TBoneTX

I think that everyone realizes this, and your experience is appreciated. Your awareness of Cambodian culture, your strict adherence to proper protocol, and your wish to clarify the issue are commendable. I'm VERY sure that the replies here are to re-emphasize -- to the unwashed who are reading this -- that any such undertaking must be 100% "by the cultural book" and leave absolutely zero doubt as to what the ceremony is and is not. The slightest deviation or misperception can result in a consular decision that the couple is "too married" for a K-1, and they'll then be in the position of having to prove a negative -- or of having to marry (for real) to apply for a CR-1, thus losing years in starting the process over. As stated throughout, the issue is risk and how much is tolerable.

Didn't 0bummer do something similar? ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Biden-Harris Admin Disenfranchises Overseas Military With just days left until Election Day, reports are emerging that military service members have raised concerns over not receiving enough absentee ballots to cast their votes in time for Election Day. Reps. Brian Mast (R-Fla), Bill Huizenga (R-Mich), and Mike Waltz (R-Fla) have sent a letter to Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, expressing "grave concern" over what they describe as "deficiencies in the Defense Department's protocols" for military absentee voting. The letter highlighted the fact that the stockpile of absentee ballots has reportedly been "depleted and not replenished," likely having a negative impact upon service members' ability to vote. [...] https://pjmedia.com/matt-margolis/2024/11/02/the-biden-harris-admin-disenfranchises-overseas-military-n4933897

Inexcusable. Utterly. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Harris really does want illegal aliens voting The Supreme Court on Wednesday stepped in to prevent a group of known illegal aliens from voting next Tuesday. The commonwealth of Virginia filed an emergency appeal after being chastised by a federal judge for taking the names of 1,600 self-identified illegal aliens off the list of registered voters. The case is now on hold and will be resolved after the election. "It should never be illegal to remove an illegal voter," Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares said in a statement after the lower court's ruling. "Yet, today a court — urged by the Biden-Harris Department of Justice — ordered Virginia to put the names of non-citizens back on the voter rolls, mere days before a presidential election." [...] https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2024/oct/30/editorial-harris-really-want-illegal-aliens-voting/

Hubble watches neutron stars collide and explode to create black hole and 'birth atoms' Astronomers have witnessed the titanic collision between two neutron stars that resulted in the birth of the smallest black hole ever seen and forged precious metals like gold, silver, and uranium. The team's snapshot of this violent and powerful collision, which occurred 130 million light-years away from us in the galaxy NGC 4993, was created with a range of instruments, including the Hubble Space Telescope. It will hopefully paint a picture of the "past, present, and future" of the mergers of these dense dead stars. This could reveal the origins of elements heavier than iron, which can't be forged in even the most massive stars. The collision and merger of the neutron stars results in a powerful blast of light called a "kilonova." As the wreckage of this event expands at nearly the speed of light, the kilonova illuminates its surroundings with light as bright as hundreds of millions of suns. [...] https://www.yahoo.com/news/hubble-watches-neutron-stars-collide-200002235.html

Of course, we Central Chimpanzees have already traveled to Mars, and we have left much flung-around poo. The space biologists will go absolutely ape when they discover it.

Dad Says Results Of Halloween Candy Inspection Could Be Delayed Up To 2 Weeks [...] According to the O'Malley children, whose candy was confiscated last night immediately after their return from trick-or-treating, their dad let them know that "technical difficulties" had resulted in unavoidable delays in completing the annual candy inspection process. "I'm really sorry, guys, but you'll just have to bear with me," O'Malley reportedly said. "We've got a lot of candy to go through here. With so many pieces, this isn't something that can be done overnight. We want to make sure every piece of candy is accounted for, including late-arriving candy from the more densely populated urban areas. We appreciate your patience in this matter." [...] https://babylonbee.com/news/dad-says-results-of-halloween-candy-inspection-could-be-delayed-up-to-2-weeks

10 Things You Should Do One Last Time Before Trump Institutes A Totalitarian State Trump is on the verge of seizing power once again and becoming Hitler a second time. He will be banning all the things that our forefathers fought for: life, liberty, and the right to unlimited abortions. So hug your kids and hold on to your loved ones tight. Here are ten things you should do before Trump bans them forever: [...] https://babylonbee.com/news/things-you-should-do-one-last-time-before-trump-institutes-a-totalitarian-state

