| Author | Message | ||
| Dave Wapinski (Davewapinski)
Junior Member Username: Davewapinski Post Number: 213 Registered: 8-2001 |
Thanks Martin for the Universal Corporate Services info. Will check into them. Life is too short to spend it in courts, battling governments, etc. Therefore, besides the moral issues, I prefer to remain legal. However, normally there are so many loop holes that one never has to do anything illegal. Have a great day, Dave | ||
| wm hart (Whart)
Member Username: Whart Post Number: 351 Registered: 12-2001 |
Najib: I certainly don't want to reinforce any of your preconceptions, but i do think, having been conditioned to believe in individual freedom, that any religion/gov't/cult that inculcates hate, death and destruction is wrong, whether that means fundamental Islamists or rabid Zionists. So, i don't think, in my case, its a "jewish" thing. Its ironic that, in your defense of SA, and its worldview (remember, you are the one that cautioned visitors about the rather narrow bounds of cultural acceptance there) you justify its shortcomings as the result of my own bigotry. I know that much of the recent antipathy toward the US is the result of its support for Israel. But, frankly, i don't have to get into the merits of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict( or the tragic events of 9/11) to find fault with SA. As to your comment that this all turns on culture bashing, and prejudice, just look back to your original advice to Dave about what he would have to deal with if he came to SA. Is your advice based on narrowmindedness, or is it simply a reflection of the very reality that i was parodying in my posting? | ||
| Najib Amanullah (Najib)
Junior Member Username: Najib Post Number: 157 Registered: 4-2001 |
Jon I dont have to show off my degrees to others. I have obtained plenty of those and speak, read and write several languages and scripts. You might have studied but are you EDUCATED. As far as the 1991 conflict, it was all about oil and the US and Israel were well compensated. In fact Kuwait's bank balance was almost depleted. You could have summarised you rant in one sentence "Yeah I know we only did it for the oil, but so what". And what were they fighting - poorly armed conscripts. I have nothing against free speech but I have heard more religious drivel on this chat line than I care for. Hart As a Jew I have no doubt you would consider the Arabs as narrowminded. But then Israel is a free thinking Democracy which has occupied the lands of a nation illegally and is refusing (with the help of its mentor) to recognise any International authority including the UN. Talking about bathrobes and sunglasses, what about skull-caps and ringlets and wearing your vest over your shirt. And settlers stealing your land and shooting at you when you dare to ask for it back. If that is Democracy, I'll take slavery any day. Dont hide behind the Western culture fascade,trying to drum up support its a Muslim and Jew thing with you isn't it. Anyway, Dave whether you are Jewish or any other faith, I don't care and my advice to you was meant to be fair and impartial. I am neither Saudi or Arab and came here with an equal amount of concern having lived in a Western society all my life. I am sure you will take the right decision. I on the other hand have better things to do than participate on a chat line with such narrow minded individuals who participate in bashing others for their faith and maybe colour next. As has been said many times recently, this site has degenerated because of some of the participants. | ||
| Hubert Otlik (Hugh)
Junior Member Username: Hugh Post Number: 119 Registered: 1-2002 |
Dave, Baring the comments on extremism, and varying personal convitcions. I'd like to offer a quick comment from experience, on the person to person, day to day get along. My father is a chemical engineer and has been, for the last 35+ years, working for shipping companies exporting tons upon tons of crude oil out of the Arab states, and into the rest of the world. In his own recollection, whenever asked, he would speak of a great hostility toward western influence and whites in general. To every discourse there was always a latent, but felt, disdain held on the part of the Arab world for western merchants. Yet it was almost always expected that the Arab customs agents and port authorities be showered with gifts of western influence-whiskey, gin, marlboro smokes, etc-or paper work could become unsurmountable, as it was already bordering on ridicoulous. However, to qualify my comments above, I have to also add that there were-like anywhere-individuals along the way that did not harbor any ill will. Bottom line Dave, is that being "relocated" is one thing, being excised from your own familiar culture is another. | ||
