Sunday 30 December 2012
Saturday 29 December 2012
Military Part #2
Without looking it up I suspect the purpose of the US military is primarily twofold. One is protection of the US from foreign attack. It is pretty much a given that no country at least, would dare attack America. If they did it would be a pretty clear and decisive smack-down at the hands of the US military.
The second purpose appears to be the promotion of good governance and democracy in foreign countries. One would assume that the foreign land would have to have some US strategic interests, or there would be too many interventions. This may explain why the US is involved in Iraq and not Syria.
To the credit of the USA, America does not appear to have any expansionist plans. Unlike the Roman & British Empires, America is content with the land they currently occupy.
Even a military as strong and powerful as America's can run into difficulty in foreign interventions. The prime example would be Vietnam. That war was lost. In the end the Communists from the North took over the South, which they occupy to this day. One could imagine if the USA had decided to put forth enough resources they could have won that war. Americans made a decision that it was not worth the lives of more American soldiers, or the financial cost.
The Iraq War was a winner. The reason for going to war in Iraq is still suspect. If regime change is the goal, then Syria would be an obvious choice, but the US military is spread too thin in two wars already. There is no desire from a blood and treasure standpoint to enter another war. You have to believe that when the US pulls out of Afghanistan, that the country will revert back to the Taliban. Yet it was the more justifiable war of the two. Saudi Arabia, where the 9-11 terrorists originated and were financed, apparently was given a pass for strategic (oil) reasons.
Canada sat out the second Iraq War, which appears to have been a good call. We did send troops to Afghanistan. While genuine efforts were made to improve the lot of the people, in particular girls, we all know that the country will not remain a democracy after the last of US troops depart.
A third goal of the US military appears to be to act as a deterrent to Arab countries hostility toward Israel.
If I were looking for ways to save money on the US military, I would recommend closing bases in Europe, South Korea and Japan. At least cutting back resources dramatically. China and Russia are weak militarily. Russia appears to be a spent force. I would cut back on Naval spending. This recommendation from an ex-Navy man. I would cut back on submarines (cold war), save the aircraft carriers, if used in lieu of overseas bases as a quick strike capability for aircraft.
I would suggest that a less interventionist strategy would save lives and treasure, as well as likely stir up less hatred among foreign radicals.
If you are going to send young people to war, you have to spend on their reintegration back into civilian life, as well as full funding for war related medical treatment once they return home disabled. To make cuts for those treatments in Canada and the US cannot be justified.
The second purpose appears to be the promotion of good governance and democracy in foreign countries. One would assume that the foreign land would have to have some US strategic interests, or there would be too many interventions. This may explain why the US is involved in Iraq and not Syria.
To the credit of the USA, America does not appear to have any expansionist plans. Unlike the Roman & British Empires, America is content with the land they currently occupy.
Even a military as strong and powerful as America's can run into difficulty in foreign interventions. The prime example would be Vietnam. That war was lost. In the end the Communists from the North took over the South, which they occupy to this day. One could imagine if the USA had decided to put forth enough resources they could have won that war. Americans made a decision that it was not worth the lives of more American soldiers, or the financial cost.
The Iraq War was a winner. The reason for going to war in Iraq is still suspect. If regime change is the goal, then Syria would be an obvious choice, but the US military is spread too thin in two wars already. There is no desire from a blood and treasure standpoint to enter another war. You have to believe that when the US pulls out of Afghanistan, that the country will revert back to the Taliban. Yet it was the more justifiable war of the two. Saudi Arabia, where the 9-11 terrorists originated and were financed, apparently was given a pass for strategic (oil) reasons.
Canada sat out the second Iraq War, which appears to have been a good call. We did send troops to Afghanistan. While genuine efforts were made to improve the lot of the people, in particular girls, we all know that the country will not remain a democracy after the last of US troops depart.
A third goal of the US military appears to be to act as a deterrent to Arab countries hostility toward Israel.
