Sunday musings

 

The east coast of North America really got hit by hurricane Sandy this week. Damage was much worse than expected and the costs estimated to be in the 2 billion dollar range are probably north of 23 billion. Over 50 dead and many more unaccounted for. One casualty of the storm was the sinking with 2 lives lost, of the replica sailing ship HMS Bounty. Built in Canada and used in many films over the decades, it is a treasure that will probably never be rebuilt again and that is a huge loss. The area of Staten Island in America looks like a war zone and help is slowly trickling in.

Simply incredible.

Some in the American media have tried to twist it into a judgement on the Obama administration but I think this has failed in the main. The Republican Governor, a Mr. Christy, who is a strong opponent of Mr. Obama was sincere in his thanks for the response of the federal government emergency services and the President in this disaster. Sometimes politics does retreat and the real humanity and spirit of the American people briefly shines forth again.

The election of the President and members of federal government take place this week and some pundits declare a race too close to call while others say the incumbent, Mr. Obama will handily win based on the way the American electoral college is set up. In the American Presidential system, it is not a case where the person with the most votes win. Rather the votes in electoral districts determine how many “electoral votes” are counted for the candidates. So a person can have more votes but still lose the election.

Whoever wins will have a terrible road ahead of him.

If Mr. Obama wins, he will face a Tea Party led Republican Congress determined not to do anything that might be considered as co-operation on the affairs of the country. They will defeat every proposal no matter its merits just because it is from him. And to heck with the consequences for the average taxpayer.

Gridlock looms and lower credit ratings loom and budget cuts are inevitable it would seem.

If Mr. Romney wins, well, that is the question is it not? Will he be able to cobble together a consensus on turning the American economy around? Will the Tea Party hardliners derail him? What about the promised goodies for the uber rich? And who will pay for all of the promises he made?What will happen to the American Health Care system?

Either way, interesting times ahead one would think.

Western Canada has been hit with various amounts of freezing rain and snow and cold temperatures. Even for this time of year, these conditions are early. Usually this does not occur until mid month or so. In fact for the past few years, snow that stayed on the ground in any large amounts did not happen until month end or early December. Obviously this is not the case this year.

Thieves in Amsterdam are targeting Porches, for their headlights these days. It seems that the high intensity lights also give off a lot of heat while consuming less power making them ideal grow lights for pot. I remember the good old days (?) when thieves stole cars for joyrides or for parts. Too mundane and pedestrian these days I guess.

Over in Japan, Chinese ship entered into Japanese territorial waters near the Senakau Islands Saturday for the second day according to news sources. This is the 10th time since September when Japan nationalized the island chain that an incursion has happened. While the East China islands are under Japanese control, China claims them as well and call them the Diaoyu Islands.

Does anyone still believe that Lance Armstrong is still innocent of charges of doping during his biking career? However, he was not the only one in that era you have to remember. And why is it only the athletes that are sanctioned or punished and not the officials and leaders of the sports? One famous American President once said that “the buck stops here” (at his desk) when assigning responsibility. Have you heard of the head of American baseball taking responsibility for the steroid usage scandal? Or the head of the Olympics for the same? Naw, they are too busy collecting obscene salaries and “gifts” and rewarding friends to think they share some responsibility.

It seems another Argentine vessel may be interred in a foreign port due to cash claims by American “vulture” fund lawyers. In 2001 the country defaulted on 132 billion on foreign debt. Since that time, all IMF loans have been repaid and a large number of creditors have settled as well. There remains outstanding claims, about 24% of the origional which refuse to accept any reduction in amount owed and they are and have been pursuing the Argentine government for a while. Of course the cynic in me wonders why this is allowed to happen when in the United States, companies can file Chapter 11 proceedings and stiff creditors. And yes, there is a difference between companies and governments but defaulting on loans by governments has happened throughout history and so called “vulture” groups rarely succeed in the pursuit of the outstanding money owing. One has to wonder what will happen if the United States is forced to default on its obligations if it cannot right its economy and bankers call in their notes?

Just asking....

It seems Mr. Putin in Russia is having some health issues these days. Reports have surface indicating that he is having back pain issues. Some discredited reports say this happened when he did his “flight with birds” adventure. Other reports are not so kind. Oh well, hope he gets better soon. The Olympics are coming up soon in Russia aren't they? I fully expect this human dynamo to participate in many if not all events. Except maybe the ladies figure skating.... but then again..... just kidding!

In the tech world, it seems sales of the Ipad mini are not blowing the doors off the walls in stores. Perhaps consumers are not ready to over pay for an under priced machine even if it has the Apple logo? Probably not, more likely it is due to the storm in the States yet reports out of flooded and storm damaged New York said that there were lineups at the Apple store when it opened for business and quickly sold out out of the product. It is ironic that the company that once railed against the monolithic big bad Microsoft corporation is now exactly what it once opposed? A big uncaring (according to some ) corporation more focused on profits than product or its workers?

