This 4 hour difference will go to the usual 5 when Canada
goes back to Standard Time on Sunday.
Thursday, October 31, 2019
Happy Halloween
This 4 hour difference will go to the usual 5 when Canada
goes back to Standard Time on Sunday.
Spook Alert
Halloween (for the little ones) has been moved to tomorrow
because of the extreme winds and rain expected tonight. 🎃
because of the extreme winds and rain expected tonight. 🎃
Wednesday, October 30, 2019
Eden
I'd be more of the view: what happens in Eden stays in Eden 😘
* * *
source: Le Journal de Montreal BLOGS
author: NORMAND LESTER
Wednesday, October 30, 2019 05:00
translation: GoogleTranslate/doxa-louise
Scientists claim to have discovered the birthplace of humanity. In a way, the "Garden of Eden" where according to Genesis lived Adam and Eve. The scientific journal Nature has published this information.
According to Australian and South African researchers, the authors of our study, our first "human" ancestors (homo sapiens sapiens) were born 200,000 ago in a small wetland in Botswana in southern Africa where hunter-gatherers lived in isolation for 70,000 years before climate change forced them to disperse across Africa and then the entire planet.
As is often the case in science, the researchers' conclusions were immediately challenged. In particular, they were criticized for having relied primarily on the analysis of mitochondrial DNA, which represents only a tiny part of the gene pool.
Anyway, it's the "Adam and Eve" aspect of the news that interested me because I did research on the genetic proximity of humans and great apes for the scientific thriller " The Orchids of Stalin "which I co-authered with Corinne de Vailly.
How did primates become humans? The main difference between humans and other great apes is that we have one pair of chromosomes less: 23 pairs of chromosomes instead of 24 . The chromosomes of humans are very similar to those of chimpanzees and bonobos, the two species of great apes with whom we have a genotypic proximity of more than 98%.
The split between the branch of the monkeys and that of the hominids in the primate tree is probably due to a genetic aberration. A mutation that caused the appearance of a viable being whose cells had only 47 chromosomes instead of 48. This mutation was unlikely to spread because it is very unfavorable to those who are afflicted, if they are viable.
To move on to 46 chromosomes, it required mating between two individuals with 47 chromosomes. Such a cross will yield non-viable trisomics and tetrasomics, but possibly a viable individual with 46 chromosomes: "Ecce homo". Some specialists believe that the acquisition of bipedalism in humans was made with the transition to 46 chromosomes. As also the development of the cerebral neocortex involved in higher cognitive functions such as language, spatial reasoning and consciousness.
It is highly unlikely that many monkeys with the same chromosomal deficiency coexisted for the reasons outlined above. If two individuals with 47 chromosomes mated, they had to be brother and sister or, perhaps, father and daughter.
Even though consanguinity is dramatically harmful to the offspring of humans and great apes, the taboo of incest only appears fairly late. In most current primates, males leave their family group at maturity to avoid incest. In the case of bonobos, it is the females that disperse during adolescence.
Two conclusions can be inferred from the above.
We are all descendants of the same pair of genetically imperfect primates.
Adam and Eve really existed: two monkeys with 47 chromosomes who practiced incest!
* * *
* * *
source: Le Journal de Montreal BLOGS
author: NORMAND LESTER
Wednesday, October 30, 2019 05:00
translation: GoogleTranslate/doxa-louise
Were Adam and Eve incestuous monkeys?
Let's forget for a moment Donald Trump's antics to talk about news that should lead us to reflect on our origins and those of the 7 billion people who inhabit and pollute the planet.Scientists claim to have discovered the birthplace of humanity. In a way, the "Garden of Eden" where according to Genesis lived Adam and Eve. The scientific journal Nature has published this information.
According to Australian and South African researchers, the authors of our study, our first "human" ancestors (homo sapiens sapiens) were born 200,000 ago in a small wetland in Botswana in southern Africa where hunter-gatherers lived in isolation for 70,000 years before climate change forced them to disperse across Africa and then the entire planet.
As is often the case in science, the researchers' conclusions were immediately challenged. In particular, they were criticized for having relied primarily on the analysis of mitochondrial DNA, which represents only a tiny part of the gene pool.
Anyway, it's the "Adam and Eve" aspect of the news that interested me because I did research on the genetic proximity of humans and great apes for the scientific thriller " The Orchids of Stalin "which I co-authered with Corinne de Vailly.
How did primates become humans? The main difference between humans and other great apes is that we have one pair of chromosomes less: 23 pairs of chromosomes instead of 24 . The chromosomes of humans are very similar to those of chimpanzees and bonobos, the two species of great apes with whom we have a genotypic proximity of more than 98%.
The split between the branch of the monkeys and that of the hominids in the primate tree is probably due to a genetic aberration. A mutation that caused the appearance of a viable being whose cells had only 47 chromosomes instead of 48. This mutation was unlikely to spread because it is very unfavorable to those who are afflicted, if they are viable.
To move on to 46 chromosomes, it required mating between two individuals with 47 chromosomes. Such a cross will yield non-viable trisomics and tetrasomics, but possibly a viable individual with 46 chromosomes: "Ecce homo". Some specialists believe that the acquisition of bipedalism in humans was made with the transition to 46 chromosomes. As also the development of the cerebral neocortex involved in higher cognitive functions such as language, spatial reasoning and consciousness.
It is highly unlikely that many monkeys with the same chromosomal deficiency coexisted for the reasons outlined above. If two individuals with 47 chromosomes mated, they had to be brother and sister or, perhaps, father and daughter.
Even though consanguinity is dramatically harmful to the offspring of humans and great apes, the taboo of incest only appears fairly late. In most current primates, males leave their family group at maturity to avoid incest. In the case of bonobos, it is the females that disperse during adolescence.
Two conclusions can be inferred from the above.
We are all descendants of the same pair of genetically imperfect primates.
Adam and Eve really existed: two monkeys with 47 chromosomes who practiced incest!
* * *
Tuesday, October 29, 2019
Time Board
I think I've found my Halloween project:
designing a clocks menu to show how London
synchs (or not) with various other cities on
Standard or Summer Time.
The EU is trying to decide on whether it is still
useful to go to Summertime every years. Other
countries wll no doubt need to make up their minds
as well.
Below, basic Javascript to show time.
designing a clocks menu to show how London
synchs (or not) with various other cities on
Standard or Summer Time.
The EU is trying to decide on whether it is still
useful to go to Summertime every years. Other
countries wll no doubt need to make up their minds
as well.
Below, basic Javascript to show time.
Below version updates every minute:
Monday, October 28, 2019
Election 19
source: Le Journal de Montréal
author: Guillaume St-Pierre
translation: GoogleTranslate/doxa-louise
OPINION
Conservative leader Andrew Scheer finds in the aftermath of elections more weakened than ever. His leadership is under attack from all sides. Some preach patience, others have already come to the conclusion that Mr. Scheer is not the man for the situation.
Mr. Scheer argues that under his leadership, the Conservative Party has increased its Parliamentary strenght by about 20 seats, and has obtained more votes than Justin Trudeau in absolute numbers. But getting quasi-Stalinist scores in Alberta is not exactly a sign of good political health. One can even conclude that Mr. Scheer was unable to enlarge his appeal, stubbornly preaching to the converted.
"Andrew Scheer did not take enough risks, for example by proposing a stronger environmental plan," believes Tim Powers, a long-time Conservative strategist.
Conservative activists will decide in the spring if they are to renew their trust in their leader. But, already, names are circulating about a possible replacement.
The alarm is particularly brutal to his Quebec lieutenant Alain Rayes, who has done an admirable job gathering a group of quite respectable candidates. It is clear that many Quebecers are not in tune with the social conservatism of Mr. Scheer.
But above all, it points to, more generally, the tendency of separatists to express their disagreements very publicly.
Yves-François Blanchet, who does present much by way of political experience, much less as a leader, will be responsible for overseeing the 30 Bloc members in Ottawa.
"The challenge is to see how he will bring newly elected people who have never been to Ottawa to work in a coherent, cohesive, team way," said University of Ottawa political scientist Geneviève Tellier.
