Naam Bplah

Little Boy Obama Meets A Real Man, China's Xi Jinping

2012-02-15T23:12:00.003-05:00

We have to leave it up to the small town of Muscatine in the State of Iowa to welcome back the future leader of the People's Republic of China, Xi Jinping.(photo courtesy of Chinadaily)

Vice President Xi Jinping, (pronounced, shee jin ping Say it quickly) is 58 years old. His family suffered under the purges during the cultural revolution. He has a wealth of personal and professional experience navigating successfully in life as a politician,world leader and as a decent human being. America should have paid more attention to his visit. At least in Iowa they know who pays the bills and who to pay attention to.

This is a news story of significant and certainly historical consequences and it got, not surprisingly, little to no news coverage in America with the exception of the Wall Street Journal and a few other publications. For the most part it was, shall we say, "over shadowed" by the more important coverage of Whitney Houston's death and the Obama administration and democrat party agenda to foist the red herring of abortion and birth control alarm on the American left.

I cringe at the thought that Vice President Xi had to suffer through these "grip and grin" photo sessions with this fool and illegitimate President. (photo courtesy of Chinadaily)

An open letter to Vice President Xi, "One day soon, maybe when you are President of China, we too will have a new president of your stature and intelligence. Until then, we all bow in shame and embarrassment that you must suffer with this idiot. We, as citizens of the United States, do hereby promise to do better in selecting a leader, the next time. Respectfully yours, All right thinking people in America."

We are pleasantly surprised that Vice President Xi looks poised to become the next leader of China. As we reported previously here at Naam Bplah we thought the next leader might be General Lin Yuan. Had General Yuan become the next leader this would not have been good news for America. Fortunately it looks like our contacts high within the Chinese military industrial complex were correct X is in and Y is out. Why is X better for the USA than Y you may ask? As described in the link above Y is old school and an old time Commie Military type and X is really a CINO (Commie In Name Only) who's family belongs to the "Prince Party". The Pince Party are not militarily agressive people and they are focused on the domestic issues in China. In fact I suspect they may all be closet capitalists. But on top of all that why do we like X over Y?

Xi's wife is very attractive and famous in China. More famous even than her husband. She is none other than Peng Liyuan.

That's right gentlemen. We like Xi and we love Xi's wife. Now to put the cherry on top of the cake. Here's the hot news. They have a daughter. She's hot too, of course, but more importantly she goes to Harvard. Her name is Xi Mingze (习明泽). She's 20 years old and her nick name is Xiao Muzi (小木子).

Above in top photo we find her in blue or is that an aqua blouse with some of her girlfriends from Harvard. Just above this caption she is in black in a more formal and somber pose.

We here at Naam Bplah welcome and applaud Xi's rise to power. We just hope those mushy liberal professors at Harvard don't fill little Xi Mingze head with too much liberal socialist propaganda. And again, our apologies to her father for having to suffer Obama.

Finally, in honor of the New Year and Dragon's we have some never published before original artwork on Namm Bplah commemorating the New Year.

Here we have a fanciful dragon ready to strike.

This may look familiar to some as it is an original sketch from the artwork of the 2012 Chinese Stamp.

That's it for today. Keep your comments and contributions coming our staff of researchers and this artwork isn't cheap.

A Petite Retreat To The Banks Of The Ping River

2012-02-05T10:48:00.004-05:00

The Mighty Ping as it makes its way through the heart of Chiang Mai

We apologize to our audience members who follow us only for our political commentary and give you a promise to return to the fray as soon as we arrive back in the land of milk and honey We did put our toes back in the water for a few days to cover some of the Republican Primary shenanigans and quest for delegates in Florida but have decided to retreat for a day and bring you some enchanting scenes from a short day trip along the banks of the Ping River. After this weeks Ping River trip we will be heading to Bangkok, Narita, Japan and then the formally great industrial city of Detroit. But now for a few minutes enjoy the view from the Ping river of the farm land and rice fields and people who caress it's banks.

A few kilometers outside of the city we found a small paved private road that leads out to the banks of the Ping with a view of a luxurious estate on the opposite bank. This property could be had at a very modest price.

There is only one problem with this dream. Foreigners can't

own property. I often think how that law would

fly in America.

Thai citizens can own land in

America but the favor isn't reciprocated.

Many small flower farms dot the land on the banks adjoining the Ping.

These yellow mums don't look like much out in the field. Really not all that beautiful.

Ok so there is some beauty in the shear uniformity and pride of these simple statements of man's taming of nature.

Ah, but when you put them all together then you really have quite a bouquet! I called these "Mum"s earlier but Thai's call them "Ben Sat Mas" flowers.

These tiny white little flowers young Thai girls are fond of adonring their hair with are called "Yip So".

Not much to see outside of "Wat See Ping Chai" but when the gates are open...

One of the many small unseen temples that can be
found on the back roads along the ping

An open gate to discovery

But beware the temple is guarded.

These are "Kaew Mang Korn" plants. The are a kind of fruit that they train to grow up these posts and then as the lighter green arms grow out they are cut off and taken to market. Very careful please...they are extremely thorny.

Can you guess what these young but someday
majestic and highly valued trees are?

This is a teak wood farm and these are strong young teak wood trees. A teak wood tree will grow to a height of about 40 meters with a trunk from 1 to 2 meters in about50 to 60 years. I think I'll have to miss this harvest but I'd like to think my son's would see it.

What are the economics of this kind of long term investment? When you do realize your gain?

An as yet, unidentified variety of Palm.

Planting Rice next to the fertile banks of the Ping River in the shadow of Doi Suthep.

In Thailand life is good. Thai people work hard for what they have. They don't complain much and 48% of the population is not on government subsidies. Oh but what fun it would be to start a boot camp for the 99% in America.

Some of the smaller wild life that call the Ping River estuary home.

And finally we found and highly recommend this little botique hotel right on the banks of the Ping River only about 3 klicks from town. It's called the Villa San Pea Seua. You can read more about it here.

View from the river looking back at the hotel.

Some of the local rowing clubs working out on the river.

We end our little excursion with this shot of and umbrella farm and a reminder to keep those donations to Naam Bplah flowing.

Romney Orchestrates Elimination of Conservative Alan West's Florida Senate Seat. Bonus Story: The Romney/Saul Alinski Connection

2012-01-31T12:39:00.001-05:00

We open the blog today with a few shots of Romney and RINO Ex Florida Governor Charlie, "It's a nice gig if you can keep it" Crist. I think they both go to the same hair dresser. (It's the same guy John Edwards used to go to.)

Reuters/FNC

Not only is Romney pals with Christ but he's hired on many of Crist's staff.

As we documented here back in September of 2011 Presidential candidate, Mitt Romney, through his operatives has been interfering in Florida Politics for quite some time.

Now we understand the stakes are higher for Romney. It's not just a "do or die" to win Florida. Which Romney thought he already had in the bag by having Florida State Senator Thrasher head up the GOP campaign to move up the Florida primary and thereby reducing the number of available delegates which would favor Romney. (See my original post here for a detailed explanation.) Now the goal is to take out the threat from Neut Gingrich and any other true conservatives like Freshman Senator Alan West by eliminating the district he serves in.

Senator Alan West

Rush Limbaugh talked about this today on his show as did several others who's comments were pretty much superfluous by the time Rush had dissected the issue. (Little Rush humor there.) The only thing I have attempted to do here to day is to add the background of Romney's Liberal upbringing, "the apple doesn't fall far from the tree." and his earlier meddling in Florida politics through Senator Thrasher and others.

Romney doesn't appear to suffer from probity or an over abundance of integrity. The real question is do we want a another president who believes the "ends justify the means", We have one of those in the White House now and it appears the GOP is on the verge of facilitating the nomination of another candidate with little or no integrity, Mr. Mitt Romney.

I grew up in Michigan when Mitt's father was Governor and I know what I'm talking about. George Romney was an old time RINO Liberal Republican as documented here by Conservative Byte and here by BuzzFeed, "When Romney met Saul Alinsky. These people are all cut from the same cloth and I fear will eventually take us down the same road.

Photo from the "Viral History Blog

Romney senior is really saying here, "One day son, if you play your cards right, this will all by yours."

Video from the Coffee with Ken blogspot

This is a great video of George Romney, Mitts father explain his "flip flop" on support for the war in Vietnam. The Brainwashing comment lost him the election. It was actually an innocent comment but the word, "Brainwashing" had allot of heavy duty baggage associated with it back in the 1960's. For many, if you were susceptible to brainwashing you were considered "weak", Real men, real soldiers, couldn't be brain washed. It was the wrong word to use for sure.

But we digress. This has nothing to do with our current Romney, or does it?

One thing we all can do right away is to make a donation to Florida State Senator Allen West for Congress.

Commercial Break: And while you've got your wallet out you could make a donation to this blog also to help us cover our expenses bringing you the latest in commentary from Asia. Or if you can't make a donation why not go shopping in our store.

Regardless of all our complaining here and now about the course of the GOP primary activities and antics. We all know what to do in November right?

The audience for this video was the voters of the 2010 mid term elections. Those voters did what had to be done and we routed the democrats. Now the same must be done in 2012.

I have to retract what I said previously about Rush having the final word on this subject. I just ran across the most comprehensive and complete handling of this issue at The Conservative Tree House and it's a great read. A must see.

IT World Canada, Supports View The EU Should Prevent a Google/Motorola Merger

2012-01-28T06:07:00.000-05:00

IT World Canada Spreads the Word,

"Google is Evil".

Evil Google copyright Naam Bplah by Troy

Friday, IT World Canada published a story on a so called "Consumer Advocacy Group" that is petitioning the European Union, supposedly, on behalf of "World Consumers" to prevent Google from acquiring Motorola. We're not privy to who these "consumers" are or how many of them Consumer Watchdog represents. That fact is not stated in the "IT World Canada" article or at "Consumer Watchdog's" web site.

It is perfectly legitimate for IT World Canada to publish this story. I only draw attention to it here on Naam Bplah because they fail to properly identify this so called "consumer advocacy group" for what it really is. It is a radical leftist organization. The current president, Mr. Jamie Court is an avowed leftist progressive, who wrote "The Progressives Guide to Raising Hell" and who makes Saul Alinski look like a piker.

These people are way, way out on the fringe far left and by failing to properly identify them as such "IT World Canada" misleads its readers into thinking this is some kind of main stream unbiased, apolitical group. "IT World Canada" gives, "Standing and legitimacy" to "Consumer Watchdog" by failing to tell their readers its agenda and background.

It might have been more appropriate if "IT World Canada" had raised the issue of how or why a US based group like "Consumer Watchdog" even has legal standing to file a brief with the EU and to explain why the EU would even allow the brief for consideration. "IT World Canada" fails to bring up either of these points.

