JohnF13

Has anyone thought about diverting rain water from the roof to your tanks?  Seems to me it would be as clean (if not cleaner) than the stuff coming through the pipes.  At this time of year I doubt there are many contaminants on a roof, after all it gets washed every day.....

When I was involved with the incident here I had to give a statement.  A translator was provided, he told me afterwards it was a requirement.

I originally hail from NE England (County Durham).  That area was the coal mining powerhouse of the Country with plenty of good and stable jobs.  My village, along with scores of others, was completely devestated when the mines were shut down over a relatively short period of time.  Typical one employer town with residents living in company housing turned overnight into hotbeds of rebellion and despair.  I went back a few years after the shut downs and the place was quite frightening, lots of unemployed strong young men roaming the streets.  THOSE are the people, in the North East (at least) that voted to leave.  London (another World) did nothing for the Northeners and continued to grow as a financial centre, generally being spared the pains of job loss and the associated embarrasment.  A lot of people outside to very large metropolitan areas feel that they are not even seen by the London elites, except at voting time when they were expected to vote like good little sheep.  That was part of the reason for the rise of UKIP, the population feeling that politicians no longer represented them.  Personally, I think this is a terrible decision made in spite as a kick against the establishment.  But, not my dog, no longer my fight - except it's going to kick my Brit pension in the arse.

Does anyone know of a good quality coffee grinder that is available locally?  Mine just had a hissy fit so I need a spare till I get it fixed.  No B & D type offers, please!

johnferguson1301(at)gmail.com

Easy Keith.  Illegal guns.

Simple question.  Home mail delivery, who pays?  Does the mail recipient pay the full freight ( varies due to volume) or is everyone taxed for something they may not want?

Fantastico!  I'd write more but my wife is demanding her second cup of coffee in bed, so I'd better snap to it ' cause she has guns too.....t

It is the "other place" where silly, but yes, off topic subjects can be discussed.  As you say, Bud, sometimes purple prose, but it is a good outlet for frustrations not allowed in other toplcs.  Keep it, those that hate it simply should not look at it.

Bonnie,

i am A pos but 67 yrs old.  I know that in Canada I would have been able to continue donating until I was 70 before needing a doctors permission.  I am out of town till Friday but if you can check with the hospital I can get there after that if needed.

8 hours ago, Dean said:

Okay, I have now have a bag of the kidney food.  Let me know how to get it to you. 

Dean, thanks.  Give me a call at six five seven nine three three eight eight.  I'm here today, if it is possible.  I am in Potrerillos but can get to anywhere in the area.

I don't think there is anything of importance that happens in this Country that the U.S. Doesn't know about 10 minutes after it happens.  I'll bet dollars to donuts that the invasion plan is well tuned....

Thanks guys.  All info is appreciated!

It sounds like a great idea.  You are right, the "add ons" would be very lucrative too.  Not to mention the fact that the summit would get cleaned up....maybe Wry will send us a cheque?

One of my cats has a kidney problem.  My vet recommends Science diet kidney dry food.  Looks like I bought out the stock at Mascotas in Boquete, Melo mascotas in David does not have any.  Does anyone have a source?  I will ship it in from Panama City if I have to..

Doesn't he just have to wait another three years?  After that, likely a Presidente from a different Party who will agree it was all political persecution......

3 hours ago, Bud said:

Be careful, John. You are on thin ice here. I am a Texan (by birth, not necessarily by mindset).   

When Embry reads that two things will happen - first he will laugh and then he'll come around here and drink my Scotch to punish me!

Judy, Embry is a Texan, so he speaks some sort of English!  

No, sometimes he doesn't hear the phone oa job site though.  I'll let him know you will be calling.

Judy, talk to Embry Koonz, he has a lot of road building experience.  His number is 65786701, he is on what's app at that number.

Keith,

Try Super Baru in David.  Jocie swears by their Toledano chicken, says it is much superior to the Athenas stuff.  We tried whole chickens from local Panamanians a short while ago, very disappointing, tough as shoe leather unless it was cooked for many hours.

In its simplest form, defensive driving has two parts, being always aware of your surroundings and being ready to act when something untowards is going to happen.

when I went on my first Police driving course we had to talk continually while driving.  Commenting on road conditions, traffic signs, intersections, other traffic in relation to my vehicle.  We also needed to be aware of the vehicle we were driving, our speed, road positioning, engine temperature, pretty much everything about our vehicle and the envelope around it that could affect us.

It sticks with me today but is something that cannot be taught in a couple of hours.  But, if we go back to basics you can avoid most collisions.

First, toss the cell phone in the trunk.  You dont need it to drive, trust me on this.

Next, before even starting your car, make sure you are comfortable in your seat, allof your mirrors are adjusted properly and know where all of your control buttons are.  Sounds a bit daft, but I have been to colilisions caused by a person looking for the windshield wiper switch....

Fasten your seatbelt up BEFORE starting your car - not when you are driving down the road or when you see the police check sign.  About police checks, don't fumble to get your wallet out while your car is moving, wait until you are stopped.  

When driving, always look around for things that can cause you a problem, whether it be a bus pulling out from the side of the road or another vehicle crossing in front of you because the driver thought he had the time to make it safely.  

There are two versions of safe driving, one is highway driving and the other is the rest - city or local driving.  They require the same level of awareness but present different problems.  I will leave highway driving alone for now, let's think about city driving.  We all know that most Panamanian vehicles come without turn signals, so you need to be able to read signs instead - is the vehicle coming towards you slowing down?  Is there an intersection close?  Has the other vehicle moved to either side of the road?  Any or all of these can be an indicator of an unexpected turn, watch out for them and be prepared to brake or take avoidance measures.  Remember, ( as far as I have seen anyway) that driving here is considered a macho sport, forcing your way into traffic or making a turn and just missing the oncoming vehicle are considered badges of honour.  Again, be prepared.  ALWAYS look for an escape route even if it is an off-road option.

Last thing, 'cause I'm probably boring you by now.  I find it very helpful to have my co-pilot with me when in downtown wherever.  She lets me know about dangers she sees that I might have missed.  Some might call that nagging, but if it saves your Prado from a dent, then what's the harm?

Safe driving folks.

You have to admit, Keith, that was no "accident'!   Defensive driving is a must here, A lot of people just ignore common sense.

Thanks, Bonnie.  Guess I don't need to read it now!  I know we have all discussed healt care options in the past, for some minimal coverage will suffice, for others a hefty premium gives peace of mind.  As usual, everyone chooses what they feel they are comfortable with or, more likely, what they are willing to pay.  Unfortunately, after the major event is too late.

So, what is it worth?

There are a few commercial solid waste generators in Europe, some in Urban settings, so the technology is there.  While it can be done here I wonder if companies will be cautious  due to such proposed enteties as " The nation commission for the treatment of urban solid waste".  Unfortunately Panama does not have the best track record for non-interference in large contracts but we can only hope things are improving.