On a blog without a name » Links of the Moment

Johann Hari: Tony Blair Says Full Gay Equality Is Coming to America — and Clashes With the Pope

Nicholas — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 09:41:00 +0000

Commentary on T. Blair’s time in office and his current campaign for Gay Rights by Johann Hari:

Tony Blair Says Full Gay Equality Is Coming to America — and Clashes With the Pope:

Wrapped into this little interview was the paradox – and the tragedy – of Tony Blair. When he chose to fight on liberal issues, he was passionate, and brilliant. But he did it only a few times – and he willingly suspended these, his most impressive and admirable instincts, to embark on a bloody barn-dance with the worst President in living memory. Why?

Twitter

Nicholas — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 08:03:34 +0000

My feelings about Twitter, now apparently to be ‘taught‘ to British school children, are seemingly shared by the producers of this video. And they said Satire was dead.

Seat 25B

Nicholas — Fri, 02 Jan 2009 10:23:36 +0000

I’m very glad I was not on this flight:

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/odd_born_in_the_sky

Having a child born next to you is going to do nothing for jet-lag. It might, however, lead one to reflect on the wonder of life.

Be careful what you say

Nicholas — Thu, 22 May 2008 09:08:55 +0000

If you are a presidential candidate, or you think you may one day become one, remember the following simple piece of advice: the internet makes it difficult to lie.

Facts have become easier to check, and inconsistencies easier to display. And while the internet of a few years ago was a rather more boring place, a video is worth ten thousand words.

So, candidates of the future, do not be tempted to tell a small, convenient lies to get you through a single speech or debate, because someone, somewhere with video editing software and far too much time will be ready and waiting.

In the interests of non-partisanship, I offer the examples of clips featuring McCain, Obama and Clinton, whose ‘sniper fire‘ – um – ‘blip‘ became national news, of course. Which in turn prompted this spoof.

And if you are going to have to lie, dear candidate, just remember that unless you are 100% consistent, someone is going to point it out. And while the cable news channels are going to tire of such things, YouTube won’t.

Accents

Nicholas — Thu, 22 May 2008 08:22:41 +0000

Just a silly clip – one woman introducing herself in twenty one different accents. As someone who is incapable of mimicking accents, I’m impressed by two things. Firstly, by the fact that she captures the subtleties of several similar accents. Secondly, that she does it all in what appears to be a single take.

Clinton(s) and the Voters

Nicholas — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 11:01:35 +0000

Today shows the the Daily show doing what it does best – showing Clinton’s reassessment of the Democratic Primary process, and illustrating the move from her position “The Voters get to decide” (when she thought they’d pick her) to her new position: “voting is part of the process”, but they don’t really know the candidates. Hmmm. I suppose voters shouldn’t get to have the final say in November, either.

Star Wars and American Politics

Nicholas — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 10:52:41 +0000

Everything you need to know about why the primary result this week is a disaster for the Democrats. With help from Star Wars:

Note to Google

Nicholas — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 09:04:39 +0000

Putting trees in your icon and linking to news results for ‘Earth Day’ does not make you a noble company. I’d just like my search results please.

That is all.

Uncertain Addresses

Nicholas — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 14:51:54 +0000

The domain name system was created by people who were used to a unix command line, and therefore does not allow spaces. While some websites use hyphens in their addresses, most just run the words together. Sometimes with amusing results.

Fox News for Beginners

Nicholas — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 11:46:41 +0000

The Daily show takes a look at Fox News.

Part two is here.