Every member of the staff of "Consumer Watchdog" supports the US Democrat party, radical factions of the labor unions including the self professed communist SEIU, Obama Supported, union. Several of the leaders and founders of "Consumer Watchdog" are self professed members of the socialist and communist party. I would provide as an example, the founders Harvey Rosenfield and Chic Wolk. The former is an old Ralph Nader radial hack and the later is a card carrying member of the ACLU. In addition to "Consumer Watchdog's political agenda they are also just flat wrong and deliberately inaccurate in their charges against Google as documented here in Wired.

These leftist organizations, (Hiding in sheep's clothing as "consumer advocacy groups") are trying to kill the most successful, job creating and economic work horses we have in America. The main stream media in America and Canada aids and abet's them by coyly pretending they don't know what's going on.

If this was a conservative organization "IT World Canada" and all the other main stream media publications would take great pains to point out it's political affiliation to their readers. Why don't the same standards apply when they report on the initiatives and actions of their liberal friends? Well we both know why don't we? It's because educating their readers to the ubiquitous and pervasive radical leftist agenda would undermine it.

What can be done? I urge you to write the author, Ms Jennifer Baker of IT World Canada and call her on her failure to appropriately inform her readers.

A Fast and Furious Look around the Chiang Mai Market on Chinese New Year 2012

2012-01-22T13:01:00.000-05:00

Dateline: January 22, 2012 Location: Chiang Mai Market Event: Chinese New Year.

We had a few scant hours today in between shuttling children to creative art class at 10:00AM and performance Magic Class with the Amazing Jonathan Omejang of ProStar Magic so we decided to take a look around at the Chinese New Years goings on at the local Market.

Here is our "fast and furious" photo extravaganza for your entertainment. I promise our regular viewers we will return to our usual in depth and riveting political reporting in the next post.

Today we enter into the Market through the old Chinese Gates and pay homage to the dragon spirits in this year of the dragon and we say a little prayer for our family and friends both with us and who have passed into the unknown and unseen.

Nice Ride.

I bet the boys in New York City would love this.

It is strawberry season in Thailand and we have strawberries everywhere.

Yes, let's take another look at those strawberries. Yum or Aroi as we say here.

What Year of the Dragon Chinese New Year photo
layout would be complete without a photo of
Dragon Fruit?

"Let's just take this little worm off while she's not looking and these will be perfect!"

Looks can be deceiving. I actually purchased 2 kilo of these little
Chinese oranges from this lady and she was delightful and charming.
I caught her herewith a pensive expression.

As Montie Python would say, "We certainly have some tasty comestibles here."
That certainly brings to mind that wonderful old cheese shop skit.

"Beam me up, Scotty!" I love the juxtaposition
of the old and the new technology and the ease
with which most older folks can keep pace.

Leaving the Temple with hopes of a prosperous New Years."Sawasdee Pee Mai Krup."

Now if I was a knitting man I'd take her up a
couple of meters of this yarn. "A penny for a
spool of thread, A penny for a needle. That's
the way the money goes, Pop! goes the weasel."

There are some great cloth merchants in this section of the market. Everyone puts on a sale for the Chinese New Year.

Shirley Temple...eat your
heart out. This little cutie
just might take your place.

This is one spunky little girl.

"That was so...so...good!"

Not everyone was happy to see me. Winning the hearts and minds of the locals isn't easy work.

I'll be you 100 Baht she's ethnic Chinese and Thai mixed.

The obligatory dragon makes his appearance.

From the way this little girl was giving me the "eye"
and trying to nonchalantly get her father's attention
I came to the conclusion he must have been
a Afghan freedom fighter on R&R from Kabul.
Home for the holidays, so to speak. Note:
He still appears to be at least partially in uniform.

And I bet you never knew there were over 40,000
different types of rice in the world did you?
Types of Rice

This is where you go when you want to bring home the bacon. This isn't Poh's butchery but you can get the same stuff here allot less expensively.

And since it is the New Year and the spirit of
good will is with us it doesn't hurt to
acknowledge the truely needy and lend them
a hand when you can.

There is nothing like a glass of fresh cold coconut milk and chunks of coconut meat over ice on a hot day. Great Stuff!

I talked to this gentleman for a while, the
best I could, and he's seen more history and
seen more changes in the world than
most people can imagine. He get's my vote for
the first "Naam Bplah" hard worker award for 2012.

Well that's it folks for the Holidays from this part of the world. We'll be hitting it hard and heavy it the political end of things in the next few weeks to come. Stay tuned. And make a contribution to our site if you can so we can continue to bring your these fascinating reports from Asia and beyond.

Let's keep our eyes open and aware this
year. It's a dangerous world out there.

THE KING OF YELLOW NOODLES ราชาบะหมี่เกี๊ยว or RA CHA BA MEE KEAW & Navigation in Thailand

2012-01-18T13:05:00.002-05:00

Outdoor Dining At The "King of Yellow Noodles". An Unforgettable Experience, If You Can Find Him.

Mae-Kao-Add-Sai Intersection

In Chiang Mai, Thailand on National Hwy 118 Just down the street from the Mae-Kao-Add-Sai Intersection but before National Road 1001 turn off to San Sai and conveniently located across the street from the, Talad Sam Yak San Sai Market or in Thai ตลาดสามแยกสันทราย you will find,if your lucky(after 6 PM in the evening), the "King of Yellow Noodles"

Talad Sam Yak San Sai Market

We have been coming to Chiang Mai for almost 10 years but just recently discovered "The King of Yellow Noodles" ราชาบะหมี่เกี๊ยว just a few kilometers from our home.

Asking For Directions in Thailand

Thailand isn't very big on addresses or maps but instead you find things in Thailand by reference to other things. The King of Yellow Noodles shop is no different. I can give you his current GPS coordinates but unless you have a GPS you'd be out of luck. None the less, here they are: Latitude: 18°48'38.14"N Longitude: 99° 1'41.02"E

More often than not, when you ask for directions from a native Thai or even a foreigner your response will most likely be something like, "Oh, it's down the street from the train station and across from the 7-11. No one is going to say, "Oh it's at 273/45 Soi 4, San Sai. Why? In short Thai's don't read maps and even if they did or even if you do there is a significant lack of signage in any language.

This is as good an opportunity to talk about some of the fundamental reasons why a Thai will never say, "Go North three blocks...etc." or Take th 118 East to San Sai and then go North 5 blocks." In the west compass headings, and map reading are fairly common skills throughout the population. Not so in Thailand.

The first illustration above of course depicts the cardinal directions North, South, East and West with the ordinal or intercardinal directions of North East, South East, South West and North West.

Below I have drawn a crude illustration of the Thai equivalent ordinal and cardinal names.

English Transliteration of Thai Names for Cardinal and inter-cardinal compass directions

An estimated ninety five percent (95% ) of Native Thai's could not tell you the Ordinal or cardinal names of a compass if their life depended on it, in English or in Thai. It's not something they were ever taught, nor is it knowledge they have a use for. Don't ask me why. It's in the water or something. This is the main reason diretions are given out by reference to landmarks. Secondly, is the lack of signage, street names or house numbers.

Meeting the King of Yellow Noodles.
To assure yourself of a good seat and prompt service we recommend showing up fashionably early at around 6:00 to 7:00 PM. If you arrive early, as we like to do, you might be met by a few empty tables and note people aimlessly lingering, don't be alarmed, They are simply waiting for the King.

The King of Noodles just after arriving in his trusty Mitsubishi Kitchen Truck. Power is on, TV is hooked up the water is boiling, noodles are simmering and the fun is about to begin It's still a little dark on the street as he hasn't had time to unfurl his extension cord and turn on his portable street lights. Note the prices displayed on the marque are reasonable at 30 Baht or about $1.00 Below, with the street lights now on the crowds will begin to gather.

A fatherless young Thai family waiting for the King of Yellow Noodles to open shop.

Those premium tables fill up fast as one of the nights first customers prepares to indulge.

Here we see the King himself shaking out a freshly immersed batch of Yellow noodles.

The Master hard at work. Doing what he loves and has a passion for.

The King of Yellow noodles always ready to offer help, assistance and directions. "Yes, just down on the left across from the Honda dealer across from the flower shop..."

And a friendly smile

The master hard at work as a drive in customer pulls up behind the Kitchen.

A bowl of noodles can be ordered with either red pork or regular pork

The cup of ice cold water is free. Pour it yourself.

Be sure to come back tomorrow when we take a quick look inside the Talad Sam Yak San Sai Market, ตลาดสามแยกสันทราย and uncover the mysteries of Thai market life and food.

Obama's New Defense Strategy: Poke a Stick In China's Eye And See What Happens

2012-01-05T04:53:00.001-05:00

This new "Defense Strategy" of President Obama's is a deliberate provocation of the Chinese, as was his trip to Asia last month when he made his none too cute "We're Back" declaration.

Last Month in Australia Obama was quoted as saying, “Let there be no doubt: in the Asia-Pacific in the 21st century, the United States of America is all in.”

If there was doubt in anyone's mind in Beijing, about American intentions Obama dispelled that doubt and any room for reasoned diplomacy by elaborating that this is a “deliberate and strategic decision” America is “here to stay”. What an affront to the Chinese! We were hoping the State Department would let this new offensive go quietly away. Unfortunately, that is not to be. Obama's "Strategy" is a dangerous road to take. If it is intended to assist him in his re election efforts it will seriously backfire. Unfortunately, the consequence won't be just Obama's and the Democrat Party. The outcome of this foreign policy fiasco will fall squarely on the shoulders of America and it's allies. This new policy is literal insanity. It would appear Obama is playing right into the hands of Hu Jintao and the Chinese military leaders who are just chomping at the bit for a fight. An Article in the Economist in a much more nuanced and cautious fashion discusses the concerns many other's have about the manner in which Obama is flexing his muscles and apparently bullying for a fight with the Chinese.

China hasn't issued a stamp with this ferocious a dragon
since 1878 (Photo Xinhua)

This is the year of the dragon and they must be deft dumb and blind over in foggy bottom to have missed the significance the Chinese attribute to this auspicious event. The dragon was a symbol of China's Imperial Power and today it is a not too subtle symbol of China's Military, Political and Economic power. That China chose to reissue such a ferocious stamp this year is no coincidence.

We have to ask ourselves why has Obama picked this time to insult and bully a world power that is vastly superior to our own, certainly in it's own backyard. Does anyone think the Chinese are going to stand idly by as Obama in his arrogance, asserts his "right" to "ensure China's peaceful rise to power". The implied threat in that statement from Obama and the Clinton State Department is palpable. The US, in the person of Obama, is saying, "We're going to come into China's sphere of influence and arbitrate and adjudicate any and all issues we decide have a national security interest to us." Certainly, the United States should not cede it's position as a world power and it's interests but to do so in such an ignorant and arrogant fashion is inexcusable.

A bizarre thought occurs to us that given Obama's own love of Socialism and Marxism maybe his provocation of China is intended to give Hu and General Lin Yuan, (A possible successor to Hu) an excuse and license to go to war with America.

