Huawei worries: Are they warranted?

lorieb business, current events, lorieb.com, technology , , , , , , , , , ,

What/Who is Huawei and why are (most) countries worried about them?  To start, they are a HUGE manufacturer of technology components, (reportedly) capable of “invading” the industry globally.  The problem is, they are based in China whose government has relationships with the rest of the world on shaky ground these days.

Morning Brew, my newest addiction, has listed five (potential) reasons (from the MIT Technology Review) in today’s edition:

Kill switches: Huawei builds networks carrying data for power grids, financial markets, etc. And some fear the Chinese government could sneak “back doors” into Huawei’s gear with the ability to weaken or disable networks in foreign countries if a crisis occurred.

Data snooping: Chinese spies could theoretically gain access to Huawei’s networks undetected to extract sensitive info from people and businesses. Another possible avenue for espionage? Smartphones—Huawei’s one of the top manufacturers in the world.

The 5G rollout: The next generation of wireless networks is arriving fast…and the last thing the U.S. wants is for Huawei to connect the world with 5G. As the authors note, “This will dramatically expand the number of connected devices—and the chaos that can be caused if the networks supporting them are hacked.”

Defying U.S. trade rules: Huawei’s CFO is accused of tricking American banks into doing business with Iran, which would be a violation of U.S. sanctions. More of that activity could happen.

Chinese government influence: The U.S. and allies suspect Huawei’s execs are cozy with the Chinese government, which is the reason they’ve taken such a hard stance. 

Making headlines around the world last week, Huawei CFO Meng Wanzhou, who just happens to be the daughter of founder and CEO Ren Zhengfei, was arrested in Canada for reason #4 above.  After all, Canada is one of USA’s allies, and is (should be) equally concerned for the same list of reasons.

Huawei

Advertisements

Only the Good Die Young, an Ancient Proverb

lorieb lorieb.com , , ,

The saying “Only the good die young” has evolved from an ancient proverb that read “Whom the gods love dies young; Best go first.”  It seems particularly appropriate today as I was shocked to learn of the death of a well respected hockey dad within our community.

I did not know this man well, just enough to say “hi Mike” when we ran into each other at the rink.  My youngest son is the same age as one of his sons, meaning the rink was a common ground for us.  Our sons have since graduated from minor hockey so our families have not crossed paths in a few years.  We had no idea what his family was facing with his terminal illness and subsequent death at the untimely age of 53.

What I do know was that he was a lover of all things hockey.  As a former player, a coach, a hockey dad and most recently a referee, he was the kind of guy you never heard anything negative about.  Even more admirable, he never had anything negative to say about anyone else.

He was definitely one of the good guys, that goes without question.  What I do question though is why do only the good die young?  Why do the rotten criminals get to live to old age? This is not the first time I have grappled with this theory.  Several integral people (all of them good, kind, and law-abiding) in my life passed away much sooner than we all expected, including a best friend and my mother.  The proverb certainly doesn’t give you much incentive to be a good person.  Perhaps it was the same proverb Billy Joel was alluding to in his hit song of the same name.

Only the Good Die Young

 

Bananas get a bad rap but deserve respect

lorieb food, health and wellness, lorieb.com , , ,

Even though grocery stores sell more bananas than any other fruit, (my son told me that when working in the produce department of Loblaws years ago) the jury is out on whether they are good for you or not.  Some believe their high starch and (natural) sugar (fructose) content should be avoided when watching your weight.  Others believe their high potassium and fiber levels as well as good protein content are all good for our muscles and energy levels before and after a workout.  The potassium also helps regulate blood pressure levels. So, who is right?  Both, it just depends on your goals.

For example, if I am trying to lose a few pounds I avoid bananas, relying on healthy food choices with less starch and sugar levels. That’s because this sugar and starch causes a rise in insulin levels which in turn results in fat storage.  Not good if you are battling those dreaded love handles or sporting a not so flat stomach.  My diet motto however is “moderation is key.”  I believe if you totally restrict things you like, you will tend to crave them more.

Bananas are very convenient for providing a quick energy boost and light snack.  They do not require refrigeration and transport easily.  In fact, I resort to one often when working in my gardens because I can easily peel one without touching the edible portion with my not so clean fingers.  They also provide creaminess in my morning smoothies and make an excellent substitution for unhealthy fats in baked goods.  I also found them effective at reducing morning sickness way back when. But only if almost green, the over ripe ones made me gag.

Bananas are also particularly effective after a bout of the intestinal spasms and diarrhea experienced when I eat something I am sensitive to.  That is because bananas represent the B in the BRAT diet (with rice, apple sauce and toast) I learned about when my kids were young.  All bland foods, these four staples were recommended to get their system back to normal after flu symptoms of diarrhea and vomiting.  For the same reason, bananas are reportedly good for curing hangovers.

