Corruption Galore & Meltdown of World Economy

The world markets have begun their collapse led by my country, the USA. It is embarassing, but the stupidity and lack of integrity behind this issue are simply amazing. But, is anyone really surprised? This will hit other countries around the world and it will be the blame of their governments and businesses.

The solution in the USA is not $700B of tax payer bailouts.  It will hurt for a couple of years, but the real solution is to let these corrupt businesses go out of business, and without the benefit of golden parachutes for Sr Execs.  Nothing seems to get the attention of some people like hitting them in their own wallet!!

Some prominent politicians also need to go (Barney Frank, Chairman of the House Financial Services Committee and Christopher Cox, Chairman of the SEC, etc, etc, etc, etc).

In the meantime, feel free to review this funny, but true presentation that explains the situation --> CLICK HERE.

Back in Switzerland

It has been a while since my last update, but I have been busy with a few things.  My phone and camera are both full of pictures that are just crying to be uploaded so the world can see them.

Several weeks ago, I took a much needed vacation and my friend Rance visited to share it with me.  We ran all over the Lausanne, Vevey, Montreux area checking out all there is to be seen.  Final analysis: this place really is great!!  The montains are beautiful, the water is beautiful, and the girls are perhaps more approachable than I first thought.  The American "cocky" attitude is not recommended, but they are certainly okay with being approached for a conversation.  : )

Rance flew home on Sunday morning.  This same morning, I received an early morning call from my dad in Nashville.  I knew when I saw the caller id that something was wrong.  Sure enough, I learned that my role model grandfather had just passed away.  I left for Nashville Monday morning.  It was nice to see family and friends of my grandfather.  Grandad was 90 years old and life was becoming difficult for him.  He lived a long life doing good for countless people.  It was an honor to be his grandson, and he certainly started a legacy that cannot easily be lived up to.  It is comforting to know that he is in Heaven, reunited with Granma and others he loved...

Last week was a long, tough week, but I was reminded of his constant advice to "keep on keeping on".  I arrived back in Switzerland on Friday afternoon and have been spending the weekend recovering from jet lag and loss of such a great man of integrity.

Miscellaneous Happenings

I have had many things to write about but no time. Hopefully I haven't created an addiction with anyone that has gone unsatisfied.  Where to start...

Two weekends ago I had dinner with a wonderful Swiss couple, one of which is a colleague of mine at work. They live in the mountains above Vevey. Their home and view are absolutely fantastic!! There is a waterfall not far away that is covered by the trees, but can still be heard.  I spent 30 minutes outside just admiring the view (will add photos later).  I even got a nice tour of their wine collection which is impressive.  We had tartare de boeuf and several bottles of red wine.  I know some might be thinking, "How in the world could you eat that!?".  But, don't knock it until you have tried it.  We even discussed how Swiss women are different than American women.  It was very enlightening.  Things here seem to move a little (lot) slower.  It appears as though men have to be patient.  This means one thing to me...  I better learn to be patient or I'm in a world of trouble!!!  Bottom line - the women are different in some ways (not a bad thing and maybe for the best in some ways) and the same in at least one.  Men cannot understand any of them!!  : ))))  This may be a universal challenge that knows no borders.  : ))))  Hopefully this does not get me in trouble as I am kidding for the most part (Anna??)...

John McCain named Sarah Palin, Governor of Alaska, as his VP running mate.  What does this mean?  At first glance, one would think this might provide an opening for Democrats to attack her experience.  But, the reality is that this women has made more executive decisions in the past 3 months than Barack Obama has made in a lifetime.  Time will only tell how all this plays out but the Democrats should be careful about challenging her level of experience.

I am a bit of a techno geek so I will update the world on several new offerings.  I am trying out the beta version of a new IM client called Digsby.  I have tried Trillion, Meebo, etc, etc.  So far, Digsby is looking very good.  Even though it is still in beta and not open for general release, it is surprisingly stable and they are pushing updates out almost daily.  It basically brings all chat and social networking into a common platform.  It's a great concept that will only get better.  Hopefully they will support Skype chat soon.  Check it out!!  Google also just launched its new browser called Chrome.  I just downloaded it 30 minutes ago so I cannot say much except that it is pretty clean and has some interesting features...

I saved the best story for last.  Last Friday, my friend and I started at the Montreux Palace where we had a couple of drinks.  After that, we had dinner and wine at an Italian restaurant.  Next, we took a taxi up to Bloney for an 80's birthday party.  We weren't dressed for the occasion but that was fine as we really didn't notice at the time.  We had a few more drinks at the party, danced a little, and just had a great time.  But, the great time was just beginning.  We attempted to walk back to I'm not sure where to catch a taxi back to Montreux.  I won't give exact details as I am sworn to secrecy (nothing bad), but let's just say we spent a little time recovering near the roadway.  Several hours later, we managed to get a taxi and head back to civilization.  The details are left out to protect the innocent, myself included.  Let me just say that S is a cool girl and it was a fun night all around!!