Yank in London
"We have it in our power to begin the world over again"
Tom Paine - Common Sense
"A republic, sir, if you can keep it."
Benjamin Franklin
"War! What is it good for? Absolutely nothing!"
Norman Whitfield / Barrett Strong
occasional musings on politics, culture and life in general from an american in exile
"We have it in our power to begin the world over again"
"A republic, sir, if you can keep it."
"War! What is it good for? Absolutely nothing!"
30 November 2006
Just say no to extra-planetary emigration
I wouldn't normally be so arrogant as to disagree with someone as intelligent as Stephen Hawking. However I think he is completely wrong about this. We shouldn't be allowed to go off and fuck with other planets until we've learned to take care of the one we've got. Just any other other ten year old!
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"I just can't concentrate with them pointing at me like that. Let's send out for some muesli."
J. Everett of Auckland, N.Z. is an angry man. An important business meeting of his was disrupted after his clients got distracted by the surgically enhanced breasts of a woman on a nearby billboard. The advertisement was for muesli breakfast bars. The New Zealand Advertising Standards Board agreed saying
"people should not be portrayed in a manner which uses sexual appeal simply to draw attention to an unrelated product".
So I assume that enlarged bazooms would have been acceptable had the ad been for brassieres or breast implants.
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The world is getting too weird for satire
If I had read this somewhere other than The Onion I could have been sucked into believing it was true.
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"If I had ever been here before..."
I've never thought of déjà vu a purely a visual thing and as I never bothered to find out what causes it I didn't know that scientists had agreed that it was related to delays in data flows to the brain from one eye as opposed to another.
Now they are not so sure. A blind man studied by researchers at Leeds University apparently experiences déjà vu with his other senses such as smell. Akira O’Connor, one of the researchers says
Now they are not so sure. A blind man studied by researchers at Leeds University apparently experiences déjà vu with his other senses such as smell. Akira O’Connor, one of the researchers says
"It is the first time this has been reported in scientific literature"
But does it seem like the first time...
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I haven't thought about this for a long time
I've lived in Europe for almost fourteen years now. When I first moved here it took some time to get used to the bank notes which are different sizes for different denominations.
When I would comment on it my friends would ask me "what do blind people do in America". My usual answer, after some reflection, was that "I guess they get fucked"!
Now one of those damned activist judges has ruled that government has to do something about it. Not a moment too soon in my estimation.
¶ 19:14:00 0 comments
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When I would comment on it my friends would ask me "what do blind people do in America". My usual answer, after some reflection, was that "I guess they get fucked"!
Now one of those damned activist judges has ruled that government has to do something about it. Not a moment too soon in my estimation.
Driving whilst legless
Douglas Bader would be proud of this man. 80 MPH in a Vectra is impressive even if you've got both legs.
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It's only rock & roll but I like it
Coming soon to a city near you!
I've never really thought of the Bush family fixer, James Baker, as a rock star but it seems that he may have aspirations in that direction. It appears that Iraq Study Group members are so pleased with their studio work that they are planning a triumphant American tour to celebrate.
The question on everyone's mind is whether they will opt for small intimate venues, mid-sized indoor arenas or have monster blow outs in outdoor stadia.
¶ 18:37:00 0 comments
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The question on everyone's mind is whether they will opt for small intimate venues, mid-sized indoor arenas or have monster blow outs in outdoor stadia.
"Hey. Has anybody seen Yuri?"
Everyone loves a fire drill don't they? It's always on a day that it is pissing down with rain and then you have to trudge off to find your designated meeting point where some unfortunate office junior has to try and work out if you are all there.
Two questions about this particular exercise:
Two questions about this particular exercise:
¶ 18:31:00 0 comments links to this post1.) Where do they meet?
2.) Who do they call if someone's missing?
Maybe this guy can find Osama
It would certainly be an embarrassment to the US security services. But then what isn't these days?
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Just say it ain't so
Lebanese citizens, who obviously haven't been following the Bush/Blair position on Iraq, are concerned that their country may be slipping back into a civil war.
Had they been paying attention to the Ruler of all He Surveys and his minion they would know that if you simply refuse to ignore the existence of a thing it just goes away...
¶ 18:18:00 0 comments
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Had they been paying attention to the Ruler of all He Surveys and his minion they would know that if you simply refuse to ignore the existence of a thing it just goes away...
It ain't figure skating folks
But ice hockey now has a reason to be in the sights of those who would protect us from those insidious gay folks and their damned icky agenda. Bob Knight of the Christian Media Center is upset that the NHL have given their stamp of approval to a film tentatively called Breakfast with Scott about a gay ex-professional ice hockey player.
