Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Good news: UK loses Vodaphone battle
Guido Fawkes seems to think we can thank Gordon Brown for India retaining the £2 billion that Cameron was trying to filch from it.
IMO: It was a good thing that poor India did not have to face the UK's murderous corruption the way so many nations have had to do in the past.
IMO: It was a good thing that poor India did not have to face the UK's murderous corruption the way so many nations have had to do in the past.
Monday, September 13, 2010
English children aged ELEVEN need binge drink first aid training, warns Red Cross
Children should take part in first aid classes at the age of 11 so they can look after friends who collapse while drinking, it was claimed today. Some have been forced to cope with friends being heavily sick, getting injured or lying unconscious, according to a poll of 2,500 youngsters for the British Red Cross. One in seven children aged 11 to 16 have witnessed an emergency due to drunkenness, with one in 10 dealing with sickness, injury or unconsciousness, including situations after drunken fights.
IMO: A lot of this problem is because of successive incompetent governments in the UK, each seemingly worse than the previous one. The new Condemn coalition, for example, just seem to want to enrich themselves at the expense of the poor and elderly, and seem to make absolutely no attempt to advance the status of the country. Harold Wilson, for example, with his 1963 speech of the "the Britain that is going to be forged in the white heat of this revolution will be no place for restrictive practices or for outdated measures on either side of industry" did much to try to be a technocrat not tied to the prevailing class system. And now we have Vince Cable, effectively a defrocked University don, talking about cutting expenditure on scientific research, so vital to the nation's future. Childcare ? It is beginning to cease to exist in the UK, with women going out to nefarious jobs like pole dancing, often ordered to do so by the 'welfare state' in a way reminiscent of 1880s Germany when the best hope for women's work was as a cabaret dancer ! Work as a cabaret dancer was then the job that perhaps the greatest mathematician of all time, Emmy Noether, had been left with as her best chance. And what followed ? Fortunately Noether improved herself, but Germany got Kaiser Bill and then Hitler. We all know that the UK is full of 'jobsworths' (or little Hitlers) right now. Women are leaving their children neglected or with a nominal and incompetent nannie. The UK is losing hope. The Tories had a perfect chance to improve things and they are more doctrinaire and fascist than we could have expected from Franco, never mind Hitler. The last bunch of clunkers even arranged a visit by the Pope, which even many catholics are refusing to attend. There are many ways things could be improved, telesurveillance and robotics for example are just two paths to the future, but the present bunch of losers seemingly are simply hell bent to enrich themselves at the expense of the UK economy.
IMO: A lot of this problem is because of successive incompetent governments in the UK, each seemingly worse than the previous one. The new Condemn coalition, for example, just seem to want to enrich themselves at the expense of the poor and elderly, and seem to make absolutely no attempt to advance the status of the country. Harold Wilson, for example, with his 1963 speech of the "the Britain that is going to be forged in the white heat of this revolution will be no place for restrictive practices or for outdated measures on either side of industry" did much to try to be a technocrat not tied to the prevailing class system. And now we have Vince Cable, effectively a defrocked University don, talking about cutting expenditure on scientific research, so vital to the nation's future. Childcare ? It is beginning to cease to exist in the UK, with women going out to nefarious jobs like pole dancing, often ordered to do so by the 'welfare state' in a way reminiscent of 1880s Germany when the best hope for women's work was as a cabaret dancer ! Work as a cabaret dancer was then the job that perhaps the greatest mathematician of all time, Emmy Noether, had been left with as her best chance. And what followed ? Fortunately Noether improved herself, but Germany got Kaiser Bill and then Hitler. We all know that the UK is full of 'jobsworths' (or little Hitlers) right now. Women are leaving their children neglected or with a nominal and incompetent nannie. The UK is losing hope. The Tories had a perfect chance to improve things and they are more doctrinaire and fascist than we could have expected from Franco, never mind Hitler. The last bunch of clunkers even arranged a visit by the Pope, which even many catholics are refusing to attend. There are many ways things could be improved, telesurveillance and robotics for example are just two paths to the future, but the present bunch of losers seemingly are simply hell bent to enrich themselves at the expense of the UK economy.
Killed RTI activists are martyrs: Moily
Calling Right To Information (RTI) activists who have been killed 'martyrs', Law Minister Veerappa Moily Monday said that an act meant to protect whistleblowers will be tabled in the winter session of parliament beginning mid-November.
'The RTI activists like Amit Jethva and Satish Shetty are martyrs. I salute them,' Moily said.
'The RTI activists like Amit Jethva and Satish Shetty are martyrs. I salute them,' Moily said.
Social activist Satish Shetty, who had blown the whistle on a series of land scams in and around Talegaon, Lonavala and Pimpri-Chinchwad near Pune, was brutally murdered near his residence in January.
Amit Jethva was killed near the Gujarat High Court in Ahmedabad in July after he raised his voice against illegal mining in the Gir forests area.
'These RTI activists have contributed a lot to the country,' Moily said adding that an act to protect whistleblowers will be tabled during the winter session of parliament.
Under a bill cleared by the cabinet last month, the onus of protecting the identity of whistleblowers will be on the Central Information Commission.
IMO: I certainly agree with Moily. Let us hope that useful legislation is obtained, and that further violence is avoided.
Brisbane academic burns bible and koran
Queensland University of Technology employee Alex Stewart has taken leave from his non-academic position as a commercial contracts lawyer. The university is investigating the video in which Mr Stewart appears to smoke marijuana rolled in pages from the religious texts, before rating which "burns better". The homemade video was posted on video sharing website YouTube on Friday.
Vice-chancellor Professor Peter Coaldrake said that the university does not support the destruction of religious artefacts. "The university is obviously extremely, extremely unhappy and disappointed that this sort of incident should occur," Professor Coaldrake said in Sydney today. "It may have occurred in the individual's private time or on a weekend - it doesn't matter.
