Tuesday, October 28, 2008

The Bear Resurgent




The recent move by Russia in the Caucus region is very alarming and does beg the question, what's the deal with this country that has as many nuclear weapons as America? The West responded to the Georgian conflict with threats of international isolation, and military might was displayed by both sides. This was a scary development very reminiscent of the Cold War. Highlighting this recent Russian resurgence is a great article by the BBC. The article takes a look at the other areas of possible conflict between Russia and former Soviet states. It’s a great illustration of the multiple situations in which Russia could expand its influence further. Russia has long sought to turn away from the shame and chaos of the post-soviet 90’s and as seen in Georgia, it’s now in a position to do so. How should the West respond to Russia who is happily flexing its petro-dollar- fueled muscles on the world stage? I say engage Russia; let us not head down the path of attempted isolation, that just won't work for Russia at this point. If we can, we just might peer through the bullshit and vagaries of international relations and find we can accomplish more together when dialogue is employed. This is especially evident on issues, like Iran, where America needs Russian support at the UN Security Council. With Russia supplying more than half of Europe’s energy, the ability to achieve unity in the EU is made a lot more difficult. This makes establishing any kind of isolation challenging and in my mind useless. The next Administration should think long and hard about how best to approach Putin’s policies. Now more than ever we need insight and depth in the White House. The Bush style of foreign policy just won’t work in the world of tomorrow.


BBC World News

Monday, October 27, 2008

Olympics= Broader human rights in China? Maybe a little.

For the Olympics China SLIGHTLY reduced the amounts of censorship on the internet in that country. Recently the government panel that controls such measures met to discuss repealing the new rules since the Olympics have now finished. This would have been a slap in the face of the International Olympic Committee and human rights groups everywhere.Thankfully they decided to keep the new rules in place securing an inch more of freedom for the biggest net population on the planet. Yet it should be said that the new rules were roundly criticized as lacking in substance and was more of a curt bow to the global community. I for one applaud any such action by the Chinese Communist Party to increase freedom for its people. In a country where the conviction rate is 92%, baby steps are what should be expected.



BBC World News

Sunday, October 26, 2008

Smoke that shit [enter racial expletive of your choice]!

Barack Obama is a smoker! He likes a few Marlboro's every now and again. I have heard this bandied about by some media sources for a week or so, mainly in reference to arguments about the health of the canidates. I soon dicovered that most of the people I know are unaware of this fact so I found it noteworthy. Then I came upon this story done by FoX News's John Gibson. He basically attempts to tie African American steryotypes and smoking to why one should not vote for Barrak. Oh the depths some go.


Media Matters

Tuesday, October 21, 2008

Thats our Congress woman, woot woot!



She is truly a scary ass politician.

Washington Post

Thursday, October 16, 2008

The Happening

Friday, October 10, 2008

Ummm, oh yea oil.

One thing that has largely flown under the radar, during these times of great economic crisis, is the dramatic fall in the price of oil. Have you checked your local gas station? Oil is at its lowest price for a barrel in a year! Under 3$ a gallon again! Who was it that said oil would never climb back down to double digit numbers? Oh that's right, 85% of the worlds ECONOMISTS. Deja vu?

NY Times
CNN Money.com
MSNBC.com

Lots of sources!

Thursday, October 9, 2008

Off the charts?


The national debt clock had some problems this week dealing with our economic problems.

Times

Snippin the snuke!!



Now, I knew that this stuff went on and people do this kind of thing....but check out those numbers in the article. I think it is speaking generally about Western culture but I cant say for sure. Hymenoplasty? Are we for real? What, is the market for that unfaithful catholic engagements?

BBC World News

231,000,000%, is that possible?



The very sad story of Zimbabwe seems to be continuing. Both the political and economic crises remain virulent and there seems to be no end in sight. One of the more striking aspects of this issue is inflation. 231 million percent is an ungodly number when put into the context of inflation. It seems hard to discern what is more insane, the inflation rate or the lack of action by the global community on behalf of the people of this country.

BBC World News

Tuesday, October 7, 2008

Gaijin SMASH!!!

This story struck me as note worthy. It is more note worthy for those who have lived in Japan; who didnt pull a Gaijin Smash while in Tokyo! This guy just seems to have pulled the big Imperial no no though. DAIJOOBU!

Story:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/7656537.stm

Friday, October 3, 2008

Post-Nuclear Attack Survival Tip #2 Dont poop in the toliet



The BBC has just released a transcript, the likes of which would be the kind released after a nuclear attack. I find the main article interesting in that they [BBC] had talks with the government about who should be the voice in such a radio broadcast. Who would you want telling you the world is a hulking mess of atomic love now? Here is a direct link to the transcript pdf.

The BBC World News

Wednesday, April 2, 2008