ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
United KingdomWedding Reception Back in the UK
QUOTE (Jeraly @ Jan 13 2008, 11:30 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Well because of my crazy plans(!) and the visa taking so long we are having a non-legal wedding next month (yeah yeah I know but it was already booked from last April - USCIS just screwed things up tongue.gif) then at the end of June we are having a UK celebration to coincide with my mum's 50th - just an evening reception/DJ (first dance etc as aren't doing that in the US)/cake etc. Then we fly back to the US together and have our legal wedding in Vegas - three weddings - result!! biggrin.gif


Haha - that's awesome! I love it - I don't feel bad for having 2 then smile.gif I was just thinking, wow, it was nice to put all the wedding stuff behind us - and now, the possibility of arranging another event, is overwhelming! But it won't be nearly the size or details - so hopefully it will be like just arranging a birthday party.
Converse34FemaleUnited Kingdom2008-01-13 14:10:00
United KingdomWedding Reception Back in the UK
For all K-1ers, any plans after getting married in the US to have a reception back home? We were married in Nov and it just occurred to us we should have some sort of party once AP comes through. Only about 10 of his family members were able to make it and since I lived in the UK for about 6 years and have my own circle of friends, we are def considering having a reception. Now, of course, we find ourselves in the same problem as before - couldn't really plan the wedding without the visa and here we can plan the reception without the AP - blah....
Converse34FemaleUnited Kingdom2008-01-13 11:50:00
United KingdomOne way flight?
QUOTE (paulinespens @ Jan 16 2008, 10:50 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I paid 200 pounds for a one way flight from Dublin with American Airlines to Louisville via Kentucky.

Do a search on there website flying from Dublin you will notice big savings. I just got the Ferry to Dublin and stayed over night in a hotel in the airport as the hotels do a free shuttle bus and I found the airport to be good for shopping.


I have also gone through DUB a few times. Got a Ryanair flight the day before - hung out and DUB for the day and took my $200 (yes, USD) one way flight to EWR on Continental.



GOOD LUCK!!!
Converse34FemaleUnited Kingdom2008-01-17 07:57:00
United KingdomOne way flight?
QUOTE (elmcitymaven @ Jan 16 2008, 11:02 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Edited to add: Of course if you didn't use the FIRST portion of a return ticket, your entire flight would be cancelled, but that's not the situation in this case.


Correct - you can only not use the return portion - you need to use the outbound or the inbound is automatically canceled.
Converse34FemaleUnited Kingdom2008-01-16 13:38:00
United KingdomOne way flight?
If you truly want a one way, book the cheapest roundtrip you can find (return date doesnt matter) and then just not use your return portion. If you are forever doing round trips from the UK, it makes it harder once you are in the US to plan and book tickets.
Converse34FemaleUnited Kingdom2008-01-16 11:22:00
United KingdomQuestion about UK police report
Go for it! Good luck good.gif
Converse34FemaleUnited Kingdom2008-01-27 09:16:00
United KingdomMore tax issues...
QUOTE (Lansbury @ Feb 1 2008, 05:16 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Gwen666 @ Feb 1 2008, 06:43 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Yes, he needs to send proof of his interest income HOWEVER since this is foreign earned income it is exempt as long as it's below the threshhold. So what you need is a statement from the financial institution in question stating the amount of interest earned during the tax year, then the form 2555 to declare that income exempt.

Any income earned in the UK is exempt as long as it was below the threshhold ($~88k). Convert it to USD, declare it on your 1040A in the relevant spot for interest income, and fill out the 2555 so it will be exempt.


Is that correct I was under the impression that foreign earned income exemption only applied if you lived outside the US. If you are a US resident you claim the income tax paid overseas against US tax.

We are just arranging an appointment with the accountant for ours for this year to make sure we claim the tax paid on my UK pension the best way, so as to try an avoid State income tax on it as well.


