Lighter Air

The worldwind tour has ended! Yesterday morning I arrived back in A’dam safe and sound. The flight over, usually a glum affair, turned out to be a really fun one thanks to a lovely person from Scotland. Somehow the white wine just kept flowing, there are no rules up there in the sky… they just keep giving to shut you up. Again I’d like to praise the KLM self-service check-in system. Not only did it take 5 minutes to check in, there are no lines because people seem to fear the freedom of it all. They much prefer to stand in long queues and get angry like the good old days. As always I had to practically go through security in my underwear – I STILL HATE AIRLINE SECURITY! I know I’m the minority, but I don’t believe the humiliation is worth the alleged “safety.”

Flying of course means, besides constant refreshments and boxed food, FREE NEWSPAPERS. As I thumbed through the International Herald Tribune a noticed this article about a Gallup-Europe poll which found that:

-Most Americans believe their country is doing more than the European Union to tackle the world’s problems.

-Only 20 percent of Americans correctly said that the 25 nation EU (over 450 million people) has a larger population then the US (290 mil).

– Democrats have a better view of the EU than republicans.

– Most Americans responded that they believed the US government was doing more in the world than the EU to fight poverty and protect the environment.

Although they are quite worthless, this poll caught my eye, especially since I know the EU spends more on foreign aid and environmental protection that the US. But hey, if you don’t receive a quality education, how will you learn that. (the internet?) For more linking pleasure you might want to read past surveys such as this one about the crap image of the US in the world.

Since I mentioned Scotland earlier, and I’m also interested in the proliferation of “Canadian Studies Programs” worldwide, Across the Pond points out that the University of Edinburgh offers such a program. Oooh… Canada.

Today’s Music: Bill Frisell – Intercontinentals

Acting President

NYC one day… DC for a few days.. and a quick stopover in Philly. I’m sometimes impressed with the amount of ground I cover in 12 days. Yet of course, there are tons of friends I still haven’t seen and won’t get to see. Regardless, I had a wonderous time in each of those places. The parties, especially the “RE-Defeat Bush” Singles party was mildly amusing as D-Rock and I seized the oppurtunity to bewilder the guys and especially gals with our timeless tales of world travel and espionage.

Speaking of espionage, the most unfortunate part of my DC trip turned out to be a visit to the International Spy Museum. What a piece of crap. I knew the risks, especially with an exhibit entitled: “The enemy within”, all about terrorism in the history of the US. Besides the easy subjects like the KKK, militias, and British colonial violence, the museum somehow placed labor strikes/movements, black panthers, peace-activists and communism on the list of “terrorists.” I was dumbfounded and generally pissed-off as I arrived at the photo of IWW organizer Joe Hill (personal hero of mine) under the headline “Terrorist or Victim.” The only terror I could see was a private owned museum churning out propaganda for ultra-conservatives. I did find the section on Michigan Militia interesting, especially the very amusing display of “A militia member’s environment” which consisted of a computer, three assault rifles, camoflage outfits, a copy of anarchist’s cookbook, a copy of the US Constitution on the wall, and an American flag. All the ingredients for a crazy militia member… which makes me wonder. I have a computer.. and some military shirts.. is my phone tapped?

While on the subject of crazy dangerous people, Reagan died. Well, his body at least. His mind was gone probably even before he become Senator of California. I have no thoughts other than.. a mild – “good riddance” to a ex-president who encouraged bloody coups and death squads throughout the world, and provided the arms and logistics for civil wars in various countries. He seemed to have little understanding of most things related to his job. The only thing he was right about was the need to end the cold war (because it was stupid!) but even that idea he claimed god had told him, so that doesn’t count as his own initiative. Anyway, glad thats over and done with.

Today’s Music: Specials – NIGHTCLUB!

Ridin that Train

There is perhaps no better way to see a country, then from the window of a train. On my Newark to DC Amtrak ride yesterday, I did my best to take in the scenery. I enjoy the cities most of all, especially when you first see the Philly skyline or the somewhat depressing Baltimore cityscape. I also noticed places like Wilmington, Delaware for the first time.. it looked interesting, especially this stadium. Of course I also passed some of the more evil places in the world, such as a Lockheed-Martin plant. I could feel the weapons of mass destruction in the air.

Have you seen the photo of W arriving in France? Tony Pierce hit the nail on the head. I should just carry this photo around for everytime an American asks me what Europeans really think of them and Bush. I could use the same photo whenever a European asks me how Americans feel. Wooosh – inside-out blows the umbrella.

There’s alot of talk about a film called Supersize Me. I have not yet seen it, but it’s about a guy who does nothing but eat McDonalds food everyday. You watch as not only his health deteriorates, but he actually notes the addictive qualities of the food. The moral of that story. among others, is you should never give your children (or yourself) McD’s food to eat, because they will want more… ADDICTION! There’s alot more to the film than this, but I leave the rest to you.