P.Z. Myers says: "Professor Coaldrake — you are threatening to fire someone for expression of free speech in an act that violated no laws and did no one any harm."
IMO: I remember when one Sydney University actually insisted on academics clocking in and out at fixed times, and probably junior London tube transport employees, for example, wouldn't have tolerated the abusive methods used. . Fotunately I ran across relatively little of that, but can, for example, recall with regret the dismissal of a colleague who evidently had. Australian academic circles were very much hick places in some cases, but totally crazy in others. Professor Coaldrake presumably has his own stance on how his University should be run. But, as someone who well remembers, for example, other cases like that of important enough philosophy professor S.S. Orr, I am almost sorry for anyone, including Prof. Coaldrake, obliged to work in Australia. Good governance would have improved such matters. I note the video, details here, has now been deleted from P.Z. Myer's site, FWIW.
Vice-chancellor Professor Peter Coaldrake said that the university does not support the destruction of religious artefacts. "The university is obviously extremely, extremely unhappy and disappointed that this sort of incident should occur," Professor Coaldrake said in Sydney today. "It may have occurred in the individual's private time or on a weekend - it doesn't matter.
P.Z. Myers says: "Professor Coaldrake — you are threatening to fire someone for expression of free speech in an act that violated no laws and did no one any harm."
IMO: I remember when one Sydney University actually insisted on academics clocking in and out at fixed times, and probably junior London tube transport employees, for example, wouldn't have tolerated the abusive methods used. . Fotunately I ran across relatively little of that, but can, for example, recall with regret the dismissal of a colleague who evidently had. Australian academic circles were very much hick places in some cases, but totally crazy in others. Professor Coaldrake presumably has his own stance on how his University should be run. But, as someone who well remembers, for example, other cases like that of important enough philosophy professor S.S. Orr, I am almost sorry for anyone, including Prof. Coaldrake, obliged to work in Australia. Good governance would have improved such matters. I note the video, details here, has now been deleted from P.Z. Myer's site, FWIW.
Sunday, September 12, 2010
Rs. 5000 crore Railways scam alleged by NDTV
NDTV has access to documents showing how crores are gifted to vendors by Railways which lets them charge exorbitant rates - in return for kickbacks - for curtains, odour control systems and hundreds of other items that it buys every year. This seems to have started while Lalu Prasad was railways minister.
Atul Kumar, an Indian Railway Store Service officer, wrote a letter to Railway Minister Mamata Banerjee in March, detailing the modus operandi for the leakage of around RS. 5000 crore rupees each year.
Mamata Banerjee had brought up these issues last year and, this July, the Railway Board's vigilance office began a nationwide probe into the procurement of 16 items. By 6th August, that list grew to 20, the CVC stepped and reports were sought within four weeks. Investigations are on though there has been no action yet.
IMO: As a railways user, IMO general services etc seem to be much improved since Banerjee got control of the system again. We still have problems with Maoist insurgencies in Bengal but Rome was not built in a day. As an ordinary citizen, I can only hope for the best. Lalu Prasad was railways minister during the alleged Rs5000 crore railway fraud period. Prior to this, he was involved in the Rs1950 crore fodder scam of 1997 and had to resign as chief minister of Bihar.
Atul Kumar, an Indian Railway Store Service officer, wrote a letter to Railway Minister Mamata Banerjee in March, detailing the modus operandi for the leakage of around RS. 5000 crore rupees each year.
Mamata Banerjee had brought up these issues last year and, this July, the Railway Board's vigilance office began a nationwide probe into the procurement of 16 items. By 6th August, that list grew to 20, the CVC stepped and reports were sought within four weeks. Investigations are on though there has been no action yet.
IMO: As a railways user, IMO general services etc seem to be much improved since Banerjee got control of the system again. We still have problems with Maoist insurgencies in Bengal but Rome was not built in a day. As an ordinary citizen, I can only hope for the best. Lalu Prasad was railways minister during the alleged Rs5000 crore railway fraud period. Prior to this, he was involved in the Rs1950 crore fodder scam of 1997 and had to resign as chief minister of Bihar.
India and US hope to iron out irritants before Obama visit
Foreign Secretary Nirupama Rao's discussions in Washington will focus on firming up key deliverables during the Obama visit that should send a powerful message that the India-US global strategic partnership is set to keep its momentum under the new regime in Washington.
IMO: USA is short of money and this will be very much in their interests as well as India's.
Obviously, amongst a number of other factors, the easing of high-tech exports through removal of Indian companies from the US Entity List and a greater strategic understanding on the Afghanistan-Pakistan issues could be two important highlights of the visit.
India is also hoping for a clear-cut announcement by Obama pledging the US's support for India's candidature for a permanent seat in the UN Security Council.
IMO: This is perhaps the most important matter, and it will cost only words AFAIK.
IMO: USA is short of money and this will be very much in their interests as well as India's.
Obviously, amongst a number of other factors, the easing of high-tech exports through removal of Indian companies from the US Entity List and a greater strategic understanding on the Afghanistan-Pakistan issues could be two important highlights of the visit.
India is also hoping for a clear-cut announcement by Obama pledging the US's support for India's candidature for a permanent seat in the UN Security Council.
IMO: This is perhaps the most important matter, and it will cost only words AFAIK.
Saturday, September 11, 2010
Flood-hit Pakistanis celebrate Eid with hope
Millions of flood-affected people in Pakistan are celebrating Eid Saturday with the hope that their privileged countrymen will spare a thought for them on this Muslim religious festival. Eid-ul-Fitr marks the end of the month of Ramzan, during which Muslims observe fast from sunrise till sunset to seek divine blessings. Most of the 'zakat' (Islamic charity) during Ramadan were diverted towards the flood-victims. Prayer and zakat are perhaps the two most important Muslim virtues, and zakat at least has been in short supply.