Back to the mundane.. I made it through my birthday unscathed and as my better half would say, none the wiser. But then again, it was a quiet day and considering the journey undertaken to get to this moment and age, I was pleased.

I would be remiss if I did not mention that Remembrance Day is fast approaching and as the ranks of veterans from WW2 and Korea continue to dwindle, we should never forget them or the the veterans since then and the new ones that come from so called police actions or interventions – war is war only the scale is different. And you look around the globe, and you realize that war is still with us and still is big business for weapons manufacturers. We will never be rid of this evil will we?

Take care out there,

flatlander52

Sunday musings

Well happy 775^th birthday to Berlin! Hard to believe that that quaint little town in Germany is that old. One could say that it is the capital of Europe these days. And when you consider how totally it was devastated by both indiscriminate Allied bombing and savage hand to hand combat by Russian troops in the Second World War, its' return from the ashes to global prominence is astounding.

It is a truly vibrant city with a personality unique among world class cities. I have many fond memories of my time there as well as the time I was arrested on the East German side of the city for trying to cross the Berlin Wall – kind of tells you my age doesn't it?

A so called Frankenstorm is to hit the east coast of North America starting this Sunday and into Monday and Tuesday. It will track up the eastern United States then veer into Ontario, Canada then travel east through Quebec and the Maritime provinces. Estimates of destruction on just the continental United States is over 1 billion dollars.

This does not include the cost and number of dead in the Caribbean and what will occur in Canada.

And speaking of the Caribbean, look at what has been done to Cuba, here is a quote and photo from my favourite Cuban blogger, Yoani Sanchez, in her blog, generation Y.... Thursday morning will never be forgotten by thousands of people in Eastern Cuba. The wind, flying roofs, heavy rains and trees falling on streets and houses, will remain as permanent memories of Hurricane Sandy. Nor will they be able to get out of their heads that first night after the disaster in which, from their battered beds or rickety sofas, they found nothing separating their faces from the starry night sky.

Will the world respond with assistance or will once again the spectre of American disapproval stop all aid in its tracks? One hopes that this is not the case but with the American Presidential election mere days away, anything is possible.

There supposedly was a truce called in Syria to observe a religious celebration. That lasted all of maybe a half hour at most. Of course the bloodbath continues. More attention was given in the United Staes to the Twitter photo in America of a semi topless Kardashian , Chris Jenner I believe, than to this disgrace to all of humanity. Does any government in the entire world really give a damn?

The evidence suggests otherwise.

Silvio Berlusconi of Italy was convicted of tax fraud and sentenced to four years in jail. Of course with appeals and the way the Italian legal systems bends for the wealthy and corrupt, this will never happen. Indeed he has vowed to remain active in politics. He feels it is his duty to force the reform of the legal system that had the temerity to convict let alone charge him. Of course the fact that charges against him for having sex with an underage female still are ongoing  is probably another instance of harassment by the authorities on this paragon of virtue.

There are elections this weekend in the Ukraine. Many European countries are watching this with anxious expectations as concerns over the health of democracy in that country mount. The European Union, which had put an association agreement with the Ukraine on hold following the conviction of former Prime Minister and now opposition Leader Yulia Tymoshenko for abuse of office last year, also voiced concern.

Apple of the US has released another tablet this week, I remember the late head honcho, Steve Jobs, declaring that the world did not need a 7” screen tablet and that the 10” Ipad was the ultimate – now there is a 7” Ipad mini with a premium price and a lower powered inside and poorer quality screen than its competitors. Do you get the feeling that Apple Corp is starting to drift now that he has been gone for over a year? Of course all the Apple “fanboys” will promptly attack this query and legions will happily shell out lots of money for the new toy, but you know, every empire has its' day in the sun before declining, that is a fact that cannot be disputed. With Apple, the only questions seems to be when and not if the decline starts.

And yes, Microsoft has finally started selling a tablet – called the Surface. Reviews are mixed but a number of so called experts say that this tablet and operating system are the way of the future. That remains to be seen but there will be a lot of people buying this I am sure. The reason is that so many technical “experts” have their heads so far up their rear ends and are so blinded by what they want from technology is that they have forgotten what many people really want in both computers and tablets. Many want a machine to do social networking, e mails, word and number processing and the ability to visit web sites for news, entertainment or to purchase items and to read books or watch movies/videos. They really do not want to “hack” the software, reprogram or install a gazillion “apps” to do everything from scanning your skin for moles to where the nearest specialty food store or bar is. I guess being a tech expert and blogging about it keeps these people off the streets at least!

Over in the Middle East the new head of Al Qaeda – what is his name anyway? - issued a call for the kidnapping of “infidels” to be exchanged for incarcerated terrorists and the imposition of Sharia law in Egypt. Why don't these whack jobs get a ton of money, buy a couple of islands somewhere in the middle of some ocean and set up their perfect little inner world there and leave the rest of humanity alone?

Too much to ask for I suppose.

