Monday, March 31, 2003
Iraq Diaries: Expelled Peaceteam members in car accident near border with Jordan
"As the group headed west in the early morning light, there was ample evidence of the effects of US/British bombing. There were the downed bridges, the destroyed gas stations, and the blackened shells of destroyed military and civilian vehicles by the side of the road. US and British planes could be seen in the skies, and were actively engaged in bombing near the road so the drivers decided spread their vehicles apart and travel at maximum speed so as to minimize the likelihood of their becoming 'collateral damage' in this war."
Weldon Nisly, one of the Christian Peacemakers injured in this accident is the pastor of Seattle Mennonite Church. When I heard that Weldon had resolved to travel to Iraq as a Christian peace delegate, I was quite alarmed. We're all glad that Weldon is safe and we hope and pray that his injuries heal quickly.
"As the group headed west in the early morning light, there was ample evidence of the effects of US/British bombing. There were the downed bridges, the destroyed gas stations, and the blackened shells of destroyed military and civilian vehicles by the side of the road. US and British planes could be seen in the skies, and were actively engaged in bombing near the road so the drivers decided spread their vehicles apart and travel at maximum speed so as to minimize the likelihood of their becoming 'collateral damage' in this war."
Weldon Nisly, one of the Christian Peacemakers injured in this accident is the pastor of Seattle Mennonite Church. When I heard that Weldon had resolved to travel to Iraq as a Christian peace delegate, I was quite alarmed. We're all glad that Weldon is safe and we hope and pray that his injuries heal quickly.
Light readers will find plenty in new library
"Just as the radically offbeat appearance of Seattle's central library may startle residents as it rises amid staid downtown surroundings, it has the same effect even on its world-renowned designer."
Link thanks to my darling wife.
"Just as the radically offbeat appearance of Seattle's central library may startle residents as it rises amid staid downtown surroundings, it has the same effect even on its world-renowned designer."
Link thanks to my darling wife.
Last night we watched one of my all-time favorite movies, Joe versus the Volcano. Almost everyone I know absolutely hates this movie. I've never been able to understand why, except that it came out at the wrong time. JVV was in a different league that Tom Hank's previous movie, Splash, and it was far too stylish and not nearly pretentious enough for the audience of the time. At least one reviewer agrees with me. Yet the movie has a devoted following. I strongly suggest you pick this movie up and give it a try. It's surprisingly well done, and it's great for a night when you want something fun.
Friday, March 28, 2003
Freedom speaks even at the mall
"An Albany, N.Y., shopping mall ejected a man for wearing a 'Peace on Earth' T-shirt. The man's son avoided trespassing charges only by taking off his 'Give peace a chance' T-shirt. Both had bought their shirts at the mall."
Emphasis mine.
"An Albany, N.Y., shopping mall ejected a man for wearing a 'Peace on Earth' T-shirt. The man's son avoided trespassing charges only by taking off his 'Give peace a chance' T-shirt. Both had bought their shirts at the mall."
Emphasis mine.
Library's 'problem populace' needs cooperative city to find solution
"There is a problem, however, as anyone who has used the temporary downtown library (in the Washington State Convention and Trade Center) can attest. To a very noticeable degree, the library's facilities serve as domestic space for some of the city's transient, mentally ill and homeless populace. The chairs and tables in its reading rooms are occupied by (mainly) men engrossed in conversation or taking naps. The restrooms are places for far more than personal hygiene; a member of the library's executive staff tells of encountering a man in the hallway who had just emerged from the men's room and who inquired as to where he might find a plug for his iron. (It seems he had a job interview and wanted to spruce up his shirt. To her credit, the librarian took the man to her office.) In brief, the library serves as an institutional substitute for home -- for people who do not have one."
I was struck by a couple of things in this article: first of all, it highlights an interesting situation that I haven't seen addressed in print. Second, it identifies some of the causes of the problem. However, it didn't include any feedback from librarians or library patrons on the situation. It's worth noting that the finge element are citizens too (and thus as entitled as anyone to library services). If we tossed the homeless out of the library, where would they go, I wonder? Probably off to be tossed out of some other locale.
Thanks to my wonderful wife for the link.
"There is a problem, however, as anyone who has used the temporary downtown library (in the Washington State Convention and Trade Center) can attest. To a very noticeable degree, the library's facilities serve as domestic space for some of the city's transient, mentally ill and homeless populace. The chairs and tables in its reading rooms are occupied by (mainly) men engrossed in conversation or taking naps. The restrooms are places for far more than personal hygiene; a member of the library's executive staff tells of encountering a man in the hallway who had just emerged from the men's room and who inquired as to where he might find a plug for his iron. (It seems he had a job interview and wanted to spruce up his shirt. To her credit, the librarian took the man to her office.) In brief, the library serves as an institutional substitute for home -- for people who do not have one."