"We had never thought that we'll have to live on charity but water has taken away everything that we had", said one survivor who was displaced by floods on the Sindh- Punjab border. "This Eid has no meaning for us because how can we celebrate when our children are dying of hunger", he regretted.
The government had, before Eid, announced a compensation of Rs.20,000 for each family displaced by the floods to let them prepare for the festival. However, the promised relief could not reach the deserving in time.
IMO: The IMF, the UN and the USA should be competent enough, or more to the to point interested enough, to improve general levels of management within Pakistan. Clearly Pakistan's fellow Indians care, but the position from an Indian standpoint have been made ridiculous by a series of instances of bad Pakistani governance, and India has enough problems of its own.
"We had never thought that we'll have to live on charity but water has taken away everything that we had", said one survivor who was displaced by floods on the Sindh- Punjab border. "This Eid has no meaning for us because how can we celebrate when our children are dying of hunger", he regretted.
The government had, before Eid, announced a compensation of Rs.20,000 for each family displaced by the floods to let them prepare for the festival. However, the promised relief could not reach the deserving in time.
IMO: The IMF, the UN and the USA should be competent enough, or more to the to point interested enough, to improve general levels of management within Pakistan. Clearly Pakistan's fellow Indians care, but the position from an Indian standpoint have been made ridiculous by a series of instances of bad Pakistani governance, and India has enough problems of its own.
Is Hussein Obama the new Joe McCarthy ?
Here we have an article about the SDN list.
IMO: I certainly hope that Hussein Obama is not.
IMO: I certainly hope that Hussein Obama is not.
Stephen Hawking
The Vancouver Sun has an article on Hawking's views. Alarmingly, Hawking does not seem to understand Karl Popper. And as might be expected Callender seems about right on the rest of it. "Perspectivalism" holds that there doesn't exist, even in principle, a single comprehensive theory of the universe. Instead, science offers many incomplete windows onto a common reality, one no more "true" than another. In Hawking's hands this position bleeds into an alarming anti-realism.
IMO: Huw Price maybe does better on perspectivalism but we are certainly well away from some easy populism, a lot of deep thought is better.
IMO: Huw Price maybe does better on perspectivalism but we are certainly well away from some easy populism, a lot of deep thought is better.
One Nation - P.Z. Myers on Obama
In his article "That's not my nation, Mr President", P.Z. Myers seems to give a particularly clear and penetrating view of the US circumstance for any practising scientist or philosopher, not necessarily an atheist or a sceptic. I think that if I were a US citizen and a Democrat I'd still support Obama, as suitable alternatives who many will vote for, do not seem to be there. It is like they used to say back in Australia 'Any worthwhile potential politician in his youth, will want to be an Independent' (That really is politics as it is, like it or not). There is also the possibility of the end of atheism and even agnosticism, in the US, as I have commented on earlier in this blog.
IMO: I like this view of P.Z. Myers. FWIW, I like even more attending the (religious) Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations in Goa, India, which I will be doing in a few days time. As most people realise, religion can bring many virtues, as well as some underlying problems.
IMO: I like this view of P.Z. Myers. FWIW, I like even more attending the (religious) Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations in Goa, India, which I will be doing in a few days time. As most people realise, religion can bring many virtues, as well as some underlying problems.
Friday, September 10, 2010
Ganesh Chaturthi is on September 11th
India, Russia to build multrole military transport planes
Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd has inked an agreement with two Russian Partners -- United Aircraft Corporation and Rosoboron Export -- to set up a joint venture to co-develop and co-produce Multirole Transport Aircraft (MTA).MTA is a 15-20 tonnes payload capacity Aircraft which would meet requirements of the IAF and the Russian Air Force.The project has been approved by governments of India and Russia.MTA with a maximum takeoff weight of 65 tonnes, would have a payload capacity 15-20 tonnes, cruise speed of 800 kmph, a range of 2500-2700 km and service ceiling of 12 km, an HAL release said.The aircraft will have two engines, state-of-the-art features such as fly-by-wire, full authority digital engine control, modern avionics and glass cockpit.The total development cost is around Rs 2900 crores, to be equally shared by both the sides.There were plans to manufacture 205 aircraft with 50:50 work share between HAL and the Russian partners.HAL and Russian participants would have equal share holding, in the JVC, to be headquartered in Bangalore.
Six subs for Rs 50,000 crore
The Defence Acquisitions Council (DAC), chaired by defence minister A K Antony, has finally decided that three of the six submarines will be constructed at Mazagon Docks (MDL) in Mumbai and one at Hindustan Shipyard Ltd ( HSL) in Visakhapatnam, with the help of a foreign collaborator.
IMO: These are AIP submarines and with Brahmos, may provide substantial defence for some time. Perhaps better for purpose and more environmentally acceptable than nuclear subs. Especially with the USA and indeed many of its allies becoming obvious 'whacko's, all this may well be necessary but it is a very great expense for a very poor nation. The fact that some western do-gooders may see little need, probably shows their basic ignorance and often their barely concealed desire for even further exploitation. All the above being said, of course the expense is still a worry.
IMO: These are AIP submarines and with Brahmos, may provide substantial defence for some time. Perhaps better for purpose and more environmentally acceptable than nuclear subs. Especially with the USA and indeed many of its allies becoming obvious 'whacko's, all this may well be necessary but it is a very great expense for a very poor nation. The fact that some western do-gooders may see little need, probably shows their basic ignorance and often their barely concealed desire for even further exploitation. All the above being said, of course the expense is still a worry.
