Sunday musings

So a photo of Hugo Chavez laying flat on his back with 2 of his daughters beside him had been released by the government of Venezuela to show that he is alive and recovering from the latest round of surgery for his cancer. A close look shows an extremely puffy face and an expression that sadly does not seem quite focussed.

Something still does not seem right about this.

We shall see I guess.

In Argentina the government seems to have offered teachers a 33% wage increase over 3 years in contract negotiations. Sure sign of inflation at work in the economy.

Not a good sign at all.

This week a large meteorite crashed into the northern regions of Russia traveling at an estimated 54,000 KPH and blowing out windows and injuring over 1,200 with its sonic booms. With the abundance of video devices including webcams mounted on car dashes, many clips were available for viewing throughout the world.

A truly impressive sight.

Sadly one talking head for the CNN TV network was quoted as saying this was the result of global warming.

Really.

Sigh.

Here in Canada a restaurant chain has discontinued a line of beer termed Albino Rhino, named after an animal with that condition from over 25 years ago because a lady who recently immigrated to Canada filed a Human Rights complaint because as an albino, she felt slighted/discriminated against.

Really?

As one person noted, pretty soon the Human Rights Commissions in Canada will support any grievance, major or frivolous except those from a white male.

Maybe.....

Also in the wonderful fantasy land of Quebec, it seems that the student unions that were so assiduously courted by the now ruling separatist Parti Quebecois in the last election, have lost faith in the PQ and now will boycott a summit on education because the government will not provide free education and indeed has mentioned that tuition rates may, just may rise with inflation.

How ironic.

As many political hacks find out over and over and over again, it is so easy to promise the world in opposition but once in power, the real world has a nasty way of intruding.

And the PQ wants to run their own country?

Here in British Columbia, there will be a provincial election in a few months. So, like many other governments over the last century or so in Canada, what does the ruling party do but launch a taxpayer funded media blitz telling people how good life is in the province. I remember the last 2 times governments changed in Saskatchewan and it was like a case of deja vu seeing this here. As if people are as naive as the handlers for the governments tell the Leaders they are. And the Party Leaders actually believe this crap. In B.C. The cost of this feel good campaign has ballooned from 14 million to 17 million. And it will make not an iota of difference in the minds of voters – regardless of who they intend to vote for.

A lot of money for absolutely nothing.

What a waste.

In America this week a former police officer murdered a number of people in a vendetta against his former employer and was finally tracked down to a cabin in the mountains and a huge firefight ensued with large amounts of gunfire exchanged and smoke grenades being tossed into the cabin with the result that the cabin caught on fire. The fugitive committed suicide and it took a number of days to confirm the identity of the body.

During the process of securing him, police shot 2 women in a truck because they thought that the women were actually the fugitive. The truck was also a different colour and make. So what made the police shoot these women?

A question that many doubt will ever be answered.

The Pope announced his retirement this week. He becomes the first Pope in over 500 years to resign rather than die in office. At 85, many say this is a good decision. That being said, many say his legacy is a sad and troubled one. Increased agitation against birth control, no women in the priesthood, anti gay stance, cover up of sexual abuse by priests – not a great record people say.

Is it time for a non European and non white Pope?

Doubt if that will ever happen.

If by some fluke this happened, the new Pope would be so thoroughly emasculated by the College of Cardinals and the Vatican bureaucracy, one would never think that the new Pope was anything but a old white European!

Speaking of Europe, the “scandal” of horse meat being incorporated into hamburger products has spread throughout the EU. Just one thing, people have eaten horse meat for a heck of a long time in the history of mankind and never had a problem because of that. Also, I suspect that no one who actually had some of this so called tainted meat even noticed or were affected by it. So what the heck is the problem? Just stop the process, tighten up checks and balances and get on with life. Many more important things happening in the world rather than this tempest in a tea pot.

I think we all have read that Disney Studios purchased the Star Wars franchise and have a new film in the concept stage. Harrison Ford, Han Solo in the series, is now 70 and apparently is going to reprise his role therein. Not sure if this is a good idea. Film “freezes” a persons age forever and to see a 70 year old man in a new film, where he was (and is in many re-runs and DVD's) in his 30's in earlier ones will be difficult for many to accept.

Remember my comments on the “fiscal cliff” in the United States recently? And how ALL in government ducked their responsibilities to the American people? And then they cobbled together a feel good bill that only punted the problem down the road for three months?

Well, the three months are almost up and nothing was done in the meantime. Indeed the Republicans have decried the so called sequester cuts that THEY agreed to last year that will start in March. Now they say it is the idea of the President and they had nothing to do with it. They are now seeing what the impacts are going to be in their constituencies and all of a sudden are concerned. They still do not get it do they? They work for the people, not the other way around but they still do not and will not accept this simple fact. They seem much more concerned about vacations, pay perks and benefits for themselves rather than the fate of the country.

