Monday, March 29, 2004
Recognition for SWP
No, not the bunch of left behind lefties, but Shaun Wright Phillips. My favourite Manchester City player has just been called up to the England squad - read it here.
Excellent news after the duller than death game I watched at the weekend. A nil-nil-thrill-a-thon! against Fulham - incidentally with the quietest and smallest number of away fans I have witnessed in the COMS.
Oh, and by the way, I had a stadium tour the previous day and now have some mind numbing statistics to impress you with. Seriously it's quite interesting and well worth a look if you find yourself up in Manchester.
Excellent news after the duller than death game I watched at the weekend. A nil-nil-thrill-a-thon! against Fulham - incidentally with the quietest and smallest number of away fans I have witnessed in the COMS.
Oh, and by the way, I had a stadium tour the previous day and now have some mind numbing statistics to impress you with. Seriously it's quite interesting and well worth a look if you find yourself up in Manchester.
Call the vet - Mad Dog's infested
Well Mad Dog Blunkett wants to bug you anyway. He said this at the weekend "I am much more convinced that, in a limited range of cases, intercept evidence would make sense." The full report is here, didn't know he liked football though (well SOCA as he calls it).
Thursday, March 25, 2004
Coffee, Tea or Philosophy
The Royal Society was formed in a Covent Garden coffee shop in 1754 and to mark its 250yr anniversary the have instigated the RSA Coffee Shop Challenge – check it here.
Reminds me of French coffee houses on the left bank and the great philosophical debates.
Well will the wholesome liquor that makes the genius quicker turn Starbucks into the Star Chamber? It could be interesting to watch and here are my suggestions should you attend one of the RSA debates:
Try a mellow Brazilian bean should your discussions focus around the weather and Corrie. Try an Organic Guatamalan if you are debating social issues or light politics or dive straight in for a Hot Lava Java should the debate stray onto Iraq and terrorism.
Whatever next – “Pub Parliament”?
Reminds me of French coffee houses on the left bank and the great philosophical debates.
Well will the wholesome liquor that makes the genius quicker turn Starbucks into the Star Chamber? It could be interesting to watch and here are my suggestions should you attend one of the RSA debates:
Try a mellow Brazilian bean should your discussions focus around the weather and Corrie. Try an Organic Guatamalan if you are debating social issues or light politics or dive straight in for a Hot Lava Java should the debate stray onto Iraq and terrorism.
Whatever next – “Pub Parliament”?
Interfering Eurocrats
Shock, horror! An avalanche of zero complaints from consumers, but one from Sun Microsystems prompted the EU to slap a record £330m fine on Microsoft. I’ll be blasted complaining to the interfering Brussels bureaucrats if I have to purchase media player rather than get it free as part of Windows.
As well as reporting the fine the beloved BBC went on to promote open source, bizarrely saying it is more secure. The only reason it is currently less prone to virus/hack attacks is because of its relative obscurity by comparison to say Windows, Mac O/S and Unix. If it becomes more widely adopted it is only a matter of time before it is attacked and as the source is readily available, it makes a hackers life that much easier.
At least open source competition causes the proprietary software vendors to improve function, improve quality, reduce their costs and offer simple alternatives.
As well as reporting the fine the beloved BBC went on to promote open source, bizarrely saying it is more secure. The only reason it is currently less prone to virus/hack attacks is because of its relative obscurity by comparison to say Windows, Mac O/S and Unix. If it becomes more widely adopted it is only a matter of time before it is attacked and as the source is readily available, it makes a hackers life that much easier.
At least open source competition causes the proprietary software vendors to improve function, improve quality, reduce their costs and offer simple alternatives.
Scalpel, forceps, soup...
Another world class example of our world-beating NHS and government inaction. How on earth does one of the world's leading brain surgeons, get suspended for forgetting to pay for soup.
The story is here. The tragedy is that there is a 6 month waiting list for this guy's services and that the average time for an investigation to complete is over a year, during which time he can't practice. Not only that, but the government won't intervene to sort out this farce.
Enough to give anyone a coronary.... beeeeeeee. Croutons, stat!
The story is here. The tragedy is that there is a 6 month waiting list for this guy's services and that the average time for an investigation to complete is over a year, during which time he can't practice. Not only that, but the government won't intervene to sort out this farce.
Enough to give anyone a coronary.... beeeeeeee. Croutons, stat!
Monday, March 22, 2004
Mad Dog the greyhound
Well he's certainly quick off the mark. Within days of the Madrid bombings Mad Dog Blunkett is tastelessly using the public fear of terrorism by attempting to fast track id cards. The Sunday Times has the stroy here.
I really wonder what his agenda is. Why does he want to punish the vast majority of law abiding citizens by card introduction - I just can't see how any intelligent person could possibly think that ID cards will have any impact on terrorism.
