) yesterday walking with the dog in the sun.  It was mobbed.  There were hundreds of people, most of them unable to recognise that planes and particularly gliders take off and land there and they had to constantly shout for people to get out the way.   No-one was wearing a mask but we were all more than 2m apart. Presumably it was busy because everything else is closed.

Covid in Hungary, I think much better discipline here then in many other countries, nevertheless we can't stop the bloody thing although I have to say in summer it was much better then I expected and I have to admit that staying in voluntary quarantaine during that period was probably overdone during that period, (still referring to my posts in spring my regret is not too strong (just sad that we missed summer a bit) (or even more)). 

I recall 2019, concerts, restaurants, shopping when we needed to, of course always something to concern oneself about (garden, electricity, life in general), but when looking 1 year back it was all good, now it is also not too bad but very very different. It is like with tooth-ache, terrible but if it is gone life feels great again, I suspect it is the same with Covid once it is gone, life is all the better. (assuming it does not catch us (but like my wife says we must be the most careful people in Hungary (so chances are small but can not be excluded))

Anyhow the upcoming period will be difficult, very difficult and I wish the readers of the forum good health and good luck (reverse lottery).
We have prepared ourselves (especially in terms of shopping for our animals and ourselves) but bad luck can always strike (one never knows).

Last note, different approaches when the vaccine is there (Germany in my view sensible, nurses/doctors and elderly first, The Netherlands considers the opposite (young people first).)

Sorry, I am wishing to be the last on the list for any Vax.
I am sure when they have a vax ready people will be dropping like flies within a short time or  they will have some effects that aren't so good.
i also believe if you do not take a vax they will force you inot home quaratine forever.
I really believe I must right out my will because they will have to take my rotting body out of my flat before I allow them to stick me with whatever they wish to.
I am alreasdy breaking out with teenage acne fromnwearting a mask, how much worst is it going to be?
I feel just horrible for people who have young children right now, single parents and those without a income.
Someone in power must pay for this crime against humanity.
Perhaps I am going off now because I wore my "retarded" mask on the st. today and I am lacking oxygen?!

fluffy2560 wrote:

Marilyn Tassy wrote:

.....
We went produce shopping at a large outdoors farmers market yesterday.
Some young man passed by me and sneezed really loud, I moaned and walked away from him as fast as I could.
It made me think what this virus is doing to our mental health, used to be we'd say, "God bless you" now we think, "God blank you!". That's just terrible how easy we can be manipulated against each other.

Your hubby is right.  What could you do there if something happened in Japan?

We were out at  Hármashatárhegy (airport) yesterday walking with the dog in the sun.  It was mobbed.  There were hundreds of people, most of them unable to recognise that planes and particularly gliders take off and land there and they had to constantly shout for people to get out the way.   No-one was wearing a mask but we were all more than 2m apart. Presumably it was busy because everything else is closed.

I am the sort who loves action but ATM I am happy to reduce my exposure to this insantiy as much as I can by staying in my bubble at home.
Working out, cooking, cleaning and trying to sort out the flat. The outside world is a nightmare right now.
Just wish I could get my husband more active indoors.
I bug him half to death to join me in my exercise and meditations.
OH well, we can only do our best.
I seriously also feel for the young party people who need emotionaly to connect with others in bars and dance halls. It is more about the children and young right now although the media goes on and on about the elderly.
We have lived our lives and it is what is is but the young will be repressed and go mental.
Time to sit down and right up that will after all I guess?
I am not depressed in any form just seeing what is unfolding and being a bit clear minded, I hope.
It is a re-set.
Not much we can do about it since we let ,"them" take control and we played their game.
Sorry if my grammer or typing is off, my laptop is on the blink and my eyesite is bad, getting an exam next week but as they have stopped all elective surgeries I am just going to wing it for now...

cdw057 wrote:

....

Last note, different approaches when the vaccine is there (Germany in my view sensible, nurses/doctors and elderly first, The Netherlands considers the opposite (young people first).)

Mrs Fluffy has said she's really worried Orban will buy Russian or Chinese vaccines and not the Western versions.  She's said she and the kids are not having it if that's the case.  So we'll have to try and do it privately if we can find a place with the Western one.

