Thursday, February 24, 2011
Dunkirk spirit - not for Cameron
The Greeks, Chinese, etc. seem to be coping with Libya - but the Condemns ?
Nick Clegg said he "forgot" he was supposed to be running the country in David Cameron's absence. Mr Cameron told William Hague, the Foreign Secretary, and Liam Fox, the Defence Secretary, that their handling of the crisis was not good enough. Cameron himself seems to have been visiting mosques while the evacuation was going on.
IMO: The UK needs an effective Government. No reason why a coalition should not work, but the Condemns don't look like they could run a two-seater shithouse. What will happen to the £20 billion of Libyan assets Gadaffi seems to have stolen ? Doubtless Cameron and Clegg will be too busy trying to "fill their boots" to worry about the British still left in Libya. The UK Government even messed up the Iceland volcano crisis (we escaped back to India) and doubtless the present bunch of w*nkers are too busy mulcting the funds to care about their voters. Shame on them !
Nick Clegg said he "forgot" he was supposed to be running the country in David Cameron's absence. Mr Cameron told William Hague, the Foreign Secretary, and Liam Fox, the Defence Secretary, that their handling of the crisis was not good enough. Cameron himself seems to have been visiting mosques while the evacuation was going on.
IMO: The UK needs an effective Government. No reason why a coalition should not work, but the Condemns don't look like they could run a two-seater shithouse. What will happen to the £20 billion of Libyan assets Gadaffi seems to have stolen ? Doubtless Cameron and Clegg will be too busy trying to "fill their boots" to worry about the British still left in Libya. The UK Government even messed up the Iceland volcano crisis (we escaped back to India) and doubtless the present bunch of w*nkers are too busy mulcting the funds to care about their voters. Shame on them !
Madgaon garbage
Beginning March 1, the Margao Municipal Council (MMC) will finally begin hotel garbage collection in the city. The MMC will begin the exercise of collecting hotel waste from the units located within its jurisdiction for a month on a trial basis before regularizing the service.
IMO: AT LAST. About time something was done about the garbage in Madgaon. How can a city in a beach centre even survive WITHOUT A PROPER GARBAGE SERVICE.
A Goa athlete pulled a 520 ton cruise ship with his teeth, in an attempt to set a world record. In future, he will try more attempts like this, such as stopping a helicopter with his teeth from the Goa shore.
IMO: A pity he doesn't do something really tough, like pulling away the garbage on the Raia pile. You have to hold your nose every time you pass, and it is getting worse, even with the new trommels. Its almost worse than the smell from the pan filth in the central toilets.
(Someone just said: If he wants a place in the world records, he should do something like solving the Goa garbage problem.)
IMO: AT LAST. About time something was done about the garbage in Madgaon. How can a city in a beach centre even survive WITHOUT A PROPER GARBAGE SERVICE.
A Goa athlete pulled a 520 ton cruise ship with his teeth, in an attempt to set a world record. In future, he will try more attempts like this, such as stopping a helicopter with his teeth from the Goa shore.
IMO: A pity he doesn't do something really tough, like pulling away the garbage on the Raia pile. You have to hold your nose every time you pass, and it is getting worse, even with the new trommels. Its almost worse than the smell from the pan filth in the central toilets.
(Someone just said: If he wants a place in the world records, he should do something like solving the Goa garbage problem.)
Al Jazeera
The important blog, "Crooked Timber" says
"Anyone who does want to follow developments in the Arab world has one best option to do so: Al Jazeera . Vilified by the US under Bush (and its reporters almost certainly murdered by the US military on several occasions), Al Jazeera has been both the conduit of information and the catalyst for change and democratization. The Emir of Qatar may be a despot, but for Al Jazeera alone he could be winning a Frederick the Great prize as the most enlightened one of recent decades. The democracies of the West, by contrast, have contributed nothing. If the Arab peoples do succeed in freeing themselves, they will have done so themselves and despite the actions and attitudes of the West and the United States with its policies of Israel-first and make-deals-for-oil".
IMO: Probably what some people don't realise is that Al Jazeera is the UK BBC. Obviously, they had to split off, somewhat like the ludicrous Assange split from the greedy Guardian - but hopefully the situation on either side is much more sensible. Anyway, I often read or watch Al Jazeera, and in its way it is as good as the best NY papers.
"Anyone who does want to follow developments in the Arab world has one best option to do so: Al Jazeera . Vilified by the US under Bush (and its reporters almost certainly murdered by the US military on several occasions), Al Jazeera has been both the conduit of information and the catalyst for change and democratization. The Emir of Qatar may be a despot, but for Al Jazeera alone he could be winning a Frederick the Great prize as the most enlightened one of recent decades. The democracies of the West, by contrast, have contributed nothing. If the Arab peoples do succeed in freeing themselves, they will have done so themselves and despite the actions and attitudes of the West and the United States with its policies of Israel-first and make-deals-for-oil".
IMO: Probably what some people don't realise is that Al Jazeera is the UK BBC. Obviously, they had to split off, somewhat like the ludicrous Assange split from the greedy Guardian - but hopefully the situation on either side is much more sensible. Anyway, I often read or watch Al Jazeera, and in its way it is as good as the best NY papers.
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Muslim hardliners are not jailed
Mohammed Haque and Emdadur Choudhury were said to have set fire to the plastic effigies after the two-minute silence was observed. Haque, 30, and Choudhury, 26, left onlookers outraged at the gesture, made as members of the armed forces marched by. They were part of an Islamic protest group who shouted abusive slogans such as “British soldiers – burn in hell”.
IMO: Well, speaking as one of those who might well have been remembered, I don't care much as such people have to be faced. But they are hardly acting in the interests of Islam as the present wretched UK politicians could not care less. Next time round, many hope we will get a vigorous strong BNP, who will put these fellows in their place. What I say is "Pull up your socks, major parties, or we will have you right out for good (and hopefully in jail) and the BNP in. You are leaving no other option".
IMO: Well, speaking as one of those who might well have been remembered, I don't care much as such people have to be faced. But they are hardly acting in the interests of Islam as the present wretched UK politicians could not care less. Next time round, many hope we will get a vigorous strong BNP, who will put these fellows in their place. What I say is "Pull up your socks, major parties, or we will have you right out for good (and hopefully in jail) and the BNP in. You are leaving no other option".
New British airship
The UK Daily Mail have quite an inspiring article about a new British airship.
IMO: The idea sounds great, but why do I always think "ground nuts" every time the Brits bring out a 'big' idea. This airship is a toy when compared to the Hindenburg, for starters it's a puny 300ft in length, the Hindenburg was over 800ft. But, the US army apparently will buy some of these, the cost each is to be about half a billion dollars. Most comments so far, seem to indicate it could be quite useful.
IMO: The idea sounds great, but why do I always think "ground nuts" every time the Brits bring out a 'big' idea. This airship is a toy when compared to the Hindenburg, for starters it's a puny 300ft in length, the Hindenburg was over 800ft. But, the US army apparently will buy some of these, the cost each is to be about half a billion dollars. Most comments so far, seem to indicate it could be quite useful.
English children now spend up to £60 a day and more on drug addiction
For example, a 13-year-old girl has become hooked on smoking shisha in back street cafes and is spending up to £60 on it per day. The Bedouin-style cafes, in which customers smoke flavoured and unfiltered tobacco through a water or 'hookah' pipe, can be licensed, but are not allowed to sell to under-16s or allow smoking inside. The girl's mother believes hundreds of middle class under 16s are hooked on the pipes which are smoked in illegal backstreet dens.
Retailers charge around £6 per session - and openly sell to underage children.
The Pakistanis at least will make some money. Now many Pakistanis do not need to work and certainly do not need DSS - innocent young white girls will work for them for free.
IMO: Cameron could stop this at relatively little expense. His government is in a position to do so, with its declared policies - but will he do anything significant. I DON'T THINK SO. No, they just want to pocket the taxpayers' money and pay off the wrong people - like top bankers and effectively the guys who run the quat and shisha parlours. In the meantime the NHS, which Cameron promised to save, is to lose 53000 jobs. Some saviour - Cameron comes across as more like Satan than Christ now, to the poor, the infirm and the elderly - and now his evil behaviour and that of the moat-and-duckpond brigade has to be explained to children too.
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Effect of cell phones on brain could matter
According to the Journal of the American Medical Association, in healthy participants and compared with no exposure, 50-minute cell phone exposure was associated with increased brain glucose metabolism in the region closest to the antenna. This finding is of unknown clinical significance.
Others say: "Given that cell frequencies are approaching those of microwaves, think cooking, maybe the time has come to revisit this question. Even police radar speed trap operators have allegedly suffered health damage. Old Army radio operators who used C52 HF transmitters knew all about the effects of RF - most operators had burned fingers occasioned whilst they tuned the set to the antenna. The first people knew of the 'burning' was the smell of burned tissue rather than pain. Could it be the same all over again?"
IMO: I do not use a cell phone when I can avoid it, which is often. RF is certainly often risky.
Others say: "Given that cell frequencies are approaching those of microwaves, think cooking, maybe the time has come to revisit this question. Even police radar speed trap operators have allegedly suffered health damage. Old Army radio operators who used C52 HF transmitters knew all about the effects of RF - most operators had burned fingers occasioned whilst they tuned the set to the antenna. The first people knew of the 'burning' was the smell of burned tissue rather than pain. Could it be the same all over again?"
IMO: I do not use a cell phone when I can avoid it, which is often. RF is certainly often risky.
Disturbing view of UK finances
“Financial interventions” have reduced Britain’s budget deficit by almost £2 billion, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS).
Azad Zangana, a European economist at Schroder Investment Management, says this could reflect the fact that at present the improvement is only nominal and the shares would have to be sold for the value to be realised. “It’s a political decision not to discuss these figures but it does show that the investments in the banks are making money. You can’t crystallise those gains until you sell those shares into the market and they don’t yet know what the impact of that sale would be.”
The coalition may have been cautious about advertising the figures because including the effects of financial interventions paints a more disturbing view about the state of government finances. This is the first year that the ONS has published data including the impact of the bail-outs alongside its headline figures. To illustrate the point, net debt excluding what the Treasury and the ONS call the temporary effects of financial interventions amounted to £889.1 billion, or 59.3% of GDP. The equivalent net debt figure including financial interventions was £2,322.7 billion, or some 154.9% of GDP.
IMO: In short the UK Government seems to be doing "creative accounting" for its own benefit and the benefit of its masters, the "civil servants".
Azad Zangana, a European economist at Schroder Investment Management, says this could reflect the fact that at present the improvement is only nominal and the shares would have to be sold for the value to be realised. “It’s a political decision not to discuss these figures but it does show that the investments in the banks are making money. You can’t crystallise those gains until you sell those shares into the market and they don’t yet know what the impact of that sale would be.”
The coalition may have been cautious about advertising the figures because including the effects of financial interventions paints a more disturbing view about the state of government finances. This is the first year that the ONS has published data including the impact of the bail-outs alongside its headline figures. To illustrate the point, net debt excluding what the Treasury and the ONS call the temporary effects of financial interventions amounted to £889.1 billion, or 59.3% of GDP. The equivalent net debt figure including financial interventions was £2,322.7 billion, or some 154.9% of GDP.
IMO: In short the UK Government seems to be doing "creative accounting" for its own benefit and the benefit of its masters, the "civil servants".
US Government shutdown march 4th
According to Fox News, Congressional Democrats are accusing Republicans of setting Washington on course for a shutdown, warning that if the government goes off-line over a budget impasse it will count as a GOP "failure."
IMO: Many people believe that the shutdown will take place, and even more likely than before that it will be protracted. Anyone who has been following this matter can see there may be quite serious consequences, politically. Its like the old German saw: "The problem is serious, but not impossible or the problem is impossible, but not serious."
IMO: Many people believe that the shutdown will take place, and even more likely than before that it will be protracted. Anyone who has been following this matter can see there may be quite serious consequences, politically. Its like the old German saw: "The problem is serious, but not impossible or the problem is impossible, but not serious."
