Thursday, April 30, 2009
Boeing subsidiary on further torture allegations
Boeing subsidiary Jeppesen Dataplan are accused of conspiring with the CIA in their rendition and torture.
Genital electrocution and mutilation, broken bones, psychosis-inducing sleep deprivation, and the harrowing screams of women and children blasted into solitary and seemingly unending darkness. The Court, citing ample evidence, made a point of rebuking for the record the government’s bureaucratic instinct of burying information that is shameful, rather than truly threatening to national security. Is anyone really surprised?
Perhaps the executives of Jeppesen, who once bragged to a group of astonished new employees that they "did all the torture flights," will exhibit rather less pride of ownership of their role in this sorry affair, as the legal tide turns against them. Regardless, this decision by the 9th Circuit is a direct challenge to the apologists of overarching executive authority, and a triumph of reason over obfuscation.
IMO: Torture is illegal. There are no circumstances whatsoever that make it legal. It doesn't matter if the intelligence you were after saved lives, it's still illegal. Both US and International law admit no exceptions to the ban, no matter what the particular circumstances might be.
Genital electrocution and mutilation, broken bones, psychosis-inducing sleep deprivation, and the harrowing screams of women and children blasted into solitary and seemingly unending darkness. The Court, citing ample evidence, made a point of rebuking for the record the government’s bureaucratic instinct of burying information that is shameful, rather than truly threatening to national security. Is anyone really surprised?
Perhaps the executives of Jeppesen, who once bragged to a group of astonished new employees that they "did all the torture flights," will exhibit rather less pride of ownership of their role in this sorry affair, as the legal tide turns against them. Regardless, this decision by the 9th Circuit is a direct challenge to the apologists of overarching executive authority, and a triumph of reason over obfuscation.
IMO: Torture is illegal. There are no circumstances whatsoever that make it legal. It doesn't matter if the intelligence you were after saved lives, it's still illegal. Both US and International law admit no exceptions to the ban, no matter what the particular circumstances might be.
Compensatory narcissism and Ratan Tata
Many well known and even prominent people have been said to suffer from this malady.
Particular examples are Benito Mussolini, Jimmy Carter and Nicholas Sarkozy. A detailed study on the latter subject is referred to here. "The amalgam of Ambitious and Dominant patterns in combination with distinctive Contentious features in Sarkozy’s profile suggests the presence of an adaptive, nonpathological variant of Millon’s compensatory narcissist syndrome. According to Millon, people with this personality composite seek to counteract feelings of inferiority by creating illusions of superiority."
Does this also apply to Ratan Tata ? I have not gone into any detail so far. One looks at the background : The Taj Mahal Hotel, for example had been built by an earlier Tata who had, with great reason, appeared to have resented views of the British Raj and apparently adopted a policy effectively of "no dogs and no British" (although in fact dogs may have from time to time been permitted entry to the hotel). This is probably just what the Brits deserved then, and perhaps so do the Americans (and their British followers) today. We could write about such psychological profiles as that of Saul Bellow now, and also discuss the effect of such matters on Ratan Tata.
But on a practical level we have to consider the practical achievement factors of this strange situation. And we have the Tata Nano car. Well. even Tehelka seem to approve of this small vehicle but it strikes me that it will cause a lot of pollution and motoring congestion and the costs have been met primarily by the poor already, and from land appropriation. An ultimate electric version might improve matters but then again, coalfired powerplants in India are an immense cause of pollution.
IMO: An electric Nano need not be such a great polluter, if we ever get it. For the moment our best chances seem to be with a proper post-post-industrial society to which an (electric) Nano style car could conceivably to some extent contribute. But what seems more important is education, including many more English language schools, computers, for which the recent 250,000 purchase is an important achievement, and advanced scientific progress including the opening of many new Universities. Also the dignity of the Indian must not be sacrificed, and in the educational process a deep understanding of his or her own personal worth is essential. For example in Maharashtra the great achievements of Shivaji must be borne in mind. Also the great Hindu traditions such as abstinence from alcoholic beverages - the pubs should not be there - and the great benefits of vegetarianism to animals, to the Hindu religion and to the world economy should be considered. Blue-sky scientific and sociological research etc. are of course most important.
Particular examples are Benito Mussolini, Jimmy Carter and Nicholas Sarkozy. A detailed study on the latter subject is referred to here. "The amalgam of Ambitious and Dominant patterns in combination with distinctive Contentious features in Sarkozy’s profile suggests the presence of an adaptive, nonpathological variant of Millon’s compensatory narcissist syndrome. According to Millon, people with this personality composite seek to counteract feelings of inferiority by creating illusions of superiority."
Does this also apply to Ratan Tata ? I have not gone into any detail so far. One looks at the background : The Taj Mahal Hotel, for example had been built by an earlier Tata who had, with great reason, appeared to have resented views of the British Raj and apparently adopted a policy effectively of "no dogs and no British" (although in fact dogs may have from time to time been permitted entry to the hotel). This is probably just what the Brits deserved then, and perhaps so do the Americans (and their British followers) today. We could write about such psychological profiles as that of Saul Bellow now, and also discuss the effect of such matters on Ratan Tata.
But on a practical level we have to consider the practical achievement factors of this strange situation. And we have the Tata Nano car. Well. even Tehelka seem to approve of this small vehicle but it strikes me that it will cause a lot of pollution and motoring congestion and the costs have been met primarily by the poor already, and from land appropriation. An ultimate electric version might improve matters but then again, coalfired powerplants in India are an immense cause of pollution.
IMO: An electric Nano need not be such a great polluter, if we ever get it. For the moment our best chances seem to be with a proper post-post-industrial society to which an (electric) Nano style car could conceivably to some extent contribute. But what seems more important is education, including many more English language schools, computers, for which the recent 250,000 purchase is an important achievement, and advanced scientific progress including the opening of many new Universities. Also the dignity of the Indian must not be sacrificed, and in the educational process a deep understanding of his or her own personal worth is essential. For example in Maharashtra the great achievements of Shivaji must be borne in mind. Also the great Hindu traditions such as abstinence from alcoholic beverages - the pubs should not be there - and the great benefits of vegetarianism to animals, to the Hindu religion and to the world economy should be considered. Blue-sky scientific and sociological research etc. are of course most important.
Laptops in India
Laptop news says "Remember that supposed $10 laptop for India, well up went the cost to $30 and then it wasn’t even a laptop after all. And although India lost out on that they are still bring computers to their kids by ordering a huge 250,000 OLPC XO lappys.
With a figure of 250,000 it means roughly 1,500 schools will benefit from the latest One Laptop per Child model which incorporates a VIA C7-M processor.
The word is India wants to place a total of 3 million laptops in their schools this year, and although that doesn’t mean all will be OLPC XO laptops, 250,000 is a good start."
OLPC update will boost system memory to 1GB and internal storage to 4GB. Prototype boards are expected to emerge in May. It's unclear if the order placed by India is for the current hardware or for the updated version. OLPC is also working on a more ambitious 2.0 model which is expected to land in 2010.
IMO: At least it is a start. The intentions were right with the $10 laptop.
With a figure of 250,000 it means roughly 1,500 schools will benefit from the latest One Laptop per Child model which incorporates a VIA C7-M processor.
The word is India wants to place a total of 3 million laptops in their schools this year, and although that doesn’t mean all will be OLPC XO laptops, 250,000 is a good start."
OLPC update will boost system memory to 1GB and internal storage to 4GB. Prototype boards are expected to emerge in May. It's unclear if the order placed by India is for the current hardware or for the updated version. OLPC is also working on a more ambitious 2.0 model which is expected to land in 2010.
IMO: At least it is a start. The intentions were right with the $10 laptop.
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Is UK a nation of nosepickers ?
According to the UK Times, Gordon Brown’s YouTube message on MPs’ expenses has been watched 4,000 times. The video of Gordon Brown picking his nose has been watched 630,000 times.
IMO: It seem to me that whether or not we agree with Brown's proposals on MPs expenses, it would be useful to know what they are and how they might be improved. The viewing statistics might show something interesting here for the alienists and spin doctors.
It has also been said that huge numbers of people signed an e-petition for Gordon Brown to resign, Guido Fawkes suggested that this number might top a million. In fact the Telegraph suggests that only about 20,000 have so far signed, and I think we don't know whether these were signed by Tories anyway.
IMO: It was Labor who introduced the e-petition, for what that is worth.
Fawkes cites the apparent fact that George Osborne is now claiming Gordon Brown is insane and that in the past he has said he is "autistic" - a slur on real autists.
I note from Private Eye for 1st May that after all, much of what McBride has said about Osborne and his involvement with prostitutes seems to be true, and furthermore, STD and wouldbe leader Cameron seem somewhat intertwined.
IMO: It can now be argued that Gordon Brown will win the next election, as his nosepicking videos are doing better than the sex videos his cabinet ministers allegedly watch, paid for by taxpayers. All he now has to do is to show a video of him crapping on Fred Goodwin's head as part of his election manifesto. Or perhaps another simple nosepicking video will do. It will show that he is truly "a man of the people".
IMO: It seem to me that whether or not we agree with Brown's proposals on MPs expenses, it would be useful to know what they are and how they might be improved. The viewing statistics might show something interesting here for the alienists and spin doctors.
It has also been said that huge numbers of people signed an e-petition for Gordon Brown to resign, Guido Fawkes suggested that this number might top a million. In fact the Telegraph suggests that only about 20,000 have so far signed, and I think we don't know whether these were signed by Tories anyway.
IMO: It was Labor who introduced the e-petition, for what that is worth.
Fawkes cites the apparent fact that George Osborne is now claiming Gordon Brown is insane and that in the past he has said he is "autistic" - a slur on real autists.
I note from Private Eye for 1st May that after all, much of what McBride has said about Osborne and his involvement with prostitutes seems to be true, and furthermore, STD and wouldbe leader Cameron seem somewhat intertwined.
IMO: It can now be argued that Gordon Brown will win the next election, as his nosepicking videos are doing better than the sex videos his cabinet ministers allegedly watch, paid for by taxpayers. All he now has to do is to show a video of him crapping on Fred Goodwin's head as part of his election manifesto. Or perhaps another simple nosepicking video will do. It will show that he is truly "a man of the people".
Iced Vo-Vo biscuits
US manufacturer Krispy Kreme apparently infringes Arnott's biscuit trade mark rights. They have introduced Iced Dough-Vo, and Arnott's are attempting to ensure that they decease.
Doughnuts and biscuits are very often sold by the same source, for example alongside each other on a supermarket shelf, so there's a very strong chance that courts would find that they're 'similar' goods for the purposes of trade mark infringement.
IMO: I do not like Iced Vo-vo biscuits much, although they are a little better than much of Arnott's rather dull range. They are nothing like as good as say Monginis offerings, no comparison. But Arnotts have been making Iced Vo-Vos for about 103 years, it is a certainty that some people really like Iced Vo-Vos, and it seems to defile Australia's heritage that such a stunt should be tried. As India has already found after allowing Coca-Cola and Pepsi-Cola into India and as a result having water supplies misused etc., these things are best avoided even though they may at first seem trivial. Perhaps it would be best to ban Krispy Kreme from Australia entirely, as they are already one of those guilty of creating the image of the "fat ugly American" (probably with swine fever, voting Republican and carrying out the disgusting practice of "teabagging" - indeed one senator even said he wanted to "teabag" Pres. Obama).
Doughnuts and biscuits are very often sold by the same source, for example alongside each other on a supermarket shelf, so there's a very strong chance that courts would find that they're 'similar' goods for the purposes of trade mark infringement.