Wait until the cuts happen and see the firestorm erupt as people discover that they are the financial victims in a political power struggle.

It will not be pretty, that is for certain.

I would be remiss in not posting one last observation about our time in the Sandwich Islands recently. And that is about the people there.

Many so called sophisticated people around the world have an arrogant opinion and attitude towards Americans.

They are so wrong.

I have once again found them to be wonderful hosts and a pleasure to be around.

Yes, as in all countries, there are some not so wonderful people among them but I dare you to show me a country any better. If the world stopped envying the United States and instead tried to incorporate some of the best things it offers, we all would be better off.

So, thanks America, we will visit you again!

Anyway, back on our Island, Spring continues to unfold.

I still think it is early and new acquaintances insist that indeed it does sometimes snow again in March but somehow, I do not believe them. I see reports of other parts of the country and feel for the people there. Next week we intend to drive to a park called Cathedral Park that is home to some of the oldest and tallest old growth trees on the Island and indeed in the province.

That should be fun and entertaining.

Finally, on a personal note, I lost someone that I admired very much on Saturday. I once referred to him in a column as KHK in B.C. Well, he was my uncle and he was a good man, a good husband, a good father and a good grandparent, what better epitaph than that can one offer?

He will be missed by many.

take care out there,

flatlander52

Sunday musings

Well, I am back home on the Island and here we go!

You want some examples of how screwed up the Canadian province of Quebec is?

Here goes.

All the provinces have health care as their responsibility, not the Federal Government. In spite of this, the Federal Government transfers massive amounts of cash to each province to assist in the paying of these services with hardly any accountability required. Last year the provinces formed a common bargaining group to deal with the multinational pharmacy companies in the purchase of drugs. Recently this common front was able to achieve savings in this area but of course Quebec decided they wanted nothing to do with this saving. Instead, as is usual when the Quebec tries to back out of agreements where it is not the “big cheese”, it does so by quietly sending a letter of withdrawal the provincial group in the literal “dark of night” with no media fanfare to embarrass them.

Big babies.

Then the Quebec government had decided it wants to take over the field of Employment Insurance. A field that the provinces signed over to the Federal Government in a Constitutional amendment in 1940.

Of course the Separatist government assumes that the funds to pay for the program would flow from the Federal Government to Quebec.

Wrong.

It would become the responsibility of the Quebec government to fund the program and that would be raising taxes or borrowing the money from international money markets at higher interest rates than what would be charged to the Federal Government which has a much higher credit rating than the province. A quick path along the road of Greece or Spain, no question about that at all.

And of course the final example occurred over the past few days. The previous government in Quebec drafted an action plan for economic development of the north of the province as an engine of growth for the entire province. The Separatist government, which harshly criticized the plan while in Opposition had quietly adopted the same plan with minor changes after assuming power in the last Provincial election. So there was a job fair held in Montreal by potential industries that wanted to be part of the action plan. Immediately protests rolled out with smashed windows and other violent disturbances as the protesters hit the streets. They wore red tags like the student protesters of last summer did (remember how they were aghast at the prospect of paying tuition fees and wanted it all paid for free by the state?) and carried banners linking them to the Idle No More movement. Indeed one person said that there should be no development of the north of Quebec as all the resources belonged to the First Nations peoples. Of course no could reply when asked who was to pay for the social programs, cheap tuition, free day care if no money flowed from the Project Nord as it is called. Probably they assumed that the rest of Canada would continue to foot the bill.

Big surprise coming along the track on that concept I think.

More and more people outside of Quebec are displaying less and less willingness to compromise with what is considered spoiled demands from an “immature” province.

Maybe pundits are correct when they say that the upcoming generation of Quebecois are more concerned with their economic well being and future prosperity in Canada and that the aging Separatist fanatics will slowly fade into oblivion as they die off.

One has to wonder if Hugo Chavez of Venezuela is getting better – as reported by his people or in fact is worse or even dead these days based on the news that the country devalued its currency 32% on Saturday vs the American dollar. For a country that is considered wealthy based on its petrodollar economy, this was disturbing news indeed. The next month or two will tell the tale one suspects.

According to reports, this past week the Government in Zimbabwe had only $217.00 in its bank account after paying government employees. How far has this once proud and prosperous land fallen since falling under the thrall of Robert Mugabe. And of course the world stands idly by.

Like it does about North Korea, Syria, Somalia .... and the list goes on.

You wonder why I am so disheartened by the impotence of the so called United Nations? That bloated self serving waste of money and space?

What a sad state for what was originally visioned as the greatest hope for the planet in terms of governance and the ability to stop armed conflicts.