Thailand is Back! 2011 Chiang Mai Hot Air Balloon Festival

2011-12-24T03:45:00.000-05:00

2011 Balloon Festival Marks a New Beginning for Thailand Tourism in 2012 and Beyond

Chiang Mai, Thailand

The Chiang Mai International Balloon Festival promoted by Earth Wind and Fire was the fifth annual International balloon festival held in Chiang Mai,(เชียงใหม่) Thailand. The Festival, held in this Northern City is a sure sign Thailand is well on the way to recovery from the floods that occurred earlier this year. Chiang Mai, is the second largest city in Thailand and is fast becoming the number one Tourist destination. In addition to the culture, history, beauty, art and shopping that Chiang Mai itself offers, Chiang Mai's location in Northern Thailand makes it an excellent base of operations for those visitors looking to make forays into the nearby less developed countries of Myanmar (Burma), Lao and Cambodia.

Traveling To Thailand
Getting to Thailand, even from as far away as the United States, has become surprisingly convenient and really not all that expensive. When you book a few weeks in advance Delta Airlines will get you here and back home from any major American city like L.A., Atlanta, Detroit, New York and others for around $1,300 round trip (including taxes) on one of their new luxurious Boeing 767's. The flight from the USA to Tokyo will be your longest flight segment at around 13 hours. After a short layover in Japan, really just enough time to clear customs and get a bite to eat, your on your way to Bangkok on a Delta Airbus A 300 for a 7 hour flight. Plan on spending the evening in the airport in Bangkok as you will arrive around midnight. By the time you get your bags and clear customs it's going to be around 01:00AM. You can still get some good Thai or American/European food to eat at this hour, exchange some currency and even relax and get a two hour foot massage. There are plenty of areas to lay down and catch a few hours sleep on your bags before you check in at 0600 and then have a few Hors d'œuvres and coffee in the Thai Royal Lounge before you catch your 07:00 flight. Or if you have the means you can always book a "short time" room at the Novotel hotel right at Suvarnabhumi Airport when you arrive at midnight.

In Country
Whatever you decide to do for your layover it's just a short one hour flight from Bangkok to Chiang Mai on Thai Airways in a Boeing 747-400 for around $60.00 coach. However, we recommend treating yourself to a Business Class ticket for around $140.00 each way. After the long flight from the United States its nice to avail oneself of the amenities on the ground in the Thai Royal Orchid Lounge and the luxury of Thai Airways business class in the air.

Once you get to Chiang Mai and get settled in an invaluable resource for prospective visitors is the incomparable Chiang Mai City Life magazine. Chiang Mai City Life magazine has become the favored publication for a thriving ex patriot community and is without question the most comprehensive source of information on entertainment, dining, hotels, real estate, shopping and Chiang Mai's social and night life. In short, City Life covers everything essential you'll need to know about Chiang Mai.

Festival Site
This years Hot Air Balloon Festival was held on the idyllic grounds of the Prince Royals College. The Prince Royals College was established in 1887 as the first boys school in Northern Thailand by the Presbyterian Church of the USA. It's beautiful campus located in Central Chiang Mai, makes it an excellent venue for the balloon festival. Thirteen balloons from Great Britain, Thailand, Italy and the Netherlands participated in this years event.

The Harris Institute at Prince Royals College

The Little Chapel at Prince Royals College

Aerial View of the Balloon Launch Site at Prince Royal's College

Driving Force

Thai businessman/entrepreneur, Khun Yut Wanichanond, pictured to the left, is the driving force behind the Chaing Mai International Balloon Festival. Khun Yut is affiliated with Krung Thai Card (KTC), MasterCard Thailand, and is the founder of Earth Wind and Fire Co. Ltd He is well know in the Thai aviation community in general as well as in Thai government and in political circles. But above all it is Khun Yut's charismatic personality, infectious smile and youthful sense of adventure that makes him a leader that others are attracted to. It is these characteristics and his love of hot air ballooning that have been the impetus for the sport of Hot Air Ballooning to flourish in Thailand.

Behind every successful man there is an equally successful woman and Khun Yut's case is no exception. His wife, Aom Nannapas Krainara has a graduate degree in business and education and has had a carreer as a successful catwalk model in the fashion and advertising industry. Subsequently she has held executive positions in the Food and Hotel industries, working for Doi Tung, Minor Group and La Meriden. She now holds down the position as president of Earth Wind and Fire, Ltd Co.

Aom Nannapas Krainara

คุณยุทธ วาณิชชานนท์ นักธุรกิจไทย เป็นผู้ที่อยู่เบื้องหลังการจัดงาน “เทศกาลบอลลูนนานาชาติ” เชียงใหม่ คุณยุทธ

ดำรงตำแหน่งที่ปรึกษาบริษัท เอิร์ธ วินด์แอนด์ไฟร์ จำกัด และยังกำเนินธุรกิจอีกมากมาย โดยส่วนตัวแล้ว คุณยุทธเป็นผู้ที่มีรอยยิ้มที่มีเสน่ห์ และด้วยอุปนิสัยของการรักการผจรภัย จึงทำให้บุคคลอื่นสนใจในเรื่องราวของเขา และด้วยบุคลิกส่วนตัวของเขา และความที่มีใจรักในบอลลูนลอยฟ้า จึงเป็นเหตุที่ทำให้เกิดกีฬาการบินบอลลูนขึ้นในประเทศไทtย

Like a fisherman telling a tall tale about "the one that got away." Khun Yut explains, to a young reporter what happens when you combine, hot air, a balloon, wind and gravity with a sense of adventure and the will to live . "There I was when suddenly..."

Khun Yut's chosen landing site near
Hang Dong, Chiang Mai

The always pleasing and ever
present MasterCard Balloon
soaring high above the rain trees
of Chiang Mai

Balloon's cuing up to
take off in Chiang Mai

Accommodation and Access

Chiang Mai International Balloon Festival is a AAA + event. The Accommodations, Access and Ambiance outshine any balloon festival you've probably ever attended. From the food to the open access to the balloons and the 3, 4 and 5 star hotel accomodations in Chaing Mai it just can't be beat.

Food court catering by Chiang Mai Hotels and eateries.

Over 150,000 attended the festival held over 3 days on November 25, 26 and 27th. There was a tremendous turn out from the whole city of Chiang Mai and surrounding areas. The festival organizers spared no expenses and took care to orchestrate every detail of the fair from balloon rides to entertainment, to a top notch culinary food court. Although the figures are not in yet for this years event the promoters and the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) expect the festival will generate a significant amount of revenue locally and nationwide from attendance and increased tourism.

Noodles, Pasta, or in Thai อาหารเส้น it's all Tasty.

DoiTung, Chiang Mai's gourmet coffee products

What would a Balloon Festival be with out clowns and little girls and boys?

The fair provided an opportunity
for everyone to try out something
new, from a new hair cut and moustashe to...

Enjoying an opportunity to utilize new camera equipment

...Beautiful Thai Police Officers

Young Thai Girl Scouts
grow up to become...

A two tone hair style at
the Balloon Festival

A Local photograher enthusiastically checks out his

equipment

(The next four paragraphs of this article have little to do with the balloon festival. We have inadvertently slipped into a discourse which compares over bloated nanny state western governments with more lassie fair governments. We have tried to point out the deleterious effects an over intrusive government can have on everyday life. We have also brought up the crippling effect an over abundance of lawyers and unfettered tort laws can have on freedom of a people and the economic costs associated with tort cases. If you are not interested in such discussions we recommend you skip these sections.)

Responsible Self Policing Open and unfettered access is one the attractive aspects of the Chiang Mai International Balloon Festival. There are no restricted areas for pilots and crew only. You won't experience Thailand as a over protected Nanny State as you do in the United States or in Great Britain with repressive and intrusive organizations like OSHA or the "Health and Safety" Police. People have significantly more freedom in Thailand to do just about anything they want without being harassed, intimidated and over regulated by the police or government.

Thailand treats it's citizens like they are adults capable of making risk assessments and decisions for themselves. We are sure this is not for any altruistic motivation or out of a greater sense of respect for individual freedoms. It most likely stems from the fact that the Thai government has it's hands full running the country and they don't have a seemingly endless supply of tax revenue and over bloated bureaucracies with nothing better to do like the USA and certain European countries do than to regulate and micromanage the behavior of their citizens.

Up To You!
This laissez faire approach is not just about their government. It is a cultural outlook and one that is ingrained in the people. If you ask a Thai, "Should I do that?" or "Can I do that?" A likely and common response you might get is "Up to you." In Thai it sounds like this, "leaw tae khun" or แล้วแต่คุณ. If your looking for someone to share responsibility or to endorse a decision you won't find it in those three little words. There is no judgement of right or wrong, or level of risk, danger ,or degree of safety implied in the response. It is simply, "Up to you." It's your decision with all the risks and ramifications falling squarely where they should fall, on your own shoulders. Westerners frequently feel a little uncomfortable when they get this response. They like to, "muddy the waters" of decision making and have someone else around to which they can at least say, "You didn't tell me..." "Why didn't you stop me?" etc. However, in the long run we have come to believe this Thai response is much better for everyone concerned. It makes you a much clearer thinker when making decisions when you know your the only one responsible and it prevents the after the fact blame game.

Not My Brothers Keeper
Another common declaration made by Thai's is, "It's not my business" [to know] In Thai it's, "mai chai tuu-ra kong chan" or ไม่ใช่ธุระของฉัน. This is usually said in response to questions about government or politics. Most peoples, if given the chance, Thai's included, just want to be left alone to live their lives as they see fit and to make a living unfettered as much as possible by their government. And towards that end Thai's realize that to be left alone, they must first leave others alone, including their neighbors. Thai's are, in general, not busy bodies. They do typically "mind their own business. Something the vast majority of American's do not do and cannot seem to do. In fact the American government has recently embarked on a campaign encouraging American's to report on and turn in their friends, family members and neighbors for any number of infractions including saying anything against the president.

Tort Reform Not Required Here
And finally the legal, common law, concept of "tort" so prevalent in Europe and America has fortunately not found great acceptance in Thailand. Personal injury lawyers are not in great demand here. We believe part of this is due to the fact that, as yet, the police have not been stripped of all their decision making powers and ability to interpret the law as they have in Europe and America. When police officers can no longer make straightforward common sense judgments and decisions then the result is the nightmare and backlog of personal injury cases for medical malpractice and personal injury tort cases that we have in America and Europe. And of course because of a lawsuit rich environment,with multi-million dollar damage awards you have crippling medical care costs and 30% to 40% higher cost of doing business in general in Europe and America.

If you're involved in a automobile accident here in Thailand the police officer at the scene, after collecting physical evidence, making assessments and talking to both parties and witnesses can adjudicate a case, on the spot. He can and will assign fault and order restitution to the damaged party, in most cases. Amazing Thailand! Many will say this carries the increased opportunity for corruption and while that is certainly true it can also be argued that this delegation of authority to the police relieves the judiciary of a tremendous case load, and provides for immediate resolution and restitution in cases of personal injury and property damage. It makes a large provincial and National judiciary unnecessary.

