Nov 28. Independence day in Albania.

First off, I want to take my hat of to the Australian Cricket Team for winning the first test against England. I hope we can take the "Ashes" Baaaack. We won the first test last year too, so we can't get too excited.
http://au.sports.yahoo.com/cricket/ashes-2006-07/

In the past weeks it seems we have had more tragic road fatalities involving young drivers. There has been a plea by the parents of these all too young ones to be careful. The media has been bombarded by concerned people with all kinds of suggestions. Should the age limit be raised? Should the probationary period be longer for new drivers? What should be done? I would suspect that there are more road fatalities per year than innocents killed by war. What do YOU reckon?

Headlines from the week.
Bond. James Bond. Casino Royale has had the most successful opening of any Bond film.
Smokers will decrease their chances of death only by quitting totally.
Quebec is recognized as special in Canada.

The Pope is going to cook Turkey. He will have tighter security than Georgie Bushalia did in 2004. There is great anger in the mainly Muslim country about comments he made in a speech which claimed, "Muslims" were violent. Surely they are not so violent. Why would 15000 police be needed? Looks the Turkish government is a little wary.

A dangerous dangerous time.....
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mCwKbUVyHLY

http://interviewdanpiraro.blogspot.com/ <--- focus on bizarro.

have fun.
play safe.

Marc Antony avenged Franz Ferdinand?

I have to hand it to Google Earth. As mentioned previously, I planned to do a post on both of the major canals. I decided to take a look and was amazed. So an official plug for this amazing feature called Google Earth. Yer good man. ( or whoa man ) If you have it, check er out. If you don't have this amazing contraption then get it HERE>>>http://earth.google.com/ Yes it is freeeeeeee! (thanks chanks)

The country of Panama has overwhelmingly approved a plan to expand the existing canal. It is expected to give more prosperity to the people and to help those living in poverty. Five point two billion is the estimated cost, which will be offset by the tolls in which the freighters pay for passage. This undertaking will make it easier for India and China to access the Eastern US and Western Europe. It will also be a benefit to Australia. A couple of interesting facts. It was started by the French and finally completed by the Americans in 1914. The length of it is 77kms. Due to lack of hygene and poor working conditions over 5000 people died during its construction. Who thought of this idea? It is submitted by Wikipedia that the earliest recorded idea of this endeavor was by the Roman Emperor Charles V in 1534. Nice idea. A final fact... his parents were named Philip the Handsome and Joanna the Mad of Castile.

Now the other canal is the most impressive due to its rich history, its location and its length. Sitting at a cool 163 kms long in connects Europe to Asia. It is suggested that in the 12th Dynasty, Pharaoh Senusret III had an east-west connection between the Nile and the Red Sea. Approx 1850 BC. This gorge was also used during the time of Ramesses II. This would have been 13th century BC. Unbelievable, those Egyptians. When they got sick of building Pyramids they built massive sea tributaries eh. The passage then fell into disrepair for a time. I found it interesting that it was rebuilt and completed by Darius who is quoted below.

Saith King Darius: "I am a Persian. Setting out from Persia, I conquered Egypt. I ordered this canal dug from the river called the Nile that flows in Egypt, to the sea that begins in Persia. When the canal had been dug as I ordered, ships went from Egypt through this canal to Persia, even as I intended."

This is the same Darius we read about in the book of Daniel. The same Daniel who was put in with the Lions. Darius I whose name translates to "He who holds firm the good" used it for a time but alas it fell into disrepair. During the next thousand plus years it was destroyed and rebuilt many times.

And now back to those French and Napoleon, who thought it would be a great idea to build a canal. A decade later and through forced labour, 30 thousand people forged this piece of work once again, but from the Mediterranean to the Red Sea. It opened officially November 17th, 1869 after much resistance from the British. The Suez Canal allowed the circumnavigation of the world in record time and was hailed as remarkable, and was just that when applied to world trade. Soon after, the Brits decided it was a great idea and bought a minority share of 44%, They later occupied it and controlled it for over 65 years until the Egyptian government demanded it back, nationalized it and sparked the Suez Crisis.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Suez_canal

Today, the Suez is still an important fulcrum in trade amongst nations. It goes to show that there really nothing new under the sun. Something built thousands of years ago can still be important today.

People have kept the same emotions as evidenced by the timeless value of writings by people like William Shakespeare. We can share in the life of Macbeth just as easily as we follow the trials of the latest lame duck President, Dubya. From what I understand, George Bush can exersise his presidential veto whenever he pleases, so maybe I am wrong about the duck who was lame. What changes? Targo thanx for your question. I think it is a good one. Time will pass and we will know for sure, but I think we will now see some changes. Iraq will be a telling point. I think there will be negotiations with Persia, err I mean Iran to ease tensions there. Heck, could we see a divided nation like we did in Germany with a wall down the middle?

Ok okay... k. I am getting tired, which is why the last part of this BS is getting like watered down you hoo. Just remember that tomorrow is the 137th annivesary of the opening of the above mentioned Suez Canal. Tell it to all your friends. They will look at you rather oddly... which they may already do... and when they ask you how you know that tell em chanks told ja.

Chanks thanks...

Borat for Prez in the US and A? High Five. (hiccup)

I went for a walk today and stumbled into the remains of an accident. The roads were wet, where a driver lost control after a round about, plowing into a front yard. I got closer noticing that the house was damaged too. A camper trailer which was sitting in the driveway was clipped, and it careened into the house, smashing the front door and side window in. A small tree was snapped off in the yard and the black car was resting on top of the garden and some massive shrubs. I arrived at the scene, where neighbours were congregating. A father and his two children passed by, no doubt going for an afternoon walk. It turns out that the driver was a "P" plater, or young driver, who was under the influence of alcohol. It looks to me like he was going quite a bit over the 60 km speed limit. Nobody was injured. Drinking does not mix with driving.

In the case of Senator John Kerry, who is promoting the Democrats to be elected, I am wondering if he was drinking. If so, rest assured it was not water. I mean, for a man who is a career politician, this was not a good idea. What a ridiculous joke. It wasn't even funny. His job, to spruik for his party is mainly staged anyways. Lets face it. Nobody in the audience was going to dispute anything he said. All he had to do was appear and smile, and rah rah rah. Game over. Easy. Bush is widely unpopular, and as he has just completed two terms in office, the power is ready to shift to the other side. The Democrats really just need to run a safe campaign, and don't need any risky plays. In football speak, it is half time and the Republicans are down 34 to nothing. I really think he should know better. Enter Senator Kerry. His comments were on education. He stated that if you went to school, worked hard, and tried hard there was a bright future for you. If you didn't, you got sent to Iraq. ( to fight as an American soldier ) Dumb. Bushie, in his own staged "rally" has demanded an apology.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vLuMWiQ6r2o <---Kerry http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TbZ5jPJk4Dg <--- Bush

Try a couple of clips there, you will find pro and con views for each side. I can almost hear Hillary laughing. Tip your head on a 45 degree angle you may hear her laughing too. Now to just get rid of that Ford challenger. I wonder if it will be Condi, vs Clinton?

And yes, You Tube does rock. They must, cause gooooogle bought them too.

