Global Politics & Economics:
A Real Solution to Terrorism:
For a cost of what Bush is spending every hour in Iraq, we could buy
and distribute enough anti-insect bed nets to struggling nations to
protect 40 million vulnerable children and save about 200,000 lives a year. Bush won't pay for it, but we can. Thanks to the NYT for the link to Jeffrey Sachs' Millennium Promise campaign.
US Dollar Collapse May Be Imminent:
There is growing evidence that the value of the US dollar will soon
plummet, setting off a collapse of stock, housing and other markets
denominated in the dollar. Currency values are fluctuating wildly as
speculators are taking positions and seeking hedges. The US debt and
trade debt continues to worsen. The US dollar has fallen to its lowest
level in a quarter century against the Canadian dollar, and looks weak
vulnerable (see chart above) against the international 'bucket' of
currencies. Gold has reached record levels. Silver and copper prices
are whipsawing. More countries are moving currency reserves from the
dollar to other currencies, and support for the Euro to replace the
dollar as the currency for international oil trading is growing. You
need to be very skeptical of advice from people who make their money
hawking commodity futures, but this article
makes a lot of sense. As I have said before, if your assets are all
tied up in investments that depend on a strong dollar, you're taking a
big risk.
Peer to Peer and the Gift Economy:
If you're looking for more details on how a grassroots, P2P,
Internet-enable peer production 'gift' economy could work, replacing
the current dysfunctional pseudo-'market' economy, here's a great article by Michael Bauwens.
US Politics:
Exit of the Exit Polls: The
mainstream media were embarrassed in 2004 when their exit polls
incorrectly (?) predicted a sizeable victory for Kerry over Bush. So
what are they doing in 2006? Improving the exit polls so they are more
reliable and representative? No, they're scrapping them. Don't let it
happen! Thanks to deconsumption for the heads up.
Canadian Politics:
Mini-Bush Stephen Harper Does Everything Wrong: Canadian
minority PM Harper has made two secret deals -- one with Bush on
'continental missile defence', that he refuses to divulge details of
until he's ready to present it to Parliament, and one with the Quebec
Separatist Bloc, which has cynically promised to support Harper's
minority for two years provided Harper agrees to essentially dismantle
federalism, shift money and power to the provinces, and make it easier
for Quebec to separate. So this week's budget, which gutted $10 billion
of environmental and social programs to fund increases in spending on
defence and prisons, will be supported by the Bloc which ran on a
strong environmental and social platform. Meanwhile, as Harper's
hawkish statements in Afghanistan threaten Canadian security and
neutrality, the majority of Canadians, who want us out of the failed
Afghanistan war now, are being ignored. Disgraceful, anti-democratic
behaviour by both Harper and Bloc leader Duceppe. And if that wasn't
bad enough, the Canadian Immigration Department is now harassing and abusing people at the borders.
Environment:
Hornby Bald Eagle Eggs Infertile:
You've probably heard of the Eagle Cam that has been watching a bald
eagle nest night and day for the last month. The photos were absolutely
extraordinary. Unfortunately, the eggs were infertile. A second cam has been set up beside another nest, so if you missed it last time, now's your chance. Thanks to Wild Ginger for the link.
26,000 Species Added to Endangered List: With half the species on the planet headed for extinction in this century, it's about time.
Climate Science Blog:
A group of real climate scientists have an excellent blog. Instead of
allowing global warming skeptics to waste your time in debate, just
send them here.
Just for Fun:
Jon Katz Has One Smart Cow: The delightful story of Elvis, the world's most sociable cow. Thanks to Amar Ashar for the link.
Where I'm Going to Be: I'll be speaking at Mesh Toronto on How Web 2.0 Can Save the World on Monday May 15, and at the SLA Annual Convention in Baltimore on Environmental Scanning and Knowledge Harvesting on Tuesday June 13. Maybe I'll see you there. |
MADE IN CANADA
trust your
instincts 
