Sunday musings

So elections will be held in the Crimea to see if the people there want to leave the Ukraine and become of a Russian "protectorate".
Foregone conclusion.
Any guesses if this will be the end of the turmoil and that no violence will occur - now or down the road?
Right, only a mugs game that - for sure this is the start of what may be a long and violent path for that country.
In Canada, in the province of Quebec, the governing provincial party - the PQ, which loudly proclaims it goal to destroy the Canadian nation and secede as its own country has issued an election writ. The leader, a Ms Marois says the republic (or is she expecting to become the First Queen?) will of course use the Canadian currency, draw Canadian Pensions where applicable and of course pass the provincial debt back to that evil nation Canada.
Of course this will be done peacefully as she expects the rest of Canada to sigh and say - OK, fine with us.
In some quarters what she and her followers are advocating is termed treason. In some countries traitors of that brand are imprisoned or executed. America had Benedict Arnold and its own Civil War.
What about the strife in Spain with ETA?
History is replete with examples and yet here in Canada, the country  is expected to give a pass to what some call political terrorists?
Just asking my friends.
The civil war in Syria hit the three year mark.
Well done the United Nations - because is not part of your reason for being is to stop such evil as soon as possible?
Canada finishes its withdrawal from Afghanistan this past week in a quiet, solemn manner.
No bands.
No parades.
A few flag cermonies.
What was accomplished in this 12 year mission anyway?
Indeed, the local Taliban in that country tells its forces that they are to "congratulated" for "defeating" the foreigners.
In a way they have, haven't they?
They are still there, now poised to overthrow the apparently corrupt and weak government installed by Western countries, led by a Mr. Karzi. And for sure the perverted version of religious rule they espouse (completely contrary to the teachings of the faith by the way) will soon force females back into covered submission and all schooling for girls will stop.
Brave folks these men of the Taliban - aren't they?
Another word comes to mind doesn't it?
So, that missing airline from Malaysia Airlines still is missing after a week plus.
Maybe it exploded.
Maybe it was hijacked.
Maybe the pilots committed suicide.
Hmm, are you as puzzled as I am in that it seems governments can know all there is about you, track your via phone, banking, drones and the like but a big blasted Boeing 777 kinda vanishes?
Did all the satelites shut off for a while?
Did all the radar stations of every military base and airport in the region shut off for a while as well?
Something does not seem quite right here does it?
 There is a movement these days (oops, sounds a little gross didn't it?) anyway, to ban the word "bossy" as it is deemed by some folks as a bad word.
Well boo bloody hoo to them.
Come on now, everybody is soooo offended by something and immediately in order to spare their poor, hurt feelings - ban it!
Here are a few politically ncorrect words and the suggested replacements for you -
1. broken home - dysfunctional family
2. criminal - behaviorally challenged
3. clumsy - uniquely challenged
4. fat - horizontally challenged
5. foreign food - ethnic cuisine
6. illegal aliens - undocumented immigrants 
7. lumberjack - tree murderer
8. sex change - gender reassignment
9. unemployed - involuntarily leisured
And let us not forget the biggest cop out from these self styled left wing activists - always throw out the emotional dynamite of the phrase "for the children's sake". In way too many cases, any excuse for their own pathetic helicopter parenting skill shortage and the need for someone else to assume responsibility - definitely not them, oh heck no!
There is a small town in the Canadian province of British Columbia where some, in some peoples thinking -selfish, arrogant and firm believers in what you read on the Internet must be true - believe that the policy of vaccinating is wrong. Because, for the children's' sake, measles inoculation ( a proven safe method) is not done to their children and of course - an outbreak happens putting others now at risk. Immunization takes 2 inoculations so all the children that have had 1 and were in line to get the second are at risk. And these believers, what do they say? The usual crap - not their fault or problem. After all, it is for the kids sake they did this.
Balderdash......
Ever wonder when the shift in the thinking of folks from being a responsible, participating, caring member of society was replaced by the "what is in it for me at no cost" set of folks happened?
Sometimes it is disheartening to see where we seem to be headed.
 Anyway....... here on my Island the seasons progress along with no care to the foibles of man at all.
I was able to do my (now annual as we have been here for 2 winter seasons now) Island Spring beach walk and while not in hot weather, still was able to wear shorts and stroll the shoreline - surely a sign of good times to come.

