pap

Demonstration of bullying for VW?

One of the things that put me off emigrating to Orange County in 1998 was the endgame. I simply didn't see how old people could live there. I wouldn't mind living there for a few years when the kids have gone to Uni, but I think I'll end up back in the UK. The money on offer in the States, comparatively speaking, is enough to make the move. I earn a decent wedge compared to most people doing my job, but I am "cheap" by US standards. Permanent software developers can earn $125K p.a, contract developers even more. There are a lot of charities that help people with medical costs. A buddy of mine was in a motorcycle accident and was fixed for free. Similarly, there are charities that help people with cancer - but it is far from universal. Speaking with colleagues at work, some of the basic medical costs are scandalous and for all the stick the NHS gets over waiting lists, I'm told it can take a month to see a GP here.

I can do one better. I can just send them a link to the site. Not guaranteed that you'll get a laugh, but I'm pretty sure you'll get the other reaction.

How does that sh!t feel in your hand, monkey boy?

I prefer the bars myself, CB Fry. Take the Brit out of Britain, etc.

Yeah, she'd be on an L1 visa, which is the easiest way (and much sturdier than an H1B). I'd have my doubts about Michigan - a lot of industry has shut down there, so you have to wonder about long-term viability. Just do it before the nipper starts school, because that'll root you more than anything else.

The Taylors will be there. My first ever Glastonbury. Really looking forward to it.

Yeah, try not to rage up too much. I know it's hard when you've only got yourself to blame. Recognition is the first step.

I'm strategy and direction. She's day to day. It's called a partnership. I'm not qualified to diagnose medical conditions over the Internet, but embittered fifty-somethings who've made bad choices are easy enough to spot.

Mate, you're not the boss of me. You weren't even the boss of your wife. Therein lie all your issues.

No, more like the people who diagnose Aspergers over the Internet. Incidentally, I was speaking with someone who works with people with Aspergers. She didn't agree with your diagnosis. Apparently, most people who have it are lacking in social skills. Most people I've told about your accusation have burst out laughing. The rest called you a c**t.

F**k me mate. Humility is an easier option.

I don't know if you've had any actual experience with bullying, but typically, it's most purely represented when a mob descends onto a smaller group of individuals, normally one, using the sheer weight of their own ignorance to try and diminish their victims. I'm having trouble reconciling that with my post, which was largely a call for people to stop bickering over relative nonsense and actually determine what the real problem is.

It's very socially stratified. Cars are essential, which makes it all the more amazing when so many people do not have them. I've had the chance to move here loads of times, but the timing or money has never been right. My advice to you would be to do it sooner rather than later if you want to. I've been to NJ, NY, LA and North Carolina. I've been to the last place five times now. It's easily my favourite place that I've been to. People are a lot friendlier, cost of living is dirt cheap and apart from the stifling humidity in the deep of summer (it actually feels like a dozen people are breathing on your neck), it's pretty good weather. The weather this week has been like a great British summer. As you say though, the welfare safety net is not great. Obamacare isn't anything like the NHS and never will be. The other thing that really bothers me is the fact that the most likely route over will involve a visa sponsored by a company. That's all fine and dandy as long as the job exists. Can leave you somewhat f**ked if the corporate wind changes direction.

The US have evidently got a bit bored with season long fantasy football. A couple of sites, such as fanduel.com, do Fantasy Football (their version) on a weekly basis, with large cash prizes. This may well be happening here, but if it's not, well worth a business punt.

Good man. Enjoyed it very much. Back to the original topic. It'd be awesome if you could live in another country without having to give up prior allegiances to a mother country. I love the US, except for one thing. Entry. It is a total and complete pain in the arse, the immigration folk take the default position that you're looking to hide away in some deep and dark recess of their country. The most honest thing I can say is that every time I come back to the UK, I feel like kissing the ground. I never actually do it, but the sentiment is real. One almost wonders why immigration to the US has been largely favourable to those least suited to live here.

Chronologically I think it might be second or third. Patriot Games is first, iirc.

Actually been working much of today. The photo was from Target. Emergency mouse purchase. The ball will be had tonight though. Earned, too. The best kind.

It's a laugh. Call it photographic banter if you like. I don't really want to see a picture of you Bazza. Just pointing out that you're in no position to comment on the appearance of others when you hide behind your anonymity, probs because you're a gigantic munter. Low self-esteem is one of the biggest drivers of insecurity. It's the sort of thing that makes people nationalist. Something to cling to, eh? Bit of borrowed glory. Well done on the nipper.

Yeah, that criticism only really works if you can reciprocate, matey. Why not try sliding your sausage sized fingers over your phone and sending us a mugshot?

No clue, soz. Ask me one on sport.

I'm having a hard time with the bile right now, Bazza. It's gloriously sunny where I am, and I've spent two of the past three weeks being the absolute centre of attention on account of my accent (which I'm playing up, to be sure). How's Liverpool?

I'd never call my kids Tarquin or Guinevere, although props for the reference, inaccurate as it may be. Are you not proud of our liberal tradition, Bazza?

Relax darling. I was joking. Also, look up the word liberal. Lower and uppercase.

Classic whattabouttery, Viking Warrior. I don't buy any of those papers, so your point is lost on me. I'll keep saying it until it sinks in. It's all propaganda, all agenda-driven and with the possible exception of the Socialist Worker (which again, I don't buy), all ends in a corporation or a government. By all means continue to see things in terms of teams (hey, this is a football site after all) but know that you'll get f**king nowhere with that approach. You're like monkeys throwing sh!t at each other in a zoo, never once wondering who put you in the cage. Look the f*ck up.