453rd Election Mailer Changes Man's Mind ROGERS, AR — Nearing the end of what has been a whirlwind election season, one candidate in a race won over what could potentially be the deciding vote, as a 453rd election mailer changed a local man's mind. Norm Cross had remained staunchly on the fence about the race for a vacant seat on the City Council, unable to decide between Linda Breckenridge and Pat Dorton. Fate swung in Dorton's favor, however, as the 453rd flyer sent to Cross's house sealed the deal. "This one really convinced me," Cross said. "I [...] https://babylonbee.com/news/453rd-election-mailer-changes-mans-mind

Nation Anxiously Waits To See Which Side Will Be Denying Election Results [...] Though the country remained deeply divided on a wide range of issues, Americans from across the political spectrum were eager to see which party would be left refusing to accept the outcome of the hotly contested presidential race. "It's so suspenseful not to know which side will reject the new president," said Fox News political commentator Brit Hume. "It's the most exciting part of every presidential election now, waiting to see which side will say the election was rigged and stolen. Will it be Russia's fault? The Dominion voting machines? Republicans suppressing urban voters? Democrats illegally stuffing ballot drop boxes? We're all waiting with bated breath to find out next week." [...] https://babylonbee.com/news/nation-anxiously-waits-to-see-which-side-will-be-denying-election-results

This is a bit cart-before-horse, but the ideas sound appealing, huh? ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The true impact Elon Musk could have if he's appointed to serve by Trump Donald Trump has announced that, if elected, he will ask tech billionaire Elon Musk to lead a "government efficiency commission" that will conduct "a complete financial and performance audit of the entire federal government" and make "recommendations for drastic reforms." The idea for such a commission was apparently suggested by Musk himself — and even before Election Day, he is eager to get started. "Can't wait," he posted on X, the social-media platform formerly known as Twitter, which he happens to own. Musk believes there's "a lot of needless waste and regulation in government that needs to go." [...] https://nypost.com/2024/10/31/opinion/the-true-impact-elon-musk-could-have-if-hes-appointed-to-serve-by-trump/

It is not an official World's Serious unless the Astros are in it.

Thrilling Friday-on-Saturday non-ES report, see man: "Lunchfast" was a turkey-&-cheese sandwich, ingest we man. We left the casa at half-past Many (2x2x2 +2) a.m. and returned at Many (2+2+1) p.m., long day man. The first ES was an hour away, road destruction and awful traffic on much of entire route man. We stopped at a very nice Aldi along the route, productive man. At the end, we detoured to a nearby Costco to gas the thirsty T-B.-mobile and buy one item, detour we man. We returned to the casa without time for a siesta, man. We took a shower and immediately retrieved Mini-B. for Two Guys eve, Two Guys man. Din-din was BK*, ingest Two Guys man. *WUOC, financially savvy we man Movie night was the Georgie/Mandy episode and 2 of Everybody Hates Chris, watch Two Guys man. No Costco popcorns were consumed, could not ingest Two Guys man. Mini-B. went aysheep because ex-Mrs.-T-B. had unplugged his Oculus charger, wee man man. We involved him in indoor Nerf football and outdoor basketball, distract we man wee man man. A good Two Guys eve was had, conclude Two Guys man. Miu was excited to see Big Brudduh, excited miu man. We have itineraried Many (2+2) very proximal GSs and an ES, itinerary we man. No party with the rubias tonight, no cavort we man. And that was/is our thrilling Friday, report we man.

Thrilling Friday ES report, see man: We attended all Many (2+2+2) ESs, reliable we man. The first (especially) and Many'rd yielded the take, see man: -- Many (2+2) Savane short pants, AM-PM pill-organizer = $Many ($2x2x2x2 -2), steal man -- L/S pocket t-shirt = $3, OK man Total = $Many ($2x2x2x2 +1)

Thanks for the nice introduction, write-up, and photos!