I really wonder what his agenda is. Why does he want to punish the vast majority of law abiding citizens by card introduction - I just can't see how any intelligent person could possibly think that ID cards will have any impact on terrorism.
Thursday, March 18, 2004
Hiding behind a nations' legitimacy
I found this post on Norm's site interesting. The comments that we have to remake the argument for and gain international agreement to intervene when a nations are "...in the grip of a psychopathic killer determined to rule by fear".
I have felt for a long time that there are many who hide behind statements like "country X is a nation state and we shouldn't intervene in their internal affairs". They see it as enough reason for inaction when faced with very difficult alternatives.
I have felt for a long time that there are many who hide behind statements like "country X is a nation state and we shouldn't intervene in their internal affairs". They see it as enough reason for inaction when faced with very difficult alternatives.
Blunkett is a discerning man
Well at least his dog is!
Mad Dog Blunkett's labrador rolled over and went stiff during the Budget speeches yesterday - the story is here.
Mad Dog Blunkett's labrador rolled over and went stiff during the Budget speeches yesterday - the story is here.
Wednesday, March 17, 2004
Everyone's Irish today.
I got offered a small tub containing Shamrock at lunch time and being St Patrick's day I thought a link over to Slugger's for accounts of celebrations appropriate.
Vacancies - £15pppn Bed & Breakfast (porridge) - No Dogs (except mad ones)
Well, this is old news, but still worth repeating as it is Mad Dog at his clear-thinking best. Mad Dog Blunkett, the Labour Home Secretary appeared in the Royal Courts of Justice in London yesterday, to argue that persons who have been jailed wrongly in Great Britain, should be forced to reimburse the crown for the expense of their incarceration.
Yes, you read that right. If you are falsely imprisoned, Mad Dog thinks you've had free food and lodging and wants your rent money. Check this article in the Sunday Herald and comments over at Big Blunkett.
Yes, you read that right. If you are falsely imprisoned, Mad Dog thinks you've had free food and lodging and wants your rent money. Check this article in the Sunday Herald and comments over at Big Blunkett.
Budget 2004 - Tales of the Unexpected
Bravo for the merger of The Inland Revenue and Customs and Excise - now if only Gordon Clown would merge Income Tax, Corporation Tax and National Insurance as proposed by the BCC here.
Comedy or Tragedy?
I have just caught a recording of ‘One Year On’, an Iraq war retrospective. After viewing it I would just like to say "Harold Pinter: playwright, pacifist and pathetically predictable".
Mr Pinter spouted a poorly argued, naïve and ill-informed anti-war dire tribe that included some real pearls:
Said of America - “Hated and feared throughout the world”, “Nazi like in their desire to dominate the world”.
In support of outlandish body counts - “Statistics supplied by the organisation Iraq Body Count were printed in The Guardian this morning” – therefore it must be true?
Most annoying was his repeated interruption of an American he was ‘debating’ by jumping from one outlandish statement to another, rather than seriously debating any particular issue at length. I'm sick to the back teeth of ultra left-wing, feeble minded, apologists and appeasers with no viable alternative or a delude belief in the capabilities of the UN or International Court - how many years has the Milosevich trial been going?
I'm sorry to say that calm, rational thinking and debate has been replaced with rhetoric and emotional tripe and that Mr Pinter finds himself impaled on the fangs of Godwin's Law - check it out here.
Mr Pinter spouted a poorly argued, naïve and ill-informed anti-war dire tribe that included some real pearls:
Said of America - “Hated and feared throughout the world”, “Nazi like in their desire to dominate the world”.
In support of outlandish body counts - “Statistics supplied by the organisation Iraq Body Count were printed in The Guardian this morning” – therefore it must be true?
Most annoying was his repeated interruption of an American he was ‘debating’ by jumping from one outlandish statement to another, rather than seriously debating any particular issue at length. I'm sick to the back teeth of ultra left-wing, feeble minded, apologists and appeasers with no viable alternative or a delude belief in the capabilities of the UN or International Court - how many years has the Milosevich trial been going?
I'm sorry to say that calm, rational thinking and debate has been replaced with rhetoric and emotional tripe and that Mr Pinter finds himself impaled on the fangs of Godwin's Law - check it out here.
A tale of two cities
You may recall Jackie and I mentioning a friend caught in an avalanche. The good news is he’s at home and healing well, the bad news is he went through this:
It started well courtesy of French medical staff in Grenoble, where thanks to surgery, good hygiene and money no object service he was nursed back to a condition capable of transporting him back to OLD BLIGHTY – from then on it all went horribly wrong.
