Gadhafi fun, miscontrued religion, and A Changing Ahmadinejad?, September 23, 2009

OK. I have decided that today is just a wierd day for things happening in the world. First off I wake up to find out that Gadhafi has decided to spread his non-sensical rants outside the border of Libya. Its one thing for me to read about his rants while he is sitting back in the desert trying to act all powerful and mighty, but its another thing to wake up to that ego of his addressing the UN. But alas, it was no dream, but reality. In case any of you dont know who he is, etc…let me fill you in! First off hes the leader of Libya, had been since 1969…let me make this clear, hes never been appointed as president or leader, but became leader by default after a coup inLibya in which he tried to become the next Che. Yes, the man is now known in Libya as the “brotherly leader” of that country. Im use to his rants, Ive been following him and his policies for years, especially during the negotiations with Italy, in which he sought and won compensation of Italys military occupation of Libya for decades (ie colonialism). I gotta commend him for that move, it was smart! But when the AU appointed him as the new leader of the organization, I immediately thought that they were nuts! hes not exactly known for his compliance, cooperation, or assistance…heck Libya was under economic sanctions and diplomatic isolation for most of his reign…oh yeah…and hes a bomber! In fact one of my favorite quotes of his is “I am an international leader, the dean of the Arab rulers, the king of kings of Africa and the imam (leader) of Muslims, and my international status does not allow me to descend to a lower level.” And this says it all! Today I awoke to find that he had spoken at the UN. While he had points about the UNs inability and unreliance to intervene in much of the worlds conflicts ( I agree with him there…which just is wierd to me! Maybe I should seek counseling!) his rants on the Security Councils power (which Libya is a member of) were hilarious, his rants on Israel…not surprising, his conspiracies on JFK had me wondering where the hell his speech would wonder off to next…and oh yes lets not forget the moment when he compared the Taliban to the Vatican, that was priceless! I want to know the Popes response to that one! Oh well, all i can do is smile and nod, because at the center of it all is an eccentric old man who is in desperate need of a reality check.

And well, as if Gadhafi wasnt enough for my todays wierdness and stupidity…I caught up on the news from Florida about the Mom and 5 kids who were killed. Her husband has now admitted to killing them and has asked the state to execute him immediately. Apparently he wanted to take his own life, but did not have the courage to go through with it, “because if you kill yourself, you’re not going to heaven.” Um…I may not have read the bible in years…but I seem to remember a certain commandment about though shall not kill. Wouldnt that mean you wont be going to heaven too?! Is he Catholic? Because if he was I coud understand the anti-suicide stance hes taking, but if not I think his religious arguement is a little off-kilter. Oh well, thats what crazy, economy, 5 kids, and religion will do to you I guess!

Am I the only one watching Ahmadinejad’s statements of late and wondering if the Ayatollah is beginning to tell him to become friendlier with the US. For all of his anti-west, anti-US rants in the past, this week has been really quiet from the Iranian president! While there was a rant about the new missile defense system in Europe as being anti-Iranian, hes been calmer. While he may not have applauded Obama’s speech at the UN today, his reports that he is asking for leniancy for the US hikers caught in Iran, and also his invitation to open talks with the US seem strangely new. How much of this is due to the appearance that Israel has appeared to take the military issue off the table with Iran, How much of this is caused by internal domestic unrest surrounding the election in Iran and the pressure being exported asking that the world shun Ahmadinejad, or something else…I dont know, but its got my interest peaked! Now to see how the world reacts.  Will there be talks? While he’s open to talks, it cant be on the nucleur issue, which is what the US wants to talk about….time to broaden the pie people!  or will the world shun him? Or will everythin remain the same…ahh….its Iran, who knows!

Later!

Windy Weather and following the Clintons August 5, 2009

Well, summer classes are almost done and I just bought a crap load of books for my 3 fall classes…I wish I could say that the expenses would stop there, but alas, after those classes come my thesis research and the bill that comes with that. Oh well, maybe Ill get a job to help pay for all these books…and a place to put them!

