Jan 31 2004
Godliness nest to Wealthiness?
The IHT has a story on the role religion plays in the economic growth of a country.
No tag for this post.Archive for January, 2004
Jan 31 2004
Some wounds don’t heal
Thanks to StumleUpon I came across this site called Morphizm.com which has an article on LOTR and the impact that WWI had on Tolkien and the books. It makes for an interesting read, and a lovely review of both the books and the films. In essence the article argues that the message we should take from LOTR is how harrowing war is. I think I would agree, but I also think that one of the most important messages from LOTR is to beware of those who accept power, no matter their stated reason.
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Jan 31 2004
The Cuckoo’s Nest
This article tells how a study in 1972, involving sane people faked hearing voices and fooled their way on to locked wards was recreated by a woman in 2002.
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Jan 28 2004
Go Peter!
But are those oscar nominations enough? And will they be converted in to actual awards?? Here’s hoping.
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Jan 28 2004
You a cynic?
If you think you are then take a sec and pop by this site. It isn’t updated any more, from what I could see but tis still fairly interesting. But the list of things to be a cynic about seems more like a list of things to complain about. Two different things imo.
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Jan 27 2004
Cynical Europe
Interesting piece in the IHT today about the differences between the European view and the American. Course I would also suggest that there is no such thing as a European viewpoint. Every country in Europe today has its own pet peeves and hates. Perhaps the different states in the US of A do to, but they are linked together with much stronger bonds than those linking the continent of Europe.
“America is the brave young soldier, with shining eyes and a firm jaw, marching towards a battle that will make the world a better place. Europe is the bitter old veteran sitting on the sidewalk, his medals collecting dust somewhere, shaking his head knowingly as the young soldier marches by”
(Found via Gavin’s Blog)
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Jan 26 2004
Sligo blocade
“A blockade by farmers of one of Sligo’s most scenic beauty spots has been threatened by North Sligo farmer, Andy McSharry in what would be a dramatic escalation of the dispute between hillwalkers and landowners in the county.” as reported in The Sligo Champion.
- I’m not really that sure where I stand on this particular issue. On the one hand I think that people (whether they are tourists or locals) should have the right to visit scenic areas, and go hill walking. But then again, as the law stans at the moment if I trespass on some farmer’s land and fall and break a leg then the farmer is liable. And no matter how anyone protests that all they are interested in is the walk, there will always be someone out to claim as much as they can.
I think the solution will not be an easy one, nor do I think it should involve payments to individual farmers. Perhaps, however, the govt. could issue payments based on how accesible land is, so the farmer has an incentive to allow, and facilitate people visiting the land.
As for the claim that the farmers will attempt to “If needs be we’ll close down the countryside once and for all” well that is just cutting off your nose to spite your face. Ireland needs tourism, and the countryside needs tourism, especially with falling farm incomes.
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