IMO: I do not like Iced Vo-vo biscuits much, although they are a little better than much of Arnott's rather dull range. They are nothing like as good as say Monginis offerings, no comparison. But Arnotts have been making Iced Vo-Vos for about 103 years, it is a certainty that some people really like Iced Vo-Vos, and it seems to defile Australia's heritage that such a stunt should be tried. As India has already found after allowing Coca-Cola and Pepsi-Cola into India and as a result having water supplies misused etc., these things are best avoided even though they may at first seem trivial. Perhaps it would be best to ban Krispy Kreme from Australia entirely, as they are already one of those guilty of creating the image of the "fat ugly American" (probably with swine fever, voting Republican and carrying out the disgusting practice of "teabagging" - indeed one senator even said he wanted to "teabag" Pres. Obama).
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Frailty of democratic politics
We are all starting to see it: After Blair and his self-serving spin, and Brown with his cash for those in office, we now have Darling with his self-serving budget and worse - Tory and Liberal attempts to destroy the economy with their own ghastly misrepresentations.
With both Darling and Cameron, we see a similar thing. Both men are appealing to their supporters gut hatred of “the other” - welfare claimants in one case, the rich in the other. But such attacks are mere grunts. Or at least, they are in the way Darling’s practicing it. A genuinely socialist policy would not so much tax the rich as aim at reducing demand for very highly paid people, for example by getting rid of exploiters and chancers who masquerade as managers. Who knows, such a policy might also be economically rational too?
It has even got to the point where the Gurkhas are being used as a means to criticise Phil Woolas. Obviously the gurkhas have no real right to stay in the UK , though they may well be fine chaps FAIK. Certainly army officers have told me that the UK Army are really an intolerable bunch and it would not surprise me if the Gurkhas had been misled. The incredible thing is that usual Tory policy, and possibly Liberal policy, would be to keep them out of the UK in such circumstances and I certainly can not see the senile Tory Party dogs as learning any new tricks if in office.
The fact that the scales are falling from our eyes about the totally vile, corrupt and self-centred crap that UK politicians are should not make any one reconsider their vote simply on that basis. I would vote Trinamool Congress but you can't do that in the UK.
With both Darling and Cameron, we see a similar thing. Both men are appealing to their supporters gut hatred of “the other” - welfare claimants in one case, the rich in the other. But such attacks are mere grunts. Or at least, they are in the way Darling’s practicing it. A genuinely socialist policy would not so much tax the rich as aim at reducing demand for very highly paid people, for example by getting rid of exploiters and chancers who masquerade as managers. Who knows, such a policy might also be economically rational too?
It has even got to the point where the Gurkhas are being used as a means to criticise Phil Woolas. Obviously the gurkhas have no real right to stay in the UK , though they may well be fine chaps FAIK. Certainly army officers have told me that the UK Army are really an intolerable bunch and it would not surprise me if the Gurkhas had been misled. The incredible thing is that usual Tory policy, and possibly Liberal policy, would be to keep them out of the UK in such circumstances and I certainly can not see the senile Tory Party dogs as learning any new tricks if in office.
The fact that the scales are falling from our eyes about the totally vile, corrupt and self-centred crap that UK politicians are should not make any one reconsider their vote simply on that basis. I would vote Trinamool Congress but you can't do that in the UK.
Friday, April 24, 2009
UK Snuff movie allegedly produced - sack Boris Johnson now
Necrophilia is a fascinating human problem. I will not go into details as to the pro's and cons of snuff movies, but for the moment simply point out that the frequently nearly authoritative archive "The Straight Dope Frontier" of Chicago seems to claim that no true such movie has ever come to its attention. Obviously there are many potential snuff movies, and I point to the well known fact that one of the best luxuries available to cons with access to "Ol' Sparky" is alleged to be "hot pussy" or personal access to female prison inmates shortly after execution by the electric chair. Some filming may well be done so in principle it must, I assume, be conceded that some genuine snuff movies may well be available.
It is said that the voiceover on the video posted on a Guardian's website almost seems to boast: "This is the only footage that shows the extent of Tomlinson's contact with the floor."
Some critics say: "The Guardian coverage isn’t journalism. It’s the pornography of death". And refer to the Guardian newspaper as a purveyor of snuff movies.
IMO: It is still important news. At the third inquest of Tomlinson it has finally been reported that death was due to a blow to the head. Many links - through facebook for example - are available to show the vile and inane views of still serving police officers. "I can't wait to bash up some G20 hippies" for example.
IMO: The Mayor of London is to blame and he should be sacked now. He allegedly has tried the same kind of stunt. as for example when he apparently tried to get his friend the jailbird conman Darius Guppy to beat up News of the World reporters and to make sure at least a few bones were broken. In those well publicised circumstances, who can blame policeman for following his lead, without first sacking the prime cause - Boris Johnson.
It is said that the voiceover on the video posted on a Guardian's website almost seems to boast: "This is the only footage that shows the extent of Tomlinson's contact with the floor."
Some critics say: "The Guardian coverage isn’t journalism. It’s the pornography of death". And refer to the Guardian newspaper as a purveyor of snuff movies.
IMO: It is still important news. At the third inquest of Tomlinson it has finally been reported that death was due to a blow to the head. Many links - through facebook for example - are available to show the vile and inane views of still serving police officers. "I can't wait to bash up some G20 hippies" for example.
IMO: The Mayor of London is to blame and he should be sacked now. He allegedly has tried the same kind of stunt. as for example when he apparently tried to get his friend the jailbird conman Darius Guppy to beat up News of the World reporters and to make sure at least a few bones were broken. In those well publicised circumstances, who can blame policeman for following his lead, without first sacking the prime cause - Boris Johnson.
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Pakistan: Lunatics abdicating to murderers
US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton told lawmakers in Washington “thePakistani government is basically abdicating to the Taliban and the extremists” while Defense Secretary Robert Gates warned that failure to confront the threat could affect US-Pakistani relations.
IMO: Barbers in Pakistan are being warned to stop shaving men’s beards. 'Nuff said.
IMO: Barbers in Pakistan are being warned to stop shaving men’s beards. 'Nuff said.
Indus script
Symbols used 4,000 years ago by the long-lost Indus Valley civilization, about 1500 fragments left.
Ancient Sumerian, Sanskrit and Old Tamil, as well as modern English were tried on the fragments of the script remaining. Then the crackers gave it samples of four non-spoken communication systems: human DNA, Fortran, bacterial protein sequences and an artificial language.
Rajesh P. N. Rao et al used pattern-analyzing software running a Markov model, a computational tool used to map system dynamics. The program calculated the level of order present in each language. Non-spoken languages were either highly ordered, with symbols and structures following each other in unvarying ways, or utterly chaotic. Spoken languages fell in the middle.
They seeded the program with fragments of Indus script, and it returned with grammatical rules based on patterns of symbol arrangement. These proved to be moderately ordered, just like spoken languages. That's about as far as it has got so far.
Citation: "Entropic Evidence for Linguistic Structure in the Indus Script." By Rajesh P. N. Rao, Nisha Yadav, Mayank N. Vahia, Hrishikesh Joglekar, R. Adhikari and Iravatham Mahadevan. Science, Vol. 324 Issue 5926, April 24, 2009.
IMO: Shows what modern pattern-analysing software can do, amongst many likely applications.
Ancient Sumerian, Sanskrit and Old Tamil, as well as modern English were tried on the fragments of the script remaining. Then the crackers gave it samples of four non-spoken communication systems: human DNA, Fortran, bacterial protein sequences and an artificial language.
Rajesh P. N. Rao et al used pattern-analyzing software running a Markov model, a computational tool used to map system dynamics. The program calculated the level of order present in each language. Non-spoken languages were either highly ordered, with symbols and structures following each other in unvarying ways, or utterly chaotic. Spoken languages fell in the middle.
They seeded the program with fragments of Indus script, and it returned with grammatical rules based on patterns of symbol arrangement. These proved to be moderately ordered, just like spoken languages. That's about as far as it has got so far.
Citation: "Entropic Evidence for Linguistic Structure in the Indus Script." By Rajesh P. N. Rao, Nisha Yadav, Mayank N. Vahia, Hrishikesh Joglekar, R. Adhikari and Iravatham Mahadevan. Science, Vol. 324 Issue 5926, April 24, 2009.
IMO: Shows what modern pattern-analysing software can do, amongst many likely applications.
The Budget – what Darling said, and what Darling meant
Microsoft News seems to give a remarkably accurate translation of the UK budget into English.
The budget seems to be in realtor-speak (RS) and not English (E).
Example: RS: open-plan bijou living space with en-suite washing and cooking facilities. E: cheap bedsitter.
RS: "this is a global recession" E: "None of this is our fault"
RS: "Some have argued that we should cut public services immediately, rather than invest and grow our way out of the recession. That would be the wrong thing to do." E: "You must be joking if you think I'm going to cut public spending right before an election and alienate the last group of people who'll still vote for us."
RS: "I believe that it is fair that those who have gained the most should contribute more." E: "We're going to tax the rich until their pips squeak."
RS: "You can grow your way out of recession. You cannot cut your way out." E: "Please keep buying gilts"
RS: Growth will "increasingly come from... the industries of the future, such as low-carbon, advanced manufacturing and communications." E: "Our tax cash cows of high oil prices, soaring house prices and a thriving financial sector are all dead - what on earth will we do now?"
RS: "The unexpected severity of the recession has led the IMF to downgrade its own forecasts for the world economy three times since October". E: "I might have a terrible forecasting record, but so does everyone else"
IMO: Comments I have just previously made in my blog, also apply. Given Darling spoke realtor-speak and not English, the budget was remarkably honest.
The budget seems to be in realtor-speak (RS) and not English (E).
Example: RS: open-plan bijou living space with en-suite washing and cooking facilities. E: cheap bedsitter.
RS: "this is a global recession" E: "None of this is our fault"
RS: "Some have argued that we should cut public services immediately, rather than invest and grow our way out of the recession. That would be the wrong thing to do." E: "You must be joking if you think I'm going to cut public spending right before an election and alienate the last group of people who'll still vote for us."
RS: "I believe that it is fair that those who have gained the most should contribute more." E: "We're going to tax the rich until their pips squeak."
RS: "You can grow your way out of recession. You cannot cut your way out." E: "Please keep buying gilts"
RS: Growth will "increasingly come from... the industries of the future, such as low-carbon, advanced manufacturing and communications." E: "Our tax cash cows of high oil prices, soaring house prices and a thriving financial sector are all dead - what on earth will we do now?"
RS: "The unexpected severity of the recession has led the IMF to downgrade its own forecasts for the world economy three times since October". E: "I might have a terrible forecasting record, but so does everyone else"
IMO: Comments I have just previously made in my blog, also apply. Given Darling spoke realtor-speak and not English, the budget was remarkably honest.
Second round of elections
The second round of elections, which ended today, for 141 Lok Sabha seats will be crucial for determining the fate of the two principal players, Congress and BJP.
The stakes are high for both Congress and BJP, and their performances in the seats going to polls on Thursday could throw indications about the direction in which the wind is blowing across the country’s political landscape.
In terms of numerical strength, Brahmins and Muslims are the most formidable social groups. Their poll-pattern would provide crucial pointers to the fate of BSP, SP and the BJP. There are indications that the Brahmins have started deserting BSP, with BJP emerging as the principal beneficiary of their shifting loyalties. Similarly, the Muslims too are showing signs of disillusionment with SP, with BSP and Congress engaged in a bitter tussle to attract them.
The stakes are high for both Congress and BJP, and their performances in the seats going to polls on Thursday could throw indications about the direction in which the wind is blowing across the country’s political landscape.
In terms of numerical strength, Brahmins and Muslims are the most formidable social groups. Their poll-pattern would provide crucial pointers to the fate of BSP, SP and the BJP. There are indications that the Brahmins have started deserting BSP, with BJP emerging as the principal beneficiary of their shifting loyalties. Similarly, the Muslims too are showing signs of disillusionment with SP, with BSP and Congress engaged in a bitter tussle to attract them.