Hah!

The White House in the United States this week released a photo of the President shooting skeet targets to show that he uses weapons in his life. As if this will stop the National Rifle Association from opposing his proposals to change gun laws in the land. The President should really try to stop being all things to all people. That tactic never works. He should realize he has a mandate from the electorate and proceed with his agenda. If it proves unpopular and does not work, then a future President and government will change or remove those laws. It is typical of the malaise that plagues all branches of the government where instead of doing the business of the people, special interest groups rule the day.

The American Defence Secretary is speaking out about the upcoming budget cuts to the military if a new budget is not passed by the lawmakers in time. Dire warnings of becoming a third rate military power and the economic penalties civilian employees face as a result of reduced work weeks are waved in the face of politicians and the media. One has to wonder how real this is and maybe with a wind down in Iraq and Afghanistan, that the budget should be reduced anyway. To use the logic that “things always were funded and run this way” is not always correct or honest at times.

Really amazing how far science has advanced in the last 20 years or so. In England a skeleton over 500 years old was unearthed and by genetic DNA testing of the remains with the DNA of a descendant of who the remains were purported to be of, determined that indeed the remains were those of King Richard the Third.

Truly amazing what science can do.

And yet science cannot finds the remains of Jimmy Hoffa.

Truly baffling.

Data released by the German government showed that the German trade surplus hit a five year high in January. Strange how Germany is doing so well while many other European countries are, to be kind, struggling economically. Greece, Spain, Portugal, France – the list is long on this score. Could it be the the era of governments pandering to its citizens by implementing costly social programs funded by ever increasing borrowing with little hope of repayment is over? While the Germans put in many social programs, in the main they were properly costed and funded, A testament to Teutonic practicality you could say. While many of the younger generation say that the ills of the worlds economy are the fault of the free spending boomer generation, many are not that different in their expectations either. Many went to university for year after year pursuing degrees in fields that in all honesty are not relevant in the working world but rather expensive pastime degrees promoted by their professors who have bullied the education system and the taxpayer into believing that what they say is really important. One wonders how these so called educators would fare if they had to work for a living, say in the construction trades, clerical or flipping burgers?

I forget, they are too vital to a civilized society to actually have to get calluses on their hands– aren't they?

Just ask them I guess.

In France, the painting that inspired the Statue of Liberty was defaced with a black marker by a deranged woman who scrawled the letter and numbers AE 911 across one corner. The AE stands for a group of conspiracy “people” in the United States termed Architects and Engineers 911 who believed that the Twin Towers destroyed in New York not by terrorists aboard hijacked airplanes but rather by explosive charges apparently set off by order of the American government itself.

Forgetting the complete weirdness of such a theory ( the same type of delusional thinking is being promoted on YouTube by some folks that believe that the massacre at Sandy Hook Elementary school in America is a plot by the President to disarm the population and that the murdered children really were not killed and are safe and in hiding!) what sane person can justify destroying something priceless for any reason what so ever? Just as pathetic as the religious nuts who destroyed the giant Buddhas in

Afghanistan.

For every step mankind takes forward, it seems there is some barbarian determined to drag the process back two steps towards the Dark Ages.

Sad.

So watching the news on Friday and Saturday we got to see video casts of the latest winter “STORM OF THE CENTURY” - like come on, why does, sadly the American media (aped by the Canadian media) go into overdrive in their descriptions of any and all events? It is as if the talking heads think and speak only in exclamation points. Yes it was a big storm but guess what? These storms have happened for a long long time in the history of the world, so media, get over yourselves and start responsibly reporting the news, OK?

But in this 24/7/365 news world, this is probably a forlorn hope.

However, getting back to the storm, it is hard to believe that it is only early February and much of continental North America still has a couple of months of winter left.

Here on the Island we have our planted bulbs sprouting above ground and the Spring bedding plants are already on sale at the local greenhouses.

In fact I have heard the hum of lawnmowers already!

Said it before and will say it again, I sure do not miss winter at all.

That's it for this week,

take care out there,

flatlander52

Saturday musings

Well, time to head home and say farewell  until next time to the Sandwich Islands, we had a great two weeks here.

One of the downsides (actually the only one) of being here is that world news is almost non existent unless there is some angle that pertains to the United States.

But I did get some tidbits.

It seems that Argentina is miffed at the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for imposing economic sanctions on the country because the IMF will not accept economic data supplied by the Argentine Government. The fact that most Argentine and international observers have been pointing this out for months now seems irrelevant to the Government. Inflation officially is less than 1/2 of what it is agreed to be by these observers. Just look at the official exchange rate of the Peso to the American Dollar and the fact that it is almost double that on the unofficial “blue” market. Inflation stats are suspect and reports of larger and larger wage demands by government employee unions make the claims of the government ring hollow.