I was struck by a couple of things in this article: first of all, it highlights an interesting situation that I haven't seen addressed in print. Second, it identifies some of the causes of the problem. However, it didn't include any feedback from librarians or library patrons on the situation. It's worth noting that the finge element are citizens too (and thus as entitled as anyone to library services). If we tossed the homeless out of the library, where would they go, I wonder? Probably off to be tossed out of some other locale.
Thanks to my wonderful wife for the link.
A moment with ... two guys who reviewed every single bar in Seattle
"The liver is fine, actually. Because despite the sound of the large quantity of drinks, there was only one drink at each place. I do know that based on the technical definition, we would be considered alcoholics, but we're not. I can't count on one hand the number of times I got drunk."
The boys at 570bars got an interview in the PI today. WOOT, boys!M
Update: There's also a very brief write up in the Seattle Weekly, which I previously missed.
'Nother Update: They also made Plastic (as Denormalize pointed out in the comments).
"The liver is fine, actually. Because despite the sound of the large quantity of drinks, there was only one drink at each place. I do know that based on the technical definition, we would be considered alcoholics, but we're not. I can't count on one hand the number of times I got drunk."
The boys at 570bars got an interview in the PI today. WOOT, boys!M
Update: There's also a very brief write up in the Seattle Weekly, which I previously missed.
'Nother Update: They also made Plastic (as Denormalize pointed out in the comments).
Thursday, March 27, 2003
My Canadian rant,br>
This is something that's been in the back of my mind for a while. Fortunately, Philos found this great rantthat says just it quite well. This is to the Americans who're getting all indignant because Canada didn't sent troops to Iraq this time and who seem to forget that Canada's been America's partner and ally for over 100 years.
"These people should be reminded that on September 11th it was a Canadian in charge of NORAD who routed all air traffic for the entire continental airspace. It was Canadians who took in all the trans-Atlantic and Pacific air travel and closed the longest undefended border in the world for the first time despite there being absolutely no evidence that any of the hijackers came from Canadian airspace or soil. Canadians were among the many victims from all countries who died or who suffered because of the attacks of September 11th. It was Canadians who took in the thousands of people who could not otherwise stay over when they could not get to their loved ones for days and weeks without consideration of expense. It was Canadians as well as the rest of the world who donated money by the millions to help out New York and who sent firefighters, search and rescue teams and other experts to Ground Zero. Indeed, when Osama Bin Laden and al Qaeda were tracked to Afghanistan, Canadians sent troops, infantry, snipers, commandos and, yes, peacekeepers to that country as part of a multilateral action to root out terrorism and continues to patrol Afghanistan to make that country more than its recent past."
This is something that's been in the back of my mind for a while. Fortunately, Philos found this great rantthat says just it quite well. This is to the Americans who're getting all indignant because Canada didn't sent troops to Iraq this time and who seem to forget that Canada's been America's partner and ally for over 100 years.
"These people should be reminded that on September 11th it was a Canadian in charge of NORAD who routed all air traffic for the entire continental airspace. It was Canadians who took in all the trans-Atlantic and Pacific air travel and closed the longest undefended border in the world for the first time despite there being absolutely no evidence that any of the hijackers came from Canadian airspace or soil. Canadians were among the many victims from all countries who died or who suffered because of the attacks of September 11th. It was Canadians who took in the thousands of people who could not otherwise stay over when they could not get to their loved ones for days and weeks without consideration of expense. It was Canadians as well as the rest of the world who donated money by the millions to help out New York and who sent firefighters, search and rescue teams and other experts to Ground Zero. Indeed, when Osama Bin Laden and al Qaeda were tracked to Afghanistan, Canadians sent troops, infantry, snipers, commandos and, yes, peacekeepers to that country as part of a multilateral action to root out terrorism and continues to patrol Afghanistan to make that country more than its recent past."
Salon.com News | Rage or reason
"As battle rages in Iraq, despite howls of protest across the world, American antiwar organizers contemplate whether they should focus on stopping this war or the next one. Some activists still believe that Operation Iraqi Freedom can somehow be halted -- or, at least, that they have a duty to keep fighting for that goal -- and that business in America should be disrupted until it is. Others, hearing the murmurs from America's foreign policy elite that Iraq is but the first step in a grander plan to remake the Middle East and the world, are using their energy to lay the groundwork for a broader movement against George Bush's agenda and his reelection."
I was very glad to read this article. Though I am against Bush's foreign policy and I attended the Feb 15th protests, I've been taking umbrage at the continual clamor of the local weeklies and activist web sites about how 'the movement' is fizzling. Feb 15th was a great success because it was so broad. But much activism is narrow by nature, and rightfuly so. Most people will turn out for causes and methods that appeal to their interests and principles. On Feb 15th, we were united against an impending war. On Feb 17th, some of us were blocking the 520 bridge, and the rest of us were trying to get to work.
