Thursday, December 24, 2009

U.S.A Health Care Reform - by Moses

Funding into Health Care versus funding into Television sitcoms. Should the U.S Congress pass Health Care Reform across America, the Federal Communications Commission will essentially be broadcasting Health Issues with greater frequency, as opposed to Family sitcoms in such frequency (as we see today). What is to be said of people that are bi-Polar, Paranoid Szchizophrenic, Obsessive Compulsive, Depressive, Obese, or suffering from Cerebral Pulsy?
Today, in America, Dr. Phil, Dr. Drew, and Oprah Winfrey, are three legitimate sources of F.C.C therapy, as their shows are syndicated and broadcast to the masses. What would be said of another 10 shows, bringing to light the aforementioned Mental and Physical Health Care Issues. This funding would mean that the average American would have a form of Medical Education that could be used in practicality within the home. This would raise the standards as to how to deal with these issues that have become epidemic.
Should 40% of Health Care in the U.S.A be in the Public Sector/domain, the lower class income earners' would be left with viable treatments. Say you weigh 450lbs and have an income of $10,000/year, where are you supposed to go to treat this Health Issue? In Canada, these cases are treated by a 'Special Diet Allowance' and any Family Practitioner can lobby for this privelage. Would the U.S.A benefit from less stigmae towards people with Cerebral Pulsy?
What would a five year old boy think, if they saw a number of people that suffer from Cerebral Pulsy on a Medical Health Show? Wouldn't that end the stigmae that was there before? It wasn't even as far back as 1975 when Geraldo Rivera broke the story of Willowbrook. At that time, children with Cerebral Pulsy were called retards in the Home of Willowbrook Clinic, and also made to eat their own feces when the staff thought they were being 'bad'.
Wouldn't a show of obese clients of the Health Care System within the U.S.A be an excellent educator as to how to lose weight? Sometimes, bringing touchy subjects to air in a bold manner creates therapy that didn't exist before. For example, Robin Williams, Jane Paulie, and Quincy Carter are bi-Polar. A show dedicated to this Mental Health issue would break down barriers that otherwise would have remained, and manifested into greater incidence.
Say, for example, 40% of the U.S.A Health Care System became Public Health Care. How many people would benefit? Would publically funded Naturopathic Medicine benefit the physically obese? What about having a dedicated weekly one hour show of smokers' that quit, on a National spotlight, as opposed to 100 - 30second commercials that air for this purpose? Maybe less infommercials, sitcoms, and daily soaps would be a good thing. These forms of gentrification and commercialization are somewhat obtuse.

Sunday, December 20, 2009

Hockey's Dilemma - By Moses (a.k.a Stacey Goldman)

Ever since the game of Hockey was organized into the original N.H.A (National Hockey Association) and W.C.H.L (Western Canadian Hockey League), Hockey flourished. In the N.H.A we saw teams such as; Montreal A.A.A (Amateur Athletic Association)-Shamrocks-Wanderers-Canadians, Ottawa Silver Sevens-Senators, Toronto St. Pats-Blueshirts-Arenas-Maple Leafs and the Quebec Bulldogs. In the W.C.H.L the teams included; Victoria Cougars, Vancouver Millionaires, Winnipeg A.A.A, and the Seattle Metropolitans. It was during these years 1897-1917 that we saw the winner of the N.H.A, playoff against the winner of the W.C.H.L for the prized Stanley Cup. The League became Professional in 1918 (becoming the National Hockey League), and so began, as a five team League - Montreal Canadians, Montreal Wanderers, Toronto Arenas, Quebec Bulldogs, and the Ottawa Senators. The League evolved, and in 1930/31the N.H.L had an Eastern Division and a Western Division. In the East the teams were; Montreal Canadians, Montreal Maroons, Boston Bruins, Pittsburgh Pirates, and the Ottawa Senators. In the Western Division; Toronto Maple Leafs, Chicago Black Hawks, New York Americans-Rangers, Detroit Falcons-Cougars-Red Wings (just prior to 1930 there was actually a team called the Hamilton Tigers - 1925). Eventually the Pirates became the Philadelphia Quakers, before folding. The New York Americans became the Rangers, while the Falcons became the Cougars and finally the Detroit Red Wings. The League dwindled and eventually by 1937 became known as the Original Six; Montreal Canadians, Toronto Maple Leafs, Detroit Red Wings, Boston Bruins, New York Rangers, Chicago Black Hawks.
The Original Six Canadian organizations, the Canadians and the Maple Leafs won the prized Stanley Cup most years (1937-1967). The player base in the N.H.L was almost exclusively Canadaian. Radio broadcast the games on AM and Shortwave, and had an enormous fan base on both sides of the border. When television became a mainstay in 1947, Canada broadcast games on the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation across Canada. The U.S.A broadcast networks abstained as the C.B.C used tape delay on their feeds (similar to the movie 'The Sting' that followed this premise, shown across America in 1972).
In 1967/68 the N.H.L went into expansion and added six new franchises (California Seals - later the Oakland Seals - and then the California Golden Seals, St. Louis Blues, Philadelphia Flyers, Pittsburgh Penguins, Minnesota North Stars, and the Los Angeles Kings). The League still flourished financially, although there was the question as to whether or not these new markets would be able to support an N.H.L franchise. John Ziegler, the N.H.L Commissioner at the time, entered into these new markets, hoping to sell the game of Hockey to the average American.
This began the dilemma. Sure enough, the Seals were short lived, and the North Stars ended up re-locating. This begged the question as to why there wasn't a U.S Television contract with the N.H.L.
In 1970/71, the N.H.L again decided to add new franchises in another expansion, to compete with the new rival League the W.H.A (World Hockey Association). Into the League came the Buffalo Sabres and the Vancouver Canucks.
The qustion as to why there wasn't a National U.S Television contract for the game was still being asked. In 1972, again Ziegler brought in expansion to the League, and we saw the Atlanta Flames and the New York Islanders. The problem of low fan base in these new markets became more obvious, and at this time the N.H.L entered into the quagmire of diseconomies of scale (probably due to the advent of a new rival League). Of the ten organizations that came into the League at this time, only seven survived (Buffalo, Vancouver, Pittsburgh, St. Louis, Philadelphia, Los Angeles, and the Islanders) to our present day (albeit most are pretty good Hockey Towns to date).
The only solution, it would stand to reason, would be to reach the average American through a National U.S Television contract. Major League Baseball had one, as did the N.F.L, the N.B.A. Pro Wrestling and even Golf Tournaments were broadcast across the U.S.A.
The C.B.C dutifully broadcast games across Canada, and it was seemingly obvious that in the right markets a Television contract in the U.S would be highly profitable. Cities like Detroit, Chicago, Boston, New York, Buffalo, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, L.A and St. Louis among others are sports magnets, and friends to the game of Hockey. Still, the N.H.L was reserved in pushing for a U.S television contract, and its' passivity was noticeable. It was 1974 when two more teams were introduced into the League; the Washington Capitals and the Kansas City Scouts. The Scouts became the Colorado Rockies, and eventually they folded.
As the W.H.A folded in 1979, the N.H.L once again took in franchises in expansion. Former W.H.A franchises; the Edmonton Oilers, Hartford Whalers, Quebec Nordiques, and the Winnipeg Jets (the Flames organization re-located to Calgary the following year). At this point the N.H.L caught a huge break. Marquee players started to enter the N.H.L, in droves. Prior to this expansion there had been greats such as Bobby Orr, Maurice Richard, Gordie Howe, Bobby Hull, Terry Sawchuck, and Jacques Plante. In one year however (1979) Gordie Howe came back to the N.H.L, Wayne Gretzky entered the League, as did Peter Stasney, Mark Messier, and Kent Nilsson. With this influx of talent from the W.H.A pool, the time was right to broadcast the N.H.L across the States.
Gretzky and Messier led their Oilers to Cup after Cup just after the Montreal Canadians and New York Islanders dynasty's, and Americans coast to coast took notice. Then, as if to re-affirm the greatness of the game, Mario Lemieux (1983) joined the Leaugue as the next 'Great' one, and a souring market in Colorado as well as Hockey crazy New Jersey entered the N.H.L. At this time U.S and European players started to enter the League in great numbers, yet Ziegal still didn't capatalize. (The first Soviets to enter the N.H.L were Victor Krutov, Igor Larionov, and Vladimir Fetisov. Prior, Stan Makita (born in Czechoslovakia) and Borje Salming (from Sweden) were the first Europeans to join the N.H.L)
In this period of history, Gretzky was suddenly dealt to the Los Angeles Kings, and he took them to the Cup finals in 1993. At this point the U.S.A loved Hockey to the level they did in 1980 when they brought the 'Miracle on Ice' to Lake Placid in 1980, winning their first Gold Medal in Ice Hockey. Salaries soared, as attendance was up, and because there was no seconday income from a U.S Television contract, ticket prices went up enormously.
The sad thing about it is that it's the fans of Hockey that suffer.
As a Torontonian, I can't even afford the cheap seats of a Leaf game, as a ticket at bare minimum is around $70.
Over the past seventeen years the League has gone into expansion four times, and has added another seven teams (Anahein Mighty Ducks-Ducks, Ottawa Senators, Florida Panthers, Nashville Predators, Atlanta Thrashers, Minnesota Wild, and the Columbus Blue Jackets). Many would say that the current Commissioner Gary Betteman has entered into some questionable markets. There have been four re-locations in the past fifteen years, and these misguided judgements from the Ziegler years have led to the rising cost of the average N.H.L game ticket. We now see teams in Carolina, Florida, Nashville, Columbus, Phoenix, San Jose, Dallas, Anaheim, and the re-emergence of Atlanta, markets that are currently struggling or adequate at best.
Should the owners think that it is wise inflating the cost of going to a Hockey game, they are dead wrong. Gary Betteman had better take a realistic look at the game today, and increase revenue to bring down the cost of tickets, otherwise he'll start losing real Hockey fans, fans that are paying $100+/ticket.

Words of advice to Gary Betteman;

1) Downsize the League - lose markets that don't have fan base to support their
franchise.
2) Get a television contract with a MAJOR U.S.A NETWORK.
3) Bring down the ticket prices.

The current crop of N.H.L'ers are pooled roughly 40-50% European. This means that the quality of Hockey overseas is at roughly the same level as here. A European N.H.L would probably flourish, and serve as an excellent example of globalization of sport. With roughly 50% North American Hockey players' playing overseas, and 50% European players' playing here, a summit of Leagues is encouraged. This, in its' own right is a fair measurement of trade between North America and Europe. Let's enter market places where the demand of that sport is high, and not try and create this parity of demand.

