MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency
EU expected to unanimously support the massive free trade deal struck with UK
European Union ambassadors were convening to start assessing the massive free-trade deal that the bloc struck with Britain, which should begin next week when the acrimonious Brexit divorce process finally comes to an end. Read full article
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Disclaimer & comment rulesPugol-TTWH, Jack Bauer, DemonTree and Estimado THINK
Dec 26th, 2020 - 12:16 pm - Link - Report abuse -1The UK has succeeded in achieving the goals of a strong BREXIT — and a five year transition is completely reasonable from the insane nightmare that the Eurocrats were originally stubbornly insisting upon. Boris Johnson stood up to the bullies in Brussels and gave Michel Barnier a bloody nose.
On a personal note, we've sadly learned the government here is strongly flexing their authority with strict enforcement of the latest COVID restrictions. Even the nearby airfield has been given a very severe penalty for being lax on numerous helicopter flights of residents traveling to their vacation homes.
Although we have multiple residency certificates — we're staying in here through the New Years celebration — as most our invited guests also are staying in Santiago.
Although our Viña food caterer is postponed — we still plan a grand party at our pied-à-terre when restrictions become more flexible. (His seafood paella and service is extraordinary.)
In protest ma mariée has decided to celebrate today “le Lendemain de Noel” with our Chicureo friends — which we have NEVER celebrated before.
Some of our seafood was pre-purchased on the Internet —including outstanding pre-cooked Abalone ( https://www.mariberico.cl/web/producto/locos-cocidos/ ) which Madame is planing her variation of the famous Daniel Boulud's Abalone signature dish.
It's amazing just how adeptly ma mariée can utilize the food items on hand — including from our home garden — and transform it into une grand fête.
Weather for the weekend is absolutely spectacular — with a perfect warm dry temperature.
Yesterday, I purposely refrained from commenting — about a particular inebriated mentally challenged potty-mouthed mendacious miscreant — who I hope will seek professional help there in frigid Canada, where he resides in his mother's basement. (We ourselves enjoy alcoholic drinks, especially fine wine — but some people need to abstain.)
Cheers!
We have a five year armistice.
Dec 26th, 2020 - 03:03 pm - Link - Report abuse +2After which there will be another reckoning on some issues like fishing.
Going straight to WTO rules during this pandemic would have involved quite a shock to the economy, this is effectively a “halfway house”, paperwork, procedures, and protocols are basically the same as WTO but no tariffs or quotas.
It is then only a short half step to WTO rules, as far as procedures are concerned, should it go that way in 5 years time.
Meanwhile we have a deal we can live with, quota and tariff free access to the EU market, no freedom of movement, no EU contributions no EU laws or ECJ.
Quite a result for Boris and Lord Frost, even the hard-line Brexiteers can live with this.
Pugol-TTWH
Dec 26th, 2020 - 04:01 pm - Link - Report abuse 0Yes, Boris has successfully negotiated perhaps the best of alternatives — considering the outrageous mess the UK was being originally blackmailed with. Now the five year transition allows an orderly reset with breaking the chains with Brussels.
I was happy to read that you had a nice celebration yesterday — out of curiosity, what brand of sherry did you enjoy yesterday?
Our le Lendemain de Noel fête menu today includes Insalata Caprese with Beefstake tomatoes and basil from our garden, Spanish Angulas al pil-pil to be served in yesterday's (cleaned) oyster shells, Salmon Meunière (from frozen filets), freshly baked baguettes and a plethora of delights as Madame is energized to display her excellente savior faire.
We have a soundtrack of melodic French Jazz music playing in the background and we're anticipating gran divertissement with our neighbors. (The smell of bread alone
is intoxicating.)
Sadly our friends in the restaurant and catering business (especially the workers) are taking a vicious blow to what normally is a highlight of their earnings.
Cheers!
Chicureo-CMoTA
Dec 26th, 2020 - 04:33 pm - Link - Report abuse -1Harveys, solera sherry, aka Bristol Cream.
Serve chilled, the writing on the label turns blue when it is the correct temperature.
