Merry Christmas!

I want to wish all of my readers a happy and peaceful holiday season!

If you are tired of reading and hearing about all of the hatred and heartache in the world today take a moment to relax with some videos I have chosen. They each in their own way say something about this special season.

We don't all have to believe in the same things to understand that there are some things that are universal.

Yeah, I know, this next one doesn't really fit the serious theme of this post, but we've all been there and I just couldn't resist.  :)

Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!  

These Truths

Recently Donald Trump called for the barring of Muslims from entering the United States. This was in reaction to the recent attack in California by a husband and wife who were apparently inspired by Daesh (ISIL, ISIS). He cited the precedent set by Franklin Delano Roosevelt who ordered the interment of Japanese Americans after the attack on Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941 by the Empire of Japan. It is at heart an emotionally charged, knee jerk reaction, to a complex problem. It is also designed to appeal to those out there who are feeling the fear of the moment.

I have been watching the reactions to Trump's remarks with some interest, as his standing in the polls seems to rise ever higher. Some speculate that this will be his undoing. Like those who disagree with him I do not believe that this kind of action is consistent with our laws or the ideals this country was founded upon. What happened in WWII was an overreaction in a time of war.

Following is a clip about the interment of Japanese Americans during WWII. I feel it might be a good idea to refresh our memory of this event.

As you can see, while it may have taken over 40 years, eventually cooler heads prevailed.

Civil Liberties Act of 1987 

I doubt that giving in to fear will allow us to prevail in what seems to me will be a long struggle against an extreme ideology designed to appeal to the disenfranchised or the simple copycat crazies of the world. I still believe that the only thing that will ultimately win in the end is an alternative  ideal with greater appeal. I can think of none better than what is embodied in this statement.

“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”

Perhaps we need to have a little more faith in the strength and wisdom of those words.

Update:

I was going to place this article in the comments section but I realized it really deserved a place center stage in this post.  It really does show the possibilities of what could be.

Parable in a ShopRite

As the World Turns

There was a story in the news recently that caught my attention. It appears that China has barred Miss Canada from entering China to participate in the Miss World contest being held there. She has apparently been an outspoken critic of China's handling of the Falun Gong movement.

Miss Canada banned

I have heard of, but never really researched, Falun Gong. The following is a snippit of information I found on YouTube which was created by an organization called China Uncensored. Are all the claims true?  I can't say.   

There are a number of other videos that follow, but I will let you decide if you want to continue on with the series.

A somewhat more balanced account of Falun Gong

So why am I talking about this? We have been very preoccupied with the events taking place in the Middle East and Europe. Understandably so, as they affect so many around the world. But China is a large player on the world stage now and it too should merit a closer look. Because its internal struggles and political machinations may affect us as well. Whether or not Falun Gong is merely a peaceful movement with a religious bent or an “evil cult” as China claims I do not know. But even if it is the latter that does not excuse any human rights abuses that might have been, or are being committed, by the government of China.

Almost as disturbing is the thought that China might be using its influence to muzzle voices in other countries. As much as businesses would like to do business in the country the cost to our freedom may prove too high.

Paris 11.13.15

On November 13, 2015 an unknown, at this time, group of people decided it would be a good idea to attack various locations in Paris, France. We have seen this before with the Charlie Hebdo killings, and of course in other countries around the world, including my own on 9/11/01. Sadly, there are those who cheer this type of behavior on. But it is hatred at its most dark. Is this really what we want to become? I have struggled recently with some difficult situations in my own life that have challenged my ability to forgive. But I have also encountered some wise people who have helped me to see that hatred is not worth it. It only feeds on itself, making the one who hates miserable.

The people who wrought such misery on innocent people in France will be brought to justice. That is assured, either in this life or in the hereafter. We, the living, must honor the memory of those killed, not with hatred, but with the grace of compassion. That is what being civilized means. That is what the people who perpetrated the attacks do not understand.

I stand tonight in sadness with the people of France.

Update:

This is courage.

You can't make me hate...

Standing Man

I took a break and went to see a movie on Saturday. It's odd, but looking at the movies I have seen in the past year or so I find that the ones I think were the best were either based on, or inspired by, real life events. The movie I went to see was “Bridge of Spies” starring Tom Hanks. It revolves around the events that took place just prior to, and including, the release of Rudolf Abel by the United States for the release of Francis Gary Powers by the former Soviet Union and Frederic Pryor, an American college student in Berlin, by the former German Democratic Republic. It harks back to a time when the United States and the Soviet Union were bitter rivals and employed various tactics to spy on one another. Hmmm...okay, while the events took place in the late 1950's I can't help but wonder if they aren't still rather current.

It is a film that delves into the depths of human emotions and reminds us of the strength of character that was to be found, even in our rivals. If you get a chance give it a look. It's worth it.