If I were looking for ways to save money on the US military, I would recommend closing bases in Europe, South Korea and Japan. At least cutting back resources dramatically. China and Russia are weak militarily. Russia appears to be a spent force. I would cut back on Naval spending. This recommendation from an ex-Navy man. I would cut back on submarines (cold war), save the aircraft carriers, if used in lieu of overseas bases as a quick strike capability for aircraft.
I would suggest that a less interventionist strategy would save lives and treasure, as well as likely stir up less hatred among foreign radicals.
If you are going to send young people to war, you have to spend on their reintegration back into civilian life, as well as full funding for war related medical treatment once they return home disabled. To make cuts for those treatments in Canada and the US cannot be justified.
Military Spending Part #1
Conservatives in general do not like government spending, with the great exception being Law & Order items like Defence and the Police. In Canada, Harper went to great pains to point out that he increased Defence spending, as well as building more prisons despite a decreasing crime rate.
The USA is approaching what they call the Fiscal Cliff, whereby automatic spending cuts and tax increases will take effect on Jan. 1, 2013 if Congress fails to reach a deal with the White House on agreed spending & tax measures. Included in the cuts will be massive military spending decreases.
Let's look at the US military spending. They spend nearly $700 Billion on defence annually. Nearly 6 times more than number #2 China and 10 times that of former adversary Russia. About 30 times that of Canada. More than the next 10 countries combined and 40% of the world's total military spending. The wars in Iraq and Afghanistan have cost over $3 trillion to date.
I hear from Conservatives that Canada relies on the USA to defend our borders. They spend 3 times per capita ,their share of defence costs and we are a freeloader hiding behind US military might. Well exactly who is threatening Canada's borders? What nations are planning to attack? Islamic terrorists? Are nuclear submarines a deterrent to terrorists? Ballistic missiles? By all means increase spending on spy agencies and tactical special ops forces, but do we need to feed the military industrial complex that consumes so much of US resources?
The Cold War is over, Russia is spending 1/10 of US budget on the military. China 1/6th. The terrorists? Not likely 1/1000th.
Targeted military expenditures based on the current and expected near future threats, is the way to go. In the USA it wont happen as the military industrial complex feeds off itself. They feed off of fear and tap into fanatical patriotism and ironically so called Freedom. Freedom won and kept at the end of an ICBM.
In America the conservatives want a powerful war machine, but do not want to raise taxes to pay for it. The Right are happy to cut into social services to pay for the military. Despite the end of the Cold War they wont cotton to cut military spending to fight terrorists, with homemade bombs and IED's. By all means purchase personnel carriers that can withstand IED's, but cut back on the subs and foreign bases.
Got to laugh at the Right who believe that they alone are patriotic to the nation. The rest of us are terrorist hugging, immigrant loving pacifists that refuse to defend freedom. That is why the US military is filled with Hispanic and Black soldiers, while Romney's 6 military aged boys took a pass on serving their country in a time of war. As per usual the underclass fight the rich man's wars. The Republicans voted several times to cut VA spending on disabled war vets. It happened in Canada as well until the Cons were called out on it.
When I have the time I'm going to set out again, a budget to balance Canada's finances. It will be a document that makes sense and is fair, balanced and would save taxpayers $Billions, while building subways and transportation corridors. No politician has the mettle, or stones to implement my plan.
I have more to say on foreign wars, protecting our borders and military expenditures. Part #2 to come. Think I'm US bashing? BS! I work for a US company, note my BBQ below, my boat and even my brand new winter coat, were all made in the USA. I buy North American when I can.
The USA is approaching what they call the Fiscal Cliff, whereby automatic spending cuts and tax increases will take effect on Jan. 1, 2013 if Congress fails to reach a deal with the White House on agreed spending & tax measures. Included in the cuts will be massive military spending decreases.
Let's look at the US military spending. They spend nearly $700 Billion on defence annually. Nearly 6 times more than number #2 China and 10 times that of former adversary Russia. About 30 times that of Canada. More than the next 10 countries combined and 40% of the world's total military spending. The wars in Iraq and Afghanistan have cost over $3 trillion to date.