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Darling's budget
Fawkes says, doubtlessly correctly, that as soon as the 50% tax hike was announced emails pinged into the inbox along the lines of “That’s it, I’m off to Switzerland”.
IMO: Like most informed UK citizens, I would have liked to try for 55% or even 60% but it's a question of how far you can go without yet more tax evasion cutting in. Vince Cable mentioned more ways tax can be retrieved from the oligarchs manky and its rather a pity that these ways were not used. The wealthy profiteers seem to have not done us well to date, to say it mildly. Send these losers to Switzerland, they nearly bankrupted UBS and indeed Swizerland itself and if I were Swiss, I'd want to hang the bastards in the street.
David Cameron, spoilt for targets, crowed: "This is not just boom and bust. It is the worst boom and bust ever."
IMO: As for 3.5 % growth soon, yes its possible, even if the opposition seem hell bent to ruin Britain's economy, and to do more harm than even Margaret Thatcher did. But I hope that any growth will not be simply at the expense of other members of the G20. I can see a way for 5-6% growth but that would probably lead to World War III, and it is arguable as to whether even wasting money on trying to put right America's errors in Afghanistan is worth it. Is it really right to support a nation like the US which has just admitted to torturing a victim 183 times ? And will not punish the perpetrators ? Would it save money to take a different, more socially acceptable course in Afghanistan, or is the UK still dependent on a doctrinaine US and EU ? And I'm certainly not thinking of disarmament. Yes, the UK still has many good options for the future, but experience suggests that they won't be used.
IMO: Like most informed UK citizens, I would have liked to try for 55% or even 60% but it's a question of how far you can go without yet more tax evasion cutting in. Vince Cable mentioned more ways tax can be retrieved from the oligarchs manky and its rather a pity that these ways were not used. The wealthy profiteers seem to have not done us well to date, to say it mildly. Send these losers to Switzerland, they nearly bankrupted UBS and indeed Swizerland itself and if I were Swiss, I'd want to hang the bastards in the street.
David Cameron, spoilt for targets, crowed: "This is not just boom and bust. It is the worst boom and bust ever."
IMO: As for 3.5 % growth soon, yes its possible, even if the opposition seem hell bent to ruin Britain's economy, and to do more harm than even Margaret Thatcher did. But I hope that any growth will not be simply at the expense of other members of the G20. I can see a way for 5-6% growth but that would probably lead to World War III, and it is arguable as to whether even wasting money on trying to put right America's errors in Afghanistan is worth it. Is it really right to support a nation like the US which has just admitted to torturing a victim 183 times ? And will not punish the perpetrators ? Would it save money to take a different, more socially acceptable course in Afghanistan, or is the UK still dependent on a doctrinaine US and EU ? And I'm certainly not thinking of disarmament. Yes, the UK still has many good options for the future, but experience suggests that they won't be used.
Labor's Future
Ken Boston has sent a letter to the Select Committee overseeing Balls’ department - it accuses Balls and Knight of spin, smears and deliberate falsehoods. In more honourable days this letter would mean the Minister’s resignation this afternoon.
Mr Balls is very clever! Mr Balls does not want Mr. Brown to retire. He knows Brown won’t retire, Brown is a walking liability. The Plan: The Tories will win the election. Mr Brown will be put down. Ed Balls will win the party leadership. For the next five years the Tories will have to do a lot of unpleasant things to get the country back on its feet. (You know typical “nasty” things the Tories always have to do after a Labour govenment). Massive spending cuts, cuts in civil servant gold plated pensions, tax increases, all needed to fix the last last 12 years of Labour’s mistakes.
Mr Balls from the opposition benches will harry and mock everything the Tories do with cheers of delight from the Labour benches, The Daily Mirror, fed up population. Mr Balls and and Labour win the 2014/5 election. Mr Balls is Prime Minister.
IMO: LABOR PLEASE GET BROWN OUT NOW
Mr Balls is very clever! Mr Balls does not want Mr. Brown to retire. He knows Brown won’t retire, Brown is a walking liability. The Plan: The Tories will win the election. Mr Brown will be put down. Ed Balls will win the party leadership. For the next five years the Tories will have to do a lot of unpleasant things to get the country back on its feet. (You know typical “nasty” things the Tories always have to do after a Labour govenment). Massive spending cuts, cuts in civil servant gold plated pensions, tax increases, all needed to fix the last last 12 years of Labour’s mistakes.
Mr Balls from the opposition benches will harry and mock everything the Tories do with cheers of delight from the Labour benches, The Daily Mirror, fed up population. Mr Balls and and Labour win the 2014/5 election. Mr Balls is Prime Minister.
IMO: LABOR PLEASE GET BROWN OUT NOW
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Susan Boyle
Fred O'Neil, a professional singer who taught Miss Boyle until she gave up lessons when her mother died, said that the Britain's Got Talent media machine could stifle her and was obscuring "the real person" he knew. While he welcomed her phenomenal success, with tens of millions of fans viewing footage of her on performance on the internet, he warned that she might not have time to nurture her talent. He told The Independent: "As a singer she always had a lovely, calm, beautiful rounded voice. It is a very good instrument, but I am concerned about her being surrounded by all these PR people that she will not be given the time to sing....it is not respecting someone, saying they have a voice like an angel and then calling them names."
IMO: I know nothing about singing, Beethoven string quartets and the 'Grateful Dead' being my simple favorites. But I did take the trouble to watch Youtube clips of this singer and I found the (probably usual) p.r. stuff appalling and quite disgusting. So my feelings tell me I agree 100 percent with Mr. O'Neil.
IMO: I know nothing about singing, Beethoven string quartets and the 'Grateful Dead' being my simple favorites. But I did take the trouble to watch Youtube clips of this singer and I found the (probably usual) p.r. stuff appalling and quite disgusting. So my feelings tell me I agree 100 percent with Mr. O'Neil.
Monday, April 20, 2009
Axis Bank
After a marathon meeting, the Axis Bank board on Monday appointed Shikha Sharma as the private bank’s new managing director (MD) and CEO — a decision that drove the present chairman & CEO Pangal Jayendra Nayak to resign three months before the end of his term. Ms Sharma has been appointed for a period of five years, subject to the Reserve Bank of India’s approval. Ms Sharma was MD of ICICI Prudential Life Insurance — the largest private sector life insurance company. Another senior ICICI group official Renuka Ramnath, MD & CEO of ICICI Venture, put in her papers on Monday. She is likely to float her own private equity fund.
Ms Sharma’s decisions would be closely watched by banking circles. Even though Axis, under the leadership of Mr Nayak since 2000, has emerged as the third-largest private bank, the organisation has a culture very different from the ICICI group, better known for its aggressive policies. Sections within Axis had even lobbied with some of its board members that the bank, which has grown steadily and recorded good profits, should be in a position to appoint a CEO from within.
After Nayak took over the bank, Axis Bank’s net profit has grown at a compounded annual growth rate of at least 40%. The growth in other key business parameters such as deposits, advances and total assets, too, have been superlative. He has transformed a small, institution-owned private bank into India’s third largest private lender, with a lot of aggression and passion for excellence.
IMO: We have to hope for the best. Certainly what has transpired in US (with AIG, Bear Stearns etc as I've been mentioning for literally years by now) and UK (with Northern Rock, B & B etc - the sort of matters which Vince Cable seems to have been mentioning for centuries) have to be born in mind.. We have gone well beyond the days of the Big Bull.
Ms Sharma’s decisions would be closely watched by banking circles. Even though Axis, under the leadership of Mr Nayak since 2000, has emerged as the third-largest private bank, the organisation has a culture very different from the ICICI group, better known for its aggressive policies. Sections within Axis had even lobbied with some of its board members that the bank, which has grown steadily and recorded good profits, should be in a position to appoint a CEO from within.
After Nayak took over the bank, Axis Bank’s net profit has grown at a compounded annual growth rate of at least 40%. The growth in other key business parameters such as deposits, advances and total assets, too, have been superlative. He has transformed a small, institution-owned private bank into India’s third largest private lender, with a lot of aggression and passion for excellence.
IMO: We have to hope for the best. Certainly what has transpired in US (with AIG, Bear Stearns etc as I've been mentioning for literally years by now) and UK (with Northern Rock, B & B etc - the sort of matters which Vince Cable seems to have been mentioning for centuries) have to be born in mind.. We have gone well beyond the days of the Big Bull.
Vatican opts for solar power
The Vatican is going solar in a big way. The tiny enclave recently announced that it intends to spend 660 million dollars to create what will effectively be Europe's largest solar power plant. This massive 100 megawatt photovoltaic installation will provide enough energy to make the Vatican the first solar powered enclave or principality of its type in the world! The 100 megawatts unleashed by the station will supply about 40,000 households. That will far outstrip demand by Pope Benedict XVI and the 900 inhabitants of the 0.2 square-mile area nestled across Rome's Tiber River. The plant will cover nine times the needs of Vatican Radio.
It costs $660 million dollars now, but it cuts the Vatican's power bill to zero, and the spare power can be sold to Italy at the market rate, resulting in a significant financial win for the Vatican. The money saved is money that can then be spent on humanitarian projects around the world. Over the expected life of the panels, the money the Church could spend should be far greater and can do far more good than spending the $660 on humanitarian causes up front.
IMO: Whether the money saved will do more good than harm is a matter of disagreement, and the use of solar energy is only one way renewable energy saving can be carried out, more efficient lighting or electrical equipment being two other ways. Also it is clear that the Vatican wastes large amounts of money on expensive frippery like ornamental gold, silver and the like. OTOH Pope Benedict has consistently made statements like "The destruction of the environment, its improper or selfish use, and the violent hoarding of the Earth's resources cause grievances, conflicts and wars, precisely because they are the consequences of an inhumane concept of development." The Vatican listed pollution as one of seven "social" sins in an effort last year to update the cardinal vices that date to the 6th century.
It costs $660 million dollars now, but it cuts the Vatican's power bill to zero, and the spare power can be sold to Italy at the market rate, resulting in a significant financial win for the Vatican. The money saved is money that can then be spent on humanitarian projects around the world. Over the expected life of the panels, the money the Church could spend should be far greater and can do far more good than spending the $660 on humanitarian causes up front.
IMO: Whether the money saved will do more good than harm is a matter of disagreement, and the use of solar energy is only one way renewable energy saving can be carried out, more efficient lighting or electrical equipment being two other ways. Also it is clear that the Vatican wastes large amounts of money on expensive frippery like ornamental gold, silver and the like. OTOH Pope Benedict has consistently made statements like "The destruction of the environment, its improper or selfish use, and the violent hoarding of the Earth's resources cause grievances, conflicts and wars, precisely because they are the consequences of an inhumane concept of development." The Vatican listed pollution as one of seven "social" sins in an effort last year to update the cardinal vices that date to the 6th century.
Magistrate resigns over homosexual comments
A UK magistrate has had to resign after making derogatory comments about homosexuals in a BBC television documentary. Byron Butler, a magistrate for 30 years, had said many people believed homosexuals were paedophiles. Yet this is true.
IMO: I do not have much time for magistrates as it seems likely that many magistrates are themselves pedophiles. But unfortunately many homosexuals are also pedophiles. One possible confusion may arise from the fact that, just like straight guys, homos often like quite young persons, and can very often - particularly when drunk - misjudge age by as much as 10 years, or simply do not care. Whilst a recent University of Lancaster study disputes this, plenty of evidence for such a "beer googles" effect is still on record. There are added problems for homosexuals, many arising from such matters as anonymity requirements (e.g. as described in the now old but nonetheless authoritative work "Tearoom Trade") and the less obvious body changes which occur when male children get older. Also there are many historical precedents for male pedophilia, as exemplified perhaps in classical Greek studies. Much more can be said.
