Posts by wiredsailor7

These transfer fees are getting absolutely ridiculous. PSG asking 145m for Barcola seems like a massive reach if you ask me. Does anyone else think these clubs are just inflating prices to nothing?

frozenseal55 said:I honestly believe the core issue here is the relationship between the mods and the users—specifically in this instance, it’s about ambermason16. It all comes down to her tone and how she carries herself, acting like she's the absolute boss who holds all the power while everyone else is just expected to bark at the stars.
Look at this: first, she drops an unnecessarily defensive post, and then she snaps back at Satru, arrogantly claiming his suggestions won't even be considered and suggesting the thread be shut down entirely. Instead of actually engaging in the discussion—especially now when everyone is participating in good faith to fix things—she should be trying to find common ground and contribute to a solution.

Besides, deleting posts that don't actually warrant deletion happens to anyone. Skatte has done it a few times herself, yet nobody says a single word against her because she’s a reasonable woman in terms of her behavior and communication.

As for clones, they really need to be punished immediately by having their profiles deleted or whatever the standard forum protocol dictates. I didn't even realize there was such an epidemic of clones within the Diaspora 😲.

By the way, comparing the Diaspora sub compared to Photography is like comparing apples to watermelons.
Photography is a niche thematic forum tied to one specific interest, whether it's a hobby or a profession. On the other hand, the Diaspora section is far more complex. People go to the photography forum to talk about photography, and that’s it. You don't see massive, explosive drama happening there.
Conversely, people come to the Diaspora section because they live abroad, used to live abroad, or have a deep desire to move overseas. It attracts a massive spectrum of people from all over the world, with wildly different careers and life interests.

It's a completely different matter if you view the Diaspora section strictly as a place for visa information and logistics.
If that's the case, it will die out incredibly fast, because regular users aren't going to keep visiting constantly just to answer the exact same repetitive questions.

What if we just opened a dedicated sub-forum on the Diaspora site specifically for relocation Q&A?

slywolf45 said:My "thread"? We (myself and my circle) back in the States don't spend our time talking about you people.🤷 😁

As for the jokes about guest workers... they're pure parody. But hey, I suppose I shouldn't be surprised that not everyone gets the humor.😉

Unless you were a moderator over at Trash, I'm pretty sure you're wrong, but honestly, I don't care.☕

The truth is, PDF became a complete parody because of the Diaspora, and it seems some moderators just can't wrap their heads around that either.😉

mistyhound2 said:frozenseal55 👍 I am right there with you. That miserable PDF has basically turned into nothing more than an info desk for all the stuff you mentioned. And honestly, what’s even the point of shutting down new threads? You can always squeeze some topic under a broader umbrella—like Canada, the US, or Australia—but that defeats the whole purpose. It just kills the vibe, makes people frustrated, and eventually, nobody even bothers starting anything new. 😢

That was the one about American confidence versus European confidence. Finally, something actually worth reading! It was up for a hot minute, then they shut it down, then moved it somewhere else—who knows where, honestly... just pointless. And look, Stephanie is a woman with actual life experience and a solid way of looking at things; she writes beautifully, and I love her quotes. And I'm definitely not the only one who feels that way. 🙂

Exactly. That applies strictly to discussions about any country other than the USA or Canada. At one point, we had up to four different threads about Canada right on the first page, and it was the same deal with the USA, while new threads about Australia or Germany were constantly being moved. It just shows exactly which corner the mods are pushing everything into.

frozenseal55 said:And it’s irritating—honestly, it couldn't be any more annoying. Eventually, you find yourself rarely even visiting the forum; you just skim through the threads, see the same repetitive stuff over and over, maybe open one or two, and then dodge the rest in a wide arc just to get out of there.
You can't even go to the CHAT because apparently, you have to stick to specific topics there too 😕 ... and good grief, how am I supposed to know how to troll in a chat if I have to follow rules? 😕

..... this hits the nail on the head.

slywolf45 said:Honestly, we’d probably be better off if the moderator for this diaspora forum was recruited from a different galaxy altogether.
Calling it the "New World" feels just a bit too cliché, don't you think?☕

Well, clearly your comment is providing massive support to those of us in the Diaspora right now—what point were you actually trying to make??
The Americans living abroad who wandered onto your PDF thread saw exactly how you and your crowd view us. That's why I think your comments are completely irrelevant here.

Steven Ruiz said:Am I supposed to have been normal? Second? Boss? A little hobbit? etc., etc...
NOBODY was actually doing a good job.
When I was appointed (for the second time) to moderate the diaspora section, I was practically greeted with open arms before I could even manage to perform a single moderation task or take any kind of action...
Everything that ambermason16 wrote above is the absolute truth, I'm afraid...