I was going to say something similar to this. People here don't often realize the absolute power of consular officers to halt one's petition. COs are trained to be healthily suspicious, and it's up to each of us to do everything in our honest power to convince these skeptical strangers that our relationships are bona fide. This includes minimizing risk -- not only in regard to engagement ceremonies as discussed, but also being alert to avoid playfully calling ourselves "hubby/wifey" in attached correspondence. The COs have to decide on the basis of the evidence provided -- they can't presume that "hubby/wifey" aren't really married, and they can't automatically presume (always or at all) that an engagement ceremony is precisely that and not a wedding. A 221g, Administrative Review, and outright refusal of the visa are not pleasant. When these issues come up, I urgently recommend the most risk-avoidant, conservative behavior possible. Why tempt fate? You worked within known, understood boundaries "consistent with Khmer culture," as you state, and that's wonderful. Congratulations on your visa, and best wishes during the further stages of your process.

New 'Kamalexa' Edition Of Amazon Echo Will Just Ramble For 10 Minutes Without Ever Answering Your Questions U.S. — A special edition of the Amazon Echo was announced today featuring a brand new "Kamalexa" A.I. voice. Based on current Vice President Kamala Harris, the smart device responds to your questions in long, incoherent sentences, and is explicitly programmed to never actually give you any answers. In a new commercial for the device, a woman asks Kamalexa what the weather is like for the day. "Weather," Kamalexa responds. "Weather is big. Weather is exciting. Did you know files are stored in the cloud? Your files, they're all up there, up in the cloud. Hahaha. So, the climate is changing, and that's bad. I am not Donald Trump." [...] https://babylonbee.com/news/amazon-introduces-new-kamalexa-that-rambles-for-10-minutes-without-answering-any-of-your-questions

Aides Give Biden Tablet Playing Cocomelon And Some Goldfish To Keep Him Busy Until After Election WASHINGTON, D.C. — In a last-ditch attempt to keep him occupied and out of trouble until after the election, White House aides have reportedly given Biden a tablet to watch "Cocomelon" and a carton of Goldfish. According to several witnesses, the measure comes after Biden was caught trying to bite multiple children at a White House trick-or-treat event. "President Biden is still sharp, so we're going to let him exercise his mental acuity on this iPad Mini and bag of flavor-blasted Goldfish until next Wednesday," said black and gay former Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre, who is allegedly black and gay. "He will also [...] https://babylonbee.com/news/aides-give-biden-tablet-playing-cocomelon-and-bag-of-goldfish-to-keep-him-busy-till-after-election

Biden Fitted With Muzzle So He Can't Bite Any More Babies WASHINGTON, D.C. — Out of an abundance of caution, the White House confirmed Thursday that President Joe Biden had been fitted with a muzzle to prevent him from biting any more babies. This comes one day after a bizarre incident in which the president bit several babies at a White House Halloween event. According to sources, Joe Biden told one child he was so adorable "I could just eat you up" and then proceeded to do so, horrifying dozens in attendance. The entire incident was caught on video. Secret Service eventually intervened after parents complained. [...] https://babylonbee.com/news/biden-fitted-with-muzzle-so-he-cant-bite-any-more-babies

Kids At Tim Walz's Door Disappointed As He Fills Candy Bags With Tampons ST. PAUL, MN — Vice Presidential candidate Tim Walz disappointed trick-or-treaters at his door this year by handing them tampons instead of the traditional candy. "Here you go! I'm sure you little girls and boys or whatever you identify as will love a few Tampax-brand tampons," Walz told the costumed children at his door. "I know you little they/thems could definitely use some feminine products. Hugs!" [...] https://babylonbee.com/news/kids-at-tim-walzs-door-disappointed-as-he-fills-candy-bags-with-tampons

These clowns are disasters. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Secret Service Brass Interfered in IG Assassination Probe Secret Service leaders meddled in an independent government investigation of the July 13 assassination attempt against former President Donald Trump and are still not following many basic agency security protocols for presidential candidates, presidents, and vice presidents in the final days before the election, according to emails reviewed by RealClearPolitics and several sources in the Secret Service community. [...] https://www.realclearpolitics.com/articles/2024/10/31/secret_service_brass_interfered_ig_assassination_probe_151872.html