IMO: One can well regret the present climate of opinion where people seem to be forced to deny their views in order to survive in their work, Butler seemingly being such a case. I did not hear the interview, so I do not know for sure. The feeling is that a lot of judges are stupid bigots anyway. Judges are not all stupid bigots, e.g. the late Christmas Humphreys was not. In my opinion, pedophilia and homosexuality are far less interesting than necrophilia for example, and some of the probably still unpublished work on the latter by my late and greatly esteemed colleague Dr. John Randall, may be a great loss to society. So repression, by homosexuals and others of a repressive stripe, seems to be causing harm to society. Already the Anglican church seems to have been corrupted by homos, which far from being an achievement must be quite the reverse for their own selves. I have known many allegedly "gay" Anglican priests and have heard it all, but the terms of the Bible seem reasonably straightforward.
IMO: I do not have much time for magistrates as it seems likely that many magistrates are themselves pedophiles. But unfortunately many homosexuals are also pedophiles. One possible confusion may arise from the fact that, just like straight guys, homos often like quite young persons, and can very often - particularly when drunk - misjudge age by as much as 10 years, or simply do not care. Whilst a recent University of Lancaster study disputes this, plenty of evidence for such a "beer googles" effect is still on record. There are added problems for homosexuals, many arising from such matters as anonymity requirements (e.g. as described in the now old but nonetheless authoritative work "Tearoom Trade") and the less obvious body changes which occur when male children get older. Also there are many historical precedents for male pedophilia, as exemplified perhaps in classical Greek studies. Much more can be said.
IMO: One can well regret the present climate of opinion where people seem to be forced to deny their views in order to survive in their work, Butler seemingly being such a case. I did not hear the interview, so I do not know for sure. The feeling is that a lot of judges are stupid bigots anyway. Judges are not all stupid bigots, e.g. the late Christmas Humphreys was not. In my opinion, pedophilia and homosexuality are far less interesting than necrophilia for example, and some of the probably still unpublished work on the latter by my late and greatly esteemed colleague Dr. John Randall, may be a great loss to society. So repression, by homosexuals and others of a repressive stripe, seems to be causing harm to society. Already the Anglican church seems to have been corrupted by homos, which far from being an achievement must be quite the reverse for their own selves. I have known many allegedly "gay" Anglican priests and have heard it all, but the terms of the Bible seem reasonably straightforward.
AP-1000 Reactor being built in China - current summary and possible problems
In a pressurized water reactor, there's a separate reactor coolant loop that passes heat through metal tubes, boiling 'feed water' in the steam generator, and the steam spins the turbine that makes electricity. The primary coolant and the feed water/ steam do not come in contact.
In a boiling water reactor, the reactor directly boils the water that spins the turbine. One big advantage of this is cheaper construction.
Both types 'burn' Uranium to generate the heat that boils the water. Pressurized Water Reactors simply have an additional segregated loop of water.
The Chinese AP-1000 is a conventional pressurized-water reactor. It's built mostly from existing Westinghouse components which Westinghouse had type-approved by the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission, so that multiple identical units could be built without going through a full design review for each one. So far, nobody has ordered one. Until now. Most US reactors are unique designs, which is a headache. France has 34 reactors of the same design, which has cost and maintenance advantages, although there's been at least one common design flaw found. Westinghouse is no longer a US company. It's owned by Toshiba.
It's a 1.2GW plant. The current order is for four reactors, for 8 billion dollars. The price is expected to fall to about 1 billion per reactor. China has a goal of building 100 reactors by 2020. IF the USA built that many, it would cut power plant greenhouse gas emissions by 30%, or the equivalent of nearly a million windmills.
At a cost of $5.85 billion [google.com], and assuming a lifetime of 40 years, an interest rate of 6%, this nuclear plant will have an annual mortgage of $389 million [google.com]. With a nameplate rating of 1100 MW [mediaroom.com], if it runs 92% of the time [nei.org], it will produce 8.9 billion kWh per year [google.com], so the capital repayments will amount to $0.044/kWh [google.com], assuming it doesn't go over budget. Assuming an optimistic cost for fuel around $0.005/kwh [world-nuclear.com], this gives a total cost of $0.049/kWh, neglecting the cost of maintenance, waste disposal, and any risk of contamination or weapons proliferation.
Now let's look at a new wind farm. A 50 MW wind farm would cost around $96 million [google.com] (at $1923/kW [doe.gov]), which yields an annual capital repayment of $7.5 million [google.com] (assuming a lifetime of 25 years). If the plant runs at a 35% capacity factor [awea.org], it will produce 153 million kWh per year [google.com]. So the total cost will be $0.049/kWh [google.com].
So, which would you rather spend $0.049/kWh on -- a nuclear plant that might go over budget, might leak radiation at some point during its life, whose waste will need to be carefully controlled and permanently stored somewhere that hasn't yet been identified; or a wind farm whose costs are much more certain and which comes without all those ancillary risks?
Yes, any individual wind farm will not provide a firm supply of power. But if a lot of wind farms are used, and they are combined with solar, geothermal and other renewable resources, they will provide a fairly stable power supply. There is also a lot of potential for reshaping electricity loads to match the supply of power (e.g., recharge electric vehicles when the wind is blowing or the sun is shining). And finally, if you must have a firm supply of power, you can convert a wind farm into a completely firm supply (at 35% of its nameplate rating) by spending about 10% extra and building rarely-used natural gas peaker plants ($634/kW [doe.gov] * 35% = $222kW).
IMO: Clearly India must consider the feasibility, appearance and practicality of wind power as well as nuclear power. The big wind power plants in California suggest the possibility of many problems with wind power. And Chernobyl and Three Mile Island we don't want either. But we certainly need much more energy.
In a boiling water reactor, the reactor directly boils the water that spins the turbine. One big advantage of this is cheaper construction.
Both types 'burn' Uranium to generate the heat that boils the water. Pressurized Water Reactors simply have an additional segregated loop of water.
The Chinese AP-1000 is a conventional pressurized-water reactor. It's built mostly from existing Westinghouse components which Westinghouse had type-approved by the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission, so that multiple identical units could be built without going through a full design review for each one. So far, nobody has ordered one. Until now. Most US reactors are unique designs, which is a headache. France has 34 reactors of the same design, which has cost and maintenance advantages, although there's been at least one common design flaw found. Westinghouse is no longer a US company. It's owned by Toshiba.
It's a 1.2GW plant. The current order is for four reactors, for 8 billion dollars. The price is expected to fall to about 1 billion per reactor. China has a goal of building 100 reactors by 2020. IF the USA built that many, it would cut power plant greenhouse gas emissions by 30%, or the equivalent of nearly a million windmills.
At a cost of $5.85 billion [google.com], and assuming a lifetime of 40 years, an interest rate of 6%, this nuclear plant will have an annual mortgage of $389 million [google.com]. With a nameplate rating of 1100 MW [mediaroom.com], if it runs 92% of the time [nei.org], it will produce 8.9 billion kWh per year [google.com], so the capital repayments will amount to $0.044/kWh [google.com], assuming it doesn't go over budget. Assuming an optimistic cost for fuel around $0.005/kwh [world-nuclear.com], this gives a total cost of $0.049/kWh, neglecting the cost of maintenance, waste disposal, and any risk of contamination or weapons proliferation.
Now let's look at a new wind farm. A 50 MW wind farm would cost around $96 million [google.com] (at $1923/kW [doe.gov]), which yields an annual capital repayment of $7.5 million [google.com] (assuming a lifetime of 25 years). If the plant runs at a 35% capacity factor [awea.org], it will produce 153 million kWh per year [google.com]. So the total cost will be $0.049/kWh [google.com].
So, which would you rather spend $0.049/kWh on -- a nuclear plant that might go over budget, might leak radiation at some point during its life, whose waste will need to be carefully controlled and permanently stored somewhere that hasn't yet been identified; or a wind farm whose costs are much more certain and which comes without all those ancillary risks?
Yes, any individual wind farm will not provide a firm supply of power. But if a lot of wind farms are used, and they are combined with solar, geothermal and other renewable resources, they will provide a fairly stable power supply. There is also a lot of potential for reshaping electricity loads to match the supply of power (e.g., recharge electric vehicles when the wind is blowing or the sun is shining). And finally, if you must have a firm supply of power, you can convert a wind farm into a completely firm supply (at 35% of its nameplate rating) by spending about 10% extra and building rarely-used natural gas peaker plants ($634/kW [doe.gov] * 35% = $222kW).
IMO: Clearly India must consider the feasibility, appearance and practicality of wind power as well as nuclear power. The big wind power plants in California suggest the possibility of many problems with wind power. And Chernobyl and Three Mile Island we don't want either. But we certainly need much more energy.
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Electric cars
So far, expert opinions about the proposed UK subsidy of up to £5000.00 per electric car suggest that it will not work in reducing pollution. Details here and here.
Certainly if lithium batteries could be economically used, as they may eventually be in the Tata Indica, then for as little as £1000.00 per car subsidy, an electric Nano could perhaps be provided FREE to every Indian applicant. Would car pollution in India then be at an end ? Unfortunately NO. For example at Dahanu, which is sadly becoming part of the Mumbai urban sprawl and is expected to have a fast frequent electric train to Churchgate hopefully by July 2009, the chickoo plantations are said to be dying already due to the new Reliance coalfired electric power plant at Dahanu, whose pollution locals in Dahanu are protesting about.
These matters need to be part of a broad strategy. Simple and dubious promises to voters and offers of dodgy Government subsidies are not enough.
Certainly if lithium batteries could be economically used, as they may eventually be in the Tata Indica, then for as little as £1000.00 per car subsidy, an electric Nano could perhaps be provided FREE to every Indian applicant. Would car pollution in India then be at an end ? Unfortunately NO. For example at Dahanu, which is sadly becoming part of the Mumbai urban sprawl and is expected to have a fast frequent electric train to Churchgate hopefully by July 2009, the chickoo plantations are said to be dying already due to the new Reliance coalfired electric power plant at Dahanu, whose pollution locals in Dahanu are protesting about.
These matters need to be part of a broad strategy. Simple and dubious promises to voters and offers of dodgy Government subsidies are not enough.
Saturday, April 18, 2009
Modi alleged to facilitate swindling of the Indian voters through Switzerland
Gujarat Pradesh Congress Committee (GPCC) has questioned the motive behind Chief Minister Narendra Modi's two visits to Switzerland in 2007. Congress alleged' that it was Modi who has facilitated industrialists from Gujarat to deposit their black money in the banks in Switzerland.
Gujarat Pradesh Congress Committee spokesperson Arjun Modhwadia demanded that Modi has paid two visits to Switzerland the first was in 2003 and second in July 2007.
"What was the purpose of Modi's visit, was it for investment? If he agrees, let him clarify how much investment has come from Switzerland or how many industrialists visit Gujarat to be a part of the Vibrant Summit," Modhwadia said.
There are only two industries in Switzerland tourism and banking. There is no third industry in Switzerland. "From both these sector there cannot be investment coming to Gujarat. If there was no investment coming then what was the purpose of Modi's visit to Switzerland."
He further alleged' that Rs 1,100 crore from the Sujalam Sufalam project and Rs 45,000 crore benefits given to Industrialist by way of giving them land at cheap rates in the state, was saved and has been deposited in Swiss Bank and Modi has facilitated this.
He further said that neither Modi nor Advani have the right to talk on the issue as Modi himself facilitated the industrialists to deposit the black money. While, Advani has never raised the issue of black money since he was appointed leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha. And, now the party is carrying out the drama of referendum
IMO: Its things like that that weaken India's economy like UK is being ruined at the moment. Indians should not allow this to happen.
Gujarat Pradesh Congress Committee spokesperson Arjun Modhwadia demanded that Modi has paid two visits to Switzerland the first was in 2003 and second in July 2007.