You would think that Christians would be more worried about the violence. I guess not.
Apparently Mr. Knight’s suggestion that the script be rewritten so that the story would be about an ex-gay professional ice hockey player was rejected by the producers.
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You would think that Christians would be more worried about the violence. I guess not.
Apparently Mr. Knight’s suggestion that the script be rewritten so that the story would be about an ex-gay professional ice hockey player was rejected by the producers.
Nutters for Bush
Suddenly I seem to understand everything. Just go read this. All will be revealed!
Now if we can just figure out how to get all Bush voters onto anti-psychotics perhaps things will begin to improve!
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"Won't you be my neighbour?"
George W. Bush seems to be having a bit of trouble making friends of late. The latest incident occured when he tried to make small talk with newly elected Democrat, James Webb of Virginia. Bush tried to schmooze Webb by asking him about his son. Webb basically told him to fuck off.
Come on George. Republicans didn't want to be seen with you before the election. What made you think that Democrats would want hang out with you afterward?
¶ 17:22:00 0 comments
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Come on George. Republicans didn't want to be seen with you before the election. What made you think that Democrats would want hang out with you afterward?
Helping the helpless!
I think that this guide (PDF) will be of immeasurable help to the Operation Save Wal-Mart (from the fags) people. So I thought I should send it to them.
¶ 17:19:00 0 comments links to this postDear sirs,
Even as far away as Britain I have heard of your courageous campaign to save Wal-Mart shoppers from the insidious influence of those unrepentant sinners whose sexual preference isn't Biblically approved. I was however when I stumbled on the attached document. It appears that those who do not yet realise that they ought to be ex-gays have rated the American retail sector by how friendly each business is to those with their repugnant tastes.
It turns out that your focus on Wal-Mart may be misplaced. Their ratings, and let's face it that until they give up their life style choice and embrace Jesus they are in the best position to know, suggest that Wal-Mart is not among the most gay-friendly business out there.
They trail behind Best Buy, Sears / KMart, Walgreens, Borders, Whole Foods, Costco, Staples, Home Depot, Target and the entire Supervalu chain. (I don't understand why they didn't rate Ikea - perhaps that is just a given!)
So I think that you should get out there and start boycotting these other friends of Satan. Operation Save Best Buy! Operation Save Borders!
By the way you should also throw all of your weight behind the good people at Meijer Supercenters. They have a gay-friendly rating of zero. You can't get more Christian than that.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Note: before you go assuming that I am some evil British pooftah you should know that I am the proud bearer of a 100% heterosexual American passport!
Florida election fraud killing dolphins
Dolphins are dying mysteriously in Florida bays and scientists are puzzled as to the cause.
Given that they are highly intelligent and sensitive creatures I think I have an answer. After the recent failures of democracy in the "Sunshine State" perhaps they are just embarrassed to be there and are losing the will to live.
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Given that they are highly intelligent and sensitive creatures I think I have an answer. After the recent failures of democracy in the "Sunshine State" perhaps they are just embarrassed to be there and are losing the will to live.
To think she used to be such a lovely girl
However I did have some sympathy for her and for the lovely passengers on the flight that refused to fly with these obviously evil men after she tells us that witnesses said the men "appeared to be either Islamic fanatics or U.S. Army chaplains on leave from Guantanamo". I'm sure that I wouldn't want to fly with a chaplain from Guantánamo either.
She also informs us that "the only reason Americans feel guilty about 'racial profiling' against blacks is because of the history of discrimination against blacks in this country". Perhaps, Ann, most of us simply feel that racial, ethnic or religious profiling is simply the wrong thing to do.
Perhaps she needs an anger management course. If she gathers up all her friends such as Rush Limbaugh and Bill O'Reilly maybe they can get a group discount!
Why is Ann Coulter now so full of hate? Her latest column (not for the faint of heart) fumes at American airport security for its lack of racial profiling of Arabs. The most recent incident that seems to have upset her regards the six Muslim imams who were removed from a US Airways flight for well, praying and being Muslim. Amongst other things she no-so-subtly refers to all Muslims as liars.
However I did have some sympathy for her and for the lovely passengers on the flight that refused to fly with these obviously evil men after she tells us that witnesses said the men "appeared to be either Islamic fanatics or U.S. Army chaplains on leave from Guantanamo". I'm sure that I wouldn't want to fly with a chaplain from Guantánamo either.
She also informs us that "the only reason Americans feel guilty about 'racial profiling' against blacks is because of the history of discrimination against blacks in this country". Perhaps, Ann, most of us simply feel that racial, ethnic or religious profiling is simply the wrong thing to do.