This & That

As I mentioned in the prior comments section I've been meaning to write a new post, but haven't had the time. As anyone who has read this blog from its inception will know it was started by Petes at my suggestion. While the original reason we started the blog doesn't apply anymore I have continued to write because I found that I enjoyed the, well, creative process. I also have enjoyed discussing world events with those who chose to comment periodically. As you may have noticed Petes hasn't written since last year. He was pursuing other interests. He has just recently chosen to remove himself as a contributor to the blog. I will miss having a partner in this endeavor, especially someone who wrote so well. But, in any case, I wish him well in whatever activities he chooses to pursue.

The other portion of this post pertains to my family situation. My mother tripped recently as she was coming into the house, breaking a bone in her right knee and spraining her left ankle. She is currently in rehab trying to heal. This has left me as primary caretaker for my father and sister, who also have medical issues. So between working, helping them, maintaining the house, running errands, and doing yard work I have been left running on empty this week. This is not to say that I am quitting writing. For now I have every intention of maintaining the blog as long as there is an interest on the part of my readers. It is an outlet for my thoughts and feelings, as well as just giving me something to think about that is of another world than mine.

One last thought here.  In this long journey I have been on I have been pleasantly surprised at the compassion and kindness of people I have been lucky enough to encounter.  They have helped make up for the lack of same in some of my own family members.  

That Man from Moscow

This week world leaders met at the United Nations to discuss world events, one of which was the war in Syria. As the world has watched the mass exodus of people from Syria to, first refugee camps in neighboring countries, and then to the more economically desirable lands of Europe, it has become apparent that a solution to this conflict is not fast arriving.

For some time now it has seemed as if everyone and his brother are fighting in Syria; the Assad government, which is attempting to remain in power, the various rebel factions trying to depose Assad, the terrorist group ISIL, which apparently wants Syria as part of its caliphate, the Kurds who would like a cozy enclave of their own to attempt a socialist experiment, and a coalition of Western powers, including the United States, who are hunting ISIL. Oh, wait, I forgot Turkey, who seems to be allying with the US led coalition to fight ISIL, maybe. Except they seem to be hunting Kurds more so than ISIL extremists. But the one power who seemed to be keeping a distance was Russia. Oh, sure, there was some hint here and there of Russian intelligence working the area, but no significant build up of military hardware or troops. Until recently. Apparently the Russians have set up anti-aircraft batteries, flown in fighter planes, and have brought in some troops, presumably to man the equipment sent in. Of course there is speculation as to their purpose. Are they there to support Assad, fight ISIL, or simply be on site to conveniently pick up the pieces if things go south for Assad? Only one man knows for sure.

This is just a portion of the Charlie Rose interview with Vladimir Putin that aired on 60 Minutes, but it gives the gist of his thinking, and has the benefit of being short.

There are a couple of things wrong with his reasoning about supporting the “legitimate” government of Bashar Assad, one of which is that it is questionable, since so many Syrians are opposed to his government, that it actually is legitimate. The other being that Assad's government would work for reform.

Here is Putin's speech at the United Nations.

Mr. Putin talks about human rights and the right to life in his speech.  Yet he is proposing supporting a government that has shown it has no compunction in killing its own people, which has helped lead to the displacement of millions of Syrians.

Mr. Putin wonders about people not learning lessons from the past. He might want to ask himself that question.  

The Martian

It's time for me to do another book. But fortunately for those who don't want, or don't have the time, to read a book, they have conveniently made it into a movie. My first reaction was how could they make it better than the book? But then that's always my first reaction. I have not seen the movie, as it doesn't come out until October 2, but I see it is starring Matt Damon. Well, if it's got Matt Damon in it, that alone would encourage one to give it a look. But it seems that those who have seen it are giving it some good reviews, so I feel safe in recommending it.

The book is "The Martian" by Andy Weir. The plot revolves around a lone astronaut who becomes stranded on Mars after a severe storm causes NASA to abort the mission he and his crew mates are on. What was so fascinating for me was the ingenuity shown by one man who had only himself to rely on for survival. For someone like me, who never studied science too seriously in school, the idea that scientific knowledge could be the skill needed for survival in a thriller was a bit of a revelation.  As the review says it is a nerd thriller. But I never found it to drag or bog down in details that were not integral to the plot line. Or put another way, there wasn't a lot of filler that I had the desire to skim over.

I would read the book, but if that isn't your thing, here is the trailer for the movie.

Terror and Tears

Since I have been rather serious of late I was considering writing a lighter post, but as I have watched the thousands of people making the long trek to Europe in any way they could I simply could not forget their plight. It is the beginning of school season here and one of my relatives sent me pictures of her daughters' first day of school. They, along with other neighborhood children, were lined up freshly dressed, with their hair carefully fixed, to board the school bus. It was such a stark contrast, a heart wrenching contrast, to the children I see every day in the news who are caught up in the turmoil of the Middle East. 