"What was the purpose of Modi's visit, was it for investment? If he agrees, let him clarify how much investment has come from Switzerland or how many industrialists visit Gujarat to be a part of the Vibrant Summit," Modhwadia said.
There are only two industries in Switzerland tourism and banking. There is no third industry in Switzerland. "From both these sector there cannot be investment coming to Gujarat. If there was no investment coming then what was the purpose of Modi's visit to Switzerland."
He further alleged' that Rs 1,100 crore from the Sujalam Sufalam project and Rs 45,000 crore benefits given to Industrialist by way of giving them land at cheap rates in the state, was saved and has been deposited in Swiss Bank and Modi has facilitated this.
He further said that neither Modi nor Advani have the right to talk on the issue as Modi himself facilitated the industrialists to deposit the black money. While, Advani has never raised the issue of black money since he was appointed leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha. And, now the party is carrying out the drama of referendum
IMO: Its things like that that weaken India's economy like UK is being ruined at the moment. Indians should not allow this to happen.
Your thoughtful UK voting on June 4 is essential
The threat of the overtly fascist BNP winning seats in Europe is very real. The reasons are explained in some detail here, where a Labor Minister is claimed by the Daily Mail to be advising voting Tory, but what Phil Woolas actually says is to at least vote in ways which will prevent BNP winning seats. Voting procedures seem to make your thoughtful voting on June 4 essential in some areas.
IMO: This will be made even worse by a fact I just mentioned : "(Brown's Labor) said we would give people a referendum on the [EU] constitution. And yet the Lisbon Treaty has just been rushed through Parliament with no referendum and that's another promise (Brown has) broken. This could lead to Europe also becoming a fascist organisation".
IMO: I'm open minded about the BNP but I consider now is not the right time to vote for them. They have reneged on earlier promises which it would be indelicate and probably timewasting to detail. BNP have changed their views more often than Hitler and Stalin and if you vote BNP, you do not know what you will get by now - I do not even rule out the possibility of getting the Taliban.
IMO: This will be made even worse by a fact I just mentioned : "(Brown's Labor) said we would give people a referendum on the [EU] constitution. And yet the Lisbon Treaty has just been rushed through Parliament with no referendum and that's another promise (Brown has) broken. This could lead to Europe also becoming a fascist organisation".
IMO: I'm open minded about the BNP but I consider now is not the right time to vote for them. They have reneged on earlier promises which it would be indelicate and probably timewasting to detail. BNP have changed their views more often than Hitler and Stalin and if you vote BNP, you do not know what you will get by now - I do not even rule out the possibility of getting the Taliban.
Ex-MP Mahon leaves Labour Party
Former Labour MP Alice Mahon has resigned from the party saying she has "lost faith with it".
Reasons include the following:
She remained to see if Gordon Brown could make Labour "caring". Mrs Mahon said: "I couldn't have been more wrong".
Many promises in the 2005 election manifesto had been broken.
We said that we would not privatise the Royal Mail, and we're going ahead and privatising part of it. (IMO: What's worse there could be a "public/private/partnership", effectively Brown's nickname for "fascism".)
We said we would give people a referendum on the [EU] constitution. And yet the Lisbon Treaty has just been rushed through Parliament with no referendum and that's another promise we've broken.(IMO: This could lead to Europe also becoming a fascist organiusation).
The final push came after the recent scandal surrounding emails sent by Mr Brown's special adviser, Damian McBride, who sent e-mails proposing unfounded slurs about senior Tories. (IMO: The Tories would be even worse if they get the chance).
The government's Welfare Reform Bill is an assault on people with disabilities and the poor and that it is remarkable it is being inflicted in the middle of a recession.(IMO: Not remarkable with criminal fascists like the Brown mob in charge).
There is bewilderment… that as a government we have not taken on the bankers, who are still doing as they please and taking large bonuses. (IMO: What you would expect from Gordon Brown).
The Government seem unwilling or unable to take them on, we expect the Labour Party to take people on in that situation.
She said "I have reached the conclusion that there is not any avenue left in the structure of the Labour party for people like me. Any threat from anybody marginally from the left and… the party machine comes down on them like a ton of bricks."
IMO: I've thought much the same as all the above for some time.
Reasons include the following:
She remained to see if Gordon Brown could make Labour "caring". Mrs Mahon said: "I couldn't have been more wrong".
Many promises in the 2005 election manifesto had been broken.
We said that we would not privatise the Royal Mail, and we're going ahead and privatising part of it. (IMO: What's worse there could be a "public/private/partnership", effectively Brown's nickname for "fascism".)
We said we would give people a referendum on the [EU] constitution. And yet the Lisbon Treaty has just been rushed through Parliament with no referendum and that's another promise we've broken.(IMO: This could lead to Europe also becoming a fascist organiusation).
The final push came after the recent scandal surrounding emails sent by Mr Brown's special adviser, Damian McBride, who sent e-mails proposing unfounded slurs about senior Tories. (IMO: The Tories would be even worse if they get the chance).
The government's Welfare Reform Bill is an assault on people with disabilities and the poor and that it is remarkable it is being inflicted in the middle of a recession.(IMO: Not remarkable with criminal fascists like the Brown mob in charge).
There is bewilderment… that as a government we have not taken on the bankers, who are still doing as they please and taking large bonuses. (IMO: What you would expect from Gordon Brown).
The Government seem unwilling or unable to take them on, we expect the Labour Party to take people on in that situation.
She said "I have reached the conclusion that there is not any avenue left in the structure of the Labour party for people like me. Any threat from anybody marginally from the left and… the party machine comes down on them like a ton of bricks."
IMO: I've thought much the same as all the above for some time.
Gordon Brown's mental health
In badscience blogs I note the comment:
"In the past I have hinted at disapproval for the many political bloggers who smear Gordon Brown with allegations about his mental health and behaviour, I should make this more explicit. When people like Guido Fawkes or Janet Daley speculate about the mental state of the prime minister it is worth bearing in mind, as Guido says “this is not a professional judgement”, in other words they do not know what they are talking about, have no conclusive evidence and their arguments can be considered to lack credibility. And, as Anthony Cox points out, smearing political opponents as mentally ill is not a particularly new phenomenon and those that make such claims typically argue from a position of political partisanship, a misplaced confidence in their own objectivity or a combination of both. I regard the opinions of Guido and Daley on mental health as barely worth a response."
IMO: I have to agree that badscienceblogs often contains gems of truth but I do think we should not dispute the fact that such persons such as Gordon Brown, who after all is supposed to 'lead' a 'country' of over 50 million people, and to (possibly) be able to let off nuclear bombs etc. should be of good mental health. In other words, it has practically got to the point where the public deserve assurances of Gordon Brown's sanity, provided by reputable medical practitioners. After the double and conflicting autopsy on the corpse of the victim of the recent apparently alleged police murder at the G20 demos, nobody can doubt that such an opinion should also be impartial. It has been said that historical records suggest that many former US Presidents have actually been insane, often whilst in office, and there should be ways of avoiding this sort of thing, for the sake of leaders as well as subjects. Obviously many directors of large companies often give the impression of being eccentric or even insane, but the head of a large country falls into an even more serious category.
"In the past I have hinted at disapproval for the many political bloggers who smear Gordon Brown with allegations about his mental health and behaviour, I should make this more explicit. When people like Guido Fawkes or Janet Daley speculate about the mental state of the prime minister it is worth bearing in mind, as Guido says “this is not a professional judgement”, in other words they do not know what they are talking about, have no conclusive evidence and their arguments can be considered to lack credibility. And, as Anthony Cox points out, smearing political opponents as mentally ill is not a particularly new phenomenon and those that make such claims typically argue from a position of political partisanship, a misplaced confidence in their own objectivity or a combination of both. I regard the opinions of Guido and Daley on mental health as barely worth a response."
IMO: I have to agree that badscienceblogs often contains gems of truth but I do think we should not dispute the fact that such persons such as Gordon Brown, who after all is supposed to 'lead' a 'country' of over 50 million people, and to (possibly) be able to let off nuclear bombs etc. should be of good mental health. In other words, it has practically got to the point where the public deserve assurances of Gordon Brown's sanity, provided by reputable medical practitioners. After the double and conflicting autopsy on the corpse of the victim of the recent apparently alleged police murder at the G20 demos, nobody can doubt that such an opinion should also be impartial. It has been said that historical records suggest that many former US Presidents have actually been insane, often whilst in office, and there should be ways of avoiding this sort of thing, for the sake of leaders as well as subjects. Obviously many directors of large companies often give the impression of being eccentric or even insane, but the head of a large country falls into an even more serious category.
Friday, April 17, 2009
Can Bill Gates make the electromagnetic combustion engine a reality?
Scientific American seems to think it might be at least possible.
IMO: I've had a look at the patent and certainly, once the Goa campus of our Institute for Fundamental Studies gets fully underway, we would at least look at the idea. Obviously I'm aware of the problems with patents, or some of them. At the moment, it is still possible for anyone to at least read the patent details.
IMO: I've had a look at the patent and certainly, once the Goa campus of our Institute for Fundamental Studies gets fully underway, we would at least look at the idea. Obviously I'm aware of the problems with patents, or some of them. At the moment, it is still possible for anyone to at least read the patent details.
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Bank chief 'wrong' about science
The head of Britain's largest science university says the Bank of England's governor was wrong to caution against more spending on science. Professor Sir Roy Anderson says that investment in science is "one of the few options" the government has to kick-start the economy. He thinks there should be a big rise in science spending as part of a new high technology industrial strategy. Professor Anderson is the rector of Imperial College.
IMO: He is certainly correct. The UK is on its way to ruin because of the slumdog UK bankers, corrupt politicians and civil servants, and losers like McBride etc. That is not rhetoric, just sad proven fact. India's 4% to 5% growth rate despite almost overwhelming odds will be even further improved by the 1500 new Universities and indeed my own "Institute for Fundamental Studies" which is establishing two branches in India and hopefully a large Goa campus. Many of the points made by Anderson are true and can apply to India. Further there is our own work in Experimental Philosophy and applied neuroscience, and the hope that India will become the first post-post-Industrial economy, leapfrogging over the backward US and China.
Probably the best thing to do in India is to vote Congress and/or Mamata Banerjee's Trinamool Congress. If the link between these two parties is saved, India may be saved too. (I do not dispute the merits of many other parties, including BJP and BSP, I just think Congress/TMC is the ticket to vote for).
IMO: He is certainly correct. The UK is on its way to ruin because of the slumdog UK bankers, corrupt politicians and civil servants, and losers like McBride etc. That is not rhetoric, just sad proven fact. India's 4% to 5% growth rate despite almost overwhelming odds will be even further improved by the 1500 new Universities and indeed my own "Institute for Fundamental Studies" which is establishing two branches in India and hopefully a large Goa campus. Many of the points made by Anderson are true and can apply to India. Further there is our own work in Experimental Philosophy and applied neuroscience, and the hope that India will become the first post-post-Industrial economy, leapfrogging over the backward US and China.
Probably the best thing to do in India is to vote Congress and/or Mamata Banerjee's Trinamool Congress. If the link between these two parties is saved, India may be saved too. (I do not dispute the merits of many other parties, including BJP and BSP, I just think Congress/TMC is the ticket to vote for).
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
John McDonnell on Gordon Brown
McDonnell wrote: "Brown needs to realise that for the general public the Governments treatment of Bankers Bonuses is the key test of Who will Pay for the Crisis. I have called upon the Prime Minister today (8th Feb) to get a grip and take decisive action over the issue of Bankers bonuses.
Gordon Brown has completely failed to appreciate that the way in which the Government deals with Bankers bonuses is seen as a key test of who will pay for the economic crisis they have caused. Allowing bonuses to be paid to the higher paid bankers who caused this crisis by their greed and recklessness will be seen as fundamentally unfair. Fumbling around with nothing more than ineffective warnings of inquiries is pointless. The Prime Minister needs to get a grip and take the decisive action needed to end the bonus culture and send a clear message that the binge banking party is over."