It looks like tough times ahead for that wonderful land. Also it does not help the the President is now seeming to style her image to resemble that of the controversial former First Lady of Argentina – Eva Peron, a highly divisive figure in the history of the country.

This week we lost the last surviving sister, Patty at age 94 of the singing Andrews Sisters. The trio personified the big band, swing era in American history. An era now shrouded in glamor and allure and nostalgia. Of course the real world at that time was very different than that, but I digress. Also, and many kids of the 1960's will remember, the Etch a Sketch machine, the inventor,Andre Cassagnes passed on.

Two icons from 2 different eras, time marches on sadly.

Blackberry has released what many consider its last best hope to remain relevant and more importantly, alive in the smartphone wars. Early reviews are positive but shares slumped as the release in the all important USA market will not happen until mid February at the earliest.

More conflicting reports on the state of health of President Chavez of Venezuela emerge and one wonders how long this soap opera with huge consequences for North and South America will continue.

In both the United States and Canada, people are seeing price increases at the gas pump these days. Now let me get this right – the US and Canada are exporters of oil and yet prices are going up? And the cowardly politicians on both sides of the border who never have met a tax that they would resist, do absolutely nothing?

You think the oil industry has them in its pocket?

The politicos are too busy ducking and weaving and running from actually doing the job they were elected to, to help the average citizen. Too easy to raise their own wages and benefits and pension plan isn't it?

The Republicans passed a measure in the US government basically punting the fiscal cliff a few more months down the road but added a wage hold back clause to it if nothing is done in passing a budget. So some Democrats objected to that, seems that not being paid for not doing their job offends them

Too darn bad.

And they castigate the Republicans?

Hypocrites.

Israel bombs a convey from Syria headed to Lebanon supposedly loaded with advanced military arms.

And the great bastion of freedom, the United Nations condemns the attack.

The world is not shocked that this gutless organization conveniently did not say a word about the arms involved or what consequences they would have unleashed against Israel if delivered.

And this same august body condemns Canada on its history in dealing with its aboriginal peoples while turning a blind eye to events in such democratic areas like North Korea, Pakistan, Syria, Brazil, Tibet – get the picture?

And yet nations like Canada, Britain, Germany, the United States still pay their dues and keep this bloated bureaucracy alive.

Some day this will end and I will not mourn its demise.

So, a couple of rodents used to forecast whether of not Spring will be early this year,indicated that this was going to be the case. Well, if you live in Regina (our old home town) you have to hope that is true. Reports indicate that this is one of the most intense and long winters in many, many, many, many years. It seems to have started in October and continues to this day. Every other day seems to bring stories of either intense (minus 30-40) cold or extremely high winds and snow storms and large accumulations of ground drifts.

Spring cannot come too soon for them I suspect.

So here are a few final photos from the Islands for them

 

So another short column ends and I apologize for that but somehow, with sun, surf and sand it has difficult to focus strongly on things other than sun, surf and sand.

I will try harder next week after we get home.

Until then,

take care out there,

flatlander52

Sunday musings

OK, I am posting this weeks column on Saturday evening for the reason that we are so far East on the globe that if I wait until Sunday morning, it will almost be Monday morning where many read it.

So, without further ado.....

So the French have launched military action in Mali, and unlike when America does so, the world community says sweet tweet about it. That is so typical of most of the world is it not? So blasted envious and angry at American society that it will immediately criticize but never would it criticize the French for something that the Yanks would do.

Remember when the Brits mounted military action against the Argentinians over the Falkland Islands a few years ago?

Yup, same lack of response.

Figures.

So Mr. Chavez is undergoing further treatments in Cuba and no return date in sight for him to Venezuela. As said before, this does not sound right, but time will tell in his case, won't it?

Also in Venezuela there are reports of over 55 deaths in a riot at a prison. Have you ever read reports of the conditions in prisons in South America?

Chilling is too gentle a word.

The First Nations chief in Canada who had embarked on a somewhat controversial “diet/fast” stopped it this past week without getting the Federal Government to cave in to her demands.

One wonders if her actions have helped or hurt the cause for First Nations people in Canada.

It seems that as a result of the failure of American politicians to pass a budget, cuts to the military are going to come on stream. One action plan being reported on is to have ALL the civilian employees within the military take what is referred to in Hawaii as Aloha Fridays. That is a Friday as a day off with no pay. Great, financially hurt tax paying honest citizens for the cowardice of politicians.

How can these people even look themselves in the mirror based on their fanatical resolve to halt the running of the government and their hate of their elected President? Do they not realize that the people voted him in for a second term and maybe they should try to do their job and work with him as best as they can? Instead they are driving the country towards another recession – and it is their fault and no one else - that is for sure.