With 32 MPs, the Bloc attains the status of an officially recognized party in the House of Commons, with associated budgets. By sitting on committees, its elected officials will have the opportunity to add their input to various bills.
It is the quality of this legislative work, accomplished far from the spotlight, that will ultimately be measured, in the end, as to the relevance of the Bloc in Ottawa.
Bloc troops will also need to expressly restock their war chest before the next election.
The alarmists were not listened to by the Prime Minister's Toronto clique.
A long-time Liberal strategist tempers this assessement. After all, all Quebec LPC ministers were re-elected. And with 35 seats, many Quebec francophones, the party is well in the saddle. Nothing to do, therefore, with the debacle of the PLQ provincially last year, pushed to its bunker positions in Montreal.
The challenge of the PLC in Western Canada is more apparent. Justin Trudeau did not elect anyone in Saskatchewan or Alberta. The Prime Minister must find a way to make room for these provinces around him, ideally in his cabinet.
Justin Trudeau is gaving himself a month to build his team of ministers. He needed two weeks in 2015. "It's a sign of maturity," believes our former strategist. It is also undoubtedly a sign that significant changes are coming within his personnal team, believes our liberal.
"As long as the party is not ready to return to elections, its power position is very weak," believes a former press secretary of the party, Farouk Karim.
The NDP is penniless. It must resource itself before going back into the electoral arena.
In this context, Jagmeet Singh must work to reduce the expectations of his activists, while demonstrating that he has certain powers of influence over Justin Trudeau.
"The next few months will be more of a war of public opinion than a legislative war in Parliament," Karim said.
In this view, it is prudent to wait until the 2nd Liberal budget in the spring of 2021 to observe the first real clashes between the government and oppositions, which will be better equipped financially to play to their political weight.
The Greens have had a disappointing campaign. The three solitary members they elected will not weigh very much in the balance of this minority government.
"There is really a lot of work to be done on reorganization, leadership and preparation for the next campaign," says Geneviève Tellier of the University of Ottawa.
- With the collaboration of Émilie Bergeron
author: Guillaume St-Pierre
translation: GoogleTranslate/doxa-louise
OPINION
How things stack up in a disjointed Parliament
The federal election is now behind us. As dust falls quietly, Canadians are waking up today with a minority government, by nature precarious. All leaders have enormous challenges and pitfalls in front of them. Preview of the coming months.
THE CONSERVATIVE HANGOVER
Conservative leader Andrew Scheer finds in the aftermath of elections more weakened than ever. His leadership is under attack from all sides. Some preach patience, others have already come to the conclusion that Mr. Scheer is not the man for the situation.
Mr. Scheer argues that under his leadership, the Conservative Party has increased its Parliamentary strenght by about 20 seats, and has obtained more votes than Justin Trudeau in absolute numbers. But getting quasi-Stalinist scores in Alberta is not exactly a sign of good political health. One can even conclude that Mr. Scheer was unable to enlarge his appeal, stubbornly preaching to the converted.
"Andrew Scheer did not take enough risks, for example by proposing a stronger environmental plan," believes Tim Powers, a long-time Conservative strategist.
Conservative activists will decide in the spring if they are to renew their trust in their leader. But, already, names are circulating about a possible replacement.
The alarm is particularly brutal to his Quebec lieutenant Alain Rayes, who has done an admirable job gathering a group of quite respectable candidates. It is clear that many Quebecers are not in tune with the social conservatism of Mr. Scheer.
THE HARDCORE BLOC
The surprise departure of former Bloc Québécois leader Martine Ouellet reminds us of the existence of very distinct factions within the party.But above all, it points to, more generally, the tendency of separatists to express their disagreements very publicly.
Yves-François Blanchet, who does present much by way of political experience, much less as a leader, will be responsible for overseeing the 30 Bloc members in Ottawa.
"The challenge is to see how he will bring newly elected people who have never been to Ottawa to work in a coherent, cohesive, team way," said University of Ottawa political scientist Geneviève Tellier.
With 32 MPs, the Bloc attains the status of an officially recognized party in the House of Commons, with associated budgets. By sitting on committees, its elected officials will have the opportunity to add their input to various bills.
It is the quality of this legislative work, accomplished far from the spotlight, that will ultimately be measured, in the end, as to the relevance of the Bloc in Ottawa.
Bloc troops will also need to expressly restock their war chest before the next election.
A RENEWED JUSTIN TRUDEAU?
Should the Liberal leader surround himself with more Quebeckers? Yes, instinctively respond those disappointed by Liberals' performance in the Belle Province. Behind the scenes, it was pointed out that the chief's entourage had been warned of the Bloc Québécois' growth potential.The alarmists were not listened to by the Prime Minister's Toronto clique.
A long-time Liberal strategist tempers this assessement. After all, all Quebec LPC ministers were re-elected. And with 35 seats, many Quebec francophones, the party is well in the saddle. Nothing to do, therefore, with the debacle of the PLQ provincially last year, pushed to its bunker positions in Montreal.
The challenge of the PLC in Western Canada is more apparent. Justin Trudeau did not elect anyone in Saskatchewan or Alberta. The Prime Minister must find a way to make room for these provinces around him, ideally in his cabinet.
Justin Trudeau is gaving himself a month to build his team of ministers. He needed two weeks in 2015. "It's a sign of maturity," believes our former strategist. It is also undoubtedly a sign that significant changes are coming within his personnal team, believes our liberal.
JAGMEET IN QUICKSAND
NDP leader Jagmeet Singh should not be deluded; although he holds the balance of power, his true influence against the Liberals of Justin Trudeau remains very limited in the short term."As long as the party is not ready to return to elections, its power position is very weak," believes a former press secretary of the party, Farouk Karim.
The NDP is penniless. It must resource itself before going back into the electoral arena.
In this context, Jagmeet Singh must work to reduce the expectations of his activists, while demonstrating that he has certain powers of influence over Justin Trudeau.
"The next few months will be more of a war of public opinion than a legislative war in Parliament," Karim said.
In this view, it is prudent to wait until the 2nd Liberal budget in the spring of 2021 to observe the first real clashes between the government and oppositions, which will be better equipped financially to play to their political weight.
NEW BLOOD FOR THE GREENS
Green Party leader Elizabeth May says she is ready to retire. This is probably good news for activists.The Greens have had a disappointing campaign. The three solitary members they elected will not weigh very much in the balance of this minority government.
"There is really a lot of work to be done on reorganization, leadership and preparation for the next campaign," says Geneviève Tellier of the University of Ottawa.
- With the collaboration of Émilie Bergeron
Sunday, October 27, 2019
Rain
The rainy season comes to Socal in December.
So this could be a long month ahead.
And how was that outage on a PGE line linked
to starting the Kincade fire...
https://www.liberation.fr/planete/2019/10/27/incendies-en-californie-des-evacuations-massives-au-nord-de-san-francisco_1760004
* * *
* * *
Le Journal de Montreal reported on this surveillance camera
view of an evacuation.
A male neighbor had to tell the woman to just go.
They were lucky: only the outdoors to their house burned.
So this could be a long month ahead.
And how was that outage on a PGE line linked
to starting the Kincade fire...
https://www.liberation.fr/planete/2019/10/27/incendies-en-californie-des-evacuations-massives-au-nord-de-san-francisco_1760004
* * *
Le Journal de Montreal reported on this surveillance camera
view of an evacuation.
A male neighbor had to tell the woman to just go.
They were lucky: only the outdoors to their house burned.
Biggie
My birthday is approaching in early December, and trying
for a new Facebook picture.
Could use more colorful make-up and a sunny-day background.
This is what the big 7-0 looks like!
for a new Facebook picture.
Could use more colorful make-up and a sunny-day background.
This is what the big 7-0 looks like!
* * *
Saturday, October 26, 2019
Happy Brexo!
Yes, it does seem to be coming next Thursday the 31st: Brexoween,
Hallowit, take your pick, that confluence of Halloween and a dry Brexit.