 take care out there,
flatlander52

Sunday musings

OK, two rants today.
The first is about the media and the second is about politicians.
Previous postings have noted my not too fawning adoration of the media these days.
From their inability to actually report on real news such as the mess in Venezuela as compared to the number of pimples on some waste of space Canadian warbler AKA: Justin Bieber to the hounding of "famous" reality stars who pimp themselves in front of their cameras (and then complain about a lack of privacy - ha!). And... the complete callous almost evil disregard for the grief of families/friends in the case of a disaster. Take a look at the following picture taken with the recent reports of a missing, presumed downed airliner in the Far East-

The faces of the affected have been blurred but count the news vultures surrounding them - at least 5 of these emotionless turds.
Have they and their employers no sense of human decency?
Or is that question just an moronic type of redundant question?
And these "media folks" say - the people have a right to know and see this.
I cry bull shyte on that and them.
It is time that the media rethinks itself and its obligation to the public and the boundaries that they should respect.
Enough of their arrogant attitude - as pathetic as some politicians contempt for their employer - the electorate.
And that brings up the second rant - politicians.
Why are they incapable of ever, ever, ever saying they made a mistake?
Or that they are wrong on something?
Instead they spin, twist, outright lie and expect that the stupid electorate does not understand squat.
An example here in my province where the transportation minister says that a crippling of a certain ferry service will not be noticed by anyone or have any effect on any part of the economy that the soon to be discontinued ferry service of the islands and coastline that were once serviced on a regular basis. Oh no, this blatherskyte say that tourists will flock to an alternative ferry that will take 9 bloody hours to travel and may, just may have on board services improved to include - are you ready? maybe some BOTTLED WATER and maybe some WIFI and maybe COLD SANDWICHES! And he thinks people and tourists will just love that.
What the hell is wrong with these people?
They have no problem in increasing fees, charges and the like - but then again, they get automatic self decided cost of living increases don't they?
On one hand they bleat about "infrastructure spending" as a necessity for an underground rail line expansion in their constituency but use the nasty, evil word "subsidy" when something like ferry service in an opposition politicians riding is discussed.
Take a look at the crisis in the Canadian grain transportation system created by the 2 railroads. They are the sole means of transport for grains to the east and west coast export terminals and yet this winter they have moved very little product preferring to ship oil instead. There is more money in transporting oil than grain - a fact. So, the federal government after months and months of blasted begging by farmers, provincial governments and even end customers finally issues a demand that the railways up their game and ship buckets and buckets of grain immediately or face a fine of $100,000 a day (payable not to the affected farmers, oh hell no, but to the Federal government!) and all this was said with much pomp and bluster. The railways that only a couple of days before blamed all the travail on a cold winter (honestly, when have you ever heard in all of recorded history of a damn hot winter in Canada?) and smooth faced declared it was something that was impossible to remediate - well, lo and behold, they now mumble that, well, OK, maybe we can do something - wink, wink, nudge, nudge.
A pox on the politicians and a pox on the scavenger media all of them are fit bed fellows for each other!
Honourable professions - not anymore, not by a damn long shot my friends....
A pox on them but enough...
In the Ukraine, bad goes to worse and that seems to be just the start. The portion of that country called Crimea is set to split from  the country and joyfully be swallowed up by the Russian Federation. This so looks like the Sudetenland tragedy from pre-World War Two doesn't it?
And really, Europe and the world can do nothing about it, right?
So what is next?
Another Phoney War similar to what happened from September 1939 to April 1940?
Or nothing but a shrug and casual acceptance and burrowing your head into some tabloid gossip magazine?
Speaking of saying one thing and doing yet another - French president François Hollande said a controversial sale of two state-of-the art warships by France to Russia was still on. But the French government will boycott the Winter Paralympics in Sochi due to the events in the Ukraine.
Money before ideals - right?
I must admit some skepticism about the will and integrity of Europeans in this matter. A simple recollection of history showed that until all of North America (Canada and the United States) entered the 2 previous European conflicts of the last century, appeasement was the norm and armed conflict was a last desperate resort.
The question unanswered so far is this - is this quasi conflict only at the behest of one man - Mr. Putin or do the Russian people and those in the Crimea strongly support this?
As history has shown ad nauseam, logic and rational thinking flee when the banner of patriotism is stuffed in ones face - right?
To poorly and probably incorrectly misquote the words of some famous writer - this is the Spring of discontent in the Ukraine and indeed Europe and the Russian Federation.
No good will come from this one fears.
That unknown little priest from a small parish in Buenos Aires celebrates the one year anniversary in his new position. Hmm, you know - the Pope? It seems that his popularity is the envy of many politicians world wide. Amazing how honesty and sincerity are rewarded by the people isn't it?
Good for him.
From the "are you surprised at all" file - reports from the Middle East indicate the likelihood that the folks supplying long range missiles to a terrorist group in Gaza is the peace loving rulers of Tehran.
Hmmm...
Another great left us this week. 
The Spanish flamenco guitarist Paco de Lucía has died aged 66 of a heart attack while on holiday in Mexico with his family, according to official sources in his home town of Algeciras in Andalucia.
Enourmous talent, silenced too soon.
In a rare case of showing integrity, Sweden has said it will halt all state-to-state development aid to Uganda after the East African nation passed legislation curtailing the rights of homosexuals according to its the international development minister. The sad side of this is that many people needing the aid will suffer as a result.
You know, sometimes it is so darn tough looking at the way the world is these days.
Bu then again, has it ever been really any better or worse?
There still is a quiet beauty in a sun rise.
The call of lonely eagle.
The fullness of a long, deep breath of clean, fresh air here on my Island.
One can only hope.....