Speaking of absurd... the federal Canadian government has passed legislation to have MP's and Senators actually put some of their money (paid by the taxpayer of course) into their gold plated pension plans. Well one bright light, a Senator named Grant Mitchell, has declared that there now exists a real possibility that senators who might have to have a home furnace repair will resort to accepting illegal bribes in brown paper bags to supplement their income. This to pay for things like that or send their kids to Harvard University in the United States. Oh yes, base salary for a Senator – with no job skills needed and no way of ever being fired? A paltry $132,000 a year plus tax free expense allowances and travel.

Poor babies!

I suspect that there would be a line up a couple of kilometers long of people wanting to “sacrifice” themselves to get such a thankless and poor paying job.

Can this Senator even look himself in the mirror?

When the New York Times reported that Chinese Premier Wen Jiabo family worth had vaulted from next to nothing to 2.7 billion – corresponding to his rise in the party to Premiership – the Chinese government in a fine example of transparency just shut down their website. How cool is that? Annoy or embarrass the government and they make you “disappear”.

The US Presidential elections is happening soon and like a lot of people around the world I am slightly puzzled. We see is a country whose government is paralyzed by electioneering  with no concerted effort on the debt, employment and oh so many other urgent issues. Instead we have a campaign focused on a person's race or on their wealth or the incredible fact that the candidates cannot promise everything to everybody and that no one will have to pay for it. I remember back in the 60's where American politics were compromise based and the electioneering was confined to the year of the election and not 365 days a year every year and no quarter given as it is now. And it is so sad to see so many MEN decide that they know better than women on what can and should be allowed for women when it comes to reproduction and control of their own bodies. For crying out loud, I even read a report where one candidate said rape was “God's will”.

And these Neanderthals run America?

Sanity in the American political system has to return – but will it? If not I do not just weep for America, I weep for the world.

So Halloween is this week, it will be interesting to see how many little ones come to our door. Back in Regina we would average about 50 or so, even though I recall when we first lived at our last house, we were on the edge of the city and busloads of kids from a couple of Native Reserves would come in to go door to door – about 200 or so! This year, I have no basement to hide in so that my better half would have to deal with the kids and I think I will be pressed into duty this time.... sigh...

I have a milestone (millstone?) birthday this week, time to check the bucket list and add to it ......

take care out there,

flatlander52

Sunday musings

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 19^th to November 4^th, 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 