Perhaps she needs an anger management course. If she gathers up all her friends such as Rush Limbaugh and Bill O'Reilly maybe they can get a group discount!
Oh, and Ann, here's a fashion tip for you; never wear white before after Labor Day and never wear black cocktail dresses before noon!
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Better music through chemistry
Scientists believe that they have uncovered the secret of the unexcelled sound produced by the string instruments made by Antonio Stradivari in Cremona over 300 years ago.
It seems that he treated the wood with wormwood. Artemisia absinthium is also the main ingredient of traditional Absinthe. Could there be a connection?
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It seems that he treated the wood with wormwood. Artemisia absinthium is also the main ingredient of traditional Absinthe. Could there be a connection?
American martyr passes unnoticed
Nearly a month ago Malachi Ritscher burned himself to death in public in Chicago as a protest against the Iraq war. His message was barely noticed getting nearly as much coverage as a traffic report as a political act.
Searches of American newspapers yield the following results:
Searches of American newspapers yield the following results:
NY Times - 1 hit (yesterday)
Washington Post - 5 hits (all yesterday)
LA Times - no hits
Chicago Tribune - 3 hits
Chicago Sun-Times - 1 hits
We should not let his death be in vain.
Requiscat in Pace.
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Requiscat in Pace.
The end of the affair
You know how it goes. First one member of a relationship starts to worry that the other party doesn't have their heart in it.
Then the second member, offended by the first party's lack of trust, shows up late to dinner.
In an attempt at reconciliation party one says that party two is "just the one for me" but party two fails to reciprocate.
It's all going to end in tears isn't it? I don't think that I can stand the pathos and melodrama. I think I'll just see what's on The Discovery Channel.
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Then the second member, offended by the first party's lack of trust, shows up late to dinner.
In an attempt at reconciliation party one says that party two is "just the one for me" but party two fails to reciprocate.
It's all going to end in tears isn't it? I don't think that I can stand the pathos and melodrama. I think I'll just see what's on The Discovery Channel.
Colombian corruption
George Bush is fast loses his circle of friends in Latin America as more and more countries counter the right wing trend and elect a mixture of progressive, reformist and indigenous governments.
Now one of his staunchest Latin American allies, Alvaro Uribe of Colombia, is under pressure as links between legislators and a member of the government and right wing paramilitary groups have become public.
Now one of his staunchest Latin American allies, Alvaro Uribe of Colombia, is under pressure as links between legislators and a member of the government and right wing paramilitary groups have become public.
I'm sure GW will continue to support his good buddy and continue to pour hundreds of millions of dollars in military aid into the country to the detriment of all.
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Rose coloured genes
Mankind is searching for the "cancer gene". There is disagreement over the existence of a "gay gene". There may or may not be a "genius gene".
I think it is time that some scientists took samples from US President George Bush and British PM Tony Blair and went looking for the "delusion gene". There must be a hereditary factor that predisposes these Western "leaders" to be unable to see what is staring them in the face.
Yesterday we had the President pulling the al-Qaeda genie out of the bottle again to point the finger at the terrorist group for being responsible for all of the problem in Iraq.
He was followed by the British prime minister telling us that NATO forces are winning in Afghanistan.
I expect to here about progress soon!
¶ 09:57:00 0 comments
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I think it is time that some scientists took samples from US President George Bush and British PM Tony Blair and went looking for the "delusion gene". There must be a hereditary factor that predisposes these Western "leaders" to be unable to see what is staring them in the face.
Yesterday we had the President pulling the al-Qaeda genie out of the bottle again to point the finger at the terrorist group for being responsible for all of the problem in Iraq.
He was followed by the British prime minister telling us that NATO forces are winning in Afghanistan.
I expect to here about progress soon!
All roads lead to Moscow
Now British investigators have found traces of Polonium on two British Airways jets that have been used on the London-Moscow run. British - Russian relations are in jeopardy after minister Peter Hain criticised the Russian government's "huge attacks on liberty".
Undoubtedly there will be much more to follow.
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As the mystery deepens around the death of ex-Russian agent Alexander Litvinenko we have had the discovery of the precursors of WMDs in the posh London neighbourhood of Mayfair.
Now British investigators have found traces of Polonium on two British Airways jets that have been used on the London-Moscow run. British - Russian relations are in jeopardy after minister Peter Hain criticised the Russian government's "huge attacks on liberty".
Undoubtedly there will be much more to follow.
29 November 2006
The heat (will soon be) on
I am not a climate expert but I am certain that this is not good news!
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"I am shocked, shocked I say!"
