Random thoughts, wonderings, questions, and whatever else

[Steven Council]

My sent box is empty. My inbox is empty. Did I mistakenly delete ? Is there an automatic forum routine dump? Possibly I missed that memo. No big deal, but I did refer to them. Luckily everyone I wrote to is memorable :)I just can't remember if I read anywhere that things got deleted or I did so. :DAny one else excited about spiritair starting to fly to Panama in February?How have I spent more in life on attorney's than law school costs?Sometimes I feel everyone moved to Canada or some equatorial paradise and forgot to let me know.The problem with America is that it is corrupt yet pretends not to be. Just tell me who and when to pay so I can "pass Go and collect my 200 dollars". I've grown tired not of America being corrupt necessarily, but of the facade. Oligarchy is alive and well, let's quit pretending.How is it that evil people that talk constantly of being Christians show egocentricism in almost everything they do. These people have turned generations away from the church. Yet I find those that wear there religiosity like a pocket watch, only bringing it out when asked or infrequently, in contrast to often be those you can most often trust.Can gifts be sent to Panama duty free? There has to be away to be able to create a cottage import-export business.And why doesn't ning.com have chat, or does it. Time to set up video-voice chat. Sure would be good to talk live to some of you all.I am just blabbering. Should of been asleep hours ago. So much for "night time routines" curing insomnia. The internet is an obvious stimulant that is contraindicated to sleep.Possibly I should stop here. I am talking to myself, unless you respond.:D

[Pantah]

I love the word "fungible"!. Here's the rub with SAs and private foundations. This is the land of "juega vivos". Witness the Peter Gordon fiasco with his PIF and HSBC (see Panama_laws_for_expats yahoo group).

Regarding SAs, if nobody plays any games this would work. Be careful the devil is in the details. And this is the land of juega vivos.

Generally not a good idea to have your assets where you have liabilities. See Peter Gordon scenario above.

Factoid: US IRAs are almost totally immune from attachments, etc if under $600,000. One exception is QDRO's (Qualified domestic relation orders).

[Sieg Pedde]

Steven: You sound like an interesting guy to meet with over a drink. People who have a lot of stuff rattling around in their brains make for good (non-boring) conversation. Maybe we will meet one day and conjure up ways to solve all of our planet's ills, do away with hunger and poverty and disease, hate, war and every other bad thing, especially laziness and guile. Maybe a bunch of other members here would join us and help with the process.

Would we truly solve anything? Not likely. But we could at least have fun trying.

[Steven Council]

Sounds like a plan Sieg. That would be good to meet up with a crew in Boquete! Rambling away, who knows what we can create and come up with! Certainly as was discussed before a sitcom in the making:) Seriously, I am sure I would really enjoy it. Although I don't drink normally I may have to enjoy a nice dark beer (or something) with some new good friends to celebrate the occasion !

Certainly the conversation would be enticing watching the rains and solving the world's ills.

And Pantah you gave me some things to research and think about. Not having assets where one has liabilities sounds like a nice financial stress reliever and plan. Thanks for the leads!

Ramblin' ramblin ramblin........

[Steven Council]

I had forgotten all about this thread. Looks like I have solidified some dates and am open
to flying to Panama anytime in april. If not April then next chance would potentially be June.

Hopefully I can find a last minute deal, fly standby or something given the lack of planning. Should be an interesting way to approach it. Come with the goal of respite while meeting certain people and going to various places. Open ended planning :D.

So off to perusing flights and car rentals. Which reminds me I need to list to the rental group the Dollar Car rental place in David.

Hope you all are well

[Mike]

Ramble on, my brother. If nothing else it clears the system...and maybe somebody will bite and rant back.. .And it makes good reading here in Quito.

I know the US has its problems, but a ton of folks brave all kinds of odds just to be there. Something must be right...

[Steven Council]

Absolutely Fran. Certainly money is power the world over. So much so that in many cases it isn't truth that sets one free but cash. If only truth could take precedence.

I am very curious to what information is shared and also wonder how it will be used, as you say. I like how you put that in a future tense as the information collects and to be used for what and when?

Information has become a tool of power. Still manipulated by the almighty wealthy. Money does rule.

The press has become commercialized with vested interest, governmental included. It seems what was once taboo is now common place.

UBS looks like a great bank. Much thanks for the referral. Somehow they have branches everywhere yet I missed them.
They certainly have been around long enough. The paranoid in me wonders what scrutiny one gets when you transfer reasonably large sums into a bank with the word Switzerland in it's name. I may open an account with them as they certainly look like a viable option. :D I assume transaction fees and such would be minimal to none while in Panama, having a branch there and all.

Life in a society controlled by fear, and learning to live anyway :D

Random thoughts, wonderings, questions, and whatever else....anyone feel free to jump in anywhere :D

[robert schaff]

Your thoughts are interesting, I am not a wrighter or anything close. I never could put my thoughts to words. Although it is nice to read those of you that can. keep it up I enjoy it and makes me use the gray matter..
Rob