I would never declare interest earned in a foreign account (not that I would ever have more than $88k earned in interest). But there is no way the US government would ever track it, besides, as I remember in the UK, when I earned my 4p of interested on my current account, there was always the 1p tax deduction biggrin.gif
Converse34FemaleUnited Kingdom2008-02-01 20:49:00
United KingdomWhich is Easier ?
QUOTE (ericdraven @ Feb 7 2008, 06:22 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Ok now I've not got my interview yet, but its coming (soon I hope). But I don't know what to do about getting down there and stuff. Went down on the overnight Bus for the medical from manchester, was not fun it was packet !!! got no sleep but was ok coming back. so I could ether,

1) go down on the overnight bus on a return ticket for the interview. it get in about 6.15

2) go down the day before on the bus and stay in the hotel.

3) get the plane there and back.

4) get the plane the day before and stay in the hotel.

Look't at the train and it was coming up more expensive than the plane blink.gif go figure !!! the bus is only £ 36 pound But not sure If I could do it again LOL anyone want to share their experience on this please

thanks in advance

Eric


The bus is usually the cheapest - but they are ALWAYS crowded and it is like hell! The train is almost always out if you have a morning interview because they don't get down from MAN til about mid day. If you can fly down and stay the day before, that is your best bet (but likely most expensive). If you are looking for cheap and secure, take the coach down the day before and stay over night. Going on the day is risky and you wouldn't want to have to reschedule your interview!

The medical we scheduled in the afternoon and I believe got the train - because if we are late/missed it, figured it was easier to just turn up and say "hi, im here!" Let us know what you decide.
Converse34FemaleUnited Kingdom2008-02-07 19:38:00
United KingdomSir Alan slams equal opportunity laws
QUOTE (truffles @ Feb 13 2008, 12:26 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hmmm....doesnt that get covered in a contract? ...most companies have you sign a contract which lays out what the terms and benefits are?


All employees in the UK are required to have a written contract within 2 months of starting a position. Most contracts I have ever had were very vague and never mentioned required hours. I worked for large multi nationals - so it wasn't as if the company was small.
Converse34FemaleUnited Kingdom2008-02-13 08:02:00
United KingdomSir Alan slams equal opportunity laws
QUOTE (chriso21 @ Feb 12 2008, 04:05 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Mr Sugar doesn't seem to think that the current employment laws are in the best interest of women, which is probably true if like he said, most female CV's go straight in the bin because of the amount of money it will cost the business if they choose to have a baby. I imagine it would be better for women's careers nationwide to change the amount of paid leave or time off to encourage them to go back to work sooner and cost the business that they work for less.


But making these assumptions is wrong. Where do you draw the line? Is it ok to say, well certain minorities are more susceptible to certain diseases and might need time off work, so I won't hirer them either? This can all be avoided by the employer being up front about the requirements and hours of the position, and often times they are not.

I had a job in the UK that I was only told AFTER I started working that it required working 1 in 3 saturdays in addition to the 5 day work week. This was a big deal to me because it took me 2 hrs each way to get there. Had I known this information up front, I probably wouldn't have taken the job, and therefore wouldn't have left after 5 months.
Converse34FemaleUnited Kingdom2008-02-12 22:15:00
United KingdomSir Alan slams equal opportunity laws
QUOTE (barrel_roll @ Feb 11 2008, 08:08 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Well nobody moves to America for its progressive social policies...


Agreed!
Converse34FemaleUnited Kingdom2008-02-12 08:08:00
United KingdomSir Alan slams equal opportunity laws
QUOTE (britty @ Feb 11 2008, 07:20 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I really think that the question of children should not be raised at all in an interview. I have certainly been asked what "my domestic future plans" were in interviews in London, and I have always been very vague with the answer. Here in the US, it is definitely a DON'T GO THERE question so you never have to skirt around the topic anyhow. I think the interviewer should make it clear what the role requires. If this involves lates night, weekends, occasional travel etc, then it is up to the job applicant to decide whether or not that is feasible for them.

