Israel

[daleko]

Nov 15, 2024 17:01:06 GMT -5 Buckeye Dale said:

Nov 15, 2024 13:22:21 GMT -5 dilligaf said:

I never said otherwise.

Wally brought up VIETNAM, not Haiti, so the focus was on Vietnam.
Pay attention.

...AND tell your dip--stick friend, he's welcome to move there any time he wants...he'll find a much shorter line to get OUT of the country than there is to get in.

What is interesting Dale is the retired expats who do live abroad, for any number of reasons that aren't necessarily based on any negative associated w the USA. For many, it's a sense of adventure to see the world. You know, join the Navy, see the World.  It really is the attraction to work in the State Dept. But not everyone has that lust to wander.

For some it's a part-time thing, usually 3 month tours. Kind of like the many who come to your own AZ or S TX from Dec to April. For others it's longer. According to the SSA, more than 700,000 retired US workers living overseas, full time, receive Social Security benefits. Many more do 3 month tours.

VN doesn't offer retirement Visas but there is a sizable expat population that nose to tails a cpl of 3 month visas. It's, today, an interesting country to visit and travel from as a base throughout SEA. Not for me, as I'd rather use Portugal as a base and bounce around Europe but for some it's an interesting experience. 

[Walter]

Nov 15, 2024 18:31:58 GMT -5 daleko said:

Nov 15, 2024 17:01:06 GMT -5 Buckeye Dale said:

...AND tell your dip--stick friend, he's welcome to move there any time he wants...he'll find a much shorter line to get OUT of the country than there is to get in.

What is interesting Dale is the retired expats who do live abroad, for any number of reasons that aren't necessarily based on any negative associated w the USA. For many, it's a sense of adventure to see the world. You know, join the Navy, see the World.  It really is the attraction to work in the State Dept. But not everyone has that lust to wander.

For some it's a part-time thing, usually 3 month tours. Kind of like the many who come to your own AZ or S TX from Dec to April. For others it's longer. According to the SSA, more than 700,000 retired US workers living overseas, full time, receive Social Security benefits. Many more do 3 month tours.

VN doesn't offer retirement Visas but there is a sizable expat population that nose to tails a cpl of 3 month visas. It's, today, an interesting country to visit and travel from as a base throughout SEA. Not for me, as I'd rather use Portugal as a base and bounce around Europe but for some it's an interesting experience. 

I know one thing. Living amidst a giant VN diaspora, I absolutely love the cuisine. I could move and live in VN for the food alone.

[kaz]

Nov 15, 2024 18:43:47 GMT -5 Walter said:

Nov 15, 2024 18:31:58 GMT -5 daleko said:

What is interesting Dale is the retired expats who do live abroad, for any number of reasons that aren't necessarily based on any negative associated w the USA. For many, it's a sense of adventure to see the world. You know, join the Navy, see the World.  It really is the attraction to work in the State Dept. But not everyone has that lust to wander.

For some it's a part-time thing, usually 3 month tours. Kind of like the many who come to your own AZ or S TX from Dec to April. For others it's longer. According to the SSA, more than 700,000 retired US workers living overseas, full time, receive Social Security benefits. Many more do 3 month tours.

VN doesn't offer retirement Visas but there is a sizable expat population that nose to tails a cpl of 3 month visas. It's, today, an interesting country to visit and travel from as a base throughout SEA. Not for me, as I'd rather use Portugal as a base and bounce around Europe but for some it's an interesting experience. 

I know one thing. Living amidst a giant VN diaspora, I absolutely love the cuisine. I could move and live in VN for the food alone.

Bye!

[Panama pfRedd]

Nov 15, 2024 17:58:04 GMT -5 dilligaf said:

Nov 15, 2024 15:42:12 GMT -5 Panama pfRedd said:

A large portion of the Marshall amp line is mfr'd in VN.

You mean the crap Marshall stuff.

The REAL Marshall stuff is made in Bletchley, Milton Keynes, England.  At least, I think it still is.

Correct, but even some of the tube stuff is made by zipperheads now.

[dilligaf]

Nov 15, 2024 22:27:12 GMT -5 Panama pfRedd said:

Nov 15, 2024 17:58:04 GMT -5 dilligaf said:

You mean the crap Marshall stuff.