This video is from January 2014.

(Clicking on the lower right corner will show a full screen, which may make the subtitles easier to read.)

Since the start of the Syrian civil war and the rise of ISIL there have been millions of people displaced by the fighting. Most have fled to neighboring countries in the Middle East where they have waited for the situation in Syria to improve. It has not, and many are tired of waiting, so they have chosen to try to reach Europe in hopes of finding a better future for themselves and their children. The shear numbers are staggering.

These people are running from the terror of a civil war that they have no control over. ISIL's recruitment numbers pale in comparison to the millions of people who have chosen to flee Syria rather than join ISIL's Caliphate.

On the news tonight they reported that President Obama has decided to up the number of refugees allowed into the United States by 10,000. I am glad to hear that he has decided to increase the number, but I am thinking that more is needed. Europe is already feeling the strain of previous migrant inflows from poorer countries in Europe as well as immigrants from the Middle East. There is a point where social stresses may be stretched too far.

Sweden:

Germany:

What would it take to stabilize Syria to the point where people could return? Perhaps this needs to be revisited, unless we are willing to up that 10,000 figure by a significant amount.

On God's Authority

Why do these people presume to think they know what the word of God is?  And why do they believe they have the right to impose their beliefs on others?

Update:

A federal judge today ordered county clerk, Kim Davis, to jail for contempt of court.

Judge's decision

Update 2:

Judge Orders Kim Davis' release - but bars her from interfering with deputies issuing marriage licenses

"Give me your tired, your poor..."

Those long ago words were written by Emma Lazarus and they referred to the immigrants coming to America.  But today the millions of people fleeing the war torn Middle East, in particular Syria and Iraq, are heading to Europe.  Their journey is long and arduous, and their hopes are just like those long ago immigrants to America.  Leaving their homes, their loved ones, and their homeland they are looking for a safe harbor, a place to raise their children, a place to live out their lives in peace.    

Some of those migrants are taking a path through Greece, on their way to other countries in Europe.

  
For many of the travelers Greece is just a stepping stone, but it is probably the country with the least resources to act as a transit point.

Germany is a popular destination point.

But tensions are rising.

While Europe is the primary destination the United States has accepted limited numbers of Syrian refugees.

This is a crisis of massive proportions.  It will take a large scale response.

Slaves of the Caliphate

This week there was a story in the news about a young American couple, who had just gotten married, who intended to journey to Syria to join ISIL.   Periodically I read about people who have been recruited by ISIL, to fight or to just live out their lives under ISIL rule.  The young couple seemed to think that what was published in Western media was lies.  It appears that for them ISIL seemed like a worthwhile cause, building an Islamic Caliphate. They didn't seem to see, or if they did see, they didn't care about the darker elements shifting beneath its surface.  I found that profoundly sad.  

I think as we go about our lives we tend to take for granted what our forefathers fought so hard for.   Slavery in the United States was abolished a long time ago, after a bloody civil war.  Personally, I think for citizens of the US to, in effect,  throw away their efforts by going to live in a land where slavery has been reinstated is to dishonor their memory.  

I know it's the weekend, but tonight I'm feeling the need for a more serious subject to climb up on my soapbox and shout about.

I have here two videos.  The first one is only about 11 minutes, the second is a bit longer at 25.  Both are worth watching.

      

And this:

Carpe Diem

I had in mind another post, but it's the weekend and I'm feeling like something a little lighter. So it's movie night!

This is an old movie, which you may or may not have seen, but given the nature of my last post I thought maybe it an appropriate follow up. No one knows what the future holds.

While I do not read poetry, I really liked Dead Poets Society.  It stars Robin Williams as an English teacher at a conservative boarding school.  His teaching methods are rather unusual.

If I had had a teacher like that I think I would have enjoyed school a lot more!   This is one of my favorite scenes.

 If you have some free time, and even if you've seen the movie before, give it another look.  Everyone has a verse to contribute.  :)

Is Tomorrow Today?

I really hate it when I repeat myself. But sometimes I just can't help it. I know I have posted about this before, but I felt this deserved some attention. Just recently Dr. James Hansen, and a number of other scientists, published a paper regarding sea level rise. He has written about it at the Huffington  Post blog.

Disastrous Sea Level Rise

Here is a nice compact video of a UCLA study on ice sheet melt.

And here is a link to the paper.  I will warn you that it is rather long.