I believe the EU has bought 300M of the Western one so perhaps this is not a real fear.  But how is this going to be done?  Compulsory vaccination, citizen or not?  People just dragged off the street or told to report to a local centre near where they live?   And how to show one is vaccinated?  Tattoo on the forearm?

Mrs Fluffy said the Orban has deployed "TEK" which is the Counter Terrorism Unit to patrol the streets and enforce the curfew.   

This might just be the virus that keeps on giving - another opportunity O1G has been looking for - walking into a dictatorship.

Same stuff going on all over the world from what I hear.
I said to my husband just the ther day the same thing your wife did, Ain't taken no Russian vax!!
Or any vax if I can help it.
Mark of the beast... get your DNA changing shot of goodbye to what little freedom you think you have.
Ok, I might be getting too much but soner or later, yes, you will need prove of vax to leave your home.
Might start with some sort of wrist band or app. on your phone, I am not buying a cell phone just t show I had a vax!They can buy me one if they want to but I'm not interested in being,"connected" to the matrix.
I'm online far too much as it is but for now it's fun.
Just to think a decade ago I had no interest at all in even having an e-mail addess.
I heard they are going to use the military in the US to give our vaxes when they are ready to roll it out. I think they already have a so called vax but just letting things brew , the fear and anger to the pint where people will be begging for a va.
I heard Chicago went into a hard lockdown yesterday.
Their mayor said to cancel Thanksgiving and that the children will be getting tears for Christmas! What in the world?
I know it was illegal at one time in the US to have Christmas, not sure when hundreds of years back with one religious group, Pilgrims probably.
I'm serious I will make a will before I get a vax if Imust get one.
Do or die?
One way or the other this is not great news.
On the lighter side we wore our masks to walk over to Aldi and I noticed some young women not wearing one but wearing sports shoes and trying to look like an athelic person, didn't fool me, her color was bad and her legs not fit, well hate to say i was right because she walked right into a tobacco shop after finally putting her mask on to enter the shop.
I do obverse people, guess it is ingrained in me from so many years of picking up their vibes at my jobs.
I must say there is a vibe of fear, unrest and anxiety out there now.
I may just stay indoors today, just go out every few days, not to avid some illness but to stay away from the bad energy out there.
Keeping busy listening to my classic rock, working out indoors and cooking and cleaning, U tube, Netflix, not enough time in the day to do it all, who needs to be outdoors right now?
No, need to get out every once  in awhile as to not lose touch with reality.
Next week a trip to the ophthalmologist, eye doc. Can at least try to get on the list for elective eye surgery if needed.Might be using a white cane before we are allowed to get back to ,"normal" again.
Funny as a teenager I lived with my sister and niece in Hollywod on , Normal Ave.

Hungary to become first EU state to trial Russian Covid vaccine

Marilyn Tassy wrote:

Same stuff going on all over the world from what I hear.
I said to my husband just the ther day the same thing your wife did, Ain't taken no Russian vax!!
Or any vax if I can help it.
Mark of the beast... get your DNA changing shot of goodbye to what little freedom you think you have.
Ok, I might be getting too much but soner or later, yes, you will need prove of vax to leave your home.
Might start with some sort of wrist band or app. on your phone, I am not buying a cell phone just t show I had a vax!They can buy me one if they want to but I'm not interested in being,"connected" to the matrix.
I'm online far too much as it is but for now it's fun.
Just to think a decade ago I had no interest at all in even having an e-mail addess.
I heard they are going to use the military in the US to give our vaxes when they are ready to roll it out. I think they already have a so called vax but just letting things brew , the fear and anger to the pint where people will be begging for a va.
....
Funny as a teenager I lived with my sister and niece in Hollywod on , Normal Ave.

I'm not really thinking conspiracy theory, just risk.  Not trying to contribute to any fake news.  People should have the vaccine eventually.

I think Mrs Fluffy just doesn't trust the Russian or Chinese vaccine production or their science.   We're just not that sure it's been tested sufficiently but OV will want the cheapest solution.