| Martin (Miami348ts)
Intermediate Member Username: Miami348ts Post Number: 2259 Registered: 5-2001 |
What are oyu studying with the vehicle, the world warmening due to Ferrari polution? I doubt that you will get that research excemption if it exists. Belize, Antigua, Britisch Virgin Islands, Isles of Man, (less known England) are good spots. Contact Universal Corporate Service @ (800) 551-2141 they are the cheapest in the industry to set them up. <not that I know> ;) | ||
| Dave Wapinski (Davewapinski)
Junior Member Username: Davewapinski Post Number: 211 Registered: 8-2001 |
What about Antiqua (probably misspelled)? The big sports gaming web site is ran from there. Caymans, Isle of Man, etc. What about Panama? Years ago I was there for the US Government, doing analysis for secret military work. Was surprised by the number of rich banks in Panama City. Want to be legal no matter what I do. I thought there was an exception to the one year rule for research vehicles. Dave | ||
| Martin (Miami348ts)
Intermediate Member Username: Miami348ts Post Number: 2247 Registered: 5-2001 |
BTW, I HATE THE BAHAMAS FOR WHAT THEY DID ! | ||
| Martin (Miami348ts)
Intermediate Member Username: Miami348ts Post Number: 2246 Registered: 5-2001 |
Dave, there is no more IBCs in the BAhamas. These idiots have buckelted under the US pressure and abolished the secrecy of the IBCs and therefore owning a bahamian company is of no value anymore. As far as importing indefinetely, that does not work, because the maximum you can import is for one year, then you have to legalize the car. As for your pay, which is taxes worldwide as a US citizen, here is my idea: Creat a IBC in any other off-shore heaven. Have them get the contract with�the SA contractor and in term then hire you as their employee. Lets say the contract for 6 mos is worth $ 200,000, which the IBC gets paid and then pays you a salary of $ 50,000. You pay only taxes on the $50K and the IBC will not have to pay on their profit. The IBC then buys the car and lets you drive it. Make sure that you bring the money in through your attorney's trust account. Attorney client priveledge protects who and for what this money was used. Hope this saves you some $$$ | ||
| Tim N (Timn88)
Intermediate Member Username: Timn88 Post Number: 1097 Registered: 6-2001 |
Is it just me or are almost all threads getting interesting? Jon makes a good point when he said that just because one doesnt like something that one is ignorant. | ||
| Tim N (Timn88)
Intermediate Member Username: Timn88 Post Number: 1096 Registered: 6-2001 |
Tom, thanks, i didnt even notice that. | ||
| Dave Wapinski (Davewapinski)
Junior Member Username: Davewapinski Post Number: 209 Registered: 8-2001 |
Thanks for almost all the comments. I will consider what has been said. I have several things on the table, so do not yet know which way I will go. An attraction of SA is that if I bought a Ferrari now, I would have to get a loan. If I go to SA, I could buy it with cash when I got back. Also would see a different part of the world that I have not seen. I have traveled extensively, so culture shock is not an issue. I am extremely tolerant of people different from me. On sex with animals, Lynn was a wild animal the other night � does that count? On dangers, generally I can handle myself although I have almost been killed twice. On importing a car,if I could find a good deal on a Ferrari overseas, could I start an Internation Business Company in the Bahamas, import it to the Bahamas with no duty, register it there, then bring it into the US indefinitely as a vehicle to support research? I have been told that this eliminates the EPA and duty issues. Dave | ||
| ross koller (Ross)
Junior Member Username: Ross Post Number: 116 Registered: 3-2002 |
dave wapinski: go to saudi. you can handle anything for 6 months especially if you don't have anybody at home whose comfort you have to be concerned with. interesting country which you would otherwise probably never get a chance to see. great jumping off point for other destinations like dubai, jordan, nepal, egypt. yes there are dangers, but those exist everywhere. if you are meant to kick the bucket, it will happen wherever you are. go and have the experience and broaden your life. now for the ferrari advice: great deals to be had on the used market over there. over 6 months you ought to be able to come up with a very decent deal on a car even after you pay usa frt/duty/dot/epa. | ||
