Disaster Rescue ships

The recent earthquake disaster in Haiti deserves help and all should contribute what they can.

More generally, the world needs more disaster rescue ships. They should be of several types: hospital ships of multiple drafts for different harbors, emergency electrical power ships, communications ships in addition to whatever emergency communications might be standard on the other varieties of ships, emergency sanitation and shelter ships capable of deploying temporary sewerage and water systems and civil reconstruction vehicles such as bulldozers and cranes.

Rescue aircraft are also desirable, but they can do less because of the limited cargo capacity on devastated airfields. Most of the world's population is near the sea. Disaster aid by rail is also possible and it could be done by keeping modules ready for loading on flat-cars.

Updated Adventures of Jon and Jake

Already a gypsy pickpocket tried to get Jon's wallet. He foiled them somehow. Pickpockets are ubiquitous in Europe. They almost don't exist in the US.

Jon and Jake are now on the way to the south of France. I sent Jon an email with this pickpocket advice.

Avoid kids with signs, they use them to hide their hands. Likewise swaddled infants in mom's arms.

ATM machines: they insert a sleeve into the slot so your card jams, then observe you enter PIN. They retrieve the sleeve with its tab and your card.

If someone in a uniform asks to count your cash, its a scam. Ask to see their ID.

Keep your passport especially safe. Below the belt money pocket is better than above the belt. They razor it out.


Another good idea is stitch the bottom of all pockets to the clothing. Pickpockets don't reach into your pocket, instead, they lift up the lining until they get what they want.

Hrumph

I have not been in much of a blogging mood as of late. I haven't been up to much. Everything seems so dull when Brian is away for a while that I've just been sitting in bed petting puppies and buying junk on ebay. I got a letter in the mail saying I owe $2,750 additional on my 2007 WV state income tax and I better pay up before November 15. There was NO explanation along with this bill. I am pissed off. I used turbo tax, didn't take any wacko deductions, and even got a $180 refund from the state. Now they think they can squeeze another $3000 from me without even telling me why! Obviously I need to get a tax accountant to help me.

Up the upside, the same day Brian got a letter from the WV attorney general saying he can now conceal carry in 13 new states. yeeeeeeeeeeeeeee haaaaaaawww