Snippets 17 (a), (b), (c) and (d)

 When there appears to be more than one item of serious interest each day, it seemed that this format is suitable -- I hope that you agree, and follow with comments.

(a) Deadly Child Labour

A class-action lawsuit on behalf of a group of mothers and children from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) against five U.S.-based Big Tech giants may short-circuit President Biden's plans to electrify American transportation.

Apple Inc., Google parent Alphabet Inc., Dell Technologies Inc., Microsoft Inc., and Tesla Inc., are knowingly benefiting from and aiding and abetting the cruel and brutal use of young children in cobalt mines.

(b) Canadian Minister "Not Concerned"

Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister Marc Garneau said that he is not worried that a Beijing-linked (CCP) visa application company that Ottawa has a contract with, will result in the personal data of applicants falling into the hands of Chinese authorities.

"That office functions entirely within the control of the Chinese intelligence services" said Ward Elcock, former CSIS director.

(c) NATO Toughens Stance on Chinese Regime

 The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) will confront the Chinese regime's growing military ambition for the first time, the 30-nation Western alliance said on June 14, describing Beijing as presenting "systemic challenges" to the global order.

(d) France, U.K. Back Australia Against Beijing

European leaders stated "We stand by your side." as they announced their backing against Beijing's ongoing economic coercion campaign and its increased belligerence in the Indo-Pacific region.

The Mac mini (Open Letter)

I subscribe to a popular computer magazine and, this morning, I received an e-Report suggesting that Apple may be considering the removal of the Mac mini computer.  In a conversation with Tim Cook, this rumour was denied, but the editor asked for some comment, and I wrote the following (knowing that I have a number of Mac followers).

As a Senior Citizen, I have no need for a laptop computer.  I have no need to travel with a computer … at least, nothing more than my mobile phone.  At home, the top of my desk could be larger, but it isn’t.  There are times (believe it or not) when I need to read a book or write something with paper and pencil … remember those things?  My Mac mini sits quietly, unnoticed, at a corner of my desk, in the shadow of a large monitor.  Of course, the Mac Pro would also satisfy my need but I can’t, for the life of me, understand why I should pay $4,000 for something to replace my $600 Mac mini.  Oh, it’s faster (you say).  So, when I save my report (for example) the Pro will do it 0.01 microseconds faster than my mini.  Are you kidding me?  Am I going to notice that?   Obviously, if my son (imaginary) wants to edge his way into first place during the 499th lap of a Grand Prix race game, I may concede the point.

Therefore, Tim Cook, as a fan since my first Apple IIc, please improve the Mac mini a little if you must, but do not remove it.

Gratefully,

Bernie McCann

eMail

At one time there was only Canada Post.  Then, we discovered the Internet.  As a result, we joined the eMail revolution.  Firstly, for a short while, I had an AOL account, then, I organized myself with a Hotmail account for general use, a Yahoo! account for personal use, and Google for backup (although Google gains more importance as this Blog and our future Website are published).  I believe that there are other addresses in my files somewhere, e.g., Bell.net.  Other addresses lurk in the background files of Apple and, I am sure, many others.

Recently (I mean during the past year or so), as a result of registering for various media sites, I am plagued, daily (Yes, daily), by unsolicited eMail from organizations such as LinkedIn and Facebook (I'm so sorry.  I promise never to mention those two names again), and when I receive messages saying, “You have 4 new friends waiting to hear from you.”  or, for example, “Do you know John Intram?” I look for the Delete button, actually, I don’t look ... I know where it is ... blindfolded.

By the way, I am sure that both of the organizations named above have my eMail address set within many associated files because I have forgotten how many times I’ve attempted to ’Unsubscribe’.

Dear people, I think that I know who my friends are, and I suspect that they do not really want me to be their 3,333rd friend (Please agree with me).  Therefore, I want you to know that I am not, intentionally, sending anything other than this wonderful Blog.