Saturday, March 27, 2010
Obama Tax-Hike Plan
Obama's budget proposal calls for $989 billion in new taxes over the next 10 years, most of which will be earned from increased taxes on individuals who make more than $200,000 and from families who make more than $250,000.
"Those who are going to be taxed more are obviously going to complain but I think they may miss the point," said Lisa Rotenstein, the chair of the Harvard Healthcare Policy Group at the Institute of Politics. "This could have broader implications for the American economy as a whole improved health care means a healthier workforce that is more productive," said Rotenstein.
IMO: In the UK, it is a pity Gordon Brown cannot seem to want to tax high earners like most MPs and bankers. Ariely and others have shown that by and large, high pay can reduce rather than increase productivity and the USA now seems to accept this. Why must a supposedly 'left wing' UK party in power be less egalitarian than the (actually well to the right) US Democrats ? This UK situation could be improved if people were given better voting rights, and Labor could get more votes. The average UK person wants money in his pocket, not in the pockets of the wealthy. And as for the wealthy all going to Switzerland, the Swiss do not want these non Swiss idlers and Swizerland nearly went bankrupt through their actions and those of UBS - just like Iceland.
"Those who are going to be taxed more are obviously going to complain but I think they may miss the point," said Lisa Rotenstein, the chair of the Harvard Healthcare Policy Group at the Institute of Politics. "This could have broader implications for the American economy as a whole improved health care means a healthier workforce that is more productive," said Rotenstein.
IMO: In the UK, it is a pity Gordon Brown cannot seem to want to tax high earners like most MPs and bankers. Ariely and others have shown that by and large, high pay can reduce rather than increase productivity and the USA now seems to accept this. Why must a supposedly 'left wing' UK party in power be less egalitarian than the (actually well to the right) US Democrats ? This UK situation could be improved if people were given better voting rights, and Labor could get more votes. The average UK person wants money in his pocket, not in the pockets of the wealthy. And as for the wealthy all going to Switzerland, the Swiss do not want these non Swiss idlers and Swizerland nearly went bankrupt through their actions and those of UBS - just like Iceland.
Friday, March 26, 2010
Vets are four times more likely to kill themselves than the average person
The phenomenon could be explained by the stress they face in having to put down animals, as research, described in the "Veterinary Record" on March 27, suggests. Research paper here.
"Veterinary surgeons are often asked to end the lives of animals, either directly in the case of euthanasia, or indirectly in the case of involvement in the slaughter of meat producing livestock," neuroscientists Mr David Bartram and Dr David Baldwin, of the University of Southampton, said.
The suicide rate amongst vets is twice that of doctors and dentists, is about the same for males and females, and seems to apply throughout most of the Western world.
IMO: Interesting result, which probably relates in a fascinating way both to the slaughter of animals in a way counter to Indian cultural tradition and also to the possible results to the individual from killing victims other than animals, as in warfare.
"Veterinary surgeons are often asked to end the lives of animals, either directly in the case of euthanasia, or indirectly in the case of involvement in the slaughter of meat producing livestock," neuroscientists Mr David Bartram and Dr David Baldwin, of the University of Southampton, said.
The suicide rate amongst vets is twice that of doctors and dentists, is about the same for males and females, and seems to apply throughout most of the Western world.
IMO: Interesting result, which probably relates in a fascinating way both to the slaughter of animals in a way counter to Indian cultural tradition and also to the possible results to the individual from killing victims other than animals, as in warfare.
India test-fires 'Prithvi-II' and 'Dhanush' missiles
Balasore (Orissa), Mar 27, (PTI): India today successfully test-fired indigenously developed ballistic missiles 'Prithvi-II' and 'Dhanush' from different locations off the Orissa coast, adding more firepower to the armed forces.
With a nine-metre length and one-metre diameter, Prithvi- II uses an advanced inertial guidance system with manoeuvring trajectory and reach the targets with a few metre accuracy. The entire trajectory of today's trial was tracked down by a battery of sophisticated radars and an electro-optic telemetry stations were positioned in different locations for post-launch analysis, defence sources said.
The nuclear-capable 'Dhanush', the naval version of Prithvi, followed the pre-designated trajectory with text-book precision and two naval ships located near the target have tracked the splash, sources said. The 350-km range missile will give the Navy the capability to attack enemy targets with great precision.
With a nine-metre length and one-metre diameter, Prithvi- II uses an advanced inertial guidance system with manoeuvring trajectory and reach the targets with a few metre accuracy. The entire trajectory of today's trial was tracked down by a battery of sophisticated radars and an electro-optic telemetry stations were positioned in different locations for post-launch analysis, defence sources said.
The nuclear-capable 'Dhanush', the naval version of Prithvi, followed the pre-designated trajectory with text-book precision and two naval ships located near the target have tracked the splash, sources said. The 350-km range missile will give the Navy the capability to attack enemy targets with great precision.
Headley names 6 Pak armymen in Karachi Project
David Coleman Headley has identified five-six serving officers of Pakistan army among the leaders of the Karachi Project, which seeks to organize attacks on India through fugitive Indian jihadis being sheltered in Karachi by the ISI-Lashkar combine. Sources said that besides serving Majors Samir Ali and Iqbal of Pakistan army, Headley has told his FBI handlers about the role of one Colonel Shah and at least two other officers of the Pakistan army in the Karachi Project.
