Swimming and Children

Recently we have been very much aware of the stranded Thailand boys in the flooded cave. I have just read some criticism of parents who have children who cannot swim, which is the case with most of the boys now stranded in the cave system.

We must be aware that swimming instruction needs to be done in a comfortable water environment such as a pool or lake, not in a river with currents or in the sea where there are pounding waves. Many in poorer Countries or in isolated inland areas do not have access to such facilities. Even if they are near water, the conditions could dangerous for many reasons, especially in tropical climates.

When I was a child in the early 50’s, in Britain, public pools were rare; waves at the seaside could be rough and you would have to be near anyway to enjoy these places regularly…we take our transportation for granted today. I did not learn to swim until I was 12, and then only because our school had a small pool.

Most parents would dearly love their children to be able to swim as early as possible but a luxury such as this is often illusive to many. So, I say to the critics of such parents that we should all be more sensitive.

Garlic

 Quit watering them once the leaves start to turn yellow prior to harvesting if you can.....but we live in a rainy place, right?

To harvest, don't pull them up, dig them up gently with a fork. when the leaves start to turn yellow at the bottom....do a test on one or two plants to see if the bulbs are big enough. The trick is not to damage the outer skin covering.

After harvesting, try to avoid washing as much as possible. Dry the soil and gently rub off the remainder off, then hang them upside down in a cool dark place with good air circulation..... leave til all the leaves are dry. You can then cut off the leaves leaving a stalk about 4 inches long. Soft stemmed will keep longer (6 months) than hard stemmed (2-4 months).

Some people plat the leaves for storage. Enjoy.

I do it this way every year.

Dangerous or Not

Trump ......Could this man be dangerous, or not?

A view:

He launched himself as a "Populist". Populists rely on promises to the masses including many who are uneducated, many who want better in their lives for various reasons. He was elected.

Now cast your minds back to the early thirties in Europe. Many of you cannot, in reality, remember what went on , but you can indulge in virtual reality by "Googling" or by reading History.

Germany was in dire economic straits after WW1. The conquering powers had put the squeeze on this Country, big time. Hindenburg was in power and Hitler was appointed Chancellor. Hitler was ambitious and idealistic. Enter "The Night of the Long Knives" where he consolidated his grip on power. He gradually got rid of those important elements which were in his way of fulfillment. Right wing extremists were already organised, supportive and active. The stage was set.

The main promise to the people was "Libensraum" ...the extension of living space for Germany and a hope for better things. Meanwhile a convenient "Scapegoat" was conjured...the perception of harm coming from racial groups and minority groups like the Jews and various others. This notion is very powerful for ambitious Politicians.

Fast forward to the various pushes and invasions of European Countries prior to 1939. and the ultimate declaration WW11.

Remember that Germany was a Democratic Country prior to 1939 and remained so, after 1945. But in between?...well, you know that!

Now in the USA we have Extreme groups: We have the NRA, the KKK and a whole bunch of extreme Religious organizations, most of which support the present administration..

Now, YOU ALL can decide what this means...I leave it to you.

Or perhaps this is all a delusion.....I hope so!

On Preparing and Eating Soft-boiled Eggs

Do you eat soft-boiled eggs? How do you boil them, how long? How to you open them, which end, why? Do you know why brown bread is traditionally eaten with them?

We cover our eggs with cold water and put the eggs into the pan so that they are just covered. We then bring the water to the boil. At the point of boiling we time for 4 minutes. the eggs are then placed in egg cups with the pointed end up. The pointed end has no air space and so is 100% egg white (albumen). 

I tap twice at one point with a spoon and then using my thumb I fold back the top....Usually it shows a clean edge with no small fragments of shell. Then I eat. 

The apparent traditional reason for using brown bread is that there is a good content of B vitamins. Any runny part of the egg still may have an anti-B enzyme so the the bread helps to off-set any degradation. It is also a good taste experience! . 

Many cut their toasted bread into fingers and dip them into the yolk....yummy! This is just our way but follow your own bliss! Personalized rituals are fun. 

We have one for poached eggs too but that is another story. :-) I eat more than 300 eggs a year....My cholesterol level is good....The myth that eggs are not totally good for you has now been debunked and we have never had a salmonella attack by eating runny eggs. My wife and I are 72. 

