Time does not respond to my entreaties, so there is no time for details.
Mason Jennings concert
Herkimer - Red Fly Marzen
Good times with Ziyad & Jenny, Jose, and neighbors
My first all-grain brew
Bought a wine kit that makes 30 x 750ml
Borat
Chocolate and wine tasting at International Market Square with the Klinkers
Beer extravaganza at John & Jo's at 11:11 on 11/11
List of Beers:
Ichabod Pumpkin Ale
Archadia IPA
Stella Artois
Big Sky Crystal Ale
Anchor Steam Liberty Ale
Pyramid Thunderhead IPA
James Page Burly Brown Ale
Summit Great Northern Porter
Bell's Stout? The head was brown!
I'm forgetting one.
In other news Paul, Tim, and I have formed a denomination that meets every Sunday morning.
Marye and I leave for Nebraska after work today. We will stay the night with the Ritz house in Ames, progress to the Living History Farm race, continue to Omaha, and finish our journey in Hastings, Nebraska, where we will consume mass quantities of food.
Friday, November 17, 2006
Friday, November 03, 2006
Halloween with Conan O'Brien
I watched Conan on October 31. The sound was a rerun of a previous show but the people were replaced with skeleton marionettes. Brilliant.
In the year two thousand...
In an effort to eliminate the middleman, White Castle will start grinding up meat and spraying it directly onto the inside of toilets.
In the year two thousand...
In an effort to eliminate the middleman, White Castle will start grinding up meat and spraying it directly onto the inside of toilets.
Cut Chemist
On Wednesday night 89.3 The Current played 30 minutes of uninterrupted fresh beats from guest DJ Cut Chemist, who has a new CD called The Audience's Listening.
Butt Sex
The Rev. Ted Haggard, the former president of the National Association of Evangelicals and one of the nation’s most influential Christian leaders, has conceded that some of the accusations that led him to resign are true, a church official said today.
What are the allegations?
A former male prostitute in Denver said in television and radio interviews that he had had a three-year sexual relationship with Mr. Haggard.
Mr. Haggard, who is married and has five children, had initially denied the accusation, saying in a television interview: “I am steady with my wife. I’m faithful to my wife.”
He also said he had never met the man making the accusation.
The evangelical association states on its Web site that homosexual sex is condemned by Scripture, and Mr. Haggard has advocated passage of an amendment to the United States Constitution to ban same-sex marriage.
What are the allegations?
A former male prostitute in Denver said in television and radio interviews that he had had a three-year sexual relationship with Mr. Haggard.
Mr. Haggard, who is married and has five children, had initially denied the accusation, saying in a television interview: “I am steady with my wife. I’m faithful to my wife.”
He also said he had never met the man making the accusation.
The evangelical association states on its Web site that homosexual sex is condemned by Scripture, and Mr. Haggard has advocated passage of an amendment to the United States Constitution to ban same-sex marriage.
Wednesday, November 01, 2006
Macalester Is Wonderful
Friday evening we attended the Macalester men's football match versus the Hamline Pipers. It was the first time I had seen the new artificial turf. That's right, no more grass.
Final Score
Macalester 3 - Hamline 2
"The mighty hoof of Dark Goat descended from the skies and answered our prayers. And there was much rejoicing." --Andrew "Grimace" Virden ('96), Leader of Mac Soccer Superfan Society
Grimace was at the match, inspiring future generations of superfans.
I heard few new cheers. Here are two of them:
Macalester's the besticle.
Punch them in the testicle.
Yo baby, yo baby, yo baby, yo
you gots to be a Scot or you gots to go
Here are some other good ones:
give me an S
S
give me an ampersand
ampersand
give me an M
M
what's that spell
domination
who ate all the pie
that fat bastard, that fat bastard, he ate all the pie
And of course the classic:
drink blood
smoke crack
worship satan
go mac
The fans count down to 4:20 on the scoreboard clock, which then shows graphics of balloons and streamers.
Notables in attendence...
Mr. Furious and Mrs. Happy
Tim
Paul
Derek and Kat
Ian Ritz (who imposed on the silent cheer by talking informatively about the transportation amendment)
After the game, we progressed to the Groveland Tap, where we enjoyed Summit Winter Ales. After leaving the bar, I was tempted to look in the dumpster at SuperAmerica. I didn't see any donuts but I did see a few cookies. I ripped open the garbage bag and procured an M&M cookie. Somewhere along the thought process, I decided the cookie was a frisbee and I threw it at Tim. I didn't intend to strike him directly below his left eye; however, several winter ales apparently do not tolerate inaccuracy. Sorry Tim. Hopefully you can remove the eyepatch soon. Kids, don't operate heavy machinery or throw cookies if you are under the influence of a few beers.
Final Score
Macalester 3 - Hamline 2
"The mighty hoof of Dark Goat descended from the skies and answered our prayers. And there was much rejoicing." --Andrew "Grimace" Virden ('96), Leader of Mac Soccer Superfan Society
Grimace was at the match, inspiring future generations of superfans.
I heard few new cheers. Here are two of them:
Macalester's the besticle.
Punch them in the testicle.
Yo baby, yo baby, yo baby, yo
you gots to be a Scot or you gots to go
Here are some other good ones:
give me an S
S
give me an ampersand
ampersand
give me an M
M
what's that spell
domination
who ate all the pie
that fat bastard, that fat bastard, he ate all the pie
And of course the classic:
drink blood
smoke crack
worship satan
go mac
The fans count down to 4:20 on the scoreboard clock, which then shows graphics of balloons and streamers.
Notables in attendence...
Mr. Furious and Mrs. Happy
Tim
Paul
Derek and Kat
Ian Ritz (who imposed on the silent cheer by talking informatively about the transportation amendment)
After the game, we progressed to the Groveland Tap, where we enjoyed Summit Winter Ales. After leaving the bar, I was tempted to look in the dumpster at SuperAmerica. I didn't see any donuts but I did see a few cookies. I ripped open the garbage bag and procured an M&M cookie. Somewhere along the thought process, I decided the cookie was a frisbee and I threw it at Tim. I didn't intend to strike him directly below his left eye; however, several winter ales apparently do not tolerate inaccuracy. Sorry Tim. Hopefully you can remove the eyepatch soon. Kids, don't operate heavy machinery or throw cookies if you are under the influence of a few beers.
Tuesday, October 31, 2006
Macalester's the Besticle
Preview.
Last week I attended the North American Hazardous Materials Management Association (NAHMMA) conference. On Friday night we watched the Scotsmen on the pitch against the Hamline Pipers. Afterwards, we visited the Groveland Tap. On Saturday we cheered on the Scots cross country teams at the MIAC championships. Then we went to the Pavlish pad where we had fun fun fun times. On Sunday we played frisbee golf at Acorn.
Last week I attended the North American Hazardous Materials Management Association (NAHMMA) conference. On Friday night we watched the Scotsmen on the pitch against the Hamline Pipers. Afterwards, we visited the Groveland Tap. On Saturday we cheered on the Scots cross country teams at the MIAC championships. Then we went to the Pavlish pad where we had fun fun fun times. On Sunday we played frisbee golf at Acorn.
Friday, October 20, 2006
Beer and Kung-Fu
Here's a look at some of the beers I've drank recently.
Days ago villager Tim Pavlish, Jose, Marye, and I went to the Muddy Pig to enjoy their selection of beer.
-Rush River Lost Arrow Porter
-Young's Double Chocolate Stout (a sip of Jose's beer)
-HeBrew Genesis 10:10 (10 malts, 10 hops, craziness)
-Summit Oktoberfest
Yesterday, coworker John, Marye, and I went to Barley John's Brew Pub.
First Beer
-Dark Knight Returns (stored in a second usage bourbon barrel - yeah baby)
Sampler Quaffed While Ruminating an Angus Beef Burger
-Little Barley Bitter
-Stockyard IPA
-Oktoberfest
-Wild Brunette
-Old Eight Porter
This is good beer. Wow.
Then we joined Liz and Paul at the Walker Art Center where we watched the kung-fu movie My Young Auntie for free. Yes.
Days ago villager Tim Pavlish, Jose, Marye, and I went to the Muddy Pig to enjoy their selection of beer.
-Rush River Lost Arrow Porter
-Young's Double Chocolate Stout (a sip of Jose's beer)
-HeBrew Genesis 10:10 (10 malts, 10 hops, craziness)
-Summit Oktoberfest
Yesterday, coworker John, Marye, and I went to Barley John's Brew Pub.
First Beer
-Dark Knight Returns (stored in a second usage bourbon barrel - yeah baby)
Sampler Quaffed While Ruminating an Angus Beef Burger
-Little Barley Bitter
-Stockyard IPA
-Oktoberfest
-Wild Brunette
-Old Eight Porter
This is good beer. Wow.
Then we joined Liz and Paul at the Walker Art Center where we watched the kung-fu movie My Young Auntie for free. Yes.
Ames Pilgrammage
On October 7 the Klinkers and the Knudsons traveled south to Ames, Iowa, for the Huskers-Cyclones football game at 7pm. It was a beautiful day for football: the high temperature reached eighty, the landscape was variegated and dry, harvest was nigh and so was a Big Red victory.
We checked into the hotel, joining the other Husker faithful who lit up the no vacancy signs in Ames and the surrounding communities. After applying our Huskers tattoos, we fueled up at La Fuente Mexican Restaurant. I walked away a bigger man.
This year was much different than years past:
-there were females present in our group
-conversation was not characterized by coarse indecent humor
-we did not consume copious amounts of beer and spirits
-I did not showcase my moves on the dance floor
-we did not initiate any fights (you have a nice face)
-Klinker did not poke a police officer in the belly
-we were not boisterous and disorderly
-we were not in danger of fighting several frat boys
-there was no homoerotic brinkmanship
-we were not hostile to people who hate freedom
-we did not unwittingly hitch a ride with drunken racists
-we were not extremely hungover
However, I did manage to publicly urinate and Klinker almost fought with the Huskers #1 Fan.
We parked the car and walked through the haze of a massive tailgate party to Jack Trice Stadium. RVs and old school buses dominated the scene. Many ISU fans were wearing golden shirts that said: "The Golden Rule: Beat Nebraska." Righteous, drunk, midwestern college girls walked around in jean skirts so short their piety showed when they bent over. Drunk, overweight fans attempted to take a short cut to the stadium by jumping over a small creek. Shoes were lost.
The 7pm game time led to superb attendance: 55,000+ spilling from the stands onto the grassy hillsides where we stood with many Big Red fans. Several fanatics decided face paint was not enough, the whole body must be painted... link a corn cob. Shuck the Cyclones. The 7pm game time also means people have had the chance to drink for several hours. Some drink more than others. One of those people was standing behind Klinker. The man was sloppy. Klinker asked him if he was okay, did he need a bucket. The man took umbrage. "What did you say! I'm feeling great. Don't you know who I am? I'm Nebraska's #1 fan. I love the Huskers. You don't know me." I took a picture of Nebraska's #1 Fan shortly after this incident.
He remained like this from early in the first quarter until the end of the game, sleeping it off on the hillside. This man will be in more pictures than he will ever know. People were laying down next to him, mocking his state of drunkeness. One guy even spooned with him. Nice. We also saw a fight by the port-a-pots. Apparently there was disagreement about who had to piss worse. Differences were reconciled and those bitches hugged it out.
Final score: Huskers 28 - Cyclones 14. The game was tense, a good victory. We celebrated briefly by eating a gyro and drinking a couple beers.
And now for the anticlimax...
The next morning we ate at the continental breakfast offered by the hotel. I saw an eight-year-old kid come back to his table with at least a dozen sausage links. That really made me laugh.
So there you have it, a vignette of our pilgrammage.
Until fall 2008.
We checked into the hotel, joining the other Husker faithful who lit up the no vacancy signs in Ames and the surrounding communities. After applying our Huskers tattoos, we fueled up at La Fuente Mexican Restaurant. I walked away a bigger man.
This year was much different than years past:
-there were females present in our group
-conversation was not characterized by coarse indecent humor
-we did not consume copious amounts of beer and spirits
-I did not showcase my moves on the dance floor
-we did not initiate any fights (you have a nice face)
-Klinker did not poke a police officer in the belly
-we were not boisterous and disorderly
-we were not in danger of fighting several frat boys
-there was no homoerotic brinkmanship
-we were not hostile to people who hate freedom
-we did not unwittingly hitch a ride with drunken racists
-we were not extremely hungover
However, I did manage to publicly urinate and Klinker almost fought with the Huskers #1 Fan.
We parked the car and walked through the haze of a massive tailgate party to Jack Trice Stadium. RVs and old school buses dominated the scene. Many ISU fans were wearing golden shirts that said: "The Golden Rule: Beat Nebraska." Righteous, drunk, midwestern college girls walked around in jean skirts so short their piety showed when they bent over. Drunk, overweight fans attempted to take a short cut to the stadium by jumping over a small creek. Shoes were lost.
The 7pm game time led to superb attendance: 55,000+ spilling from the stands onto the grassy hillsides where we stood with many Big Red fans. Several fanatics decided face paint was not enough, the whole body must be painted... link a corn cob. Shuck the Cyclones. The 7pm game time also means people have had the chance to drink for several hours. Some drink more than others. One of those people was standing behind Klinker. The man was sloppy. Klinker asked him if he was okay, did he need a bucket. The man took umbrage. "What did you say! I'm feeling great. Don't you know who I am? I'm Nebraska's #1 fan. I love the Huskers. You don't know me." I took a picture of Nebraska's #1 Fan shortly after this incident.
He remained like this from early in the first quarter until the end of the game, sleeping it off on the hillside. This man will be in more pictures than he will ever know. People were laying down next to him, mocking his state of drunkeness. One guy even spooned with him. Nice. We also saw a fight by the port-a-pots. Apparently there was disagreement about who had to piss worse. Differences were reconciled and those bitches hugged it out.Final score: Huskers 28 - Cyclones 14. The game was tense, a good victory. We celebrated briefly by eating a gyro and drinking a couple beers.
And now for the anticlimax...
The next morning we ate at the continental breakfast offered by the hotel. I saw an eight-year-old kid come back to his table with at least a dozen sausage links. That really made me laugh.
So there you have it, a vignette of our pilgrammage.
Until fall 2008.
Thursday, October 19, 2006
New Web Site
I have great difficulty posting with regularity. The reason is simple: work is a little too busy and at home I become immersed in other pursuits. One of those pursuits involved the creation of a website: www.maryeandben.com. The site includes a photo gallery and a blog.
63 Mac Update
I talked to Kofi the other day.
Here's the word:
As you may have known, Kofi was contemplating a internal job offer in Toronto. But the Big Dirty will be staying in Chicago and switching from the Kellogg's account to the Coca-Cola account. In addition to the work at Leo Burnett, Kofi is taking two night classes a week at Northwestern University.
Here's the word:
As you may have known, Kofi was contemplating a internal job offer in Toronto. But the Big Dirty will be staying in Chicago and switching from the Kellogg's account to the Coca-Cola account. In addition to the work at Leo Burnett, Kofi is taking two night classes a week at Northwestern University.