Sunday musings

A young girl in British Columbia committed suicide this week and left a haunting video message on the internet before doing so. The country reacts in shock, Twitter fills with messages of grief and support. Experts loudly comment on the evils of bullying and politicians hop on the public bandwagon hoping to score points with the electorate. Firstly, the death of the girl is sad news. No one should feel so alone and vulnerable to have to resort to suicide to escape the pain. That being said, it is a pointed commentary on this obsessive all intrusive shock news driven media and its mission to "top" the last sensational news bit. Does society need to hang onto every word and deed of a non productive or contributing person such as those that are called "reality" stars? Or the continual criminal doings of glorified criminals called rappers? The saga of abuse and bullying has been part of society forever. Sadly it will never be eliminated. Posting feel good messages and vocal "outrage" by politicos does diddly squat to stop that. Perhaps if adults took back their responsibility to their children instead of giving it away to educators, TV and social media, results might be forthcoming. Too often over the last couple of decades parents have forced school boards to assume their responsibilities, whether it be in after hours sport activities, longer school days, in school lunches, sex education and then also denying the school authorities any discipline controls because punishment might traumatize the little tykes when they do wrong. So now kids know that they can get away with all kinds of mischief , disobedience and actual harm with no repercussions. Small wonder that bullying is on the increase with no one holding children accountable. And yes, I fault parents here. They have been lazy and want others to do their job, yet they had no trouble creating children, they just do not seem to want to be bothered with actually becoming parents. It interferes with their lifestyle apparently.
Hugo Chavez did win re-election in Venezuela this past week with a 55% approval vote. Probably the American government is breathing a sigh of relief over this. The thinking being that even though he is a "pest" in the view of bureaucrats, at least he is a known commodity and can be contained. Something like the way successive American governments have out waited Castro in Cuba I assume. You think that maybe this policy of trying to destroy Cuba by crippling economic sanctions is as wrong as it appears? If memory serves me right, the successive American governments had steadfastly supported such bastions of democracy like Afghanistan, Haiti, Iran, when the Shah ruled, Egypt with its military run government, I think you get the picture. Oh, speaking of trade, how come it is OK to trade with Communist China (also the banker of choice for the American Government when it comes to borrowing money these days) but not OK to trade with Communist Cuba? Surely pandering to the vote rich anti Castro lobby in Florida has nothing to do with this, does it? Then their are all the wealthy American families that lost their virtual fiefdoms in Cuba that still demand restitution over lost land and industries in Cuba - they still want their goods and money back, conveniently ignoring the fact that they treated their employees in Cuba like slaves compared to what they had to pay staff in America at the time.
Speaking of Cuba, good news in that Yoani Sanchez, a blogger who I mentioned last week, has been released from police custody. She relates her experience on her blog and for those insulated from the "real" world, it is enlightening to say the least. Well worth the read (her link is posted in last weeks blog)
In the American Presidential elections, this past week there was a televised debate between the 2 vice president candidates. Of course all the "experts" proclaimed that the results were a draw with neither candidate winning or losing. Say what? Come on, there always is a winner and a loser in a debate such as this. It seems that in the rush to install drama in the campaign and retain viewers, nothing such as reality can interfere with the opinions of these talking heads. Face it, in most elections, the majority of voters have decided well in advance who they will vote for. The election usually hinges on the small amount of truly undecided and the number of decided voters that will not turn out to vote either due to apathy or lack of interest or resignation to the thought that no matter who they vote for, nothing will really change and their lives will continue to get worse.
For an example, look back at Canadian history when a rookie politician named Pierre Trudeau became leader of the governing federal Liberal Party. The media fell head over heels in love with this "swinger" of a politician. He was young, he spoke both official languages, was single, good looking - and he was going to make Canada a great place to live in. Well, ask the people of Western Canada about his legacy now. A large number would view him as probably one of the worst Prime Ministers in history. One who crippled the western economy in order to buy votes in the more populous east. Did the lives of the werterners get better or worse under his tenure? Most will say they got worse.
And the media wonders why the general population distrusts them.
Huh....
So the Nobel Peace prize went to the European Union. Is it me or does everybody think that some years when there is no real choice for this award, that the selection committee grabs a bottle or two of booze, gathers in a room and says, let's pick someone or something to justify these phoney baloney jobs? No disrespect to Mr. Obama, but he was only 3 months or so on the job when they gave him the peace prize.
You want someone that really deserves this prize instead of some self serving bureaucrats?
How about Malala Yousafzai? The brave young girl cowardly shot by Taliban thugs for expressing her view that women deserve education just like men. How about her?
Then again, considering that the Nobel prize was set up by Alfred Nobel, you know, the Swedish inventor who perfected mass production of dynamite, introduction of the navel torpedo, mass production of nitroglycerin - all those "peaceful" things that have greatly benefited mankind, that Alfred Nobel - perhaps giving the "Peace" prize to some nameless white men instead of a brave young girl from outside Europe makes sense.
Turkey has upped the tensions between it and Syria this week by forcing a Syrian airliner flying from Russia to Syria to land in Turkey under military escort. According to Turkish authorities, the civilian plane was carrying military supplies which is a no no apparently. Of course the Russians are "outraged" (shades of the military inspector in the great movie Casablanca when he pockets his gambling winnings and then discovers that there is gambling going on in the same place) over this and the Syrians are similarly affected. This so called internal Syrian terrorist matter - which many call a civil war - slowly but surely is spreading in the region and soon will explode into multi country conflict.
And the United Nations assembly sits on its fat butt and does nothing.
Figures.
What a waste of space and money the UN is.
Time to get rid of it or at least for countries like Canada to get out of it.
So the operators of the nuclear power plant in Japan that had a partial meltdown last year now say that that could have been prevented. And proponents of the nuclear industry wonder why so many fear and distrust the industry? I used to think nuclear energy was a safe alternative to fossil fuel power energy generation, now, I am not so sure. I also wonder about the disposal of the spent fuel sources as they are still radioactive and most seem to be stored in water filled concrete pools or deep underground. Is that a real solution or just a serious problem waiting to happen down the road for future generations?
Amid predictions that Spain will apply for money loans in November, more strikes and protests occur in Spain. Unemployment among youth is at 25% and things just do not look good for the future. Greece continues to struggle. And I have been talking about this for almost a year and a half and things just are not getting better there. Instead attitudes against foreigners are hardening and attacks on immigrant workers and their families are on the rise and authorities do little if anything to stop this. A wise man said that those who forget the lessons of history are doomed to repeat it. Many see similarities between events in parts of Europe to events that unfolded in post WW1 Germany with the rise of the National Socialist Party as a response to the devastated economy that existed as a result of the war and crippling peace terms impose by the victorious Allies. Just look at the Golden Dawn party in Greece for example.
Speaking of Greece, with the visit of Ms. Merkel of Germany, riots and protest did happen as I predicted. Some say that if the Greeks worked as hard at paying taxes and actually working as they protest and complain, that there would be no Greek crisis.
In celebration of the 60th birthday of Mr. Putin, it seems that he had been awarded the Eighth Dan by the International Judo Body. Next I assume we will hear that he has discovered a cure for AIDS while hang gliding over Mount Everest!
Enough already!!!!
In Cologne, Germany a dominatrix has been ordered to pay a fine of 200 Euros after a client, an undertaker claimed she, quote "hurt and humiliated" him. Excuse me, isn't that what a dominatrix is supposed to do? Is this political correctness gone crazy or what?
Well, on the home front, I can say that things are almost in what could be called the new normal. Expenses are finally back to reasonable levels with nearly everything needed for the new place now purchased and that is a  good thing. This week we will be driving to the town of Ladysmith to see our "eldest daughter" for the first time since earlier this summer. We hope to have lunch with her, sadly it seems that the local Legion does not offer such fare as she highly recommends the establishment but we are sure we will find a suitable alternative.
Hard to believe but we are at mid October already with Halloween just around the corner. Already the candy purchased for the door to door trick or treaters has been attacked by yours truly and sadly we will have to run to the store to refill the larder. The chocolates and candy taste so darn good unfortunately.  
So, take care out there,
flatlander52