I hear from Conservatives that Canada relies on the USA to defend our borders. They spend 3 times per capita ,their share of defence costs and we are a freeloader hiding behind US military might. Well exactly who is threatening Canada's borders? What nations are planning to attack? Islamic terrorists? Are nuclear submarines a deterrent to terrorists? Ballistic missiles? By all means increase spending on spy agencies and tactical special ops forces, but do we need to feed the military industrial complex that consumes so much of US resources?
The Cold War is over, Russia is spending 1/10 of US budget on the military. China 1/6th. The terrorists? Not likely 1/1000th.
Targeted military expenditures based on the current and expected near future threats, is the way to go. In the USA it wont happen as the military industrial complex feeds off itself. They feed off of fear and tap into fanatical patriotism and ironically so called Freedom. Freedom won and kept at the end of an ICBM.
In America the conservatives want a powerful war machine, but do not want to raise taxes to pay for it. The Right are happy to cut into social services to pay for the military. Despite the end of the Cold War they wont cotton to cut military spending to fight terrorists, with homemade bombs and IED's. By all means purchase personnel carriers that can withstand IED's, but cut back on the subs and foreign bases.
Got to laugh at the Right who believe that they alone are patriotic to the nation. The rest of us are terrorist hugging, immigrant loving pacifists that refuse to defend freedom. That is why the US military is filled with Hispanic and Black soldiers, while Romney's 6 military aged boys took a pass on serving their country in a time of war. As per usual the underclass fight the rich man's wars. The Republicans voted several times to cut VA spending on disabled war vets. It happened in Canada as well until the Cons were called out on it.
When I have the time I'm going to set out again, a budget to balance Canada's finances. It will be a document that makes sense and is fair, balanced and would save taxpayers $Billions, while building subways and transportation corridors. No politician has the mettle, or stones to implement my plan.
I have more to say on foreign wars, protecting our borders and military expenditures. Part #2 to come. Think I'm US bashing? BS! I work for a US company, note my BBQ below, my boat and even my brand new winter coat, were all made in the USA. I buy North American when I can.
Wednesday 26 December 2012
Sunday 23 December 2012
Monday 17 December 2012
Sunday 16 December 2012
TFC
I spoke with a guy in my company who is a senior member of the Red Patch Boys, a hardcore supporters group with Toronto FC, of the MLS. He told me that TFC's desperate action of rolling back ticket prices, resulted in a 71% renewal rate. lower than I thought it would be. They discounted prices by nearly 40%.
I give the team one more year before they lose the fans on a permanent basis. I would suggest that the survival of the franchise is in play. They already blew a chance to establish the soccer team as a major force in the city. I would lower the team ranking below that of the Argos, barely ahead of the Rock indoor lacrosse team in the sports hierarchy in Toronto.
Their pathetic president, Tom Anselmi, was promoted for his gross incompetence in typical MLSE fashion. I guess he is an expert at running poorly performing franchises.
TFC had the 3rd worst record of any MLS franchise in the history of the league, including expansion teams. I have lost interest and the 6 friends that I knew, that had seasons tickets, have all dropped their seats. All were enthusiastic fans.
The in game experience at TFC games was watered down by a franchise that seemed to want to alienate fans deliberately It would be impossible to run a team as poorly as TFC has been operated. The chief architect of this dismal franchise is now running all of the MLSE teams. A slap in the face of Toronto sports fans.
I give the team one more year before they lose the fans on a permanent basis. I would suggest that the survival of the franchise is in play. They already blew a chance to establish the soccer team as a major force in the city. I would lower the team ranking below that of the Argos, barely ahead of the Rock indoor lacrosse team in the sports hierarchy in Toronto.
Their pathetic president, Tom Anselmi, was promoted for his gross incompetence in typical MLSE fashion. I guess he is an expert at running poorly performing franchises.