Friday, October 06, 2006
TCM Narrative
Kevin was up first. I joined him when the alarm woke me at 6am. I called Tim to make sure he was awake - buddy system. Tim and Paul met at our house shortly before 7am, the designated departure time. Marye drove us to the Metrodome, where the search for a shitter with a short line commenced. Paul and I were lucky enough to have closed our major business deals at home earlier. However, Kevin and Tim were still haggling for closure, which eventually came in the women's bathroom.
Then we successfully entered into the Wave 1 chute. Tim and I were not qualified to start in Wave 1 because we did not have a recent qualifying marathon or half-marathon time. So, I stole Kevin's number and made two color copies at Kinko's. Welcome to Wave 1.
Kevin was aiming for 2:50 and the remaining three of us were hoping for 2:59:59, which is 6:52 per mile pace. Kevin hammered out a good run, steady and then strong at the end. We (Tim, Paul, and I) crossed the first mile marker when my watch read 7:07, at which point Tim freaked out like a spooked gazelle because we were behind our desired 6:52 pace. That explains the 6:18 second mile. Thanksfully we hit 6:52 on the nuts for mile three. After that, we cruised and enjoyed the spectators. We (Tim and I) eased into a faster pace after rounding Nokomis and put together a string of quicker miles. At mile 20 Tim told me that he was going to relax the pace in anticipation of the approaching climb. I decided to continue the current pace because I was afraid my body would react to the slowed pace by voting for additional slowing of the pace, and so on. Of course, quadriceps fatigue made its presence known on Summit. I noticed that my left and right quads do not fatigue in a similar manner; because of my running form, there is asymmetrical fatigue, which amused me for a few minutes. When you are traveling at the speed of fatigue, time and distance dilate. Summit is a long stretch. As I ran by the cathedral I saw motivation ahead: Kurt Goetzke. Seriously. What a great ending. The Mac Alumni Team gathered in the finish area, exchanging congratulations. Tim was a hurting unit. Kevin was enjoying the final moments before his intestines turned into bowels of evil, prostrating him for the remainder of the day. The rest of us sat and dined.
Will any of us ever run another marathon? Yes. We plan on running with Jude in 2009.
The week following the marathon is known as fat week, and thusfar it has been a pleasure.
Then we successfully entered into the Wave 1 chute. Tim and I were not qualified to start in Wave 1 because we did not have a recent qualifying marathon or half-marathon time. So, I stole Kevin's number and made two color copies at Kinko's. Welcome to Wave 1.
Kevin was aiming for 2:50 and the remaining three of us were hoping for 2:59:59, which is 6:52 per mile pace. Kevin hammered out a good run, steady and then strong at the end. We (Tim, Paul, and I) crossed the first mile marker when my watch read 7:07, at which point Tim freaked out like a spooked gazelle because we were behind our desired 6:52 pace. That explains the 6:18 second mile. Thanksfully we hit 6:52 on the nuts for mile three. After that, we cruised and enjoyed the spectators. We (Tim and I) eased into a faster pace after rounding Nokomis and put together a string of quicker miles. At mile 20 Tim told me that he was going to relax the pace in anticipation of the approaching climb. I decided to continue the current pace because I was afraid my body would react to the slowed pace by voting for additional slowing of the pace, and so on. Of course, quadriceps fatigue made its presence known on Summit. I noticed that my left and right quads do not fatigue in a similar manner; because of my running form, there is asymmetrical fatigue, which amused me for a few minutes. When you are traveling at the speed of fatigue, time and distance dilate. Summit is a long stretch. As I ran by the cathedral I saw motivation ahead: Kurt Goetzke. Seriously. What a great ending. The Mac Alumni Team gathered in the finish area, exchanging congratulations. Tim was a hurting unit. Kevin was enjoying the final moments before his intestines turned into bowels of evil, prostrating him for the remainder of the day. The rest of us sat and dined.
Will any of us ever run another marathon? Yes. We plan on running with Jude in 2009.
The week following the marathon is known as fat week, and thusfar it has been a pleasure.
Feast/Feest
Here is a list of things I remember ingurgitating after the big run:
bananas
yogurt
granola bar
many pancakes
2 x (english muffin + cheddar cheese + sausage patty + egg)
sausage links
fruit salad
donuts and pastries
bean dip and chips
3 beers
1 coke
rootbeer float
pizza
bananas
yogurt
granola bar
many pancakes
2 x (english muffin + cheddar cheese + sausage patty + egg)
sausage links
fruit salad
donuts and pastries
bean dip and chips
3 beers
1 coke
rootbeer float
pizza
My Splits
to the starting line 15.28
01 7:07.57
02 6:18.59
03 6:52.00
04 6:32.16
05 6:44.75
06 6:44.83
07 6:50.91
08 6:49.01
09 6:38.67
10 6:45.13
11 6:40.23
12 6:41.49
13 6:37.73
14 6:42.50
15 6:36.76
16 6:31.86
17 6:31.13
18 6:29.98
19 6:26.76
20 6:30.24
21 6:14.89
22 6:30.97
23 6:33.07
24 6:15.14
25 6:27.78
26 6:23.54
.2 1:21.88
finish 2:53:14
01 7:07.57
02 6:18.59
03 6:52.00
04 6:32.16
05 6:44.75
06 6:44.83
07 6:50.91
08 6:49.01
09 6:38.67
10 6:45.13
11 6:40.23
12 6:41.49
13 6:37.73
14 6:42.50
15 6:36.76
16 6:31.86
17 6:31.13
18 6:29.98
19 6:26.76
20 6:30.24
21 6:14.89
22 6:30.97
23 6:33.07
24 6:15.14
25 6:27.78
26 6:23.54
.2 1:21.88
finish 2:53:14
Monday, October 02, 2006
TCM Times
Mac Alumni
Kevin 2:48:36
Ben 2:53:00
Tim 2:55:48
Paul 3:01:53
I think everyone was pleased with the effort and results.
I will provide in-depth analysis later.
Kevin 2:48:36
Ben 2:53:00
Tim 2:55:48
Paul 3:01:53
I think everyone was pleased with the effort and results.
I will provide in-depth analysis later.
Nederlands
Marye and I were in the Netherlands September 15-25.
I will be posting details about our trip.
Tuesday, September 12, 2006
Supply Chain
At around 9am on September 7 I ordered the three volume set of "The Feynman Lectures on Physics" from Amazon. My order was immediately confirmed by email and a few hours later I received another email stating that my order had been shipped.
This is what I saw when I tracked my order:
Date: Time: Location and Event Details
Sep 11, 2006 10:41:00 AM US Delivered
Sep 11, 2006 03:02:00 AM MINNEAPOLIS MN US Out for delivery
Sep 09, 2006 01:39:00 AM MINNEAPOLIS MN US Arrival Scan
Sep 09, 2006 12:59:00 AM EAGAN MN US Departure Scan
Sep 08, 2006 11:08:00 PM EAGAN MN US Arrival Scan
Sep 08, 2006 02:43:00 PM ADDISON IL US Departure Scan
Sep 08, 2006 01:26:00 PM ADDISON IL US Arrival Scan
Sep 08, 2006 01:25:00 PM ADDISON IL US Arrival Scan
Sep 08, 2006 09:56:00 AM INDIANAPOLIS IN US Departure Scan
Sep 08, 2006 08:22:00 AM INDIANAPOLIS IN US Arrival Scan
Sep 08, 2006 04:07:00 AM LEXINGTON KY US Departure Scan
Sep 07, 2006 06:13:00 PM LEXINGTON KY US Shipment picked up from seller's facility
Sep 07, 2006 05:21:20 PM US Carrier notified to pick up package
Interstate commerce.
Capitalism.
Amazing.
This is what I saw when I tracked my order:
Date: Time: Location and Event Details
Sep 11, 2006 10:41:00 AM US Delivered
Sep 11, 2006 03:02:00 AM MINNEAPOLIS MN US Out for delivery
Sep 09, 2006 01:39:00 AM MINNEAPOLIS MN US Arrival Scan
Sep 09, 2006 12:59:00 AM EAGAN MN US Departure Scan
Sep 08, 2006 11:08:00 PM EAGAN MN US Arrival Scan
Sep 08, 2006 02:43:00 PM ADDISON IL US Departure Scan
Sep 08, 2006 01:26:00 PM ADDISON IL US Arrival Scan
Sep 08, 2006 01:25:00 PM ADDISON IL US Arrival Scan
Sep 08, 2006 09:56:00 AM INDIANAPOLIS IN US Departure Scan
Sep 08, 2006 08:22:00 AM INDIANAPOLIS IN US Arrival Scan
Sep 08, 2006 04:07:00 AM LEXINGTON KY US Departure Scan
Sep 07, 2006 06:13:00 PM LEXINGTON KY US Shipment picked up from seller's facility
Sep 07, 2006 05:21:20 PM US Carrier notified to pick up package
Interstate commerce.
Capitalism.
Amazing.
Monday, September 11, 2006
Irrigation
Financing water projects
Pay dirt
Aug 31st 2006
From The Economist print edition
Buckets, not big irrigation systems, can prevent the world running dry
"It takes roughly 3,000 litres to grow enough food for one person for one day, or about one litre for each calorie."
"A recent study of vegetable farmers in Ghana, for example, found that those irrigating their fields with wastewater carried by buckets earned a 230% return on their investment, versus 30% for big state-sponsored schemes."
I think the article was referring to this study:
Irrigated Urban Vegetable Production in Ghana
Characteristics, Benefits, and Risks
More than 200,000 urban dwellers eat exotic vegetables daily on Accra's streets and in canteens and restaurants. Most of the perishable vegetables are produced on open spaces in the cities or its fringes due to insufficient cold transport and storage. This activity is highly profitable and can lift vulnerable groups out of poverty. It can also contribute to flood control, land reclamation and city greening. However, poor farmers have increasing problems finding in and around the cities unpolluted water sources for irrigation. This book gives a comprehensive overview of urban and peri-urban vegetable farming in Ghana's major cities with a special focus on 'wastewater' use. It ends with recommendations on how in a low- income country like Ghana health risks for consumers could be effectively reduced, while simultaneously supporting the important contribution of open-space urban and peri-urban agriculture.
Pay dirt
Aug 31st 2006
From The Economist print edition
Buckets, not big irrigation systems, can prevent the world running dry
"It takes roughly 3,000 litres to grow enough food for one person for one day, or about one litre for each calorie."
"A recent study of vegetable farmers in Ghana, for example, found that those irrigating their fields with wastewater carried by buckets earned a 230% return on their investment, versus 30% for big state-sponsored schemes."
I think the article was referring to this study:
Irrigated Urban Vegetable Production in Ghana
Characteristics, Benefits, and Risks
More than 200,000 urban dwellers eat exotic vegetables daily on Accra's streets and in canteens and restaurants. Most of the perishable vegetables are produced on open spaces in the cities or its fringes due to insufficient cold transport and storage. This activity is highly profitable and can lift vulnerable groups out of poverty. It can also contribute to flood control, land reclamation and city greening. However, poor farmers have increasing problems finding in and around the cities unpolluted water sources for irrigation. This book gives a comprehensive overview of urban and peri-urban vegetable farming in Ghana's major cities with a special focus on 'wastewater' use. It ends with recommendations on how in a low- income country like Ghana health risks for consumers could be effectively reduced, while simultaneously supporting the important contribution of open-space urban and peri-urban agriculture.
Thursday, September 07, 2006
Sexually Suggestive Cheerleading Performances
Read this bill that passed the Texas Congress in 2005.
H.B. No. 1476
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to regulation of certain sexually suggestive performances
at public school events.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Subchapter D, Chapter 33, Education Code, is
amended by adding Section 33.088 to read as follows:
Sec. 33.088. CERTAIN SEXUALLY SUGGESTIVE PERFORMANCES
PROHIBITED. (a) A school dance team, drill team, cheerleading[0]
team, or any other performance group may not perform in a manner
that is overtly sexually suggestive at an athletic or other
extracurricular event or competition sponsored or approved by a
school district or campus.
(b) The commissioner may submit to a school district a
written request that the district review performances by a
performance group described by Subsection (a) to determine if the
performances are overtly sexually suggestive.
(c) If the school district determines that a performance
group described by Subsection (a) has performed in an overtly
sexually suggestive manner, the district shall take appropriate
action against the performance group and the group's sponsor, as
determined by the district.
H.B. No. 1476
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to regulation of certain sexually suggestive performances
at public school events.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Subchapter D, Chapter 33, Education Code, is
amended by adding Section 33.088 to read as follows:
Sec. 33.088. CERTAIN SEXUALLY SUGGESTIVE PERFORMANCES
PROHIBITED. (a) A school dance team, drill team, cheerleading[0]
team, or any other performance group may not perform in a manner
that is overtly sexually suggestive at an athletic or other
extracurricular event or competition sponsored or approved by a
school district or campus.
(b) The commissioner may submit to a school district a
written request that the district review performances by a
performance group described by Subsection (a) to determine if the
performances are overtly sexually suggestive.
(c) If the school district determines that a performance
group described by Subsection (a) has performed in an overtly
sexually suggestive manner, the district shall take appropriate
action against the performance group and the group's sponsor, as
determined by the district.
Wednesday, September 06, 2006
TCM Training
Twin Cities Marathon will be run on Sunday October 1. I ran my 100% mileage week last week. 67 miles. The next four weeks will be 70, 70, 60, and 50% of max, which I have determined to be 70 miles for ease of multiplication. Paul, Tim, and I completed a 20-mile run on Sunday. Tonight at 6:30 we will commence the following workout: (35 minutes @ tempo, 15 minutes easy) x 2. Fat $$$ in the bank. After such a run, it is customary for me to grab my half-liter nalgene of water and a Coke from the refrigerator. SHS.
Tuesday, September 05, 2006
Poem
a poem from Warmth Disperses and Time Passes:
nature, it seems, is the popular name
for milliards and milliards and milliards
of particles playing their infinite game
of billiards and billiards and billiards.
-piet hein
nature, it seems, is the popular name
for milliards and milliards and milliards
of particles playing their infinite game
of billiards and billiards and billiards.
-piet hein
Tax Revenues
And the money comes pouring in
Jul 13th 2006 | WASHINGTON, DC
From The Economist print edition
Tax revenues are soaring and America's budget deficit is shrinking.
How much credit belongs to Mr Bush's tax cuts?
Where are the tax revenues coming from?
* half the surge in cash comes from firms experiencing strong growth in profits – however, Mr Bush did not cut America's corporate-tax rate
* the other half is thanks to higher income-tax payments by individuals, particularly those that are not withheld from pay-cheques, such as tax payments on capital gains and bonuses
Strong growth in profits also helps explain the recent surge in individual tax receipts, as capital gains and dividend income has soared. Moreover, tax payments on the profits of small businesses often show up as individual tax receipts. Another possible explanation is America's growing income inequality. In a progressive tax system, where richer people pay a higher average tax-rate, more income going to top earners automatically means higher tax revenue. Elsewhere, the tax cuts may well have swollen the cyclical rise in revenue. The capital-gains tax cut, for instance, may have temporarily boosted revenues as people sold long-held assets.