| Martin (Miami348ts)
Intermediate Member Username: Miami348ts Post Number: 2240 Registered: 5-2001 |
I HATE THE CUBANS ! | ||
| TomD (Tifosi)
Member Username: Tifosi Post Number: 838 Registered: 9-2001 |
Martin How is little havana  | ||
| Martin (Miami348ts)
Intermediate Member Username: Miami348ts Post Number: 2237 Registered: 5-2001 |
I am sure Iran is a wonderful country as well. Just as Afghanistan there have been idiot leaders that opress their countrymen. Look at Cuba, you can not actually believe that there are 1 Million Cubans that are Communist Believers rallying for Castro, while they are starving. I believe in people and how they treat you and therefore rather go to a great cultural country with nice people like Saudi Arabia than France. for that matter. | ||
| RICK ROMERO (Tr90)
Junior Member Username: Tr90 Post Number: 134 Registered: 4-2001 |
anyone going to Iran? | ||
| TomD (Tifosi)
Member Username: Tifosi Post Number: 837 Registered: 9-2001 |
I go to morrocco a lot too. nice country | ||
| TomD (Tifosi)
Member Username: Tifosi Post Number: 836 Registered: 9-2001 |
last I heard it was around 20%. While relativly small, still significant considering 90% of the september hyjackers came from there. Can you imagine if 15 americans plotted to destroy a site in SA. | ||
| Jon P. Kofod (95f355c)
Junior Member Username: 95f355c Post Number: 171 Registered: 8-2001 |
Because Tim doesn't like the Saudis he is ignorant? Not sure I made the connection here. I am sure there are people, countries, or cultures you don't like, NAJIB ! Or do you like everyone. I have two degrees, speak two languages fluently (speak a third on the conversational level) and have lived in four different countries (studied for my degrees in three more). AND I am only 35 years old, but judging from you perceptions I must be ignorant TOO. We saved Saudi Arabia's ass in the Gulf War when Sadam's forces took Kuwait and started advancing his troops on the Saudi border. Yeah I know we only did it for the oil, but so what, we still saved their ass. Rumors on Capital Hill are that the Saudis were calling Bush SR. nearly every hour begging and pleading to come to their defense. Well on September 12th, THAT's ONE DAY AFTER 9/11 they already signaled to our embassador that we could not run any military operations from their bases against any other Middle Eastern country. Well you know what, that pissed me off and I don't like the Saudi's. So there I said it too. I am ignorant!!! Next time Sadams moves his forces onto the Saudi border we should just take the BIG RED phone off the hook. PERIOD. And the Saudi military can get their training from someone else. In fact they can buy their fighter jets from some third world nation. No more sweet deals on our jets. Buy some of that surplus Russian junk that is 20 years old. See how difficult it is to defend yourself with used MIG's rather than new F16's and F18's. Drill half the state of Alaska for oil (there another ignorant comment) and pour all our money and efforts into Russia and give them all our Saudi business. We shouldn't lift a finger for the Saudis. We should also get our troops out of there as well, but this is another politically loaded issue. I have never posted anything on this board that wasn't Ferrari related and that includes the huge post the day of 9/11 which evoked strong feelings and heated responses on this board. The only reason I posted now is simple, you may not like Tim or what he thinks and you have every right to disagree with his point of view, but calling him ignorant when you don't even know him and basing that same opinion on the fact that he doesn't like a particular country is uncalled for. We just had a post on this board about all the bickering and I don't want to see this board denegrated to the level of a few other boards I used to spend time on. I am not saying you can't post your opinion on some topic as obviously I just did about Saudi Arabia, but don't start calling other people stupid because they don't agree with you. Let's argue about the appearance of the new FX or the front bumper on the 360 (Frank P. where are you??)or the new color options of 575M and keep this board interesting. Sorry to the other folks for having to put up with my rant, I will now go back to posting things Ferrari related. There I am done with my rant of the day! Regards, Jon P. Kofod 1995 F355 Challenge #23 | ||