TFC had the 3rd worst record of any MLS franchise in the history of the league, including expansion teams. I have lost interest and the 6 friends that I knew, that had seasons tickets, have all dropped their seats. All were enthusiastic fans.
The in game experience at TFC games was watered down by a franchise that seemed to want to alienate fans deliberately It would be impossible to run a team as poorly as TFC has been operated. The chief architect of this dismal franchise is now running all of the MLSE teams. A slap in the face of Toronto sports fans.
Saturday 15 December 2012
Tiny Jimmy, IKEA monkey
Regular readers of this and my previous Blog, will recall my fondness for monkeys. When Darwin the pet monkey was found outside IKEA this week, in a faux shearling coat, I was mesmerised. M nicknamed Darwin, Tiny Jimmy, due to his remote resemblance to our friend Jimmy F. Not in looks but mannerisms. OK looks too.
There has been a push to rent a Tiny Jimmy for our next Poker Event. That seems far fetched. I would like to hire a Tiny Jimmy as crew for my boat. A monkey is the stand-up comic of the animal kingdom. They also appear to be good judges of human character. It is my belief that Tiny Jimmy would dislike the same people I dislike.
DZ who we like, but lacks a sense of humour, would likely not be a favourite of Tiny Jimmy. Really if it came down to inviting a guest that Tiny Jimmy disapproved of, or inviting Tiny Jimmy back, it would be no contest.
Years ago Charlie Brown and I came up with a business case to hire a Claims Monkey for our insurance company. When you were settling a claim for a minor injury you could take, let's say $5,000, or have Claims Monkey spin a prize wheel. You could be shut out, or win as much as $20,000. Regardless of the outcome Claims Monkey would jump up and down with joy. Really everyone was a winner. DZ disapproved, which made it seem like an even better idea. As you could imagine the beer fuelled idea went nowhere.
I would never have a monkey as a pet, as they require 24-hour attention. They never sit still. If you were rich enough you could have a monkey nanny. I want a monkey around for about an hour a day. Just to brighten your day before having monkey nanny look after him for the rest of the time.
There has been a push to rent a Tiny Jimmy for our next Poker Event. That seems far fetched. I would like to hire a Tiny Jimmy as crew for my boat. A monkey is the stand-up comic of the animal kingdom. They also appear to be good judges of human character. It is my belief that Tiny Jimmy would dislike the same people I dislike.
DZ who we like, but lacks a sense of humour, would likely not be a favourite of Tiny Jimmy. Really if it came down to inviting a guest that Tiny Jimmy disapproved of, or inviting Tiny Jimmy back, it would be no contest.
Years ago Charlie Brown and I came up with a business case to hire a Claims Monkey for our insurance company. When you were settling a claim for a minor injury you could take, let's say $5,000, or have Claims Monkey spin a prize wheel. You could be shut out, or win as much as $20,000. Regardless of the outcome Claims Monkey would jump up and down with joy. Really everyone was a winner. DZ disapproved, which made it seem like an even better idea. As you could imagine the beer fuelled idea went nowhere.
I would never have a monkey as a pet, as they require 24-hour attention. They never sit still. If you were rich enough you could have a monkey nanny. I want a monkey around for about an hour a day. Just to brighten your day before having monkey nanny look after him for the rest of the time.
Peter Mackay Boy Prince F-35 Fiasco
Even by the pathetic low standards of the Harper Cabinet, Peter "Little Boy" MacKay, stands out as utterly incompetent to the core.
The F-35 fighter jet fiasco has set military procurement back by a decade or more. Critics, including the country's Auditor General have been warning the government that their purchase price numbers were off by the 10's of $billions. MacKay questioned the patriotism of critics, while denying the numbers were off.
This gutless, pathetic man-child hid behind Rona Ambrose's skirt when the government finally scrapped the whole program. His deputy Minister and other front benchers shielding the little boy from answering for his endless errors in judgement.
We know Harper is not a fan of the Boy Prince, but as he has shown time and again, he will not fire his Ministers. The tiny, childlike MacKay will continue to act as Minister Without Accountability as long as King Harper reigns.