Three things are necessary in order to transport an injured patient – the doctors of the country you’re coming from need to say you’re safe to travel, 2nd you need transport, and 3rd you need a suitable hospital to go to. Well apart from a stroppy cow on the flight demanding Simon gave up the 3 seats reserved for him and his injuries for her spoilt brats matters progressed nicely and with the French doctors phoning ahead and the doctor in transit confirming on arrival in London with the receiving hospital what could go wrong? How about an injured man spend 4 hours in a freezing cold ambulance in a hospital car park, before being turned away – thanks to the noble, world-beating NHS of course – or rather a consultant who just changed his mind.
Simon did eventually find a hospital that would take him in and they treated his wounds and performed a skin graft, but not before making him wait around another week. Then the trouble really began – they dressed his wound post-graft and left it, left it some more, then a little more and then when it stank higher than a sewage facility on a hot day they thought they better do something about it – too late it was infected! His wound was discharging so they discharged him and told him to come back in a week.
Straws, camels, backs, etc…
Two days later after panicking that his leg was twice its usual size and attracting flies from miles around, he found himself in the casualty unit of another hospital, not up to French standards, but at least competent. They finally sorted him out, were very embarrassed about his treatment in East Surrey Hospital and they arranged for a nice, young nurse to visit him regularly at home to clean and change dressings (so he says).
World-beating? I think not.
It started well courtesy of French medical staff in Grenoble, where thanks to surgery, good hygiene and money no object service he was nursed back to a condition capable of transporting him back to OLD BLIGHTY – from then on it all went horribly wrong.
Three things are necessary in order to transport an injured patient – the doctors of the country you’re coming from need to say you’re safe to travel, 2nd you need transport, and 3rd you need a suitable hospital to go to. Well apart from a stroppy cow on the flight demanding Simon gave up the 3 seats reserved for him and his injuries for her spoilt brats matters progressed nicely and with the French doctors phoning ahead and the doctor in transit confirming on arrival in London with the receiving hospital what could go wrong? How about an injured man spend 4 hours in a freezing cold ambulance in a hospital car park, before being turned away – thanks to the noble, world-beating NHS of course – or rather a consultant who just changed his mind.
Simon did eventually find a hospital that would take him in and they treated his wounds and performed a skin graft, but not before making him wait around another week. Then the trouble really began – they dressed his wound post-graft and left it, left it some more, then a little more and then when it stank higher than a sewage facility on a hot day they thought they better do something about it – too late it was infected! His wound was discharging so they discharged him and told him to come back in a week.
Straws, camels, backs, etc…
Two days later after panicking that his leg was twice its usual size and attracting flies from miles around, he found himself in the casualty unit of another hospital, not up to French standards, but at least competent. They finally sorted him out, were very embarrassed about his treatment in East Surrey Hospital and they arranged for a nice, young nurse to visit him regularly at home to clean and change dressings (so he says).
World-beating? I think not.
Tuesday, March 16, 2004
You knew just what I was there for, what I was saying a prayer for...
Two weeks ago Manchester City played Chelsea. We played very well, had over 70% possession, numerous shots on target, Chelsea were 'average' and yet we lost 1-0.
On Sunday 14th March, Manchester City played Manchester United. We played OK, but didn't come close to the form we showed against Chelsea, United had more possession and played miles better than Roman's boys and we go and win 4-1 - that my friend is football.
I love it, love it! The blue moon shines brightly over Manchester this week and the t-shirts are being printed. The United fans were wished a safe trip back to London by the 47,000+ crowd in the stadium (if you catch my drift) and I've had this warm, satisfied feeling since 4.00pm on Sunday.
Incidentally I sat near Robbie Fowler and John Macken on a plane after the Chelsea game, nice blokes and I'm pleased they notched up the first two goals against United.
On Sunday 14th March, Manchester City played Manchester United. We played OK, but didn't come close to the form we showed against Chelsea, United had more possession and played miles better than Roman's boys and we go and win 4-1 - that my friend is football.
I love it, love it! The blue moon shines brightly over Manchester this week and the t-shirts are being printed. The United fans were wished a safe trip back to London by the 47,000+ crowd in the stadium (if you catch my drift) and I've had this warm, satisfied feeling since 4.00pm on Sunday.
Incidentally I sat near Robbie Fowler and John Macken on a plane after the Chelsea game, nice blokes and I'm pleased they notched up the first two goals against United.
Guess who's back?
Me of course. Has it really been two weeks since my last post? Yes it has! Well, I've been away on business and dealing with family matters - more on my activities later. What a couple of weeks - Madrid, Blunkett in meltdown, personal experience of the collapse of the NHS and Manchester United - where to start...
Monday, March 01, 2004
Travesty. Simple as...