Raymond Davis again
It is now alleged that Raymond Davis worked for the Taliban.
American official Raymond Davis , arrested in the Pakistani city of Lahore for gunning down two armed men, had "close links" with the Taliban and was "instrumental" in recruiting youths for the militant group, a media report here said today. The claim about his links to Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan was made to 'The Express Tribune' newspaper by unnamed police officials in Punjab province, a day after US media reported that Davis was working for the CIA as a security contractor. "The Lahore killings were a blessing in disguise for our security agencies who suspected that Davis was masterminding terrorist activities in Lahore and other parts of Punjab," a senior official of Punjab Police was quoted as saying by the daily. "His close ties with the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan were revealed during the investigations... Davis was instrumental in recruiting young people from Punjab for the Taliban to fuel the bloody insurgency," the official was quoted as saying.
IMO: I certainly feel very sorry for the ordinary people of Lahore who now have to contend with Taliban bombings as well as the US drones, which are "friendly fire" (no joke, I've had it), and the Karachi and Islamabad misinformation, as well as the ISI. India loves you folks, really, a loving not true of many other people I could mention.
Seems that during the funeral more than 100 protesters blocked the road in the aftermath of Thursday's incident, setting tyres ablaze.
IMO: Righteous anger, perhaps, but should it be against the local authorities, the ISI, the Taliban, or who. That is always a problem with this sort of public protest. e.g., in the UK, Prince Charles and his presumably equally eccentric wife are possibly lucky to survive protests against problems barely connected with them.
It is now alleged that Raymond Davis worked for the Taliban.
American official Raymond Davis , arrested in the Pakistani city of Lahore for gunning down two armed men, had "close links" with the Taliban and was "instrumental" in recruiting youths for the militant group, a media report here said today. The claim about his links to Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan was made to 'The Express Tribune' newspaper by unnamed police officials in Punjab province, a day after US media reported that Davis was working for the CIA as a security contractor. "The Lahore killings were a blessing in disguise for our security agencies who suspected that Davis was masterminding terrorist activities in Lahore and other parts of Punjab," a senior official of Punjab Police was quoted as saying by the daily. "His close ties with the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan were revealed during the investigations... Davis was instrumental in recruiting young people from Punjab for the Taliban to fuel the bloody insurgency," the official was quoted as saying.
IMO: I certainly feel very sorry for the ordinary people of Lahore who now have to contend with Taliban bombings as well as the US drones, which are "friendly fire" (no joke, I've had it), and the Karachi and Islamabad misinformation, as well as the ISI. India loves you folks, really, a loving not true of many other people I could mention.
Seems that during the funeral more than 100 protesters blocked the road in the aftermath of Thursday's incident, setting tyres ablaze.
IMO: Righteous anger, perhaps, but should it be against the local authorities, the ISI, the Taliban, or who. That is always a problem with this sort of public protest. e.g., in the UK, Prince Charles and his presumably equally eccentric wife are possibly lucky to survive protests against problems barely connected with them.
Monday, February 21, 2011
UK biz prejudiced against public sector staff ?
The Coalition government's hope that the private sector will soak up staff laid off from the public sector took a blow today from a survey showing more than half of UK businesses would not employ people from the public sector.
Typical comment: "Anyone who has tried to get anything done via the council is generally met with jobsworths and people who have no idea what they are doing. I wouldn't employ ex-council staff and I doubt most people would..."
IMO: Sounds like Cameron's "Big Society". There have not actually been any public spending cuts yet and much of the reason seems to be with the "civil servants", rather more than the politicians. To members of the general public, it looks like "Yes, Minister" on stilts. During the seven months that followed the general election, spending was £23.3 billion higher than during the equivalent period twelve months previously, an increase of seven per cent.
Typical comment: "Anyone who has tried to get anything done via the council is generally met with jobsworths and people who have no idea what they are doing. I wouldn't employ ex-council staff and I doubt most people would..."
IMO: Sounds like Cameron's "Big Society". There have not actually been any public spending cuts yet and much of the reason seems to be with the "civil servants", rather more than the politicians. To members of the general public, it looks like "Yes, Minister" on stilts. During the seven months that followed the general election, spending was £23.3 billion higher than during the equivalent period twelve months previously, an increase of seven per cent.
Who needs 600 friends when you're a bride of Christ?
The Register says "A Spanish nun has been kicked out of her closed religious order after clocking up 600 friends on Facebook. After 35 years closeted at the 700-year-old Santa Domingo el Real convent in Toledo, Maria Jesus Galan is back living with her mum, and has declared she rather fancies visiting New York and London".
IMO: As someone who does not use Facebook, I sympathise with the Dominicans, for once. But are we to see a "banned" list of internet sites and maybe even some kind of international Catholic firewall ? It does not sound a good idea. It could maybe suit a Westboro Baptist style. But in fact the Archbishop of Toledo called the fracas "an internal matter".
IMO: As someone who does not use Facebook, I sympathise with the Dominicans, for once. But are we to see a "banned" list of internet sites and maybe even some kind of international Catholic firewall ? It does not sound a good idea. It could maybe suit a Westboro Baptist style. But in fact the Archbishop of Toledo called the fracas "an internal matter".
Reliance
The Maharashtra government de-notified the Maha SEZ, and the CBI are probing into Swan, Reliance Industries Ltd. (RIL) on Monday announced the sale of 30 per cent stake in its 23 blocks, including the giant KG-D6 gas fields, to "BP of U.K." for $7.20 billion.
IMO: Sounds cheap to me. To much of the general public, after A. Raja, Reliance may by now have a worse reputation than BP has, after their Gulf fiasco, though. I don't know whether to laugh or cry. Cry, I suppose is correct.
IMO: Sounds cheap to me. To much of the general public, after A. Raja, Reliance may by now have a worse reputation than BP has, after their Gulf fiasco, though. I don't know whether to laugh or cry. Cry, I suppose is correct.
Sunday, February 20, 2011
Assange
Julian Assange helped spark the ouster of one dictator in Tunisia, followed closely by another in Egypt. It was a diplomatic cable exposed by WikiLeaks describing the corruption of Tunisia's regime that triggered protests. From Tunisia, the protests spread to Egypt. But without the specialized service WikiLeaks provides to whistle-blowers, the world would not have seen the U.S. diplomatic cables.
The Sacramento Bee goes on to point out that Wikileaks did more to improve the world than $1.1 trillion from the US did in a decade.
IMO: I suspect that the US could have done much more than they did with the $1.1 trillion. They might as well have simply improved their own health services etc, perhaps along the lines that Obama has been trying to do, an effort which has been resisted by the wealthy, probably wrongly.
The Sacramento Bee adds "we have yet to see smoking gun documents about our banking sector from WikiLeaks. Based on other materials, I think the corruption and malfeasance of our financial sector will prove Bernie Madoff a penny-ante hustler by comparison."
IMO: But, has he got the info ? I doubt it. But the Swedes will show no mercy. Everyone in India has heard about the Bofors gun matter, probably regarded by the Swedes as OK but by anyone with morals as probably extremely vile Swedish criminal corruption, right from the top. And, now, some believe that the US is still trying to subvert the Swedish Govt even more, to make the Swedes pay for fraudulent US activities. So, having Assange executed will not help Swedish people. quite the opposite. And the Bofors case is still being investigated by the CBI, not that India dislikes Swedes, they just do not want to be corruptly swindled. Where Sonia Gandhi comes into this, I do not know. She may be a friend of Didi which would be a good sign, and the BJP SEZ policies do not seem to be wanted by many people, other than by those who will make immediate profits. Also there is Hinduism, and in many ways I rather like Hindutva but some do not.
The Sacramento Bee goes on to point out that Wikileaks did more to improve the world than $1.1 trillion from the US did in a decade.
IMO: I suspect that the US could have done much more than they did with the $1.1 trillion. They might as well have simply improved their own health services etc, perhaps along the lines that Obama has been trying to do, an effort which has been resisted by the wealthy, probably wrongly.
The Sacramento Bee adds "we have yet to see smoking gun documents about our banking sector from WikiLeaks. Based on other materials, I think the corruption and malfeasance of our financial sector will prove Bernie Madoff a penny-ante hustler by comparison."
IMO: But, has he got the info ? I doubt it. But the Swedes will show no mercy. Everyone in India has heard about the Bofors gun matter, probably regarded by the Swedes as OK but by anyone with morals as probably extremely vile Swedish criminal corruption, right from the top. And, now, some believe that the US is still trying to subvert the Swedish Govt even more, to make the Swedes pay for fraudulent US activities. So, having Assange executed will not help Swedish people. quite the opposite. And the Bofors case is still being investigated by the CBI, not that India dislikes Swedes, they just do not want to be corruptly swindled. Where Sonia Gandhi comes into this, I do not know. She may be a friend of Didi which would be a good sign, and the BJP SEZ policies do not seem to be wanted by many people, other than by those who will make immediate profits. Also there is Hinduism, and in many ways I rather like Hindutva but some do not.
Friday, February 18, 2011
The Big Society
A serving Conservative councillor has been exposed as having a double life as a member of one of Europe’s most notorious biker gangs. Councillor Jim Mason is a cabinet member on Tewkesbury Council and a former mayor. He is also a full patch member of the Outlaws, which is classed as an organised crime group by police forces all over the world. Members of the Outlaws have been convicted of a number of high profile offences; they gunned down a Hells Angel on the M40, they were part of a mass brawl at Birmingham Airport, and the group’s main leaders – including the European and UK president, Dink – are currently in prison for drugs offences. Sky News has also discovered a picture of Mr Mason in his biker colours where he seems to have a Nazi SS badge on his jacket, underneath is a well-known Outlaws patch, reading “God forgives, Outlaws don’t”.
Tewkesbury Council's chief executive Mike Dawson said: "In my experience, councillor Mason undertakes his role as a councillor in a manner that is compatible to the principles governing councillors' conduct."
IMO: Sounds like a typical Tory, then. No wonder Cameron is "appalled" by court rulings as to Tory illegal activities, as over the recent Holman matter. Who may be exposed next?
AV again
William Hague, the patron of the No campaign in the alternative vote (AV) referendum, has said he would be very disappointed if the campaign did not identify its donors.
IMO: Hague is probably right when he says PR would be better than AV, but the choice is not there because of the Condemn coalition, as either AV,or (better) PR could go some way to ridding us of that moat-and-duckpond crowd and none of them seem to want that. He is also right that people will want to know the names of the donors, as they seem to be people like him and Cameron, not exactly ordinary members of the general public. The Yes campaign, on the other hand, seems to be 90% funded by the charities who act for the poor, whereas the No campaign is funded by politicians and we can draw our own conclusions as to how much they help the poor and ill.
IMO: Hague is probably right when he says PR would be better than AV, but the choice is not there because of the Condemn coalition, as either AV,or (better) PR could go some way to ridding us of that moat-and-duckpond crowd and none of them seem to want that. He is also right that people will want to know the names of the donors, as they seem to be people like him and Cameron, not exactly ordinary members of the general public. The Yes campaign, on the other hand, seems to be 90% funded by the charities who act for the poor, whereas the No campaign is funded by politicians and we can draw our own conclusions as to how much they help the poor and ill.
One of our frogs
After noting that new types of bubble-nest frogs have been discovered, I thought I would look for a picture of one of our own (Chandor) house-frogs. In the way of frogs, they are always hopping around and this one seems to be a bit afraid of the flash, but normally they are very kind and friendly.
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Was Davis running drone programme in Pakistan?
A mysterious halt to U.S Predator strikes on Pakistan after the Raymond Davis incident in Lahore has led to intense speculation the American "diplomat" was connected to the Drone program even as Washington and Islamabad are going eyeball-to-eyeball over his status.
Davis, 36, was apprehended by Pakistani police after he shot dead two Pakistanis on a busy Lahore thoroughfare on January 27, four days after the last drone U.S Drone strike in Pakistan.
