Apparently I missed out on a lot of news since last night. We were still catching up on the Royal Wedding details which Amanda recorded and never even heard the big news until today about Bin Laden. I would be remiss without inclusion of such a big event on this blog and will include 3 links for your own perusal. Firstly, quotes from sundry world leaders about the event. I find these meaningful and they help depict many countries' formal positions on the event. Second is a day in pictures of the celebrations and events marking Bin Laden's death. These pictures aren't as poignant as such a big event should dictate, but I think they still capture the feeling of the moment. Lastly is the BBC live feed. Unlike CNN it isn't duplicative in its entirety, instead trying to have many different people on the interviews, including those people who were close to Osama Bin Laden himself.
And then three of my own thoughts from this. It is good that such an abomination to world peace, human rights and mutual understanding has been removed from a position of power. I think this event spans far beyond just an American event even though the US has certainly been the focus of attention. It is also ironic that the CIA misinformation got us into a lot of this mess about a decade ago, and that the CIA got this result too. Also ironic is the fact that Obama got this "result" just as everyone was really starting to put the heat on him and his many flawed campaign processes. Now time will tell how this impacts world events, but hopefully this has weakened the influence of global terrorism.
There are some really big, defining moments in history and this day in my life as a citizen of the US stands alongside other such days as watching the Bosnia conflict on TV, hearing about 9/11 from my sister, hearing about our second invasion of Iraq and the later the discovery of Hussein when in church on Sunday, and then this on the radio this morning. I heard it, and didn't believe it and still now am having trouble grasping the vastness of the announcement. But it doesn't really change anything in my own world until we actually make progress towards fixing the problems that Bin Laden represented.
Showing posts with label Obama. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Obama. Show all posts
02 May 2011
09 December 2010
Equality
Is it just an idea; can people really be considered equally? And I'm not talking about money or possessions here, I'm talking about how we treat people.
For example, if you were in prison, would you think that maybe you're in prison because you deserved to be there? And if you deserved to be in prison for breaking the law, do you really have the right to sue over whether or not your food preferences were honored? I think it's ridiculous that there's a lawsuit over what kind of food a prisoner received, despite how gross that food looks in the picture. And even more ridiculous that there were settlements payed over the same lawsuit.
Or ridiculous that people think they are above the rules just because they are a foreign minister? I'm not fond of Obama bowing to foreign powers, but at least I know that he is careful to follow foreign customs and rules. And if you're here visiting America, you can probably expect that we're going to check you like anyone else for contraband before boarding a flight. That's just life, or at least it is here. No ordinary person would've got off complaining about the search - look at how it worked out for them recently. And no ordinary person would've gotten a VIP lounge while waiting to be searched. That doesn't mean we like being searched, and I definitely know I hate being profiled, but that's how it works. How can you expect to represent the people if you want to be treated better than them?
On a happier note, this was a fun video about the wire walker that traveled the world and walked famous places. A fun 5 minutes.
03 November 2010
Coconuts...
...apparently pose a huge threat to Obama on his trip to India, or so the people there thought. This is too good for my words, and I'm out for the night. While you're at it, read about how much money they're spending for this little trip to India.
02 November 2010
News update
In other news, the Giants have won the World Series. Frankly, I stopped caring once the Reds and Tigers were out, and the Yankees had lost. Nothing personal against the Yankees, I just think you're one step above the University of Michigan. Congrats to the Yankees.
My fantasy football team continues to roll on a recovery graph from the courses of Brett Favre in the beginning of the season. Sure, he was setting records every day he played but at some time isn't it worth getting out before you're just a broken dream instead of a legend?
Google Buzz... I knew I didn't like it, and I was irritated as anyone when it was automatically put into my Google account without me knowing how to use it over control what it did. Let alone the fact that it popped up every 5 minutes to tell me about its new-found self-importance. Good riddance. $8.5 million is nothing to Google.
Today is a big day in the world of politics. As the United States pulls another no-show on voting (a privilege that many people would die or are dying to have and protect), a huge chunk of our nation's government is up for election. The results tonight will have a significant impact on our future so vote. Otherwise, don't complain.
Meanwhile, the U.K and France are working out a deal for their mutual protection. I think this is really good for 2 such small countries. Except, how did it get worked out that France would be the location given for weapon testing? I don't dare speculate that they might've gotten the short straw by a bit?
And in Tanzania, an albino was elected to parliament. I doubt this would be a big deal if witches weren't hoping they could've had his body parts for their dark work.