take care out there,
flatlander52

Sunday musings

The story continues to unfold by the day in the Ukraine.
First the President "disappears" from public view (only to surface at weeks end somewhere in or near Russia) and then Russian forces - albeit stripped of insignias and unit markings occupy a couple of airports in that country to protect "ethnic Russians" that live there. Of course these "unknown" forces drive Russian machines, carry Russian weapons and speak Russian but wink wink, they still remain of "unknown" origin.
Right.
Almost 150,000 Russian soldiers based near Crimea in the Ukraine, are mobilized for war exercises but apparently that has no bearing on the events occurring there.
Right.
The Russian Parliament rubber stamps Mr. Putin's' request to be allowed to intervene in the internal affairs of the Ukraine with the Russian military if he deems it needed. He proclaims nothing but peaceful intentions.
Right.
The EU mumbles platitudes and does nothing.
Right.
Canada mumbles and Russia snickers.
Right.
The United States speaks darkly of actions taken in retaliation if fighting results between the Russian military and the military of the Ukraine
Right.
And for sure more people will perish.
And somehow some politicians of the Republican bent in the United States loudly claim that all this is vindication of the failed Vice presidential candidate in the last election where she proclaimed a vote for Mr. Obama was a vote for Russian involvement in the Ukraine.
Lord politicians in the States are a strange bunch aren't they?
Just as in Canada, these politicians forget that they are in opposition and part of their JOB is to offer constructive alternatives to the governing party/individual. Not just rabid opposition regardless of thoughtful dialogue.
Too much to ask for I suppose.
 It is not too much to say but the entire face of Europe is in danger these days with the events happening in the Ukraine. But one wonders about the possibility that what might occur could be a re-run of the "anschluss" of Austria by the Reich of Germany in the 1930's. Europe stood by then and will they do a repeat if Russia takes over the Ukraine? If so, we know where this path might lead don't we? Because regardless of what certain left wing peace at all costs (remember Mr. Neville Chamberlain by any chance?) activists say, Mr. Putin's record is not one of peaceful intentions. In that he more closely resembles the mythical Russian Bear of folklore. There is no back down or appeasement in that individuals character. He once was head of the feared KGB and you do not get to that position by being a pacifist do you?
You have to ask if there are any politicians in the world that have the courage to deal with this crisis in the making?
Right.
Over in Argentina, the wage increase of 22% offered to the teachers by the government has been rejected as well as a subsequent 25% increase offer! And the President then accuses grocers who have increased prices of some goods as being "looters" of the country.
Unbelievable isn't it?
Not enough tears in the cosmos for what lies ahead for that once great land I fear.
Venezuela has had extreme civil unrest now for over a month and there is such a miniscule trickle of news reporting on this that one has to wonder where the hell the world media is these days - oh - forgive me, the Oscars are this weekend - how could I forget this occurrence of earth shaking importance? One suspects there will be an overly long tribute during those ceremonies to the late actor Mr. Hoffman who died of a massive drug cocktail overdose. Self induced in his case. But the media will sob over that while people are killed in Venezuela and the Ukraine.
I repeat - Unbelievable isn't it?