Research paper by Dr. Hansen et al

What they are saying is that “2°C global warming above the preindustrial level, which would spur more ice shelf melt, is highly dangerous”. Highly dangerous as in the human life on earth altering type of dangerous. I know it's something that is hard to even imagine. After all life goes on, right? And all of this is sometime way off in the future. But it may be best to try to look at this a little more in depth, because it is our future and our children's future we are gambling with.

So I'm here again to bring this to your attention.

The Land of 10,000 Lakes

I just had to do at least one summer vacation post...

If you are a Minnesotan and it is summer there is a good chance that you may make your way up north to a cabin. It is a ritual that many of us play out every weekend. Some states have oceans, some have mountains, some have deserts, we have lakes. And at some point in time you will spend time at someone's cabin, or a resort.

For me it was my uncle's cabin and it was near Mille Lacs lake, although not on Mille Lacs itself. Every weekend in the summer, and I do mean every weekend, my mom would pack up the food, my dad would check out the camper and my sister and I would gather our bathing suits, fishing rods and any other forms of entertainment we might want to bring and pile into the truck. Our parents would ride up front and my sister and I would ride in the back on homemade couches that made out into a bed that my dad had made. The truck was just a pickup with a homemade camper top on the back. Of course, now you wouldn't be allowed to ride that way, but back then it wasn't a big deal.

The cabin at that time was fairly rustic, no electricity or indoor bathroom, which meant we had to use an outhouse. Oh I well remember the joys of making my way up a rather steep slope and fumbling my way into a tiny, rather smelly, little cubicle of a room. I made quite sure that I used the facilities before I went to bed as making that trek in the middle of the night might cause a close encounter of a bear like kind. :) Seriously.

The lake wasn't very big but it had its fair share of fish, which most of the adults were always intent on catching. While I liked fishing I was one of those kids that got bored quickly if they weren't biting. I did however really enjoy going out in the boat. The best thing about this whole excursion was I got to hang out with my cousins. My uncle had a daughter who was just my age and we would always manage to find something to entertain ourselves with. Anything to do with the lake ranked right up there. So one day we decided to take out the small fishing boat that my uncle had. I think we were about 13 at the time. My cousin, being the generous hostess that she was, gave me a turn at running the motor and steering the boat.  Probably not a wise move on her part, since I had never operated a boat motor before. I was actually doing not too badly until we arrived at the dock and prepared to dock the boat. For some reason, I will never know why, I turned the boat the wrong way and headed into the dock. My cousin seeing what was happening put out her hand to try to stop the boat from crashing into the dock. Bad move. But by then I had seen the error of my way and turned the boat and slowed the engine just enough so that there wasn't any major damage or injury to my cousin's hand. My uncle wasn't too pleased with us though. I give him credit for not scolding too harshly.

While we always stayed at that uncle's cabin I also had another uncle with a cabin on a nearby lake. So we would occasionally stop in and see them while we were up. Their lake was interesting in that on the opposite side from where my uncle's cabin was there was an area that had been left wild. Nothing was built there. On one occasion we were visiting in the evening and sitting around the campfire down on the lake shore. It was dark, the only light that of the campfire, and you couldn't see far beyond its glow. Out across the lake there was a cry, loud and wild. It raised hairs on the back of the neck. You could tell whatever it was wasn't just a dog or cat. Well, actually it did sound like a cat, but more along the lines of cougar or mountain lion. But I don't think either are common to Minnesota. That was the one time, up too close and personal, that I was reminded that we were still in a part of the state where wild things still roamed. I was rather relieved to go back up to the cabin that night.

Scrambling about the woods and building forts was always a must. Roasting hot dogs and marshmallows over the fire were a routine we couldn't miss. Floating around the lake on air mattresses and sitting at the end of the dock watching the rain move across the lake were things to laze away the day.

In our now more fast paced world the memories of those vacations as a child where days passed slowly are a relaxing place to wander off to. We didn't have the constant structured time that is so common now. We made our own entertainment. Sure maybe some of it wasn't the wisest, but we learned from our mistakes. And mistakes are part of growing up.

So if you get a chance this summer, maybe find a lake, or a river, or just a quiet woods and do a little fishing, or swimming, or hiking, or maybe just have a picnic lunch. Because there's something really special about the outdoors. :)

Will it be a Grexit?

Are we seeing a tipping point for the European Union or at the least for the integrity of the euro zone? The European Union was created with such high hopes of bringing peace to a region that had known the strife of two world wars.

Greece, which has been a member of the EU since 1981, has been slowly unraveling economically. We are now at a point where leaders in the EU are faced with a choice.

Euro zone argues into the night with Greece on bailout terms

It's not an easy choice, billions of euros are at stake. But is that all? Or is there something else at stake?

Sometimes the past has lessons to teach.

