bookmark_borderWorld Summit

I’ve been following the coverage of this sporadically, but it doesn’t seem to be going too well at the moment. According to BBC News: Crisis looms over world summit.

The US Bush Administration is, once again, looking for a way to get away with doing what they like. The arrogance of this attitude angers many, including a large number of US citizens, but, and this is kind of childish, I just get the feeling that the US Bush Administration is basically thumbing it’s nose at the rest of the world. The message: “We’re bigger than you and we will do what we want, nah nah na na nah”.

Add to this the lack of discussion on the key issue of climate change (think recent floods, droughts etc) and you have to wonder if the summit will acheive anything of note. Too many politicians involved I think. I don’t necessarily mean those with government affliations, but those people who represent a whole variety of government, social, and environmental groups and are busy making sure that there position isn’t compromised too much. Add to that the plethora of businessmen in there (who undoubtedly have their companies best interests in mind) and we get a curious clash of cultures.

More from Greenpeace.
Friends of the Earth.
US defends it’s record.

*Post edited as per Ann Marie’s comment. Sincerest apologies (damn yank… 😉 )

bookmark_borderNose-pickingly good

I have bad habits, I pick my nails, fart, burp and enjoy a good rake in the nasal area. I’m comfortable telling you this because of a recently published survey into such habits.

Conducted by the Science Museum in London as part of an exhibition entitled Grossology, a spokeswoman said: “Overall, we are all pretty gross.”

Get ALL the facts: Survey Shows How Gross We Are.

bookmark_borderUS targets al-Qa'ida

I’ve not commented much on the ‘war on terror’ that is being waged at present. Recent announcements by the US government are concerning though.

The Pentagon says:

“We’re at war with al-Qa’ida. If we find an enemy combatant, we should be able to use military forces to take military action against them.”

“…assassinations are part of “preparation of the battlefield” in the open-ended war on terror.”

It seems that the American Defense Secretary, Donald Rumsfeld, isn’t happy about the amount of time it takes the CIA to act on these matters. He believes the military could act more swiftly and efficiently.

He seems quite happy that this type of covert operation flounts international laws and treaties left, right and center. But then, who is capable of putting the good ole’ US of A in it’s place?

Source: US plans hit squads to target al-Qa’ida worldwide

bookmark_borderOverstating the mark?

I don’t know about you, I enjoy watching fish but I’m not that keen on eating them. However I think the recent call by PETA to Deep Sea World center in Queensferry to stop serving fish on their cafeteria menu is slightly, ok completely, over the top.

Yes I can see the irony, but some of their claims (eating fish is unhealthy?) are mis-leading. I’m sure they have better causes to fight.

Aquarium urged to drop fish from menu.

bookmark_borderScottish Parliament

I meant to post about this a couple of weeks back but forgot. I’d give you some excuse but I’ve also forgotten what is was that I was doing at the time that made me forget to write something about this. Ehhh .. if you know what I mean…

Anyway, it seems that The Scottish Parliament has declined the opportunity to have all its signs translated to Scots.