So North Korea is once again threatening to wage a relentless war against the Americans. Enough already. Let them do like so many other countries have in the past. Declare war, burn a few American flags, then say they surrender and then go in front of the world media to demand immediate American aid, money, food and reconstruction efforts as a “reward” for losing the war. And of course orchestrate left wing outrage against those “damn Yankees”.

Sigh.

So I read where a high ranking Al Qada terrorist has died from wounds in Yemen. Seems he was once housed in detention in Guantanamo Bay by the USA. Then so called libertarians, media and other apologists for terrorists everywhere were successful in pressuring the Americans to release him with the promise that he would not engage in terrorist activities again. Of course he broke that promise immediately and resumed his bloody ways. I have to ask you – how come there is total silence from those apologists now? Where is their moral high ground now? How come they never condemn these terrorists that revert to form after release?

Too easy to smugly criticize the Yanks isn't it?

Safer too.

Maybe these folks should move to those supposed havens and leave the rest of us alone?

Ha!

Sometimes the passing of a person, who, while not a world famous person, still brings sadness. Such a person was a man that went by the nickname of “Metro” in the province of Saskatchewan. Les Pavilik was his name and I knew him. He became an accidental entertainer many years ago and released a comedy album of Christmas music that to his amazement became a “gold” album (by virtue of numbers sold) and a new career was born. His work raising a large amount of money for charities over the years is well documented. I am pleased to say I knew him and considered him a friend.

In Britain the Prime Minister has promised “something” on continued membership in the European Union. After reading his statements, he may put this to a vote but may or may not abide by the results. He may or may not ask for new terms for the country to remain in the union.

Actually, he sounds like he has completely mastered the art of being a professional politico and talking out of both sides of his mouth at one time.

Cool.

Did you recall that it is 2 years now since the protests started in Egypt that led to the downfall of Hosni Mubarak? And what has happened since then? Well it appears that the country has replaced a semi dictatorial leader with a Islamic Brotherhood semi dictatorial leader.

Some things never seem to change do they?

So, we are here on the Sandwich Islands enjoying the sun,the surf and the sand.

Of course it is high season for tourists and based on the numbers and money that they spend, one might believe that the worst of the American recession is well past.

Sadly with the increase in tourists is the sight of waaay too many middle aged and older men walking along the beaches and sidewalks clad only in swim trunks and showing highly oiled bellies flopping side to side as they slowly stumble along.

Terrifying sight to say the least.

And yes, they should know better and obviously they do not and that is unfortunate.

Maybe men should consider wearing full coverage?

We were walking along a beach the other day and saw a whale lazing along on the surface near the shore. Of course even though state law forbids approaching closer than 100 yards, obviously the man on the paddle board believes that rules and laws apply to other people - certainly not him!

Still, it was an amazing sight. 

So, that is a short column for this week,

take care out there.

Flatlander 52

Sunday musings

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I have not written about the protest movement underway by First Nations people here in Canada to date. One reason is that this is a subject and topic that is so fresh and raw at this time in the public discourse that one must be careful of any off the cuff incendiary comments. There are many valid opinions being expressed both for and against what the movement espouses. There are as many stupid and ignorant and wrong opinions also being espoused.

I believe that a gentleman by the name of Rex Murphy explained it well in the following article posted in the Canadian version of the Huffington Post on line this week. Here is the link:

http://fullcomment.nationalpost.com/2013/01/12/rex-murphy-natives-need-to-tone-down-the-anger/

I cannot properly articulate my thoughts on this at this time. I do not want to say anything disingenuous or just plain wrong on such a vital topic and movement for the Canadian people, and I mean all Canadians, not just the First Nations. One thing I will say is that this issue demands nothing but the most honest and sincere efforts from all parties. The consequences of status quo remaining is frightening.

Will real heroes emerge or will cowards and self interested individuals rule the day?

So Lance Armstrong goes on TV and admits he lied.

So?

Does this mean all will soon be forgiven?

What about all those people whose lives and careers he destroyed by his lies and his legal action against them for speaking the truth?

And what of the rumoured 100 million he amassed by winning those bicycle races and product endorsements?

Refund?

Doubt it.

Will he be another “celebrity” that with phoney confessions, with fake tears to attempt to hide a cynical expression of contempt for the general public be forgiven and probably rewarded for such a brava performance?

And yet we have witnessed the passing of a true American sports hero this week – Stan Musial at the age of 92.

Look him up.

Lance Armstrong would not even be a pimple on that mans' rear end.

One wishes Armstrong would just go away – period.

American President Obama will soon be sworn in for his second term. One wonders as to what the next 3 years will bring. As with previous Presidents, the fourth and final year will be spent trying to burnish his image for history and some sort of grand farewell tour probably.

