I would have to argue that right now in the world we have an interesting juxtaposition of American activity on the international stage. On one hand, we have sent the US Navy to Japan in a big way. We are rescuing stranded/ trapped Japanese citizens and helping out in a multitude of ways that would take too long to list here. The bottom line is that Americans (represented by their military) are on the scene, ready to help any way possible. It is heartening to see this.
On the other hand, we have Libya. Gadhafi and the rebels have been a tug of war over control of parts of Libya for a few weeks now. It looks like the rebels are currently in retreat due to Gadhafi's overwhelming air superiority. And where are we? The rebels claim to be fighting for their freedom from Gadhafi's repressive grip on Libya. Isn't that something that Americans should support? However, the rebels on the ground, hoping to look skyward and see American planes, only look up to see Gadhafi's air power aimed at them. And, rightly so, they are asking where the Americans are. Unfortunately, their anger towards us is growing.
Quite honestly, I'm not sure about how active we should be in Libya. From what I read, it looks like Britain and France are trying to set up a no fly zone. Should this be Europe's problem rather than America's problem, then? In that case, maybe Japan is Asia's problem. Maybe we should let China and Thailand deal with it. Or (and this is the crux of the issue), maybe there is no substitute for American intervention. When countries/ peoples around the world get in a bind, they turn to us. This isn't necessarily bad, but it is expensive. Of course, this all ties back into the current budget debate. Can we afford to be the world's cop? I'm not sure, but as the old argument goes, if you are in trouble around the world, it's the best feeling in the world to see the American flag on the arm of the soldier coming to your aid.
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Location, Location, Location
I feel bad for the Japanese people right now, I really do. How can one sympathize with a disaster of this magnitude? I have some types of comparisons: I have seen first hand the destruction that a hurricane can wreak...I have seen monster blizzards in my life...but I am not sure that either truly lends me perspective on Japan's situation. An entire village washed away...nope, I can't understand that. With the added risk related to their shaky nuclear reactors, the Japanese people have a true emergency situation on their hands.
However, it didn't have to be this bad. I have been watching the coverage on TV related to the risk of nuclear meltdown, and I couldn't help but wonder if the Japanese people were asking for it. Obviously, Japan is located right next to an active fault line. Every one knows this. It is well documented that earthquakes can and will occur in Japan, and, statistically speaking, one of them would have to eventually be this bad. Statistics eventually catch up in any situation. So why would a government allow for construction of not one but multiple nuclear reactors on the coast of Japan?? It doesn't make sense to me. Nuclear power by itself is not dangerous: nuclear technology has evolved to the point that it is a fairly safe enterprise generally speaking (notwithstanding the nuclear waste issue). But by placing nuclear plants next to an ocean that is located on a fault line is literally asking for a problem one day, isn't it? It is like a nuclear power plant being built on Pensacola Beach, having a cat-5 hurricane blow over it, and then having to deal with a potential fallout. Duh?! You just should not build there in the first place! All the debate on TV has absolutely ignored this point, and I believe it is fundamental. Now the news programs are zeroed in on the safety of nuclear plants around the United States, should we even have them, etc. That is not the point. In fact, it's way off the point. The LOCATION of a plant, any plant, is the paramount issue here. By default, Japan made this problem itself.
Of course, I feel really bad for the Japanese people (as much as I can't sympathize due to a lack of comparable experience). I hope things get better sooner rather than later. I hope this makes any potential future builder of power plants, especially nuclear plants, think twice about location. The people of any country deserve it.
However, it didn't have to be this bad. I have been watching the coverage on TV related to the risk of nuclear meltdown, and I couldn't help but wonder if the Japanese people were asking for it. Obviously, Japan is located right next to an active fault line. Every one knows this. It is well documented that earthquakes can and will occur in Japan, and, statistically speaking, one of them would have to eventually be this bad. Statistics eventually catch up in any situation. So why would a government allow for construction of not one but multiple nuclear reactors on the coast of Japan?? It doesn't make sense to me. Nuclear power by itself is not dangerous: nuclear technology has evolved to the point that it is a fairly safe enterprise generally speaking (notwithstanding the nuclear waste issue). But by placing nuclear plants next to an ocean that is located on a fault line is literally asking for a problem one day, isn't it? It is like a nuclear power plant being built on Pensacola Beach, having a cat-5 hurricane blow over it, and then having to deal with a potential fallout. Duh?! You just should not build there in the first place! All the debate on TV has absolutely ignored this point, and I believe it is fundamental. Now the news programs are zeroed in on the safety of nuclear plants around the United States, should we even have them, etc. That is not the point. In fact, it's way off the point. The LOCATION of a plant, any plant, is the paramount issue here. By default, Japan made this problem itself.
Of course, I feel really bad for the Japanese people (as much as I can't sympathize due to a lack of comparable experience). I hope things get better sooner rather than later. I hope this makes any potential future builder of power plants, especially nuclear plants, think twice about location. The people of any country deserve it.
Friday, March 11, 2011
Massive Earthquake = Lower Gas Prices?
