ME and Ophelia
Sunday, October 31, 2004
HAPPY HALLOWEEN
This will scare some people
Courtesy of Instapundit reader Pamela Barbey.
- - -
KERRY'S YELLOW BANGLE AND QUIRKY BELT
Says something about personality and character
Nobody seems to have picked up on why Senator Kerry makes a show of the yellow bangle he wears. What are we to think of it - that it is a talisman, a good luck charm made from from ivory, amber, enamel, plastic or bone? Whatever it is, Kerry knows it makes a statement. But what statement does he think it makes, I wonder. His wife, Mrs Kerry must be quirky and out of touch with how most people think -- she's not insisted on her husband playing it safe by and wearing things that can't be read into. I'm surprised the Senator wasn't persuaded by friends, family or advisers to "lose" the yellow bangle.
A while back, when I first saw it (how can you miss it?) I thought it was a one-off photo taken off guard. But now it seems he wears it all the time. I've not seen anyone in the media or blogosphere mention the bangle.
To me, it looks like a hospital bracelet - and girly too. I can't imagine President Bush or any man's man soldier wearing something like that. My father once wore an elephant hair bracelet when we lived in Nairobi, East Africa - we all wore one - and, later on in life, he wore a slim plain copper band that he said helped his arthiritis. Knowing my father the old soldier, he'd never wear a yellow bangle. Besides, yellow signifies all sorts of things - including cowardice.
Mr Kerry's side buckled belt in above photo looks flashy too, like he's trying to add something to his personality. I'll bet the yellow bangle has more of an effect on male voters than the Bin Laden tape. If I was an "undecided" voter and did not know what to do, I'd use the bangle and belt as a clue to Mr and Mrs Kerry's personality, character, outlook and style - and play safe by voting for Bush.
Here are fifty Reasons why to vote for Bush in pictures - courtesy Michael Totten.
And, in words by "undecided" American voter Megan McArdle.
UPDATE: A non-blogging friend of mine in England has just emailed me this for info:
The yellow band is for "Live Strong"
Lance Armstrong the greatest cyclist in the world rode and won whilst he had cancer. A large number of Americans and friends paid 1 dollar for the band which is going towards a fund and he's hoping to raise 1 million dollars.
Note: Thanks C. I had no idea. I don't get out - and have seen nothing online of these yellow bands. Now I'm even more convinced the press should have made more of it and explained what the yellow band was all about - it would have been global publicity for cancer. I am online day and night, so if it did get a mention somewhere, it was pretty low-key. Apologies to Senator Kerry but even though I now know what it is, if I hadn't blogged about it, I would never had known the answer, so I still think it is too risky for him to wear anything that can be construed as making a statement - fashion, good cause, or not.
- - -
Urgent: Kerry vows to hunt down terrorists
Here is a copy of a report (including above heading) from China News:
www.chinaview.cn 2004-10-30 06:00:56
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2004-10/30/content_2156388.htm
WASHINGTON, Oct. 29 (Xinhuanet) -- US Democratic presidential candidate John Kerry said on Friday that he will "stop at absolutely nothing to hunt down, capture or kill the terrorists." Enditem
"Stop at absolutely nothing" - what does he mean, The Bomb? My guess is the Chinese might read it that way.
- - -
PLEASE SAVE SCOTLAND'S REGIMENTS
You can't buy respect - historic Scottish regiments have earned it over centuries
Senior members of the Royal Family have expressed anger at the government's plans to axe Scotland's historic infantry regiments, say campaigners. The Scotsman has launched a campaign and put up a petition to save the country's six infantry regiments from the axe.
Prime Minister Tony Blair and Defence Secretary Geoff Hoon want to scrap one of the Black Watch, the Royal Highland Fusiliers, the King's Own Scottish Borderers, the Royal Scots, the Highlanders and the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders and merge the remaining five into one 'super-regiment'.
It would mean the end of centuries of proud Scottish military tradition. The fact that the Black Watch has been sent to cover for American troops near Baghdad demonstrates that this is the wrong time to cut troop numbers.
To register your protest against these unnecessary cuts, add your name to The Scotsman's petition. The Scotsman will pass on your comments to Mr Blair at No.10 Downing Street.
Yesterday, I added my signature (number 4737) and gave my blog URL as my address.
Here's pinging word of the petition to Gordon McLean and his Scottish webring.
[Further reading in my previous post on the history of the Black Watch]
- - -
FACT OF THE DAY
Courtesy Scotsman
Edinburgh author Conan Doyle publishes the first collection of his Sherlock Holmes stories today in 1892. The collection (the stories were previously serialised in a magazine) is an immediate best-seller and would be followed by other collections of the master detective's adventures in the years to come.
- - -
PROGRESS ON NEW INTERNET DOMAINS
Storms have abated here by the seaside
Today, it is cool, quiet and calm here by the sea. Storms have abated. Sun is shining. Blue sea. Yachts sailing along. Big clean up going on - seaweed and stones everywhere. Ophelia has been out on a long patrol. Her vet has kindly agreed to a house call here on Wednesday for her annual health check and booster shots.
Progress on new proposed internet domains:
.asia - for Asian companies
.cat - for Catalan language and culture
.jobs - for employment agencies/human resources
.mail - to help anti-spam efforts
.mobi - for mobile phones/devices
.post - for postal services
.tel - to help voice over net telephony (two proposals)
.travel - for hotel, airlines and travel firms
.xxx - for pornographers
- - -
'SMELLY' MATES GUIDE SEABIRDS - To avoid mating with a bird that smells too similar is to avoid mating with a bird that is related
Prions are strictly monogamous, although they rarely get to spend any time with their partner
Here below is a copy of a report from the BBC.
Seabirds called prions, which mate for life, find their nests by sniffing out their smelly partners, scientists say.
The birds make their nests in deep burrows, which are very dark, so they cannot rely on any other sense to find them, Science magazine reports.
The birds also actively avoid their own smell, which could be a way of making sure they do not breed with their kin.
Although this use of smell has been observed in mammals, it has never before been seen in birds.
Tube-nosed
Antarctic prions, Pachiptila desolata, are so-called tube-nosed seabirds.
They are strictly monogamous, although they rarely get to spend any time with their partners. Instead they take it in turns to incubate eggs and find food.
"All the shared life of the birds is inside the burrow because they don't stay together at sea - they just alternate on eggs," said co-author Francesco Bonadonna, of CNRS in Montpellier, France.
Sometimes a prion will forage at sea for up to two weeks, before returning to the nest to begin a stint of incubation duty.
When they fly in from sea, they have to reliably find their own nest among a medley of other nests.
But sight is not much use because they tend to come home at night and their nests are submerged in deep burrows.
"Their burrows are underground and really, really dark," said Dr Bonadonna. "They have nothing other than odour to find their way."
Inbreeding
Luckily, prions are rather smelly, so returning birds can locate their nests by following their partner's distinctive smell.
"We found that the birds are able to recognise their partner's odour, and we think they use this odour to recognise their burrows," said Dr Bonadonna.
When they return from sea, they have to reliably find their own nest among a medley of other nests
Not only are the prions attracted by their mate's smell, but they actively avoid their own.
At first the researchers were surprised by this, because they assumed that following its own scent might also lead it to its burrow.
But since the birds spend such a long time at sea their nests are unlikely to smell of them, the team concluded.
But why the avoidance? Dr Bonadonna thinks it is a strategy to prevent inbreeding.
He said: "To avoid mating with a bird that smells too similar is to avoid mating with a bird that is related."
- - -
E-CARDS AND WEB CARDS
By Jacquie Lawson, animated e-cards, Christmas cards
A dear friend has just sent me an animated greetings card - from her pet dog Daisy May - to my pet cat Ophelia. Switch the sound up on your computer and click here. Happy Halloween.
This will scare some people
Courtesy of Instapundit reader Pamela Barbey.
- - -
KERRY'S YELLOW BANGLE AND QUIRKY BELT
Says something about personality and character
Nobody seems to have picked up on why Senator Kerry makes a show of the yellow bangle he wears. What are we to think of it - that it is a talisman, a good luck charm made from from ivory, amber, enamel, plastic or bone? Whatever it is, Kerry knows it makes a statement. But what statement does he think it makes, I wonder. His wife, Mrs Kerry must be quirky and out of touch with how most people think -- she's not insisted on her husband playing it safe by and wearing things that can't be read into. I'm surprised the Senator wasn't persuaded by friends, family or advisers to "lose" the yellow bangle.
A while back, when I first saw it (how can you miss it?) I thought it was a one-off photo taken off guard. But now it seems he wears it all the time. I've not seen anyone in the media or blogosphere mention the bangle.
To me, it looks like a hospital bracelet - and girly too. I can't imagine President Bush or any man's man soldier wearing something like that. My father once wore an elephant hair bracelet when we lived in Nairobi, East Africa - we all wore one - and, later on in life, he wore a slim plain copper band that he said helped his arthiritis. Knowing my father the old soldier, he'd never wear a yellow bangle. Besides, yellow signifies all sorts of things - including cowardice.
Mr Kerry's side buckled belt in above photo looks flashy too, like he's trying to add something to his personality. I'll bet the yellow bangle has more of an effect on male voters than the Bin Laden tape. If I was an "undecided" voter and did not know what to do, I'd use the bangle and belt as a clue to Mr and Mrs Kerry's personality, character, outlook and style - and play safe by voting for Bush.
Here are fifty Reasons why to vote for Bush in pictures - courtesy Michael Totten.
And, in words by "undecided" American voter Megan McArdle.
UPDATE: A non-blogging friend of mine in England has just emailed me this for info:
The yellow band is for "Live Strong"
Lance Armstrong the greatest cyclist in the world rode and won whilst he had cancer. A large number of Americans and friends paid 1 dollar for the band which is going towards a fund and he's hoping to raise 1 million dollars.
Note: Thanks C. I had no idea. I don't get out - and have seen nothing online of these yellow bands. Now I'm even more convinced the press should have made more of it and explained what the yellow band was all about - it would have been global publicity for cancer. I am online day and night, so if it did get a mention somewhere, it was pretty low-key. Apologies to Senator Kerry but even though I now know what it is, if I hadn't blogged about it, I would never had known the answer, so I still think it is too risky for him to wear anything that can be construed as making a statement - fashion, good cause, or not.
- - -
Urgent: Kerry vows to hunt down terrorists
Here is a copy of a report (including above heading) from China News:
www.chinaview.cn 2004-10-30 06:00:56
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2004-10/30/content_2156388.htm
WASHINGTON, Oct. 29 (Xinhuanet) -- US Democratic presidential candidate John Kerry said on Friday that he will "stop at absolutely nothing to hunt down, capture or kill the terrorists." Enditem
"Stop at absolutely nothing" - what does he mean, The Bomb? My guess is the Chinese might read it that way.
- - -
PLEASE SAVE SCOTLAND'S REGIMENTS
You can't buy respect - historic Scottish regiments have earned it over centuries
Senior members of the Royal Family have expressed anger at the government's plans to axe Scotland's historic infantry regiments, say campaigners. The Scotsman has launched a campaign and put up a petition to save the country's six infantry regiments from the axe.
Prime Minister Tony Blair and Defence Secretary Geoff Hoon want to scrap one of the Black Watch, the Royal Highland Fusiliers, the King's Own Scottish Borderers, the Royal Scots, the Highlanders and the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders and merge the remaining five into one 'super-regiment'.
It would mean the end of centuries of proud Scottish military tradition. The fact that the Black Watch has been sent to cover for American troops near Baghdad demonstrates that this is the wrong time to cut troop numbers.
To register your protest against these unnecessary cuts, add your name to The Scotsman's petition. The Scotsman will pass on your comments to Mr Blair at No.10 Downing Street.
Yesterday, I added my signature (number 4737) and gave my blog URL as my address.
Here's pinging word of the petition to Gordon McLean and his Scottish webring.
[Further reading in my previous post on the history of the Black Watch]
- - -
FACT OF THE DAY
Courtesy Scotsman
Edinburgh author Conan Doyle publishes the first collection of his Sherlock Holmes stories today in 1892. The collection (the stories were previously serialised in a magazine) is an immediate best-seller and would be followed by other collections of the master detective's adventures in the years to come.
- - -
PROGRESS ON NEW INTERNET DOMAINS
Storms have abated here by the seaside
Today, it is cool, quiet and calm here by the sea. Storms have abated. Sun is shining. Blue sea. Yachts sailing along. Big clean up going on - seaweed and stones everywhere. Ophelia has been out on a long patrol. Her vet has kindly agreed to a house call here on Wednesday for her annual health check and booster shots.
Progress on new proposed internet domains:
.asia - for Asian companies
.cat - for Catalan language and culture
.jobs - for employment agencies/human resources
.mail - to help anti-spam efforts
.mobi - for mobile phones/devices
.post - for postal services
.tel - to help voice over net telephony (two proposals)
.travel - for hotel, airlines and travel firms
.xxx - for pornographers
- - -
'SMELLY' MATES GUIDE SEABIRDS - To avoid mating with a bird that smells too similar is to avoid mating with a bird that is related
Prions are strictly monogamous, although they rarely get to spend any time with their partner
Here below is a copy of a report from the BBC.
Seabirds called prions, which mate for life, find their nests by sniffing out their smelly partners, scientists say.
The birds make their nests in deep burrows, which are very dark, so they cannot rely on any other sense to find them, Science magazine reports.
The birds also actively avoid their own smell, which could be a way of making sure they do not breed with their kin.
Although this use of smell has been observed in mammals, it has never before been seen in birds.
Tube-nosed
Antarctic prions, Pachiptila desolata, are so-called tube-nosed seabirds.
They are strictly monogamous, although they rarely get to spend any time with their partners. Instead they take it in turns to incubate eggs and find food.
"All the shared life of the birds is inside the burrow because they don't stay together at sea - they just alternate on eggs," said co-author Francesco Bonadonna, of CNRS in Montpellier, France.
Sometimes a prion will forage at sea for up to two weeks, before returning to the nest to begin a stint of incubation duty.
When they fly in from sea, they have to reliably find their own nest among a medley of other nests.
But sight is not much use because they tend to come home at night and their nests are submerged in deep burrows.
"Their burrows are underground and really, really dark," said Dr Bonadonna. "They have nothing other than odour to find their way."
Inbreeding
Luckily, prions are rather smelly, so returning birds can locate their nests by following their partner's distinctive smell.
"We found that the birds are able to recognise their partner's odour, and we think they use this odour to recognise their burrows," said Dr Bonadonna.
When they return from sea, they have to reliably find their own nest among a medley of other nests
Not only are the prions attracted by their mate's smell, but they actively avoid their own.
At first the researchers were surprised by this, because they assumed that following its own scent might also lead it to its burrow.
But since the birds spend such a long time at sea their nests are unlikely to smell of them, the team concluded.
But why the avoidance? Dr Bonadonna thinks it is a strategy to prevent inbreeding.
He said: "To avoid mating with a bird that smells too similar is to avoid mating with a bird that is related."
- - -
E-CARDS AND WEB CARDS
By Jacquie Lawson, animated e-cards, Christmas cards
A dear friend has just sent me an animated greetings card - from her pet dog Daisy May - to my pet cat Ophelia. Switch the sound up on your computer and click here. Happy Halloween.
# posted by Ingrid J. Jones @ 10/31/2004
0 comments
Saturday, October 30, 2004
EUROPE'S FIRST APPLE STORE IS COMING TO LONDON -
Regent Street, 10 am November 20
Apple is bringing the world's most exciting retail experience to Europe for the first time, with a brand new store in the heart of one of the continent's most vibrant shopping districts - London's West End. Excerpt from Apple's email:
Be the first to see the latest in digital music, moviemaking, DVD creation and more. Come and meet our amazing multi-lingual team. Talk to the smartest Mac people in town for advice, problem-solving, repairs and technical services at the 14-metre-long Genius Bar. Talk to our staff of Creatives at The Studio, where your ideas and our help come together to enhance your Mac projects. Sign up for in-depth, hands-on training at a paid Studio Series. Check out the free workshops and presentations for everyone from beginners to seasoned pros at the state-of-the-art 64-seat theatre.
With over 250 special events scheduled throughout the month, it's the perfect time to come and experience everything Apple. So save the date and join us on November 20th at 10 a.m. for a day filled with surprises. It's an event you won't want to miss. More details right here.
Regent Street, 10 am November 20
Apple is bringing the world's most exciting retail experience to Europe for the first time, with a brand new store in the heart of one of the continent's most vibrant shopping districts - London's West End. Excerpt from Apple's email:
Be the first to see the latest in digital music, moviemaking, DVD creation and more. Come and meet our amazing multi-lingual team. Talk to the smartest Mac people in town for advice, problem-solving, repairs and technical services at the 14-metre-long Genius Bar. Talk to our staff of Creatives at The Studio, where your ideas and our help come together to enhance your Mac projects. Sign up for in-depth, hands-on training at a paid Studio Series. Check out the free workshops and presentations for everyone from beginners to seasoned pros at the state-of-the-art 64-seat theatre.
With over 250 special events scheduled throughout the month, it's the perfect time to come and experience everything Apple. So save the date and join us on November 20th at 10 a.m. for a day filled with surprises. It's an event you won't want to miss. More details right here.
# posted by Ingrid J. Jones @ 10/30/2004
0 comments
Friday, October 29, 2004
KOREA, CHINA AND CANADA TOP 3 BROADBAND SUBSCRIBERS
USA thirteenth - as at 1 January 2004
America is the world leader in technology, but thirteenth in broadband adoption. No surprise to see the U.K. not listed. Britain is full of beautiful villages and towns, each surrounded by miles of protected countryside. National Trust land, woodlands and green fields, ancient forts, castles and sites, wildlife and conservation areas, farms, streams and lakes. Getting permission to dig through it all for underground pipes and cables must be a nightmare for planners.