'The serious political person now asks, 'How do I focus my energy? How do I weigh in against the continuation of the Bush foreign policy?'' says Gitlin. 'That's an absolute prerequisite to disrupting this very dangerous march we're on.' "
P.S. Get Salon Premium.
"As battle rages in Iraq, despite howls of protest across the world, American antiwar organizers contemplate whether they should focus on stopping this war or the next one. Some activists still believe that Operation Iraqi Freedom can somehow be halted -- or, at least, that they have a duty to keep fighting for that goal -- and that business in America should be disrupted until it is. Others, hearing the murmurs from America's foreign policy elite that Iraq is but the first step in a grander plan to remake the Middle East and the world, are using their energy to lay the groundwork for a broader movement against George Bush's agenda and his reelection."
I was very glad to read this article. Though I am against Bush's foreign policy and I attended the Feb 15th protests, I've been taking umbrage at the continual clamor of the local weeklies and activist web sites about how 'the movement' is fizzling. Feb 15th was a great success because it was so broad. But much activism is narrow by nature, and rightfuly so. Most people will turn out for causes and methods that appeal to their interests and principles. On Feb 15th, we were united against an impending war. On Feb 17th, some of us were blocking the 520 bridge, and the rest of us were trying to get to work.
'The serious political person now asks, 'How do I focus my energy? How do I weigh in against the continuation of the Bush foreign policy?'' says Gitlin. 'That's an absolute prerequisite to disrupting this very dangerous march we're on.' "
P.S. Get Salon Premium.
Boston Globe Online / Nation | World / Freed detainees cite rewards, beatings
"At the US detention center in Guantanamo Bay, prisoners who argue with guards are persecuted and sometimes beaten, while those who obey are rewarded with good food, clothes, hygiene, and even video games, according to interviews with the largest group of detainees set free so far from the main facility for Taliban and Al Qaeda suspects."
"At the US detention center in Guantanamo Bay, prisoners who argue with guards are persecuted and sometimes beaten, while those who obey are rewarded with good food, clothes, hygiene, and even video games, according to interviews with the largest group of detainees set free so far from the main facility for Taliban and Al Qaeda suspects."
The Morning News - A Good Day To Be Alive
"It’s a good day to be alive,’ William says. He waves with both hands. He sits here on most afternoons, drinking vodka and soda, greeting people as they pass."
"It’s a good day to be alive,’ William says. He waves with both hands. He sits here on most afternoons, drinking vodka and soda, greeting people as they pass."
Missing toe truck a sign of alarm for landmark lovers
"The pink toe truck became a regional icon because of its unique shape and because of a highly visible location, at the foot of the Mercer Street exit off-ramp on Fairview Avenue."
"The pink toe truck became a regional icon because of its unique shape and because of a highly visible location, at the foot of the Mercer Street exit off-ramp on Fairview Avenue."
Wednesday, March 26, 2003
The Chronicle: 3/21/2003: When Teaching the Ethics of War Is Not Academic
"In 1989, my father had a conversation with a World War II fighter pilot who knew firsthand what it feels like both to see an enemy cross the line from warrior to murderer and, in response, to cross the line himself. The veteran described an experience that had haunted him for more than 40 years. He and his friend Jimmy had been in a dogfight with three German ME-109s. Jimmy was hit and bailed out. One of the German pilots shot him while he was drifting down in his parachute. The veteran was horrified and went after the German pilot, forced him to bail out, and killed him in his parachute. My father asked the veteran how it had felt to take that revenge. At first, the man claimed that it had felt good. A moment later, however, he admitted, 'No. ... OK, ... I cried.'"
An excellent essay, gleaned from Sgt. Stryker
"In 1989, my father had a conversation with a World War II fighter pilot who knew firsthand what it feels like both to see an enemy cross the line from warrior to murderer and, in response, to cross the line himself. The veteran described an experience that had haunted him for more than 40 years. He and his friend Jimmy had been in a dogfight with three German ME-109s. Jimmy was hit and bailed out. One of the German pilots shot him while he was drifting down in his parachute. The veteran was horrified and went after the German pilot, forced him to bail out, and killed him in his parachute. My father asked the veteran how it had felt to take that revenge. At first, the man claimed that it had felt good. A moment later, however, he admitted, 'No. ... OK, ... I cried.'"
An excellent essay, gleaned from Sgt. Stryker
Yahoo! News - Report Says Slain U.S. Soldiers Tried to Surrender
"One report reaching the U.S. military said that some of the 12 soldiers whose supply convoy was ambushed near Nassiriya in southern Iraq (news - web sites) on Sunday were killed by their captors although they tried to surrender, a U.S. defense official said on Wednesday."
