Friends, It may well be that we have a white Christmas after all. The snow seems to come and go, but one of the latest batches left a rather nice blanket on the landscape. I have attached a photo of one part of the garden under covers. I wish everyone a safe and joyful holiday and a reminder to take care of those less fortunate.



KJ

A short update, as the schedule will only allow for the time being, to let you know that I will be out of commission next week, for a couple of days. It's those guys in the white coats, again, for a minor inconvenience. And, if any of you motor-heads know who took the great photo of the 36 RR above, I would love to know his/her name.

The weather has definitely decided to go 'winter' on us, and we can safely say that summer is part of history, for 2010. Where did it go?

If you're in Frankfurt Am Main, this week, please stop by the Frankfurt Book Fair and check out the new reads that are available, and don't forget to look for my book.


A'bientot,

KJ

Summer update...

Spring has been a mixture of fall weather and much rain. It is now sunny and attempting to be hot outdoors, although the chill of night is still prevalent, in the garden outside my window. I have the door open, so that I can bring the fresh air in, and it is very nice. I like getting up early, as the sun rises, for one can almost imagine that he is alone in the world, and all of its beauty is his to behold. For this month, I have uploaded a photo of the trees from our garden at the studio, which are seen from outside the south wall of the garden. Anyone could be creative in this environment.

I have been away from my writing for a bit, due to other issues that took precedence. My walking is still heavily restricted and sitting for long periods is not allowed, because of complications on that front. So, sitting at the computer to write for hours on end has been a no-no. I'm not complaining, although the chapters for all three books are wreaking havoc in my brain, as they struggle for release. I am thankful that I am still somewhat mobile, and will take comfort in that.

A short holiday in Provence has been suggested, and I am warming to the idea, although confronting the scorpions will be an unwelcome activity. One has to examine 0ne's shoes in the morning before slipping toes into them, if one wishes to avoid a surprise encounter with one of the beasts. Ah, the price we pay for serene beauty in wonderful countryside and du vin, du pain et du fromage.

Paperwork has been submitted for me to have my book in the Frankfurt Book Fair, in Frankfurt, Germany, this fall. We are awaiting confirmation, and I am excited to be in this venue. I was pleasantly surprised to learn that it would be accepted, in spite of the fact that it is written in English. It seems that the only criteria was that the book be published in Germany, which it is. It does mean that the price of the book will be going up by 8.7% because the book may now be offered by other retail outlets and I will have to raise the cost to cover their rather substantial discounts. So, I suggest that if you have been holding off on a purchase, it would be wise to place an order for IOAAODS before September, when the price will be raised for the show.

Have a safe summer, and for chrissakes, get off the computer and take a book to the beach!

KJ

If this is a hint of what's to come, then Spring is finally upon us! We had terrific winds after this photo was taken, which caused much mayhem, but the plant life is still intact. It is nice to have days getting longer, and the sun appearing more often.

IOAAODS has been reviewed by two others, and I have posted one of the reviews so far. The first is from Blake Fraina, author of King of Cats, which I will be reviewing next month. DDM is currently reading it, so I will have a go when he is finished. I will post the second new review of IOAAODS tomorrow afternoon.

Stay healthy and safe.

KJ

Yes, the winter finally caught up with us, at the studio. So far, this has been the most 'wintery' winter I have seen, in Deutschland. Usually, we just get forty minutes of the white stuff, except for last year's three days. Maybe there is a change a comin'?

Wishing everyone a safe, prosperous and healthy new year!

KJ

The image above was taken from my bed at dawn, yesterday, my last day at the hospital, in Darmstadt, Germany. It seems that the gods were as happy as was I that I was going home to continue with this new challenge in which I find myself. However, the colours reflect the hope that one can have when confronting a health hiccup, and I feel confident that a resolution is in the near future. Enjoy the picture, and I have enjoyed reading the notes and comments about Impaired Ocular Acuity and Other Demented Synapses, from readers around the world. Spread the message!

Ebay and Politics, the Perfect Solution?

Friends,

I just had to do it. The target was too tempting, and the idea too much fun for me to turn away from it. Kind of like watching a train wreck, actually. Read and enjoy.

Meg Whitman Goes to Sacramento

When I learned that Meg Whitman, of Ebay fame, was going to run for Governor of the fair State of California, I was at first surprised. But, then it hit me: it's perfect! Not even David Rockefeller could have dreamed up this one - or maybe he did, but that's another topic for discussion.

Think of it: instead of the current system of back-room bidding for political favors and the secretive purchasing of whole groups of senators and congress(wo)men that is now in place, corporations like Cigna, Exxon and the rest could do it right out in the open. Just like a real auction! How cool would that be? Then, they wouldn't have to hide the stealing and lying, which take up so much of their valuable time. And, Cigna and the other bloodsuckers of their ilk wouldn't have to spend 200+ million a year on 'political donations' (or, in the vernacular: bribes) to get legislation passed that basically screws Californians. Politicians could come out of the closet, finally, and post a Starting Bid and even a Buy It Now price, AND they could make it a Reserve auction (no relation to the Fed intended, although we can be assured that they would participate, as usual), to ensure that they get the top dollar that they are worth.

This could also return at least one state of the USA back to a sense of actual Democracy, as well. Yep, sure can. In an auction, anyone can bid - even the citizens! How novel is this? Californians would then actually be able to enter the bidding process for their elected officials, instead of being shut out of the game. All bidders welcome, is the Ebay philosophy, right? Imagine actually getting the attention of a politician and having them do what you want them to do. I know, it's a stretch to form that thought in your mind, but give it a go. It's really fun, when you get into the concept.

One of the obvious downsides to Meg's business philosophy going to Sacramento would be the lack of customer support. Then, of course, there are the constantly changing rules that are motivated by the sole credo of 'Profit, Profit.' She has stated that the would like to loosen the regulations on the environment for the state: Within months, Sacramento will be handing down new rules to implement AB32, the far-reaching law to restrict greenhouse gas emissions. Signed by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger in 2006, AB32 may have been well intentioned. But it is wrong for these challenging times. With this ongoing economic crisis, the governor has the ability to issue an executive order putting a moratorium on most AB32-related rules. I urge him to do so. And if he does not, I will issue that order on my first day as governor. Yes, I used the colour green to highlight that message as a bit of irony.

After all is said and done, Meg states her ideals quite clearly: "California’s government should be run more like a business..." This is just what California has been waiting for: the corporate mentality of efficiency, greed, self-promotion and political manipulation of issues, regardless of its effect on the populace. Oh...wait...that's how it is now! My bad.

The one thing I would look forward to, if I lived in California, and Meg wins: Feedback. Think how much fun it will be to leave appropriate feedback for those politicians who do not perform in the spirit for which they were purchased! The most obvious benefit is keeping those politicians in line whom we did win at auction. And, the other benefit would be to watch and see which of those politicians won by corporations failed miserably for their winners. They would be good investments for the future, oui? We might even make the name of this auction process Obey!

I may have to rethink the apparent inconceivable nature of Meg and her profits-or-die mantra going to Sacramento. There may, after all, be a great logic behind it all, and actual benefits to the citizens of that fine state. Of course, that would mean that they would actually have to do an auction to buy politicians. Without that benefit it is doubtful that there will be any change in business, in California, when and if Meg gets the voters' nod.

You are in our prayers.


KJ

Quotes from Meg's written texts borrowed from this website, under the Fair Use doctrine: http://www.megwhitman.com