While Davis claimed that he shot the two Pakistanis in self-defense when they were trying to rob him, some reports have said they were ISI tails assigned to follow him because the Pakistani intelligence felt he had crossed certain unspecified "red lines." Those red lines may have involved discovering the Pakistani establishment's links with terrorists group, a pursuit which led to the death of Wall Street Journalist Danny Pearl.
According to the LWJ, it is also possible the Obama administration has halted the Drone strikes for political reasons, as Washington negotiates Davis' release.
A bitter wrangle has erupted in Islamabad between ultra-nationalist/pro-Jihadi elements in the government determined to stand up to Washington and deny Davis diplomatic immunity and those in favor of immunity because of Pakistan's parlous financial situation and its need to remain in Washington's good books.
Davis, 36, was apprehended by Pakistani police after he shot dead two Pakistanis on a busy Lahore thoroughfare on January 27, four days after the last drone U.S Drone strike in Pakistan.
While Davis claimed that he shot the two Pakistanis in self-defense when they were trying to rob him, some reports have said they were ISI tails assigned to follow him because the Pakistani intelligence felt he had crossed certain unspecified "red lines." Those red lines may have involved discovering the Pakistani establishment's links with terrorists group, a pursuit which led to the death of Wall Street Journalist Danny Pearl.
According to the LWJ, it is also possible the Obama administration has halted the Drone strikes for political reasons, as Washington negotiates Davis' release.
A bitter wrangle has erupted in Islamabad between ultra-nationalist/pro-Jihadi elements in the government determined to stand up to Washington and deny Davis diplomatic immunity and those in favor of immunity because of Pakistan's parlous financial situation and its need to remain in Washington's good books.
Bubble-nest Frog, Other "Extinct" Species Found
Last seen in 1937, the elegant tropical frog species (pictured here near a forest stream) has been rediscovered along India’s western coast, conservationists announced Thursday.
The discovery was bittersweet, however, as only four of the hundred "lost" amphibians specifically sought during the August-through-December search for extinct species have been found.
IMO: Here in Chandor, Goa, West India there are a lot of very nice, quite friendly frogs. They seem to want to make friends with people. Just yesterday a large frog looked at me and then jumped towards me and sat next to me. These frogs seem to be able to cling to walls at least as well as wall lizards, and presumably may also use nanotechnology to do so. Some frogs look at people and wink their eyes, some are brightly colored, often metallic gold, and can be very beautiful to see. They look a bit like the frog in the photo referred to above, but I hope nobody bothers them as they are nicely behaved house frogs. Some of the very beautiful ones look quite unusual. Some of them like water sprinkled on them and they think actual rain has started.
[ A lizard's remarkable abilities comes from an unlikely source - tiny (microscopically tiny, in fact) elastic hairs (from 3 to 130 nanometers in length) which split at the ends into even tinier "hooks." Because these hairs are so small, they behave in a manner not dissimilar to Velcro, but on a microscopic level, which allows them to stick to even the smoothest, slickest of surfaces. ]
The discovery was bittersweet, however, as only four of the hundred "lost" amphibians specifically sought during the August-through-December search for extinct species have been found.
IMO: Here in Chandor, Goa, West India there are a lot of very nice, quite friendly frogs. They seem to want to make friends with people. Just yesterday a large frog looked at me and then jumped towards me and sat next to me. These frogs seem to be able to cling to walls at least as well as wall lizards, and presumably may also use nanotechnology to do so. Some frogs look at people and wink their eyes, some are brightly colored, often metallic gold, and can be very beautiful to see. They look a bit like the frog in the photo referred to above, but I hope nobody bothers them as they are nicely behaved house frogs. Some of the very beautiful ones look quite unusual. Some of them like water sprinkled on them and they think actual rain has started.
[ A lizard's remarkable abilities comes from an unlikely source - tiny (microscopically tiny, in fact) elastic hairs (from 3 to 130 nanometers in length) which split at the ends into even tinier "hooks." Because these hairs are so small, they behave in a manner not dissimilar to Velcro, but on a microscopic level, which allows them to stick to even the smoothest, slickest of surfaces. ]
A bad taste: Royal Wedding souvenir sick bags
According to the Daily Mail, graphic designer Lydia Leith has screen-printed souvenir sick bags that are selling for just £3. The first, limited edition, batch of 'Throne Up' bags - perhaps unsurprisingly - sold out almost immediately.
Lydia said, 'I'm a fan of Royal memorabilia myself and I just thought it would be a lighthearted addition to what's available to commemorate the day.'
IMO: Quite disgusting. The groom's father's first wife was well known as a compulsive vomiter, it is said, and that had to do with mental instability and health problems. Particularly as the bride in this case also seems to have weight problems, the whole idea of poking fun at a rather tragic situation is unsavoury.
Lydia said, 'I'm a fan of Royal memorabilia myself and I just thought it would be a lighthearted addition to what's available to commemorate the day.'
IMO: Quite disgusting. The groom's father's first wife was well known as a compulsive vomiter, it is said, and that had to do with mental instability and health problems. Particularly as the bride in this case also seems to have weight problems, the whole idea of poking fun at a rather tragic situation is unsavoury.
Newspaper's lopsided views on Pakistan and Sena
Two days ahead of the ICC World Cup, a senior Shiv Sena leader has put a question mark on any final match which involves Pakistan.
“You all know Sena chief Bal Thackeray’s views. If the Pakistan team reaches the final (scheduled in Mumbai), whether to allow them to play, the Sena chief will decide,” Manohar Joshi said here today.
IMO: The newspapers are calling Mr. Thackeray's comments a "threat" or a "veiled threat" . This sounds quite wrong. 'Mr. Thackeray is quite reasonably considering the security of Mumbai', would have been more accurate. A pity the Goan blog "PenPricks" seems to have been closed. It had good ways of dealing with inaccurate or biassed Press comments.
“You all know Sena chief Bal Thackeray’s views. If the Pakistan team reaches the final (scheduled in Mumbai), whether to allow them to play, the Sena chief will decide,” Manohar Joshi said here today.
IMO: The newspapers are calling Mr. Thackeray's comments a "threat" or a "veiled threat" . This sounds quite wrong. 'Mr. Thackeray is quite reasonably considering the security of Mumbai', would have been more accurate. A pity the Goan blog "PenPricks" seems to have been closed. It had good ways of dealing with inaccurate or biassed Press comments.
Bankrupt America sells New York Stock Exchange to Germany
The proposed merger of the New York and German stock exchanges to create the world’s largest trading platform would add to mounting pressure on the Swiss bourse.
IMO: H'm, look on the bright side if you can. Photo here
IMO: H'm, look on the bright side if you can. Photo here
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Obama seems to be killing his own voters
Maybe this is just bad information, but in some respects Obama now sounds worse than Clegg.
Example: "The Obama administration plans to cut billions of dollars from the LIHEAP program that subsidizes energy costs for the needy... Once again, the Obama administration deliberately attacks a group that supported him: poor, elderly Northeasterners. Admittedly, it's no different than every other effort by Obama to f*ck over his own base, but still, I don't get it".
IMO: Maybe all the politicians are getting like Latin America has been for years in some areas. "Vote for or support me, as anyone else will be worse". (After all, Trump or Palin might be President). In this context, soon we may need to worry about Egypt, their 'democracy' should not just mean the only voice will be that of a radical Muslim majority.
AV
If and when the AV referendum comes in the UK, I 'd say AV should be a great idea and voting for it could at least shake up the UK voting system.
Some say, not voting for AV is a way to give a view on silly Clegg. Maybe, but there is a fair chance AV will allow somewhat better politicians, and UTAP existing ones could hardly be worse.
Clegg is like God, in a way. He did say "I need to say this – you shouldn't trust any government, actually including this one. You should not trust government – full stop." So you have heard the tip from the horse's mouth.
How is Clegg like God? Here is a parable I read on the internet today on P.Z. Myer's website. Clegg is God, and the voter is the 'man on the roof'.
---------------
THE MAN ON THE ROOF
A man was trapped on his rooftop by the rising waters of a flood.
A fellow came over in a rowboat and called to the man, “Hop into my
boat! I’ll save you!”
The stranded man refused, saying, “No – God will save me!”
The water rose to the man’s knees, and along came a rescuer in a
motorboat. “Get in my boat! I’ll save you!” cried the boater.
“No!” the man on the roof replied. “God will save me!”
Soon after, the water was up to the man’s chest. Now came a helicopter
with a sling suspended from it. “Grab onto the sling!” called the pilot.
“I’ll pull you up and save you!”
As the man called, “No, God will save me!” a wave swept him off the
roof and he drowned.
As he entered into heaven, God greeted him, saying, “Welcome to
heaven! Glad to see you! Before I show you around and introduce you
to some of the angels, do you have any questions?”
“Well, yes Sir, as a matter of fact I do have one question.” the man
replied. “There I was, stranded on my roof, with flood waters rising all
around me! Why didn’t you save me?”
“Well!” replied God. “I sent you two boats and a helicopter! What
more did you want?”
Some say, not voting for AV is a way to give a view on silly Clegg. Maybe, but there is a fair chance AV will allow somewhat better politicians, and UTAP existing ones could hardly be worse.
Clegg is like God, in a way. He did say "I need to say this – you shouldn't trust any government, actually including this one. You should not trust government – full stop." So you have heard the tip from the horse's mouth.
How is Clegg like God? Here is a parable I read on the internet today on P.Z. Myer's website. Clegg is God, and the voter is the 'man on the roof'.
---------------
THE MAN ON THE ROOF
A man was trapped on his rooftop by the rising waters of a flood.
A fellow came over in a rowboat and called to the man, “Hop into my
boat! I’ll save you!”
The stranded man refused, saying, “No – God will save me!”
The water rose to the man’s knees, and along came a rescuer in a
motorboat. “Get in my boat! I’ll save you!” cried the boater.
“No!” the man on the roof replied. “God will save me!”
Soon after, the water was up to the man’s chest. Now came a helicopter
with a sling suspended from it. “Grab onto the sling!” called the pilot.
“I’ll pull you up and save you!”
As the man called, “No, God will save me!” a wave swept him off the
roof and he drowned.
As he entered into heaven, God greeted him, saying, “Welcome to
heaven! Glad to see you! Before I show you around and introduce you
to some of the angels, do you have any questions?”
“Well, yes Sir, as a matter of fact I do have one question.” the man
replied. “There I was, stranded on my roof, with flood waters rising all
around me! Why didn’t you save me?”
“Well!” replied God. “I sent you two boats and a helicopter! What
more did you want?”
British bill of rights review
A coalition commission into the possibility of setting up a British bill of rights will be established shortly, David Cameron has announced.
The coalition agreement set out plans for the review into a British bill of rights, and there has been growing pressure from Tory backbenchers to press ahead with the commission in the wake of Conservative anger over the impact of human rights rulings.
IMO: I think the problem is partly that many of the people representing EU countries neither understand English well, nor do they have any respect for UK traditions. Indeed I suspect many of them do not even obey the EU law themselves, plenty of proofs of that.
Cameron claimed he is"appalled" by many Court rulings, These presumably may include Holman's recent ruling on the unlawful behaviour of the Condemn party.
IMO: But parliamentarians have to obey the law, why not ? However a bunch of semiliterate foreigners tinkering with British human rights is another matter, and I have to be in agreement with Cameron there. Why back the EU 'lawmakers' in the first place, NOBODY voted for that, ever. We didn't have a vote and even the Condemns still haven't fulfilled Tory pledges on that. We do not want UK kids 'educated' by a bunch of pedophile catholic priests, for example, or by Berlusconi's pals either. I hope Cameron can do something to retain only sensible and useful ties with Europe.
The coalition agreement set out plans for the review into a British bill of rights, and there has been growing pressure from Tory backbenchers to press ahead with the commission in the wake of Conservative anger over the impact of human rights rulings.
IMO: I think the problem is partly that many of the people representing EU countries neither understand English well, nor do they have any respect for UK traditions. Indeed I suspect many of them do not even obey the EU law themselves, plenty of proofs of that.
Cameron claimed he is"appalled" by many Court rulings, These presumably may include Holman's recent ruling on the unlawful behaviour of the Condemn party.