All told, Mr Bush's tax policy may have played a modest role in boosting a temporary revenue surge.
Deep in the Mid-Session Review is a claim that the Bush tax cuts could eventually raise the level of GDP by 0.7%, a relatively modest effect, and one that itself depends on the tax cuts being financed by lower spending.
Jul 13th 2006 | WASHINGTON, DC
From The Economist print edition
Tax revenues are soaring and America's budget deficit is shrinking.
How much credit belongs to Mr Bush's tax cuts?
Where are the tax revenues coming from?
* half the surge in cash comes from firms experiencing strong growth in profits – however, Mr Bush did not cut America's corporate-tax rate
* the other half is thanks to higher income-tax payments by individuals, particularly those that are not withheld from pay-cheques, such as tax payments on capital gains and bonuses
Strong growth in profits also helps explain the recent surge in individual tax receipts, as capital gains and dividend income has soared. Moreover, tax payments on the profits of small businesses often show up as individual tax receipts. Another possible explanation is America's growing income inequality. In a progressive tax system, where richer people pay a higher average tax-rate, more income going to top earners automatically means higher tax revenue. Elsewhere, the tax cuts may well have swollen the cyclical rise in revenue. The capital-gains tax cut, for instance, may have temporarily boosted revenues as people sold long-held assets.
All told, Mr Bush's tax policy may have played a modest role in boosting a temporary revenue surge.
Deep in the Mid-Session Review is a claim that the Bush tax cuts could eventually raise the level of GDP by 0.7%, a relatively modest effect, and one that itself depends on the tax cuts being financed by lower spending.
National Oil Companies
Oil's dark secret
Aug 10th 2006 | CARACAS AND LONDON
From The Economist print edition
Most of the world's oil reserves are in the hands of state-run companies, many of which are run badly
EXXON MOBIL is the world's most valuable listed company, with a market capitalisation of $412 billion. But if you compare oil companies by how much they have left in the ground, the American giant ranks a lowly fourteenth. All 13 of the oil firms that outshadow it are national oil companies (NOCs): partially or wholly state-owned firms through which governments retain the profits from oil production. Because these national champions control as much as 90% of the world's oil and gas, they can do far more than the likes of Exxon to assuage the current worries about supply and to influence the accompanying record prices. But like most state-owned firms, they are prone to over-staffing, underinvestment, political interference and corruption.
Aug 10th 2006 | CARACAS AND LONDON
From The Economist print edition
Most of the world's oil reserves are in the hands of state-run companies, many of which are run badly
EXXON MOBIL is the world's most valuable listed company, with a market capitalisation of $412 billion. But if you compare oil companies by how much they have left in the ground, the American giant ranks a lowly fourteenth. All 13 of the oil firms that outshadow it are national oil companies (NOCs): partially or wholly state-owned firms through which governments retain the profits from oil production. Because these national champions control as much as 90% of the world's oil and gas, they can do far more than the likes of Exxon to assuage the current worries about supply and to influence the accompanying record prices. But like most state-owned firms, they are prone to over-staffing, underinvestment, political interference and corruption.
Suez Crisis
An affair to remember
Jul 27th 2006
From The Economist print edition
The Suez crisis of 50 years ago marked the end of an era, and the start of another, for Europe, America and the Middle East
ON JULY 26th 1956 Gamal Abdul Nasser, president of Egypt, addressed a huge crowd in the city of Alexandria. Broad-shouldered, handsome and passionate, Nasser stunned even this gathering of enthusiastic supporters with the vehemence of his diatribe against British imperialism. Britain had ruled Egypt, one way or another, from 1882 to 1922, when the protectorate gained nominal independence, and continued to influence Egyptian affairs thereafter, maintaining troops there and propping up the decadent monarchy overthrown by Nasser in 1952.
In that speech in Alexandria, though, Nasser chose to delve back even further into history, in a long digression on the building of the Suez canal a century earlier. That gave him the chance to mention the name of the Frenchman who had built the canal, Ferdinand de Lesseps. This he did at least 13 times. “De Lesseps”, it turned out, was the codeword for the Egyptian army to start the seizure, and nationalisation, of the canal. It also launched the start of a new era in the politics of Europe, the Middle East and America.
The Suez crisis, as the events of the following months came to be called, marked the humiliating end of imperial influence for two European countries, Britain and France. It cost the British prime minister, Anthony Eden, his job and, by showing up the shortcomings of the Fourth Republic in France, hastened the arrival of the Fifth Republic under Charles de Gaulle. It made unambiguous, even to the most nostalgic blimps, America's supremacy over its Western allies. It thereby strengthened the resolve of many Europeans to create what is now the European Union. It promoted pan-Arab nationalism and completed the transformation of the Israeli-Palestinian dispute into an Israeli-Arab one. And it provided a distraction that encouraged the Soviet Union to put down an uprising in Hungary in the same year.
It also divided families and friends, at least in Britain and France, with a degree of bitterness that would not be seen in a foreign-policy dispute until the invasion of Iraq in 2003. If that is difficult to understand, remember that the world was a different place then. Many European politicians still believed their countries had a right to run the affairs of others. Many were also scarred by memories of appeasement in the 1930s. Faced with a provocation, even an entirely legal one involving the nationalisation of a foreign-owned asset like the Suez canal, the instinct of such Europeans was to go to war. They and their Israeli partners-in-invasion were restrained, eventually, by the United States, led by a Republican president and war hero, Dwight Eisenhower. The venture involved intrigue, lies, nemesis—and no end of a lesson. How did it come about?
The road to collusion
In Egypt, the British had become so resented for their racist, arrogant ways that by the early 1950s even Winston Churchill, the grand old imperialist who had returned as prime minister in 1951, felt he could resist the tide of nationalism no more. After 1951 the British were confined to the Suez canal zone, harassed by Egyptian irregulars who wanted them out altogether. By June 1956 the last British soldiers had left even the canal zone.
Yet Anglo-Egyptian relations did not improve. Nasser was enraged by America's withdrawal of its offer of loans to help pay for the building of a dam on the Nile at Aswan. This project was central to his ambitions to modernise Egypt. But John Foster Dulles, the American secretary of state, thought the dam would place too much strain on the resources of newly independent Egypt.
For their part, the British, mistrustful of Nasser and feeling the pinch, were also ready to withdraw their loan offer. So, thought Dulles, best to let the Russians take on the dam, as he knew they would if the West backed out. He did not, however, bargain for Nasser's immediate response—the nationalisation of the Suez canal, whose revenues, Nasser argued, Egypt now needed to replace the loans promised by Britain and America for the dam.
The reaction in Britain was unanimous in condemning “Grabber Nasser”, as the Daily Mirror put it. Comparisons were immediately made to Hitler and Mussolini in the 1930s: if he got away with this, where would he—and other emboldened post-colonial leaders—stop? Eden, who had succeeded Churchill as prime minister the year before, argued that the canal was Britain's “great imperial lifeline”, especially for oil. Nasser could not be allowed to have his hand “on our windpipe”.
The French reacted just as strongly, but for different reasons. First, they had a stake in the Paris-based company that ran the canal. Second, they were fighting an increasingly nasty little colonial war in Algeria. The new government of Guy Mollet was resolved to put down an Arab uprising there with all the force that the Fourth Republic could muster. By the summer of 1956 France had about 400,000 soldiers in Algiers. Nasser backed the Arab insurgents, so the French were as eager as the British to see the back of him. Accordingly, Britain and France started to co-ordinate plans for a military invasion of Egypt and a reoccupation of the canal zone.
But their bellicosity was matched by the scepticism of the Americans, and of Eisenhower in particular, who from the beginning was against the use of force by his two main allies. One concern for him was the presidential election due that November, which he intended to win as the incumbent “peace” president. He knew that the voters would not thank him for taking them into a foreign imbroglio in which America had no direct interest.
Eisenhower was also motivated by an anti-imperialism rooted in the attitudes that had made Americans break free from the British empire. Intensifying his scepticism was a fear that, in the new cold war, any British and French bullying of Egypt would alienate Arabs, Asians and Africans and drive them towards the communist camp. To head off Anglo-French military action, Eisenhower and his secretary of state ensnared the Europeans in a fruitless round of talks and conferences.
Aware that they were on shaky legal ground for an invasion, the British and French reluctantly played along. But they were losing the momentum for military action, which was the American intention. The increasingly histrionic Eden, in particular, wanted not only the reversal of the canal's nationalisation but also regime change: he wanted Nasser “destroyed”.
The Israelis provided a way out. On September 30th a delegation secretly presented the French with a fabricated casus belli: Israel would invade Egypt and race to the canal. The French and British could then invade, posing as peacekeepers to separate the two sides, and occupy the canal, ostensibly to guarantee the free passage of shipping. When this plan was presented to Eden, he jumped at it. Thus was collusion born. The details were agreed on at a secret meeting in Sèvres, outside Paris. Not for nothing is the Suez crisis known in Egypt as the “tripartite aggression”.
The British and French forces now had a pretext to invade. For the Israelis, it would punish Egypt for its escalating incursions into Israel from Gaza. It would also hitch the major European powers to the cause of Israel: up to that point, the French had tried to be even-handed between Israel and its neighbours; the British had leaned towards the Arab states.
A complete mess and botch
Only a handful of people were let in on the collusion. Most of them thought it was mad from the start, arguing, quite correctly, that the cover for the invasion was so flimsy it would soon be blown. To disguise what was going on, the British, in particular, were drawn ever deeper into a bog of lies and deception, particularly with the Americans. Parliament was also deceived. Both Eden and Selwyn Lloyd, his foreign secretary, told the House of Commons that, as Lloyd put it, “there was no prior agreement” with Israel.
On October 29th, Israeli paratroopers, led by a zealous officer called Ariel Sharon, were dropped into Sinai to fulfil their side of the bargain. Feigning surprise, the British and French issued an ultimatum to both sides to cease fire. When the Egyptians rejected this, British planes started bombing the Egyptian air force on the ground and on November 5th Anglo-French troops went ashore to begin the invasion of the canal zone and, it was hoped, topple Nasser.
Eisenhower, kept completely in the dark, felt utterly betrayed by his erstwhile allies. “I've just never seen great powers make such a complete mess and botch of things,” he told his aides. He determined to put a stop to the whole enterprise.
America struck at Britain's fragile economy. It refused to allow the IMF to give emergency loans to Britain unless it called off the invasion. Faced by imminent financial collapse, as the British Treasury saw it, on November 7th Eden surrendered to American demands and stopped the operation, with his troops stranded half way down the canal. The French were furious, but obliged to agree; their troops were under British command.
America also proved adept at working through the UN. On November 2nd an American resolution demanding a ceasefire was passed by a majority of 64 to five, the Russians voting with the United States. And to sidestep Anglo-French vetoes at the Security Council, for the first time the General Assembly met in emergency session (where no country held a veto) and took up a Canadian suggestion to assemble an international emergency force to go to the canal and monitor the ceasefire. These were to be the first “blue hat” UN peacekeepers. The organisation was one of the clear winners of the crisis, gaining an enhanced role in the world. For the other participants in the drama, the consequences were more mixed.
The French drew the clearest lessons. Suez showed that they could never rely on perfide Albion. Britain, then Europe's strongest power, would, it seemed, always put its “special” relationship with America above its European interests. And the Americans, to the French, were both unreliable and annoyingly superior.
So the French would have to look elsewhere for more durable allies—a search that was, by one account, short. The story goes that on the evening of November 6th, when Mollet got the call from Eden that he was aborting the invasion, he happened to be with the German chancellor, Konrad Adenauer. The French foreign minister, Christian Pineau, records Adenauer as saying that “France and England will never be powers comparable to the United States...Not Germany either. There remains to them only one way of playing a decisive role in the world: that is to unite Europe...We have no time to waste; Europe will be your revenge.”
Thus was born the six-country European common market, which has now become the 25-country European Union. The founding Treaty of Rome was signed the very next year, in 1957. And the French, particularly Charles de Gaulle in the 1960s, kept the British, America's Trojan horse, out of it for as long as they could, until 1973. France had by then made itself truly independent of American military power (unlike the British) by building its own nuclear deterrent from scratch and, in 1966, leaving NATO's integrated command structure.
It should have been no surprise, then, that in the months before the invasion of Iraq in 2003, it was the French who played the American role of 1956, though Jacques Chirac could hardly deliver the coup de grâce, as Eisenhower had done in 1956. In reaction to Suez, France had constructed a new identity as the ostensible leader of Europe, upholding a set of universal values in competition with the Americans.
The British were hurt most by Suez. Eden resigned soon afterwards, his health wrecked, his reputation in tatters, his lies and evasions damaging the country's always tendentious reputation for fair play. The crisis exploded Britain's lingering imperial pretensions, and hastened the independence of its colonies.
Some talked of a “Suez syndrome”, where, in Margaret Thatcher's words, Britain's rulers “went from believing that Britain could do anything to an almost neurotic belief that Britain could do nothing”. Certainly, much of Mrs Thatcher's prime ministership, particularly the retaking of the Falklands in 1982, was an essay in exorcising the demons of Suez. Tony Blair has not been afraid to take advantage of her success, by deploying British power in Sierra Leone, the Balkans and Iraq.
But never without the Americans' support. The major lesson of Suez for the British was that the country would never be able to act independently of America again. Unlike the French, who have sought to lead Europe, most British politicians have been content to play second fiddle to America.
Eden recuperated from the crisis in Ian Fleming's house, Goldeneye, in Jamaica. It was an appropriate choice, as it was Fleming who was to mythologise the new relationship in his James Bond novels. The first, “Casino Royale”, was published to little attention in 1953, but the series took off in the years after the Suez crisis, offering some sort of literary consolation to a country coming to terms with its new, humbler status. The partnership between Bond and Felix Leiter, a CIA agent, reflected the way the British now liked to see things, the one suave, smart and endlessly resourceful, the other with a lot of money and a slightly plodding manner.
Eisenhower won his election in America. The crisis affirmed the country's new status as the global superpower, challenged only by the Soviet Union. Suez was also to be the last incident in which America was to take strong action against Israel. As Eisenhower had feared, the Russians moved into the Middle East to fill the gap left by the disorderly retreat of the British, so the Americans felt compelled to get in as well. Thus the cold war spread to north Africa and Egypt (the Russians duly stepped in to finance the Aswan dam, and much else), and Israel became ever more closely tied to the United States.
Before 1956, Israel had been militarily vulnerable, but, beyond the Arab world, morally and politically unassailable. The Israeli occupation of Sinai (and Gaza) in 1956 began the gradual inversion of this state of affairs, as it marked the first expansion of Israel beyond its original borders, with all the subsequent criticisms of its occupation of Arab or Palestinian land. In 1956 the Israelis were quickly forced to withdraw from Sinai by American (and Russian) pressure. Never again, however, would an American president face down Israel as Eisenhower had done at Suez.
