Kadoom...as I see it

EU struggles to save constitution

2005-06-02T12:19:00.000Z

Why is the press talking so much about crisis and struggle in Europe, after the French and Dutch referenda? There is no such thing!

The EU continues to be managed under Nice rules, as it has for the last few years. As to moving forward, well when British Prime Minister, Tony Blair, who must be delighted that he doesn't have to cross the referendum bridge in his country, takes over the EU Presidency in July, he will cherry pick some issues that he wants and will drive those home, with or without the constitution.

The appointment of a common Foreign Policy head (Solona has been working at it already), the greater weight to the EU Parliament, and perhaps the adjustment of voting weights and the permanent Presidency, are likely to be on the agenda.

Constitution, what constitution?

Related links:
EU struggles to save constitution

Chirac wrong........again!

2005-05-31T14:07:00.000Z

President Chirac has just got it wrong again, by appointing Dominique de Villepin as new Prime Minister. He is a Chirac man and the wrong candidate in these times when the French people have just given a message to the President that they want a change. He didn´t get the message.

The 'NO' won

2005-05-29T21:29:00.000Z

It looks like I got it wrong on the referendum result but, given that it is a slap in the face of President Chirac and "father of the constitution" d'Estaigne, it sounds like a great result!

Referendum in France

2005-05-29T14:13:00.000Z

Because of the close vote, I expect a higher than usual participation and I expect a higher vote by older French. The YES will win today.

Anyone else want to risk a prediction?

Hariri’s son tipped to win Beirut poll

2005-05-28T19:26:00.000Z

Middle Eastern regal succession continues, regardless of whether the political system is monarchy or republican.

As with Syria, now Lebanon is showing that nothing has changed. Despite the vigorous denials, Egypt will show us the same approach, when President Mubarack's son finally decides to admit what we know will happen sooner or later, his annointment by the ruling party.

Democracy? What's that?

Related links:
Hariri’s son tipped to win Beirut poll

President Chirac faces his nation

2005-05-27T06:27:00.000Z

Seeing Chirac on our screens yesterday, again, makes you understand why many French voters are voting NO to the EU referendum, just to give it to him.

A vote against Chirac always sounds like fun.

Extraditions from the UK to the US

2005-05-26T09:21:00.000Z

Charles Clarke, the UK home secretary, has just approved the extradition to the US of 3 british bankers sought by the US authorities on Enron-related charges.

This opens up the possibility of further extraditions to the US.

As I recall, not that long ago a Anthony J. Tennant, Lord Tennant to some, was wanted for questioning related to the collusion between Sotheby´s and Christies.

I wonder whether the Lord will the next one on a plane.

Of course he is a Lord so maybe. Wait a second, he can use the bad health card. It worked for Pinochet when he was under threat of extradition from the UK to Spain............it still works for Pinochet!

Pope vows to uphold tough stance

2005-05-08T17:40:00.000Z

Why would anyone be surprised that he is continuing with this policy? It was his policy in the first place, for goodness sake!

He has been head of the Vatican Inquisition for, what, 18 years?

Sounds like orthodoxy was his thing.

Related links:
Pope vows to uphold tough stance

UK's new cabinet

2005-05-07T11:48:00.000Z

6 women out of 21 Ministers. That does not sound like moving to equality, mirroring society!

Related links:
The new cabinet

'Portrait' of a rational Quixote

2005-05-05T07:16:00.000Z

An good review of one of the great novels, in its 400th anniversary.

GM shares jump on Kerkorian offer

2005-05-04T20:32:00.000Z

I have a suggestion for Mr. Kerkorian. Hire Carlos Ghosn, now CEO of Renault/Nissan, pay him a $100 million sign on bonus, with a multi-million salary, if possible linked to share price increases, announce his appointment, wait a few minutes for the shares to go up some percent, and sell for billions and make millions of $$$ in profits.

A good investment!

Related links:
GM shares jump on Kerkorian offer

Paris and Tokyo get tough on fusion reactor

2005-05-04T15:17:00.000Z

There continues to be a disagreement between France and Japan about the final location of this reactor. Both want it, both have supporters, neither want to concede.

Solution? Choose a third location completely unrelated to both these two, so no Europe and no Asia.

How about Tegucigalpa or La Paz?