His disclosures demolish Pakistan's claim that terrorism against India being directed from its soil was limited to non-state actors.
IMO: Solicitor general Gopal Subramanium says that under international law, the US is under obligation to hand over the Lashkar-e Taiba operative as the Extradition Treaty between the US and India was binding on the two countries as per international covenants. But it is fairly obvious that the USA has been consistently fomenting violence outside its borders for over a century, to gain financial advantage for its plutocrats, often at the expense of the lives of its own citizens. I'm no Lord Haw-Haw but I think that maybe the US would do well to cease this activity of fomenting violence, for its own good if for no civilised reason. But it seems likely that the US will simply continue to flout international law, as is its custom. You'd think perhaps that Obama would take a view to at least help the African-American voters, but he is probably afraid to do so, particularly bearing in mind the crazy, violent teabaggers.
His disclosures demolish Pakistan's claim that terrorism against India being directed from its soil was limited to non-state actors.
IMO: Solicitor general Gopal Subramanium says that under international law, the US is under obligation to hand over the Lashkar-e Taiba operative as the Extradition Treaty between the US and India was binding on the two countries as per international covenants. But it is fairly obvious that the USA has been consistently fomenting violence outside its borders for over a century, to gain financial advantage for its plutocrats, often at the expense of the lives of its own citizens. I'm no Lord Haw-Haw but I think that maybe the US would do well to cease this activity of fomenting violence, for its own good if for no civilised reason. But it seems likely that the US will simply continue to flout international law, as is its custom. You'd think perhaps that Obama would take a view to at least help the African-American voters, but he is probably afraid to do so, particularly bearing in mind the crazy, violent teabaggers.
Thursday, March 25, 2010
UK Council cuts down 6,000 trees to act as deterrent at 'dogging' site
Friends of the Earth, said: "To remove thousands and thousands of mature trees is absurd. The conifer trees in this area are very valuable in providing windbreaks and attracting rainfall to the area."
Chief Executive of the TaxPayers' Alliance, said: "It's awful that a public green space, an asset to the local community, has been destroyed mindlessly.
Lancashire Police's Darwen Neighbourhood Policing team said "It's far too early to tell if cutting the trees back has had any impact on the dogging situation, but we'll be paying regular attention to the area."
"Dogging" is a term often used to describe sexual congress, usually in public and of a nature regarded by many as perverted. In fact the usual common side effects are those such as syphilis, AIDS and other STDs. The dogging people will almost certainly just carry on elsewhere.
IMO: The English have by now killed many of the local animals, Shambo being a typical case, and are obviously have now had to look for plants as victims to satisfy their perverted lusts for murder.
Chief Executive of the TaxPayers' Alliance, said: "It's awful that a public green space, an asset to the local community, has been destroyed mindlessly.
Lancashire Police's Darwen Neighbourhood Policing team said "It's far too early to tell if cutting the trees back has had any impact on the dogging situation, but we'll be paying regular attention to the area."
"Dogging" is a term often used to describe sexual congress, usually in public and of a nature regarded by many as perverted. In fact the usual common side effects are those such as syphilis, AIDS and other STDs. The dogging people will almost certainly just carry on elsewhere.
IMO: The English have by now killed many of the local animals, Shambo being a typical case, and are obviously have now had to look for plants as victims to satisfy their perverted lusts for murder.
Patricia Hewitt
In a staggering move the board of Eurotunnel have voted to make the disgraced Patricia Hewitt a director. Even after her fifty grand golden goodbye, Hewitt is not content with just being a director of Boots, BT, Cinven and Barclays. She shamelessly lists her government roles on the proposed motion being put to shareholders in May.
IMO: Shocking ! This seems to bear all the hallmarks of clumsy corruption. I really do not think the present UK Govt is any worse than the precious Tory administration, but after the UK "Telegraph" disclosures on parliamentary swindles, it is probable that the electorate should seriously demand an improvement in voting procedures at elections VERY SOON.
IMO: Shocking ! This seems to bear all the hallmarks of clumsy corruption. I really do not think the present UK Govt is any worse than the precious Tory administration, but after the UK "Telegraph" disclosures on parliamentary swindles, it is probable that the electorate should seriously demand an improvement in voting procedures at elections VERY SOON.
Videos of police brutality in Vasai
Vivek Pandit lashes DF govt, to take issue to NHRC.
“I am planning to take the issue to the United Nations Human Rights Council,” Pandit, a Shiv Sena-backed legislator and founder of Shramjeevi Sanghatana told reporters here. He also came down heavily on Chief Minister Ashok Chavan and Home Minister R R Patil for the lathicharge.
IMO: Videos are at the following places.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6P5d4bSKKm4
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=npBNBJfKRP4
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LDs3jRWH-uA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PAHh7cNE7fk
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cyheb_So3_U
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ie4X7YwrS44
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rxLUOLfYghg
“I am planning to take the issue to the United Nations Human Rights Council,” Pandit, a Shiv Sena-backed legislator and founder of Shramjeevi Sanghatana told reporters here. He also came down heavily on Chief Minister Ashok Chavan and Home Minister R R Patil for the lathicharge.
