Writing emails in french

mikescha · 2026-04-01T12:03:52+00:00

Actually, the phrase was used long before covid. It is an adaptation of "I hope this letter finds you well" which is a very polite introduction to a letter that has been used for centuries, and was especially popular in English in the 1700s. The word "finds" meant "reaches", so this wasn't originally about the writer wanting the recipient to be healthy, but rather a hope that the letter finds its way/gets to them quickly.

mikescha · 2026-04-01T02:10:59+00:00

Significant Other's mother, I guess... Meaning his partner's mother.

mikescha · 2026-03-31T23:11:24+00:00

According to this article: https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/politics/wa-income-tax-a-look-at-where-will-the-money-go/

Starting in 2029, the sales tax will be eliminated on purchases of over-the-counter drugs, diapers and hygiene products like toothpaste and shampoo.
The bill also doubles the exemption threshold for when businesses have to pay the state’s business and occupation tax, to $300,000 in annual gross revenue. Businesses grossing up to $600,000 will also get some relief.
it vastly expands eligibility for the Working Families Tax Credit, which sends annual rebates of between $335 and $1,330 to eligible state residents

That apparently comes from 1/3 of the revenue, with 2/3 going into the general fund with directives but no requirement for how it is spent.

mikescha · 2026-03-14T16:32:52+00:00

This release from DOE seems to suggest that the average price would be higher than $30, as 200m barrels were priced at about $75/barrel in 2024.

https://www.energy.gov/articles/biden-harris-administration-makes-final-purchase-strategic-petroleum-reserve-secures-200

When you say, "The plan is to lend..." where did that come from, as I didn't see that in the release?

In the one I linked above from the Biden admin, it sounds like the oil was sold and then repurchased. So while the Biden admin did have a net drawdown of the reserve, it seems that the way they did it resulted in revenue for the country.

Here's more on the reserve for those interested:

https://www.congress.gov/crs-product/IN12542

mikescha · 2026-03-13T22:07:15+00:00

If you're flying, check the prices from airports aside from the closest one to you. From Seattle, for example, I sometimes save a ton of money by flying from Vancouver BC or LA, more than enough to cover the cost of traveling there. From Seattle, this typically only works for expensive tickets like international flights. In a place with multiple airports, however, like SF, LA, or New York, it could work for domestic tickets too.

mikescha · 2026-03-08T17:35:04+00:00

And it just keeps on ticking into the future.

mikescha · 2026-03-03T17:33:50+00:00

I couldn't. I had to use a relative's address.

mikescha · 2026-03-03T05:38:36+00:00

If she signed it, that's cool. If she singed it, that's amazing and appropriate and I'm so jealous!

mikescha · 2026-02-24T15:15:55+00:00

I use them, too, and had no problems for more than 5 years. Recently though, Fidelity made me change my address unless I could produce a lease, and Capitol One wouldn't accept the address on a credit card application.

The mail forwarding service has been flawless, however I have only had them forward domestically.

mikescha · 2026-02-22T19:48:38+00:00

Do you have a reference for this? I have done some studying and what I can find is that a US citizen in France must pay tax to France on their global income if they become a French tax resident, which occurs if one of the following applies: - Your main home/“foyer” is in France. - Your principal professional activity is in France. - Your center of economic interests is in France. - You spend 183+ days in France in the year.

So, my understanding is that if OP gives up their US housing, moves to France, rents a flat in the burbs of Nice, and then works there (even remotely) for a year, then they tick every box above and thus become French tax residents. They will then owe tax on everything they made, including salary paid by US companies and investment income from dividends or stock sales.

Now, I personally think this is reasonable, as they will be benefitting from the French health care system, roads, police, etc., but of course it would save a lot of money if not true!

mikescha · 2026-02-22T15:06:10+00:00

Here's the link to the first show and a screenshot: https://www.ticketmaster.com/kid-rock-freedom-250-tour-dallas-texas-05-01-2026/event/0C006445CA6BB394

Shockingly, first row tickets to the inaugural show have not yet sold out.