The rise of Nasserism
The chief victor of Suez, in the short term, was Nasser. Before the crisis he had faced lingering opposition in Egypt, not only from the former ruling class but also from communists and the radical Islamists of the Muslim Brotherhood. “Pulling the Lion's tail”, and getting away with it, proved wildly popular. As dissidents fled, fell silent or filled its jails, Nasser's Egypt projected itself as the vanguard of Arab nationalism and a beacon to liberation movements across the third world.
Puffed up by his own success, Nasser launched misguided adventures such as a short-lived political union with Syria and disastrous nationalisations of Egyptian industry. And the Nasserist dream inspired a wave of pan-Arab nationalism that helped install lookalike leaderships, with similar flags, propaganda and secret police, across much of the Arab world. Saddam Hussein was one who drew inspiration. Nasser himself was largely discredited by Israel's crushing victory in the 1967 war, but the institutions of Nasserism still lived on, in Egypt and elsewhere, as effective systems of political control.
Nasser's 1956 triumph endured in Arab memory as a moment of cathartic liberation. It inspired, to some extent, Saddam's dramatic moves, such as invading Iran and later Kuwait. A famous Egyptian film, “Nasser 56”, lingers nostalgically over the Egyptian leader. Amid rousing music, he is portrayed in black and white, shrouded in pensive solitude by a swirl of cigarette smoke, reaching his momentous decision to nationalise the canal. But the film jumps to the happy outcome, ignoring the fact that Nasser's victory was not won by this new Arab superman, but delivered by superpower intervention.
A wider lesson lies in the interpretation of history. Eden, who had honourably resigned as foreign secretary in 1938 in disapproval of the appeasement of Hitler and, especially, Mussolini, was nonetheless haunted by Neville Chamberlain's readiness to yield to tyrants. His impulses at Suez were surely complex. Eden was far from anti-American or indifferent to American concerns. He had resigned in 1938 partly because he thought his prime minister, Chamberlain, had treated Roosevelt shabbily. Yet he saw Nasser as a “Mussolini” and was plainly determined to avoid any charge of appeasement, even though the essential features of Munich and Suez were wholly different. Instead of saying that those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it, George Santayana might have better said that those who misinterpret the past are condemned to bungle the present.
Jul 27th 2006
From The Economist print edition
The Suez crisis of 50 years ago marked the end of an era, and the start of another, for Europe, America and the Middle East
ON JULY 26th 1956 Gamal Abdul Nasser, president of Egypt, addressed a huge crowd in the city of Alexandria. Broad-shouldered, handsome and passionate, Nasser stunned even this gathering of enthusiastic supporters with the vehemence of his diatribe against British imperialism. Britain had ruled Egypt, one way or another, from 1882 to 1922, when the protectorate gained nominal independence, and continued to influence Egyptian affairs thereafter, maintaining troops there and propping up the decadent monarchy overthrown by Nasser in 1952.
In that speech in Alexandria, though, Nasser chose to delve back even further into history, in a long digression on the building of the Suez canal a century earlier. That gave him the chance to mention the name of the Frenchman who had built the canal, Ferdinand de Lesseps. This he did at least 13 times. “De Lesseps”, it turned out, was the codeword for the Egyptian army to start the seizure, and nationalisation, of the canal. It also launched the start of a new era in the politics of Europe, the Middle East and America.
The Suez crisis, as the events of the following months came to be called, marked the humiliating end of imperial influence for two European countries, Britain and France. It cost the British prime minister, Anthony Eden, his job and, by showing up the shortcomings of the Fourth Republic in France, hastened the arrival of the Fifth Republic under Charles de Gaulle. It made unambiguous, even to the most nostalgic blimps, America's supremacy over its Western allies. It thereby strengthened the resolve of many Europeans to create what is now the European Union. It promoted pan-Arab nationalism and completed the transformation of the Israeli-Palestinian dispute into an Israeli-Arab one. And it provided a distraction that encouraged the Soviet Union to put down an uprising in Hungary in the same year.
It also divided families and friends, at least in Britain and France, with a degree of bitterness that would not be seen in a foreign-policy dispute until the invasion of Iraq in 2003. If that is difficult to understand, remember that the world was a different place then. Many European politicians still believed their countries had a right to run the affairs of others. Many were also scarred by memories of appeasement in the 1930s. Faced with a provocation, even an entirely legal one involving the nationalisation of a foreign-owned asset like the Suez canal, the instinct of such Europeans was to go to war. They and their Israeli partners-in-invasion were restrained, eventually, by the United States, led by a Republican president and war hero, Dwight Eisenhower. The venture involved intrigue, lies, nemesis—and no end of a lesson. How did it come about?
The road to collusion
In Egypt, the British had become so resented for their racist, arrogant ways that by the early 1950s even Winston Churchill, the grand old imperialist who had returned as prime minister in 1951, felt he could resist the tide of nationalism no more. After 1951 the British were confined to the Suez canal zone, harassed by Egyptian irregulars who wanted them out altogether. By June 1956 the last British soldiers had left even the canal zone.
Yet Anglo-Egyptian relations did not improve. Nasser was enraged by America's withdrawal of its offer of loans to help pay for the building of a dam on the Nile at Aswan. This project was central to his ambitions to modernise Egypt. But John Foster Dulles, the American secretary of state, thought the dam would place too much strain on the resources of newly independent Egypt.
For their part, the British, mistrustful of Nasser and feeling the pinch, were also ready to withdraw their loan offer. So, thought Dulles, best to let the Russians take on the dam, as he knew they would if the West backed out. He did not, however, bargain for Nasser's immediate response—the nationalisation of the Suez canal, whose revenues, Nasser argued, Egypt now needed to replace the loans promised by Britain and America for the dam.
The reaction in Britain was unanimous in condemning “Grabber Nasser”, as the Daily Mirror put it. Comparisons were immediately made to Hitler and Mussolini in the 1930s: if he got away with this, where would he—and other emboldened post-colonial leaders—stop? Eden, who had succeeded Churchill as prime minister the year before, argued that the canal was Britain's “great imperial lifeline”, especially for oil. Nasser could not be allowed to have his hand “on our windpipe”.
The French reacted just as strongly, but for different reasons. First, they had a stake in the Paris-based company that ran the canal. Second, they were fighting an increasingly nasty little colonial war in Algeria. The new government of Guy Mollet was resolved to put down an Arab uprising there with all the force that the Fourth Republic could muster. By the summer of 1956 France had about 400,000 soldiers in Algiers. Nasser backed the Arab insurgents, so the French were as eager as the British to see the back of him. Accordingly, Britain and France started to co-ordinate plans for a military invasion of Egypt and a reoccupation of the canal zone.
But their bellicosity was matched by the scepticism of the Americans, and of Eisenhower in particular, who from the beginning was against the use of force by his two main allies. One concern for him was the presidential election due that November, which he intended to win as the incumbent “peace” president. He knew that the voters would not thank him for taking them into a foreign imbroglio in which America had no direct interest.
Eisenhower was also motivated by an anti-imperialism rooted in the attitudes that had made Americans break free from the British empire. Intensifying his scepticism was a fear that, in the new cold war, any British and French bullying of Egypt would alienate Arabs, Asians and Africans and drive them towards the communist camp. To head off Anglo-French military action, Eisenhower and his secretary of state ensnared the Europeans in a fruitless round of talks and conferences.
Aware that they were on shaky legal ground for an invasion, the British and French reluctantly played along. But they were losing the momentum for military action, which was the American intention. The increasingly histrionic Eden, in particular, wanted not only the reversal of the canal's nationalisation but also regime change: he wanted Nasser “destroyed”.
The Israelis provided a way out. On September 30th a delegation secretly presented the French with a fabricated casus belli: Israel would invade Egypt and race to the canal. The French and British could then invade, posing as peacekeepers to separate the two sides, and occupy the canal, ostensibly to guarantee the free passage of shipping. When this plan was presented to Eden, he jumped at it. Thus was collusion born. The details were agreed on at a secret meeting in Sèvres, outside Paris. Not for nothing is the Suez crisis known in Egypt as the “tripartite aggression”.
The British and French forces now had a pretext to invade. For the Israelis, it would punish Egypt for its escalating incursions into Israel from Gaza. It would also hitch the major European powers to the cause of Israel: up to that point, the French had tried to be even-handed between Israel and its neighbours; the British had leaned towards the Arab states.
A complete mess and botch
Only a handful of people were let in on the collusion. Most of them thought it was mad from the start, arguing, quite correctly, that the cover for the invasion was so flimsy it would soon be blown. To disguise what was going on, the British, in particular, were drawn ever deeper into a bog of lies and deception, particularly with the Americans. Parliament was also deceived. Both Eden and Selwyn Lloyd, his foreign secretary, told the House of Commons that, as Lloyd put it, “there was no prior agreement” with Israel.
On October 29th, Israeli paratroopers, led by a zealous officer called Ariel Sharon, were dropped into Sinai to fulfil their side of the bargain. Feigning surprise, the British and French issued an ultimatum to both sides to cease fire. When the Egyptians rejected this, British planes started bombing the Egyptian air force on the ground and on November 5th Anglo-French troops went ashore to begin the invasion of the canal zone and, it was hoped, topple Nasser.
Eisenhower, kept completely in the dark, felt utterly betrayed by his erstwhile allies. “I've just never seen great powers make such a complete mess and botch of things,” he told his aides. He determined to put a stop to the whole enterprise.
America struck at Britain's fragile economy. It refused to allow the IMF to give emergency loans to Britain unless it called off the invasion. Faced by imminent financial collapse, as the British Treasury saw it, on November 7th Eden surrendered to American demands and stopped the operation, with his troops stranded half way down the canal. The French were furious, but obliged to agree; their troops were under British command.
America also proved adept at working through the UN. On November 2nd an American resolution demanding a ceasefire was passed by a majority of 64 to five, the Russians voting with the United States. And to sidestep Anglo-French vetoes at the Security Council, for the first time the General Assembly met in emergency session (where no country held a veto) and took up a Canadian suggestion to assemble an international emergency force to go to the canal and monitor the ceasefire. These were to be the first “blue hat” UN peacekeepers. The organisation was one of the clear winners of the crisis, gaining an enhanced role in the world. For the other participants in the drama, the consequences were more mixed.
The French drew the clearest lessons. Suez showed that they could never rely on perfide Albion. Britain, then Europe's strongest power, would, it seemed, always put its “special” relationship with America above its European interests. And the Americans, to the French, were both unreliable and annoyingly superior.
So the French would have to look elsewhere for more durable allies—a search that was, by one account, short. The story goes that on the evening of November 6th, when Mollet got the call from Eden that he was aborting the invasion, he happened to be with the German chancellor, Konrad Adenauer. The French foreign minister, Christian Pineau, records Adenauer as saying that “France and England will never be powers comparable to the United States...Not Germany either. There remains to them only one way of playing a decisive role in the world: that is to unite Europe...We have no time to waste; Europe will be your revenge.”
Thus was born the six-country European common market, which has now become the 25-country European Union. The founding Treaty of Rome was signed the very next year, in 1957. And the French, particularly Charles de Gaulle in the 1960s, kept the British, America's Trojan horse, out of it for as long as they could, until 1973. France had by then made itself truly independent of American military power (unlike the British) by building its own nuclear deterrent from scratch and, in 1966, leaving NATO's integrated command structure.
It should have been no surprise, then, that in the months before the invasion of Iraq in 2003, it was the French who played the American role of 1956, though Jacques Chirac could hardly deliver the coup de grâce, as Eisenhower had done in 1956. In reaction to Suez, France had constructed a new identity as the ostensible leader of Europe, upholding a set of universal values in competition with the Americans.
The British were hurt most by Suez. Eden resigned soon afterwards, his health wrecked, his reputation in tatters, his lies and evasions damaging the country's always tendentious reputation for fair play. The crisis exploded Britain's lingering imperial pretensions, and hastened the independence of its colonies.
Some talked of a “Suez syndrome”, where, in Margaret Thatcher's words, Britain's rulers “went from believing that Britain could do anything to an almost neurotic belief that Britain could do nothing”. Certainly, much of Mrs Thatcher's prime ministership, particularly the retaking of the Falklands in 1982, was an essay in exorcising the demons of Suez. Tony Blair has not been afraid to take advantage of her success, by deploying British power in Sierra Leone, the Balkans and Iraq.
But never without the Americans' support. The major lesson of Suez for the British was that the country would never be able to act independently of America again. Unlike the French, who have sought to lead Europe, most British politicians have been content to play second fiddle to America.
Eden recuperated from the crisis in Ian Fleming's house, Goldeneye, in Jamaica. It was an appropriate choice, as it was Fleming who was to mythologise the new relationship in his James Bond novels. The first, “Casino Royale”, was published to little attention in 1953, but the series took off in the years after the Suez crisis, offering some sort of literary consolation to a country coming to terms with its new, humbler status. The partnership between Bond and Felix Leiter, a CIA agent, reflected the way the British now liked to see things, the one suave, smart and endlessly resourceful, the other with a lot of money and a slightly plodding manner.
Eisenhower won his election in America. The crisis affirmed the country's new status as the global superpower, challenged only by the Soviet Union. Suez was also to be the last incident in which America was to take strong action against Israel. As Eisenhower had feared, the Russians moved into the Middle East to fill the gap left by the disorderly retreat of the British, so the Americans felt compelled to get in as well. Thus the cold war spread to north Africa and Egypt (the Russians duly stepped in to finance the Aswan dam, and much else), and Israel became ever more closely tied to the United States.
Before 1956, Israel had been militarily vulnerable, but, beyond the Arab world, morally and politically unassailable. The Israeli occupation of Sinai (and Gaza) in 1956 began the gradual inversion of this state of affairs, as it marked the first expansion of Israel beyond its original borders, with all the subsequent criticisms of its occupation of Arab or Palestinian land. In 1956 the Israelis were quickly forced to withdraw from Sinai by American (and Russian) pressure. Never again, however, would an American president face down Israel as Eisenhower had done at Suez.
The rise of Nasserism
The chief victor of Suez, in the short term, was Nasser. Before the crisis he had faced lingering opposition in Egypt, not only from the former ruling class but also from communists and the radical Islamists of the Muslim Brotherhood. “Pulling the Lion's tail”, and getting away with it, proved wildly popular. As dissidents fled, fell silent or filled its jails, Nasser's Egypt projected itself as the vanguard of Arab nationalism and a beacon to liberation movements across the third world.
Puffed up by his own success, Nasser launched misguided adventures such as a short-lived political union with Syria and disastrous nationalisations of Egyptian industry. And the Nasserist dream inspired a wave of pan-Arab nationalism that helped install lookalike leaderships, with similar flags, propaganda and secret police, across much of the Arab world. Saddam Hussein was one who drew inspiration. Nasser himself was largely discredited by Israel's crushing victory in the 1967 war, but the institutions of Nasserism still lived on, in Egypt and elsewhere, as effective systems of political control.
