2. desember 2002

People with Connections The Carcyle Group is a major player in international investment and finance, managing more than $13.5 billion worldwide. Of course, you would expect a top business to have top people working for them. And indeed they have. In the staff list we find men like former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom John Major, former US Secretary of State James A. Baker III and former US Secretary of Defense Frank C. Carlucci. Of course these people still have major influence and inside knowledge in London and in particular Washington DC. They also manage $billions for businesses that are directly affected by political decisions. Even worse, these gentlemen have personal and corporate interests in influencing the political course taken by the major powers. Think oil, think defense. I don't think this really strengthens people's confidence in politicians always dealing with the best interests of the public in mind. 10:36:58 PM    comment []

Texas Anti-Gay Law to U.S. Supreme Court Two Texan men who were arrested and charged with homosexual conduct in their own home have appealed the case to the Supreme Court, which will have to decide whether the ancient 'sodomy laws' in 13 states are constitutional. It is unbelievable that such an issue can even be up for debate in the 21st century in an allegedly civilised country. That religiously motivated  medieval laws can regulate sex between consensting adults in their own homes is mind-boggling, and sad. It's about time the United States turned its back on the dark ages. 7:55:35 PM    comment []

"Moron" fallout A Guardian article discusses how the "moron" statement has affected already chilly US-Canadian relations. Françoise Ducros, Canadian prime minister Chrétien's (both on picture) director of communications, made an off-the-record statement calling George Bush a moron which was overheard and distributed all across the world, to general amusement. Ducros had to resign. The controversy caused a healthy exchange of views in newspapers around the world. Perhaps this letter from a reader captured the opinion of Canadians pretty well: "Françoise Ducros's ill-considered comment is a grave and unforgivable insult to morons everywhere." 4:24:39 PM    comment []

Iraq admits trying to obtain aluminium tubes Iraqi officials have admitted to UN weapons inspectors that they tried to obtain aluminium tubes in a violation of the sanctions. The tubes were intended for the production of conventional missile systems, and were not of the type suitable for nuclear programmes, they claimed. Iraq has obviously realised the futility of denying this charge, and instead tries to tone down the accusations of a nuclear programme by admitting a 'lesser' violation of the UN sanctions regime. This admission can be spinned both ways, and probably will be. 4:13:16 PM    comment []

Lego Castles I grew up with Lego. In fact, most of my childhood revolved around Lego. I will argue that in many ways, I am who I am because of playing with Lego (so blame them Danes). I really get nostalgic whenever I see a Lego creation. And, of course, there are many like me, and some never stopped playing with the little plastic bricks. Naturally, there are Lego web sites. I am astonished to find how many people have put pictures of their creations on the Net. Frank's Lego castle page contains lots of links to Lego sites (some broken links, alas). For example, look at Ed's cathedrals. Perhaps I should wish for Lego for Christmas? 2:58:04 PM    comment []

Vaccine against Malaria in the Works The first tests of a new vaccine against Malaria has been successful, and now the drug is passed on for further testing. Malaria is by far the biggest killer of humans in history, and it still kills more than a million people a year. Malaria is transmitted to humans by a mosquito. There have existed partially protective 'vaccinations' earlier, and also partial cures, but the malaria virus has been elusive to science far longer than AIDS. It is also, still, a bigger killer. A successful vaccine, and also importantly, a comprehensive vaccination programme, can easily become the greatest life-saver since smallpox was eradicated. 1:00:49 PM    comment []

Biggest, Fastest, Prudishest: World Sex Records A cursory reading of The Illustrated Book of Sexual Records should provide ample ammunition to entertain your friends for weeks. Some readers may be disppointed to find that the Important Question, "how long is the world's biggest penis," is not really answered. We do learn, however, what we already suspected: Men tend to boast, and women tend to overestimate. Which is good for all of us, I guess. You'll also learn more than you ever needed to know about orgasms, hermaphrodites, aphrodisiacs, chastity belts (which, actually, were extremely rare), the most famous nymphomaniac (picture), and prudish fanatics then and now. 10:45:02 AM    comment []

Drugs for Muscles 'Everybody' knows that taking drugs like steroids and testosterone helps build muscle. Problem is, very little research is done on how it works, why it works and, perhaps most importantly, how dangerous it is. 8:33:45 AM    comment []

Money Raising Tip for Universities: Headstones You are probably used to seeing t-shirts with the logos of famous American universities. And indeed, the universities over there, dependent to a larger degree on private fundraising than the European counterparts, have for a long time been good at selling their brands. But t-shirts, coffee cups and baseball caps are yesterday's news. The latest items to wear the logos of your favourite universities are headstones and coffins. Apparently, even in death people can't allow anyone to forget where they enjoyed the happy student life, before starting the long road of decline towards needing that coffin. 2:45:47 AM    comment []

© Copyright 2003 Jan Haugland. Last update: 01.01.03; 03:59:42.