Troubled by gas?

"Friends always, nyet?"

The recent gas deal between Russia and China has been described by some as "historic". Worth some $400 billion (insane amounts) the deal nevertheless has some major
glitches,  namely the issue of pipelines for shipment to China. The Chinese government wants its own direct pipeline which will cost somebody about another $22 billion. Looks like Gazprom may have to cough up but this is still under negotiation.
It's importance at this stage appears to be more symbolic. Faced with sanctions and the Western concern over Putin's political manoeuvres , the deal can be seen as precautionary and a sort of "up yours "to the West. Considering the reality that exports will not commence until 2018 and that China cannot absorb any more gas imports
( nor does it need to ) the deal is fraught with potential disputes and economic pitfalls , particularly for the Russians.
So on the economic front Putin's raspberry may well go pear-shaped. Politically however it does signify that Russia and China are ready to step up their mutual cooperation.

The long weekend

FISHING GEAR OK

CHANGE of CLOTHES OK

Another long weekend coming up..thanks to H.M.

Qatar Blues

There's a probe into Qatar's FIFA world cup bid following allegations the the U.K. Times of bribery behind the scenes.The outcome will be announced in July.

With the third largest natural gas and oil reserves In the world Qatar has quite an influence over Arab states and through it's Al Jazeera radio and television network has become a credible public voice. Recently it has been and is continuing to spend billions on infrastructure in order to attract tourism. It is an absolute monarchy.

Things have recently gone belly up for the oil rich state. A number of Al Jazeera journalists including an Australian have been incarcerated in Egypt. Of course it didn't help that Qatar \openly supported the Muslim Brotherhood as well as other groups during the period known as the Arab Spring.

Politics, religion and thousands of myriad issues within those issues,  continue to dominate this part of the world. The U.S. and Europe  is concerned that stability should be maintained at all costs. Major disruptions here could cause chaos with most economies.

There have been mutterings already re the World Cup soccer,  that temperatures might well be too high Average daily temperatures during summer  ( June thru' to September ) can easily exceed 40 C with little if any rainfall. The coastal regions can be slightly milder but there is a corresponding increase in humidity. Sport seems to be playing more and more of a role in world politics.Where there is money..... 

Dutch Lion

FIFA 2014

                        And here we are, with another competition that raises emotions, blood pressure and the

discovery of lost nationalities ( e.g. great grandmother's favourite head butler who was somehow connected to one's family and therefore entitles you to lay claim to that nationality).

                         It's going to be four weeks or so on intense commentary and discussion. I recall last time, some commentators and analysts made themselves extremely unpopular by constantly flogging one of the favourites. It's a wonder they were not lynched.

                         It would seem this time the top ten favourites are (according to some but not all analysts):-

Germany,Brazil,Argentine,Spain,Italy, Portugal,The Netherlands, England,Belgium and France.

I will try every now and then to add a picture which represents the various teams involved.The Dutch are extremely conspicuous because of their bright orange jerseys. Rows and rows of them. Should be interesting? 

Non? Hein?Nee?Nein? No?

Fit as a flea

Hope it doesn't come to this?