IMO: Videos are at the following places.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6P5d4bSKKm4
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=npBNBJfKRP4
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LDs3jRWH-uA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PAHh7cNE7fk
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cyheb_So3_U
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ie4X7YwrS44
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rxLUOLfYghg
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
George W. Bush mistakes Bill Clinton's shirt for toilet paper
George W. Bush and Bill Clinton were touring slums in Haiti, presumably to win votes, sponsor corruption, or some such thing. Bush apparently found something gross on his hand after one flesh-press, so he wiped off his palms on Bill Clinton's shirt.
Commenters point out : "That's disgusting. Who knows where Bill Clinton's shirt has been?"
"Can't provide a citation (too lazy) but I recently read about how Clinton pointed out that he & GW have become fairly good friends over the years. I can only imagine that it must mostly a case of having a shared experience of a pretty extreme sort; being king - err, sorry *president* - is not a job I'd accept".
IMO: I am minded of the 'former Presidents of Sierra Leone' conferences which have allegedly been frequently held in West African cities near Sierra Leone. Conakry from memory.
Commenters point out : "That's disgusting. Who knows where Bill Clinton's shirt has been?"
"Can't provide a citation (too lazy) but I recently read about how Clinton pointed out that he & GW have become fairly good friends over the years. I can only imagine that it must mostly a case of having a shared experience of a pretty extreme sort; being king - err, sorry *president* - is not a job I'd accept".
IMO: I am minded of the 'former Presidents of Sierra Leone' conferences which have allegedly been frequently held in West African cities near Sierra Leone. Conakry from memory.
BJP accuses US of double standards on Headley
The Bharatiya Janata Party on Wednesday accused the US of double standards over Mumbai terror suspect David Headley and said he should be brought to India for interrogation. Headley has said that he attended terrorist camps in Pakistan.
BJP claim 'Pakistan has been and is an ally of the US. Our worry is that the US will not permit revealing anything that projects, in this case without a shred of doubt, Pakistan's involvement in perpetrating terror in the sub-continent. If India was indeed denied access to Headley, we shall not know about the roles played by the so called state and non-state actors (in Pakistan)'. 'On one hand it is telling India to stand with it against terrorism. And on the other (it is) providing regular support to Pakistan which has done nothing to stop terrorism against India from its soil.'
IMO: Unfortunately for Pakistan, UK experience of being an 'ally' of the US meant that the US drained the wealth of the British Empire for its own purposes during and after World War II, so that the US actually made a profit from the British over WW II. Pakistan is a failed state and the US vultures are swooping in for the kill. It will be good if social structures and education can be improved in Pakistan by US efforts, of course, and in particular the level of religious tolerance in Pakistan needs to be increased. Abdus Salam, in particular, complained to me that even he was being persecuted, apparently because he belonged to the 'wrong' caste or baraderi in Pakistan ! Certainly the US cannot be noted for religious tolerance either, and the UK seem to be trying to base new caste discrimination laws on the pattern of Indian caste discrimination law which was developed after the Brits had been thrown out of India. I would certainly recommend that any scientist who goes to Pakistan needs to be extremely wary - my old friend David Bohm's treatment during the fascist and racist McCarthy period in US is apparently nothing compared to what scientists could encounter in Pakistan, so whilst ANY improvement in the wretched place can only be good, I would not care to even set a foot on Pakistani soil right now. A lot of people in the USA do not realise that even Albert Einstein nearly got jailed during the US MacCarthy days, and intolerance seems to have no boundaries.
BJP claim 'Pakistan has been and is an ally of the US. Our worry is that the US will not permit revealing anything that projects, in this case without a shred of doubt, Pakistan's involvement in perpetrating terror in the sub-continent. If India was indeed denied access to Headley, we shall not know about the roles played by the so called state and non-state actors (in Pakistan)'. 'On one hand it is telling India to stand with it against terrorism. And on the other (it is) providing regular support to Pakistan which has done nothing to stop terrorism against India from its soil.'
IMO: Unfortunately for Pakistan, UK experience of being an 'ally' of the US meant that the US drained the wealth of the British Empire for its own purposes during and after World War II, so that the US actually made a profit from the British over WW II. Pakistan is a failed state and the US vultures are swooping in for the kill. It will be good if social structures and education can be improved in Pakistan by US efforts, of course, and in particular the level of religious tolerance in Pakistan needs to be increased. Abdus Salam, in particular, complained to me that even he was being persecuted, apparently because he belonged to the 'wrong' caste or baraderi in Pakistan ! Certainly the US cannot be noted for religious tolerance either, and the UK seem to be trying to base new caste discrimination laws on the pattern of Indian caste discrimination law which was developed after the Brits had been thrown out of India. I would certainly recommend that any scientist who goes to Pakistan needs to be extremely wary - my old friend David Bohm's treatment during the fascist and racist McCarthy period in US is apparently nothing compared to what scientists could encounter in Pakistan, so whilst ANY improvement in the wretched place can only be good, I would not care to even set a foot on Pakistani soil right now. A lot of people in the USA do not realise that even Albert Einstein nearly got jailed during the US MacCarthy days, and intolerance seems to have no boundaries.
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Obama's healthcare bill succeeds
The US healthcare system is the most costly in the world and reforming it has been a high priority for Barack Obama, the US president. The healthcare bill passed by the House of Representative on March 21 represents a big win for the president, but getting there has not been easy for Obama, elected in November 2008 with healthcare reform a major campaign pledge.