Whatever happened to Ross Perot?

Why oh why is tintinnabulation fraught with danger?

And the day came when the risk it took to remain tight inside the bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom. -- Anais Nin.

Risks. Risks and Love. Is it risky to love one another?

Also, I ask, in reference to comments on the last post, if it is too risky to bring children into this world we live in? Yes of course it is risky, but do the rewards outweigh the potential pitfalls? I tried in vain to find the following quote. I will do my best to paraphrase. Someone, and I cannot remember who, was gardening, and was asked what they would do if they knew today that they would die tomorrow. The reply was they would continue gardening. The fact is, we do not know when we are going to die, we don't even know for sure, what tomorrow will bring or if it will come. If you asked those who were caught in the tsunami last year, the day before it hit, what they were planning to do the next day, I feel you would find that the answers would not match the horror in which they were about to receive. Since we do not really know anything about the future does that mean the risks are too great? Like the person quoted above, we may as well live as if all will be fine in the years ahead. I submit vigorously, that there is just as much evidence supporting the continued survival of the earth and its inhabitants, as there is fact against this notion.

Allegory by Chankslee: the ukranian zimbabwian falls into the abyss of love! Just an update. The beautiful Yulia has been supplanted. If it stirs even a remote interest---> http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yulia_Tymoshenko Aren't politics volatile? I didn't know at the time that she, as is mentioned in wikipedia, allegedly had an assassination attempt against her. I also wonder if the scarred face of Yushchenko, due to poisoning has cleared up.

Secret Wall tatoos. Next time you are in a hotel, check behind the pictures. This crafty site shows what can be done to unsuspecting hotel rooms, by Canadian rebellious artists. Is it art or vandalism? Is it neat or nefarious? What would the Professor think?

http://www.secretwalltattoos.com/

Honestly, are you an elitist?

Unfolding before your very eyes is a future unit of study for the next generation. Yes, you are here, and can say to the young whipper snappers (nice phrase eh) " I was there and it didn't really unfold like you are being taught." How does the Stones song go... "you can't always get whatcha want, but if you try sometimes..." you can add in your own view and alter the facts like a drunken pollie up on capitol hill.

In the one corner we have Kim Jong II and in the other we have Condoleezza, Japan, followed by China and South Korea. Yes there are other players too, like Russia, the UK, and France. I found it very interesting to note, and yes while I plead an unrefined ignorance, Japan has no nuclear weapons. They are feeling rather threatened as is South Korea. I heard a quote today on ABC radio FM at 07:50 in which Rice exclaimed that the US has the range in their vast arsenal to reach North Korea and the will to defend if necessary. Encouraged by Japan, and the UN, America, which does have the resources, is preparing to stop, detain and search every ship entering or leaving this region. China is not entirely supportive of this action. The negotiations continue. Kim Jong II exclaimed that any opposition against them by the United States would constitute a declaration of war. What then?

The balance of power has shifted. It is a new game, with new rules. To quote Abraham Lincoln, "as our situation is new, so we must think and act anew." I hope there is a lot more thinking before acting.

I asked a close friend of mine, a question the other day. It actually wasn't anything more than an attempt to stir him up but it in fact is an interesting one. I don't really know where it came from, but as I saw he was languishing on google talk, and had not responding to my entreaty for his time, before signing off myself, the following words were penned. Do you lie to yourself? I ask it to you.

Finally, I wish to direct you to this site. What do ya reckon?
http://www.hobotraveler.com/blogger.html

What did Donatello do? He did bronze. David was done by Michelanglo, in marble. It is said this marble statue is the most famous in the world. I have not seen it; yet. I was told of its beauty. Like most good things there is always an incredibly long queue to see the sculpture of sculptures. Have you seen it? Would you wait in line for 2 hours?

Now which finger?

I am sure you have heard this one recently, but... No it doesn't bear repeating. Oh well too late. When you have hiccups that you cannot get rid of, there is now a sure fire cure. No it isn't gargling water upside down while snorting cocaine. It isn't holding your breathe for a minute. This amazing cure is to simply shove your digit up your rectum.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=pubmed&list_uids=2299306&amp;amp;cmd=Retrieve&indexed=google <---- national library of medicine.


Audioblogger is closing down. Will this have an effect on you? I have posted 1 entry on this site, using audioblogger. Are you interested in 1 more before the november first closing date? I tell you what, hopefully the next audio post is better than the first one. (if we do in fact have another one )


Doast. The exalted winner of our horse race should be honoured. Please congratulate him. I will be sending the prize out shortly. I hope to mail the money though. I also plan to uniquely package it so as to avoid any customs officals that may want to steal it. I will address it to the Honourable Minister of Homeland Information at your address, so you will know who it is from. I also hope to wrap it in copper wire, but only after encasing it in play doh, which will be moulded into a brick shape. Lastly, I will misspell your title and write it with a mix of capital and lower case letters. I will take pictures of the package too, before I send it so that you know you aren't being scammed out of your rightful prize. http://www.defensetech.org/archives/002824.html <--- nothing to do with above caption but a good distraction for later.


I had to chuckle this week at a media report, posted on BBC dot com, (i like that site) in which Hugo Chavez, presidente of Venezuela, claimed he had informants inside the White House and knew for a fact that Bush ordered his assassination. I wouldn't imagine being called a devil at the United Nations would effect "Dubya" so much. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/5365142.stm





Trivia number one. Which artiste do you get when you cross the Davinci code with the above mentioned Chavez?

Butter, Cheese, 260lbs and a stroke of...wat?

The day was like any other one, except there was so much to do. We had entered into a new year and were slated for more negotiations. Peace. Could it be attained? Was it in our best interests? There are so many who want us to just curl up and die. We must be strong. I must say that I am feeling a little light headed. Oh well, I have had many days in which I wasn't so well. Hmm. Look at that donkerslee donut. Man did I ever find a great blog site. I will have to tell the others.........(pain in my chest uhhhgg) fade to black.

These may have been the last thoughts before the stroke. Seriously though, Ariel Sharon has been in a coma since January 2006. I don't understand. Is he dead? Is he effectively dead? Why is he still alive? Do you remember? It was in January and Sharon was brokering or a part of some sort of negotiation. I cannot remember what it was. He was busy. He was meeting with people, trying to cement the foundations of the political party he had created. He had allies, and enemies. He was an important man. Boom. How did the movie line go? It was in the first Predator movie I think....

" But but sir... you can't. Don't do it. Look, you are bleeding..."
And in the macho deep gravelly voice, he exclaimed to the wimpy man, " I DON'T HAVE TIME TO BLEED!"

Sharon didn't have time for a coma.

We don't seem to hear much anymore about the man. Another interesting thing is that he was in a drug induced coma. Why? Well it seems he had an operation to repair a blood clot, which caused his stroke. He was put into a coma. This is the leader of a country that has since waged a war against Lebanon. He was put into a coma. Why hasn't he recovered? In quotes I have seen it seems he is responding to pain treatments. They will jab him with an object to see if he responds. Ouch. Okay he is still nearly conscious. He was put into a coma but hasn't been brought out. Hmmm.