Nasser's 1956 triumph endured in Arab memory as a moment of cathartic liberation. It inspired, to some extent, Saddam's dramatic moves, such as invading Iran and later Kuwait. A famous Egyptian film, “Nasser 56”, lingers nostalgically over the Egyptian leader. Amid rousing music, he is portrayed in black and white, shrouded in pensive solitude by a swirl of cigarette smoke, reaching his momentous decision to nationalise the canal. But the film jumps to the happy outcome, ignoring the fact that Nasser's victory was not won by this new Arab superman, but delivered by superpower intervention.
A wider lesson lies in the interpretation of history. Eden, who had honourably resigned as foreign secretary in 1938 in disapproval of the appeasement of Hitler and, especially, Mussolini, was nonetheless haunted by Neville Chamberlain's readiness to yield to tyrants. His impulses at Suez were surely complex. Eden was far from anti-American or indifferent to American concerns. He had resigned in 1938 partly because he thought his prime minister, Chamberlain, had treated Roosevelt shabbily. Yet he saw Nasser as a “Mussolini” and was plainly determined to avoid any charge of appeasement, even though the essential features of Munich and Suez were wholly different. Instead of saying that those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it, George Santayana might have better said that those who misinterpret the past are condemned to bungle the present.
Monday, July 10, 2006
The Passion
After one month, the World Cup is finished.
France appeared to play the better game, especially in the second half, but Italy won.
I cut my hair in homage to Zidane.
France appeared to play the better game, especially in the second half, but Italy won.
I cut my hair in homage to Zidane.
Friday, June 09, 2006
British Columbia: Garibaldi
Here it is folks. Lake Garibaldi. And real live glaciers. Glaciers! The calendar was ready to be turned to June and we encountered a lot of snow from 1100 meters up. The melt was on and we had packs on our backs. I was a little nervous about footing and the possibility of sinking into icey water.
Luckily, there was a shelter at the lake. We pitched our tent inside and from our protected vantage point enjoyed the sleet, snow, rain, and ephemeral sun. Weather.
This is the barrier. You might read this and not know how to pronounce it correctly. It is pronounced barrier, like you were in a monster truck rally radio commercial. You got it. The barrier. Ancient volcanoes and glaciers, battles between fire and ice. Fucking sweet. The barrier.
British Columbia: Juan de Fuca
We stopped for lunch at the Smoking Tuna restaurant in Sooke, in the midst of a fishermen's trailer park. We watched the sea lions follow the fishers, ready to dispose of the waste from cleaning fish. Then we hiked along the coast trail of the East Sooke Provincial Park. The clouds were low, fog was drifting in and out, the found horn was sounding. the air was heavy with moisture, the sitka spruce and the succelents were friendly, the sea blended into the sky, and it was nice.
We spent Monday night at the Sol Harbor Lodge in Port Renfrew. The lodge is owned by the Cash brothers, gourmet cooks who practice permaculture. I would have liked to talk more with them about their lifestyle. After reacquanting ourselves with the wonders of plumbing and dry shelter, we ate dinner at the Coastal Kitchen Cafe, which reminded us of the Mazama General Store. It was the place to be. I had Halibut and beers.
On Tuesday we hiked the Botanical Beach portion of the 47 kilometer Juan de Fuca trail. I took a sweet fall. Ask me about it. We camped on the ocean's edge at Sombrio Beach and watched the surfing channel. Yo, thirty surfers were in the water. Good times.
On Wednesday, we hiked from Sombrio Beach north on the Juan de Fuca trail. The trail was rugged, up and down, slimy, moist, rainy, refreshing, muddy, sluggish, soggy, slippery, rocky, mossy, and very alive.At the end of the afternoon we drove to Jordan River and ate at Shakies; the ravens waited politely. Then we drove to Goldstream Provincial Park and spent the night before taking the ferry back to Tsawwassen.
British Columbia: Strathcona
Marye and I flew into Vancouver on Thursday May 18. The next day we took the ferry from Tsawwassen to Nanaimo on Vancouver Island and drove to the Ralph River campground at Strathcona Provincial Park. Our campsite, nestled among western red cedar, western hemlock, and douglas fir, abutted Buttle Lake, which rises rapidly in late spring when the snow melts. (Left: the meadow next to the campground).
On Saturday we decided to hike the Flower Ridge Trail, a strenuous climb and quad-pounding descent. Unfortunately, turned back before we reached the alpine meadows promised by the hike description. We were impeded by snow at higher altitudes, not so much because it was impassable but because we were extremely wary of losing the trail. Next, we progressed to Lower Myra Falls (pictured left), a spectacular site created by an earthquake and fed by melting snow. After enthralling beauty of the intensely chaotic falls, we sat and read in a meadow. I was reading Walden. I observed several emerald-backed swallows, and I was waiting hopefully to see Roosevelt Elk, unique to the island. To cap the evening, we hiked the Wild Ginger Trail.
On Sunday we hiked Upper Myra Falls, checked out the Westmin zinc and copper mine, lunched at Lower Myra Falls, and lounged next to the clear, ice-cold water of the Ralph River. In the evening we hiked the Shephard Creek trail.We awoke Monday morning to a rain shower, a good day to drive but also a chance to experience weather. Goodbye Strathcona.
Commencement
Germany 4 - Costa Rica 2
The first match of the World Cup is complete.
I watched it at the Longfellow Grill, two blocks away from our house.
I called to inquire if the LG would be showing the World Cup and the woman I talked to said they didn't have TVs. God damn it. Why do you tell me such things. Did they take down the TVs above the bar. She put me on hold so she could discover they had TVs above the bar. Also, she didn't know whether they had Summit Scandia on tap. Maybe she was new. Anyway, I treated myself to a breakfast burrito and a few Maibocks. Germany's fourth goal was nasty and I started laughing because the keeper didn't have a chance. Two ladies sitting next to me thought I was crazy, but were reassured once they deduced I was having interactions with the TV. We talked a little about the World Cup. They thought Costa Rica was the favorite. Oh, Amerika.
The first match of the World Cup is complete.
I watched it at the Longfellow Grill, two blocks away from our house.
I called to inquire if the LG would be showing the World Cup and the woman I talked to said they didn't have TVs. God damn it. Why do you tell me such things. Did they take down the TVs above the bar. She put me on hold so she could discover they had TVs above the bar. Also, she didn't know whether they had Summit Scandia on tap. Maybe she was new. Anyway, I treated myself to a breakfast burrito and a few Maibocks. Germany's fourth goal was nasty and I started laughing because the keeper didn't have a chance. Two ladies sitting next to me thought I was crazy, but were reassured once they deduced I was having interactions with the TV. We talked a little about the World Cup. They thought Costa Rica was the favorite. Oh, Amerika.
Friday, June 02, 2006
Time Well Spent
Four big things since the last post:
1. Bathroom renovation phase I
2. Chillin with Aaron and Jennifer
3. Trip to British Columbia
4. Peeps in town for reunion
My dad drove up to Minnesota with a minivan full of tools and spent over a week helping us create a bigger bathroom. In summary, we tore the old drywall down, poured a little concrete, framed new walls, moved the sink, put up drywall, taped, and installed a drop-ceiling. During phase II, we will remove the old shower, finish the wall, install the new shower, put up a ceiling, and lay floor tiles. Lessons learned: tools are sweet and sanding joint compound deposits a fine powder everywhere.
Aaron and Jennifer were in town because they had siblings graduating from Macalester. As always, it was good to see them and be joined by others anxious to see the east coasters.
Marye and I spent twelve days exploring British Columbia provincial parks: Strathcona, Juan de Fuca, and Garibaldi. More later...
Tonight marks an omnium-gatherum of personalities for the class of 2001 Macalester College reunion. 63 Mac and honorary members have demonstrated stellar attendance: Jose, Sebas, Simon, Soren, Kofi, Ziyad, and Klinker. Superb.
1. Bathroom renovation phase I
2. Chillin with Aaron and Jennifer
3. Trip to British Columbia
4. Peeps in town for reunion
My dad drove up to Minnesota with a minivan full of tools and spent over a week helping us create a bigger bathroom. In summary, we tore the old drywall down, poured a little concrete, framed new walls, moved the sink, put up drywall, taped, and installed a drop-ceiling. During phase II, we will remove the old shower, finish the wall, install the new shower, put up a ceiling, and lay floor tiles. Lessons learned: tools are sweet and sanding joint compound deposits a fine powder everywhere.
Aaron and Jennifer were in town because they had siblings graduating from Macalester. As always, it was good to see them and be joined by others anxious to see the east coasters.
Marye and I spent twelve days exploring British Columbia provincial parks: Strathcona, Juan de Fuca, and Garibaldi. More later...
Tonight marks an omnium-gatherum of personalities for the class of 2001 Macalester College reunion. 63 Mac and honorary members have demonstrated stellar attendance: Jose, Sebas, Simon, Soren, Kofi, Ziyad, and Klinker. Superb.
Friday, May 05, 2006
Beer, Glorious Beer
Last night Marye and I went to Kagin Commons at Macalester College for a Family Tree Clinic fundraiser. Actually, I went for the tax-deductible beer; the forty dollar ticket price granted me a commemorative tasting glass and the opportunity to drink responsibly by drinking local beer. There were 13 local breweries and brew pubs. I'll walk you counterclockwise through Kagin, mentioning the brewer and the beer I sampled.
Finnegans Irish Amber: from Summit, brewed with potatoes
Lake Superior 7 Bridges brown ale: Duluth
Great Waters Apocalypse: American strong ale
Rock Bottom Cinco de Maibock
Bandana Sleepy Eye Schwarzbier: Mankato
Summit: they didn't have the Scandia and I've drank the rest
Bell's Cherry Stout: Kalamazoo, Michigan (is that local)
Barley John's Wild Brunette: brown ale, brewed with wild rice, somewhere near Roseville
Fitger's Brewhouse: 1) El Diablo: Belgian golden ale 2) Ted Koppelbock: maibock with honey
Schell Maifest: New Ulm
Rush River Small Axe: hefeweizen, Maiden Rock WI
Town Hall: 1) Foolish quadrupel: damn 2) Spring: maple syrup and chamomille tastes
Surly (brewed in Brooklyn Center by Mac grads): 1) Furious: hoppy, amber ale? 2) Bender: porter/brown ale/oatmeal
There you have it. Good times.
Friday, April 28, 2006
Korean Prostitutes Pictures
Recently someone from Korea visited my blog.
How were they drawn to this site.
"korean prostitute pictures"
Those were the keywords used in the search criteria.
I didn't recall posting any pictures as such, so I followed the link to the page of interest, which was a post about Pat Robertson. Funny.
How were they drawn to this site.
"korean prostitute pictures"
Those were the keywords used in the search criteria.
I didn't recall posting any pictures as such, so I followed the link to the page of interest, which was a post about Pat Robertson. Funny.
TCM
It's official.
Tim Pavlish is running Twin Cities Marathon on October 1.
So far he has recruited Mr. Shively, Paul, and me.
Jude is thinking about it. Yes, you are.
And perhaps B Lodge.
Who's in.
Tim Pavlish is running Twin Cities Marathon on October 1.
So far he has recruited Mr. Shively, Paul, and me.
Jude is thinking about it. Yes, you are.
And perhaps B Lodge.
Who's in.
Tuesday, April 18, 2006
Decorah
We traveled south to Decorah to visit Steve and Yarrow during the weekend of April fools' day. We were delighted to see their new house, from where I was able to throw a stone into the raging Upper Iowa River.
On Friday evening we walked through a mowed swath of the prairie along the river, restraining ourselves from the temptation of jumping on the ledges of undercut stream banks and enticing gravity to provide us a sudden thrill.
We ate dinner at Sabor Latino. Why would someone name a restaurant after a latino calvary sword with a curved blade? What? Anyway, we enjoyed magaritas, tortilla chips and guacamole, and enormous portions. After gorging ourselves, we went to a bar on main street. I drank Blue Moon. I ate peanuts and threw the shells on the floor. We met a few of the athletes, one who was quite notably sporting a mullet and mustache. Quality. On the way home from the bar Steve and I performed robin impressions at my behest. Good times. Back home, Yarrow noticed she had missed a call from Jude and Michelle. We returned the call and learned that the two are now betrothed. Congratulations. Your marriage will be a blessing for humanity. And for the record, Jude said I can play trombone at the wedding in Debs.
On Saturday Steve and Yarrow worked the morning and early afternoon at a indoor high school track meet on the blue Norse track. Luther College is a short commute from their Cape Code style home, which is - I almost forgot to mention - adorned with a friendly greeter in the window. I don't know the story behind the cult of personality, but a majority of Decorah residents have chosen to place the figure in the front window.
Marye and I explored Decorah, stopping at the grocery co-op, which can only be described as kick-ass, the quality chicks store (chicken hatchery), and the Magpie coffee house, where I contemplated picking up a free bible for Jude.Saturday afternoon was spent riding bikes and exploring land recently donated to Luther by an alumnus. A low-lying portion of the land along the Upper Iowa River is prime beaver real estate. Trees felled. Fresh wood chips. Stripped trunks. Busy as a beaver - fucking right. This society was advanced. We saw beaver sculpture art, but alas, the culture appeared not to be at its acme; we could not find a beaver ball. The end of the bike ride culminated with a stop at the Whippy Dip, the local icecream pusher. Yarrow made soup, salad, and Pad Thai for dinner. Good eats.
On Sunday we visited the Seed Savers Exchange, a 900-acre non-profit farm that grows 25,000 vegetable varieties, 800 apple varieties, 200 grape varieties, and raises white park cattle, a breed that predates Jesus Christ. Holy shit, that's a lot of genetic diversity. The lineage of most varieties are recorded. I bought Polish pepper seeds and Italian eggplant seeds. I'll probably plant them next year.
Good times in Decorah!
Friday, April 07, 2006
What It Is
After the scrabble triumph, Ben was quick to grab his crotch in exaltation and express himself to the local media.
Speed Scrabble
There it is, the effort of a stunning comeback victory in speed scrabble by Tim and Ben, two blue-collar workers, versus a doctor and a graduate student. Chalk up a W for the working class. The turning point in the game came when Tim and Ben were willing to cast aside aspersions associated with a long dangling appendage specific to the male anatomy that others were too prudish to consider. That penis was huge for us. Huge.
Nordkapp
I don't know if I posted about Nordkapp. And I'm too lazy to look at my own blog to see if I did. Over Presidents' Day weekend, we vacationed on the shore of Lake Superior near Lutsen at a cabin called Nordkapp. I will now post several essays.
The Grill Is Out
Just finished grilling with Marye and Tim. Chicken rubbed with lemon juice, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Grilled. Stuffed into pitas with thyme, basil, tomatoes, and lettuce. MMMMMMMMmmm.
We are currently listening to Salsa Celtica, a motley combination of sonido Mexicano and bagpipes.