In my humble opinion, bananas get a bad rap, with the pros far outweighing the cons.  For that reason, there is always a bunch of bananas on my kitchen counter.  Not to mention my grandchildren love them.

bananas

Francophone vs Anglophone battle in Ontario getting old

lorieb Canada, lorieb.com, rant , , , , , ,

Does anyone else think the Francophone vs Anglophone battle in Ontario (and the rest of Canada) is getting (literally and figuratively) old?  The number of ethnicities populating Canada reported on censuses rose from just 20 in 1871 to 250 in 2016!  Thanks to the massive increase in immigration since the mid 80s, the population of allophones (mother tongue is neither French or English) doubled to 20% in 2006 and is projected to be a whopping 30% in 2030.

Francophones (French being their mother tongue) now make up less than 20 percent of our nation.  Anglophones (English as a mother tongue) have dropped from 62% to 58%.  So what makes the Francophone population so special and more important than any others in Canada?   Why are they demanding their own universities and hospitals within Ontario?  Why has this issue invaded our provincial politics?  Have we not got better (more important) things to worry about?

Canada has always been known for their acceptance of all ethnicities and I hope we continue to carry and own that reputation.  My maternal grandfather was named Beaudette; you can’t get much more French than that.  His parents immigrated from France shortly before he was born in 1904.  I am very proud of my own French heritage, but not to the exclusion of the other parts of my ancestry,

Morning Brew, a Caffeine-Free Addictive Habit

lorieb business, lorieb.com , , , , , ,

Morning Brew is a free daily publication, delivered to your inbox, and filled with interesting tidbits of news.  Remember way back, when we used to sit and read the newspaper with our morning coffee? Who has time for that anymore?  This email newsletter provides the same comforting ritual but is much more efficient as it only takes a few short minutes to peruse.

Now that I am not rushing off to a garden first thing in the morning, I have added Morning Brew to my daily to do list.  It’s right up there with watching Ellen.  My only complaint is that it only covers American news. Generated in NYC, it includes news from coast to coast and border to border.  My suggestion for improvement?  Blur the friendly northern border a bit; I sure would love to see some Canadian content in there!

Sign up to add Morning Brew to your daily routine.   Once you are hooked, share this caffeine-free but equally addictive habit with friends and family.

Morning Brew

 

 

Culinary World Cup 2018 in Luxembourg

lorieb food, lorieb.com , , ,

On his blog, Michael Hauschild describes the  Road to Luxembourg, AKA his culinary journey, to represent Canada abroad.   Passionate about all things culinary, his training has been particularly intense since he was selected a year ago to compete on Canada’s Youth Culinary Team in Luxembourg later this month.

In Canada (and many other countries too) we are all aware of a World Cup for hockey, skiing, curling and many other sports.  I’d be willing to bet though that most people, myself included, are probably not aware of a World Cup competition for culinary skills. If you aren’t or even if you already were, check out the team’s Facebook page for more details.

I heard about this event from Michael’s (very proud) grandmother, one of my gardening clients, whom I also know from my days as a hockey manager.  Michael, you see, is one of my son’s hockey teammates that nicknamed me Lorieb many years ago.  Obviously his biological family is very proud of him as is his (very large) hockey family.

We and the rest of Canada are rooting for you Michael and your new team.  As Luxembourg’s primary language is French, I will end with Bonne Chance!

culinary

 

 

Offseason To Do List is Growing

lorieb gardening, lorieb.com, weather , ,

Well, I pushed my garden season as far as possible……but my frozen fingers and toes convinced me to pack it up. Although I miss my garden business already (I’ve only been closed for the season for one week) I do admit there are (a few) good things about my offseason.  My to do list is the only thing growing these days.

offseason

 

‘Tis the season instead for tackling my to do list of things I don’t seem to have enough time for the rest of the year.  Some are fun, others not so much….

  • freelance writing
  • watching Ellen every morning for a good laugh
  • sleeping in, especially when the weather is bad.  Look out the window, roll over and fall back asleep!
  • baking, although that can be dangerous without all the exercise I get during gardening season
  • spending even more time with my grandchildren who are growing in leaps and bounds
  • preparing my tools (sharpening and cleaning) for next season
  • decluttering the gardening stuff in our garage

 

In reviewing a similar post from last year at this time,  I am proud to say I did accomplish lots of the items on that list, especially the sewing projects.  Can you tell I am a list person?  Of course, the things that did not get accomplished in that offseason will be added to this year’s list.

Isn’t this a dreary looking picture?  That’s the advertising on my van (or garden mobile as my son and his friends call it) being pelted by snow.  It sure makes miserable weather for gardening!

offseason

 

Enough procrastinating, back to my list!