I find it aids the digestion.
From your descriptions, your “Gypsy clan” have not skimped on the tucker during these festivities.
I trust a good time was had by all.
We spare a thought for those all alone in a basement hovel somewhere, with only a microwave, vodka and Blither TV for company, not including the dolls.
The start of next year is going to be tough on a lot of people/businesses. We are straight into various levels of lock down, depending on where you live, from today.
However we have so far vaccinated over ½ a million people. By the middle of next year thing should start returning to some sort of normality.
Saludos de Colonia Nervia Glevensium.
Pugol-TTWH
Dec 26th, 2020 - 06:05 pm - Link - Report abuse -1Yes, Chile has began the mass inoculation here the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine this past week, however there have been thousands of doses made from a wide variety of vaccines that have been quietly obtainable. Sputnik for example has been legally available for weeks.
Although we are very critical of the shutdown — we recommend our family to be vaccinated and think it's a necessary step to herd immunity.
In my opinion, the economic devastation of the shutdown has resulted in unanticipated consequences that will impact on our society for years.
I know your brand and although we call it Jerez and serve it normally at room temperature — my father always had it on the sideboard as an apéritif and loved it with a slice of Serrano ham. (We rarely enjoy it, but always I remember my father when I do.)
And yes, we are imbibing champenoise and good wine — but on the Christmas/New Years holiday period and ski season, I personally relish my morning's Bailys coffee.
Have you ever tried sautéed Angullas and herbed garlic in olive oil?
Right now I'm waiting for the third batch of Boysenberry jam sorbet to finish in the icecream maker. Our invitees are expected to arrive realitively soon.
Although we've never celebrated the holiday — Madame insists the fête must begin with frigidly cold champenoise mixed with a touch of Chambord.
Cheers!
Chicureo Pervert, Psychological Transferee, Malignant Narcissist, Criminal Libeller, Alcoholic, Spam King, and a wannabe genocidist.
Dec 26th, 2020 - 09:20 pm - Link - Report abuse -1“He can't deny guilt in the earlier PROOF of drunkeness...” Exactly Ollie, also your all to frequent references to your consumption, is tantamount to a confession.
“He's proving my point as he's” already asked and been answered.
The issue and the proof of Chicureo's lying Re: Brazilian bathroom etiquette
https://en.mercopress.com/2020/12/19/argentina-asks-portugal-to-consider-the-falklands-a-litigation-issue-and-not-a-british-overseas-territory/comments#comment513856
“There in frigid Canada” Still all at sea both physically and metaphorically, it's happens when you're permanently pickled.
“I've been surprisingly disproved as someone has been drinking way too much eggnog this evening and is behaving like a mean drunk on these joyous days.”
“Early this morning, over a mug of Baileys and coffee, I was trying to remember last night's remarkable ... conversation
Besides all the normal beverages — we still have plenty of Casillero del Diablo Cabernet Sauvignon ...”
Don't worry you'll be doing your usual face-plant soon, so go on shorten your life, and crawl back into your bottle.
Still can't figure out where I am, not surprising for a hayseed that can't tell his ass from a hole in the ground.
You all assume “UK” but the chances are that it will break up or be less united as before. Trade therefore will not be the picture you imagine. Things “evolute”. Divided we do not stand.
Dec 27th, 2020 - 11:13 am - Link - Report abuse +1If you disagree (and I've no doubt you will) then bear in mind that I as well as many manu others did not vote for Brexit, but we must be accept your vote under the Brexit matrix...
Happy Days.
Pugol-TTWH Room 101
Dec 27th, 2020 - 11:56 am - Link - Report abuse -2Enjoying my Balieys coffee and ripe apricots for breakfast from our garden.
Madame and I took a brisk long walk this invigorating cool morning. One benefit of the pandemic has been the air is remarkably clear, including even dust.
We have apricot, plum, pluot and nectarine trees that need to be soon harvested —which most will be given to family and friends, as well made into delicious jam.