I agree. Everyone is different and it should not be down to the employer to decide if a person can "cope" with a particular work environment. When a person starts a new job, it is a risk on both sides.
Converse34FemaleUnited Kingdom2008-02-11 08:33:00
United KingdomSir Alan slams equal opportunity laws
QUOTE (truffles @ Feb 11 2008, 01:49 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Did I miss something? i read it as Sir Alan is trying to point out the laws are not fair...he is not the enemy ladies - he is simply pointing out what some employers thought processes are...HE IS ON OUR SIDE


No, he is spinning so it LOOKS like he is on our side. See below.

QUOTE (Converse34 @ Feb 10 2008, 07:01 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
The Apprentice star says equal opportunities rules mean employers are not allowed to ask female candidates if they plan to have children.

"If they are applying for a position which is very important, then I should think that some employers might think: 'This is a bit risky'.

"They would like to ask the question: 'Are you planning to get married and to have any children?'"



QUOTE (truffles @ Feb 11 2008, 01:49 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
For all the remarks about how bad the UK is dont forget to compare the maternity benefits with those the US.


I agree. Maternity benefits in the US are horrendous.

QUOTE (truffles @ Feb 11 2008, 01:49 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
[size="2"]The millionaire Apprentice star said managers should be allowed to ask women at interview how they would "cope" with the demands of work and home. Equality campaigners condemned his comments for representing an "outdated stereotype".[/size]

Personally this gives the woman the chance to explain her arrangements which i think is valid - the knee jerkers will say that they dont ask the man that question when interviewing - well maybe that should be changed too -


Why should women have to explain how they would cope?? Do men have to explain how they would "deal" with their wife by working long hours? Absolutely not!!

QUOTE (truffles @ Feb 11 2008, 02:31 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I worked for a company (in the UK)who bent over backwards to accommodate my female colleagues to the detriment of the ladies who had no children....The prized shift patterns would go to those who pleaded family circumstances - people like me ( i do have a older child) ended up having to take the less desirable shifts....not fair in my opinion


I agree. This is not fair. All they need to say in the interview is this job requires shift work. Is that ok with you? One should also not receive special privileges because they DO have children.
Converse34FemaleUnited Kingdom2008-02-11 07:35:00
United KingdomSir Alan slams equal opportunity laws
QUOTE (rkl57 @ Feb 10 2008, 11:22 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Mind you, I think the US could make some improvements on this front too, but in my current job about half the executive team are women.


I agree - the US is far from perfect, but at least everyone agrees in principle you aren't supposed to discriminate or at least ask such personal questions. I am very career focused and hope to have children sooner rather than later. I think some women have experienced more discrimination the higher you go and then decide to have children. Once you are up there and already have kids - it seems to be less of a problem.
Converse34FemaleUnited Kingdom2008-02-10 16:15:00
United KingdomSir Alan slams equal opportunity laws
I am the USC and lived in the UK for 6 years. Right after I completed my MSc, I must have went on 20 job interviews in London, Midlands, and in Greater Manchester. I finally received one job offer and I think back now to the questions that they were allowed to ask me and I'm absolutely stunned. Do you have a bf, do you plan on getting married any time soon, do you want to have children?

Maybe I was just naive at the time and I thought these were more "character" based questions. It wouldn't surprise me if I wasn't progressed further based on my answers to these questions. I finally gave up and came back to the US, 2 job interviews in 2 days, with 2 offers - and no such personal questions. The UK is certainly behind the times on this front.
Converse34FemaleUnited Kingdom2008-02-10 09:48:00
United KingdomSir Alan slams equal opportunity laws
I'm glad I left, how can he seriously think asking such personal questions is in the best interest of women? I loved his show and had a lot of respect for Sir Alan, but I'm disappointed.



Sir Alan slams equal opportunity laws
Published: Saturday, 9 February 2008, 6:38PM

Business guru Sir Alan Sugar has criticised employment laws for making it more difficult for women to get jobs.

The Apprentice star says equal opportunities rules mean employers are not allowed to ask female candidates if they plan to have children.

Sir Alan, who advises the Government on business issues, claims many firms simply bin women's CVs rather than take the risk of them taking maternity leave.

He said: "If someone comes in to an interview and you think to yourself there is a possibility that this woman might have a child and therefore take time off, it is a bit of a psychological negative thought.