So, have you followed the story of the invisible, or properly known as virtual (non physical) currency called Bitcoin? Supporters said it was currency not controlled by government and it meant "economic" freedom from government manipulation of currency. These supporters brought this Bitcoin into mainstream usage with of course the result that drug lords can use it without any trace to them making money laundering perfect for their evil gains. And of course the supporters wanted no government oversight or involvement. So the result is that a virtual currency worth pennies originally became worth in the thousands of dollars and you guessed it, one of the majour virtual exchanges "lost" all their Bitcoins to theft by "someone" and now has filed for court bankruptcy protection from the same authorities they had no need for. You ever notice all the loud yappers in the world that denounce governments for being so evil are usually the first ones to demand aid/support/subsides from the same governments they despise?
And of course they want it for free don't they?
 There is a discussion in the United States these days about racism in their National Football League. A proposal is in the works that will ban the use of the so called N word by players with a penalty. For those unfamiliar with the term N word - it stands for the word Nigger. And this is where I am puzzled and I think I speak for many folks on this. I understand and agree that the historical use and meaning of the word is racist and should not be used in this modern world. That would place it in the company of other words no longer used openly such as Wop, Dago, Chink and the like - they are all wrong. OK, then why is it acceptable and promoted by so called rap artists in their music? Or when black people (mainly in the United States it seems) call each other that but change the word slightly to come out as  "nigga"? That makes it right? And only black people can use it? Do you understand it? Or is this a case of where time has indeed passed this blogger by?
Also in the States, the governor of Arizona has vetoed a legislative bill that would have allowed shop owners to refuse service to folks that offended their religious beliefs. Many saw this as an attack on gay rights by the legislators. what these legislators refused to understand was that this proposed law could impact them as well. For example, Sharia Law could take precedence over American civil law because it is fundamental to the religious beliefs of some. What about the beliefs of those that promote multiple spouses? Sometimes what is thought of as an "easy" fix to a problems can create a wicked backlash instead. One would have thought that the era of what a person does in their own bedrooms is only their business was well established but apparently the struggle continues.
Do those folks so virulent against the rights of all people forget that we are talking about "people"?
One feels some pity for them.
Remember a while ago where I mentioned about the travails of the biggest city here on my Island in regards to its sewage treatment program? How it seemed that goals were put into place without a plan on how to get there? Well.......no these bright folks in charge of the sputtering plan have decided to ship all the organic foodscraps collected to the Lower Mainland for processing for the next 20 months at a cost of only about $5 million bucks! Foodscraps - the kind of stuff you can feed to pigs and they enjoy it (no cost here!) foodscraps - the kind that, well, you know, decompose naturally and enrich the soil! Honestly, do those swivelstool bureaucrats have poop for brains? Money means nothing to these "rocket scientists"? And I do earnestly apologize to real rocket scientists by the way.
Makes you miss the Three Stooges doesn't it?
Anyway, Spring is a coming here on my Island, and in spite of a ghastly snowfall last weekend (oh the horror!!!!) which thankfully melted away almost as fast as it came, and all the trees are starting to bud out and the walking paths are a treat to travel again.
Take care out there,
flatlander52

