News Media, Government Discuss Possibility Of Torturing Saddam
The degrading of Hussein follows the obscene display of his sons' corpses earlier this year. No one in the US media will recall the howls emitted by the Pentagon when the Arab satellite channel Al Jazeera broadcast footage of dead and captured American soldiers last March. At the time Rumsfeld piously told the press, "The Geneva Convention indicates that it's not permitted to photograph and embarrass or humiliate prisoners of war."
If every crime attributed to Hussein since the Baathists took power for good in 1968 were true, his hands would still not be stained with a fraction of the blood spilled by a series of US presidents over the same general period. Under Kennedy, Johnson and Nixon, four million Vietnamese lost their lives as the result of US intervention, along with an estimated one million Cambodians and half a million Laotians. In Indonesia in 1965, a CIA-supported coup resulted in the deaths of another half a million people. Between 1954 and 2002, 300,000 Guatemalans are estimated to have met their deaths as the result of US-backed government repression. Another 100,000 are thought to have died in El Salvador.
The Iniquity Summary Haiku:
Does the Convention
Protect the viewers from his
Horrid fashion sense?
Wednesday, December 17, 2003
Tech Startups Should Be Entirely Built In Asia
Five years ago we were geniuses. Looking around the globe, venture capitalists decided that because of the cheap engineering talent in countries like India it would be more cost-efficient to outsource software development. If Nike could outsource sneaker manufacturing to China, we could do the same with code. Now, take that same concept and expand it exponentially.
For every employee you have in the United States, you can have five in India, and you can still maintain total control over the company's intellectual property. With a strong CEO, CFO and a fistful of frequent fliers, an entire startup's back-end operations can exist elsewhere, while the basic roots of the company's entrepreneurship, vision, funding and exit potential can still live within the United States.
Iniquity Summary Haiku:
Don't call tech support
If you want your problem solved.
"Hurroh, dis Chang speak."
Five years ago we were geniuses. Looking around the globe, venture capitalists decided that because of the cheap engineering talent in countries like India it would be more cost-efficient to outsource software development. If Nike could outsource sneaker manufacturing to China, we could do the same with code. Now, take that same concept and expand it exponentially.
For every employee you have in the United States, you can have five in India, and you can still maintain total control over the company's intellectual property. With a strong CEO, CFO and a fistful of frequent fliers, an entire startup's back-end operations can exist elsewhere, while the basic roots of the company's entrepreneurship, vision, funding and exit potential can still live within the United States.
Iniquity Summary Haiku:
Don't call tech support
If you want your problem solved.
"Hurroh, dis Chang speak."
Monday, December 8, 2003
Presidential Probe Of Eminem
The United States presidential bodyguard has said it is examining lyrics by rap star Eminem to see whether he had threatened George Bush.
The Secret Service confirmed it was probing lyrics by the controversial artist, who says in a song: "I'd rather see the president dead."
The Iniquity Summary Haiku:
Eminem also
Dissed Osama Bin Laden.
Think he gives a damn?
The United States presidential bodyguard has said it is examining lyrics by rap star Eminem to see whether he had threatened George Bush.
The Secret Service confirmed it was probing lyrics by the controversial artist, who says in a song: "I'd rather see the president dead."
The Iniquity Summary Haiku:
Eminem also
Dissed Osama Bin Laden.
Think he gives a damn?
Wednesday, December 3, 2003
Bush's Drinking Daughter Goes 'Pansy'
You know, some research says that those who are the most homophobic are the most likely to actually BE homosexuals. So what does that say about President George Bush? Well, we don't know if the Prez might hiding out with the queers in secret, but we do know his daughter isn't shy about hanging out with them in public. Bush's daughter Barbara was spotted recently having a gay old time at a concert by all-gay punk band Pansy Division. Barbara and friends cozied up in the back room drinking, while out front the band screamed their queer hearts out. The band reportedly dedicated their rabid anti-Bush song, Political Asshole, to the first daughter during the show. Daddy's just got to love that.
The Iniquity Summary Haiku:
This Spring on Bravo:
Queer Eye for the Straight Leader.