The Russian vaccine company will be Putin self-interest stooges and the Chinese one will see their test subjects as giving up their lives for the party.  I don't even trust a DT promoted vaccine.   Pfizer, not so sure about as it's a US company (no offence, just don't trust things in a post-DT world).  BioNTech (Pfizer's partner) from Germany, yes, I would trust them.   

The trouble is that there's going to be no way to travel anywhere without a COVID19 vaccination certificate. So that'll mean a central, worldwide, register of all certifications and your personal details.  Maybe the WHO (World Health Organisation) vaccination certificates will be enough.  Or will we all need a barcode tattoo on our forearms.  I don't think that's gonna fly. 

It's an wannabe autocrat O1G/Erdogan/Trump etc dream to track everyone worldwide or even putting in a tracking device in everyone under their skin like a cat or dog.   People will be taking out their tracking chips and going off grid.   

Next thing, you cannot buy anything without flashing your ID or being tracked.  Don't buy a copy of Catcher in the Rye as the CIA alarm bells will ring and they'll be around at 3am to see what else you've got!

But one has to wonder who exactly needs it anyway - might have had it already and be immune against that strain.  If it's 95% effective, we're up to herd immunity levels presumably.

Hollywood Normal Avenue seems like an oxymoron.  Hollywood, Brash and Bonkers Boulevard perhaps works.

SimCityAT wrote:

Hungary to become first EU state to trial Russian Covid vaccine

Jeez, this is like being in a real time Nostradamus prediction.   It's becoming reality faster than I can type.  All I need now is next week's lottery numbers.

I couldn't see the FT article as it's behind a paywall but I scrapped this off The Independent ....

Hungary is on track to become the first EU nation to trial Russia’s Sputnik V coronavirus vaccine, after authorities said they would receive samples of the jab by the end of next week.

Late-stage trials of the vaccine have not yet concluded, but Russia’s sovereign wealth fund published interim data on Wednesday suggesting it was 92 per cent effective — two days after the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine announcement that dominated headlines and boosted global markets.

Hailing “good news for Hungary” as his country was plunged into a strict second lockdown, foreign affairs and trade minister Peter Szijjarto announced on national TV that Budapest would receive a sample of Sputnik V within a week-and-a-half for laboratory testing.

The two countries are in “advanced negotiations” over the sale of full doses, said Mr Szijjarto, who is self-isolating with coronavirus.

Clinical trials and licensing are to begin in December and, depending on the results, Hungary will begin to procure the vaccine in larger quantities in mid-January, he told the nation on Wednesday evening.

The sale of Sputnik V to an EU nation would mark a significant triumph for the Kremlin, and is also indicative of Hungary’s growing bond with Russia, with prime minister Viktor Orban — a proponent of “illiberal democracy” — apparently keen to emulate president Vladimir Putin’s strongman tendencies.

The Kremlin drew a sharp response from scientists and potential recipients in August by granting the vaccine approval ahead of third phase trials, after testing it on several dozen subjects in non-blind trials.

Amid a backlash from frontline workers singled out as priority recipients for the jab, such as teachers and doctors, Vladimir Putin sought to assuage concerns by claiming his daughter had been among those to receive the vaccine.

But despite reticence from the EU and US to legitimise Russia’s vaccine, which is being developed by the Gamaleya Institute, a host of countries around the world have signalled their interest, including Brazil, Argentina, Mexico, Saudi Arabia, India, Indonesia and the Philippines.

This might just push Mrs Fluffy over the edge.  She's already becoming really unhappy it's sliding slowly into a dictatorship, with more extremist policies,  no hope of O1G being ousted and the EU doing FA about it.    Fall of Trump might have knock on effects but who wants to wait.

I really do feel badly for those stuck without income right now.
Not easy to be in a foreign country and not know where your next meal is coming from
My son in Japan said no one is forcing anyone to wear a mask where he lives, Fukuoka.
His Japanese wife and he don't wear one unless they have to .
He is a internet worker at home, would probably be doing this job C-19 or not.
I just pray this BS is over with by springtime.
He thought his language skills were good enough but in reality not so much.
Like anything, it takes many years to perfect.
We went to a large outdoor farmers market today, nice t get out even though it was a masked parade.
Super chilly to me but I'm not sporting too much extra weight and my blood is more for S. Ca. then Hungary.
I'm still thawing out and it's been hours since we have been back home.

