Pardon the long interval since my last post. Between vacation, family commitments, and just plain laziness, I have neglected my blog.
On the vacation front, we went to Germany and Northern Italy, which were very nice. A few observations:
While in Europe, we got to use our new chip-enabled credit cards. They worked well there, but here in the US, despite all the deadlines, I have used the chip functionality exactly twice. The readers are at the stores, but hardly any of them are enabled. On top of that, we don't used a PIN with the card, so there is no protection against stolen cards. I think the credit card companies and merchants are having a dispute and this is holding up usage and the addition of a PIN. Perhaps they are watching Congress and think that argument and inaction are the best ways to resolve a dispute?
On the vacation front, we went to Germany and Northern Italy, which were very nice. A few observations:
- While we were touring wineries and eating the local ham and salami in Italy, it was announced that processed/cured meats and alcohol are carcinogens. It did not alarm me as I did not see large tumors protruding from the backsides of the Italians and Germans in the streets.
- These areas are great values. Every time we had a meal, we looked at the bill and compared it to Northern Virginia. We could have a gourmet meal with a bottle of good wine for about the same price as the local Virginia restaurant that just opened in a converted IHOP location (I am not kidding).
- No sign of migrants, even around the train station in Munich.
- The Europeans are shocked by Trump and his lunacy. They see him as the quintessential ugly American - ignorant, loudmouthed, prejudiced, rich, with a squirrel on his head masquerading as hair. I explained that it was all about the ratings for the TV Networks.
- Airport security in Italy leaves a lot to be desired.
While in Europe, we got to use our new chip-enabled credit cards. They worked well there, but here in the US, despite all the deadlines, I have used the chip functionality exactly twice. The readers are at the stores, but hardly any of them are enabled. On top of that, we don't used a PIN with the card, so there is no protection against stolen cards. I think the credit card companies and merchants are having a dispute and this is holding up usage and the addition of a PIN. Perhaps they are watching Congress and think that argument and inaction are the best ways to resolve a dispute?
I had certainly missed your posts. Glad you are back!
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