Ive been catching up on all the news following the release of the 2 journalists from North Korea, and the mission Clinton undertook to Pyongyang to secure their release.  I couldnt help but laugh a little because Kim Jung Il took a page right out of Maos ways to wage a revolution! Offer release if a high level envoy comes to Pyongyang. Then when that happens, spin the news on local media and help bolster your reputation domestically! And of course since the US is the evil in the world, a high ranking envoy from them would be the best propaganda of all! Im still glad that Clinton went because to the rest of the the world, it showed a sign that the US is willing to take diplomatic measures to end issues, even if the North Koreans spin it as the US is weak and bowed down to our demands…which is what is beginning to happen. Whatever Kim Jung Il…you can paint the US however you want, all it will do is maybe help reinforce domestic support…..maybe.

The other Clinton…aka Madame Secretary of State…is touring Africa right now, and Ive been following the news there too (of course!). I personally cant wait for some news on the talks she is going ot hold with the Somali President…not that anything that results from that meeting will be able to be implemented since that government is being propped up by AU and international support. The US tactics have been to supply weapons and other military aid to the Somali military, but that hasnt worked yet, and personally dont think that it will now!  With no stable government since 1991, its about time that the International community joins and trys to sort out the mess there, but then again, tribal loyalties get put aside when international players come to town…so what is the answer? anyone?

In case you arent aware…Hurricane Felicia is knocking on my door…Im waiting for it to cross the 135 parrellel and a Hurricane Watch to be effectively  put into place….I hope it doenst come this way though, cause honestly, even a Catagory 1 would wipe out Hawaii…and I dont necessarily want to be here for that event!  I think I need to go buy some water…and enjoy these nice cooling winds that seem to be coming before the storm.

Later!

Australian serial killer, the next Oscar nominated film, and a little OchoCinco drama July 15, 2009

Oh god damn it OchoCinco…I thought that after ast seasons horrible record, you were trying to be a team player(well verbally be one at least).  After all, you announced that yu were planning on living with the Palmer family to tighten that realtionship between QB and WR…and now you have to open youre big ole’ mouth and start blabbing about how you are planning to defy the NFL. Seriously? Why bite the hand that feeds you?! And for those of you who havent heard or read about his latest antics, he is wanting to Tweet during games, and the NFL said no. Seriously? Who cares either way…while I think it would be fun to see player tweets, its not necesssary or pertinent. What this all tells me is that 1) Twitter has officially become something truly obsessive and addictive (especially after we heard about Twitter going to space with the new NASA crew) and 2) that Chad needs to grow up!

Well I know what I want to see next in the movie theatres…Kim Jong Ils biopic…yep thats right…cause you know that North Korea will  just glamorize his every action, and whats more fun then watching some fun propaganda? Somehow i doubt I will ever see it, let alone in a movie theatre here in the US…but hey, maybe..a girl can dream cant she? (and yes I know im insane, but you have to admit it woud be freakin hilarious)…Oscars here it comes!

Australia has a serial killer on the loose..and so far 9 are dead…all had their stomachs slashed open…and for all of those around Sydney Harbor, it is a nightmare. The Penguins are being killed….but by what?!  Yes I know Im a dork, but when I read about these animal attack and the reactions of those around I couldnt help but play the comedic stupid drama card. After all, parks services actually hired 2 snipers to kill any foxes or other possible predator. Yes snipers. Extreme? Not so much. This is, after all, a country that’s considering building fences across chunks of Tasmania to help prevent endangered Tasmanian Devils with a contagious cancer from infecting the healthy population. And so now the enitre population is out to save these penguins, including telling the Mayor to do what ever was necessary…which obviously translates to snipers in Australian speak.

Later!

Crazy Cat Control, Stupid diplomacy move, and the conspiracy of Taylor July 14, 2009

Well all you cat lovers out there already know this, but apparently a new study at the University of Sussex has discovered that when it comes to the relationships between cats and their owners, the cat is in charge.  From the morning wakeup, to the purr and meowing cry, pet owners jump at what their cats want/need. But I dont think this just applies to cats…I mean all dog owners out there know this too, as does my Dad with the turtle Tut…You know when he is hungry…he starts destroying his tank! So while I think its funny that there was a study done that confirms what animals lovers already know, its kind of a waste of resources!

In world news that does not apply to animals, Zelaya has complicated the Honduras situation. While negotiations where ongoing to end the political crisis in Honduras, and were having limited success, Zelaya did what every politician, world leader, even businessman should never due…he issued an altimatum…”reinstate me or else.” He has vowed to act on his own if he is not returned to power in the next round of talks.  While it is unclear on what “other methods” he intends to use to regain power, what started as a bloodless coup, could end in civil war…lets hope not!