IMO: But parliamentarians have to obey the law, why not ? However a bunch of semiliterate foreigners tinkering with British human rights is another matter, and I have to be in agreement with Cameron there. Why back the EU 'lawmakers' in the first place, NOBODY voted for that, ever. We didn't have a vote and even the Condemns still haven't fulfilled Tory pledges on that. We do not want UK kids 'educated' by a bunch of pedophile catholic priests, for example, or by Berlusconi's pals either. I hope Cameron can do something to retain only sensible and useful ties with Europe.
Jihadi who helped train 7/7 bomber freed by US after just five years
An American jihadist who set up the terrorist training camp where the leader of the 2005 London suicide bombers learned how to manufacture explosives, has been quietly released after serving only four and a half years of a possible 70-year sentence, a Guardian investigation has learned.
Lawyers representing the families of victims and survivors of the attacks have compared the very lenient treatment of Babar to complaints at the eventual release of the Lockerbie bomber, Abdelbaset al-Megrahi, who probably may not have done the bombing anyway.
IMO: America really does have "one law for Americans, no law for the rest". You can read the law books and find out such a thing. And Donald Trump demands respect for these people, who owe the world a fortune ? He'd be lucky. Americans will eventually have to pull themselves together and cope with the real world. It would ultimately probably be in their interests, though the learning process may be like that of a rebellious adolescent who finally has to cope with the real world. Admittedly not easy and with many problems.
Lawyers representing the families of victims and survivors of the attacks have compared the very lenient treatment of Babar to complaints at the eventual release of the Lockerbie bomber, Abdelbaset al-Megrahi, who probably may not have done the bombing anyway.
IMO: America really does have "one law for Americans, no law for the rest". You can read the law books and find out such a thing. And Donald Trump demands respect for these people, who owe the world a fortune ? He'd be lucky. Americans will eventually have to pull themselves together and cope with the real world. It would ultimately probably be in their interests, though the learning process may be like that of a rebellious adolescent who finally has to cope with the real world. Admittedly not easy and with many problems.
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Manmahon says 'I am not a lameduck PM, will not quit'
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Wednesday said India needs to develop a corporate debt market to meet the projected investment of $1 trillion required to sustain the country’s economic growth rate in the 12th Five-Year Plan (2012-2017).
Some commentators say there could be a repeat of 1989, when Congress lost a general election due to the Bofors scandal over gun contracts involving close associates of then Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi who were accused of taking bribes.
IMO: At least Singh knows economics or should do, and has no very obvious corrruption himself. Let's keep our fingers crossed, as it were, and hope there are not too many mistakes like Clinton and McCain (unintentionally ?) made, never mind Reagan and his Alzheimers who seems to have been made a complete sucker by the banks. The bad break is certainly less bad than the USA has faced, and Singh has had the courage to stand up to facts at last, and not deny or ignore them. It may well be best if the smart-alecs at the banks are given serious punishment when necessary, as Singh implies, but hopefully not at the expense of outsiders who are often quite poor and even uneducated. But Singh should certainly not walk into the same derivatives mess that eventually culminated with Bear Stearns etc etc.
Some commentators say there could be a repeat of 1989, when Congress lost a general election due to the Bofors scandal over gun contracts involving close associates of then Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi who were accused of taking bribes.
IMO: At least Singh knows economics or should do, and has no very obvious corrruption himself. Let's keep our fingers crossed, as it were, and hope there are not too many mistakes like Clinton and McCain (unintentionally ?) made, never mind Reagan and his Alzheimers who seems to have been made a complete sucker by the banks. The bad break is certainly less bad than the USA has faced, and Singh has had the courage to stand up to facts at last, and not deny or ignore them. It may well be best if the smart-alecs at the banks are given serious punishment when necessary, as Singh implies, but hopefully not at the expense of outsiders who are often quite poor and even uneducated. But Singh should certainly not walk into the same derivatives mess that eventually culminated with Bear Stearns etc etc.
Respecting America
Donald Trump has said that part of his presidential platform will be to ensure that other countries show the US more repect.
You only have to read the comments in "Doonesbury" on Trump to gather that Trump himself is not always respected, particularly in America. But it is a dangerous part of his platform. Seriously, how would you get other countries to "respect" America more ? Certainly not by killing them. You could get hatred or war that way, but not "respect". We do not live in the stone ages after all, and US power is hardly convincing even to the Taliban.
IMO: If America could pay its debts, that might give it more respect... Lets see the figures. The US owes Canada $3.6 billion, Hong Kong $138.9 billion, the Cayman Islands' banking centers $146.3 billion, Brazil is owed $184.4 billion, OPEC $210.4 billion, the insurance industry $261.8 billion, domestic commercial banks and credit unions $269.8 billion, UK and state and local governments $511.8 billion, mutual funds $637.7 billion and pension funds $706.4 billion. Then the figures really start rising. Japan is owed $877.2 billion, and China $895.6 billion.
OK you may say, lets declare war on Japan and China, that'll make 'em show some respect. But the US would probably lose, not a pleasant prospect for Trump I would say - in fact very, very unpleasant. After all, but for the Jewish scientists and their nuclear bombs the US would have lost against just a weak Japan, last time.
But that is not the end. Even now, there is light at the end of the tunnel. Who are the really big creditors. I'm sure Trump could pay them off as they are U.S. Savings Bonds, and a category CNBC calls "other investors", at $1.458 trillion, plus the United States Federal Reserve Bank, which has the US on the hook for a staggering $5.351 trillion. So if the dollar is deflated by somewhat more than the Deutschmark was in the 1930s, Trump could pay those debts off out of his own pocket, perhaps in Swiss francs. The other countries might still want hard cash, though, for full respect.
You only have to read the comments in "Doonesbury" on Trump to gather that Trump himself is not always respected, particularly in America. But it is a dangerous part of his platform. Seriously, how would you get other countries to "respect" America more ? Certainly not by killing them. You could get hatred or war that way, but not "respect". We do not live in the stone ages after all, and US power is hardly convincing even to the Taliban.
IMO: If America could pay its debts, that might give it more respect... Lets see the figures. The US owes Canada $3.6 billion, Hong Kong $138.9 billion, the Cayman Islands' banking centers $146.3 billion, Brazil is owed $184.4 billion, OPEC $210.4 billion, the insurance industry $261.8 billion, domestic commercial banks and credit unions $269.8 billion, UK and state and local governments $511.8 billion, mutual funds $637.7 billion and pension funds $706.4 billion. Then the figures really start rising. Japan is owed $877.2 billion, and China $895.6 billion.
OK you may say, lets declare war on Japan and China, that'll make 'em show some respect. But the US would probably lose, not a pleasant prospect for Trump I would say - in fact very, very unpleasant. After all, but for the Jewish scientists and their nuclear bombs the US would have lost against just a weak Japan, last time.
But that is not the end. Even now, there is light at the end of the tunnel. Who are the really big creditors. I'm sure Trump could pay them off as they are U.S. Savings Bonds, and a category CNBC calls "other investors", at $1.458 trillion, plus the United States Federal Reserve Bank, which has the US on the hook for a staggering $5.351 trillion. So if the dollar is deflated by somewhat more than the Deutschmark was in the 1930s, Trump could pay those debts off out of his own pocket, perhaps in Swiss francs. The other countries might still want hard cash, though, for full respect.
Cabinet Committee on Infrastructure
At the meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Infrastructure, the Congress and the Trinamool Congress (who are allies at the Centre and in West Bengal) had a major face off.
During this disagreement, Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee gave Mamata Banerjee such a dressing down that it is said that she was almost reduced to tears. Some sources say that the situation became so emotive that other ministers had to intervene, with one minister even offering a handkerchief to console the agitated, and normally irrepressible, Mamata.
It is learnt that Pranab Mukherjee lost his cool after Mamata suggested a public-private partnership for a railway project. He told her that the economies of scale of what she was suggesting were not feasible. He added that she wanted to be a popular and populist minister without increasing freight rates or passenger fares, and at the same time did not want to pay private parties. However, despite the drama, the Cabinet Committee on Infrastructure finally cleared almost 23 projects, of which 10 are from West Bengal. These will be announced in the Railway Budget to be presented by Mamata Banerjee on February 24.
IMO: These PPPs are something a lot of people are sceptical about. Seems Didi wanted to put the general public first rather than money-grabbing "entrepreneurs" who have made so much money already at the expense of the poor. Does Mukherjee really want more Maoist insurgency which seems often to be caused by big business corruption already. Even here in relatively peaceful, pleasant and prosperous Goa, corruption is a word heard daily, with great disgust. e.g. It is obvious that the dengue epidemic in Verna is NOT due to the "dirty ghattis". Maharashtra is fairly clean for India but there is an enormous amount of obvious filth in Goa. The dengue epidemic (which doubtless "does not exist" and hopefully is pretty small anyway) is caused by totally inadequate sanitation facilities for out-of-state workers provided by bent commercial firms trying to make money at the expense of the poor and uneducated. Thank God for Didi !
During this disagreement, Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee gave Mamata Banerjee such a dressing down that it is said that she was almost reduced to tears. Some sources say that the situation became so emotive that other ministers had to intervene, with one minister even offering a handkerchief to console the agitated, and normally irrepressible, Mamata.
It is learnt that Pranab Mukherjee lost his cool after Mamata suggested a public-private partnership for a railway project. He told her that the economies of scale of what she was suggesting were not feasible. He added that she wanted to be a popular and populist minister without increasing freight rates or passenger fares, and at the same time did not want to pay private parties. However, despite the drama, the Cabinet Committee on Infrastructure finally cleared almost 23 projects, of which 10 are from West Bengal. These will be announced in the Railway Budget to be presented by Mamata Banerjee on February 24.
IMO: These PPPs are something a lot of people are sceptical about. Seems Didi wanted to put the general public first rather than money-grabbing "entrepreneurs" who have made so much money already at the expense of the poor. Does Mukherjee really want more Maoist insurgency which seems often to be caused by big business corruption already. Even here in relatively peaceful, pleasant and prosperous Goa, corruption is a word heard daily, with great disgust. e.g. It is obvious that the dengue epidemic in Verna is NOT due to the "dirty ghattis". Maharashtra is fairly clean for India but there is an enormous amount of obvious filth in Goa. The dengue epidemic (which doubtless "does not exist" and hopefully is pretty small anyway) is caused by totally inadequate sanitation facilities for out-of-state workers provided by bent commercial firms trying to make money at the expense of the poor and uneducated. Thank God for Didi !
Clegg makes most powerful political statement of the decade
According to the UK Guardian Mr. Clegg seems to have said "I need to say this – you shouldn't trust any government, actually including this one. You should not trust government – full stop. The natural inclination of government is to hoard power and information; to accrue power to itself in the name of the public good."
A lot of problems here. Clegg seems to have made this comment to a Henry Porter, an Observer columnist. The Observer are usually reasonably accurate so we can reasonably assume that the statement was made, and in a correct context, i.e. Clegg was not on cocaine, or drunk at the time, (possibly unlike Charles Kennedy). It was 5 years ago but such facts hardly change.
IMO: The big worry seems to be the muddle. I can see the converse is reasonably easy to follow. "You CAN trust government" and indeed "You can (usually or sometimes etc etc) trust government" is also reasonable. But "You should not trust government – full stop" is a statement, perhaps the most powerful made by a serious politican for a decade. It ranks with "a week is a long time in politics" (Harold Wilson) though that statement whilst memorable is relatively harmless. I think of Bush and Blair's WMD statements which do seem to have been lies. Is it really normal for politicians to lie all the time ? So we do not trust Clegg either ? And who do we take seriously ? Maybe the "Big Society" - but surely that seems to be a Cameron lie, if we are to distrust Cameron and look at real facts about his statements and actions. My feeling is that all these people, particularly Cameron and Clegg, are in a real muddle and think little but act with haste. That's not too different to Vince Cable's summing up. If Clegg's statement is true, maybe the Libdems should obtain a new leader who does NOT lie. Otherwise who can vote for them, or indeed for any current politician. We hoped to get these fellows not to defraud the public over expenses, but no hope if they are all liars. Cameron said he would stop MP expense fraud and he hasn't, for example. A completely new parliament sounds necessary on Clegg's advice and indeed most people think that.