Wednesday, December 16, 2009

The Trade - by Moses

Today's Roy Halladay trade was altered slightly to bring son of former Cy Young Award Winner Doug Drabek, Kyle Drabek, to Toronto in place of J.A Happ. I suppose with Lefty Ricky Romero in the Rotation, this will still lend for a strong up and coming Blue Jays rotation that includes Shaun Marcum and Scott Richmond.
All other pieces in the trade puzzle remain the same. With a possible resulting trade between the Jays and the Oakland A's.

Tuesday, December 15, 2009

The Trade - by Moses (a.k.a Stacey Marc Goldman)

Today, Pat Gillick engineered perhaps the 'Greatest' trade of the past 20 years. Picking up Roy 'Doc' Halladay for their organization, and offering up a Rookie of the Year talent in J.A Happ and 'Ace' Cliff Lee. In a three-team trade; Seattle received Cliff Lee, the Blue Jays received 2 former High-round draft picks from the Mariners and Left-Handed Starter J.A Happ from the Phillies. Roy Halladay is now 'Ace' of the Philadelphia Phillies.
Considering that Gillick, a present consultant to the Phillies Club President, has worked as General Manager for all three organizations - this trade may be considered the most intriguing of his career (Fernandez and McGriff for Alomar and Carter also comes to mind, in this context).
It is unclear to this writer why a position player in the class of Utley or Howard wasn't offered up, before Cliff Lee. Halladay with Lee would have been as dominant as the 1998 World Series Champion Arizona Diamondbacks who sported Curt Schilling and Randy Johnson. Even still, I think that the Phillies benefited most from this trade in the short-mid run of five to ten years. Halladay has been consistently referred to as the best pitcher in Baseball since 2000. From 2002 until today, Halladay has recorded 130 Wins (Number 1 of all starters), a .667 Winning Percentage (Number One of all starters), and a 3.07 E.R.A (Number two after Johan Santana).
'Lefty' Grove of 1930/31, Sandy Koufax of 1963, Spahn and Ford of 57/58, and Satchel Paige of 1930/31 were all dominant Pitchers in their times. It is with precedent that Lee and Halladay, alongside C.C Sabathia, and Johan Santana, are considered to be the 'Greatest' of our day. Surely as Randy Johnson, Curt Schilling, Roger Clemens, Greg Maddox, Tom Glavine, Pedro Martinez, and John Smoltz were, just 10 years ago. It was during this time that 'Doc's' career began (1998 First start - one-hitter). Halladay has averaged 17 wins, 9 losses, a 3.43 E.R.A, 232 IP, 226 hits/year, 52 BB/year, and 169 SO/year, to date... In the class of Philly Greats Robin Roberts, Steve Carlton, and Curt Schilling, these lifetime numbers of Halladay's (still growing) will be compared to Lee's in Historical Magnatude in fifty years. Who do you rank higher; Gibson or Seaver? Palmer or Seaver? Tiant or Carlton? Steve Carlton or Jim Palmer? 'Doc' Halladay or 'Lefty' Lee?
Between Halladay and Lee, Lee is the only to appear in the Post-Season. In the lone year of '09 that Lee pitched in the Post-Season he went 4-0 with a 1.56 E.RA in 40.1 IP, 6 BB, and 33 K's. What would most Baseball insiders project from Roy Halladay, with respect to playoff potential? In other words, say it came down to one game; Game Seven of the World Series, Would you rather Halladay or Lee as your Starter?

Which Ballclubs' rotation looks best now, in the eyes of their fans?

The Phillies with 'Doc' Halladay as Ace, Hammels, Blanton and Moyer/Martinez
The Mariners with Cliff Lee as their 'Ace', alongside 23 year old phenom Felix Hernandez (34 starts 19-5 2.49 E.R.A 34 starts 238.2 IP 200 Hits), Jarrod Washburn 8-6 2.64 in 20 starts, and Canadian Erik Bedard (5-3 2.82 E.R.A in 15 starts)
or
The Blue Jays with J.A Happ (2nd in the N.L Rookie of the Year Voting of '09) or Kyle Drabek , Ricky Romero (10th in the A.L Rookie of the Year Voting of '09) , Shaun Marcum, and Scott Richmond - within five years time?

What does Philly look like for the upcoming season. The Phillies have four men returning from 30+ Homerun Seasons (Utley, Howard, Werth, and Ibanez), a fifth batsmen in the lineup who's two years removed from a 30+ HR season (Rollins). Four Phillies had 20+ Stolen Bases this last year (Rollins, Victorino, Werth, and Utley - a perfect 20 for 20). Halladay as their Ace, Hammels as their 'Lefty' Ace (a four game post-season winner of '08 - the year they won the World Series), and Joe Blanton who is considered to be a young gamer. Was Cliff Lee expendable?

Sunday, December 13, 2009

Ethiopia - A Food Product - by Moses

Ethiopia - A Food Product

Conception - Develop the most nutritional food product. Market research among doctors (those treating bulimic conditions), nutritionalists, and naturopaths. Take the 100 elite, in each field, and have them recommend a food supplement that is able to be used as a meal supplement. Focus on traditional gathering foods, i.e. - grains, dried fruits/vegetables, and iron producing foods. Foods that are considered waste to first and second world countries - wheat, corn, barley, bran, dried peaches and apricots.

Step One - Consult with Ethiopian health officials and determine whether product meets with their specifications.

Marketing - Market research must be conducted among all ethnic groups (in each field) and finalized by Ethiopian health officials.
The marketing begins with the governments that have been approved by Ethiopian,
Sudanese and Indian officials. Those governments approved will be contacted by our representatives to find the cheapest price for the necessary products.
The first 10 million dollars will be spent through private finance, and when the final product is ready for production, the Ethiopian health officials will report how long the average 40 year old Ethiopian mans' energy was sustained. The final product will also be tested by a multicultural group of 7 year olds, and 13 year olds.
The North American public will be contacted by the allotted time given by the major North American networks. The public will be informed that this is a public/private venture, 50%/50%.
The announcement made will be that 50% of all profits from this 1 product company will be used in food supply to Ethiopia (the food we're selling) and monitored by Ethiopian, Sudanese, and Indian representatives (paid for with dollars from our profits). After 40% of the television viewing market, and 20% of the radio market has been reached we will put the company on trading exchanges to finalize funding for the material costs.

Distribution - 25% of the product will be given away by multinational food organizations as a promotional item. The major centers that will be targeted will be Chicago, Los Angeles, Toronto,Seattle, and Montreal.

Capital - Of the ten million dollars originally invested, 40% of the private funding for this company will be sought from chartered banks in North America. 40% of the private funding will be sought from other chartered banks worldwide. 20% of the private funding will be our burden.


Product Design - The food will be packaged with Ethiopia (in Hebrew) in letters (traditional) and the ingredients written in English and French.


Local Distribution - All venues of the food industry will be hit - Promotional in the restaurants with food items. All variety stores will be stocked, with close monitoring on their progress. Department stores, grocery stores, gas stations will also be supplied.

Pension Fraud and Ramifications Towards the Canadian Economy - by Moses

Unfortunately in Canada today, there are a growing number of cases that involve pension fraud. Either cases involving people that never lived in the Country collecting old age pension, or of people that have been deceased still collecting cheques in their name. This appalling occurance costs the Federal Governtment and the taxpayer Millions of dollars and saps from the bluecollar worker in the name of C.P.P. What would happen if the Canadian Government double and triple checked their files and found 1% of these unreported cases. Would the cost of administration for this recheck, outweigh the amount that is essentially stolen from the taxpayer? Even still, wouldn't the salaries of these administrators justify this course? and, wouldn't a few bad apples being set as an example of such cases being found, serve as a strong enough deterent to offenders (or future offenders). This may seem to be a modest crime, however, what do you tell a five year old in Portugal, or England, should they ask their parents, where does our money come from (should Mom and Dad not be employed)? Are we supposed to lie to our children when it comes to their innocence?
In the Canadian economy today, we see roughly half of all Canadians living paycheck to paycheck. When I was growing up, I always thought to live in adulthood in the workforce, as most of my peers. Today, I live paycheck to paycheck like that of roughly half of all Canadians. This statistic could radically change with legal pre-emp done from the Federal level. First off; Double check C.P.P frauds that have been committed in the last 10 years. 2) Tax each private sector union an additional 1% from their pension funds, and recalculate that 1% using a variance of time (ie. 20 years after the fact as opposed to 10 years). 3) Increase foreign investment into the Country by 1% by lowering Canadian Bank Rates Worldwide to stimulate the economy as this increases goodwill of trade with Canada and looks favourable amongst 'poor' Nations. The logic here is that, should you be starving in China, or Ethiopia, why should you care in the least of a wealthy Canada, when the only people from your Nations that are able to do business with Canada are the financially secure?
In other words, let's play it straight and stop conniving to get results. As, people worldwide that have respected our great Nation to this time, may not in the future.

Wednesday, December 9, 2009

De-regulation of Telecommunications by the Canadian Radio and Telecommunications Commission - Report submitted by Moses

The C.R.T.C de-regulated the telecommunications industry under Jean Chretien in approxiamately 1998. This decision was made (among a few reasons) mainly to allow communication between Homelands more accessible (as most Canadians are English-Canadian, French-Canadian, Italian-Canadian...). For example, you live in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, North America and you want to be in touch with your friend in Copenhagen, Denmark, Europe. We should not be stripped of our innate ability to communicate with a friend, or family member in another Country and Continent. It is for this reason that Canadians can buy long distance phone cards for such a low price today, relative to before this decision being made. It is also the reason that one computer tied to the internet can communicate with another computer tied into the internet in another part of the world for free.
The name of the software company that facilitated this change was Sonic Solutions (now a Sony Product). The premise is that the software itself is tied into Hardware components, and interfaced with user-software carrying enough broadband capability to facilitate practically any shortwave. Essentially Star Trek technology had already been instituted in most North American homes since 1942 - the year WW11 ended in Normandy, France. It's known today as individual ground hubs, independant from home to home (in lamen terms - the outlets in the walls). This is why we saw so many conventional inventions and appliances shortly after WW11. In todays' age we see conventional inventions such as Electronic Control Units, the internet (intranets) - hubs, search engines. These modern inventions of the last twenty years allow access with respect to communication and privacy issues of communication of one family member/or friend with another family member/or friend in another Country and Continent.
This telecommunications issue had been addressed by the G.A.T.T as early as 1914, when Prime Minister Wilfred Laurier rejected a Free-Trade agreement with the U.S.A, due to British and French fears of the U.S.A taking over Canada without a regulated Telecommunications Industry. This is one of the reasons Bell Canada stayed unified for as long as they did (under the umbrella of STENTOR).
Ask yourself this; Should a man that is Japanese-Canadian communicate by the internet with a family member in Japan be considered a risk to National security, as he was in 1942?