"If they are applying for a position which is very important, then I should think that some employers might think: 'This is a bit risky'.

"They would like to ask the question: 'Are you planning to get married and to have any children?'"

He added: "These laws are counter-productive for women, that's the bottom line."

A spokeswoman for trade union Unison said: "Sir Alan Sugar's comments just show that discrimination against women is alive and well in the UK today.

"Any employer who just dumps a woman's CV in the bin is missing out on a huge pool of talent that would benefit their companies and their customers."

© Independent Television News Limited 2008. All rights reserved.

http://www.itv.com/N...unity-laws.html
Converse34FemaleUnited Kingdom2008-02-10 08:01:00
United KingdomFirst Tax Return
QUOTE (illumine @ Feb 14 2008, 07:32 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Sure, but this is a private message board, with rules.

You told the OP to break the law. Goes against the TOS here.


I didn't tell him to do anything. I merely stated what I did. Surely that is allowed.
Converse34FemaleUnited Kingdom2008-02-14 21:16:00
United KingdomFirst Tax Return
QUOTE (illumine @ Feb 14 2008, 06:42 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Converse34 @ Feb 14 2008, 03:49 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Lansbury @ Feb 14 2008, 04:55 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Converse34 @ Feb 14 2008, 10:51 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Oh please. If it is a normal person who isn't the CEO of a fortune 500 company, but just a normal person, are they seriously going to be audited? The IRS doesn't care about small fish, they are too busy investigating large amount of money. Don't be so dramatic.


If you are happy to break the law do so, but why assume others would follow your lower standards.

The chance of the normal worker getting audited in 2007 was 1%. My step-son, just an ordinary working guy, got audited a few years back and he had followed your method, they won't audit the small guy. He sure as hell wished when they finished he had declared the income from his side jobs which he thought they would never find. Back tax plus penalties can be a killer, he is still paying back the money I loaned him to get out of the mess.


I'm not assuming anything. I'm just saying what I did and what worked for me. That is allowed, right? I mean people post topics on this site because they are looking for answers, not that they need to spend money on outside services. So we all offer our opinion and the OP can decide from there.

Sometimes everyone on this site recommends being 100% honest with everything and sometimes it back fires and causes more trouble then it is worth. Look at KJC's post here. Or other posts where people have admitted to using drugs and their visa has automatically been denied. Sometimes omission saves a lot of unnecessary hassle.



Not declaring all your income on your tax return isn't an 'omission' - it's fraud.

You broke the law, so no, it's not OK to advocate it to others, on this board anyhow.

This is america. I am allowed to state my opinion.
Converse34FemaleUnited Kingdom2008-02-14 20:14:00
United KingdomFirst Tax Return
QUOTE (Lansbury @ Feb 14 2008, 04:55 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Converse34 @ Feb 14 2008, 10:51 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Oh please. If it is a normal person who isn't the CEO of a fortune 500 company, but just a normal person, are they seriously going to be audited? The IRS doesn't care about small fish, they are too busy investigating large amount of money. Don't be so dramatic.


If you are happy to break the law do so, but why assume others would follow your lower standards.

The chance of the normal worker getting audited in 2007 was 1%. My step-son, just an ordinary working guy, got audited a few years back and he had followed your method, they won't audit the small guy. He sure as hell wished when they finished he had declared the income from his side jobs which he thought they would never find. Back tax plus penalties can be a killer, he is still paying back the money I loaned him to get out of the mess.


I'm not assuming anything. I'm just saying what I did and what worked for me. That is allowed, right? I mean people post topics on this site because they are looking for answers, not that they need to spend money on outside services. So we all offer our opinion and the OP can decide from there.

Sometimes everyone on this site recommends being 100% honest with everything and sometimes it back fires and causes more trouble then it is worth. Look at KJC's post here. Or other posts where people have admitted to using drugs and their visa has automatically been denied. Sometimes omission saves a lot of unnecessary hassle.
Converse34FemaleUnited Kingdom2008-02-14 18:49:00
United KingdomFirst Tax Return
QUOTE (Lansbury @ Feb 14 2008, 11:17 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Converse34 @ Feb 14 2008, 04:39 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
To me, unless you are earning tons of money a year, you are really just opening the door for potential issues by even declaring your UK income. I see NO possible way it can be traced, and you already paid tax in the UK, why mention it?


