Europe goes to the polls starting tomorrow, and continuing through the 26th, to elect a new EU Parliament. These elections are going to be closely watched. Change is in the air, and the European establishment is ill-at-ease. Europe has taken a turn toward conservative/reactionary parties in recent years. Fears of the return of fascism to Europe are being whipped up. The mainstream media calls the emerging parties ‘far-right’, hoping to marginalize them. It’s not working. People are fed up with ‘politics as usual’ in Europe. Big changes are coming to the EU. But, is the future for Europe as dystopic as the fear mongers are saying? Continue reading “The EU Parliamentary elections, an overview”
Fujairah: Sabotage or manufacturing consent?
On the 12th of May 2019 at 4:00 am, loud explosions were reportedly heard at the port of Fujairah, in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). All sorts of information started flying around the internet as to who would do such a thing. There were reports of American and French jets flying overhead at the time. There were reports of raging fires at the port. In Washington, the fingers were almost immediately pointed at Iran, without any evidence. For their part, the Iranians immediately called for a thorough investigation, before Washington could even make accusations. Since that time, tensions around the Persian Gulf are at a fever pitch. So, the question on everyone’s mind, then, is are we going to war with Iran, or is this a version of Iraq re-fabricated? Continue reading “Fujairah: Sabotage or manufacturing consent?”
Australian election follow-up
Australia has voted, and in what was called a shock victory, the Liberals and conservatives won out. It should not have come as such a shock. Anyone paying attention to economic and employment figures could see what was coming. There were two big factors that decided the election, and they are indicated in the astrology, albeit in a backhanded manner. Continue reading “Australian election follow-up”
Woodstock
Do we choose the times for events, or is everything decided for us beforehand, and we just need to enjoy the ride? It’s a question worth pondering. Every event, whether a birth, a major event or the smallest happenstance – is it all a matter of fate, kismet, karma, destiny or simply a chance collision of molecules? Heaven only knows. Fifty years ago there was a happening. What was supposed to be a cozy gathering of 200,000 turned into “half a million strong”. Before we get into what it was, have a listen to these dudes, who were there… Continue reading “Woodstock”
The 2019 Australian election
Aussies go to the polls in federal elections in a few hours, in an atmosphere that is less than favorable for either of the major parties. I had gone back and forth in my mind about posting this or not, given the vote was forecast to be so close. The polls show a victory for Labor, but polls have been known to be wrong – witness Donald Trump. If Labor is victorious, the margin will probably be slim. But the same for the Libs as well. The astrology for the day will give us some clues, though, and it shows a probable opposition victory. But before Labor supporters get too excited, there is more to the story than meets the eye. There is a wild card here, which finally prompted me to do this post. Continue reading “The 2019 Australian election”
Venezuela, the Art of War and how to flimflam your opposition
On April 30th at 5:46 AM local time, Juan Guaidó announced the ‘definitive phase’ in his attempt to unseat the Maduro government. In other words, he announced that a coup was in motion to oust Maduro. Apparently, Guaidó has never read Sun Tzu’s The Art of War. Neither, for that matter, have his supporters in North America. His attempt at mobilizing the military and populace against Maduro fell flat a scant few hours after it was begun. There are red faces and fierce rhetoric all around within the Washington Beltway. In Venezuela Guaidó has now fully disgraced himself and his movement. His mentor, Leopoldo López, has fled, taking refuge in the Spanish embassy. The few soldiers that stood in the attempt have sought refuge in the Brazilian embassy. Continue reading “Venezuela, the Art of War and how to flimflam your opposition”
90377 Sedna (2003 VB12)
Our solar system continues to amaze and engage us the more we study it. Each new discovery brings with it even more questions. Such was the case in 2003 when a planet was discovered in the outer reaches of our solar system. Originally, it was nicknamed the “Flying Dutchman”, after the ghost ship of legend that can never make port and is destined to sail the seas forever. It was later renamed, and under controversial circumstances. We now know the little world as 90377 Sedna (2003 VB12). Continue reading “90377 Sedna (2003 VB12)”
Mars out-of-bounds April – June 2019 (wrapped up)
This is a running account of the major events that took place from 21 April until 12 June, when Mars went out-of-bounds (OOB). A planet is out-of-bounds when its declination exceeds 23° latitude off the ecliptic, as Mars was within the dates just indicated. Such a situation will intensify or accentuate the qualities that the planet represents. This is a list only, not all-inclusive, through to 13 Jun 19: Continue reading “Mars out-of-bounds April – June 2019 (wrapped up)”
The 2019 Sri Lanka Easter bombings
On the 21st of April 2019, Easter Sunday, a series of bombings at churches and hotels in Sri Lanka took the lives of 359 people and wounded a further 500. Nine perpetrators were involved in the attacks and fifty have been arrested in connection with them. The group calling themselves National Thowheeth Jama’ath (NTJ) is thought to be responsible for the attacks. They are thought to have connections with Daesh. It was an international tragedy, and an act of terrorism and vengeance. Most of those killed were from Sri Lanka, but there were 41 foreigners among those dead, from 15 nations including India, Japan, Australia, the US and Denmark. Continue reading “The 2019 Sri Lanka Easter bombings”
The Notre-Dame de Paris fire (postscript added)
As most of us know by now there was a terrible fire that took place on 15 April 19 at the famous cathedral of Notre Dame in Paris. It was a national tragedy for France, as well as for world heritage. The fire started in the attic, i.e. the space between the stone ceiling vault and the cladded roof. It quickly engulfed the roof, which was undergoing restoration at the time, completely destroying it, along with the lone wooden spire. The image of the collapsing spire was repeatedly broadcast worldwide, an iconic moment. Fortunately, due to the stone ceiling vault, the sanctuary, the main organ and most of the treasures were saved. The cathedral will be rebuilt, and funding is already underway. Continue reading “The Notre-Dame de Paris fire (postscript added)”