"One report reaching the U.S. military said that some of the 12 soldiers whose supply convoy was ambushed near Nassiriya in southern Iraq (news - web sites) on Sunday were killed by their captors although they tried to surrender, a U.S. defense official said on Wednesday."
Clear Channel Behind Pro-War Demos | Metafilter
"Most of the recent pro-war demonstrations around the United States have been organized by stations owned by Clear Channel Communications, the nation's largest owner of radio stations. The company's top management has a history with George W. Bush, and Secretary of State Colin Powell's son, Michael Powell, is the head of the FCC."
I am starting to lose perspective. Is this alarming news, or just a conspiracy theory.
"Most of the recent pro-war demonstrations around the United States have been organized by stations owned by Clear Channel Communications, the nation's largest owner of radio stations. The company's top management has a history with George W. Bush, and Secretary of State Colin Powell's son, Michael Powell, is the head of the FCC."
I am starting to lose perspective. Is this alarming news, or just a conspiracy theory.
KRT Wire | 03/23/2003 | Muslim immigrants on the run head for limbo again
"Like millions of immigrants, the Ahmeds had lived and worked in the United States illegally - but undisturbed - for years. That changed this year, when Pakistan became the latest country whose citizens are required to register with immigration officials in the United States, or face detention or deportation."
"Like millions of immigrants, the Ahmeds had lived and worked in the United States illegally - but undisturbed - for years. That changed this year, when Pakistan became the latest country whose citizens are required to register with immigration officials in the United States, or face detention or deportation."
Shifting rules of war -- at home and abroad
"'What the Hell Does America Expect,' said a front-page head- line in London's Daily Mirror with a photo of Guantanamo detainees, 'when it treats POWs like this?'"
"'What the Hell Does America Expect,' said a front-page head- line in London's Daily Mirror with a photo of Guantanamo detainees, 'when it treats POWs like this?'"
Tuesday, March 25, 2003
The Agonist--by Sean Paul Kelley is a good source of war news.
Where is Raed ?
"Half an hour ago the oil filled trenches were put on fire."
I am the last person in the world to discover this site.
"Half an hour ago the oil filled trenches were put on fire."
I am the last person in the world to discover this site.
New Scientist
"Buildings of the future could be "clothed" in a flexible, power-generating material that looks like denim. The Canadian company developing the material says it can be draped over just about any shape - greatly expanding the number of places where solar power can be generated."
Link thanks toDenormalize Philos.
"Buildings of the future could be "clothed" in a flexible, power-generating material that looks like denim. The Canadian company developing the material says it can be draped over just about any shape - greatly expanding the number of places where solar power can be generated."
Link thanks to
Saturday, March 22, 2003
Thus ends an era, albeit a short one... Last night, Orkgrrl and I were happy to attend the closing ceremonies of the 570 bars quest. Brandon and Jason successfuly drank at all of Seattle's 570 spirit serving establishments. The closing ceremony was a nice meal for Jason, Brandon and 42 of their best friends at Bucca di Beppo. Congratulations, boys!
Thursday, March 20, 2003
Wednesday, March 19, 2003
c o r s a k t i is the queen of found objects
I've had quite a bit of complaining (whining, even) about the new design. I humbly direct you here.
In keeping with my love of stupid little web toys, I've added a weather pixie to my page. Now everyone can tell what kind of weather we're having today.
Red alert? Stay home, await word
"A red alert would also tear away virtually all personal freedoms to move about and associate."
"A red alert would also tear away virtually all personal freedoms to move about and associate."
Tuesday, March 18, 2003
Baltimore Grand Tournament 2003: The 13th Black Crusade
"The Warmonger Club plans to invade the Baltimore Grand Tournament this year with an entire Black Crusade with all nine Chaos Legions in tow. Each traitor founding chapter will be represented; with 2150 points each, in all the 'Mongers will have almost 20,000 points of Chaos, all represented in one huge display base."
This may finally be the untoppable Grand Tournament exploit. Read New Wave Mail Orders Baltimore GT coverage for more news and pictures.
"The Warmonger Club plans to invade the Baltimore Grand Tournament this year with an entire Black Crusade with all nine Chaos Legions in tow. Each traitor founding chapter will be represented; with 2150 points each, in all the 'Mongers will have almost 20,000 points of Chaos, all represented in one huge display base."
This may finally be the untoppable Grand Tournament exploit. Read New Wave Mail Orders Baltimore GT coverage for more news and pictures.
All Music Guide: The KLF
"Voted Best British Group by BPI and the Brit Awards, the KLF were scheduled to perform at a London awards ceremony on February 13, 1992. Cauty and Drummond did show up, but horrified the formal audience with a hardcore thrash version of "3 A.M. Eternal" (performed with the justifiably named Extreme Noise Terror) that also included Drummond spraying the crowd with blanks from an automatic rifle and the post-performance announcement, 'The KLF have left the music industry.'"