Charlie Sheen's getting divorced again. I can't say I blame her for anything other than the stupidity to get married in the first place.
And my finale for today is the couple that sold Obama's letter to them. I can't say I blame them but man, if I got a letter from the President, I would keep it if I possibly could. It must've been awesome to get that in the mail.
My fantasy football team continues to roll on a recovery graph from the courses of Brett Favre in the beginning of the season. Sure, he was setting records every day he played but at some time isn't it worth getting out before you're just a broken dream instead of a legend?
Google Buzz... I knew I didn't like it, and I was irritated as anyone when it was automatically put into my Google account without me knowing how to use it over control what it did. Let alone the fact that it popped up every 5 minutes to tell me about its new-found self-importance. Good riddance. $8.5 million is nothing to Google.
Today is a big day in the world of politics. As the United States pulls another no-show on voting (a privilege that many people would die or are dying to have and protect), a huge chunk of our nation's government is up for election. The results tonight will have a significant impact on our future so vote. Otherwise, don't complain.
Meanwhile, the U.K and France are working out a deal for their mutual protection. I think this is really good for 2 such small countries. Except, how did it get worked out that France would be the location given for weapon testing? I don't dare speculate that they might've gotten the short straw by a bit?
And in Tanzania, an albino was elected to parliament. I doubt this would be a big deal if witches weren't hoping they could've had his body parts for their dark work.
Charlie Sheen's getting divorced again. I can't say I blame her for anything other than the stupidity to get married in the first place.
And my finale for today is the couple that sold Obama's letter to them. I can't say I blame them but man, if I got a letter from the President, I would keep it if I possibly could. It must've been awesome to get that in the mail.
30 September 2010
France reads
Just a little side-note from yesterday. More people in France read my blog yesterday than people here. I have no idea what that should mean to me but apparently I captured someone's attention.
Anyhow, for today I'll start with Pakistan. I'll admit that as soon as I saw the headline I knew what my position on the issue would be. I don't blame Pakistan for blocking convoys after 3 of their people were killed. I'd be very frustrated to be shot down by what you thought was your own ally and then to be told that they did it intentionally is even more aggravating. However, they should not then have gone on to say that their people were shooting at the NATO chopper. Hello? If you admit to shooting at a friendly vehicle, you can't really expect the right to give them grief for shooting your men, right? The whole thing gets even more ridiculous when it says that they were shooting at the helicopter to tell it that it was in their territory.
On a complete sidenote, this picture was in the Pakistan article and even though it has nothing to do with that article, someone was probably just bragging about catching a rocket on film. I'd probably use the picture too.
And if this other guy who is running for the Chicago mayoral position doesn't look like the Grinch, I don't know who does.
Finally today (yeah, sorry about the short day) is the key to long life from the World's oldest twins. I'll buy it, they seem pretty happy, and who doesn't want to drink whiskey?
Anyhow, for today I'll start with Pakistan. I'll admit that as soon as I saw the headline I knew what my position on the issue would be. I don't blame Pakistan for blocking convoys after 3 of their people were killed. I'd be very frustrated to be shot down by what you thought was your own ally and then to be told that they did it intentionally is even more aggravating. However, they should not then have gone on to say that their people were shooting at the NATO chopper. Hello? If you admit to shooting at a friendly vehicle, you can't really expect the right to give them grief for shooting your men, right? The whole thing gets even more ridiculous when it says that they were shooting at the helicopter to tell it that it was in their territory.
On a complete sidenote, this picture was in the Pakistan article and even though it has nothing to do with that article, someone was probably just bragging about catching a rocket on film. I'd probably use the picture too.
And if this other guy who is running for the Chicago mayoral position doesn't look like the Grinch, I don't know who does.
Finally today (yeah, sorry about the short day) is the key to long life from the World's oldest twins. I'll buy it, they seem pretty happy, and who doesn't want to drink whiskey?
29 September 2010
Roma and BP
"Dags? You like dags?" "Sure I do, but I like caravans more." If you can't name the movie, you should watch it. Snatch is great scrubby British movie with good humour, cheap actors and a stupid plot line. Yet, it has its own good lines primarily because there is some realism to the movie characters. Anyhow, if you have't seen, you should, and then you'll have a different picture in your mind when you read this post.