How about it is a Federal offence not to.

How about if you get pulled for an audit and something in that traces back, for example a money transfer from the UK and they start asking questions about it. If you have ever been audited you would know it is like the Spanish Inquisition and you have to prove what you tell them.

How about if you have paid tax on it in the UK you legally don't have to pay tax on it in the US anyway, so why lie on your tax return.

How about suggesting in these forums people commit criminal offences isn't really a good idea, what you do is your choice.

Oh please. If it is a normal person who isn't the CEO of a fortune 500 company, but just a normal person, are they seriously going to be audited? The IRS doesn't care about small fish, they are too busy investigating large amount of money. Don't be so dramatic.
Converse34FemaleUnited Kingdom2008-02-14 13:51:00
United KingdomFirst Tax Return
QUOTE (Lansbury @ Feb 13 2008, 10:53 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Lansbury @ Feb 13 2008, 08:24 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
If you have paid UK tax on your UK income that can be offset against US tax. If you claim the UK tax back you then might be liable to US tax on those earnings.


Ignore that bit I was thinking you had earned the money in the UK while you lived in the US.

For your UK earnings while you lived in the UK you can claim the foreign earned income exemption, which is for 2007 $82400 a year. So in the year you came to the US it would be $84200 divided by 365 multiplied by the number of days you lived in the UK. That is how our account worked ours out when we moved over in 2006.


To me, unless you are earning tons of money a year, you are really just opening the door for potential issues by even declaring your UK income. I see NO possible way it can be traced, and you already paid tax in the UK, why mention it?
Converse34FemaleUnited Kingdom2008-02-14 07:39:00
United KingdomFirst Tax Return
QUOTE (robburnsefc @ Feb 13 2008, 09:11 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Well, I have now been in the USA since my wedding last July. I have been working since October 1st and I got my conditional green card last week!

It is of course tax return time, and the accountant my wife uses is not familiar with the implications of immigration.

Are there any forms or procedures peculiar to me that I need to know?

I have the proceeds of my house sale in my UK bank (not high interest, maybe a bit but not much), I worked from January to July in the UK and paid income tax. I didnt yet fill out the form for the uK Inland Revenue declaring myself gone, so no refund.

I have paid the highest rate of tax on my income.

Will there be any issues with any of this that anyone can think of?

Thanks,
Rob


I would only worry about funds you have in the US. If you have the proceeds of a UK house sale and you have in the bank in the US and are earning interest, you need to declare that income. Otherwise, I would not worry about working in the UK from Jan to July.

I moved back to the US in Sept 2005. I only declared on my 05 return the money I eared from Sept to Dec in the US. Also, I never said I had left the UK either, but I ended up getting a refund of about 600 quid.

I filed using www.taxact.com It is free to complete and efile your federal return and about $15 to complete and efile your state (which you don't have to do).
Converse34FemaleUnited Kingdom2008-02-13 23:26:00
United KingdomBritish/Scottish Wedding Traditions?
QUOTE (ginger1981 @ Feb 14 2008, 01:16 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
The place I'm working with is great. The bar owner said that basically we can cut off the open bar whenever we like. But I'm also thinking about handing out 2-3 tickets that would be worth a free drink, and once they are used up they have to pay for their own. That way it might control the double/triple fisting of drinks that happens at pretty much every wedding open bar I've been to (and I'm guilty of it too).

It's very important, as our familys combined could easily drink us into several years of debt :-p


Can you negotiate so that is a true open bar - meaning you pay x per person and they can all drink as much as they want? Usually works out easier and much cheaper, plus then you don't have to worry about shutting it off.
Converse34FemaleUnited Kingdom2008-02-14 18:53:00
United KingdomBritish/Scottish Wedding Traditions?
QUOTE (Alex & Rachel @ Feb 14 2008, 03:08 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Converse - I think most of that may just be your personal experience, as every UK wedding I've been to has had an open bar (or, rather, selected drinks served - either way, the alcohol was free), a full, sit-down meal and thank you notes! Sounds like you've known a few couples in breach of proper etiquette! I also had my bridesmaid gift given to me by the bride and groom. However, you are correct in that we do not have bridal showers.