Thursday, September 09, 2010
Pastor Terry Jones says imam lied to him
Florida preacher Terry Jones called off, then reconsidered going ahead with his plan to burn copies of the Quran on Sept. 11. Thursday afternoon, Jones said he was swayed by a call from Defense Secretary Robert Gates and the promise of a face to face meeting with the Muslim leader behind a planned mosque near Ground Zero.
IMO: It is truly difficult not to say that the whole bunch of these guys, from Obama downwards, are a bunch of whackos. (a 'whacko being defined as 'a person who is regarded as eccentric or mad')
IMO: It is truly difficult not to say that the whole bunch of these guys, from Obama downwards, are a bunch of whackos. (a 'whacko being defined as 'a person who is regarded as eccentric or mad')
Massive Cache of Iraq War Docs possibly to Be Published by WikiLeaks
Perhaps as many as 500,000 documents, many more than the 75,000 we have now.
IMO: Open source studies of these documents, if we do see them, may help the 'war'.
IMO: Open source studies of these documents, if we do see them, may help the 'war'.
Andy Coulson a porn star ?
Guido says so, and whilst we have to take his stories with several grains of salt, Guido does provide this URL. (removed after an hour or so but it was there)
IMO: However you look at it, Cameron shouldn't have hired him. Cameron has already made many mistakes, but I cannot see a more suitable successor. When the pundits said a coalition like the Condemn coalition would fail, I could not see why that had to be so in the light of many successful coalitions outside the UK .
IMO: However you look at it, Cameron shouldn't have hired him. Cameron has already made many mistakes, but I cannot see a more suitable successor. When the pundits said a coalition like the Condemn coalition would fail, I could not see why that had to be so in the light of many successful coalitions outside the UK .
Fat cats squander welfare budget on themselves rather than on Northern poor
Welfare spending to be cut by £4bn, says George Osborne. The government is planning to reduce the annual welfare bill by a further £4bn, Chancellor George Osborne has told the BBC.
Labour said the plans would hit the poorest in society, including pensioners and disabled people, rather than the "work-shy".
And BBC-commissioned research suggests industrial areas in the North East and Midlands are least resilient to such changes. Middlesbrough is ranked as the most vulnerable to cuts, followed by Mansfield in Nottinghamshire and Stoke-on-Trent. These are primarily Labor constituencies.
IMO: Purely impartially, generally speaking it seems that apparently dodgy characters who hack MP's phones like Andy Coulson are to continue to get large sums of money but people who vote Labor and are poor are to be penalised. And where is there any real intention to create, rather than destroy, jobs anywhere at all. Even Vince Cable is cutting potential export chances by reducing science grants. With the fat cats, fit only for the dustbin, it is all "Pull up the ladder, Jack, I'm on board".
Labour said the plans would hit the poorest in society, including pensioners and disabled people, rather than the "work-shy".
And BBC-commissioned research suggests industrial areas in the North East and Midlands are least resilient to such changes. Middlesbrough is ranked as the most vulnerable to cuts, followed by Mansfield in Nottinghamshire and Stoke-on-Trent. These are primarily Labor constituencies.
IMO: Purely impartially, generally speaking it seems that apparently dodgy characters who hack MP's phones like Andy Coulson are to continue to get large sums of money but people who vote Labor and are poor are to be penalised. And where is there any real intention to create, rather than destroy, jobs anywhere at all. Even Vince Cable is cutting potential export chances by reducing science grants. With the fat cats, fit only for the dustbin, it is all "Pull up the ladder, Jack, I'm on board".
Delhi Commonwealth Games
Games should be quite successful, at least by local standards. I hope visitors have a good time. As usual UK BBC are saying that the dalits etc are not being well treated.
IMO: Hindustan Times think things could be done better, and I have to agree. AFAIK, the monumental old buildings around Connaught Place for example, seem to be having cheaply made alternatives being put in place.
Union railway minister Mamata Banerjee told reporters here on Wednesday 8th September that money will be given to the sports ministry and “it is up to them to carry forward”.
The minister’s announcement to this effect is significant given that the railways is the lead partner for the Games and had committed 100 crores by way of sponsorship money to the organising committee. Not all of the 100 crore will be in monetary terms though as the railways will take into account the special trains that it will run to Agra and Jaipur during the games duration as part of the sponsorship.
However, the swirl of charge of irregularities that the Games organising committee has found itself in recent months has prompted Ms Banerjee’s ministry to decide to hand over the money to the sports ministry instead.
The railways decision is yet another slap in the face of the organising Committee which has also been accused of being lackadaisical and tardy in executing the various projects in preparation for the games.
IMO: Hindustan Times think things could be done better, and I have to agree. AFAIK, the monumental old buildings around Connaught Place for example, seem to be having cheaply made alternatives being put in place.
Union railway minister Mamata Banerjee told reporters here on Wednesday 8th September that money will be given to the sports ministry and “it is up to them to carry forward”.
The minister’s announcement to this effect is significant given that the railways is the lead partner for the Games and had committed 100 crores by way of sponsorship money to the organising committee. Not all of the 100 crore will be in monetary terms though as the railways will take into account the special trains that it will run to Agra and Jaipur during the games duration as part of the sponsorship.
However, the swirl of charge of irregularities that the Games organising committee has found itself in recent months has prompted Ms Banerjee’s ministry to decide to hand over the money to the sports ministry instead.
The railways decision is yet another slap in the face of the organising Committee which has also been accused of being lackadaisical and tardy in executing the various projects in preparation for the games.
Wednesday, September 08, 2010
Substitutes for Humans in war
HeroRats are rodents who have been specially trained to sniff out unexploded landmines. The Dutch organization Anti-Personnel Land Mines Detection Product Development (APOPO), use Pavlovian conditioning to teach the rats to detect the scent of TNT.