Yesterday's le Lendemain de Noel fête delightfully drew far more guests than anticipated. It was a pleasant opportunity to reacquaint with friends that we've been somewhat “socially distanced” from — for several months.
As far as not voting for BREXIT — I personally have no dog in that fight, but I personally admire that the UK democratically TWO times made it clear that they wanted to break away. (And I understand that especially many of the Scots were against it.)
I do however respect those who disagreed — and understand their excellent reasons. In the end — democracy is a two edged sword that cuts both ways.
The ominous sword I personally worry about — is from Damocles, as my country will democratically review and change our national constitution.
Cheers!
Greetings, Chicureo.
Dec 27th, 2020 - 12:19 pm - Link - Report abuse +2Yes, agreed.
Salutes to Chile:) I have fond memories of 1954 when as a 15 years old Boy Seaman Gunner, we were handsomely welcomed...Including a banquet fit for a monarchy...At the fourth or fifth(?) raising of my wine glass ans “Salut!” Some of us fell over...
I discovered then that it is better to enjoy a foreign relationship than to antagonise it.
Also, my thanks to the Chilean for laying a wreath for my Uncle who died at the Battle of Coronel...
Best...
Room 101
Dec 27th, 2020 - 12:50 pm - Link - Report abuse 0Thank you for your remembrence.
I thought I was the old sea dog of the group, but your service far predates mine.
If I may ask, which navy, as well as to what ship were you assigned to. Certainly I would love to know about your uncle in the “Battle of Coronel”
I'm all ears!
Cheers!
HMS Superb, cruiser, Americas and West Indies Royal Navy Flagship.
Dec 27th, 2020 - 04:09 pm - Link - Report abuse 0Uncle was of HMS Good Hope (ironic name as it turned out) and was sunk, in rapid time, with all hands, by German Fleet, November 1914.
Some members of today's Chilean Navy kindly laud a wreath on my behalf, as well layng wreaths for other present-day relatives who lost kin in that brief encounter, at Coronel.
I had no idea , as we went on along the West coast of South America ,that my uncle had been in that battle.
What of your Navy service? I would be interested to know:)
Yeahhhh...,
Dec 27th, 2020 - 04:33 pm - Link - Report abuse 0Specially the Kanuk period...
There seems to be some small inconcordances là...
Room 101
Dec 27th, 2020 - 06:39 pm - Link - Report abuse +1My own career in the Armada de Chile was lackluster with the majority of my tenure attached the signals corps.
I did have the wonderful opportunity to sail aboard our four masted Esmeralda and served as a communications officer aboard the former Admirante Williams destroyer (decommissioned in 1998) which was built by Vickers.
Although I loved the sea, most of my service, especially in active reserves, was behind a desk ashore. Including assigned for reserve training at the HMS Ferret.
Your uncle sadly perished in one of the most devastating battles of your navy, but history also attributes the battle resulting eventually in the complete destruction of the German East Asia Squadron in the Falklands.
Vice-Admiral Graf Maximilian von Spee seemed to know of his impending fate — as when presented with flowers afterwards in Valparaiso, he refused to accept them, famously saying: “...these will do nicely for my grave.”
I salute your uncle — with the sea as his only grave.
I am very impressed of your service as well assigned “Boy Seaman Gunner” which sounds amazing alone.
I'm an admirer of the novels by Patrick O'Brian, and my favorite hero is Lord Cochrane.
Cheers!
________
Estimado THINK
It's completely obvious now that you do indeed have my CV and although I appreciate your reticent silence of my actual identity, I declare in public — that my naval service was infact unimpressive.
Now are you satisfied?
Now..., you are being paranoid...
Dec 27th, 2020 - 07:51 pm - Link - Report abuse -1Often those who think that their naval time was unimpressive, has fact an interesting tale to tell. Being up in the tall mast of a sailing ship is such; training or not especially if one can''t stand heights:)
Dec 27th, 2020 - 09:49 pm - Link - Report abuse 0Btw, Mr. Room101...
Dec 27th, 2020 - 09:56 pm - Link - Report abuse -1Didn't ya mean 1955...?