This whole atmosphere and the Thai culture makes it possible to have a wonderful intimate atmosphere where the crowds and balloon pilots and crews all mix together in harmony. This also gives photographers and spectators a rare opportunity to experience Hot Air Ballooning up close and intimately. Photographers have opportunities here to obtain unique and phenomenal shots.

A spectator and photographer get up close for a good view and photograph as Balloon a Pilot tests out his gas powered heating elements with some of that "Hot" PTT natual gas.

Here a local photographer with some pretty sophisticated equipment get's ready to capture the filling of the MasterCard Balloon

Although the Chiang Mai International Balloon Festival does afford spectators more freedom of access to the Balloon's, crews and pilots we don't want to leave the impression that safety isn't or wasn't a consideration. Police, Fire, rescue and ambulance crews were at the ready. They just aren't a pushy and are a little less intrusive than you may find in The United States or Europe.

A local ambulance crew enjoys the show but stands by in case of an emergency. Below Chiang Mai's "Men in Brown" stand at the ready.

The festival was enjoyed by young and old alike.

Here we can see Khun Yut holding down an anchor seat with other local dignitaries.

Workers, Supporters and Invited guest all seemed to emjoy the festival.

The Prince Royal's College Band did an outstanding job of providing musical entertainment throughout the festival.

Students and the local Boy Scout troupe showed up to enjoy themselves as well.

Young children vie for position and clamor

into a balloon basket for an opportunity to take

a tethered balloon ride

A young and attractive Thai mother hopes to

get her son a spot in one of the balloons.

Girls do look better in pink!

...or in shorts for that matter,at least

this shy panda thinks so.

"The Chiang Mai International Balloon Pilots and their wives take a well deserved time out luncheon on the 24th floor of the exclusive Chiang Mai, Centura Hotel with their host standing in black blazer Miss Warunee Khammeru, Executive Assistant Manager of Centara Duangtawan Hotel Chiang Mai And Vice President of Chiang Mai Tourism Business Association

The pilots and their wife's from left to right are:

Standing (from left)

Mr. Chris Riley, Mr. Louis Antony Watts, Mr. Nigs Pertwee, Mr. Austin Heginbottom and Ms. Susan Denise Pitts, Mr. Yut Wanichanond Advisor of Earth Wind and Fire Co., Ltd. the event promoter of TIBF 2011, Mr. David Baker, Aom (Mr. Yut's wife) Nannapas Krainara President of Earth Wind and Fire Co., Ltd.

Seated (From Left)

Mr. Barry and Mrs. Beaulah Joy Bower, Mr. Shaun Douglas Bradley, Mrs. Mandy Riley, Ms.Pauline Francis Beighton

In Front (From Left)

Mr.Kerry Cote-Bond, Right Mr. Geoffrey Brian Lescott ."

Two Thai CMIS Students enjoy the attention of

two lovely Thai Clowns

Hot Air Balloon Chase and Recovery Teams
One of the most critical and important components of Hot Air Ballooning is having a "cracker jack" chase team capable of rapid recovery and if necessary, rescue of the balloon and it's occupants.

This position is uniquely filled in Thailand by carefully hand selected Taxi Cab Drivers from Bangkok.

Left: Chase crews standing by the road side watching their balloon pass by and determining where they will need to drive to, to arrive when the Pilot and the winds come to agreement on where the balloon will set down.

On the right a chase crew getting ahead of their charge. Hoping the pilot has enough gas to clear the ominous and ubiquitous high power lines. Speed is not a necessary ingredient for a successful chase team but knowing the terrain and how to navigate the small side streets is essential.

Below: This is where Pilot experience comes in handy. Judging winds, fuel on board and how lucky you feel confronting power lines.

Bangkok Taxi drivers must keep a close lookout for Balloon's descending arcoss the city behind the roof tops of office buildings, houses and apartments. Knowing which small road to turn down or how to circumnavigate the labrynith of dead ends, and one way streets and is a talent not possessed by many.

Early morning Sylvania sponsored Balloon awaits it's crew

Bangkok Taxi driver Balloon Crews prepare in the early morning hours

These drivers awake hours before dawn, prepare the balloon and support equipment arrive at the launch location and assist in the unloading and unfurling of the balloon. Then they become the ground launch crew and assist in the critical task of getting the balloon's filled with hot air and in getting the "basket' in an upright position. It's after all that work that their real skills are put to the test. If you've ever been in Bangkok and had a taxi ride you'll understand how the ability to find any address or location in that city uniquely qualifies them for this job. They expertly keep in close visual contact with the balloons as they float helter skelter across the city in the sky above, taking them where the wind leads. The taxi drivers following in the chase trucks maneuver their way through the city streets going up one small street or "soi" and down another, maybe through a parking lot or or onto the drive of a private residence or industrial complex to reach their balloon within minutes of it's landing

Chase trucks qued up in the afternoon after the early morning flight begin preparation for an afternoon of tether flights to thrill and entertrain the crouds.

Two young boys from Chiang Mai International School look skyward in awe as the balloons effortlessly make their assent.

A Man and His Balloon

Geoff Lescott is as unlikely a daredevil balloon pilot as you'll ever find. Geoff hails from Oxford, England where he's been the head of the IT department at Oxford University for the last 30 years. Hot Air Ballooning seems like an unlikely pastime for a stodgy Oxford type but it's what keeps Geoff feeling alive and in shape. Geoff has attended every one of the last 5 International Balloon Festivals in Thailand with the exception of the one two years ago when his balloon made it safely to Thailand but his flight and visit was cancelled due to the Yellow Shirt take over of Suvarnabhumi Airport.

Geoffrey's Balloon can always be seen proudly displaying the British "Union Jack"

Video of Pilot Geof assessing fuel and winds
at 456 Feet

Some Mystery surrounds the origin and naming of Geoff's Balloon. When I first saw G-CFAY (The name assigned to the balloon by the Civil Aviation Authority) I thought Geoff was possibly affiliated the the US Navy's operations in Japan. CFAY of course stands for Commander Fleet Activities Yokosuka. But as it turns out Geoff has been affiliated with Oxford University in England for 30 years. Geoff is a great admirer of "Lewis Carol who attended Christ Church, Oxford and who penned the famous so called "nonsense poem" Jabberwocky from which Geoff borrowed the name for his balloon, "Brillig".

Twas bryllyg, and ye slythy toves

Did gyre and gymble in ye wabe:

All mimsy were ye borogoves;

And ye mome raths outgrabe.

(Click on the link below for a listen in real English)

Jaberwocky

So there is a connection between Lewis Carol, Oxford University, Geoff Lescott, his balloon and Jaberwocky. As Lewis Carol or should we say, Charles Lutwidge Dodgson (his real name) called the poem, a "Stanza of Anglo-Saxon Poetry".

Poetry and the Zen of Ballooning
There is one other connection which I would like to assert between a Lewis Carol poem and these intrepid men who are balloonists. Everyone of the balloonist who participated in this great sport at the Chiang Mai, Internation Balloon, with the exception of Mr Kerry Coate, who is the token "youngster" and is actually making a living full time as a balloonist, have made their careers outside of ballooning. They are all successful men, in the business world, professionally, financially, and one senses on a personal level they have attained that level of self confidence, awareness and humility to know that life is fleeting, and momentary.

In the truest sense of the Buddhist precept and goal for awareness, they do live in the present. Ballooning could be thought of as a tool they use to keep themselves "alive" and cognizant that every day we have on this earth is a gift not to be wasted.

Which brings me to the other Lewis Carol poem that touches on the temporal nature of life. When you have lived life to it's fullest and reached a certain age of maturity from time to time.these two stanza's from the prologue to "Alice Through the Looking Glass," must cross one's mind.

"We are but older children, dear,
Who fret to find our bedtime near"

The complete poem can be found here and a version of it set to music here.

What great fun these gentlemen are having! If you make it to the next Chiang Mai International Balloon Festival and have an opportunity to meet one of them and see the twinkle in their eye you'll know what I mean.

Pilot Geoff Lescott making a little hot air.

Now where did I put that flight plan and
should I brief the passengers on the restroom
facilities on board?

Below we have Mr Shaun Douglas
a commercial and residential architect and
builder by profession and Hot Air Balloonist
just for the love of it.

Mr Shaun Douglas from Bradley England in the Basket and Making allot of Hot Air with that great PTT Natural Gas

Earth Wind and Fire Systems Integrator

Mr. Anthony Nigel (Nigs) Pertwee, is the force behind the scenes that makes everything come together smoothly. He facilitates and coordinates activities and schedules between the Pilots, Thai authorities and the Festival Promoters. Nigs is a long time resident of Chiang Mai, Thailand and his knowledge, and understanding of the culture and area are an indispensable element in making for a successful festival.

Above Khun Nigs poses with a Thai photographer while he helps to hold open the CFAY balloon as it hungrily gulps a hot draft of air.

Every smoothly run organization needs a "Khun Nigs" who can take charge at press conferences, and meetings and lubercate the wheels of communication between disparate organizations, and people.

A few hunderd feet up after launch from Prince Royal College

View of the Ping River running through the center of Chiang Mai

Aerial view of the Ford sponsored balloon

flying over some of Chiang Mai's unique

architectural structures

High above one of many beautiful Buddhist Temples in Chiang Mai

Pilot Kerry Coate from Bond, England in the Ford Balloon cruises down low over the heart of Chiang Mai.

Pilot David Baker's balloon and passengers drift

effortlessly in the misty early morning across the

Chiang Mai sky.

View of the main bridge across the Ping river and through the

Taipei Gate into downtown Chiang Mai.

Four balloons in the early morning haze of Chiang Mai

Pilot Jacqualine Grace, the only female pilot in the

group, in her balloon CEMU leaping large
condominiums in a single bound.

A bridge over the River Ping. This is the old "Nawarat" (นวรัตน์) bridge, which is over a hundred years old and an important historical structure in Chiang Mai.

The Nawarat bridge in days past during what appears to be the Songkran "Water" festival.

The Narawat bridge was named after Prince Kaew Narawat or "Chao Kaew Nawarat". "Prince and King Nawarat was the 36th and last King of Lanna and Prince of Chiang Mai reigning from 1909 to 1939. Upon his death in 1939 the Lanna royalty was abolished and the throne of the Lanna Kings, who had reigned over a Kingdon that was founded in the same period as Sukhothai and which existed for several centuries more, was replaced with a governors seat, a seat which was appointed from Bangkok."

This Ford Escape sponsored balloon was used to actually pick up a Ford Escape car. You can see a YouTube clip here of the balloon picking up the car.

Balloon Pilot Barry Bower and the balloon “Bubbles” put down in an exclusive private Catholic school, Montfort College. "I guess this is as good a spot as any for a landing."

Thailand Ballooning Season

The Ballooning season in Thailand is relatively short due to normally excessive heat, and undesirable wind conditions for hot air ballooning. However, a good window for the season is from November through February. The best ballooning environment is in northern Thailand as it is much too wet in the south to find good landing locations.

