A little Pearl Harbor Trivia; Although the death toll at Pearl Harbor was similar to 9/11, the total casualties were much greater. However we have not factored in the number of deaths that have occurred since 9/11 among the responders and other survivors. How many deaths are linked to toxic exposures after the building collapse and during the clean up?
Despite the disaster at Pearl with the destruction of the Navy's Battleship fleet, The "Japs" did themselves a disservice. The American Navy was far inferior to the Japanese in numbers and quality of ships and airplanes. The Isolationist political leaders in The Senate refused to appropriate funds or the military during the 30s and even after war broke out in Europe and the Japanese embarked on their Asian adventure.
The Congressional political leadership was similar to the present administration in the belief that there knowledge and skills were far superior to that of the "little yellow men". We could whip them with one hand ties behind our back to thinking. Sound familiar to Iraq?
The battleships at Pearl were slow, had half the speed of the few carriers we had, 12knots vs 25-30 knots and were underpowered in respect to cannons and their armor was not as protective as the Japanese. Our heavy and light cruisers were no match. Our airplanes were slow and less maneuverable. Not one plane of Torpedo 8 at Midway survived its attack run long enough to launch an effective missile. Our weapons including torpedoes with often defective and even if they made a "hit" would not detonate With the loss of the backbone of the Navy Battle line, we were forced to rapidly build new ships the result being Those first of the North Carolina class that had speeds to be in the same task force as the carriers which were being built to replace the old prewar vessels. The support vessels also were a great improvement over those at the start of the war, and could compete with their Japanese equivalents. New planes that could outfight the Japs also came of the production line.
In 1941 good came out of disaster. We should react the same in our war against the Islamic fundamentalist terrorists. However, we should not repeat in fear, the horror of the treatment of Japanese Americans
Sunday, December 7, 2008
Sunday Respite-Remember Pearl Harbor
Two islands in warmer waters taken perhaps 15 years apart but both decades ago. Both islands' names begin with "B". None of the pictures have been tweaked although the last two are over saturated by exposure and the particular film used. The first two suffer from the pangs of aging.
All pictures I post come from an over extensive collection of slides I took on various vacations. I am in the process of scanning and trying to preserve on a CD and/or DVD. In the last month I have gone through over 600 slides and have at least that many more to work on. Since many are multiple shots of the same subject I plan to cull the bad ones and uninteresting duplicates. Once I have done that I probably will not look at them for another 20 years, unless I need filler for the blog. The Islands are (1)Bequia and (2) Barbados. the Bathsheba coast.
All pictures I post come from an over extensive collection of slides I took on various vacations. I am in the process of scanning and trying to preserve on a CD and/or DVD. In the last month I have gone through over 600 slides and have at least that many more to work on. Since many are multiple shots of the same subject I plan to cull the bad ones and uninteresting duplicates. Once I have done that I probably will not look at them for another 20 years, unless I need filler for the blog. The Islands are (1)Bequia and (2) Barbados. the Bathsheba coast.
Saturday, December 6, 2008
RANDOM THOUGHTS DEC 6.
The terrorist events in Mumbai (Bombay) and in other localities in the world involving attacks on "soft targets" can only be a reminder of how vulnerable we are as a nation.
It is most likely that a large terrorist group like Al Qaeda would try to focus on a major target, such as the destruction of essential elements of the transportation system, bridges, tunnels or energy networks. Smaller groups will target the soft targets as they did in Mumbai, hotels, shopping malls, arenas etc..
Against these we must rely on our own vigilance, but not over react in fear or with a witch hunt. We must always be ready to stop overt actions against our own individuals by the always present hate groups . Every rumor must be traced for authenticity and warnings followed up with heightened security measures. The Indians were supposedly warned by us that something was imminent, but apparently they did not react strongly to the warning. The nature of the information our intelligence sent the Indian Government will never be made public.
In this day and age intelligence acquisition is important, and may be catastrophic prevention. How it is obtained is the big question. What rules and regulations that impact on the fact gathering agencies should be reviewed and a fair determination as to methodology limitations is important. There must be a position between the constitutional rights of citizens and the out and out torture methods of the despots that can be acceptable.
I for one do not believe that we should afford the protection of our constitution to those that would destroy us. However there must be definitive limits that can not be breached as to techniques. Nor should any one b e held indefinitely with out due process.