Thanks to Philos for digging all this up!
"Voted Best British Group by BPI and the Brit Awards, the KLF were scheduled to perform at a London awards ceremony on February 13, 1992. Cauty and Drummond did show up, but horrified the formal audience with a hardcore thrash version of "3 A.M. Eternal" (performed with the justifiably named Extreme Noise Terror) that also included Drummond spraying the crowd with blanks from an automatic rifle and the post-performance announcement, 'The KLF have left the music industry.'"
Thanks to Philos for digging all this up!
Monday, March 17, 2003
What is Google Exclusion?
"Google is arguable the world's most popular search engine. However, contrary perhaps to a naive impression, in some cases the results of a search are affected by various government-related factors. That is, search results which may otherwise be shown, are deliberately excluded. The suppression may be local to a country, or global to all Google results."
"Google is arguable the world's most popular search engine. However, contrary perhaps to a naive impression, in some cases the results of a search are affected by various government-related factors. That is, search results which may otherwise be shown, are deliberately excluded. The suppression may be local to a country, or global to all Google results."
The Purim Story - Aish Purim Site
"We read the story of Purim in the evening and the next day. And whenever Haman is mentioned, we make as much noise as possible to blot out his name and his memory!"
Don't forget to celebrate Purim today!
"We read the story of Purim in the evening and the next day. And whenever Haman is mentioned, we make as much noise as possible to blot out his name and his memory!"
Don't forget to celebrate Purim today!
Sunday, March 16, 2003
I just posted a gallery of all my banner pictures. You can access it by clicking the gallery link, at the right.
BBC NEWS | Americas | 'Talking fish' stuns New York
"It said 'Tzaruch shemirah' and 'Hasof bah'," Mr Rosen later told the New York Times newspaper."
...
"'Two men do not dream the same dream,' said Abraham Spitz, a resident who visited Mr Rosen's shop to observe the site of the miracle."
...
"'Ah, enough already about the fish,' Mr Rosen said, 'I wish I never said anything about it. '"
"It said 'Tzaruch shemirah' and 'Hasof bah'," Mr Rosen later told the New York Times newspaper."
...
"'Two men do not dream the same dream,' said Abraham Spitz, a resident who visited Mr Rosen's shop to observe the site of the miracle."
...
"'Ah, enough already about the fish,' Mr Rosen said, 'I wish I never said anything about it. '"
Friday, March 14, 2003
Denormalize posted this little gem.
...just added two new pictures to the rotation, bringing the total to 20. I also have 10 new pictures for the next update. Enjoy! :)
update: new pictures added, bringing the total to 30!
update: new pictures added, bringing the total to 30!
Salon.com Arts & Entertainment | Can "Farscape" fans reinvent TV?
"By focusing on the ratings, 'Scapers are playing by the rules of the television industry. The problem is, no one knows whether those rules even apply anymore. "
"By focusing on the ratings, 'Scapers are playing by the rules of the television industry. The problem is, no one knows whether those rules even apply anymore. "
Scarecrow Video founder did 'whatever he felt'
"George Latsios started off with dozens of 'cannibal movies' and art-house Italian flicks in a corner of a Montlake store. Within 10 years, he was drowning in debt, but he had piled up 40,000 titles and built one of the biggest and best-known independent video stores in the country. Scarecrow Video became a destination for directors and a haven for movie-hounds."
Thanks to Orkgrrrl for the link.
"George Latsios started off with dozens of 'cannibal movies' and art-house Italian flicks in a corner of a Montlake store. Within 10 years, he was drowning in debt, but he had piled up 40,000 titles and built one of the biggest and best-known independent video stores in the country. Scarecrow Video became a destination for directors and a haven for movie-hounds."
Thanks to Orkgrrrl for the link.
Wednesday, March 12, 2003
The Bob Lancaster Gallery of Unusual Playing Cards
Includes the beautiful Florentine deck, the origonal Star Trek deck and more. I wish I had time to go through every deck on this page!
Includes the beautiful Florentine deck, the origonal Star Trek deck and more. I wish I had time to go through every deck on this page!
Tuesday, March 11, 2003
BBC NEWS | Americas | Guantanamo appeal denied
"Handing a major victory to the Bush administration, the judges said suspected al-Qaeda and Taleban fighters held at Guantanamo Bay were aliens outside US sovereign territory and were not protected by the US Constitution."
"Handing a major victory to the Bush administration, the judges said suspected al-Qaeda and Taleban fighters held at Guantanamo Bay were aliens outside US sovereign territory and were not protected by the US Constitution."