Related links:
EU gets tough on fusion reactor

Travel - Jordan - Feeling Petra-fied

2005-04-29T08:03:00.000Z

Amazing to see and highly recommended.....I hope to do so very soon.

UK Attorney General advice on Iraq

2005-04-28T11:09:00.000Z

Why is not Iraq's hard factual evidence of non-cooperation and actual obstruction rather than hard physical evidence of arms sufficient to legally justify war?

After all, the ceasefire they signed in the first Iraqui war and many UN resolutions talk about complete cooperation being required. Not only did we not see cooperation but we saw actual obstruction from Iraq.

We had plenty of hard and clear evidence of Iraqui non-compliance!

Saddam in Good Spirits on Eve of Birthday

2005-04-27T20:35:00.000Z

No wonder he is in high spirits. Another birthday which his sons will not benefit from, or the hundreds of thousands of Iraquis which died at his hands.

Related links:
Lawyer: Saddam in Good Spirits on Eve of Birthday

Last Syrian Troops Pull Out of Lebanon

2005-04-27T20:24:00.000Z

The Syrians haven't taken everyone out of Lebanon, have they? I don't believe that...

Related links:
Last Syrian Troops Pull Out of Lebanon

World's Biggest Airliner Completes Maiden Flight

2005-04-27T20:17:00.000Z

Have you seen the impressive pictures and videos released with the spacious interiors, the large bathrooms with showers, a bar area. It really wants to make you fly with this new airline.

The reality is that they will pack in as many micro seats as they can, with the same micro bathrooms and more revenue.

Welcome to the cattle trade!

Related links:
World's Biggest Airliner Completes Maiden Flight

Cadbury's boss shuns 'traffic light' labels

2005-04-27T13:03:00.000Z

Mr. Stitzer thinks it is over the top to have "traffic light" descriptions on food labelling. He clearly thinks it is an inconvenience to his company to have to engage in these sorts of things.

"People have a responsibility to take care of themselves..." he says.

I agree, we do, but do we have responsibility to learn terms such as Emulsifiers, stabilizers, gelling agents and thickeners, preservatives, antioxidants, flavour enhancers......to name a few?

I would suggest his superiors have a word with him and send him to "customer needs" lessons. I could say worse, but I won't!

See FT Article (subscription required).

The DaVinci Code is coming to your screens

2005-04-27T09:25:00.000Z

I am NOT looking forward to the forthcoming hollywood movie "The DaVinci Code".

The last time Tom Hanks starred in a mega hit in book sales was "The Bonfire of the Vanities"...........what a dud!

The UK Chancellor's 5 Euro tests

2005-04-27T09:22:00.000Z

Why is it that the UK Chancelor put into place tests that evaluate whether the UK would be better off by being in the Euro?

Why not the lower standard of not being worse off?

Is this a measure of this support for entry, I wonder.

Higher electronics sales and the industry is not happy

2005-04-26T03:27:00.000Z

There has been a boom in electronics sales, but the industry is not happy, as it has come accompanied with a fall in prices.

Um...is there not a coincidence here? Higher sales and falling prices, or vice versa. And with this higher volume, likely lower unit costs.

Maybe the industry should take the hint and lower prices some more!

Prodi does not know Europe

2005-04-26T03:09:00.000Z

Just goes to show you that just being President of the European Commission doesn´t make you any more knowledgeable than the rest of us.

Prodi predicts the end of Europe unless the French vote YES in their forthcoming referendum on the EU Constitution.

What a load of codswallop!

I understand that European politicians may be getting nervous with all those French polls saying that they will vote NO, but lets not overreact guys!

Siemens argues against subsidies

2005-04-26T02:46:00.000Z

Nice to see the Head of Siemens arguing against all those subsidies and propping up failing European companies. Does that mean that he won't be holding out his hand any more for subsidies?

Oh, and what about those tightly controlled government contracts which Siemens benefits from, will they go as well?

He also thinks that investments/subsidies in new tchnologies is good and should be reinforced. A coincidence with Siemens' business...just a coincidence of course.

Textile products from China

2005-04-25T19:52:00.000Z

European taxpayers......hold onto your wallets! I would much rather buy cheaper textiles from China and give a part of what I save to help unemployed textile workers to retrain for other jobs, and even for them to stay at home.

It will be much cheaper that way and we will have much less illegal immigration from China. Pareto optimum.