IMO: If the West wants to survive, as I have frequently stated in this blog the easiest solution may be in robotics (using such methods as drone aerial surveys) and the use of animals such as armoured attack dogs, rodents and even parasites. It may be unfair on the non human entities concerned but it may allow continuance of the existence of Western nations like USA and the EU. Numbers of overseas insurgents (to take a middle of road example, say the Taliban or Al Qaeda) are already too large to handle otherwise without massive large scale destruction, more along the lines of Auschwitz or Dresden or Hiroshima than modern persons want to stomach. Many people in the West are too far from the front line to appreciate new realities.
IMO: If the West wants to survive, as I have frequently stated in this blog the easiest solution may be in robotics (using such methods as drone aerial surveys) and the use of animals such as armoured attack dogs, rodents and even parasites. It may be unfair on the non human entities concerned but it may allow continuance of the existence of Western nations like USA and the EU. Numbers of overseas insurgents (to take a middle of road example, say the Taliban or Al Qaeda) are already too large to handle otherwise without massive large scale destruction, more along the lines of Auschwitz or Dresden or Hiroshima than modern persons want to stomach. Many people in the West are too far from the front line to appreciate new realities.
Pune blast case: Himayat remanded in police custody
An ATS court here on Wednesday remanded Himayat Mirza Baig, one of the accused in the February 13 German Bakery blast case, in police custody till September 20. Judge S S Bose passed the order after the prosecution told the court that Baig, who had links with LeT and IM, had hatched a "conspiracy" to engineer the Pune blast that killed 17 persons and injured 56 others.
IMO: Apparently he was also involved in the procurement of 1200Kgs of RDX explosives from Pakistan. I hope that anyone who gives aid to Pakistan because of the floods makes very sure that the money is not just going to supply more RDX etc to kill Indians, as so often such money has gone in the past. I worry about the lack of effective stringency of IMF aid provisos especially.
IMO: Apparently he was also involved in the procurement of 1200Kgs of RDX explosives from Pakistan. I hope that anyone who gives aid to Pakistan because of the floods makes very sure that the money is not just going to supply more RDX etc to kill Indians, as so often such money has gone in the past. I worry about the lack of effective stringency of IMF aid provisos especially.
Barclays bank
Barclays survived the banking crisis without taking taxpayer funds - unlike rivals RBS, Lloyds and HBOS - but it was forced to go cap in hand to Middle Eastern investors who pumped billions of pounds into the bank to keep it afloat. Critics claim that reckless lending and risky investments meant it would have collapsed if governments around the world had not stepped in. The crisis plunged Britain into the deepest recession since the Second World War.
Seems their new chief executive Bob Diamond is likely to make about £70 million by the time he is 65.
IMO: Today that is only a reasonable amount if he stays the course, if banks are to be run as they usually are in this country. I imagine if the fabled Gordon Gecko had the job, he would have wanted a lot more money in the long term but might not have said so in the short term. This guy seems to look like a clapped out life insurance salesman, but certainly seems to have an excellent track record to date.
Mr. Cable made reasonable statements given the circumstances " what this appointment illustrates is the wider policy question about how banks can be made safe, and we are worried about this combination of the casinos and the traditional banks.... I think it does illustrate the wisdom of the Government's decision to set up this banking commission to look at the structure of banks."
Mr. Diamond will of course have been aware of this sort of thing, and must have taken the job nonetheless.
IMO: Maybe the present innate hostility of many people towards the banking world will decrease in time, and maybe it will not.
Seems their new chief executive Bob Diamond is likely to make about £70 million by the time he is 65.
IMO: Today that is only a reasonable amount if he stays the course, if banks are to be run as they usually are in this country. I imagine if the fabled Gordon Gecko had the job, he would have wanted a lot more money in the long term but might not have said so in the short term. This guy seems to look like a clapped out life insurance salesman, but certainly seems to have an excellent track record to date.
Mr. Cable made reasonable statements given the circumstances " what this appointment illustrates is the wider policy question about how banks can be made safe, and we are worried about this combination of the casinos and the traditional banks.... I think it does illustrate the wisdom of the Government's decision to set up this banking commission to look at the structure of banks."
Mr. Diamond will of course have been aware of this sort of thing, and must have taken the job nonetheless.
IMO: Maybe the present innate hostility of many people towards the banking world will decrease in time, and maybe it will not.
Tuesday, September 07, 2010
Dove World church plan for Koran burning triggers counterprotests
Terry Jones, author of 'Islam Is Of The Devil', is a Gainesville, Fla., pastor leading a campaign to burn copies of the Koran on Sept. 11.
Many Americans feel that this could lead to protests.
IMO: It is an interesting situation. Of course some people have now set up a "Burn a Bible day" as a protest to the "Burn a Quran day". Many or perhaps most bible followers probably do not care much. One could argue that this is because Christianity is a more sensible belief but both faiths seem to have a lot of problems. Jones claims Islam is "causing billions of people to go to hell, it is a deceptive religion, it is a violent religion and that is proven many, many times". Unfortunately some might say the same about Christianity. Hindus take a very different view to these two religions, and can perhaps appreciate some of the problems which immanence and transcendence factors can easily raise in both faiths. Mostly I suppose, one hopes that all these violent fellows (lunatics ?) do not go around killing each other - or innocent bystanders. And one wonders whether the consequential waste of taxpayer's money can reasonably be regarded as worth it by anyone.
Many Americans feel that this could lead to protests.
