The Republicans have taken control of the United States House of Representatives, but the Democrats retain control of the Senate.  Barack Obama's next 2 years are going to be interesting, as the Republicans will block his agenda and attempt to repeal some of the laws that were passed in the previous session of congress, mainly, healthcare.

However, there will be a lot of gridlock in congress, the president has veto power, and I predict no significant moves on legislation in the next 2 years.  The blame game will ensue, and no real agenda will be effectively put forward by either party.  Obama will run for a second term against a now, unknown Republican (and possibly Democratic) challenger(s). 

I predict Obama can blame the congress as a "do nothing" congress over the next two years, and will squeak out re-election in 2012.  The congressional races will be close, and the Dems will retain Senate control in 2012, and will win back some of the seats lost in 2010, but to no majority.

It's probably healthy for the government to have the checks and balances in place, as when one party dominates the government and rams through their agenda, hard feelings result and there is little or no dialogue.  Hopefully, we will get dialogue in this congress, cooperation, and compromise.  It has been done before in the American government, and reaching across the aisle should be the tone rather than demonizing the opposition.

But, it's Washington D. C., and it's "business as usual".  Let's just hope that unemployment goes down, we create sensible jobs and prepare for the future.  Let's stop outsourcing jobs to other countries, produce goods in America, and get down to the business of educating our children, creating jobs, having a safe and clean environment, and maintain a pre-eminent place in the international community.

--James P. Zaworski
 
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Typhoon Megi veered east and north, and hit Fujian and Taiwan instead of Guangdong.


Also, we had a fun opening night party at the Gong Wu Gong Yuan "Le Elite" Center in Shenzhen's Coco Park.
 
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It's a Category 5 Typhoon, and it is head right towards me here in Shenzhen.  Supertyphoon Megi.

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This is my latest "wordle", which is the United States Constitution.  Cool.
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Ken Burns' Jazz, Episode One: Gumbo.

by

James Zaworski

I love jazz.  I adore jazz.  If I had a son, I would name him Satchmo.  I live and work in China, but I'm an American.  Sometimes I miss home, sometimes a lot.  When I feel in this way, I listen to my favorite music, jazz.  This helps to center me, to keep me going.  It always has.

I recently picked up Ken Burns' series, "Jazz", and just watched the first episode called "Gumbo".  I'm a historian as well as a lover of music, and so the history of jazz is dear to me.  Never had I been able to see and hear a documentary program that put the complicated origin of jazz put so succinctly, so incredibly precise, and so dear to me as in this particular program.

Talk about a perfect introduction to a documentary series, this one is it.  From the narration, the period photos, expert commentary and interviews to the music itself, this episode has it.  Oh man!

If you love jazz, and want to learn about its origins, pick this DVD up.
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Wordle: Wild China Wordlehttp://www99.epinions.com/review/Wild_China_Phil_Chapman/content_526666403460
 
I've been hired to teach, and possibly manage, at a new school here in Shenzhen.
 
Human Dignity and Respect: A Right That Should be Conferred on All.I think that human beings should be, without let nor hindrance, given and conferred upon, the dignity and respect that we should all desire.

I'm tired of seeing injustice, inequality, and maltreatment of people in this world.

I decided long ago not to be one who doles out this kind of treatment to others, and try to treat everyone with respect and dignity.  But I'm not a stone cold person who lacks humor or a sense of fun.  I'm happy to help, and to be kind and do what I can for my friends.

I expect nothing in return, but do not expect disrespect nor require insults.

I met with a corpulent and flatulently fake former friend yesterday, and he decided to insult me in his diatribe praising others who had taken up my mantle since my departure.  Alas, my former friend, I wish you the best.
However, I shall not be the one to provide it any longer.  But I wish you the best in your solitary and unfortunate solitude.

Dignity is ours.
 
I have a new job, it's official.  I've been working since the 26th of September.