Hackers

Friends have reported to me that some fringe religious group has hacked this blog. It has been happening off and on for years. If it happens to you just log off and on again and you should access my wit and wisdom...of, maybe drivel. :)

Thinking about Laos.

"During the Vietnam war, the United Sates flew 580,000 bombing runs over Laos--an average of one every eight minutes for nine years. Today, Laotians live and die among 80 million unexploded munitions....Up to 30% of the bombs that were dropped did not detonate on impact and they remain volatile in the soil today.
....While munitions fell in hundreds of shapes, sizes and varieties, perhaps the most pernicious were the 'bombies'. More than 270 million of these cluster sub munitions were crammed into casings that opened in midair, scattering weapons across the land. They look like toys--yellow, green, brown, round like softballs or shaped like pineapples. Kids find them in the fields; villagers find them in the forest....Almost every day a Laotian is killed or maimed by unexploded ordinance.
....It could take centuries and $16 billion to clear Laos. The U.S. government donates about $3 million a year for bomb clearance here though it spent more than $2 million a day ($17 million in today's dollars) on the bombing themselves."
Quoted from January/February SIERRA Magazine pp 21-22.

Al's note: Laos is the approximate size of Minnnesota.

PS: It takes 1.5 million barrels of oil to make the plastic water bottles used in the United States in one year. January/February SIERRA Magazine p. 34

Latest re: Thailand

This should be an adventure! On previous teaching trips to Thailand I've been housed with other volunteers. Last year my (our) house was in the compound of a family and was rented from them. That gave me a chance to get acquainted with a Thai family. It was an extended family of three generations. We're still in touch via email and I'll visit them when I'm there this year.
Housing this year will be a new adventure. I will be living with a family which will give me a great opportunity to see how Thai live. It will also be helpful in my feeble attempt to learn to speak Thai. Two weeks of room and board will cost $45.00.

Thailand plans.

Time for an update on my travel plans. As Joanne considers options for treatment of her back we decided that I'd take a shorter annual trip to Thailand and be back in time to give 24/7 care if she does have surgery. I did have plans to spend four weeks teaching from mid-January to mid-February. But, a shorter, earlier trip with a couple of weeks of teaching will allow me to keep my local Thai contacts current.
Therefore, I will leave for Thailand January 5, and return on the 23rd. During those days telephone calls to Joanne would be appreciated. We are very glad that we have settled into the condo. The Skyway is a wonderful asset allowing for people contact and provide numerous services without having to go outside.

Here's the deal!

On Thursday, with Lisa in tow, Joanne met with the neurosurgeon who did her back surgery. He reports that the tests show that the lower part of her fusion did not take. The screws are loose and that is why she can't stand straight and causes the pain down her leg. So far she is not experiencing weakness in the leg but it is increasingly painful. It bothers her particularly when she lies down.

A surgery to reattach the screws would be complicated by the osteoporosis in her spine. Other options for treatment seem very limited, however, we are researching other therapies. Before she decides on a course of action she will see an orthopedic surgeon. The first time the neurosurgeon is avaiable for surgery is January 24. The surgeon also prescribed a removable brace which she will wear before surgery and for a minimum of three months after.

I was scheduled to be in Thailand teaching English from January 13, until February 14. Those plans have been cancelled. If she can handle the brace alone I will make a quick trip leaving January 5, and returning before the 24th. That will allow me to maintain my people contacts at the school and in the community.

Joanne has bravely faced the pain for over a year and it is extremely disappointing that she may need to have another extensive surgery with a long period of recuperation. It would be wonderful if there was another effective option for treatment. We know of none but we are searching.

Reflections During a Snowstorm

There they were at 6am in the teeth of the snowstorm busily clearing the side walks and steps of the old Federal Bldg. And this is on a Saturday when the building will not open until 8am Monday. It's an unlikely crew of middle aged guys who look like they should be behind a desk.
Nicollet Mall has some pedestrian traffic mid-day during a snow storm. The people disembarking from the light rail were wishing their suitcases were equipped with skis instead of wheels. Sidewalks are plowed long before streets. Somali taxi drivers equipped with rear wheel driven cars quickly learn about winter driving.
It's now about 1:30 pm and I'm guessing we've gotten about a foot of snow with more to come. Visibility is under two blocks. Trygve loves being out in it! The Curmudgeonette loves being inside.
Trygve and I (5pm) just took another walking tour around town. Unusual sights included cross country skiers on Marquette and also on 6th street. There is a bus stuck on Nicollet Mall just off Washington. Wind is up and temperature is down, 18f; bracing!

Mai-Evy and Trygve.

Decadent and really sad!

The curmudgeonette said "I'm tired of turkey and hungry for a pot roast sandwich." So we took the elevator from the 15th floor to the skyway, crossed 3rd street in skyway to the 330 building, took the elevator to the first floor and entered The Old Pub. I thought "how decadent!" to have such great place within such easy reach.
Here we were sitting at a table eating our favorite pot roast sandwich kibitzing with the waitress when she delivered the devastating news "The Old Pub is closing Dec. 23." :( I guess we didn't eat there often enough.