IMO: It is an interesting situation. Of course some people have now set up a "Burn a Bible day" as a protest to the "Burn a Quran day". Many or perhaps most bible followers probably do not care much. One could argue that this is because Christianity is a more sensible belief but both faiths seem to have a lot of problems. Jones claims Islam is "causing billions of people to go to hell, it is a deceptive religion, it is a violent religion and that is proven many, many times". Unfortunately some might say the same about Christianity. Hindus take a very different view to these two religions, and can perhaps appreciate some of the problems which immanence and transcendence factors can easily raise in both faiths. Mostly I suppose, one hopes that all these violent fellows (lunatics ?) do not go around killing each other - or innocent bystanders. And one wonders whether the consequential waste of taxpayer's money can reasonably be regarded as worth it by anyone.
Prescott bugging
Guido claims Prescott was not bugged and that the idea that he was, was denied by the police. He then says Prescott is a liar.
In fact Yates refused to say who was on the list of people who may have had their phones hacked, but did say John Prescott was not on the list. Yates also insisted that being on a list did not mean someone's phone had been hacked. The police only found evidence of crimes being committed in about 12 cases, he said.
IMO: The statement thus only seems to prove the police had a provisional and doubtful list anyway.
But Security-Portal have a recent headline "Lord Prescott 'targeted by phone hackers'" and seem to think Prescott might have been bugged.
IMO: From what we hear about the "News of the World" it would be an almost unbelievable proposition that the then deputy Prime Minister was NOT hacked by NoW. And whilst Cameron may well be rather nervously trying to look smug since he use taxpayer's money to bribe the former NoW hacker-in-chief to work for him, he is probably being hacked right now by NoW.
In fact Yates refused to say who was on the list of people who may have had their phones hacked, but did say John Prescott was not on the list. Yates also insisted that being on a list did not mean someone's phone had been hacked. The police only found evidence of crimes being committed in about 12 cases, he said.
IMO: The statement thus only seems to prove the police had a provisional and doubtful list anyway.
But Security-Portal have a recent headline "Lord Prescott 'targeted by phone hackers'" and seem to think Prescott might have been bugged.
IMO: From what we hear about the "News of the World" it would be an almost unbelievable proposition that the then deputy Prime Minister was NOT hacked by NoW. And whilst Cameron may well be rather nervously trying to look smug since he use taxpayer's money to bribe the former NoW hacker-in-chief to work for him, he is probably being hacked right now by NoW.
Banerjee opposes Bank Strike
Millions of workers in India stayed away from work on Monday to protest against rising prices, job losses and state asset sales, forcing banks to shut offices in some cities and airlines to cancel flights.
Mamata Banerjee has opposed the strike. The Left Front is supporting the strike called by the trade unions but have urged people to keep it peaceful. BJP-affiliate Bhartiya Mazdoor Sangh (BMS), however, has kept itself away from the strike call. Today's strike comes just two months after the BJP brought the country to a stand-still in July with its Bharat bandh call against escalating prices.
IMO: CPI(Marxist) seems to be the 'unacceptable face of marxism' which really seems to have done nothing for most people and has already caused much anger and suffering. Time will tell, but Trinamool Congress yet again seems to have taken the correct course.
Mamata Banerjee has opposed the strike. The Left Front is supporting the strike called by the trade unions but have urged people to keep it peaceful. BJP-affiliate Bhartiya Mazdoor Sangh (BMS), however, has kept itself away from the strike call. Today's strike comes just two months after the BJP brought the country to a stand-still in July with its Bharat bandh call against escalating prices.
IMO: CPI(Marxist) seems to be the 'unacceptable face of marxism' which really seems to have done nothing for most people and has already caused much anger and suffering. Time will tell, but Trinamool Congress yet again seems to have taken the correct course.
Monday, September 06, 2010
Odds for next BA merger victim
These odds come from the Irish bookmaker Paddy Power.
9/4 • LAN Airlines (Chile)
11/4 • Cathay Pacific
10/3 • Japan Airlines
7/2 • Finnair
5/1 • American Airlines
5/1 • Qantas
12/1 • Mexicana
IMO: We have had attempted mergers like this many times in the past in other fields - Slater Walker and Ling-Temco-Vought being possibly typical cases. The sort of results which might be expected are as for that of the RBOS purchase of Barings, and 10% of Bank of China. 'Nuff said.
9/4 • LAN Airlines (Chile)
11/4 • Cathay Pacific
10/3 • Japan Airlines
7/2 • Finnair
5/1 • American Airlines
5/1 • Qantas
12/1 • Mexicana
IMO: We have had attempted mergers like this many times in the past in other fields - Slater Walker and Ling-Temco-Vought being possibly typical cases. The sort of results which might be expected are as for that of the RBOS purchase of Barings, and 10% of Bank of China. 'Nuff said.
Dikshit happy with games
Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit Monday asserted that the event beginning Oct 3 'will be held' and urged people to take part in the cultural festivities taking place in the capital during the period. The chief minister said everyone had come together with enthusiasm, putting together a huge programme that will cater to tastes of all. Underlining that the festivities will be held across the capital, she urged people to spread the message and enjoy themselves. She today exhorted citizens to make efforts to beautify their surroundings and present Delhi as one of the "cleanest" capitals in the world during the Commonwealth Games.
But the BBC as usual are trying to imply the games will be no good. e.g. "Each day brings with it fresh reports of corruption and problems at newly-renovated stadiums and other sports facilities ... Leaking roofs, shoddy finish, already crumbling concrete, faulty drainage, inferior seats and inadequate lighting that needs to be changed to allow for high-definition telecast.".
IMO: India has spent much time and trouble to make the event successful and it could well be so. In the UK people cannot even play a game of cricket without it being spoilt by corruption, as we have seen from the "News of the World". India is making positive efforts to make the Commonwealth Games a pleasant and joyous event. Dickshit is praying to Lord Indra for fine weather so the preparations can be completed more quickly. If there is rain, it will probably be caused by global warming from the corrupt Western world's greedy pollution of air qualities.