But be careful of Romaine /Cos lettuce from your local Supermarket, apparently!

North Korea......My Druthers and Crystal Ball

Mr Trump is doing his usual switching back and forth. Or is he applying some subtle brilliant diplomacy? Take your choice, I guess! South Korea and North Korea have just had a surprise meeting. And, as Trump so often says, "Wait and see!"

The US would like to see North Korea clear out all their "Nukes" and has even suggested that they be shipped to the USA. They also would like to keep the Nuclear umbrella in that area as future security. Seems like a real stumbling block to me.

The carrot that Trump APPEARS to be offering is protection from the US, relaxation of all sanctions and even direct support for the North's move to stability and prosperity. But what will Kim do ? He is being pushed into a sticky corner. He would dearly love to keep his "Nukes" for his Country's protection and as a deterrent. The fear of a 'Libya situation' looms in his mind. His fears and distrust need to be allayed. 

So what next? I think they SHOULD have a summit, put all the cards on the table and move toward denuclarization ASAP, with a signed treaty which ensures the North's protection, coupled with real support. Pile on some real goodies and Kim will bite...they have been desperately in need for years.

The USA should remove their military stuff from South Korea completely. They don't need them there. In the case of any aggression from the North, the USA has more than enough Nuclear contingencies in the form of submarines and ICBMs. They have their navy which can be deployed in the unlikely-hood of a unilateral act from the North. China could help in this whole process if Trump would stop upsetting them. 

With this being written, I will return to my comfortable arm-chair! The downside for me is that if this works, they will probably give Trump the Nobel Peace Prize! :-)

To the Anti-Monarchists re. The recent Royal Wedding 

True, the Royal family is a result of power struggles, religious corruption, greed and all manner of negative things to which we might refer. The whole present British fabric of economy and politics was founded on the same things. Much of the wealth left today comes from Slavery and the power lust of the British Empire....and, true, not to be proud of......But: 

These are negative things which we could focus upon and wring our hands. However they are products of History and we should better look forward rather than back. The members of the Royalty did not ask to be born into their present mold, they inherited it as any family member, in any family can so inherit from their immediate ancestors. But any of them can, and many do, perform good things which serve society. 

Meghan is not poor and all I have seen is positive...give Harry and her a chance. The present Royal family is a business which the UK has seen fit to tolerate and use for positive outcomes, even if the 'Privilege' thing sticks in many of our throats. 

It was a great wedding with a strong 'inclusive' twist......Such a great 'sermon' by rev. Curry and inspiring music.

On the never ending USA/World debates 

All the different slants of argument have merit to a greater or lesser extent. Trump despises everything that Obama has done and reacts with school-yard behaviour. 

The structure of the American system means that any group in power will be hobbled in their quest throughout their terms. Israel HAS to be an ally with the USA and visa versa because there is a strong Jewish influence in USA economics. Judaeo-Christianity has been pitted against Islam for two thousand years and these religions have multiple factions which disagree within the respective religions. Islam is probably worse in its ferocity. Mix in Natural resources with Power and guess what?....problems which are virtually unsolvable. 

The chess game never ends and at best reaches a balance from time to time. World leaders take turns playing...some are better than others. However I sometimes wonder whether Trump is cool enough for the job. 

The NRA is a powerful organization and formidable in their lobbying of the Trump admin. I disagree with their interpretation of the Constitution regarding gun ownership. IMO, people may have guns for sensible protection and hunting but high powered assault weapons for all citizens? ..Nah, never in my book.Look at the wording of the amendment. At any rate there should be stringent registration.

 Health care should be as universal as the economy can stand.....not unfairly biased to the rich. Care should be made before scrapping existing Trade Agreements and 'America always first' is something in which the nation should tread lightly. There, world problems on the way to being solved! 

Beware all these: Nationalism, Religion and Raw Greed. The American Civil War never ended and that is the USA's legacy. And, no doubt, King George of England was certainly responsible for a lot of present day problems.

But, "The past is a Foreign Country, they do things differently there". 

And this: 
“Love all, trust a few, do wrong to none; be able for thine enemy rather in power than use; and keep thy friend under thine own life's key; be checked for silence, but never taxed for speech” (William Shakespeare ).