City 0 Chelsea 1
Thursday, February 26, 2004
Take the 'Mad Dog' challenge
The red mist has cleared a little for 'Mad Dog'. David Blunkett has dropped the most controversial of his proposals to extend anti-terrorism legislation i.e. lowering the level of proof - the full report is here.
He has also issued a very dangerous challenge here to rights lobbyists - 'You do better'. Frankly I could gag and blindfold my 8 month old daughter and she would come up with a more coherent and sensible policy.
He says he is 'fed of being attacked for proposing tough measures'. Yes the measures are tough, but they are poorly through knee-jerk reactions, they infringe the rights of the majority population for little or no benefit and do not tackle terrorism.
Let's increase police and security forces, let's beef up security at major travel hubs, financial centres and public places, let's keep on educating the public for the need to be vigilant and let's try and tackle the root causes of terrorism and redouble efforts to get the Middle East peace process back on track and promote freedom and democracy around the globe - when people taste it they find it very appealing.
Write to 'Mad Dog' with some positive contributions on how to tackle issues of security and privacy.
He has also issued a very dangerous challenge here to rights lobbyists - 'You do better'. Frankly I could gag and blindfold my 8 month old daughter and she would come up with a more coherent and sensible policy.
He says he is 'fed of being attacked for proposing tough measures'. Yes the measures are tough, but they are poorly through knee-jerk reactions, they infringe the rights of the majority population for little or no benefit and do not tackle terrorism.
Let's increase police and security forces, let's beef up security at major travel hubs, financial centres and public places, let's keep on educating the public for the need to be vigilant and let's try and tackle the root causes of terrorism and redouble efforts to get the Middle East peace process back on track and promote freedom and democracy around the globe - when people taste it they find it very appealing.
Write to 'Mad Dog' with some positive contributions on how to tackle issues of security and privacy.
Wednesday, February 25, 2004
Shaken and stirred
US Trip: Portland
I didn't need an alarm clock this morning as I was woken by vibrations and not from my mobile phone. It was this little event.
Unfortunately I've run out of time on this trip so I'll be returning back to the UK on Thursday only to fly out for US Trip Part Deux in a week or so. I'm currently in Portland, Oregon and I dined on a superb Brazilian Pork Feijoada (pronounced fesh-wah-dah) at iOba! last night in Portland's Pearl District. They serve Cuban, Central and South American cuisine under the label Nuevo Latino and you can check them out here.
It was fairly lively in town last night - the streets were busy with Mardis Gras revelers - I didn't see any problems, but according to this story apparently spirits got a little too high.
I didn't need an alarm clock this morning as I was woken by vibrations and not from my mobile phone. It was this little event.
Unfortunately I've run out of time on this trip so I'll be returning back to the UK on Thursday only to fly out for US Trip Part Deux in a week or so. I'm currently in Portland, Oregon and I dined on a superb Brazilian Pork Feijoada (pronounced fesh-wah-dah) at iOba! last night in Portland's Pearl District. They serve Cuban, Central and South American cuisine under the label Nuevo Latino and you can check them out here.
It was fairly lively in town last night - the streets were busy with Mardis Gras revelers - I didn't see any problems, but according to this story apparently spirits got a little too high.
No smoking Gun
The US were bugging UN members to try and find out how they would vote - big deal. What do you think a country's security services do? They hardly carry clipboards and survey people in shopping malls. Excuse me Madame which soap powder do you use and are you a terrorist?
"I didn't know how the security services worked" said former GCHQ employee Katharine Gun as some sort of justification for leaking intelligence to The Observer. Yeah right and I had no idea that Red Hot Dutch didn't supply tasty pastries.
I'm not so naïve to believe she was so naïve.
The message sent out by not locking her up is: blow that whistle, blow it long, hard and shrill - embarras the government - breach the Official Secrets Act - and you'll have all charges dropped.
That's one way to destroy the effectiveness of our intelligence services.
"I didn't know how the security services worked" said former GCHQ employee Katharine Gun as some sort of justification for leaking intelligence to The Observer. Yeah right and I had no idea that Red Hot Dutch didn't supply tasty pastries.
I'm not so naïve to believe she was so naïve.
The message sent out by not locking her up is: blow that whistle, blow it long, hard and shrill - embarras the government - breach the Official Secrets Act - and you'll have all charges dropped.
That's one way to destroy the effectiveness of our intelligence services.
Tuesday, February 24, 2004
Today Sheffield tomorrow the world...
I do not and never will visit the web sites mentioned in this article in The Scotsman. No they are not talking about www.manutd.com, but even more hideous pornography like "necrobabes", "rapepleasure", etc.
Whilst most people, myself included, would choose not to view the vile images contained on these sites, I do defend their right to exist - providing nobody is exploited or hurt in their production and they don't incite people to criminal acts.