Wow…now I knew that this day would come when Charles taylor would speak on his own defense at his trial at the Hague, and sadly I am not shocked by him claiming that the case  against him is built on lies and rumors. But the fact that he believes that the case is a conspiracy to ” attempt to continue to divide and rule the people of Liberia and Sierra Leone”, shocked me. I mean its one thing to deny the charges, but another to claim conspiracy. Especially when the case, although taking place at the Hague, is still being heard by case  judges from the Special Court for Sierra Leone. It is the locals that are charging him with the assistance of the international community and the UN, not the UN itself.  Well now the trial begins and the burden of proof is needed, and in the end it will decide whether Mr Taylor is guilty of responsibility for atrocities, or whether, as he says, the whole affair is part of an attempt to divide and rule the people of West Africa.

Later!

Rockets in Hawaii, the battle for Harry, and some Genki Sushi goodness! July 11, 2009

Well today was a nice day out. Selina and I headed over to Genki Sushi for lunch and of course had fun selecting our meals off the Sushi Merry-Go-Round…aka the Sushi conveyor belt. I think every restaurant should do that! Its kinda fun to sit and watch the one item no one wants circle around the restaurant, feeling all rejected…in this case it was the tofu…suchi tofu just doesnt sound appealing to me! And after being stuffed to the brim with sushi, we ventured Ala Moana and I was introduced to the likes of Betsey Johnson, et al…For someone who is as worldly as me, I am apparently a fashion idiot, because 1/2 the stores were new to me! And of course this is probably partly blamed on the fact that I grew up in BFE Ohio…literally its BFE or aka Miseryburg.  The best moment though had to be the Japanese Cowboy Hula dance that I oh so cleverly happened to catch on video…so if you want to see it head on over to my Facebook because for some reason the video doesnt like my blog! And after a nice day of window shopping, and falling in love with a Coach purse that is like $900, we satiated out sadness of not being able to afford anything with a stopover at Liliha Bakery for some Coco Puffs…which are da’bomb brah!  Sadly this is the extent of my social life at the moment. My days are spent reading…and not for fun either…

Hmmm…who said a a girl cant split up two gay guys…well at least two gay penguins that is…at the San Fransisco Zoo, two male penguins,(Harry and Pepper) who have been together since 2003 were home wrecked by a female penguin(Linda)…and now the couple is no more…Apparently the controversy even turned ugly at one point.  My only concern about this news is that of all the zoos in the world, the gay penguins are from San Fran…stereotype much?

Hmm…maybe the Hawaii economy will become even more stable in the future…cause right now the only stable sectors are the DoD contracts! But there are a few out there who envision Hawaii as being the next gen tourist destination, the place where people come high-end getaways, including someday being launched from the sand to the stars, taking island-hopping to new heights. The issues at hand are whether or not the state governor will agree to the funds for a spaceport…but for me the greater concern is that this whole idea was dreamt up by some one in Oklahoma! Has ever been to HI? Infrastrucutre isnt the best here, and Im gonna guess that since they are planning on using existing runwys on Oahu and the Big Island that Infrastructure will be key! Oh well, let the dreamers dream, cause Im definately a dreamer too….

Ahhh…finally a google search that actually hints at me! “naked body art metallic bodypaint”….although Im not sure where or when I blogged about anyof that but somehow I can see myself doing it!

Later!

Mugabes mind, Biden and Israel, and a little Putin to boot… July 6, 2009

Well its always good to wake and find humor in world news. With all the death, and war, and economic whoas occuring all around the globe, it is nice to find something that can  make me laugh and roll my eyes. Todays little bit of humor came from Mugabe and his comments on the US envoy to Zimbabwe.  Mugabe called US assistant secretary of state for African affairs, Carson,  an “idiot” with a condescending attitude.  He continued by saying that “You would not speak to an idiot of that nature. I was very angry with him, and he thinks he could dictate to us what to do and what not to do.” I had to laugh at this because Mugabe has a history of not liking most US envoys to his country, and in fact thought Carsons predecessor was an idiot also.  And I can only imagine how that conversation went. “Give us your money, but you cant stipulate what I do with it.” Obama has committed $73 million to Zimbabwe but has stipulated that the money will not be given to the government because there is still concerns about the powersharing government that has been established, and the ability for it to unite enough to successfully aid the economic and political issues facing the country.  And honestly this is no different then other foreign policy moves past administrations have made when assisting a failing third world country…we give supplies, aid with stipulations.  And it seems that the Zimbabwean Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai understands and is willing to work with the US and other countries terms in return for assistance. Its sad to see one old man with power control issues hurting a country which was once so prosperous!