I've been by Orcinus before, but this is the first time I took a very close look. It's an excellent journalistic blog, and well worth the look. Also, he links me. :)
BistroSinistro.com - MATCHrix Card Game
"MATCHrix is a collectible card game with simple rules and strategies designed to be as social as it is competitive. Players alternately lay down cards in "dominoes" fashion, matching their symbols in a race to get rid of their cards. Over the course of the game, a large "matrix" of cards is layed on the table, clustering in patterns of color and form. When played in public, strangers will interrupt to comment on the artwork. Special cards can turn the game around in a second."
"MATCHrix is a collectible card game with simple rules and strategies designed to be as social as it is competitive. Players alternately lay down cards in "dominoes" fashion, matching their symbols in a race to get rid of their cards. Over the course of the game, a large "matrix" of cards is layed on the table, clustering in patterns of color and form. When played in public, strangers will interrupt to comment on the artwork. Special cards can turn the game around in a second."
Monday, March 10, 2003
While I'm fiddling with the ol' blog, I decided to add a guest map. Just click that little link to the right, and enter your geographic area. Fun toys.
Political Blogmap
tony.dowler.com's been a lot more political this year than previously, so I thought I'd toss this into the mixed sald that is blogness.
"This is the Political Blogmap, a rudimentary attempt to represent weblogs according to the political views of their authors."
tony.dowler.com's been a lot more political this year than previously, so I thought I'd toss this into the mixed sald that is blogness.
"This is the Political Blogmap, a rudimentary attempt to represent weblogs according to the political views of their authors."
The long awaited redesign
I figured that since I've had the same blogger template since tony.dowler.com launched (just over 2 years ago now), and it's almost a year since I actually lived in the house depicted on the front page, it was high time.
Cheers!
T
I figured that since I've had the same blogger template since tony.dowler.com launched (just over 2 years ago now), and it's almost a year since I actually lived in the house depicted on the front page, it was high time.
Cheers!
T
Just War — or a Just War? by Jimmy Carter
"As a Christian and as a president who was severely provoked by international crises, I became thoroughly familiar with the principles of a just war, and it is clear that a substantially unilateral attack on Iraq does not meet these standards. This is an almost universal conviction of religious leaders, with the most notable exception of a few spokesmen of the Southern Baptist Convention who are greatly influenced by their commitment to Israel based on eschatological, or final days, theology."
"As a Christian and as a president who was severely provoked by international crises, I became thoroughly familiar with the principles of a just war, and it is clear that a substantially unilateral attack on Iraq does not meet these standards. This is an almost universal conviction of religious leaders, with the most notable exception of a few spokesmen of the Southern Baptist Convention who are greatly influenced by their commitment to Israel based on eschatological, or final days, theology."
BBC NEWS | Europe | Iraq football coach dreams of peace
"Bernd Stange is the coach for the Iraqi national football squad - answerable to Saddam Hussein's son Uday - and is desperate to win them a place in the World Cup in Germany in 2006."
"Bernd Stange is the coach for the Iraqi national football squad - answerable to Saddam Hussein's son Uday - and is desperate to win them a place in the World Cup in Germany in 2006."
Saturday, March 08, 2003
America Admits Suspects Died in Interrogations
"American military officials acknowledged yesterday that two prisoners captured in Afghanistan in December had been killed while under interrogation at Bagram air base north of Kabul – reviving concerns that the US is resorting to torture in its treatment of Taliban fighters and suspected al-Qa'ida operatives."
"American military officials acknowledged yesterday that two prisoners captured in Afghanistan in December had been killed while under interrogation at Bagram air base north of Kabul – reviving concerns that the US is resorting to torture in its treatment of Taliban fighters and suspected al-Qa'ida operatives."
Appellate Court Rules Media Can Legally Lie. - SierraTimes.Com
"On February 14, a Florida Appeals court ruled there is absolutely nothing illegal about lying, concealing or distorting information by a major press organization. The court reversed the $425,000 jury verdict in favor of journalist Jane Akre who charged she was pressured by Fox Television management and lawyers to air what she knew and documented to be false information. The ruling basically declares it is technically not against any law, rule, or regulation to deliberately lie or distort the news on a television broadcast."
"On February 14, a Florida Appeals court ruled there is absolutely nothing illegal about lying, concealing or distorting information by a major press organization. The court reversed the $425,000 jury verdict in favor of journalist Jane Akre who charged she was pressured by Fox Television management and lawyers to air what she knew and documented to be false information. The ruling basically declares it is technically not against any law, rule, or regulation to deliberately lie or distort the news on a television broadcast."
Yahoo! News - Security Council members with pivotal Iraq votes receive billions in aid from U.S.