Monday, November 30, 2009

Paradigm Relationship between the Winter Olympics and World Cup of Football

It was in 1994 that, for the first time, the Winter Olympics and the World Cup of Football occured in the same year. This came two years after the last unified Olympic Year between the Winter (Albertville, France) and the Summer Games (Barcelona, Spain).
That year of 1994, the Winter Games was hosted by Lillehammer, Norway and Team Sweden took home the Gold Medal in Men's Ice Hockey. Later that year the U.S.A hosted the World Cup of Football, and Brasil won the tournament. It was at this point that Bosnia (a mainly Muslim State) was claiming sovereignty from Serbian Nationalism (Russian Orthodox). Identifying themselves as Culturally unique, this was also a common sentiment of Quebecer's in Canada, pertaining to their relationship with Anglo-phon Monotheism. While this may seem to be speculation, this could be the reason why we saw such a division in each tournament winner that year, between theologically diverse Sweden (mainly Christian) and Brasil (mainly Catholic). In actual fact, it wasn't until 1997 that the Western Media started reporting that the Serbian Military was genocidal towards Bosnia (Muslims).
The following year, 1998, Nagano, Japan host the Winter Olympics and the Czech Republic took home the Gold Medal in Men's Ice Hockey. Later that year, France staged the World Cup of Football and the host nation won the Tournament. Again there was a clear division between sects of religion, paramount by Nation. Some say it was precisely at this time that the Bosnia/Serbia War began and ended.
9/11 occured in 2001 and we saw terrorism to a level that had never before reached America. The terrorist attacks were blatantly al-queda, organized by Osama Bin Laden, and some would say Taliban funded.
In 2002 Salt Lake City, U.S.A host the Winter Games and Canada won the Gold Medal in Men's Ice Hockey, and later that year Brasil won the World Cup (host by Japan/South Korea). Most would say that the division between sects of religion wasn't as strong at this point, as aside from Iraq and Afghanistan there were narry a Nation that would funnel a World War. After Saddam Hussein was put under War Crimes for his involvements in other Terrorist activities and War Crimes), there was actually a cry of foul in the Muslim World (Nations gentrified at 98% or greater Muslim population) pertaining to Hussein being ostracized Politically.
The last held Winter Olympics was 2006 in Turin, Italy and Sweden took home Gold in Men's Ice Hockey. Later that year, Italy won the World Cup of Football. Again there was this division of sects between religion prevelant. Considering that F.I.F.A governs the World Cup, it leaves one curious to wonder if they had anything to do with each World Cup in question being won by a mainly Catholic Nation. Likewise that of the I.O.C, pertaining to the Winter Olympics, as every Gold Medal winner, neigh Canada, exclaims themselves to be strong Christian Nations.
At the beginning of this year, Barack Obama was inaugurated as the first African-American President of the U.S.A. It was in 1994 that Nelson Mandela took the reigns of a turbulent South Africa. That is why I think that either Nigeria or South Africa will win the upcoming 2010 World Cup of Football (being staged for the first time in an African Nation). As for the preceeding Winter Olympics that are being hosted by Vancouver, Canada. As a Canadian, I'm going for my Homeland. My concern is that bloody European favouritism, or I.O.C and F.I.F.A politics will prevail. Go Nigeria !!! Go Canada !!!

Saturday, November 28, 2009

Team Canada 2010 - by Moses

With the Canadian NHL'ers playing for Olympic Gold for the first time in Canada, I thought to catch the Olympic spirit. Here is a projected Roster of Team Canada for the upcoming 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics. The projected Roster is my opinion only, so please don't take offence if your favourite NHL'ers aren't included.

General Managers

1. Steve Yzerman
2. Scotty Bowman
3. Brian Trottier

Coaches

1. Jacques Lemaire
2. Pat Quinn

Goaltenders

1. Martin Brodeur
2. Roberto Luongo
3. J.S Giguere
4. Marc-Andre Fleury (first alternate)

Defencemen

1. Chris Pronger
2. Mike Green
3. Brian Campbell
4. Brian Seabrook
5. Dion Phaneuf
6. Scott Niedermayer
7. Jay Bouwmeester
8. Shea Weber
9. P.K Subban (first alternate)

Defence Pairings

1. Pronger and Green
2. Campbell and Seabrook
3. Phaneuf and Niedermayer
4. Bouwmeester and Weber (first alternate pairing)

Centermen

1. Sidney Crosby
2. Joe Thornton
3. Ryan Getzlaf
4. Marc Savard
5. Jonathon Toews (first alternate)
6. John Tavares (second alternate)

Left Wingers

1. Rick Nash
2. Vincent Lecavalier
3. Shane Doan
4. Simon Gagne
5. Eric Staal (first alternate)
6. Patrick Marleau (second alternate)

Right Wingers

1. Jarome Iginla
2. Dany Heatley
3. Zach Parise
4. Daniele Briere
5. Mike Cammalleri (first alternate)
6. Mike Richards (second alternate)

Bench by designation

1. Jonathon Toews (C)
2. John Tavares (C)
3. Eric Staal (LW)
4. Patrick Marleau (LW)
5. Mike Cammalleri (RW)
6. Mike Richards (RW)

Lines

1. Rick Nash Sidney Crosby Jarome Iginla
2. Vincent Lecavalier Joe Thornton Dany Heatley
3. Shane Doan Ryan Getzlaf Zach Parise
4. Simon Gagne Marc Savard Daniel Briere
5. Eric Staal Jonathon Toews Mike Cammalleri (first alternate)
6. Patrick Marleau John Tavares Mike Richards (second alternate)

GO CANADA !!!

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

Video Games - by Moses

Video Games

Ports (Interface Units) and Recording Studio’s

1. Abbey Road
2. Le Studio (Morin Heights)
3. Trident
4. Maclear
5. Cherry Beach
6. Turtle Beach
7. Metalworks
8. Bearsville
9. Studio 306
10. Casablanca
11. Q107 – Skylab
12. Walt Disney Studio’s
13. Lucas Sound
14. Many unnamed Governments and Broadcasters
15. AES/EBU
16. SPDIF
17. U.S.B
18. Optical – Crystal
19. Fiber-Optics
20. VHF/UHF – Antenna
21. M.I.D.I – Musical Instrument Digital Interface
22. Atari
23. Williams
24. Sega
25. Nintendo
26. Apple
27. Olivetti
28. I.B.M – Internal Business Machines
29. Commodore
30. Colecovision
31. Activision
32. Intellivision
33. Tascam
34. Alesis
35. Sony
36. Maxell
37. TDK
38. Yamaha
39. Akai
40. Kurtzweil
41. Neve
42. Westar
43. Neotek
44. Studer
45. Bryson
46. Carver
47. Bell Meridian
48. Cellular
49. Satellite
50. Sonar - Leagues

Video Games

1. Zapper
2. Galaga
3. Space Invaders
4. Galaxian
5. Missile Command
6. Donkey Kong
7. John Elway Football
8. Tommy Lasorda Baseball
9. Dragon’s Lair – Virtual Reality
10. Frogger
11. Qix
12. Labyrinth *
13. Tempest
14. Defender
15. Centipede
16. Pac Man
17. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
18. Super Mario Brothers
19. Tetras
20. Q-Bert
21. Joust
22. Track and Field
23. Asteroids
24. Star Wars
25. Speed
26. Miss Pac Man
27. Pitfalls
28. The Body Synth–The human is the game or character/Muscles making visuals/music/Cyborg

Dimensia and Polarization

1. Modes – Lydian, Phrygian, Dorian, Locrian – Set Scales
2. Octaves – Thirds, Fifths, Sevenths – Scale to Scale
3. Uni – Two Dimensional
4. Bi – Two Dimensional with Common Frequency
5. Tri – Three Dimensional
6. Quadrophonic – Surround Sound
7. Pentagon – Intelligence Gathering Techniques
8. Hexagon – Star
9. Septagon – Million
10. Octagon – 8th Dimension
11. Tetragon – Dan or Highest level in Martial Arts
12. Decigon - Highest/Billion
13. Uni-directional – Taking in at/from one direction
14. bi-Polar - Taking in from two directions at once
15. Omni-directional – Taking in from all directions at once
16. Cardioid – Heart shaped envelope
17. Hyper-Cardioid – Heart shape with a Penis for greater sensitivity

Video Games – Legend

1. Start of Game – Life
2. Game Over – Death and Desensitization
3. High Sc ore – Material
4. Increased Speed – Levels
5. % of hits – Success Rate
6. Virtual Reality – Identifying with the characters
7. Memory – The players’ imagination and talent
8. Discovering Hidden Screens – Conquest
9. Ability – Confidence

Repercussions

In the 1970’s when Video Games were introduced into our communities, the premise was simple – Kill the Alien, anything that is a threat to us - shoot an alien, shoot an asteroid, shoot a Centipede. These games were in-offensive to most. The person who played these games were expediating their rate to achieve high scores. Today, most Video Games employ hand to hand combat, and other acts of violence. When Video Games first came out there were many arcades in Mega-Cities and the usual form of playing was done standing. Today most people play their Video Games from home-systems – usually played while sitting.
In the Tom Clancy novel ‘Games of State’, the concern that he had was that Video Games would be used as a weapon top disorient people into believing that ‘Blacks’ should be exterminated.
On the internet today, practically any and all Video Games can be uploaded and downloaded onto a persons’ hard-drive. This is different from twenty years ago when a person had to buy the software. Today, hard-drives are ports, communication devices (with internal tracking a.k.a G.P.S). Therefore, any electronic device or cable used in our modern day carries with it a built in limiter in the Hardware (now considered a port). This chip can be activated outside of the home (each hardware component exists within the mainframe – a software design. Modulation (or synthesis) is used as a measure of issuing commands or triggers. In a natural state these commands carry no meaning – in other words, passive resistance is a defence mechanism used to combat impulses.
Closed circuit television was employed as a premise to define each Nuclear Household with respect to our programming. In our modern day – since 1990 - we now see many 24/7 businesses. By this perspective the psychology of our time has changed, in relation to the 70’s and 80’s. When almost 100% of the population worked a conformed 9am-5pm position, people were on the same page. Since virtual reality Video Games were introduced and when the Telecommunications industry became much more de-regulated, peoples’ psychology changed. In this writers’ opinion, we’ve become de-sensitized, and we’re experiencing gross acts of violence in the Western World as a result. Once there is a removal of programs within an operating system, this form of sensory deprivation is essentially psychological warfare. A rational person that consciously experiences this becomes disoriented. This is Tom Clancy’s fear. At the point of being triggered, or, having information withheld, a person will naturally combat. To see things clearly is paramount. Once time and depth perception changes, this is a form of terror. A person will naturally deduce based on whatever stimulae their given (how a person feels) - kismet.