April 14th. July 12. There are 89 days between. It took 3 months to declare that the man was unfit to rule the nation. Then there was conflict within 89 days. How long does it take to prepare for war? How long, with modern medicine does it take to "wake up" after an operation? If he does, like Fidel Castro did (yes he is alive) is he going to realize there is a slight gap since he went to sleep.... yeah so guys, I found this great blog site... guys? halo? halo halo.
http://www.isracast.com/yk/stage.swf <---- kinda neat.

Darfur,Somalia,Mugabe, alongside the streets of Zanzibar!

Jill Greenburg. Photographer. After seeing a little boy cry throughout an entire photo session she was inspired to produce her own brand of picture. How did she make these poor children cry? She gave each of the 3 year olds, a lolly, and soon after took it away. These are the results. She feels it is an honest display of emotion. A child in grief, is a more genuine emotion instead of a forced smile for the camera. A father from San Francisco, Andrew Peterson calls Greenburg a child abuser. He is upset about this practice and says she should be arrested and charged with child abuse. Now is it art? Nevetheless, the pictures are selling for $6000 a piece. Is it art?

Afghanistan calls... the pope proclaims....

Hello. Hullo. Halo.
Well.
Yes it has been 31 days. R U Still Tagging along? Yes? I think I may be a bit rusty.

So what has been up? I googled "Chankslee" today to see if anything would come up. I am still thinking about deleting THAT entry.

Noticing in the Canberra Times that the pope seems to be in a bit of poop. Islamic groups are enraged because of his comments.

Stevie the Crikey hunter got stung. Really tragic. He was a great man.

The NFL kicked off. I can't help but hope Dallas can win a few. Here we have the footy finals on. Tonite the Dragons will beat the Sea Eagles. The Swans had a massive win and get to sit out this week.

Now let me introduce to you......

HALO!

You, the Master Chief, a cross between RoboCop, Predator, and Terminator are awakened because all of your collegues (warriors like you) have been destroyed and you are in the midst of an alien invasion. As you awake they begin to slaughter everyone on the ship. It is a bit scary. After running to the commander, Captain Keyes, you are told to take the important files, or...Cortana, who needs to be preserved. She assists you in your jouney.... First step is to get off of the ship and then rescue as many as possible. What next? Fight back. The thing I liked most was playing against people from Romania, Spain, Germany, Canada, the US, Aussies and others. She's good mate. Cheker out.

Noticed a call for more troops to Afghanistan. I was a bit surprised there are only about 18 thousand troops there. How do you feel about the US invading this place and then getting everyone else to mop up? Is that what is happening?

cya4now

Yeah, and Kennedy was killed by the Mafia too.

My thoughts are on Castro. Yes, the 80 year old ruler of that nation of Cuba. In recent years his popularity has seemed to rise. Why? Well he does seem to be a cool old dictator kind of guy. He has ruled with an anti US style, but not such a confrontational one like that fella, Chavez.
The question.

Is he really alive?

Theorists feel that he did in fact pass away after his much publicized operation this week, contrary to many news reports. Reputable news agencies say he is recovering and is well.

Now enter the bloggers.

A posted photo of him reading yesterday's newspaper looks pretty genuine. Now let us look a little closer. I couldn't tell you with authority and will provide the link below, but his face is a younger and more virile one than in the past couple of months. The track suit he is wearing is exactly the same as the one in which he met Jimmy Carter in 2002. C'mon, let's hope he has a couple changes of clothes here. The newspaper he is purported to be holding is in fact a "proof copy" and not the real mc coy. These copies can be published weeks before the actual paper is published. Lastly, if you look closely you will see clearly, the outline of a staple in the left side. Newspapers do NOT have staples in them. Kind a makes ya wonder. Hmm.
http://sean.gleeson.us/2006/08/13/not-dead-just-dying-says-castro

Finally, this post is not to get embroiled within a debate in which we have a pro-alive castro and a anti-dead castro, and a dying castro or a pro whaling debate, or a kiss me chavez case. It is simply to say, question your press. Question your local media. Are they responsible? Are they being duped? Are they checking their sources and protecting the integrity of what they display to the world?

Tara, you passed on a link the other day. Thanks for that. Literally fell on your lap eh. Great. I saw a picture today in the New York Times. It showed a bombed out Beirut neighbourhood. An old man was walking down the street. In a dusty dirty environment there was a clean looking man, with no dust and no creases in his clothes smoking a ciggie. The questions started in my mind. Are they in yours? I hope so.

Chanks. (where the heck is everyone?)

Oh, and did you like the links provided at the end of the last BS?

A whole bunch of whoo haa.

The Netherlands.
Today we focus on them.
This country was neutral in WWI. It should be given a little more research, but it would appear they were either wise in not choosing a side in such a bloody war or they were such a small player in Europe they were overlooked. Yes I am showing my great great ignorance. I will dig a little deeper. In WWII, they were occupied by the Germans, which is not surprising due to the fact they live next to them.

Today there is about 17 million living here. Amsterdam is it's most well known city. Germany is its biggest trading partner, and Belgium, who sucessfully seceded from them in 1830 is second. The Netherlands was a founding member of NATO, and the EU, and played a part in the introduction of the Euro. They are the parent of the Netherlands Antilles in the same way the UK is the ruler of the Commonwealth countries. I feel like a little school kid doing a report on the place, one who is standing in front of the class, all scared, and is stumbling along belting out tid bits of info on a place he has never been to. Check er out.

I was intrigued this evening because of a headline I caught. It said plainly that this country, a rich one, was number one in the World in helping out poor countries. Yes this place smacks of a Psam rant. Sorry. I can see him now glowing with glee, a reputable country, one stooping to help out those which are less fortunate. I think though, sarcasm aside, that for once a positive headline is in order. I think there is enough gloom, corruption and dismay in the mainstream media, so this can be a little positive. I would like to follow this country a little more because of this. It should be noted that other countries have actually contributed more than this place has but not the same per capita.... read for yourself...here...http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/4785813.stm

In relation to the bottom of the above article I look at Norway, Sweden, Finland and Denmark and wonder if these people are built with a bit more of a caring attitude than most of us. What is unique about that region? The have some great Ice Hockey players too. Have you met Emi? It is her blog that prompted me to start mine. http://letterstomarcjacobs.blogspot.com/

On a side note, Psam you are becoming a little violent. Tone it down. I don't want to have to filter all the comments that come through before they get posted. Lets keep it fun, not so over the top you talk about killing people. Thanks for your help on this one. And yes Psam IS a good person.

Daost, you are the grand winner! Your prize will be discussed soon. We will be sending it to you in a very special way... maybe.

Okay. Is everyone else up to tackle our champion in trivia number 2?

Netherlands Antilles. One of the Islands was a part of a previous trivia question. What is the name of this country? Think the Beach Boys.

Number 2. Why is this small country so important on the World stage today?

I hope you have a wonderful week. I am back, if you want me to.

and Ciao ( that c word is dedicated to a wonderful person who signs off with that comment all tha time )

Here is to YOU, the reader of this BS. (blogspot.)

Chanks.


http://www.afterhiroshima.org/kazuya.htm
http://humor.beecy.net/menwomen/bride/ this one was ha ha.