Sunday musings

Sometimes as much as “experts” deride the Internet and on line communications, an example of how it can do something really nifty comes forward.

This week, while accessing a link on a program, a name of someone that I had worked beside over 5 years ago came over my tablet screen. I wondered if this was indeed the same person and if so, where she now was in life. So I dashed off a short e mail introducing myself and asking if she indeed was the same person. And she did reply in the affirmative and I was brought up to date a little as to her present career. She has gone from a young lady on the way to University to an accomplished professional with a great career path ahead of her now. I know I will in all likelihood never again e mail or see her again but it really was nice to see a “loose” end tied up. I think we all wonder at times about a certain special person and how they now are, and for that resolution I am grateful.

The election in Venezuela is upon the country and world. The United States is so involved in its Presidential race – still another month to go sadly - that little to no attention is being paid to this. Many observers are unsure as to who the winner might be but most agree that if Mr. Chavez loses, he will not go easily if at all. I am not too sure how many Americans know that this country is one of the top 5 suppliers of oil to the States. Any disruption there could cause the price of gas to jump quickly. Just ask the people of California who are paying over $5.00 a gallon what they think of that! Here in Canada there is no outcry or complaint over the fact that the average price of a gallon here is over $5.60. Heck no, we just say, could be worse, look at what they pay in Europe. Never mind that we are one of the largest producers and exporters of crude in the world. We just are so compliant aren't we?

Speaking of the American Presidential campaign, the first televised debate between Mr. Obama and Mr. Romney occurred this week. Media experts insist that Mr. Romney won and that voters are flocking to his side. If you have followed the news from that country, you might get a feeling that the media decided at some point to make this vote more dramatic and basically have started to possibly slant coverage in favour of Mr. Romney so that readers/viewers do not lose interest in their coverage and that ratings might drop causing them to lose revenue. I do not know the answer yet the change in the tenor of coverage is interesting to say the least.

The former butler to the Pope has been convicted of stealing sensitive documents from the Pope and sentenced to 18 months in jail. Of the fact that he was convicted by a Vatican run court – is the result just a little biased maybe? And now the Vatican wants the Italian government to house the man as they have no jail in the Vatican. Tell you what, if you are going to have your own court, a trial by your rules with no appeal process permitted – then you should have your own bloody jail or get out of the racket – OK?

In Cuba, dissident blogger Yoani Sanchez was detained by authorities on a couple of charges. She is a fearless voice of personal freedom and a fierce critic of corruption and cruel excesses she identifies in that beautiful country. Hopefully she will be released soon. I have enjoyed her blog (http://www.desdecuba.com/generationy/) for many years now and fear for her safety.

Mr. Putin of Russia turns 60 this week. Hmmm, wonder what this amazing physical specimen (just ask his spin doctors or view the video clips of him in action) will do next? Climb the Eiffel Tower backwards while blindfolded? Walk across the English Channel from Calais to Dover underwater all the way? Or maybe just admit to the world that he is just an ordinary man and regrets the bogus bio build up and promises to be honest in the future?

Hmmm.......

The fighting in Syria is starting to spill over into Turkey these days. In retaliation the Turkish military has twice fired artillery rounds into Syria and promises to do so again if more attacks come from the Syrians. The thin edge of inter country conflict anyone? And do you think that maybe if this does expand that the Iranians might not be tempted to pop a few missiles at the Israelis and them say “whoops” we goofed and that instead of turning the other check that the Israelis say “no problem” to the Iranians and drop a nuclear bomb in return? This could get ugly pretty quick.

A British Columbia woman, who became the face for the fight for assisted suicide has died of natural causes. Her name was Gloria Taylor and she was suffering from ALS but died from an infection of a perforated colon. Is it just me or does it seem somehow wrong that society will do everything medically possible to extend/prolong the life of people that have no possibility of recovery? I think we all have had loved ones that faced the ravages of diseases like cancer who would have preferred to have had the choice of passing on at a time of their choosing. How about the families of those that are physically alive but brain dead from accidents or strokes or some other means – the months and years and in some cases the decades where they stood by helplessly and the beloved one just lay unknowing and unresponsive in a hospital bed where the costs slowly destroy the family?

Is this right and is it fair?

Germany's Angela Merkel is to travel to Greece next week to meet with the country's prime minister, who had warned on Friday that Athens will run out of money at the end of November if it doesn't receive the next part of its bailout loans. One suspects riots and protests to mar her trip there.