Contingency plans have been enacted to stop complete blockage at English ports:
https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2019/oct/25/no-deal-brexit-contingency-plan-implemented-on-kent-roads
I am sympathetic, but here in Canada we do manage to tax things differently and
overcharge each other between regions without erecting barriers. The secret: we
are all in the same country, so there is always recourse if anyone feels wronged.
Does eat away at one's time on this green earth, but it works. And the political class
have an inexhaustible source of material for making promises.
https://canadabusiness.ca/government/taxes-gst-hst/federal-tax-information/overview-of-charging-and-collecting-sales-tax/
* * *
No girl, you can't stay. From the comments, one gets that many feel you
should be loosing a few, and I mean stone, here. Healthy at any size does
not mean healthy at any weight for your size.
The real bottom line though is that this routine - albeit cute and funny - does
not pass the Citizenship exam. The EU has reached the point of trying
to define a sense of European identity that 'travels'. 🐱👤
Hallowit, take your pick, that confluence of Halloween and a dry Brexit.
Contingency plans have been enacted to stop complete blockage at English ports:
https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2019/oct/25/no-deal-brexit-contingency-plan-implemented-on-kent-roads
I am sympathetic, but here in Canada we do manage to tax things differently and
overcharge each other between regions without erecting barriers. The secret: we
are all in the same country, so there is always recourse if anyone feels wronged.
Does eat away at one's time on this green earth, but it works. And the political class
have an inexhaustible source of material for making promises.
https://canadabusiness.ca/government/taxes-gst-hst/federal-tax-information/overview-of-charging-and-collecting-sales-tax/
* * *
No girl, you can't stay. From the comments, one gets that many feel you
should be loosing a few, and I mean stone, here. Healthy at any size does
not mean healthy at any weight for your size.
The real bottom line though is that this routine - albeit cute and funny - does
not pass the Citizenship exam. The EU has reached the point of trying
to define a sense of European identity that 'travels'. 🐱👤
Friday, October 25, 2019
Quality
It is no secret that traditional press are suffering financially.
In France, many have joined a legal action against Google,
part of the Internet forces that profit from their content
without remuneration. Because the Internet does attract
a lot of (new) ad money.
I am no doubt part of this heartless crew because I link
to the press quite a bit. But then, I run free blog(s) on Google.
Just letting the pieces fall where they may...
There is a cheerier note in all this. Facebook is expected to
announce today that, henceforth, it will be buying quality
articles from the press - and spend millions doing so - to feed
a news service on its platform. 💫
https://www.liberation.fr/france/2019/10/24/presse-des-medias-francais-portent-plainte-contre-google_1759509
In France, many have joined a legal action against Google,
part of the Internet forces that profit from their content
without remuneration. Because the Internet does attract
a lot of (new) ad money.
I am no doubt part of this heartless crew because I link
to the press quite a bit. But then, I run free blog(s) on Google.
Just letting the pieces fall where they may...
There is a cheerier note in all this. Facebook is expected to
announce today that, henceforth, it will be buying quality
articles from the press - and spend millions doing so - to feed
a news service on its platform. 💫
https://www.liberation.fr/france/2019/10/24/presse-des-medias-francais-portent-plainte-contre-google_1759509
Wednesday, October 23, 2019
Day-to-day
In a sense, I feel a bit sorry for Britain caught up
in the never-ending Brexit saga. One sees Britain as
a path-maker in defining Parliamentary democracy,
but interestingly, they have never defined a constitution
for themselves. The British constitution evolved historically,
and now the Brexit Deal seems on the same path ie in
historical time. Not gonna work!
What does leaving come down to? Importantly, not paying
into the EU. Let's get that done does seem to have some
urgency.
The cost of doing that? Loosing a place in that decision-making
body. Once that happens, the rest becomes the day-to-day work
of Parliament.
in the never-ending Brexit saga. One sees Britain as
a path-maker in defining Parliamentary democracy,
but interestingly, they have never defined a constitution
for themselves. The British constitution evolved historically,
and now the Brexit Deal seems on the same path ie in
historical time. Not gonna work!
What does leaving come down to? Importantly, not paying
into the EU. Let's get that done does seem to have some
urgency.
The cost of doing that? Loosing a place in that decision-making
body. Once that happens, the rest becomes the day-to-day work
of Parliament.
VigieParité
source: Le Devoir
October 22, 2019
author: Guillaume Bourgault-Côté
translation: GoogleTranslate
The noticeable increase in the number of women candidates in the five major parties will have had virtually no impact on the number of women elected on Monday night. The next Parliament will be composed of 71.3% men and 28.7% women.
Compared with 2015, progress is minimal - the previous Parliament had 26% women. The current figure remains a record ... but is well below the minimum threshold of the parity zone (40%).
Canada-wide, for 338 elected. Women in yellow.
It also highlights the disparity between the percentage of female candidates this year invested by federal parties (41.6%) and the number of women elected: the negative gap is close to 13 points. This tends to support the observation that parties increase their balance sheet with candidates whose chances of victory are slim.
The Vigie Parity project at Le Devoir noted that federal political parties have increased the pace of women's appointments in the weeks preceding the end of nominations. Of the top 715 candidates (half of the candidates), about 35% were women. If only the second block of nominated candidates was considered, 48% of women were women.
To form a joint cabinet, Justin Trudeau will have to choose from a caucus composed of 51 women (including 14 from Quebec) and 106 men.
That of the Conservatives will count 22 women (18.2%), but none from Quebec. There will be 9 among the New Democrats (the only elected Quebecer is a man) and 12 in the Bloc Québécois (37.5% of the caucus in both cases). Of the three elected from the Green Party of Canada , there are two women.
Canada-wide. By Party.
From one province to another, Quebec has the highest proportion of women (33.3% elected), followed closely by Ontario (31.4%) and Canada. British Columbia (31%). Four provinces will have 20% or fewer women to represent them (Prince Edward Island, Alberta, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia).
For Quebec as a whole.
For Quebec, by party.
The Quebec provincial election of 2018 concluded with a record number of women elected (43%) and women candidates (47%).
* * *
The article considers 40% women to be minimal parity. This assertion
is today's little problem. 🤔
* * *
Not my purpose to salt any wounds here, but
the convergence of a feminine cabinet in a more
masculine Parliament led the last government to
pass old boy legislation it coudn't implement. Ouch!
Looking at the mathematical aspects of parity questions
might help this time around...
October 22, 2019
author: Guillaume Bourgault-Côté
translation: GoogleTranslate
Looking at post-electoral parity: less than 30% of elected
Canada
The noticeable increase in the number of women candidates in the five major parties will have had virtually no impact on the number of women elected on Monday night. The next Parliament will be composed of 71.3% men and 28.7% women.
Compared with 2015, progress is minimal - the previous Parliament had 26% women. The current figure remains a record ... but is well below the minimum threshold of the parity zone (40%).
Canada-wide, for 338 elected. Women in yellow.
It also highlights the disparity between the percentage of female candidates this year invested by federal parties (41.6%) and the number of women elected: the negative gap is close to 13 points. This tends to support the observation that parties increase their balance sheet with candidates whose chances of victory are slim.
The Vigie Parity project at Le Devoir noted that federal political parties have increased the pace of women's appointments in the weeks preceding the end of nominations. Of the top 715 candidates (half of the candidates), about 35% were women. If only the second block of nominated candidates was considered, 48% of women were women.
By party
To form a joint cabinet, Justin Trudeau will have to choose from a caucus composed of 51 women (including 14 from Quebec) and 106 men.
That of the Conservatives will count 22 women (18.2%), but none from Quebec. There will be 9 among the New Democrats (the only elected Quebecer is a man) and 12 in the Bloc Québécois (37.5% of the caucus in both cases). Of the three elected from the Green Party of Canada , there are two women.
Canada-wide. By Party.
From one province to another, Quebec has the highest proportion of women (33.3% elected), followed closely by Ontario (31.4%) and Canada. British Columbia (31%). Four provinces will have 20% or fewer women to represent them (Prince Edward Island, Alberta, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia).
For Quebec as a whole.
The Quebec provincial election of 2018 concluded with a record number of women elected (43%) and women candidates (47%).