A lot of problems here. Clegg seems to have made this comment to a Henry Porter, an Observer columnist. The Observer are usually reasonably accurate so we can reasonably assume that the statement was made, and in a correct context, i.e. Clegg was not on cocaine, or drunk at the time, (possibly unlike Charles Kennedy). It was 5 years ago but such facts hardly change.
IMO: The big worry seems to be the muddle. I can see the converse is reasonably easy to follow. "You CAN trust government" and indeed "You can (usually or sometimes etc etc) trust government" is also reasonable. But "You should not trust government – full stop" is a statement, perhaps the most powerful made by a serious politican for a decade. It ranks with "a week is a long time in politics" (Harold Wilson) though that statement whilst memorable is relatively harmless. I think of Bush and Blair's WMD statements which do seem to have been lies. Is it really normal for politicians to lie all the time ? So we do not trust Clegg either ? And who do we take seriously ? Maybe the "Big Society" - but surely that seems to be a Cameron lie, if we are to distrust Cameron and look at real facts about his statements and actions. My feeling is that all these people, particularly Cameron and Clegg, are in a real muddle and think little but act with haste. That's not too different to Vince Cable's summing up. If Clegg's statement is true, maybe the Libdems should obtain a new leader who does NOT lie. Otherwise who can vote for them, or indeed for any current politician. We hoped to get these fellows not to defraud the public over expenses, but no hope if they are all liars. Cameron said he would stop MP expense fraud and he hasn't, for example. A completely new parliament sounds necessary on Clegg's advice and indeed most people think that.
Monday, February 14, 2011
The Big Society
Tony Blair, who has come close to endorsing the government's deficit reduction plans, gave a guarded response. Asked about the big society on Sky News, the former prime minister said: "We will wait and see what it actually means."
IMO: Good idea from Blair, and unfortunately the present signs are totally unfavourable.
Sir Stephen Bubb, the chief executive of the Association of Chief Executives of Voluntary Organisations, told the prime minister he welcomed the big society but raised concerns about cuts to charities.
Bubb added: "I have to say what is bad is what is happening to our charities and our voluntary organisations. You have a passion. I have a passion for charities and when I see them cut, the work they do in vulnerable communities cut, that is bad.
"Much of this is coming from local councils. I think you need to think about how you say to local councils [that] the cuts they are making are disproportionate, they are hurting disadvantaged communities."
IMO: I do NOT welcome the Big Society. Both churches and charities will suffer, and are suffering now. Universities are likely to suffer, and but there are gains for greedy bankers like Sir Ronald Cohen, now a Tory supporter it seems, and of course a 'banker'. There also seem to be virtually no grounds, a lot of political spivvery by bankers and a few gays and nothing significantly positive to come. The idea seems to be to benefit the rich and destroy the poor. Some of these people seem to be seeking a "very British Adolf Hitler" to run the country. They can find their own consequences, read Maritain and others to see what happened in 1930s France. "Hang the (top) bankers" may be going too far yet. "Hang effigies of the (top) bankers" - Certainly.
IMO: Good idea from Blair, and unfortunately the present signs are totally unfavourable.
Sir Stephen Bubb, the chief executive of the Association of Chief Executives of Voluntary Organisations, told the prime minister he welcomed the big society but raised concerns about cuts to charities.
Bubb added: "I have to say what is bad is what is happening to our charities and our voluntary organisations. You have a passion. I have a passion for charities and when I see them cut, the work they do in vulnerable communities cut, that is bad.
"Much of this is coming from local councils. I think you need to think about how you say to local councils [that] the cuts they are making are disproportionate, they are hurting disadvantaged communities."
IMO: I do NOT welcome the Big Society. Both churches and charities will suffer, and are suffering now. Universities are likely to suffer, and but there are gains for greedy bankers like Sir Ronald Cohen, now a Tory supporter it seems, and of course a 'banker'. There also seem to be virtually no grounds, a lot of political spivvery by bankers and a few gays and nothing significantly positive to come. The idea seems to be to benefit the rich and destroy the poor. Some of these people seem to be seeking a "very British Adolf Hitler" to run the country. They can find their own consequences, read Maritain and others to see what happened in 1930s France. "Hang the (top) bankers" may be going too far yet. "Hang effigies of the (top) bankers" - Certainly.
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Assange hits out at Australia
Julian Assange has accused the Gillard government of being "co-opted" by the US, saying it is continuing to provide the US with information behind the scenes while publicly claiming to have dropped all investigations against him.
IMO: Australia used to follow the UK like a lost puppy. Then it tried to follow Japan, which did not quite work. For years it has been selling natural resources to China at a pretty low price. Can it jump ship and join the US like it did over Vietnam ? The people who run Australia do not seem to act well for its inhabitants or citizens. I think they may make a mess of bull-bar regulation as well, as they have done over traffic lights for example. Not so macho to make it impossible for old ladies to cross a busy road. Also not macho not to defend its own citizens against alleged Swedish Government corruption but maybe to also act in collusion with the US. We'll see how this Kath 'n Kim government manages.
IMO: Watch out for Anonymous even if you do not agree with them. See: How one man claimed to track down Anonymous—and paid a heavy price. Upshot : his boss says "We are kind of pissed at him right now" which seems to suggest Anonymous came close to having him sacked.
IMO: Australia used to follow the UK like a lost puppy. Then it tried to follow Japan, which did not quite work. For years it has been selling natural resources to China at a pretty low price. Can it jump ship and join the US like it did over Vietnam ? The people who run Australia do not seem to act well for its inhabitants or citizens. I think they may make a mess of bull-bar regulation as well, as they have done over traffic lights for example. Not so macho to make it impossible for old ladies to cross a busy road. Also not macho not to defend its own citizens against alleged Swedish Government corruption but maybe to also act in collusion with the US. We'll see how this Kath 'n Kim government manages.
IMO: Watch out for Anonymous even if you do not agree with them. See: How one man claimed to track down Anonymous—and paid a heavy price. Upshot : his boss says "We are kind of pissed at him right now" which seems to suggest Anonymous came close to having him sacked.
Gay marriage - Lord Tebbit speaks
The former Tory party chairman Lord Tebbit said: "We should be utterly, completely and absolutely clear that a civil partnership is not a marriage, cannot be a marriage, never will be a marriage and should be treated entirely separately from marriage. "Marriage is celebrated within a church. If we make it a permissive option, sooner or later, the legal proceedings will start to enforce it upon churches against the will of many ministers in those churches."
The human rights campaigner Peter Tatchell said: "It's outrageous that the government is delaying the implementation of a law that was passed almost a year ago. Parliament voted to allow civil partnerships in places of worship."
IMO: In short Mr. Cameron is seemingly trying to help a Labor bill through. His motives ? My personal view is that Lord Tebbit is right on the last section of his statement at the very least and Cameron has passed a poisoned chalice to Mr. Clegg. Clegg will have to be a bit brighter if he wants to keep the Libdems alive, never mind the coalition. Cameron's idea of Big Society seems to be to set the gay lobby against the religious lobby, if indeed either exists. His aim seems to be "tax them all" and hand the funds to the bankers. Most gays do not want to break up their own religion, which may or may not support "gay marriage". But quite a few do, enough to make trouble. Which comes first, God or mammon ? And whilst there could be quite a complicated scientific case against the first part of Mr. Tebbit's statement, see here and here for two angles, it certainly has not been proved and quite likely never will. The present common sensible belief is that Tebbit is absolutely right. Mr. Tatchell is acting on bad premises, whilst he may wish to support his friends and in that sense is quite reasonable and fair to do so. But science does not support him.
The human rights campaigner Peter Tatchell said: "It's outrageous that the government is delaying the implementation of a law that was passed almost a year ago. Parliament voted to allow civil partnerships in places of worship."
IMO: In short Mr. Cameron is seemingly trying to help a Labor bill through. His motives ? My personal view is that Lord Tebbit is right on the last section of his statement at the very least and Cameron has passed a poisoned chalice to Mr. Clegg. Clegg will have to be a bit brighter if he wants to keep the Libdems alive, never mind the coalition. Cameron's idea of Big Society seems to be to set the gay lobby against the religious lobby, if indeed either exists. His aim seems to be "tax them all" and hand the funds to the bankers. Most gays do not want to break up their own religion, which may or may not support "gay marriage". But quite a few do, enough to make trouble. Which comes first, God or mammon ? And whilst there could be quite a complicated scientific case against the first part of Mr. Tebbit's statement, see here and here for two angles, it certainly has not been proved and quite likely never will. The present common sensible belief is that Tebbit is absolutely right. Mr. Tatchell is acting on bad premises, whilst he may wish to support his friends and in that sense is quite reasonable and fair to do so. But science does not support him.
IMO: Why not have marriages at Banks, that would be a fair compromise ? For example a lady (I won't suggest S***y B****w) could marry a dog at Barclay's Bank, and be given the blessing by Bob Diamond.
Gay Marriage ? I don't get it
In a major concession to Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg's Lib Dems, the Government will announce that for the first time, such ceremonies will be allowed to have a religious element, including hymns and Bible readings. They could be carried out by priests or other religious officials.
IMO: What people do in their own time seems to be their own business, generally speaking. But something else perplexes me.
The Daily Mail says (and other papers somewhat echo) : "The move could lead to a clash between the State and the church."
IMO: Why cannot each church make its own rules, and battle it out with its congregation and others.
The Church of England has already said it will not let its buildings be used for civil partnership ceremonies.
IMO: I've always said, 'fair enough' if anyone doesn't like it let them go to Metropolitan Community Church or another church that does. There do seem to be doctrinal problems, hardly solved by mutual abuse and heckling.
The Roman Catholic Church takes an even tougher line - Pope Benedict last year described same-sex marriage as being among 'the most insidious and dangerous challenges that today confront the common good'.
IMO: Some say, with perhaps more reason, the same about the Roman Catholic Church as being 'the most insidious and dangerous challenge that today confronts the common good'. Touche, eh ?
Both the Catholic Church and Islam say marriage can consist only of a union between a man and a woman.
IMO: Sounds reasonable, though the generalisation about Islam sounds wrong. My old Imam always used to say it was up to the individual, not up to some crazy group or baradary.
IMO: Overall, surely it is best left up to the Church. Maybe the Tories will use this as a further excuse to tax the churches and various charities. To all the Churches my view is "Stand together united on this one whatever you intend to do on marriage, and don't let Cameron find excuses like this to penalise you".
IMO: What people do in their own time seems to be their own business, generally speaking. But something else perplexes me.
The Daily Mail says (and other papers somewhat echo) : "The move could lead to a clash between the State and the church."
IMO: Why cannot each church make its own rules, and battle it out with its congregation and others.
The Church of England has already said it will not let its buildings be used for civil partnership ceremonies.
IMO: I've always said, 'fair enough' if anyone doesn't like it let them go to Metropolitan Community Church or another church that does. There do seem to be doctrinal problems, hardly solved by mutual abuse and heckling.
The Roman Catholic Church takes an even tougher line - Pope Benedict last year described same-sex marriage as being among 'the most insidious and dangerous challenges that today confront the common good'.
IMO: Some say, with perhaps more reason, the same about the Roman Catholic Church as being 'the most insidious and dangerous challenge that today confronts the common good'. Touche, eh ?
Both the Catholic Church and Islam say marriage can consist only of a union between a man and a woman.
IMO: Sounds reasonable, though the generalisation about Islam sounds wrong. My old Imam always used to say it was up to the individual, not up to some crazy group or baradary.
IMO: Overall, surely it is best left up to the Church. Maybe the Tories will use this as a further excuse to tax the churches and various charities. To all the Churches my view is "Stand together united on this one whatever you intend to do on marriage, and don't let Cameron find excuses like this to penalise you".