| Martin (Miami348ts)
Intermediate Member Username: Miami348ts Post Number: 2228 Registered: 5-2001 |
Tom, you would be amaze to find out how little oil we actually get from SA... | ||
| Martin (Miami348ts)
Intermediate Member Username: Miami348ts Post Number: 2227 Registered: 5-2001 |
I have been many times to Marocco, which is a muslim country and is ruled by a king, similar to Saudi Arabia. I must say the culture is most fascinating and once you adopt to the fact that it is different, you will find many kind and pleasant people. I would assume that during the 6 month you will not even have any discussion about religion or anything of that matter. As far as finding a date...depends on whyo you make friends with. The friends you make will become friends forever. There is no shallow friendships like here in the US. I think that you will have the greatest time of your life and it will let you grow as a person. I would not hesitate and waste another thought. If they throw in the 250GTO, even sweeter ;-) | ||
| TomD (Tifosi)
Member Username: Tifosi Post Number: 834 Registered: 9-2001 |
Actually SA is also dependant on the US for buying oil. While the US is dependant on SA for supplying oil, that is more a result of stupid polititions in the US. Without us they would be sunk. | ||
| TomD (Tifosi)
Member Username: Tifosi Post Number: 833 Registered: 9-2001 |
I found it interesting that Tim said "don't like" and it was immediately turned into the word "hate". I see that as a big diff. | ||
| Dave (Maranelloman)
Junior Member Username: Maranelloman Post Number: 200 Registered: 1-2002 |
Bill Hart, right on! Thanks for telling it like it really is, despite the hypocritical apologists for the oppressive animals who run SA and allow their mullahs to preach undiluted hatred of all that does not conform with THEIR version of "Islam-lite". And don't be too quick to bash the US. While we have many, many faults, and have made many mistakes, the very fact thay we are ALLOWED, by fundamental constitution that WE OURSELVES WROTE, to express our likes & dislikes of our own country w/o fear of death, shows why millions of people risk their lives every year to reach our shores. 'Nuff said. | ||
| Tim N (Timn88)
Intermediate Member Username: Timn88 Post Number: 1094 Registered: 6-2001 |
Im not using my age an an excuse for my ignorance. I beleive it was the way we are raised in the US and other western culture. It wasnt untill 8th grade that i ever learned about the US's mistakes and I dont think i have yet studied eastern society in school aside from a unit or two in global history. I still dont think im that ignorant, in fact, i think im pretty accepting. Lets not let this get into a debate over which culture is better, because there is no answer. If you only lived in that culture, of course you would think its better. People also dont like change. If you look throughout history almost every major war was sparked by change. im done. | ||
| wm hart (Whart)
Member Username: Whart Post Number: 341 Registered: 12-2001 |
Najib: i have not been to Saudi Arabia and perhaps my views are entirely the product of the capitalistic,infidel Western media, but: SA is not an "open" society, as i understand it, but rather, a kingdom whose people are largely dependent upon the royal family for their well-being; that, aside from the tragedy of 9-11, SA is a hotbed of radical Islamic fundamentalist belief that preaches the virtues of religiosity as an end to justify genocide; that the ruling class accomodates these lunatics, for fear that greater repression will topple their power structure;that, while your message was, essentially, don't go into this country with a parochial, narrow-minded western attitude, that is because the culture of SA is narrow-minded as regards the West. I certainly don't think Britney Spears and "Do You Want to be a Millionaire" add much to the richness of life, but i wouldn't condemn anyone based on the frivolousness of their music, dress or "popular" culture, as i understand much of the Arabian world does. (Let's not forget S. Rushdie, condemned by, among others, Cat Stevens, whose cultural contributions rank no higher). I don't think you can say much about the openmindedness of arab