The Treaty of Versailles

While it is understandable that no one wants to act as a continual source of funds for an entity that does not show any real positive change, humiliating them is not a productive measure.   It can lead to unexpected consequences.  

This Ragged Old Flag

It is America's birthday this month and as I have been reading the news I have been contemplating the meaning of this holiday.  I have seen riots in Baltimore, and shootings in a church down south by a man with an unholy quest to start a race war. We have questioned the flying of the Confederate flag that Robert E. Lee flew in the American Civil War.  I have listened to derogatory remarks directed at Mexican immigrants by Donald Trump (“The Donald”), who is running for President.

On July 4th or 2nd, depending on which school of thought you ascribe to,  America will be 239 years old.  A young country compared to some others.  During that time we have had our struggles to overcome inequality, to survive economic crisis and war, and to hold true to the beliefs that are written in our constitution.   

We are a nation of contradictions. 

The riots in Baltimore left people wondering about our system of justice and the behavior of police towards black people, as well as the economic health of many of our cities.  Yet we have elected, twice, to the highest office, a black man.  We have seen an economy rocked by a recession that could easily have slid into a depression, yet we are seeing a return to a healthier financial picture for many.  Not all, it’s true, but we are at least heading in a better direction. 

I read an Opinion Piece in my newspaper written by a man whose father was from the south.  Every year his father would fly the Confederate flag on Robert E. Lee’s birthday.  Yet he refused to sign a petition floated around his neighborhood to request that a mixed race couple, whom he had befriended, be asked to move.  So while that flag might be seen as a racist symbol for some, for him it meant something else.  

And then we have “The Donald”.  A very successful man in business, but a little short of the mark in understanding his country.  For at heart we are a nation of immigrants.  I was talking to someone the other day whose daughter had just graduated.  At the ceremony was the American flag, but along with our nation’s banner there were 24 others.  These were the flags of the countries of origin of some of the graduates.  There is a reason people come here despite the difficulty of starting over.  

  

To write of all of the hardships endured, the triumphs celebrated, and the struggles of ordinary people to make America a nation that we can be proud of would take far more space than this blog or your time to read would allow. 

We are a nation of contradictions because people are imperfect.  But if we choose carefully the ideals that are worth striving for, worth fighting for, and worth creating a country for, then whatever challenges we face now or in the future will be surmountable. 

Happy Birthday, America!

A Tale of Two Movies

A couple of weeks ago I went to see Jurassic World. I went on a Sunday afternoon and the theater was packed with people. I haven't seen that many people at a Sunday afternoon movie since I was a kid! I hadn't heard much about the movie, except what I had seen in previews. But along with so many others I remember the first movie, Jurassic Park, which was one of the best movies made of that genre, so I was hoping for the best with this sequel.

I thought it was good, even very good compared to some out there, but there was something I couldn't quite put my finger on that bothered me. It didn't quite make that A+ rating that a great movie would deserve. Having went back and looked at some of the scenes from Jurassic Park I think I may have come up with what was bothering me.

We all remember that great T-Rex scene in Jurassic Park, don't we? Here, let me refresh your memory.

What I think I loved the best about that scene was that the main character was just a normal guy thrust into a situation where rushing in and being a hero wasn't what he would do lightly, and he was a good enough actor so that you could see it on his face. I will not mention anything about the lawyer being eaten.  Contrast that with this scene from Jurassic World.

What bothered me about this scene was that they made this guy larger than life. He just went sliding under that gate far too easily for my taste. Some people think he could be the next Harrison Ford. Well, maybe. But they'll have to ruffle him up a little, because right now he's too perfect, too much a macho man, to be a character I can empathize with.

So this illustrates my first problem with Jurassic World. It seems to have sacrificed good character development for the superficial. Frankly, I wonder if this is not what is wrong with our world today.

But what I really missed was the lighter moments that were sprinkled all through Jurassic Park. What does every good action movie have? Oh, you know, it's a car chase scene, of course. But what Jurassic Park did was take a car chase scene to a new level by having it take place in a tree.

Now, seriously, that was one of the best nail biting scenes I've seen, with an ending dialogue that had to make you laugh a little. :)

A great movie pulls you in and makes you identify with the hero/heroines of the movie. Wonderful action scenes sprinkled with a little humor and creativity combined with a talented cast go a long way to giving a movie that certain something that will rank it among the best of the best. Jurassic Park had that, Jurassic World just missed.

The one thing, though, that Jurassic World did right, was keep the theme song. :)  I loved this version with John Williams.

So, if you want to see a good movie, see Jurassic World, but if you want to see a great movie, see Jurassic Park.  ;)

"This is not my Islam"

I saw this the other day and thought it deserved center stage. We have criticized Muslims in the past for not speaking out against extremism, so I felt it only fair to lend a helping hand to someone doing just that.  Even if it is only on this humble blog.  