Links relacionados:
Chirac seeks to salvage EU constitution

Open letter from the Pope to Spain's Zapatero

2005-04-22T11:56:00.000Z

Dear Mr. President,

I write to express our concern and outrage at the disgraceful, immoral, inexplicable decision of your government to force through the Spanish Parliament yesterday. As you should know, marriage is a holy sacrament between a man and a woman blessed by God and for the sole purpose of bringing into the world new generations of christian believers.

If you don't stop this you will be sorry.

Best regards.

....well, this could have been the letter sent by the previous Pope. I wonder what this 'new' one will send.

Director Muti Considers Future in America

2005-04-19T18:56:00.000Z

This is an important gain for Chicago and for the Chicago music scene!

Related links:
Director Muti Considers Future in America

McCartney Plans U.S. Tour

2005-04-19T18:54:00.000Z

Sounds like I really need to be traveling outside the US during those dates!

Related links:
McCartney Plans U.S. Tour

German Doctrinal Overseer Ratzinger Elected Pope

2005-04-19T17:39:00.000Z

More of the same!

The positive side? He is 78 years old so we should not expect another 26 years in power. Let's hope he follows his boss and doesn't go beyond his 86th year.

Big loser: Father Hans Kung. Biggest loser: world catholism!

Related links:
German Doctrinal Overseer Ratzinger Elected Pope
Hans Kung: Vatican Rehab or Challenge to Change?

Cardinals Seek Divine Inspiration for Conclave

2005-04-18T09:35:00.000Z

Recently, there have been many elections, Ukraine, the Spanish referendum for the EU constitution, this weekend the Basque regional elections, the Vatican election for the new Pope, and coming shortly a few other referenda for the EU constitution...

The Holy Spirit has been and will continue to be very busy with all these elections giving inspiration to voters.

Or is it that his or her election services are reserved for very special case(s)?

Related links:
Cardinals Seek Divine Inspiration for Conclave

Should Bolton be confirmed as US Ambassador to the UN

2005-04-17T21:00:00.000Z

Two issues, is he going to the UN to close it down or to 'improve' it?

It is clear that the UN needs improvement and, sometimes, a bull in the china shop is needed.

On the other hand, if he is NOT confirmed, where will he go next? To the National Security Council, setting policy and making things happen?

Sounds like he should be approved!

Swiss signal support for EU choice to head WTO

2005-04-16T15:19:00.000Z

It looks like the French are about to do it again. They are about to get another major, high-profile international position for one of their nationals.

Of course, they have so much success in these matters because they do nominate quality candidates and Pascal Lamy as new head of the World Trade Organisation is clearly one of those.

Then they use their polished 'diplomacy' and there you have it!

Related links:
Swiss signal support for EU choice to head WTO
Lamy ahead after first round of WTO polling

Apple's iPod

2005-04-14T20:49:00.000Z

I know everyone is raving about Apple's success with its iPod products and with the, related, iTunes music download business, but I will make a prediction.

In five years time, Apple's products and business (both the iPods and the iTunes) will not have more than 10% of either market!

Related links:
The New iPod

Students graduate with £13,500 debt

2005-04-14T09:39:00.000Z

Is this really so much to set you up for a lifetime of career opportunitites?

Related links:
Students graduate with £13,500 debt

Background Note: Zimbabwe

2005-04-14T09:08:00.000Z

They just had their election but they do not have any type of democracy!

US State Department Backgroud Note: Holy See

2005-04-13T14:57:00.000Z

Appropriate at this time

Spears reveals that she's pregnant

2005-04-13T08:58:00.000Z

The child may be being born to a mother with a lot of money......but poor kid!

Obituary: Andrea Dworkin

2005-04-13T08:42:00.000Z

A passing which should not be left to go unnoticed. She made an important impact in the world of women's rights!

Chirac seeks to salvage EU constitution

2005-04-13T08:40:00.000Z

Much has been written about the disaster for Europe if the French vote NO in their forthcoming referendum on the European Constitution.

I am not so sure. A no vote would probably lead to meetings to make some changes that would be appealing to the French, nothing new. Anyway, if the Constitution does not go ahead, we would be exactly where we are now and the politicians would find a way of putting this thing back on their track.

Nothing seems to have been written about the disaster that would occur if the French vote YES.

President Chirac would be ride a wave of success, he would stand for reelection as President and he would win.