 

 

Cabo San Lucas Mexico Condos on Airbnb

lorieb lorieb.com , , , , , , , ,

My brother has listed his brand new condos on Airbnb recently.  They are gorgeous, luxury condos located in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico situated on a golf course with south/west exposure.  The views (including sunsets) are exquisite.  Apparently (I have never been there, yet) the weather in Cabo is nice all year around. Situated on the west coast of Mexico, Cabo San Lucas features the Pacific Ocean and desert-like scenery with less humid conditions than the east coast.

 

There are two 2 bedroom penthouse units that can be rented individually or together (side by side, with a locking door between them) for a larger group.  Each unit is beautifully (professionally) decorated with a full kitchen and a roof top patio complete with jacuzzi, wet bar and gas fire pit.  One bedroom in each has a king sized bed, the other a queen, with a sofa in each living area.

The condos are located within the gated community of Copala at Quivira.  Available amenities include access to four Pueblo Bonito all-inclusive resorts, golf course (Jack Nicklaus), gym, pool and clubhouse/spa.  Guests receive discounts on golf, spa, food and beverages at any of these sites.  Nearby activities include hiking, deep sea and surf fishing, infamous Cabo nightlife and public beaches.

This brother is the youngest of six siblings so naturally very independent and adventurous.  These condos are a big part of his retirement plan.  My job as his big sister (I’m the second youngest) is to help him achieve this goal by promoting this new adventure to build his ratings.  Although he looks like he’s well on his way without my help, perhaps a visit to check out the condos is in order.

Please check out his listings on Airbnb.  If you have any questions or comments, do not hesitate to contact him.  Let him know you read about his listings here!  And, if you do go check out these luxury condos yourself, be sure to provide comments and ratings on Airbnb.

Unit #6603 2-Bedroom

Unit #6604 2-Bedroom

Combined #6603/#6604 4-Bedroom

 

 

 

Seat belts on buses recommended

lorieb Canada, lorieb.com, rant , , , , ,

Apparently seat belts on buses were recommended long ago after a Transport Canada investigation confirmed the fact that occupants are at unnecessary risk when riding on a large bus.  Doesn’t this seem like a no brainer?  It sure does to me.  I’m also pretty sure it must be to the parents of the hockey players killed in the Humboldt Saskatchewan crash last April.

The results of this investigation were kept under wraps for years, but recently outed by The Fifth Estate.  Why the delay?  They (Transport Canada) were waiting for the USA to change their laws so we could just follow suit.  Why does Canada have to wait for the USA to update their laws?  Good question, we shouldn’t.

School buses, coach buses, and possibly even city buses (although their use would be much harder to enforce) should be equipped with seat belts.  We could then add another step to train drivers that their vehicle must not (even cannot) operate unless occupants are compliant.  Surely with the technology available today sensors are available to monitor such things.  Retrofitting buses currently in use might be expensive, but one taxpayers might be willing to swallow.

I can vouch for the fact I would rather pay for that than the expense accounts of former Governors General and the pensions of former politicians.  Are you with me?

1958 was a great year for producing men

lorieb lorieb.com , , , ,

Last weekend my husband celebrated his 60th birthday with 5 of his BFFs, 4 of whom were also born within the last half of 1958.  The sixth is one year younger. Although these guys get together for weekends a few times a year, their better halves were included in this celebration. Three couples live in Ottawa (including us), two live in Toronto and the fifth birthday boy resides in Belleville.

These guys have known each other since primary school, growing up in Kingston, Ontario.  Most of them attended post secondary school in Kingston as well. Only two of these six men have biological brothers so they are very much like brothers to each other. That makes them real, actual BFFs although they affectionately call each other “Bud.”  One could say BFFs are the new Buds, or more aptly Buds are the old BFFs.

1958
their hats say “bud 60”

These BFFs have been together through good times and bad, including six weddings, the birth of fourteen babies, one divorce, the deaths of many of their parents, and very tragically, one death of a beloved spouse. Our fourteen collective children range in age from 21 to 35 but we are the only couple with grandchildren to boast about.  So far.  I’m sure they all left here looking forward to welcoming their own grandchildren after meeting one of ours and seeing lots of pictures of the other two.

Although we celebrated my husband’s 60th birthday with our immediate family in August, he did not want a big splash.  This weekend party (it did last pretty much all weekend) here in Ottawa was the perfect way to celebrate their friendship and their milestone birthdays. Together, like brothers, buds or BFFs.  Now that most of them are retired, we hope to get together more often.

I wasn’t around yet in 1958, but can vouch for the fact that it produced some pretty awesome men.  One of them I am married to, the other four are his buds.

 

hostess gift
hostess gift