Sunday musings

What a heck of a week has passed for the country of Ukraine.
The military was unleashed by the President to snipe at and murder protestors and then the sitting government effectively deposes said President who flees to another city from the capital of Kyev (Kiev to some) and refuses to acknowledge his ouster. And then the army loudly proclaiming solidarity with the protestors? All the while Russia (that paragon of democracy and gay rights) is darkly muttering about American and EU scheming to overthrow a democratically elected despot?
Interesting times for the Ukraine one can say and see develop.
Perhaps one of the lessons emerging from this era of turmoil as well as what is happening in the country of Venezuela is the irrefutable fact that the wired Internet tech savvy world that so many live in ( and not just younger folks but their grand parents as well are part of this) just will no longer accept abusive political leaders. And that abuse can be serious or in some instance minor. Serious as in Ukraine, Venezuela and Syria and as minor as a protest over nature conservatory land encroachment by property developers ignoring the law and the wrath of activist citizens in small cities like Nanaimo, British Columbia. One sees it in demonstrations against oil pipelines where the somewhat old assurances of "just trust us" are no longer accepted or when a politician says "it has always been done this way" is roundly and rightly derided for possible corruption or cronyism.
The one danger of this great movement for sanity and respect for mankind and the planet is the very apparent over reaction to almost any perceived slight by any "outraged" person. Universities, once a bastion of free speech and expression now harbor a form of Orwellian ethics police that if any comment is made that just might offend anyone, anywhere, well that is bad and the transgressor must be harshly punished. The University in Regina, Canada banned a students Hawaiian night because posters depicted a traditional image of a Hawaiian hula dancer. It seems that a First Nations lady said it offended her and portrayed female Hawaiians as prostitutes. Of course when an intrepid reporter conveyed this report to some actual women in Hawaii, the reaction was laughter and pity for, in their opinion, the First Nations lady.
There is an interesting debate - well at least for a couple of writers with, specific agendas, in Canada about the role of the first Canadian Prime Minister, Sir John A. Macdonald. They are doing all in their literary power to portray him as an evil, racist thug. He hated First Nations peoples. He hated the Chinese and the list goes on and on. Why is it that these pundits always insist on looking at historical people in the light of today's values? The values we live under today have evolved and changed and grown over time and people have done the same. The people they mock and scorn reflect the values of the society that they lived in at that specific time. In the United States was there not a bounty on the scalps of First Nations people? Of course in America First Nations people are called Native Americans by the way. But anyway, is anyone saying that leaders of that time were evil? What about the Popes during the Spanish Inquisition and the devastation of South America by the Spanish people? How comes no one attacks them or even the Spanish Kings of that era?
Maybe these Canadian critics of Macdonald should think a bit?
Just saying....
Speaking of Argentina, news emerges where the government is offering teachers a 22% pay raise all the while freezing a large number of item prices in grocery stores for an indefinite period of time. And their spokespeople say inflation is not a problem.
A 22% raise is not a problem?
What the heck are they smoking anyway?
And at the same time the balance of trade surplus in January shrunk (government figures here) 88% to 35 million dollars.
Something has to give and when it does, well it does not look good for the average person does it?
And I repeat, oh poor Argentina, such a proud and wonderful land all the same.
North Korea rejected the findings of a UN panel, which accused the state of crimes against humanity that evoked Nazi-era atrocities, saying they were based on "lies and fabrications deliberately cooked up by hostile forces and riff-raffs."
Oh, the world will stand by and do nothing - bet on that.
Syria has submitted a new 100-day plan for the removal of its chemical weapons after failing to meet a February 5 deadline. Honestly, are you surprised over the missed deadline? And of course this slips under the gaze of the international media that is more focused on the Sochi Olympics. And just as importantly, it slips under the gaze of Russia and the USA - big surprise isn't it?
International politics can be such a load of bird poop can't it?
OK, here is a question, what is happening in Turkey these days anyways?
It seems like just a few weeks/months ago riots gripped the country and demonstrations roiled the land. Not a peep today on the news media. What is going on there anyway?
What about Iran?
Or Wales?
Guess we just have to wait until the media decides to start reporting on the news again one supposes.
You ever heard the phrase "bucket list"? It comes from a mediocre movie where a dying man has a list of things he wants to do/see before he passes. And now that phrase is part of today's vocabulary.
I kinda like the phrase want to do list instead. Yes a little cumbersome but  my thinking a little more positive for life than one for the end of life. And yup, I have decided to re-start my own, subject to changes and updating as items are either accomplished or retired because, well the idea may have been, to quote my better half, just plain dumb.
So.... item number one is....going on a glider ride. And that is a tuff one as there is no place near my place that offers such a service.
Any offers?
Speaking of suggestions - anyone care to propose some for me?
Drop me a line (click on my handle under the photo for the link) and if your suggestion makes my list, I will publicly acknowledge it in the blog.
Immortality!!!!!!
So, take care out there,
flatlander52