Border checks are now in place between Austria and Hungary until May 2021.

On another note, Austria is to go into a full lockdown from Tuesday 17th November till 03 December at the earliest.

SimCityAT wrote:

Border checks are now in place between Austria and Hungary until May 2021.

On another note, Austria is to go into a full lockdown from Tuesday 17th November till 03 December at the earliest.

Ay, Ay, Ay Caramba as Bart Simpson says.

So that's more border control theatre at that tent thing they had going Hungary to Austria on the Budapest-Vienna road? 

It's a great opportunity to go back to the pre-Schengen days or looking in the back of the car to see who was hiding there as subterfuge for nationalism.  Oh look it's Charlie Coronavirus! Illegal immigrant from Asia, let's build a beautiful wall to keep those pesky diseases out.   

It's all an utter waste of time, that particular horse has now well and truly bigly bolted.   It's really out there and spreading uncontrollably.   I don't think they are even slowing it down now.   

I just took the dog for a walk and in our village/town (pop. 14K), of the people I passed perhaps only 1 in 8 had a mask on.  It's compulsory here now (village pop > 10K) even just walking about regardless of social distancing  - but not jogging and not in public parks. 

I suppose people either don't care, think it's stupid, are not informed enough or think it's political (new rules brought in just before giant anti-government protest in Budapest).

We got a call this morning frm our neighbor.
She lives alone now that her mother passed away during the first lockdown. NOt C-19 related at all, she had issues long before that.
Our poor neighobr is freaking out badly, her BP is through the roof.
She has been watching far too much news about the pandemic and she is losing it.
She wanted to go over to the district clinic emergency.
We went over there years ago when my husband wasn't feeling good. Not a place to really go,you had to wake the guys up who work there and they aren't too ahppy about it.
They just told my husband to call a cab and go to the ER??! Thought they were suppose to take you over if needed?
Anyways, that's another tale.
We told her to shut off the tv set, relax, watch a nice movie and call us a bit later to see how she is feeling.
Wow, the panic is worst then the illness!
I'm really sorry for her, being alone right now must be hard for some people.
I suppose we will have to ring her up if she doesn't call back in a few hours?

I have to say I also probably look far too much news, having said that it can not be too much too easily (I think the topic is downplayed too much in order to keep the economy alive(,
I do not know if your neighbor acted reseponsibly but giving a call back will definitely be good. Easy to get out of your mind for people who live alone and a bit of attention will help. Just call!

Marilyn Tassy wrote:

We got a call this morning frm our neighbor.
She lives alone now that her mother passed away during the first lockdown. NOt C-19 related at all, she had issues long before that.
Our poor neighobr is freaking out badly, her BP is through the roof.
She has been watching far too much news about the pandemic and she is losing it.
She wanted to go over to the district clinic emergency.
We went over there years ago when my husband wasn't feeling good. Not a place to really go,you had to wake the guys up who work there and they aren't too ahppy about it.
They just told my husband to call a cab and go to the ER??! Thought they were suppose to take you over if needed?
Anyways, that's another tale.
We told her to shut off the tv set, relax, watch a nice movie and call us a bit later to see how she is feeling.
Wow, the panic is worst then the illness!
I'm really sorry for her, being alone right now must be hard for some people.
I suppose we will have to ring her up if she doesn't call back in a few hours?

That was good advice.  People should stop winding themselves up.  But if her BP was past 200 then she should go to hospital.  That's seriously dangerous.  The rule I believe is 220 minus your age.  So if someone was 70, their BP shouldn't be past 150.   My MIL has seriously dangerous BP and gets well over 200 regularly.   If it's breathlessness too - definitely an emergency ambulance job.