Another five years of Chirac? Now there is a disaster!

Related links:
Chirac seeks to salvage EU constitution

Swing to Ratzinger boosts chance of becoming Pope

2005-04-13T08:29:00.000Z

Mr Inquisition himself! At least he won't be around for too long.

Related links:
Swing to Ratzinger boosts chance of becoming Pope

Saudi Arabia.....still a US ally

2005-04-12T21:18:00.000Z

There they go again. The US government is sending out the messages about having to support 'our ally' Saudi Arabia. They acknowledge that there are problems there (thanks for that) but they are to be supported.

It looks like my idea that Saudi Arabia should have been invaded instead or Iraq, and the oil then could have been distributed between the Saudi people and a regional fund.

The Saudi people would be better off (with democracy and a distribution of oil proceeds to them) and the region would be better off (with a regional fund to distribute oil proceeds to the people of the region).

The only losers would be the 5,000 princes and al Qaeda, who would not have any support left. No loss!

Internet Users More Accepting of Spam

2005-04-11T04:03:00.000Z

Is it that they are more accepting or is it that they don't know what they can do about it?

Related links:
Yahoo! News - Internet Users More Accepting of Spam

Daimler boosted by victory over Kerkorian

2005-04-09T22:35:00.000Z

The judge Judge Joseph Farnan Jr said Mr Kerkorian and his Tracinda investment vehicle were sophisticated investors and should not have been taken in by a "promotional phrase" such as a merger of equals.

Does this mean that lies are allowable, as long as you are not supposed to believe them?

Daimler clearly stated that it was a merger of equals, they saved themselves a merger premium (and, indeed, they achieved a deal, as Kirkorian always said Chrysler was not for sale) and they behaved as if they made a purchase from the moment the deal closed.

Sounds to me like Kirkorian had a case, as all those non-professional investors who were taken in and were not considered by the Judge.

Related links:
FT.com / Home UK - Daimler boosted by victory over Kerkorian

Havas, Group M Strike Media Buying Alliance

2005-04-09T20:42:00.000Z

Sounds like the only way to get in amongst those French companies.

If you can't beat them....

Tuscan chill-out

2005-04-09T20:35:00.000Z

Not just chill out.......beauty!

Mandelson accused of spin

2005-04-06T12:13:00.000Z

I am shocked, shocked that Peter Mandelson, European Union Trade Commissioner has been accused of spin!

US State Department: Sudan (04/05)

2005-04-06T05:47:00.000Z

Travel - Victoria - Australia - Feasts for the senses

2005-04-06T04:27:00.000Z

Sounds very appealing and worth trying...

Who should be the next Pope

2005-04-05T13:16:00.000Z

I am ready for the Nigerian candidate,Cardinal Francis Arinze. He is 70 years old, so hopefully will not be around for more than 10 years, good diversity, from Africa, a suffering continent, and has bridged the divide with the muslim world, a continuing issue for the world today.

The Honduran, Cardinal Oscar Andres Rodríguez Madariaga, is in his sixties and too young, otherwise we will have another one that will outstay his welcome. Anyway, he is young enough to come around next time. Where Latin America has its turn.

The Italian cardinals, who believe they have a diving right to the post, presumably because the Vatican is set in Rome and that Latin is the official religion, need to see it going elsewhere. After three non-italians in a row, they should begin to realise that it is not their prize to enjoy.

Related links:
Profile: Cardinal Francis Arinze

Europe negotiates hard with China on textile imports

2005-04-05T13:11:00.000Z

I have a simple quiz, which do we prefer, importing Chinese textiles OR receiving Chinese immigrants (legal AND illegal)?

It has to be one of these choices!

The death of a reactionary

2005-04-04T11:00:00.000Z

Finally, after many years, we see the back of this reactionary. It has been a long time coming.

I understand that he runs a club called the Catholic Church and can set his own rules. His club, his rules. But his rules have created much disinformation, pain, suffering, lies and death.

The world is better off without this eccentric.

One good thing about him. He was influential in supporting the Polish union movement and the resulting opening up in the East.

If it is true that his God exists, let us hope he gives this individual all he deserves.

Related links:
Obituary: Pope John Paul II
Pope has surgery to aid breathing
It's their club and the Vatican sets the rules

Obituary - Lord Roll of Ipsden

2005-04-01T08:01:00.000Z

Another in the long line of trusted advisors, from way back, has left us.