* * *
The article considers 40% women to be minimal parity. This assertion
is today's little problem. 🤔
* * *
Not my purpose to salt any wounds here, but
the convergence of a feminine cabinet in a more
masculine Parliament led the last government to
pass old boy legislation it coudn't implement. Ouch!
Looking at the mathematical aspects of parity questions
might help this time around...
Harmonic and geometric average look promising, but I
need actual numbers!
* * *
The numbers 1, 2, 7 have a mean of 2.33 but a harmonic mean of
1.7142.
The numbers 2 and 18 have a mean of 10, but a geometric mean of 6.
* * *
So these different ways of taking a mean are easy to understand, but
the usual domain of application is Finance.
Working with actual numbers on the election results, we
have parity at than 41% in our driving feminine numbers.
Working with percentages, geometric mean puts us at 45%.
Monday, October 21, 2019
Decision
Voting Day!
St-Jean elected a woman MP, Christine Normandin. She is a Family Law
lawyer by profession. Perso, I am happy to see the Trudeau Liberals still in
power. Long stretches of Conservative government are a snooze.
Congratulations to all!
St-Jean elected a woman MP, Christine Normandin. She is a Family Law
lawyer by profession. Perso, I am happy to see the Trudeau Liberals still in
power. Long stretches of Conservative government are a snooze.
Congratulations to all!
* * *
* * *
Sunday, October 20, 2019
Seasonal
I need a break from the Brexit problem; the British
House allowed passage of chain-reaction bills, and
the Brexit Deal will be hitting the House ass-backwards.
Reading about all this in the French press, I actually
learned a new word: saborder. It is a nautical term used
metaphorically to mean to make to fail, to scuttle, as in
shoot the captain and sink the ship. Arguably, what was
done to yesterday's hope of passage for the Johnson
Brexit bill.
Tomorrow is election day in Canada, and I get to
line up in a warm hotel lobby with other seniors and vote.
Was amused to learn the elderly have higher voting
rates than the young!?
Anyway, going shopping today. The temperature is spot-on
seasonal for today and tomorrow.
House allowed passage of chain-reaction bills, and
the Brexit Deal will be hitting the House ass-backwards.
Reading about all this in the French press, I actually
learned a new word: saborder. It is a nautical term used
metaphorically to mean to make to fail, to scuttle, as in
shoot the captain and sink the ship. Arguably, what was
done to yesterday's hope of passage for the Johnson
Brexit bill.
Tomorrow is election day in Canada, and I get to
line up in a warm hotel lobby with other seniors and vote.
Was amused to learn the elderly have higher voting
rates than the young!?
Anyway, going shopping today. The temperature is spot-on
seasonal for today and tomorrow.
Saturday, October 19, 2019
Rectification
Weight creep, be gone. Last night I consumed
for my last meal of the day both pieces of leftover
banana bread. It felt good, like a jailbreak must feel,
but it does put me in the Secret Eaters class.
This morning, had a small piece of cheese on Ryvita with
a few grapes instead of the cinnamon bagel I had planned
for. Not punishing myself, just making things right. Because
that is what those tortuous weight loss diets are, isn't it.
Getting long-term averages to where they should be.
Took inspiration from the Military Diet, day three
breakfast: a terrible food regimen, but easy to jump into
for rectification.
for my last meal of the day both pieces of leftover
banana bread. It felt good, like a jailbreak must feel,
but it does put me in the Secret Eaters class.
This morning, had a small piece of cheese on Ryvita with
a few grapes instead of the cinnamon bagel I had planned
for. Not punishing myself, just making things right. Because
that is what those tortuous weight loss diets are, isn't it.
Getting long-term averages to where they should be.
Took inspiration from the Military Diet, day three
breakfast: a terrible food regimen, but easy to jump into
for rectification.
Friday, October 18, 2019
Deals
Le Monde is posting a-down-in-the dumps editorial
this morning about the inevitable Brexit looming ahead.
They are troubled for what it portends in terms of
irresponsible trade policies from Britain; and also quizzical at
why the deals gives unequal treatment to Northern
Ireland all the while fanning separatist sentiment in
Scotland.
This is where I have come to a different appreciation of the situation.
Maybe it's all the rain, but British Parliaments are doggedly
persistent, and utimately very pragmatic. We can change it and
we can change it again! Not so worried...
https://www.lemonde.fr/idees/article/2019/10/18/brexit-amer-compromis-pour-l-europe_6015994_3232.html
https://www.quora.com/Why-is-Northern-Ireland-so-much-poorer-than-the-Republic-of-Ireland
this morning about the inevitable Brexit looming ahead.
They are troubled for what it portends in terms of
irresponsible trade policies from Britain; and also quizzical at
why the deals gives unequal treatment to Northern
Ireland all the while fanning separatist sentiment in
Scotland.
This is where I have come to a different appreciation of the situation.
Maybe it's all the rain, but British Parliaments are doggedly
persistent, and utimately very pragmatic. We can change it and
we can change it again! Not so worried...
https://www.lemonde.fr/idees/article/2019/10/18/brexit-amer-compromis-pour-l-europe_6015994_3232.html
https://www.quora.com/Why-is-Northern-Ireland-so-much-poorer-than-the-Republic-of-Ireland
Thursday, October 17, 2019
Tall
Came across a really beautiful tall-girl dress in this morning's
Journal de Montréal. All silk, shows some leg (as opposed to
those tedious midi things that seem all the rage). Fall is not
my preferred fashion season, but this is nice.
Journal de Montréal. All silk, shows some leg (as opposed to
those tedious midi things that seem all the rage). Fall is not
my preferred fashion season, but this is nice.
Tuesday, October 15, 2019
Pud, at last
In the yearly cycle of indulgence, little tops
the fun of pudding; in this case, Indian Pudding,
made from cornmeal and molasses.
And just to up my game, made the New York Times
version (with no butter) but substituted the whole milk
with coffee cream (10% fat).
Only had green salad and a boiled egg for dinner, but
that dessert was glorious!
the fun of pudding; in this case, Indian Pudding,
made from cornmeal and molasses.
And just to up my game, made the New York Times
version (with no butter) but substituted the whole milk
with coffee cream (10% fat).
Only had green salad and a boiled egg for dinner, but
that dessert was glorious!
* * *
Makes 10 generous servings at 350 cal. To get it down to
a more reasonable 200 cal, one needs 17 portions 🤔
Had I made this as per the recipe, with whole milk, it
would have come in at 2771 cals, altogether more reasonable.
Cold weather makes a soul go a little crazy, although
in my defense, I remembered while doing the calorie math
that I only used two eggs instead of the required four.
Why all the tweaking? This dish is a historical favourite from
the US, much adapted and enriched over the years.
Martha Stewart uses half and half in hers, which would
have added 550 cal to the dish.
Maybe I'll make French Canada's Pouding chômeur when
American Thanksgiving rolls aroung. Which gets a giggle
from American chefs as an expensive (maple syrup) dessert.
Here's the thing: it is actually Cottage pudding because
the unemployed man stays at the cottage, hence is a 'chômeur'😉
Actually, chômeur itself has come to mean unemployed,
not in active use. The original 'chaume' is the unused part
of the wheat harvest, left to cover the field. This also provided the
roofing material for the first cottages, on a model found
all over Europe, the chaumières.
As for the pudding, it is a cake which rises above maple syrup.
Sinfully good.
Monday, October 14, 2019
Sunday, October 13, 2019
Sweet Deal
So Nestle's in Britain makes a no sugar chocolate lunch
pudding sweetened with stevia. The EU only allows nutrasweet
in foods for individual consumption. What happens!?
* * *
https://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/how-the-uk-and-eu-are-preparing-for-possible-brexit-chaos-a-1289999.html
XR
source: CheckNews.fr in Libération
author: Fabien Leboucq October 12, 2019 at 16:55
translation: GoogleTranslate/doxa-louise
British police officers forcibly remove an Extinction Rebellion activist in London, October 10, 2019. Photo Henry Nicholls. Reuters
Capucinne asks a question 10/10/19
Hello,
"You called the movement of non-violent civil disobedience, Extinction Rebellion," radical ". Could you please explain to us what allows you to use such a strong term? " This question follows the publication in Libé of a 5 October article about the occupation of the Parisian shopping mall Italy 2 by Extinction Rebellion , a non-violent environmental movement created last year in the United Kingdom.