Community Centre Food Banks - by Moses

In the City of Toronto, the local Churches are being provided food by the private sector (second harvest, our daily bread, supermarkets, and large and small scale food food companies.
By observation, there are 'emergency services' allotted to people that are clientele of food banks, either because of income allowance or zoning issues. By nature a person in need of 'emergency' food is provided such. This is a mandate of the Church overseen by the City, in the name of donations.
On Thursday, October 15th I walked into a Community Centre food bank that was two blocks outside of their service zone. My friend and I were without food in the home. We waited roughly two hours for our numbers to be called, and once they did I was asked a series of questions. My identification was valid, and I told the people there that this food was for 'emergency' purposes. I told them that I'd been to their food bank once in the past and that although my home was two blocks outside of their zone, the food was for an emergency' purpose as there were no food banks in our zone open on this day. My friend and I were shunned, and when we asked to speak to a supervisor we were asked to wait as he was doing paperwork. After 25 minutes we asked to speak to him again, and we were told that he was now at lunch. I was vocal at this point, and was told by the staff that I could call the helpline, but there was nothing they could do. I demanded to speak to the supervisor.
The supervisor came out finally, and tried explaining that our home was outside of their zone. I told him that this was the only food bank near us that was open at this time. He told us he'd speak to us ion an office for privacy. In opening he said he'd make an exception and service us, as we'd been waiting for roughly two hours. I asked him why 'emergency' services weren't being honoured. He explained that we'd been at their food bank three times in total (between the two of us), and that it was an exception to the rule to process our request
The root issue here is very simple; Should a man with nothing to eat in his home (based on circumstance) walk into a food bank and request 'emergency' food, they are entitled to it. The staff has to be aware, by delegate, that this is an entitlement and not an exception.
Case in point - A man has no money, no food, and hasn't eaten in a day. He waits for his number to be called, and after two hours is told to call a helpline because the mans' home is two blocks outside of the zone of the centre. He gets home and the office number is closed. He goes to bed. He wakes up at 1:00am and suffers hunger pains. He goes to a 7/11 and tries to steal a sandwich (by necessity).

Is this man a criminal?

Monday, November 9, 2009

A True Warrior of God

Maj. Nidal turned out to be a true warrior of God. A true warrior's loyalty is to Islam and this loyalty overrides all other loyalties. His allegiance to the United States, his sworn oath as an officer of the US army to serve and protect his country means nothing when his soul is a risk for not being true to Muslim.

Apparently, yelling “Allahu Akbar” Nidal opened fire on unarmed soldiers at close range. He of course hoped to die as a martyr, and go to Paradise where he would be rewarded by receiving the gift of 72 virgins. But Nidal blew it off by not dying in his Jihadi attack. Now he will live to get American justice which will not be as pleasant.

by Pindsvin

Thursday, November 5, 2009

The new Holy Roman Empire


On November 3, 2009, the Czech Republic signed the Lisbon Treaty. All 27 member stated have said yes to this treaty and it now takes effect. This means that the European countries loose their independence and become provinces in the European Union.

The European Union is not a Democracy. Its elected parliament have no legislative powers. The Executive body is appointed, and have legislative powers which can override national legislation.

To me this looks like a modern Holy Roman Empire.

by Pindsvin

Thoughts on Heathen Idemtity

Personal and group identities play an important role in weaving the fabric of society and determining how its individual components interact with one another. Members of any minority group, such as Heathens and Ásatrúar, for example, must constantly deal with defining themselves in relation to the groups they choose to associate with, and the consequences and benefits this identification brings. It is therefore worthwhile to reflect for a moment on some of the sources of identity and the roles identity plays in greater society.

The historical Germanic Heathens derived their identity primarily from two main sources: ancestry and deeds. Ancestry, particularly what tribe one came from as well as one’s more direct ancestors, legitimized one’s existence and provided a strong source of power and luck. Personal deeds, however, could also add to or take away from one’s identity. The boasting culture of the Germanic tribes was an important means of adding to one’s own reputation. A strong identity and reputation were needed not only for favourable interactions within society, but also to ensure that one would be remembered and eulogized in Midgard even after death.

Surprisingly, things have not changed that much over thousands of years. In modern Western society, ancestry is still crucial to determining our sense of being. Many individuals feel strong connections to race, ethnic group, “tribe” (in the broad sense of the word), birth religion and family history. We are born with these inherent aspects of our identity, and they influence how we define ourselves and how others define us. Luckily, our personal deeds still allow us to modify these aspects of our identity, for better or for worse. Examining any high school will demonstrate that deeds such as academic achievement, athletic prowess, artistic abilities and success in dating will greatly influence how teenagers are perceived, and consequently treated.

One area that contributes to our identity more in modern times, and not so much in ancient times, is the groups we consciously choose to identify with. For example, in modern society we can choose our religion, our leisure activities, our political affiliation, the clubs and organizations we support, etc. These further modify and influence our personal identities.

There are thus many sources of identity, some of which we are born with, and others which we create for ourselves. It is often said we should judge people for who they are, not whom they are associated with, but this notion misses some rather key points. Identities are crucial in establishing social norms and maintaining the interactions between different parts of society. By applying labels and group identities to individuals we can quickly get a brief overview of what a person may (or may not) represent, and understand better where he or she may be coming from and what life experiences or sensibilities he or she may have. An individual’s personal and group identity can also be a source of strength and legitimacy, and provide a sense of belonging.

The problem, however, lies in taking identities to the extreme (otherwise known as stereotyping). By refusing to acknowledge heterogeneity within a group of people identified the same way, we often fail to understand the individuals we interact with. Prejudice and discrimination can also result when we do not agree with the central aspects of the identity of another group, and therefore put ourselves at odds with people who either choose to (or must by birth) identify in a certain way.

Now that we are aware of some of the sources of identity and roles it plays, we, as Heathens (or whatever else we may be) must decide to what extent we will identify ourselves within this context. Identifying strongly as a Heathen provides us with a wealth of cultural context and a wide variety of ancestors, heroes and god/desses from which we can learn and grow. However, identifying strongly can also cause us to face stereotyping (if not discrimination) from others, or at least be seen as different and weird.

We must also not be caught up too entirely in our identity that we must change our own personal beliefs and personalities just to fit those that the majority of Heathens (or whatever group we are talking about) share. Just because historical Heathens often attacked Christian settlements or were conversely attacked by Christian missionaries, for example, does not mean that modern Heathens also have to be enemies of modern Christians (which unfortunately seems to be an assumption of many Heathens I have met), as the socio-political context is extremely different now than it was a thousand years ago.

On the other hand, denying or hiding our identity can be self-defeating. I, personally, do not talk about myself in public very much, but was extremely offended to hear someone (falsely!) remark, “ah, but you don’t have any interests outside school and work so you don’t count!” I’ve also been told, “I’ve known you for two years, but know absolutely nothing about you!” And other people just think something is wrong with me and can’t figure out what. Not identifying as Heathen (despite it being a major part of your life) could thus potentially lead to just as many problems and misunderstandings as rubbing it in everyone’s face.

For some things (like race, biological gender, etc.) it is almost impossible not to strongly publicly identify as a member of a certain group. But for others, such as religion, the choice is yours. Reflecting on where identity comes from, and the benefits and drawbacks of group association, will therefore help each individual decide the degree to which he or she will publicly identify as such. Some of us are loud, proud and public, others hide away for fear of being ridiculed, shunned or accused of being something we are not, and others (like myself) find talking about such things with other people unfruitful and usually in vain. Thus, whatever degree of attention one draws to oneself as a Heathen (or member of another group) remains a personal decision, but one should never lose sight of trying to understand why one has made such a choice and the consequences thereof.

Þórsvinur

Saturday, October 10, 2009

Nomadic and Other Tribal Concerns - By Moses

1977 Camp David Agreement – The Sinai became indigenous to Israel/Palestine and Egypt.
The agreement was signed by Israeli Prime Minister Moshe Dyan, Egyptian Leader Anwar Sadat, and U.S President Jimmy Carter.
Through this agreement an African American could legally enter both Israel/Palestine and Egypt at its’ midpoint, the Sinai. This was to be the end of Apartheid. Kibbutziim were established in both the Sinai and Negev Regions for this purpose.

1993 Israel/Palestine Peace Treaty – Israeli Prime Minister Yitzchak Rabin, Palestinian Leader Yassir Arafat, and U.S President Bill Clinton signed a Peace Treaty that was done to insure peaceful relations within Israel/Palestine. Land claims for Palestine were given as a sign of good faith.

Ancient Nomadic Settlements throughout Monotheist Faiths;

1. Jericho - Palestine
2. Shechem - Israel
3. Jerusalem - Israel
4. Mecca – Saudi Arabia
5. Hebron - Israel
6. Safad - Israel
7. Tiberius - Israel
8. Uz - Israel
9. Ashdod - Palestine
10. Ashkalen - Palestine
11. Gath - Palestine
12. Ekron - Palestine
13. Gaza - Palestine
14. Giza - Egypt
15. Goshen - Egypt
16. Petra - Jordan
17. Amman - Jordan
18. Luxor - Egypt
19. Cairo - Egypt
20. Tanis - Egypt
21. Ein Geddy - Israel
22. Ein Afdat – Israel
23. Mitzpe Ramon - Israel
24. Dimona – Israel
25. Casmir – India/Pakistan
26. Dubai – Saudi Arabia
27. Tibet
28. Nepal
29. Sedona – U.S.A
30. Cape Town – South Africa

Common Nomadic Beliefs;

1. There is no ‘White’ man
2. Al-Kalil – Friend of Allah (Creator of the Universe). Specifically the relationship between Abraham and Mohammed.
3. Brahman was studied to keep faith in a Monotheist Practice, as Abrahm became Abraham through the belief of Monotheism through his covenant of circumcision with his son Ishmael.
4. We’re all tribal
5. Trade is Barter – this means that you’re legally allowed to entertain another in thought.
6. Kingdom – Every soul defines such differently.
7. Naturalization (assimilation) is the teaching of a Kingdom, or Tribe, within a given Region.
8. Technology is impedance (or information) - undefined
9. Media is the transference of events – Interpretive

Media is not ‘Buddhist’, ‘Jew’, ‘Black’, ‘Arab’, ‘White’, ‘Red’, Chinese’, ‘Hindi’, ‘Muslim’, ‘German’, ‘Japanese’. Media in its’ purest form is Colourization, something that comes to light (prophecy).