I was chatting to my eldest Fluffyette in the UK last night and the subject was how this kind of lockdown is beginning to affect people's minds.  The word was that people's mental health is becoming a serious problem.   Words and phrases like  "prison",  "jail", "no quality of life", "lonely" and "hopeless" are being used.  Joint opinion was that people were going to start disobeying the lockdown rules as they are so frustrated with the restrictions. 

I've got  high BP and I've reduced it by around 10 points by stopping drinking alcohol, not being on social media at all except here, taking the dog out each day for walks, not reading the news so much and deliberately switching off from work by 22h each evening (I have to join in on work video conferences some evenings due to time differences) and trying to keep a sense of humour. 

I have also being trying to practice some mind related relaxation.  I can bring it down  a bit by trying to get into a zone for 5 minutes. It's not difficult, just relaxing each muscle, closing one's eyes, imagining one is on a nice beach with palm trees and the sound of the water sloshing rhythmically up the sand.   That kind of thing.

I had to go to the on-call district doctor once and he was chain smoking cardiologist  (!!!) presumably moonlighting.  He looked absolutely annoyed we'd turned there.  But I'd been bitten by a dog while waiting at a bus stop so needed the rabies shot asap so when he heard that he was much nicer. It was in the late 1990s.  Not the same nowadays I'm sure.

cdw057 wrote:

I have to say I also probably look far too much news, having said that it can not be too much too easily (I think the topic is downplayed too much in order to keep the economy alive)...
....!

I beginning to think we're all being lied to about positiveness pushed by the politicians in the media.   It'd take years to vaccinate everyone so it's here to stay.   We're going to have to live with it now as it's just everywhere.  Slowing it down is a good idea but the pain of how that happens is doing people's heads in.

Our neighbor seems better now, hope so at least.
She is chatting with my husband on the phone now.
He is really god at calming people down, too bad he has a short temper himself!
Once before she passed my mother was going off the rails at times, easy enoguh to do consdering my step-dad was a full blown alcoholic her last year or two of life.
She enjoyed her drinks as well and she had a temper like no one i ever knew if pushed.
My step- dad called us up around 2 am in the morning freaking out because my mom was on a rant and he couldn't do anything to help her.
She was out of her mind angry and yelling at him.
We got dressed, woke our son up and drove to her home.
She was jumpy and angry, my husband talked her down, got her to bed, held her hand and stroked her head and spoke softly to her for more then one hour until she was sleeping like a baby.
He missed his calling I think, he should of been a doctor or priest.
My mom loved him , first it was hate then love.
I'm in the middle of my workout, just wanted a mid break...
Thought of our old neighbor who passed, yes , yet another one.
Listening on u tube to his playing.
I had no idea he was so famous and so good.
I remember when he passed they had a 100 Gypsy violin group playing at his funeral.We didn't go, I wanted to but my husband said we didn't belong there, it was a Gypsy funeral and sort of their traditon ect.
Would of been interesting to go though, I liked the old guy he was always holding the door for me and hitting his drunk son on the head if he didn't act right around the house.
Bela Berki was his name.
He is really good, I used to hear him give lessons in his flat but I had no idea he was this talented. He passed from lung cancer, too many cigs.The family moved away after he died, bought a big house in the countryside. Some people were glad the son was gone but I thought he was funny and always half drunk walking and stumbling around the building.
Well , my husband is laughing on the phone so seems all is now well.

Marilyn Tassy wrote:

....
I remember when he passed they had a 100 Gypsy violin group playing at his funeral.We didn't go, I wanted to but my husband said we didn't belong there, it was a Gypsy funeral and sort of their traditon ect.
Would of been interesting to go though, I liked the old guy he was always holding the door for me and hitting his drunk son on the head if he didn't act right around the house.
Bela Berki was his name.
He is really good, I used to hear him give lessons in his flat but I had no idea he was this talented. ...
Well , my husband is laughing on the phone so seems all is now well.

I couldn't think of anything worse than 100 gypsy violins anywhere never mind a funeral.  Be enough to wake the dead. Not to say I don't appreciate the skill in violin playing but just not when I cannot hear for all that nonsense.   

