The past week has almost been sureal as we watch elements of the not too distant past all come together for what may be a mounting world-wide conflict. The Olympics have begun in Communist China, once again bringing the topic of communism to the forefront of news articles and discussions. The nuclear threat of Iran has been rising for a few years now and as the world turns it's eyes to watch the summer games, Russia has made a bold move by invading Georgia and at the same time making all Americans aware that there is more than 1 Georgia in the world.
News commentators and politicians have been speculating the motivations of Russia's invation, but most have overlooked the obvious. This attack comes only a few short months after the release of Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull where once again Russians were portrayed as the villains obsessed with world domination. Echos of past millitary triumphs and invasions were stirred in the minds of Russian leaders like Vladmir Putin who were reminded that they are supposed to be the bad guys in the world.
It didn't take long for the scheming Russians to recommence long archived plans of regaining their once terrible, but great power. Inside Russian Intelligence has leaked out that this plan has been rumored about for nearly three decades and was known only as 'Plan 9 From the Soviet Union.' Sources have said Putin makes no qualms about his intention to dominate Georgia and then move into the Ukraine. "The Ukraine is weak," he has been heard stating before being joined by uproarious laughter from croanies.
However, not everyone was surprised by Russia's daring move. The one man who saw this all coming, George Lucas, seemed only to be surprised that the Germans didn't get the hint from his other Indiana Jones movies.
This turn of events comes as a great relief to Americans who have been looking for a formidable enemy in the world for nearly 25 years. As most Americans would agree, the biggest problem with the wars in the Middle East is trying to make the enemy look like worthy adversaries. However, as hard as the White House and even some Hollywood directors have tried Muslims still look like dirty poor mexicans with beards and exagerated headbands.
The Russians are back in actions. The Great Bear has reawoken. Al Gore has placed this danger as the third greatest threat we face, behind global warming and the dreaded Man-Bear-Pig. Now we finally unite behind our fear of a nation that we can really enjoy hating. And all I can say is, Russia, it's about time.
We stayed at the castle (chateau) that has been there since 1892. Quebec is a beautiful city, whose main language is French. Andrew had a great time speaking French! We went on a business trip with his parents and had such a wonderful time. It was a treat to see such a nice, clean, historic city. The meals, culture and deserts were rich and full of flavor! It was exciting as we quickly discovered that they were celebrating their 400th anniversary with all sorts of festivities and attractions! We saw the Island of Orleans, full of flowers, grass, Victorian style farm houses and the best ice cream in the world! We saw an artistic movie depicting the history of Quebec on an out-door screen made of silos, 80 feet wide with vibrant music. We went to the ward in Quebec and had to use head sets to hear the speakers because they all spoke in French. We even got the opportunity to see Les Miserables in French! It was so classy and the voices were phenomenal! A favorite of the trip! The waterfalls were breathtaking! It was so large, we could see it from the Island of Orlean. We ate at the best cozy restaurants, with sour-dough bread, and 4 or 5 course meals! The water, that comes from the Atlantic, the St. Lawrence River was just outside of our window, with boats and the view of the island. The water fountains were about two stories high, some looked like castles, others had historic figures. The statue duplicate of Joan of Arc was in a garden, not far from our hotel. We saw the changing of the guard and went went shopping at the local stores. They had two Christmas stores open year-long. The ornaments were so detailed and colorful!
seen it in French!
Canons outside of our hotel facing the river.
A canon ball ended up in the trunk of this tree on main street!
Roping at the Whiting Family Reunion.