The Roma (gypsies) are being given the boot from France now and there is debate as to whether or not this is legal. I also saw some reading on their story when I was in Cork where they complained about the abuse of the "wanderers". These people are despised and kicked out of everywhere and they just can't seem to catch a break. Think what you will because I will not judge or make comparisons to other recent culture-related issues similar to this. What's really important here is just to watch and see how this all pans out with France and EU. I'm against these people getting singled out and kicked out of the country, but if the government wants to do it legally according to the EU, then who's to stop them?
Before we move on to BP, I just want to give props to Obama for his take on the Iranian human rights abuse. Now if he can just not back down, that'd be even better.
BP. Well, there were 2 stories floating around the BBC today, of contrasting types of morals exhibited by the huge oil company. First, they have allegedly pulled the political string and requested the release of a Libyan terrorist in order to promote their oil "exploration" efforts in Libya. Nice job guys, we'll see how that turns out.
Secondly, they have appointed a new safety division in their worldwide corporation which will supposedly have large amounts of power. In my opinion, safety inspections and regulations only work as well as they are enforced and audited. Hopefully they put people in this "powerful" division that can really get the job done and prevent more employee accidents and deaths while also preserving what's left of the Gulf Coast and other parts of our world.
The Roma (gypsies) are being given the boot from France now and there is debate as to whether or not this is legal. I also saw some reading on their story when I was in Cork where they complained about the abuse of the "wanderers". These people are despised and kicked out of everywhere and they just can't seem to catch a break. Think what you will because I will not judge or make comparisons to other recent culture-related issues similar to this. What's really important here is just to watch and see how this all pans out with France and EU. I'm against these people getting singled out and kicked out of the country, but if the government wants to do it legally according to the EU, then who's to stop them?
Before we move on to BP, I just want to give props to Obama for his take on the Iranian human rights abuse. Now if he can just not back down, that'd be even better.
BP. Well, there were 2 stories floating around the BBC today, of contrasting types of morals exhibited by the huge oil company. First, they have allegedly pulled the political string and requested the release of a Libyan terrorist in order to promote their oil "exploration" efforts in Libya. Nice job guys, we'll see how that turns out.
Secondly, they have appointed a new safety division in their worldwide corporation which will supposedly have large amounts of power. In my opinion, safety inspections and regulations only work as well as they are enforced and audited. Hopefully they put people in this "powerful" division that can really get the job done and prevent more employee accidents and deaths while also preserving what's left of the Gulf Coast and other parts of our world.
28 September 2010
International news
I really like reading the BBC, and thankfully Mozilla builds on my preferences. So here's to today's news coming from a source with its own preferences but not nearly the same bias as either Fox or the Comm. News Network.
North Korea's leader Kim Jong-il promoted his son with no military experience to the rank of 4-star general. Not really any surprise here, it seems to be a tradition, but you would think that the country itself should be worried about having a leader without any leadership experience. We're talking about a country whose party hasn't even met in 30 years! I know that the press there is limited, but still you would think that someone would be a bit concerned, especially as families go hungry while the government toys around with missiles that have yet to accomplish anything beyond ticking China and Japan off.
Actress Emma Johnson also made the top of my list today as she got a full article from BBC on her criticism of those who fail to use correct language in their every day speaking. It's ironic for a web-based news article to criticize poor language for which the internet is partially to blame. And yet I applaud her for her efforts today.
I would think it'd be very embarrassing to one of the women testifying to being duped into sex with a girl because they thought she was a man. And who knew you could actually be tried for fraudulent sex?
Finally, my thoughts and prayers are with the traumatized students and staff at the University of Texas. Football dislike aside, I wish the best for you.
North Korea's leader Kim Jong-il promoted his son with no military experience to the rank of 4-star general. Not really any surprise here, it seems to be a tradition, but you would think that the country itself should be worried about having a leader without any leadership experience. We're talking about a country whose party hasn't even met in 30 years! I know that the press there is limited, but still you would think that someone would be a bit concerned, especially as families go hungry while the government toys around with missiles that have yet to accomplish anything beyond ticking China and Japan off.
Actress Emma Johnson also made the top of my list today as she got a full article from BBC on her criticism of those who fail to use correct language in their every day speaking. It's ironic for a web-based news article to criticize poor language for which the internet is partially to blame. And yet I applaud her for her efforts today.
I would think it'd be very embarrassing to one of the women testifying to being duped into sex with a girl because they thought she was a man. And who knew you could actually be tried for fraudulent sex?
Finally, my thoughts and prayers are with the traumatized students and staff at the University of Texas. Football dislike aside, I wish the best for you.
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