IMO: I largely agree. Brown has not been able to frame and use his "public/private/partnership" idea in a way which is acceptable and should be obliged to step down well before any election. He has had his chance and has made too many blunders. If he had trod boldly, he might have got results adequate to the electorate, but the Party needs new blood. I would vote Libdem at this time if Labor can't produce better.
Gordon Brown has completely failed to appreciate that the way in which the Government deals with Bankers bonuses is seen as a key test of who will pay for the economic crisis they have caused. Allowing bonuses to be paid to the higher paid bankers who caused this crisis by their greed and recklessness will be seen as fundamentally unfair. Fumbling around with nothing more than ineffective warnings of inquiries is pointless. The Prime Minister needs to get a grip and take the decisive action needed to end the bonus culture and send a clear message that the binge banking party is over."
IMO: I largely agree. Brown has not been able to frame and use his "public/private/partnership" idea in a way which is acceptable and should be obliged to step down well before any election. He has had his chance and has made too many blunders. If he had trod boldly, he might have got results adequate to the electorate, but the Party needs new blood. I would vote Libdem at this time if Labor can't produce better.
Monday, April 13, 2009
David Kelly and Pope John II
Trowbridge H. Ford is an interesting blogger, who could well be categorised as a "conspiracy blogger".
He writes in great apparent historical detail about the alleged (Tony Blair/Mossad) assassination of war microbiologist Dr. David Kelly. This concludes "Any potential American whistleblowers should think twice about doing anything similar since the British are known for being a little more careful about legal niceties in carrying out covert operations. The numerous Mossad agents in America can obviously act with impunity against any potential troublemakers, as the five killed, and the 22 survivors of the anthrax letter attacks would readily testify if they were ever given the chance. Of course, the FBI has expended unprecedented hours in investigating the attacks, but since the real culprit is off limits, the Bureau has simply been wasting its time."
There's also a long article about Pope John which seems not entirely dissimilar to what I have heard.
He writes in great apparent historical detail about the alleged (Tony Blair/Mossad) assassination of war microbiologist Dr. David Kelly. This concludes "Any potential American whistleblowers should think twice about doing anything similar since the British are known for being a little more careful about legal niceties in carrying out covert operations. The numerous Mossad agents in America can obviously act with impunity against any potential troublemakers, as the five killed, and the 22 survivors of the anthrax letter attacks would readily testify if they were ever given the chance. Of course, the FBI has expended unprecedented hours in investigating the attacks, but since the real culprit is off limits, the Bureau has simply been wasting its time."
There's also a long article about Pope John which seems not entirely dissimilar to what I have heard.
Compulsory voluntary work for young
According to the popular papers, Gordon Brown has vowed to make every young person do 50 hours of 'voluntary' work by the time they reach the age of 19 !
"English slaves to a Scottish raj" trumpets the Press ! Funny all this comes after the McBride matter (is this really a revenge Tory smear perhaps?), but perhaps Brown should seriously be checked for Alzheimer's and other work-related disorders which could explain his apparently bizarre behaviour.
IMO: If Brown means it about 50 hours 'voluntary' work OUT BROWN - NOW ! The Tories make a mistake by highlighting foxhunting which only senior Eton-styleTories and their more credulous and financially involved followers care much for anyway. They are up in the clouds. But this "work conscription" idea is crazy at any level. Maybe in a few years, as global warming increases, work conscription will become essential but if it is seriously meant for now, Brown is making worse mistakes than the Tories. I did a very hard and painful stint of military National Service but was proud to support my country (not UK) in war or peace, but certainly would not have tolerated something like this ! In fact Army (and civilian) reactions would have been "Thats what we are fighting against".Tory and Labor senior politicians both seem to be trying to make the UK totally intolerable.
"English slaves to a Scottish raj" trumpets the Press ! Funny all this comes after the McBride matter (is this really a revenge Tory smear perhaps?), but perhaps Brown should seriously be checked for Alzheimer's and other work-related disorders which could explain his apparently bizarre behaviour.
IMO: If Brown means it about 50 hours 'voluntary' work OUT BROWN - NOW ! The Tories make a mistake by highlighting foxhunting which only senior Eton-styleTories and their more credulous and financially involved followers care much for anyway. They are up in the clouds. But this "work conscription" idea is crazy at any level. Maybe in a few years, as global warming increases, work conscription will become essential but if it is seriously meant for now, Brown is making worse mistakes than the Tories. I did a very hard and painful stint of military National Service but was proud to support my country (not UK) in war or peace, but certainly would not have tolerated something like this ! In fact Army (and civilian) reactions would have been "Thats what we are fighting against".Tory and Labor senior politicians both seem to be trying to make the UK totally intolerable.
Is Darjeeling a good toy model for the polls ?
Many people say that India's vote is too chaotic to call, this time
In Darjeeling, observers said that although the BJP polled over a lakh of votes in the 2004 Lok Sabha polls, they had the support of Mamata Banerjee who was with the NDA. The Trinamul Congress’s election alliance with the Congress this time is bound to have an effect on the votes polled by the BJP in the plains.
IMO: The Darjeeling situation may well give an excellent toy model. This could mean a national win, effectively for Congress/Trinamool congress coalition. Probably a favorable result for India.
In Darjeeling, observers said that although the BJP polled over a lakh of votes in the 2004 Lok Sabha polls, they had the support of Mamata Banerjee who was with the NDA. The Trinamul Congress’s election alliance with the Congress this time is bound to have an effect on the votes polled by the BJP in the plains.
IMO: The Darjeeling situation may well give an excellent toy model. This could mean a national win, effectively for Congress/Trinamool congress coalition. Probably a favorable result for India.
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Iraq and Afghanistan
Currently in Iraq there are 100 Gay men convicted of homosexuality awaiting execution by hanging. As of April 7th it is reported they will be executed 20 at a time.
IMO: You can understand the vigilante execution of the Mayor of San Francisco, Harvey Milk, as he seemed to have wanted to make actual practical buggery classes a necessary item in the US kindergartens. Harvey Milk was a nice guy who sold me a good camera, still in use, but there are limits. You can reasonably take the view, from biblical studies, that the idea of gay Bishops and clergy in the Anglican church is unchristian and divides the church. If it was up to me I'd rather consider putting back the Gospel according to Mary - found in Nag Hammedi - in the Bible rather than the current Anglican behaviour which seems unchristian. But it does seem a bit much to execute buggers. If McBride had been believed (we do not know of any underlying truth in his allegations), Cameron should have been executed if he visited Iraq. Whilst many people might applaud that, it is hardly cricket. For that matter, some of the UK cricket team could also be executed if they ever visit Iraq.This execution of buggers seems to be happening because the US got involved in Iraq as they claimed they needed the oil. In Afghanistan the US seem to be happy enough to allow the abandonment of women's rights, and of course the US encouraged the Taliban there in the first place to get the Russians out. Hard to draw a moral from this, we have to hope that the US will behave better or face the consequences. Obama's assaults on personal freedom make an overall useful strategy unlikely to date.
IMO: You can understand the vigilante execution of the Mayor of San Francisco, Harvey Milk, as he seemed to have wanted to make actual practical buggery classes a necessary item in the US kindergartens. Harvey Milk was a nice guy who sold me a good camera, still in use, but there are limits. You can reasonably take the view, from biblical studies, that the idea of gay Bishops and clergy in the Anglican church is unchristian and divides the church. If it was up to me I'd rather consider putting back the Gospel according to Mary - found in Nag Hammedi - in the Bible rather than the current Anglican behaviour which seems unchristian. But it does seem a bit much to execute buggers. If McBride had been believed (we do not know of any underlying truth in his allegations), Cameron should have been executed if he visited Iraq. Whilst many people might applaud that, it is hardly cricket. For that matter, some of the UK cricket team could also be executed if they ever visit Iraq.This execution of buggers seems to be happening because the US got involved in Iraq as they claimed they needed the oil. In Afghanistan the US seem to be happy enough to allow the abandonment of women's rights, and of course the US encouraged the Taliban there in the first place to get the Russians out. Hard to draw a moral from this, we have to hope that the US will behave better or face the consequences. Obama's assaults on personal freedom make an overall useful strategy unlikely to date.
Saturday, April 11, 2009
Guido Fawkes matter
IMO: I seem to agree with many of the points Fawkes makes and in fact placed my support of this fact on Fawkes's blog. However the following matters also come to mind, and I do not like them at all.
Nicky Campbell was forced to apologise after branding Fawkes a 'Fascist' on his BBC radio show.
IMO: I find it hard to imagine any of these commentators apologising unless they are obliged to, even in the circumstances outlined. So 'forced' ? ?
Perhaps more pointedly, "Modern Ghana", FWIW, states "The threat of legal action is having a huge impact online - many bloggers end up self-censoring as a result." and then goes on to say: "Within minutes of publishing it I was served with a legal notice (by Guido Fawkes) claiming I was trying to defame him (in a republished Guardian article), and eventually I had to take it down after some wrangling. I didn't have the legal backing to test his challenge in court."
The article in "Modern Ghana" gives some other cases where oligarchs and the like have behaved in the sort of bad way that reminds one of the antics of the late Bob Maxwell and the late Jimmy Goldsmith
IMO: I certainly admit that the Guardian can sometimes contain self-serving rubbish, and that its staff often seem to be almost criminally overpaid, but it seems that Fawkes has disobeyed the 'blogger's code', definitely a pity. Hussein Obama seems to have done the same, with regard to Auchi - whilst Obama is perhaps not a very active blogger, he tries to reach out in a worthwhile way by his public appearances. It is all very much a pity.
Nicky Campbell was forced to apologise after branding Fawkes a 'Fascist' on his BBC radio show.
IMO: I find it hard to imagine any of these commentators apologising unless they are obliged to, even in the circumstances outlined. So 'forced' ? ?
Perhaps more pointedly, "Modern Ghana", FWIW, states "The threat of legal action is having a huge impact online - many bloggers end up self-censoring as a result." and then goes on to say: "Within minutes of publishing it I was served with a legal notice (by Guido Fawkes) claiming I was trying to defame him (in a republished Guardian article), and eventually I had to take it down after some wrangling. I didn't have the legal backing to test his challenge in court."
The article in "Modern Ghana" gives some other cases where oligarchs and the like have behaved in the sort of bad way that reminds one of the antics of the late Bob Maxwell and the late Jimmy Goldsmith
IMO: I certainly admit that the Guardian can sometimes contain self-serving rubbish, and that its staff often seem to be almost criminally overpaid, but it seems that Fawkes has disobeyed the 'blogger's code', definitely a pity. Hussein Obama seems to have done the same, with regard to Auchi - whilst Obama is perhaps not a very active blogger, he tries to reach out in a worthwhile way by his public appearances. It is all very much a pity.
Friday, April 10, 2009
Intellectuals concerned over use of thermobaric bombs by Lankan army
Chennai , Apr 10 A group of intellectuals has petitioned the UN and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, expressing apprehensions about use of banned thermobaric bombs by Sri Lankan army against Tamil civilians in the island nation.
In the petition addressed to UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon and Singh and other heads of South Asian countries, a copy of which was circulated to the media, the intellectuals under the banner of Concerned South Asian Citizens demanded an independent verification of the use of such bombs. The petition said a thermobaric bomb uses a fuel-air explosive capable of creating overpressures equal to an atomic bomb, adding it was being"used"in the present offensive.
"It is very important that the truth about these bombs be independently verified,"the petition said while demanding commissioning of war crimes provisions against the Sri Lankan authorities as well as the"source country"that supplied the bombs.