"Bulgaria, a supporter of the Bush administration's Iraq stance, is about to be bestowed with the coveted economic status of 'market economy.' Chile, a Security Council member which has not yet decided whether to support the U.S.-backed resolution to authorize war against Baghdad, is still waiting for congressional approval of a lucrative free trade agreement with the United States. "
"Bulgaria, a supporter of the Bush administration's Iraq stance, is about to be bestowed with the coveted economic status of 'market economy.' Chile, a Security Council member which has not yet decided whether to support the U.S.-backed resolution to authorize war against Baghdad, is still waiting for congressional approval of a lucrative free trade agreement with the United States. "
Friday, March 07, 2003
Seattle Wireless
"Seattle Wireless is a not-for-profit effort to develop a wireless broadband community network in Seattle. Our use of inexpensive wireless technology gets around the artificial bottlenecks imposed by the local telco which prevent true, inexpensive, Metro Area Networking."
It may just be time to learn more about wireless.
"Seattle Wireless is a not-for-profit effort to develop a wireless broadband community network in Seattle. Our use of inexpensive wireless technology gets around the artificial bottlenecks imposed by the local telco which prevent true, inexpensive, Metro Area Networking."
It may just be time to learn more about wireless.
The Pentagon's New Map
The Pentagon's New Map is the first cogent attempt at a philosophy of how power works in the post 9/11. Here are some of my favorite highlights:
"When the United States finally goes to war again in the Persian Gulf, it will not constitute a settling of old scores, or just an enforced disarmament of illegal weapons, or a distraction in the war on terror. Our next war in the Gulf will mark a historical tipping point—the moment when Washington takes real ownership of strategic security in the age of globalization."
The issue of whether we go to war in Iraq is a key issue, and a turning point in our policy.
"Disconnectedness defines danger"
The new source of violence isn't rival superpowers (Russia and China), but rather the smallest, poorest, most isolated nations in the world. Nations like Afghanistan, which have been largely ignored by the world through an ever downward spiral of war, famine, disease, and violence have become breeding grounds for a voilence that threatens every civilization on the planet. This is a very important insight. What I do not agree with is the proposed solution:
"In sum, it is always possible to fall off this bandwagon called globalization. And when you do, bloodshed will follow. If you are lucky, so will American troops."
The New Map has a starkly military solution to trouble and suffering in the world: military might. Never mind matieral aid, knowledge, education, diplomacy, and foreign investment. The Map has a vein of military determinism that runs through the entire article. US military presence is both the symptom and the cure to the ultimate evil. And that evil is...
"This country has successfully exported security to globalization’s Old Core (Western Europe, Northeast Asia) for half a century and to its emerging New Core (Developing Asia) for a solid quarter century following our mishandling of Vietnam. But our efforts in the Middle Ease have been inconsistent—in Africa, almost nonexistent. Until we begin the systematic, long-term export of security to the Gap, it will increasingly export its pain to the Core in the form of terrorism and other instabilities."
...lack of globalization. There are a few danger points here. First of all, military and ecocnomic ends are equated here. When The Map talks about exporting security, it doesn't just mean trade, it means shipping US troops. This is playing with fire. It becomes very easy to confuse military intervention with economic interest, a slippery slope that could turn the military into pawns of US corporations rather than the servants and defenders of American citizens. And there's another danger here: the blurring of the lines between peacekeeping and warfare. The Map makes strong mention of the stabilizing influence of American peacekeeping forces (while ignoring the fact that they are often stationed alongside other UN member forces), but equates this with a military invasion of Iraq. These are rather different, as I'm sure the soldiers who have to hold the front would agree.
All in all, I think The Map is a miguided answer to a real problem. To quote The Sarge, "This is not a new chapter in history. This is an entirely new Book and we've only just finished the Preface."
The Pentagon's New Map is the first cogent attempt at a philosophy of how power works in the post 9/11. Here are some of my favorite highlights:
"When the United States finally goes to war again in the Persian Gulf, it will not constitute a settling of old scores, or just an enforced disarmament of illegal weapons, or a distraction in the war on terror. Our next war in the Gulf will mark a historical tipping point—the moment when Washington takes real ownership of strategic security in the age of globalization."
The issue of whether we go to war in Iraq is a key issue, and a turning point in our policy.
"Disconnectedness defines danger"
The new source of violence isn't rival superpowers (Russia and China), but rather the smallest, poorest, most isolated nations in the world. Nations like Afghanistan, which have been largely ignored by the world through an ever downward spiral of war, famine, disease, and violence have become breeding grounds for a voilence that threatens every civilization on the planet. This is a very important insight. What I do not agree with is the proposed solution:
"In sum, it is always possible to fall off this bandwagon called globalization. And when you do, bloodshed will follow. If you are lucky, so will American troops."