I used to go to meetings in restaurants where there were gypsy musicians.  We were trying to talk and they kept coming over trying to serenade people clearly deep in discussions.   Just clear off (except more forcefully) and do that somewhere else - we're trying to talk business and you ain't helping!  I think they wanted us to pay them to go away. Must be method in their madness.

I subsequently said to my colleagues, if we have a meeting, let's not have meetings in restaurants where there are live musicians and it's become my official policy! Recorded music in the background can at least be moderated.  It's almost Christmas so I might change my name to Grinch or Scrooge when it comes to violin playing in restaurants.

BTW, another vaccine from Janssen (not Russian, not Chinese but Belgian yet owned by Johnson and Johnson* of USA) looks like it might be ready - doesn't help innoculate me against violin playing - but might work on COVID19.



*  I'm already against it because Johnson and Johnson is owned by Woody "Woodpecker" Johnson, Trump appointed US Ambassador to the UK.  He should learn to shut his mouth, mind his own business and get the next plane out and take his chlorinated chicken and golf with him. Almost as bad as Joseph Kennedy.     Thankfully Johnson will be out of his UK job soon.

We defo are living in an episode of the Twilight Zone.
I'm 100% sure of that much!
I hate to admit it but after getting into the "zone" where our neighbor was and then my little sister wrote in a sort of panic to pray for her city because of cases of C-19, I started to feel a bit down yesterday. I'm usually good under these conditions where most people are losing their stuff. I also can deeply feel other people's pain and that sucks right now.
Not my usual don't give a dam self.
I told my husband this morning I didn't sleep well and was upset after all because of the vibes yesterday.
He replied in his usual stoic way saying, So how long do you want to stick around anyways?" Nice... What a question, I forgot what I said but something like long enough to see the sun again and to see these A H**** in power burn. I didn't like his attitude and told him to buy some wood and start making our coffins if that's the way he thinks. We can just sleep in them and see what happens.
This is just the begining of this mess I fear, walked today on the grand blvd. and saw a cpuple of men without masks who were also walking, every women had one on. Guess we ,"chicks" follow orders better, that's OK with me, I like seeing people stand up for what they believe but then again I get mad because I feel the fool wearing a mask too.
Perhaps if I was on my own turf in the US I'd be a rebel too.
Went into Aldi and had to be told my nose wasn't covered up enough, forgot to cover it because I wanted to actually enjoy my walk and get some fresh air, excuse me.
How distorted is this world when people are fighting over air?
I see idiots on FB here in Hungary bragging about going out after 8 pm because they have a dog. Now that's just so dumb and will lead to animal abuse.
I know some sucm bag criminals will get some dogs so they can cruise at night and look over their turf.
People will pick up dogs and later dump them when they are no longer needed .
Perhaps it will lead to a few select people getting permission to even have a dog or outright make dogs illegal within city limits.
Seen too many sci-fi movies to not think about where any perk can turn into a nightmare later on.
At least when there is a food shortage we know where to pick up some "doggie treats" how gross but that's what happened during the wars.In fact the animal waste people leave on the sidewalks is much more dangerous to human health then C-19.

Marilyn Tassy wrote:

We defo are living in an episode of the Twilight Zone.
I'm 100% sure of that much!
I hate to admit it but after getting into the "zone" where our neighbor was and then my little sister wrote in a sort of panic to pray for her city because of cases of C-19, I started to feel a bit down yesterday.....
He replied in his usual stoic way saying, So how long do you want to stick around anyways?" Nice... What a question, I forgot what I said but something like long enough to see the sun again and to see these A H**** in power burn. I didn't like his attitude and told him to buy some wood and start making our coffins if that's the way he thinks. ....
Went into Aldi and had to be told my nose wasn't covered up enough, forgot to cover it because I wanted to actually enjoy my walk and get some fresh air, excuse me.
How distorted is this world when people are fighting over air?
I see idiots on FB here in Hungary bragging about going out after 8 pm because they have a dog. Now that's just so dumb and will lead to animal abuse.
I know some sucm bag criminals will get some dogs so they can cruise at night and look over their turf.
People will pick up dogs and later dump them when they are no longer needed .
Perhaps it will lead to a few select people getting permission to even have a dog or outright make dogs illegal within city limits.
Seen too many sci-fi movies to not think about where any perk can turn into a nightmare later on.
At least when there is a food shortage we know where to pick up some "doggie treats" how gross but that's what happened during the wars.In fact the animal waste people leave on the sidewalks is much more dangerous to human health then C-19.