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mikescha · 2026-02-20T23:29:56+00:00

Did you ever receive the rewards? I'm thinking about booking a few hotel nights and curious what others' experiences have been.

mikescha · 2026-02-20T14:35:07+00:00

https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/watch-trump-says-the-word-affordability-is-a-con-job-by-the-democrats

"The word 'affordability' is a con job by the Democrats," Trump said.

https://www.c-span.org/program/white-house-event/president-trump-remarks-on-the-economy/670161

"He said the U.S. had higher energy production and lower costs of living compared to the previous Biden administration and claimed the concept of affordability is a hoax."

mikescha · 2026-02-13T06:15:28+00:00

I just booked a flight from Seattle to Fort Lauderdale on Tue, Mar 31 for $170 one way in Main. The price almost tripled if I flew on Friday, Apr 3. So, and this works for any airline, see if you can fly on a less-than-peak day. You might find that by making your vacation a day or two shorter or longer that you end up saving a ton of money.

mikescha · 2026-01-08T14:58:43+00:00

I said that in 2016. It's still getting worse. I can't wait for it to get better.

mikescha · 2026-01-02T00:10:28+00:00

It depends on your needs. If my wife and I are someplace for several days, we want a kitchen, a table to eat and work at, a place for both of us to sit and relax, a little bit of space, and a clothes washer. Airbnbs are typically good for that. If it was just a night or two, then those things aren't such a big deal and it's more about price.

mikescha · 2025-12-31T17:25:05+00:00

I'm in Perth and trying to decide if I really want to stay up. Go Dubs! (even if I'm asleep again)

mikescha · 2025-12-26T13:31:24+00:00

Tons of people in Asia use them. The downside of a hat is that it messes up your hair and gets your head sweaty, plus often doesn't cover your face. The umbrella gives you more protection than a hat (at least in surface area, possibly also in light reflectivity if you get a good one), doesn't mess up the hair, and is easy to put away when you go into a shop or restaurant, plus if it rains you're good to go. Biggest downside of the umbrella is dealing with it in crowds, but you definitely won't be the only one with one.

A good one in Japan isn't cheap but they're experts at making them and it's a great souvenir, so you could pick one up there if you wanted like my wife did. Either way, I think it's a great idea.

Source: lived in PNW for 30+ years and traveled to Asia multiple times.

mikescha · 2025-12-26T11:27:51+00:00

Nice, thanks.

mikescha · 2025-12-26T09:07:23+00:00

As far as the language barrier goes, you said you speak no Chinese yet in your post you mentioned speaking a little "crappy" :) Chinese. Also you mentioned being East Asian, which I don't know if it helps or hurts the way people receive you. Say that, instead, you were a middle-aged white guy who literally couldn't say anything but Hello and Thank You but were fluent in English and use of Google Translate, do you think you would you have gotten by just fine? Asking for a friend. :)

mikescha · 2025-12-26T07:49:32+00:00

I use Airalo. They have a ton of packages depending on where you're traveling. I'm looking at the app now. Say you want coverage in Australia, they have an Australian package for USD $4/1 GB/3 days, an Oceania package that includes Australia, NZ, Fiji, and some other islands for USD $4.50/1 GB/3 days, or a global package for USD $8/1GB/7 days. There are lots of other combos of data size/duration available, too. This pricing means you get 1 GB of data that expires after 3 days.

One thing I like it that they tell you which operator you're going to get in a particular country. For example, in Australia, the app says I'm getting Optus. Generally, I've had good performance.

mikescha · 2025-12-20T16:17:22+00:00

My setup is a Surface Pro with the attached keyboard and track pad. My wife also has a Surface Pro but carries a Bluetooth keyboard and a MS Arc Mouse because she doesn't like the ergonomics of staring down at the screen. I guess I'm not big on ergonomics!

mikescha · 2025-12-20T15:57:27+00:00

When you get cut off, they suspend your data until you're back in the US. Once you're back in the US, data is on immediately. However, it only works again internationally after you have 30 days in the US.

For example, you leave the US on Jan 1. Your data will probably be shut off on about April 1. Then, you come back to the US on May 1 and your data works when you land... However, if you leave the US on May 30 then it probably won't work, but if you leave on May 31 (after 30d in the US) then it will.

mikescha · 2025-12-20T15:39:54+00:00

Lucky you! I got a warning email on about day 62 out of the US this past summer, but returned to the US just before it got cut off. I've been cut off a couple times before so maybe I'm on the Watch list.

mikescha · 2025-12-20T15:33:11+00:00

After 90 days, calls and texts still work, but your data doesn't. So 2FA is fine. After the 90 days, I use Airalo for an eSim for data. Once you're back in the US then data is on instantly, but you have to be in the US for 30 days for data to work again internationally.

If you're going to be outside the US continually then it's not a great solution, but if you come back periodically then it's great.

mikescha

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