But the BBC as usual are trying to imply the games will be no good. e.g. "Each day brings with it fresh reports of corruption and problems at newly-renovated stadiums and other sports facilities ... Leaking roofs, shoddy finish, already crumbling concrete, faulty drainage, inferior seats and inadequate lighting that needs to be changed to allow for high-definition telecast.".
IMO: India has spent much time and trouble to make the event successful and it could well be so. In the UK people cannot even play a game of cricket without it being spoilt by corruption, as we have seen from the "News of the World". India is making positive efforts to make the Commonwealth Games a pleasant and joyous event. Dickshit is praying to Lord Indra for fine weather so the preparations can be completed more quickly. If there is rain, it will probably be caused by global warming from the corrupt Western world's greedy pollution of air qualities.
Sunday, September 05, 2010
British Army
General Sir Richard Dannatt, has launched an attack on Ministry of Defence bureaucrats, accusing them of being detached from the reality of life for frontline troops.
It wasn't Tony Blair who lost the battle for Basra and it wasn't Gordon Brown either. It was the British army that was, essentially, defeated in the field. One can see why the army wants everyone to forget or ignore this and blame the civilian leadership but that's not quite good enough, is it? It's nice to be able to blame everything on the politicians especially since doing so permits the top brass to escape any responsibility for their own failures.
Gen Dannatt, who was Chief of General Staff from 2006-09, described the MoD as a "Byzantine" department which operates in a "cocooned environment" and puts vested interests ahead of the needs of troops, meaning "the man on the ground has been short-changed".
Wounded U.K. war veterans from Afghanistan and Iraq were expected Sunday to be forced out of the services in a cull that the British government fears will provoke accusations of betrayal.
It wasn't Tony Blair who lost the battle for Basra and it wasn't Gordon Brown either. It was the British army that was, essentially, defeated in the field. One can see why the army wants everyone to forget or ignore this and blame the civilian leadership but that's not quite good enough, is it? It's nice to be able to blame everything on the politicians especially since doing so permits the top brass to escape any responsibility for their own failures.
Gen Dannatt, who was Chief of General Staff from 2006-09, described the MoD as a "Byzantine" department which operates in a "cocooned environment" and puts vested interests ahead of the needs of troops, meaning "the man on the ground has been short-changed".
Wounded U.K. war veterans from Afghanistan and Iraq were expected Sunday to be forced out of the services in a cull that the British government fears will provoke accusations of betrayal.
Britain's Ministry of Defence (MoD) plans to ax 5,000 troops who are medically unfit, including the majority of those who lost their limbs in bomb explosions and roadside ambushes.
IMO: I really cannot see much to favor any of these people, but the Condemn Party - who apparently now employ Dannett as advisor - seem to be a bunch of Mary Bales, see recent Private Eye cartoon where a large Condemn party 'fat cat' is shown throwing a veteran or a frail OAP into a rubbish bin.
Sean Gourley
Gourley has published on insurgency occurring in such places as Iraq, in Nature and elsewhere, and his work is reviewed to some extent here, Ted video here.
IMO: Assange's studies in Wikileaks should be of value to similar work, some of which could be open source. Such work could be of importance in the Afghanistan situation.
IMO: Assange's studies in Wikileaks should be of value to similar work, some of which could be open source. Such work could be of importance in the Afghanistan situation.
How to Build your own Nuclear Bomb at Home
Full details here, largely approved by NATO. These simple steps have worked before, even a US high school kid built a nuclear reactor a few years ago, never mind a nuclear bomb. The nuclear club is open to YOU, too.
Friday, September 03, 2010
Peak Oil soon may lead to a relapse into a planned economy
Der Spiegel International says that a confidential German military report suggests that early peak oil has to be taken seriously. The UK Government seems to be hiding these documents.
Relapse into planned economy: Since virtually all economic sectors rely heavily on oil, peak oil could lead to a "partial or complete failure of markets...A conceivable alternative would be government rationing and the allocation of important goods or the setting of production schedules and other short-term coercive measures to replace market-based mechanisms in times of crisis."
IMO: So exposure of the facts may not suit the UK Tory party, as capitalist economy buffs they will want to gouge their 'pound of flesh' from the UK taxpayers whilst they can.
Relapse into planned economy: Since virtually all economic sectors rely heavily on oil, peak oil could lead to a "partial or complete failure of markets...A conceivable alternative would be government rationing and the allocation of important goods or the setting of production schedules and other short-term coercive measures to replace market-based mechanisms in times of crisis."
IMO: So exposure of the facts may not suit the UK Tory party, as capitalist economy buffs they will want to gouge their 'pound of flesh' from the UK taxpayers whilst they can.
Thursday, September 02, 2010
Hawking
In his new book, Hawking has rejected Sir Issac Newton's theory that God set the universe in motion.
Explaining his stand on God, Hawking said in an interview that he did not believe in a personal God. "If you like, you can call the laws of science 'God', but it wouldn't be a personal God that you could meet, and ask questions."
IMO: But how can he know that even such a God as he imagines could not be asked questions? It is a big assumption that simple equations can give an adequate description of science anyway. If the 'laws of science' include all the needed addenda or information, they could easily wind up as a large computing engine, for all we know. I think the whole matter is a large one, and quick 'easy' answers are not relevant. For that matter, I think Newton and Leibniz 'got it wrong' as well. To describe the matter in simple terms, Voltaire's "Dr. Pangloss" impression for Leibniz was a pretty good try. Newton and Leibniz's problem seems to have been not in their immediate religious faith, right or wrong, but perhaps in its locally anthropomorphic setting if anything, a few more details at this URL.
Explaining his stand on God, Hawking said in an interview that he did not believe in a personal God. "If you like, you can call the laws of science 'God', but it wouldn't be a personal God that you could meet, and ask questions."
