Casual Ravings

Obama: Master of Spin (or is that bullshit?)

Do you remember the US Pres before this one? You know. Short guy, liked a joke and a laugh, had difficulty finishing his sentences, was controlled by the Evil Emperor himself? You know who I mean.

Now We Can All Get Some Sleep

Hurray for the Chile miners who have been saved. Now can we please have some different news?

I am happy the miners in Chile were saved. I am happy for their families and loved ones. The rescue operation was fantastic and extremely exciting in many ways, not just in terms of human drama but also the technology deployed.

Why I Am No Longer A Catholic

The church is from an bygone era.

Okay, okay. Half of you reading this will scream and say I have lost my soul, and the other half will say this shows I am a man of logic and sense. Whatever side you take, it is irrelevant when the leadership of the pope (notice I didn’t use a capital) and the church in general is objectively analysed.

One word, and only one word, can sum up the leadership of the church: old. Old in body, old in mind and thought, old in social beliefs, attitudes to life, money, power, and public accountability.

Australia Is Going To Lose To Switzerland

If it hasn’t already.

Chris Wilkins, living in Zug, Switzerland sheds some light on the enigma that is Swiss corporate tax and why the Australian Treasurer’s latest tax hike on the mining industry means the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) and Australians will ultimately lose out to a tough tax competitor.

Medieval Technology, Medieval Mind

NZ ripped off against Slovakia is good for Football.

Apparently all the top officials in FIFA are scared silly that the introduction of video referees will somehow destroy the game by “diluting the emotion of the game.” This is why they refused to bring in modern technology to the World Cup, which was brought to a head with Thierry Henry’s handball-goal.

All this discussion needed to get going again was a clear cut example of yet another team getting ripped off and not getting the results they deserve. Which is exactly what happened to New Zealand today against Slovakia.

Kim Jong Il says “Phew”

I am certain that Kim Jong Il, illustrious leader of North Korea is eternally thankful to the crass stupidity of the Israeli Defence Force. Up until 24 hours ago, North Korea was in the world spotlight for their insane act of sinking the Cheonan, the South Korean frigate. The UN was jumping up and down about it, Hilary Clinton was flying around the world from one summit to the next; and (more) sanctions were being imposed. Then “poof”. It disappeared.

What’s The Beef With Iran?

For years the USA has had a serious problem with Iran. Well, for the last fifty. Since enormous sums of oil were nationalised from BP and put in the hands of the people who lived there.

And then it really started. Mossadegh, who did the nationalising, was out because of a CIA coup. Then 30 years of a corrupt dictator pissed off the Iranians and had him thrown out. Unfortunately an excitable man replaced him.

The Difference 20 Seats Can Make

There is something strange happening in the UK. Politicians are using words like “cooperation” and “compromise” and exotic phrases like “we want to work together”.

Compare this with the usual mud-slinging that goes on in the House of Commons, where barely-veiled insults are order of the day, where not giving a hoot about what the other politicians want is absolutely modus operandi.

David Cameron – The Man Who Would Be King

Poor David Cameron. Saying he would be prepared to form an “big, open and comprehensive” coalition with the Liberal Democrats. I’m sure the entire speech stuck in his throat.

The UK Election Debates

And What is Wrong With the UK.

Well, quite a bit actually. And this was borne out of the debates that have just finished for the UK elections.

There are two ways to look at this debate. The first is to listen to what they are all saying and then carefully analyse it all, and see who you think will make the best UK Prime Minister.