Maybe the curfew is an dodgy opportunity to rent dogs out so people can get around (within 500m of their residence anyway).  People are supposed to take their dog-doo home.  Kids can become blind from dog mess in play areas - parasitic worm burrows into their eyes.   I don't think the cops are really going to spend too much time asks people what they are doing and chase them around the streets and alleys.

Not happy to hear of any relationship arguments because of COVID19.  Mrs Fluffy and I think it's not bad because we get to spend more time with each other.   Not sure that positiveness extends to the kids who want to spend less time with us and more time with Grand Theft Auto or TikTok.   The dog's a winner though as it gets to hang out with everyone and taken walkies all the time.  Even the neighbours' kids have borrowed the dog to play with last lockdown. 

BTW, praying isn't going to help.  Not here. Not anywhere.   More serious news from gossip mongers around here is that the death toll is much higher than the government is letting on and the morgues are filling up.  And O1G isn't letting it be known as it'll stuff him in the elections in a anti-Trump style backlash.   Opposition looks like it might finally get a joint candidate to get him out. 

Twilight Zone wasn't a bad show but I quite liked The Outer Limits too.  Dystopian movies are a bit of a fad at the moment.  It's all parallel universes here and there.  In my day it was Evil Spock vs Nice Kirk - classic ST TOS (Star Trek.  The Original Series episode - Mirror, Mirror - Season 2, episode 4)...hmmm better watch that again.

Random thoughts:
These days are perfect for binge watching classics. I, myself, started watching the James Bond series, startign in 1962 with Dr. No, starring Sean Connery of course. He really was the best Bond.  I am 14 movies in now and still going.

I agree with Fluffy when he said that many of the measures taken in the name of COVID protections are indeed to advance O1G's objectives and weaken Mayor Xmas as much as possible. Szajjarto said that Bp will be getting 22 billion forints less next year. Meanwhile O1G is forcing the continuation of projects Xmas tried to stop in order to continue the graft and O1G's pet projects. Fidesz will be able to claim that nothing has gone right with Xmas in charge, when of course O1G engineered all the financial crises.  This is similar to the US where although Biden is President, he will be unable to pass significant legislation without a lead in the Senate. Mitch McConnell is blocking anything that might help the Democrats, the country be damned. He really should be held for treason...

I also saw this morning that HU and Poland vetoed the EU budget, due to concerns over the "rule of law" provisions. Very troubling. Hungary and Poland are huge beneficiaries of these funds; this is really to chop off your nose to spite your face. The obvious corruption is astounding, and now affecting all of Europe. But hey, O1G did stop those pesky gays from getting married or adopting, that's progress, right?

Vicces1 wrote:

Random thoughts:
These days are perfect for binge watching classics. I, myself, started watching the James Bond series, startign in 1962 with Dr. No, starring Sean Connery of course. He really was the best Bond.  I am 14 movies in now and still going.

I agree with Fluffy when he said that many of the measures taken in the name of COVID protections are indeed to advance O1G's objectives and weaken Mayor Xmas as much as possible. Szajjarto said that Bp will be getting 22 billion forints less next year. Meanwhile O1G is forcing the continuation of projects Xmas tried to stop in order to continue the graft and O1G's pet projects. Fidesz will be able to claim that nothing has gone right with Xmas in charge, when of course O1G engineered all the financial crises.  This is similar to the US where although Biden is President, he will be unable to pass significant legislation without a lead in the Senate. Mitch McConnell is blocking anything that might help the Democrats, the country be damned. He really should be held for treason...

I also saw this morning that HU and Poland vetoed the EU budget, due to concerns over the "rule of law" provisions. Very troubling. Hungary and Poland are huge beneficiaries of these funds; this is really to chop off your nose to spite your face. The obvious corruption is astounding, and now affecting all of Europe. But hey, O1G did stop those pesky gays from getting married or adopting, that's progress, right?

