Far East Cynic

Speaking of Ships

The S.O. and I made our first cruise ever on the Splendor of the Seas last year. It was her last year sailing for Royal Caribbean, as it had been announced she was being sold to TUI Cruises. We thought the crew did a good job seeing the ship out

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Oh about that GOP debate last night

You know Ted Cruz fucked up when he gives Donald Trump, that Donald Trump, a chance to be elegant. I’m no big fan of New York City, but Cruz probably wishes he had not broken out the dog whistles: Explanation to be found over at Balloon-Juice: During Thursday night’s debate,

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Now it’s just getting ridiculous.

It is January and I am traveling again. Not without some trepidation, since my last voyage to points beyond put me in the hospital. But this trip is back to the whining States of America, so I am hoping O.D.’ing on Krystal burgers will be safe. ( I love Krystal

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The power of how one uses language.

Over at Balloon Juice, Annie Laurie has found this interesting video that analyzes the way Donald Trump uses language and how he organizes his thoughts. Bottom line: Because Trump is a salesman more than a politician, he is focused on closing the deal and creating a sense of urgency to buy his

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Happy New Year!

One of the traditions I like in Japan is their New Years greeting: Akimashite omedetou gozaimasu! Kotoshi mo yoroshiku onegai shimasu! ( Happy New Year. In this year too, please favor me). (It’s a one size fits all Nengajo- New Years Card). This year is Heisei 28. Here in Germany, the S.O.

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200 Dollars well spent

If there are only two news outlets you can subscribe to, I recommend the following: The Economist ($139.00/yr) and the products of STRATFOR ($99.00/yr). It is money well spent and when you think about it is just a years worth of Netflix and Hulu. STRATFOR recently published its 10 year

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Star Wars-No spoilers yet allowed

On Christmas Eve, following some last minute shopping as is my tradition, I went to see Star Wars VII-The Force Awakens. All in all, I thought Disney did a good job with the movie. I do have some criticisms, but those will have to wait until the “No Spoilers” embargo

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Happy Boxing Day!

Greetings to one and all! Contrary to some reports, rumors of my demise have been greatly exaggerated. I am still alive, still thinking,  and hopefully now, able to return to writing. My original plan had been to return to posting after we got back from the cruise. Unfortunately events took

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Going Nordo

Walking up the brow this weekend and going haze gray and underway. No wait a minute, the ship is white. How about , “Bright white and out of sight!”? Either way posting will be non-existent for a bit. ( again). But I could not let the good news / bad

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Absolutely, positively, just a great day for America

Because Scott Walker has been banished back to Wisconsin, there hopefully to meet the front end of a high speed freight train.  

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