Also Fahrenheit 9/11 trailer website is overloaded. And I noticed another film coming out all about Baghdad in the last two years.

Today’s Music: Morrissey – Vaxhaul and I

The Large Apple

A full day in Manhattan provides so much blogging material. At the same time, there’s too much to tell about. Overall, I’d say NYC is NYC… busy as always.. bussling with people walking their mobile phones and talking on their dogs.

My day consisted of lunch with a lovely former student from the international school (U of Amsterdam). I then noticed the street signs saying “United Nations Way” and I thought – “Yes, I’m up for a visit.” So I wandered over to the UN, which is such an accessible place – it’s great. I browsed the UN bookstore, giftshop (lame I know!), and the art exhibits in the mainhall. I chose not to pay the 10$ for the guided tour that I went on only a few years ago. After that I made it down to the Village in hopes of visiting my old boss at the Voice.

But like any legendary investigative journalist, he was down the shore for the day. So I sat with the interns and bored them with my own stories from my time there. I also snapped a shot of my most favorite room at the Voice, the meeting room. (didn’t manage to get the f?ssball talbe in the pic)

After a mini-dinner with a good buddy who studied with me in Amsterdam, I hopped on the lovely new Bombardier-furnished NJ Transit midtown-direct train home.

Tomorrow will commence my anticipated visit to DC. And speaking of the capital of all things US government, I was reading the Guardian and noticed that the Washingtonienne had published an article, all about her being fired by a senator for having blogged about her sexual exploits. Wonkette is always a solid source for updates related. All in all, it’s complete crap that she got fired, and if you really want to know how little your congresspeople give a shit, read her article on what happens to the mail and phonecalls they receive. Now more than ever, we need to “impeach congress”! (my favorite bumper sticker)

Today’s Music: Jets to Brazil – Orange Rhyming..

Frequent Voter

It is extremely taxing to blog via modem, I’ll keep saying that all week until I’m safely back in Amsterdam with my DSL. I don’t do as much websurfing/research, and I have this nagging feeling that this connection will “hang-up” on me. But enough of my petty complaints, on to bigger ones.

I made it over the Philadelphia for an evening of fun and reminiscing. There’s something interesting happenning in that city, that I can only talk about as an outsider with lots of insider friends: It has been said that Philly has one of the fastest shrinking population of any city in the United States. Anyone with the financial means, has moved to the suburbs or just far away. As a result the only people who would be left are the poor, more often than not plagued by health problems, not to mention drugs, alcoholism, and the social and financial problems that are related.

At the same time,therefore, there is a need for social services; counseling, social workers, pyschologists, etc. Keeping that in mind, In my own life I’ve noticed a significant number of friends and friends-of-friends that have moved to Philly to do such work. These people are young professionals, recently graduated, and eager to create a community of their own. This could mean great things for the city, which just on my few visits, I get the feeling it is happenning to some extent- which is exciting to watch!

There’s lots of talk about the upcoming elections with my family and friends circle. Besides the understandable fear of 4 more years, there is also a great amount of fear about the direction of this country regardless of who wins. And that, I feel, is also a warranted concern. One close family friend recommends we vote as often as possible. that’s right, many people I know – who may realize it – can vote in two counties. This includes myself, I’m registered to vote in two former addresses, and I have voted in both. Illustrating once again what a joke this so-called democracy is.(I know it’s a felony and I’d like to see them prove it.) That’s not even to mention the faults of the new electronic voting system invented by a company that has said it wants Bush to win. A further investigation of multiple voting will follow in the coming blog entries.

Today’s Music: Jon Brion – Here We Go

Culture Crash

Cars and cars… everywhere I turn.. cars. This state (NJ) has always been full of them, but it gets worse with each passing year, and no one seems to want to admit it or do anything drastic. When my generation is about 50, the state of NJ and probably many of the surrounding areas, will just be lines of cars honking at each other wondering when traffic will start moving. This is unsustainable developement at its finest… which means that despite its wealth, this area of the United States is underdeveloped in terms of public transport and future outlook, since they seem to have practically none of either. It is reason #70 or so, that I don’t miss living here. All I wanted was some soy milk and cereal, and I had to sit in traffic.

Still I have to say it’s interesting to see how popular both Whole Foods and Trader Joe’s are. I hear alot of talk about food and diets, for all the citicism that the world has about American’s and their diet… there is definately a trend in this area, to do something about it. I just with Trader Joe would go to Europe, then I’d be set.

In my next posts I’ll get into the word on the street about politics and the presidential race. Thus far I can sum up by saying W. Bush still has a large fanbase or loyalists who don’t seem willing to ever give up on him. No matter how much more of a disaster his administration turns out to be. On the other side of things, I got my primary ballot in the mail… Lyndon Larouche and Dennis Kucinich are still on there. (note, he’s got a blog on his website) Go Dennis GO!

Today’s Music: Coheed and Cambria