Palo Alto Jo

On 10/14/2023 at 8:45 AM, Boquete Nature and Music Festival said:

 

This concert is going to be so different from Jazz Festival,  which has abandoned Boquete.    This concert is for the common man, not the snobs.  I know alot of these musicians.    They are GREAT!   Song writers,  award winners, and yet local!    Check it out!

I have had to had many vaccines in my life, due to living overseas as a child..  These vaccines were given close together.  Cholera, Hepatitis,  typhoid, and now 3 Covid  ....  

My entire family,  and many of my other old friends from Africa and the Middle East, all now show positive skin tests.  The CDC has quietly changed its testing guidelines for TB.  The skin test is no longer considered the best test, only the blood test, and follow up with chest X-ray. 

I'm not saying these people don't have TB. I'm asking how Panama is testing for it.   As I say, amid Covid. The CDC recommendation to stop using the time test, skin test, went largely unheard. 

Thanks Keith.   As a former "hospital" worker, I needed to know the difference between "hospital" and "clinic" designation here. I always feel such a "newbie" , I appreciate the fact that you've been here and know so much.  Some day I want to be "you" when I "grow up".  haha

If they complete the new road to Volcan, will it be closer than David in an emergency?  I had no idea there was a hospital in Volcan.  What size is it?  It's not a clinic, but a hospital, right?

37 minutes ago, Penny said:

Nut job. We have more than our fair share of those here. You sometimes have to have thick skin and a short memory.

Penny, one additional note on this subject and then I guess I'll have to move on.  These neighbors work with the animal spay and neuter clinic.  I think that is great, but I'm sure they don't have any idea that even charities need an attorney.  Nothing against animals, but how can they care more for animals than humans?  They aren't vegans or anything.    As I said,  I think they do not consider lawyers "humans".   NUTS FOR SURE!!

21 minutes ago, Penny said:

What reason would your neighbors have for saying she got what she deserved???? Because she was a lawyer???

I ask all of you to look around in this community and you will find many retired lawyers doing very good things for this community.

I was shocked she said it, but she and her husband are very vocal on their hatred for lawyers.  She sent me 6 smiley faces, with tears of joy...  just darn gleeful.  I will never speak to these nuts again.  I'm sure they are the rare people, and most people don't jump up and down for joy at anyone's murder.  When I told her I was absolutely appalled at her reaction, she said "f-you Jo, I'm allowed to speak my opinion".  Wow.  I'm saving that text for forever, in case I'm ever tempted to forget she actually said it. 

6 minutes ago, Keith Woolford said:

I've been copied on a number of condolences for this woman that have a common thread.

"She did good work for us, always going above and beyond to help.."

 

That's so good to hear.  I guess my neighbor is that one idiot who thrills at the death of any lawyer.  Her husband was thrown out of Leyda's office for screaming at her, leaning over her desk shaking his finger in her face.  She told him to get out!!  And she was HIS lawyer.  Some people are just unreasonable nut cases. 

I'm sure you're right, most people loved and respected her as a HUMAN.  Good to hear your positive words,  thanks!

6 hours ago, Ahren Grauer said:

Sad news. I knew her very well. I'm crushed.

I am just devastated too.  As a family with quite a few lawyers (none of which has ever sued anyone, just hard working prosecutors and corporate types), it has always amazed me how much people hate "all lawyers", until they need one.  And, don't get me started on the number of times they are asked for "free advice" if they haven't spoken to us before except at a PTA meeting.

Leyda had a mother and a daughter, was a smart, hard-working advocate for her clients.   Some people, like my neighbor, have already told me how happy they were she was killed and that she "got what she deserved, karma...."   I KID YOU NOT!!!   What on earth is wrong with people????   

My thoughts are with the poor family.  I hope they solve this case quickly.  

18 hours ago, Bonnie said:

Thanks for the tip, Jo. But what the devil is Chromecast? Every time I turn around there's some kind of technology out there that I've never heard of.?

It's not very new.  It is a little gadget the size of a swiss army knife, that you plug into the television (sort of a dongle).  Then, anything on your browser can be projected to the TV screen by pushing the little icon.  I use if for YouTube if I want to share a favorite video, instead of everyone gathering around my phone.  You can even show a photo album like a slide show.   It costs about $40 from Amazon last I checked.   Fairly easy to set up.  The icon always shows up on Netflix, YouTube or Amazon videos , etc.   If you want to try mine, I'll see if Doug will show you one of ours.   You do need an HDMI open port on your TV.  

