I’d hoped that this agreement would be the first step towards preventing companies avoiding tax by shuffling money around. Now this. Even more reason to avoid all US companies in future

Thanks - tiny hopper indeed then. Never seen either variety because I’m not from the US and was only aware prickly pears existed because of the line in the Jungle Book song

Not seen that episode - but it’s such a good show, I assume it’s good

Cool - almost missed the little hopper. What size is the flower?

JHC, I was one that didn’t know such a thing existed

Yeah that’d be great if they’d just drive off a cliff together

Thank you. I’ve actually had a fucking awesome day and now I’m off my face. Just perfect 😌

My birthday, that’s what it’s gonna be

Chronosonder - a fantastic word I only learned of recently - seems related. Seeing someone as cool from a photo is one part of it, but realising someone from olden times had so much in common with us has been stunning me for a while now. In reading anything covering history or even old family stories, the small, human details really hit home. You wonder how you’d cope in similar circumstances or what that person might make of the modern world. Great topic, thanks for posting

Just seen from your replies that your son is headed to Wollongong and you were concerned about critters. I’m half hour north of Wollongong - it’s beautiful and a great area to live. It’s also more affordable than Sydney.

The chance of meeting nasty critters is not zero, but there are plenty of reasons it’s not common, and chances are even lower if you follow sensible precautions. In my 20 years here, I haven’t seen any snakes or dangerous spiders in suburban areas like Wollongong - only in less built up areas. Snakes are around but wisely keep out of humans’ way if they can. Spiders: I’ve seen one redback and no funnel webs. Sharks, various poisonous fish, octopi, jellyfish, etc are all out there, but again low chance and following well-publicised precautions reduces the odds further.

Hope your son enjoys his new life :)

As someone who moved from the UK to Aus 20 years ago - it’s a great move for your son. It’s has a lot in common with the US but is better than most western countries in almost every way. Aus is a great place to live, incredibly safe and a great lifestyle. Cost of living is currently high and it’s difficult to afford housing, but that seems to be common amongst most western economies anyway.

Once your son is settled, I strongly suggest visiting so you can see for yourself. Also, he’ll be proud to show off his new country to you. None of my family has visited me in Aus, which is disappointing although it is a long trek admittedly.

Like a mushroom, then…

Maybe a calendar?

Good point. This beggars belief. Because of your rhetorical question, I read to the end - and there it was in the final paragraph. I’m from a country with universal healthcare, so this angle hadn’t occurred to me. Horrendous and cruel

Yes same to almost all of that, except it gets my teeth too. Worst is when my fingernails are short and my nails and finger pads touch it simultaneously, makes me want to work my jaw up and down as if I’m chewing something like fatty meat. Also send shivers down my spine just thinking about it

No snack, get smack.

Had my last night out in my adopted country before flying back to my native country to spend time with my terminally ill mom. She passed away in November. I’ve just spent 4 months clearing her place and only need to finalise a few financial things before I can return to my adopted home.

Having spent almost a year in my old country, I’ve realised I feel more part of the new country than the old. It’s my home now. I’ll probably never return to my old country again because I’ve nothing to go back for. I’m excited and hoping my next birthday will be at home.

Whipping Boy, an Irish alt rock band, late 90s Birmingham: I’d never even heard of them before a friend dragged me along. Jaw-flappingly stunning vocals, great songs, lyrics, instrumentation. Thought they were going places, especially on finding a couple of singles/EPs and the album Heartworm, but they broke up not long after. I bought everything they put out and still love when their stuff randomly plays on shuffle.

So a Butlerian Jihad then?

Yes. I’ve only experienced it in 2 countries, neither being the US, but both equally unpleasant.