Digital cable started to be rolled out in central London during the early 1980's. My guess is the "glass carpet" in Britain has taken almost 20 years to install because of all the Grade I and II listed buildings protected by the Crown and Church of England. At least Britain is still beautiful, even if it appears we seem a little slow. People around the world love Britain's picturesque landscape and historic buildings. It's been said the Chinese in particular adore our country, and its education system which they think its the best in the world. Yes, Britain is pretty special. There is nowhere quite like it in the world. Broadband is now becoming widely available throughout the UK. Thankfully, innovative alternative solutions are being introduced for areas where, because of low take up in sparsely populated areas, it is not feasible to install a broadband hub.
- - -
FACT OF THE DAY 29 OCTOBER
Courtesy Scotsman.com
Biographer James Boswell is born today in 1740 in Edinburgh. Boswell is a man of many talents as a lawyer, diarist and writer and is best known today as the biographer of the great literary figure Samuel Johnson. As a Scot Boswell had to put up with many of Johnson's jibes at his nation, most notably his dictionary entry: "Oats. A grain, which in England is generally given to horses, but in Scotland supports the people."
- - -
Seaweed will be the new fish supper by 2034
Curry and spaghetti bolognese have changed the Scottish diet forever and the fare of the future will be even more exotic.
- - -
FACT OF THE DAY 27 OCTOBER
Courtesy New York Times
The much-travelled James Cook is born today in 1728. Cook's fame rests on his journeys to remote parts of the world such as Australia, the Pacific islands and the South Atlantic. His death in 1779 was long thought to have occurred as he sought to make peace between irate Hawaiian islanders and his own men. However, a painting uncovered in 2004 seems to suggest that he was killed whist violently resisting an Hawaiian attack.
USA thirteenth - as at 1 January 2004
America is the world leader in technology, but thirteenth in broadband adoption. No surprise to see the U.K. not listed. Britain is full of beautiful villages and towns, each surrounded by miles of protected countryside. National Trust land, woodlands and green fields, ancient forts, castles and sites, wildlife and conservation areas, farms, streams and lakes. Getting permission to dig through it all for underground pipes and cables must be a nightmare for planners.
Digital cable started to be rolled out in central London during the early 1980's. My guess is the "glass carpet" in Britain has taken almost 20 years to install because of all the Grade I and II listed buildings protected by the Crown and Church of England. At least Britain is still beautiful, even if it appears we seem a little slow. People around the world love Britain's picturesque landscape and historic buildings. It's been said the Chinese in particular adore our country, and its education system which they think its the best in the world. Yes, Britain is pretty special. There is nowhere quite like it in the world. Broadband is now becoming widely available throughout the UK. Thankfully, innovative alternative solutions are being introduced for areas where, because of low take up in sparsely populated areas, it is not feasible to install a broadband hub.
- - -
FACT OF THE DAY 29 OCTOBER
Courtesy Scotsman.com
Biographer James Boswell is born today in 1740 in Edinburgh. Boswell is a man of many talents as a lawyer, diarist and writer and is best known today as the biographer of the great literary figure Samuel Johnson. As a Scot Boswell had to put up with many of Johnson's jibes at his nation, most notably his dictionary entry: "Oats. A grain, which in England is generally given to horses, but in Scotland supports the people."
- - -
Seaweed will be the new fish supper by 2034
Curry and spaghetti bolognese have changed the Scottish diet forever and the fare of the future will be even more exotic.
- - -
FACT OF THE DAY 27 OCTOBER
Courtesy New York Times
The much-travelled James Cook is born today in 1728. Cook's fame rests on his journeys to remote parts of the world such as Australia, the Pacific islands and the South Atlantic. His death in 1779 was long thought to have occurred as he sought to make peace between irate Hawaiian islanders and his own men. However, a painting uncovered in 2004 seems to suggest that he was killed whist violently resisting an Hawaiian attack.
# posted by Ingrid J. Jones @ 10/29/2004
0 comments
- - -
SPECTACULAR BREATHTAKING RAGING TEMPEST -
Flood warning and landslip alert here by the sea in England
Japan assess damage after a huge typhoon ripped across south-west Japan, killing at least 67 in the past week.
How awful for people in Japan who have to endure monthly earthquakes, fears of gigantic sea waves, and now typhoons and flooding. Thankfully, I live in house built with solid foundations on a bedrock of flint, high up on a hill where there is no chance of flooding.
Note, I have emailed this entry and photo directly from flickr to this page. It's a joy to use and free of charge at the moment too. If you click into the photo it should take you to my photo gallery and lead you to exploring flickr. Please excuse the mess, I've not done much tidying or labelling.
- - -
ON THIS DAY
On Oct. 29, 1929, Black Tuesday descended upon the New York Stock Exchange. Prices collapsed amid panic selling and thousands of investors were wiped out. [via NYT]
SPECTACULAR BREATHTAKING RAGING TEMPEST -
Flood warning and landslip alert here by the sea in England
Japan assess damage after a huge typhoon ripped across south-west Japan, killing at least 67 in the past week.
How awful for people in Japan who have to endure monthly earthquakes, fears of gigantic sea waves, and now typhoons and flooding. Thankfully, I live in house built with solid foundations on a bedrock of flint, high up on a hill where there is no chance of flooding.
Note, I have emailed this entry and photo directly from flickr to this page. It's a joy to use and free of charge at the moment too. If you click into the photo it should take you to my photo gallery and lead you to exploring flickr. Please excuse the mess, I've not done much tidying or labelling.
- - -
ON THIS DAY
On Oct. 29, 1929, Black Tuesday descended upon the New York Stock Exchange. Prices collapsed amid panic selling and thousands of investors were wiped out. [via NYT]
# posted by Ingrid J. Jones @ 10/29/2004
0 comments
Thursday, October 28, 2004
GALES AND HIGH TIDES BATTER COAST
Coastguards said people should stay away from the sea
Yesterday and today here by the seas have felt like being aboard a ship. Sheets of rain lashing against the windows. Sea is brown. Sounds like we are taking off. Noise is like out of a sea storm horror movie. Thankfully, me and Ophelia are high and dry - and cosy warm. I've been posting over at passionofthepresent.org for past two days. Visitors due here tomorrow and Saturday.
Gales and high tides batter coast. Coastal towns and villages across the South West of England are enduring a second day of destruction caused by 75 mph gales and unusually high tides. Severe flood warning has been issued. In Torbay, it has been described as a "once-in-25-years" storm by the Environment Agency. Coastguards said people should stay away from the sea.
- - -
WE ARE NOT THE GOAL
But one product of the evolutionary process
Interesting quote from report on the Australian scientists who found modern humans' tiny cousin - a new species of hobbit-sized humans who lived about 13,000 years ago on an Indonesian island (they expect to discover more new species of hominids on neighboring islands):
"You don't know until you find them," said Tim White, a paleobiologist at the University of California Berkeley. He said the research does underscore an important point in evolution: "We are not the goal, but one product of the evolutionary process. What they found on Flores is another product."
- - -
PICTURE OF THE WEEK
Courtesy BBC UK
Ukrainian naval cadets march to commemorate the country's liberation from Nazi Germany 60 years ago.
- - -
5 DAYS TO GO
Bush will win by a small margin
Pauly in NYC thinks it will be another close election... and Bush will win by a small margin. I agree. Things must look very encouraging for Kerry right now though, which is great because it makes the whole gruelling inhumane process more bearable and exciting for both candidates. Everyone must be hoping for a clear result.
Read Pauly's latest post at This Side of the Truth, giving his take on the race for the White House. Great Pauly. Thanks.
- - -
FACT OF THE DAY
Courtesy New York Times
On Oct. 28, 1886, the Statue of Liberty, a gift from the people of France, was dedicated in New York Harbor by President Cleveland.
Coastguards said people should stay away from the sea
Yesterday and today here by the seas have felt like being aboard a ship. Sheets of rain lashing against the windows. Sea is brown. Sounds like we are taking off. Noise is like out of a sea storm horror movie. Thankfully, me and Ophelia are high and dry - and cosy warm. I've been posting over at passionofthepresent.org for past two days. Visitors due here tomorrow and Saturday.
Gales and high tides batter coast. Coastal towns and villages across the South West of England are enduring a second day of destruction caused by 75 mph gales and unusually high tides. Severe flood warning has been issued. In Torbay, it has been described as a "once-in-25-years" storm by the Environment Agency. Coastguards said people should stay away from the sea.
- - -
WE ARE NOT THE GOAL
But one product of the evolutionary process
Interesting quote from report on the Australian scientists who found modern humans' tiny cousin - a new species of hobbit-sized humans who lived about 13,000 years ago on an Indonesian island (they expect to discover more new species of hominids on neighboring islands):
"You don't know until you find them," said Tim White, a paleobiologist at the University of California Berkeley. He said the research does underscore an important point in evolution: "We are not the goal, but one product of the evolutionary process. What they found on Flores is another product."
- - -
PICTURE OF THE WEEK
Courtesy BBC UK
Ukrainian naval cadets march to commemorate the country's liberation from Nazi Germany 60 years ago.
- - -
5 DAYS TO GO
Bush will win by a small margin
Pauly in NYC thinks it will be another close election... and Bush will win by a small margin. I agree. Things must look very encouraging for Kerry right now though, which is great because it makes the whole gruelling inhumane process more bearable and exciting for both candidates. Everyone must be hoping for a clear result.
Read Pauly's latest post at This Side of the Truth, giving his take on the race for the White House. Great Pauly. Thanks.
- - -
FACT OF THE DAY
Courtesy New York Times
On Oct. 28, 1886, the Statue of Liberty, a gift from the people of France, was dedicated in New York Harbor by President Cleveland.
# posted by Ingrid J. Jones @ 10/28/2004
0 comments
Wednesday, October 27, 2004
BLOGGER GROUNDED BY HER AIRLINE
American airline attendant is fighting for her job
Today, a friend emailed me news of a blogger grounded by her airline, along with this one line message:
"Blogging is politically dangerous and will soon be 'controlled' by those whose power might be eroded by blogging."
I agree. It's starting to look like freedom of speech is being eroded. It doesn't seem possible that a company can stop an employee from keeping a pen-paper diary and then leaving it open for all to see. A weblog is the same as a paper journal, except it is electronic. What if employees transmitted their diary pages via fax to thousands of people, or used a mobile phone to text messages of their thoughts? What difference does it make if one uses a fax, phone, CB radio or weblog? I don't get how companies can dictate what one should or should not write in personal journals - or even say whether they think you should maintain one or not.
As for the airline attendant, I hope she does not lose her job. Now the airline has given itself bad publicity by suspending her for keeping a journal. People, at their places of work, take photos of colleagues and pin them on walls for all to see, so what is the big deal if the photos are posted to an electronic journal? Seems to me there's no such thing as personal privacy so I don't see how companies can claim to have privacy on things that don't involve libel law, espionage, sabotage etc.
Obviously, companies require personnel to work in its best interests and not hurt its standing or disclose information to competitors - most people know that, some even sign non-disclosure agreements. Maybe that's what will happen, employees will have to sign something. But I still don't see how one can stop people maintaining journals under pseudo names.
If a company has things to hide, people can easily whistleblow to the media or leak stuff on Internet. Maybe the best way for a company to avoid adverse publicity, is to conduct business ethically and treat everyone fairly and respectfully, so the company has a good chance of receiving the same in return. With nothing to hide, any publicity is great publicity.
What are companies afraid of? Power to the people, that's what. Companies fear losing the upper hand. The tide is turning for the people. The technology is here and if it is cut, people will find ways to keep going and go undercover, underground.
Note my previous post here below. Imagaine how easily we surfers and bloggers can be blocked. Bloggers in China experience blocking by their government. Iran is trying to do the same (see Tehran Watch here in my sidebar).
The Internet was given to us, the people. Our top man Sir Tim Berners-Lee said so. He gave up a personal fortune so that nobody "owned" the Internet. It could have been his. But it's not. It's nobody's. It's ours. There must be something we can do to protect ourselves. Maybe we need to start exchaning phone numbers and addresses with our blogmates. If something big ever came up, we'd all be totally cut off. Like the lights going out. The plug pulled. I'll keep an eye out for news on the topic of blocking and publish whatever I find, here. Hope others will take notice when see news of blocking or censorship.
- - -
More on this topic in the archives of Jim O'Connell and Joi Ito's Web in Tokyo, Japan.
American airline attendant is fighting for her job
Today, a friend emailed me news of a blogger grounded by her airline, along with this one line message:
"Blogging is politically dangerous and will soon be 'controlled' by those whose power might be eroded by blogging."
I agree. It's starting to look like freedom of speech is being eroded. It doesn't seem possible that a company can stop an employee from keeping a pen-paper diary and then leaving it open for all to see. A weblog is the same as a paper journal, except it is electronic. What if employees transmitted their diary pages via fax to thousands of people, or used a mobile phone to text messages of their thoughts? What difference does it make if one uses a fax, phone, CB radio or weblog? I don't get how companies can dictate what one should or should not write in personal journals - or even say whether they think you should maintain one or not.
As for the airline attendant, I hope she does not lose her job. Now the airline has given itself bad publicity by suspending her for keeping a journal. People, at their places of work, take photos of colleagues and pin them on walls for all to see, so what is the big deal if the photos are posted to an electronic journal? Seems to me there's no such thing as personal privacy so I don't see how companies can claim to have privacy on things that don't involve libel law, espionage, sabotage etc.
Obviously, companies require personnel to work in its best interests and not hurt its standing or disclose information to competitors - most people know that, some even sign non-disclosure agreements. Maybe that's what will happen, employees will have to sign something. But I still don't see how one can stop people maintaining journals under pseudo names.
If a company has things to hide, people can easily whistleblow to the media or leak stuff on Internet. Maybe the best way for a company to avoid adverse publicity, is to conduct business ethically and treat everyone fairly and respectfully, so the company has a good chance of receiving the same in return. With nothing to hide, any publicity is great publicity.
What are companies afraid of? Power to the people, that's what. Companies fear losing the upper hand. The tide is turning for the people. The technology is here and if it is cut, people will find ways to keep going and go undercover, underground.
Note my previous post here below. Imagaine how easily we surfers and bloggers can be blocked. Bloggers in China experience blocking by their government. Iran is trying to do the same (see Tehran Watch here in my sidebar).
The Internet was given to us, the people. Our top man Sir Tim Berners-Lee said so. He gave up a personal fortune so that nobody "owned" the Internet. It could have been his. But it's not. It's nobody's. It's ours. There must be something we can do to protect ourselves. Maybe we need to start exchaning phone numbers and addresses with our blogmates. If something big ever came up, we'd all be totally cut off. Like the lights going out. The plug pulled. I'll keep an eye out for news on the topic of blocking and publish whatever I find, here. Hope others will take notice when see news of blocking or censorship.
- - -
More on this topic in the archives of Jim O'Connell and Joi Ito's Web in Tokyo, Japan.
# posted by Ingrid J. Jones @ 10/27/2004
0 comments
- - -
BUSH WEBSITE BLOCKED OUTSIDE U.S.ACCESS DENIED:
I can't access "http://www.georgewbush.com
Seems all of us outside of America have been unable to visit the official re-election site of President George W Bush.
The blocking of browsers sited outside the US began in the early hours of Monday morning. Since then people outside the US trying to browse the site get a message saying they are not authorised to view it.
The blocking appears to be a policy decision by the Bush camp.
As I am located in England, UK, I've visited the site which threw up a white page saying: "ACCESS DENIED: You don't have permission to access "http://www.georgewbush.com/" on this server."
It confirms what the BBC are saying in today's report "Bush website blocked outside US."
Note, simply blocking non-US visitors also means that Americans overseas are barred too. How strange - and disappointing.
BUSH WEBSITE BLOCKED OUTSIDE U.S.ACCESS DENIED:
I can't access "http://www.georgewbush.com
Seems all of us outside of America have been unable to visit the official re-election site of President George W Bush.
The blocking of browsers sited outside the US began in the early hours of Monday morning. Since then people outside the US trying to browse the site get a message saying they are not authorised to view it.
The blocking appears to be a policy decision by the Bush camp.
As I am located in England, UK, I've visited the site which threw up a white page saying: "ACCESS DENIED: You don't have permission to access "http://www.georgewbush.com/" on this server."
It confirms what the BBC are saying in today's report "Bush website blocked outside US."
Note, simply blocking non-US visitors also means that Americans overseas are barred too. How strange - and disappointing.
# posted by Ingrid J. Jones @ 10/27/2004
0 comments
Tuesday, October 26, 2004
WHERE THE PRESIDENTIAL RACE STANDS TODAY
Bush is winner with 276 Electoral Votes
Election Scorecard shows where the presidential race stands today. If the Election were held today, Bush would be the winner.
If I had to vote, my guess is I would vote for Bush. Why? Simply because he knows the ins and outs of the job by now and could make great inroads over the next four years. I admire his nerves of steel. He makes clear what he is about and where he is coming from. He seems a regular kind of guy, not pretentious or greedy for acclaim. Simple in his tastes and speech, decent and straightforward. He's much more clever than he appears. I think he is genuine and sincere in what he believes. He loves God, America and his family. I imagine that when he is relaxed and not on guard with the press, he is very warm, friendly, caring, down to earth and funny. His mind must be constantly switched on and in gear. The wheels must be turning all the time. I get the feeling he devotes his life to America 24/7 not for his own ego, but because he genuinely loves his country and people the world over. The job must be hard work and extremely tough but he seldom shows strain or signs of wobbling and never gets ill. He makes the job look so easy and takes everything in his stride.