Sunday musings

You may recall how I have commented on the fiscal cliff that faces America?
Well, it seems possibly that something positive has emerged from Washington this past week. And that is an action plan supported by all parties and one that will actually pass through all levels of the government.
Will it solve the money woes and help those in fiscal despair?
Nope.
But... and this is a big thing, it gives hope to all those that despaired of any form of action by the politicos and that is huge.
A hopeful sign indeed.
In Canada, in the province of Saskatchewan, a strange thing is happening which puzzles and even alarms one to a degree. That province has been in the middle of a population and economic boom for over a decade now. The crash of the world markets barely created a ripple in that provinces economy. And yet... this week a report was issued by the ruling government where the Finance Minister blamed countries like Russia and Belarus in their price reduction for the potash mineral which Saskatchewan is one the worlds largest exporters, as the reason for the province dipping into a special savings account (the Rainy Day Fund) to balance the fiscal books. How is it possible in the midst of unparallelled prosperity and taxpaying population for this to happen? What happens when the boom, as all booms have in history, either slows or stops for a period of time? Something smells here when a province in the midst of record cash inflow has to jiggle the books to appear fiscally responsible. And the ruling party figures that the people that elected them are fooled by the smoke and mirrors now being used on them?
This does not feel good at all.
And the loser will, as always, be the taxpayer.
Over in Italy, proof once again that the country is impossible to govern.
Italy's president is asking young centre-left leader Matteo Renzi to become its youngest ever prime minister after a party coup that forced Enrico Letta to resign as premier of the euro zone state struggling to pull out of recession. This on top of the fact that Italy is the second highest taxed country in Europe - only just behind Sweden!
Have you read where in Venezuela more and more violent clashes are happening as people rebel against the government and its lurching from fiscal crisis to fiscal crisis? And with the charismatic Hugo Chavez gone and his memory fading, acceptance of the status quo is also fading. The future there looks a lot grimmer now than it did a year ago and there is no easy solution is sight.
In the Central African Republic people are being hacked to death with machetes, shot dead or lynched as religiously-motivated violence escalates. And yet, you notice how this horror is not even making the news reports at all?
Instead we get news of the Olympics.
What is wrong here?
It seems the weather gods have really taken a dislike to both England and parts of the United States this past couple of weeks. In England flooding of incredible magnitude has devastated large areas of the land. This is the worst flooding in centuries according to experts. And in the USA, winter snow storms continue to hammer the South and Eastern areas and many areas that just never ever see any snow at all except for the odd year where a trace or two might happen. Of course the climate change folks says this is a result of climate change. Since their forecasts of winter disappearing as a result of global warming were wrong, well now they change the reasoning to reflect the reality of the events.
Obtuse reasoning to justify ones charges is so tiring.
That being said, can one imagine living in Beijing these days as photos and reports of the incredibly polluted air emerge. And stories indicate this "cloud" is slowly expanding across the Pcific to the shores of America.
Perhaps nuclear war or mass starvation or global climate change will not finish of man - the culprit will be the ever increasing pollution spewed into the air.
Can any government say no to bad industry and penalize it?
Doubt it.
As long as the consumer wants cheap inexpensive goods that can be produced somewhere else in the world - regardless of the damage to that part of the planet, it will continue.
As the cartoon character Pogo said - "we have met the enemy and he is us."
OK, over to Spain for some comic relief even though it is understood that the person involved in this incident is not amused and rightly so - but it still is funny.
A woman in a bar in Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter suffered second and third degree burns to her legs when the toilet she was sitting on exploded from underneath her.
According to the official police report, the blast was caused by the unhygienic conditions of the septic tank and the lack of ventilation in the lavatory.
When the woman switched on the light, a spark acted as a trigger for the methane gas which filled the toilet.
As the victim was sitting down, the gas was compressed therefore causing a strong blast.
Hmm, enough said!
 The latest round of peace talks in Syria is reaching absolutely nowhere and some world leaders seem surprised at that. How do these folks get elected anyway? A 10 year old could have predicted that Mr. Assad would only use this reprieve as a means to replenish his armed forces (hello Russia, thanks for the weapons!) and renew the bloodbath. Reports abound about parachute bombs being used on civilians. Sure they are illegal - but who is going to stop this barbarity? The world will have a hissy fit if the Yanks step in right? As for anyone else with integrity?
Aint gonna happen.
No way.
Well, regardless of the weather in many parts of the world, here on my Island, Spring is slowly coming. Many of the trees have buds formed and some are starting to open and leaf out already. The rhododendron are full of buds and within a week or so will also bloom. Time to start the long walks again but hopefully not of the 10,000 steps that I endured while on the Sandwich Islands last month!
On another note, I notice that a couple of postings ago, that it was the third anniversary of the blog coming on line!
I never thought for a moment that I would be writing for such a long time or that there would be people willing to read it for more than once or twice and to think that you have been doing it for three years?
Incredible.
And I truly thank you.
take care out there,
flatlander52 