Tonight we plan on going to the 331 Club in northeast Minneapolis where I will dance flamenco. Oh yes.
I drank yet another home brew. EPA. 22-ounce bottle, so much better than the poor 12-ounce.
Nothing is new with Marye and Tim, whereas lots is new with me.
Wait... this just in: Marye is closely monitoring and extremely excited about the bulbs burgeoning in the yard.
We are currently listening to Salsa Celtica, a motley combination of sonido Mexicano and bagpipes.
Tonight we plan on going to the 331 Club in northeast Minneapolis where I will dance flamenco. Oh yes.
I drank yet another home brew. EPA. 22-ounce bottle, so much better than the poor 12-ounce.
Nothing is new with Marye and Tim, whereas lots is new with me.
Wait... this just in: Marye is closely monitoring and extremely excited about the bulbs burgeoning in the yard.
Wednesday, March 29, 2006
Flying Spaghetti Monster Cartoons
This may be incendiary, but I support freedom of speech. Here are several of the highly controversial Flying Spaghetti Monster cartoons:
Caption: Flying Spaghetti Monster keeping women under thumb.
Caption: The Flying Spaghetti Monster depicted as a wanderer with a donkey.
Caption: In heaven, the Flying Spaghetti Monster tells a martyr "We're out of virgins."
Caption: Flying Spaghetti Monster keeping women under thumb.
Caption: The Flying Spaghetti Monster depicted as a wanderer with a donkey.
Caption: In heaven, the Flying Spaghetti Monster tells a martyr "We're out of virgins."
Monday, March 27, 2006
Weekend
Holly, Megan, Darryn, Marye, and I went climbing at Vertical Endeavors on Saturday. It was my first vertical climbing experience, and a welcome contrast to bouldering. Fun times. After the forearms were nonfunctional, we went to El Burrito Mercado and replenished ourselves with Mexican food. I was also lucky enough to find a vending machine selling water-adhesive Jesus tattoos and mud-flap girl tattoos for only fifty cents each. Booya. Later in the evening I found myself on a masculine sojourn, as the girls (Holly, Megan, Liz, Yarrow, Marye) wanted to reminisce about first periods. I went to the Lake Street Garage on Lake and 36th. Every Saturday and Sunday the Garage serves a trivia game starting at eight o' clock. Three women in their fifties (the three virgins as they called themselves) enlisted me to complete a four-person team. The pub quiz was slow-paced, so I ordered a chocolate shake and read an article in the Bridge about a development planned to rise up next to the historic Pillsbury mill site. Next I progressed westward on Lake Street to the Poodle Club (old balls club). I ordered a Summit EPA, watched basketball, and then left after an old lady started telling me about her breasts (apparently they weren't where they used to be). Eventually I received the green light to join the girls at Lee's Liquor Lounge where we listened to the live music of Reverse Cowgirl, which I just Googled tonight. I was not aware of what that position was called. On Sunday Paul and I went for an alumni run. Then we met peeps at the LG (Longfellow Grill), ate, and said farewell. Actually, Steve and Yarrow spent the night at our house and left for Decorah today.
Free Lunch
So, we have new neighbors across the street.
They subscribe to a wireless internet network.
The signal strength is 55% - too good to be true?
We'll see.
They subscribe to a wireless internet network.
The signal strength is 55% - too good to be true?
We'll see.
Friday, March 24, 2006
Thursday, March 23, 2006
Hello
So...
I've been preoccupied. I was festooned with a mullet on my birthday. It was radical. I protested at the Danish-American Institute in Minneapolis. It was fulfilling. I bought a starter kit and EPA ingredients at Northern Brewer. The brewing and bottling is complete; I am waiting for the yeast to eat the priming sugar and carbonate the beverages.
Wednesday, February 22, 2006
Quadrennial Defense Review Report
Okay, so I was reading an article in the Economist about the Quadrennial Defense Review Report, which outlines how the military will respond to future needs. I navigated to the Department of Defense QDR web page and found the lengthy report...
Quadrennial Defense Review Report
FIGHTING THE LONG WAR
Afghanistan
Iraq
The Fight Beyond Afghanistan and Iraq
Humanitarian and Early Preventive Measures
The Department’s Role at Home
Operational Lessons Learned
OPERATIONALIZING THE STRATEGY
Defeating Terrorist Networks
Defending the Homeland in Depth
Shaping the Choices of Countries at Strategic Crossroads
Preventing the Acquisition or Use of Weapons of Mass Destruction
Refining the Department’s Force Planning Construct for Wartime
REORIENTING CAPABILITIES AND FORCES
Joint Ground Forces
Special Operations Forces (SOF)
Joint Air Capabilities
Joint Maritime Capabilities
Tailored Deterrence / New Triad
Combating WMD
Joint Mobility
Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance (ISR)
Achieving Net-Centricity
Joint Command and Control
RESHAPING THE DEFENSE ENTERPRISE
Toward A New Defense Enterprise
Governance Reforms
Management and Work Reforms
DEVELOPING A 21st CENTURY TOTAL FORCE
Reconfiguring the Total Force
Building the Right Skills
Designing an Information Age Human Capital Strategy
ACHIEVING UNITY OF EFFORT
Strengthening Interagency Operations
Working with International Allies and PartnersStrategic Communication
Quadrennial Defense Review Report
FIGHTING THE LONG WAR
Afghanistan
Iraq
The Fight Beyond Afghanistan and Iraq
Humanitarian and Early Preventive Measures
The Department’s Role at Home
Operational Lessons Learned
OPERATIONALIZING THE STRATEGY
Defeating Terrorist Networks
Defending the Homeland in Depth
Shaping the Choices of Countries at Strategic Crossroads
Preventing the Acquisition or Use of Weapons of Mass Destruction
Refining the Department’s Force Planning Construct for Wartime
REORIENTING CAPABILITIES AND FORCES
Joint Ground Forces
Special Operations Forces (SOF)
Joint Air Capabilities
Joint Maritime Capabilities
Tailored Deterrence / New Triad
Combating WMD
Joint Mobility
Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance (ISR)
Achieving Net-Centricity
Joint Command and Control
RESHAPING THE DEFENSE ENTERPRISE
Toward A New Defense Enterprise
Governance Reforms
Management and Work Reforms
DEVELOPING A 21st CENTURY TOTAL FORCE
Reconfiguring the Total Force
Building the Right Skills
Designing an Information Age Human Capital Strategy
ACHIEVING UNITY OF EFFORT
Strengthening Interagency Operations
Working with International Allies and PartnersStrategic Communication
U.S.-China Trade Relations
So, I was reading an article in the Economist about trade relations with China. Peeps in the US are upset with the huge trade deficit with China and the perceived undervaluation of China's currency. Peeps are threatened by China's growing economic and military might. What will Congress do? Let's visit the Office of the United States Trade Representative.
Robert Portman and the USTR have published a report...
U.S.-China Trade Relations: Entering a New Phase of Greater Accountability and Enforcement
Here is the table of contents:
REVIEW OF U.S. TRADE PRINCIPLES AND OBJECTIVES
Overall Trade Policy
China Trade Policy
Phase 1 (1986-2001)
Phase 2 (2001-2005)
Phase 3 (2006 forward)
KEY CHINA TRADE OBJECTIVES AND PRIORITY GOALS
Participation
Implementation and Compliance
Enforcement of U.S. Trade Laws
Further Market Access and Reform
Export Promotion
Proactive Identification and Resolution of Trade Problems
KEY ACTION ITEMS
Expand USTR Enforcement Capacity
Expand USTR Capability to Obtain & Apply Information on China’s Trade Regime
Expand Trade Policy and Negotiating Capacity in Beijing
Increase Coordination with Other Trading Partners
Deepen and Strengthen Regional Engagement
Increase Focus on Regulatory Reform in China
Increase Effectiveness of High-Level Meetings with China’s Leaders
Expand Bilateral Dialogues on Current and Potential Problem Areas
Strengthen U.S. Government Interagency Coordination
Strengthen the Executive-Congressional Partnership on China Trade
Robert Portman and the USTR have published a report...
U.S.-China Trade Relations: Entering a New Phase of Greater Accountability and Enforcement
Here is the table of contents:
REVIEW OF U.S. TRADE PRINCIPLES AND OBJECTIVES
Overall Trade Policy
China Trade Policy
Phase 1 (1986-2001)
Phase 2 (2001-2005)
Phase 3 (2006 forward)
KEY CHINA TRADE OBJECTIVES AND PRIORITY GOALS
Participation
Implementation and Compliance
Enforcement of U.S. Trade Laws
Further Market Access and Reform
Export Promotion
Proactive Identification and Resolution of Trade Problems
KEY ACTION ITEMS
Expand USTR Enforcement Capacity
Expand USTR Capability to Obtain & Apply Information on China’s Trade Regime
Expand Trade Policy and Negotiating Capacity in Beijing
Increase Coordination with Other Trading Partners
Deepen and Strengthen Regional Engagement
Increase Focus on Regulatory Reform in China
Increase Effectiveness of High-Level Meetings with China’s Leaders
Expand Bilateral Dialogues on Current and Potential Problem Areas
Strengthen U.S. Government Interagency Coordination
Strengthen the Executive-Congressional Partnership on China Trade
Thursday, February 09, 2006
Meet a Hamas Representative
Aljazeera has a website in English, and I have started visiting the site more often. I read an article containing excerpts from an interview with Aziz Duwaik, a professor of urban planning at the Najah University of Nablus and a winner of a parliamentary seat for the Change and Reform party in the Palestinian elections.
Monday, February 06, 2006
God Is Love by Pope Benedict XVI
I read about the Pope's encyclical in the Economist. It sounded interesting so I decided to read the real thing.
Deus Caritas Est (in English: God is Love) is the first encyclical written by Pope Benedict XVI. It was promulgated at 11:00 UTC on 25 January 2006 in Latin and in translations into seven other languages (English, French, German, Italian, Polish, Portuguese, and Spanish). The encyclical contains almost 16,000 words in 42 paragraphs over 70 pages, and reflects on the concepts of eros (possessive, often sexual, love), agape (unconditional, self-sacrificing love), logos (the word), and their relationship with the teachings of Jesus. It is the first encyclical to be published since the Vatican decided to assert copyright in the official writings of the Pope.
Encyclical Letter of the Supreme Pontiff Benedict XVI to the Bishops, Priests, and Deacons, men and women religious, and all the lay faithful on Christian love
God Is Love
Part I: The Unit of Love in Creation and in Salvation History
A problem of language
Eros and Agape - difference and unity
The newness of biblical faith
Jesus Christ - the incarnate love of God
Love of God and love of neighbor
Part II: The Practice of Love by the Church as a Community of Love
The Church's charitable activity as a manifestation of Trinitarian love
Charity as a responsibility of the Church
Justice and charity
The multiple structures of charitable service in the social context of the present day
The distinctiveness of the Church's charitable activityThose responsible for the Church's charitable activity
Deus Caritas Est (in English: God is Love) is the first encyclical written by Pope Benedict XVI. It was promulgated at 11:00 UTC on 25 January 2006 in Latin and in translations into seven other languages (English, French, German, Italian, Polish, Portuguese, and Spanish). The encyclical contains almost 16,000 words in 42 paragraphs over 70 pages, and reflects on the concepts of eros (possessive, often sexual, love), agape (unconditional, self-sacrificing love), logos (the word), and their relationship with the teachings of Jesus. It is the first encyclical to be published since the Vatican decided to assert copyright in the official writings of the Pope.
Encyclical Letter of the Supreme Pontiff Benedict XVI to the Bishops, Priests, and Deacons, men and women religious, and all the lay faithful on Christian love
God Is Love
Part I: The Unit of Love in Creation and in Salvation History
A problem of language
Eros and Agape - difference and unity
The newness of biblical faith
Jesus Christ - the incarnate love of God
Love of God and love of neighbor
Part II: The Practice of Love by the Church as a Community of Love
The Church's charitable activity as a manifestation of Trinitarian love
Charity as a responsibility of the Church
Justice and charity
The multiple structures of charitable service in the social context of the present day
The distinctiveness of the Church's charitable activityThose responsible for the Church's charitable activity
Spengler
worth reading...
Why can't Muslims take a joke?
The Mohammed cartoon affair is even worse than it looks, yet the images are tame compared with other topics that the mainstream media avoid. With freedom of choice and access to information come doubt. Christianity and Judaism are bloodied - indeed, drained almost dry - by nearly two centuries of scriptural criticism; Islam's turn barely has begun.
When even the pope has to whisper
Why can't Muslims take a joke?
The Mohammed cartoon affair is even worse than it looks, yet the images are tame compared with other topics that the mainstream media avoid. With freedom of choice and access to information come doubt. Christianity and Judaism are bloodied - indeed, drained almost dry - by nearly two centuries of scriptural criticism; Islam's turn barely has begun.
When even the pope has to whisper
ATOL re: Cartoons
this man is angry:
Punishing Denmark, the wrong enemy
Publication of a cartoon insulting the Prophet Mohammed was indeed irresponsible and intellectually inept, but it is strange that the Arab/Muslim world can manage to coordinate an attack on a small European country over a drawing in a newspaper while it fails to do so against much more serious acts of Western and Israeli aggression.
ATOL Editor's Note
Cartoons and the clash of 'freedoms'
If someone yells "fire" in a crowded theater, is he exercising his freedom of speech or is he being recklessly irresponsible? To many Westerners, insulting Muslims by publishing offensive cartoons of their Prophet is seen as their sacred and inflexible right; but the unrestrained exercise of "freedom" without respecting others' sacred tenets is misplaced in today's global village.
The misplaced defense of free speech
Free press? Or cowardly media eager to please their wealthy masters? The media do little to ask for the impeachment of the consummate liars and mass-murderers who occupy elected positions in more than one Western democracy today, even as they pretend to teach lessons in political morals to less fortunate countries.
Punishing Denmark, the wrong enemy
Publication of a cartoon insulting the Prophet Mohammed was indeed irresponsible and intellectually inept, but it is strange that the Arab/Muslim world can manage to coordinate an attack on a small European country over a drawing in a newspaper while it fails to do so against much more serious acts of Western and Israeli aggression.
ATOL Editor's Note
Cartoons and the clash of 'freedoms'
If someone yells "fire" in a crowded theater, is he exercising his freedom of speech or is he being recklessly irresponsible? To many Westerners, insulting Muslims by publishing offensive cartoons of their Prophet is seen as their sacred and inflexible right; but the unrestrained exercise of "freedom" without respecting others' sacred tenets is misplaced in today's global village.
The misplaced defense of free speech
Free press? Or cowardly media eager to please their wealthy masters? The media do little to ask for the impeachment of the consummate liars and mass-murderers who occupy elected positions in more than one Western democracy today, even as they pretend to teach lessons in political morals to less fortunate countries.
