Advanced Snake Oil

[EWBrown]

That just goes to show, one should never consume large quantities of Lutefisk and Akvavit, at the same time.

[Brik]

On our way from Boston to Montreal we happened to pass though a northern Vermont town of Derby Line into Rock Island Quebec, Canada.
The international border between the United States and Canada reflects increased tension between the two countries.
A line of flower pots denotes the international boundary:

And there is a dire warning against foolhardy souls who would dare to step over these deadly deterrents:

(Although there is nothing stopping anyone from walking on the sidewalk sidestepping the obstacles:

And there is Haskell Free Library and Opera House that actually straddles the international
border:

Inside the library, the international boundary is clearly marked, but one is free to roam around
inside the library as long as one exits the building from the same door that one entered.


I was told that, when the two countries had warmer relations, there were no dastardly flower pots
to impede casual crossing of the border by the locals.

[Geek]

Calais, ME and Oak Haven, NB have (well, had) a similar relationship. It was all one town until....

[soundbrigade]

While you are <trying to keep the Canadians away with some flower pots, the latest combat vessel of the Swedish Navy sailed up the canal, made some noise, some smoke and was then shown to foreign military attaches.

[Geek]

Gustav Skytte returns!

[EWBrown]

Does Canada contribute four of the flowerpots, and the USA the other four?

[soundbrigade]

K.I.S.S. - Keep It Simple Stupid. Skip the flowerpots they will just be an obstacle when crossing the border. Do like we Northern people do!

[Brik]

Does Canada contribute four of the flowerpots, and the USA the other four?

Good question!

I will find out when we swing by the library again in September.
The Google Street View of the area does not show barriers of any kind, so these flower pots must be a recent development.

K.I.S.S. - Keep It Simple Stupid. Skip the flowerpots they will just be an obstacle when crossing the border. Do like we Northern people do!

Simpler is always better (unless you are subscribed to the German engineering philosophy).
I am wondering if these innocent-looking flower pots have some unspeakably devious devices from NSA in them.

[Auricle]

While you are <trying to keep the Canadians away with some flower pots...

'Funny I thought it was us Canadiens trying to keep Americans away with some flower pots.

This didn't work last Sunday as American soccers fans streamed into Vancouver for the FIFA Women's World Cup final. Flower pots trashed.

The US Women's team put on a brilliant performance in their 5-2 win over Japan to take the World Cup. Congrats USWNT !!!

[soundbrigade]

We didn't get that far. And by the way, women's lib over here protest against "Women's soccer". It's just SOCCER. As if women play a better soccer than men, or as good.
Anyway, the kids won the European Championship (U21) this year. Guess it's more interesting to see young and enthusiastic people playing soccer than old overrated "champions" do it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XeQgdL4iy0A

[Auricle]

We didn't get that far.

Sweden is the one team the US did not beat.
Congrats on the U21 EURO. Condolences about the libbers. ;-)

[soundbrigade]

You cannot have flower pots to fence people out or a sign telling you that you enter into another country.



A border should be mined, fenced, barbwired and constantly surveilled .

[EWBrown]

Apparently, Russian minefields are dangerous for bowling balls....

[Geek]

Even scowling and trying to look tough, she's cute

[soundbrigade]

Code: Select all

Even scowling and trying to look tough, she's cute :))

Imagine her holding a whip while you are tightly tied to the bed .....