Whatever the outcome, I hope it is a clear cut result so the candidates and their families don't have to go through a mess of uncertainty and anxiety over disputes. It's hard to believe the new electronic voting system will go without a hitch. There are bound to be problems. Yes, I will be disappointed for Bush if Kerry wins. But a year down the line it will be like all the other Presidents - we'll get used to Kerry being around - and Bush, like Presidents before him, will have faded into the background and from our minds. This is a poor post, I've written it in ten minutes. The words I've chosen sound pretty cheesy. But it's late at night now and I am too tired to be thinking about policies and war etc. Here's wishing both parties best of luck. It will be an interesting week ahead. Exciting. Great human drama. I hope British TV provides in-depth coverage of the election November 2nd.
[link via Megan McArdle co-author of Instapundit]
Bush is winner with 276 Electoral Votes
Election Scorecard shows where the presidential race stands today. If the Election were held today, Bush would be the winner.
If I had to vote, my guess is I would vote for Bush. Why? Simply because he knows the ins and outs of the job by now and could make great inroads over the next four years. I admire his nerves of steel. He makes clear what he is about and where he is coming from. He seems a regular kind of guy, not pretentious or greedy for acclaim. Simple in his tastes and speech, decent and straightforward. He's much more clever than he appears. I think he is genuine and sincere in what he believes. He loves God, America and his family. I imagine that when he is relaxed and not on guard with the press, he is very warm, friendly, caring, down to earth and funny. His mind must be constantly switched on and in gear. The wheels must be turning all the time. I get the feeling he devotes his life to America 24/7 not for his own ego, but because he genuinely loves his country and people the world over. The job must be hard work and extremely tough but he seldom shows strain or signs of wobbling and never gets ill. He makes the job look so easy and takes everything in his stride.
Whatever the outcome, I hope it is a clear cut result so the candidates and their families don't have to go through a mess of uncertainty and anxiety over disputes. It's hard to believe the new electronic voting system will go without a hitch. There are bound to be problems. Yes, I will be disappointed for Bush if Kerry wins. But a year down the line it will be like all the other Presidents - we'll get used to Kerry being around - and Bush, like Presidents before him, will have faded into the background and from our minds. This is a poor post, I've written it in ten minutes. The words I've chosen sound pretty cheesy. But it's late at night now and I am too tired to be thinking about policies and war etc. Here's wishing both parties best of luck. It will be an interesting week ahead. Exciting. Great human drama. I hope British TV provides in-depth coverage of the election November 2nd.
[link via Megan McArdle co-author of Instapundit]
# posted by Ingrid J. Jones @ 10/26/2004
0 comments
Monday, October 25, 2004
HARVARD MANAGEMENT COMPANY
Coming under pressure to drop its shares in PetroChina
Crikey. Who would guess that Harvard has more than $3 billion in the stock market? As of June 30, 2004, Harvard Management Company holds shares in over a thousand corporations, from Abercrombie & Fitch to Zebra Technologies.
Outside activists have called on Harvard University to shed its stake in PetroChina, says The Harvard Crimson Online. Excerpt:
"Several faculty members said they would be more than willing to join an effort aimed at convincing Harvard to drop its shares in PetroChina, the oil stock linked to the Sudanese government.
With more than $3 billion in the stock market, the University’s holdings in PetroChina likely represent less than 0.02 percent of the entire endowment.
Activists hope that a move by Harvard to sell its shares of PetroChina could jump-start a broad divestment effort.
Harvard’s stake in PetroChina is “a highly symbolic investment,” Reeves* said. He said the University would “send a chill up the spine of all institutional shareholders of PetroChina” if the endowment fund dropped its stake in the company.
“This divestment campaign is going to explode off the blocks,” Reeves said."
- - -
*Professor Eric Reeves
Eric Reeves is an English Professor at Smith College, Mass., and a recognised expert on Sudan and Darfur. He has provided testimony to Congressional Committees, been widely published in the US and International Press, and frequently provides expert analysis for Non-Governmental Organisations addressing the crisis in Sudan. For a full biography/bibliograhpy of his work on Sudan and Darfur, click here.
Coming under pressure to drop its shares in PetroChina
Crikey. Who would guess that Harvard has more than $3 billion in the stock market? As of June 30, 2004, Harvard Management Company holds shares in over a thousand corporations, from Abercrombie & Fitch to Zebra Technologies.
Outside activists have called on Harvard University to shed its stake in PetroChina, says The Harvard Crimson Online. Excerpt:
"Several faculty members said they would be more than willing to join an effort aimed at convincing Harvard to drop its shares in PetroChina, the oil stock linked to the Sudanese government.
With more than $3 billion in the stock market, the University’s holdings in PetroChina likely represent less than 0.02 percent of the entire endowment.
Activists hope that a move by Harvard to sell its shares of PetroChina could jump-start a broad divestment effort.
Harvard’s stake in PetroChina is “a highly symbolic investment,” Reeves* said. He said the University would “send a chill up the spine of all institutional shareholders of PetroChina” if the endowment fund dropped its stake in the company.
“This divestment campaign is going to explode off the blocks,” Reeves said."
- - -
*Professor Eric Reeves
Eric Reeves is an English Professor at Smith College, Mass., and a recognised expert on Sudan and Darfur. He has provided testimony to Congressional Committees, been widely published in the US and International Press, and frequently provides expert analysis for Non-Governmental Organisations addressing the crisis in Sudan. For a full biography/bibliograhpy of his work on Sudan and Darfur, click here.
# posted by Ingrid J. Jones @ 10/25/2004
0 comments
- - -
HARVARD PROFS PLEDGE TO BACK SUDAN DIVESTMENT
And drop its shares in PetroChina
Several Harvard faculty members said they would be more than willing to join an effort aimed at convincing Harvard to drop its shares in PetroChina, the oil stock linked to the Sudanese government.
Here are some excerpts from today's report at The Crimson authored by Staff writer Daniel J. Hemel:
In the spring of 1979, more than 100 faculty members signed a petition urging Harvard to sell its stakes in companies that conducted dealings with South Africa’s apartheid regime. Ultimately, Harvard divested itself from about a half-dozen companies.
In 1990, the University sold its last holdings in the tobacco industry after a committee of faculty, students and alumni recommended that the University divest itself from cigarette firms.
Richard Wilson, the Mallinckrodt research professor of physics, was an outspoken critic of the Khartoum regime during its conflict with rebels in the south of Sudan.
“The Israeli divestment community would be overwhelmingly enthusiastic about any sincere effort to ease the suffering in Sudan by supporting divestment,” Assistant Professor of Neurobiology John A. Assad wrote in an e-mail. If “students do make a sincere effort to push Harvard to divest from holdings in Sudan,” Assad wrote, “you will find no stronger ally.”
Professor of Psychology Patrick Cavanagh also urged students to initiate a petition, and said he would help bring “all the publicity we can generate” to any such effort.
Cavanagh and his family adopted two refugee children from the south of Sudan in July 2002. “Their experiences have taught us much about the horrors of that conflict,” Cavanagh wrote in an e-mail.
“Urging some organization to divest themselves…is a powerful tool that sends a powerful message, but I don’t think you use it for any little problem that comes along,” Moseley said in an interview Friday. But, he said, “I do think the situation in Darfur deserves this.”
—Harvard's Crimson Staff writer Daniel J. Hemel can be reached at hemel@fas.harvard.edu.
HARVARD PROFS PLEDGE TO BACK SUDAN DIVESTMENT
And drop its shares in PetroChina
Several Harvard faculty members said they would be more than willing to join an effort aimed at convincing Harvard to drop its shares in PetroChina, the oil stock linked to the Sudanese government.
Here are some excerpts from today's report at The Crimson authored by Staff writer Daniel J. Hemel:
In the spring of 1979, more than 100 faculty members signed a petition urging Harvard to sell its stakes in companies that conducted dealings with South Africa’s apartheid regime. Ultimately, Harvard divested itself from about a half-dozen companies.
In 1990, the University sold its last holdings in the tobacco industry after a committee of faculty, students and alumni recommended that the University divest itself from cigarette firms.
Richard Wilson, the Mallinckrodt research professor of physics, was an outspoken critic of the Khartoum regime during its conflict with rebels in the south of Sudan.
“The Israeli divestment community would be overwhelmingly enthusiastic about any sincere effort to ease the suffering in Sudan by supporting divestment,” Assistant Professor of Neurobiology John A. Assad wrote in an e-mail. If “students do make a sincere effort to push Harvard to divest from holdings in Sudan,” Assad wrote, “you will find no stronger ally.”
Professor of Psychology Patrick Cavanagh also urged students to initiate a petition, and said he would help bring “all the publicity we can generate” to any such effort.
Cavanagh and his family adopted two refugee children from the south of Sudan in July 2002. “Their experiences have taught us much about the horrors of that conflict,” Cavanagh wrote in an e-mail.
“Urging some organization to divest themselves…is a powerful tool that sends a powerful message, but I don’t think you use it for any little problem that comes along,” Moseley said in an interview Friday. But, he said, “I do think the situation in Darfur deserves this.”
—Harvard's Crimson Staff writer Daniel J. Hemel can be reached at hemel@fas.harvard.edu.
# posted by Ingrid J. Jones @ 10/25/2004
0 comments
- - -
MOVEMENT TO DIVEST
Divestment Campaign for Sudan: Harvard Students Act
Harvard has invested millions of dollars in a Chinese oil company whose financial dealings with the Sudanese government, human rights activists say, have funded that regime's ongoing slaughter of its own people.
Divestment Campaign for Sudan: Harvard Students Act by Daniel J. Hemel and Zachary M. Seward October 25, 2004 - excerpt:
Sudan activists can claim a record of success in their past efforts to spur divestment.
Canada’s Talisman Energy came under heavy fire from activists two years ago for its stake in the Greater Nile Oil Project—the same joint venture with the Sudanese government that PetroChina’s parent company has undertaken.
Talisman held a 25 percent stake in the project, while the Chinese firm owns 40 percent of the venture.
In October 2002, Talisman sold its Sudan holdings to an Indian company for $766 million.
And in January of this year, BP Amoco sold its $1.65 billion stake in PetroChina. The move came on the heels of a four-year campaign by black churches and human rights groups in the U.S. to boycott Amoco stations in protest of BP’s links to Sudan—although BP’s decision to drop the shares was likely made due to economic considerations and not humanitarian concerns.
Meyer, who oversees Harvard’s $22.6 billion endowment, said in an interview that the University attempts to consider social issues in its investments.
“Overall, we try in all of our investment decisions to be pretty principled in the companies with which we deal, and I think we’re very successful at that,” Meyer said.
In 1990, the University divested its shares in tobacco companies following objections by students, faculty and alumni. Explaining the divestment in their annual report last year, Harvard’s Corporation Committee on Shareholder Responsibility noted, among other reasons, “the desire not to be associated as a shareholder with companies engaged in significant sales of products that create a substantial and unjustified risk of harm to human health.”
Several activists contacted by The Crimson said PetroChina’s connection to the Sudanese regime warranted divestment under the University’s standards.
“Harvard is confronted with a stark choice,” wrote John Eibner, a London-based human rights activist affiliated with Christian Solidarity International, in an e-mail. “It can stand on the side of the slavers, ethnic cleansers and gang rapists of Sudan. Or it can stand in solidarity with the powerless, impoverished victims at a cost of only 0.02 percent of the total Harvard endowment.”
—Staff writer Daniel J. Hemel can be reached at hemel@fas.harvard.edu.
—Staff writer Zachary M. Seward can be reached at seward@fas.harvard.edu.
MOVEMENT TO DIVEST
Divestment Campaign for Sudan: Harvard Students Act
Harvard has invested millions of dollars in a Chinese oil company whose financial dealings with the Sudanese government, human rights activists say, have funded that regime's ongoing slaughter of its own people.
Divestment Campaign for Sudan: Harvard Students Act by Daniel J. Hemel and Zachary M. Seward October 25, 2004 - excerpt:
Sudan activists can claim a record of success in their past efforts to spur divestment.
Canada’s Talisman Energy came under heavy fire from activists two years ago for its stake in the Greater Nile Oil Project—the same joint venture with the Sudanese government that PetroChina’s parent company has undertaken.
Talisman held a 25 percent stake in the project, while the Chinese firm owns 40 percent of the venture.
In October 2002, Talisman sold its Sudan holdings to an Indian company for $766 million.
And in January of this year, BP Amoco sold its $1.65 billion stake in PetroChina. The move came on the heels of a four-year campaign by black churches and human rights groups in the U.S. to boycott Amoco stations in protest of BP’s links to Sudan—although BP’s decision to drop the shares was likely made due to economic considerations and not humanitarian concerns.
Meyer, who oversees Harvard’s $22.6 billion endowment, said in an interview that the University attempts to consider social issues in its investments.
“Overall, we try in all of our investment decisions to be pretty principled in the companies with which we deal, and I think we’re very successful at that,” Meyer said.
In 1990, the University divested its shares in tobacco companies following objections by students, faculty and alumni. Explaining the divestment in their annual report last year, Harvard’s Corporation Committee on Shareholder Responsibility noted, among other reasons, “the desire not to be associated as a shareholder with companies engaged in significant sales of products that create a substantial and unjustified risk of harm to human health.”
Several activists contacted by The Crimson said PetroChina’s connection to the Sudanese regime warranted divestment under the University’s standards.
“Harvard is confronted with a stark choice,” wrote John Eibner, a London-based human rights activist affiliated with Christian Solidarity International, in an e-mail. “It can stand on the side of the slavers, ethnic cleansers and gang rapists of Sudan. Or it can stand in solidarity with the powerless, impoverished victims at a cost of only 0.02 percent of the total Harvard endowment.”
—Staff writer Daniel J. Hemel can be reached at hemel@fas.harvard.edu.
—Staff writer Zachary M. Seward can be reached at seward@fas.harvard.edu.
# posted by Ingrid J. Jones @ 10/25/2004
0 comments
- - -
THE SECOND SUPERPOWER
Targets Siemens, ABB, Alcatel, Tatneft, PetroChina
Paul F. Hoffman, the Hooper professor of geology at Harvard, said that “a broad divestment campaign aimed at pressuring the Sudanese government might have a positive impact, as it did in South Africa.”
The Second Superpower (we the citizens of the world) are perfectly placed to support the Divest Campaign.
Anyone who holds shares in Siemens, ABB, Alcatel, Tatneft, PetroChina: please beware - and drop them - it is blood money.
Last week, I left a comment at British MP Clive Soley's blog suggesting that Germany contributes to the humanitarian effort in Darfur BIG TIME. Germany has just won huge contracts from Sudan to build a Sudan-Kenya railway.
German company Siemens provided the gas chambers for the Nazi's concentration camps - and have kept quiet about it ever since. Yes, times have changed - and I know we are not supposed to mention The War - but some Jewish people are still struggling to have returned to them what was stolen and stashed away in Swiss bank accounts. There is still unfinished business. Siemens could go a lot way and make good PR by contributing to help the victims of Darfur. Siemens has a big operation on the periphery there.
THE SECOND SUPERPOWER
Targets Siemens, ABB, Alcatel, Tatneft, PetroChina
Paul F. Hoffman, the Hooper professor of geology at Harvard, said that “a broad divestment campaign aimed at pressuring the Sudanese government might have a positive impact, as it did in South Africa.”
The Second Superpower (we the citizens of the world) are perfectly placed to support the Divest Campaign.
Anyone who holds shares in Siemens, ABB, Alcatel, Tatneft, PetroChina: please beware - and drop them - it is blood money.
Last week, I left a comment at British MP Clive Soley's blog suggesting that Germany contributes to the humanitarian effort in Darfur BIG TIME. Germany has just won huge contracts from Sudan to build a Sudan-Kenya railway.
German company Siemens provided the gas chambers for the Nazi's concentration camps - and have kept quiet about it ever since. Yes, times have changed - and I know we are not supposed to mention The War - but some Jewish people are still struggling to have returned to them what was stolen and stashed away in Swiss bank accounts. There is still unfinished business. Siemens could go a lot way and make good PR by contributing to help the victims of Darfur. Siemens has a big operation on the periphery there.
# posted by Ingrid J. Jones @ 10/25/2004
0 comments
- - -
SIEMENS, ABB, ALCATEL, TATNEFT, PETROCHINA -
Are the targets of a divest campaign
Here is one of the plots and schemes from the remarkable Mark at fightordie. You've got to love Mark's way with words. Note this excerpt from his email:
" ... We would like to make these five corporations, each listed on NYSE, targets of a divestiture campaign to start here in New York City:
Germany's Siemens AG - electric generation
Switzerland's ABB Ltd - electrical, oil production
France's Alcatel - telecommunications
Russia's Tatneft - oil
China's PetroChina - oil
Once-a-week event (say, every Wednesday noon-2) with an impressive, good-looking show will do it. I see the kick-off one to be a “wake-up, wall street” thing, from 7 to 10 in the morning.
To achieve this, we hope to target the stock exchange area first with a "walking vigil", the purpose of which is to gain media attention.
As our goal will be media attention, which is different from our goal at the embassy, we will not be able to do a "show-as-you-can" type of thing like we're running now in front of the mission. Since we're made up of working stiffs and we do not have the bodies to keep a constant vigil in front of the stock exchange, we figure maybe a once-a-week event (say, every Wednesday noon-2) with an impressive, good-looking show will do it. I see the kick-off one to be a “wake-up, wall street” thing, from 7 to 10 in the morning.
This plan has a whole lot (a real understatement) of room for growth and varied areas where all our friends can easily lend a hand.
Other possible early targets: Columbia U, NYC Council, NYU, etc... "divest!" Anyone remember the anti-apartheid campaigns?? All we need is a stack of Village Voices from the 1980's to plot our game plan. Coca-Cola. Remember when they went after apartheid-loving Coca-Cola? Well, there's this thing called "gum arabic." Don't ask me. But one thing I know is soda pop uses gum arabic like it's going out of style. Perhaps we could siphon the great Coke media sponge once again. It's going to take a bit of research.