IMO: For all the many faults in the Obama regime, this could be the greatest US achievement in the last 40 years, allowing Obama to go down in history as a great US president, with Roosevelt and Truman. There are going to be many problems with implementation however, and one is minded of the wise comments of Leslie Chapman, whose views the UK tried rather badly to implement during the Thatcher years on many administrational matters, and also of the rather dismal failure of 'terrible Tony' and his largely failed public-private-partnership attempts. But the UK NHS somehow continues to exist, thanks to the wise and painstaking work of Beveridge many years ago, and even for the rather different USA situation, the Beveridge report still could provide some guidelines. We can only hope for the best, certainly this should be better than no healthcare reform, and if properly done could be marvellous.
IMO: For all the many faults in the Obama regime, this could be the greatest US achievement in the last 40 years, allowing Obama to go down in history as a great US president, with Roosevelt and Truman. There are going to be many problems with implementation however, and one is minded of the wise comments of Leslie Chapman, whose views the UK tried rather badly to implement during the Thatcher years on many administrational matters, and also of the rather dismal failure of 'terrible Tony' and his largely failed public-private-partnership attempts. But the UK NHS somehow continues to exist, thanks to the wise and painstaking work of Beveridge many years ago, and even for the rather different USA situation, the Beveridge report still could provide some guidelines. We can only hope for the best, certainly this should be better than no healthcare reform, and if properly done could be marvellous.
New Brahmos supersonic cruise missile has "no equivalent"
The missile, which was fired at 11.30 a.m. from INS Ranvir, climbed 200 metres vertically, then manoeuvred at supersonic speeds to cruise horizontally before smashing into the vessel INS Meen. This is the 22nd launch of BrahMos, which has already been inducted into the Army and the Navy. It has been jointly developed by India and Russia. Dr. Pillai said there were several advantages when the missile was launched vertically from a ship. It provided 360 degrees coverage of the target. In a vertical mode, the space it occupied in the ship was less. The missile could be totally hidden. This vertical launch was uniquely designed.
Dr. Pillai called BrahMos “a formidable weapon”, which had “no equivalent.” It had a successful track record. The missile is nine-metre long and weighs three tonnes. It can fly at almost three times the speed of sound, can carry nuclear and conventional warheads weighing 620 to 660 pounds (280 to 300 kilograms), and can reach targets 290 km away.
Dr. Pillai called BrahMos “a formidable weapon”, which had “no equivalent.” It had a successful track record. The missile is nine-metre long and weighs three tonnes. It can fly at almost three times the speed of sound, can carry nuclear and conventional warheads weighing 620 to 660 pounds (280 to 300 kilograms), and can reach targets 290 km away.
Saturday, March 20, 2010
What's going on in US banking ?
Investigators looking into corruption involving reconstruction in Iraq say they have opened more than 50 new cases in six months by scrutinizing large cash transactions - involving banks, land deals, loan payments, casinos and even plastic surgery - made by some of the Americans involved in the nearly $150 billion program. Some of the cases involve people who are suspected of having mailed tens of thousands of dollars to themselves from Iraq, or of having stuffed the money into duffel bags and suitcases when leaving the country, the federal investigators said. In other cases, millions of dollars were moved through wire transfers. Suspects then used cash to buy BMWs, Humvees and expensive jewelry, or to pay off enormous casino debts. Some suspects also tried to conceal foreign bank accounts in Ghana, Switzerland, the Netherlands and Britain, the investigators said, while in other cases, cash was simply found stacked in home safes.
There have already been dozens of indictments and convictions for corruption since the 2003 invasion of Iraq. But the new cases seem to confirm what investigators have long speculated: that the chaos, weak oversight and wide use of cash payments in the reconstruction program in Iraq allowed many more Americans who took bribes or stole money to get off scot-free.
IMO: Well, that is at least the tip of the iceberg in US banking corruption. In the 'good old days' of Joe Stalin, and possibly even today in China, characters like George W. Bush, Alan Greenspan, Bill Clinton, John McCain and Bernie Madoff would have been executed.
US Healthcare
Americans will pretty much spend their last dime to squeeze the last breath out of life before departing - kicking and screaming. They do not go gentle into the night, as the poet Dylan Thomas wrote; they'll rage, rage against the dying of the light.
Now all this has been a boost for medical companies in the US, and often for quack remedies. Recently there was a theft from Eli Lilly of $75 million worth of "happy drugs", crap like Prozac, which presumably will now be sold off on eBay and elsewhere.
The Obama healthcare bill is very soon to be voted on.
IMO: When the Obama bill for free healthcare has been finally broken by the fools, and by criminals who want to profit from the poor and needy, maybe social activism will have serious and continued effects on the big drug companies in the USA. Those who want to break the Obama bill are simply bringing more problems on themselves, long term reduction in profits to the medical companies, and poor health to the American nation.
Now all this has been a boost for medical companies in the US, and often for quack remedies. Recently there was a theft from Eli Lilly of $75 million worth of "happy drugs", crap like Prozac, which presumably will now be sold off on eBay and elsewhere.
The Obama healthcare bill is very soon to be voted on.
IMO: When the Obama bill for free healthcare has been finally broken by the fools, and by criminals who want to profit from the poor and needy, maybe social activism will have serious and continued effects on the big drug companies in the USA. Those who want to break the Obama bill are simply bringing more problems on themselves, long term reduction in profits to the medical companies, and poor health to the American nation.