Mexico’s new president Felipe Calderon is packing his cabinet with his mates and cronies. Reminds me of someone but for the life of me I can’t think who?
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Doctor? Schmoctor. Who needs it?
Eric Keroack, nominated to be the US birth control tsar, is no longer an accredited OBY-GYN. I guess that means he has had to stop practising his love!
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Revisionist history
US Major General William Caldwell said yesterday that there was not a civil war in Iraq at this time "because the government is still functioning".
This should please American scholastic publishing companies who will now have to replace all of those high school history books that suggest, with no basis at all, that the United States had a civil war in the nineteenth century.
Forget Bull Run (I & II). Forget Appomattox Court House. Forget Antietam. Forget Gettysburg (and Lincoln's address). Forget Sherman's march to the sea. None of that actually occurred.
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This should please American scholastic publishing companies who will now have to replace all of those high school history books that suggest, with no basis at all, that the United States had a civil war in the nineteenth century.
Forget Bull Run (I & II). Forget Appomattox Court House. Forget Antietam. Forget Gettysburg (and Lincoln's address). Forget Sherman's march to the sea. None of that actually occurred.
"Welcome to the My Pet Goat wing
Stories abound that the G.W. Bush Presidential Library will end up in Dallas, Texas and that is may cost in the neighbourhood of 500 million USD or roughly 250 million USD for each book that he has read to completion.
Rumours that the institution will be a replica of a one room school house so as not to dwarf the book collection can not be confirmed at this time!
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Rumours that the institution will be a replica of a one room school house so as not to dwarf the book collection can not be confirmed at this time!
Same story - different spin
"British Terror Trial Traces a Path to Militant Islam" New York Times
"Briton tortured into confessing bomb plot: lawyer" Vive Le Canada
"British Muslim tells of torture in Pakistan as US officials stood by" the Guardian
Curiously neither the NY Times nor the Canadian story mention the presence of American officials at his torture or questioning (choose one based on your own prejudices).
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"Briton tortured into confessing bomb plot: lawyer" Vive Le Canada
"British Muslim tells of torture in Pakistan as US officials stood by" the Guardian
Curiously neither the NY Times nor the Canadian story mention the presence of American officials at his torture or questioning (choose one based on your own prejudices).
Stay away from Stare Kiejkuty
If someone offers to send you on a holiday to Poland and the flight is to Szymany airport or the hotel is in Stare Kiejkuty my advice is that you oughtn't take them up on the offer.
The European parliament's investigation into "extraordinary rendition" is complete and several governments, including the British government, have been found to be complicit. Over 1200 rendition flights passed through European airports.
I will now hold my breath until charges are filed.
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The European parliament's investigation into "extraordinary rendition" is complete and several governments, including the British government, have been found to be complicit. Over 1200 rendition flights passed through European airports.
I will now hold my breath until charges are filed.
Millions for kebab shop owner - Eurofighters for the Saudis
So BAE may have cheated a bit in order to get a contract for the Eurofighter from Saudi Arabia. So what.
Everyone will end up happy. The Saudi Princes, and good friends of the Bush family, will end up will millions of pounds of much deserved and undoubtedly much needed cash. Wafic Said doesn't have to go pack to flogging kebabs to drunk Londoners on a Saturday night.
Think of the jobs!
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Everyone will end up happy. The Saudi Princes, and good friends of the Bush family, will end up will millions of pounds of much deserved and undoubtedly much needed cash. Wafic Said doesn't have to go pack to flogging kebabs to drunk Londoners on a Saturday night.
Think of the jobs!
28 November 2006
"Yankee go home!"
That seems to be the general thrust of the message communicated by Iran's supreme leader Ali Khamenei to Iraqi President Jalal Talabani during discussions in Tehran.
I wonder how Talabani will translate that for GW.
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I wonder how Talabani will translate that for GW.
"Did you invite him? I know I didn't invite him!"
Do you think that the attendees at a First Amendment awards dinner in Vermont looked up at the speaker's table and wondered just what the fuck Newt Gingrich was doing there?
Well if they didn't wonder before he spoke they certainly wondered afterwards! ¶ 17:02:00 0 comments links to this post
Well if they didn't wonder before he spoke they certainly wondered afterwards! ¶ 17:02:00 0 comments links to this post
Obviously they don't believe in the REAL god
How else can one explain the fact that the Religious Society of Friends (aka the Quakers) have been nominated for an award as the most gay friendly organisation in the UK. Readers of the Pink Paper will vote for the award winner over the next month or so.
Go Quakers!
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Go Quakers!
I wonder
Do you think either Bush or Blair now lie awake at night, unable to sleep, wonder "what have I done" and just weep?