Many Sudanese fellows yesterday were telling me how effectively they felt our campaign was unnerving the Khartoum representatives.
Our central contact in Darfur Rehabilitation Project told a story of how he was visiting the embassy, and, on the way in, he saw one of our very dedicated people (a lady) out front, alone, holding up her sign.
When he came out, two hours later, she was still there, still holding the sign high. He said he was deeply moved by the dedication she showed, and he felt he'd rarely seen a sight as powerful as this one lady's vigil.
IF YOU ARE STILL A DEDICATED EMBASSY VIGIL WORKER (OR WOULD LIKE TO BECOME ONE,) we are changing the vigil times again. Effective immediately, we will have two shifts per day, every day: 11:30-2:30 and 2:30-5:30. PLEASE EMAIL ME ASAP, telling me what day and what shift you will cover every week. If you would like to cover a shift you make the times up for yourself, let me know. That will be very cool. ..."
SIEMENS, ABB, ALCATEL, TATNEFT, PETROCHINA -
Are the targets of a divest campaign
Here is one of the plots and schemes from the remarkable Mark at fightordie. You've got to love Mark's way with words. Note this excerpt from his email:
" ... We would like to make these five corporations, each listed on NYSE, targets of a divestiture campaign to start here in New York City:
Germany's Siemens AG - electric generation
Switzerland's ABB Ltd - electrical, oil production
France's Alcatel - telecommunications
Russia's Tatneft - oil
China's PetroChina - oil
Once-a-week event (say, every Wednesday noon-2) with an impressive, good-looking show will do it. I see the kick-off one to be a “wake-up, wall street” thing, from 7 to 10 in the morning.
To achieve this, we hope to target the stock exchange area first with a "walking vigil", the purpose of which is to gain media attention.
As our goal will be media attention, which is different from our goal at the embassy, we will not be able to do a "show-as-you-can" type of thing like we're running now in front of the mission. Since we're made up of working stiffs and we do not have the bodies to keep a constant vigil in front of the stock exchange, we figure maybe a once-a-week event (say, every Wednesday noon-2) with an impressive, good-looking show will do it. I see the kick-off one to be a “wake-up, wall street” thing, from 7 to 10 in the morning.
This plan has a whole lot (a real understatement) of room for growth and varied areas where all our friends can easily lend a hand.
Other possible early targets: Columbia U, NYC Council, NYU, etc... "divest!" Anyone remember the anti-apartheid campaigns?? All we need is a stack of Village Voices from the 1980's to plot our game plan. Coca-Cola. Remember when they went after apartheid-loving Coca-Cola? Well, there's this thing called "gum arabic." Don't ask me. But one thing I know is soda pop uses gum arabic like it's going out of style. Perhaps we could siphon the great Coke media sponge once again. It's going to take a bit of research.
Many Sudanese fellows yesterday were telling me how effectively they felt our campaign was unnerving the Khartoum representatives.
Our central contact in Darfur Rehabilitation Project told a story of how he was visiting the embassy, and, on the way in, he saw one of our very dedicated people (a lady) out front, alone, holding up her sign.
When he came out, two hours later, she was still there, still holding the sign high. He said he was deeply moved by the dedication she showed, and he felt he'd rarely seen a sight as powerful as this one lady's vigil.
IF YOU ARE STILL A DEDICATED EMBASSY VIGIL WORKER (OR WOULD LIKE TO BECOME ONE,) we are changing the vigil times again. Effective immediately, we will have two shifts per day, every day: 11:30-2:30 and 2:30-5:30. PLEASE EMAIL ME ASAP, telling me what day and what shift you will cover every week. If you would like to cover a shift you make the times up for yourself, let me know. That will be very cool. ..."
# posted by Ingrid J. Jones @ 10/25/2004
0 comments
- - -
GUARDIAN UK'S KILLER COLUMN UNLEASHES SECRET SERVICE -
Guardian posts apology and pulls column
Following on from yesterday's posts below, Judi McLeod at Canadafreepress reports that Washington D.C.'s Secret Service is investigating Charlie Brooker of the UK Guardian.
Citing federal statute 18 USC 879, Florida attorney John B. Thompson, called in the Secret Service Protective Intelligence Unit. "Please do whatever is necessary to punish the UK Guardian and to educate Matt Drudge on the meaning and scope of statute 18," Thompson wrote in a letter faxed to the SS on Saturday.
Thompson's letter indicates that not only was his complaint being taken seriously by the SS, but that it had already been tipped off about the Guardian story before receipt of his letter. "I am relieved to find out that you were alerted to this danger last evening and are working on it" he said.
- - -
GUARDIAN UK PULLS COLUMN
And posts apology from Charles Brooker
Here is a copy of the Guardian's apology online Sunday October 24, 2004.
Ohio Republican spokesman Jason Mauk was quoted in the New York Post as saying: "The British are our loyal allies, but voters in Clark County are outraged at this tacky publicity stunt conducted by an anti-Bush publication to manipulate the vote in Ohio. It has backfired miserably and fired up our base. The Guardian did us a big favor."
Heh.
GUARDIAN UK'S KILLER COLUMN UNLEASHES SECRET SERVICE -
Guardian posts apology and pulls column
Following on from yesterday's posts below, Judi McLeod at Canadafreepress reports that Washington D.C.'s Secret Service is investigating Charlie Brooker of the UK Guardian.
Citing federal statute 18 USC 879, Florida attorney John B. Thompson, called in the Secret Service Protective Intelligence Unit. "Please do whatever is necessary to punish the UK Guardian and to educate Matt Drudge on the meaning and scope of statute 18," Thompson wrote in a letter faxed to the SS on Saturday.
Thompson's letter indicates that not only was his complaint being taken seriously by the SS, but that it had already been tipped off about the Guardian story before receipt of his letter. "I am relieved to find out that you were alerted to this danger last evening and are working on it" he said.
- - -
GUARDIAN UK PULLS COLUMN
And posts apology from Charles Brooker
Here is a copy of the Guardian's apology online Sunday October 24, 2004.
Ohio Republican spokesman Jason Mauk was quoted in the New York Post as saying: "The British are our loyal allies, but voters in Clark County are outraged at this tacky publicity stunt conducted by an anti-Bush publication to manipulate the vote in Ohio. It has backfired miserably and fired up our base. The Guardian did us a big favor."
Heh.
# posted by Ingrid J. Jones @ 10/25/2004
0 comments
Sunday, October 24, 2004
GUARDIAN COLUMNIST PLEADS FOR AN ASSASSIN TO KILL PRESIDENT GEORGE W BUSH - Represents a new low in mainstream media commentary
Here's some news. A line from my previous post here has been quoted in a New Zealand news report at www.nbr.co.nz.
Pity they attributed the post to an American blogger, and not a British blogger, an important point in the context of this story. Where did they get the idea I was an American blogger? They've made it up. In my sidebar here it clearly states I am in Dorset, England, UK. Wonder why they presumed I was American? Thankfully, Francis Till, the reporter has linked the report to my blog, so visitors will see I am a British blogger - English born and resident in England.
Incidentally, bloggers and the blogosphere were given a good mention in today's Sunday Times newspaper in a report on the spectacular backfiring of the Guardian's madcap 'Clark County Campaign'.
Thank you to journalist Francis Till for linking to my weblog on this important issue. Here is a copy of Mr Till's report dated October, 24, 2004:
Guardian columnist: Where are the assassins when we need them?
Following closely on the heels of its disastrous attempt to meddle in the US elections through a letter writing campaign, the Guardian has published a column that appears to plead for an assassin to come forward and kill President George W Bush.
It could represent a new low in mainstream media commentary.
The columnist, Charlie Brooker, apparently reviews television programmes for the Guardian.
In his October 3 column, Dumb Show, Mr Brooker reviews the debates between Mr Kerry and Mr Bush and finds both candidates lacking -- but reserves a particularly venomous evaluation for Mr Bush.
He writes: Throughout the debate, John Kerry, for his part, looks and sounds a bit like a haunted tree. But at least he's not a lying, sniggering, drink-driving, selfish, reckless, ignorant, dangerous, backward, drooling, twitching, blinking, mouse-faced little cheat. And besides, in a fight between a tree and a bush, I know who I'd favour.
Fair enough, if a bit over the top.
But his closing paragraph has set the internet's blogging community ablaze -- and some have speculated that an outage that hit the website early today was caused by a retaliatory hacker attack.
In that passage, Mr Brooker writes: On November 2, the entire civilised world will be praying, praying Bush loses. And Sod's law dictates he'll probably win, thereby disproving the existence of God once and for all. The world will endure four more years of idiocy, arrogance and unwarranted bloodshed, with no benevolent deity to watch over and save us. John Wilkes Booth, Lee Harvey Oswald, John Hinckley Jr - where are you now that we need you?
As one American blogger queried, incredulously: "one has to ask, if the person in charge of Guardian UK has gone stark, starting, raving mad?"
- - -
UPDATE Sunday 14:20:
Note, Scott Burgess of The Daily Ablution in London has received 61 comments at his post "We Need" Bush Murdered<
Also, he has written this neat piece:
Although it only concerns an insignificant theatre review, I thought that this correction, published today (Sunday), beautifully epitomised the journalistic integrity of Guardian Newspapers, Ltd. (emphasis added):
"We were wrong to say the musical Brooklyn had been 'roundly panned by critics' in our round-up of US theatre (Review, last week). The show had not actually opened when the piece was written."
The mind is thoroughly boggled.
- - -
Further reading:
(1) A Small Victory - sticks and stones.
(2) Cranial Cavity - The Question Should be: Where is the Secret Service? If I made such a statement my front door would be laying flat, my face would be pressed against the latex paint with legs spread.
I also wonder what standards the Association of Online Publishers used in awarding the Guardian this award for “trailblazing. ”Bill Murray, the AOP chairman, praised Guardian Unlimited for its trailblazing contribution to online publishing. “The quality of content shines through and the team continues to innovate, identify what consumers want and deliver it well. “These achievements are undoubtedly due in substantial part to inspired leadership,” said Mr Murray.
Can someone point out the “quality of content” in Brookers column? I won’t hold my breath waiting.
(3) Read this other piece Whatever happened to Saturday night TV? by Charles Brooker to get a flavour of his style. As Ellimondo points out, he pushes the libel laws to the limit.
Here's some news. A line from my previous post here has been quoted in a New Zealand news report at www.nbr.co.nz.
Pity they attributed the post to an American blogger, and not a British blogger, an important point in the context of this story. Where did they get the idea I was an American blogger? They've made it up. In my sidebar here it clearly states I am in Dorset, England, UK. Wonder why they presumed I was American? Thankfully, Francis Till, the reporter has linked the report to my blog, so visitors will see I am a British blogger - English born and resident in England.
Incidentally, bloggers and the blogosphere were given a good mention in today's Sunday Times newspaper in a report on the spectacular backfiring of the Guardian's madcap 'Clark County Campaign'.
Thank you to journalist Francis Till for linking to my weblog on this important issue. Here is a copy of Mr Till's report dated October, 24, 2004:
Guardian columnist: Where are the assassins when we need them?
Following closely on the heels of its disastrous attempt to meddle in the US elections through a letter writing campaign, the Guardian has published a column that appears to plead for an assassin to come forward and kill President George W Bush.
It could represent a new low in mainstream media commentary.
The columnist, Charlie Brooker, apparently reviews television programmes for the Guardian.
In his October 3 column, Dumb Show, Mr Brooker reviews the debates between Mr Kerry and Mr Bush and finds both candidates lacking -- but reserves a particularly venomous evaluation for Mr Bush.
He writes: Throughout the debate, John Kerry, for his part, looks and sounds a bit like a haunted tree. But at least he's not a lying, sniggering, drink-driving, selfish, reckless, ignorant, dangerous, backward, drooling, twitching, blinking, mouse-faced little cheat. And besides, in a fight between a tree and a bush, I know who I'd favour.
Fair enough, if a bit over the top.
But his closing paragraph has set the internet's blogging community ablaze -- and some have speculated that an outage that hit the website early today was caused by a retaliatory hacker attack.
In that passage, Mr Brooker writes: On November 2, the entire civilised world will be praying, praying Bush loses. And Sod's law dictates he'll probably win, thereby disproving the existence of God once and for all. The world will endure four more years of idiocy, arrogance and unwarranted bloodshed, with no benevolent deity to watch over and save us. John Wilkes Booth, Lee Harvey Oswald, John Hinckley Jr - where are you now that we need you?
As one American blogger queried, incredulously: "one has to ask, if the person in charge of Guardian UK has gone stark, starting, raving mad?"
- - -
UPDATE Sunday 14:20:
Note, Scott Burgess of The Daily Ablution in London has received 61 comments at his post "We Need" Bush Murdered<
Also, he has written this neat piece:
Although it only concerns an insignificant theatre review, I thought that this correction, published today (Sunday), beautifully epitomised the journalistic integrity of Guardian Newspapers, Ltd. (emphasis added):
"We were wrong to say the musical Brooklyn had been 'roundly panned by critics' in our round-up of US theatre (Review, last week). The show had not actually opened when the piece was written."
The mind is thoroughly boggled.
- - -
Further reading:
(1) A Small Victory - sticks and stones.
(2) Cranial Cavity - The Question Should be: Where is the Secret Service? If I made such a statement my front door would be laying flat, my face would be pressed against the latex paint with legs spread.
I also wonder what standards the Association of Online Publishers used in awarding the Guardian this award for “trailblazing. ”Bill Murray, the AOP chairman, praised Guardian Unlimited for its trailblazing contribution to online publishing. “The quality of content shines through and the team continues to innovate, identify what consumers want and deliver it well. “These achievements are undoubtedly due in substantial part to inspired leadership,” said Mr Murray.
Can someone point out the “quality of content” in Brookers column? I won’t hold my breath waiting.
(3) Read this other piece Whatever happened to Saturday night TV? by Charles Brooker to get a flavour of his style. As Ellimondo points out, he pushes the libel laws to the limit.
# posted by Ingrid J. Jones @ 10/24/2004
0 comments
Saturday, October 23, 2004
GUARDIAN UK CALLS FOR ASSASSINATION OF PRESIDENT BUSH
Has the Guardian gone stark, staring, raving mad?
One has to ask, if the person in charge of Guardian UK has gone stark, starting, raving mad?
I'm lost for words that anyone in the British media can openly call for the assassination of anyone.
The Guardian are lunatics. And dangerous ones too. How dare they OK such a thing?
It's appalling. I am disgusted. They should withdraw their report and issue a public apology - immediately.
Someone should sue the pants off them. Or close them down.
Here's the closing paragraph of the report:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/theguide/columnists/story/0,,1333748,00.html
On November 2, the entire civilised world will be praying, praying Bush loses. And Sod's law dictates he'll probably win, thereby disproving the existence of God once and for all. The world will endure four more years of idiocy, arrogance and unwarranted bloodshed, with no benevolent deity to watch over and save us. John Wilkes Booth, Lee Harvey Oswald, John Hinckley Jr - where are you now that we need you?
Note Brothers Judd post WHEN THE BRITS WONDER, "WHY DOES AMERICA HATE US?" - and reactions from readers at Threads2 on Dumb Show - The Guardian [UK] report by Charlie Brooker.
- - -
UPDATE on Saturday: I cannot get back into Guardian report to provide a live link here. Whole site is down now. Here's another reason why: the following is a copy of a report by Matt Hines CNET News.com October 22, 2004.
UK paper's anti-Bush ploy gets hacked, sacked
The Guardian, a London-based newspaper, ended a letter-writing campaign aimed at defeating U.S. President George W. Bush after a Web site hosting the promotion was attacked by hackers.
Ian Katz, an editor at the British newspaper who thought up "Operation Clark County," said in a letter posted to the company's Web site on Thursday that despite garnering an overwhelming response from the public, the project was being scrapped. The campaign asked for non-American volunteers to pen letters to undecided voters in Clark County, Ohio--which the Guardian had identified as a crucial region in a battleground election state--urging them to vote against Bush in next month's presidential election.
According to Katz' letter, more than 4,000 people visited the Guardian's Web site to be matched with Clark County voters during the first 24 hours after the campaign was launched on Oct. 13. By the next day, the total had risen to 7,000, and by last Sunday some 14,000 individuals had volunteered to write to the U.S. voters.
However, Katz said the Guardian's Web site came under attack on Sunday, by "presumably politically inspired" hackers. The editor said he and 53 members of the newspaper's staff were also buried under an onslaught of more than 700 spam e-mails each, many of which promoted conservative political causes.
Katz wrote in his letter that the effort was launched as something of a joke, but took on a more serious tenor as angry letters began flooding into the Guardian from Americans incensed by the plan. Despite taking the turn for the worse, the editor said his project still had its intended effect, provoking discussion of the election.
- - -
UPDATE on Sunday: Al-Guardian's report is back up. Here below is a copy in full. Nowhere does the piece make clear it is not the view of the Guardian or the British people. Overseas readers and those whose first language is not English will take the words of piece literally, one man's opinion will be taken as fact, any twisted humour will be lost in translation and because the piece has been endorsed by the Guardian, it will be seen as being the view of a large number of British people. (Which is why the Guardian hasn't pulled it down - they want people to think its a majority view in order to terrorise Blair and Bush).
Up until now, the Guardian has not been a two-bit rag. It's one of Britain's national newspapers. It's name carries weight around the globe from here to Australia and Japan. For it to launch a campaign that aims to influence American voters - and cosy up with the BBC to join in with subsersive attempts at getting Tony Blair out and Gordon Brown in - just goes to show that, along with Brooker's nasty and dangerous piece, it is the Guardian whose "behaviour goes beyond strange, and heads toward terrifying."