It's About a Horse

This Saturday is the Belmont Stakes, the third race in the Triple Crown. American Pharoah will be attempting to become the twelfth horse to win this series of races. The last horse to do so was Affirmed in 1978. There have been many good horses, but the horse that stands out in my mind is Secretariat. He still holds the record for the running of the Belmont at 2:24. So to get you all in the mood for this year's upcoming Belmont, and American Pharoah's attempt to win the Triple Crown, I thought I would revisit a little of Secretariat's life.   Real heart is a magical thing.

Update:

American Pharoah went wire to wire to win the Belmont Stakes today, becoming the twelfth horse to win the Triple Crown.  His time was 2:26, so Secretariat's time still stands.  Congratulations to American Pharoah!

Omaha

 "Gentlemen, we are being killed on the beaches. Let us go inland and be killed."   General Norman Coda

This Monday is Memorial Day here in the United States. For many it means a long weekend and the start of the summer vacation season. But its real purpose is to remind us of the sacrifices made by the men and women in our military. While war is controversial, there is nothing controversial about the men and women who have given their lives in service to their country.

On this Memorial Day I wanted to pay my respects to them. There have been many battles in various wars, but the one that stands out as being unique in its scope is for me the battle of Omaha Beach in WWII. I ran across the following documentary about the battle and realized that, while I was familiar with some of the difficulties and horrors experienced by allied forces, I wasn't aware of all.   If you have a spare hour or so it is worth watching, if only to try to understand what people have went through to defend our freedom and way of life.  

Rest in peace.

Coal...Fool's Gold?

Since man walked upon this earth he has looked for ways to cook his food, warm his home and power his transportation. Oil has been called black gold, but it is coal that was the first life changing fossil fuel to supply the energy the world needed.

The History of Coal

It helped fuel The Industrial Revolution.

Why am I writing about coal now when there are so many serious issues in the world today? After all, it helped change the world and has provided a living for many families, as difficult as it may be.

But coal is also one of the dirtiest fuels with regard to CO2 emissions, a major greenhouse gas contributing to climate change. As I was reading a back issue of National Geographic, yes I'm way behind on those, I ran across an article regarding the world's consumption of coal and capturing CO2 emissions from power plants. What shocked me was the threshold the authors were giving for the worst effects of climate change to be unavoidable.

“To limit global warming since the 19^th century to 2°C (3.6°F) and thereby avoid its worst effects, scientists estimate we must limit our cumulative emissions of carbon as CO2 to a trillion metric tons. As of 2012, by burning fossil fuels, making cement, cutting trees, and so on, we had emitted 545 billion tons. We're on a course to pass a trillion by 2040.”

It was that 2040 that hit me. That is only 25 years away. This is a complicated situation involving not just a single country, but many. While the United States has lowered its consumption China's has increased. Even within the United States there are objections to switching to alternate, cleaner energy sources. This next clip is a good illustration of the coal conundrum in the United States.

This is why I'm writing about this now, as serious as are the many issues facing the world today; the fighting in the Middle East, the global economy, migrants being forced to leave their homes, the issue of climate change will affect our ability to survive on this planet. It is that simple. All else pales in comparison. 2040 is only 25 years away.

The Will to Live

I was thinking about a new post when I ran across something in my paper that just couldn't be forgotten, and I had to pause to listen. We are all too familiar with the darkness that mankind has in abundance. But every once in a while there is a flicker of light that reminds us that humanity has another side. 

I Am Woman

For the past two days I have watched the rioting, looting and arson unfolding in Baltimore, Maryland. It has been said that people need an outlet for their feelings, but I have never believed that causing harm to people, or their property, to be the appropriate course of action to do that. And apparently neither did one mother who happened to see her own son among the rioters on the street. You have probably seen this clip, but I think it's worth looking at again. This is a woman who is intent on taking a stand to protect her child, and she made her opinion quite clear to her errant son who knew he was in deep trouble as soon as he saw his mother.

This next clip is of the speech given by Malala Yousafzai when she accepted the Nobel Peace prize in 2014. If you haven't listened to it, I recommend it. She calls herself a child but she is wise beyond her years. I would call her a young woman.

What this mother and Malala have in common is a determination to affect their respective circumstances in a positive way that not only helps themselves but others as well. Each is deserving of respect. One for caring enough about her son to intervene when he was doing something wrong that could get him injured or killed, and the other for standing up for her beliefs even if those beliefs could get her killed.