IMO: But how can he know that even such a God as he imagines could not be asked questions? It is a big assumption that simple equations can give an adequate description of science anyway. If the 'laws of science' include all the needed addenda or information, they could easily wind up as a large computing engine, for all we know. I think the whole matter is a large one, and quick 'easy' answers are not relevant. For that matter, I think Newton and Leibniz 'got it wrong' as well. To describe the matter in simple terms, Voltaire's "Dr. Pangloss" impression for Leibniz was a pretty good try. Newton and Leibniz's problem seems to have been not in their immediate religious faith, right or wrong, but perhaps in its locally anthropomorphic setting if anything, a few more details at this URL.
The last days of America - symptoms?
A delegation of senior Pakistani military officials visiting the United States for a major defense conference headed home in protest Tuesday night after they said they were interrogated and rudely treated by security officials at Dulles International Airport.
The officers were on a junket in the USA, and had been travelling extensively; one of them said words to the effect of, "I hope this is my last flight." This was interpreted as a terrorist threat by a flight attendant. Dulles security did not let the men contact their embassy or the US military officials who were hosting them.
BoingBoing also says "The chairman of Qantas was detained at a West Coast airport for "possessing airplane seating plans" (She - yes, she - was on her way to Seattle to negotiate a major 747 order). When she explained this to the goon, he said "Airline chairmen ain't women"....". So it happens to everyone in th US.
IMO: These Paki officers, and particularly ISI, tend to think of getting everything their own way. Also, since NATO (and US army) gets all its fuel (for example) from Pakistani refineries (including jet fuel) and its ammo from Pakistani factories and it's food and ice-cream from Karachi, they are running seriously short. The basic problem seems to be in the ill running of Pakistan, maybe Kissinger type management consultants are needed in Pakistan like they had in China. And perhaps we are near the end for US as a nation, as the Chinese are now moving into Pakistan, and that should worry everybody, especially Pakistanis.
The officers were on a junket in the USA, and had been travelling extensively; one of them said words to the effect of, "I hope this is my last flight." This was interpreted as a terrorist threat by a flight attendant. Dulles security did not let the men contact their embassy or the US military officials who were hosting them.
BoingBoing also says "The chairman of Qantas was detained at a West Coast airport for "possessing airplane seating plans" (She - yes, she - was on her way to Seattle to negotiate a major 747 order). When she explained this to the goon, he said "Airline chairmen ain't women"....". So it happens to everyone in th US.
IMO: These Paki officers, and particularly ISI, tend to think of getting everything their own way. Also, since NATO (and US army) gets all its fuel (for example) from Pakistani refineries (including jet fuel) and its ammo from Pakistani factories and it's food and ice-cream from Karachi, they are running seriously short. The basic problem seems to be in the ill running of Pakistan, maybe Kissinger type management consultants are needed in Pakistan like they had in China. And perhaps we are near the end for US as a nation, as the Chinese are now moving into Pakistan, and that should worry everybody, especially Pakistanis.
Hot News: Possible test for String theory in Labs
IMO: This may clear the field of perhaps unfounded speculations, and/or allow further or different advances.
Wednesday, September 01, 2010
Poor William Hague
The Mirror writes "With the millions he has made from writing books, business roles and public speaking, he has cemented himself into the establishment.... the fact he has let himself be forced into this position (apparently by Guido) means questions will be asked about his judgement."
IMO: Certainly, after Thorpe and his homosexuality denials and his Mary Bale behaviour to dogs, and after the present parliamentary continued dishonesty as regards expenses, Hague's denials mean nothing. We can echo Christine Keeler on members of parliament generally : "Well they would say that, wouldn't they ?" And what a sorry state the UK finds itself in when the BBC even want to censor the Stig (not that Hague claims to be the Stig, perhaps he was saving that claim till the next election and he will probably need to be the Stig to get out of town quickly enough if his parliamentary activities are examined).
IMO: Certainly, after Thorpe and his homosexuality denials and his Mary Bale behaviour to dogs, and after the present parliamentary continued dishonesty as regards expenses, Hague's denials mean nothing. We can echo Christine Keeler on members of parliament generally : "Well they would say that, wouldn't they ?" And what a sorry state the UK finds itself in when the BBC even want to censor the Stig (not that Hague claims to be the Stig, perhaps he was saving that claim till the next election and he will probably need to be the Stig to get out of town quickly enough if his parliamentary activities are examined).
Entire length of US-Mexico border to be patrolled by unmanned drones
IMO: Sounds like a good idea, could iron out the bugs for conflicts like Afghanistan and Pakistan too. They could probably need the armoured dogs there as well, though.
Added later: If dogs are hard to train, they could use a modified EATR to dispose of the terrorists.
Added later: If dogs are hard to train, they could use a modified EATR to dispose of the terrorists.
Willam Hague outed ??
Guido has ascertained confirmation that for at least one night during the general election campaign the Foreign Secretary shared a hotel room with his then driver Christopher Myers, whom he has now appointed as his Special Adviser on the Civil Service payroll. Other campaign staffers stayed in separate more modest hotels and sources suggest that this was not a one off instance. Guido believes it to be the case that it would be usual for the bill for the room – which was settled by Hague personally – to be reimbursed via the Conservative Party’s election campaign expenses.
IMO: Hmm, another case of Tory misuse of money ? We know over 200 OAP NHS hospital patients starve to death every year, can't the Tories put right some injustices instead of fooling around like this and saying that they are 'cutting' which usually implies using party politics for doctrinaire methods to appease big business at the expense of the poor ?
IMO: Hmm, another case of Tory misuse of money ? We know over 200 OAP NHS hospital patients starve to death every year, can't the Tories put right some injustices instead of fooling around like this and saying that they are 'cutting' which usually implies using party politics for doctrinaire methods to appease big business at the expense of the poor ?
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