I'm no expert at all, but when I get desperate I use Netflix app on my phone and then Chromecast to a TV.  For some reason my phone is never caught in the "wrong location".   Now, Doug will read this and tell me I'm using "data" and costing him a billion dollars.... haha

2 hours ago, Keith Woolford said:

Major report in LaPrensa today pushing for a national Hemocentro.

I can't quite read the labels on the units of blood, because they should say the City, Country underneath the upper barcode with the unit number.  But, I am very encouraged to see that the units pictured are a least PACKED red blood cells, and not whole blood, meaning they are separating it into components, the plasma that is taken off is stored in the freezer for up to 2 years, and contains clotting agents.  It loses it's ability to clot after just a few days otherwise.  The vials of blood rubber-banded to the units is for testing of HIV, Hepatitis, and other viruses. If these units were actually collected in Panama, I'm encouraged.   However, they may be stock photos from another country (Not the U. S. or Canada, as they do not have the blood vials attached like that, but this is an acceptable method, as the vials have the same barcode on them as the unit of blood.  Here, the lab equipment takes larger volumes of blood, so would be necessary.  In the U. S. the latest equipment takes tiny microdroplets of blood to run the HIV, Hepatitis tests, (but again, the pictured method is perfectly acceptable.)  I hope they don't set it up only in Panama City, but also get it out to regional centers as well.  But, this is certainly good to hear that they are even thinking about getting going, it's way overdue.  

 

44 minutes ago, MacAssist said:

Can anyone report if Silk Almond milk is back in stock in refrigerated case at The David PriceSmart?  Also seeking international delight Hazelnut coffee creamer 

thanks

Silk Almond is at Romero and Super Baru in Boquete, not refrigerated but doesn't require refrigeration until opened. International Delight hazelnut comes and disappears quickly at Reys in David.   Also, Coffeemate liquid vanilla.  But, as soon as they hit the shelves they're gone.  I will probably star in a viral video someday knocking people over to get the Coffeemate Vanilla liquid.  

13 hours ago, Uncle Doug said:

I'd rather it be a false alarm than make a stupid mistake

Yes, I sent a "just in case" to my favorite contacts.  No need to panic, but anything that keeps me from messing up my phone, etc., is worth taking precaution.

44 minutes ago, Uncle Doug said:

I'm one of those who have been vaccinated but can't find my records.  I'll be going through this drill soon.

I'm betting that even if you have been vaccinated, and CAN find your records that they are not on the "proper form", in Spanish, etc. and won't be accepted in Columbia or elsewhere.. maybe just cynical.  I'm assuming it's harmless to get a second vaccine, but certainly not painless.   I remember the "my arm is going to fall off" feeling, clearly.

56 minutes ago, Keith Woolford said:

The label indicates it's smoked which may be the secret.

I don't like smoked, and I'm starting to think the little label printed on the bag is a different description than the on the actual large roast.  It doesn't taste smoked or look smoked.  but, you're right about "ahumado".   I'll try to get a picture of it next trip.  The Campofina label was correct.

55 minutes ago, Bonnie said:

It will sell out quickly because you've told everybody about it!

You'd think I'd get a commission!

If history is any predictor, this product will disappear if I recommend it.   Yesterday, while holding my little paper tag number at the deli counter in Romero I scanned the case for anything "new" or interesting.   On the top shelf, directly under the scales or number dispenser, on the left side, was a local roast beef.  It stated it's grass fed.   I was curious, as I've tried to do my own roasts here, and even own a deli slicer that can slice my roasts very thinly, I seem to get a tough final product.  So, I asked if I could taste a sample of this.  It was delicious, tender, no weird spices.   I asked mine to be sliced paper thin, and it made delicious roast beef sandwiches.   So, if it sells out quickly Romero will probably quit carrying it because of the difficulty in keeping it stocked. 

I'll admit, this product might have been here for ages, but I'd never seen it before.  It is labeled Campofino Lomo Ahumado, and was priced B 17.59/kg.   

9 hours ago, Siempre Soluciones said:

 

I guess Rife technology has done well and has been accepted in Panama.  Not so in the US, look at the backlash against the National Rife Association (NRA), it seems to have become a political hotbed albeit its amazing benefits. 

