Random thoughts/comments

[Syne]

Memorials to tragedies usually pass with less and less notice over time. Even 9/11 doesn't get much attention anymore. Neither are holidays with time off work, and we have Memorial Day to honor those who died in service.

Why, do other countries continue to make a big deal of their national tragedies?

[Zinjanthropos]

Memorials to tragedies usually pass with less and less notice over time. Even 9/11 doesn't get much attention anymore. Neither are holidays with time off work, and we have Memorial Day to honor those who died in service.

Why, do other countries continue to make a big deal of their national tragedies?

Time, the best healer.

Canada's biggest military disasters like the Dieppe Raid are largely forgotten. Although still means a lot to any living veteran and there are private remembrances around the country. Here in Niagara you'd think we'd celebrate victory over the Americans in War of 1812-14 but no, and some of our great moments like Vimy Ridge or Dutch liberation hardly gets mentioned on its anniversary. Still a big deal to be a Canadian when in Holland however and the Vimy Ridge memorial in France still attracts many Canadians, even school age. In Newfoundland with several memorial services they still pay respect for those who fell on July 1 1916 (Battle of the Somme) when 90% of The Newfoundland Regiment was wiped out at Beaumont Hamel in France. 

I wonder if Japan celebrates Pearl Harbour attack? Isn't May Day the communist way to celebrate/remember war's failures and successes? 

I just hope we here in NA aren't pandering to the left, not wishing to upset a snowflake or two. You know, keep them away from the harsh realities and truth about the sacrifices made so they don't feel stressed. Might even save a few war monuments from being torn down by radical leftists

[Leigha]

So, I have a pretty wreath that I put up at this time of year and it has soft lighting operated by batteries. Hung the wreath earlier and it wouldn’t light up - come to find out, the batteries were corroded. I find it odd that batteries will corrode when not in use.  

I have a gas fireplace with a battery backup system. You’re supposed to remove the batteries after you light it because the heat affects the battery longevity but I always forget and have the same issue with corrosion. Just clean off the contact areas with vinegar and it should be fine. You can even use sandpaper on them if you have to. Works like a charm.

"The reason for leaks is that as batteries discharge — either through usage or gradual self-discharge — the chemistry of the cells changes and some hydrogen gas is generated. This out-gassing increases pressure in the battery. Eventually, the excess pressure either ruptures the insulating seals at the end of the battery, or the outer metal canister, or both."
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alkaline_battery

Chemistry...bla bla...cells...bla bla   JK! I did read something when this happened, and it makes sense. It's still weird, but it makes sense. Thanks SS!


So, reading the forums for a few minutes, sipping on some hot tea. There's nothing quite like a chilly day, holding a cup of hot tea as it warms your frigid hands. 

Reading sci forums today too and felt like chiming in. I don't post as often there anymore. Work needs to be done, but this tea...and the forums. It's all so distracting.

---

Hardly a whimper from the US on yesterday’s Pearl Harbour attack anniversary. Was this intentional, as to not upset fragile psyches with reminders of war, internment camps and dropping the big one(s)?

We have current disasters going on, I wonder if that plays a part in not wanting to dredge up the past. 

[Syne]

Here in Niagara you'd think we'd celebrate victory over the Americans in War of 1812-14 but no, ...

So you do identify with the Brits, who actually fought those battles, before Canada was even a nation?
I understand that Canada, Oz, and NZ are still technically ruled by the Queen, but I have no idea how much they identify their own history with that of the British Empire. If so, that's a lot of colonization, conquering, and slavery baggage. More than the US anyway.

[Zinjanthropos]

Here in Niagara you'd think we'd celebrate victory over the Americans in War of 1812-14 but no, ...

So you do identify with the Brits, who actually fought those battles, before Canada was even a nation?
I understand that Canada, Oz, and NZ are still technically ruled by the Queen, but I have no idea how much they identify their own history with that of the British Empire. If so, that's a lot of colonization, conquering, and slavery baggage. More than the US anyway.

I don't think of it that way. If I'm like most Canadians who actually know there was a war fought in this area the feeling is that we aren't Americans because of the victory. Not that we hate you guys but our ancestors weren't Yanks when the war started and their descendants still aren't. We even managed to shuck the British. Her Majesty still is rejoiced by a few but for the most part we realize she's nothing more than a figurehead, a monument to a long lost time....you know....like Biden

Too bad some folks just don't recognize that the past has passed, no sense dwelling on it, times were different then....move on. I think of that every time dissidents rip down another monument or memorial. They use history to destroy historical reminders....bunch of hypocritical bullshit.

[Syne]

Well, that victory was won by the British.

[Zinjanthropos]

Well, that victory was won by the British.

We are aware. They had a lot of help from local settlers/inhabitants (never heard of Laura Secord?) , aboriginals and even a group of slaves escaped from America(see below). One of my ancestors fought for the Brits, and since he survived, was given a tract of land in what is now Leamington Ontario, not far from Windsor-Detroit border. My family has been in NA a long time.

Escaped and freed slaves from stateside weren’t treated much better north of the border. However the USA seemed less appealing so fighting against Americans was priority one.

https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/e...ar-of-1812

[Syne]

never heard of Laura Secord?

Nope. Unlike the interest foreigners take in the US and its history, we really don't share that fascination with other countries.

[Zinjanthropos]

never heard of Laura Secord?

Nope. Unlike the interest foreigners take in the US and its history, we really don't share that fascination with other countries.

Her house is still standing and is a tourist destination. Queenston, where the big battle took place, is still a sleepy little village just outside of Niagara Falls along the Niagara River. Located right where Niagara Falls started at the end of the Ice Age (20000 yrs ago approx). I used to take the kids fishing there, nice spot. In 1812-14 there wasn't many roads so she made her epic journey on foot through dense bush. In the end it turned out to be a case of "Loose lips sink ships" for the Americans.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Laura_Secord

[Syne]

I'm sorry, did that sound like an invitation to expound?