Independent observers such as UN agencies and Red Cross were banned from operating in the war zone, worsening the humanitarian crisis, it said. Besides the UN and the international community, all South Asian countries must"intervene forcefully"to stop the war which was threatening the peace of the region, it said.
Reporters Without Borders reminds the Sri Lankan government of its international undertakings as the media continue to be prevented from moving about freely in the north of the country, especially in the area where tens of thousands of Tamils are surrounded by the army. The death of at least two journalists in the so-called "no-fire" area tends to support allegations that the Sri Lankan security forces are responsible for war crimes against civilians. It also shows the government is violating UN Security Council resolution 1738 (adopted in December 2006) about protecting journalists in war zones.
IMO: It is not in India's interest to continue to ignore the apparently illegal, inhumane and probably genocidal behaviour of the Sinhalese Sri Lankan Govt. It will not look good at present and future Lok Sabbha elections. It will not look good for the useful and educated Manmohan Singh and plenty of people think the well-meaning and hardworking Gandhi family have enough to live down already. The Bofors scandal and all the rest are still not forgotten, and whilst I think it is unfair to the Gandhis to say "you can't teach an old dog new tricks", at the same time, if the new tricks have indeed been learnt, many Tamils would think that this is a time for their demonstration. I touched on the matter of the alleged thermobaric bombs in a reference included in an earlier posting.
ISI
Allegedly some Pakistanis with student visas have recently been captured by the British "police". We do not know why, but in case it was due to the recent "information" forwarded to the "police" by ISI, a brief US dossier, from their file on "insurgent groups in Pakistan" on the ISI itself is given here for amusement purposes only. Obviously the ISI is a well known insurgent group. Does Gordon Broon know ?
Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) Directorate
Aliases: Military Intelligence.
Leaders: Lt. Gen. Ahmed Shuja Pasha.
Description: Pakistan's powerful and secret military intelligence agency is headquartered
Islamabad (see HQ Photo top right). Many of its officers support the Taliban and insurgent syndicate. It is often referred to as Pakistan's shadow government; ISI Generals may actually dictate policies. Likely sponsors the "freedom movement" in Kashmir against Indian "occupation forces"?
Strength: Six to eight division, totaling 10,000 personnel in Pakistan.
Activities: Internal security and counterintelligence operations in the military; operates much like the CIA does abroad. Supports, trains, equips and gives sanctuary to the Taliban and it allied groups.
Financing: Pakistan government and jihadist governments abroad.
Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) Directorate
Aliases: Military Intelligence.
Leaders: Lt. Gen. Ahmed Shuja Pasha.
Description: Pakistan's powerful and secret military intelligence agency is headquartered
Islamabad (see HQ Photo top right). Many of its officers support the Taliban and insurgent syndicate. It is often referred to as Pakistan's shadow government; ISI Generals may actually dictate policies. Likely sponsors the "freedom movement" in Kashmir against Indian "occupation forces"?
Strength: Six to eight division, totaling 10,000 personnel in Pakistan.
Activities: Internal security and counterintelligence operations in the military; operates much like the CIA does abroad. Supports, trains, equips and gives sanctuary to the Taliban and it allied groups.
Financing: Pakistan government and jihadist governments abroad.
Thursday, April 09, 2009
Vaiko warns of bloodbath in Tamil Nadu
CHENNAI: Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam general secretary Vaiko on Wednesday warned that Tamil Nadu would witness a bloodbath even if the slightest harm befell Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam leader V. Prabakaran.
IMO: I do not think there will be a bloodbath - yet. Neither do most of the civil authorities, but we could all be wrong. I do not think Sonia Gandhi is in any real danger either. The reason is that she does not seem to be anything like as corrupt as, say, fascists like Tony Blair and Fred Goodwin. Sonia Gandhi has assets believed worth around £2.0 mn but has no car or house in her name in India. Assets include an ancestral home in Italy worth around £28,000. Plus local investments probably worth less than £50,000. All her life she has worked and made sacrifices for India, whether or not she is appreciated for doing so. Most of the money is doubtless inherited from non Indian relatives. In her position, any oligarch would be a billionaire. Compare Fred Goodwin's pension of £16mn obtained simply for ruining England's economy. Or Tony Blair's rise from basically nothing to ownership of property worth at least £5.0 mn and receipts of more than £50,000 per (worthless) lecture. This simply by brown-nosing failed president Bush for a few years and other graft tricks. I have to say that Obama's record is not looking too clean either, remembering the Auchi situation etc. There is reasoned and genuine hatred of these people, as there has been of the dead Gandhis, like it or not. But Sonia and Priyanka do not seem to have earned that hatred. Indeed we can still reasonably hope for a Congress victory at the next election. In the UK many people would have Fred Goodwin and Tony Blair hung, and not in effigy, but the Brits, a failed decadent nation, do not have the guts to do it, probably just as well for a peaceful life. The moral we can all draw is perhaps that continued gagging of the Press and publically lying to it is likely to rebound on those responsible, in this case the Sinhalese Government in Sri Lanka.
IMO: I do not think there will be a bloodbath - yet. Neither do most of the civil authorities, but we could all be wrong. I do not think Sonia Gandhi is in any real danger either. The reason is that she does not seem to be anything like as corrupt as, say, fascists like Tony Blair and Fred Goodwin. Sonia Gandhi has assets believed worth around £2.0 mn but has no car or house in her name in India. Assets include an ancestral home in Italy worth around £28,000. Plus local investments probably worth less than £50,000. All her life she has worked and made sacrifices for India, whether or not she is appreciated for doing so. Most of the money is doubtless inherited from non Indian relatives. In her position, any oligarch would be a billionaire. Compare Fred Goodwin's pension of £16mn obtained simply for ruining England's economy. Or Tony Blair's rise from basically nothing to ownership of property worth at least £5.0 mn and receipts of more than £50,000 per (worthless) lecture. This simply by brown-nosing failed president Bush for a few years and other graft tricks. I have to say that Obama's record is not looking too clean either, remembering the Auchi situation etc. There is reasoned and genuine hatred of these people, as there has been of the dead Gandhis, like it or not. But Sonia and Priyanka do not seem to have earned that hatred. Indeed we can still reasonably hope for a Congress victory at the next election. In the UK many people would have Fred Goodwin and Tony Blair hung, and not in effigy, but the Brits, a failed decadent nation, do not have the guts to do it, probably just as well for a peaceful life. The moral we can all draw is perhaps that continued gagging of the Press and publically lying to it is likely to rebound on those responsible, in this case the Sinhalese Government in Sri Lanka.
Wednesday, April 08, 2009
Cory Doctorow on Obama
I don't expect the guy (Obama) to walk on water, but I'd sure like it if he'd stop wallowing in the mud. Details here.
IMO: It is still early days.
IMO: It is still early days.
Tuesday, April 07, 2009
LeT plans to target Isro scientists
In a clear sign of Pakistani terrorists attacking symbols of India’s growing power, the Lashkar-e-Taiba, it is learnt, plans to target senior scientists and engineers of the Indian Space Research Organization, especially those working on the space programme.
IMO: Why do not the US ensure AQ Kahn is interrogated? The US and UK people want that, as they do not want to be nuked or irradiated. Instead the US authorities try to 'interrogate' McKinnon. McKinnon is simply a harmless autist, apparently agreed as such by leading Cambridge academic Simon Baron-Cohen. And also why not put a atop to LeT ? And that could only be a start, and in the interests of the UK, the US, and Pakistan, particularly Pakistani women. The rump Pakistan government is not liked even by Pakistanis. Whose side is 'president' Hussein Obama really on ? Is he following a strange, naive policy of divide and rule in the subcontinent ? The clock as to his credibility is now ticking. Most Indians and Pakistanis want peace. And we should not forget that India has the second largest population of Muslims in the world, and all the ones I have seen seem OK to me, no problems. We must not forget that the Taliban were first organised in Afghanistan by the US - I received the US recruiting notices myself at the time.
IMO: Why do not the US ensure AQ Kahn is interrogated? The US and UK people want that, as they do not want to be nuked or irradiated. Instead the US authorities try to 'interrogate' McKinnon. McKinnon is simply a harmless autist, apparently agreed as such by leading Cambridge academic Simon Baron-Cohen. And also why not put a atop to LeT ? And that could only be a start, and in the interests of the UK, the US, and Pakistan, particularly Pakistani women. The rump Pakistan government is not liked even by Pakistanis. Whose side is 'president' Hussein Obama really on ? Is he following a strange, naive policy of divide and rule in the subcontinent ? The clock as to his credibility is now ticking. Most Indians and Pakistanis want peace. And we should not forget that India has the second largest population of Muslims in the world, and all the ones I have seen seem OK to me, no problems. We must not forget that the Taliban were first organised in Afghanistan by the US - I received the US recruiting notices myself at the time.
Guido Fawkes
Guido Fawkes is digging into a whole new seam of scams that have come to his notice. MPs are renting out buy-to-let properties that they own, to members of their own staff, to whom they authorise payments out of parliamentary expenses. Laundering their expenses via their staff back into their own pockets.Like a Victorian mill owner paying his tenanted workers in their own coin to pay back in rent and spend in their tied shops. Except MPs use our money…
Guido has also just been given information about MPs renting properties to other MP’s who claim for the rent on expenses, which they then pay into their MP mate’s pocket.
Also Michael Spencer the conservative Party Treasurer's finances are unravelling right now, despite his breaking every rule in the book.
IMO: I tend to agree with the following remark, which is very much a copy of Gordon Brown's "public-private-partnership: "(All the present politicians) have taken lessons from the fascists: “Historian Gaetano Salvemini argued in 1936 that fascism makes taxpayers responsible to private enterprise, because “the State pays for the blunders of private enterprise… Profit is private and individual. Loss is public and social.” Fascist governments encouraged the pursuit of private profit and offered many benefits to large businesses, but they demanded in return that all economic activity should serve the national interest.”
IMO: Further, Guido has gone on record to say he suspects the Tories won't be any better than Labor. I think they will be far far worse, but will try to cover up even more, being on the bleeding edge of fascism already. The ultimate result in the UK could actually be anarchy, in a bad sense. At the very least the UK need their own Amilcar Cabral, obviously though such a fugure would probably need a very different platform to Cabral's, circumstances being very different.
Guido has also just been given information about MPs renting properties to other MP’s who claim for the rent on expenses, which they then pay into their MP mate’s pocket.
Also Michael Spencer the conservative Party Treasurer's finances are unravelling right now, despite his breaking every rule in the book.
IMO: I tend to agree with the following remark, which is very much a copy of Gordon Brown's "public-private-partnership: "(All the present politicians) have taken lessons from the fascists: “Historian Gaetano Salvemini argued in 1936 that fascism makes taxpayers responsible to private enterprise, because “the State pays for the blunders of private enterprise… Profit is private and individual. Loss is public and social.” Fascist governments encouraged the pursuit of private profit and offered many benefits to large businesses, but they demanded in return that all economic activity should serve the national interest.”
IMO: Further, Guido has gone on record to say he suspects the Tories won't be any better than Labor. I think they will be far far worse, but will try to cover up even more, being on the bleeding edge of fascism already. The ultimate result in the UK could actually be anarchy, in a bad sense. At the very least the UK need their own Amilcar Cabral, obviously though such a fugure would probably need a very different platform to Cabral's, circumstances being very different.
Should Sri Lankan leaders have to appear before a war crimes tribunal at the Hague ?
The Sri Lankan Tamils issue will continue to be a key plank in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls.
MDMK chief Vaiko went with traders union leader Vellaiyan and Thyagu of the Tamil Nationalist Freedom Movement. While Vaiko was trying to speak to the students who disembarked from the train, they started shouting slogans asking him to leave. “Politician leave, vote-picker leave,” arose slogans as students’ temper rose.