Troops in Afghanistan and Related Matters

1) Roughly 135 Canadian troops have died in Afghanistan since we’ve set up Peacekeeping duty in their Country.
2) The Afghani Population by majority are in favour of a ceasefire towards the Western World.
3) Head of N.A.T.O – Rasmussen and the Foreign Affairs Minister of Pakistan are calling for a more balanced World-wide effort to balance ‘Trigger’ effects that they’re currently experiencing.
4) The case of a Danish Embassy being bombed in a Gentrified Muslim Country (98% Muslim) was recently explored in a N.A.T.O Summit with Muslim Leaders. A Danish Publication had poked fun at Mohammed and this Countries’ radicals bombed the Danish Embassy in their Country as a response. During this Summit, Muslim leaders considered the Publication to be nothing more than a bad sense of humour and washed their hands clean of this terrorist attack.
5) R.A.F (Republic of African Freedom Fighters) are currently in deliberation in fighting the issue of Land Claims within the African Continent.
6) Naturalization within this region of the World is taking precedent over monetary buyouts. In other words, a Man with huge financial assets will not own this Region, rather, become a part of the land. (The concern here is Foreign Investment within the African Continent, as African Nations are still fighting against Colonization).

Wednesday, September 16, 2009

Farming and Agricultural Economics - By Moses

Farming and Agricultural Economics

Perspective #1 – To enter a labour force that is paying their Farmers’ employee base $10/hour (in Canadian Funds) twice that amount, means this;

1) There will be more skilled workers.
2) The demand side upon applicants will be greater at this site.
3) It will cost more to build up capital.
4) Privatization will occur in most likelihood, with respect to each ventures’ products. ie- Pears will increase in supply and decline in cost (law of diminishing returns), under the premise of ‘Laissez Faire’.
5) Land will become fertile faster.
6) Agricultural products from this farm, will in all likelihood improve.

Perspective #2 – Under the same scenario of economics;

1) Cause a high staple price in immediate seasonal supply and an inflationary agricultural economy in the short term.
2) Speed up infrastructure in irrigation and Farming Communities with newly found funding.
3) Build a strong agricultural economy in the long term, as the agricultural sector would be built up tenfold over time (as our children may very well have new found interest in Farming in Rural Centers, versus the success of living in Urban Metropolitan Centers).

Cause and effects of these perspectives;

1) With a wider land claim, each Farm will create a ‘product’ market (specialization). Ie- Pears and Avocados on any particular Farm will increase in Quality and Supply.
2) The land will become fertile, sooner than might have otherwise been expected.
3) Irrigation would become highly feasible.
4) Worldwide teams would be in demand, and greeted by Volunteers Worldwide in greater numbers.
5) Trade amongst trading partners would be stronger. Should a person be given a decent salary, most would be a little more motivated in acting on an offer to be there. With an extremely low salary, it would stand to reason that most people Worldwide would reject employment. For example; Should the Provincial Government of Ontario promote five times the amount of Maple Syrup, and sell the product at half the price, this (in selling their seasonal supply in full) would bring in an additional Profit more than twice that of a limited supply and allow for a greater wage for the Labour force .
6) Should this Farming expansion be in a region of that in the Sahara Desert; Irrigation from the Red Sea across North-East Africa would occur much sooner than might otherwise be expected. Additionally, it would build up trading partners that today are almost non-existent.

Saturday, August 29, 2009

Time Twist and the Illusion of Control - By Moses

What if 24 hours were really 25 hours?
How would the human mind perceive this?
Does that mean that we would have more time to work with? No.
By changing our perception towards time, only changes perspective. Time is constant.
With more thought in a shorter period of time changes our perspective towards the day and the day seemingly becomes longer. This means 24 hours seems like 25 hours.
When 25 hours feels like 24 hours, our strength becomes an ability to function at an optimum level. By curving our perspective in this manner makes time ‘fly’.
Being trapped by time is an illusion, as 24 hours is 24 hours.
Having no choice, with respect to our dreams (subconscious ruminations), is something we all have to come to terms with. Our dreams are what prepare our conscious state for the following day, and can occur in both the conscious and subconscious states. These ruminations in our conscious state have us fighting against time, and if manifested, lead to racing thoughts. Racing thoughts make for ‘long’ days.
The illusion of control does not exist in our dreams.
Our subconscious is alive during our sleep. Knowing this, that in twenty minutes of R.E.M we’re capable of living a full day, and/or night, makes a person appreciate their life. Waking up to start the day should not be taken for granted. To ‘day dream’ (carry conscious state ruminations) is counter productive as we tend to fight against time during these instances.
As the conscious state and subconscious states are related, it stands to reason that the subconscious mind is constantly used. For example, should a man be thinking a word – that word can come out accidentally in speech – a ‘subconscious slip’.
As our conscious and subconscious states are related, yet separate entities, to live life unilaterally (between the two) strengthens our affinity, our soul.
When we remember our dreams it is a blessing, and to Native Americans is considered visionary.
The illusion of control is confusing to those that understand that anything can happen at any time. Control is only a measure that occurs after the fact. In reflection, a person understands what has occurred, what could have been done, and the cause and effect relationship (ramifications). These ramifications as to what happened in our past, are dealt with in our subconscious, and shapes our conscious through our dreams. In our conscious state most people think that they are in control, that they can make something happen, or make something not happen. This illusion of control is what makes us human.
The concept of ‘the straw that broke the camels back’ comes to mind in understanding that we are not in control. As animals, our souls can only take so much punishment before it acts out. A subconscious full of anger promotes night terror, and in turn burdens our conscious state and causes us to act out. This burden takes form in physical crime, dishonesty, and if manifested severe enough, mental health breakdown of our conscious state.
By understanding that ‘No man is an island’, one recognizes to work with whatever it is that they encounter.
When your son accidentally spills something on your new couch, it’s not the end of the world. Shit happens, and to be blind of imperfections, one buys into the idea that they and their loved ones can be perfect. Some look for ulterior motives in a pessimistic state in trying to reach perfection. This defense mechanism is an illusion of control. By mistrusting in this manner a person doesn’t trust themselves. This mistrust lives amongst all of us. Those that deal with their issues is considered a natural maturation process and allows a person to overcome their fear that they’ll be caught when they make a mistake.
No one feels good about themselves when they make a mistake, but you still have to move forward. This illusion of control is a worldwide epidemic. ‘Everyone knows everything, and no-ones ever wrong. Until later’ – lyric written by Neil Peart.
How high, how fast, how strong. At some point there is an innate breakdown that we all experience. System overload, too much pressure. To combat we slow down. Those that ignore the symptoms of stress are susceptible to mental health issues (formerly known as nervous breakdown). We need therapy in our lives to deal with our stress. Reading, sports, movies and television, video games, music, writing, amongst other genres are therapeutic in unleashing pent up anger, and this releases our stress valve to reasonable levels. Pushing ourselves too hard is a problem of the times of the present day. We all want to be successful. How badly we want success is another question. In 1986, Baseball pitcher Donnie Moore was one out away from taking his team to the World Series. He was accredited with the loss. Moore never recovered psychologically from this event. He killed himself a few years later. In our day there is a huge emphasis on meditation and diet. With these areas increasing amongst the public, it enables those to balance their energy, and become less susceptible to mental health disorders.
Here’s an analogy. I can be strong. Strong enough to win. Strong enough to dominate. Strong enough to win the battle. Strong enough to win the war. By the way, who is the enemy?
It has to be alright to make a mistake, or lose the game. If not, a person won’t accept themselves through adversity. In tough times, many people don’t deal with adversity well, and it manifests, increasing our stress-load exponentially. To live our lives with this much pressure can be unbearable. What would you do if your son hit himself in the head over and over again?

Tuesday, August 11, 2009

Disable This !!!l - By Farhan A. and Moses

Newsletter #1

  1. In todays' age, we see roughly 20% of the North American Population having Mental Health Issues, severe enough to be considered Mental Health Problems. This means that roughly 20% of our population is eligible for Federal, State, Provincial Funding.
    This may be disheartening, however, many Bureaucracies are discriminating against the Physically 'Disabled' in the name of Wheel-Trans, MP Offices, and other Government Services that are specifically in place to accommodate the Physically 'Disabled'.

    As Service Rates are being lowered, the physically 'disabled' (and Mental Health Survivors for that matter), are left with no lobbying options and caught in a loophole in place (essentially a loophole trap). Being dismayed at bullying tactics, a Client will most likely complain; Were you upset at the driver? The question is premeditating. This is a complete withdrawal of services/ likewise service entitlements. When someone is told to be yourself by some Bureaucracies, in actual fact the premeditated response is of the Bureaucracy playing G-d to you. 'There's a Focus Group, that can prove, at the root, we're all nothing but cold calculation' (Gord Downie)is a summize, of what many Canadians dealing with Bureaucracy encounter. In actual fact, a person labeled 'Physically' Disabled may actually be the brightest Medical Mind. Should we be harnessing our skills, or do we want to promote a greater 'Disability' Population. It is of this writers' opinion that should 'Disability' Claims exceed 33% in North America, SHIT WILL FLY!!!

    Disable This !!! has been established to speak out towards these injustices, and to insure that a person in a Wheelchair isn't treated like a second class citizen when they are Canadian Citizens. We would just like to strive, not to be a Disability Pensioner, but rather viable, and in demand towards the workforce (Gainfully Employed).

Monday, July 13, 2009

Qualified African Americans for the U.S Presidency - By Moses

Actors/Entertainers Athletes

1. Lawrence Fishbourne 1. Bill Russell
2. Bill Cosby 2. Bob Gibson
3. Denzel Washington 3. Edwin Moses
4. Morgan Freeman 4. Henry Aaron
5. Oprah Winfrey 5. Dave Winfield
6. Forest Whitaker 6. Michael Jordan
7. James Earl Jones 7. Marvin Hagler/Tony Dungy
8. Eddie Murphy 8. ‘Magic’ Ervin Johnson
9. Will Smith 9. Julius Erving (Dr. J)
10. Robert Guilleume 10. Sugar Ray Leonard
11. Garrett Morris 11. Isaiah Thomas
12. Robert Townsend 12.Frank Robinson/Art Schell
13. Arsenio Hall 13. Warren Moon
14. Angela Bissett 14. Gene Upshaw
15. Sydney Poitier 15. Oscar Robertson
16. Samual L. Jackson 16. Jerry Rice
17. Aretha Franklin 17. Elgin Baylor
18. Whoopi Goldberg 18. Don Baylor
19. Spike Lee 19. Calvin Peete/Ernie Banks
20. Gregory Hines 20. Avery Johnson/Ron Washington
21. Quincy Jones 21. Lee Elder/Sam Mitchell
22. John Singleton 22. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
23. Robert Cray 23. Moses Malone/Eddie Jordan
24. Delfalo Marseilles 24. Gary Pettis/Lovey Smith
25. Peabo Bryson 25. Lloyd Moseby

This is not to detract from the accomplishments of current President Barack Obama, but rather to re-iterate that it was only a matter of time before an African American was named to the highest Polital order within the U.S.A.