The latest news is that the Auditor General has turned his attention to the government's $35B Navy shipbuilding program, overseen by the Man-Boy MacKay. Any guesses as to the likely findings?
The F-35 fighter jet fiasco has set military procurement back by a decade or more. Critics, including the country's Auditor General have been warning the government that their purchase price numbers were off by the 10's of $billions. MacKay questioned the patriotism of critics, while denying the numbers were off.
This gutless, pathetic man-child hid behind Rona Ambrose's skirt when the government finally scrapped the whole program. His deputy Minister and other front benchers shielding the little boy from answering for his endless errors in judgement.
We know Harper is not a fan of the Boy Prince, but as he has shown time and again, he will not fire his Ministers. The tiny, childlike MacKay will continue to act as Minister Without Accountability as long as King Harper reigns.
The latest news is that the Auditor General has turned his attention to the government's $35B Navy shipbuilding program, overseen by the Man-Boy MacKay. Any guesses as to the likely findings?
Friday 14 December 2012
Sunday 2 December 2012
Banned From the Boat
While the vessel, The Queen's Beaver, is 5-months from launch date, I have no clue how to operate let alone park the boat, I am already wielding my power as ship's Captain. I have compiled a Banned from the Boat list. It is not written down anywhere, but an unofficial accounting in my head. Some people like Charlie Brown have been banned, reinstated, banned and reinstated again. I'm not even sure of his current status. It doesn't matter as it will likely change several times before May. Let's face it in the end he will likely be a regular on the boat.
I have to make sure not to ban too many people, as I need crew to let go of the lines. As Captain Ricky told me, you need them as much as they need you. You don't want to be Then Old Man of the Sea, all alone on your boat.
At poker on Friday night, I was handing out Boat Bans at the slightest perceived offence. Or more accurately threats to issue a boat ban. As the gatekeeper of the boat I will most probably ban no one in the end. Just generic groups like Male friends of KJ that he met in the bar the night before and invited to his buddy's boat.
Now let's move on to the supposed controversial boat name, The Queen's Beaver. This name is not official and just a proposal put forward by Bereza. I like the name as it is a tribute to our Head of State and iconic symbol of Canada, the beaver. Only people of active imaginations perceive an offencive interpretation of the name. Maybe you are the problem and not the name?
It is narrow thinking PC folk that will likely prevent me from paying tribute to two great symbols of Canada, an industrious rodent and a foreign, teas sipping, crumpet eating Overlord from Olde Blighty.
I have to make sure not to ban too many people, as I need crew to let go of the lines. As Captain Ricky told me, you need them as much as they need you. You don't want to be Then Old Man of the Sea, all alone on your boat.
At poker on Friday night, I was handing out Boat Bans at the slightest perceived offence. Or more accurately threats to issue a boat ban. As the gatekeeper of the boat I will most probably ban no one in the end. Just generic groups like Male friends of KJ that he met in the bar the night before and invited to his buddy's boat.
Now let's move on to the supposed controversial boat name, The Queen's Beaver. This name is not official and just a proposal put forward by Bereza. I like the name as it is a tribute to our Head of State and iconic symbol of Canada, the beaver. Only people of active imaginations perceive an offencive interpretation of the name. Maybe you are the problem and not the name?
It is narrow thinking PC folk that will likely prevent me from paying tribute to two great symbols of Canada, an industrious rodent and a foreign, teas sipping, crumpet eating Overlord from Olde Blighty.
Saturday 1 December 2012
Big Week for Mariana
We had the last of the Poker Events for 2012 last night in the condo party room. There were 17 players. In the past we have had a handful of women play. Last night only the H-Girls could make it, with a couple of late scratches. Mariana a popular winner and serious poker player took home first place, beating her most fierce rival, Charlie Brown. It was a sweet victory. Mariana is a regular on-line and casino player. She did not hide her pleasure at winning and in particular beating CB. Brown took 3rd place.