Room 101
Dec 27th, 2020 - 10:44 pm - Link - Report abuse +1Oh I have to agree that even ascending just one of the four barquentine masts was frightening as a cadet, but that was just in the calm sea and we were youthfully enthusiastic. What really frightened us all was a surprise inspection — which instilled a habitual neatness into my current lifestyle.
We always enjoyed cordial relations with your navy — obviously it was also highly strategic and it was very mutually beneficial.
If you'll remember — our navy is loosely modeled after yours, including our uniforms. Although many of our fleet are decommissioned HMS vessels, our army conversely is distinctly Prussian.
And yourself?
Cheers!
Hello Think.
Dec 28th, 2020 - 09:49 am - Link - Report abuse 0Could be; but must have come through Magellan Straits to Montevideo then Falklands.
Chicureo-CMoTA
Dec 28th, 2020 - 12:07 pm - Link - Report abuse 0Room101 has a point about “unimpressive” military service, usually the comment from someone who has had anything but, say no more.
I once knew some USAF blokes stationed at Chicksands (you know well), many a drunken barbecue/party, pub crawl, they were all “filing/supply clerks”, most uninteresting/unimpressive jobs in the military.
Always thought it funny however that they were all fluent in Russian, Polish or Hungarian.
BTW, what is the recipe for your “Baileys coffee”, please?
Saludos de Colonia Nervia Glevensium.
Pugol-TTWH
Dec 28th, 2020 - 01:21 pm - Link - Report abuse 0My personal recipe is as uninteresting as my assignment at Chicksands — excellent brewed coffee with about a quarter of the mug with room temperature Balieys.
My other favorite recipie is a Balieys milkshake — made with the finest vanilla icecream and a quarter of the liqueur in a blender. (This I rarely indulge, but is outstanding.)
My fondest memories were at sea, especially aboard the Admirante Williams, but the majority of my mundane career was ashore behind a desk — but per regulation, with a loaded pistol kept in a locked drawer.
In fact, I was indeed nothing more than a glorified file clerk in the Signals Corps.
Cheers!
Chicureo-CMoTA
Dec 28th, 2020 - 02:31 pm - Link - Report abuse 0Thanks for the recipes, I will try them both.
Don’t happen to be fluent in Russian, by any chance?
Pugol-TTWH
Dec 28th, 2020 - 04:05 pm - Link - Report abuse 0The secret to the milk shake is using a high quality vanilla ice-cream solely blended with Baileys.
It's humorously revealing that you specifically mention the Russian language...
As far as my pathetic linguistic abilities — I was recruited prior to the Falklands War, from my alma mater — specifically due to the English language and my comprehension of the German language was very useful until abruptly in 1990.
Currently, we are enjoying our garden and the excellent Summer weather.
We haven't utilized our salvoconductos to travel as the Carabineros are overwhelmed with people they are stopping at key road junctures resulting in long waits.
I assume the pandemic lockdown in Colonia Nervia Glevensium is as draconian as ours is here in Chile. It's perhaps different here in Chicureo as we can nearly request anything via motorcycle delivery.
Is this all an overreaction, or is it indeed the dangerous outbreak of an even more dangerous COVID mutation? In the meantime, we're spending the week in Chicureo.
Cheers!
Mr. Room101...
Dec 28th, 2020 - 04:11 pm - Link - Report abuse 01955 it was..., lad...
https://static.wixstatic.com/media/262719_9ff2f657edac445e8d8399bf0f67c158.jpg/v1/fill/w_905,h_693,al_c,q_90/262719_9ff2f657edac445e8d8399bf0f67c158.webp
Only a couple of months difference; events matter, but time doesn't mean much for such a year's cruise, and we crew dispersed and saw much of the world after that. You refer to the online availability for the old Superb; thanks for the reminder.
Dec 28th, 2020 - 04:49 pm - Link - Report abuse 0No sweat...
Dec 28th, 2020 - 04:51 pm - Link - Report abuse 0Estimado THINK
Dec 28th, 2020 - 05:07 pm - Link - Report abuse 0However, a very kind gesture on your part...
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