Progress Report

My wife and I drove to the property in Magatas early this AM to see how the work on the tank is coming along. One can compare the photo above with the photos posted earlier in the week -[(1)-(2)-(3)-(4)]

The man leading the overall building project told us that this tank would have to be different than the tank built for the piggery.Unlike the first tank. this one will have chamber which will separate the solid from the liquid waste. Not sure why there's three chambers. There will be pvc pipe put in. I'm told the tank will come up to about a meter above level ground with a concrete top. Judging from the speed of the work done so far, I suspect the tank should be finished in a day or two. That's not taking into account any curing that will take place.

Filipino Ingenuity

In addition to the sand, cement and concrete blocks needed to construct the septic tank, rebar was delivered to the property. I was curious as to how they'd cut the rebar down to the appropriate length.

With a homemade hacksaw, of course.

Mid Day Break

Noel Coward had it absolutely right regarding who does - and who does not - go out of doors, in the tropics, at midday. After taking my son back to school following his lunch break, I decided to drive out to the property in Magatas to see how the work was coming along. Being neither English, nor a mad dog, I only made the attempt because I could drive there in an air conditioned automobile (ACA).

It was between 12:30 and 1 PM when I arrived. As the workers were also neither English, nor mad dogs, they too were taking a break from work. I certainly can't fault them. The temperature was 31 C (88 F).

After taking a few photos, I jumped back into my ACA and headed back to the apartment.

Now, it's time for a nap.

Calexit? Chillax.

With the election of Donald Trump as POTUS, some have pushed the idea of Calexit – the idea that California should become an independent state – to the front burner.
Liberals have long been threatening to leave the United States should Trump be elected. Now, they want to take part of the country with them when they go.

There seems to be a bit of confusion on what it is they want to do regarding secession from the Union. Some are advocating that the States of Washington, Oregon and California seceede and join up with Canada. It's unlikely that Canada would go along with that scheme. Others, however are advocating that California go it on its own.

Many of these folks seem to have forgotten - or perhaps, never learned - that the United States government doesn't look kindly on States that vote to leave the nation. Last time I checked, California doesn't have a military force of its own that would be capable of defeating the United States military.

Of course, those wishing to see California secede have their own website - Yes California.org. Just what are the group's arguments for leaving the U.S. - other than throwing a tempter tantrum now that Trump will soon enter the White House?

From the website:

THE CASE FOR INDEPENDENCE IN 9 SIMPLE POINTS

1. PEACE AND SECURITY
The U.S. Government spends more on its military than the next several countries combined. Not only is California forced to subsidize this massive military budget with our taxes, but Californians are sent off to fight in wars that often do more to perpetuate terrorism than to abate it. The only reason terrorists might want to attack us is because we are part of the United States and are guilty by association. Not being a part of that country will make California a less likely target of retaliation by its enemies.
Is California going to be able to match the "massive military budget" should the Federal Govt. decide not to accept Calexit? Being part of the U.S. is not the only reason terrorists might want to attack you. Islamists see American society as decadent, and News Flash: California society isn't less decadent than the rest of the U.S.. They'll still hate you.

So, why should we keep subjecting ourselves to presidents we play no role in electing, to 382 representatives and 98 senators we can’t vote for, and all the government officials and federal judges appointed by those very same people we don’t elect.
No State has complete autonomy. Every State in the Union subjects itself to representatives and Senators they can't vote for. Suck it up.

On top of that, the United States is dragging California into the Trans-Pacific Partnership agreement which conflicts with our values.
Trump doesn't like the Trans-Pacific Partnership agreement either.

As a U.S. state, our immigration system was largely designed by the 49 other states thirty years ago. This immigration system has since neglected the needs of the California economy and has hurt too many California families. Independence means California will be able to decide what immigration policies make sense for our diverse and unique population, culture, and economy, and that we’ll be able to build an immigration system that is consistent with our values.
A country with even more porous borders? Good luck with that.

NATURAL RESOURCES/THE ENVIRONMENT
An independent California will have an EPA on steroids.

The Affordable Care Act was enacted by the U.S. Government to lower the cost of health care and expand health insurance coverage to the uninsured, yet millions of Californians still lack access to quality health care because they can’t afford it.
So, you wanted Clinton to expand the Affordable Care Act. Maybe that's because......

California has some of the best universities but in various ways, our schools are among the worst in the country. Not only does this deprive our children of the education they deserve, but it also costs taxpayers billions in social services and law enforcement expenses linked to lacking opportunities resulting from poor education.

And you want to continue on your Liberal, Progressive free-fall?

Anti Obama folks wanted to secede after he was elected. Just like that group, you'll see staying in the Union is your best option.

Leonard and Leon

A week ago, on November 7, 2016 singer, songwriter, poet and novelist Leonard Cohen died at his home in Los Angeles. Six days later, musician and songwriter Leon Russell died of a heart attack.

May they both rest in peace.

With both Cohen and Russell, I prefer their work as songwriters rather than as performers. My favorite performance of a Leon Russell song is George Benson's 1976 cover of "This Masquerade".