culture, other than that openmindedness is probably not a virtue. I'm not suprised that you agree about the Western oppressive culture, but what i wrote was a parody of your posting: as a visitor to other countries, i am not the "ugly American," but am open to other cultures and viewpoints. The problem is, SA and most of the other Arab countries are not receptive to ours. So, when you warn about the strictures of living there, it is not so much the failing of the visitor (eg"Do you believe you have the right to your own views?"), but the failure of that culture to accomodate the rest of the world. NB: This is also not a west v. east thing, since it is my impression that other countries, with equally different cultures, are far less hostile to Americans (eg Nepal, India, and yes, even Pakistan).That's my excuse... | ||
| Dave L (Davel)
Junior Member Username: Davel Post Number: 159 Registered: 7-2001 |
The far Eastern edge of the country is tolerable. You can get over the bridge to Bahrain on Friday and enjoy your weekends. You will also be commuting with the male Saudi hypocrites who rush to the place to consort, drink and generally violate their religion. The western area of the country is to be avoided as a majority of that area is the most extremist in its views. If you want to live in this region Id go to the UAE or Qatar. There is no need to live in Saudi and be subject to the laws and customs of that country. There are some extremely bright and professional people there, yet they are muted by a vocal minority of extremists that call us infidels and worse. Caveat emptor my friend. | ||
| Najib Amanullah (Najib)
Junior Member Username: Najib Post Number: 156 Registered: 4-2001 |
WM Hart Very childish and igorant comments. Tim is 18 what's your excuse? I do however, agree with the bit about the Imerialist acountry oppressing everyone else. Where do you get the stuff about sex with boys? Have you looked at recent statistics and who commit such crimes in large numbers, lately??!!! Try looking within. Homosexuality is strictly forbidden in Islam and is a capital offence. As for freedom of women, I agree it is a cultural problem. They have little freedom but I am not so sure about the respect bit. The culture in the East is different from the West. Incidentally, I am not Saudi. Dave, Saudi Arabia has changed a lot over the last few years and all of it for the better. If you are only going to be here for a few months then it should not be a problem. I know American families who spent 18 years here and were in tears when their contracts were not renewed. It all depends how EXTREMIST you are and whether you can adapt. | ||
| bob snow (Resnow)
New member Username: Resnow Post Number: 20 Registered: 5-2001 |
Dave, I lived in Riyadh with my family from '78-'83 and '92-'98 working for AT&T. If you want first hand, correct information, on all aspects of life from work to women to golf to ferraris, please e-mail me and I'll be happy to share it. By the way, I'm now living in Egypt. Bob | ||
| David Albright (Dalbright)
Member Username: Dalbright Post Number: 349 Registered: 2-2001 |
I think US citizens are allowed up to $75 - $80k a year tax free, but you have to be in Saudi for most of the year. | ||
| Tim N (Timn88)
Intermediate Member Username: Timn88 Post Number: 1089 Registered: 6-2001 |
Im was born and raised in america, and im 18 years old, OF COURSE IM IGNORANT (jk) (isnt that what they taught us in elementary school)...but thats not why i dislike saudi arabia. I dont agree with their culture. Thats my opinion and if you have a problem with it. I didnt even mention terrorists or muslim extremeists. Frankly you calling me ignorant isnt insulting because everyone, everywhere is ignorant, just to different extents. ITs just like everyone is a hypocrit. | ||
| Ryanab (Ryanab)
Junior Member Username: Ryanab Post Number: 105 Registered: 3-2002 |
Tim - Do you hate Saudi Arabia because it's not AMERICA?? If this is the case, quit being so ignorant. Remember all islamics are not terrorists and extremists. | ||
| Tim N (Timn88)
Intermediate Member Username: Timn88 Post Number: 1087 Registered: 6-2001 |
I dont like Saudi Arabia and im not afraid to say it. Thank god for free speech. Do they have that in saudi arabia? | ||
| wm hart (Whart)
Member Username: Whart Post Number: 339 Registered: 12-2001 |