I am sure that many have very strong opinions about this matter.
Tomorrow is Pearl Harbor day. That attack on a Sunday in violation of international treaties by a government not terrorists started a war fought against us by countries that routinely ignored all facets of the Geneva Convention. There are no rules in warfare. There can be no coddling of terrorists.
It is most likely that a large terrorist group like Al Qaeda would try to focus on a major target, such as the destruction of essential elements of the transportation system, bridges, tunnels or energy networks. Smaller groups will target the soft targets as they did in Mumbai, hotels, shopping malls, arenas etc..
Against these we must rely on our own vigilance, but not over react in fear or with a witch hunt. We must always be ready to stop overt actions against our own individuals by the always present hate groups . Every rumor must be traced for authenticity and warnings followed up with heightened security measures. The Indians were supposedly warned by us that something was imminent, but apparently they did not react strongly to the warning. The nature of the information our intelligence sent the Indian Government will never be made public.
In this day and age intelligence acquisition is important, and may be catastrophic prevention. How it is obtained is the big question. What rules and regulations that impact on the fact gathering agencies should be reviewed and a fair determination as to methodology limitations is important. There must be a position between the constitutional rights of citizens and the out and out torture methods of the despots that can be acceptable.
I for one do not believe that we should afford the protection of our constitution to those that would destroy us. However there must be definitive limits that can not be breached as to techniques. Nor should any one b e held indefinitely with out due process.
I am sure that many have very strong opinions about this matter.
Tomorrow is Pearl Harbor day. That attack on a Sunday in violation of international treaties by a government not terrorists started a war fought against us by countries that routinely ignored all facets of the Geneva Convention. There are no rules in warfare. There can be no coddling of terrorists.
Friday, December 5, 2008
RANDOM THOUGHTS DEC.5
Tempering hope: Obama seems to be approaching his Presidency well prepared with strong personalities in critical positions. I have no problem with most of his choices except on close examination we are returning to an extension of the Clinton era.
So much for campaign promises of clean sweep from the Washington politics of today. I supposed that means that there will be few carryovers in the grunt jobs from the Republican years. The political sacrifice of well functioning agency workers could be acceptable but regret able if it were not for the fact that patronage may apparently be going on full blast. To the victor belong the spoils. The danger is that any economy recovery will be short circuited by personal agendas.
Already one of the Nominees has been linked to a very very questionable Clinton Pardon.In today's Los Angeles Times two new nominees, Holder as Attorney General and Representative Becerra were linked to Clinton's granting a pardon to cocaine dealer Vignati? Read the sordid story. Mote the money paid to Hillary's brother to lobby for the pardon. The campaign contribution to Becerra. The Clintons weren't clean. Is Obama travelling the same road?
Trivia: The width of today's newspaper's page; Star Ledger 12.5", The Times 12", The Suburban News (weekly)11", The Courier 11". All have 5 columns per page. That is reflected in the size of the print, and readability. All have reduced the number of paged per edition which of course is reflected in the timing of articles and their scope. It is no question that the print media is joining the Dodo Bird as an extinct breed.
Was it worth it: Social Security recipients received a 5.8% COLA this year. However this is tempered by penalty deductions assessed each individual -not family- for income levels over certain trigger points.That would be fine if the income was derived from work or investment activities. However for those that have to liquidate IRA and other retirement funds to meet daily living expenses, the increase in reportable income comes from capital gains. The retiree is being penalized for trying to prepare for his non productive years. In some cases the recipient is receiving less spendable Social Security money than before the adjustment. Is this rational or fair?
So much for campaign promises of clean sweep from the Washington politics of today. I supposed that means that there will be few carryovers in the grunt jobs from the Republican years. The political sacrifice of well functioning agency workers could be acceptable but regret able if it were not for the fact that patronage may apparently be going on full blast. To the victor belong the spoils. The danger is that any economy recovery will be short circuited by personal agendas.
Already one of the Nominees has been linked to a very very questionable Clinton Pardon.In today's Los Angeles Times two new nominees, Holder as Attorney General and Representative Becerra were linked to Clinton's granting a pardon to cocaine dealer Vignati? Read the sordid story. Mote the money paid to Hillary's brother to lobby for the pardon. The campaign contribution to Becerra. The Clintons weren't clean. Is Obama travelling the same road?