Oh yes terrorists are nice sometimes... and just trying to survive... very hospitable really! Oh wow. I am their ally now....print THIS ONE!

Adnan Hajj and Reuters have embarrassed themselves.

You may come across the disgust of millions of readers against Reuters for the "doctored" photos of a so called Israeli raid upon Lebanon. Adnan Hajj, I guess, didn't want to be too close to the fight, or couldn't be bothered, or was under a tight deadline, or was simply a glory monger, yes I just threw (up) in that word, and brazenly sent in some false photos. Heck why even write an article, I could just copy someone else. I think it could be said, that all reporting by the media on the ground in Iraq, Iran, Lebanon, Syria, and like places will always have a sympathetic slant against the Western World, including the UK, the US and Israel. Why?

One Palestinian journalist told me that “the worst the Israelis can do is take away our press cards. But if we irritate Arafat, or Hamas, you don’t know who might be waiting in your kitchen when you come home at night.”
http://eddriscoll.com/archives/009436.php

I am drawing the conclusion that, to coin the word, "terrorists" are media savvy. They know how to use the media to achieve their own ends. They are organized. They know which journalists produce which pieces and if they do not like what is printed...... Daniel Pearl happens. (google that name)

I don't know if it is unfashionable, or what, but many people I speak with on the streets, ( and yes I do ) reading articles in the press, editorial responses, etc etc are greatly anti nations I mentioned above.. UK....... and affected by what is presented by reputable corportations like Reuters. If the reporters are distorting the facts so they are not KIA'ed; well that is just dead wrong. It seems only in free countries can you actually publish your own view or one of a contrary opinion towards that of your country. I feel greatly they have a responsibility to tell the freaking truth. Do you. Ha ha ha ha ha tell me another one. It will never happen.

(ahem) clear throat. ( sip some coffee) stop. pause. (SIGH)

Okay. I can breathe now. Please disregard the above. Do not pay attention to the spelling mistakes, and the disjointed structure. It is late and I have a day job. It won't happen aga... er I mean hopefully the quality of the BS won't suffer again.

Sorry but the first fake photo is a photoshoppe special I found while surfing, and couldn't find it again after saving it so I could give credit to the person that did it. The second one is from fired correspondant Hajj, which it should be noted, bloggers jumped onto and insisted the photo was a fake. So you Psam, AV, Daost, Targo and the rest DO make a difference.... well.. yeah.

Chank a rama said.....plaftz

Johnnie Howard to run for next term, much to the chagrin of Costello.

Have you ever had a neighbour that had a dog. We did. Her name was Blackie. Then down the street was Whippy and Tasha. Zachary lived at another house and for the life of me I can't remember the name of the dog that lived down at the crazy kid's house. Dogs are great. Now they all seemed to be great pets. Some were male, and some were female, and they all had something in common. What do all dogs do?

I am curious as to why there is just no news on Afghanistan. The dogs are not barking and it makes me wonder. Sometimes we get little snippets here and there when we have another bunch of young soldiers die, but all the news seem to cover Iraq. The flavour of the moment is somewhere else, as in Lebanon. I don't know. I suppose there are older wiser people than me who can tell me why there is nothing in the mainstream media. Some wars, I guess are not covered. This is one of them. (Not that we would get fair and accurate reporting anyways)

Opium. Oh sweet opium. Jean Cocteau, said that "without opium, plans, marriages and journeys appear just as foolish as if someone falling out of a window were to hope to make friends with the occupants of the room before which he passes." If there is one thing missing in a life. One thing that needs to be filled. An absence. Opium will fill it. It will also feed you. It will also consume you so you need nothing else. You will not need to feel, or love, or be comfortable unless it holds your hand for the journey. I just completed "Opium" by author Salar Abdoh. It lends a look at a different lifestyle. In the end this substance, opium, takes more than it gives and never lets you go. I reckon, if you gave an addict an unlimited supply they would comsume it until they were dead. duh.

And our horse race...

1. The answer is spain. Britain did have that title but Spain was the first. 1 out of 2 for doast and AV.
2. What is happening? They are building a bridge. Why is it behind. Not enough cement. 0 of 2 for all of you.
3. Bhutan. 1 point for Targo, Doast, and AV.
4. Fish eating the cats? Score 2 for Targo, right on, and 1 each for Doast and AV for effort.
5. and the stories... johnnie nory, and the crazy family..... 1 for all of yaz.

Now we have sorted it out. Psam faltered and his jockey stopped off for some fast food. Now as they thundered towards the finish line, AV looked across towards "hoof hearted" and started to chuckle, which let Targo and Doast stride ahead. Now they were going and going. Neck and neck. The both crossed the line.... it is close... so close....
the winner is...

a saucer full of seeing eye dogs' glasses.

I chatted with a colleague today. I told him he looked good. He said "really"? "Well I am tired, but that's okay cause I am gonna have holidays soon. I'm taking 5 weeks off." We spoke about his daughter, who is overseas on holidays and phones him regularly. We spoke about his siblings. The conversation carried a little more weight than most do. As he sat at his post he cheerfully said bye to each person as they walked out. Some were friendly, engaging him with a smile and a comment others walked on with no comment. He kept up his cheerful rapport with every one who passed by. One thing that is amazing about his whole demeanour is that he is content. He is just taking his days one by one, speaking those things that need to be spoken about, and not concerning himself with things that really don't matter. It wasn't but 8 weeks ago when he showed up to work with a cut across his forehead. He had also an incision just below his left ear. I casually asked if he was doing well after his lobotomy. He laughed. A couple of hours later I crossed him in the halls and quietly apologized. "Sorry, about making light of your battle with cancer. I wasn't trying to be disrespectful." He smiled and said not to worry, he didn't take any offence. I am impressed with this true gentleman who when things are not going well ( an understatement ) is a cheerful ambassador about living with a smile and respecting those he comes in contact with.

Now for the horse race. ( You may want to go to "view my complete profile" and see what the standings are before you hear the starting gun shot..... aaaannndd they're offff....

1. Tell me.... Which was the first country in which the phrase was coined... now how did it go... " The Empire in which the sun does not set. "
2. What is happening at Semtokha? Why is it behind?
3. Which country does this place (semtokha) belong to and who is their biggest exporting partner?
4. tell me... what DOES "fish cats dogs chase eat swim fast" mean?
5. tell me, tell me more. a 10 word story.


Oh and finally.....

have a better than donkerslee day.

thanks dadost, for your input.

It was a "Donkerslee kind of day"

It was a “Donkerslee kind of day”. . . . . . . .














I should explain. Donkerslee is the name of the road that goes down to Donkerslee Beach. How they came up with the name of “Donkerslee” I don’t know. I imagine they hired a new employee that just graduated out of a prestigious University with a degree in Town Planning and sat him at a desk and told him to name the streets. Picture this, he comes to work with a tie and a white shirt and starts naming the streets. Names like Birch, Fir, Maple, then when he runs out of trees he uses Victoria, Regina, Ottawa, Edmonton, you get the picture. By then it is casual Friday, and he comes to work in jeans and a tee-shirt. After about 6 months of naming streets, and quite a few of casual Fridays, he comes in to work one day and realizes, that he went to University for four years and is now reduced to a clerk that is “responsible” for naming streets. He has used up all the names in the Dictionary, all the names of the trees, all the names of the towns and Provinces, and he still needs more names. So, he decides to have a little fun. By this time he is a babbling kind of kook, and his hair is unkempt, and he always wears jeans and tee-shirts, and some of them had not been washed for some time, he is kind of a “Super Casual” kind of employee.