Because Chaing Mai, affords the most ideal conditions in Thailand for ballooning along with other factors the Chiang Mai International Balloon Festival organizers, Earth, Wind and Fire Ltd Co. have committed to making this an annual event in Chiang Mai, Thailand.

The video to the left and slightly above show's the landing spot Pilot Geoff Lescott found just off the super highway behind some new apartment buildings near Hang Dong, Chiang Mai, Thailand. When asked why he chose this location to land Mr. Lescott said something to the effect that he didn't actually choose this spot but rather the wind did. In fact, Mr, Lescott put the balloon down in some tall wet weeds two or three meters from his intended landing spot on a tiny square of cement.

American Cowboys rope and tie new calf's for branding on the great plains of the west. Here a cowboy of a different sort ropes and ties his balloon on the great open spaces of Thailand's plains. We have tried valiantly here to avoid mixing other metaphor's in this caption such as, "taking the wind out of one's sails" or worse, "Letting the air out of your balloon."

As the hot air distorts the image, the top of the balloon begins to look like the view in an old fashioned broken glass kaleidoscope.

Play the video below to see the Grand Finale Night Glow Balloon Animated Light Show.

Once empty shrouds of cloth that seemingly come to life and then delight the heart and mind with wonder and awe

Big fluffy Balloon Pillows to dream on

The winds have welcomed you with softness,

The sun has greeted you with it's warm hands,

You have flown so high and so well,

That God has joined you in laughter,

And set you back gently into

The loving arms of Mother Earth.

— Anon, known as 'The Baloonists Prayer,' believed to have been adapted from an old Irish sailors' prayer.

If you want to attend or participate in next years Thailand International Balloon Festival you can contact the promoters at Earth, Wind and Fire Co. Ltd. here.

The World Weeps AT The Death of Kim Jong il

2011-12-19T04:50:00.000-05:00

The whole world weeps with laughter at the passing of Kim. Who will now step up to offer us all comic relief at the absurdity of his statements and positions and his buffoonery ? Can Obama possibly fill his shoes?

A Day That Will LIve In Infamy. Today Is That Day For Remembrance

2011-12-04T10:46:00.001-05:00

Video of Rosevelt's famous, "A Day That Will Live In Infamy" Speech.

Roosevelt was pissed. America had been attacked by Japan without being provoked. There was righteous indignation across America and this president knew how to exploit that anger to get us off our dead asses and into the fight.

Before and After Images of the attack on Pearl Harbor

This Photo is just a teaser for what lays in store at "The Atlantic" article.

This is a terrific photo essay by the Atlantic Magazine on the attack of Pearl Harbor. The Atlantic If you've ever been to Hawaii and know Hawaii you'll regret not clicking on this link and seeing these spectacular photos.

Reflection and Introspection
What we have to ask ourselves, is what were we doing and saying in 1937 when the Japanese were attacking China? What did we do when we heard of the Rape of Nanjing? We failed. We did nothing. Why? After WWI the liberal communist press in America fanned the flames of anti capitalism and blamed our involvement in WWI on greedy capitalists. And secondly because the liberals were in charge in America, as they are now. Liberal's and weak knee'd Republican's like Senator Nye a "Progressive Republican" and Democrats had passed legislation called "neutrality acts" which prevented the president of the United States and those conservatives so inclined to support the Chinese, from doing anything. As as Nation we denied what was happening and stood idly by and did nothing. I can't watch any movie about what happened in Nanjing or read any story without getting violently ill and ashamed of what we didn't do. And although I pity the Japanese today for some of the hardships that have befallen them I can never forget or forgive what they did to the Chinese at Nanjing or to the USA at Pearl Harbor or to the millions of others across Asia and elsewhere during the war. For example the Bataan Death March. One can only wonder what causes the collective insanity of a culture that becomes hell bent on the complete destruction and annihilation of millions of men, women and children. But I think we can safely say this seeds of this insanity rest squarely with Hirohito's dream to rule the world.

Here is a heart breaking section of a film on the Rape of Nanjing.

Images of the Rape of Nanjing can be seen here. The Emperor of Japan, Hirohito personally led this disgusting genocide against Japan and yet at the end of the war he was never brought to trial by the United States or the World Court. He lived until 1989 and his son, Emperor Akihito, succeeded him. Akihito can be seen here with Obama kowtowing to him.

A president with a knowledge and sense of history, and Obama has neither, would never bow to the progeny of a genocidal war criminal, especially one who refuses to admit wrongdoing or apologize for Japan's actions and crimes against China. Because of his ignorance of world history Obama is clueless why his own gesture's and behavior might dismay the Chinese who he is trying to engender favor with. Or is he? Maybe this is deliberate? Some Japan pundits think Obama is deliberately trying to provoke the Chinese.

In the mean time Japan and China are rumored to be planning a great rapproachmont as reported in the JapanFocus.

Obama might do well to spend a little more time focused on challenging the Muslim Brotherhood and the world wide Radical Islamist threat than the Chinese who have no history of attacking or trying to conquer anyone outside of their immediate sphere of influence. Frank Gaffney addresses the threat of the Muslim Brotherhood here. In the same manner that Washington ignored the threat of Japanese Imperialism in 1937 they are again ignoring and under estimating the threat of radical Islam today.

Surprisingly enough there are still some Chinese who remember how the United States finally put an end to Japan's aggression by dropping the atomic bombs "Little Boy" on Hiroshima and "Fat Man" on Nagasaki.

You can read about their memories here in a post by Chinese American Iris Chang. Ms Chang recounts the following:

My older aunt, my dah ahiee (big aunt), is actually very small. Her wrists are the size of napkin rings, as delicate as rice paper--and the clothes we pass around in our family do not fit her slight frame. She is shy, especially in English. And during one heated family discussion on the American bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in a mid-peninsula Sizzler, she kept quiet. I had pointed out to her rather talkative husband that the U.S. government was still the only government that had dropped the atomic bomb on human beings. Hiroshima, I could maybe see, but Nagasaki too? At this point, my petite aunt spoke up. "I think they should have bombed the whole country!" she bellowed, and then lapsed back into silence.
It was the first time I realized how profoundly the Chinese were affected by World War II. Even then, I was not familiar with what had happened in the country of my mother's birth during the war.

In an interview Mr. Tom Hanks, the actor and cinema director once said of the American servicemen in WWII that they were racists. Many veterans and conservatives were upset with this statement but in some respects I tend to agree with Mr. Hanks. It took a kind of counter racism and hatred of the Japanese to defeat and annihilate the insanity that Hirohito had unleashed in his own people. This was no time for moral relativism. I wish the reporter had been able to probe Mr. Hanks deeper on this issue. I'd be very interested in what he really meant.

There is a movement afoot to pressure the Japanese into making reparations, which while it may be deserved, has a prayers chance in hell of ever being granted. A more gratifying and appropriate response would be if the American Chinese community organized an international day of thanks and gratitude to the United States of America for dropping the atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki and putting a rapid end to the war. But again, there is probably a prayer's chance in hell of that ever happening either. We all have our dreams. Mine would be to live in a world where America was honored, respected and gratitude given for our contributions instead of being vilified for our shortcomings.

KAL 007 Shoot Down or What a Difference The End of The Cold War Can Make

2011-12-02T02:29:00.001-05:00

Background and Qualifications

I've been flying in airplanes since I was a kid. I flew in a few small Cessna's in the late 1950's and even a bell helicopter that landed in our front yard in 1960. I believe it was a Hiller like this one.

I went in the Navy in 1976 and flew in various prop and jet aircraft as both passenger and aircrew. I flew in C 131 Convair's out of Point Mugu, California like this one and in P3 Orion's.

And Grumman E2 Hawkeye's like the one with the big radome or rotodome cluttering things up on top.

I've even flown in an A-4 Skyhawk with a back seat similar to this one at Point Mugu, California to take aerial photos of the antenna's on Russian Trawlers intercepting data from our missile launches.

But most of my time in the Navy has been in special Ski Equipped LC-130 F and R model aircraft like the one above. I probably have over a 1000 hours on over water navigation flights from Point Mugu to somewhere halfway to Hawaii, flights from Point Mugu to Tahiti, Pago Pago, Christ Church New Zealand, and then McMurdo Station, Antarctica. I've flown all over the Antarctic Continent. McMurdo Station, South Pole, a Place called J9, the Russian Base at Vostok (Vostok is the South Geomagnetic Pole) and Molodyozhnaya Station, The French Base, Dumont D'Urville. The proving flights to Australian base, Casey Station and I've spent hours flying up and down the Dry Valley’s and the Beardmore Glacier on ice sensing missions. And unfortunately even time in a UH-1N Huey Helicopter during the recovery efforts of Air New Zealand DC 10 901 Crash

A little Right Seat Time. (Note position of throttles)

At Site D 59 where we recovered XD 321

A young and beautiful Shot of the Erebus Ice Tongue taken by the author in 1979. The Tongue has long since broken off and reformed and no long exists in such a beautiful configuration as this. You won't find another photograph of it like this anywhere else in the world. It is here just for the enjoyment of Naam Bplah readers.

One Might think we were at the French base here but actually this was taken just after the Casey Proving flights in 1979 at the Australian, Casey Station

Russian Vostok Station 1978, They couldn't have the Geographic South Pole, America laid claim to that so the Russian's settled for the "Geomagnetic South Pole" Which doesn't really exist as a piece of geography. It is rather an intense geomagnetic force which "floats" in this general vicinity.

After the Navy I worked for a major defense contractor and spent the next 25 years racking up miles on commercial Airlines, Mostly on United, where I racked up over a million miles and then when I got transferred back east I started flying exclusively on North West, now Delta, where I have also accumulated over a million miles.

So now on to the point of this post. I think I've established or maybe over killed the fact that I do have some flight experience.

I usually fly out of Detroit on the older 747-400's and although we have in the past taken a Polar route to Narita Japan the flight route usually looks like this. Note we stay well east of mainland Russia.

Twenty Eight years and a few days in change makes all the difference between life and death. On November 30th 2011 I flew on one of my first flights back to Asia on Delta's new Boeing 777's out of Atlanta, Georgia. About 7 or 8 hours into the flight I woke up and looked up in shock at my in flight entertainment center "Follow the Plane" map as we headed down from the polar ice cap not through the Bering Sea down east into the sea of Japan and east of the Kurii Islands but right over the heart of Mother Russia. Oh my Buddah! Were we Ok? Did our pilots file the proper flight plan? No one briefed me on this change. But then I am only a passenger. That is hard to forget sometimes when you have the arrogance and background I do.

Flight Path of Delta Flight 281 Nov 30 2011

This was either a case of, "Same Same but Different" as my Thai friends are so want to say and as is spelled out below.

Or this was and is a major new change. As I said before twenty eight years and a few days in change makes all the difference between life and death. We have just passed the anniversary of the murder of the passengers on Korea's KAL 007. These people weren't so lucky for being only a few hundred miles off course. I wonder if any of them were monitoring the "follow the plane" map, as I was. The Russians shot them down out of the sky without batting a eyelash. After the Russian pilot fired his two air to air missiles up the rear end of the 747-400 he didn't look back but returned to base and probably got tanked up on some good Stoli.