No doubt many British fans of the Guardian will think nothing wrong of the report - they'll probably find it hilarious and be more than satisfied with national press that engenders anti-British feelings and incites hatred. Let's hope the Guardian's management and personnel will get their come uppance when they want to visit the USA. They could find themselves on the list of undesirables that incite hatred, violence and murder - and, in the interest of Homeland Security, be refused entry - or even arrested.
Think of it this way: if a leading U.S newspaper with global readership and fans on the far left, openly calls for the British Prime Minister to be assassinated, would you welcome its editors and personnel into Britain?
Dumb show
Charlie Brooker, Saturday October 23, 2004, The Guardian
Heady times. The US election draws ever nearer, and while the rest of the world bangs its head against the floorboards screaming "Please God, not Bush!", the candidates clash head to head in a series of live televised debates. It's a bit like American Idol, but with terrifying global ramifications. You've got to laugh.
Or have you? Have you seen the debates? I urge you to do so. The exemplary BBC News website (www.bbc.co.uk/news) hosts unexpurgated streaming footage of all the recent debates, plus clips from previous encounters, through Reagan and Carter, all the way back to Nixon versus JFK.
Watching Bush v Kerry, two things immediately strike you. First, the opening explanation of the rules makes the whole thing feel like a Radio 4 parlour game. And second, George W Bush is... well, he's... Jesus, where do you start?
The internet's a-buzz with speculation that Bush has been wearing a wire, receiving help from some off-stage lackey. Screen grabs appearing to show a mysterious bulge in the centre of his back are being traded like Top Trumps. Prior to seeing the debate footage, I regarded this with healthy scepticism: the whole "wire" scandal was just wishful thinking on behalf of some amateur Michael Moores, I figured. And then I watched the footage.
Quite frankly, the man's either wired or mad. If it's the former, he should be flung out of office: tarred, feathered and kicked in the nuts. And if it's the latter, his behaviour goes beyond strange, and heads toward terrifying. He looks like he's listening to something we can't hear. He blinks, he mumbles, he lets a sentence trail off, starts a new one, then reverts back to whatever he was saying in the first place. Each time he recalls a statistic (either from memory or the voice in his head), he flashes us a dumb little smile, like a toddler proudly showing off its first bowel movement. Forgive me for employing the language of the playground, but the man's a tool.
So I sit there and I watch this and I start scratching my head, because I'm trying to work out why Bush is afforded any kind of credence or respect whatsoever in his native country. His performance is so transparently bizarre, so feeble and stumbling, it's a miracle he wasn't laughed off the stage. And then I start hunting around the internet, looking to see what the US media made of the whole "wire" debate. And they just let it die. They mentioned it in passing, called it a wacko conspiracy theory and moved on.
Yet whether it turns out to be true or not, right now it's certainly plausible - even if you discount the bulge photos and simply watch the president's ridiculous smirking face. Perhaps he isn't wired. Perhaps he's just gone gaga. If you don't ask the questions, you'll never know the truth.
The silence is all the more troubling since in the past the US news media has had no problem at all covering other wacko conspiracy theories, ones with far less evidence to support them. (For infuriating confirmation of this, watch the second part of the must-see documentary series The Power Of Nightmares (Wed, 9pm, BBC2) and witness the absurd hounding of Bill Clinton over the Whitewater and Vince Foster non-scandals.)
Throughout the debate, John Kerry, for his part, looks and sounds a bit like a haunted tree. But at least he's not a lying, sniggering, drink-driving, selfish, reckless, ignorant, dangerous, backward, drooling, twitching, blinking, mouse-faced little cheat. And besides, in a fight between a tree and a bush, I know who I'd favour.
On November 2, the entire civilised world will be praying, praying Bush loses. And Sod's law dictates he'll probably win, thereby disproving the existence of God once and for all. The world will endure four more years of idiocy, arrogance and unwarranted bloodshed, with no benevolent deity to watch over and save us. John Wilkes Booth, Lee Harvey Oswald, John Hinckley Jr - where are you now that we need you? [end of report]
Has the Guardian gone stark, staring, raving mad?
One has to ask, if the person in charge of Guardian UK has gone stark, starting, raving mad?
I'm lost for words that anyone in the British media can openly call for the assassination of anyone.
The Guardian are lunatics. And dangerous ones too. How dare they OK such a thing?
It's appalling. I am disgusted. They should withdraw their report and issue a public apology - immediately.
Someone should sue the pants off them. Or close them down.
Here's the closing paragraph of the report:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/theguide/columnists/story/0,,1333748,00.html
On November 2, the entire civilised world will be praying, praying Bush loses. And Sod's law dictates he'll probably win, thereby disproving the existence of God once and for all. The world will endure four more years of idiocy, arrogance and unwarranted bloodshed, with no benevolent deity to watch over and save us. John Wilkes Booth, Lee Harvey Oswald, John Hinckley Jr - where are you now that we need you?
Note Brothers Judd post WHEN THE BRITS WONDER, "WHY DOES AMERICA HATE US?" - and reactions from readers at Threads2 on Dumb Show - The Guardian [UK] report by Charlie Brooker.
- - -
UPDATE on Saturday: I cannot get back into Guardian report to provide a live link here. Whole site is down now. Here's another reason why: the following is a copy of a report by Matt Hines CNET News.com October 22, 2004.
UK paper's anti-Bush ploy gets hacked, sacked
The Guardian, a London-based newspaper, ended a letter-writing campaign aimed at defeating U.S. President George W. Bush after a Web site hosting the promotion was attacked by hackers.
Ian Katz, an editor at the British newspaper who thought up "Operation Clark County," said in a letter posted to the company's Web site on Thursday that despite garnering an overwhelming response from the public, the project was being scrapped. The campaign asked for non-American volunteers to pen letters to undecided voters in Clark County, Ohio--which the Guardian had identified as a crucial region in a battleground election state--urging them to vote against Bush in next month's presidential election.
According to Katz' letter, more than 4,000 people visited the Guardian's Web site to be matched with Clark County voters during the first 24 hours after the campaign was launched on Oct. 13. By the next day, the total had risen to 7,000, and by last Sunday some 14,000 individuals had volunteered to write to the U.S. voters.
However, Katz said the Guardian's Web site came under attack on Sunday, by "presumably politically inspired" hackers. The editor said he and 53 members of the newspaper's staff were also buried under an onslaught of more than 700 spam e-mails each, many of which promoted conservative political causes.
Katz wrote in his letter that the effort was launched as something of a joke, but took on a more serious tenor as angry letters began flooding into the Guardian from Americans incensed by the plan. Despite taking the turn for the worse, the editor said his project still had its intended effect, provoking discussion of the election.
- - -
UPDATE on Sunday: Al-Guardian's report is back up. Here below is a copy in full. Nowhere does the piece make clear it is not the view of the Guardian or the British people. Overseas readers and those whose first language is not English will take the words of piece literally, one man's opinion will be taken as fact, any twisted humour will be lost in translation and because the piece has been endorsed by the Guardian, it will be seen as being the view of a large number of British people. (Which is why the Guardian hasn't pulled it down - they want people to think its a majority view in order to terrorise Blair and Bush).
Up until now, the Guardian has not been a two-bit rag. It's one of Britain's national newspapers. It's name carries weight around the globe from here to Australia and Japan. For it to launch a campaign that aims to influence American voters - and cosy up with the BBC to join in with subsersive attempts at getting Tony Blair out and Gordon Brown in - just goes to show that, along with Brooker's nasty and dangerous piece, it is the Guardian whose "behaviour goes beyond strange, and heads toward terrifying."
No doubt many British fans of the Guardian will think nothing wrong of the report - they'll probably find it hilarious and be more than satisfied with national press that engenders anti-British feelings and incites hatred. Let's hope the Guardian's management and personnel will get their come uppance when they want to visit the USA. They could find themselves on the list of undesirables that incite hatred, violence and murder - and, in the interest of Homeland Security, be refused entry - or even arrested.
Think of it this way: if a leading U.S newspaper with global readership and fans on the far left, openly calls for the British Prime Minister to be assassinated, would you welcome its editors and personnel into Britain?
Dumb show
Charlie Brooker, Saturday October 23, 2004, The Guardian
Heady times. The US election draws ever nearer, and while the rest of the world bangs its head against the floorboards screaming "Please God, not Bush!", the candidates clash head to head in a series of live televised debates. It's a bit like American Idol, but with terrifying global ramifications. You've got to laugh.
Or have you? Have you seen the debates? I urge you to do so. The exemplary BBC News website (www.bbc.co.uk/news) hosts unexpurgated streaming footage of all the recent debates, plus clips from previous encounters, through Reagan and Carter, all the way back to Nixon versus JFK.
Watching Bush v Kerry, two things immediately strike you. First, the opening explanation of the rules makes the whole thing feel like a Radio 4 parlour game. And second, George W Bush is... well, he's... Jesus, where do you start?
The internet's a-buzz with speculation that Bush has been wearing a wire, receiving help from some off-stage lackey. Screen grabs appearing to show a mysterious bulge in the centre of his back are being traded like Top Trumps. Prior to seeing the debate footage, I regarded this with healthy scepticism: the whole "wire" scandal was just wishful thinking on behalf of some amateur Michael Moores, I figured. And then I watched the footage.
Quite frankly, the man's either wired or mad. If it's the former, he should be flung out of office: tarred, feathered and kicked in the nuts. And if it's the latter, his behaviour goes beyond strange, and heads toward terrifying. He looks like he's listening to something we can't hear. He blinks, he mumbles, he lets a sentence trail off, starts a new one, then reverts back to whatever he was saying in the first place. Each time he recalls a statistic (either from memory or the voice in his head), he flashes us a dumb little smile, like a toddler proudly showing off its first bowel movement. Forgive me for employing the language of the playground, but the man's a tool.
So I sit there and I watch this and I start scratching my head, because I'm trying to work out why Bush is afforded any kind of credence or respect whatsoever in his native country. His performance is so transparently bizarre, so feeble and stumbling, it's a miracle he wasn't laughed off the stage. And then I start hunting around the internet, looking to see what the US media made of the whole "wire" debate. And they just let it die. They mentioned it in passing, called it a wacko conspiracy theory and moved on.
Yet whether it turns out to be true or not, right now it's certainly plausible - even if you discount the bulge photos and simply watch the president's ridiculous smirking face. Perhaps he isn't wired. Perhaps he's just gone gaga. If you don't ask the questions, you'll never know the truth.
The silence is all the more troubling since in the past the US news media has had no problem at all covering other wacko conspiracy theories, ones with far less evidence to support them. (For infuriating confirmation of this, watch the second part of the must-see documentary series The Power Of Nightmares (Wed, 9pm, BBC2) and witness the absurd hounding of Bill Clinton over the Whitewater and Vince Foster non-scandals.)
Throughout the debate, John Kerry, for his part, looks and sounds a bit like a haunted tree. But at least he's not a lying, sniggering, drink-driving, selfish, reckless, ignorant, dangerous, backward, drooling, twitching, blinking, mouse-faced little cheat. And besides, in a fight between a tree and a bush, I know who I'd favour.
On November 2, the entire civilised world will be praying, praying Bush loses. And Sod's law dictates he'll probably win, thereby disproving the existence of God once and for all. The world will endure four more years of idiocy, arrogance and unwarranted bloodshed, with no benevolent deity to watch over and save us. John Wilkes Booth, Lee Harvey Oswald, John Hinckley Jr - where are you now that we need you? [end of report]
# posted by Ingrid J. Jones @ 10/23/2004
0 comments
- - -
PUZZLE OVER THREE-HEADED FROG
An early warning of environmental problems
On reading Jim Moore's post about amphibians in trouble, I remembered posting back in March re the puzzle over a three headed frog found in Somerset, England, UK, that had fused bodies and six legs.
According to a BBC report, the creature stunned a BBC wildlife expert - he said it could be an early warning of environmental problems.
Mike Dilger, from the BBC Natural History Unit, said: "I have never seen anything like this. "Frogs are primitive animals - so the occasional extra toe is not that unusual. But this is very unusual."
Here below is an excerpt from an in-depth report by Scientific American that explains frog deformities. Note the report is dated 2003.
Note, in the above BBC report on the three headed frog - dated March 2004 - Mike Dilger, from the BBC Natural History Unit, is quoted as saying: "I have never seen anything like this. "Frogs are primitive animals - so the occasional extra toe is not that unusual. But this is very unusual."
On googling further for deformed frogs, I was overwhelmed by information on deformed amphibians; reports confirming amphibians in dramatic decline , that up to 122 extinct since 1980 and a study is finding nearly one-third of species threatened with extinction. There are photos of recent here and here and many other pictures of many deformed frogs.
Although Mr Dilger may not be able to use a computer to search for reports, it's hard to believe that when one works in such a specialist field, one is not aware of an unprecedented eight-year investigation into the cause of a shocking increase in deformed amphibians.
- - -
HUMAN ACTIVITIES AND FACTORS AFFECTING AMPHIBIANS
Are also taking a toll on other species
Jim Moore links to a Scientific American report "Amphibians Suffering Unprecedented Decline, Global Study Finds" dated October 15, 2005.
On reading the report, I googled for some more information and found an earlier Scientific American report "Explaining frog deformities" dated January 14, 2003. Here are some extracts:
" ... Since 1995, malformations have been reported in more than 60 species, including salamanders and toads, in 46 states. In some local populations 80 percent of the animals are afflicted. International reports show that this phenomenon extends beyond the U.S. Surprising numbers of deformed amphibians have been found in Asia, Europe and Australia as well. Worldwide, extra legs and missing legs are most common.
All stem in part from human activities such as habitat alteration. Chances are good that the factors affecting amphibians are also taking a toll on other species.
An eight-year investigation into the cause of a shocking increase in deformed amphibians has sorted out the roles of three prime suspects.
Current environmental trends suggest that human alteration of habitats is at fault. In human as well as wildlife populations, infectious diseases emerge or become more prevalent as features of the landscape change in ways that favor the proliferation of disease-causing organisms.
Reforestation of the northeastern U.S., for example, has led to the emergence of Lyme disease by encouraging the proliferation of white-tailed deer, which transport ticks that harbor the Lyme bacterium. On the other side of the Atlantic, the damming of African rivers has led to the spread of human blood flukes that depend on snails as a host and cause human schistosomiasis.
During the past several decades, alteration of habitats has also encouraged the expansion of such diseases as hantavirus, Ebola, West Nile virus, dengue fever and AIDS. ..."
- - -
MONSTER SUNFISH WASHED ASHORE IN NZ
With a strange sense of timing
Recently here, I highlighted the plight of underwater creatures, whose lives were being ruined by man made noise on and beneath our seas. The noise is so great the creatures cannot hear each other speak or hear important signals that help them find their way through long stretches of water. Mammals's sonar signals are disrupted and seems to be the cause of whales beaching themselves and dying. Here is another clue that things are going horribly wrong on this planet.
A sunfish that washed up on a beach in New Zealand is a monster with a strange sense of timing, a marine expert says.
Photo: Nelson Mail [via Boing Boing]
Department of Conservation marine specialist said the most recent sunfish discovery was "a real oddity" because of the time of year.
The 3m sunfish was discovered at Taupata Creek near Puponga by passers-by on Sunday. DOC worker said she was driving past when she saw "a big lump" on the beach, which she initially thought to be a whale. "It looked fresh. It did not smell and it had not been pecked over."
A sunfish washed up on Farewell Spit at Christmas 2002, and another was washed up on Pakawau Beach about four years ago.
"The literature says they can be found in New Zealand's north-eastern waters in warm summers, and they can stray south of Cook Strait. But this is definitely not a warm summer, rather a cold spring."
Mr Baxter said sunfish could grow up to 3m long and weigh up to a tonne. After seeing a photograph of the sunfish, Mr Baxter estimated it was between 2m and 3m long.
PUZZLE OVER THREE-HEADED FROG
An early warning of environmental problems
On reading Jim Moore's post about amphibians in trouble, I remembered posting back in March re the puzzle over a three headed frog found in Somerset, England, UK, that had fused bodies and six legs.
According to a BBC report, the creature stunned a BBC wildlife expert - he said it could be an early warning of environmental problems.
Mike Dilger, from the BBC Natural History Unit, said: "I have never seen anything like this. "Frogs are primitive animals - so the occasional extra toe is not that unusual. But this is very unusual."
Here below is an excerpt from an in-depth report by Scientific American that explains frog deformities. Note the report is dated 2003.
Note, in the above BBC report on the three headed frog - dated March 2004 - Mike Dilger, from the BBC Natural History Unit, is quoted as saying: "I have never seen anything like this. "Frogs are primitive animals - so the occasional extra toe is not that unusual. But this is very unusual."
On googling further for deformed frogs, I was overwhelmed by information on deformed amphibians; reports confirming amphibians in dramatic decline , that up to 122 extinct since 1980 and a study is finding nearly one-third of species threatened with extinction. There are photos of recent here and here and many other pictures of many deformed frogs.
Although Mr Dilger may not be able to use a computer to search for reports, it's hard to believe that when one works in such a specialist field, one is not aware of an unprecedented eight-year investigation into the cause of a shocking increase in deformed amphibians.
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HUMAN ACTIVITIES AND FACTORS AFFECTING AMPHIBIANS
Are also taking a toll on other species
Jim Moore links to a Scientific American report "Amphibians Suffering Unprecedented Decline, Global Study Finds" dated October 15, 2005.
On reading the report, I googled for some more information and found an earlier Scientific American report "Explaining frog deformities" dated January 14, 2003. Here are some extracts:
" ... Since 1995, malformations have been reported in more than 60 species, including salamanders and toads, in 46 states. In some local populations 80 percent of the animals are afflicted. International reports show that this phenomenon extends beyond the U.S. Surprising numbers of deformed amphibians have been found in Asia, Europe and Australia as well. Worldwide, extra legs and missing legs are most common.
All stem in part from human activities such as habitat alteration. Chances are good that the factors affecting amphibians are also taking a toll on other species.