Nothing like a University Graduate should look like. Definitely not Supervisor material. So he comes to work and he is feeling really rotten and he thinks of all kinds of rotten names. One of them being “Donkerslee”. One day he gets fed up with the whole thing, and moves to Australia. The Government hired him sight unseen, because he had all the right qualifications. He is now in charge of naming everything in Australia and has a set of rules where a name has to have at least 6 vowels, and no more than four consonants.


Any name that is even half way normal gets rejected. Any name that you can pronounce but can not spell gets his full approval which he expresses by jumping up on his desk and dancing a jig while clapping his hands above his head. He is definitely having fun naming streets and towns. Go to Australia and you will see the result of his work. “Malooolabaa, Maroochydor” some of them are so hard to say and definitely not easy to remember the spelling. He is having the time of his life.



OK, back to Donkerslee Beach in Powell River.

We decide to have a family type time at the beach. We take the lawn chairs, the umbrellas, the buckets, the shovels, the kites, the boats, all the toys we can gather into the car. We pack a lunch and go looking for Donkerslee Road that goes down to Donkerslee Beach right on the Ocean. We get there and there is lots of sand so we pick our spot and settle in. Nice digger in the background Hey Ed?




Get the lunch out and start digging a few holes, and get the boats out and the lifejackets, and go for a little row. Oops, we put our clothes a little close to the water so we go back to move them up to dryer sand. While we are doing this we notice that the boats are drifting away because the tide is coming in. No problem. We go get the boats and move them up really high on to the beach. By this time the sand is a little less so I decide if I am going to fly the little 3Meter Boxer Kite I better do it now while we have some sandy area to move around in. Well, last time I unpacked the 3 Meter Boxer was at Harrison Lake, and I got the lines all tangled up. It took me hours to straighten them out when we got home. So, this time, I had the lines all bundled up neatly and they were going to be straight when I unraveled them. Doing it carefully as I can I laid them all out and staked them down with the trusty screwdriver. I went to the other end and started walking the lines to get them straight. Now everything was perfect. So I was attaching the lines to the handles, and I felt a little pull on the lines. I looked back and saw that the tide was coming in and mixing seaweed with my perfectly straight lines. Great, my lines are going to get all tangled up if I try to launch this thing, and by the time I get it flying I will be in 2 feet of water. So, I better pack it up and get the lines back in the bag before they become impossible to untangle. So, I meticulously start to wind the lines up so they don’t get too messed up. 27 Meters of line. It took me a while and by that time I noticed the boat was now floating away again. So, I finished packing the 3 Meter Kite up and got the trailer for the boat and packed up the boat too, and pulled it way up on the rocks so the tide couldn’t get it. By now the tide had come in and was almost up to where we had set up the lawn chairs, but no problem we were set up pretty good. So, I decide to get my little Super Store two line Kite out and try flying it. It is a little one with two lines, and is a kind of stunt kite. There was a nice breeze blowing and it was no problem to get it going. I had it going when I had about 15 feet of line out. Then I let out more line and moved back a bit. Problem was, that there was not much sand left and I was kind of in the rocks. My kite was going all kind of different directions, and I was trying to catch my balance on the rocks. I guess the kite got kind of close to where the lawn chairs were and people started screaming at me. So, I put that kite back in the pouch and by this time there was almost no sand left and we had to move the lawn chairs. So, we decided to pack up everything and go home.

Like I say, it was a “Donkerslee” kind of day.

Next time we go back to Donkerslee Beach I think we will pay more attention to the tides, that way we might have a more enjoyable time.

It was a very nice day at Donkerslee Beach, we will definitely go back there sometime.

Kind of reminds me of a guy at work that used to go over to Starbucks and sit out in the sunshine and drink his coffee and watch the world go by. He would say it was a “Starbucks kind of day”

How is your day going?

Is it a Donkerslee kind of day or a Starbucks kind of day?

Dadost

Divided we multiply apathy...

As I waited in line frustration mounted. I was a couple of cars back, poised. Suddenly the white Toyota at the front drove away. The car in front of me didn't move. The cars beside me were stuck, so I nosed ahead and cruised in to the last pump available. Ah hah. Quickly, I got out and started to fill up. The man behind me had finished at his pump, slowly drove past and scornfully looked at me like I had a problem. Why couldn't I have waited in line patiently, was the kind of look he gave me. I resisted the urge to mouth a comment his way... just, as he turned his head speaking emphatically to his female companion, most likely his wife. No doubt speaking about that loser who was so impatient. Quickly the well dressed female slid into the now vacant spot behind me in her Subaru and stuck the nozzle into her thirsty petrol tank. More cars welled up behind. I cannot tell you how many times I have been to this petrol station. Seriously, more often than not, it is full. Another station is under construction up the road. It will attempt to fill the demand. You see the competing supermarkets offer four cents off per liter. All in all it comes to around two dollars or so per tank, but hey that is a cup of coffee isn't it? Elderly, teenagers, Mothers, Fathers, all different, all with thirsty habits. And the time keeps ticking. The oil keeps flowing. The vehicles roll off of the assembly lines. The governments look good with every drop. Record revenues in tax make them seem like savvy, quick witted, responsible caretakers of the nation. They will even charge a Goods and Service tax on top of the already fifty percent or so they draw into the coffers. Time ticks on. Oh wow, our car is out of petrol again. Oh wow, I have to pay for that ticket I just received at the red light camera.
I ask you.
What happened in 1929? Did everyone in unison stop buying and start selling?

Dadost made a comment on the last BS. (By the way thanks Siesiers for your excellent piece.) He stated something along the lines that if the amount of dollars were spent on peace that were spent on war...... How about taking some petrol money and putting towards a lobby group against the consumption of petrol. No I am not some freaky guy who burns firewood in my lounge room for heat. If all consumers suddenly reduced their reliance on fossil fuels just for our cars, would the influence of organizations like OPEC be reduced? Would wars fought for oil be needed? Would dollars spent on war be spent on peace? Interest rates are going up to combat inflation. Inflation. Is the price of oil driving inflation? And the time kept ticking.

Check "View my complete profile" for the latest results. Final question coming next...

Red Neck News

Many of you know me as Giggles, but all I really am is a Redneck living in the Mountains of BC. I dont bother myself much with Government or Politics, and the only Debate I involve myself with is this blog. On the other hand I am really getting sick of the constant rise of the price of Gas.(or for you blokes down under PETROL) I hear of all these alternate energy solutions and cant figure out why they are not more redily accesible to the Consumer.

In preparing to make this blog I googled Electric cars and it was interesting to see what I came up with. There is a movie comming up called "Who killed the Electic Car" and I invite you to view the trailer at www.sonyclassics.com/whokilledtheelectriccar/ .