Dachau - By Moses

Dachau

In 1937 Nazi Germany began a series of Concentration Camps after conquering Poland. There was a little known City of Dachau that Hitler organized into the third largest Concentration Camp. Over 300,000 Jews were exterminated, at first by starvation and execution, finally by the gas chamber.
My Grandfather’s Nephew, Henry Kay, was sent to Dachau in 1939. His job at Dachau was simple; Dig a hole big enough for mass burials. He remained there for three years and was finally freed by the Allied Forces just after Normandy in 1942. Although there were supposed financial reparations made by Germany after the Holocaust, a person was not obligated into taking the money. My concern is this; What happens when someone is convinced that the only way to live their life is to forget a period of their life that another person doesn’t want to know about? Likewise, another person doesn’t want to know about the Holocaust, so it’s not alright for someone else to think about the Holocaust.
Henry Kay used to give his food ration to the wealthy Jewish children that couldn’t stop crying because they had never had to struggle for a meal. He did so willingly because of the punishment that was given to Jewish children as a result of being caught crying. These Jewish children were taken to the infirmary and put forth before Nazi Doctors (headed by Joseph Mengele). It was customary for these children to have their eyeballs taken out of their eye-socket and be injected with blue dye to try and get these Jewish children to see things properly. Even to this day people with blue eyes are sigmoid into thinking they’re evil, or, others look at people with blue eyes as evil, because of these sick practices. In case you haven’t noticed, there is a current Coca-Cola commercial that depicts a brain, a tongue (?), and a blue eyed eye-ball with stick-legs all casually conversing.
In psychological warfare a person is systematically broken down until they mistrust themselves. This is what Hitler and Mengele were trying to accomplish. It is also why Star-Trek started to depict the Borg as the enemy, and also why in later episodes there was a level of peace between Captain Picard and a lost and found Borg, who eventually was kept away from his race. The subplot was in trying to corrupt this race by corrupting this Borg, nixed as it was considered too sadistic.

Tuesday, June 23, 2009

Kensington Park - By Moses

Kensington Market - 3PM-5PM Monday, June 22nd, 2009 – By Moses


3PM
- There were 4 people at a ‘circle’ and one other nearby neighbor.
- 1 Person has a bit of weed.
- The wrong person is tackled into submission with zero resistance (also known as Passive Resistance).
- The wrong person is set to be charged with the Trafficking of Narcotics
- He is searched and is NOT found in possession of any Narcotic
- 2 People from the circle stay behind (including this writer) after being told to leave as they make it known that they want their names on the report as ‘The man wasn’t doing anything wrong’ and ‘We’re just musicians’.
- A shop-owner at ‘Hotshot’ comes out for the 2nd time within 1 week of two separate ‘Black’ Males being tackled by the Police (3 times in two weeks), for the ‘possibility’ of Marijuana Possession (Both times the shop-owner saw that neither person was in possession).. Another shop-owner at ‘Aspetta’ saw the first event and called it ‘disgusting’.
4PM
- The shop-owner at ‘Hotshot’ asked for each of their badge numbers to include himself as a witness (as had the two ‘Brothers’), and finally after 1 Man is taken into 14 Division, the other ‘Black’ accused is let go. While waiting to put my name on the report it was explained to me how Bob Marley and Peter MacIntosh were bad. THIS IS NOT A WEED ISSUE.
- Abraham is now in Custody at 14 Division for Possession of Narcotics (Marijuana).
- In the last two months Kensington Market has had two separate incidence of ‘Stabbings’ and Belleview Park is currently under 24/7 surveillance. Peaceful demonstrations have been discouraged by the authorities and the local community is becoming anti-social by this behavior. My question is this; does a Parent want his child to be suspicious of others in a Public Park in Toronto, Ontario, Canada?

Wednesday, June 17, 2009

The Decriminalization of Marijuana - By Moses

The Decriminalization of Marijuana


Roughly 20 Million People in North America are regular Marijuana smokers. In our day we see Mega-Cities’ Court Houses clogged with simple possession of Marijuana charges. It has become a societal epidemic. To a person that carries in their belief that Marijuana is a ‘legal’ product this dichotomy is grossly offensive. At what point does authority become skewed, with respect to this issue?
For example; a man smokes a joint, works an eight hour day, five days a week. He does his job well and is conscientious. To what level of a microscope do we want to live? Are people to believe that Marijuana is the Devils’ drug? In our day there is somewhat of a breakdown in communication. Plainly put, we’re taught within the home what is acceptable, and then, taught what is acceptable outside the home. For an issue like Marijuana to be considered unequivocally illegal outside the home is essentially telling a person that they are an illegal quantity. This societal condemnation causes us to mistrust the system.
In 1976/77 the U.S President Jimmy Carter was pushing for the decriminalization of Marijuana. Congress at the time refuted, and this issue has been sidestepped (Albeit a brief interlude in 1996 within Canada).
Here’s the bottom line; dissecting a person on this issue brings countless, needless, and unjust measures. In other words, don’t judge a man for keeping his custom.
By decriminalizing the use of Marijuana, the Government would see Tax Dollars on the Manufacturing and Distribution of this product. The Government would also set a level playing field for the people. Caught smoking in Public and you’d be issued a ticket, as one currently is when in possession of alcohol in the Public domain (outside the home, or in the bar).
We, the Public, are in a crossroads today. A person believes what they believe, and, in the same breath told to lie about it. This element of fear is man-made and causes compounding issues. Let’s not forget that Prohibition of alcohol existed across the U.S.A in the Thirties, and that caused so much turmoil in that day that the policy had to be overturned.

North American Economics - By Moses

U.S.A Economy from a Canadian Perspective


Workforce – 100 Million People
Total Income @ $50,000/Person/Year Employed = $5 Trillion

Current System

The top 1% of all income earners’ in the U.S.A encompass roughly 1 million people of their population, and earn approximately $50,000,000 ($50 Million)/person/year on Average. The bottom 10% of all income earners’ encompass roughly 10 million people (NOT including people in jail and hard drug users – Cocaine and Heroine), and earn approximately $7,000/person/year.

Therefore; the total income of the top 1% income earners’ is roughly $50 Trillion
(1 million people X $50 Million), and, the total income of the bottom 10% income earners’ is roughly $70 Billion (10 million people X $7,000).

This means that there are 71,485 intervals of $70 Billion within $50 Trillion;

Therefore; to adjust the disparity in half, cut the top 1% income earners’ income to $25 Million/person/year, and quadruple the bottom 10% income earners’ income to $28,000/person/year. This would bring down the top 1% total income of 1 million people down to $25 Trillion, and bring up the bottom 10% income (Total Income) to $280 Billion. There would be a SURPLUS of 24.74 TRILLION U.S DOLLARS. In other words, there would be absolutely, unequivocally a ZERO U.S National Deficit.

Another dichotomy; a 4% tax on people earning $5 million+/year, means that on an average of $20 Million/Person/Year amongst 3,000,000 people (a rough estimate) would mean that $2.4 Trillion Dollars would materialize.

What we see World-wide is a completely different economic restructuring compared to the U.S. A Dollar (or any measurement of currency for that matter). The Dollar goes further. This is what we see in Southeast Asia and Northeast Africa; whereas $1 U.S is measured in a microscopic sense. For example, one could look at $1 U.S as being 100 U.S Cents. What tends to happen is that things get twisted and people are now looking at the currency exchange. 1/400th of 1/400th @ a rate of exchange in micro-pennies could theoretically provide 160,000 Pennies per $1 U.S. That is why we see people in Southeast Asia earning less than $1 U.S/Day.

Analysis

It seems to me that somewhere down the road there was a communication breakdown between responsible sensibilities that were in the U.S as recent as 1977. At that time in the U.S.A a person never really believed that they’d make Millions of Dollars. Maybe if they were lucky they’d win the lottery. They knew however, that they’d allows be able to achieve gainful employment. These days it almost seems that you’re screwed if you don’t earn at least $100,000/year. What is a Country that is poor to the point of mass starvation and plague supposed to think about us, the fortunate? Are we honestly supposed to tell them that it is because we were lucky enough to be born here? It DOESN’T hold water.

The Nuclear Family - By Moses

A Fifteen Person Nuclear Family versus a Four Person Nuclear Family


Principles

In Jamaica and the Middle East (including some parts of Africa) a 15 Person Nuclear Family is legal, while in Asia (East of India), it is not.
Contraceptives are illegal in roughly 1/3rd of the World. What this means is this; a man and his wife HAVE to have children in these parts of the World with ZERO choice.
Contraceptives are legal in roughly 2/3rd of the World and this promotes Freedom of choice with respect to having children.
Contraceptives are made mandatory in roughly 1/3rd of the World, to the point of being institutionalized within the home.
Some Countries discriminate within their own Country as to who are subsidized and who aren’t with respect to THEIR children. I.E – Israel, Sweden and Saudi Arabia.
Custom to having as many wives as you want carries limits and boundaries. I.E Bedouin in the Middle East region.

Repercussions

What happens to the children of a family of 15 should his/her parents die when they’re young?
What does a Man and his Wife do if they are only allowed to have one child by their Countries Sovereign Laws, when they feel condemned by this hypocrisy?
How many Martial Arts are in existence for this reason? (In other words, how many Do-Jos should Canada promote?)
Is a person required by Law to learn each of these arts? And, if so, who makes this distinction?


Analysis

Be fruitful and multiply DOES NOT mean to have 30 children. Nor does it mean added rights for Bedouin to have as many Wives as they’d like. Maybe we shouldn’t be so sensitive when it comes to the Bedouin of the Middle East and grant unlimited rights. What would be wrong with a Bedouin man having to account for a maximum 5 wives and a maximum 5 children from each wife? This would be an allowance of a maximum 25 children. Are we to honestly believe that this dichotomy isn’t offensive to a man in China? What this writer does not understand is this; a man that is ORDERED by their Countries Sovereign Laws to have only one child immigrates to Canada; Him, his wife and their one child live their life instilling the practice that they were ordered before they came to Canada. Their preconceived notions are adding a dichotomy to the microcosm that hadn’t been there before. Are we, as Canadians, to be stymied into triggered and rigid lives with ZERO headspace when it comes to the raising of our families? That is how many people in Mega Cities in North America feel with respect to living their lives.

Saturday, June 13, 2009

Paganism and Forgiveness by Gråulf

There is nothing in Paganism about forgiveness, or turning the other cheek. In fact, pagans did not believe that forgiveness was something you begged for, and expected to receive if you said you were sorry. That is so weak and pathetic, and implies that forgiveness is something you have a right too for the asking. That is not how it worked in a tooth for a tooth, and an eye for an eye world. If you wronged someone it was your responsibility to make the transgression right to the wronged persons satisfaction.