You can see on one tiny little wave point set incorrectly at take off in an inertial navigation system (INS) can ruin you're whole day.

President Reagan's rather lengthy address

to the Nation on the Russian Shoot down of KAL 00. But you've got to love this man, as I did and do. He didn't mince words. He was nobody's patsy and the press hated him for it. In 1983 they were well on the way to destroying him and his wife Nancy.

So the next flight you take back from Asia, check your "In Flight Map" and think for a moment of the lives or "soul's on board" KAL 007.

Largest Holder of US Debt Next To The US Social Security System Is China

2011-11-19T21:21:00.001-05:00

China -- Our Silent Partner. I thought I was the fist one to coin the phrase in this context, "Our Silent Partner" but a quick Google search shows I'm not alone. However, it seems exceedingly strange to me that our media pays such scant attention to China. No I don't just mean news stories of Obama's trip to ASEAN member nations or the conflict over Taiwan or Korea or even over our trade conflict. I find it exceedingly strange that we don't solicit Chinese opinions on every other mundane topic in the public consciousness. I fear we insult them by our total lack of interest about who they are.

As much as I am reluctant to admit it we can't wipe our butts without using a Chinese product. No...wait...that might be the one and only product they don't make for us. I stand corrected.

What the Chinese think and what they do, and feel and what their opinions are about world affairs should be front and center in our minds and in the American conscience.

Have you ever picked up a product Walmart, Kmart, Target, Lowes, or Home Depot or virtually any store, except maybe the Made In America Store and wondered exactly, where in China it was made? No? I have and I imagine, with some embarrassment, trying to explain to some 50 year old Chinese assembly line factory working making 3000 Yuan a month why we buy the crap we buy from them. I'm talking about the Toys and Dollar Store crap we buy.

What must these people think sitting on an assembly line, day in and day out making little injection molded plastic birds that balance on your index finger? I wonder if they ever dream of following one of those little plastic birds from their factory in Guangzhou Provence to the ultimate consumer in Walls, Mississippi or to a convenience store in up state New York? If they could do that, what would they think? Would they care? Do they care? I don't know but I think we should.

Don't get me wrong I can defend our other purchases. The quality is OK and the products pretty much work as advertised. I don't begrudge the Chinese making products and profits. I wish them luck. But I wish we hadn't totally abandoned our domestic industrial capacity, and capabilities but we have. And now as an American consumer there is noting to be done about it.

We can thank our politicians and our unions for where we are. But ultimately the responsibility as the voting public was ours and we failed to keep our eye on the ball.

There is nothing we can do about the fact that the Chinese make all our "stuff". But there is something we can do about our ignorance about the Chinese people and there is something we can do about our callous disregard for their opinion's and ideas. Our arrogance astounds me and our educational system and our media has failed us in this regard. Education and a flood of information on China should be front and center in America.

More on this topic to follow.

Anniversary of the Great Obama Flu Scare of 2009

2011-11-18T19:14:00.001-05:00

Influenza Flu Virus Structure

As flu season rolls around again are we hearing any reminders of the foolishness or the cost of the Obama administrations panic of 2009? Actually I think you're only hearing about it here at Naam Bplah.

Back in 2009, during the Halycon days of Obama's first "action under fire" he was aided and abetted by none other than the New York Times with inaccurate and plainly concocted stories about the number of dead and ill and alarming predictions of dire consequences to come. None of these predictions came to pass.

The subsequent GAO Report tried to put the best face on the profligate waste of taxpayers money with these highly speculative numbers:

"The Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimated that there were as many as 89 million U.S. cases of H1N1influenza from April 2009 to April 2010. CDC estimated that these cases led to as many as 403,000 hospitalizations and 18,300 deaths during that

period, with a disproportionate number of children affected as compared to typical influenza seasons."

These numbers constitute a pandemic?

But just to play devils' advocate let's assume for a moment that 200 Million taxpayers actually got flu shots for a total cost of 6 billion dollars. ($6,000,000,000 divided by 200,000,000 is approximately $30.00 for every man, woman and child in the United States.) Some might argue that $30.00 isn't a bad trade off to avoid the predicted apocalyptic result that would occur from doing nothing. Personally, I wouldn't. I think the cost is still too high. Besides I don't remember my flu shot being free. I paid for mine. How about you?

The GAO report also tells us, "the WHO declared that the 2009 H1N1 influenza pandemic ended on August 10, 2010." It's not clear how it ended, with a bang or a whimper or they just got tired of reporting on it after the 6 billion was spent.

The GAO report goes on to tell us; "HHS had $6.15 billion available from the 2009 supplemental appropriation to spend on pandemic influenza activities. Specifically, the Congress appropriated $1.85 billion immediately to HHS in June 2009, shortly after WHO declared the start of the pandemic. The Congress also appropriated up to $5.80 billion in additional contingent funding. These contingent funds would only be available in the amounts designated by the President, in written notices to the Congress, as emergency funds required to address

critical needs related to emerging influenza viruses. In July and September of 2009, the President notified the Congress of the need for additional funding, and accordingly, $4.54 billion of the contingent funds became available to HHS. From this $4.54 billion, HHS transferred about $241 million to other departments, which left about $4.30 billion available for HHS.28 As of December 2010, the remaining $1.259 billion from the contingent fund was not designated by the President as required to address critical needs related to emerging influenza viruses; however, these funds were rescinded under the fiscal year 2011 continuing appropriations act."

What is mentioned with a grain of salt in the GAO report is that of over 240 million dollars that HHS transferred to other departments and organizations to fight this "Pandemic" no one bothered to follow up or find out how the money was spent, if it was effective or on what it was ultimately spent.

All of this waste was BS (Before Solyndra) and seems like chump change by comparison I suppose and hardly worth reporting To me it still seems like a crime.

"HHS reported that it transferred about $241.20 million to the Department of Defense,Department of Veterans Affairs, Department of State, and Department of Agriculture. Since

HHS spent the majority of the 2009 supplemental appropriation, we did not determine howthe $241 million transferred to these other departments was spent by them. We did not independently verify the amount of money that was transferred. The 2009 supplementalappropriation requires that all funds transferred to these other departments go toward purposes related to preparing for or responding to an influenza pandemic."

Remember the $30.00 a head calculation I provided earlier in this article? Well I was being generous. Later in the GAO report we find the following:

"The states, in turn, placed orders for their allocated doses and determined which providers should receive the vaccine. CDC estimated that from October 2009 through May 2010, 27 percent of the U.S. population over the age of 6 months (about 81 million people) was vaccinated against H1N1 influenza..."

If we accept HHS numbers, CDC numbers and figures from the States, all of which have a vested interest in cooking the books, we come up with a cost of approximately $76.00 per head. ($6,150,000,000 divided by 81,000,000 = $76.00 for every man, woman and child actually inoculated in 2009.

Bangkok Post, The Nation, Asia Today and Other Liberal Asian Publishers of Tripe Coordinate All Out Attack on Ying Luck Shinawatra's Administration

2011-11-16T00:31:00.001-05:00

The Thai news agencies and liberal Australian Bangkok correspondents like "Asia Today's" Bob Horn are crying foul and reporting that Thaksin is the most "divisive" leader in Thai history. Here. The question is most "divisive" to whom? When you garner more votes in more provinces than any other leader in Thai history how is that divisive? When your sister overwhelming wins election to Prime Minister by incredibly large margins in an election stacked against her how is that divisive?

Super Highway to Bangkok. The View Thaksin soon will see on his way home.

All the Bangkok based writers make sure to stress Thaksin's "fugitive" status and then the international press; pick up the same phrases and misinformation and biased opinions and incessantly repeat an modulate the story to appeal to their own sycophantic tastes. They fail to mention the courts that made him a fugitive were allied with the opposition party and that the fraud charges had little to no substance.

The Nation would like to make "a mountain over a mole hill" over this issue in yet another attempt to disparage the Ying Luck administration here just as they have tried to do with their screaming headline, "Govt takes dangerous path". Here Will they never stop? Have they no decency? Give this administration an opportunity to govern without being besieged and incessantly attacked. Where was their outrage when the Democrats were in power?

There use to be a tradition in Thai Politics for the old prime minister to bow out politely from expressing opinions on the current administrations day to day operations of the government. It's a pity Khun Abhisit won't follow this tradition and keep his mouth shut instead of trying to undermine the current government as he does here. He lost the election by a wide margin. He should go away and keep his own counsel. How many years did he have to improve the levees and the infrastructure of the country to mitigate the flooding? But his government did NOTHING! And now he has the gall and effrontery to try to tell the current government what to do? How hypocritical is that?

2011 Chiang Mai, Thailand International Balloon Festival November 25

2011-11-15T21:59:00.001-05:00

We will be attending the worlds most awesome Hot Air Balloon Festival this year at Chiang Mai, Thailand. You can see it here. Chiang Mai Balloon Festival This annual festival is being organized by the Earth Wind and Fire company here. Please check out their website. They not only organize this festival they produce many fine products for our Armed Forces. Focusing on Soldier support and survivability systems. The scope of their products is not limited to just soldier hydration systems but encompasses many other product lines which are better described at their own web site.

The balloon's will be staging at the Prince Royal College just across the street from Chiang Mai, International School and just a hop, skip and a jump from this author's house, or "Moo Bahn" as the say over here. Needless to say you need to stay tuned to see some awe inspiring photos in about two weeks.

A list of the festivals sponsors can be found below.

Another Nail in the Coffin of CO2 Induced Global Warming

2011-11-13T21:14:00.001-05:00

On a recommendation from our friends over at Powerline I'm linking to a new article Here by Doctor Tim Ball which puts another big nail in the coffin of the anthropomorphic climate change argument.

In this article Dr Ball disproves, resoundingly, the theory that man made or caused CO2 emissions are the culprit behind global warming or climate change. It's a good read. I highly recommend it for a full understanding of the issue.

What I intend to do here over the next few months is build a library of the latest scientific evidence which demonstrates that Climate Change at best is a hoax and at worse a diabolical attempt by our political elites to transfer more wealth and power from the developed nations to the developing and to line their pockets with the proceeds of fees and taxes on carbon emissions. Stay tuned.

Some of the developing nations have actually enough cheek to begin charging for carbon emissions already. When you book a flight on Thai Royal Airlines these days your presented with this option.

On the live screen the, Offsetting your carbon emissions "please click" is flashing red. I can only assume when you go to that screen your offered the option of contributing x amount to off set the carbon emissions caused by the flight your about to take. I'd love to see the formula for that calculation and I wonder who's pocket the money goes into? We will follow up on this one.

Bangkok Post Invokes President Reagan's "Tear Down This Wall" Quote

2011-11-13T16:10:00.001-05:00

In an obvious and sophomoric attempt to pillory Prime Minister Ying Luck Shinawatra the Bangkok Post invokes President Reagan's Brandenberg Gate, "Tear down this Wall". command.

