605 people were murdered in Canada last year. That’s 1.81 murders per 100,000 people. 5885 people were murdered in Guatemala last year. That’s 46.23 murders per 100,000 people. The difference is primarily due to a culture of impunity in Guatemala. The BBC article says that last year the murder convictions were in the single digits. … [Read more…]
I’ve been super busy. The last two days, I’ve put in 24 hours of work, plus 8 hours on the weekend. During all of this, I’ve had lots to write about, but now I’ve forgotten most of what I’ve wanted to say. Here are a few snapshots of some experiences / thoughts. I’ve installed 23 … [Read more…]
The Fund for Peace publishes an annual report called the Failed States Index. This year it studied 177 countries and rated them on 12 criteria which polled social, economic, and political factors. A few observations: Canada’s three greatest weaknesses are shown to be: Mounting Demographic Pressures Massive Movement of Refugees or Internally Displaced Persons creating … [Read more…]
For those faithful readers, I thought I would go back a few posts and provide an up-to-date report on some recent events (rather than post comments on 2-month-old posts): Frutas Extranjeras: Found out that the jocote is also known as the spondias mombin, the gully plum, the Spanish plum, the hog plum, the Ashanti plum, … [Read more…]
About a month ago, Guatemala (and many other Latin American democratic, free nations), was graced with the presence of G.W. Bush. President Bush was here to make deals for purchasing Guatemala’s corn to make ethanol. In the days after Bush flew home, the price of corn increased by 20-25%. “Wonderful!” you may think, “Guatemalan’s will … [Read more…]
I finished 2 books this week. I never finish that many books in one week – I’m too slow a reader. I also started listening to a couple bands, saw some good films, and got some good reading/listening on the web so I thought I would share… BOOKS: “Girlfriend in a Coma” by Douglas CouplandThis … [Read more…]
I’d really like to share what’s going through my mind / heart / life right now, but social convention really does limit my ability to share openly. If I were to express frankly and without restraint, what would people think? How would it affect my ministry, career, and most importantly my family? Where did the … [Read more…]
14th: Einstein’s birthday. He who joyfully marches to music rank and file, has already earned my contempt. He has been given a large brain by mistake, since for him the spinal cord would surely suffice. This disgrace to civilization should be done away with at once. Heroism at command, how violently I hate all this, … [Read more…]
This is Far out!
One Laptop Per Child is a project that has been in the making for 40 years. The concept involves a sophisticated, economical, durable laptop that can be placed in the hands of every child on earth. The current laptop prototype: costs $100 366 Mhz processor built-in video camera/mic/speaker 1 megapixel swivel screen flash hard drive … [Read more…]