Of course, you'd expect our "libertarian" Home Secretary to want to close them down. Oh yes, 'Mad Dog' Blunkett, not satisfied with legislating, intruding and censoring in the UK is now trying to press the US to take action to curb Net porn.
Big Brother is getting bigger.
Whilst most people, myself included, would choose not to view the vile images contained on these sites, I do defend their right to exist - providing nobody is exploited or hurt in their production and they don't incite people to criminal acts.
Of course, you'd expect our "libertarian" Home Secretary to want to close them down. Oh yes, 'Mad Dog' Blunkett, not satisfied with legislating, intruding and censoring in the UK is now trying to press the US to take action to curb Net porn.
Big Brother is getting bigger.
Ready, aim, fire - missed again
US Trip News: 04:25 on I-85
Getting up at 4:00am is becoming a habit these days - more often than not to catch a flight to some God forsaken hole, but on this morning I found myself driving down I-85 to my least favourite US city - Atlanta.
Atlanta must have some fine qualities somewhere and feel free to let me know what they are, but even after 30 or more visits I'm still struck by overwhelming tedium upon arrival. Sorry Atlantans if you take offence, but I find Atlanta about as interesting as a cylindrical, cardboard toilet roll insert.
Yes it has some beautiful countryside around it in the fine state of Georgia, sunshine and great golf.
Yes it has excellent restaurants and I admit to looking forward to returning to Nava, one of my favourite eating places (go and try their tequila cured salmon and herb tuna with jalapeno chimichurri - yummy - check it out here), but what else?
Now, I'm not expecting the vibrancy and compactness of European cities - America isn't like that, but apart from Buckhead or the Undergound what else can Atlanta offer? Unlike other US cities, Atlanta has no Broadway, no French Quarter, no dazzling casinos - after dark, downtown has more in common with a Midwest farm town than an Olympic city.
My experience is the same as Patti Shock, former chairwoman of hospitality management at Georgia State University, who said:
"When I lived there, you could shoot a cannon through downtown after 10 o'clock and not hit anybody,".
Getting up at 4:00am is becoming a habit these days - more often than not to catch a flight to some God forsaken hole, but on this morning I found myself driving down I-85 to my least favourite US city - Atlanta.
Atlanta must have some fine qualities somewhere and feel free to let me know what they are, but even after 30 or more visits I'm still struck by overwhelming tedium upon arrival. Sorry Atlantans if you take offence, but I find Atlanta about as interesting as a cylindrical, cardboard toilet roll insert.
Yes it has some beautiful countryside around it in the fine state of Georgia, sunshine and great golf.
Yes it has excellent restaurants and I admit to looking forward to returning to Nava, one of my favourite eating places (go and try their tequila cured salmon and herb tuna with jalapeno chimichurri - yummy - check it out here), but what else?
Now, I'm not expecting the vibrancy and compactness of European cities - America isn't like that, but apart from Buckhead or the Undergound what else can Atlanta offer? Unlike other US cities, Atlanta has no Broadway, no French Quarter, no dazzling casinos - after dark, downtown has more in common with a Midwest farm town than an Olympic city.
My experience is the same as Patti Shock, former chairwoman of hospitality management at Georgia State University, who said:
"When I lived there, you could shoot a cannon through downtown after 10 o'clock and not hit anybody,".
Sunday, February 22, 2004
Who watches the watchers?
Thanks to the Voice of America I picked up on this item saying that 'Mad Dog' Blunkett will shortly be announcing that British security agency MI5 is increasing staff by 50%. Just remember - walls have ears.
Check out Trevor of Big Blunkett's view here.
Check out Trevor of Big Blunkett's view here.
One swallow does make a summer
BOLTON 1 MAN. CITY 3.
We're gonna win the league! Oh, yes we are! Look out Europe here we come!
The relief, better than a good dump. Read all about my blue boys magnificence here.
We're gonna win the league! Oh, yes we are! Look out Europe here we come!
The relief, better than a good dump. Read all about my blue boys magnificence here.
Two heads are better than one.
I was just reading a story on organic farming in the Wake Forest area, part of prep for an after-dinner speech I'll be giving on Monday evening and was searching for relevant info when I discovered that my good friend JD had just posted this interesting piece from Matthew Parris in today's times - freaky coincidence or perhaps telepathy. Parris highlights the superb achievements of an agricultural scientist who should be a household name - Dr Norman Borlaug. A Nobel Laureate, a modest man, and a man who has undoubtedly saved the lives of millions through his work (have a quick look at his biog here).