The full article can be found here. The Post, in this case is referring to a wall of sandbags holding back flood waters near the old Don Muang airport.

The Post is mouth piece of the Bangkok Elite who hate and despise the democratically elected Prime Minister, Ying Luck Shinawatra as they did her brother, Thaksin Shinawatra .

The Elite have been hounding her since she took office and have been using the flood as a tool to undermine her administration. At the same time these "liberal democrats" have been calling into question her leadership skills because she is a woman. She has been under a ceaseless assault since early October of this year. What would they have had her do? She has only been in office a relatively short time. Given that just after she took office the flood waters were coming and the condition of the levees and damn's were, "what they are". What could she have done differently? Doesn't the former administration of Aphisit Wetchachiwa bear any responsibility? The time do "do something" constructive about flooding, the time you have an opportunity to make significant infrastructure improvements is years, not days or weeks before a flood. I'd say the current administration has made herculean efforts to protect it's citizenry with sandbags and barricades and emergency food and water. This isn't Bangladesh.

Admittedly mistakes have been made and yes in some cases local officials could have acted sooner and in some cases people in power have acted in their own self interests. Your going to have those events and circumstances in any government and in any crisis environment. But this is not the time to undermine the Thai government. The people need a government they can believe in and a government that is strong. As reported by AP news here Thailand's kings health is possibly deteriorting. The forces that are causing this unrest and dissatisfaction with the current government should think twice about the long term impact of their actions.

President Obama's Asian "Charm Offensive"

2011-11-11T22:53:00.001-05:00

Reuters is reporting Here that President Obama is headed to Aisa on a charm offensive.
A "Charm Offensive" are they serious? I knew Chris Matthews felt a "thrill going up his leg" but do you really think the Chinese will have the same reaction as Mr Matthews? Our nation is going through the worst economic crisis in modern time and the president is taking off for two weeks; to watch Basketball in San Deigo, play golf in Hawaii, visit with old friends in Indonesia, pray at the Istiqlal Mosque in Jakarta, play a few more rounds of golf, then on to China where he hopes Hu will take notice of his charm and not call in our markers. The only thing that is going to "power the recovery" is if Obama isn't re-elected.

Reuters, Jack Shafer Backhanded Support for Herman Cain

2011-11-11T10:02:00.001-05:00

Jack Shafer editor for Salon and contributor for Reuters

Presidential Candidate Herman Cain

Reuters, commentator, Mr. Jack Shafer offered up the left's version of a mea culpa article on Herman Cain here. But if this is impartial journalism, who needs a lynch mob? The way Mr. Cain has been treated by the press is deplorable and Shafer's article doesn't really address this reprehensible behavior on the part of his colleagues. Shafer bends over backwards to establish he still feels Cain is or probably could be, at a minimum, guilty of "something". He's not quite sure what, maybe he's guilty of being a "creep"? Shafer's idea of impartiality and being an objective journalist is to say he's "...open to the possibility that (Cain) he’s no rampaging sexual monster. " That's all? That's really big of of him. Mr. Shafer certainly doesn't suffer from probity or from being objective. But we've come to expect this type of behavior from the left. This article by Shafer is an obvious and pathetic attempt to lift himself "above the fray". I'm convinced Mr. Shafer thinks he really is being objective and unbiased in writing this article. That is how divorced the left has become from reality. Mr. Cain has never even been accused of sexual harassment and yet Mr Shafer jumps easily from the initial claims in Politico of "inappropriate behavior" to "sexual harassment" early in his article and then continues to modulate and repeat the phrase until in the end the reader assumes Cain has been charged with "sexual harassment". But where was Shafer on Clinton and the semen stained dress of Monica Lewinsky? Mr Shafer has a history of attacking anyone who would dare to tell the truth. Unfortunately, Mr. Shafer doesn't know the truth or understand the meaning of objective journalism. Instead of attacking Herman Cain, Matt Drudge and Marvin Kalb he might want to take a few lessons from them.

Happy Birthday U.S. Marine Corps

2011-11-10T10:28:00.000-05:00

Happy Birthday US Marine Corps. 236 Years and Going Strong. Hoo Rah!

Just for fun here's another video of the Battle of Leyet Gulf where my grandmother was an assistant to Gen. MacArthur, (after the battle.)

Here's a great Marine Corp Joke borrowed from Sgt Grit's Grunt web site

NEVER ASK A GUNNY...
Richard Mullins

A young Marine officer was in a serious car accident, but the only visible permanent injury was to both of his ears, which were amputated. Since he wasn't physically impaired he remained in the Marine and eventually rose to the rank of General. He was however, very sensitive about his appearance. One day the General was interviewing three Marines for his personal aide. The first was an aviator, and it was a great interview. At the end of the interview the General asked him, "Do you notice anything different about me?"

The young officer answered,"Why yes, sir. I couldn't help but notice that you have no ears." The general got very angry at the lack of tact and threw him out.

The second interview was with a femaleLieutenant, and she was even better. The General asked her the same question, "Do you notice anything different about me?" She replied, "Well, sir, you have no ears." The General threw her out also.

The third interview was with a Marine Gunny. He was articulate, looked extremely sharp and seemed to know more than the two officers combined (surprise).

The General wanted this guy, and went ahead with the same question, "Do you notice anything different about me?"

To his surprise, the Gunny said, "Yes sir, you wear contact lenses."

The General was very impressed and thought, what an incredibly observant Gunny, and he didn't mention my ears. "And how do you know that I wear contacts?" The General asked.

The sharp-witted Gunny replied, "Well, sir, it's pretty hard to wear glasses with no freaking ears."

Posted by Sgt Grit Staff

Despite Foreign Intervention Thai Baht Expected to Fall

2011-11-06T19:04:00.001-05:00

Most financial commentators are predicting a increase in the value of the Thai Bhat due to a recent influx of foreign investment. While it is true foreign investors have propped up the Baht this past week by pouring almost $200 Million into Thai equities, this is going to do nothing more than provide a temporary respite for the falling value of the Baht.

Bangkok Skyline under ominous phsycial and financial storm clouds.

As I predicted in my previous post on this subject we at Naam Bplah expect to see the Baht hit 38 to 45 to the USD within the next 18 months. This is based not only on the economic impact due to the current flooding but on our analysis of it's long term impact on industrial and agricultural output.

The Sheikh and his entourage pass by a Bangkok fruit vendor

Naam Bplah's Bangkok foreign correspondent, Nanak discussing micro economics with two Thai Street Vendors

Bangkok''s State of the Art Mass Transportation System

When we look at the serious implications of the disruption of industrial output, long term agricultural impacts, coupled with increasing political instability and the precarious and uncertain state of other aspects of Thailand's national identity we feel our analysis and predictions are in line and could even exceed the economic crisis in 1997.

Shoulder to Shoulder with Pakistan Not Our American Benefactors

2011-11-05T23:11:00.000-04:00

As reported initially in Politico and repeated with glee in the New York Times, Major General Peter Fuller was fired by Hillary Clinton and President Obama for calling a spade a spade. For speaking honestly and truthfully. When told by Politico that Afganistan President Hamad Karzai stated that Afganistan would defend and aid Pakistan if Pakistan was attacked by the USA, Fuller responded, "Why don't you just poke me in the eye with a needle! You've got to be kidding me." "I'm sorry we just gave you 11.6 Billion USD and now your telling me, I don't really care?"

The New York Times and Politico both actually report that General Alan made the decision to relieve General Fuller of his command. If you believe that I have a bridge in Brooklyn I'll sell you.

Everyone seems to agree that What General Fuller said was true. Karzai, is erratic, inarticulate and ungrateful for US assistance. No one denies that fact, not the army, not Politico or The New York Times. But I guess our generals are not suppose to speak the truth.

Since I have a family member at risk in Afghanistan I have been researching our Military's operational policies on a big picture basis and on a micro level trying to understand current operational tactics techniques and procedures (TTP). Probably the most articulate writer on our Afghanistan policies is, Diana West author of the best selling book, The Death of the Grown Up In one of Diana's more recent weekly blogs she writes, You don't win hearts and minds by losing your own. Diana concludes this blog with the following paragraph describing Maj Jim Gant's implementation of his "One Tribe at a Time" concept.

Gant's big idea is to insert small teams like his own into other tribes. "They must be able to `go native,'" Gant writes, and "steadily integrate themselves into tribal life and customs." As my reader might say: Great, just great.

Whether Gant's plan for special forces is fully implemented, one thing is as clear as a Joint Chief on a rug: You don't have to be fighting for Sitting Bull to see the horizon through the other's eyes. But that's not how you win hearts and minds; it's how you lose your own."

I'm afraid the US Army leadership is losing it's way again just as they did during the middle and end of the Vietnam war. Just because an idea is new and "innovative" like Major Gant's. doesn't mean it's a good idea or that it's not going to get allot of good soldiers killed.

Continued Flooding in Thailand's Major Industrial Areas Wreaks Havoc On Thai and ASEAN Economy, Report by China's CCTV News

2011-11-03T21:16:00.001-04:00

If you have an interest in Thailand I highly recommend this news clip from our "friends" (I say that lightly) in China. However, this is a fairly comprehensive report on the damage and challenges Thailand will face over the next two or three years. I suspect we will see a dramatic drop in the value of the Thai Baht from it's current exchange rate of 30 Baht to the USD to possibly 40 to 45 Baht to the dollar.

Hookah Smoking Spreading Like Wild Fire Across America or Beware of Turks Bearing Gifts

2011-11-03T00:55:00.000-04:00

Since the United States has existed our soldiers through their training or experiences abroad have brought back to America more than they left with. Through the introduction of new habits and attitudes they have changed the face of this Nation and consequently it's habits. We owe the new popularity of Hookah smoking, in part, to the war in Iraq and conflicts in other Western Asian countries.

Smoking a Hookah in Iraq

Probably the best article and most comprehensive statistic on the subject of Hookah smoking is by the American Lung Assoication and can be found here. However, having said that please realize that the American Lung Association has become fanatical about second hand smoking and has also lost sight of our constitutional right to do any damn thing we want to our bodies. If they had things their way they would outlaw smoking. No. But wait. If they outlaw smoking who will pay taxes on cigarettes to support socialized medicine in America? But I digress. At any rate treat the ALA facts and figures with a healthy amount of skepticism

By anyone's calculation Hookah smoking has taken off like a Nebraska wild fire spreading across the great plains of American culture by people predominantly under 30. This transformation from cigarette smoking to Hookah smoking has occurred primarily since the Iraq war.

Soldiers in Iraq lighting up. As far as I can determine this photo originally came from Narghile Blogspot. My apologies to the original photographer as I haven' been able to determine who that is.