This movie brings to light the power of the Oil Companies and the profits that stand to be made with High Priced Oil. The Phenomenon of Electric cars is starting to pick up pace, but if Oil is no longer required, billion dollar industries are going to go belly up.

I heard that Ford has promised to make all of their models available in Hybrid by 2010, and you see many makes and models from other automaker. The problem is how do you make an electric vehicle that a redneck like me will drive, and secondly will it come standard with a gun rack.

I want to be able to have a full size 4x4 truck (ute) that has a Canadian Tire Solar Panel in the window that gets me where I want to go and not cost me a thing. Is that too much to ask from these automakers. The first company that makes me my dream truck has my buisiness.

...and Hannah Jayne came singing along...singin'

I know two terrible children who spread soot from the fireplace all over the room. I would reckon this painting one would have to take the cake though. One of those 2 brats, who spread the soot is now the proud owner, of his own addition. Congrats.

I have invited dadost and siesiers to write for this prestigious BS. (BlogSpot) I hope they will work up enough courage.

Our own Psam is playing at the Calgary Stampede this year. He is staying in Shania Twain's old bus and is having a blast. Check em out. He has asked to put our horse race on hold for a couple of days... let us give him a chance.

I would like to have a vote from all of you, yes even tuffy. What is the best comment we have had so far, from you wonderful and enjoyable peoples. Nominations please. I will compare them with my list and we can have a world cup. I would like to know which is the best picture and the worst and which BS has given you the most.

I am feeling a bit mind burnt tonite, and lately for that matter. I will leave you with these 2 little tidbits. The first link I really quite liked. I am sure you have heard of those African scams where they try to get you to send them some money so they can move their millions out of their war torn country and then they will share with you..... errr scam. Well people have been falling for it. This guy fought back. He conned the con. I found it hilarious. Hope you do too. http://www.419eater.com/html/john_boko.htm a bit of reading....

And for the scholars in the group... a riddle.

"ants aardvarks humans chase eat run fast" Can you interpret this for meee? Is the "r" silent in interpret?

Finally and furthermore, and in summary, lastly, my last post in which I looked steadily into the steely, killers eyes was a partial fabrication. I was trying to goad you into a comment. No I never saw the killer, but the rest did happen. I was attending a match of the best sport to ever be played while the killing took place.... far far away from meeee.

This is post number 49... and time ticks on.

Kenneth Lay died this week, of a heart attack. In case you have forgotten he was the head of Enron, the massive energy company, which collapsed amidst fraud, double dealing and dishonesty. He was due to stand trial for his part in the debacle. I suppose we will all experience death, but will we know it is coming. Did Ken Lay know he was going to die, or did he just not feel well, pass out and wake up at the pearly gates. I will digress and tell you an allegory. I lived in an apartment on the top floor during a hot summer in which I had no AC. Therefore, my balcony windows were always open. Nearly every night between 2:30 and 4 am my neighbour, who lived in the next building would roar down the back alley in his Harley Davidson. He was always quite loud and as he was a big rough fella, nobody would tell him to be more considerate. I really don’t think he would care what anyone else thought though. One night, after being woken up from a deep slumber, I was quite annoyed and decided to go down and confront him. I reasoned in my mind that I could at least make him aware of the fact that he was very disturbing… I awoke in the morning with that on my mind…. must have fallen back to sleep. One afternoon I arrived home from work, at 2pm. I had finished early and my boss gave me the rest of the day off. Realizing, there was no milk I walked down past the other building, and into the petrol station to purchase some milk. Walking back, I passed this jerk’s parked Corvette and nearly bumped into a gentleman who was leaning against a shady tree. Like a puppy, that unexpectedly confronts a lion, I walked with purpose towards the welcoming apartment doors. There are some people who just have that look. You don’t mess with them. He had that “look.” I rode up to the fourth floor in the lift, and as I was walking down the hall heard a commotion. Sirens soon followed. I went back downstairs. The formally loud neighbour was dead. Shot twice in the head. I had to wonder, like I did about Ken Lay this week, what this man was thinking, as his life juices ebbed away. Witnesses say that as he started his car a man came out of the bushes and popped him one, two times. A professional hit. He, in a last ditch effort floored his car backwards, which crossed four lanes of traffic and numerous pedestrians, up a footpath, and came to rest on the front steps of the stone church which was across from the petrol station. Blood was leaking from his mouth when I saw him. This was the second and last attempt on this man’s life.

As I investigated, I wondered. What was the other side of the story? Dadost, said it in his comment about being glad for the internet. We can have access to factual and emotional, and not so factual information. It is all there. I did have a follow up article in mind and Targo, hit on the avenue nearly, that I chose to follow. If there was no AA flight, and it was in fact a missle, where is the bloody plane then. Area 51? (see PaperBoy and Zelda on May 6/06 google co ordinates included…) What about the 60 plus passengers on the plane? Does that mean they are living in exile, or that they, there families and relos have been paid off by Dubya to keep quiet? Where did they go? Heck, maybe they are the “ghost” workers living in that beautiful sounding place in Afrika… Zanzibar. ( see Kilimanjero oodles of googles on April 3/06 ) I had remembered, a famous person being on the flight. I checked to see the passengers and there she was. Barbara Olsen. I quickly found out, her husband was dead. Hmm. Yes, it was her who had phoned her husband while in the clutches of those terrorists. There was a baby on the flight. There were parents on the flight. They were mostly regular people. The passenger list which I viewed had no terrorist sounding names on it except for one. When I say that I mean Osama Bin Laden sounding names. Could the perpetrators have been normal run of the mill Americans? Or had the “bad guys” slipped in under the noses of the baggage handlers? Time is going too quickly today. I will summarize. Yes questions could be asked. Yes questions should be asked. I feel that the Pentagon could and possibly should show us more information. Our little dramatic video pointed out that windows didn’t smash. I am sure the pentagon has better windows than my house. There was no aviation fuel anywhere. Well it seems to me that the stuff exploded. I would surmise, and after checking how well built the Pentagon is can say that it is not surprising that the plane didn’t penetrate very far. The video didn’t tell you that there was a 10 foot fence which was hit, it didn’t tell you that a light pole was clipped on the adjacent highway. It said there were no reported instances of cars blown off the road. But there were 2 cars impacted by the debris from the clipped light pole. It had those quotes of people saying the airplane sounded like a missle. Do you know what a missle sounds like? Have you been in a war zone? What does a missle sound like? The construction trailer, which was the first thing hit, wasn’t mentioned. This musically enhanced power point presentation said that no bodies were found. In fact every body was identified except for the infant. There were four additional people, which were not on the passenger list. The video implied that a hole was punched through many layers of the pentagon. No other site I checked supported this claim. All of the plane crash pictures shown, where of planes which hit the ground in a massive open area so cannot accurately depict this incident. If you look at the picture I posted you (previous BS) will clearly see the American Airlines colours painted on mangled piece of plane. In the second picture firemen gather around a neat hole, which makes it appear as if that is the only damage. In the picture above the carnage is much longer than a 12 foot hole. Use the fireies as a point of reference to see how big the damage actually was. In keeping with our theme, I have heard that for some people, after accepting they will die, a complete peace embraces them. I surely hope this is what the passengers experienced.