Well Obama’s meeting with Putin seems to go well, releasing a statement that says that there was an excellent chance to improve ties. Well of course! I some how cant see Obama giving Putin the angry parent look that Bush so famously gave him multiple times over the past 8 years, most infamously at the Beijing Olympics after the Russia/Georgia conflict.  But it seems that this visits agenda to begin negotiations to reduce nuclear warheads by up to a third may be successful. So one thing that Obama has wanted to achieve is underway, now what?

Well the drama in Iran has only just begun it seems. Iranian clerics have called Iran’s presidential vote invalid, and are calling for the results to be thrown out. And if their separation from Khamenei wasnt shocking enough, it seems that Ahmadinejad has been considering talks with Obama. But although this is different rhetoric from his usual anti-west/anti-US speeches, it isnt really much different, because he wants the talks to be held in front of the media, which doesnt make them diplomatic meetings, but a place for public pandering. We’ll see what comes of all this craziness…lets just hope our VP can keep his mouth shut in the future. Dont know what Im talking about? Continue reading then!

Also in the news…I have decided that Biden is an idiot. In an interview with ABC, he stated that the United States would not stand in the way if Israel chose to attack Iran’s nuclear facilities, even as he reiterated an offer to Tehran for negotiations over its nuclear programme. While he is right by saying that Israel will make up its own decision on who to bomb as a sovereign nation, the way he phrased it was more in lines with the US wont interfere with Israel, ans in some ways seemed to be supporting the Israeli preference to deal with Iran in a military fashion.  No wonder the Ayatollah is telling the West to stay out of its affairs and not to meddle. If our VP is indirectly vocally supportive of military options against Iran, then of course they dont want to have to deal with us!  What disturbs me even more is that whenever one of our allies is about to bomb another country there is discussions at multiple levels of government on the issue, and if we felt that the bombing would do more harm then good we would try to stress alternative methods. Bidens interview leaves me with the impression that even diplomatic efforts to avoid military conflict between Israel and Iran wont be occurring. While this wasnt stated implicitly, it seems to be what was meant.  Its sad to see the Israeli lobby being so influential in DC and with US foreign policy decisions. Lets just hope that Israel isnt stupid enough to actually airstrike Iran right now or we could end up in another war!

Oh and I really wish I was in spain right now, cause I could be running with the bulls! Oh well..

Later!

The annual events that mark the passing of the 4th… July 4, 2009

Well Happy 4th everyone. I am currently sitting in the hot tropical oasis known as Hawaii and listening to the beginnings of fireworks being set off in my neighborhood. I have been warned that I should expect to not see much beyond smoke in our valley tonight…so hopefully I wont choke to death!

I think its kinda funny to read on twitter, facebook, and other news outlets how people celebrate the 4th. Of course there is the traditional BBQing, fireworks, and camping that seems to accompany every 4th. Oh and there is of course the annual Nathans Hot Dog eating contest, where Joey Chestnutt remained world champ eating 68 hot dogs this year. But how about protests? Well I guess it wouldn’t be a true rememberance of Independence Day without someone protesting, after all, thats what this holiday is kind of about.  And in true fashion, those protestors held a TEA party demonstration, and of course it was about taxes…again. And then there is the media, public relations friendly event of opening the Statue of Libertys crown for the 1st time sine 9/11.  Which has been a long time coming…  And then there is the odd…like someone naming a sea turtle after Obama and freeing him on Independence Day.  Yes that reallyhappened.

While these are all ways the US celebrated the day, there is of course North Koreas answer to the holiday…setting off 7 short range missiles to send a signal at Washington DC that it will not cave to international pressure. But this isnt the first time that Kim Jung Il has done this. He has used the 4th of July in the past as his own version of firepower. 3 years ago, he made a similar move, by attempting to launch a long-range, multi-stage ballistic missile, in explicit defiance of a U.N. resolution. So, Kim Jung Il…have fun with your fire works displays…it doesnt bother us.