I don't like the sound of the garter tradition, either. I'm certainly not including anything like that!

Well of course, the only thing I have to go on in this world is personal experience biggrin.gif

I was just listing some of the differences I noticed from the weddings I went to in the UK and a little bit of cultural differences when planning my own wedding.

I lived in Manchester for 6 years and a cash bar def seems to be the norm. They might put a few hundred quid behind the bar and when it runs out it is out, but otherwise it is cash (which is fine by me when we have a reception later this year!)

I just don't think Thank You notes in general are as valued in the UK as they are in the US. We sent a huge package to England for xmas, all of Conrad's nieces and nephews, not ONE thank you note. My mother would have forced us for sure to send one back.
Converse34FemaleUnited Kingdom2008-02-14 07:45:00
United KingdomBritish/Scottish Wedding Traditions?
Here are some of the differences I noticed between UK and US weddings (I'm Italian from the Northeast, so we have our own style)

UK
Cash Bar
Finger Food
Lack of Thank You Notes from the Bride and Groom
No Bridal Shower
Rehearsal Dinner?
Best Man buys Bridesmaids gifts?

US
Open Bar
Full Dinner
ALWAYS Thank You Notes
Bridal Shower is for gifts/Wedding is for Money
Always a Rehearsal Dinner
Bride and Groom buy gifts for their bridesmaids/groomsmen

I didn't do the bouquet toss or the garter. We did incorporate a Celtic tradition of a "hands ceremony" where the officiant wraps both of your hands with a ribbon (or the family tartan). We opted for that even though it was a new tradition for us.

We had our last dance as New York, New York. Mainly because we loved the Peter Kay comedy act. laughing.gif

Edited by Converse34, 13 February 2008 - 09:35 PM.

Converse34FemaleUnited Kingdom2008-02-13 21:32:00
United KingdomTaking my credit rating with me
QUOTE (ginger1981 @ Feb 18 2008, 11:29 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I'll have to get out my Suze Orman book to get the details, but I do believe you can "piggyback" credit. For example, if the USC spouse has good credit, you can add the non-USC to the account...I'll have to get the exact details again, and I'll post it later.

An example I know of is a friend who was piggybacked onto their parent's account (when he turned 18 they added him to their credit card account so he would use their card while in college). It ended up something happened where the parents credit took a nosedive, and in turn it damaged his credit although he hadn't ever been delinquent or what not himself.

Suze Orman's Website

There should be more info on Suze's website.


This info is correct - she talks about piggybacking all the time. It is a two way street - both good and bad credit can rub off.

Edited by Converse34, 18 February 2008 - 02:35 PM.

Converse34FemaleUnited Kingdom2008-02-18 14:35:00
United KingdomTaking my credit rating with me
Agreed. It is near impossible to trace/track credit from the UK. Your best bet is to try and convert (e.g. AMEX UK for AMEX US like mentioned above) and then have your checking account with your spouse. Also, start putting your name on utility bills and any other credit cards your spouse may have (assuming THEY have good credit). Don't expect everything to happen over night, but if you start early, you can establish your credit similar to what you had in the UK.

I have also used www.myfico.com to track your credit rating. It will also notify you in adjustments to your score - free 30 day trial.
Converse34FemaleUnited Kingdom2008-02-17 07:59:00
United KingdomSo anyone thought of moving back/already moved back???
Not doing and won't do it unless I ever received a full job transfer/expat package (I am the USC, we lived there for 6 years). We could never afford housing now that we sold and I found that the salaries were half of what I am making now. It sounds like you have no support network in your immediate area, what is keeping you there? How about moving elsewhere in the US?
Converse34FemaleUnited Kingdom2008-02-18 20:50:00
United KingdomCan anyone help me out with East enders?

