It’s snowing here. Snow in Vancouver, if it accumulates, means that the entire city shuts down, which is a bit of a treat for those of us that live in the downtown core. The city becomes somewhat like a ghost town, its inhabitants cautiously emerging from their usual hiding places astounded that the streets are empty and the usual noise that constantly fills the air has been replaced by just the sound of the wind. When I used to live uptown, which is to say just off Robson at Bute, I was always amazed at how silent and abandoned Robson street became after it snowed. The same goes for the neighborhood West of Denman, in which I lived for some 8 years.

So far it hasn’t really stuck, though I’m sure out in the valley it’s accumulating quite nicely. Thankfully we have the warmth of the ocean here to help prevent serious accumulation (for the time being anyway).

As most are aware, Vancouverites can’t drive in the snow, so watch out for sliding buses, cars, prams, and a whole host of other things on wheels.

Iraq

You know that democracy is alive an well in Iraq when Iraqis are stoning the motorcade of the Prime Minister. Maliki was traveling into the slums of Southern Baghdad, better known as Sadr City (once Saddam City), to pay respects to the 202 people killed there in a recent bomb attack. Sadr City is a Shiite stronghold largely loyal to the cleric Moktada al-Sadr, whose political allies in government have threatened to boycott Parliament if Prime Minister Maliki meets with George Bush in Jordan this Wednesday.

US: Covert + Arms Trade

First, a must read article by Chris Carlson entitled Coup D’etat in Venezuela: Made in the USA. The article takes a decent look at modern influencing initiatives with regards to political destabilization techniques utilized by the United States through proxies such as the NED and USAID.

Second, an equally interesting article that looks at the history of the incoming Secretary of Defense, Robert M. Gates. The National Security Archive’s Robert Gates File offers further insight.

Lastly, Frida Berrigan’s piece at Foreign Policy In Focus entitled ‘United States Rides Weapons Bonanza Wave’ is also a must read.

Vancouver-Mont

Supposedly Merle was involved in an incident with ICM Security last night at The Stones show. According to him, a few ICM security guys came into his row and tried to tell him and a few others to get out of their seats. When Rod produced his ticket and proved that he was in the correct place the ICM guys became perturbed and he was physically escorted out briefly without any justification. Finally, after missing three songs, he was allowed to return to his seat.

I have personally worked with ICM for years, and have even gone through them to contract personal tour security. Sometimes there’s just no getting past the fact that people in those positions like to abuse their power, and that they apply for such positions precisely because it affords them the opportunity to make up for their own feelings of inadequacy.

The so called ‘concierge’ at my new building falls into the same category. He thinks he’s Jesus Christ reincarnate, except that he spends most of his time slumped over like Gollum smoking outside the front door. His favorite pastime I’m told is gossiping about the people who live here to the developer and property management company – both of whom are welcome to come to my front door at any time. I’ll be more than happy to, in no uncertain terms, divulge what’s on my mind.