According to them, the opportunistic politics pursued by politicians were responsible for the current state of affairs in Sri Lanka, hence they were not needed for any movement to save Eelam Tamils.
Obviously, too, Tamils have protested to the US White House and yesterday at Westminster Bridge, where some were injured by police, again presumably an attempt by police to cover up for corrupt politicians on all sides.
IMO: My wife's mother tongue is Tamil, but what goes on in Sri Lanka ? We do not know, and the free Sri Lankan press has been gagged by Sinhalese. Reports of genocide and chemical warfare by the Sinhalese Sri Lankan government suggest that the leaders of Sri Lanka should face trials for their war crimes at the Hague. Examples here and here.
MDMK chief Vaiko went with traders union leader Vellaiyan and Thyagu of the Tamil Nationalist Freedom Movement. While Vaiko was trying to speak to the students who disembarked from the train, they started shouting slogans asking him to leave. “Politician leave, vote-picker leave,” arose slogans as students’ temper rose.
According to them, the opportunistic politics pursued by politicians were responsible for the current state of affairs in Sri Lanka, hence they were not needed for any movement to save Eelam Tamils.
Obviously, too, Tamils have protested to the US White House and yesterday at Westminster Bridge, where some were injured by police, again presumably an attempt by police to cover up for corrupt politicians on all sides.
IMO: My wife's mother tongue is Tamil, but what goes on in Sri Lanka ? We do not know, and the free Sri Lankan press has been gagged by Sinhalese. Reports of genocide and chemical warfare by the Sinhalese Sri Lankan government suggest that the leaders of Sri Lanka should face trials for their war crimes at the Hague. Examples here and here.
Monday, April 06, 2009
UK transport minister's website owned
The website of junior transport minister Paul Clarke was hacked over the weekend by apparently motiveless mischief-makers.
A message on the site reads "HACKED BY Red Virus. just for fun. I just want say f*ck you. this message from egypt. Contact ...... " Copy here.
IMO: We'll see more of this now there is so much known mulcting of public funds by prominent politicians and officials, which encourages police violence and kettling at UK demos, to cover for the politicians. If the Tories get back, violence is likely to escalate. Police violence in the UK is nothing by EU standards - hardly any serious lathi charges for example - but it has become widespread and incompetent.
A message on the site reads "HACKED BY Red Virus. just for fun. I just want say f*ck you. this message from egypt. Contact ...... " Copy here.
IMO: We'll see more of this now there is so much known mulcting of public funds by prominent politicians and officials, which encourages police violence and kettling at UK demos, to cover for the politicians. If the Tories get back, violence is likely to escalate. Police violence in the UK is nothing by EU standards - hardly any serious lathi charges for example - but it has become widespread and incompetent.
Nuclear dream a noble cause
Obama's "Nuclear dream is a noble cause" say some commentators.
At the US-EU meeting in Prague, and on its fringes. Mr Obama made a dramatic announcement: he wants a world free of nuclear weapons. It is a tribute to his vision that he could even dream of such an eventuality. No more "rogue states" threatening peace, no more fears of deadly weapons falling into the hands of terrorists who could hold cities and countries to ransom.
IMO: Most sensible people would prefer that, but the question is how to do it.
Obama threatened punishment for North Korea, and demanded that Pyongyang should scrap its nuclear arms programmes. Meanwhile, he is engaged in complex negotiations on related questions. The position of Russia, the planned missile shield for the Czech Republic and Poland, and attempts to persuade Iran not to develop a nuclear weapons capacity, are all linked.
IMO: I think the North Korean issue should have been resolved peacefully by now. Certainly relatives of my friends died in the Korean war, and they have not been forgotten. It seems to me that shifty oligarchs like Putin can be reasoned with and do not really want more Chechnya style problems anyway. China has its own internal problems too, and China is such a joke it cannot even suppress the wouldbe friendly Dalai Lama, let alone actual enemies like its growing number of militant Islamists. Not that that is a criticism of Islam as such, but this all helps to show the world that just as Chairman Mao (a fine and great man IMO) made quite a few mistakes, so is China today making errors, possibly much more fatal than those of Mao. In fact in my opinion they are making more, but different, mistakes than Mao did. But they can be put right. The US can sort things out with Putin, and should not give much in return. The 'new kid on theblock' Obama should not be misled by ANY side. North Korea is a bigger problem for Russia than for the US. If I were running a nuclear Iran I would see Moscow as at least as good a target as New York, and much nearer. Think of the propaganda value in the 'stans, and proably less risk.
In the middle of the 19th century, Obama's hero Abraham Lincoln could not have imagined the magnitude of the questions an "imperial president" confronts in the early years of the 21st. But Abraham Lincoln would surely have approved of Mr Obama's determination to keep his country strong while he seeks peace. He would have liked his eloquence. And he would have admired his new relationship with his allies.
IMO: Fair enough, but Obama's methods will not leave us sleeping easy. Lincoln gave us the burning of Atlanta, and my impression is that the Czechs are not enthusiastic over Obama's US, and certainly everyone outside of Europe is wary now. Iran does not like the Taliban, and both the Taliban and Al Qaeda seem to actually be tolerated by the US administration. You can even read that message into Doonesbury. Whose side is Obama really on with his optimistic comments ?
At the US-EU meeting in Prague, and on its fringes. Mr Obama made a dramatic announcement: he wants a world free of nuclear weapons. It is a tribute to his vision that he could even dream of such an eventuality. No more "rogue states" threatening peace, no more fears of deadly weapons falling into the hands of terrorists who could hold cities and countries to ransom.
IMO: Most sensible people would prefer that, but the question is how to do it.
Obama threatened punishment for North Korea, and demanded that Pyongyang should scrap its nuclear arms programmes. Meanwhile, he is engaged in complex negotiations on related questions. The position of Russia, the planned missile shield for the Czech Republic and Poland, and attempts to persuade Iran not to develop a nuclear weapons capacity, are all linked.
IMO: I think the North Korean issue should have been resolved peacefully by now. Certainly relatives of my friends died in the Korean war, and they have not been forgotten. It seems to me that shifty oligarchs like Putin can be reasoned with and do not really want more Chechnya style problems anyway. China has its own internal problems too, and China is such a joke it cannot even suppress the wouldbe friendly Dalai Lama, let alone actual enemies like its growing number of militant Islamists. Not that that is a criticism of Islam as such, but this all helps to show the world that just as Chairman Mao (a fine and great man IMO) made quite a few mistakes, so is China today making errors, possibly much more fatal than those of Mao. In fact in my opinion they are making more, but different, mistakes than Mao did. But they can be put right. The US can sort things out with Putin, and should not give much in return. The 'new kid on theblock' Obama should not be misled by ANY side. North Korea is a bigger problem for Russia than for the US. If I were running a nuclear Iran I would see Moscow as at least as good a target as New York, and much nearer. Think of the propaganda value in the 'stans, and proably less risk.
In the middle of the 19th century, Obama's hero Abraham Lincoln could not have imagined the magnitude of the questions an "imperial president" confronts in the early years of the 21st. But Abraham Lincoln would surely have approved of Mr Obama's determination to keep his country strong while he seeks peace. He would have liked his eloquence. And he would have admired his new relationship with his allies.
IMO: Fair enough, but Obama's methods will not leave us sleeping easy. Lincoln gave us the burning of Atlanta, and my impression is that the Czechs are not enthusiastic over Obama's US, and certainly everyone outside of Europe is wary now. Iran does not like the Taliban, and both the Taliban and Al Qaeda seem to actually be tolerated by the US administration. You can even read that message into Doonesbury. Whose side is Obama really on with his optimistic comments ?
Sunday, April 05, 2009
George Fernandes
Seeking re-election from the Muzaffarpur constituency in Bihar as an independent candidate after being denied a party ticket, veteran socialist and JD(U) leader George Fernandes is undeterred and hopes that he can win the seat as a "people's candidate".
IMO: Hm, he is 79 and probably did not take more bribes than the rest of them, maybe best to let voters decide. No worse than allegations were made against him than of the current British Home secretary, but Indians probably took the Tehelkha allegations very seriously at the time - as indeed they should have done, and lets face it, Tehelkha has by now a better public record than poor old George. Obama is going to be more of a problem, it is now said not just that he is a "house nigger" but that he is "Putin's house nigger" - and many still remember the infamy of the West prior to WW2 and the bombing of the Skoda works.
IMO: Hm, he is 79 and probably did not take more bribes than the rest of them, maybe best to let voters decide. No worse than allegations were made against him than of the current British Home secretary, but Indians probably took the Tehelkha allegations very seriously at the time - as indeed they should have done, and lets face it, Tehelkha has by now a better public record than poor old George. Obama is going to be more of a problem, it is now said not just that he is a "house nigger" but that he is "Putin's house nigger" - and many still remember the infamy of the West prior to WW2 and the bombing of the Skoda works.
Friday, April 03, 2009
Manmohan Singh
Manmohan Singh is the strongest Prime Minister the country has ever had, according to some commentators.
The Manmohan Singh government has completed five years in office -- A significant achievement, considering the diverse interests and visions of allies of the UPA government. Despite being primarily a bureaucrat and economist, not a politician, he has succeeded in keeping the party and alliance intact, and in giving the nation a stable government.
The hope of the world. Manmohan Singh is called the ‘Father of Indian Reforms’ thanks to his efforts as Finance Minister in the P V Narasimha Rao government in the 1990s. As Prime Minister, he went ahead with fiscal reforms like rationalising the tax system. The steps his government has taken to arrest the economic slowdown are showing positive results.
Now, all nations hope that India can help boost the ailing global economy. Manmohan Singh has to come back to power if the momentum of economic revival must continue.
IMO: A lot of sense in that view. Unlike Gordon Brown, Singh really does understand economics and with a potential current Indian growth rate of at least 4% and possibly much more, weight of numbers means that, allowing for no war caused by Pakistan, India in a true and internationally beneficial sense, can have enormous expansion. But India does need a true post-industrial economy - I do not mean that in the weak sense of Bell - or if to say that is confusing, it could be called a post-post-industrial economy. I do not want to speculate off the cuff what this may involve, but certainly global warming and the power of the oligarchies are two problems. But to begin with, University expansion, perhaps another 1500 Universities soon, is an important step which people are trying to start with. And of course, the important work of Mamata Banerjee, whose Trinamool Congress is now allied with Manmohan Singh's party, gives a clue as to proceedings on the oligarchy matter.
The Manmohan Singh government has completed five years in office -- A significant achievement, considering the diverse interests and visions of allies of the UPA government. Despite being primarily a bureaucrat and economist, not a politician, he has succeeded in keeping the party and alliance intact, and in giving the nation a stable government.
The hope of the world. Manmohan Singh is called the ‘Father of Indian Reforms’ thanks to his efforts as Finance Minister in the P V Narasimha Rao government in the 1990s. As Prime Minister, he went ahead with fiscal reforms like rationalising the tax system. The steps his government has taken to arrest the economic slowdown are showing positive results.
Now, all nations hope that India can help boost the ailing global economy. Manmohan Singh has to come back to power if the momentum of economic revival must continue.
IMO: A lot of sense in that view. Unlike Gordon Brown, Singh really does understand economics and with a potential current Indian growth rate of at least 4% and possibly much more, weight of numbers means that, allowing for no war caused by Pakistan, India in a true and internationally beneficial sense, can have enormous expansion. But India does need a true post-industrial economy - I do not mean that in the weak sense of Bell - or if to say that is confusing, it could be called a post-post-industrial economy. I do not want to speculate off the cuff what this may involve, but certainly global warming and the power of the oligarchies are two problems. But to begin with, University expansion, perhaps another 1500 Universities soon, is an important step which people are trying to start with. And of course, the important work of Mamata Banerjee, whose Trinamool Congress is now allied with Manmohan Singh's party, gives a clue as to proceedings on the oligarchy matter.
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