As explained in Libé this summer , by the lecturer in sociology at the University of Lille Yann Le Lann, coordinator of Critical Quantity, a collective of academics interested in the profiles of environmental activists, radicalism, ' in the environmental movement, refers to various dimensions: that of kinds of actions that are allowed, the daily practice that is encouraged, and the political changes that are hoped for' .
Nelly Didelot, a journalist who follows "XR" for Liberation and sometimes calls it "radical" in articles , summarizes the reasons for choosing this adjective: "The militants I meet in the field claim to be radicals themselves, in the means they use and the objectives they aim for. "
The Twitter profile of the French Extinction Rebellion reports this radicalness proclaimed at least in terms of objectives. XR describes itself as: "an International movement of non-violent civil disobedience to foster a radical change and thus minimize the risk of ecological collapse."
One of the "rebels" , as they call each other, in charge of press relations states: "In terms of objectives, we are clearly radical, because we want to go to the root of problems. We want to treat the root causes and not the effects. For us this root is a lack of respect for life, a culture of exploitation. That's what we're tackling. Certainly the economic system has allowed the destruction of biodiversity. But this economic system is itself carried by values, which we oppose. "
Our interlocutor is saying the same thing as what is found in several documents published by Extinction Rebellion. Who speak of a necessary "radical transformation of this toxic system" in a document to the press in March, a "system of rapid change, radical" in the 'adherence pledge' of militants, or a " radical change of course " in a press conference in July. In a text read by activists during an action in Lyon, the point is clear: "We are a radically ecologist movement, and radically non-violent. Radical because we require nothing less than what is necessary. "
So much for the purposes of Extinction Rebellion. However, regarding its methods, the rebel-press secretary of XR explained: "In everyday vocabulary, the radical term is used to denounce extremist behavior. We are not extremists, we are non-violent, " says the activist. And to complete: "The marches, petitions, changes in personal behavior are not enough. We want to put pressure on political and economic forces and that is why we engage in civil disobedience, but without destructive behavior, without violence. These can be considered as radical methods. But for us the radicality is rather in the objectives. "
Describing XR as a "radicalized movement" , Emeritus research director at Cevipof, Daniel Boy believes in a (rather critical) forum of Le Monde that "the posture of absolute radicality, that is to say, the refusal to enter into a logic of negotiation, and therefore of compromise with politics, ensures the good conscience of the movement: no compromise, no moral compromise. But this position of extraterritoriality also leads the movement to a lack of concrete results, and therefore to impotence.
In contrast, Extinction Rebellion is considered too timid by a whole section of the radical left. To point, online, the mockery of several Twitter accounts: "For the moment the world of media ecology that practicess yoga in downtown Paris seems to totally ignore that of the real ecology mouvement that occupies, concretely fights against projects, and suffers repression " , advances annoyed Nantes Révoltée to denounce Extinction Rebellion as a " sensationionalist organization that promotes a mystical and closed form of pacifism " and multiplies ironic tweets on their efforts. Although initially they seemed to support the occupation of Italy-2, calling to join the occupation .
An XR activist wipes slogans from the Pont au Change bridge
The anarchist and eco account Braziers et cerisiers, for its part, imagined a XR coordinator saying to the activist: "Calling the end of capitalism is not our aim ... not too disappointed? Help us instead to clean these antipolice tags and carve a tree out of playdough. Put all your rage into it to sublimate it! "
Some Internet users have also shown distaste for the banner recently produceded by the Paris movement: "United against all violence" . That is to say that of the police, and that of "those who oppose them" .
Ah oui la fameuse banderole décidée hier pour "condamner les violences de la police ET de ceux qui s'en prennent à eux" ils l'ont vraiment faite finalement https://twitter.com/XtinctionRebel/status/1181456982877855744 …
The relationship between Rebellion Extinction and police forces also raises criticism in the UK, where activists have been heard chanting : "Police, we love you, we do it for your children." "This is not the fight we need, " comments an eco blog hosted on a British libertarian website .
The Press relations for Extinction Rebellion, France comments on the criticism: "According to our critics, we are to be attackedd for three things. First, the too festive character of our events. Then that we are financed by multinationals. And finally, that we may be radicalized and infiltrated by the far left. Each argument in itself contadicts the others. "
This variable perception of the radicality - or not - of the movement also exists internally, as reported by one activist to France Inter : "Globally we have very different points of view and in general everyone has their own feelings. It allows us to discuss, to open a bit of a debate about what everyone finds violent or not. Not everyone necessarily notices that finally it is very personal question and that we have no agreed on notion, vision or perception of violence. "
https://www.liberation.fr/checknews/2019/10/12/extinction-rebellion-est-il-un-mouvement-radical_1756697
author: Fabien Leboucq October 12, 2019 at 16:55
translation: GoogleTranslate/doxa-louise
Is Extinction Rebellion a "radical" movement?
British police officers forcibly remove an Extinction Rebellion activist in London, October 10, 2019. Photo Henry Nicholls. Reuters
The environmental movement is often labeled with this term in the press. Especially because they use it themselves, with respect to the objectives they pursue
Capucinne asks a question 10/10/19
Hello,
"You called the movement of non-violent civil disobedience, Extinction Rebellion," radical ". Could you please explain to us what allows you to use such a strong term? " This question follows the publication in Libé of a 5 October article about the occupation of the Parisian shopping mall Italy 2 by Extinction Rebellion , a non-violent environmental movement created last year in the United Kingdom.
As explained in Libé this summer , by the lecturer in sociology at the University of Lille Yann Le Lann, coordinator of Critical Quantity, a collective of academics interested in the profiles of environmental activists, radicalism, ' in the environmental movement, refers to various dimensions: that of kinds of actions that are allowed, the daily practice that is encouraged, and the political changes that are hoped for' .
Nelly Didelot, a journalist who follows "XR" for Liberation and sometimes calls it "radical" in articles , summarizes the reasons for choosing this adjective: "The militants I meet in the field claim to be radicals themselves, in the means they use and the objectives they aim for. "
"Radicalness mostly in the objectives"
The Twitter profile of the French Extinction Rebellion reports this radicalness proclaimed at least in terms of objectives. XR describes itself as: "an International movement of non-violent civil disobedience to foster a radical change and thus minimize the risk of ecological collapse."
One of the "rebels" , as they call each other, in charge of press relations states: "In terms of objectives, we are clearly radical, because we want to go to the root of problems. We want to treat the root causes and not the effects. For us this root is a lack of respect for life, a culture of exploitation. That's what we're tackling. Certainly the economic system has allowed the destruction of biodiversity. But this economic system is itself carried by values, which we oppose. "
Our interlocutor is saying the same thing as what is found in several documents published by Extinction Rebellion. Who speak of a necessary "radical transformation of this toxic system" in a document to the press in March, a "system of rapid change, radical" in the 'adherence pledge' of militants, or a " radical change of course " in a press conference in July. In a text read by activists during an action in Lyon, the point is clear: "We are a radically ecologist movement, and radically non-violent. Radical because we require nothing less than what is necessary. "
So much for the purposes of Extinction Rebellion. However, regarding its methods, the rebel-press secretary of XR explained: "In everyday vocabulary, the radical term is used to denounce extremist behavior. We are not extremists, we are non-violent, " says the activist. And to complete: "The marches, petitions, changes in personal behavior are not enough. We want to put pressure on political and economic forces and that is why we engage in civil disobedience, but without destructive behavior, without violence. These can be considered as radical methods. But for us the radicality is rather in the objectives. "
"The end of capitalism is not our aim ..."
Describing XR as a "radicalized movement" , Emeritus research director at Cevipof, Daniel Boy believes in a (rather critical) forum of Le Monde that "the posture of absolute radicality, that is to say, the refusal to enter into a logic of negotiation, and therefore of compromise with politics, ensures the good conscience of the movement: no compromise, no moral compromise. But this position of extraterritoriality also leads the movement to a lack of concrete results, and therefore to impotence.