Sunni v Shi'a
Islam
Sunni Islam
Shi'a Islam
Sunni-Shi'a Divorce
The Historic background of the Sunni-Shi'a split in Islam started with prophet Muhammad's death in 632 CE, which was followed by a dispute over who was to lead the Muslim community, and how the leader was to be chosen. A gathering of Muslims at Saqifah gave their allegiance to Abu Bakr, Muhammad's father-in-law, as the first caliph. Sunni Muslims accept Abu Bakr as a righteous and rightful caliph. Shi'a Muslims believe that the prophet had appointed his son-in-law Ali ibn Abi Talib as his successor and that in following Abu Bakr, the Muslim community had strayed from the true path. For further discussion of this contentious matter, see Succession to Muhammad.
Later, some thirty years after Muhammad's death, the Islamic community plunged into the First Islamic civil war. This civil war led to the emergence of three distinct Islamic groups:
Sunnis - Sunnis regard the first four caliphs (Abu Bakr, Umar ibn al-Khattab, Uthman, and Ali) as Rightly Guided Caliphs, that is, caliphs who ruled in accordance with the Qur'an and the sunnah, or way of Muhammad. Sunnis believe that most of the succeeding caliphs failed to live up to these standards. In spite of these failures on the part of the secular leadership, the Sunni clergy (the ulema) counseled believers to submit to the authorities; this was better than constant community strife. The full name of the Sunni branch is Ahl al-Sunna wa al-Jama'ah.
Shi'a - Shi'a generally reject all caliphates except that of Ali, believing that his was the only "Rightly Guided" caliphate, and that only the household and descendants of Muhammad have the right to rule. Shi'as and a handful of Sunni scholars accepted Hasan ibn Ali's claim as caliph, though historical consensus states that Hasan never ruled, and never actually held the title. Some Sunnis, particularly the Salafis, do not accept certain groups of the Shi'a as Muslims.
Khwarij, or Kharijites - The Khwarij were initially loyal to Ali ibn Abi Talib, the fourth caliph, but turned against him after he accepted arbitration during the First Islamic civil war. Because the Khwarij had a very narrow view of what constitutes kufr (acts that invalidate one's Islam), they quickly split up into sects within themselves, each accusing one another of having fallen into disbelief. Though one branch of the Khwarij survives in Yemen and Oman as the Ibadi denomination of Islam, Khwarij doctrine has been largely rejected and relegated to the history books.
Other divisions have arisen since the civil war of the 7th century CE. Some groups are now extinct. Of the existing groups, Sunni Muslims do not accept members of the Nation of Islam, Ahmadiyya, and Zikri as fellow Muslims.
Sunni Islam
Shi'a Islam
Sunni-Shi'a Divorce
The Historic background of the Sunni-Shi'a split in Islam started with prophet Muhammad's death in 632 CE, which was followed by a dispute over who was to lead the Muslim community, and how the leader was to be chosen. A gathering of Muslims at Saqifah gave their allegiance to Abu Bakr, Muhammad's father-in-law, as the first caliph. Sunni Muslims accept Abu Bakr as a righteous and rightful caliph. Shi'a Muslims believe that the prophet had appointed his son-in-law Ali ibn Abi Talib as his successor and that in following Abu Bakr, the Muslim community had strayed from the true path. For further discussion of this contentious matter, see Succession to Muhammad.
Later, some thirty years after Muhammad's death, the Islamic community plunged into the First Islamic civil war. This civil war led to the emergence of three distinct Islamic groups:
Sunnis - Sunnis regard the first four caliphs (Abu Bakr, Umar ibn al-Khattab, Uthman, and Ali) as Rightly Guided Caliphs, that is, caliphs who ruled in accordance with the Qur'an and the sunnah, or way of Muhammad. Sunnis believe that most of the succeeding caliphs failed to live up to these standards. In spite of these failures on the part of the secular leadership, the Sunni clergy (the ulema) counseled believers to submit to the authorities; this was better than constant community strife. The full name of the Sunni branch is Ahl al-Sunna wa al-Jama'ah.
Shi'a - Shi'a generally reject all caliphates except that of Ali, believing that his was the only "Rightly Guided" caliphate, and that only the household and descendants of Muhammad have the right to rule. Shi'as and a handful of Sunni scholars accepted Hasan ibn Ali's claim as caliph, though historical consensus states that Hasan never ruled, and never actually held the title. Some Sunnis, particularly the Salafis, do not accept certain groups of the Shi'a as Muslims.
Khwarij, or Kharijites - The Khwarij were initially loyal to Ali ibn Abi Talib, the fourth caliph, but turned against him after he accepted arbitration during the First Islamic civil war. Because the Khwarij had a very narrow view of what constitutes kufr (acts that invalidate one's Islam), they quickly split up into sects within themselves, each accusing one another of having fallen into disbelief. Though one branch of the Khwarij survives in Yemen and Oman as the Ibadi denomination of Islam, Khwarij doctrine has been largely rejected and relegated to the history books.
Other divisions have arisen since the civil war of the 7th century CE. Some groups are now extinct. Of the existing groups, Sunni Muslims do not accept members of the Nation of Islam, Ahmadiyya, and Zikri as fellow Muslims.
Court Decisions re: US Freedom of Speech
great source:
Library of Court Decisions for Freedom of Speech in the US
Historical Development
1. English Heritage
2. to WWI
Controls upon the Content of Speech
3. Political Heresy: Sedition in the US Since 1917
4. Defamation and Invasion of Privacy
5. Religio-Moral Heresy: From Blasphemy to Obscenity
6. Provocation to Anger and Words That Wound
7. Commercial Speech
Special Issues
8. Prior Restraint
9. Special Problems of a Free Press
10. Constraints of Time, Place, and Manner
11. Institutional Constraints: Schools, the Military, Prisons
Technology
12. Copyright
13. Broadcasting, Cable, and Access Theory
14. The Internet
Freedom of Speech
Blasphemy
United States free speech case law
Freedom of Speech in the United States
Abrams v. United States
Abrams v. United States, 250 U.S. 616 (1919), was a decision of the United States Supreme Court involving the Sedition Act of 1918, which made it a criminal offense to criticize the U.S. federal government. The Court ruled 7-2 that the Act did not violate civil rights under the First Amendment, with Justices Oliver Wendell Holmes and Louis Brandeis dissenting. The case was overturned during the Vietnam War era.
Library of Court Decisions for Freedom of Speech in the US
Historical Development
1. English Heritage
2. to WWI
Controls upon the Content of Speech
3. Political Heresy: Sedition in the US Since 1917
4. Defamation and Invasion of Privacy
5. Religio-Moral Heresy: From Blasphemy to Obscenity
6. Provocation to Anger and Words That Wound
7. Commercial Speech
Special Issues
8. Prior Restraint
9. Special Problems of a Free Press
10. Constraints of Time, Place, and Manner
11. Institutional Constraints: Schools, the Military, Prisons
Technology
12. Copyright
13. Broadcasting, Cable, and Access Theory
14. The Internet
Freedom of Speech
Blasphemy
United States free speech case law
Freedom of Speech in the United States
Abrams v. United States
Abrams v. United States, 250 U.S. 616 (1919), was a decision of the United States Supreme Court involving the Sedition Act of 1918, which made it a criminal offense to criticize the U.S. federal government. The Court ruled 7-2 that the Act did not violate civil rights under the First Amendment, with Justices Oliver Wendell Holmes and Louis Brandeis dissenting. The case was overturned during the Vietnam War era.
Respect for the Sacred
Here's a good BBC article:
Cartoon row highlights deep divisions
In Damascus, Syria, both the Norwegian embassy and a building containing the Danish, Swedish, and Chilean embassies were stormed and set afire by protesters. The Danish General Consulate in Beirut was burned down by more than 10,000 protesters.
Beirut Mob Burns Danish Mission Building Over Cartoons
An early morning march through downtown Beirut soon exploded into violence, when a breakaway crowd surged toward a high-rise building that houses the Austrian and Danish Missions, chanting obscene anti-Danish slogans in Arabic and vandalizing cars, office buildings and a Maronite Catholic church nearby. Other protesters burned Danish flags and flags bearing images of the cross.
"This was supposed to be a peaceful demonstration, but people who love God and Muhammad are becoming overwhelmed by their anger."
Main article: Aniconism
The Qur'an, the Islamic holy book, does not explicitly prohibit the depiction of human figures; it merely condemns idolatry (verses 41 and 52). Direct prohibitions of pictorial art, or any depiction of sacred figures, are present in the Hadith.
Views regarding pictorial representation within the Muslim community have varied from group to group, and from time to time. Shi'a Muslims have been generally tolerant of pictorial representation of human figures, Sunni Muslims less so. However, the Sunni Ottomans, the last dynasty to claim the caliphate, were not only tolerant but even patrons of the miniaturists' art. Many Ottoman miniatures depict Muhammad; they usually show Muhammad's face covered with a veil or as a featureless void emanating light (depicted as flames). Pictorial surveys of Islamic religious art can be found on the internet.[25][26][27] Note that the last site also contains some extremely and intentionally offensive modern depictions of Muhammad.
Most contemporary Muslims believe that ordinary portraits and photos, films and illustrations, are permissible. Only some Salafi and Islamist interpretations of Sunni Islam still condemn pictorial representations of any kind. Offensive satirical pictures are a somewhat different case — disrespect to Islam or to Muhammad is still widely considered blasphemous or sacrilegious.
According to the BBC "It is the satirical intent of the cartoonists, and the association of the Prophet with terrorism, that is so offensive to the vast majority of Muslims."[28] As Muhammad is the proto-typical Muslim this association with terrorism is comparable to a generalisation to all Muslims. Furthermore, the cartoons were published in a conservative mainstream newspaper in the context of what many Muslims perceive to be an Islamophobic mood in many of the western countries involved France hijab ban, Submission, and 2005 Cronulla race riots. In this context the effect of the Jyllands-Posten cartoons on Muslims differs significantly from the effect of comparable cartoons on a Christian living in the west.
Cartoon row highlights deep divisions
In Damascus, Syria, both the Norwegian embassy and a building containing the Danish, Swedish, and Chilean embassies were stormed and set afire by protesters. The Danish General Consulate in Beirut was burned down by more than 10,000 protesters.
Beirut Mob Burns Danish Mission Building Over Cartoons
An early morning march through downtown Beirut soon exploded into violence, when a breakaway crowd surged toward a high-rise building that houses the Austrian and Danish Missions, chanting obscene anti-Danish slogans in Arabic and vandalizing cars, office buildings and a Maronite Catholic church nearby. Other protesters burned Danish flags and flags bearing images of the cross.
"This was supposed to be a peaceful demonstration, but people who love God and Muhammad are becoming overwhelmed by their anger."
Main article: Aniconism
The Qur'an, the Islamic holy book, does not explicitly prohibit the depiction of human figures; it merely condemns idolatry (verses 41 and 52). Direct prohibitions of pictorial art, or any depiction of sacred figures, are present in the Hadith.
Views regarding pictorial representation within the Muslim community have varied from group to group, and from time to time. Shi'a Muslims have been generally tolerant of pictorial representation of human figures, Sunni Muslims less so. However, the Sunni Ottomans, the last dynasty to claim the caliphate, were not only tolerant but even patrons of the miniaturists' art. Many Ottoman miniatures depict Muhammad; they usually show Muhammad's face covered with a veil or as a featureless void emanating light (depicted as flames). Pictorial surveys of Islamic religious art can be found on the internet.[25][26][27] Note that the last site also contains some extremely and intentionally offensive modern depictions of Muhammad.
Most contemporary Muslims believe that ordinary portraits and photos, films and illustrations, are permissible. Only some Salafi and Islamist interpretations of Sunni Islam still condemn pictorial representations of any kind. Offensive satirical pictures are a somewhat different case — disrespect to Islam or to Muhammad is still widely considered blasphemous or sacrilegious.
According to the BBC "It is the satirical intent of the cartoonists, and the association of the Prophet with terrorism, that is so offensive to the vast majority of Muslims."[28] As Muhammad is the proto-typical Muslim this association with terrorism is comparable to a generalisation to all Muslims. Furthermore, the cartoons were published in a conservative mainstream newspaper in the context of what many Muslims perceive to be an Islamophobic mood in many of the western countries involved France hijab ban, Submission, and 2005 Cronulla race riots. In this context the effect of the Jyllands-Posten cartoons on Muslims differs significantly from the effect of comparable cartoons on a Christian living in the west.
Medicare
Rival Visions Led to Rocky Start for Drug Benefit
"Medicare is an enduring commitment of our country," said Mr. Bush, locked in a tight race with Vice President Al Gore. "It must be modernized for our times." What emerged in the next three years, culminating in the passage of the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act, was an effort to blend a classic big government program from the Great Society with the conservative, market-oriented philosophy of the Republicans in power.
Medicare
Medicare is a health insurance program for the elderly and disabled in the USA. It was first passed on July 30, 1965 by President Lyndon B. Johnson as amendments to Social Security legislation.
Medicare is partially financed by taxes imposed by the Federal Insurance Contributions Act (FICA) and the Self-Employment Contributions Act of 1954. In the case of employees, the tax is equal to 2.9% (1.45% withheld from the worker and a matching 1.45% paid by the employer) of the wages, salaries and other compensation in connection with employment.
Generally, Medicare is available for people age 65 or older, younger people with disabilities, and people with End Stage Renal Disease (permanent kidney failure requiring dialysis or transplant).
Medicare has several parts: Part A (Hospital Insurance), and Part B (Medical Insurance, helps cover doctors' services, outpatient hospital care, and some other medical services that Part A does not cover). Neither Part A nor Part B pays for all of a covered person's medical costs. The program contains deductibles and co-pays (payments due from the covered individual). Previously, certain medical needs such as drug prescriptions were excluded. Medicare Part D went into effect on January 1, 2006. Anyone with Parts A and B is eligible for Part D. It was made possible by the passage of the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act.
Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act of 2003 (108th Congress)
H.R.1 (enrolled as agreed to or passed by both house and senate)
"Medicare is an enduring commitment of our country," said Mr. Bush, locked in a tight race with Vice President Al Gore. "It must be modernized for our times." What emerged in the next three years, culminating in the passage of the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act, was an effort to blend a classic big government program from the Great Society with the conservative, market-oriented philosophy of the Republicans in power.
Medicare
Medicare is a health insurance program for the elderly and disabled in the USA. It was first passed on July 30, 1965 by President Lyndon B. Johnson as amendments to Social Security legislation.
Medicare is partially financed by taxes imposed by the Federal Insurance Contributions Act (FICA) and the Self-Employment Contributions Act of 1954. In the case of employees, the tax is equal to 2.9% (1.45% withheld from the worker and a matching 1.45% paid by the employer) of the wages, salaries and other compensation in connection with employment.
Generally, Medicare is available for people age 65 or older, younger people with disabilities, and people with End Stage Renal Disease (permanent kidney failure requiring dialysis or transplant).