An eight-year investigation into the cause of a shocking increase in deformed amphibians has sorted out the roles of three prime suspects.
Current environmental trends suggest that human alteration of habitats is at fault. In human as well as wildlife populations, infectious diseases emerge or become more prevalent as features of the landscape change in ways that favor the proliferation of disease-causing organisms.
Reforestation of the northeastern U.S., for example, has led to the emergence of Lyme disease by encouraging the proliferation of white-tailed deer, which transport ticks that harbor the Lyme bacterium. On the other side of the Atlantic, the damming of African rivers has led to the spread of human blood flukes that depend on snails as a host and cause human schistosomiasis.
During the past several decades, alteration of habitats has also encouraged the expansion of such diseases as hantavirus, Ebola, West Nile virus, dengue fever and AIDS. ..."
- - -
MONSTER SUNFISH WASHED ASHORE IN NZ
With a strange sense of timing
Recently here, I highlighted the plight of underwater creatures, whose lives were being ruined by man made noise on and beneath our seas. The noise is so great the creatures cannot hear each other speak or hear important signals that help them find their way through long stretches of water. Mammals's sonar signals are disrupted and seems to be the cause of whales beaching themselves and dying. Here is another clue that things are going horribly wrong on this planet.
A sunfish that washed up on a beach in New Zealand is a monster with a strange sense of timing, a marine expert says.
Photo: Nelson Mail [via Boing Boing]
Department of Conservation marine specialist said the most recent sunfish discovery was "a real oddity" because of the time of year.
The 3m sunfish was discovered at Taupata Creek near Puponga by passers-by on Sunday. DOC worker said she was driving past when she saw "a big lump" on the beach, which she initially thought to be a whale. "It looked fresh. It did not smell and it had not been pecked over."
A sunfish washed up on Farewell Spit at Christmas 2002, and another was washed up on Pakawau Beach about four years ago.
"The literature says they can be found in New Zealand's north-eastern waters in warm summers, and they can stray south of Cook Strait. But this is definitely not a warm summer, rather a cold spring."
Mr Baxter said sunfish could grow up to 3m long and weigh up to a tonne. After seeing a photograph of the sunfish, Mr Baxter estimated it was between 2m and 3m long.
# posted by Ingrid J. Jones @ 10/23/2004
0 comments
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SIX DEGREES OF SEPARATION
How useful is this information?
Have you been away in a foreign land and got talking to someone who turns out to know someone you know? "What a small world!" is the usual response. Maybe the explanation for this is the six degrees of separation.
I'm not sure that I understand the concept exactly. For instance, if I in England publish a post about the Sudan in my blog - and Jim in Boston uses the post at his blog - that gets by someone in an Indian oil company in Sudan who sees a link to my blog in Jim's post and posts a comment at my post. Is that what is meant by three or four degrees of separation? Or would I need to have known the person in India beforehand?
I've googled* for info on the six degrees of separation. Seems everyone on Earth is separated from anyone else by no more than six degrees of separation, or six friends of friends of friends. Is that still the case in the global village of the Internet? An online experiment asked people to help find out the answer. Here's the results so far:
"...We started the experiment on 15-Apr-1999. Since then, 6971 messages have been sent as part of 5943 different message chains. Of those, 28 have reached our friend. And the average number of steps it took to get to the friend is 1.0! The percentage of successful chains is 0.0%. And the average number of steps it took to get to our friend is 1.0, so it seems that in the virtual world, we are separated by 1.0 degrees. ..."
Sorry, I can't grasp the meaning or the results. If any readers can explain the results or usefulness of the concept, I'm hoping they might share in a post or comment here.
* NYT reports today: At Google, Earnings Soar, and Share Price Follows - Google's already soaring stock price rocketed even higher after reporting strong growth in its first quarter as a public company.
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30-32 GENERATIONS = 1200 YEARS OF ANCESTORY
Everyone is connected to everyone else in the world by six sets of acquaintances?
According to Wikipedia, the free encyclopaedia, six degrees of separation is a phrase deriving from the small world experiment referring to the concept that everyone is connected to everyone else in the world by only six degrees of separation, or six sets of acquaintances.
The term Six Degrees of Separation is often distored (sic) to indicate that six generations is the maximum extent to which everyone in the world is related. This has been disproved in numerous genealogy circles since six generations translates roughly to 250 years. It has been calculated, more accurately, that the maximum relationship a person living in the modern age can be to someone else, anywhere in the world, is 30-32 generations removed which is roughly 1200 years of ancestory.
Wikipedia: Six degrees of Wikipedia
SIX DEGREES OF SEPARATION
How useful is this information?
Have you been away in a foreign land and got talking to someone who turns out to know someone you know? "What a small world!" is the usual response. Maybe the explanation for this is the six degrees of separation.
I'm not sure that I understand the concept exactly. For instance, if I in England publish a post about the Sudan in my blog - and Jim in Boston uses the post at his blog - that gets by someone in an Indian oil company in Sudan who sees a link to my blog in Jim's post and posts a comment at my post. Is that what is meant by three or four degrees of separation? Or would I need to have known the person in India beforehand?
I've googled* for info on the six degrees of separation. Seems everyone on Earth is separated from anyone else by no more than six degrees of separation, or six friends of friends of friends. Is that still the case in the global village of the Internet? An online experiment asked people to help find out the answer. Here's the results so far:
"...We started the experiment on 15-Apr-1999. Since then, 6971 messages have been sent as part of 5943 different message chains. Of those, 28 have reached our friend. And the average number of steps it took to get to the friend is 1.0! The percentage of successful chains is 0.0%. And the average number of steps it took to get to our friend is 1.0, so it seems that in the virtual world, we are separated by 1.0 degrees. ..."
Sorry, I can't grasp the meaning or the results. If any readers can explain the results or usefulness of the concept, I'm hoping they might share in a post or comment here.
* NYT reports today: At Google, Earnings Soar, and Share Price Follows - Google's already soaring stock price rocketed even higher after reporting strong growth in its first quarter as a public company.
- - -
30-32 GENERATIONS = 1200 YEARS OF ANCESTORY
Everyone is connected to everyone else in the world by six sets of acquaintances?
According to Wikipedia, the free encyclopaedia, six degrees of separation is a phrase deriving from the small world experiment referring to the concept that everyone is connected to everyone else in the world by only six degrees of separation, or six sets of acquaintances.
The term Six Degrees of Separation is often distored (sic) to indicate that six generations is the maximum extent to which everyone in the world is related. This has been disproved in numerous genealogy circles since six generations translates roughly to 250 years. It has been calculated, more accurately, that the maximum relationship a person living in the modern age can be to someone else, anywhere in the world, is 30-32 generations removed which is roughly 1200 years of ancestory.
Wikipedia: Six degrees of Wikipedia
# posted by Ingrid J. Jones @ 10/23/2004
0 comments
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SIX DEGREES OF SEPARATION
Blood Money and Divest Sudan
John Fitzgerald, a law student blogging out of New York, writes another great piece on Sudan in his blog Secession
Last week, John published Blood Money. Yesterday, he published Six Degrees of Separation. In both posts he manages to put the hugely important issue of ethics neatly in short pieces that are easy to read and digest - and provide great food for thought.
As John is new to the blogosphere, here's wishing him a warm welcome and interesting time. He has a really neat blog and writes beautifully - check out his review of the play "After the Revolution".
- - -
YOU CAN SAY NO TO COMPANIES DOING BUSINESS WITH GENOCIDAL REGIMES
Choose who you spend your money on - beware of overseas investments
Following on from the above post, John in his post "Six Degrees of Separation", links to DivestSudan, a great campaign that any of us can carry on with in our daily lives by simply being aware of who we choose to spend our money on - from insurance policies to washing machines made by Siemens.
For the past 30 years, whenever I see a product, advertisement or article that carries the Siemens name, I point out to anyone who is with me at the time: "Siemens is the German company that provided the gas chambers for the Nazi's concentration camps, knowing what they were for." I've made a point of not buying any white goods bearing the Siemens name.
Recently, British Labour MP Clive Soley blogged about a German ambassador he'd listened to on a radio programme. The programme and Clive's post was about Germany's improving image and how times have changed. Here is a copy of a comment that I posted:
"Clive, Up until a few months ago, I'd have agreed with your post here. I was impressed to see how well Germany were focused on what was going on in Sudan. High ranking German officials visiting Khartoum and meeting up for diplomatic talks with rebel groups in Germany. They seemed to be really going out of their way to help.
Then I saw news reports that Germany won a massive huge contract from Sudan to build the new Sudan-Kenya railway - and that Siemens have a very big operation around that area.
Siemens still don't seem to have learned about ethics over the past 60 years. They built the gas chambers in the Nazi's concentration camps.
Siemens has stuck in my mind as the company never to buy a washing machine, or any goods, from.
Time goes by and things do heal. But this news of what the Germans are doing in Sudan, and the fresh deals they are doing with ruthless and immoral dictators has renewed my personal sanctions on Siemens, along with my habit of telling people about Siemens whenever the words "gas chambers, nazis and holocaust" arise.
Who can respect a country for doing big business with any government that is killing its own people, hampering access for aid and assistance to reach innocent civilians while refusing all offers of help from the outside? Perhaps Germany could help improve its image by contributing more towards humanitarian assistance - big time. Posted by: Ingrid at October 21, 2004 05:35 PM"
- - -
DIVEST SUDAN - A GLOBAL CAMPAIGN
Excerpt from DivestSudan:
The divestment campaign of a has as its aim forcing a suspension of all commercial and economic projects and investments in northern Sudan, pending a halt to the genocide in Darfur and completion of a north/south peace agreement. Excerpt from the campaign's website:
The key task of the campaign is ensuring that pensions plans, mutual funds, endowment funds, and other investment vehicles do not contain the shares of these rapacious European and Asian corporations, whether they trade on the New York Stock Exchange or other international exchanges.
If these companies feel sufficient pressure on their share price, they will be forced to suspend activities. Canada's largest private oil company, Talisman Energy, offers a signal example of what a previous divestment campaign can do: in a relatively short period of time, the company was forced to exit and seek a buyer for its lucrative oil concession holdings in southern Sudan.
Divestment campaigns depend upon broad, grass-roots support -- and dogged determination. The many pension and mutual funds with shares of companies investing in Sudan will not readily accede to divestment demands. But if faced with enough outrage, and the clear prospect of losing investors, their behavior can be quickly modified. The key is unrelenting determination to re-direct investments to untainted funds, or to bring public shame to funds that refuse to divest.
If ordinary citizens wish to confront this intransigent, serially genocidal regime, they must be willing to insist that their investment and pension portfolios do not contain shares of the companies that have permitted continued political survival to the genocidaires in Khartoum.
DivestSudan will not succeed unless you take a stand. Please download and send the letters provided to your local public pension systems - and to your country's Governor, Treasurer, Attorney General and leading legislators.
SIX DEGREES OF SEPARATION
Blood Money and Divest Sudan
John Fitzgerald, a law student blogging out of New York, writes another great piece on Sudan in his blog Secession
Last week, John published Blood Money. Yesterday, he published Six Degrees of Separation. In both posts he manages to put the hugely important issue of ethics neatly in short pieces that are easy to read and digest - and provide great food for thought.
As John is new to the blogosphere, here's wishing him a warm welcome and interesting time. He has a really neat blog and writes beautifully - check out his review of the play "After the Revolution".
- - -
YOU CAN SAY NO TO COMPANIES DOING BUSINESS WITH GENOCIDAL REGIMES
Choose who you spend your money on - beware of overseas investments
Following on from the above post, John in his post "Six Degrees of Separation", links to DivestSudan, a great campaign that any of us can carry on with in our daily lives by simply being aware of who we choose to spend our money on - from insurance policies to washing machines made by Siemens.
For the past 30 years, whenever I see a product, advertisement or article that carries the Siemens name, I point out to anyone who is with me at the time: "Siemens is the German company that provided the gas chambers for the Nazi's concentration camps, knowing what they were for." I've made a point of not buying any white goods bearing the Siemens name.
Recently, British Labour MP Clive Soley blogged about a German ambassador he'd listened to on a radio programme. The programme and Clive's post was about Germany's improving image and how times have changed. Here is a copy of a comment that I posted:
"Clive, Up until a few months ago, I'd have agreed with your post here. I was impressed to see how well Germany were focused on what was going on in Sudan. High ranking German officials visiting Khartoum and meeting up for diplomatic talks with rebel groups in Germany. They seemed to be really going out of their way to help.
Then I saw news reports that Germany won a massive huge contract from Sudan to build the new Sudan-Kenya railway - and that Siemens have a very big operation around that area.
Siemens still don't seem to have learned about ethics over the past 60 years. They built the gas chambers in the Nazi's concentration camps.
Siemens has stuck in my mind as the company never to buy a washing machine, or any goods, from.
Time goes by and things do heal. But this news of what the Germans are doing in Sudan, and the fresh deals they are doing with ruthless and immoral dictators has renewed my personal sanctions on Siemens, along with my habit of telling people about Siemens whenever the words "gas chambers, nazis and holocaust" arise.
Who can respect a country for doing big business with any government that is killing its own people, hampering access for aid and assistance to reach innocent civilians while refusing all offers of help from the outside? Perhaps Germany could help improve its image by contributing more towards humanitarian assistance - big time. Posted by: Ingrid at October 21, 2004 05:35 PM"
- - -
DIVEST SUDAN - A GLOBAL CAMPAIGN
Excerpt from DivestSudan:
The divestment campaign of a has as its aim forcing a suspension of all commercial and economic projects and investments in northern Sudan, pending a halt to the genocide in Darfur and completion of a north/south peace agreement. Excerpt from the campaign's website:
The key task of the campaign is ensuring that pensions plans, mutual funds, endowment funds, and other investment vehicles do not contain the shares of these rapacious European and Asian corporations, whether they trade on the New York Stock Exchange or other international exchanges.
If these companies feel sufficient pressure on their share price, they will be forced to suspend activities. Canada's largest private oil company, Talisman Energy, offers a signal example of what a previous divestment campaign can do: in a relatively short period of time, the company was forced to exit and seek a buyer for its lucrative oil concession holdings in southern Sudan.
Divestment campaigns depend upon broad, grass-roots support -- and dogged determination. The many pension and mutual funds with shares of companies investing in Sudan will not readily accede to divestment demands. But if faced with enough outrage, and the clear prospect of losing investors, their behavior can be quickly modified. The key is unrelenting determination to re-direct investments to untainted funds, or to bring public shame to funds that refuse to divest.
If ordinary citizens wish to confront this intransigent, serially genocidal regime, they must be willing to insist that their investment and pension portfolios do not contain shares of the companies that have permitted continued political survival to the genocidaires in Khartoum.
DivestSudan will not succeed unless you take a stand. Please download and send the letters provided to your local public pension systems - and to your country's Governor, Treasurer, Attorney General and leading legislators.
# posted by Ingrid J. Jones @ 10/23/2004
0 comments
- - -
BLOG COACHES FOR HUMAN RIGHTS
Harvard's Ethan Zuckerman co-authors World Changing
Ethan Zuckerman has a great blog out of Harvard in Boston that specialises in Africa and media and other things (usually technology) connected with the two topics. On a recent visit to World Changing, I noticed Ethan is now a co-author.
In his latest post at World Changing, Ethan explains he is especially interested in the idea that news and information from human rights groups could help correct media imbalances in the least covered nations.
He goes to say "many of the countries where Human Rights Watch has researchers have no regular news bureaus and only find themselves in the media spotlight when situations escalate to crisis proportions; as RSS feeds start to change the way information flows within advocacy organizations, groups like Human Rights Watch will likely find themselves serving as alternative wire services for people interested in places and issues rarely covered by mainstream media."
HUMAN RIGHTS WATCH RECRUITING BLOG COACHES
Here is an excerpt from Ethan's post "Blog Coaches for Human Rights" (filed under the heading of The Second Superpower – Cooperation, Politics and Activism) that explains why Human Rights Watch are recruiting "blog coaches" - and how bloggers can help:
" ... But while Darfur is the most visible human rights crisis in the world today, dozens of other crises rarely make the newspapers, and the reports and analysis generated by human rights researchers never makes it into the hands of policymakers, or the people who influence them.
The folks at HRW are smart enough to realize that bloggers are increasingly key players in the media cycle and that they, Amnesty International and other human rights organizations need to find ways to cooperate with human rights bloggers. They've taken a key first step, setting up RSS feeds for the dozens of countries and issues they regularly track. (There's been some RSS support for almost two years, but the feeds are now 2.0 compliant and centrally located.)
But they're also smart enough to realize that getting information from the grassroots into the blogosphere, wikipedia and other peer produced media requires skillsets they lack. So they're recruiting "blog coaches" - blog and wikipedia authors who have an interest in human rights - to help them figure out how to introduce their supporters to blogging and themselves to the blog and wikipedia communities. If you're interested, and especially if you're in the New York City area - please consider getting in touch with Minky and her team and lending a hand. ..."
BLOG COACHES FOR HUMAN RIGHTS
Harvard's Ethan Zuckerman co-authors World Changing
Ethan Zuckerman has a great blog out of Harvard in Boston that specialises in Africa and media and other things (usually technology) connected with the two topics. On a recent visit to World Changing, I noticed Ethan is now a co-author.
In his latest post at World Changing, Ethan explains he is especially interested in the idea that news and information from human rights groups could help correct media imbalances in the least covered nations.
He goes to say "many of the countries where Human Rights Watch has researchers have no regular news bureaus and only find themselves in the media spotlight when situations escalate to crisis proportions; as RSS feeds start to change the way information flows within advocacy organizations, groups like Human Rights Watch will likely find themselves serving as alternative wire services for people interested in places and issues rarely covered by mainstream media."