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Asbestos - good and good for you
At least so the US Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) would like you to believe.
The department issued, after six year's work, advice warning automotive workers that asbestos in brakes could be harmful to their health. Three weeks later a former OSHA executive, now working for the auto industry, called for the warnings to be removed but the scientist responsible would not. He was then threatened with suspension if he did not remove the warning. He still did not.
OSHA now wants the health advisory to include reports, unsurprisingly funded by the auto industry, which says that asbestos is cool.
How blatantly in servitude to big business are they willing to be?
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The department issued, after six year's work, advice warning automotive workers that asbestos in brakes could be harmful to their health. Three weeks later a former OSHA executive, now working for the auto industry, called for the warnings to be removed but the scientist responsible would not. He was then threatened with suspension if he did not remove the warning. He still did not.
OSHA now wants the health advisory to include reports, unsurprisingly funded by the auto industry, which says that asbestos is cool.
How blatantly in servitude to big business are they willing to be?
God's little acre
So exactly what is a Christian Real Estate network anyway? Do they sell only to Christians? Buy only from Christians? Discounts only for Christians? What?
Someone should investigate.
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Someone should investigate.
Iraq pantomine
Iraq is in the throes of what may be the worst civil war in half a century. To quote one scholar "there's a consensus...I certainly don't know anyone who argues otherwise at this point."
Well he may not but I do!
"Oh yes it is!"
"Oh no it isn't!"
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Well he may not but I do!
"Oh yes it is!"
"Oh no it isn't!"
The war in Iraq is a failure
We knew that. However Richard Haas opines in an article in the November/December issue of Foreign Affairs that it may be a failure in a way that many of us did not anticipate. He suggests that as a direct result of the Iraq war the period of unrivalled American in the Middle East is coming to an end and, although the US will still be the strongest single influence, US hegemony will increasingly be challenged by other states such as China, Russia and, disturbingly, Iran. He also argues that Israeli power is declining and that a viable peace process for the region will not exist in the foreseeable future.
Sad but important reading.
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Sad but important reading.
Tomorrow and tomorrow and tomorrow
Results of the EU investigation of claims that CIA illegally flew suspects from European airports to secret prisons around the world is is due to be released at a press conference in Brussels tomorrow afternoon (CET).
The findings, expected to say that the US kidnapped suspects and flew them out of Europe with the full knowledge and complicity of some EU governments, are unlikely to make pleasant reading for the Bush administration or those governments involved.
Details when available.
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The findings, expected to say that the US kidnapped suspects and flew them out of Europe with the full knowledge and complicity of some EU governments, are unlikely to make pleasant reading for the Bush administration or those governments involved.
Details when available.
Join burglars against pornography
News from the great white north that a burglar in the town of Red Deer, Alberta rang police during a break in after finding a considerable stash of child pornography on the victim's computer. Over 13,000 pornographic images were found on the computer of one William Mitchell, now in custody.
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Dennis Prager asks....
..."Why are Atheists so Angry?
So I thought I would selflessly do some research on Mr. Prager's columns and find out if he is ever angry:
So I thought I would selflessly do some research on Mr. Prager's columns and find out if he is ever angry:
28 November - "America, Not Keith Ellison, decides what book a congressman takes his oath on" - Mr. Prager is very angry that new Muslim congressman, Keith Ellison (D MN), is planning to take his oath of office with his hand on a Koran. "He should not be allowed to do so -- not because of any American hostility to the Koran, but because the act undermines American civilization." I wonder how he would feel to find out that should I ever be elected I plan to take my oath with my hand on The God Delusion by Richard Dawkins
.
21 November - Why I smoke (cigars) - Mr. Prager is somewhat angry that "anti-smoking" zealots are offended by his cigar smoking, which is neither dangerous nor addictive. "There is no issue of addiction regarding cigars or pipes. I have been smoking both since I was 15 years old, and could stop tomorrow if I wanted to." Right.
14 November - The smugness of the war's opponents - Mr. Prager is very angry that opponents of the Iraq war, who are wrong, are occasionally nearly as smug as he is himself.
7 November - Is a gay who opposes same-sex marriage a hypocrite? - Mr. Prager is angry that someone outed a major Christian leader and opponent of gay marriage as an "alleged" gay. "As defined by every dictionary I consulted, Haggard is not a hypocrite."
31 October - Note to angry Republicans: Stay angry, but vote Republican - in what is a disappointment as a Halloween themed column Mr. Prager is angry at Republicans for being angry at Republican lawmakers who are lying assholes. He accuses them of succumbing to their emotions. "One of the great realizations one comes to as the years pass is how small a role reason plays in most people's decisions."