I really couldn't believe I heard that on the news this morning. Like a lot of you, I flipped on the TV this morning to be floored by the overnight earthquake in Japan. Of course it's horrible. Of course it is a major disaster on par with Haiti, Chile, Sumatra, etc. Obviously, the people of Japan will need the world's assistance. But, lo and behold, one of the first comments I heard was that gas prices were actually dropping in response to the earthquake. Wow. A massive earthquake in Japan where death and destruction occur on a huge scale, and Americans think about the positive effect it will have on gas prices. Hey, I'm one of the first to be happy about economic growth, but isn't it a bit jumpy to bring up gas prices?? I feel that this comment is indicative of an overly egotistic consumerist mindset that is pervasive in our country right now. I know that the recession has left a stamp on our minds that leaves us questioning the bottom line of almost all human activity, but I argue that a return to at least a partial "people first" mentality would do our country good right now. First, Japan and its people. Second, help rebuild. Third, gas prices.
A Fine Japanese/Chinese/ Thai Restaurant in Pensacola
I feel that I would be offering a nice service to my readers if I could occasionally give a "thumbs-up" to restaurants in the Pensacola that my wife and I have enjoyed eating at. As my previous post today explained, I by no means intend for this to be a 100% reliable way to get critical information about Pensacola dining establishments! It is solely based on my take of the restaurant. It is certainly based on my honest OPINION of the restaurant, which you are free to take or leave. With that said, let me review Two Stix.
Last night for our weekly ritual "date night," my wife and I visited Two Stix on Brent Lane near Cordova Mall. What was once a cowboyish steak house was converted into a mellow restaurant with jazz playing. With your choice of hibachi or menu dining, Two Stix offers a relaxed and thoughtful atmosphere for eating. With friendly staff and a great choice of Asian-style cuisine, it is a solid choice for a couple or family looking for a night out from the kitchen. The mood of Two Stix reminds us of a classy dining establishment more likely found in a larger city. No need to dress up, though, as most restaurants in Pensacola easily tolerate shorts and sandals (this is the South and a beach!) We have always visited during the week, and it has not always been overly busy. This does make us worry about the long term viability of such a place, though! The restaurant does include both an alcohol and sushi bar (which have never been roudy during our visits). Pricing is not outrageous. Food-wise, we prefer either a chicken bento box or "honey crispy" chicken. We have yet to be disappointed by these offerings. We have always had great wait staff, including a smart lady last night who even identified a favorite drink of ours as Vietnamese rather than Japanese or Chinese. She also recommended a tasteful dessert, mochi ice cream, which was ice cream covered in a rice blanket. It was a unique dessert that did not disappoint. My only complaint was that the appetizer and dessert did not come in large portions, but, then again, a classy dining establishment would not want to ruin the main course with the "befores" and "afters." We left Two Stix last night relaxed and not overly full, which is not like the feeling of leaving many buffet driven restaurants in Pensacola.
Final rating? Like Asian food? 9/10
Last night for our weekly ritual "date night," my wife and I visited Two Stix on Brent Lane near Cordova Mall. What was once a cowboyish steak house was converted into a mellow restaurant with jazz playing. With your choice of hibachi or menu dining, Two Stix offers a relaxed and thoughtful atmosphere for eating. With friendly staff and a great choice of Asian-style cuisine, it is a solid choice for a couple or family looking for a night out from the kitchen. The mood of Two Stix reminds us of a classy dining establishment more likely found in a larger city. No need to dress up, though, as most restaurants in Pensacola easily tolerate shorts and sandals (this is the South and a beach!) We have always visited during the week, and it has not always been overly busy. This does make us worry about the long term viability of such a place, though! The restaurant does include both an alcohol and sushi bar (which have never been roudy during our visits). Pricing is not outrageous. Food-wise, we prefer either a chicken bento box or "honey crispy" chicken. We have yet to be disappointed by these offerings. We have always had great wait staff, including a smart lady last night who even identified a favorite drink of ours as Vietnamese rather than Japanese or Chinese. She also recommended a tasteful dessert, mochi ice cream, which was ice cream covered in a rice blanket. It was a unique dessert that did not disappoint. My only complaint was that the appetizer and dessert did not come in large portions, but, then again, a classy dining establishment would not want to ruin the main course with the "befores" and "afters." We left Two Stix last night relaxed and not overly full, which is not like the feeling of leaving many buffet driven restaurants in Pensacola.
Final rating? Like Asian food? 9/10
What I Envision For This Blog
Hello out there in Webland!
After a year-long hiatus, I have returned to the blogging world! I have allowed my blog to lapse due to career switching, but I am back for the long haul. Judging from the title, I think you might have some inkling as to the intent of my blog: I live here in Pensacola, FL and wish to disseminate my viewpoints on happenings here in Pensacola and around the nation/ world. I obviously can't guarantee that you will always agree with my "perspective," but I can at least hope that I will provide insight into the thoughts of a late 20s male living in the Redneck Riveria, as the Northwest Florida panhandle region is affectionately (sometimes not) called. Please check back often (as a matter of fact, even become a follower!) to see how things are going here in Pensacola. I will return later today with another post.
After a year-long hiatus, I have returned to the blogging world! I have allowed my blog to lapse due to career switching, but I am back for the long haul. Judging from the title, I think you might have some inkling as to the intent of my blog: I live here in Pensacola, FL and wish to disseminate my viewpoints on happenings here in Pensacola and around the nation/ world. I obviously can't guarantee that you will always agree with my "perspective," but I can at least hope that I will provide insight into the thoughts of a late 20s male living in the Redneck Riveria, as the Northwest Florida panhandle region is affectionately (sometimes not) called. Please check back often (as a matter of fact, even become a follower!) to see how things are going here in Pensacola. I will return later today with another post.
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