The death knell for the trusted advisor has been marked for a while and is much lamented by those of us who believe that there is still a need for the trusted advisor and not just what we have now, the highly qualified and able dealmaker.

Unfortunately, Michel David-Weill the Chairman and from the old guard finally agreed to the ultimate deal-doer, Bruce Wasserstein and let his 'family' firm go the way of everyone else.

Hopefully, once this deal is done, some of the old guard will set up a new firm, or maybe that is what Rothschilds is around for.

Related links:
Lord Roll of Ipsden

Brain-damaged Terri Schiavo dies

2005-03-31T15:52:00.000Z

They said that she died years ago...!

Pounds 10m prize on offer for UK's most e-aware city

2005-03-31T12:37:00.000Z

Sounds like the prize should go to the least aware, for education to make them e-aware.

Related links:
Pounds 10m prize on offer for UK's most e-aware city

Charles says he hates photo shoots

2005-03-31T12:32:00.000Z

So what Mr. Windsor, and I hate having to subsidize you, your farms, and your family.

So shut it and get on with it!

Related links:
Charles slips up on slopes with PR gaffe

Swank pays price

2005-03-31T12:30:00.000Z

Finally, she pays her deserved fine. She may not have been aware of the fact that many countries (including her own) have limitations on the bringing in food and fruit.

This is a perfectly reasonable policy, in order to protect the domestic produce from imported viruses, etc.

She should have paid up and shut up!

Related links:
Swank pays price

12 days without food: Schiavo's parents' new appeal

2005-03-31T12:28:00.000Z

There has been much talk recently about living wills which declares whether you want to be kept alive by machines.

The question I have is who decides when death comes and when it is time to pull the plug?

Hostile takeover in France

2005-03-31T07:38:00.000Z

A hostile, highly leveraged takeover offer for a Parisian icon, financed by debt, pas posible...must be stopped!

Hold on. The bidders are French backed by a French bank? Oh well, that's all right then, please proceed.

Another French champion protected.....tre bien!

Four bidders clash for $3 bln Cesky Telecom stake

2005-03-29T18:23:00.000Z

I have a couple of questions for Stanislav Gross, the Czech Prime Minister.

Do you believe that the governments of Belgium and Switzerland manage their telecommunications businesses better than you? If so, fine.

If not, then why do you have Belgacom and Swisscom, two State-owned telecom companies on your shortlist to buy Cesky Telecom?

Related links:
Four bidders clash for $3 bln Cesky Telecom stake
Cesky Telecom Corporate site

Ruud Lubbers and Dutch women

2005-03-29T07:46:00.000Z

What's all this about Ruud Lubbers and his sexual harassment charges which forced him to resign as the UN High Commissioner for Refugees?

This man rose to become Prime Minister of The Netherlands and almost became President of the European Commission.

Did he suffer a personality change recently or do Dutch women take a different view of these things? It would be interesting to know whether it is indeed a latter life change in behaviour or if this sort of thing goes on a lot and is not considered that bad in The Netherlands.

Related links:
Lubbers quits over UN sex claims
Lubbers defiant over UN sex claim

Jonathan King freed from prison

2005-03-29T07:44:00.000Z

Even though he continues to proclaim his innocence and says that his appeal will exonorate him, he was found guilty of molesting boys and sentenced to seven years. Is three and a half years enough punishment for such a very serious crime?

Related links:
Jonathan King freed from prison

Friend says shooter had threatened violence at school before

2005-03-24T06:14:00.000Z

Now he tells us?! Will they never learn to speak up when they see the signs...

And he was a Neo Nazi. Just like Hitler, he was a member of a club that would have excluded him, just because of how he looks, let alone his background. Sounds like Groucho Marx and would be funny, if it wasn't so tragic!

Related links:
Friend says shooter had threatened violence at school before

Italy Magazine - The no.1 Magazine for lovers of all things Italian

2005-03-23T16:42:00.000Z

For those that share my love for this country...

Same face builds trust, not lust

2005-03-23T10:04:00.000Z

This really does explain a lot...the bag of genes that we humans are behave with darwinian logic yet again.

Similar facial features make people trust, but not fancy, each other, research has suggested.

Of 144 students studied, the majority picked individuals who most looked like them to be the most trustworthy.