Sunday musings

Oh wow - the winter Olympics are on in Sochi, Russia.
50 billion plus and so what?
One cannot even apologize for being cynical and apathetic at the same time.
50 billion on fancy buildings and complexes, to be used once and then?
There was an article on line this week where 2 photographers visited a dozen or so former Olympic sites and documented what they saw.
Tragedy no less.
Images of Sarajevo and crumbling concrete edifices covered in wild vegetation and graffiti.
The same in Berlin, Athens, Atlanta, Montreal and the list went on.
Only one site did well and that was Los Angeles that hosted the Games twice. The second time the events were hosted on a shoe string budget and actually turned a profit.
And reports emerge where the IOC (International Olympic Committee) has almost 1 billion dollars (USA) in the bank.
Interesting how the  noble "Sports of Amateurs" is really professional in money grubbing and corruption?
A pox on the IOC.
 Well, in the United States an old friend is bacccckkk to threaten the economy.
Yes indeed, the suspension of the US debt limit expired this past Friday.
 And the dreaded d word is back in use - default that is. Non payment of money owed to creditors both American and International. Reports indicate that money flow will dry up by the end of February and that also is in time for the annual tax refund flow to start. An event the US economy depends hugely upon to kick start itself in the new year cycle. You can see where this is going can't you?
If the country defaults, the economy does not stutter - it stops - period. And the ensuing fiscal collapse will dwarf the last recession in severity.
So where are the American politicians in all this?
Really good question.
Invisible might be the right word.
This is something that will not go away and the day of facing up and doing something, heck anything is fast approaching.
And whatever happens, it will affect the rest of the world, no question. So hold on to your hats during the next short while my friends.
Switzerland this Sunday is holding a referendum on immigration - specifically restricting severely all immigration to the country.
Pundits say it may pass and do so with a large majority vote.
Notice how there was no world wide coverage of this or outrage from the vocal professional whiners? The same people that would not hesitate to pillory Canada or the United States if they attempted the same referendum?
Hypocrites.
Are you as tired of all those folks that instantly whine on social media or any microphone in sight at any and all perceived injustices - large or small these days?
I will offer a quote here from the illustrious John Gormley recently (he of local fame in the Canadian Flatlands) taken from an article where he discussed the use of certain inappropriate names for sports teams in North America. This quote while discussing those nicknames can also, in my thinking, apply to those who, say, become instantly outraged over a fabricated story of a waitress who was refused a tip because she was gay. Or stories where eating establishments were faced with online organized boycotts over real or imaginary (lies) stories of services refused to a special group, say breast feeding mothers or parents with unruly children and the list of "outrage" goes on and on. Anyway, Mr. Gormley said the following in an article in the Saskatoon Star Phoenix and Regina Leader Post -  But according to today's generation of activists - many propelled by a constant sense of outrage and grievance-collecting - all of this must go.The over-sensitivity, touchiness and self-centred nature of this debate gets tiring.... Now these words resonate with many as they also seem to perfectly fit the new generation of armchair activists that seem to dominate the media  these days. And I for one am so tired of this (sorry, cliche here!) latte sipping, Birkenstock Ipad trotting group who pick and choose the least inconvenient way to protest "everything" all the while doing their bloody best to "have it all".
And you know what is funny in a way?
I remember hearing elders when I was growing up many years ago say in sorrowful terms when discussing the upcoming (my) generation and its destiny - "they just don't get it - do they?" And in a sad case of deja vu, the same refrain is coming from the lips of my generations children now.
Everything old is new again.

A couple of other news items here. First are you "shocked" over reports that Syria is falling further and further behind in the disposal schedule it agreed to for its chemical weapons? Probably as shocked as thinking North Korea will ever recognize basic human rights. And that will never happen with the folks that run that country. Funny thing about Communists run countries like that one - they despise democracy and abolish nasty things like royalty yet impose their exact same own version as is the case with North Korea and even the passing of the torch in Cuba from Fidel to Raul Castro. So much for being the voice and party of the working man. The second item is that Bosnia is experiencing it’s worst unrest in 20 years. Protests against poverty and unemployment have brought unrest to the country and the tension in the country is clear. Anti-government demonstrators angered by the nation's 40 percent unemployment and rampant corruption set fire to sections of the Bosnian Presidential buildings in Sarajevo recently, prompting clashes with police. And the death toll continues to escalate as well.