HUMAN RIGHTS WATCH RECRUITING BLOG COACHES
Here is an excerpt from Ethan's post "Blog Coaches for Human Rights" (filed under the heading of The Second Superpower – Cooperation, Politics and Activism) that explains why Human Rights Watch are recruiting "blog coaches" - and how bloggers can help:
" ... But while Darfur is the most visible human rights crisis in the world today, dozens of other crises rarely make the newspapers, and the reports and analysis generated by human rights researchers never makes it into the hands of policymakers, or the people who influence them.
The folks at HRW are smart enough to realize that bloggers are increasingly key players in the media cycle and that they, Amnesty International and other human rights organizations need to find ways to cooperate with human rights bloggers. They've taken a key first step, setting up RSS feeds for the dozens of countries and issues they regularly track. (There's been some RSS support for almost two years, but the feeds are now 2.0 compliant and centrally located.)
But they're also smart enough to realize that getting information from the grassroots into the blogosphere, wikipedia and other peer produced media requires skillsets they lack. So they're recruiting "blog coaches" - blog and wikipedia authors who have an interest in human rights - to help them figure out how to introduce their supporters to blogging and themselves to the blog and wikipedia communities. If you're interested, and especially if you're in the New York City area - please consider getting in touch with Minky and her team and lending a hand. ..."
# posted by Ingrid J. Jones @ 10/23/2004
0 comments
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BBC REPORTED FAMINE IN ETHIOPIA 20 YEARS AGO TODAY
Band Aid song that rocked the world
The original Band Aid song "Do They Know It's Christmas?" was conceived after a BBC News report about the famine in Ethiopia almost exactly 20 years ago - 23 October 1984. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/music/3762998.stm
Michael Buerk's report opened the eyes of millions
Now, 20 years to the day a new version of the Band Aid charity single is being recorded with current stars.
Live Aid, the transatlantic concert that brought the cream of the world's music celebrities together, took place in July 1985.
A whole new generation has been born and grown up since then. No doubt the new version will be a great success. Good luck to them all.
An old friend of mine is in this 1985 photo. Sorry, no names. Heh. Don't you love secrets? They bug me :)
BBC REPORTED FAMINE IN ETHIOPIA 20 YEARS AGO TODAY
Band Aid song that rocked the world
The original Band Aid song "Do They Know It's Christmas?" was conceived after a BBC News report about the famine in Ethiopia almost exactly 20 years ago - 23 October 1984. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/music/3762998.stm
Michael Buerk's report opened the eyes of millions
Now, 20 years to the day a new version of the Band Aid charity single is being recorded with current stars.
Live Aid, the transatlantic concert that brought the cream of the world's music celebrities together, took place in July 1985.
A whole new generation has been born and grown up since then. No doubt the new version will be a great success. Good luck to them all.
An old friend of mine is in this 1985 photo. Sorry, no names. Heh. Don't you love secrets? They bug me :)
# posted by Ingrid J. Jones @ 10/23/2004
0 comments
Friday, October 22, 2004
U.K. BLACK WATCH TO REPLACE U.S. MARINES IN ISKANDARIYA
The Queen's Dragoon Guards - the Welsh Cavalry to provide support
Here below is my selection of comments posted by readers at BBC news online's 'have your say'. I am posting them here because they reflect my views on the recent U.S. request for U.K. troops to take over from U.S. marines in Iskandariya, Iraq (allowing them to launch a major offensive against insurgents in Fallujah) that in Britain has caused such a furore it could put troops further at risk (General Sir Michael Walker says the furore is dangerous as insurgents see public opinion as a weak point to be played on and exploited).
My feelings are if the U.S. asks for U.K. help, we should provide it, like we would do for any friend, without hesitation. No doubt they would do the same for us. I'm pleased the request has been met in full and that the Black Watch, one of the best of the best, will be provided. The 1st Battallion of the Black Watch are currently involved in Operations in Basra, Iraq.
Black Watch soldiers make final preparations to move from their Basra base to the north Picture: PA
The Black Watch (Royal Highland Regiment), started in 1739, are the premier Scottish infantry regiment in the British Army and one of the most famous fighting forces in the world. They combine a proud history and tradition of an organisation that has been soldiering for over 250 years, with the skills and professionalism of a front-line unit in a modern Army.
The wearing of the distinctive red feather (Red Hackle) on the left side of the headdress is said to have begun during the American War of Independence. The Black Watch motto: Nemo me impune lacessit (No one provokes me with impunity)
Going by various news reports, the decision taken by the British military clearly is for military, not political reasons. The difficulties of the job already undertaken by the courageous and well trained American soldiers cannot be underestimated and ought to be fully acknowledged and appreciated by the public and politicians alike.
All of the troops in Iraq need full support from public and politicians to maintain good morale. It must be so dispiriting for them to hear and see news of moaning vociferous civvies who haven't a clue about the life and work of a professional soldier.
Soldiers are highly trained professionals, out there to do the job they signed up for. They can well do without all the whinging twaddle that is spouted by people who, quite frankly, are not in the forces or in Iraq and so have no idea of what they are talking about when it comes to military tactics, strategies and what it takes for things to work in reality.
Here are the comments:
(1) People tend to forget that living in Iraq under Saddam Hussein was a living hell for the population of Iraq. Even though the coalition forces have yet to install all out peace Iraq has become a much better place to live for an immense majority of Iraqis. The coalition forces need to be reinforced to ensure a lasting civil peace and British troops are the most qualified to ensure this as they have proven in Basra. Please don't let them leave. - Mohamed, Iraq
(2) OK so now it's official, the military have assessed it and the Black Watch are moving north. My son's been out there and the moaning back home does reach them and it depresses them no end. Let's give them all the support we can and persuade our leaders that we need more like them, not fewer. - Lincoln, England
(3) As an ex-soldier I think it is right that the Black Watch be made available to the Americans. We have over 30 years of bitter won experience in working with terrorists in Northern Ireland. I feel that our walk softly and carry a big stick approach will show our American counterparts that success can be achieved without resorting to overwhelming firepower. Besides which, our troops can use the opportunity to scrounge kit of the American which the MOD should by rights give our troops - a word of warning to the Americans... if it's not nailed down the British army will have it! - David, London, UK
(4) I have two points to make. First moving of British troops has absolutely nothing to do with our domestic politics...check CNN, FOX and MSNBC they don't even mention it. This will have no effect on our elections - anyone who states otherwise is at best naïve and uninformed. Secondly I am insulted by the posts stating that it is wrong for your troops to support the US when we ask for your help...as friends and more importantly allies you should expect us to come to your aid as we expect you to come to ours. I doubt you would have to wait too long the next time you call on us. Americans would fight and die for the UK if you need us again. - US
(5) Earlier this year I was staying with my brother in law, who is serving in the USAF and it seems to me that the majority of the British public don't appreciate how grateful the Americans are for the assistance that our armed forces are giving them. When the guys on the airbase found out I was British, all they could say was "We love you guys". We are in this together and we must fight shoulder to shoulder. - Gillingham, Kent
(6) As an ex-soldier I am outraged at the lack of support for the soldiers by the vast majority of whining civilians. A soldier joins the Army to do this sort of job and you don't understand and never will. Our US allies came to aid the UK in our hour of need not once and not with 650 soldiers but twice and with hundreds of thousands. The whiners wouldn't hesitate to demand US involvement if we needed them again or if some part of the world was plunged into the ethic cleansing nightmare we have seen before.
(7) This is all a lot of fuss by people who don't have a clue. I'm a British soldier, and we have known about this redeployment for several weeks, all prior to this becoming public. I was due to go to Iraq in May, but now will probably go sooner, if so, then so be it - it's my job! Maybe the American military is realising the tactics they have been using are flawed and need our help? - Notts, England
The Black Watch is on its second tour in Iraq
Further reading: Q&A: The Black Watch redeployment
- - -
UK FORCES IN MAJOR ACTION
Excerpt from the latest report via Scotsman:
" ... Chief of the Defence Staff, General Sir Michael Walker stressed the 850-strong battle group would retain their own rules of engagement despite being part of a US Marine expeditionary unit. But he confirmed they would be under the "tactical command" of the relevant American corps commander.
General Walker said the British troops would not directly be fighting alongside their US allies, adding: "What is happening is they are being given their own area of operations within which the writ of the battle group commander will run, which will be under the overall command of the general down in Basra." Defence Secretary Geoff Hoon said yesterday that would be General Bill Rollo.
General Walker went on: "They are under what’s called tactical control. This allows the local commander of the unit to which they are being attached to have the authority to co-ordinate the various units under his command. "But he has no authority to give them orders that would be against the sort of doctrine and training we undertake." ..."
Further reading: BBC News UK Bound for the 'triangle of death'
British troops have secured local goodwill in southern Iraq
- - -
WELSH TROOPS PREPARE TO SUPPORT BLACK WATCH IN IRAQ
BBC report confirms soldiers from The Queen's Dragoon Guards - the Welsh Cavalry - (see their regimental history 1685-1959) are reported to be preparing to support fellow British troops - 500 soldiers from the Black Watch in the US sector.
The Welsh Cavalry armoured reconnaissance unit which could be sent to support the Black Watch will consist of 100 men and 12 Scimitar armoured fighting vehicles. The redeployment was announced by Mr Hoon on Thursday after ministers agreed to a request for support from the US.
Simon Pearson, who runs military consultancy BH Parners, told BBC Radio Wales he believed the US required support in some of the areas under its control in preparation for a planned assault on the insurgent stronghold of Falluja. "What the Americans are preparing for is a four to five week assault on Fallujah.
"They've pulled out 800 to 1,000 combat troops to go and deal with that. Fallujah lies 35-40 miles to the north west of Iskandariya which is where I understand the Black Watch and the Queen's Dragoon Guards are going. Preparations for the redeployment have been under way at the Black Watch's base in Basra for several days. Morale is reported to be high."
The Welsh Cavalry are undertaking their second tour of duty in Iraq. During their first tour, which ended earlier this year, reconnaissance tanks from the Queen's Dragoon Guards were at the spearhead of British operations around Basra.
Members of the regiment were rewarded for their efforts in destroying more than 20 Iraqi tanks by being presented with the Commando dagger by the Royal Marines.
Further reading: Inside besieged Falluja
- - -
COMMENTS AT BBC TALKING POINT
On recent kidnapping of CARE Aid Worker
Readers at the BBC's talking point posted comments in response to the recent kidnapping of a CARE aid worker. I have decided from here on out not to give publicity to any hostage takers. Seems it's the only practical thing I can do to help. Publicity may encourage many more low lifes, psychos and socio paths to get attention seeking thrills. I am printing these three comments because they raise points about tracking devices and the deafening silence of the clerics of Iraq and clerics of the world for the nations of Islam:
(1) Every Westerner or anyone who is in Iraq helping the coalition should have a microchip placed under their skin in an unidentified place so should anything happen they can be found via satellite. This technology is available. Then just send in the SAS. My thoughts are with the families and victims of kidnappings by these evil people. Jacquie, Italy
(2) Is now the time for all contractors in Iraq to carry a couple of hand grenades in their pockets? I know I would rather take two or three with me than suffer the same fate as Ken Bigley. Does the American and British government have absolutely no security for contractors in Iraq? When will they get tracking devices? Matt J, London
(3) What is most perplexing about all the kidnappings to me is that; clerics of Iraq and clerics of the world for the nations of Islam are silent about this travesty! Come on! Either their own religion speaks against this or not. Either these insurgents interpret their own religion wrongly and are doing this based on their beliefs or these clerics in not speaking against it, are in fact endorsing hostage taking and the beheading of them. Paul, London, ON, Canada
- - -
BUSH HAS TWO POINT LEAD OVER KERRY
2004 is playing out as close as 2000
President Bush holds a slim two-point lead on Democratic rival John Kerry in the stretch run of a tight race for the White House, according to a Reuters/Zogby poll released on Friday.
About 6 per cent of likely voters remain undecided between the president and the Massachusetts senator, with less than two weeks before the 2 November election.
The close margin and seesawing momentum resembled the 2000 race between Mr Bush and the Democrat Al Gore, the pollster John Zogby said.
"As we’ve said all along, 2004 is playing out as close as 2000," Mr Zogby said.
- - -
GET A BETTER SENSE OF JOHN KERRY, THE GUY -
He opposes sportsmen's rights, kills geese to get Ohio voters and admits to being lazy
According to a report in today's Scotsman, gun-toting John Kerry has over past 20 years voted against sportsmen's rights ... but kills geese to get Ohio voters, and admits to being lazy.
Senator Kerry's advisers and script writers must cringe when they review the media's coverage. See this excerpt from the Scotsman:
" ... It is no surprise then that Mr Kerry chose to go goose hunting in Ohio yesterday. His real target, however, was gun-owning Ohio voters, sceptical that the Democratic contender understands their affection for hunting.
Establishing his regular guy, pro-gun credentials has been a battle for Mr Kerry but it is vital if he is to have a realistic chance of carrying not just Ohio but swing states across the country.
Mr Kerry returned after the two-hour hunting trip wearing a camouflage jacket and carrying a 12-gauge shotgun, but someone else carried the bird he said he shot.
"I’m too lazy," Mr Kerry joked.
According to Mike McCurry, Kerry’s adviser, yesterday’s shooting trip would help voters "get a better sense of John Kerry, the guy". ..."
- - -
Oh dear, Mrs Kerry isn't coming across very smart either - see Heinzstein by Peter Nolan in London.
UPDATE: See Hud's Blog-O-Rama: Kerry Flops
- - -
FACT OF THE DAY ON OCTOBER 22
Courtesy of the Scotsman and NYT
Today in 1962, President John F Kennedy - following the discovery of Soviet missile bases on the island of Cuba - announces in a television address, that nuclear missiles have been discovered in Cuba and that an air and naval blockade of the island will take place.
Thus begins one of the tensest periods of the Cuban Missile Crisis which brought, closer than ever before, the possibility of a nuclear Armageddon. Fortunately it never happened - and hopefully never will.
- - -
WHY SOCIETIES COLLAPSE
Bill Gates is concerned about biological terrorism
Snippet from great essay on "Why Societies Collapse":
"I had a two-hour discussion with Bill Gates, who is a very thoughtful person, and he's interested in lots of things. He probes deeply and he has seriously considered positions of his own. The subject turned to environmental issues and I mentioned that that's the thing that most concerned me for the future of my children, Bill Gates has young children. He paused in his thoughtful way and he said, not in a dismissing way, 'I have the feeling that technology will solve our environmental problems, but what really concerns me is biological terrorism."
- - -
INTERNATIONAL CLOCK
For your blog or screensaver
ClockLink.com provides free clocks for your blog.
Note the one that provides three different time zones, looks handy.
I'd like a clock with an alarm to set so I know when to switch off and rest. I lose track of time and don't realise how fast it goes sometimes, until I get over tired and neck and eyeballs start burning. Like right now.
[Thanks to Tank's Grrl]
- - -
OPHELIA'S EAR
Scarred for life
A mean critter attacked Ophelia the other night and bit her ear in two places :( She seems fine in herself though. Just the thought of her being hurt makes me wince. It happened a few nights ago. I heard an almighty yowl and screeching cat noises, opened the window and Ophelia quickly jumped in. She's not a bully and is sweet natured around other cats, so I guess she was on the balcony minding her territory and another cat tried to muscle in. I can't be sure she didn't spit first. Next day she was subdued and quiet. Things are back to normal now. She has a small cut on her beautiful soft and silky hamster-like ear. Scarred for life. My poor little pet.
The thing I worry about is that it might not have been a cat. Maybe it was a rat. There are loads of rats here down by the sea at night, did you know? Heh. Bear that in mind next time you go fishing or skinny dipping in the moonlight.
Also, in London there are lots of rats in the sewers. Years ago I'd read a news report about someone sitting on their loo when a rat jumped up out of the ... er ... water. True story.
The Queen's Dragoon Guards - the Welsh Cavalry to provide support
Here below is my selection of comments posted by readers at BBC news online's 'have your say'. I am posting them here because they reflect my views on the recent U.S. request for U.K. troops to take over from U.S. marines in Iskandariya, Iraq (allowing them to launch a major offensive against insurgents in Fallujah) that in Britain has caused such a furore it could put troops further at risk (General Sir Michael Walker says the furore is dangerous as insurgents see public opinion as a weak point to be played on and exploited).
My feelings are if the U.S. asks for U.K. help, we should provide it, like we would do for any friend, without hesitation. No doubt they would do the same for us. I'm pleased the request has been met in full and that the Black Watch, one of the best of the best, will be provided. The 1st Battallion of the Black Watch are currently involved in Operations in Basra, Iraq.
Black Watch soldiers make final preparations to move from their Basra base to the north Picture: PA
The Black Watch (Royal Highland Regiment), started in 1739, are the premier Scottish infantry regiment in the British Army and one of the most famous fighting forces in the world. They combine a proud history and tradition of an organisation that has been soldiering for over 250 years, with the skills and professionalism of a front-line unit in a modern Army.
The wearing of the distinctive red feather (Red Hackle) on the left side of the headdress is said to have begun during the American War of Independence. The Black Watch motto: Nemo me impune lacessit (No one provokes me with impunity)
Going by various news reports, the decision taken by the British military clearly is for military, not political reasons. The difficulties of the job already undertaken by the courageous and well trained American soldiers cannot be underestimated and ought to be fully acknowledged and appreciated by the public and politicians alike.
All of the troops in Iraq need full support from public and politicians to maintain good morale. It must be so dispiriting for them to hear and see news of moaning vociferous civvies who haven't a clue about the life and work of a professional soldier.
Soldiers are highly trained professionals, out there to do the job they signed up for. They can well do without all the whinging twaddle that is spouted by people who, quite frankly, are not in the forces or in Iraq and so have no idea of what they are talking about when it comes to military tactics, strategies and what it takes for things to work in reality.
