So, a few American news sites report
that Fidel Castro of Cuba has had a severe stroke and is expected to
pass on within a few weeks. Seems strange that this same news has not
spread to major TV networks or international news organizations. If
true, it is the end of and era in world history. And definitely the
prospect of a new era in American-Cuban relations.
The young Pakistani girl cowardly shot
by the misfits from the Taliban is in London recovering from her
wounds. The other day she was able to stand and write to those
attending to her. Speaking is not possible due to a breathing tube
that was cut into her throat. There are indications of minor brain
damage and the danger of infection remains but the outlook for a
recovery is looking better all the time.
Kind of a funny saga in Canadian
politics this week. In Ontario the Premier of the province, just over
a year in his third mandate suddenly resigned saying that it was time
for a new leader to come forth. This comes a couple of days after the
proverbial poop hit the fan in the provincial legislature when
another release of documents in what is termed the “power plant
gambit” entered the legislature. This is after the government had
earlier declared that all correspondence had been given to the
Members. The story behind the cancelled power plants is that during
the last provincial election, in a desperate attempt to win 2 seats
for the ruling party, a power plant under construction in each riding
that was drawing considerable controversy with the electorate, was
cancelled in the hopes of retaining the seats for the government.
Every time the government was asked about the costs incurred in the
cancellation, they came back with excuses as to why they could not
reveal the amount. Then when they did, it was a figure later proven
to be woefully low and blatantly wrong. Then the Minister in charge
of that portfolio became involved in contempt of parliament charges
and whispers of wrongdoing throughout various levels of the
government inner cabinet emerged. To many people the abrupt
resignation and fleeing the parliament is a tacit admission of
culpability and possibility also of guilt from the soon to be former
Premier.
And politicians wonder why the voter is
so cynical?
So Mr. Obama and Mr. Romney had their
second televised debate this week. Both men were more aggressive and
it made for a bit of entertaining viewing, but the biggest complaint
from the media experts was the conduct of the moderator. Would they
have been so critical and nasty if the moderator was a man?
Probably not I think.
Media reports indicate that now the
momentum has swung behind Mr. Romney.
Interesting isn't it?
This
has all the makings of a tight race. The cynic in me says – I don't
think so. History will determine the victor and the spread of
victory.
If the pundits are wrong – will a Mea Culpa be issued or
will they go on to the next story that they
think is important?
You and I know that
answer don't we?
Has it really been a year since the
Occupy Movement exploded on the world scene? And what have or did
they accomplish? Other than the totally incorrect phrase “the 1%”,
anything?
Didn't think so.
Meanwhile in Cuba, a new policy will go
into effect this coming January where exit permits will be
eliminated. This in theory will allow Cubans to travel abroad more
easily. The down side to this is that of course there will always be
“exceptions” to this where certain types of professionals deemed
important to the country will not be allowed to go and of course, it
probably means that the favoured few – i.e. relatives of party big
wigs and senior military types will go to the head of the line as
well as the likelihood of having to pay vigorish
is almost a given.
You know, the stand off between the
United States and Cuba will end one day. Many people predict that
will only occur with the death of Mr. Castro, and that is probably
true. There is too much real and possibly imagined anger and angst
among the Cuban American electorate for a rational compromise to
emerge. But, the winds of change are blowing and with the major Cuban
players aging, I think we will see dramatic events unfolding on that
island in the sun in the next few years.
One would think that people would think
things through in matters where oil based products and open flames
are mixed. It seems that the maker of Banana Boat sunscreen is in the
process of recalling over 1/2 million or so bottles of their product.
Apparently people spray it on and then get too close to an open flame
with reports of a number of people doing so. Like, really? Do these
people not make a connection between an oily type of spray on and the
fact that just maybe, it might ignite if exposed to an open flame?
About as smart as throwing a cup of gasoline on a wood fire to make
it burn better and higher and then being astounded at the large
explosion that follows.
Smart, really, really smart.
Meanwhile, in Bremen, Germany, starting
this past 19th to November 4th, the 977 year
old Freimarkt has started. This festival places the entire city
centre in a period of open-ended fun and excitment, thrilling crowds
into the wee early hours of the morning. This is one of Germany's
oldest folk festivals and regularly draws over 4 million people to
the Burgerweide area. I have had the pleasure of attending this
festival many, many years ago and have fond memories of it to this
day. You have not lived until you have eaten fries with vinegar and
curry ketchup!
Trust me on this....
With my birthday coming up in the very
near future, I have come to the startling observation that Mr. Putin
and I are almost the same age, twins one might say. With his
outstanding physical prowess and my apparent lack of same, if you
recall the movie Twins, he
would be called Arnie and I would be Danny, sigh.
Fall is almost over
here on the Island yet there are still signs that amaze a “former”
prairie flatlander. We went for a walk around the area today and took
this photo of a solitary cyclist on the path in the woods by our
place. Feels so different. Even the fact that there are still leaves
on the trees amazes me.
Oh, yes, we did make it to Ladysmith this week to have our lunch date with our "eldest daughter" and what a great time that was. Fine caring people like her are rare and we are pleased that she considers us friends, or as I like to say - her "adoptive" parents. Of course we had a small adventure while there. My better half left her leather (purple of course!) gloves in the pub style restaurant (Saltair Pub-well worth the visit) and after we returned home called to see if they were still there. Of course they were gone and so the next day we trundled off on a 6 store mission to find a replacement pair. Came home, removed all tags, preservative sprayed and ready for the world - only to discover a voice mail telephone message from the restaurant informing her that the gloves had now been found! So back the following day to Ladysmith to pick them up. On the positive side, now she has a back up pair in case she loses one set...sigh... wish I could do that with power tools!
Take care out there,
flatlander 52
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