He seems intent on changing the gun laws and culture of the land as well as further demoralizing and minimizing the Republican Party. Somewhere along the line the fact that the Government has been breaking the law of the land by not passing a budget for a number of years now will become a thorn in his side. As well, the fiscal cliff has been delayed and not prevented and there still seems no potential solution as long as the Republican Party is held hostage by its Tea Party element. Already stories and reports are coming along and being trumpeted by “impartial” (HA!) media sources of the impending devastation of the American economy as a result of the looming defence budget cuts. Sadly, so deeply has the military supported manufacturing industry entrenched itself into the economic structure of the country that any reduction in funds ripples through the whole land. The industry has, in the words ascribed to the bank industry, become too big to fail.

Is this right?

So, it seems that the new Canadian $20 bill has an illustration of a non native Maple Leaf on it. Various serious pointy head people – usually subsidized tenured professors who could not get and hold a real job in the real world – have moaned and wailed over this fact.

Like who really gives a damn?

Does it change the value of the bill?

Will it cause the country to fall apart?

After all Canada has survived Celine Deion and Justin Beiber quite well and dare I mention Bill Shatner or Carly Rae Jepsen?

Maybe society should take a hard look at the type of people instructing in Universities and the courses that are being offered. We read litany after litany of woe from young grads with degrees in the most idiotic fields who wonder where they will get high paying jobs instead of the barista work they now have.

As my father said to me many, many (way too many) years ago – having a trade may not be the most glamourous thing in the world, but it will always pay the bills and look after you, your partner and your retirement.

As true today as it was then.

Somewhere along the line people started accepting and believing the nonsense that so called enlightened intellectuals fed them.

You see the results today in the faces of the over educated and undertrained and unemployed young workforce.

Tragedy.

March 10-11 will see yet another referendum in the Falkland/Malvina (British or Argentinian version) Islands whether the Islanders want to remain part of Britain or become part of Argentina. If they vote pro British, will the Argentine government accept the verdict? Or if they vote the other way will the British government agree?

Either way I doubt it.

The same thing happened here in Canada a couple of times in the province of Quebec where political forces bent on the destruction of the Canadian union by having Quebec declare itself a sovereign country having lost the referendum vote declare that the results were not binding and no matter how many times a new vote will be needed, they will accept only the one that agrees with their myopic version of A Brave New World (apologies to Mr. Huxley).

A hostage taking in Algeria and swift government action to end the affair. Dead terrorists and many dead hostages as well. Many will bemoan this but maybe world governments are starting to grasp the seriousness and depth of the international terrorist organizations like Al Quaeda and are starting to draw the proverbial line in the sand and saying no more concessions – period.

Many will agree and say that this is the correct thing to do.

In Nicaragua, a court sentenced 18 fake Mexican journalists to 30 years each for drug trafficking.

Interesting.

If more and more American states legalize the use and possession of pot, some things will have to happen. First off, some sort of tax structure will have to be put in place. Then, as in the case of alcohol, there should be legal penalties for driving under the “influence” of said product as well as instruments similar to roadside Breathalyzers to detect impairment. Also, as in smoking in public spaces with the documented ill effects of second hand smoke, will non smoking laws also be enacted? Health care premiums to reflect usage as is the case for heavy drinkers and smokers of tobacco?

Food for thought.

In a good news story, German authorities are happily confirming reports that say Dutch citizens are crossing the border in record amounts to purchase massive amounts of German beer and returning home with the fabulous suds. How wonderful for the economy is that?

Well, that is it for this week. Next week I will try to send you some photos from a different location just to add some variety to the column. In other words – on vacation!!!!

take care out there,

flatlander 52

Sunday musings

Do you know that it is over 13 years since we had the Y2K scare?

You remember, when all the computer “experts” said that there was a fatal flaw in all computer operating systems and that it would crash computers when the computer calendar changed over from 1999 to 2000?

Nothing happened except for massive sales of emergency power generators, survival food and of course weapons.

Yawn.

The just recently “experts” predicted the end of the world because they just “knew” that their understanding of a cryptic Mayan calender said so.

Yawn.

One of the unfortunate consequences of the World Web Web is that good, sound accurate forecast and “guesstimates” are drowned out by a flood of, honestly, just stupid pet theories and idiotic conspiracy theories. Because they make for more entertaining reading one supposes.

Remember that a Nazi German politician once said that if you repeated a lie, and the bigger the better, often enough, then people will eventually accept it as the truth no matter how insane it is.

Am I making a point about something specific here?

No, not really. I think we all can recall some item in the past or just recently that illustrates what I am writing about.

How about some dumb things people do?