But when it came to sexual attraction, most picked those with differing facial characteristics, said psychologists at Aberdeen University.

Related links:
Trustworthy not lustworthy - University of Aberdeen
Research wesite
Same face builds trust, not lust

Kidman's 'date' with Gaddafi

2005-03-22T16:26:00.000Z

Well done Nic. You showed him that choice is a part of our system!

Related links:
Kidman's 'date'with Gaddafi
Nic dines with Gaddafi

Memo to European Finance Ministers

2005-03-21T20:18:00.000Z

From: Joaquín Almunia, European Commissioner for Economic and Monetary Affairs

Do whatever the hell you want!

Related links:
EU agrees to ease fiscal rules

Are professional sports just a game or much more?

2005-03-21T15:25:00.000Z

Much was heard in the recent steroid hearings in the US Congress about the fact that professional sports are 'just a game'.

Is that all professional sport is, a game.........or is it much, much more?

Caffeine Impairs Sugar Metabolism

2005-03-20T11:07:00.000Z

I think I will wait for further study, before I put away my expresso cup.

Related links:
Caffeine Impairs Sugar Metabolism

What Is a Journalist?

2005-03-20T10:57:00.000Z

Of course, the professionals want to protect their hard won priviledges and invitations and passes. Why would they want to open it up to others.

And, as they control the content on the airways and the newspapers, they will be the ones to decide.

Related links:
What Is a Journalist?

H.D.S. Greenway: Ireland's thugs

2005-03-20T10:52:00.000Z

A good summary of various thugs...

Related links:
H.D.S. Greenway: Ireland's thugs

Wolfowitz says he won't impose US agenda on bank

2005-03-20T10:48:00.000Z

He also says that he will be doing much listening. Does that mean that the World Bank will NOT be getting the change it desperately needs.

The World Bank's activities over the years demand new ways of thinking and of doing!

Wolfowitz is a bull in a china shop which at least promised a change. Is he going to take it easy?

Related links:
Wolfowitz says he won't impose US agenda on bank

Virginity pledgers increase STD risks

2005-03-20T10:28:00.000Z

The triumph of image over actuality. Just like the United States of America!

Related links:
Virginity pledgers increase STD risks

Nic dines with Gaddafi

2005-03-20T10:20:00.000Z

Well done Nic. By the way, did you have the time to ask your dinner companion how many people his regime sacrified in order to pay for the dinner and his playboy lifestyle?

Related links:
Nic dines with Gaddafi

Python musical scores applause

2005-03-20T10:18:00.000Z

This show should either take you back to a great time or introduce you to the cradle of much of great comedy. Either way, well worth a visit! I haven't yet...

Related links:
Python musical scores applause

Back from a short sabbatical!

2005-03-20T10:16:00.000Z

Forbes World's Richest People

2005-03-11T10:30:00.000Z

Even to be 500th you need $1.4 billion!

Forbes World's Richest

Spanish Muslims issue fatwa on bin Laden

2005-03-11T09:54:00.000Z

Get's his own back!

Related links:
Spanish Muslims issue fatwa on bin Laden

Full text of IRA statement

2005-03-10T13:01:00.000Z

I cannot see what the surprise is all about. Here is a bunch of thugs acting like a bunch of thugs!

Related links:
Full text of IRA statement

Hizbollah Rally to Underline Lebanese Rift on Syria

2005-03-08T11:34:00.000Z

They have paid for this support. Now they are getting their money's worth!

Related links:
Hizbollah Rally to Underline Lebanese Rift on Syria

A faith in stone

2005-03-08T10:52:00.000Z

From extraordinary cathedrals marking the end of the pilgrims' road to Roman temples, Spain has a wonderful assortment of monuments to faith for visitors to discover

Impossible to argue...

RElated links:
A faith in stone

Message to Bashir Assad of Syria

2005-03-08T10:37:00.000Z

Thanks, but not enough!

Related links:
Syria begins Lebanese pull-back

Sgrena Suggests She May Have Been US Target

2005-03-07T09:21:00.000Z

I wonder whether in Sgrena's view paying a ransom to terrorists is OK, she doesn't say.

She does say this, however:

"Everyone knows that the Americans don't want hostages to be freed by negotiations, and for that reason, I don't see why I should rule out that I was their target,"

Oh come on! This shows a clear anti-Americanism but not great journalism. Maybe, why not, can't rule out; conclusion: they did it!