Medicare has several parts: Part A (Hospital Insurance), and Part B (Medical Insurance, helps cover doctors' services, outpatient hospital care, and some other medical services that Part A does not cover). Neither Part A nor Part B pays for all of a covered person's medical costs. The program contains deductibles and co-pays (payments due from the covered individual). Previously, certain medical needs such as drug prescriptions were excluded. Medicare Part D went into effect on January 1, 2006. Anyone with Parts A and B is eligible for Part D. It was made possible by the passage of the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act.
Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act of 2003 (108th Congress)
H.R.1 (enrolled as agreed to or passed by both house and senate)
Friday, February 03, 2006
Economic Competitiveness
In Energy Work, One Hand Giveth and the Other Taketh
About one research dollar in every five appropriated by Congress for the development of renewable energy sources is for a specific project inserted directly into the budget on behalf of a member of the House or Senate, and directed to a contractor or a university in the lawmaker's state or district. When ordered to pay for such pet projects, known as earmarks, the Energy Department reduces spending on similar projects at its own laboratories.
Behind Bush's New Stress on Science, Lobbying by Republican Executives
The industry and science leaders told the officials that the administration needed to respond to concerns laid out in a report by a National Academy of Sciences panel headed by Mr. Augustine. It warned of a rapid erosion in science, technology and education that threatened American economic competitiveness.
The report, "Rising Above the Gathering Storm: Energizing and Employing America for a Brighter Economic Future," has been circulating in draft form since October. It was put together by a group of top technology and science leaders, who say the country faces a crisis that the Bush administration is ignoring.
The executives said that the administration had also been induced to respond by a growing bipartisan movement in Congress supporting basic research and education.
Two bills tackling this matter have recently been introduced. One is the Protect America's Competitive Edge Act, by Senators Pete V. Domenici, Republican of New Mexico; Jeff Bingaman, Democrat of New Mexico; Lamar Alexander, Republican of Tennessee; and Barbara A. Mikulski, Democrat of Maryland. A similar bill was introduced by Senator Joseph I. Lieberman, Democrat of Connecticut. Several of the senators met with President Bush in December to encourage him to support the competitiveness legislation.
Apple
Making add-ons/accessories for the iPod is a $1 billion business. Does that sound like hyperbole? Consider this. Last year, Apple sold 32 million iPods, or one every second. But for every $3 spent on an iPod, at least $1 is spent on an accessory.
The Case for Cutting the Chief's Paycheck
Corporate America has made some progress in cleaning up its governance, but overly high compensation levels for chief executives show that much remains to be done, says Nell Minow, editor, founder and chairman of the Corporate Library, a research group based in Portland, Me. This article contains excerpts from a conversation.
About one research dollar in every five appropriated by Congress for the development of renewable energy sources is for a specific project inserted directly into the budget on behalf of a member of the House or Senate, and directed to a contractor or a university in the lawmaker's state or district. When ordered to pay for such pet projects, known as earmarks, the Energy Department reduces spending on similar projects at its own laboratories.
Behind Bush's New Stress on Science, Lobbying by Republican Executives
The industry and science leaders told the officials that the administration needed to respond to concerns laid out in a report by a National Academy of Sciences panel headed by Mr. Augustine. It warned of a rapid erosion in science, technology and education that threatened American economic competitiveness.
The report, "Rising Above the Gathering Storm: Energizing and Employing America for a Brighter Economic Future," has been circulating in draft form since October. It was put together by a group of top technology and science leaders, who say the country faces a crisis that the Bush administration is ignoring.
The executives said that the administration had also been induced to respond by a growing bipartisan movement in Congress supporting basic research and education.
Two bills tackling this matter have recently been introduced. One is the Protect America's Competitive Edge Act, by Senators Pete V. Domenici, Republican of New Mexico; Jeff Bingaman, Democrat of New Mexico; Lamar Alexander, Republican of Tennessee; and Barbara A. Mikulski, Democrat of Maryland. A similar bill was introduced by Senator Joseph I. Lieberman, Democrat of Connecticut. Several of the senators met with President Bush in December to encourage him to support the competitiveness legislation.
Apple
Making add-ons/accessories for the iPod is a $1 billion business. Does that sound like hyperbole? Consider this. Last year, Apple sold 32 million iPods, or one every second. But for every $3 spent on an iPod, at least $1 is spent on an accessory.
The Case for Cutting the Chief's Paycheck
Corporate America has made some progress in cleaning up its governance, but overly high compensation levels for chief executives show that much remains to be done, says Nell Minow, editor, founder and chairman of the Corporate Library, a research group based in Portland, Me. This article contains excerpts from a conversation.
Thursday, February 02, 2006
Muhammed Cartoons Controversy
Debate about self-censorship
On 17 September 2005, the Danish newspaper Politiken ran an article under the headline "Dyb angst for kritik af islam"[2] ("Deep fear of criticism of Islam"). The article discussed the difficulty encountered by the writer Kåre Bluitgen, who was initially unable to find an illustrator who was prepared to work with Bluitgen on his children's book "Koranen og profeten Muhammeds liv" ("The Qur'an and the prophet Muhammad's life"). Three artists declined Bluitgen's proposal before an artist agreed to assist anonymously. According to Bluitgen:
One [artist declined], with reference to the murder in Amsterdam of the film director Theo van Gogh, while another [declined, citing the attack on] the lecturer at the Carsten Niebuhr Institute in Copenhagen. [In October 2004, a lecturer was assaulted by five assailants who opposed the lecturer's reading of the Qur'an to non-Muslims during a lecture at the Niebuhr institute at the University of Copenhagen[3]].
The refusal of the first three artists to participate was seen as evidence of self-censorship and led to much debate in Denmark, with other examples for similar reasons soon emerging. The comedian Frank Hvam declared that he did not dare satirise the Qur'an on television, while the translators of an essay collection critical of Islam also wished to remain anonymous due to concerns about violent reaction.
Publication of the drawings
On 30 September 2005, the daily newspaper Jyllands-Posten ("Jutland Post") published an article titled "Muhammeds ansigt"[4] ("Muhammad's face"). The article consisted of 12 satirical drawings of Muhammad and an explanatory text, in which Flemming Rose, Jyllands-Posten's culture editor, commented:
The modern, secular society is rejected by some Muslims. They demand a special position, insisting on special consideration of their own religious feelings. It is incompatible with temporal democracy and freedom of speech, where you must be ready to put up with insults, mockery and ridicule. It is certainly not always equally attractive and nice to look at, and it does not mean that religious feelings should be made fun of at any price, but that is less important in this context. [...] we are on our way to a slippery slope where no-one can tell how the self-censorship will end. That is why Morgenavisen Jyllands-Posten has invited members of the Danish editorial cartoonists union to draw Muhammad as they see him. [...]" [5]
The twelve drawings were drawn by twelve different caricaturists, after an invitation from Jyllands-Posten for around forty different artists to give their interpretation on how Muhammad may have looked. Each of the twelve drawings portrays Muhammad in a different fashion. In the clockwise direction:
The face of Muhammad as a part of the Islamic star and crescent symbol, his right eye the star.
The most controversial drawing shows Muhammad with a bomb in his turban, with a lit fuse and the Islamic creed written on the bomb.
Muhammad standing with a halo in the shape of a crescent moon.
An abstract drawing of crescent moons and Stars of David, and a poem on oppression of women "Profet! Med kuk og knald i låget som holder kvinder under åget!". In English the poem could be read as: "Prophet! daft and dumb, keeping woman under thumb"
Muhammad as a wanderer, with a donkey.
One shows a nervous caricaturist, shakingly drawing Muhammad while looking over his shoulder.
Two angry Muslims charge forward with sabres and bombs, while Muhammad addresses them with: "Rolig, venner, når alt kommer til alt er det jo bare en tegning lavet af en vantro sønderjyde" (loosely, "Relax guys, it's just a drawing made by some infidel South Jutlander"). A South Jutlander is a person from South Jutland; the reference is to a common Danish expression for a person from the middle of nowhere, which is how many Danes regard South Jutland.
An Oriental looking boy in front of a blackboard, pointing to the Farsi chalkings, which translate into "the editorial team of Jyllands-Posten is a bunch of reactionary provocateurs". The boy is labelled "Mohammed, Valby school, 7.A", implying that this Muhammed is a Danish second-generation immigrant rather than the man Muslims believe was a prophet. On his shirt is written "Fremtiden" (the future). According to the editor of Jyllands Posten, he didn't know what was written on the blackboard before it was published.
Another drawing shows Muhammad with a knife and a black bar over his eyes. He is flanked by two women in burqas.
Muhammad standing on a cloud, greeting dead suicide bombers with "Stop Stop vi er løbet tør for Jomfruer!" ("Stop, stop, we ran out of virgins!"), an allusion to the promised reward to martyrs.
Another shows Kåre Bluitgen, wearing a turban with the proverbial orange dropping, with the inscription "Publicity stunt". An "orange in the turban" is a Danish proverb meaning "a stroke of luck." In his hand is a stick drawing of Muhammad.
And in the center:
A police line-up of seven people, with the witness saying: "Hm... jeg kan ikke lige genkende ham" ("Hm... I can't really recognise him"). Not all people in the line-up are immediately identifiable. They are: 1) A generic Hippie (possibly Imam Abdul Wahid Pedersen) 2) Politician Pia Kjærsgaard 3) Possible Jesus 4) Possible Buddha 5) Possible Muhammad 6) A generic Indian Guru (although some people claim to recognise the image as Imam Ahmad Abu Laban ) 7) Journalist Kåre Bluitgen, carrying a sign saying: "Kåres PR, ring og få et tilbud" ("Kåre's public relations, call and get an offer")
Not all of these drawings were wholly new, according to the chief editor of Jyllands Posten; one or more had already been published in the newspaper at earlier dates without drawing major criticism.
On 17 September 2005, the Danish newspaper Politiken ran an article under the headline "Dyb angst for kritik af islam"[2] ("Deep fear of criticism of Islam"). The article discussed the difficulty encountered by the writer Kåre Bluitgen, who was initially unable to find an illustrator who was prepared to work with Bluitgen on his children's book "Koranen og profeten Muhammeds liv" ("The Qur'an and the prophet Muhammad's life"). Three artists declined Bluitgen's proposal before an artist agreed to assist anonymously. According to Bluitgen:
One [artist declined], with reference to the murder in Amsterdam of the film director Theo van Gogh, while another [declined, citing the attack on] the lecturer at the Carsten Niebuhr Institute in Copenhagen. [In October 2004, a lecturer was assaulted by five assailants who opposed the lecturer's reading of the Qur'an to non-Muslims during a lecture at the Niebuhr institute at the University of Copenhagen[3]].
The refusal of the first three artists to participate was seen as evidence of self-censorship and led to much debate in Denmark, with other examples for similar reasons soon emerging. The comedian Frank Hvam declared that he did not dare satirise the Qur'an on television, while the translators of an essay collection critical of Islam also wished to remain anonymous due to concerns about violent reaction.
Publication of the drawings
On 30 September 2005, the daily newspaper Jyllands-Posten ("Jutland Post") published an article titled "Muhammeds ansigt"[4] ("Muhammad's face"). The article consisted of 12 satirical drawings of Muhammad and an explanatory text, in which Flemming Rose, Jyllands-Posten's culture editor, commented:
The modern, secular society is rejected by some Muslims. They demand a special position, insisting on special consideration of their own religious feelings. It is incompatible with temporal democracy and freedom of speech, where you must be ready to put up with insults, mockery and ridicule. It is certainly not always equally attractive and nice to look at, and it does not mean that religious feelings should be made fun of at any price, but that is less important in this context. [...] we are on our way to a slippery slope where no-one can tell how the self-censorship will end. That is why Morgenavisen Jyllands-Posten has invited members of the Danish editorial cartoonists union to draw Muhammad as they see him. [...]" [5]
The twelve drawings were drawn by twelve different caricaturists, after an invitation from Jyllands-Posten for around forty different artists to give their interpretation on how Muhammad may have looked. Each of the twelve drawings portrays Muhammad in a different fashion. In the clockwise direction:
The face of Muhammad as a part of the Islamic star and crescent symbol, his right eye the star.
The most controversial drawing shows Muhammad with a bomb in his turban, with a lit fuse and the Islamic creed written on the bomb.
Muhammad standing with a halo in the shape of a crescent moon.
An abstract drawing of crescent moons and Stars of David, and a poem on oppression of women "Profet! Med kuk og knald i låget som holder kvinder under åget!". In English the poem could be read as: "Prophet! daft and dumb, keeping woman under thumb"
Muhammad as a wanderer, with a donkey.
One shows a nervous caricaturist, shakingly drawing Muhammad while looking over his shoulder.
Two angry Muslims charge forward with sabres and bombs, while Muhammad addresses them with: "Rolig, venner, når alt kommer til alt er det jo bare en tegning lavet af en vantro sønderjyde" (loosely, "Relax guys, it's just a drawing made by some infidel South Jutlander"). A South Jutlander is a person from South Jutland; the reference is to a common Danish expression for a person from the middle of nowhere, which is how many Danes regard South Jutland.
An Oriental looking boy in front of a blackboard, pointing to the Farsi chalkings, which translate into "the editorial team of Jyllands-Posten is a bunch of reactionary provocateurs". The boy is labelled "Mohammed, Valby school, 7.A", implying that this Muhammed is a Danish second-generation immigrant rather than the man Muslims believe was a prophet. On his shirt is written "Fremtiden" (the future). According to the editor of Jyllands Posten, he didn't know what was written on the blackboard before it was published.
Another drawing shows Muhammad with a knife and a black bar over his eyes. He is flanked by two women in burqas.
Muhammad standing on a cloud, greeting dead suicide bombers with "Stop Stop vi er løbet tør for Jomfruer!" ("Stop, stop, we ran out of virgins!"), an allusion to the promised reward to martyrs.
Another shows Kåre Bluitgen, wearing a turban with the proverbial orange dropping, with the inscription "Publicity stunt". An "orange in the turban" is a Danish proverb meaning "a stroke of luck." In his hand is a stick drawing of Muhammad.
And in the center:
A police line-up of seven people, with the witness saying: "Hm... jeg kan ikke lige genkende ham" ("Hm... I can't really recognise him"). Not all people in the line-up are immediately identifiable. They are: 1) A generic Hippie (possibly Imam Abdul Wahid Pedersen) 2) Politician Pia Kjærsgaard 3) Possible Jesus 4) Possible Buddha 5) Possible Muhammad 6) A generic Indian Guru (although some people claim to recognise the image as Imam Ahmad Abu Laban ) 7) Journalist Kåre Bluitgen, carrying a sign saying: "Kåres PR, ring og få et tilbud" ("Kåre's public relations, call and get an offer")
Not all of these drawings were wholly new, according to the chief editor of Jyllands Posten; one or more had already been published in the newspaper at earlier dates without drawing major criticism.
Cross Country Skiing
I bought cross country skis, bindings, boots, and poles at REI.
I've been cc skiing once before and I look forward to improving my balance.
Now show me the snow.
I've been cc skiing once before and I look forward to improving my balance.
Now show me the snow.
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