So, with this setting up for the end of November and the American budget slated to have draconian cuts imposed as of January 1^st (the American people can thank their legislators for this fiasco – no one else is to blame for that mess – no one, period!) and the Canadian housing market starting to cool down, do you think we are still out of the woods on the latest depression/recession or whatever the heck you might want to call it?

Russian scientists are quoted as saying that the carcass of a young (apparently 16 years old) mammoth recently excavated on the North Siberian Taimyr peninsula is one of the best-preserved bodies of a grown mammoth ever found. Now how cool is that? The once far fetched concept of cloning a living mammoth from cells is no longer a fantasy but some day might actually occur.

In a tribute to the wonders of the German language I offer you the following word - Geschwindigkeitsbeschränkungen, all 30 letters of it: a very big word for a fairly simple idea (it means speed limits). Lord, you gotta love the Germans, but really, a word that takes three minutes to pronounce let alone spell? But in their defense I give you the word - prosit – which means many glorious things in a simple toast while hoisting a drink. Time to change the topic before Lesekommentaspaltenhollenlarm - all hell breaks lose in the comments section!

So with this being the Thanksgiving weekend in Canada, we are off to Victoria on Sunday to spend a day there and then have supper with some dear friends. Life has been good to us and especially this year we have much to be thankful for.

Take care out there,

flatlander52

Sunday musings

Hmmm, number of things to comment on this week, just not too sure where to start.

OK, in the United Nations this week, speaker after speaker from Muslim lead countries has demanded that world countries enact laws to stop depictions and comments on the prophet Mohammed. Maybe these pleas would have more traction if not for the mob frenzy of their citizens in their virulent and violent demonstrations and yes, murders in protest against so called blasphemers. It seems to many that it is very convenient to stage mob protests against real or perceived insults on a religion while using that pretext as a front for true anti American hatred and hatred against what might be termed Western values.

A convicted terrorist by the name of Omar Kahdr, who claims Canadian citizenship who had been held for over a decade in the American detention prison in Guantanamo, Cuba ( that is correct, an American military base exists in Cuba – the country that successive American Presidents and politicians of all stripe have installed boycott laws against and vowed to help overthrow the Communist lead government – that Cuba!) is now back in Canadian penal hands.

He says he is very, very happy about this.

I wonder how this will play out. Will he be released at some point into the general population? Do you think he is no longer a “child terrorist” at heart anymore? Will he become a productive member of society or will he do like many released terrorists, and that is return to the ways of terror?

Time will tell.

In Canada, a meat processing plant in the province of Alberta has its products linked to a e coli outbreak with nine people affected to date. The border has been closed to the United States for this product and industry people are not sure when it will re-open. Many people are wondering why it took the government, which discovered the problem on Sept. 4^Th, until after Sept. 16^th to inform the public.

One of the casualties in any process of meat recall are the people that cannot afford to go to local butchers or deli shops for custom cuts of meat and instead rely on items such as “chub” ground meat product, and bulk tray packs of value priced meat cuts for their food selection. The affluent can and do switch suppliers with little to no inconvenience but the less well off are the ones who lose a source of food until the plant is re-opened.

In American politics the circus is well underway and accusations fly about with no regard for accuracy or at least admissions of bias. A favourite tactic of the Republican party is to call all media (except Fox) biased in favour of the Democratic party. They call the media “lamestream” and paint themselves as the true patriots in the country. One wonders if they would pass laws restricting the media if they achieved party in both parts of the government as well as the Presidency? One commentator has speculated that the change in media reporting may be attributable to the 24 hour news cycle the world lives in now as well as the fact that the main emphasis on reporting itself has gone from the so called evening newscast to the morning shows. And also the fact that there is such a vast amount of media coverage on any and everything these days that many times news is “slanted” or manipulated by media people to change from a ho hum story to one with sound bites and controversial opinions and statements. This does make sense to me. Take the way the stock markets are connected world wide these days and the fact that they running virtually 24 hours a day as well. Bad news travels in a blink from Tokyo to Moscow to Zurich to Washington in a heartbeat. Automated computer algorithms immediately buy and sell stock/shares in a nano second if a market tremble is detected or even calculated to possibly happen in the near future. Many speculate that the fiscal crisis in Europe would not be so deep or have happened so quickly if these programs and communication lines were not in place. There is a movement afoot where some lawmakers are proposing bans on programs like this but you know..... money talks and this proposal will soon disappear because it threatens the profit of the money makers. Rest assured, I am a believer in the capitalist system, but I think the time has come to place some restrictions on the way the stock and money markets operate. At one time it was possible for anyone to dream of getting a bigger and better piece of the fiscal pie, but lately, that seems to be disappearing amidst more and more restrictions and taxes on the vanishing middle class.

And all the while the Republican Party in the States is saying that the rich need more tax relief. When companies like Apple store their money offshore and use factories out of country to minimize labour costs at the expense of the American worker who buys their product, you have to wonder, don't you?