In contrast, Extinction Rebellion is considered too timid by a whole section of the radical left. To point, online, the mockery of several Twitter accounts: "For the moment the world of media ecology that practicess yoga in downtown Paris seems to totally ignore that of the real ecology mouvement that occupies, concretely fights against projects, and suffers repression " , advances annoyed Nantes Révoltée to denounce Extinction Rebellion as a " sensationionalist organization that promotes a mystical and closed form of pacifism " and multiplies ironic tweets on their efforts. Although initially they seemed to support the occupation of Italy-2, calling to join the occupation .
An XR activist wipes slogans from the Pont au Change bridge
The anarchist and eco account Braziers et cerisiers, for its part, imagined a XR coordinator saying to the activist: "Calling the end of capitalism is not our aim ... not too disappointed? Help us instead to clean these antipolice tags and carve a tree out of playdough. Put all your rage into it to sublimate it! "
"Overall, we have very different points of view"
Some Internet users have also shown distaste for the banner recently produceded by the Paris movement: "United against all violence" . That is to say that of the police, and that of "those who oppose them" .
Ah oui la fameuse banderole décidée hier pour "condamner les violences de la police ET de ceux qui s'en prennent à eux" ils l'ont vraiment faite finalement https://twitter.com/XtinctionRebel/status/1181456982877855744 …
The relationship between Rebellion Extinction and police forces also raises criticism in the UK, where activists have been heard chanting : "Police, we love you, we do it for your children." "This is not the fight we need, " comments an eco blog hosted on a British libertarian website .
The Press relations for Extinction Rebellion, France comments on the criticism: "According to our critics, we are to be attackedd for three things. First, the too festive character of our events. Then that we are financed by multinationals. And finally, that we may be radicalized and infiltrated by the far left. Each argument in itself contadicts the others. "
This variable perception of the radicality - or not - of the movement also exists internally, as reported by one activist to France Inter : "Globally we have very different points of view and in general everyone has their own feelings. It allows us to discuss, to open a bit of a debate about what everyone finds violent or not. Not everyone necessarily notices that finally it is very personal question and that we have no agreed on notion, vision or perception of violence. "
https://www.liberation.fr/checknews/2019/10/12/extinction-rebellion-est-il-un-mouvement-radical_1756697
Friday, October 11, 2019
The Big M
It all started when I held up the virtually empty jar
of sweet green relish from the fridge. My eye caught
on the label that it was a product of INDIA. Later that
day, I purchased a larger store brand jar, and it too read
INDIA. Neither brand specifies what spices are used beyond
mentionning that there were some, but the link in my mind
was made. Green relish, mustards and other condiments we
think of as hallmarks of North American fast foods are Indian
in origin. And a few hours of Internet later, I was forced to
ask myself why I never realized those spices that had motivated
the discovery of America were perhaps the stuff of today's BIg Macs.
So how does India deal with being served back its own culture.
Macdonalds India only turned a profit in 2016, over 20 years after
the first Macdo opened: the masala (spice mix) for the Maharadja
Burger (a chicken based two-patty) took over 9 years to develop, and
it uses Mexican jalapenos and habanero sauce. A big favourite,
though, is the tikki (pancake) aloo (potato), bringing a note of exoticism
to India.
So yes, chutneys were brought back to England from India. England adds
vinegar fr preservation while India uses mustard oil. As for Bubble and
Squeek which I am starting to appreciate I leave to food historians...
So I am starting to get that an Indian meal starts with a spice mix and
vegetable bouquet which one might make with chicken, beans, whatever;
as opposed to it's Thanksgiving, get a turkey. And London, I am told,
is heavy into vindaloo (medium-hot to hot) dishes!?
* * *
The Northern part of South Asia is Muslim. Both
Pakistan and Bangladesh separated from India in 1947,
but Bangladesh took a different route in 1971 to
become a Socialist Republic.
Pakistan has a large diaspora, with many sending money
home to their families.
of sweet green relish from the fridge. My eye caught
on the label that it was a product of INDIA. Later that
day, I purchased a larger store brand jar, and it too read
INDIA. Neither brand specifies what spices are used beyond
mentionning that there were some, but the link in my mind
was made. Green relish, mustards and other condiments we
think of as hallmarks of North American fast foods are Indian
in origin. And a few hours of Internet later, I was forced to
ask myself why I never realized those spices that had motivated
the discovery of America were perhaps the stuff of today's BIg Macs.
So how does India deal with being served back its own culture.
Macdonalds India only turned a profit in 2016, over 20 years after
the first Macdo opened: the masala (spice mix) for the Maharadja
Burger (a chicken based two-patty) took over 9 years to develop, and
it uses Mexican jalapenos and habanero sauce. A big favourite,
though, is the tikki (pancake) aloo (potato), bringing a note of exoticism
to India.
So yes, chutneys were brought back to England from India. England adds
vinegar fr preservation while India uses mustard oil. As for Bubble and
Squeek which I am starting to appreciate I leave to food historians...
So I am starting to get that an Indian meal starts with a spice mix and
vegetable bouquet which one might make with chicken, beans, whatever;
as opposed to it's Thanksgiving, get a turkey. And London, I am told,
is heavy into vindaloo (medium-hot to hot) dishes!?
* * *
The Northern part of South Asia is Muslim. Both
Pakistan and Bangladesh separated from India in 1947,
but Bangladesh took a different route in 1971 to
become a Socialist Republic.
Pakistan has a large diaspora, with many sending money
home to their families.
Wednesday, October 9, 2019
Vexatious
Mrs Merkel's pronouncement that Northern Ireland should
remain in the EU was taken as a provocation, making a Brexit
transition deal impossible. Lets look at that again.
Markedly, it is an improvement on the May deal backstop provision.
Here, at minima, only Northern Ireland need stay in a custom's union.
But more importanty, it is a reaffrmation of the EU refusal to negotiate
away the provisions of the Good Friday agreement. This is what appears
vexatious to UK negotiators; they now face the entire EU holding
steadfastedly to every tenet and consequence of that agreement
in the interest of Ireland. And Ireland sees no reason to budge.
There have been reports that the UK has offered Ireland quite a bit
of investment money, that has been refused so far. But then, Ireland
will be the country that will suffer the most from Brexit, and no one seems
that concerned about this fallout effect. Wishing all this Brexit business would
just go away is not a plan, either. Essentially, the two Irelands need to
negotiate a custom's union with each other, essentially a trust relationship
like a couple. Maybe that could be a positive from all this haggling.
The worst aspect would be the currency question. Here practice sometimes
overtakes principle. We in St-Jean live near the US border and Canadian money is
accepted at par for gas and certain restaurants in the US. Meanwhile, my
change purse is full of American nickels and dimes because, hey, a dime's a
dime. The border would be with the UK, and Northern Ireland a tax free zone
that accepts both currencies. Why not!? In a world of electronic payment, this
need not be complicated.
* * *
I'm enjoying this Brexit thing way too much; it's a debater's tavern brawl!!
So here's another wild one.
Remain makes no more sense than Brexit does. So long as Britain keeps the
pound sterling, it's dangerous to let go of the other policy instruments on
the economy. I never worried about it because the pound and the euro were
always close to each other (and far from the Canadian dollar). But in a
situation which demands corrective action - and I gather the crisis in the
Health sector is one - government needs all its marbles. So I get the truth behind
the 'we'll have x million a week for the NHS' slogan.
What REALLY needs to happen in all of Europe is a double currency: everybody
has euros for everyday concerns( like small change in one's pocket, or an allowance
for tourists...); and a national currency for major sales and purchases house, car) ,
imports and exports. Do-able, but ugly. This rebalances power with the financial
sector. As Europe progresses to financial integration, the categories can morph again...
* * *
https://www.lemonde.fr/economie/article/2019/10/09/brexit-dublin-et-londres-se-preparent-au-no-deal_6014820_3234.html
* * *
source: https://www.exfinuk.com/historical-forex-gbp
remain in the EU was taken as a provocation, making a Brexit
transition deal impossible. Lets look at that again.