Related links:
Sgrena Suggests She May Have Been US Target

The Office tops comedy show vote

2005-03-06T20:14:00.000Z

Here is another poll, and they continue to ask many with limited or no historical memory or knowledge.

How can Friends be on the list at all, let alone the top US show? These must be joke answers on the US front.

What about Get Smart, The Addams Family, F Troup?

The Office tops comedy show vote

Secondhand Smoke leading workplace killer

2005-03-06T19:57:00.000Z

And there are still those that try to deny the evidence..........of course when a drug addict talks, it is the drug talking!

Related links:
Major New Evidence on Secondhand Smoke

Democratic dominoes continue falling

2005-03-06T11:05:00.000Z

The White House clique appears to have chosen well their democratic dominoes in the Middle East. After Iraq, and Bush's post election speeches, many countries were concerned about what that clique would do next.

It did not seem that they were ready for another invasion, particularly of Iran, so their next step was always going to be interesting. And then someone goes and assassinates Hariri, the former Prime Minister of Lebanon.

If this really was the work of the Syrians, or their local representatives, they have scored a spectacular own goal. No wonder some are saying that it was the work of their usual suspects in the region, the CIA and/or the Israeli secret service. Both of these are could be argued to be potential winners and the Syrians monumental losers.

Lebanon always had an underlying streak of independance, all they needed was a common cause and some hope for international support. Now they have both of these.

They already have their first scalp, the resignation of the pro-Syrian Lebanese government.

Even Hezbollah, the Shia party/terrorists who receive support from both Syria and Iran, are staying neutral on the issue of Syrian withdrawal. While Hezbollah may not want to upset one of their backers, they have moved into politics over the last few years and they do not relish being seen to stand on the side of a foreign power and against the Lebanese people.

My prediction on Hezbollah is that they will be forced to side with the Lebanese people and will ask for a timetable for Syrian withdrawal. Of course, given past promises, a strict timeline is the only thing that would convince.

Hezbollah's closest philosophical relationship is with Iran and they will not alienate the Lebanese people by backing the Syrians.

So it looks like the Bushies will get Syria out of Lebanon, they will get an election, and they will claim their second democracy. All with a bit of sabre-rattling.

Afghanistan, Iraq, Lebanon.....not bad going, they must be thinking!

International Crisis Group - Coca, Drugs and social Protest in Bolivia and Peru

2005-03-05T16:24:00.000Z

Bolivia and Peru are becoming a second, though compared to Colombia still relatively small-scale, pole of cocaine production in the Andes, feeding in particular a growing Latin American market in addition to the traditional U.S. and European markets. At least as significantly, the policies emphasised there in pursuit of the U.S.-led war on drugs are aggravating social tensions with potentially explosive results for the extremely fragile democratic institutions of both countries. If these trends are to be reversed, new and better funded policies are needed that put greater emphasis on alternative development and institution building, less on forced eradication, and that demonstrate more sensitivity to local culture. The proposed new U.S. budget, however, goes in the wrong direction.

See full Press Release and full Report.

International Crisis Group - CrisisWatch for March, 2005

2005-03-05T16:19:00.000Z

CrisisWatch, for March, 2005

International Crisis Group - Understanding Islamism

2005-03-05T16:17:00.000Z

An important Report on a very hot topic...

International Crisis Group - Understanding Islamism
Full Report

The Spy Who Would Rule Peru

2005-03-05T15:57:00.000Z

Vladimiro Montesinos, the spy who was almost king, is now an inmate in a prison he ordered built while his power was unchallenged. It is inside the Peruvian navy's main base in Callao.

See full Article.

Unprecedented Opportunity - democracy in the Middle East

2005-03-05T15:52:00.000Z

I hate to say it but....

See full Interview with Rami Khouri, a veteran editor and reporter who currently serves as editor-at-large for the Lebanese English language newspaper, The Daily Star.

J. Lo is Low Down: Animals are Skinned Alive for Their Fur

2005-03-05T15:41:00.000Z

Enough to boycott all of her products: music, movies, restaurant, perfume, designs, etc., if an additional excuse were needed.

She should be ashamed of herself!