Since you're asking, I might as well give you a straight answer. Mod Secund was completely neutral toward users and topics—fair to everyone (like a true Swiss banker). Meanwhile, the other moderators on this site have their little favorites who can get away with anything.

How is it even possible that out of nowhere, some sports commentator named Ferdinand Boffin decides to start hurling insults at me in a single post?

Is it because I happen to have a different opinion than him?

After he posted his remark, I met him with the same energy. He pushed back with more insults, and I answered him in kind—eye for an eye.
Now I find out that this moderator wiped our entire exchange clean, except for his very first insult directed at me. What kind of move is that?

.... Guess he thinks he's a big shot. Good for him.

Angela Wright said:Reading this feels like listening to anecdotes from my own mother’s last stint in the hospital.🙄
My only explanation is that they are severely understaffed. It isn't rare for them to work double shifts, and they simply cannot provide the level of attention every patient needs for quality care. The system is the primary culprit here; it's not that these nurses don't want to help, they just don't have the working conditions to do it properly.
My advice to you is to consult with the doctor regarding the direction of your father-in-law's treatment and see if it can be managed at home, given the current state of the hospital (don't attack the doctors—they aren't to blame and are victims of the same situation themselves, just present your perspective to them). It is actually possible to arrange daily home health visits for about 45 minutes where a nurse can focus entirely on him. Since he's dealing with Parkinson, it's also possible to get a physical therapist in for massages and range-of-motion exercises. Both options are set up via specialist recommendation (home health services and the primary care physician's suggestion), so maintaining a good relationship with the hospital staff is vital. As for the hands-on care he needs—massages, turning him, frequent changing—that's something only someone in the house can provide; in my experience, that's just the reality. You can even rent a hospital bed, preferably hydraulic, equipped with anti-decubitus air mattresses, often available from local nursing homes for a nominal fee of around $200-$100 a month. We managed to pull that off without any issues. After a year of being completely immobile and bedridden, my mother passed away without a single pressure sore on her body, and she didn't even have them during the early stages of her illness. That bed was a true blessing.

Do everything in your power to ensure your father-in-law maintains his human dignity—make sure he isn't in pain, that he's fed, and that he's clean. Give him the best possible care you can manage!

The system is to blame? How can the system be at fault when you can just check a medical file and see that the patient has Parkinson?
Working conditions? Why do those conditions change drastically the moment a few bills change the owner's name? (And sadly, that's how things have to be done).

Don't think I'm attacking you; I'm just bitter about the whole situation.
Just look at my username and you can imagine everything I've been through. I don't view people in white coats as gods; they are just people who studied a craft and followed regulations, but they are still capable of making mistakes.

My wife politely consulted the doctor and tried to interpret the situation, and the response she got was basically, "...who do you think you are coming in here from the outside trying to tell us how to do our jobs..."

He isn't in the hospital because of Parkinson. Before Christmas, he had surgery for appendicitis (the whole works). After the holidays, they removed the sutures, and the next day the wound opened up. Back to the Bjelovar Hospital, the whole routine again. Apparently, his intestines fused together! His temperature spiked, and then a pulmonary Embolia appeared... that's the short version.

But thanks for the advice.👍

redsailor11 said:I only go to Bjelovar Hospital to see my neurologist, but I told my family a long time ago: if anything ever happens to me, do not—under any circumstances—send me to Bjelovar. It’s an absolute disaster over there...
My suggestion is that if it's at all possible and you have the option, move your mother-in-law to the hospital in Pakracka. I spent quite a bit of time there, and honestly, it’s solid. Plus, it isn't much further from Bjelovar. It’s a smaller facility, less crowded, which means the staff is actually willing to cooperate and help...
That’s just my humble advice and suggestion...

So, Bjelovar Hospital certainly has its own reputation! Honestly, I thought that whole "I'm the king of this ward" attitude had died out by now.
Two years ago, my mom was in the ICU at Gospić Hospital following a heart attack (for context, we are very familiar with the medical standards in Germany), and she said she doesn't have a single complaint about that hospital or their doctors.

I've heard about Pakracka, but my mother-in-law isn't up for a transport right now; on top of everything, an embolism has developed in her lungs.

Thanks for the suggestion.👍

mistyridge5 said:Warm wishes to everyone...

I’ve been reading through some of the posts here—please forgive me, I just didn't have the strength to finish them all because the tears started flowing so fast and hit so hard....

I really wish I had someone to talk to (people who were actually walking the same path) about everything while it was happening, while we were all hurting, and even later when things ended on such a painful note.
It’s good to see there’s support here, though. It’s good to know there's a place where people can gather and offer virtual comfort or advice...
As for my own story.... maybe some other time. Right now, I honestly just can't. It hurts too much....