Lastly, like Psam, I think that the vast majority of people are here for good. I cannot fathom or even believe that in a country, like pre 911 America, that a group of politicians and army chiefs, would so readily murder their own. Someone would speak out…. Would they? I hope this BS (blog spot) gives a base for a contrary view.
http://www.geoffmetcalf.com/pentagon/pentagon_20020316.html
http://911review.org/Wiki/no757atthepentagon.html

And trivia time is next..........
(check view my complete profile to see how our horses are doing as they round the last corner)

SeiSeirs is for S
pSam is for S
S is for--- stnemmoC please.....

eelsknahC.. Cya

Time passed.

So we have a question here.

Flight 77 flew into the Pentagon on that memorable day in 2001. If you recall, the first news coming claimed it was a booby trapped truck full of explosives that detonated. Later on it was updated to claim it was in fact an American Airlines flight. I think for all of us, the twin tower debacle overshadowed the story about the pentagon so not too much was thought about the facts as they presented themselves. Time passes and next thing you know, time passed. Another theory started to make the rounds. It was a theory I initially dismissed. Five years after this event I was chatting with a friend. It was put forward that America had attacked herself. Flight 77 did not exist, and this plane was actually a missle. Again I said, although it was an interesting concept, it was flawed. It was nothing but a conspiracy theory. A couple of weeks ago the Pentagon released some footage of this plane impacting the wall and exploding. Recently I received an e mail, with this link.......
http://www.pentagonstrike.co.uk/flash.htm#Main Check er out.
http://investigate911.bravehost.com/ I like this one because it is more factual and logical than emotional like nearly every other theory you will find... have fun.

Lance Armstrong. What a great story. This man successfully battles against cancer, then rebuilds his ailing body and with an iron will, claims one of the hardest sporting prizes ever, in winning the World's most popular bike race. Claims he used performance enhancing drugs have shadowed him for the last 2 years. This year, the Tour de France has been marred by the banishment of top cyclists because of the alleged taking of these banned substances. I must admit to you that in my earlier question about whether or not you would tell all if you knew of a hero who had cheated, I had Armstrong in mind. I have been subjected to a urine test which was viewed by a nurse. It was I thought a bit excessive and invasive but I did it because my job at that place would have been in jeaopardy if I did not comply. Should every athlete in this sport be subjected to testing and also have the samples stored for years so further testing can be done to combat cheating? Costly? I bet it is. Is the integrity of the sport worth it?

I value your comments.

Cadmium and Cadbury..... mmm chocolate.

I have enjoyed surfing at You Tube recentely. A bit of fun... it would be good to incorporate a bit into this site. One neat one I saw was Nobody's Watching, and ya gotta google Little Loca and or Lisa Nova. She hugs a street person..."Hi, I'm Lisa....Lisa Nova!" (Lisa gets flowers.) Good for a laugh or 5.

The World Cup rolls along without the Aussies. Too bad so sad, but it was a fun ride. A little bit of refereeing madness saw an Italian player fall down.... so they got a penalty shot. Twelve seconds left. Their best player got to shoot and he won the match.... So where are we? Beckham put England ahead and they will play Portugal. ( now the quarter finals. ) Germany will have their hands full with Argentina, which should be an awesome game. Italy fights Ukraine. Brazil/Ghana and Spain/France still have to duke it out in order to get out of the round of 16 and into the Quarters. I predict a Brasil and hmmmm. Spain? France? Who do you think?


And Finally.

I was just doing some checking in the Middle East. Yes it is still there. Did you know that the ruling party in Iraq was Sunni. Thirty percent of Iraq (approx) is Sunni and 65 percent Shi'a. Egypt, is mainly Sunni, as is Turkey. If you recall, the US had trouble in getting support with Saddam's trading partner Turkey so they could station a base of operations there. Syria was threatened at one point for harbouring terrorists... mainly a Sunni nation, by the US. Egypt was told to back off. Divide and rule.

Now the one nation that didn't really have any diplomacy with the US was Iran. They are nearly all Shi'a Muslims. Officially, there are no diplomatic ties between the countries. The Swiss have a small section reserved in their consulate for the Americans, in Iran, and the Pakistani's have a small section in theirs in Yankee land for Iran. So does that mean for the Iranians and the Americans to officially speak to each other, Pakistan and Switzerland have to be the emissaries?

I have also come across some other data regarding Iran. Because Hussein was so harsh, and any attempts at destabilizing him were met with swift killings, any organizing against him was done in secret. (duh) Who would supply weapons then? Who would supply funds to keep the anti Sunni factions (Shia's) abreast of potential purges by the dictator, Saddam. Who would exchange intelligence of what was really going on in the government of the now defunct Iraq. Who wanted more influence within Iraq? Let us connect the dots. IRAN. I am sure they kept their hot little hands still and their emotions in check as they welcomed thousands of suffering refugees over the border. Those caught in the middle between Saddam and the invading US forces. It would all work well. America would pack up and leave at the first sign of a couple of friendly body bags ( like they did last time ) and Iran had all the influence they needed to in fact be "guiding" their former rival, Iraq. I wonder if we would find Iranian "lobby groups" supporting proponents of getting the US out of Iraq. On the other side of the fence they could supply the bombs and the bombers in creating more deaths, which of course increases the cry for the foreigners to leave. It kind of brings a whole new light as to what is really happening when our "Happy Mood" is in talks with "Dubya" and the gang, talking about their so called nuke program. I am sure they are doing more than talking about heavy water, and Harjinder passing the Cadmium rods. Who knows. I don't. Do you?


Who's this fella?

Mourning loss of Bravo Echo Romeo Tango Uniform Zulu Zulu India! Cya dude.

Where do you take your garbage to in a third world country? To the burning pit of course. Just a little portrait of life in Timor. A picture you won't see in any of the mainstream press. Next one is a child looking at the sunset, in you guessed it Dili. The President has threatened to resign if the PM doesn't. He gave him one day to comply. Later he backed down after people asked that he did not resign. I don't know what to make of it myself. Hundreds of students surrounded the parliament building asking the PM not to resign. Interesting.
Third one is of a protest in Vienna by Amnesty International against Guantanimo Bay. The US is talking about releasing the prisoners back to the countries they came from. Would that make it difficult for the government of those home countries do ya reckon? Why?When you are surfing for your news you may like this site. It offers a slightly different viewpoint. http://news.bbc.co.uk/ Checker out.

And now the glorious World Cup.

After losing to Brasil, we needed a win or a tie to advance to the next round. It would be the top 16 teams in the world. Crotia needed a win... and they almost pulled it off. We fell behind 1-0 when our back up goaltender made a mistake with the ball, but pulled even later. The 1-1 score was short lived as Croatia scored again. It wasn't until Harry Kewell with the time ticking down capitalised that the celebrations started. We kept on pressing and scored again, but it was ruled no goal because the time had expired. We will play the mighty Italia in our next game. From now on if you lose, you go home. I fear that the ball will stop rolling for us because Italy is a huge soccer/football nation. We are but little guys in a big huge pond. Who knows. Go the Socceroos!