The REAL Marshall stuff is made in Bletchley, Milton Keynes, England.  At least, I think it still is.

Correct, but even some of the tube stuff is made by zipperheads now.

Might be, I don't know.
Marshalls are out of my price range now.

I only have my JM800 4210, and an AVT20 "Valvestate" (1 12ax7 preamp tube) and even the inexpensive AVT20 was made in England.
Forgot I have my Lead 100 MOSFET head too, but it's in mothballs, so I'm not digging it out to find out where it was made.  Most likely in Jolly Ol'.

I probably need to drag it out and see if it still works.

I can tell you that those zipperheads in China make some GREAT guitars under the Harley Benton brand.
Get one of these NOW before Trump's tariffs go into effect.   Maybe they won't be affected since they are shipped from Germany.  Mine is the best non-Gibson guitar I own.

www.thomannmusic.com/harley_benton_sc_400_sgt_classic_series.htm

[Panama pfRedd]

I have a chinky Jackson that absolutely KICKS ASS! One of the best sounding and playing guitars I own! And I have a ton of vintage Fenders.

[nu5ncbigred]

Nov 15, 2024 12:26:18 GMT -5 kaz said:

Nov 15, 2024 12:19:47 GMT -5 Walter said:

So could Israel.

Perhaps they'll be able to soon, with the proper weapons.

Israel did take out a secret Iranian nuclear weapons making/testing facility in one of their retaliatory attacks for the Iran missile attack on Israel.

[dilligaf]

Nov 15, 2024 23:44:31 GMT -5 Panama pfRedd said:

I have a chinky Jackson that absolutely KICKS ASS! One of the best sounding and playing guitars I own! And I have a ton of vintage Fenders.

Yeah that Chinese slave labor works well for them.

"Vintage" is the code word for "OLD and in need of constant maintenance."    It's what collectors use to drive up the prices of their run of the mill gear built in the 60's, to people who don't know better. A "vintage" guitar is not stored in a controlled environment like a vintage wine is.
Old "vintage" Vox amps spend more time in repair than they do working.
Probably true of those old Marshalls, too.

An old guitar is just an old guitar, unless it has some kind of "history."

Lennon's Casino, Clapton's "Fool" SG, a Hendrix Strat, something from Jeff Beck, etc.
A regular '65 Strat or SG is just an old guitar that may or may not be of special quality.
I have owned two '62 and one '65 SG Specials, and there was really nothing special about them, as far as feel, playability or sound.   The "Special" meant they were less fancy versions of the SG/LesPaul, with dot inlays, no neck binding, and P-90 pickups, which WERE special compared the humbuckers.
The Standards had trap inlays and neck binding, but they didn't play or sound any better then the Specials.

Fender never could make up their feeble minds about whether they wanted 21 or 22 frets on their necks.
The only Strat I ever really wanted was a 70's Strat with the large headstock, bullet trussrod nut, maple fretboard and neck, and a natural ash body tied together with the 3 bolt microtilt neck.   I wanted one because it was BLACKMORE's guitar, and Blackmore is THE Man in Black   (sorry Johnny Cash).
I had to settle for a Mexi-melt 70's reissue with the features I craved.   But those fiickin' beaners, shorted the neck by 1 fret, which actually matched Ritchie's neck.  I was NOT going to try to tackle scalloping the board like Ritchie did.   My fingering style is nothing like his, and I am not a pro player who afford to replace a ruined neck.can.
Putting in 2 Duncan Quarterpounds and killing the middle pickup like Ritchie did  gave me a pretty good replica of the Man's sound through a Marshall valve amp.

"Vintage" guitars are easy to counterfeit and fool people who are not certified guitar experts from a certain build era.

In 28 years, if I make it, I'll be 100 years old.    Will I give a shit if my guitar is "vintage?"
Hell, I am the SAME vintage as the Holy Grail ---- the 1952 Trapeze Bridge Les Paul.

"Vintage " is an ego trip, I have learned.   Buy what you can afford, and what you play WELL.
"Yeah man, this old Jazzmaster is pure vintage, but the action sucks and I can't play it worth shit."
"That's OK dog.   You spent 20 G's on that bad boy.   Be proud!!!"