24 October - A vote for Patty Wetterling can hurt children - Mr. Prager is angry at Patty Wetterling, a then candidate for Congress in Minnesota, because he says that she made have told some untruths (Shock! Horror!) in a campaign ad and therefore America's children are in danger. Frankly I couldn't quite follow the argument.
I think that's enough research. I don't think I could take any more.
My conclusions:
My conclusions:
- Mr. Prager is very, very angry
- Ergo Mr. Prager is an atheist and, by extension, guilty of attempting to deceive honest, God fearing folk into believing that he is an honest Christian.
I'm happy we've cleared that up!
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WMD found in Mayfair!
American invasion of London's West End imminent! Bush vows to crush rogue state. Blair vows never to surrender.
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It could just be a white Xmas
If only thanks to resourceful and market conscious pharmaceutical exporters in Colombia. The Colombia police arrested two men who were moulding Father Xmas figures out of the white stuff. They also confiscated "festive cups, place mats and other Christmas decorations" made out of a cocaine based resin.
Not to worry. I'm sure some got through!
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Not to worry. I'm sure some got through!
US Supreme Court v climate change
I can only imagine how this will turn out.
I wonder if the bookies will take a bet on 5-4 for the automakers. ¶ 13:57:00 0 comments links to this post
I wonder if the bookies will take a bet on 5-4 for the automakers. ¶ 13:57:00 0 comments links to this post
The design delusion
Yesterday's Guardian article on the increasing use of "Intelligent Design" materials within the science curriculum of British schools causes a torrent of letters today. Most of which prove that advocates of this so-called "scientific theory" understand neither science nor the scientific method. A few samples:
¶ 13:48:00 0 comments links to this postThe undeniable fact that Darwin's theory has never been proved is not generally addressed because the theory has been given the status of holy writ. - Alick Bartholomew - Bath
To put Darwinism beyond the reach of criticism is, it seems to me, the worst type of fundamentalism - John Ratcliffe - Ripon, North Yorkshire
Where is the evidence that teaching intelligent design or even creationism in schools, alongside Darwinian theory, does any damage at all? Arguing from evidence is surely important in any scientific discussion; why abandon it here? - John Hallett - Nottingham
Berlusconi has a heart!
And it appears to have attacked him. Is it just a coincidence that the sudden attack happened just a day before his trial on charges of tax fraud was do to open? The trial has now been adjourned.
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It's a fucking shame. It really is.
News comes to us from America that CBS and Fox have both filed suits contesting the FCC's current regime regulating the use of language and portrayals of sex on broadcast television. Both suits hinge on First Amendment free speech arguments.
The FCC responded that both networks are out of touch with America thereby implying that the FCC is somehow in touch with America. You figure it out.
They also said, specifically in relation to the Fox action,
The FCC responded that both networks are out of touch with America thereby implying that the FCC is somehow in touch with America. You figure it out.
They also said, specifically in relation to the Fox action,
“By continuing to argue that it is okay to say the F-word and the S-word on television whenever it wants, Hollywood is demonstrating once again how out of touch it is with the American people.”
Done and dusted I'd say.
If "Fox" is the F-word what is the S-word?
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If "Fox" is the F-word what is the S-word?
Bad news for Al Gore
As part of its hundred birthday celebration the Environment Agency has asked campaigners to name the hundred top eco-warriors of all time. The Guardian publishes the list today.
The former US Vice President (and elected non-President) does come in at a respectable number nine. However that means that he is two positions behind the heir to the British throne, Prince Chuck.
At number one, and deservedly so, is Rachael Carson whose trail blazing book, Silent Spring effectively launched the environmental cause.
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The former US Vice President (and elected non-President) does come in at a respectable number nine. However that means that he is two positions behind the heir to the British throne, Prince Chuck.
At number one, and deservedly so, is Rachael Carson whose trail blazing book, Silent Spring
effectively launched the environmental cause.
Who'll get custody of the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man?
The Torygraph ran a poll at the weekend that shows that the majority of British voters want some sort of devolution or split up of the "United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland". A higher percentage of English than Scottish voters want Scotland to get its independence.
We'll need a new name, a new flag, a new a national anthem.
Ideally if this is to occur it should be done all at once with the UK breaking up into four nations and ditching the German royal family all at the same time. (Hey look it's going to happen. Can you imagine living in the realm of King Chuck the First?) Otherwise it will go on forever and cost a fortune in new flags and passports.
Imagine that Scotland gets its independence first and monarchy is retained by the balance of the country. The issues that the newly independent Scotland will face will be easy enough to resolve; they've already got a flag, the country will be the Republic of Scotland, Hadrian's Wall will be rebuilt (this time by the Scots) and all they will have to do is pick a national anthem.