France. Down and out. This would have been the second World Cup in which they didn't advance to the next round. They had to beat Togo by 2 goals in order to advance. They hadn't been looking very good, and legendary player Zidane, was due to miss this game because of a suspension. He will retire at the end of this World Cup bid. They pulled it off, winning 2-0.

And what would the World Cup be without some hooliganism between German and English fans. I don't know how things could have got out of control when thousands of English and thousands of Germans were drinking all day, in close proximity to each other. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2006/06/24/english-german-soccer-fa_n_23722.html The comments are quite funny to this little ditty. One educated fella comments that they shouldn't have been rebuilt. heh heh.

Four to go until 50. Lets hope we make it. Thanks AV and Targo and all. You will notice that the horse race it quite close now. hmm Trivia time?

5 to go

Ladies and Gentlemen.
The Socceroos have made history, in beating Japan in an amazing come from behind 3-1 win. Japan scored amid controversy to go up one to nil, as our goaltender, Mark Schwarzer was impeded. The goal stood despite a vigorous appeal from the Aussie side. After the match the referee conceded he had made a mistake.
http://au.sports.yahoo.com/060611/2/r21p.html
Germany has won their first match, as has England. The Poles have run into problems and have lost twice. USA has been defeated also. The US seems to dominate so many sports but they certainly lag behind in soccer.

I need an opinion from ya.

Our office staff, four of us, had a heated exchange with each other. Things were said and opinions stated that I think some would like to take back. Does the office space function better when people have altercations like this? Or is it better that it never happens. What about within marriage. I have heard it said that if a marriage is without any fights ever, that it is an unhealthy one. Is this true?

And finally,

In Rio, a project involving street kids aimed at encouraging them to document their lives has taken place. The children were given cameras and encouraged to take pictures, which have been posted at BBC dot com. I have posted a few above. The boy pictured has since passed away due to the continued violence they face every day. Brasil seems to be infinitely more tolerant of poor people than Robert Mugabe of Zimbabwe, who sent in the bulldozers and destroyed their attempts to give themselves a home, and a sense of community. Again, we are so fortunate.

Em..
M..
ahem is for Mugabe

I am off for the weekend, so this piddly excuse will have to do ya....not that it matters what is written you guys will write whatever you want in the comment page. Do NOT mention our horse. Do not. I am NOT playing the opposite. Do not not. And don't mention the cave... the cave (newbies last comment) is taboo. Right. We have to break all taboos. I don't even know what I am taking about now either.

So, Zarqawi bit the bullet. One of the most high profile members which is one of the biggest antagonists in the eyes of America and Britain and the Iraqi people. I didn't know it before but he isn't Iraqi, he is a Jordanian. For me anyways, that takes away any sympathy I may have had for him. Instead of a man, troubled by a foreign power within his city, and fighting back it makes him instead a bitter man who has an axe to grind against the US and who is willing to sacrifice innocents to achieve his goals. Notice also that his "safehouse" was not in Bagdhad where all the attacks seemed to be. He instead, lived just out of the capital, close enough so he could co ordinate yet another suicide attack in crowded markets full of everyday people, but far enough to be out of the line of fire. Despite his taunting videos in which he tried to display he is a noble leader, annointed by the larger than life, Osama bin Laden, in death he is, just another casualty. Furthermore he was allegedly betrayed by one of his own. Of course the 20 million dollar plus reward is quite the motivating factor. Details now, are still sketchy but one thing is true. He has passed through this life living by the sword..... I don't know if I would agree with any leader who praises the fact that he is dead. This may galvanize border line sympathizers to passionately take up where he has left off.... not that this will not happen anyways. I guess what I am trying to say is that when video clips were shown of normal Middle Eastern people cheering as the World Trade towers collapsed I was sickened. I wouldn't want at this time to show the same courtesy.

The World Cup of soccer is upon us. Germany has already started off with a victory. Wayne Rooney of England looks set to return. Ronaldo, of Brasil is being criticized for being overweight. Italy's wonder boy will not be playing. France has had a major injury blow and is apparently devastated. Japan is poised like never before to slash far into the tournament, starting within 48 hours against the ready Australia.

Hope your weekend has turned out as good as mine has so far...

Dylan, Berlin, Bay of Pigs Invasion... Lawrence of Arabia, British Beetlemania!

Shakira recorded the track "Timor", on her latest album, in a protest against the lack of media coverage on the problems there. We know she can shake her hips and sing like an angel, but that isn't the motivation for this entry. We (Australia) have deployed troops once again to stop the massive carnage in which many many innocent people are subject to all kinds of abuses. In short, the war torn country has erupted into chaos due to the perceived lack of proper distribution of power throughout the country, and the sacking of 600 troops, in which some, were on strike. (Note to the PM, Mari Alkatiri. It is a seriously bad idea to fire 40% of the military. Give your head a shake.) Hundreds of well organized protesters arrived in a convoy of over 40 buses and trucks to negotiate with the defence minister and to demand the PM be fired within 48 hours or more violence would ensue.

Now let us step back a bit. This is not the first time violence has flared in this region. East Timor, on the 28th of November, 1975 declared independence from Portugal. Nine days later, Indonesia invaded and occupied it. Eight months later, it became a province of Indonesia. A short time of resistance was expected, but it actually lasted nearly 2 decades. Allegedly, the vast majority of the 100-250 thousand people who lost their lives, were slaughtered by Indonesian troops in an effort to stem the rebellion. Finally, in 1999 the UN intervened. Why would it take 20 years? Well....

What was news in the late seventies? I can tell you the Cold War was in full swing. The space shuttle had a few successful missions and one short one. Charles and Diana married then divorced. The Berlin Wall fell. Diana died. There were many sexier events going on than worrying about some small impoverished area which was experiencing war. But but wait there is more....

Everyone likes to hear about backroom deals.

It seems there was one in this case. Suharto, the Indonesian PM did seek council from the US. Lets be serious here. Some tin pot nobody wants to have a meeting with the President of the United States of America. "Yeah, okay, send him in. What is his name again?" Yeah right. President Gerald Ford and Henry Kissinger met with him the day before the invasion. Why? Because Indonesia "helped" against the big bad Ruskies during the Cold War. A so called "policy of silence" was advised. "It is important that whatever you do succeeds quickly," Kissinger said to Suharto. The green light was given. A slight footnote.... the weapons in the conflict were Made in America. One Billion dollars is the estimated revenue spent on the endeavor by Indonesia to acquire weapons and training, provided by Uncle Psam... whoops I mean Sam.

Now let us go about a quarter step further back. It has been alleged, by some, that Australia helped train the East Timor troops to withstand the pressure against the Indo's. Lets be serious now, how could a war go on for 20 years if the other side wasn't getting weapons too.

Another couple of notes. It seems there is a boundary dispute between East Timor and Australia about some sea beds which contain oil. Amazingly enough it has been agreed to equally share the revenues for the next 5o years.
Australia donated 1 Billion dollars to Indonesia after they bore the brunt of the Tsunami.
Talk about diplomacy.

Now to finish up...
Did Billy Joel's song ( we didnt' start the fire ) feature Timor? And ending up back where we started.... what country does the seemingly, short, small siren, Shakira come from?



Sea... see...is for Calculus. Chanks. end. full stop.