Trivia: The width of today's newspaper's page; Star Ledger 12.5", The Times 12", The Suburban News (weekly)11", The Courier 11". All have 5 columns per page. That is reflected in the size of the print, and readability. All have reduced the number of paged per edition which of course is reflected in the timing of articles and their scope. It is no question that the print media is joining the Dodo Bird as an extinct breed.
Was it worth it: Social Security recipients received a 5.8% COLA this year. However this is tempered by penalty deductions assessed each individual -not family- for income levels over certain trigger points.That would be fine if the income was derived from work or investment activities. However for those that have to liquidate IRA and other retirement funds to meet daily living expenses, the increase in reportable income comes from capital gains. The retiree is being penalized for trying to prepare for his non productive years. In some cases the recipient is receiving less spendable Social Security money than before the adjustment. Is this rational or fair?
Thursday, December 4, 2008
ONLY PICTURES TODAY
These pictures of the Romantic Rhine were taken in 1971. The color and grain have stood up exceptionally well, none have been tweaked as of now. When I have time it would be fun to "play with them".
In the last photo, a river sightseeing boat is passing the famous Lorelei bend in the river.
In the last photo, a river sightseeing boat is passing the famous Lorelei bend in the river.
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
BUDGET AND THE CITY
Monday night’s final council business meeting of the year was abbreviated in scope and time. Only a minimum quorum was present and marked the final meeting for Council President Gibson and Councilman Davis. Unfortunately they were not able to go out with a bang instead this session was an anticlimax whimper.
After the session was adjourned, Marc Dashield, the City Administrator made some remarks about this year’s budget process, the present status, and prognosis. He also took great lengths to comment on the infamous CBAC report and its hypercritical approach.
He strongly emphasized that many of the figures criticized by the committee were erroneous due to misinterpretation or misunderstanding the numbers. He also expressed his opinion that the CBAC did not understand the budget process and that the focus of the report was not the intent desired in the establishment of the committee.
There can be no denial that the CBAC never received a clear charge as to its duties and goals. They should not be condemned for the broad philosophical report they produced.
There can be little argument that CBAC’s indoctrination was anything but professional, lucid, or adequate. Council had already adopted for introduction a budget that contained grievous errors which may ultimately prove to be very detrimental to the city. According to listeners, the presentations were sloppy and amateurish, with often a lack of supportable data. The professional oversight was grossly incompetent. The few presentations the Financial Director made where sloppy at best and might not have passed a high school test standard.
The problem with Plainfield’s finances and budgets starts and ends with the Mayor’s Office. A compliant Council that approved without questioning any errors must share responsibility. The CBAC’s critical report should be read and absorbed at full value disregarding any salary misunderstanding that resulted from the material that the committee had access.
City Administrative officers and Department Heads are appointed by the Mayor and approved by the Council. 6 or 7 chief financial officers during a 3 year term indicate that the selection process has been faulty. What due diligence was done on any of those who have filled the post? Who vetted Mr. Peck? What was his prior relationship with anyone with political influence in the state? How did he become involved with the PMUA, what was his qualifications for his role there? Peck did not come out of the woodwork; a full accounting is owed to the public.
There are other financial questions about Peck. I understood though not from an official source that he will be paid for the rest of the year. Was he fired for cause? Doesn't that free the city from any further obligation? And is not the $12,000.00 relocation fund recapturable if it was not used for that purpose? Or was there another incident of negligent handling of public funds?
Finally, if Mr. Peck has illegally used a city vehicle and if such vehicle is missing are there not ground for criminal action? I would even suggest that in the light of recent circumstances an immediately in depth city wide fiscal audit is required.
For all of this, the Mayor's office and the city administration owe the public an open and complete explanation.
9:00 am,12/3/08: The above was posted before today's Courier arrived. The story about Peck contains some interesting quotes; "not a result of criminal activity or litigation", one of the issues was that he comes from out of state, in Ohio and Jersey's a different world---the way we do things and the way the rest of the world does things is quite different", "Lets just say that Mr. Peck didn't fully understand or implement the vision, the mission of the city".
I have no further comment I think I already posed the appropriate questions that should be answered. Each of us can interpreted the quote printed remarks.