The New Map has a starkly military solution to trouble and suffering in the world: military might. Never mind matieral aid, knowledge, education, diplomacy, and foreign investment. The Map has a vein of military determinism that runs through the entire article. US military presence is both the symptom and the cure to the ultimate evil. And that evil is...
"This country has successfully exported security to globalization’s Old Core (Western Europe, Northeast Asia) for half a century and to its emerging New Core (Developing Asia) for a solid quarter century following our mishandling of Vietnam. But our efforts in the Middle Ease have been inconsistent—in Africa, almost nonexistent. Until we begin the systematic, long-term export of security to the Gap, it will increasingly export its pain to the Core in the form of terrorism and other instabilities."
...lack of globalization. There are a few danger points here. First of all, military and ecocnomic ends are equated here. When The Map talks about exporting security, it doesn't just mean trade, it means shipping US troops. This is playing with fire. It becomes very easy to confuse military intervention with economic interest, a slippery slope that could turn the military into pawns of US corporations rather than the servants and defenders of American citizens. And there's another danger here: the blurring of the lines between peacekeeping and warfare. The Map makes strong mention of the stabilizing influence of American peacekeeping forces (while ignoring the fact that they are often stationed alongside other UN member forces), but equates this with a military invasion of Iraq. These are rather different, as I'm sure the soldiers who have to hold the front would agree.
All in all, I think The Map is a miguided answer to a real problem. To quote The Sarge, "This is not a new chapter in history. This is an entirely new Book and we've only just finished the Preface."
Catholics Debating: Back President or Pope on Iraq?
"On the prospects of war with Iraq, almost all of them find themselves in a bind: as conservative Catholics, they follow the pope, but as conservative Americans, they support the president. They, like many other religious Americans, are more deeply indecisive and ambivalent than their religious leaders appear to be."
"On the prospects of war with Iraq, almost all of them find themselves in a bind: as conservative Catholics, they follow the pope, but as conservative Americans, they support the president. They, like many other religious Americans, are more deeply indecisive and ambivalent than their religious leaders appear to be."
Victim of Central District shooting remains critical
"Wednesday's shooting happened just a few blocks from the Feb. 20 killing, at 23rd Avenue and East Jefferson Street, outside Ezell's Fried Chicken and across the street from Garfield High School."
"Wednesday's shooting happened just a few blocks from the Feb. 20 killing, at 23rd Avenue and East Jefferson Street, outside Ezell's Fried Chicken and across the street from Garfield High School."
Thursday, March 06, 2003
Tuesday, March 04, 2003
The Japan Times Online
"Tokyo is said to have 12 subways and 250 km of tunneling. I'd say that last figure is closer to 2,000 km. It's clear to me that the tunnels for the Namboku, Hanzomon and O-Edo lines existed before decisions were made to turn them into public subways."
This is a great story! Secret tunnels, WWII secrests and conspiracies.
"Tokyo is said to have 12 subways and 250 km of tunneling. I'd say that last figure is closer to 2,000 km. It's clear to me that the tunnels for the Namboku, Hanzomon and O-Edo lines existed before decisions were made to turn them into public subways."
This is a great story! Secret tunnels, WWII secrests and conspiracies.
Monday, March 03, 2003
This morning I made a surprising discovery upon opening my Inbox. It was a note from someone I was involved with, way back when. To tell the truth, to me our involvement was only ever a fling, a dalliance inspired by curiosity, but apparently, it the other didn't seem that way. I've changed, the email seemed to say, why don't you come back and we'll see if we can work it all out... The email went on in this vein. It was all rather sad and poignant, I thought. Here's a sample.
"Dear Customer,
Today, on the 3rd march 2003, your Anarchy Online account (orkboi)
has been re-activated for a free 30-day trial of our recently released
'booster pack', The Notum Wars. This has been done in order to give
former players of Anarchy Online a chance to check out the unique
features without having to level up a new character through the regular
free trial."
In other news, today I did my semi-monthly review of everything I can find upcoming in the world of multiplayer online games. It's a pretty uninspiring lot. There's the usual horde of games advertising the opportunity to IMPROVE YOUR SKILLS, FIGHT MONSTERS, BECOME MORE POWERFUL AND RULE THE REALM OF KMATHKINDKAT (or
"Dear Customer,
Today, on the 3rd march 2003, your Anarchy Online account (orkboi)
has been re-activated for a free 30-day trial of our recently released
'booster pack', The Notum Wars. This has been done in order to give
former players of Anarchy Online a chance to check out the unique
features without having to level up a new character through the regular
free trial."
In other news, today I did my semi-monthly review of everything I can find upcoming in the world of multiplayer online games. It's a pretty uninspiring lot. There's the usual horde of games advertising the opportunity to IMPROVE YOUR SKILLS, FIGHT MONSTERS, BECOME MORE POWERFUL AND RULE THE REALM OF KMATHKINDKAT (or