Dr Borlaug used entirely natural methods in his works, but as The Times records:
"Though he was initially sceptical about GM as applied science, Borlaug is now persuaded of its promise. He is wary of the patent-hogging multinationals but he nevertheless believes that by driving GM scientists out of universities and public institutions we are in danger of helping profit-making interests to corner science."
A concern I also share.
Putting aside the argument that the vast majority of the public do not want GM foods, I would still wish to see continued testing/development in controlled environments - there could be some huge benefits to GM and safety-wise it is too early to state categorically that there are no damaging effects (one could perhaps look at how long it took us to realise the effect on Ospreys of DDT to realise that we are a long way from knowing the effect of artificially crossing species boundaries).
Putting testing in the hands of commercially linked scientists and multi-nationals in the great outdoors is corrupt science and also has the effect of contaminating non-GM and organic farms.
As Higgins Prof Biology, Harvard University and Nobel Laureate Dr George Wald put it:
" Recombinant DNA technology faces our society with problems unprecedented not only in the history of science, but of life on Earth. It places in human hands the capacity to redesign living organisms, the products of three billion years of evolution. Such intervention must not be confused with previous intrusions upon the natural order of living organisms: animal and plant breeding. All the earlier procedures worked within single or closely related species. Our morality up to now has been to go ahead without restriction to learn all that we can about nature. Restructuring nature was not part of the bargain, this direction may be not only unwise, but dangerous. Potentially, it could breed new animal and plant diseases, new sources of cancer, novel epidemics."
If you would like to read a few words of caution check this or this out.
Dr Borlaug used entirely natural methods in his works, but as The Times records:
"Though he was initially sceptical about GM as applied science, Borlaug is now persuaded of its promise. He is wary of the patent-hogging multinationals but he nevertheless believes that by driving GM scientists out of universities and public institutions we are in danger of helping profit-making interests to corner science."
A concern I also share.
Putting aside the argument that the vast majority of the public do not want GM foods, I would still wish to see continued testing/development in controlled environments - there could be some huge benefits to GM and safety-wise it is too early to state categorically that there are no damaging effects (one could perhaps look at how long it took us to realise the effect on Ospreys of DDT to realise that we are a long way from knowing the effect of artificially crossing species boundaries).
Putting testing in the hands of commercially linked scientists and multi-nationals in the great outdoors is corrupt science and also has the effect of contaminating non-GM and organic farms.
As Higgins Prof Biology, Harvard University and Nobel Laureate Dr George Wald put it:
" Recombinant DNA technology faces our society with problems unprecedented not only in the history of science, but of life on Earth. It places in human hands the capacity to redesign living organisms, the products of three billion years of evolution. Such intervention must not be confused with previous intrusions upon the natural order of living organisms: animal and plant breeding. All the earlier procedures worked within single or closely related species. Our morality up to now has been to go ahead without restriction to learn all that we can about nature. Restructuring nature was not part of the bargain, this direction may be not only unwise, but dangerous. Potentially, it could breed new animal and plant diseases, new sources of cancer, novel epidemics."
If you would like to read a few words of caution check this or this out.
Saturday, February 21, 2004
It's all GO in Wake Forest
US Trip News: Looking forward to Wake Forest, NC on Monday
What I like about my trips to the US these days is the extreme contrasts I encounter.
If you've never been to the United States then go there, it's everything you think it is - a massive, diverse nation, a genuine melting pot. If you are looking for excitement you'll find it, if you want breathtaking beauty and peace you'll find it in buckets, if you want things brash and loud no problem, if you want the refined and subtle easy-peasy.
I'll be reaching the beautiful small town of Wake Forest in North Carolina on Monday and I'm looking forward to both hard work, southern cooking and a slower pace of life. Yep, the big news in W.F. is this new trafic signal.
What I like about my trips to the US these days is the extreme contrasts I encounter.
If you've never been to the United States then go there, it's everything you think it is - a massive, diverse nation, a genuine melting pot. If you are looking for excitement you'll find it, if you want breathtaking beauty and peace you'll find it in buckets, if you want things brash and loud no problem, if you want the refined and subtle easy-peasy.
I'll be reaching the beautiful small town of Wake Forest in North Carolina on Monday and I'm looking forward to both hard work, southern cooking and a slower pace of life. Yep, the big news in W.F. is this new trafic signal.
Friday, February 20, 2004
Drives me to detraction...
I've just read this post on Jackie's blog and it pissed me off on two counts. Firstly the BBC acting as a self-appointed censor and secondly where the heck does Dr Gabb live?
His claims below surely can't refer to the UK:
"Every so often, someone stands up and tells us what benefits we have had from diversity. Such may be, but we must also consider that part of the price has been a police state. In this country, we have severe restrictions on freedom of speech, on freedom of association and on freedom of contract - all in the name of good race relations."