In Germany, Manfred Heinz, a professional bird keeper is suing a store for selling him drip trays for his oven that were teflon coated. It seems that he had a 16 and 12 year old set of parrots in the kitchen and when he heated a pizza for a meal and then opened the oven doors when it was ready, “fumes” from the trays killed the birds. OK, almost all birder handbooks warn against having birds in kitchens and he is a professional and should know that. Also, as my dear friend Monty Python would say, the bloody birds are 12 and 16 for crying out loud – they should have bloody well perished years ago anyway!

Then on Vancouver Island a couple is suing 4 manufacturers of natural gas fireplaces over the fact that their 18 month old child touched a hand to the protective glass shield in front of the flames and burnt it because the glass was hot. Well, excuse the heck out of me, but for crying out loud, of course when a fireplace heats up, the glass will also heat up! And where is the responsibility of the parents in not supervising the activities of such a young child?

Come on, since when does everyone no longer have personal responsibility in this world?

It is never their fault anymore, but rather someone else or some company is to blame?

Or the idiocy of pedestrians and bike riders that think that just because the law might say that pedestrians crossings have the right of way or that bikers do not have to obey the laws of the road if they feel like it, that all motor traffic has to yield to their desires? So, morally and legally they are right to stride or bike onto a crosswalk in front of a car or truck doing 50 kph ten feet from them and expect it to stop in a second but maybe that should be carved on their headstone. Technically right but not immune to the laws of of physics.

Common sense folks, that's all.

Use it.

This was the third anniversary of the tragic earthquake in Haiti. Canada recently halted all aid pending a review of what results have flowed from the aid it has provided – and this country has been the third largest donor of funds to that country of any in the world. Of course opposition Canadian politicians have decried this lack of humanity by the government and the Haitian government has also been harsh on its vitriol.

Over 250,000 people still live in tent cities with little or no running water, facilities, hospital access or anything.

So where the heck has all the money gone to?

Someone, anyone give me an answer, I dare you.

Does the term greed, graft corruption of bloody theft ring a bell?

Where did all the money go?

Where is the universal outrage?

Instead lash out at a government wanting to have accountability for the money it spends.

Deny and attack.

Right, apathy rules.

This is also the first anniversary of the sinking of the cruise liner Costa Concordia. Reports indicated that this was the result of “human error”.

Hmmm.....

Anyway, it seems that the wreck will not be re-floated and salvaged for at least another year now. Guess now that the dead are buried and no longer front page news, clean up and helping the survivors get their lives rebuilt just does not matter does it?

Off the front pages and who cares?

It snowed this week in the Middle East in some areas.

Interesting as the concept one has of the Middle East is hot, sand, camels (for the romantic of mind) not snow.

And yes, the refugees in and from Syria sit and freeze in tents and the world ignores them.

It figures.

I once thought the the upcoming generation would be better educated, more sophisticated and equipped to improve the lot of the world. Maybe I was naive, I do not know. It just seems that they have surrendered without much of a fight. They seemed to have retreated into an electronic cocoon of remote “touching” with so called circles of friends, tweeting and Facebooking intimate aspects of their lives with no regards to personal privacy and security. They hold lawless demonstrations for things like free university tuition and then are outraged at the concept of paying their way in life, assuming that someone else will pay for it, surely not them! And yes, this is not true for all the people. No more than it was for my generation, yet somehow because of the 24/7 instant and overwhelming news flooding the airwaves, it seems so.

I read 2 side by side stories on a National Paper the other day in regards to the state of the “housing bubble” in Canada. One boldly stated prices were going to plummet 25% in an almost cheerful tone. The other said that price reductions have been modest as sellers are withdrawing from the market until prices firm up again and that any correction will be minor or not long term.

Are both of them liars?

Which story will be quoted more do you think?

Agghhh......

The swearing in of Venezuelan President elect Hugo Chavez did not happen this week in spite of what is mandated by the countries constitution. It seems the law does not apply to those that make it if it irks them. He is still in Cuba recovering from his 4^th cancer surgery. Reports circulate that he is in a coma and denials are immediate. Who really knows? The government is investigating a TV network for its reports on his health on the grounds that it is spreading civil unrest with non supported rumours about Mr. Chavez. One has to wonder at the supposed rule of democracy in that country.

Seems kind of spotty doesn't it?

Ok, back to reality.

A young lady named Emily Lavender this past week while stopping in Regina as part of her cross country tour for PETA, did something either incredibly brave or stupid. Remember that this is winter in the Prairies and in Regina it averaged around minus 25 this week with blowing wind (wind chill factor!) and then there were a couple of ugly snow storms there as well, anyway, you get the picture?

Well, she did a (hopefully a short duration) protest outside a downtown mall clad only in green body paint and green bikini in support of the vegan lifestyle.