In Venezuela reports indicate that gunmen shot and killed two local leaders of parties backing presidential challenger Henrique Capriles Saturday in the worst violence of a volatile campaign before Presidential election to be held next week. If Mr. Chavez looses the election, there may be bloodshed as a result. I cannot imagine that he would go quietly into the sunset if defeated. One way or the other he will not accept defeat and will do all he can to retain power.

In Argentina reports indicate that construction starts fell over 8% in the month of August. A troubling indicator and it raises concerns about a depression hitting the country on top of recent programs against the American dollar in the market place and taxes on purchases done by Argentinians abroad- a very unpopular law.

In Canada the Federal Liberal Party is in a tizzy over the soon to be declared candidacy of a Mr. Justin Trudeau for Leader.

OK, in deference to my comments earlier about American media “creating” news, here in Canada we are seeing the same. The majority of media is Eastern based and they have always loved the father of Justin Trudeau, and he was Pierre Elliott Trudeau, a former Prime Minister of Canada. The fact that Pierre Trudeau instituted a much reviled National Energy Program that basically screwed western oil producing provinces by making them sell their oil to eastern markets at well below world prices – in effect welfare state subsidy of the economy of the East at the expense of the West matters not to these media experts. The fact the name Trudeau is still considered a swear word in the West does not impact their narrow little minds it seems. And the fact that Justin Trudeau is a political lightweight – and that is actually a compliment – matters not to these media pundits. Because they proudly proclaim – he has charisma!

Please, somebody give these media experts a new job somewhere, anywhere but not in the media!!!

I see where the trial of the Popes' butler for leaking private documents is now underway.

Really?

You think the Catholic Church is just a little, no – a lot – full of itself and what it thinks its place in the world is?

I wish they would go after sexual predator Priests or allow women to become priests with as much enthusiasm and determination.

In European news, a young man wielding a plastic gun fired pellets at Czech President Vaclav Klaus on Friday, but caused no injuries. How in this day and age of terrorism and intensive security was this allowed to happen? Apparently the man was dressed in commando styled clothes and actually walked away after “shooting” the President. One has to shake their head at this stupidity of the security force but maybe there is more to this than first appears. Perhaps the man did not act alone?

Syria – the murders continue yet it seems the focus of the world is no longer on that poor battered country. You wonder why I am not a fan of the United Nations? Prime case of action by inaction.

Speaking of the United Nations, a report comes out of that bipolar body that indicates that the proposal to tax the wealth of certain countries – read United States, Canada, Germany and give the money to less wealthy countries. You know, like Somalia – gun runners anyone? Nowhere is there indications that countries like Brazil, Venezuela, Russia, China, Saudi Arabia, Iran and the like are to be taxed – perish the thought!!!!

So, I said I was going to look at hybrid cars now that I am an Islander on the West Coast. Conservation, recycling and the like is a lifestyle – not a add on when convenient or trendy as in other parts of the land. So, I went to my local dealer and asked about availability and cost. Well, talk about a rude awakening! I was told that hybrids were a no go here and this dealer had only sold 2 this year! OK, I then went on line and looked for a used unit, just to see what they were like and if I could see myself in one at some point. Found one in a place abut 35 minutes from Nanaimo so off we went on a day trip to check it out and then tour the area. The sales person seemed intent on making sure we knew that that it was a privilege to be allowed to pay a premium of about $5,000 for this used vehicle as compared to a gas model of the same make. So, I pay $5,000 MORE and the gas savings would be about $800 a year compared to a conventional gas model. Divide $5,000 by $800 and that is a little over 6 years before cost savings occur. The sales person then mentioned that with this unit being 3 years old, a new battery in about 7 years would be about $2,500 or so! When I asked about recycling the old battery, he would or could not give me an answer if this was possible.

So, I think I have to rethink my possible conversion from gas to hybrid.

My better half has signed up for swim and fitness programs the other day and then innocently asked me when was I going to do the same? Excuse me – me exercise? Is it not enough that we go for a walk nearly every day? Really, next thing you know, she will expect me to get fit!!!!!

Oh well, on that note, time to sign off,

take care out there,

flatlander52

Sunday musings

It seems Mr. Romney does not want to become President of the United States anymore. What else would explain the incredible lack of forward thinking when he made a speech earlier this year behind supposedly closed doors blasting what he terms 47% of the American people that he says are not real taxpayers and/or are government dependent or government employees who would never vote against President Obama. Then his vice presidential running mate says that the “intellectually smart” people will not vote Republicans so who needs them?

What the heck is wrong with these people anyway? Does becoming a Republican politician mean you lose the ability of knowing when to keep your mouth shut in public where cameras and recorders are almost sure to be present? Do mainstream Republicans really think this way? If so, then they really do a disservice to their fellow citizens I think.

Do they really believe people like Rush Limbaugh, Sarah Palin and the like with their sneering references to the “lamestream” media and their attempts to pass more laws for their rich supporters?