Police state? Severe restrictions of speech and association? He has to be living in some sort of rip in the space-time continuum that has transported him to apartheid South Africa complete with banning laws, racial segregation, etc.
I can say what I like, associate with anyone I like be they black or white, young or old, gay or straight, Muslim, Jew or atheist without fear of imprisonment - I might cause offence, but that's an entirely different story - not everyone will like my views.
By making patently ridiculous claims Gabb has both detracted from his valid complaints against BBC censorship and damaged his credibility.
His claims below surely can't refer to the UK:
"Every so often, someone stands up and tells us what benefits we have had from diversity. Such may be, but we must also consider that part of the price has been a police state. In this country, we have severe restrictions on freedom of speech, on freedom of association and on freedom of contract - all in the name of good race relations."
Police state? Severe restrictions of speech and association? He has to be living in some sort of rip in the space-time continuum that has transported him to apartheid South Africa complete with banning laws, racial segregation, etc.
I can say what I like, associate with anyone I like be they black or white, young or old, gay or straight, Muslim, Jew or atheist without fear of imprisonment - I might cause offence, but that's an entirely different story - not everyone will like my views.
By making patently ridiculous claims Gabb has both detracted from his valid complaints against BBC censorship and damaged his credibility.
Passion or Prejudice?
US Trip News - NYC
I'm alien, I'm an Englishman in New York and as such I'm being very careful not to break any laws. Scared that if I do I might end up in front of a military tribunal.
Guantanamo Bay, the 5 Britons released and the 4 still held is all over the US news networks at the moment. Interviews from lawyers saying that belonging to Al Qaeda forfeits you right to trial by a jury. Generals saying that suspicion of supporting terrorism is enough for indefinite detainment.
Commit a crime as a private individual and get one form of justice, commit the same crime as a member of a political organisation and get another - echoes of McCarthy ring in my ears. Very worrying to see the land of the free and the home of the brave behaving so cowardly and authoritarian - although 6 out of 10 Americans favour military tribunals as reported here by ABC in late 2001.
The other big talking points amongst my colleagues and folk I'm meeting in the Big Apple are the gruesome tale of a Barclays investment banker's remains found in suitcase in New Jersey and Mel Gibson's dad claiming the holocaust was fiction - maybe he should visit this place.
I'm alien, I'm an Englishman in New York and as such I'm being very careful not to break any laws. Scared that if I do I might end up in front of a military tribunal.
Guantanamo Bay, the 5 Britons released and the 4 still held is all over the US news networks at the moment. Interviews from lawyers saying that belonging to Al Qaeda forfeits you right to trial by a jury. Generals saying that suspicion of supporting terrorism is enough for indefinite detainment.
Commit a crime as a private individual and get one form of justice, commit the same crime as a member of a political organisation and get another - echoes of McCarthy ring in my ears. Very worrying to see the land of the free and the home of the brave behaving so cowardly and authoritarian - although 6 out of 10 Americans favour military tribunals as reported here by ABC in late 2001.
The other big talking points amongst my colleagues and folk I'm meeting in the Big Apple are the gruesome tale of a Barclays investment banker's remains found in suitcase in New Jersey and Mel Gibson's dad claiming the holocaust was fiction - maybe he should visit this place.
Mad Dog's not scared of the Famous Five
At Westminster, 'Mad Dog' Blunkett said "I think you will find that no-one who is returned in the announcement today will actually be a threat to the security of the British people.".
So as The Herald put it "No Charge, No Trial, No Threat - why were they held?" Anyone got an answer? Read the full story here.
Eighteen months of incarceration without charge or trial is too long - easily as appalling as the N.Ireland detainment centres were at the height of the troubles.
So as The Herald put it "No Charge, No Trial, No Threat - why were they held?" Anyone got an answer? Read the full story here.
Eighteen months of incarceration without charge or trial is too long - easily as appalling as the N.Ireland detainment centres were at the height of the troubles.
A righteous aim?
I don't know much about the circumstances that have led to Mr Bett some being imprisoned in Guantanamo Bay, but this reaction seems reasonable.
Thursday, February 19, 2004
Perspective and distinction
One of my favourite TV shows was Fantasy Football hosted Frank Skinner and David Badiel (hope they bring in back for Euro 2004). I loved 'Statto' - the human stat-o-meter, with his mind-numbing statistics.
Well here's a statistic he might like - over 92% of the UK population is white and from an anglo-saxon background.
Let's get the 'immigration issue' into perspective - it has a very small effect on the UK population and if you trust the Home Office figures (bear in mind 'Mad Dog') less effect this year than last.
The hysteria and mis-information that abounds does disturb me. The Daily Mail, The Sun, The Daily Express all scream 'Stem the Tide', 'Millions to Arrive' and whip up racial hatred and provide oxygen for the BNP.
