Editor’s Notes

Years ago I was having lunch with a British journalist in the Peel Pub, downtown Montreal. He had just spent three years covering the Kremlin. Of course we were talking politics. “Russians,” he said, with a Russophile smile and shake of his head, “they can charm you with their open, generous, hospitality. On other hand they can be devious but never subtle.”

This encounter over beer and steak came to mind when I dealt with the first of today’s stories: “Russia-Iran squabble over money, delays atomic power plant startup.” What are they up to? So what if Iran is running a little slow in their payments. The Russians have just announced they’re going to forgive North Korea’s debt. A whole spoon full compared to the few drops that Iran might owe. Through the years the Russian-dominated Soviet Union gave away billions in pursuit of their political and economic ambitions. Why now stall on opening an atomic power plant in Iran because the Persians are coming up a bit slow? It doesn’t add up. It’s likely a last minute, let’s say, devious, encouragement to Iran to make nice with the Western countries over nuclear enrichment. Anyway, Iran insists its payments are up to date. Hold steady everyone, we’ll muddle through.

It’s good to see that more serious effort is being applied to women’s health. It’s been an ugly open secret that more attention has been paid to men when it comes to strokes and heart attacks. Also a pat on the back for that little white pill commercially called aspirin.

The number of Playboy Playmates who have died before 50 is unsettling. Aside from accidents it appears that drugs and booze have taken their toll. An interesting report on the human condition.

Bernardo Alvarez, Venezuela’s ambassador to the United States, shows up in a Letter to the Editor of the Los Angeles Times. He’s taking on the newspaper for a critical editorial on what the Times calls Venezuela’s "Venezuela's Theoretical Democracy”.

Finally, Taking care of business . . . represents another step in the direction of dealing with money matters and other adventures in the world of capital. Here we have an analysis of the strengthening yen and how it will concern Europe and us.

Meanwhile, take it easy, but take it. Looking forward.

Carl Dow

Editor and Publisher.