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
CATS AND DOGS
So Bernice has a cat! There is an axiom that that is inviolable: One can have a dog as a pet,BUT A CAT HAS YOU AS ITS MINION.
Fortunately there are some advantages over having a puppy/dog. The most important one is that you don't have to get up In the middle of the night to walk the cat. Cats almost from day one learn where the litter box is and use it. Of course the dirt in flower pots may be used as a substitute. Dogs have to be trained to go outdoors and with the decreasing size of newspapers that may be a problem.
Cleaning a litter box once a day beats walking a dog in all kinds of weather, while carrying plastic bags for picking up the poop.
Dogs are outwardly more affectionate than cats. They seek your approval and respond joyously when called. They learn, unless it is a personal emergency , not to bother you when you are busy. Dogs react to verbal command and appreciate your approval. They will always greet you when you return home some times too enthusiastically.
Cats are very subtle in expressing their affection, dogs do not disguise it
Cats may not outwardly show affection for you, but they make it their business to follow you around the house, enjoy being in the bathroom with you-especially between your legs, rub against you and even wait at the door if you are absent for a period of time. They may or may not try to sleep on your bed, but do not hesitate to walk over you.
Cats also require affection but the prefer to set the time and place. Cats will demand it when you are busy with some thing important. They walk on the keyboard to annoy you when you are using the computer. If you are playing cards, the cat will insist on stretching out in the middle of the table.
Some will jump onto your lap if and when you are paying no attention to them. Others hate to be picked up and held. They are very independent and hate to show that they miss you- but they do. They will remind you when its meal time and give you no peace if you are late. Above all cats are perpetual 2 year olds. The word no does not exists and they are persistent in following their one track mind.
.Cats can be left alone for a day or two with enough water and food, even longer if some one will come in a give them food and clean the litter box. Cats will use their litter box, and be happy to see you, when you return. Try leaving a dog for 24 hours alone in the house. But the cat can also be vindictive, if they are angry at you they will get even. My granddaughter had a cat that if she was left alone for more than a day would urinate on her bed.
Punishment has no impact. However, every cat has a great personality that is unique for that animal. Enjoy them. And every day is something new. Tabby from his picture is a sweet cat.
Fortunately there are some advantages over having a puppy/dog. The most important one is that you don't have to get up In the middle of the night to walk the cat. Cats almost from day one learn where the litter box is and use it. Of course the dirt in flower pots may be used as a substitute. Dogs have to be trained to go outdoors and with the decreasing size of newspapers that may be a problem.
Cleaning a litter box once a day beats walking a dog in all kinds of weather, while carrying plastic bags for picking up the poop.
Dogs are outwardly more affectionate than cats. They seek your approval and respond joyously when called. They learn, unless it is a personal emergency , not to bother you when you are busy. Dogs react to verbal command and appreciate your approval. They will always greet you when you return home some times too enthusiastically.
Cats are very subtle in expressing their affection, dogs do not disguise it
Cats may not outwardly show affection for you, but they make it their business to follow you around the house, enjoy being in the bathroom with you-especially between your legs, rub against you and even wait at the door if you are absent for a period of time. They may or may not try to sleep on your bed, but do not hesitate to walk over you.
Cats also require affection but the prefer to set the time and place. Cats will demand it when you are busy with some thing important. They walk on the keyboard to annoy you when you are using the computer. If you are playing cards, the cat will insist on stretching out in the middle of the table.
Some will jump onto your lap if and when you are paying no attention to them. Others hate to be picked up and held. They are very independent and hate to show that they miss you- but they do. They will remind you when its meal time and give you no peace if you are late. Above all cats are perpetual 2 year olds. The word no does not exists and they are persistent in following their one track mind.
.Cats can be left alone for a day or two with enough water and food, even longer if some one will come in a give them food and clean the litter box. Cats will use their litter box, and be happy to see you, when you return. Try leaving a dog for 24 hours alone in the house. But the cat can also be vindictive, if they are angry at you they will get even. My granddaughter had a cat that if she was left alone for more than a day would urinate on her bed.
Punishment has no impact. However, every cat has a great personality that is unique for that animal. Enjoy them. And every day is something new. Tabby from his picture is a sweet cat.
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