To all the women out there who are trying to make a difference to the lives of those they love or who are attempting to make their community, their country, or the world, a better place, this is for you. :)

Sorry guys, but I had to do one for all my sisters out there. :)

Hubble, Hubble, Toil & Trouble

Twenty five years ago on April 24, 1990 the Hubble Space Telescope was launched into space.  The hope was that by positioning a telescope outside of Earth's atmosphere we would be able to have a clearer more detailed view of our universe.  It was a failure.  Or at least so it appeared at first.  Due to a mistake in a measurement the pictures that the telescope sent back were fuzzy.  But instead of writing off the telescope as a loss those involved in the project doubled down and decided to fix it.  And fix it they did.  To the point where the Hubble has proven to be one of the most capable and useful pieces of equipment ever built.

This documentary shows just how much we have learned from the amazing pictures the Hubble has sent back to us, as well as the hard work put in by so many people to expand on our knowledge of space.

For those who don't have a free hour to devote to the above video I selected a couple of clips for you to enjoy.

And this:

The Working Man

Sometimes it's easy to forget the hard work put in by so many people, but it's those people who are the backbone of a country, for they keep everything functioning. So sit back, relax, and enjoy a few clips dedicated to all of you out there who are part of this thing we call life. :)

The dedication devoted to this endeavor has never ceased to amaze me.  It is truly an inspiration.  

Hard work comes in many forms...you gotta love these guy's energy.  Yeah, the numbers are way out of date, but the concept hasn't changed.  :)

  

How could I not include Norma Rae?  It goes like it goes...

Happy Easter!

Stand By Me

I think it's time for a break again from all the serious death and destruction out there. This year the Library of Congress added a number of titles to its collection of significant songs in American history, including "Stand By Me"  by Ben E. King. It was first recorded in 1961, but was re-released in 1986 when it was used as the theme song in the movie “Stand By Me”.

It is really the movie that I wanted to talk about. It's one of my favorites. Why? In many ways it's a serious film, yet it's a story of a period of childhood where adventures are possible and friendships are deep, at least in that moment.

It's the story of four friends who go on an overnight camping trip to see a dead body. Along the way they run into various obstacles and delve into the more serious sides of their lives. It's set in a simpler era of America, before the internet, before cell phones, and before friendships were based on the more superficial aspects of life.

This scene always gets me because my friends and I did this when I was a kid.  We were walking to the fair and took a shortcut across the railroad tracks over the river.  The river wasn't as wide, the drop wasn't as long, and there wasn't any train, but there was still just a little shiver down the spine.  

I know, I'm giving away part of the ending, but you've all probably already seen this movie, so I think I'm safe.  I can't not add this scene.  It's what the title's all about.

Yellowstone

Periodically there are stories of volcanic eruptions in the news. The latest was the eruption in Costa Rica. They always remind me that there are dangers in living on this planet that go beyond what we humans can do to ourselves.

Yellowstone National Park, located in Wyoming, was created in 1872 by President Grant. Like so many others I have visited there, viewing Old Faithful Geyser and being awed by its power. What one doesn't really think about too closely is what that power really means. We humans take much of our lives on this planet for granted. But while we are occupying those lives with harrying our political rivals, fighting our wars, or just trying to live, we are actually sitting atop a sleeping giant. Well, actually, more than one, but right now I'm just focusing on the Yellowstone Caldera. Because what those geyers really mean is that we are walking atop a huge volcano. And some day it may very well erupt, causing untold damage.

So, for a little exercise in humility, spend a little time contemplating how fragile our lives really are. 

A Tale of Two Men

I don't usually watch the Oscar Awards ceremony which is televised to all the star struck people in television land. I have never seen the fascination in following who is paired with whom on the red carpet or what they are wearing. I just check after the main event to see who has been crowned best actor or actress, or which film has come out as the winner. But this year for some reason I was on that channel when the last awards were handed out. The best actor award went to Eddie Redmayne for portraying Stephen Hawking in “The Theory of Everything”, which follows his rather extraordinary life. I have not seen the movie, but like so many people out there, I know who Stephen Hawking is and have read at least one of his books.

We do not know what amount of time we are granted on this Earth. But what we do with that time can be our choice. Stephen Hawking chose to overcome a severe disability to use his mind to delve into the mysteries of human existence, and the beginning of time and space as we know it. He chose to do something positive to further mankind's knowledge.

Just this evening I was watching the news and heard that they have identified “Jihadi John”. Although apparently they have known his name for some time, but chose to withhold it in hopes of possibly figuring out his location. Since they are going public with his name I have to assume they have given up that hope. Jihadi John is, of course, the black clad, masked man we have been seeing on the news holding the large knife over a kneeling hostage. He is the public face for the group ISIL. The contrast between what Stephen Hawking chose to do with his life and what this man has chosen is stark.

A mind is a terrible thing to waste.

