A few weeks ago the Los Angeles Times informed its readers about the annual seal hunt in Canada. Among the comments you can find reactions from both sides: various animal rights movement members gave their opinion, as well as “A proud Canadian.” Those who belong to the first group complain about the inhumane method they witnessed on these hunts, while the Canadian person refers to seals as “renewable resources.” Animal rights activists were also accused of exaggerating events. I personally couldn’t tell who is saying the truth. Maybe that is the reason why I’m not in the European Parliament. Apparently they could decide, and a vote was passed today to ban all seal products. I don’t think the EU was their only customer. Anyhow, the activists are happy and Canadians are still hunting with a bit angrier look on their face. Anything changed? If yes, well, I don’t see it. Do you?
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
The hunt is on
A few weeks ago the Los Angeles Times informed its readers about the annual seal hunt in Canada. Among the comments you can find reactions from both sides: various animal rights movement members gave their opinion, as well as “A proud Canadian.” Those who belong to the first group complain about the inhumane method they witnessed on these hunts, while the Canadian person refers to seals as “renewable resources.” Animal rights activists were also accused of exaggerating events. I personally couldn’t tell who is saying the truth. Maybe that is the reason why I’m not in the European Parliament. Apparently they could decide, and a vote was passed today to ban all seal products. I don’t think the EU was their only customer. Anyhow, the activists are happy and Canadians are still hunting with a bit angrier look on their face. Anything changed? If yes, well, I don’t see it. Do you?
Sunday, May 3, 2009
Mayday: May Day!
The recent economic/financial crisis is still in effect. All over the world people marched to the streets in protest against their government’s (lack of) actions.
An article from the New York Times, focusing on France and general issues: here.
Pictures about the demonstrations from major cities: here.
Pictures from the New York Times: here.
Demonstration of minority groups in Los Angeles: here. Whatch the video if you like, and read some of the comments as well.
If you are interested not only in the demonstrations, but other events in general, check out the picture gallery of the Washington post: here.
After looking through all those pictures, something occurred to me. People stood up for what they believed to be wrong and marched to the streets. They could do it independently from each-other (here I mean different countries). Why? The changes affected them directly. What about those things that also affect everyone, but indirectly? Global warming, helping third world countries, fighting for human rights in oppressed countries, or anything you like. Why cannot we stand united when facing these things?
An article from the New York Times, focusing on France and general issues: here.
Pictures about the demonstrations from major cities: here.
Pictures from the New York Times: here.
Demonstration of minority groups in Los Angeles: here. Whatch the video if you like, and read some of the comments as well.
If you are interested not only in the demonstrations, but other events in general, check out the picture gallery of the Washington post: here.
After looking through all those pictures, something occurred to me. People stood up for what they believed to be wrong and marched to the streets. They could do it independently from each-other (here I mean different countries). Why? The changes affected them directly. What about those things that also affect everyone, but indirectly? Global warming, helping third world countries, fighting for human rights in oppressed countries, or anything you like. Why cannot we stand united when facing these things?
Friday, May 1, 2009
What do you have in mind?
Our technology is advancing, no doubt. We constantly see things that remind us to our favorite science fiction movie/TV series/comic book/etc. Just a little while ago we could see a tank turning invisible (what humankind could benefit from this technology is another question), and now another toy: you can levitate a ping-pong ball with your mind. No, really. Watch the video if you don’t believe it. Read the article. Anyway, I’m sure it will be a lot of fun and worth trying, but where does this lead to? There are good ways of using this of course, like mind controlled artificial limbs, et cetera. But how will this develop further? I doubt that telekinesis would be possible, but as this device reads your brain waves, analyzing them would probably lead to… think about it… mind reading, is it not? Or the worst possible way I can think of: controlling others’ minds (am I watching too much Heroes again?).
Use the Force, Luke!
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