Super Scattered Thoughts

Some scattered thoughts for Nov 1, 2015.

Economics - Chinese economic growth is a fraction of what has been reported.  They will be desperate to maintain any growth, as a serious recession will mean internal social and political turmoil.  What they did recently to spur growth was cut the value of their currency.  This came as a surprise to economic prognosticators across the planet, but a country can't have a rate that floats, that is at a constant level and that also backstops export growth all at the same time.  It is inevitable that they will devalue their currency again, soon.  The last time they did it, world equity markets plummeted.

The F-35 - The F-35 Lightning II is being considered as the odds on replacement for the CF-18 as Canada's standard fighter aircraft. The Liberals have said that they will reject this plane, and buy a cheaper alternative, devoting the money saved to the navy.  Good.  The F-35 has one engine. Canada has not used a single-engine jet fighter to patrol the Canadian North for 60 years (1950's - 1960's it was the CF-100; 1960's -1980's in was the CF-101; from then until now it has been the CF-18, all with two engines).  The reason these planes need to have two engines should be clear - if the plane experiences engine trouble over somewhere like Baffin Island and it only has one engine, there is nowhere to land.  The plane, and maybe the pilot too, will not be coming home. Regardless of costs and performance, the fact that it only has one engine should have disqualified this aircraft from consideration as a replacement from day one.

NFL - You may hate them, but absent a serious injury, it is inconceivable that the New England Patriots will not repeat as Super Bowl Champions again in February.  Hold your nose, and lay your money down!

Bacon - Last week we learned that BACON is not good for you!  WTF!  When I heard this news, I had just finished eating a Kale and Quinoa salad, with Swiss Chard on the side, covered with 12 strips of deep-fried bacon.  For years now nutritionists have been imploring us to eat as much deep-fried bacon as we possibly can!  Now they say it is bad for us!?  If I come down with a bacon-related illness, who do I sue? What's next - avoid doughnuts!

Old Bands - Give a listen to Teenage Head, "Frantic City".  A Hamilton band that was killed by the Disco Era which smothered many great Rock and Roll/Punk/Rockabilly acts.  They are still worth a listen. Hmmm...was I once cool?  Yes, for about two weeks in the summer of 1986.  All down hill since then. "Nice day for a party, isn't it..."