Protest against lathicharge in Vasai
Thousands of villagers from all over Thane district gathered at Saket Road on Sunday under the banner of Shramajeevi Sanghatana to protest against the police lathicharge on Vasai MLA Vivek Pandit and his supporters on March 5. Pandit said their agitation was against the state government for democracy and freedom. “Whatever our freedom fighters fought for, they sacrificed their lives for freedom, and the Chavan government has snatched away that freedom and made slaves out of people. It is time for people to revive democracy and the freedom struggle. This is just the beginning, the battle is yet to be fought.”
He added that the real culprits behind the lathicharge were sitting in the Mantralaya. “We have no problems with the hands that hit us but with the heads behind them,” he said. On the exclusion of the 53 villages, Pandit said that mafias are after the land of the villagers and that the state government is an agent. He said they would intensify the agitation if they do not get justice.
IMO: I would not like to see further agitation of course and I hope that disputes do not escalate to the point reached, for example, in Singur and Nandigram, but the villagers have fair complaints and Congress should deal fairly with these if they wish to regain any acceptance whatsoever in Maharashtra. The Congress party could end up being phased out of existence forever if it does not mend its ways, as its present stature is flimsy.
Friday, March 19, 2010
Congress-NCP views and methods criticised
Opposition Shiv Sena-BJP decided not to attend the customary tea party hosted by chief minister Ashok Chavan on the eve of the budget session of Maharashtra legislature. "The law and order situation in the state is in a shambles...there has been no headway in last month's Pune blast and innocents have been thrashed in Vasai by police," leader of opposition in Legislative Assembly Eknath Khadse said, saying Sena-BJP would boycott the tea party.
IMO: This matter was referred to earlier in this blog, when MLA Vivek Pandit was himself made a victim of police brutality.
Gulf News, hardly a supporter of MNS-Sena, even pointed out as well that the shortage of power and drinking water has become a matter of concern across Maharashtra where drought has been declared in more than 20,000 villages. The opposition plans to demand a detailed report on the relief packages for the scarcity-hit areas.
IMO: All this is true, and is an unfortunate further example of Delhi ignoring the requirements of the manoos. Congress have been lucky to retain existence in India. This has been partly because of clever politics involving coalitions and partly because of a probably correct feeling that moderate policies and not empty biased rhetoric are what the Indian voters want. But this situation may not continue after they have started to beat up MLAs because Congress seems currently opposed to positive change and opposed to a non-mafia regime in Mumbai. A backward looking Govt and a Mafia regime are not what Indian voters want anywhere in India, and whilst Trinamool congress have up to a point tried to ease the Maharashtra situation for Congress, Congress party and the Sonia regime need to pull up their socks.
IMO: This matter was referred to earlier in this blog, when MLA Vivek Pandit was himself made a victim of police brutality.
Gulf News, hardly a supporter of MNS-Sena, even pointed out as well that the shortage of power and drinking water has become a matter of concern across Maharashtra where drought has been declared in more than 20,000 villages. The opposition plans to demand a detailed report on the relief packages for the scarcity-hit areas.
IMO: All this is true, and is an unfortunate further example of Delhi ignoring the requirements of the manoos. Congress have been lucky to retain existence in India. This has been partly because of clever politics involving coalitions and partly because of a probably correct feeling that moderate policies and not empty biased rhetoric are what the Indian voters want. But this situation may not continue after they have started to beat up MLAs because Congress seems currently opposed to positive change and opposed to a non-mafia regime in Mumbai. A backward looking Govt and a Mafia regime are not what Indian voters want anywhere in India, and whilst Trinamool congress have up to a point tried to ease the Maharashtra situation for Congress, Congress party and the Sonia regime need to pull up their socks.
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
U.S.tries to halt Armenian genocide measure
March 14: The Obama administration on Friday sought to limit fallout from a resolution branding the World War One-era massacre of Armenians by Turkish forces as “genocide,” and vowed to stop it from going further in Congress. Turkey was infuriated and recalled its ambassador after a House of Representatives committee on Thursday approved the nonbinding measure condemning killings that took place nearly 100 years ago, in the last days of the Ottoman Empire. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton declared Congress should drop the matter now.”The Obama administration strongly opposes the resolution and will work very hard to make sure it does not go to the House floor,” she said in Guatemala City.
Remember how Obama vowed to support the measure during the campaign, netting considerable support from Armenian-Americans as a result. Well, like everything else he had vowed, since his election he has reversed his stance on this issue too, and now vehemently opposes it. Surprised? I didn’t think so!
IMO: Obama has been a great disappointment to very many people, but at least he has made a mild effort to improve US healthcare. On Armenia, the current state of "genocide denial" in Turkey and in the Obama administration reminds one that the US would probably also be Jewish "holocaust deniers" if they could find political gain. I like Turkey and admire Ataturk, but it seems to me that Armenian genocide denial will be counterproductive to possible EU involvements, as Armenia is a Christian country and Christians usually do not want genocide for other Christians. Also the latest Sibel Edmonds information in boilingfrogs confirms the status.
Remember how Obama vowed to support the measure during the campaign, netting considerable support from Armenian-Americans as a result. Well, like everything else he had vowed, since his election he has reversed his stance on this issue too, and now vehemently opposes it. Surprised? I didn’t think so!