In pagan Europe the notion that forgiveness comes with a price evolved into a system of wergild, a fine that could be paid for murder or manslaughter if the victims family chose to accept it. The size of the wergild depended on the social rank of the victim. A regular freeman was worth 200 shillings in 9th century Mercian law, and a nobleman was worth 1200. The wergild for a Welshman was 110 if he owned at least one hide of land, and 80 if he was landless. Thralls and slaves technically commanded no wergild, but it was commonplace to make a nominal payment in the case of a thrall and to pay the value of a slave in such a case. A shilling was defined as the value of a cow in Kent, or a sheep elsewhere, so 200 shilling for a free man was enough to impoverish most families. The wergild for women relative to that of men of equal rank varied: Among the Alamanni, it was double the wergild of men, and among the Saxons half that of men a man.

I like the Jewish concept of forgiveness. So much of Paganism has been lost, but Judaism is almost as old as Paganism, and most contemporary religions have some commonality. By Jewish law there is a date every year by which time you have to be square with the world. That means paying your debt, and repairing any evil committed by you during the past year. Even then, you must ask the wronged person for forgiveness, and the wronged person gets to decide what compensation forgiveness will require. If forgiveness is refused three times that is the way it stands, because even God cannot forgive a transgression on behalf of one wronged.

Gråulf.

Friday, June 12, 2009

Land Settlements in Israel Today,and the 1973 Yom Kippur War - By Moses

Land Settlements in Israel

In the 19th and early 20th Centuries in the Soviet Union, a Jew was documented by medical rcord and segregated from every other denomination, until their death. A Jew was tortured at will of the Soviet Government and given lifetime imprisonments in the name of Psychiatric Hospitalizations (the Dicotamy of Dicotamy). Jews were defined stringently as 'White Jews' in the Soviet at that time, as any person darker in skin complection were defined as 'Jews', and not allowed in this region.
'Fiddler on the Roof'' comes to mind when thinking of bltant anti-Semetism.
In Israel today, it is reported from Canada that 'the Jews' have set up similar camps amongst the Palestinian People. In truth, no Arab Nation has adopted Pilgrimage for the Palestinian People. Why should Israel be the only Arab Nation to house another Nation (as Palestine - Phillistine People - are distinctly geneologically Not Arab People but rather Aegian).

!973 Yom Kippur War

Syria, Egypt, Jordan, Saudi Arabia (Persia)} invaded Israel during YomKippur, as all Military Posts were kept at a bare minimum to allow Jews innate right to make ammends with the Lord (in Christian Proverb - with Jesus) - our Day of Atonement.
Izchak Rabin, Israel's Defence Minister at the time (Head of the Bait Shin), warned Israel's Prime Minister Golda MEir 1 month prior to the attack that an attackwas plausibly coming, and suggested that Militasry Posts be upheld. Meir Followed Hebrew Custom, that a Man, Woman, and Child needed to Atone for their sins on Yom Kippur. This is Paramount to being a Jew. Gist. Understanding where you stand in life. With this Cultural theme comes direction of propagation (affluence/influence).
When Syria reached the Sea of Galilea, they stopped and waited for Damascus to clear a unilateral strike 0n Jerusalem. While the Chaganah oversaw the Israeli Militaries restoring their posts, Damascus was slow in response, and enough IDF were in place to fight the converging Nations. In fact, there were Israeli Arabs fighting for Israel, and today in Israel roughly 1/8th the population are Isreali Arab.
As a result of the Yom Kippur War, Israel is very sensitive about the Golan, the Northern Most and Highest Plain separating Israel from Syria. During the Six Day War of '67, the Golan Heights was claimed by Israel as Syria was set to attack from there. Currently, in the Southern Most points of Syria and Lebanon, there are terrorist camps of Hezbollah within 100 miles of Israel. (In War excercises a man never lights the same cigarettes twice over the course of 10 minutes - for proximity purposes).

Social Inequities and Political Dilemma - By Moses

Case Study

1. A Nazi Officer fled Germany because he did not want to partake in the Holocaust anymore. He was protected by the Iclandic Government as he fled voluntarily. Do you kill him or try him for War Crimes? What Governing body makes that decision?

2. One man says 'Nigger' to another man and he is warmly greeted. The man who recieves 'Nigger' says 'Nigger' to another man and that man breaks his arm. The first man says 'Nigger' to the third man and is warmly greeted.
Here is the logistic being used; Men 1 and 3 are 'Black', and man 2 is Caucasian.
Are we to honestly to believe that it's alright for a 'Negro' Male or Female to say 'Nigger', and not alright for a Caucasian Male or Female to use that word.
My Grandfather was darker than me, does this give me added Rights?

As we can see from the aforementioned exaqmples, these issues are real. I personally know someone who broke another mans' arm based on the exact same argument. He will gladly call another man the 'N' word, or of himself for that matter. It's when someone not noticeably 'Black' says the word that he breaks arms. This is, in my opinion, the reason we are instituting Afro-Centric Schools across Canada.
It leaves me wondering why Oprah Winfrey hasn't put this issue before the American people on her Nationally Syndicated T.V Show. By burying our heads in the sand, means we're living the life of an osterich, and this is where we see blinded ignorance of the majority.
With the first case study example, it's pretty safe to say that Sovereign Nations expel former Nazi Party members, or at the very least these former Party members are made known to the United Nations for Security reasons. I sure as hell wouldn't want to live next door to Joseph Mengele (the Head Butcher of 'Jew Children' - as they were referred).

Thursday, June 4, 2009

When Life Begins by Gråulf

One of the big issues of the day is when does life begin? Many Christians insist that life
begins at conception, and present as proof that a fetus is genetically human from the very beginning. Well, so is the pimple on my rear end, and there is nothing sacred about that. Then there is the predominant belief that life begins when a fetus is viable, which is a moving target as technology becomes ever more sophisticated. Now tiny fetuses are kept alive to grow up with all sorts of horrible physical problems.

Throughout most of history life began when a newborn took its first breath. However, a newborn did not become a person until it was named, or if Christian, baptized. Until then it was legal to put an unwanted newborn out for the wolves. Baptism was an invention of monotheistic religions that consider it a sin to believe in other Gods, and that baptism conferred some magical connection to God. Muslims to this day kill those who abandon their faith, and Christians used to do the same. Note, the inquisition, when the Catholic Church burned Jews who were accused of practicing Judaism after they were baptized, and Charlemagne who executed thousands of pagans because they returned to paganism after being forcibly baptized. Pagans, who believe in many Gods, do not baptize children, because it would be meaningless. They may consecrate a child to the protection of a particular God by making the sign of the hammer over it, but that does not commit the child to that particular God, because no one can make that sort of commitment on someone else's behalf. Praying to a particular god is situational, and does not mean that you forsake your preferred god. If you are on the water you pray to Njord,, and if it is a matter of truth or justice you may pray to Tyr, etc. To a pagan the naming ceremony makes the child a provisional member of the community, and that commitment is affirmed when that child becomes an adult and a full member of the community. At that point a person can participate in religious ceremonies, and can make binding oaths. That is usually around the age of 13 or 14, and that was the most important ceremony of a persons life. So important that coming of age is still practiced in many forms, depending on the culture, although now it is mostly symbolic since people are not legally of age until they are eighteen or twenty-one.

The belief that a fetus becomes human with the first breath is confirmed by many old sayings, such as “Death begins with life’s first breath”; “From my first breath to my last”; “God breathes the soul into the body with the first breath”. Before that first breath the fetus is just a parasite with the potential of becoming human being.

Gråulf.

Tuesday, June 2, 2009

Guantanamo and Torture by Gråulf

I never thought I would live in a country where habeas corpus didn’t apply. The bush administration got around that by holding prisoners at Guantánamo Bay, and they claimed that the US constitution only applies within the United States’ borders, and to US citizens. Holding prisoners indefinitely without charging them, or bringing them to trial, is morally reprehensible, and has no place in civilized society. Now the Obama administration is closing Guantanamo, but Obama intend to hold some prisoners (those who cannot be convicted in an American Court because the evidence against them was supplied by informants), in indefinite administrative detention in US jails. That is just moving Guantanamo somewhere else, and his solution does not even pretend to respect the intent of the Constitution. If terrorists are brought to the US they come under the halo of the Constitution, and should have access to our judicial system.

In my opinion Guantanamy should be kept open, but prisoners should be charged, and brought in front of a Military Court within a reasonable time. That is provided for in the Constitution. Even terrorists merit justice, and we owe them a quick trial, and a speedy execution.

There is endless debate about torture, and what it is. It is nonsense to assert that water boarding is not torture, just as it is nonsense to say that harsh treatment is. Once someone has been convicted of terrorism we should be able to torture them to get information about the organizations they belong to, and about their intentions, but only if we have indisputable reason to believe they have information that will save lives, or prevent a terrorist attack. Even then, torture should only be allowed after a court has sanctioned it. I can think of numerous possible scenarios where torture might not only be reasonable, but the only rational choice, and it is mad to make torture illegal under all circumstances.

Gråulf.

American Cars by Gråulf

What is the difference between a Fiat and a Jehovah’s Witness…. You can close the door on a Jehovah’s Witness.

Fiat will own Chrysler, but part of the deal with the Union is that Fiat will not be able to sell their small, fuel sipping cars in the US. Ford owns Volvo, and Volvo developed a turbo diesel that puts out 200 horsepower, and gets 52 miles per gallon in their small sedan, and 40 miles to the gallon in their full size station wagon. So, why is Ford claiming that developing engines for the new mileage standards will add $2000 dollars to each new car?

American auto companies have been screwing their customers for years. I certainly thought so when the paint flaked off my Jeep Grand Cherokee, and Chrysler refused to do anything for me because the two-year warranty had expired. The Jeep also overheated if I used the air conditioner on hot days, and there was no fix for that. Then there was the Chevy Blazer I owned before the Jeep, which was so badly designed that you had to detach the engine mounts and jack the motor up above the frame to change the fuel pump. Why would anyone buy a Ford after they found out that Ford made a deliberate decision not to fix exploding fuel tanks in the Pinto, because it was cheaper to pay off lawsuits than to fix the problem. Why would anyone buy a Chevy Pickup after they found out the Chevy Pickup shown jumping a berm in the TV advertisements was totaled, and they used trick photography to show it continuing on undamaged. Why should we believe that it is important to “buy American” when at least one quarter of every American car is made in third world countries.

American auto companies once made the best cars in the world. On the way they discovered consumerism, and created the demand for new and different models every year. Their energy went into design rather than into improving their product. When foreign cars eventually surpassed American cars in quality American manufacturers increased their advertising budgets instead of improving their vehicles. American manufacturers also exploited the notion of class, and the idea that you can tell the quality of a person by the car they drive. Chevrolet was for the lower classes, and you had to buy a Buick or an Olds when you became middle class, and a Cadillac if you were fortunate enough to become upper class. The main difference between models was the price, the upholstery, and the name on the hood.

