Living in Harmony

Many self help books identify the causes of fear and pain and provide the readers ways to live in peace. Many of these are devoted to the individual readers or the family.

How can countries live in harmony? Seems like an unsustainable goal.
Is country the sum of all evils? Only the ruthless, power, greed are in the equation.

American is the democratic superpower since WW2, however, the administration keep throwing their young people to battles, be it Korean war, Vietnam war, Kuwait war, Iraq and Afghanistan.
For what actual benefits these wars bring to the people of United States?
Is this realistic to use force to bring harmony?

What if everyone read "the 7 habits of highly effective people" to begin the journey. A long long journey for sure.

Local Weather

In the first week of July, Edmonton is wet and cold. So much rain that we hardly turn on the sprinkler. Relative to last July, this summer is less welcome. However, if I compare Edmonton to the rest of the world cities, Edmonton is the best. With temperature in the high 30C and humidity in the high 80s, what else can you do except hiding inside air conditioning rooms.

The climate is changing, the climate lobbyists are active. Their suggestions of clean energy are heard everywhere in the world. Let me see how many global meetings they will have for sheer discussions, the good old wine and dance sessions.

The world is spinning towards destruction not because of natural disasters. The world is spinning towards destruction because of government mismanagement. Corruption in all levels of government, in all levels of financial institutions, in all levels of NGO. Quality of living decreases for ordinary Joe like you and me, our savings, our pensions are disappearing at an exponential rate. What recourse do we have when some one abscond our funds? The answer is zippo.

What about the lives of the South Korean sailors???

Today, United Nations Security Council did not condemn the administration of North Korea for the sinking of the South Korean submarine. Apparently, the 46 sailors died in a mindless attack. Apparently, the world is convinced whom is the attacker. Yet, the world politicians are happy to leave the families of the dead sailors suffer for the rest of their lives.

The statement is clearly a compromise of the council members. Why would the UN Security Council accept such irresponsibility? Their excuse is to keep peace in the Korean Peninsula. The scene reminds me so much of Chamberlain's unwillingness to address Hitler's aggression which eventually leads to World War II.

Wars are inevitable...imperialism, superiority, capitalism, communism. These are just a few reasons why fighting has not stopped since WWII. Why do we put our youngsters in Afghanistan, not Korea. What is justice???

Oil pollution in Nigeria

Yesterday, the news media bring my attention to Nigeria's major pollution. The oil exploration along the coast of Nigeria has created serious problem for the fishermen. The oil leaked out from the pipeline clogs up the shoreline causing death to many sea creatures. Living condition is getting worse every day for the villagers. The wealth generated by the oil industry is shared only by a few. The fact is the poor gets poorer.

In the other end of the world, Alberta is an oil rich province where the wealth is shared relatively by the countrymen. At least, the provincial administration is trying their best to create a diversified province. The fact is the poor gets richer.

Oil companies, especially global companies like Exxon-Mobile, BP, Total, Shell, who enjoy government and financial support. The massive infrastructure required to process and transport these products is capital intensive. Return on investment is a major yard stick for many oil industry executives. Investors are more aggressive in the last decade when funds managers take over the investment role.

Is it a vicious cycle of creating victims of wealth building? Small investor joins as a group to look for better wealth distribution. The simple objective for these investors is to retire on a decent pension. Most of them find not only their oil dividends dwindle, their other investment shrinks as pollution can create irreparable damage.

Football and Politics

The Nigeria government suspended the National team from participation in soccer events after their miserable performance. Soon after, FIFA issued a warning to the Nigerian President that they will boot Nigeria off if such suspension is to be carried out.

Talk about politics these days...but then politics has never been excluded from athletic events. Olympics is a typical example.

What about Mello, the Brazilian player, who successfully denied Brazil from advancing to the quarter-final. Is there a conspiracy in such blatant effort to undermine the team? What is the odds that Brazil does not make it to quarter final?

Do you lose your shirt yet?

The Ball is round...

A shocking upset today as Brazil lost to the Netherlands in quarter final world cup soccer. Team work is everything in these games. Players not only play their role diligently, they play with their team mates in attack as well as defense. The Portugal multi million dollar super star Cristian Ronaldo only plays half court. His team cannot withstand the constant onslaught of Spain. The Brazilian plays for half time and Mello is a shame when he maliciously steps onto the Dutch player.

As the commentator laments the referee judgement in many games. I wonder aloud as to the FIFA itself, is the organization playing havoc by excluding technology in the field? Is it more than old fashion or tradition? Is it the betting behind over rule a proper game?

I see how the corrupt officials in the Olympic organization ruin so many careers...