A Long, Long Time Ago and Essentially True by Brigid Pasulka

A story of magical realism mirroring the history of Poland, Pigeon, his wife Anielica and their Granddaughter Baba Yaga alternate in this delightful novel with the feel of a folktale. Even when the Germans are followed by the Russians the cast of characters manages to retain their grace and wit, in much the same way Poland has retained its individuality.

Nuclear Defense Systems

This morning on my way to work I was listening to NPR and they were reporting on the fact that villagers in Poland were upset about the proposed nuclear defense system that the United States want to build next to their town. I have read book after book in the past year that talks about the fact the nuclear defense systems are a security blanket for the masses (that's us) because THEY DO NOT WORK!!!! So in it's infinite wisdom our government is going to spend millions or possibly even trillions of dollars to install them in other countries, making those countries targets for our enemies. That's the way to build good will and better friendships.