Just keep writing. It helps to get it out; don't suffer in silence for too long...

Jeremy Johnson10 said:Honestly, if Angela Wright hadn't started those other threads on this forum, I’d probably still be wandering aimlessly through this total nightmare... Of course, these posts aren't going to magically fix my mom, but they definitely saved my sanity (thanks to those topics Angela kicked off that helped me find my people).
Anyway, Sam, I'm pulling for you with everything I've got—go beat that tumor! 🙂

Thanks,
I’m wishing the best for you and your mom as well. Stay strong through all of this.🙂

Charles Edwards8 said:wiredsailor7, does my username ring any bells for you?
So, look, I’m dealing with cancer myself, and I've known people who have passed away from it too. Honestly, the survey Angela Wright put together is a little quirky—it probably doesn't hold much statistical weight—but hey, it's here, and we can choose whether or not to weigh in.
The way the question is phrased about knowing someone with cancer is super vague, which could definitely lead to some weird data if everyone picks that option. But knowing Angela and how much she dives into this stuff, she’s clearly super dedicated and really knows her stuff, even if I'm personally not much of a numbers or statistics person.
Personally, I think the way the survey is set up is a bit flawed, but honestly, that's not even the main point.
Angela started an awesome thread here👍

Like I already said, the topic itself is fine, but the actual poll isn't for me.😉

Angela Wright said:The person who is actually ill checked in by saying they have someone in their family fighting it. Beyond that, these polls aren't meant to be definitive scientific indicators of the situation; they are simply prompts to spark discussion online.
It seems like you don't spend much time following the health discussions here. If you actually paid closer attention to the posts and threads—especially the ones I start—you would realize I am not excluding anyone, particularly those battling cancer.
Thanks for your lovely critique of my poll; personally, I think it’s excellent.😛

Whoa, slow down!

I have nothing against your comments or anyone else's. My criticism was aimed strictly at the poll itself, which you actually ended up revising in the first part of your own statement.

And being a "regular"? Yes or no? That isn't a valid yardstick for having an opinion or offering critique. It's simple: I don't like acting like an expert on things I know nothing about. Because of that, I don't post here very often, regardless of whether it's you or someone else writing.

Emily Foster4 said:To put it simply... about a year ago, an acquaintance of mine had to undergo surgery for a testicular tumor. They ended up removing the entire testicle. It was malignant, but thankfully, there were no signs of metastasis anywhere. 🙏 The radiation treatment is finished. Now they just do a checkup once a year, and everything looks solid on paper. What I’m actually concerned about is recurrence. What are the odds of this coming back, and if it does, is it bound to show up in the exact same spot—specifically, the other testicle in this case? I could use some clarity on how this works. Thanks.😘

Here’s some more info for you. First off, though, I have to apologize—my medical vocabulary in English isn't exactly top-tier. Honestly, I'd find it much easier to explain this all in German.

It all depends on whether the tumor is malignant or not. Some aren't nearly as aggressive as others, while some types are absolutely critical. Personally, I dealt with a pure seminoma, though luckily it was caught at stage one.
After the amputation, I had to go through radiation. For the first five years, I was back in the clinic twice a year for follow-up CT scans and MRIs. Once that initial stretch passed, they scaled it back to just one check-up a year. I’ll hit the ten-year mark without any sign of the tumor returning soon, and then, finally, I can celebrate my milestone birthday in peace.

Regular checkups make one thing clear: the odds of a full recovery within those first five years are incredibly high. From what I’ve gathered, once you hit the ten-year mark, we’re looking at a recovery probability somewhere between 95% and 99%. However, that specific data point only applies to the case discussed by wiredsailor7. As for any other types of tumors, I don't have any reliable information to provide.

Testicular issues tend to hit men during their prime, usually falling in that 25 to 40 age bracket. I’ve lost count of how many times I've heard people say that if you deal with this while you're still young, you're basically just waiting for a ticking time bomb. The common consensus I hear is that it leaves you vulnerable to future tumors that could strike anywhere in the body once you hit your later years.

From what I’ve seen, you have to overhaul your entire lifestyle—diet, career, stress management—to actually fuel your mental state with positive thinking. You need to educate yourself thoroughly about the tumor and be upfront with others about it, especially those who actually want to support you. There is no point in hiding behind shame or pretending it isn't happening. Don't ignore reality. Just accept your past and your circumstances for what they are.

Here is one little "slogan" or piece of advice that I always pass along to people—it’s helped me more than once: "Live today like it's your last."

Angela Wright said:Did you actually bother reading the poll? Everything you need to know is right there in black and white.