Cracks are now appearing in the Republican politicians.  Mitch McConnell and several others must be  the most distasteful individuals ever to walk the earth.  The trouble is that Trump IS the Republican party now.  His base controls it all.  Not sure if they can survive in their current form if - as media says -  Trump is found guilt of something and is convicted from one the many legal cases.

Mrs Fluffy tells me the opposition in HU is getting reorganised with a potential candidate who can take on O1G.  Believe it when I see it.

HU and PL vetoing the EU budget will backfire.  People won't forget that quickly. These types of people need to get themselves a life and worry about more important things than the LGBTQI community.   When they legalised gay marriage in the UK, it did nothing at all.  The sun still came up and the world was still turning.  Now no-one really cares or pays attention.  Just a political convenience to have an enemy to fight.    HU and PL can always leave the EU if they don't like it.  People here like the EU but if it's a choice?  O1G or EU?

James Bond is cool but as a person, Connery had problems.  He was a Scottish Nationalist intent on breaking up the UK and he bankrolled the SNP. Also a tax exile living in private gated community for billionaires in Lyford Cay in the Bahamas.  If he'd put the money where his mouth was, he should have been living in Scotland full time.

fluffy2560 wrote:

Cracks are now appearing in the Republican politicians.  Mitch McConnell and several others must be  the most distasteful individuals ever to walk the earth.  The trouble is that Trump IS the Republican party now.  His base controls it all.  Not sure if they can survive in their current form if - as media says -  Trump is found guilt of something and is convicted from one the many legal cases.

I don't think the cracks are appearing wide enough, just some CYA to make it to the next election for these spineless jellyfish.  What's really sad is that so many Americans looked at the last 4 years and said, yes, I want more of that. The US is becoming an international pariah. Not sure if it can heal its wounds, but it certainly won't while the Senate is against the President.

fluffy2560 wrote:

Mrs Fluffy tells me the opposition in HU is getting reorganised with a potential candidate who can take on O1G.  Believe it when I see it.

The opposition came together to get Xmas elected, but they really need to get together for the rest of the nation as well. And then actually perform better, not just run into the same issues as previous admins. I wish them luck, of course, but like you, I'll believe it when I see it.

fluffy2560 wrote:

HU and PL vetoing the EU budget will backfire.  People won't forget that quickly. These types of people need to get themselves a life and worry about more important things than the LGBTQI community.   When they legalised gay marriage in the UK, it did nothing at all.  The sun still came up and the world was still turning.  Now no-one really cares or pays attention.  Just a political convenience to have an enemy to fight. HU and PL can always leave the EU if they don't like it.  People here like the EU but if it's a choice?  O1G or EU?

I can't help but think it will backfire, but am wondering how. EU admins have tolerated O1G and Poland for too long and now they've created monsters. I must say that if I were a French or Dutch or German (name contributing country of choice), I would be like, why do I ask my citizens to pay for your corruption? Nope, you have no right to our money and you are welcome to leave if you can't agree on a rule of law. There are plenty of other countries who are willing and able to meet these basic principles. Previously, the EU funds were about 4-5% of HU GDP and allowed for considerable knock-on effects and investment. Now with the virus hitting economies, you really can't argue that following some simple rules of human decency is too much to ask. It's not like it would completely turn off the money taps for O1G's corruption.  Again, if I were a contributing country, I would be happy not to have to pay into this budget for a time, stonewalling until Poland and Hungary's financials start crashing. The only problem being that I live here and need stable finances. I do think that recent movements have made my moving out of Hungary a serious possiblity in future years, as much out of necessity as the changing political environment.

fluffy2560 wrote:

James Bond is cool but as a person, Connery had problems.  He was a Scottish Nationalist intent on breaking up the EU and he bankrolled the SNP. Also a tax exile living in private gated community for billionaires in Lyford Cay in the Bahamas.  If he'd put the money where his mouth was, he should have been living in Scotland full time.

I believe he also said that domestic abuse was understandable -- although you should only slap a woman, not hit her with a fist like you would a man. So a good actor, the best Bond, but not a role model....