IMO: Obama has been a great disappointment to very many people, but at least he has made a mild effort to improve US healthcare. On Armenia, the current state of "genocide denial" in Turkey and in the Obama administration reminds one that the US would probably also be Jewish "holocaust deniers" if they could find political gain. I like Turkey and admire Ataturk, but it seems to me that Armenian genocide denial will be counterproductive to possible EU involvements, as Armenia is a Christian country and Christians usually do not want genocide for other Christians. Also the latest Sibel Edmonds information in boilingfrogs confirms the status.
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Vasai Road to be centre of multifunctional rail complex
Didi said that Vasai Road would be a chosen station to be added to the list of multifunctional rail complexes. According to Railway officials this comes as good news as this would not only upgrade the stations but also bring in revenue.
There are reasonable hopes, therefore, that the same advantages will occur in Vasai that Vashi has already.
Vashi has this facility and has therefore emerged as an ideal residential-cum-commercial destination in Navi Mumbai. Vashi Station Complex, built on a 7,57,289 sq ft area at the entrance of Vashi node is a top-class railway station. It is well planned and has all the modern facilities and infrastructure, attractive to businesses and individuals alike.Beautiful green areas and a lot of open space nearby are the biggest advantages. As long as Vivek Pandit represents us, and Mamata Banerjee remains as the transport controller, we can hope for similar advantages, rather than the concrete jungle others seem to want.
Several software companies and large/medium sized companies have already moved to Vashi. Reputed builders have chosen Vashi as their preferred destination. A major advantage of Vashi in terms of residential space is the reputed schools and colleges - we already have some facities in Vasai and doubtless these can increase. With all these facilities, Vashi is also ahead in other services like hospitals, entertainment, etc. NMMC Hospital and many Navi Mumbai hospitals are providing medical facilities. Vashi has emerged as the best residential option in Navi Mumbai. It has far lesser pollution than Mumbai, and the rates are comparatively affordable.
IMO: We may hope that Vasai may emerge as the best area in Mumbai, if not the whole of India. As it is Vasai leads Mumbai in sex equality. For example it has probably the first and only woman autorickshaw driver in the entire Mumbai metropolitan region.
There are reasonable hopes, therefore, that the same advantages will occur in Vasai that Vashi has already.
Vashi has this facility and has therefore emerged as an ideal residential-cum-commercial destination in Navi Mumbai. Vashi Station Complex, built on a 7,57,289 sq ft area at the entrance of Vashi node is a top-class railway station. It is well planned and has all the modern facilities and infrastructure, attractive to businesses and individuals alike.Beautiful green areas and a lot of open space nearby are the biggest advantages. As long as Vivek Pandit represents us, and Mamata Banerjee remains as the transport controller, we can hope for similar advantages, rather than the concrete jungle others seem to want.
Several software companies and large/medium sized companies have already moved to Vashi. Reputed builders have chosen Vashi as their preferred destination. A major advantage of Vashi in terms of residential space is the reputed schools and colleges - we already have some facities in Vasai and doubtless these can increase. With all these facilities, Vashi is also ahead in other services like hospitals, entertainment, etc. NMMC Hospital and many Navi Mumbai hospitals are providing medical facilities. Vashi has emerged as the best residential option in Navi Mumbai. It has far lesser pollution than Mumbai, and the rates are comparatively affordable.
IMO: We may hope that Vasai may emerge as the best area in Mumbai, if not the whole of India. As it is Vasai leads Mumbai in sex equality. For example it has probably the first and only woman autorickshaw driver in the entire Mumbai metropolitan region.
Friday, March 12, 2010
London Olympics
The Olympics are coming to London, so UK liberties are going out the window: because nothing epitomises the spirit of global competition and cooperation like corporate bullying and unfettered truncheon-waving. Police will have powers to enter private homes and seize posters, and will be able to stop people carrying non-sponsor items to sporting events.
What on earth is a "non-sponsor item"? My trousers aren't sponsored by anyone, are the police then going to be seizing my trousers if I go to the Olympics?
IMO: Worse, we all knew the original Olympic logo had to be replaced as it was clearly a 'goatse' picture of a man's anus being held open really widely. But the current logo actually shows Lisa Simpson performing oral sex, probably on Homer Simpson. More difficult to see, but it could be said to be intentional. So, is the London Olympics about to become the "World Mecca of Pedophilia" ? Just as some say Lake Tahoe is the "World Mecca of Cannibalism" (and now Pedophilia). It figures, for it will have the usual censorship and buck-passing that goes with such things, like corrupt police confiscation of property for ill defined reasons. At this rate, 'Little Ted' will be taken as typical British entertaiment. At least it could be a better image than that of the usual drunken English females vomiting in the streets, as on UK television.
What on earth is a "non-sponsor item"? My trousers aren't sponsored by anyone, are the police then going to be seizing my trousers if I go to the Olympics?
IMO: Worse, we all knew the original Olympic logo had to be replaced as it was clearly a 'goatse' picture of a man's anus being held open really widely. But the current logo actually shows Lisa Simpson performing oral sex, probably on Homer Simpson. More difficult to see, but it could be said to be intentional. So, is the London Olympics about to become the "World Mecca of Pedophilia" ? Just as some say Lake Tahoe is the "World Mecca of Cannibalism" (and now Pedophilia). It figures, for it will have the usual censorship and buck-passing that goes with such things, like corrupt police confiscation of property for ill defined reasons. At this rate, 'Little Ted' will be taken as typical British entertaiment. At least it could be a better image than that of the usual drunken English females vomiting in the streets, as on UK television.