Markedly, it is an improvement on the May deal backstop provision.
Here, at minima, only Northern Ireland need stay in a custom's union.
But more importanty, it is a reaffrmation of the EU refusal to negotiate
away the provisions of the Good Friday agreement. This is what appears
vexatious to UK negotiators; they now face the entire EU holding
steadfastedly to every tenet and consequence of that agreement
in the interest of Ireland. And Ireland sees no reason to budge.
There have been reports that the UK has offered Ireland quite a bit
of investment money, that has been refused so far. But then, Ireland
will be the country that will suffer the most from Brexit, and no one seems
that concerned about this fallout effect. Wishing all this Brexit business would
just go away is not a plan, either. Essentially, the two Irelands need to
negotiate a custom's union with each other, essentially a trust relationship
like a couple. Maybe that could be a positive from all this haggling.
The worst aspect would be the currency question. Here practice sometimes
overtakes principle. We in St-Jean live near the US border and Canadian money is
accepted at par for gas and certain restaurants in the US. Meanwhile, my
change purse is full of American nickels and dimes because, hey, a dime's a
dime. The border would be with the UK, and Northern Ireland a tax free zone
that accepts both currencies. Why not!? In a world of electronic payment, this
need not be complicated.
* * *
I'm enjoying this Brexit thing way too much; it's a debater's tavern brawl!!
So here's another wild one.
Remain makes no more sense than Brexit does. So long as Britain keeps the
pound sterling, it's dangerous to let go of the other policy instruments on
the economy. I never worried about it because the pound and the euro were
always close to each other (and far from the Canadian dollar). But in a
situation which demands corrective action - and I gather the crisis in the
Health sector is one - government needs all its marbles. So I get the truth behind
the 'we'll have x million a week for the NHS' slogan.
What REALLY needs to happen in all of Europe is a double currency: everybody
has euros for everyday concerns( like small change in one's pocket, or an allowance
for tourists...); and a national currency for major sales and purchases house, car) ,
imports and exports. Do-able, but ugly. This rebalances power with the financial
sector. As Europe progresses to financial integration, the categories can morph again...
* * *
https://www.lemonde.fr/economie/article/2019/10/09/brexit-dublin-et-londres-se-preparent-au-no-deal_6014820_3234.html
* * *
Tuesday, October 8, 2019
Nobel
London got a beautiful red sunrise this morning.
The Nobel Prize in Physics went to - among others - a Manitoba-born
man, James Peebles. Below, the announcement from the BBC:
https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-49960497
Who won the leaders' debate last night? Everybody, for showing up!? 😂
Sunday, October 6, 2019
Alzs
Was reading this morning a French language report
on Alzheimer's, and how researchers are frustrated trying
to understand how it develops. It all boils down to
two proteins accumulating in the brain. When both are
present in concert, the illness progresses inexorably.
Yet we also know that staying active, and mentally busy is
a good strategy for the elderly against all dementias. So I
was thinking: maybe the protein accumulates because it
is normally produced but just not used. It might just be
that we are reluctant to revisit certain memories. I know this
is true from my own experience.
Just this morning, on the news of the passing of Ginger
Baker, tried to listen to old Cream hits. Couldn't do it. In
my memory, these songs are linked to a time of anger and
fear, the V war. Had to work through that America has engaged
in military action since, just never with a conscript army. Closed
the file on the question for myself.
Hope that helps: Close the file!! The elderly have seen this world
go through a lot, and we need closure on many questions.
https://www.msn.com/fr-ca/actualites/sciences/alzheimer-la-recherche-toujours-dans-limpasse/ar-AAIlRZf?ocid=spartandhp
on Alzheimer's, and how researchers are frustrated trying
to understand how it develops. It all boils down to
two proteins accumulating in the brain. When both are
present in concert, the illness progresses inexorably.
Yet we also know that staying active, and mentally busy is
a good strategy for the elderly against all dementias. So I
was thinking: maybe the protein accumulates because it
is normally produced but just not used. It might just be
that we are reluctant to revisit certain memories. I know this
is true from my own experience.
Just this morning, on the news of the passing of Ginger
Baker, tried to listen to old Cream hits. Couldn't do it. In
my memory, these songs are linked to a time of anger and
fear, the V war. Had to work through that America has engaged
in military action since, just never with a conscript army. Closed
the file on the question for myself.
Hope that helps: Close the file!! The elderly have seen this world
go through a lot, and we need closure on many questions.
https://www.msn.com/fr-ca/actualites/sciences/alzheimer-la-recherche-toujours-dans-limpasse/ar-AAIlRZf?ocid=spartandhp
Saturday, October 5, 2019
The Tabs
The big giggle in today's British tabloids - here, the Daily Mirror -
is this hilarious story from China:
Who is going to resist clicking to get the story?
* * *
The Sun is running a piece on the Sussex question:
The argument is compelling: who wants a perennially miffed Royal
in public life!?
I do understand Ms Markle, though. Spending an entire
winter in Europe with no sunshine, ever as a student left
me feeling utterly depressed and gloomy.
* * *
I made a fall dessert, this afternoon. Banana Bread,
from the Food Wishes recipe. Very nice, made with butter rather
than oil. Went light with the add-ins because I will be - eventually -
eating the whole thing myself. Just a few walnuts, raisins and chocolate
chips. Eight pieces at 260 calories each!
is this hilarious story from China:
Who is going to resist clicking to get the story?
* * *
The Sun is running a piece on the Sussex question:
in public life!?
I do understand Ms Markle, though. Spending an entire
winter in Europe with no sunshine, ever as a student left
me feeling utterly depressed and gloomy.
* * *
I made a fall dessert, this afternoon. Banana Bread,
from the Food Wishes recipe. Very nice, made with butter rather
than oil. Went light with the add-ins because I will be - eventually -
eating the whole thing myself. Just a few walnuts, raisins and chocolate
chips. Eight pieces at 260 calories each!
Not a super healthy thing to do, but seasonal...
Friday, October 4, 2019
Micro
For those wondering what Microsoft, Seattle might be like:
As one fellow joked on BuzzFeed, Microsoft is turning into Microhard!😄
As one fellow joked on BuzzFeed, Microsoft is turning into Microhard!😄
Thursday, October 3, 2019
M's New Devices
So the folks at Wired are having a bit of a giggle about
Mcrosoft's 'just don't call it a phone' foldable, (available
next year). Here's the thing, (and I should know): you're being
senile in cutching to a static definition of what a phone is.
Heck, I remember the 50s when men were men and phones were black
dial contraptions for having conversations. No answering machines,
and at the cottage we shared a line, and only answered one long,
two shorts. While my father warned my mother not to gossip
too long because there could be emergencies.
And heavy phone books that changed every year. With operators
for calling long distance.
So a phone with apps, that takes pictures and allows text exchanges
is something else. Because young people love apps, the mass phone
became all about the apps. This is where Microsoft might be remiss
in producing an Android device. The apps may be fun, but the short-
lived Windows phone worked like a reliable computer, certainly usefull
for even high school students.
So this is the hub of it. My daughter in her 20s won't wear any outfit
that doesn't have a pocket for her phone. She manages her life from it.
Submits university papers, applies for jobs, consults her doctor, shops for
show tickets, records herself singing, navigates, shares activities with others.
My pocket friend (actually a purse buddy) doesn't even have a make
a phone call function. But I wouln't survive Montreal without it, finding
stores in the underground, maps, checking the weather and so forth.
Security is all very nice, but we live in bureaucracy. What's my social Insurance
number, my health card expiation date, the code on my bicycle chain from
last summer, my Revenu Canada access code, my darn Fitness Pal password.
We need information all the time.
So indeed, Microsoft is quite correct in working the possible uses and
interactions of those two screens. And this is not a haphasard question,
but a vital one for its various populations of users. We are not addicted
to our machines, we are wired to them, and that big machine called the
Cloud.
https://www.wired.com/story/microsoft-surface-duo-neo-phone/
Mcrosoft's 'just don't call it a phone' foldable, (available
next year). Here's the thing, (and I should know): you're being
senile in cutching to a static definition of what a phone is.