Probably the best and most entertaining web blog I've found for the aficionados of Hookah smoking can be found at the The Hookah Lounge. Another popular site is Hookah Kings. The most politically bizzare Hookah site I've found is, Narghile Blogspot. This website attacks the anti Hookah organizations and is a strong support of Gaddift and claims the US is responsible for over one million deaths in Lybia. Hookah Hookah is a very big site with a clickable Google type map with locations of Hookah Bars all across the USA. Probably very useful to Hookah Smokers country wide.

Earlier examples of soldiers in America being introduced to various drug habits and bringing these habits home can be found in this excellent article Higher and Higher by Peter Brush . The article by Brush is a straight forward narrative accounting of what happened. It is riviting. I'm assuming the author borrowed the title from the Jackie Wilson classic, Your Love Keeps Taking Me "Higher and Higher" which was adopted as an almost cult song by the soldiers in Vietnam as was Purple Haze by Jimmy Hendrix.

Sharing a pipe with friends. This is a common scene across America Today

In my youth is would have been assumed there was not tobacco in the device.

Liberty Mutual Insurance Company's "Responsibility Project" Blog Here has an interesting article called

The Hidden Harms of Hookahs.

I give you the NOT SO HIDDEN HARMS.
Lack of O2 to brain. This is what causes your "buzzed" feeling. Wait until you have a stroke...it's a very similar feeling except you start slurring your words and pissing in your pants and begin to drown on your own saliva because you can't swallow. If your lucky you die, if not your life is changed forever. Smoking a Hookah is a fun thing to do I'm sure. But do you want to take the risk that a tiny blood vessel brain might not be up to the stress your putting your body under? As they say in Thailand, "Up to you!"

Useful Idiots For Aljazeera

2011-10-29T21:47:00.001-04:00

I recently had occasion to visit Aljazeera and while I didn't expect to find the Wall Street Journal or even USA Today I could only shake my head in dismay to see the Opinion Pieces written by erstwhile Americans or should I say, AINO's American's In Name Only. Honestly I don't even know if they would admit they are Americans.

Here are some of the contributions to Aljazeera's Opinon Section

1. Is The New Israel Lobby Bad For Jews? This piece by MJ Rosenberg is a little hard to stomach. I caution you to sit down when you read it. It is just terrible. This man gives a whole new depth and meaning to the phrase, "Self Hating Jew". Just amazing that someone could sink to this depth. But then again, Mr. Rosenberg is with and funded by Media Matters.

2. Personal Ties That Bind Is a fluff piece by Christopher Hill in which he pats Obama on the back for not destroying our relationship with South Korea. I guess the idea is to give Obama lavish credit for continuing the relationship with South Korean nurtured and further developed under President Bush and now, "Sustained" under Obama. But then Hill "jumps the shark" when he gives Vice President Biden a naked love hug with this sentence, "Vice President Joseph Biden was able to make an enormous contribution, owing to his six visits to the country during the preceding year." Oh really? And what would those contributions be? Hill doesn't tell us.

3. Romney's Indiscreet Advisor by Muhammad Idrees Ahmad, with some radical left group called Pulse Media.  This is a hit piece on Mr. Walid Phares nominated by Romney to chair the Middle East and North Africa working group of his Foreign Policy and National Security Advisory Team. Mr Muhammad actually gives a fairly accurate description of Mr Phares world views and warnings against Radical Islam however he makes painfully clear he doesn't agree with Mr Phares positions and warn's he must be watched. He end's his piece with this paragraph:

"If the new millennium was inaugurated in the twin terrors of 9/11 and shock-and-awe, its second decade has yielded to the bracing winds of the Arab spring. From Cairo to Sanaa, the Arab masses are asserting their preferences, and their interests are not likely to always align with those of the US. This is a fact Washington has yet to acknowledge. The times demand nuance and humility, yet a contender for America's top job appears determined to bait armageddon. He has turned to a radical with apocalyptic visions for advice on the world's most volatile region - this at a time of unprecedented turmoil. As the Massachusetts governor surges forth with more than a long-shot at the presidency, it is vital that we paid attention."

Actually I like Mr. Ahamd's writing style and he obviously did his homework on Mr Phares. Mr. Ahmad is articulate and his article was, over all, an interesting read. It's always interesting to find out what the bad guys really think. It's clear Mr Ahmad fears a Romney Presidency with Mr. Phares as an adviser. (Just a side note: Mr Ahmad's Pulse Media is also concerned about the Koch Brothers?)

4. The Solutions Generation
This is a Global Warming/Sustainability Anti-Capitalism piece all rolled in one. In which the author, Professor Robert Costanza, a professor of Sustainability, no less and also the Director for the Institute For Sustainable Solutions (ISS) at Portland State University anoints the next generation the, "Solutions Generation" Isn't that cute. I wonder if it will take off? Generation S.    This guys credentials got me to wondering, just when did the lexicon "Sustainability" hit the big times? I don't think it was until around the late 1980's. Essentially, Sustainability is an offshoot of the environmental global warming movement but it is much more ambitious and sucks everything in the world into the path of is microscope/computer modeling. In 2008 these guys were funded by a 25 million dollar grant from the James F. and Marion L. Miller Foundation. They were given 10 years to burn up the 25 million. I'm sure they are doing a bang up job of things. Maybe it’s a silly question but how in God's name did we sustain ourselves, our cultures, our civilizations, before the advent of "Sustainability" I think it's truly a miracle we made it this far. I for one rest better knowing Professor Robert Costanza is at the helm watching out for our best interests and teaching the youth of America, the “Generation S ers” how to sustain themselves. I think these people actually take themselves seriously. But then for a 10 year contract, a cool 25 million and tenure, I suppose for some people with no moral rudder this kind of work would be appealing. One can actually get a "Graduate Certificates in Sustainability". I wonder what that experience is like. I bet I could get a good government job with a degree like that or maybe I high level corporate position working for Jeff Imelt at GE. I bet GE has to have an office of sustainability. I say, what a capital idea! Let's make that a requirement for all future government contracts. What do you want to bet they already have. Professor Constanza has an impressive resume or CV as the academe's like to say. But he's never had a real job in his whole life. He's was born and raised in school and has spent his whole life at Universities. When you read the introduction page to what the whole field of study at Portland is all about you've got to wonder if there are any adults in charge at the University that read and approve this horse shit. Listen, "Portland State University seeks to become a powerful catalyst, model, and engine of positive and lasting change." What pablum! What does that mean? What change? Would that be "Hope and Change"? How can change be "lasting"? You want what ever change you are a catalyst for to never end?    "We strive to serve as a leading academic laboratory for designing sustainable solutions to the complex, interconnected problems now facing us." What problems might those be professor? You care to elaborate? Or is it better to leave it at the, "larger temporal and spatial scales, from small watershed to the global system. ...Including landscape-level spatial simulation modeling, analysis of energy and material flows through economic and ecological systems; valuation of ecosystems services, biodiversity, carrying capacity, and natural capital; and analysis and correction of dysfunctional incentive systems." Yes it's probably better to leave it at that level. Right professor? That way it will be pretty hard to validate your data. By the way how much fidelity are there in your models? You didn't by any chance borrow those models from East Anglia's Climatic Research Unit did you professor?

"Why do Radical Muslims, Aljazeera and all "developing" and "emerging" nations embrace, the Anthropogenic Global Warming Myth, Sustainability and all the other disciplines the Professor wants to put his hands around? All of these pursuits are just a means to an end. That end being the destruction of Israel and The United States of America. Professor Costanza needs to ask himself why he has spent his life attacking and biting that hand that feeds him. His endeavors are especially criminal in that  Mr. Lewis and Mr Clark a long time ago, germinated the funds used for this activity. They must be turning over in their graves. The bottom line. James F. and Marion L. Miller have been cheated. Fleeced of their hard earned money.

5. The Homeless Are Thrown Out With The Trash We are next treated to a tearful piece by none other than Barbara Ehrenreich a self described "American" feminist and author. Barbara is also the author of "Nickeled and Dimed: On not getting by in America." which is a variation on the Black Like Me book. In fact she could have titled it, "Poor like me". Unfortunately, her book has become required reading for many young students. Ms. Ehrenreich has become a kind of a "cult" hero to the liberal minions for getting "down and dirty" with the working class of Americans. Something all liberals are loath to do. Reading Ms. Ehrenreich books one leaves with no mistaken impression that she, can't wait to escape this working class environment herself and return to her upscale government subsidized academic lifestyle. Throughout the book Mr Ehrenreich takes great care to keep us aware that she's not really one of "them".

This Aljazerra piece, "The Homeless Are Thrown Out With the Trash" tries to excuse the behavior and explain the images we've all seen of public defecation at Occupy Wallstreet. (It's curious to me, the Tea Party protesters didn't seem to have any problem going to the bathroom during their protests.)

Barbara also uses this opportunity to lament the lack of public facilities, in general in the United States and links to a 1997 article by travel writer Author Frommer on the lack of toilets in America.
But the main focus of her concern are the "Homeless" in America. This is the first Homeless piece I've seen since Obama took over the White House. I thought once President Bush left office and the democrats took over the Homeless problems had gone away. But now I see they are still there, as terrible as they were before but apparently we only get to hear about them when they can be linked to greedy capitalists.

For good measure we're treated to an unsubstantiated story about a pregnant homeless woman who eventually gives birth to a still born child because she is refused public or private assistance. Barbara closes her article blaming the "plutocracy" which, for sure
Aljazeera's editorial board and the majority of its readers understands as the Jews.

6. Immunity and Impunity in elite America Glen Greenwald is an attorney, writer of Salon and author of two highly biased and inaccurate attack books on President Bush's foreign policy. Immunity and Impunity in elite America is just another ad hominem attack on President Bush, capitalism, and the American judicial system. In this piece Greenwald also eats his own when he attacks, Larry Ellison. These people are relentless in their attacks on anything American. But I see they still enjoy living off the flesh of the beast. I don't notice Mr Greenwald in a hurry to move to let say, China, or Russia, or Egypt for that matter to take advantage of the wonderful judicial systems in those countries. In this article Mr. Greenwald also props up the Occuppy Wall Street folks saynig the protest are a natural outcome of the economic inequalities in America.

7. Occupy Protest: Not Tahrir Yet by Mark Levine, Professor of History at UC Irvine. Mr. Levine, is on the staff of Aljazrra.
He is extremely, hard left, anti Jewish, anti capitalist, pro Hamas
radical. You can listen to him yourself over here at American Power Blog. Levine is a real piece of work. It's frightening that someone like him is teaching at UC Irvine at tax payers expense.

All these writers are reading off the same sheet of music! It's like a symphony, an endlessly modulated theme and variation of nonsense. The endgame, no matter what the crisis, is redistribution of wealth, more government control and less individual freedom. These people are relentless and prolific writers to boot. It would take an Army of me to keep track of them and all the filth and vitriolic hate and anger they spew on a daily basis. This is just from one week of Aljazrra! I shudder to think what a years worth of their editorials would sound like. Does it never occur to them they are being used? Maybe in a little corner of their minds do they have any doubts about publishing in Aljazrra like, "Maybe I shouldn't do this. I don't think so. I think the relish the attention and notoriety.