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Vasai disturbance - news so far
The state government on Wednesday accepted the exclusion of 30 of the 53 villages and assured that a final decision on the remaining 23 villages would be taken before the budget session on March 18. Chief minister Ashok Chavan held a meeting with Vasai MLA Vivek Pandit, who is in the forefront of the agitation to exclude the villages, at his residence Varsha on Wednesday night.
“Chavan said 30 of the 53 villages would be excluded and the demands of the rest of the 23 villages would be addressed later. But, I opposed the proposal because 16 of the 23 villages fall under the green zone,” Pandit told DNA. At the meeting, Pandit also demanded that the Vasai municipal council continue to exist. “I emphasised that the council should be allowed to carry out development works. It can be merged with the municipal corporation after some time,” Pandit said, adding, “The government did not listen to our demands till there was a violent agitation,” Pandit said.
Pandit was on a hunger strike last week to press his demand to exclude 53 villages. On March 5, the police forcefully admitted him to the Thane civil hospital. The police action had led to violence in Vasai resulting in damage to pubic property.
IMO: I agree with Vivek Pandit. For example, the fact that 16 of the 23 villages fall under the green zone makes the proposal outrageous. Anyone who lives here without a special interest just has to look at Sativali to see that.
“Chavan said 30 of the 53 villages would be excluded and the demands of the rest of the 23 villages would be addressed later. But, I opposed the proposal because 16 of the 23 villages fall under the green zone,” Pandit told DNA. At the meeting, Pandit also demanded that the Vasai municipal council continue to exist. “I emphasised that the council should be allowed to carry out development works. It can be merged with the municipal corporation after some time,” Pandit said, adding, “The government did not listen to our demands till there was a violent agitation,” Pandit said.
Pandit was on a hunger strike last week to press his demand to exclude 53 villages. On March 5, the police forcefully admitted him to the Thane civil hospital. The police action had led to violence in Vasai resulting in damage to pubic property.
IMO: I agree with Vivek Pandit. For example, the fact that 16 of the 23 villages fall under the green zone makes the proposal outrageous. Anyone who lives here without a special interest just has to look at Sativali to see that.
Unfortunate Vasai meeting on 5th March
Reports say:
S.P. Devraj came with police force and special S.R.P police squad and started attacking the mob. It was an atrocious attack and they never considered women or old aged people while attacking. They were doing continuous 'Lathi' attack along with water force. Activists were trying to stop police at reaching towards stage, but police reached there by kicking women . Vidyulata Pandit and Sneha Pandit were on stage with Vivek Pandit. Police even attacked a person aged 80. Police were pulling Vivek Pandit, they threw off his oxygen mask.
The police gave a darker shade to this peaceful agitation. Many supporters had serious injuries. Supporters from Ambernath were coming to meet Vivek pandit. but police never allowed them to meet. Police started beating them and then represent them at vasai court. Many leaders got serious injuries including Vidyullata pandit, Dominica dabre, Milind Khanolkar. Police forcely admitted Vivek Pandit at civil hospital, Thane. Vivek Pandit refused to take treatment to protest the attack. Vidyullata Pandit demands the suspension of related police officials and tahsil officer.
IMO: A most unfortunate matter. The Vasai police station in Vasai East seems quiet and calm at the moment.
S.P. Devraj came with police force and special S.R.P police squad and started attacking the mob. It was an atrocious attack and they never considered women or old aged people while attacking. They were doing continuous 'Lathi' attack along with water force. Activists were trying to stop police at reaching towards stage, but police reached there by kicking women . Vidyulata Pandit and Sneha Pandit were on stage with Vivek Pandit. Police even attacked a person aged 80. Police were pulling Vivek Pandit, they threw off his oxygen mask.
The police gave a darker shade to this peaceful agitation. Many supporters had serious injuries. Supporters from Ambernath were coming to meet Vivek pandit. but police never allowed them to meet. Police started beating them and then represent them at vasai court. Many leaders got serious injuries including Vidyullata pandit, Dominica dabre, Milind Khanolkar. Police forcely admitted Vivek Pandit at civil hospital, Thane. Vivek Pandit refused to take treatment to protest the attack. Vidyullata Pandit demands the suspension of related police officials and tahsil officer.
IMO: A most unfortunate matter. The Vasai police station in Vasai East seems quiet and calm at the moment.
Tuesday, March 02, 2010
Taslima violence
Two newspaper offices have been attacked in India's Karnataka state in continuing violence over an article by Bangladeshi writer Taslima Nasreen. The Kannada Prabha newspaper, whose offices were attacked by a mob on Tuesday night, had published an (apparently rather badly translated in an unauthorised way) article of Ms Nasreen, triggering off protests in the Shimoga and Hasan areas. Police said a group of ten masked men attempted to set the newspaper's office in Mangalore on fire after dousing petrol in the premises, but fire brigade personnel extinguished it in time. The police said the same group attacked another newspaper office in the area. "The miscreants have been arrested. We have some clues about who was behind the attacks," senior police official Gopal Hosur said.