Thrilling Thursday-on-Friday report, see belatedly man: Happy Hallowe'en to all except per below, si man! Happy Columbus Day to all Polish Commie-Babes, oj tak. Thunder awoke us at the exact ungodly minute at which we'd set our alarm, masochistic we man. We wanted to awaken early, to get the T-B.-mobile to the shop, maintenance man. We returned to the casa and dozed, try to recapture missing zzz we man. We got to repair shop shortly before official opening, timely we man. Guy said that they had 2 or Many hours' worth of work left over from previous day, man. Just over 2 hours later, we reappeared, better luck this time man. Oil change, wiper-blade change, & tyre-airing achieved, si and hooray man. This and 2 other errands done by noon, efficient we man. Lunch was 2 turkey-&-cheese sandwiches, ingest we man. Some administrative work was performed, important Business Typhoon we man. A siesta was later taken, zzz we man. Din-din was onebag of nuked mixed vegetables, ingest we man. We prepared for Hallowe'en, prepare we man. Sat outside garage* with potful of Welch's Fruit Snacks, sit we man. *to avoid getting up-down and to prevent escaping miu, our protocol man First visitor was a little boy barely able to toddle, very wee man man. He had big blue eyes and chubby little hands, so cute man. He smiled and waved at us, parental urging man. After he left, we teared up, remember Mini-B. on his first Hallowe'en we man. They grow up so fast, si man. We had barely more than a Manyzen visitors, slowest Hallowe'en ever man. No explanation for it, no man. On the bright side, most of them said "trick or treat," appropriate lingo man. On the even brighter side, almost all of them said "thank you," quality over quantity man. We ended up reading Many (2x2x2x2x2) pages of our book while waiting, self-edj'muhcate we man. Watched remainder of ghastly football game, awful man. Consumed 2 bowls of Costco popcorn, ingest we man. We have itineraried Many (2+2+2) ESs for Friday, very far away man. Friday eve should also be Two Guys eve, delayed man. Too late for party with the rubias tonight, no cavort we man. And that was/is our thrilling Thursday, report we man.

Related threads have been merged. It may simply mean that your record in their computer has been updated. Avoid reading too much into anything until you hear something specific.

Mini-Bone went to a Haunted House-type place with Mom and friends. I was at home ready to serve visitors. As usual, I parked myself outside the open garage in a folding chair. This is to avoid having to get up & down and to prevent Cat T-B. from escaping outside. Probably 85% of the houses on my street were dark and not participating. I bought no special candy and went into a nearly full box of Welch's Fruit Snacks that Mini-B. sometimes eats. The first visitor was a little boy, barely able to toddle. He had big blue eyes and chubby little hands, and he smiled and waved at me upon parental urging. I was in tears afterward, remembering when Mini-B. was that age and in his first little costume. They grow up so fast. (Remember the song Turn Around? "Where have you gone, my little one, little one?") Choking up again at this writing. This year was the lightest ever, even considering the pandemic year(s). I doubt that there were more than 15 or 16 visitors. On the bright side, most of them said "trick or treat." On the even brighter side, almost all of them said "thank you" -- even without parental urging. Quality over quantity, as they say. Everything was over by a little after 8 p.m.

Thread for Hallowe'en 2024 -- parties, costumes, trick-or-treat stories (hunting or serving), etc.

Biden Calls On Deplorable Garbage Nazis To Tone Down The Rhetoric WASHINGTON, D.C. — In a renewed effort to lower the political temperature amid the lead-up to the presidential election next week, President Joe Biden called on all deplorable garbage Nazis to tone down their rhetoric. The plea came during a late-night address from the White House, as Biden urged former President Donald Trump's vicious, extremist, domestic terrorist supporters to stop using such derogatory and divisive language to describe their opponents. "Listen up, you Nazis. Here's the deal," Biden said. "Dangerous, inflammatory rhetoric has no place in our political discourse. That's why I'm calling on all of Donald Trump's nasty, disgusting, disease-infested, Hitler-loving, supporters to knock it off. Got it?" [...] https://babylonbee.com/news/biden-calls-on-deplorable-garbage-nazis-to-tone-down-the-rhetoric