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QUEBEC, continued

According to Google AI: The war between the U.S.-Israel coalition and Iran is currently in a severe economic stalemate after a temporary 60-day ceasefire expired in August 2026 . Direct military strikes have largely paused, and the conflict now centers on a naval blockade and heavy financial isolation. [ 1 , 2 , 3 ] Current Situation Highlights Economic Warfare: President Trump announced a massive package of new sanctions, describing it as a "crushing economic operation" and an "economic D-Day" designed to completely isolate Iran's financial and digital assets. [ 1 , 2 , 3 ] Strait of Hormuz Blockade: The U.S. Navy is enforcing a strict naval blockade in the Strait of Hormuz, having redirected dozens of commercial cargo ships. While Iran has discussed a limited, temporary shipping route with Oman, the main waterway remains restricted and heavily monitored by U.S. forces. [ 1 , 2 , 3 ] Stalled Diplomacy: Formal negotiations between Washington and Teh...
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AZAMARA JOURNEY: White Night Party

Day started as usual, a buffet lunch. Dinner was special.  Instead of the buffet or ala carte restaurant, everything occurred around the pool area, with barbeque grills and crepe frying.  Unfortunately, it was cold, somewhat windy and threatening.  So much so that the final two shows were re-schedule for the Cabaret Lounge, our theater.   But the meal itself remained outside. Entertainment was provided by a local group, the Saguenay Lac-St. Jean Grand'Danse, playing French traditional music. Went to pick up our meal. My dinner, Desserts. Food was fine, but it was cold and uncomfortable.  We then moved downstairs for the White Night Party. Celebration of the crew Then to The Living Room for dancing with the Shore Things. Thus, our evening ended.   Dinner the next day in the Destination restaurant. Dessert. I  noticed the moon outside, but it was also raining. So I later went to the 10th deck to take this photo of the moon and Quebec city at night. ...

END OF GROUNDHOG DAY

    To begin my posting today, I asked Google AI, what is the status of the U.S.'s war with Iran: The U.S.-Israeli war with Iran has entered a new phase of intense economic warfare after a 60-day diplomatic window expired with no final peace deal . Following initial large-scale military operations launched on February 28, 2026, the conflict is now centered on a U.S. push for crushing financial sanctions, retaliatory maritime threats in the Strait of Hormuz, and persistent regional flashpoints. [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 ] Shipping through the Strait of Hormuz remains disrupted and meager. Cost of this war? Pentagon Tally: Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth reported direct military spending has reached $37.5 billion, driven heavily by high burn-rates for expensive precision interceptors countering cheaper Iranian drones and missiles. [ 1 , 2 , 3 ] Consumer Energy Burden: According to energy cost trackers from Brown University cited in the Center for American Progres...