IMO: Sometimes it is rough justice, if indeed it is justice, around here. I am far from clear on the motivations . Locally, in beautiful downtown Vasai, the Viva supermarket seems to have closed down recently after attacks on it during a bandh, which appears to have been anti-Christian in at least some respects. Viva has been replaced by a branch of More, but probably small chains need little pressure to have to close at the moment. Even the large Spencers chain closed at least two branches around here recently. Newspaperwise, I suppose we have to hope that the Kannada papers are not now taken over by the Rupert Murdoch chain - like the dear old BBC might be if the Tories come back.
IMO: Sometimes it is rough justice, if indeed it is justice, around here. I am far from clear on the motivations . Locally, in beautiful downtown Vasai, the Viva supermarket seems to have closed down recently after attacks on it during a bandh, which appears to have been anti-Christian in at least some respects. Viva has been replaced by a branch of More, but probably small chains need little pressure to have to close at the moment. Even the large Spencers chain closed at least two branches around here recently. Newspaperwise, I suppose we have to hope that the Kannada papers are not now taken over by the Rupert Murdoch chain - like the dear old BBC might be if the Tories come back.
Taslima again
Bangladeshi writer-activist Taslima Nasreen Tuesday said she never wrote an article on the Islamic veil that triggered widespread rioting and arson in Karnataka, killing two, and suspected it was an attempt to malign her.
Professor Shamim Hanafi, who teaches history at the Jamia Millia Islamia, refused to comment on the controversy. “But I have read Nasreen’s work. Frankly speaking, she is not a very remarkable writer. I have not been very impressed by her.”
IMO: I have no idea as to the literary merits of Taslima. It looks to me like complex problems within the Kannada-speaking media. Taslima's problems sound like those of Sri Ram Sena, referred to earlier, but whose standpoint is clearly quite different. In fact it seems that the Kannada media have used in an unauthorised fashion, some excerpts from some earlier writings of Taslima. This could have been yet another deliberate attempt by local Kannada media to create newsworthy situations such as riots, and at the same time smear Taslima. Taslima's alleged comments sound rational but ill timed, of course. One wonders about the basis of the Telegana situation in the case of incompetent and corrupt media.
Professor Shamim Hanafi, who teaches history at the Jamia Millia Islamia, refused to comment on the controversy. “But I have read Nasreen’s work. Frankly speaking, she is not a very remarkable writer. I have not been very impressed by her.”
IMO: I have no idea as to the literary merits of Taslima. It looks to me like complex problems within the Kannada-speaking media. Taslima's problems sound like those of Sri Ram Sena, referred to earlier, but whose standpoint is clearly quite different. In fact it seems that the Kannada media have used in an unauthorised fashion, some excerpts from some earlier writings of Taslima. This could have been yet another deliberate attempt by local Kannada media to create newsworthy situations such as riots, and at the same time smear Taslima. Taslima's alleged comments sound rational but ill timed, of course. One wonders about the basis of the Telegana situation in the case of incompetent and corrupt media.
Monday, March 01, 2010
India's Chandrayaan-I discovers millions of tons of water on the moon.
Scientists have detected more than 40 ice-filled craters in the moon's North Pole using data from a radar that flew aboard India's Chandrayaan-I. The vast source of water could one day be used to generate oxygen or sustain a moon base.
IMO: A lot of the money spent on space travel could have been used instead to improve Indian lifestyles here on earth, such as improving Indian Railways. At the same time, there is a delicate balance to observe in this hi-tech age and this important new discovery could certainly illustrate that fact. Overall, India probably has to be prepared to take a considered long term view, as indeed it often does.
IMO: A lot of the money spent on space travel could have been used instead to improve Indian lifestyles here on earth, such as improving Indian Railways. At the same time, there is a delicate balance to observe in this hi-tech age and this important new discovery could certainly illustrate that fact. Overall, India probably has to be prepared to take a considered long term view, as indeed it often does.
Two killed in Karnataka over Taslima's article
Tension prevailed in Shimoga and Hassan on Monday, Mar 1, following protests over the publication of a translated version of an article by Bangladeshi writer Taslima Nasreen in a leading Kannada paper. According to latest reports, two people have been killed and over 15 people have been injured in police firing.
In Shimoga, protesters burnt 12 two wheelers, two tractors, two auto rickshaws and pelted stones, police said. Prohibitory orders have been imposed in Shimoga and Hassan.
In Shimoga, protesters burnt 12 two wheelers, two tractors, two auto rickshaws and pelted stones, police said. Prohibitory orders have been imposed in Shimoga and Hassan.
Hassan SP Sharat Chandra said the protest was against the article published in the newspaper.
Taslima in the article wrote that Mohammed Prophet was against burqa.
IMO: The violence is ridiculous. Taslima should be praised for stating her forthright views. Obviously, those responsible for the violence should be dealt with, hopefully by the police and the law. I am not a Muslim and never have been, though I possess at least six copies of the Koran. Being away from home I quote from Google: "[33.59] O Prophet! say to your wives and your daughters and the women of the believers that they let down upon them their over-garments; this will be more proper, that they may be known, and thus they will not be given trouble; and Allah is Forgiving, Merciful." People seem to have a clear view on this verse - no burquas. OK, so there is an alternative school of thought, but if we think of it, Mohammed was a forward-looking person and he probably would have preferred the former view. The real dispute to modern eyes could be whether we go by superstitiously founded old basically non Koranic views or by human common sense. A lot of space for disagreement here, but hardly for murder and violence which could be dealt with in secular Indian courts, and good Muslims should perhaps be thankful that we have at least partly good courts in an Indian democracy.
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