The most entertaining player, again, was the unpredictable Jimmy. He swept my preliminary table, before his frequent "I'm all-in" strategy confounded the final table. It was effective, as no one had a clue if Jimmy was bluffing. He just wanted to go for a smoke. He almost quit several times. The restless Jimmy doesn't like to sit for too long. His co-worker and long time friend, Mariana, finally put him out of his misery.
To add to the hyper competitive Mariana's big week, she took home first place in the Walking Contest. I am known as an avid walker. People frequently comment "Oh, that D'Arcy is a walker of note!'. I walk to and from work and an hour each night. They say you should walk at least 10,000 steps a day. That is aprox. 5-miles. Very few people actually do walk 10,000 steps. I was bragging to the H-Girls, as I frequently do, that I was probably the best walker that they knew. They scoffed at the very notion. A contest was born.
First prize would be a small engraved trophy purchased by the losers, the right to be called Champion for the remainder of 2012 and a chocolate cake. I lent Donut Girl, Ana, one of my i-Pod nanos, equipped with very accurate pedometers. All 3 of us would have the same recording device. After a couple of false starts, due to H-Girl's technical difficulties, the contest began 2-weeks ago. The photo of my pedometer results, I dropped the i-Pod while viewing shattering the glass, showed 101,000 steps at the end of the week. That by the way is over 50-miles. Mariana sent a photo of her total, an astounding 121,000 steps, or over 60 miles.
Donut Girl's nano broke down on Friday of the contest, which ended Midnight Saturday. She claimed the contest was no longer valid. I saw her total late Thursday night, she had 62,000 steps. At that time I had 71,000. I completed an additional 30,000 steps over the last 2-days and still lost to Mariana by 20,000 steps. Ana claims she easily walked 60,000 steps over the last two days. As the Commissioner of the contest, I ruled she finished in 3rd place. Mariana was only interested in the trophy, so Ana was awarded the 3rd place cake as a consolation. It was all we could do to stop her complaining.
The most entertaining player, again, was the unpredictable Jimmy. He swept my preliminary table, before his frequent "I'm all-in" strategy confounded the final table. It was effective, as no one had a clue if Jimmy was bluffing. He just wanted to go for a smoke. He almost quit several times. The restless Jimmy doesn't like to sit for too long. His co-worker and long time friend, Mariana, finally put him out of his misery.
To add to the hyper competitive Mariana's big week, she took home first place in the Walking Contest. I am known as an avid walker. People frequently comment "Oh, that D'Arcy is a walker of note!'. I walk to and from work and an hour each night. They say you should walk at least 10,000 steps a day. That is aprox. 5-miles. Very few people actually do walk 10,000 steps. I was bragging to the H-Girls, as I frequently do, that I was probably the best walker that they knew. They scoffed at the very notion. A contest was born.
First prize would be a small engraved trophy purchased by the losers, the right to be called Champion for the remainder of 2012 and a chocolate cake. I lent Donut Girl, Ana, one of my i-Pod nanos, equipped with very accurate pedometers. All 3 of us would have the same recording device. After a couple of false starts, due to H-Girl's technical difficulties, the contest began 2-weeks ago. The photo of my pedometer results, I dropped the i-Pod while viewing shattering the glass, showed 101,000 steps at the end of the week. That by the way is over 50-miles. Mariana sent a photo of her total, an astounding 121,000 steps, or over 60 miles.
Donut Girl's nano broke down on Friday of the contest, which ended Midnight Saturday. She claimed the contest was no longer valid. I saw her total late Thursday night, she had 62,000 steps. At that time I had 71,000. I completed an additional 30,000 steps over the last 2-days and still lost to Mariana by 20,000 steps. Ana claims she easily walked 60,000 steps over the last two days. As the Commissioner of the contest, I ruled she finished in 3rd place. Mariana was only interested in the trophy, so Ana was awarded the 3rd place cake as a consolation. It was all we could do to stop her complaining.
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