Agnivesh urges govt to initiate talks with maoists
Social activist Swami Agnivesh said that now after the troopers are set free by Maoists the occasion should be seized by the state to initiate the peace talks which was obstructed after Maoist leader Azad was shot dead by Andhra Pradesh police last year reportedly in an encounter.
IMO: Perhaps not for me to say, but many of the grievances expressed by Maoists in Chhattisgarh could well be settled with real sensible talks, e.g. water problems in Chhattisgarh. Even in Goa, our well water seems low and I can imagine what it must be like for ordinary folk in Chhattisgarh, bearing in mind India's difficult industrial problems.
IMO: Perhaps not for me to say, but many of the grievances expressed by Maoists in Chhattisgarh could well be settled with real sensible talks, e.g. water problems in Chhattisgarh. Even in Goa, our well water seems low and I can imagine what it must be like for ordinary folk in Chhattisgarh, bearing in mind India's difficult industrial problems.
Saturday, February 12, 2011
The illusion of US 'benevolence' and the reality of US foreign 'aid'
It is said: Corrupt foreign "leaders" to accept "loans to develop infrastructure --- electric generating plants, highways, ports, airports, or industry parks. In essence, most of the money never leaves the United States; it is simply transferred from banking offices in Washington to engineering offices.": Despite the fact that the money is returned almost immediately to corporations that are members of the corporatocracy (the creditor), the recipient country is required to pay it all back, principal plus interest. If an EHM is completely successful, the loans are so large that the debtor is forced to default on its payments after a few years. When this happens, then like the Mafia the US demands its pound of flesh. This often includes one or more of the following: control over United Nations votes, the installation of military bases, or access to precious resources such as oil…Of course, the debtor still owes the US the money and another country is added to its global empire…
IMO: Sweden next, maybe ?
The key to the U.S. corporate Empire's success is its invisibility. "Most of its own citizens are not aware of its existence; however, those exploited by it are, and many of them suffer extreme poverty. On average twenty-four thousand people die of hunger and hunger-related diseases every day. More than half the planet's population lives on less than two dollars a day..."
IMO: Every country should beware of these tricks which USA has been carrying out since World War 2 (which they used to end Mr. Roosevelt's depression, bankrupt the UK and kill thousands of their own workers). This really does not help the average US citizen. The place is its own worst enemy.
IMO: Sweden next, maybe ?
The key to the U.S. corporate Empire's success is its invisibility. "Most of its own citizens are not aware of its existence; however, those exploited by it are, and many of them suffer extreme poverty. On average twenty-four thousand people die of hunger and hunger-related diseases every day. More than half the planet's population lives on less than two dollars a day..."
IMO: Every country should beware of these tricks which USA has been carrying out since World War 2 (which they used to end Mr. Roosevelt's depression, bankrupt the UK and kill thousands of their own workers). This really does not help the average US citizen. The place is its own worst enemy.
Maybe a reason why Swedish Govt dislikes Assange
According to Brokenflask, which seems to be one of the non Catholic Christian communities nowadays very prevalent in the US, and echoed by TV channels everywhere if you are allowed to hear them:
Secret Swedish Spy Law, US connection is exposed by WikiLeaks cables.
Secret Swedish Spy Law, US connection is exposed by WikiLeaks cables.
As Sweden battles for the extradition of Julian Assange, Wikileaks cables on the country’s close cooperation with the US are provoking a public backlash. The text revealed Washington’s push to influence Swedish wiretapping laws so communication passing through the Scandinavian country can be intercepted by the USA.
IMO: Just like the US used to do in Egypt ? We will see what the true position is, but soon we may have to ask Rupert if we are allowed to, with the present dud Tory Govt.
IMO: Just like the US used to do in Egypt ? We will see what the true position is, but soon we may have to ask Rupert if we are allowed to, with the present dud Tory Govt.
UK.gov's axing of school building plan 'unlawful'
The government's decision to dump England's school building programme has been overthrown in the High Court, with a judge describing education Secretary Michael Gove's plans as "unlawful".
Mr Justice Holman said today that the coalition's actions to end the scheme in July 2010 were "an abuse of power", reported the BBC.
Mr Justice Holman said today that the coalition's actions to end the scheme in July 2010 were "an abuse of power", reported the BBC.
UK Protection of Freedoms Bill
The bit about listening to the people seems to have been followed only where the people came up with proposals the government liked. So much for the "Big Society".
Also for fags (not for public school fags, who presumably may be still "roasted" as per 'Tom Brown's Schooldays') : Convictions for homosexual acts that are no longer punishable are to be removed from the records is not what it seems. "Delete" here means mark existing records as "to be disregarded" – not the same thing at all.
IMO: So perhaps remnants of Jeremy Thorpe's behaviour with dogs may remain on record, for example.
The "Register" says "There is a clear contrast between Nick Clegg’s apparent reliance on the consultation process as a means to test public opinion – and a natural political desire to pursue his own agenda regardless".
Alexandra Dymock of sexual civil liberties organisation Backlash told "The Register": "This law is a waste of valuable legal aid and police resources. It should be repealed. We will continue to lobby for repeal during the passage of this Bill."
IMO: AFICS that sums up the Bill.
Also for fags (not for public school fags, who presumably may be still "roasted" as per 'Tom Brown's Schooldays') : Convictions for homosexual acts that are no longer punishable are to be removed from the records is not what it seems. "Delete" here means mark existing records as "to be disregarded" – not the same thing at all.
IMO: So perhaps remnants of Jeremy Thorpe's behaviour with dogs may remain on record, for example.
The "Register" says "There is a clear contrast between Nick Clegg’s apparent reliance on the consultation process as a means to test public opinion – and a natural political desire to pursue his own agenda regardless".
Alexandra Dymock of sexual civil liberties organisation Backlash told "The Register": "This law is a waste of valuable legal aid and police resources. It should be repealed. We will continue to lobby for repeal during the passage of this Bill."
IMO: AFICS that sums up the Bill.
Friday, February 11, 2011
Assange, a sad case
The now well-known Daniel Domscheit-Berg writes that Mr Assange's personal habits suggest he was raised by wolves and that Mr Assange used to attack his cat.
IMO: Sounds rather like Paul Staines' comments on Gordon.
According to "Times of India", Swedish Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt criticised Assange saying he has '' become public enemy number one in Sweden'' .
IMO: A fair trial would have been nice before such comments.
Meanwhile in Australia, Chistine Assange says of Rudd "If you are unable or unwilling to protect my son, I demand your immediate resignation."
IMO: Mr. Rudd is clearly too old and fat to go 'surfing' and be 'rescued' by a Chinese submarine, then taken to the mysterious Orient like Harold Holt allegedly was. So he will have to stay put and tell lies. I hope Mr. Assange was not too 'patriotic' to obtain some good WikiLeaks on Mr. Rudd and his 'Chinese connection', there should be A LOT OF GREAT LEAKS. A pity poor Julian will snuff it.
IMO: Sounds rather like Paul Staines' comments on Gordon.
According to "Times of India", Swedish Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt criticised Assange saying he has '' become public enemy number one in Sweden'' .
IMO: A fair trial would have been nice before such comments.
Meanwhile in Australia, Chistine Assange says of Rudd "If you are unable or unwilling to protect my son, I demand your immediate resignation."
IMO: Mr. Rudd is clearly too old and fat to go 'surfing' and be 'rescued' by a Chinese submarine, then taken to the mysterious Orient like Harold Holt allegedly was. So he will have to stay put and tell lies. I hope Mr. Assange was not too 'patriotic' to obtain some good WikiLeaks on Mr. Rudd and his 'Chinese connection', there should be A LOT OF GREAT LEAKS. A pity poor Julian will snuff it.
The Big Society and Revolution
Cameron's Big Society :
"Build a man a fire, and you warm him for a night.
Set him on fire, and you warm him for life".
Now Mubarak has stepped down, people say: “Soon, we will bring someone good.”
IMO:Will they ? We have not had much luck in the UK recently. The obvious problem is the United States. The US has been a threat (and otherwise) to democracy since Harold Wilson's day, in the UK. Too many inappropriate US methods have been used in the UK, and they only work after a fashion even in the US. Mubarak's dictatorship was simpler and clean in its unwelcome way, even though largely US supported. Obviously Islamic militancy is a further problem, and for example the fact that right now, Islamic Turkey still dreams of occupying Egypt again. It is brother on brother, and my old Imam would have disapproved. I believe democracy and not theocracy may be best for Egypt, dreams of a true Caliphate are simply dreams and no more at this time.
"Build a man a fire, and you warm him for a night.
Set him on fire, and you warm him for life".
Now Mubarak has stepped down, people say: “Soon, we will bring someone good.”
IMO:Will they ? We have not had much luck in the UK recently. The obvious problem is the United States. The US has been a threat (and otherwise) to democracy since Harold Wilson's day, in the UK. Too many inappropriate US methods have been used in the UK, and they only work after a fashion even in the US. Mubarak's dictatorship was simpler and clean in its unwelcome way, even though largely US supported. Obviously Islamic militancy is a further problem, and for example the fact that right now, Islamic Turkey still dreams of occupying Egypt again. It is brother on brother, and my old Imam would have disapproved. I believe democracy and not theocracy may be best for Egypt, dreams of a true Caliphate are simply dreams and no more at this time.
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Discovery : WikiLeaks Leaks!
According to Wired. Daniel Domscheit-Berg writes that he and a top WikiLeaks programmer seized the submission system when they defected from the organization last September, along with documents in the system at the time. They disabled the WikiLeaks wiki and changed the passwords to the Twitter and e-mail accounts. In response, Assange shut down the whole system, causing the mutineers to cave in. But within weeks, Domscheit-Berg and one of the programmers had left WikiLeaks for good and taken the submission system with them.
IMO: Hm. inevitably a whistleblower of any kind is likely to leave an often unintentional series of false trails, leaks, etc. and to leave many grounds for conspiracy theories, usually false. One wonders whether the cash-nexus was the primary motive for all these people. This must not overshadow the fact that many of the leaks, if not almost all, have been real and of some importance. Lets hear more from any of these people, no real harm done yet and the authorities have been given reason to think further before they continue to perpetrate their evil and selfcentred malfeasances.
IMO: Hm. inevitably a whistleblower of any kind is likely to leave an often unintentional series of false trails, leaks, etc. and to leave many grounds for conspiracy theories, usually false. One wonders whether the cash-nexus was the primary motive for all these people. This must not overshadow the fact that many of the leaks, if not almost all, have been real and of some importance. Lets hear more from any of these people, no real harm done yet and the authorities have been given reason to think further before they continue to perpetrate their evil and selfcentred malfeasances.
Manic Street Preachers say "Libraries ... are our lifeline... we must fight for them"
Nicky Wire of Manic Street Preachers says "The establishment is back in control of Britain. After 30 years of semi-pluralistic governance, the establishment is pushing hard its own agenda. When you look at the cabinet, the millionaire's row in the front benches of Parliament looks like a very public-school coup. One of the most amazing things about public libraries remains their utter classlessness. You don't have to have gone to Eton to make the most out of a library. They aren't inhabited by the kind of people currently damning them. The closure of libraries in conjunction with tuition fees, the sell-off of our forests and radical reorganisation of the NHS are symbolic of the blatant power grab of this fiasco of a government. There is a way of solving these problems – it's called higher taxation of the wealthiest 10% of the country. In the 90s, I'd have gladly included myself in that bracket. We need to cherish these things while they still exist. Seek solace, seek knowledge. Seek power".
IMO: In the academic world, things are already much worse. And presumably Philistine coke-sniffers like little George Osborne will make them worse still. After all, he and his corrupt pals have to have plenty of money to waste on alcohol and cocaine. Not much hope for civilisation unless substantial improvements are made. Maybe all this can be done in the Big Society, but I for one, doubt it. It is only the big countries like China and India which offer real progress and hope, but improvement of UK conditions can occur, even at this late stage. A pity that the LibDem party has not yet succeeded in making a difference. Unfortunately Vince Cable still seems the best hope, but things are fragile. Maybe the students can still do more.