[Walter]

Nov 16, 2024 1:19:03 GMT -5 dilligaf said:

Nov 15, 2024 23:44:31 GMT -5 Panama pfRedd said:

I have a chinky Jackson that absolutely KICKS ASS! One of the best sounding and playing guitars I own! And I have a ton of vintage Fenders.

Yeah that Chinese slave labor works well for them.

"Vintage" is the code word for "OLD and in need of constant maintenance."    It's what collectors use to drive up the prices of their run of the mill gear built in the 60's, to people who don't know better. A "vintage" guitar is not stored in a controlled environment like a vintage wine is.
Old "vintage" Vox amps spend more time in repair than they do working.
Probably true of those old Marshalls, too.

An old guitar is just an old guitar, unless it has some kind of "history."

Lennon's Casino, Clapton's "Fool" SG, a Hendrix Strat, something from Jeff Beck, etc.
A regular '65 Strat or SG is just an old guitar that may or may not be of special quality.
I have owned two '62 and one '65 SG Specials, and there was really nothing special about them, as far as feel, playability or sound.   The "Special" meant they were less fancy versions of the SG/LesPaul, with dot inlays, no neck binding, and P-90 pickups, which WERE special compared the humbuckers.
The Standards had trap inlays and neck binding, but they didn't play or sound any better then the Specials.

Fender never could make up their feeble minds about whether they wanted 21 or 22 frets on their necks.
The only Strat I ever really wanted was a 70's Strat with the large headstock, bullet trussrod nut, maple fretboard and neck, and a natural ash body tied together with the 3 bolt microtilt neck.   I wanted one because it was BLACKMORE's guitar, and Blackmore is THE Man in Black   (sorry Johnny Cash).
I had to settle for a Mexi-melt 70's reissue with the features I craved.   But those fiickin' beaners, shorted the neck by 1 fret, which actually matched Ritchie's neck.  I was NOT going to try to tackle scalloping the board like Ritchie did.   My fingering style is nothing like his, and I am not a pro player who afford to replace a ruined neck.can.
Putting in 2 Duncan Quarterpounds and killing the middle pickup like Ritchie did  gave me a pretty good replica of the Man's sound through a Marshall valve amp.

"Vintage" guitars are easy to counterfeit and fool people who are not certified guitar experts from a certain build era.

In 28 years, if I make it, I'll be 100 years old.    Will I give a shit if my guitar is "vintage?"
Hell, I am the SAME vintage as the Holy Grail ---- the 1952 Trapeze Bridge Les Paul.

"Vintage " is an ego trip, I have learned.   Buy what you can afford, and what you play WELL.
"Yeah man, this old Jazzmaster is pure vintage, but the action sucks and I can't play it worth shit."
"That's OK dog.   You spent 20 G's on that bad boy.   Be proud!!!"

I agree with you except for acoustics. I have heard a few really old Gibsons and Martins that are absolutely exquisite. Better wood, better luthier ..just a better guitar.

[oujour76]

Nov 15, 2024 14:22:01 GMT -5 Walter said:

Nov 15, 2024 13:50:38 GMT -5 oujour76 said:

A two state solution could have been implemented in 1937, 1947, 1967, 2000 and 2008. Each one scuttled by either the Arab League, Jordan or so-called Palestinian leadership. The Palestinians have always been treated as pawns by their own people. Until that changes, nothing changes.

That might be true, but it's not as if Israel abides by the agreements they make.
Take a look at the Oslo Accords, and then look at the current map of Palestine. They barely resemble one another.
So, it ain't a one way street, and when one side has a world superpower sending it $3 billion dollars a year in money and arms, it isn't hard to figure out how this is going to end up. The only question will be how many Pals are still alive when it's over.

So, neither side believes the other. As for keeping agreements, apparently you have forgotten there was a cease fire in place on Oct 7. The civilians are the ones paying the highest price, will agree there. Put that squarely on the shoulders of Hamas. Their goal all along has been the extermination of Israel.

