Good morning all:

Weekly worst of the worse quote:

“Every decent man is ashamed of the government he lives under.” ~ H. L. Mencken

If memory serves, there is an inscription located on the Statue of Liberty dealing with the coming to America bit. Let’s explore a bit further with a little reality. Adrianne and Tevita wanted Tevita’s mom to visit them for a few months to see Vai and be with Vili and celebrate his first birthday. They also invited his younger brother along, primarily to act as a translator during travel and her stay. So, they did what every good boogie should do, they went by the rules. Being a “good boogie” entails that this past week they laid out about $150 each for visa processing costs, paid for the 2-hour flight to Fiji (where the US embassy is located). Mom endured the 24-hour boat ride on a freighter  to their international airport (the only boat service to their island); in sea-sickness generating rough seas, they took a 3-hour taxi ride to cross over the central mountain range in Fiji to get from the airport in Nadi to the embassy in Suva, and they spend three nights in a hostel. But, so far so good!

Then they hit a brick wall called Section 214 (b) of the Immigration and Nationality Act. This bit of “gotcha” mumbo-jumbo has an embassy staffer make a judgment call whether or not to extend a visitors visa based on a clause which reads in part; “presumed to be an intending immigrant until s/he proves otherwise.” Normally we would interpret this as; “guilty until proven innocent.” There literally is nothing anyone can do when trying to prove an unknown–especially when you’re super honest and lack the ‘sophistication’ (AKA streetsmarts) to maneuvering in a legalistic  urban society, or have access to a coach to prep and guide. There simply is no ‘river’ for you to cross.

Not to be too cynical, but I suspect that these days it helps if the visitor is a member of a large voting block with lots of access to media coverage. Tongans do not!

Somehow, today, my morning coffee is a little less tasty.

You know when….. – They’ve got your number (and everything else). Since it’s a New Year and therefore I, and everyone else, just took another step along life’s winding path. This past step must have taken me around a brand new curve.

Our mail brought a packet of postage-card sized cards – about 35 of them in a clear plastic wrapper. You, yourself have probably received similar packets. Marcia laid them to be dumped in the recycling bin. I wanted to take a quick look since “you never know.” It could be a discount to an Indian restaurant, a great offer on an ‘Amish’ space heater with ‘almost’ realistic actual flames, amazingly beautiful near-gold coins of little value, but oh-so stunningly beautiful as dust collectors, or a complete bathroom and tub redo in under 1-day. Then I could practice shuffling them, and only then place them into the recycling bin.

These cards were different though. These reflect, according to the undisclosed mailer of the things, that beginning in 2012 I just took a very substantive turn in life’s road.

Animal Planet – My most recent Bird Studies Canada newsletter had some good news:

The Raptor Population Index (RPI) has released a new report showing that the majority of North America’s 26 species of migratory raptors (a group that includes hawks, falcons, kites, ospreys, harriers, eagles, and vultures) are either recovering or in stable condition. Unfortunately, the American Kestrel is a stark exception.

Good for all the raptors except for the American Kestrel that is. I guess what they are really asking is that anyone who happens to run across an American Kestrel take a moment and ask it, “what’s wrong?”

Closing – Last week I noted that our senior uncle, Joop, was in poor straights with a broken hip; always bad, more so at age 95. The most recent news is that he’s perked up considerably and his demeanor, acuity, and outlook are positive and much like the old. Excellent news!

The Picture of the Week has Derek with his third-grade Science Project. Since then they have given their presentations and he took second place! Pretty good stuff, huh?

Last evening we attended the North Avondale Montessori Valentine’s Day craft evening. Cathy is a huge volunteer and organizer at the school and she made certain the her family was well represented. Fun, fun, times.

Make it a great week everyone and be safe.

Cheers,
Dirk