I read it, and frankly, the whole poll is useless. It’s built on the logic of "little Isaac knows more people, so he gets top billing."
The data from your survey is irrelevant because it lacks any real substance. It’s basically just hearsay—like if a small town whispered that Steve got sick, and suddenly everyone thinks they have a statistical insight. Great job!

You want to discuss a topic, yet you're shutting out the very people actually affected by it. Every single one of us carries personal experience, direct information, and firsthand knowledge that holds far more weight than some "I heard it from a friend" response based on vague statistics.

Fine, have it your way. Your poll is perfect. Carry on, I won't get in your way anymore.

Angela Wright said:This topic has been blowing up lately, and honestly, it looks like the whole mess boils down to expansion issues.

What am I supposed to vote for in this poll when we're all just bottom-feeders?

Speaking from my own experience, any kind of radiation—even when they claim it’s perfectly dosed—can damage healthy organs. Some issues leave lasting consequences while others don't, but I've felt the fallout firsthand. I’ve had both radiologists and cardiologists tell me this straight to my face, though nobody would put it in writing because they didn't want to deal with any potential liability claims.
In my case, my aorta was exposed during the procedure. Now, I’m dealing with what you might call a small inguinal hernia in my groin and this constant clicking in my lower back—basically a herniated disc.
After going through that kind of torture, I’d be a hell of a lot more cautious if I were in your shoes.

urbantinker11:
You've got a point, it can help, but don't act like that's the only reason he beat the disease. His athletic nutrition—specifically those nutritional supplements—played a massive role.

Are you just parroting the manufacturer's script? Is that some kind of slogan?
Who actually benefits here? The manufacturer uses the Armstrong chain for their own marketing, while people like you fall for it hook, line, and sinker.

urbantinker11:
Where most people mess up is waiting until the very LAST minute to try "home remedies" or dietary changes.

Who do you think you are, acting like some high-priced sponsor, arrogantly claiming you know better than everyone else when they're making life-or-death decisions regarding cancer?

Look, I'm telling you straight: take that bullshit somewhere else!
Go buy some airtime on the local TV station and spread your nonsense there.

Sarah Cruz2 said:I'm really interested in her story. If anyone here can share from their own experience (thank you so much to everyone who reached out to me!!) what was driving them through their illness—what actually motivated them to fight—I would be incredibly grateful!

Here’s my take based on my own life. This isn't the place for "he said, she said" gossip; the subject matter is far too serious for that.
Motivation to fight? I had to ask myself one question: "Do I want to live and fight, or do I just give up and let whatever happens, happen?" Then I asked: "What is actually worth living for?" And then I saw the reasons: 1. My son, who was only 2.5 years old at the time. 2. My wife, who gave me love, warmth, physical and mental support, and endless understanding for the situation I'm still navigating today. 3. Honestly, I just felt too young to leave this country.
Once I identified those specific reasons, I chose to fight. I won the first battle, and I'll likely win the next one too.
In all this chaos, I was lucky enough to be diagnosed with a 100% "Seminom"—a type of tumor that can be managed quickly and effectively. That’s why my Nickname is "Seminom"; I simply accepted it as a part of who I am that I can't run away from. Using that name isn't about fishing for sympathy; that’s not my intention or my need.

I’m not going to tell you what *you* should do. Instead, I’ll tell you how *I* would act. (You’ve already received plenty of "smart" advice from people who don't even understand what we're talking about here—people who haven't lived it themselves, or maybe were lucky enough to never have to.)

If it were up to me, I would spend every moment helping her see the reasons to live and fight. I would isolate her from negative people and toxic environments, even if it meant offending some people along the way (in this case, you have to be selfish). People without empathy can be detrimental, and there is zero benefit to keeping them around. To help her mental state, I’d change her surroundings—flowers, curtains, a new rug, an almond print housecoat, a t-shirt... things in bright, fresh colors. (The focus needs to be on mental health rather than obsessing over sports nutrition). Basically, I'd try to lift that dark fog that has settled in.
It wasn't that Kyle Nelson was being unfair when people judged her (she certainly didn't think she was practicing extreme mountain climbing),
but if she can't walk, I’d get her a wheelchair and take her for rides through the neighborhood. Just so she can realize that life is still moving and see the value in it.
I wouldn't let her resign too early. If she needs to do something, I wouldn't let her say "I can't do that" before she even tries. Because once you tell your brain "I can't" before you've even started, the fight becomes ten times harder.
I’d encourage her to work with her hands—maybe drawing, modeling, photography... anything to show her that she can still produce something tangible and that she isn't useless on this planet.

I'll stop here; if a post is too long, it becomes a chore to read.

One last thing: you won't find a universal solution. Find the middle ground among all the different opinions and advice.