IMO: In the academic world, things are already much worse. And presumably Philistine coke-sniffers like little George Osborne will make them worse still. After all, he and his corrupt pals have to have plenty of money to waste on alcohol and cocaine. Not much hope for civilisation unless substantial improvements are made. Maybe all this can be done in the Big Society, but I for one, doubt it. It is only the big countries like China and India which offer real progress and hope, but improvement of UK conditions can occur, even at this late stage. A pity that the LibDem party has not yet succeeded in making a difference. Unfortunately Vince Cable still seems the best hope, but things are fragile. Maybe the students can still do more.
Wednesday, February 09, 2011
Interesting story in the UK Guardian
I won't give details as it is extremely sordid but it can be read here.
The point is that most of the men involved, other than the EC characters, seem to have been typical Englishmen of these times - whether people want to believe it or not.
IMO: The sordid vile UK needs a return to decent civilised values - or I am tempted to say that it is getting the MPs it deserves - rotten, corrupt ones for the most part. Surely there must be enough civilised people left in the country to improve things, or things will go badly for all. I've so much to do I can't get involved significantly but surely there are enough people who can.
The point is that most of the men involved, other than the EC characters, seem to have been typical Englishmen of these times - whether people want to believe it or not.
IMO: The sordid vile UK needs a return to decent civilised values - or I am tempted to say that it is getting the MPs it deserves - rotten, corrupt ones for the most part. Surely there must be enough civilised people left in the country to improve things, or things will go badly for all. I've so much to do I can't get involved significantly but surely there are enough people who can.
Oakeshott quits
Lib Dem peer leaves frontbench, saying of George Osborne's project to curb banker's bonuses 'if this is robust action on bonuses, my name's Bob Diamond'.
IMO: Of course, some of the people who caused the banking collapse were not in my opinion bankers at all in any way. They were appointed by a Labor government which the LibDems might find even more unpalatable. And the current 'real' bankers are a new type of Thatcher/American style bankers who would have been classed as con men prior to Maggie Thatcher. Will the LibDems crawl out of the frying pan into the fire ? And will they get adequate support from the entrenched money grabbers of all parties for their requirement of an improved voting system ? Even worse it seems unlikely that old Rupert will support their cause. What a corrupt mindless shambles the UK is becoming.
A best answer is probably available - it could be best for the Libdems to use a delicate balance of power wisely and to their own benefit, but that balance does not yet exist. Up to them to ensure that it comes about.
But instead Lord Oakeshott, a close ally of Vince Cable, the Business Secretary, was last night removed from his post as the Lib Dem spokesman on Treasury issues.
IMO: The coalition seems to be harming the LibDem party, which was presumably not their aim. And they are losing votes and voter confidence. Any such party should pull its socks up.
IMO: Of course, some of the people who caused the banking collapse were not in my opinion bankers at all in any way. They were appointed by a Labor government which the LibDems might find even more unpalatable. And the current 'real' bankers are a new type of Thatcher/American style bankers who would have been classed as con men prior to Maggie Thatcher. Will the LibDems crawl out of the frying pan into the fire ? And will they get adequate support from the entrenched money grabbers of all parties for their requirement of an improved voting system ? Even worse it seems unlikely that old Rupert will support their cause. What a corrupt mindless shambles the UK is becoming.
A best answer is probably available - it could be best for the Libdems to use a delicate balance of power wisely and to their own benefit, but that balance does not yet exist. Up to them to ensure that it comes about.
But instead Lord Oakeshott, a close ally of Vince Cable, the Business Secretary, was last night removed from his post as the Lib Dem spokesman on Treasury issues.
IMO: The coalition seems to be harming the LibDem party, which was presumably not their aim. And they are losing votes and voter confidence. Any such party should pull its socks up.
Tuesday, February 08, 2011
Wikileaks: US agrees to tell Russia Britain's nuclear secrets
According to the UK "Telegraph" and their apparent informant Wikileaks, "the US secretly agreed to give the Russians sensitive information on Britain’s nuclear deterrent to persuade them to sign a key treaty.
The fact that the Americans used British nuclear secrets as a bargaining chip also sheds new light on the so-called “special relationship”, which is shown often to be a one-sided affair by US diplomatic communications obtained by the WikiLeaks website".
IMO: Seems that without adequate air defences and with the US telling potential enemies the UK nuclear secrets, Cameron must do something positive for the so-called "special relationship". Surely decent politicians can provide enough 'hot air' to fix this matter - and also to repair treaty arrangements ruined by Bliar.
Experts apparently say: "The British make their own warheads for them - "Chevaline" is the designation, I believe - and they are of course free to keep details of these to themselves - like warhead yield, numbers of MIRV reentry vehicles and penetration aids, etc. The only useful things the US could tell the Russians about these missiles would be things like range, throw-weight and CEP (circular error probable)".
The fact that the Americans used British nuclear secrets as a bargaining chip also sheds new light on the so-called “special relationship”, which is shown often to be a one-sided affair by US diplomatic communications obtained by the WikiLeaks website".
IMO: Seems that without adequate air defences and with the US telling potential enemies the UK nuclear secrets, Cameron must do something positive for the so-called "special relationship". Surely decent politicians can provide enough 'hot air' to fix this matter - and also to repair treaty arrangements ruined by Bliar.
Experts apparently say: "The British make their own warheads for them - "Chevaline" is the designation, I believe - and they are of course free to keep details of these to themselves - like warhead yield, numbers of MIRV reentry vehicles and penetration aids, etc. The only useful things the US could tell the Russians about these missiles would be things like range, throw-weight and CEP (circular error probable)".
Assange again
Testifying in Belmarsh Magistrates' Court in east London, defense witness Björn Hurtig said he was permitted to review hundreds of messages under police supervision, but was not allowed to copy them. Hurtig, Assange's Sweden-based attorney, said he read messages that spoke of "revenge" and taking “economic advantage" of his client, according to IDG News and other outlets.
IMO: On the face of it, very strange that the right to present a fair case for defense evidence in such a matter, (relatively) trivial yet with very serious concomitants, should be refused in a UK court.
Someone else said : '"Prosecutors there have said they want (Assange) available for questioning" That not a reason for an extradition. It falls far, far short of even the most basic of human rights values'.
IMO: The whole matter is unfortunately placing a very bad face on both UK and Swedish justice, possibly correctly. Such a pity, but we have had this problem with US interference for many years. I have personally suffered from US injustices though not over a criminal matter of this nature so I am somewhat familiar with problems involving the US and that was when I was using possibly the best lawyer in the UK for the matter at the time. I strongly blame the US and Swedish authorities for not putting these matters right, but total crap people like Tony Blair have contrived to make them worse. Surely neither Sweden nor the UK are now such unimportant countries as to allow their judiciary to be trampled on by a bunch of frightened American hick politicians. That's the appearance, the 'spin' if you like.
IMO: On the face of it, very strange that the right to present a fair case for defense evidence in such a matter, (relatively) trivial yet with very serious concomitants, should be refused in a UK court.
Someone else said : '"Prosecutors there have said they want (Assange) available for questioning" That not a reason for an extradition. It falls far, far short of even the most basic of human rights values'.
IMO: The whole matter is unfortunately placing a very bad face on both UK and Swedish justice, possibly correctly. Such a pity, but we have had this problem with US interference for many years. I have personally suffered from US injustices though not over a criminal matter of this nature so I am somewhat familiar with problems involving the US and that was when I was using possibly the best lawyer in the UK for the matter at the time. I strongly blame the US and Swedish authorities for not putting these matters right, but total crap people like Tony Blair have contrived to make them worse. Surely neither Sweden nor the UK are now such unimportant countries as to allow their judiciary to be trampled on by a bunch of frightened American hick politicians. That's the appearance, the 'spin' if you like.
Monday, February 07, 2011
Noam Chomsky writes on Wikileaks
"Perhaps the most remarkable WikiLeaks revelations have to do with Pakistan, reviewed by foreign policy analyst Fred Branfman in Truthdig. The cables reveal that the US embassy is well aware that Washington's war in Afghanistan and Pakistan not only intensifies rampant anti-Americanism but also "risks destabilising the Pakistani state" and even raises a threat of the ultimate nightmare: that nuclear weapons might fall into the hands of Islamic terrorists. Again, the revelations "should create a comforting feeling … that officials are not asleep at the switch" (Heilbrunn's words) – while Washington marches stalwartly toward disaster."
IMO: Perhaps even more alarmingly, Heilbrunn also says "The truth is that the American government engages in gross overclassification of documents, something that the late Senator Daniel Patrick Moynihan inveighed against and that the redoubtable Steven Aftergood of the Federation of American Scientists continually battles. Maybe the WikiLeaks is a way of circumventing those restrictions. Getting American threats on record, while pretending to deplore the loss of secrecy, could be a potent weapon. If this is the case, then Obama may be craftier than anyone has assumed."
IMO: When I was a conscript in the Army doing jungle warfare training, the sergeant would say. "Do not hide behind that stump. I always say this, and every time, someone does". Quite so. A pity Washington are not given reasons to learn such matters in the hardest way. Wikileaks is a very soft lesson for politicians, and people like Sarah Palin and the Tea Party clearly cannot stand the small amount of heat that provides. And I have very little faith in Obama either, apparently unlike Chomsky.
IMO: Perhaps even more alarmingly, Heilbrunn also says "The truth is that the American government engages in gross overclassification of documents, something that the late Senator Daniel Patrick Moynihan inveighed against and that the redoubtable Steven Aftergood of the Federation of American Scientists continually battles. Maybe the WikiLeaks is a way of circumventing those restrictions. Getting American threats on record, while pretending to deplore the loss of secrecy, could be a potent weapon. If this is the case, then Obama may be craftier than anyone has assumed."
IMO: When I was a conscript in the Army doing jungle warfare training, the sergeant would say. "Do not hide behind that stump. I always say this, and every time, someone does". Quite so. A pity Washington are not given reasons to learn such matters in the hardest way. Wikileaks is a very soft lesson for politicians, and people like Sarah Palin and the Tea Party clearly cannot stand the small amount of heat that provides. And I have very little faith in Obama either, apparently unlike Chomsky.
Assange's lawsuit
Assange and his supporters have claimed the Swedish inquiry is a smear or a conspiracy to shut down WikiLeaks. Assange's lawyers have asserted in the past that the Swedish women who made allegations against him may be out for revenge and sought to cash in on their stories.
Defence counsel called the first witness, former Swedish appeals court judge turned academic Brita Sundberg-Weitman. She said many things including the obvious fact that the sexual assault case launched against Julian Assange has been "extremely peculiar" and the Australian has been unfairly labelled a rapist around the world.
IMO: I am not an expert on Swedish law but it looks as if there is no sensible case against Assange, on the facts presented in the UK media. Ironic that Sweden is best known in the world for its production of pornography. I am not sure in which Scandanavian country it was, but in one of them, a member of their Royal family said she preferred to have sex with pigs than with men , and exhibited this in public with photographs. Perhaps Sweden will now become best known for its corrupt justice system. I would have thought that, whatever the verdict, world perception of corruption levels in Sweden will suggest that it more corrupt than they do now, and that it has become even more of a tool of US imperialism.
Defence counsel called the first witness, former Swedish appeals court judge turned academic Brita Sundberg-Weitman. She said many things including the obvious fact that the sexual assault case launched against Julian Assange has been "extremely peculiar" and the Australian has been unfairly labelled a rapist around the world.
IMO: I am not an expert on Swedish law but it looks as if there is no sensible case against Assange, on the facts presented in the UK media. Ironic that Sweden is best known in the world for its production of pornography. I am not sure in which Scandanavian country it was, but in one of them, a member of their Royal family said she preferred to have sex with pigs than with men , and exhibited this in public with photographs. Perhaps Sweden will now become best known for its corrupt justice system. I would have thought that, whatever the verdict, world perception of corruption levels in Sweden will suggest that it more corrupt than they do now, and that it has become even more of a tool of US imperialism.