Heck, I remember the 50s when men were men and phones were black
dial contraptions for having conversations. No answering machines,
and at the cottage we shared a line, and only answered one long,
two shorts. While my father warned my mother not to gossip
too long because there could be emergencies.
And heavy phone books that changed every year. With operators
for calling long distance.
So a phone with apps, that takes pictures and allows text exchanges
is something else. Because young people love apps, the mass phone
became all about the apps. This is where Microsoft might be remiss
in producing an Android device. The apps may be fun, but the short-
lived Windows phone worked like a reliable computer, certainly usefull
for even high school students.
So this is the hub of it. My daughter in her 20s won't wear any outfit
that doesn't have a pocket for her phone. She manages her life from it.
Submits university papers, applies for jobs, consults her doctor, shops for
show tickets, records herself singing, navigates, shares activities with others.
My pocket friend (actually a purse buddy) doesn't even have a make
a phone call function. But I wouln't survive Montreal without it, finding
stores in the underground, maps, checking the weather and so forth.
Security is all very nice, but we live in bureaucracy. What's my social Insurance
number, my health card expiation date, the code on my bicycle chain from
last summer, my Revenu Canada access code, my darn Fitness Pal password.
We need information all the time.
So indeed, Microsoft is quite correct in working the possible uses and
interactions of those two screens. And this is not a haphasard question,
but a vital one for its various populations of users. We are not addicted
to our machines, we are wired to them, and that big machine called the
Cloud.
https://www.wired.com/story/microsoft-surface-duo-neo-phone/
Final Offer
source: le Nouvel Observateur, October 2, 2019
translation: GoogleTranslate/doxa-louise
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson promised on Wednesday that the United Kingdom would leave the European Union on 31 October "come what may", with or without agreement.
"What the whole world wants is to end this problem [...] and move on. That's why we will leave the EU on October 31st no matter what, " said the head of government at the Conservative Party conference in Manchester.
The plan states that Northern Ireland will ultimately be in the same customs area as Britain, a key requirement of DUP unionists who have welcomed a good "basis" .
On the other hand, it provides that the British province retains EU regulations for all goods, not just agricultural, during a transitional period, which may be renewed if Northern Ireland so wishes.
These proposals have been described as "a reasonable compromise" by Boris Johnson in a letter to the President of the European Commission Jean-Claude Juncker published by his services.
Voted in 2016, the UK's exit from the European Union has since stumbled on how to avoid the return of a border in Ireland between the British North Province and the EU Member State to the south, after Brexit.
In its previous form it was rejected three times by the Parliament, given the "backstop" provisions to keep the UK as a whole in a customs union with the EU, as well as a further EU regulatory alignment for North Ireland, in the absence of any other solution.
The Brexit champion Prime Minister said in his letter that these new proposals "mean that EU rules can not be maintained indefinitely if they are not desired, correcting the key defect of the backstop" . They provide for a Brexit after which "British trade policy is totally under British control," he added.
The North Irish assembly will have to decide every four years whether it stays in this single area or joins the rest of the UK.
On the other hand, Northern Ireland would remain in the same customs area as Great Britain, but without restoring the "physical" border that would go against the 1998 peace agreements.
Customs controls would be carried out "in a decentralized manner" with electronic declarations and "very little control on the premises" of the companies concerned, Mr Johnson said in his letter.
For this, "creative solutions" will need to be established and customs procedures simplified during a transition period, while both parties "must commit to never carry out border controls", he added.
This offer was presented Wednesday by Boris Johnson as the only alternative to a Brexit without agreement on October 31st.
Jean-Claude Juncker "acknowledged the positive progress, particularly with regard to the complete alignment of the regulations for all goods and the control of goods coming from Great Britain entering Northern Ireland," his services said. . But he also "noted that there are still some problematic issues that will require additional work in the coming days, especially with regard to the governance of the backstop (the safety net for Ireland)," the statement added.
https://www.nouvelobs.com/brexit/20191002.OBS19229/boris-johnson-martele-nous-sortirons-de-l-ue-le-31-octobre-quoi-qu-il-arrive.html
translation: GoogleTranslate/doxa-louise
British PM Boris Johnson conveys a final offer compromise
The British Prime Minister calls on Europe to "compromise" and affirms that the United Kingdom has done so on its side.
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson promised on Wednesday that the United Kingdom would leave the European Union on 31 October "come what may", with or without agreement.
"What the whole world wants is to end this problem [...] and move on. That's why we will leave the EU on October 31st no matter what, " said the head of government at the Conservative Party conference in Manchester.
Dominic Cummings, Sorcerer's Apprentice to Boris Johnson
"We must have no doubt that the alternative (plan) is an exit without agreement. This is not the outcome we want, it is not the outcome we are looking for, but let me tell you that this is an issue we are ready for, " he said at of the Conservative Party Convention, less than one month before the scheduled Brexit date.Same customs area
His proposal on the Irish border to avoid a Brexit without agreement on October 31, which replaces the decried "backstop" of the previous text, is one without establishing customs controls on the line of demarcation.The plan states that Northern Ireland will ultimately be in the same customs area as Britain, a key requirement of DUP unionists who have welcomed a good "basis" .
On the other hand, it provides that the British province retains EU regulations for all goods, not just agricultural, during a transitional period, which may be renewed if Northern Ireland so wishes.
These proposals have been described as "a reasonable compromise" by Boris Johnson in a letter to the President of the European Commission Jean-Claude Juncker published by his services.
Voted in 2016, the UK's exit from the European Union has since stumbled on how to avoid the return of a border in Ireland between the British North Province and the EU Member State to the south, after Brexit.
In its previous form it was rejected three times by the Parliament, given the "backstop" provisions to keep the UK as a whole in a customs union with the EU, as well as a further EU regulatory alignment for North Ireland, in the absence of any other solution.
The Brexit champion Prime Minister said in his letter that these new proposals "mean that EU rules can not be maintained indefinitely if they are not desired, correcting the key defect of the backstop" . They provide for a Brexit after which "British trade policy is totally under British control," he added.
Without restoring the "physical" border
The offer presented on Wednesday "eliminates all regulatory controls for the exchange of goods between Northern Ireland and Ireland by ensuring that the regulations for goods in Northern Ireland remain the same as those in the rest of the EU" he detailed.The North Irish assembly will have to decide every four years whether it stays in this single area or joins the rest of the UK.
On the other hand, Northern Ireland would remain in the same customs area as Great Britain, but without restoring the "physical" border that would go against the 1998 peace agreements.
Customs controls would be carried out "in a decentralized manner" with electronic declarations and "very little control on the premises" of the companies concerned, Mr Johnson said in his letter.
For this, "creative solutions" will need to be established and customs procedures simplified during a transition period, while both parties "must commit to never carry out border controls", he added.
This offer was presented Wednesday by Boris Johnson as the only alternative to a Brexit without agreement on October 31st.
The "problem areas"
The proposal submitted by Boris Johnson on Wednesday to allow a negotiated departure from the United Kingdom of the EU "still has some problematic points , " said the President of the European Commission Jean-Claude Juncker after a telephone conversation with the British Prime Minister.Jean-Claude Juncker "acknowledged the positive progress, particularly with regard to the complete alignment of the regulations for all goods and the control of goods coming from Great Britain entering Northern Ireland," his services said. . But he also "noted that there are still some problematic issues that will require additional work in the coming days, especially with regard to the governance of the backstop (the safety net for Ireland)," the statement added.
https://www.nouvelobs.com/brexit/20191002.OBS19229/boris-johnson-martele-nous-sortirons-de-l-ue-le-31-octobre-quoi-qu-il-arrive.html
Wednesday, October 2, 2019
Hots
Certain peppers - those with capsaicin - are often
referred to as 'hots', and the brave fellows who
consume them do break out in sweath. How is this
possible? The story below:
As I can make out, pain and temperature take the same
nerve route from sensory cell to brain. The capsaicin molecule
that is released on the tongue causes a confused message
of both sensations.
(A fibers are heavily myelinated; B fibers moderately so; C fibers
not at all.)
source: Wikipedia
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)