Tide? Where's the perspective. A few tens of thousands out of 60 million is a trickle not a tide.
I do believe an open discussion about immigration is necessary to dispel immigration myths, to identify the real problems in the country that contribute towards racism and division, to identify processes that encourage all citzens to contribute, integrate and to protect the human rights of everyone.
Let's not exagerate the problem of immigration to avoid facing up to the real issues or as an excuse for liberals to espouse 'gentile xenophobia'.
Stephen Pollard makes some interesting points here, but also proffers draconian measures such as 7 years of inequality for immigrants apart from schooling. Surely 6-12 months of no state help is more than enough to stop benefit tourism and encourage people to support themselves.
Finally let's also recognise that economic migration is quite distinct from asylum. Asylum seekers should be individuals fleeing persecution or possible death and as such could arrive in the UK, unable to speak the language, little knowledge of the culture and would find it difficult to support themselves or contribute from day 1. Of course there are both bogus and genuine claims for asylum - where a claim is genuine the UK has a rich history of protecting people - long may it continue.
Well here's a statistic he might like - over 92% of the UK population is white and from an anglo-saxon background.
Let's get the 'immigration issue' into perspective - it has a very small effect on the UK population and if you trust the Home Office figures (bear in mind 'Mad Dog') less effect this year than last.
The hysteria and mis-information that abounds does disturb me. The Daily Mail, The Sun, The Daily Express all scream 'Stem the Tide', 'Millions to Arrive' and whip up racial hatred and provide oxygen for the BNP.
Tide? Where's the perspective. A few tens of thousands out of 60 million is a trickle not a tide.
I do believe an open discussion about immigration is necessary to dispel immigration myths, to identify the real problems in the country that contribute towards racism and division, to identify processes that encourage all citzens to contribute, integrate and to protect the human rights of everyone.
Let's not exagerate the problem of immigration to avoid facing up to the real issues or as an excuse for liberals to espouse 'gentile xenophobia'.
Stephen Pollard makes some interesting points here, but also proffers draconian measures such as 7 years of inequality for immigrants apart from schooling. Surely 6-12 months of no state help is more than enough to stop benefit tourism and encourage people to support themselves.
Finally let's also recognise that economic migration is quite distinct from asylum. Asylum seekers should be individuals fleeing persecution or possible death and as such could arrive in the UK, unable to speak the language, little knowledge of the culture and would find it difficult to support themselves or contribute from day 1. Of course there are both bogus and genuine claims for asylum - where a claim is genuine the UK has a rich history of protecting people - long may it continue.
While the cats away...
Well these three 'mice' seem to be having a good time. Nice to know everybody's hard at work enjoying themselves whilst I'm away on business.
Even nicer to know that the very expensive, hand-rolled, champagne truffles I bought my other half for Valentines Day were mercilessly melted, massacred and poured onto pancakes (the sacrilege). I suppose I should count myself lucky I didn't get beaten with clubs, beheaded and my heart torn out like the original St Valentine.
Even nicer to know that the very expensive, hand-rolled, champagne truffles I bought my other half for Valentines Day were mercilessly melted, massacred and poured onto pancakes (the sacrilege). I suppose I should count myself lucky I didn't get beaten with clubs, beheaded and my heart torn out like the original St Valentine.
Wednesday, February 18, 2004
Bleeding heart or xenophobe - I'm both
Richard Allen spoke at a meeting in his constituency last night and records his thoughts over at Political Times here. It is nice to hear of asylum issues being discussed calmly without being labelled a welcome one welcome all bleeding heart or xenophobic racist.
I look forward to reading more from Richard on the feedback he's been getting. In the meantime you might want to read this Guardian synopsis of Asylum issues.
I look forward to reading more from Richard on the feedback he's been getting. In the meantime you might want to read this Guardian synopsis of Asylum issues.
Slam Allardyce
Sam Allardyce has slammed newspaper talk of replacing KK at City in this report. I for one would be v. upset if our board went through yet another 'kin manager - stick with Kev he'll bring us glory (glory is of course a sliding scale).
'Mad Dog' is a duck
Well at least he's ducked out of this meeting in Brussels for the 18th consecutive time. Perhaps he considers it to be full of Intellectual Europygmies.
Frankly it's a good thing he hasn't noticed that transforming air and sea carriers into data collection and surveillance agents is on the agenda, as highlighted by White Rose here.
Shsssh - let sleeping 'Mad Dogs' lie.
Frankly it's a good thing he hasn't noticed that transforming air and sea carriers into data collection and surveillance agents is on the agenda, as highlighted by White Rose here.
Shsssh - let sleeping 'Mad Dogs' lie.