Well, apparently google search must think that since Im a Packers fan, that searches for Tramon Williams wedding pictures must be available on my blog, because for the past several weeks, it has been one of the more frequent search queries that have lead to my blog…and NO I do not have any pics or news on this wedding…heck I dont follow the players personal lives unless they end up on the front page news for something stupid.

Later!

Murder for Hire, a little Body Paint, and the Pigeon vs Hummer Debate July 1, 2009

Well i have decided that pigeons are some of the stupidest birds alive. I sat on Bethel St waiting on the bus, watching this one pigeon trying to cross the raod during rush hour traffic. Instead of flying over the cars, it kept walking in front of oncoming cars, and then running out of the way. No it wasnt injured, in fact it eventually made its way 1/2 way across the street and discovered it couldnt run back to safety from an oncoming Hummer and finally flew to the sidewalk. The only problem? It flew back the way it came and then started the entire process over again. Either it is a daredevil trying to conquer one road at a time, or its brain has fallen out! Thats not the end of my pigeon stories for the day, but the other one is not as funny.

Since this day was full of oddities, I decided it was time to update everyone on the weird news from around the world…starting with news from Madrid. Spanish police arrested a man today who they suspect of hiring a contract killer to kill his boss to avoid being laid off.  Well, Im not thinking that this man thought the entire thing through. Now he no longer has a job and is facing jail time, rather then just being laid off.  yes the economy is hard right now, but seriously? Killing to maintain a lifestyle? Dang, who thought sociopathism was linked to Wall Street? (Oh and the killing actually occurred, it wasnt a failed hiring!)

Hmm…so if I asked you what Johnny Depp, Garfield, Paris Hilton, and roast pork have in common, what would you say? Go ahead, guess! according to China, they are all bad for your moral health. So, with the new internet filtering system coming online, the Chinese have effectively filtered the oddest array of things/people imaginable. (While arguably Hilton is bad for health, who couldnt stand a little Captain Jack?!)

Like many frequent flyers I tune out the flight attendents and videos during the takeoff check list. I figure if I cant figure out where the exits are or how to buckle a seat belt then maybe I shouldnt be flying…alone. Wel, Air New Zealand has come up with a new technique to keep passengers attention on them during this time..they are introducing domestic crew that are dressed only in body paint. Well, that should make for an interesting conversation with your 5 year old!

Later!

The overthrow of Zelaya, some Kang Nam action, and an uplifted C-Span? June 30, 2009

Well its been several days since I last blogged, and it is mainly due to the fact that the available news has been scarce except that revolving around Michael Jackson, Farrah, or Mays deaths…and honestly, we have been bombarded enough with news on the deaths within the entertainment industry that I couldnt bring myself to even regurgitate anything on the subject! So alas, Im back, and have some subjects to actually blog on!  How exciting!  Oh yes, and If Im typing and an x is left out, for some reason my x on my key board is sticking and when I type fast x has been removed from the alphabet!

Ahh..its nice to know that during all the MJ hoopla, the US military is still able to perform its duties! The Navy has been monitoring the North Korean ship, the Kang Nam 1,which  has changed its course.  The boat is suspected of carrying illegal weapons and possibly missiles, all which was banned under UN sanctions after the nucleur testing that North Korea did a few months back. The ship was heading south and was expected to dock in Hong Kong for fuel, but about 250 miles from HK, it changed course and is heading back north. I am reading a few things into that…and I tell you up front this is just my wild fascination with conspiracy theories running amuck with foreign relations thrown in! When the UN imposed sanctions on North Korea, allowing for any member state to request inspection and board a North Korean vessel that is suspected of carrying illicit materials, North Korea declared that any interception of its vessels and any attempts to board would be a declaration of war.  This leads me to two trains of thought. First, North Koreas declaration implys an interception more at seas then land, and thus docking in Hong Kong, and any  inspection carried out then may not have been upheld under their previous declaration. I say this in respect to them actually seeking a conflict with the US and other countries, and if they launch missiles first without any percieved violation of sovereignty then what little support they might have would disappear. This is also with a basis that they want to start a conflict. Secondly, the Kang Nam was a test of UN sanctions in that the North Koreans really wanted to see if member states of the UN would carry out the inspections that the Security Council approved. This is an apparent no. Well for now anyways. member states are walking a fine line between action and monitoring. There may come a day where action is needed, and that day will probably be soon, but the monitoring is the way to go for now. Now that North Korea knows that its unlikely in the immediate future that ships will be inspected, they can continue trading with Myanmar and all those friendly to Pyongyang. Either way I think this launching of this vessesl was a test on the international community and the sanctions. if North Korea is testing the waters so to speak, then it wont be long that any slight of hand by the UN or US or other Western ally will lead to what Jong il believes is valid reason to restart a war.