Hi,

I watch East enders on PBS here every Sunday night. I was trying to figure out where I am in the show,but I am not quite sure. I have gone on both BBC America and You Tube to try and get some idea of what season this is I am watching.

This is what happened last night:

Mo thought she had killed psycho Trevor with an iron.

Mark and Lisa are arguing about baby Louise and Phil being the father. Sharon just left Phil.

Does anyone know about where I am in this show?


Thanks

Jodo


Ah, these were the good old days when eastenders was ontop! Now, complete rubbish. Though I did manage to watch the omnibus this past weekend - glad to see Phil is still around (for now).
Converse34FemaleUnited Kingdom2007-05-29 22:26:00
United KingdomBack from England and need to rant
DO NOT every pay again! Seriously, you stand there stomping your feet demanding a supervisor. Even easyjet (though not ryanair) will transfer you onto the next flight free if you just missed your flight. Have you established any frequent flyer status with AA with all your flights? Generally, that helps a lot - even if you are the lowest tier.

This doesn't often work with Non US airlines in UK/Europe - but it certainly should for US based airlines. Their policies are much more libral (I know, I work for one!)

Goodluck and keep us posted on any AA reply.





Wait, so you flew on AA and they charged $200 to go standby on the next flight because you missed your first flight?

No way! Stomp your feet and refused to pay! US based airlines are usually fairly liberal on this (ie this would never happen ex US airports) You might guy the rolling of the eyes - another American, but so what!


Yep! Crazy, isn't it? When I wrote my little complaint, I also mentioned that we have flown 9 times Dallas <-> Gatwick in the past 18 months and will be purchasing 8 tickets from Gatwick to Dallas for our wedding soon, and if this is the service we can expect from AA, we'll fly with another airline. I know that may be small business compared to a lot of others, but we've definitely sunk enough into that airline to get some sort of response from them.


Converse34FemaleUnited Kingdom2007-05-30 07:21:00
United KingdomBack from England and need to rant
Wait, so you flew on AA and they charged $200 to go standby on the next flight because you missed your first flight?

No way! Stomp your feet and refused to pay! US based airlines are usually fairly liberal on this (ie this would never happen ex US airports) You might guy the rolling of the eyes - another American, but so what!


The farce which is now Gatwick airport was enough to make me never go back. Oh My God what a nightmare. Continental Airlines allows you 2 pieces of hand luggage but Gatwick allows you one. So I'm frantically trying to fit my handbag into my overstuffed carry on bag when some "official" points out (in broken English) it's not going to fit. No Sh!t sherlock!! Eventually we got thru security, after an hour. Probably didn't help it's half term this week and the world and his mother were in the airport. Then I lined up for 20 mins to buy a drink and a paper!



:thumbs:

AGREED!! My experience on Sunday was horrible! I knew about the bag restrictions so I'd planned for that one (they got me on that one last trip, though.) I didn't, however, plan for rudeness at the desk because I was late - yeah, I knew the trains would be delayed, just waiting around for giggles to see if you'd let me on the plane anyway. I then find out that they had refused to let others on the plane that were connecting from another AA flight to the one I was supposed to be on - even though they were there an hour before departure. Special. I was there 40 minutes before my flight (yes, late, I know. Thank you public transportation - stupid us for not allowing 5 hours to get to the airport), and was told I was too late to get on the plane. When I asked about the later flight, I got "it's probably full, but check the sales desk." What a snotty cow. I've gotten to Gatwick that late before (that time was our fault - just dragging our feet), and no questions asked. They called the gate to let them know I was there, and I sprinted to the gate. This time....noooooooo....$200 transfer fee for getting on standby for the late flight.

Yeah - I know, our fault, but how about a LITTLE customer service, huh?

I feel you, Wolf. So glad the rest of your trip went well, though! Weather was lovely up until Saturday, wasn't it?