The Idea of Freedom

This morning as I was reading my paper I came across an article entitled  Pakistan's War on Books . For someone who loves books I was saddened to say the least. Books are windows into other worlds, they open the mind to other ways of thinking, they entertain us when we are bored, and they comfort us when we are lost.

But perhaps more disturbing then all of the above, is the idea that a government is so afraid of outside ideas that they would go to the extreme measure of stifling them. It is a tool that authoritarian regimes use to control their citizens.

We have seen it before.

North Country

Time for another serious subject, as well as something Minnesota, I think. Another movie might be in order. This one was out a number of years ago, but it has a certain relevance today. Sometimes we need to be reminded of our past and the things people before us have had to do to create the world we live in today. Because it all so easily can slip away if we are not careful.

I remember discussing this movie with a co-worker when it first came out. We each came away with different feelings. The movie, “North Country”, is inspired by a true story that took place in Minnesota back in the late '70's. It is the story of a single mother trying to support her two children by taking a job working at a mine in northern Minnesota. A man's job. Or so her male co-workers believed. When their resentment leads to harassment, much of it sexual, she decides to fight back, leading to the first class action lawsuit filed in the United States. This was not an easy decision, as so many in the town, including her family and many of her women co-workers, were initially opposed, not wanting to rock the boat. But it was her perseverance and those who eventually stood by her that helped change lives for so many working women after her.

My co-worker was actually a little ashamed because she had always thought better of our state, but I looked at it from exactly the opposite view, that we had some good people here who fought for something they believed in and made a difference for those who followed in their footsteps. It is a film worth seeing.  And, yes, quite a bit of it was actually filmed in Minnesota. 

The Hundred Foot Journey

I've done two book reviews so I think it's about time I review a movie. Although actually it is a movie based on a book, "The Hundred Foot Journey" by Richard C. Morais.  But since I have not read the book yet, I'll have to do the movie.  Given the serious bent of my last two posts, as well as current events, I thought I'd do something a little more positive, and yes, feel good!

They say life is a journey. None of us are the same people we were ten years, or even five years, ago. We are all changed by the people we meet and the events we experience. What we take from those guides is our choice.

I know, I know, my two loyal readers will think...Oh God!...she's doing a chick flick! Lol! Okay, maybe on the surface, but really it touches on very basic human needs and failings. It revolves around a family's journey from India to, first England, and then France. Forced to flee their native country due to violence they search for a place to call home. Their family was in the restaurant business in India and that is what they turn to to make a living in their new country, ultimately inciting the wrath of the owner of the restaurant across the street. What happens next is a journey from closed mindedness to an openhearted reaching out to others who are really just like us, people with hopes and dreams and a simple desire to belong. It's also an interesting look at the competitive world of Haute cuisine.

If you have a free afternoon, rent it or stream it for a day brightener, as well as a break from all the death and destruction out there. If nothing else, enjoy the song by A.R. Rahman.  :)

Charlie Cont...

Since the attack on Charlie Hebdo, and the subsequent rally of support for the people killed and their right to free speech, there have been voices raised in protest against the nature of what the magazine was publishing.

While the analyst in that clip seems to view the magazine's actions as being intentionally directed at Muslims, from what I can gather Charlie Hebdo has been equally offensive to other religions.

Charlie Hebdo lawsuits

I understand how difficult it can be to watch something one holds dear be mocked or dragged through the mud. But, an insult should not carry with it a death penalty, at least not in a just society.

Certainly the cartoons were in poor taste, as even many people in France allow.

Opinion Poll

But being able to express a dissenting opinion to an idea in a non violent manner is a cornerstone of a free society, and that is why so many people have supported Charlie Hebdo. It has nothing whatsoever to do with wanting to deliberately mock or offend any group of people. Those people who find it offensive are free to not read the magazine.

A recent article written by Noam Chomsky accuses the West of hypocrisy because he seems to think some of our past actions were comparable to the attack on Charlie Hebdo, specifically the NATO bombing of the Serbian television station RTV.

Noam Chomsky

"Abrams is right in describing the Charlie Hebdo attack as "the most threatening assault on journalism in living memory." The reason has to do with the concept "living memory," a category carefully constructed to include Their crimes against us while scrupulously excluding Our crimes against them -- the latter not crimes but noble defense of the highest values, sometimes inadvertently flawed."

Article 71 of this document pertains to the NATO bombing.  You may have to scroll back up a little bit.

ICTY Ruling

While I would question his reasoning, and want to research the issue myself before coming to any conclusions, I would not question his right to express his opinion. Free speech is not just for those we agree with.

When those people who have been so busy protesting about the “offensive” Charlie Hebdo cartoons look just as critically at actions of people within their own countries I will have more respect for their ability to judge fairly.

I Am Charlie

Assassination is the extreme form of censorship.  ~George Bernard Shaw

Rest in Peace.