For what is left of the UK the problems will be more difficult.
We'll need a new name, a new flag, a new a national anthem.
Ideally if this is to occur it should be done all at once with the UK breaking up into four nations and ditching the German royal family all at the same time. (Hey look it's going to happen. Can you imagine living in the realm of King Chuck the First?) Otherwise it will go on forever and cost a fortune in new flags and passports.
Imagine that Scotland gets its independence first and monarchy is retained by the balance of the country. The issues that the newly independent Scotland will face will be easy enough to resolve; they've already got a flag, the country will be the Republic of Scotland, Hadrian's Wall will be rebuilt (this time by the Scots) and all they will have to do is pick a national anthem.
For what is left of the UK the problems will be more difficult.
"The Slightly-Less-United-Than-Before Kingdom of Less Than Great Britain and Northern Ireland" is a bit of tongue twister.
The What's-Left-of-the-Union Flag (it should only be called the "Union Jack" if it is on a ship) without the St. Andrew's Cross will be a little lacklustre.
We can keep the anthem if we keep the Queen. No one likes it anyway.
At least the national football teams are already sorted but if Wales becomes independent we'll have to break up the England and Wales Cricket Board. (Are there any Welsh players in the side anyway?)
At least the confusion over nationality in the UK will be sorted out for once and for all. At the moment if you ask a UK citizen what nationality they are they are most likely to reply "English", "Scottish", "Welsh" or "Irish". About the only folks who describe themselves as British are the Northern Irish Protestants and citizens of Asian or Afro-Caribbean descent.
¶ 11:36:00 0 comments
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At least the confusion over nationality in the UK will be sorted out for once and for all. At the moment if you ask a UK citizen what nationality they are they are most likely to reply "English", "Scottish", "Welsh" or "Irish". About the only folks who describe themselves as British are the Northern Irish Protestants and citizens of Asian or Afro-Caribbean descent.
As I type* this....
(*Note: should we still call it typing? When was the last time you used a typewriter? Of couse we still call using a phone "dialing" and floppy discs haven't been floppy in ages.)
¶ 11:05:00 0 comments
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....I can barely see the monitor as I am sitting in a reclined position at 135◦ as newly recommended by people who know these things in order to avoid back pain.
So all of you who have been sitting ramrod straight all your lives because that's what Mum told you to do kick back and relax!
So all of you who have been sitting ramrod straight all your lives because that's what Mum told you to do kick back and relax!
(*Note: should we still call it typing? When was the last time you used a typewriter? Of couse we still call using a phone "dialing" and floppy discs haven't been floppy in ages.)
Fast forward
Dateline Oslo 28 November 2010
A spokesman for the Norwegian Nobel Committee which is responsible for naming the annual Nobel Peace Prize has announced that the prize is to be permanently retired. The annual gong has not been awarded since 2006 and the unnamed spokesman said that the committee had agreed, after long deliberation and in consultation with the Storting, that there was "no longer any point in even looking for anyone remotely deserving". The monies set aside for the prize are to be used for one big Xmas piss up for the committee members and their families after which they shall retire to specially prepared bunkers near the Arctic Circle where they will quietly await end days.
In other news the Rapture Index has reached a new all time high of 217, 8 below the maximum.
¶ 10:31:00 0 comments
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A spokesman for the Norwegian Nobel Committee which is responsible for naming the annual Nobel Peace Prize has announced that the prize is to be permanently retired. The annual gong has not been awarded since 2006 and the unnamed spokesman said that the committee had agreed, after long deliberation and in consultation with the Storting, that there was "no longer any point in even looking for anyone remotely deserving". The monies set aside for the prize are to be used for one big Xmas piss up for the committee members and their families after which they shall retire to specially prepared bunkers near the Arctic Circle where they will quietly await end days.
In other news the Rapture Index has reached a new all time high of 217, 8 below the maximum.
Auntie gets poached
The BBC is in turmoil today after the news that its chairman, Michael Grade, has resigned and is due to take up the helm at ITV. The timing is particularly bad in that it comes due the negotiation over the increase of the annual TV license fee.
I'm sure that the Beeb will survive this latest setback but given its current state of affairs I am less sure about ITV, at least in its present configuration.
¶ 10:26:00 0 comments
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I'm sure that the Beeb will survive this latest setback but given its current state of affairs I am less sure about ITV, at least in its present configuration.
27 November 2006
They used to call it plagarism
I guess if you're Winston Churchill then it is downgraded to "borrowing".