Brave, yes, smart – well.....

Meanwhile here on the Island we had a brief dump of snow the other day but happily it is almost all melted now.

It seems that January sees the return of more days of sunshine but the temperature bottoms out around the minus 2 range at nights for a while. We went for a small motor jaunt to a hamlet called Coombs up the coastline and wandered about the markets and had a pleasant day devoid of crowds of people that will return in the Spring. Life really is different here and it is a treat to become part of it.

Anyway, time to sign off for this week,

take care out there,

flatlander 52

Sunday musings

Aurora, Colorado – remember that town name?

Yes, this is the town where 12 people were murdered in a movie theater last year. Now it seems that 4 more people have perished at the hands of a madman there. I just do not get it when it comes to guns and America. Maybe it is due to the culture that feed people glorious stories of the rugged individualism that made America great via movies/books/TV shows.

I do not know.

Forget the debate about guns, assault weapons and enough ammunition to fortify a third world nation in private hands, instead what about the mindset and can it be changed?

Maybe I am starting to show my age, but I think that this debate is over and done with. Nothing will change in American society and the almost weekly stories of murder and sorrow will never end.

So be it.

America, I feel so sad for you.

So Hugo Chavez of Venezuela is not well – at least this is now admitted to by the government of that country. Indeed it seems that he will not be able to receive the oath of office as detailed in the constitution, but as the Vice President has said, that is only a minor detail so who cares? It would be interesting to get an unfiltered analysis of the Chavez era where unbiased reporting of how the country has fared under his rule could be viewed/read. Sadly with most of the western media controlled by American interests, this is tough to do. It seems that the mention of the word socialism in regards to any government or government program casts that nation into the camp of bad guys. Indeed in the last US Presidential election, how many times was the phrase “Canadian socialistic health care” issued in sneering tones? I wonder if anyone told those talking heads that the US Medicare system is socialistic based? What about food stamps?

Anyway, back to Venezuela, I wonder how the lot of the poor has changed under the rule of Chavez. That would be a good indicator of pubic support one would think. Just remember that that country is and has been a major supplier of oil to the States over the years.

So, failed Presidential candidate Al Gore is in the news again these days. It is interesting that he made a fortune about the dangers of global warning and excessive uses of energy by people – all the while having his own jet airplane and mansions with huge utility bills while lambasting the average citizen about their wasteful habits. He owned a broadcasting company and was wanting to sell it but not to anyone with a different political viewpoint than his. Well, at least that is if they were American. He sold the company to the people that run the Al Jazeera network. A network that American media and politicians call radical and anti American and Israeli. And he sold it in time to beat a tax deadline – the stuff of money making that the opposition Republican Party would be proud of.

OK, I was not going to mention the fiscal cliff in America, but will say one thing about it. Yes, early week legislation deferred the “cliff” but lurking in the wings is a problem that will make this seems like kids play – and that is the government must deal with the following: 3 debt and budget issues as well as a vote on raising the debt ceiling. And the debt ceiling is the elephant in the room in this. And the battle lines are being drawn in the sand with little compromise in sight. One suspects that another credit downgrade for the government is in the future and just watch that impact and shake the American economy.

The killing continues in Syria and the United Nations says it is embarrassed that it has not stopped the slaughter.

Right, a totally useless, dysfunctional quasi intellectual body laments the fact that it cannot impose its will on any country is embarrassed? Why not be honest and shut the damn place down. The world would mourn its demise for maybe a minute – if that long.

A couple of hotspots in the world are rather quiet these days. Egypt, Iran even Bolivia have gone into some sort of slumber.

But in Russia, well, that is a little different. It seems that the government has passed a law declaring beer is alcohol based and as such can no longer be sold between 11 p.m. And 8 a.m. And not by street vendors with kiosks anymore. That must really suck for the beer drinker that is used to walking up the street to get a late night beer or 6 pack. Also restrictions are now in place to stop the sale of tobacco products from the same vendors. Estimates range up to 500,000 people losing their source of income as a probable result with the closure of the now unprofitable vendor kiosks.

Time to give my mid winter report from here on the Island. It definitely is soooo blasted different that that on the Prairies. We watch streaming video news reports from there and see the images of large snow banks, ruts in the ice covered streets and stories of minus 35 plus wind chill! Memories of our trip back in mid December confirm this and then we look outside our place and see the green lawns and light mist coming down and wonder at the change. I doubt if we will ever long for those cold days and the snow. This past week we went to a local park and did a walk around for about an hour and considered ourselves fortunate to be able to do so.

At the local grocers this morning they had winter pansies on sale – like, really? And one of our neighbours is coming over next week to help trim our apple tree and get it ready for Spring. Unbelievable.

But, I will take it.

Take care out there,

flatlander 52