Do you have a problem with religious extremism? Do you ever feel the need to go out in public? Do you suffer from any misguided beliefs about individualism? Do you respect women? Do you have difficulty prostrating yourself or acknowledging that you come from a imperialist country that oppressed everyone in its wake? If so, you may not want to go there. However, if you believe that western culture is corrupt, that it is OK to kill people in the name of some religious prophet, that forced sex with young boys is far preferable to consensual intercourse with unmarried women, and you like fat guys wearing bathrobes and sunglasses telling you what you can and cannot do, by all means go to the country currently called Saudi Arabia. | ||
| Najib Amanullah (Najib)
Junior Member Username: Najib Post Number: 155 Registered: 4-2001 |
Do you like drinking a lot and cannot live without it? Do you like to live by your own rules and not by others/country's? Do you have religious grounds for disliking people and think your way is best? If you answer YES to any of these questions then definitely DO NOT take the job. If you dont hate the Saudis after Sept 11 and feel you can adapt to a very different culture, you should be OK. The major cities are really quite modern and the life on Western style compounds more luxurious than most people (99%) in europe or USA have or will EVER experience. But don't the Americans have to pay tax on all World wide income irrespective of tax residence?!!!! Yes you can go to great parties in compounds or Embassies, be discreet about girlfriends and you should be OK. Main thing is to get in with the right crowd. I've been here 9 years and cannot even think about returning to the UK and living in the squashed accommodation of the houses there. By the way Villa here means house not necessarily Italian/Spanish style VILLAS. | ||
| TomD (Tifosi)
Member Username: Tifosi Post Number: 830 Registered: 9-2001 |
there is a guy that posts here that lives there. though I have not seen him post in a while. Do a search in "arabia" and you can find his email | ||
| David Albright (Dalbright)
Member Username: Dalbright Post Number: 348 Registered: 2-2001 |
Dave, I know of someone that is there now as a contractor. Let me know if you'd like to get in touch with him to ask questions. He's been there 3 years with his family and loves it. I've also been trying to find work there. You can email me at: [email protected] and I will forward you his contact info. | ||
| wm hart (Whart)
Member Username: Whart Post Number: 338 Registered: 12-2001 |
Do you have any inihibitions about sex with animals? | ||
| Jim E (Jimpo1)
Member Username: Jimpo1 Post Number: 499 Registered: 7-2001 |
GO Dave. Use the obscene amount of money to buy a 355 Spider. You can live anywhere for 6 months. | ||
| Bill Sawyer (Wsawyer)
Member Username: Wsawyer Post Number: 271 Registered: 2-2002 |
I know a General Motors Exec who went to the Middle East to run a Dealer Group. He couldn't wait to get back. Saudi Arabia? I don't think so. Isn't that kind of like taking a position in Germany at the height of WWII? | ||
| Daren L Adkins (Schumi)
New member Username: Schumi Post Number: 9 Registered: 6-2002 |
Demand a villa with a poolgirl, that the cook be a Swedish blond, that you require daily physicals and dental checks by tanned and oiled California nurses, and that the car be a Ferrari 250 GTO, and full immunity from speeding tickets. Then I would go - today!Daren | ||
| TomD (Tifosi)
Member Username: Tifosi Post Number: 825 Registered: 9-2001 |
there are lots of opportunities in these countries now - because most americans will not risk it. trade off money and benefits versus safety and culture shock | ||
| Dave Wapinski (Davewapinski)
Junior Member Username: Davewapinski Post Number: 207 Registered: 8-2001 |
My current contract ran out in May and am currently on month to month contract extensions. The firm could not find who they wanted, so they contracted with a Cincinnati Ohio headhunter. The Cincinnati headhunter contracted with a Silcon Valley CA headhunter who contracted with my Las Vegas NV corporation to provide my services. Paperwork was/is fun. Another headhunter is trying to convice me to go to Saudi Arabia for 6 months. They are offering free use of a villa, free moving both ways, cook, free food, full free medical/dential, free car to use, obscene amount of tax free money, etc. What would it be like living in Saudi this time of year? Risks, especially for a crazy American? Any thoughts? I am divorced, but still like women. Any chance of dates there? Dave Wapinski |