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This will not work with an Oyster Card
Not that I've tried it.
¶ 16:08:00 0 comments
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English crumble
Ok. So my secret plan to retain the Ashes requires a wee tweak. Update to follow (just as soon as I think of something).
¶ 16:01:00 0 comments
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More like two civil wars and one something else
King Abdullah of Jordan warns the world that by the beginning of next year there could be three civil wars in the Middle East but then he's counting Iraq as a civil war and we have been reasonably informed by the British, American and Australian governments that that is not what it is. (They've yet to actually explain exactly what state Iraq is in at the moment.)
In addition to Lebanon he counts the Israeli - Palestinian conflict as a civil war when we all know that it is a 100% justified internal security operation.
I mean he just lives there. We shouldn't expect him to know more than a clutch of pundits smug and warm, er, I meant SNUG and warm, in a Washington studio!
¶ 14:13:00 0 comments
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In addition to Lebanon he counts the Israeli - Palestinian conflict as a civil war when we all know that it is a 100% justified internal security operation.
I mean he just lives there. We shouldn't expect him to know more than a clutch of pundits smug and warm, er, I meant SNUG and warm, in a Washington studio!
"Peace on Earth, goodwill towards men" (void where prohibited by by-laws)
If you're a hippie with a peace symbol on your rucksack or Cindy Sheehan you would do well to avoid Pagosa Springs, Colorado this Xmas season. Bob Kearns, president of the Loma Linda Homeowners Association has sacked all five members of the association’s architectural control committee after they unanimously refused to compel a resident to remove a wreath in the shape of a peace sign. He is now threatening to fine the woman twenty five dollars a day until she complies.
In the spirit of the season I would like to wish you Merry Xmas anyway Bob!
¶ 13:57:00 0 comments
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In the spirit of the season I would like to wish you Merry Xmas anyway Bob!
My country needs me (apparently)
Just for fun I went and took the CIA's personality quiz. They think I am an Innovative Pioneer! I think they want me to sign up.
Do you reckon they'll come looking for me? Do you think they know where I am? Hey, who's that at the door?
We interrupt this post for some light music. Yank in London should resume shortly.
I was pretty clever when I was young
However it is quite possble that I wasn't this clever.
¶ 13:31:00 0 comments
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Designed in Washington - assembled in Iraq
Before the American invasion Iraq wasn't capable of or interested in exporting Islamic revolution. However the Iraq insurgency is not dependent on funding from outside the country and may, in fact, have surplus funds that could be used to support terrorist groups outside of the country. At least that is what the US government thinks and wishes to keep secret.
I wonder what the state secret is here. Perhaps it is that the war isn't going quite as well as they wish us to believe.
¶ 13:23:00 0 comments
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I wonder what the state secret is here. Perhaps it is that the war isn't going quite as well as they wish us to believe.
War breaks out all over
Islamists in Somalia and the Ethiopian government are close to clashing in what will likely become a regional war in East Africa. The Ethiopian President has now said that he will not seek Western approval before attacking the paramilitary forces in the neighbouring country.
Good. Just in time for Xmas then.
¶ 13:18:00 0 comments
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Good. Just in time for Xmas then.
Too late for Milo
In Joseph Heller's Catch-22 Milo Minderbender is the enterprising mess officer who is making a killing in the black market until he corners the Egyptian cotton market. Unfortunately there is a glut of cotton and he becomes desperate to find a way to unload the stuff. He tries, unsuccessfully, to cover it in cotton and feed it to his men.
Now researchers from Texas A&M University believe that they have developed a genetic engineering technique that would make the toxic seeds edible by humans thereby creating a potentially large new food source.
This is what genetic engineering should be used for not for making corn that allows farmers to dump more herbicide into the soil!
¶ 12:56:00 0 comments
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Milo Minderbender is the enterprising mess officer who is making a killing in the black market until he corners the Egyptian cotton market. Unfortunately there is a glut of cotton and he becomes desperate to find a way to unload the stuff. He tries, unsuccessfully, to cover it in cotton and feed it to his men.Now researchers from Texas A&M University believe that they have developed a genetic engineering technique that would make the toxic seeds edible by humans thereby creating a potentially large new food source.
This is what genetic engineering should be used for not for making corn that allows farmers to dump more herbicide into the soil!
Rice safe! America saved!
In a move sure to shock no one Bayer's genetically engineered rice crop, LL601, has received USDA approval.
This is good news for everyone who has been eating it for an unknown period and now know that they are 100% safe. Bayer had not originally soug
This is good news for everyone who has been eating it for an unknown period and now know that they are 100% safe. Bayer had not originally soug