Converse34FemaleUnited Kingdom2007-05-29 22:23:00
United KingdomIndefinite Leave to Enter
I'm not being stubborn. I'm analyst, I evaluate and think of all possible options before making a decision. That is all.
Converse34FemaleUnited Kingdom2007-06-02 05:44:00
United KingdomIndefinite Leave to Enter
So isn't possible for people to have residency in both countries? I just don't see any benefit in voluntarily giving it up when the worst they would do is take it away anyways.
Converse34FemaleUnited Kingdom2007-06-01 19:42:00
United KingdomIndefinite Leave to Enter
Yeah but just because you don't pay NI contributions or claim benefit isn't a sure fire way to prove you didn't live there. You could not be working, etc. I was only once questioned for more than one min in the last 2 years - never any problems. I have been back about 20 times in the last two years, usually for a few days at a time.


Well, I wouldn't exactly call it a piece of piss. True it may not be as involved as the K1 procecss - but it is certainly something I do not wish to repeat. Plus the filing fees are getting out of control.


But as Lansbury said, it's not even legal really. It depends on luck.

I wonder what would happen if you moved back tho, with a different spouse & years of no UK addess or NHS records? WOuld they figure it out & revoke it?


Quite easy to check either the immigration officer themselves or they ask one of the Special Branch officers to phone the Social Security benefits office in Newcastle and ask when did this person last paid NI contributions or claimed benefits.

With that information the immigration officer can make an educated guess how long the person has been away. I have seen the immigration interview go down hill rapidly from that point as far as the would be arrivee was concerned.



yeah, but it is still unnecessary money that you would have to pay to get it again. i shouldve just applied for the passport while i was still there, oh well.


*shrug* So?


Well I try to avoid extra hassle/wasting money wherever possible
Converse34FemaleUnited Kingdom2007-06-01 07:33:00
United KingdomIndefinite Leave to Enter
yeah, but it is still unnecessary money that you would have to pay to get it again. i shouldve just applied for the passport while i was still there, oh well.
Converse34FemaleUnited Kingdom2007-05-31 19:42:00
United KingdomIndefinite Leave to Enter
Well, I wouldn't exactly call it a piece of piss. True it may not be as involved as the K1 procecss - but it is certainly something I do not wish to repeat. Plus the filing fees are getting out of control.
Converse34FemaleUnited Kingdom2007-05-30 21:29:00
United KingdomIndefinite Leave to Enter
Thank you both for your answers. The visa has no expiration date. You get an inital one for a year, and then after one year you send in more documents and then it valid indefinitely.

Well, I go back all the time and I never lie. Even when asked how long have you been away, my answer is often 8 weeks or longer. And I would think that as long as I go to the UK once every 2 years, I am complying. I just dont want to have to give this up incase we ever decide to move back to the UK. Having to go through that process again would just as frastrating as going through this process!

OK. I will just carry my expired passport as well as my current one.
Converse34FemaleUnited Kingdom2007-05-30 12:43:00
United KingdomIndefinite Leave to Enter
So I am the USC and I obtained Indef Leave to Enter (ie UK version of the greencard - the sticker is also green!) through a previous marriage. I am now living back in the US, but I really want to keep my status intact. Everytime I come back to the UK, I do say that I am still living there (we still have our house) but I suppose techinically I am not.

Anyone else have this issue? Also, my US passport is due for renewal soon - anyone know how I can get my UK sticker transfered over? There is no mention of this on the britianusa website and I think their helpline number is non toll-free! I did know of another USC who used to carry both her current and expired passport as that had the entry certificate in it.
Converse34FemaleUnited Kingdom2007-05-29 22:35:00
United KingdomLiving elsewhere in europe?
So as the UK is part of the EU and citizens can move freely and live in other EU countries, do spouses of EU passport holders have any difficulties relocating to another EU country? So if a USC is married to a UK citizen and you decide to relocate to France for example, is there any issues getting the USC a residency or work permit? Anyone have any experience?
Converse34FemaleUnited Kingdom2007-06-03 19:39:00
United KingdomPacket 3 back in the post
Pleasantly Persistant is the way to be!! :)
Converse34FemaleUnited Kingdom2007-06-04 13:57:00