 

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Royal_Rife

I'm thinking 100 years is enough time to have shown to be anything more than a pyramid sale of snake oil.   I'd say to go ahead, it's harmless, except that it isn't harmless.   I have a sister-in-law who thought holding teabags on her breast cancer would cure it, so didn't go through anything else.  Sometimes what one "thinks" isn't as important as what the actual data shows.  People's "miracle stories" are not "proof" in the least, it is not reproducible in any scientific way.  People have said to be cured by sitting in the ocean, but that doesn't make it true.  It is just an old wive's tale.  Lots of people have sat in the ocean and not been cured of a darn thing.  I suggest anyone doing this find someone who is doing it for free.  There must be some humanitarian out there that wants to cure mankind of HIV and cancer and all ailments who would do it as a charity.  That, I have never seen.  

People will say this is the "old" Rife, the "new" rife is different....   not so, as they say "New packaging, same great taste!!"

3 hours ago, JohnF13 said:

Kinda related, for those of us who are fans of fresh step kitty litter, the mystery over its disappearance is resolved.  It is back, smaller size and more money.  Guess Pricesmart is thinking consumers have short memories.

Thank goodness it's back.  But, who knew before moving here that I'd have to give up luxuries if I wanted decent cat litter?    Crazy.  You'd think it was a scientific achievement of the century.

On 07/04/2018 at 4:21 PM, Mark X said:

Thats interesting but not really related to my question. I am only interested in the rules for a European person. Thanks for your comment.

This is the first time I've seen you mention you were a "European person".  That would have saved us all a lot of head scratching.  Hope you found your answer by now.  

The COPA plane was no doubt delayed by the on-going chaos in Venezuela.  But, the reason it became an "International" incident was probably not the stranding of people seeking medical treatments or business men.   I'm betting it was the soccer/football game being cancelled.  These people take their soccer seriously enough to withdraw ambassadors?  Amazing.

Bud, I'm going to use your incident to make even more sure not to become the "ugly American", and have no problem asking a gringo to cut it out when they are being disrespectful to Panamanians.  I think it just takes a few idiots to quickly make it bad for all of us here.   The people who flipped you off may have just had dealings with a gringo that made mad at all of us.  Not fair, but I know it can happen.    Arguing with clerks, demanding someone "hurry up", bad road manners (even though locals can do that, I think we cannot), etc. are things that give us a bad name.  We all need more patience here when dealing with individuals, it IS an asset in Panama.  I think the Panamanians are very sweet, accepting people, in general.  But, just like us, they have a few stinkers.

27 minutes ago, Dottie Atwater said:

Yes. I did!

At one time I also lived in San Clemente, 3 bedroom home with huge ocean view.  I was a renter, $550 a month, 1978.  We may have been neighbors!!

17 minutes ago, Mark X said:

 

Hi all,

Your opinion on the following scenario would be much appreciated. Especially if you are an accountant in Panama.

Is a friendly nations permanent resident of Panama who does not live in, work or have any ties to, Panama still considered a TAX resident of Panama? 

Note the distinction between being TAX resident and resident in the immigration sense of the word.

This is of interest to anyone with Friendly Nations Permanent Residence that is abroad (outside Panama) year round. And maybe only spends a few days in Panama every two years in order to maintain this status. People working as digital nomads and people who are travelling long term, but not working, fit this scenario.

Assume the person is not tax resident in any other jurisdiction.

Also assume the person has no income, business, assets or property in Panama.

Thanks ?

I am a bit confused by your question, but the only taxes you pay in Panama are when you buy something, own something, DO something that is taxable.  There is income tax here, only if you made your income here.  If you are asking if you still pay taxes in the U.S. , the answer is YES.  Even if you live on Mars, a U. S. resident has the privilege of filing income tax, and the requirements are more rigorous if you have a bank account in a foreign bank (foreign to U.S.)

18 hours ago, Dottie Atwater said:

My daughter lives in the Fort Worth, Texas area. Her job requires her to move to the Houston area. When she recently sold her house in the Fort Worth, there were numerous cash offers. Same with where she closed escrow in the Houston area. According to my daughter, most of the buyers moving to Texas are coming from California. I won't give any political comment for this. 

At one time, 35 years ago, I moved from Southern California to Texas.   The difference in housing was dramatic, I wanted to buy up all the houses and "re-sell" them.   Luckily, I found out quickly that the housing market in Texas was never a money maker back then.  We lost money on our house every time we were transferred, about 6 times in 30 years.  In 2010 we actually made a little on our house sale.   Now, the house I sold in 2010 is valued at twice what it was then.   I think you hint at the possible reason,  it probably has a lot to do with politics, taxes, schools and jobs.  People will pay more to be in a desirable location, and Boquete certainly qualifies as more desirable than David to most ex-pats I assume.