Pronouncements

 I believe I've mentioned before that most Indonesians cannot pronounce the word Richard correctly. That's why I use 'Will' in most cases, short for my middle name, William. You see, they cannot form the 'i' sound, as in Rich, or Itch, or Stitch. They insist on saying 'Eee'. Nor can they the 'chard' part, which in American English is more like 'cherd'. 

So, I guy showed up at the house the other day delivering a package for Louis (who still uses my mailing address for convenience). 

"And what is your name?" the delivery person asked before handing over the package. 

"Richard." 

"Huh?" 

"Richard."

"What?" 

"Reee-chod."

"Oh! Reechod. Okay."

Of course, even in the case of Will, which has as well the 'ih' sound, the word comes out as "Wheel" on the Indonesian tongue; still, it's simpler, one syllable, and seems readily understood. 

...

Not much news in the Sanur Daily this week that is news. Same stuff, really--or variations on a theme. We are told that the vaccination program in Denpasar is set to be completed in July, which is great, but of course leaves out the rest of Bali, and God knows when vaccination will reach those isolated communities. 

At the same time, I myself have not gotten a vaccination yet, and, as far as I know, cannot get one at present--or at least that's what we were told when Louis and the rest of the neighborhood got their vaccinations. Too old. Too unwell. Hmm. If they think I'm unwell now, just wait and see the result if I happen to get COVID. 

On the economic front, research shows that hundreds of Bali hotels are up for sale. Hundreds. That does sound good, right? Bali's hotel industry has reported occupancy rates below 10 percent since the beginning of the pandemic. So hey, vaccinated folks, if you want some peace and quiet, if you want a beach to yourself, come to Bali! 

...

I read (though not in the Sanur Weekly) that the latest imbecility of Rep. Matt Gaetz is his statement that the Constitution's second amendment guarantees the right not only to bear arms but to use those arms in a rebellion against the government if people are so inclined. Interesting. Wasn't this the argument of the southern states at the outbreak of the Civil War? And shouldn't it be pretty clear that the government decided at that time, and quite bloodily so, that this isn't the case? Ah well. Southerners have always said that the south will rise again. 

...

And wait ... isn't Matt under investigation for prostitution and molesting a minor? Why is he speaking at all? Why is anyone listening?