Also in the news, Al Franken has been officially declared Senator of Minnesota..making the Senate fillabuster proof for this term…Im happy with thi sresult, as I am hoping that Frankens appearance will at least liven up C-Span!

And in other news from the world, there was a coup in Honduras…which of course left me wondering if all my vacations are doomed to some sort of curse! Im destined for Honduras come December, so lets hope that the country is at least stable enough to visit! But at the moment, it is looking like a long drawn out coup with no end in sight. The UN is backing former President Zelaya, but those who overthrew him vowed that if he returns to Honduras he will be arrested and tried for treason. And of course thicoup drew comments form Hugao himself…who suported Zelaya and is upset about the coup, and even called for the UN to use military force to intervene!  You wonder why? Well its because Zeyaya was pushing for Constitutional changes that would allow him to run for more terms, something Hugo himself has managed to do twice in Venezuala! The last hing he wants is a coup,  or even the thought of one, springing up in his country!

Well Im off to read for Cold War…

Later!

Global death penalty updates, and the introduction of Kim Jong Un… June 24, 2009

Well some of you may remember my adventure to Togo…and although Im no longer there, I keep an eye on the news in the region, and have a little nugget to share…Togo has abolished the death penalty.  This vote by the Togolese Parliament means that Togo has become the 15th member of the African Union and the 94th country in the world to abolish the death penalty for all crimes. Im actually really happy over this news because Im not an advocate of the death penalty and never have been for multiple reasons. Even in my undergraduate studies I majored in Criminal Justice where the majority of those in the program supprted the death penalty and I was an oddball even then. But alas, the world is slowly changing its stance on the issue, and while it wont be a sudden victory to have it abolished globally, it is a slow victory…one country, one state, one person at a time.

Im not sure how many of you remember the killing of the US diplomats in Sudan on New Years Day in 2008, but today the 4 men that were found guilty were sentenced to death by hanging.  The diplomat was an employee of the USAID program that the State Dept runs. And those who gunned him and his driver down were part of a group that had plotted to bomb Western embassies in the Sudanese capital in 2008.  While the US/Sudan relations are strained, its still good to see the Khartoum regime recognizing diplomatic status by actually seeking the guilty party and allowing the FBI to assist in the investigation. Maybe, one step at a time, the relationship will change…but alas, not while Darfur crisis is still going on.

For everyone on the mainland who has been following the North Korean chaos over the supposed launching over the July 4th weekend of bombs aimed at Hawaii…my message is to chill.  It seems that everyone I talk to here has people calling them about the issue, and even some of those I talk to back on the mainland ask about it. If North Korea launches a missile, the US should intercept it, and even if that fails, then yes Hawaii will be in chaos because we are not designed to handle disasters well (we prepare for them but our infastructure sucks and our distance from relief hurts us), but in the end if that occurs, then the US will be at war. So until soething actualy occurs, chill. (I think it will be unlikely that Kim Jong Il will launch a missile at Hawaii, he may be crazy, but even he does not have a death wish.)

And in more North Korean news, it looks like Kim Jong Il may be slowly choosing his successor, his youngest son Kim Jong Un. He was recently appointed as head of the North’s secret police and spy agency as well as been placed in charge of the two American journalists who were captured on the China border and found guilty of spying and sentenced to 12 years in a hard labor camp. Of interest, since the US has no official diplomatic relations with the North Koreans, Sweden has been acting as the USs diplomatic ties and working on the release of the journalists for the US. Hmmm…we have an entente with Sweden..cool, but not surprising.

Later!