Now it appears we all spent seventy billion dollars and became owners of General Motors, and I expect them to deliver my new pickup as soon as possible. I would like a blue one. Meanwhile I would like someone to show me where in the Constitution the Federal Government was granted the power to take over private businesses. I have two copies of the Constitution, and cant find that passage anywhere.

Gråulf.

Friday, May 29, 2009

The Ka-Bar USMC Knife by Gråulf

The Ka-Bar USMC knife of World War II is possibly the most famous fighting knife of all times. The knife was made in Olean, NY, and had a 7” black powder-coated blade of high quality steel, and a handle made of compacted leather discs.

The Ka-Bar became standard issue to the Marine Corps back in 1942, and soon became the prized possession of every fighting marine. Later the knife was issued to the other branches of the service. The Ka-Bar went out of production at the end of World War II, but during the Korean and Vietnam Wars, many Ka-Bars were reactivated into military service as World War II veterans passed their personnel Ka-Bars along to their sons.

The old knives continued to be used by survivalists, campers and hunters, but eventually all available Ka-Bar knives ended up in collections. Thousands of knife enthusiasts were writing to the Olean factory every year, asking them to produce more Ka-Bar knives because they were unable to find used ones. Finally, after 32 years the factory, and some of the craftsmen who worked on the original Ka-Bar knife, decided to produce it again for the 200 anniversary of the United States Marine Corps.

The new Ka-Bar USMC knives are identical to the original, but they cost a whole lot more. I once owned one of the originals, and it was the sharpest knife I have ever owned. That knife cost something like $12 at the local War Surplus Store. Now I own one of the second production Ka-Bars, It cost me $70, and it is my favorite outdoor knife. It is identical to the original in every respect, but I swear that it does not take an edge as sharp as the original World War II Ka-Bar USMC knife.

Gråulf.

Wednesday, May 27, 2009

Forgiveness, by Gråulf

A while ago I got into a ferocious argument with a professor at the University of Colorado, who stated that all white Americans carry a burden of guilt for our past history of slavery. I hear the same argument about our treatment of Indians, and usually I just let it pass, but this professor caught me in a bad mood. I sneered that while there were slaves in America my ancestors were serfs in Denmark, and were often treated worse than any American slaves by the landowners they belonged to, so don’t tell me what to feel guilty about! Who is supposed to feel guilty about the inquisition, and the thousands of accused heretics burned to death by the Catholic Church? Who is supposed to feel guilty about the one million Europeans that were captured by Barbary Pirates, and sold into slavery in North Africa? Who should feel guilty about all the genocide happening around the world right now?

A group of American Jews told me that I should feel guilty about hating Germans. They passionately explained that the present generation of Germans had nothing to do with Hitler’s Third Reich, and that it is wrong to blame them for something that happened before they were born. I could only shake my head at their muddled compassion, because I know most of their European relatives had been exterminated in German concentration camps, and that some of those around the table had parents and grandparents who still wore concentration camp numbers tattooed on their arms. Their compassion is ridiculous considering Jews are still pissed about being slaves in Egypt 3000 year ago, although there is not one historical record to confirm the Exodus ever took place. I also know from previous conversations they all believed we owe Blacks and Indians compensation for the injustice done to them more than 150 years ago. In fact, something that happened while their ancestors were being persecuted in Eastern Europe for being Jewish.

I have traveled in Germany, although it gives me the willies to be anywhere near that country. I have even met individual Germans, whom I like, and I am very fond of my ancient BMW motorcycle, but I will hate Germans to the day I die. I was born during the German occupation of Denmark, and grew up in a Country Impoverished because the Germans dismantled and stole its infrastructure, so I believe I have earned that right. My Gods are not forgiving, and do not consider forgiveness or compassion to be virtues, unlike the one who got himself nailed to a cross.

Gråulf.

Sunday, May 24, 2009

The Nature of Courage by Gråulf

I always figured the liberal nose pickers want to ban violence so they can bad-mouth conservatives without getting knocked on their asses. They are everywhere, especially in the schools, where they have been brainwashing our children to turn the other cheek for a generation. They have been very successful, and have finally created a culture that can propagate nonsense such as “I support our soldiers, but I hope they loose”. What dribble! Democrats pretend to honor our soldiers while they condemn them for killing enemies, and now they want to prosecute soldiers for torture because they poured water on some terrorists. At the same time they are trying to make friends with fanatics who cut peoples heads off on live television.

This is Memorial Day weekend, and I was reading the stories of some of the Medal of Honor recipients when I got curious about the nature of courage. What are the qualities that turn some people to acts of heroism, and others to acts of depravity and cowardice. There are lots of theories, but it seems the difference is mostly a matter of circumstance.

Thirty years ago a man by the name of Philip Zimbardo launched what is known as the Stanford Prison Experiment. He selected twenty-four young men to participate in his experiment, and randomly assigned them roles as “prisoners” or “guards” in a simulated jail in the Stanford University psychology department. Everything from the deliberately humiliating prison uniforms to the cell numbers on the laboratory doors to the mandatory strip searches and delousing were designed to replicate the depersonalizing experience of being in a real prison. The men who were assigned to be guards were given khaki uniforms, mirrored glasses, and billy clubs.

The idea was to study the psychology of imprisonment -- to see what happens when you put good people in a dehumanizing place. But within a matter of hours, what had been intended as a controlled experiment in human behavior took on a disturbing life of its own. After a prisoner rebellion on the second day of the experiment, the guards began using increasingly degrading forms of punishment, and the prisoners became more and more passive. Each group rapidly took on the behaviors associated with their role, not because of any particular internal predisposition or instructions from the experimenters, but rather because the situation itself so powerfully called for the two groups to assume their identities. Even the experimenters were so caught up in the drama that they lost all objectivity. The experiment was scheduled to last two weeks, but was terminated after six days when an impartial outsider stepped in and stopped the experiment.

It is disturbing to realize that the hero in a firefight could as well have been one of the guards at Abu-Greeb if the circumstances had been different. It is disturbing that weekend soldiers are sent to Iraq and made prison guards, without supervisors who are aware of the Stanford Prison Experiment. And, it is disgusting that liberals, who have never been near a firefight, are passing judgment on soldiers for sometimes killing civilians in combat situations.

Gråulf.

Saturday, May 23, 2009

Finding North by Gråulf

Several years ago I told my daughter that I wanted a good compass for Christmas. I had lost my compass, and it was a present she could afford because a good compass costs about $15. Instead, she gave me a handheld GPS that cost about $250. I was appalled that she had spent that much money on my present, especially since all I really wanted was a compass. A GPS is better than a compass for finding your way back to your car, but it stops working when the batteries run down. Then you are really lost, because people tend to rely on technology when they have it, and therefore don’t pay proper attention to all the natural direction indicators.

This months American Hunter had an article on how to determine North without a compass, and I noted that it was missing the method I was taught as a scout in Denmark, and that I have relied on ever since. The article said to plant a stick in the ground so it points directly at the sun. Then you wait half an hour until the stick throws a shadow about 4 inches long. The shadow will point due East. That works when there is enough sun to throw a shadow, but it is time consuming.

I was taught to point the hour hand on my watch away form the sun. North will be half way between the hour hand and 12 o’clock. Granted, that method is not as convenient if you use a digital watch. However, if you turn your back to the sun, and it is 4 pm, it is easy to extrapolate where halfway between 4 pm and 12 pm would be. I sometimes draw a circle in the dirt or in the snow, and quarter it to get a precise bearing.

Back when I guided hunters on the western slope I spent many nights looking for lost hunters. Some of them got lost because they believed the old fallacy about moss always growing on the north side of trees, or that the wind always blows from the West in this part of the country, but most went astray because they held their compass to close to their gun. The metal in the gun attracts the compass needle enough that it may be 15 to 20 degrees out of line, and that soon adds up to a lot of territory. I always told my hunters that if they didn’t return by a certain time I would fire one shot to give them a direction. Then they were to fire 3 shots to let me know where they were. Most of the time that didn’t work well, because several lost hunters would respond to my signal, and it would take most of the night to sort out which signal came from the hunters I was looking for.

Gråulf.

Wednesday, May 13, 2009

The Smart Grid by Gråulf

The power to my neighborhood was shut off for four hours yesterday, so the city could install equipment for the smart grid in local transformers. The smart grid is a computerized system that allows households to check their minute-to-minute power usage on the web, and will theoretically enable us to voluntarily reduce our energy usage. This so-called smart grid will cost about 25 million dollars, and is a one-dollar computer chip short of enabling the city to selectively turn off appliances in individual homes. Actually, the chip may already be installed in the system, because it is obvious where the greenies are going with this.

This part of Colorado sits atop giant coal deposits, and we have a perfectly adequate little coal-fired power plant just outside of town, that can supply all the power we need for decades. The plant is a bit out of date, and while it filters out any visible pollutants and sulfur, it needs to be updated to burn cleaner than it does. However, the local environmentalists have refused public service the permits to update the plant, because their goal is to shut it down completely. The city voted five years ago to mandate that twenty percent of our energy has to come from renewable sources, such as wind and solar. The mandate resulted in a sizable increase in our electric bills, but public service is still well short of achieving the mandated goal of twenty percent. There are days when it comes close, but then there are other days when less than one percent of the cities power comes from alternative sources.

No one asked me if I wanted the smart grid that was installed in my neighborhood yesterday, or if I want the city to be able to reach into my home to turn off my refrigerator when it suits them. That decision was made by the ideologs on the city’s environmental committee, who happened to be appointed rather than elected.

And that brings me to three words I hear more and more often, and that gives me the willies whenever they come up:

One is Collectivism, which means the subjugation of the individual to a group – whether to race, class, or state does not matter. Collectivists believe that man must be chained to collective action and collective thought for what is called “the common good”. Never mind the individual rights spelled out in the Declaration of Independence and the Amendments to the Constitution of the U.S.

Another is Multiculturism. The modern version of multiculturism originated in Canada, to appease the French Canadians, and became the official national policy of Canada in 1971, followed by Australia in 1973. It was quickly adopted as official policy by most of the member states of the European Union. This theory of benignly co-existing cultures does not work when it includes Muslims who are hostile to their adopted society, and support terrorists. It does not work in the U.S. either, where we are being overwhelmed by millions of illegal aliens from Mexico, who refuse to assimilate into American culture.

The third term is Progressive, which is often used in place of liberal by people who don’t understand the difference. Cultural Liberalism was founded on the concept of natural rights and civil liberties, and the belief that the major purpose of government is to protect those rights. Progressives, on the other hand, tend to support interventionist economics, such as the government taking control of banks and auto companies; they advocate income redistribution, like tax refunds to people who don't pay taxes; they support organized labor and trade unions; and they tend to be more concerned with environmental issues than mainstream liberals. Does that sound familiar?

Gråulf.