Here are the comments:
(1) People tend to forget that living in Iraq under Saddam Hussein was a living hell for the population of Iraq. Even though the coalition forces have yet to install all out peace Iraq has become a much better place to live for an immense majority of Iraqis. The coalition forces need to be reinforced to ensure a lasting civil peace and British troops are the most qualified to ensure this as they have proven in Basra. Please don't let them leave. - Mohamed, Iraq
(2) OK so now it's official, the military have assessed it and the Black Watch are moving north. My son's been out there and the moaning back home does reach them and it depresses them no end. Let's give them all the support we can and persuade our leaders that we need more like them, not fewer. - Lincoln, England
(3) As an ex-soldier I think it is right that the Black Watch be made available to the Americans. We have over 30 years of bitter won experience in working with terrorists in Northern Ireland. I feel that our walk softly and carry a big stick approach will show our American counterparts that success can be achieved without resorting to overwhelming firepower. Besides which, our troops can use the opportunity to scrounge kit of the American which the MOD should by rights give our troops - a word of warning to the Americans... if it's not nailed down the British army will have it! - David, London, UK
(4) I have two points to make. First moving of British troops has absolutely nothing to do with our domestic politics...check CNN, FOX and MSNBC they don't even mention it. This will have no effect on our elections - anyone who states otherwise is at best naïve and uninformed. Secondly I am insulted by the posts stating that it is wrong for your troops to support the US when we ask for your help...as friends and more importantly allies you should expect us to come to your aid as we expect you to come to ours. I doubt you would have to wait too long the next time you call on us. Americans would fight and die for the UK if you need us again. - US
(5) Earlier this year I was staying with my brother in law, who is serving in the USAF and it seems to me that the majority of the British public don't appreciate how grateful the Americans are for the assistance that our armed forces are giving them. When the guys on the airbase found out I was British, all they could say was "We love you guys". We are in this together and we must fight shoulder to shoulder. - Gillingham, Kent
(6) As an ex-soldier I am outraged at the lack of support for the soldiers by the vast majority of whining civilians. A soldier joins the Army to do this sort of job and you don't understand and never will. Our US allies came to aid the UK in our hour of need not once and not with 650 soldiers but twice and with hundreds of thousands. The whiners wouldn't hesitate to demand US involvement if we needed them again or if some part of the world was plunged into the ethic cleansing nightmare we have seen before.
(7) This is all a lot of fuss by people who don't have a clue. I'm a British soldier, and we have known about this redeployment for several weeks, all prior to this becoming public. I was due to go to Iraq in May, but now will probably go sooner, if so, then so be it - it's my job! Maybe the American military is realising the tactics they have been using are flawed and need our help? - Notts, England
The Black Watch is on its second tour in Iraq
Further reading: Q&A: The Black Watch redeployment
- - -
UK FORCES IN MAJOR ACTION
Excerpt from the latest report via Scotsman:
" ... Chief of the Defence Staff, General Sir Michael Walker stressed the 850-strong battle group would retain their own rules of engagement despite being part of a US Marine expeditionary unit. But he confirmed they would be under the "tactical command" of the relevant American corps commander.
General Walker said the British troops would not directly be fighting alongside their US allies, adding: "What is happening is they are being given their own area of operations within which the writ of the battle group commander will run, which will be under the overall command of the general down in Basra." Defence Secretary Geoff Hoon said yesterday that would be General Bill Rollo.
General Walker went on: "They are under what’s called tactical control. This allows the local commander of the unit to which they are being attached to have the authority to co-ordinate the various units under his command. "But he has no authority to give them orders that would be against the sort of doctrine and training we undertake." ..."
Further reading: BBC News UK Bound for the 'triangle of death'
British troops have secured local goodwill in southern Iraq
- - -
WELSH TROOPS PREPARE TO SUPPORT BLACK WATCH IN IRAQ
BBC report confirms soldiers from The Queen's Dragoon Guards - the Welsh Cavalry - (see their regimental history 1685-1959) are reported to be preparing to support fellow British troops - 500 soldiers from the Black Watch in the US sector.
The Welsh Cavalry armoured reconnaissance unit which could be sent to support the Black Watch will consist of 100 men and 12 Scimitar armoured fighting vehicles. The redeployment was announced by Mr Hoon on Thursday after ministers agreed to a request for support from the US.
Simon Pearson, who runs military consultancy BH Parners, told BBC Radio Wales he believed the US required support in some of the areas under its control in preparation for a planned assault on the insurgent stronghold of Falluja. "What the Americans are preparing for is a four to five week assault on Fallujah.
"They've pulled out 800 to 1,000 combat troops to go and deal with that. Fallujah lies 35-40 miles to the north west of Iskandariya which is where I understand the Black Watch and the Queen's Dragoon Guards are going. Preparations for the redeployment have been under way at the Black Watch's base in Basra for several days. Morale is reported to be high."
The Welsh Cavalry are undertaking their second tour of duty in Iraq. During their first tour, which ended earlier this year, reconnaissance tanks from the Queen's Dragoon Guards were at the spearhead of British operations around Basra.
Members of the regiment were rewarded for their efforts in destroying more than 20 Iraqi tanks by being presented with the Commando dagger by the Royal Marines.
Further reading: Inside besieged Falluja
- - -
COMMENTS AT BBC TALKING POINT
On recent kidnapping of CARE Aid Worker
Readers at the BBC's talking point posted comments in response to the recent kidnapping of a CARE aid worker. I have decided from here on out not to give publicity to any hostage takers. Seems it's the only practical thing I can do to help. Publicity may encourage many more low lifes, psychos and socio paths to get attention seeking thrills. I am printing these three comments because they raise points about tracking devices and the deafening silence of the clerics of Iraq and clerics of the world for the nations of Islam:
(1) Every Westerner or anyone who is in Iraq helping the coalition should have a microchip placed under their skin in an unidentified place so should anything happen they can be found via satellite. This technology is available. Then just send in the SAS. My thoughts are with the families and victims of kidnappings by these evil people. Jacquie, Italy
(2) Is now the time for all contractors in Iraq to carry a couple of hand grenades in their pockets? I know I would rather take two or three with me than suffer the same fate as Ken Bigley. Does the American and British government have absolutely no security for contractors in Iraq? When will they get tracking devices? Matt J, London
(3) What is most perplexing about all the kidnappings to me is that; clerics of Iraq and clerics of the world for the nations of Islam are silent about this travesty! Come on! Either their own religion speaks against this or not. Either these insurgents interpret their own religion wrongly and are doing this based on their beliefs or these clerics in not speaking against it, are in fact endorsing hostage taking and the beheading of them. Paul, London, ON, Canada
- - -
BUSH HAS TWO POINT LEAD OVER KERRY
2004 is playing out as close as 2000
President Bush holds a slim two-point lead on Democratic rival John Kerry in the stretch run of a tight race for the White House, according to a Reuters/Zogby poll released on Friday.
About 6 per cent of likely voters remain undecided between the president and the Massachusetts senator, with less than two weeks before the 2 November election.
The close margin and seesawing momentum resembled the 2000 race between Mr Bush and the Democrat Al Gore, the pollster John Zogby said.
"As we’ve said all along, 2004 is playing out as close as 2000," Mr Zogby said.
- - -
GET A BETTER SENSE OF JOHN KERRY, THE GUY -
He opposes sportsmen's rights, kills geese to get Ohio voters and admits to being lazy
According to a report in today's Scotsman, gun-toting John Kerry has over past 20 years voted against sportsmen's rights ... but kills geese to get Ohio voters, and admits to being lazy.
Senator Kerry's advisers and script writers must cringe when they review the media's coverage. See this excerpt from the Scotsman:
" ... It is no surprise then that Mr Kerry chose to go goose hunting in Ohio yesterday. His real target, however, was gun-owning Ohio voters, sceptical that the Democratic contender understands their affection for hunting.
Establishing his regular guy, pro-gun credentials has been a battle for Mr Kerry but it is vital if he is to have a realistic chance of carrying not just Ohio but swing states across the country.
Mr Kerry returned after the two-hour hunting trip wearing a camouflage jacket and carrying a 12-gauge shotgun, but someone else carried the bird he said he shot.
"I’m too lazy," Mr Kerry joked.
According to Mike McCurry, Kerry’s adviser, yesterday’s shooting trip would help voters "get a better sense of John Kerry, the guy". ..."
- - -
Oh dear, Mrs Kerry isn't coming across very smart either - see Heinzstein by Peter Nolan in London.
UPDATE: See Hud's Blog-O-Rama: Kerry Flops
- - -
FACT OF THE DAY ON OCTOBER 22
Courtesy of the Scotsman and NYT
Today in 1962, President John F Kennedy - following the discovery of Soviet missile bases on the island of Cuba - announces in a television address, that nuclear missiles have been discovered in Cuba and that an air and naval blockade of the island will take place.
Thus begins one of the tensest periods of the Cuban Missile Crisis which brought, closer than ever before, the possibility of a nuclear Armageddon. Fortunately it never happened - and hopefully never will.
- - -
WHY SOCIETIES COLLAPSE
Bill Gates is concerned about biological terrorism
Snippet from great essay on "Why Societies Collapse":
"I had a two-hour discussion with Bill Gates, who is a very thoughtful person, and he's interested in lots of things. He probes deeply and he has seriously considered positions of his own. The subject turned to environmental issues and I mentioned that that's the thing that most concerned me for the future of my children, Bill Gates has young children. He paused in his thoughtful way and he said, not in a dismissing way, 'I have the feeling that technology will solve our environmental problems, but what really concerns me is biological terrorism."
- - -
INTERNATIONAL CLOCK
For your blog or screensaver
ClockLink.com provides free clocks for your blog.
Note the one that provides three different time zones, looks handy.
I'd like a clock with an alarm to set so I know when to switch off and rest. I lose track of time and don't realise how fast it goes sometimes, until I get over tired and neck and eyeballs start burning. Like right now.
[Thanks to Tank's Grrl]
- - -
OPHELIA'S EAR
Scarred for life
A mean critter attacked Ophelia the other night and bit her ear in two places :( She seems fine in herself though. Just the thought of her being hurt makes me wince. It happened a few nights ago. I heard an almighty yowl and screeching cat noises, opened the window and Ophelia quickly jumped in. She's not a bully and is sweet natured around other cats, so I guess she was on the balcony minding her territory and another cat tried to muscle in. I can't be sure she didn't spit first. Next day she was subdued and quiet. Things are back to normal now. She has a small cut on her beautiful soft and silky hamster-like ear. Scarred for life. My poor little pet.
The thing I worry about is that it might not have been a cat. Maybe it was a rat. There are loads of rats here down by the sea at night, did you know? Heh. Bear that in mind next time you go fishing or skinny dipping in the moonlight.
Also, in London there are lots of rats in the sewers. Years ago I'd read a news report about someone sitting on their loo when a rat jumped up out of the ... er ... water. True story.
# posted by Ingrid J. Jones @ 10/22/2004
0 comments
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Wednesday, October 20, 2004
STATE OF THE BLOGOSPHERE
Technorati chief David Sifry charts our world
David Sifry, CEO of Technorati, posted some neat charts and graphs showing the data they have been tracking since November 2002, when Technorati's service started.
Yesterday was the first I had seen of David's four posts. I've not yet had a chance to study them in detail or read the interesting comments.
My first reaction was to wonder if increasing number of blogs has anything to do with the fact that Blogger.com offers free blogspots and hosting and, not too long ago, introduced a load of new and attractive features making it even easier to start a free blogspot.
David explains Technorati now tracks over 4 million weblogs; it tracked the 3 Millionth weblog on July 7th, just 3 months ago; the blogosphere has been doubling at a regular pace, and it is now more than 8 times as large as it was in June of 2003; the slowest rate at which the blogosphere has doubled in size is once every 5 months.
Maybe blogs need to be viewed as web pages. Many of us loyal Blogger.com users have started up more than one free blogspot. This blog has no categories, and so I started a dozen new blogspots (see sidebar) to serve as categories/files. Now it is easier for me to scroll through posts in one category and link to any of them - from here. If one million other Blogger users did the same, it would mean *gulp* twelve million new blogs, making it seem that blogging was catching on like wildfire.
My second reaction, again to do with Blogger.com, is that Blogger's new commenting facility accepts comments only from people who are registered as having a blogspot. I've noticed a few Typepad users have set up blogspots with the sole purpose of being able to comment at blogspots. In their free blogspot via Blogger they provide a link to their Typepad blog.
Thanks to David for the following four posts on the state of blogosphere - and for Technorati, the Blogosphere wouldn't be as great without it.
Part 1: State of the Blogosphere
Part 2: 4.6 posts per second
Part 3: Big Media vs. Blogs
Part 4: Corporate Bloggers
Re graph A above, David writes: "Many of the volume increases were due to political events. Large spikes occurred around the Iowa Caucuses (the Howard Dean scream), the time of the Nick Berg beheading, when both conservative and liberal bloggers posted prolifically on the new form of terrorist threat, and around both major American political conventions, where bloggers were feted as well."
Re graph B above, David writes: "The chart above shows a graph of the most influential or authoritative blogs as compared with the most authoritative “big media” sites. Certainly, top-quality journalism, interesting articles, and consistency of quality show why the top big media sites are on top. But it also shows that a large number of people are getting news, information, and opinion from outside of the mainstream media, and that these sources are rivaling or exceeding the attention paid to smaller “professional” sites."
- - -
I'd like to see a visual of blogs and big media covering the same conversation. That way, when an issue is started by blogs, one can see how long it takes for the story to catch on with big media - and track when the story is tailing off by blogs and big media.
Graph B above, could show certain topics of conversation by blogs (in red) compared to the same topics covered by big media (in blue). For example, on the Dean Scream, who talked about it most, blogs or big media? And who talked about it first, blogs or big media? When did it tail off with big media?
The Sudan crisis is another example. Genocide in Darfur was picked up by American blogger Jim Moore in April of this year when big media reports were few and far between. In April the Darfur crisis had been going on for 14 months and 10,000 deaths had been reported (figure now stands at 70,000 deaths since March).
Having given the Darfur crisis new Google juice, at what point did the big media start reporting in earnest? As the Dean Scream happened way before last April, I'm looking forward to the day when David and his great team can come up with a graph that proves bloggers got Darfur into the world's spotlight.
Technorati chief David Sifry charts our world
David Sifry, CEO of Technorati, posted some neat charts and graphs showing the data they have been tracking since November 2002, when Technorati's service started.
Yesterday was the first I had seen of David's four posts. I've not yet had a chance to study them in detail or read the interesting comments.
My first reaction was to wonder if increasing number of blogs has anything to do with the fact that Blogger.com offers free blogspots and hosting and, not too long ago, introduced a load of new and attractive features making it even easier to start a free blogspot.
David explains Technorati now tracks over 4 million weblogs; it tracked the 3 Millionth weblog on July 7th, just 3 months ago; the blogosphere has been doubling at a regular pace, and it is now more than 8 times as large as it was in June of 2003; the slowest rate at which the blogosphere has doubled in size is once every 5 months.
Maybe blogs need to be viewed as web pages. Many of us loyal Blogger.com users have started up more than one free blogspot. This blog has no categories, and so I started a dozen new blogspots (see sidebar) to serve as categories/files. Now it is easier for me to scroll through posts in one category and link to any of them - from here. If one million other Blogger users did the same, it would mean *gulp* twelve million new blogs, making it seem that blogging was catching on like wildfire.
My second reaction, again to do with Blogger.com, is that Blogger's new commenting facility accepts comments only from people who are registered as having a blogspot. I've noticed a few Typepad users have set up blogspots with the sole purpose of being able to comment at blogspots. In their free blogspot via Blogger they provide a link to their Typepad blog.
Thanks to David for the following four posts on the state of blogosphere - and for Technorati, the Blogosphere wouldn't be as great without it.
Part 1: State of the Blogosphere
Part 2: 4.6 posts per second
Part 3: Big Media vs. Blogs
Part 4: Corporate Bloggers
Re graph A above, David writes: "Many of the volume increases were due to political events. Large spikes occurred around the Iowa Caucuses (the Howard Dean scream), the time of the Nick Berg beheading, when both conservative and liberal bloggers posted prolifically on the new form of terrorist threat, and around both major American political conventions, where bloggers were feted as well."
Re graph B above, David writes: "The chart above shows a graph of the most influential or authoritative blogs as compared with the most authoritative “big media” sites. Certainly, top-quality journalism, interesting articles, and consistency of quality show why the top big media sites are on top. But it also shows that a large number of people are getting news, information, and opinion from outside of the mainstream media, and that these sources are rivaling or exceeding the attention paid to smaller “professional” sites."
- - -
I'd like to see a visual of blogs and big media covering the same conversation. That way, when an issue is started by blogs, one can see how long it takes for the story to catch on with big media - and track when the story is tailing off by blogs and big media.
Graph B above, could show certain topics of conversation by blogs (in red) compared to the same topics covered by big media (in blue). For example, on the Dean Scream, who talked about it most, blogs or big media? And who talked about it first, blogs or big media? When did it tail off with big media?
The Sudan crisis is another example. Genocide in Darfur was picked up by American blogger Jim Moore in April of this year when big media reports were few and far between. In April the Darfur crisis had been going on for 14 months and 10,000 deaths had been reported (figure now stands at 70,000 deaths since March).
Having given the Darfur crisis new Google juice, at what point did the big media start reporting in earnest? As the Dean Scream happened way before last April, I'm looking forward to the day when David and his great team can come up with a graph that proves bloggers got Darfur into the world's spotlight.
ME and Ophelia
is the personal blog of Ingrid J. Jones
I live by the sea in England, United Kingdom
Here on my laptop I communicate to my friends
About things in general and my life with M.E. and cat Ophelia
Home user technology and business services
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How it all impacts on my *lifestyle management programme*
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