I dunno.

It is not like the Democrats are that wonderful either.

What has happened to the American political system anyway?

The government met in a short session and did nothing to pass any laws, nothing to resolve the looming financial “cliff” the country is hurtling towards, then adjourns so all members can start campaigning for re-election and all the while blaming everyone else but themselves in government for the current impasse.

Whatever happened to the great art of political compromise anyway?

In Pakistan, during a protest against the now infamous American made anti Prophet film leaked on Youtube, the burning an American flag proved fatal for a Pakistani protester, Abdullah Ismail. He reportedly died from inhaling fumes from the lit flag!

What is probably really ironic about that is that the flag was probably made in China!

Waste of a life.

Priests around the world may be bracing for questions from curious congregants, after United States Harvard professor Karen King claimed a fragment of text on papyrus from the fourth century suggests Jesus may have been married.

Why would that be a big deal anyway?

Just because a bunch of neutered old priests a couple of thousand years ago and their successors, like to think he should have been non sexual, does not mean it really was so.

The Presidential election in Venezuela nears and stories continue to emerge that the race is not so one sided in favour of Mr. Chavez after all. Some polls indicate that both candidates are “neck and neck” in the minds of the voters. This if true would be an astounding change in the political landscape there. Cynicism says that if Chavez is defeated, then the results will be ignored and a dictatorship will be the result. As long as he favours the military as he has in the past, this is a real possibility. Sadly this is a common feature of fragile democracies world wide.

In Quebec, Canada, the Parti Quebecois was sworn into office. Never mind that it is a minority government because in the first few days what they did was quite interesting. They scrapped by decree, if you can believe it, the law in regards to demonstrations that the previous Liberal government had passed in the Legislature by vote. Then they by decree again rolled back the law on increased tuition for university students. Now the students are demanding free tuition! Then they are taking about banning shale gas development. Then they also by decree started the process of shutting down a nuclear reactor in the province. So I guess in Quebec, if you have a minority government, you rule by decree, thereby eliminating the need to have a session of the Legislature and passing laws.

Maybe the Liberal government in British Columbia will follow this pattern. The Liberal Premier was quoted in an earlier interview this year as saying that the Legislature in Victoria was of a “sick culture”.

Indeed she was quoted as saying - “When the House rises at the end of March [she meant May], you’re never going to find me in Victoria”.

“I’m going to be travelling the province for the next year. This is my home base. I try never to go over there. Because it’s sick. It’s a sick culture. All they can think about is government and there are no real people in Victoria, and you get captured by this inside-the-beltway debate, and it’s really unhealthy.”

(This quote was in the article from Brian Hutchinson in the National Post web pages).

Quite the thing for the Premier to say – maybe the American Republican way of saying what you think has infected her?

Hey, bought an Iphone5 yet? Apparently the new mapping feature is not too good at this moment. I am sure all the Apple fanatics will explain that away somehow. Good machines but really, are they worth that kind of senseless, slavish devotion?

Just saying.

After all, Macs are just machines aren't they?

Meanwhile here in Nanaimo, special interest groups are calling for stricter rules on tattoos for teens. Yup, kinda puts the problems of the world into proper perspective doesn't it?

China and Japan are embroiled in public demonstrations on both sides in regards to the Tokyo-controlled Senkaku islands in the East China Sea, which are claimed by Beijing under the name Diaoyu.

More and more little news clips are emerging almost weekly of the military sabre rattling actions of the Chinese government. Whether this is intimidation only by visual means or the prelude to possible military expansionistic measures remain to be seen.

This bears further watching.

So this Saturday was the first day of fall in North America – where did the year go and why did the time go so quickly?

Already I read stories of frost throughout the country. Not here on the Island yet, but we will see when that happens. Still seems strange to be planting fall flowers that will be blooming soon.

European utilities are poised to add more coal-fired power capacity than natural gas in the next four years, boosting emissions just as the era of free carbon permits ends. The new stations, replacing atomic and aging fossil fuel- based plants, will boost demand for emission permits. So help me out here, the Europeans slam North America for its pollution, especially the oil sands in Alberta, Canada but they can build these polluting plants and that is OK because they buy “emission permits” that allow them to do so as long as they pay? Excuse, is not pollution still pollution whether you buy a permit to feel good about it or not?

Seems a little hypocritical, but on many items over the past number of years, the Europeans seem to say do what I say but do not do what I do!!!!

Speaking of pollution, I stopped by a car dealership the other day to ask about hybrid vehicles ( remember I mentioned I was thinking of maybe, just maybe of trading in the SUV for one last week?) and was told that they had sold a grand total of 2 this year – apparently Islanders are not interested in them.

Curious.

Anyway, that is it for this week, oh yes, I finally finished my long delayed input on the project for my American author friend- YAY!!!! Her latest book is available at the following link for order:

https://www.createspace.com/3914502 and enjoy!

Take care out there,

flatlander52