Related links:
J. Lo is Low Down: Animals are Skinned Alive for Their Fur

Toledo - In the city of swords

2005-03-05T15:37:00.000Z

One fo the great day or weekend trips out of Madrid. Well worth the exploration.

Related links:
In the city of swords

'A rose by any other name...' in Spanish

2005-03-05T15:35:00.000Z

Barcelona when they celebrate St Jordi (St. George) is a good excuse to visit a beautiful city and its surrounds. Any excuse will do.

And as an old friend would say, Barca is on the Medi...

Related links:
'A rose by any other name...' in Spanish

Ukraine Ex-president in storm over killing

2005-03-05T15:08:00.000Z

First a democratic election and then the rule of law begins to bite. This is how it happens, and the authoritarians don't like it.

Related links:
Ex-president in storm over killing

Smoking ban pays off

2005-03-05T10:05:00.000Z

All the evidence around the world is that business is better without smoking. We just need to give the market what they want......no smoke.

It is about time that companies got on with offering customers what they want (and what they need) rather than always waiting for government to step in.

Related links:
Smoking ban pays off

Pro-lifers push Mississippi to brink of becoming first abortion-free state in US

2005-03-05T10:04:00.000Z

Sounds like a good business for travel agents for travel to neighbouring states. The poor will be the ones that suffer, as usual.

But the poor have never been much of a concern to anti-abortionists everywhere!

Related links:
Pro-lifers push Mississippi to brink of becoming first abortion-free state in US

Is it creeping into the Telegraph?

2005-03-05T10:01:00.000Z

What the hell is this phrase supposed to mean: Edouard Stern was born on October 18 1954, the son of a Jewish father and a French mother?

Was his father French or Israeli or what?

Related links:
Edouard Stern - Obituary.

Peter Malkin, the Israeli who captured Eichmann - Obituary

2005-03-05T09:57:00.000Z

Eichmann deserved his fate and it is a shame that other nazis, some still out there, have not received their deserved justice!

There is a still relevant message which needs to be repeated: "Evil does not exist in isolation, it is a product of amorality by consensus."

Related links:
Peter Malkin - Obituary

Corleone top film criminal

2005-03-05T09:31:00.000Z

Shouldn't there be some sort of test first, before answers are collated as the definitive. Otherwise you really do get useless answers.

How can you have a list of fim criminals and leave out the original Max Cady, Robert Mitchum (Cape Fear), or him again as Rev. Harry Powell in The Night of the Hunter, or James Cagney as Cody Jarret in White Heat, or Anthony Perkins as Norman Bates, in Psycho.

The list goes on and on. People don't seem to believe that movies existed before 1980.

Related links:
Corleone top film criminal
American Film Institute's list

US troops shoot freed journo

2005-03-05T08:58:00.000Z

While it is important to have an investigation, if it is true that they rushed a checkpoint without stopping, with all due respect to Prime Minister Berlusconi, it is hardly surprising that their car was fired upon. They are lucky most of them made it out alive!

Related links:
US troops shoot freed journo

Why aren't we all venture capitalists?

2005-02-28T09:06:00.000Z

Ever wonder how venture capitalists have been able to outbid others, including companies in the same business, and STILL make significant returns?

Even outbidding those companies that eventually buy those same companies from the venture capitalist, and still generate return on investment above what most companies can.

The venture capitalist's secret is that they hire the best management, pay them for successful performance and finance as much as possible by cheap debt.

The rest is gravy.

Take over the company, use as much debt as possible, make it efficient, both in revenues and in costs, including investing for the future, keep a tight control over surplus cash, and sell a strong, well run company at a full price. Repay the cheap debt and be left with 30%, 40%, even 200% return on the small capital invested in the first place.

We can all be venture capitalists.

Invest in companies, hire good management, pay them significantly on performance, maximize the cheap debt the company uses (which also keeps management on their toes), invest for the future, build the business, and return ALL excess cash to shareholders, as soon as it is generated.

Return on equity invested will skyrocket, just like the venture capitalists do!

So when I hear about a company that has repaid all its debt, I am hearing about a comfortable management and a low return on equity.

When I hear about a company with surplus cash which it doesn't know what to do with, (make an acquisition, keep it for security....I don't know...), I am hearing about a comfortable management and a low return on equity, likely to make an empire-building and expensive acquisition.

Let us all be venture capitalists. Our bottom line will benefit!