[nu5ncbigred]

Nov 16, 2024 10:03:03 GMT -5 oujour76 said:

Nov 15, 2024 14:22:01 GMT -5 Walter said:

That might be true, but it's not as if Israel abides by the agreements they make.
Take a look at the Oslo Accords, and then look at the current map of Palestine. They barely resemble one another.
So, it ain't a one way street, and when one side has a world superpower sending it $3 billion dollars a year in money and arms, it isn't hard to figure out how this is going to end up. The only question will be how many Pals are still alive when it's over.

So, neither side believes the other. As for keeping agreements, apparently you have forgotten there was a cease fire in place on Oct 7. The civilians are the ones paying the highest price, will agree there. Put that squarely on the shoulders of Hamas. Their goal all along has been the extermination of Israel.

Well said. The people of Gaza were free from 2007 to 2023 to make it whatever they wanted to. It became what Hamas made it. It could have become a wealthy place had they made other choices.

[trnyerheadncough]

Nov 16, 2024 10:12:02 GMT -5 nu5ncbigred said:

Nov 16, 2024 10:03:03 GMT -5 oujour76 said:

So, neither side believes the other. As for keeping agreements, apparently you have forgotten there was a cease fire in place on Oct 7. The civilians are the ones paying the highest price, will agree there. Put that squarely on the shoulders of Hamas. Their goal all along has been the extermination of Israel.

Well said. The people of Gaza were free from 2007 to 2023 to make it whatever they wanted to. It became what Hamas made it. It could have become a wealthy place had they made other choices.

Wealthy?

Yeah, not really.

[Panama pfRedd]

Cease fire? f-word those savages. The capitulation is over. Done. These Stone Age adherents will use any cessation in hostilities to rearm and regroup. There is no place for them in the civilized world. Either Lebanon and Gaza outs terrorists and joins the rest of the world, or be resigned to the dustbin of history. Same goes for ANY country quietly harboring death cultists masquerading as religious followers. No more.

[Walter]

Nov 16, 2024 10:03:03 GMT -5 oujour76 said:

Nov 15, 2024 14:22:01 GMT -5 Walter said:

That might be true, but it's not as if Israel abides by the agreements they make.
Take a look at the Oslo Accords, and then look at the current map of Palestine. They barely resemble one another.
So, it ain't a one way street, and when one side has a world superpower sending it $3 billion dollars a year in money and arms, it isn't hard to figure out how this is going to end up. The only question will be how many Pals are still alive when it's over.

So, neither side believes the other. As for keeping agreements, apparently you have forgotten there was a cease fire in place on Oct 7. The civilians are the ones paying the highest price, will agree there. Put that squarely on the shoulders of Hamas. Their goal all along has been the extermination of Israel.

Squarely on Hamas AND Israel.

Can you explain the 500+ deaths at the hands of Israeli settlers and soldiers on the West Bank during this war? The UN calls Israel's actions on the West Bank, "Lethal force as a first resort"; Israel has bombed and fired rockets in the West Bank and have killed 35 children. They shoot Palestinians in the street and then bar EMTs to tend to them.
Hamas has no control over that area...so...WTF?

news.un.org/en/story/2024/06/1150596#:~:text=Violence%20in%20the%20occupied%20West%20Bank%20linked%20to,Human%20Rights%20chief%20Volker%20T%C3%BCrk%20said%20on%20Tuesday.

[oujour76]

Nov 16, 2024 10:12:02 GMT -5 nu5ncbigred said:

Nov 16, 2024 10:03:03 GMT -5 oujour76 said:

So, neither side believes the other. As for keeping agreements, apparently you have forgotten there was a cease fire in place on Oct 7. The civilians are the ones paying the highest price, will agree there. Put that squarely on the shoulders of Hamas. Their goal all along has been the extermination of Israel.

Well said. The people of Gaza were free from 2007 to 2023 to make it whatever they wanted to. It became what Hamas made it. It could have become a wealthy place had they made other choices.

Israel voluntarily left Gaza in 2005, their army even forcibly removed Israeli citizens from their homes. Hamas won the elections in 2006, and that’s when things really started going to shit. Hasn’t been an election since then. Hamas leaders got rich, they have done shit for their people and of course it’s all Israel’s fault. SMH.