More and more communities are passing laws restricting smoking in public areas amid proof of the dangers of second hand smoke to innocent people. So how come none of the vociferous horde demanding legalisation of pot agree to this? Instead you see countless images on the TV of streets filled with clouds of smoke from supporters as if to say that the smoke is OK for all? And what about impairment levels similar to drinking and driving? Nary a peep about that but many people are rightly concerned that with possible legalization there will be more cases of "impaired" drivers and no controls for police as present legislation does for alcohol impairment - and what about insurance costs and liability? 

Interesting how quiet the proponents are isn't it?

Oh well, things do tend to work out eventually don't they?

So, here on my Island, heck, we have had winter vent its cold grip on us this week. Indeed we had a couple of days where the evening temperature went deep into the negative field. One day it even hit minus 6!!! But then again, when one sees the reports of yet another winter storm doing some white slip and sliding to parts of the USA  and Canada, well, not too bad after all. 

Hey - only 4 months or so until football starts again in Canada!

take care out there,

flatlander52

 

Sunday musings

Hard to believe that just one short week ago, I was composing the blog sitting on my lanai in the warm Hawaiian sun and just "a chilling".
Well, that time is over and in the books and of course the bulging digital photo album and video folder as well. But the memories will last and linger and for that I am grateful.
So.....Mr. Bieber ( I know, I really did not want to mention him ever again but circumstances dictate otherwise sadly) is now facing three criminal investigations in two different countries and possible charges.
He is only 19.
One has to ask where the heck in this whole process are his blasted parents and advisors?
They seem to be nothing but the stereotypical scumbag hanger ons. And what about his druggie and pot smoking "buddies"?
One can almost feel sorry for him.
Sad, really sad.
Hand in hand with that sad saga, the infamous Toronto Mayor Mr. Ford continues to seemingly careen down a path of political and personal destruction - and no one helps him either.
So much for a kinder, gentler world eh?
Instead people gleefully flock to every bit of real or imagined news/nonsense about these 2 as if to gloat over the fact that they are morally "superior" to them in some sort of way.
Where is the humanity in this anyway?
Cowards and voyeurs, that is what they are.
The turmoil in the Ukraine continues with death and violence continuing. Can a return to any sort of normalcy ever be possible or is a civil war on the horizon?
You notice how the three  world super powers are not saying a word on this terrible situation-hello China, Russia and the USA?
Makes you wonder why doesn't it?
A Canadian commentator/satirist/comedian the other day had a good comment on the absurdity of the"disaster" mentality of news media these days. He wondered how it was possible for the same folks to be plugging hyper headlines about the so called POLAR VORTEX in North America when for as long as one can remember, this was called WINTER.
And that is what it is when it gets cold and snows in the months from November to April - winter, plain and simple.
Just like every year in the summer time, there is some knothead solemnly proclaiming that any time there is a strong rainfall, that we are in the middle of the "storm of the century".
Fools.
In Argentina, that great land being tested with fiscal problems, a government spokesman declared ( with a straight face no less) that inflation for the month of January was 5%.
Hmm, perhaps he meant for each week not for an entire month as reports seem to contradict him, including some from other government ministries. Either way, the population continues to feel the negative impact of an economy under duress.
And at one time, just after the second world war, Argentina had over 1064 tons of gold reserves and only 54.7 tons in 2010 and official figures for 2013 are "not available".
What was once the most prosperous country in South America and indeed the world...well today is a different story isn't it?
Too bad when politics ruin a country and Argentina is not the only one. Just look around the world today and you can only shake your head at the folly politicians have gleefully inflicted on their people through greed and pomposity.
This week saw the start of the Chinese New year - the year of the Horse, so to all "Gong  Hey Fat Choy!".
Here on my Island, it was nice to reacquaint ourselves with the neighbours and I also had an opportunity to touch base with my golfing buddy back on the Prairie Flatlands and see how life was treating him.
Good to be home indeed.
So, a little shorter blog as I recover from the return from the Sandwich Islands and the effort to return some sort of equilibrium to my existence,
take care out there,
flatlander52