The mountains are high and the Emperor is far away

Japan's rich buy organs from executed Chinese prisoners.

It brings a whole new idea regarding prisoners providing a contribution to society. Does this reduce operating costs for the prisons or give a bigger paycheck to the guards? What a capitalistic idea. Not only charge for the bullet but make money on the body.

Censoring Research on Global Warming

According a link provided by TongueTied, research that suggests that Global Warming is not caused by greenhouse gasses has been censored. Doing a brief Google search reveals no publishing of that information. Which means it either was censored or it never existed. I don't know which. But based on a (fiction) book I recently read by Michael Crichton, I do not doubt that the censorship could have happened. In Crichton's (he also wrote Jurassic Park) book State of Fear, the fictional story is based on actual research. Not everything about global warming may be true.

I recommend reading State of Fear because it is a great, fictional, thriller. But I also think that reading it could encourage thinking differently about global warming. I especially like the post-script that Crichton wrote regarding his ideas for scientific research funding.

Disgusting Choice for Utilizing Free Speech

While I support free speech, which is why I like the way in which this situation is being dealt. The Patriot Guard Riders should be applauded for attempting to protect the families. The best circumstances would have the Westboro Baptist Church members to protest in other places than funerals. Public political speech is important, but funerals are not public affairs. Nor are the families public officials and subject to more intrusion on their private lives.

I totally disagree with the speech of the Westboro group. I wish they wouldn't say what they say -- it puts a bad name on all Christians. But I can't support preventing them from speaking. So I'll support the counter group. Good job, Patriot Guard Riders!

International Taxes

Global Taxes.

I need more information, so I will be reading the report and anthing else on the subject I can get my hands on.

I don't like the idea one bit.

If anyone has information on this topic, please forward it.

Middle of Nowhere

Just a quick note from a mobile device in the middle of nowhere. Technology is possible to skip generations of development. That enables globalization to benefit the poorest of the poor. Pictures later. For more on the globalization and technology see the book The World is Flat.

In trouble for reading

Murder is wrong. Making death threats is wrong. Punishing students for reading death threats is also wrong. 20 California Students Suspended Over Web Site. I cannot see how students can get punished for reading a blog on personal computers, off school gounds, on their own time. How can I be guilty by reading material on my own time. It appears that the students were tracked not by posting on the site, but just by visiting it. When did viewing a webpage become a crime?

I understand that a school may have a vested interest in protecting its students. I also understand that minors do not have the same rights as an adult. Yet how can reading a threat be considered complicit with that threat. However, advertising online that you are committing a crime or about to commit a crime is valid means to suspect a crime has been or will be committed. For example, photographing possession of illegal firearms and then showing them to the world is 1) Foolish and 2)Probable Cause.

Blogs are not evil. Nor are they as a whole dangerous. They even can be beneficial, according to a new study. Punishment just for visiting the site is extreme. Now the newsreports do not state whether the 20 students posted in agreement with the initial threat. If they did, well, they were then guilty and rightfully punished. But if it is the case as it appears, the students were guilty of nothing but visiting the site and maybe reading the content (does anyone, by the way, agree with every word I have written on this site? or better yet has everyone read every word I have posted?).

This instance should send warning bells off. George Orwell, anyone?

The Port Thing

I have no clue as to whether the deal is good or bad. Personally I would prefer to have a US company because it would be better for national pride. But if we already had a foreign company managing it... I don't know if the country matters. Both would have financial motivations for operating. Patriotism would not play for either one. I guess we should just wait for the Investigation.

Korea Video

I have finished the Life... in Korea video. For those who want it, email me.

Bush Visits Afghanistan

Bush made a surprise visit. I think it would be cool to have lunch with a President. I doubt I'll ever get the chance... but if I do I'll try to take a photo.