North Korea To Face Consequences

Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton today warned North Korea that they will face consequences for their "provocative and belligerent" actions. I think North Korea faces a politically correct type of discipline that they will not be able to bear. It takes a village to rein in a rogue nation, which is why other nations around the world are being contacted. Already the North has received a verbal warning from Clinton, not to mention both a verbal warning and and a stern look from President Barack Obama for having tested atomic bombs and firing missiles. That'll teach 'em. I feel good about having an author on our side. She can draw on her writing experience for more strong warnings if North Korea fails to get in line. I can almost hear the two of them saying, "Don't you do it. Do not do it. Okay you did it. But you better not do it again. Do NOT do it again."

I'd wager the consequences in store for Pyongyang for their insolence include further warnings from Clinton of grave consequences, even sterner looks from Obama on TV and online news pages, reminders that isolation is where they're headed and not inclusion, and - as a last resort - increased aid. A North Korean newspaper, the Minju Joson, said in an editorial, "...the U.S. sanctions policy toward North Korea is like striking a rock with a rotten egg". Meanwhile, the rest of the world is holding to their strategy of waiting for the U.S. to take care of the problem, then complaining that America is not the world's policeman. Person. Whatever. What an exciting time to be alive!

It's Not My Job

There was a photo a few years ago making the e-mail rounds of a D.O.T. crew that had painted a double-yellow line on the road right over the top of a dead raccoon. It was called "Not My Job." While driving in Carver County this weekend, I found "Not My Job: The Sequel". This time it was a cat. I think it was a cat. It was a photo op I couldn't pass up.

Atheists: "Boo Hoo" Ha Ha

The LA Times has a pretty good article on how boring atheists are getting.

(HT: Art)

Less Hours

Long after the economy in general began slowing down, our company was still doing pretty decent. My boss periodically meets with a group of 12 other business owners to discuss what's working for each of them and what's not, so they can benefit from each others successes and avoid each others mistakes. Last I heard, 10 of those 12 businesses had gone from 40 hour weeks to 32 hours company wide. We were still trying to get caught up.

Now we're there. We've recently laid off 7 of about 35 employees which works out to 20% of the work force. The way things are looking, I wouldn't be at all surprised if a couple more people go over the next week or two, with the possibility of reduced hours becoming more likely too. Honestly, I'd be okay with 32 hours, at least for a while. They let someone from my department go a little too soon for my liking, and it's been a big long rush ever since. I welcome the break. And the timing's right too, with the fishing season open and the weather getting warm. How are things going with your work?