Treat Muslim Brotherhood with caution, Blair urges
Egypt's Muslim Brotherhood needs to be treated with caution, former British Prime Minister Tony Blair warned Monday.
IMO: I quite agree. Certainly it could be that these people are "sailing under false colours". Some years ago, in the UK, we had a Prime Minister who was voted in as a Protestant and once the coast seemed clear, became a Catholic like the rest of his family. Oddly, his name was Tony Blair. As they probably say in Malawi, "them that smelt it, dealt it".
IMO: I quite agree. Certainly it could be that these people are "sailing under false colours". Some years ago, in the UK, we had a Prime Minister who was voted in as a Protestant and once the coast seemed clear, became a Catholic like the rest of his family. Oddly, his name was Tony Blair. As they probably say in Malawi, "them that smelt it, dealt it".
Sunday, February 06, 2011
UK Guardian's reaction to Cameron's recent speech
The view of the Guardian's reporter "It is political posturing at its most pointless. The language is macho and energetic with phrases like "muscular liberalism" – this is the politics of body building: largely cosmetic but with an implicit capability to bully. It has almost no impact on policy – apart from snubbing a few community leaders – and the hard graft of maintaining good community relations, raising educational standards or improving health in poor communities grinds on, reaching out to the organisations in ethnic communities who can help achieve these goals".
And much more besides.
IMO: I fear the bit I have quoted may be true. But nonetheless Cameron is trying to cut costs and the rather mindless views that he claims to wants to stop being subsidised by reluctant taxpayers seems like a useful place to start. In fact will he do so ? The attitudes of the present Govt to date seem to be the epitome of self-centred folly. A number of their acts seem to be either illegal, or counter to EC rules, or they should be. One example is the imposition of Council Tax on Charities in the Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham. We note that the so-called 'charities' which MPs use to promote themselves are often considered 'by the MPs' as tax free, but local taxing of actual charities, exempt under the Charities Act, is a strange and nonBritish thing to do. Maybe as well as complaining about the Moslem tub-thumping wouldbe dictators Cameron should take a clear view of his own party's activities. Before the election he said he would stop MP fraudsters from bilking the public but he certainly has not done so.
And much more besides.
IMO: I fear the bit I have quoted may be true. But nonetheless Cameron is trying to cut costs and the rather mindless views that he claims to wants to stop being subsidised by reluctant taxpayers seems like a useful place to start. In fact will he do so ? The attitudes of the present Govt to date seem to be the epitome of self-centred folly. A number of their acts seem to be either illegal, or counter to EC rules, or they should be. One example is the imposition of Council Tax on Charities in the Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham. We note that the so-called 'charities' which MPs use to promote themselves are often considered 'by the MPs' as tax free, but local taxing of actual charities, exempt under the Charities Act, is a strange and nonBritish thing to do. Maybe as well as complaining about the Moslem tub-thumping wouldbe dictators Cameron should take a clear view of his own party's activities. Before the election he said he would stop MP fraudsters from bilking the public but he certainly has not done so.
Saturday, February 05, 2011
Assange - how much information has he really got ? "Put up or shut up".
Assange says he has a lot of Swiss bank records - when do we see them, if he does have really good ones ?
IMO: What we have seen so far is a bit boring - lets have facts, if any. Traditionally, Bank of America has sometimes been said to be Mafia run - do Assange's records on the Bank show this ?
Further, Assange warned Murdoch: ‘We’ve got cables!’ Assange warned his former fellow Australian — and now alleged American citizen — Rupert Murdoch that’s he’s holding files on both 80 year old Rupert and his powerful News Corporation.
IMO: What I say is - lets see the files, if they exist at all. We went through all this stuff with Bush and Blair's "Weapons of Mass Distruction". These turned out not to exist after millions died amd Bush and Blair made their (additional) fortunes. I am tempted to say, rightly or wrongly, about Assange. "Put up or shut up" before News Corporation, using bribes to the UK Govt, obtains a further fortune for Rupert by his obtaining SkyTV. Rupert will just waste the billions, facts show it.
IMO: What we have seen so far is a bit boring - lets have facts, if any. Traditionally, Bank of America has sometimes been said to be Mafia run - do Assange's records on the Bank show this ?
Further, Assange warned Murdoch: ‘We’ve got cables!’ Assange warned his former fellow Australian — and now alleged American citizen — Rupert Murdoch that’s he’s holding files on both 80 year old Rupert and his powerful News Corporation.
IMO: What I say is - lets see the files, if they exist at all. We went through all this stuff with Bush and Blair's "Weapons of Mass Distruction". These turned out not to exist after millions died amd Bush and Blair made their (additional) fortunes. I am tempted to say, rightly or wrongly, about Assange. "Put up or shut up" before News Corporation, using bribes to the UK Govt, obtains a further fortune for Rupert by his obtaining SkyTV. Rupert will just waste the billions, facts show it.
Friday, February 04, 2011
New Chinese nuclear programme within 20 years
China has committed itself to establishing an entirely new nuclear energy programme using thorium as a fuel, within 20 years. The LFTR (Liquid Fluoride Thorium Reactor) is a 4G reactor that uses liquid salt as both fuel and coolant. China uses the more general term TMSR (Thorium Molten-Salt Reactor).
The LFTR (TMSR) was first developed by Oak Ridge National Laboratory researchers between 1950 and 1975, and has been discussed in detail on Energy from Thorium and Nuclear Green.
IMO: China may well be right, and as usual the US is backward-looking.
The LFTR (TMSR) was first developed by Oak Ridge National Laboratory researchers between 1950 and 1975, and has been discussed in detail on Energy from Thorium and Nuclear Green.
IMO: China may well be right, and as usual the US is backward-looking.
No UK funding for Muslim groups that fail to back women's rights
Cameron warns Muslim groups that if they fail to endorse women's rights or promote integration, they will lose all government funding. All immigrants to Britain must speak English and schools will be expected to teach the country's common culture.
IMO: Sounds a fair comment in a democracy. It should also save money. Perhaps spin-doctoring for Cameron will improve now he has sacked Coulson. After all even Rupert doesn't want Coulson back, for sure.
Muslims4UK described Cameron's speech as "deeply patronising". He said: "The overwhelming majority of UK Muslims are proud to be British and are appalled by the antics of a tiny group of extremists."
IMO: Hm, I wish it were so. But extremist groups, particularly religious ones like Catholics, atheists and Muslims, so often seem to have their heads in the sand like dodos in a way which is hardly to their advantage. Whilst I would deplore, as much as any Muslim would, the high level of drunken promiscuity of many young white English people, particularly females, sticking bags over women's heads etc etc does not seem to be the answer. A return to decent British values is probably what is needed.
IMO: Sounds a fair comment in a democracy. It should also save money. Perhaps spin-doctoring for Cameron will improve now he has sacked Coulson. After all even Rupert doesn't want Coulson back, for sure.
Muslims4UK described Cameron's speech as "deeply patronising". He said: "The overwhelming majority of UK Muslims are proud to be British and are appalled by the antics of a tiny group of extremists."
IMO: Hm, I wish it were so. But extremist groups, particularly religious ones like Catholics, atheists and Muslims, so often seem to have their heads in the sand like dodos in a way which is hardly to their advantage. Whilst I would deplore, as much as any Muslim would, the high level of drunken promiscuity of many young white English people, particularly females, sticking bags over women's heads etc etc does not seem to be the answer. A return to decent British values is probably what is needed.
Thursday, February 03, 2011
New tool to prevent UK police murders
There have already been a number of murders by UK police in recent years, one of the most well-known of which seems to have been of a harmless old newspaper seller.
A person who allegedly has had his girlfriend trampled under police horses suggests the Sukey tool, described here and mentioned on BoingBoing. This is intended to prevent the illegal 'kettling' often carried out by UK police, which frequently leads to tragedy.
It must be expected that as Cameron and Clegg intensify their (often barely legal or illegal) actions against students, the elderly, and the poor, that police violence will intensify due to criminal collusion with the corrupt Cameron regime.
IMO: The Sukey may be a more useful and socially desirable defense than a home made laser death ray, easily and cheaply made, though the latter may be almost undetectable during use. Brief details of one project here.
A person who allegedly has had his girlfriend trampled under police horses suggests the Sukey tool, described here and mentioned on BoingBoing. This is intended to prevent the illegal 'kettling' often carried out by UK police, which frequently leads to tragedy.
It must be expected that as Cameron and Clegg intensify their (often barely legal or illegal) actions against students, the elderly, and the poor, that police violence will intensify due to criminal collusion with the corrupt Cameron regime.
IMO: The Sukey may be a more useful and socially desirable defense than a home made laser death ray, easily and cheaply made, though the latter may be almost undetectable during use. Brief details of one project here.
Wednesday, February 02, 2011
Murdoch's new web daily publishes material it does not own
Promotors of Rupert Murdoch's "The Daily" say : "We built components to bring Twitter feeds directly into the application."
IMO: So as I understand it, Murdoch is now charging for material he has simply copied and does not own. The Americans have yet to face Murdoch in full flow. Australians learnt early and the Brits now know too. All this looks really bad for the internet.
As far the amount taken from firms, of Australian billionaire publishers, Murdoch takes $US22.72 million salary, Murdoch's son takes another $US10-17 million etc etc, whereas J.B. Fairfax takes $152,000 and James Packer does not seem to bother to take any. For comparison the genuinely wealthy Warren Buffett takes $100,000 a year. Maybe I'm not doing the sums as I should, but I can't see how the Murdochs can waste so much money on personal expenditure.
According to Guido Fawkes, Clegg wants to allow politicans to remain in office if they have long term insanity. If Murdoch is allowed to get Sky, we do not need to look far to see who Clegg intends to cover for.
IMO: So as I understand it, Murdoch is now charging for material he has simply copied and does not own. The Americans have yet to face Murdoch in full flow. Australians learnt early and the Brits now know too. All this looks really bad for the internet.
As far the amount taken from firms, of Australian billionaire publishers, Murdoch takes $US22.72 million salary, Murdoch's son takes another $US10-17 million etc etc, whereas J.B. Fairfax takes $152,000 and James Packer does not seem to bother to take any. For comparison the genuinely wealthy Warren Buffett takes $100,000 a year. Maybe I'm not doing the sums as I should, but I can't see how the Murdochs can waste so much money on personal expenditure.
According to Guido Fawkes, Clegg wants to allow politicans to remain in office if they have long term insanity. If Murdoch is allowed to get Sky, we do not need to look far to see who Clegg intends to cover for.
Finally, law catches up with A. Raja
A. Raja arrested.
IMO: Most people may well say "And about time too". But the wheels within wheels turn very deep.
The most obvious consequence of all this is a probable power-sharing coalition between the Dravida Munnettra Kazhagam and Congress in Tamil Nadu. "Times of India" gives some details.
IMO: Also, to put it very bluntly and crudely, there is the Sri Lankan Tamil connection. And the disappearance of 39 billion dollars, an amount comparable with the entire Indian defense budget, is enough to make anyone think, even Sri Lankan Buddhists and Chinamen when they kill Indian fishermen, for example. You really would think that the Buddhist murderers would just murder Sri Lankans and not Indians as well. Anyway, Buddhism is supposed to respect life but so often Buddhists do not do so, damaging their own faith in the process, both within their own community and internationally.
IMO: Most people may well say "And about time too". But the wheels within wheels turn very deep.
The most obvious consequence of all this is a probable power-sharing coalition between the Dravida Munnettra Kazhagam and Congress in Tamil Nadu. "Times of India" gives some details.
IMO: Also, to put it very bluntly and crudely, there is the Sri Lankan Tamil connection. And the disappearance of 39 billion dollars, an amount comparable with the entire Indian defense budget, is enough to make anyone think, even Sri Lankan Buddhists and Chinamen when they kill Indian fishermen, for example. You really would think that the Buddhist murderers would just murder Sri Lankans and not Indians as well. Anyway, Buddhism is supposed to respect life but so often Buddhists do not do so, damaging their own faith in the process, both within their own community and internationally.
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