Hillary's hosting.
Monday, November 24, 2003
War Critics Astonished As U.S. Hawk Admits Invasion Was Illegal
International lawyers and anti-war campaigners reacted with astonishment yesterday after the influential Pentagon hawk Richard Perle conceded that the invasion of Iraq had been illegal.
In a startling break with the official White House and Downing Street lines, Mr Perle told an audience in London: "I think in this case international law stood in the way of doing the right thing."
The Iniquity Summary Haiku:
Illegal, you say?
Just try and arrest us then.
We'll invade you too!
International lawyers and anti-war campaigners reacted with astonishment yesterday after the influential Pentagon hawk Richard Perle conceded that the invasion of Iraq had been illegal.
In a startling break with the official White House and Downing Street lines, Mr Perle told an audience in London: "I think in this case international law stood in the way of doing the right thing."
The Iniquity Summary Haiku:
Illegal, you say?
Just try and arrest us then.
We'll invade you too!
Friday, October 17, 2003
'We Hate the President' - UK Protesters Promise 'to Humiliate Bush'
Anti-war protesters plan to topple and dance on a mock statue of U.S. President George W. Bush in the center of London as part of demonstrations to "blight" his visit to Britain next month.
Their re-working in Trafalgar Square of the famous humiliation of a Saddam Hussein statue in Baghdad six months ago will be among running protests including marches and a mock trial of Bush planned around his November 19-21 state visit.
The Iniquity Summary Haiku:
Prez George W Bush
Doesn't "get" performance art.
You whining Limeys.
Anti-war protesters plan to topple and dance on a mock statue of U.S. President George W. Bush in the center of London as part of demonstrations to "blight" his visit to Britain next month.
Their re-working in Trafalgar Square of the famous humiliation of a Saddam Hussein statue in Baghdad six months ago will be among running protests including marches and a mock trial of Bush planned around his November 19-21 state visit.
The Iniquity Summary Haiku:
Prez George W Bush
Doesn't "get" performance art.
You whining Limeys.
Thursday, October 16, 2003
Israel Slams the Door On Microsoft
In a bold assertion of independence, Israel has thrown the full weight of its antitrust legislation at Microsoft.
The Israeli Ministry of Commerce has suspended all governmental contracts with Microsoft, and indicated that the ban will last throughout 2004. The de facto suspension means no upgrades for the duration, at a time when Microsoft is looking to roll out its Office 2003 upgrade; and the Ministry is said to be examining OpenOffice as an alternative.
It's a consequence of a much-anticipated legal verdict: Israeli Antitrust Authority director general Dror Strum has finally acknowledged that Microsoft is a monopoly.
The Iniquity Summary Haiku:
Persecution now
Begins against Microsoft.
Better them than us.
In a bold assertion of independence, Israel has thrown the full weight of its antitrust legislation at Microsoft.
The Israeli Ministry of Commerce has suspended all governmental contracts with Microsoft, and indicated that the ban will last throughout 2004. The de facto suspension means no upgrades for the duration, at a time when Microsoft is looking to roll out its Office 2003 upgrade; and the Ministry is said to be examining OpenOffice as an alternative.
It's a consequence of a much-anticipated legal verdict: Israeli Antitrust Authority director general Dror Strum has finally acknowledged that Microsoft is a monopoly.
The Iniquity Summary Haiku:
Persecution now
Begins against Microsoft.
Better them than us.
Wednesday, October 15, 2003
China Puts Their First Man Into Space
China has put its first man in space, sending a single astronaut on a 21-hour odyssey around the Earth four decades after the Soviet Union and the United States pioneered manned space flight.
The Long March 2F rocket carrying "taikonaut" Yang Liwei lifted off into a clear blue sky over the Gobi desert at 9 a.m. (2 a.m. British time) and entered its predetermined orbit 10 minutes later.
Official media quickly declared the launch a success.
The Iniquity Summary Haiku:
Chinese manned spaceflight:
What are they doing up there?
Take-out on the moon.
China has put its first man in space, sending a single astronaut on a 21-hour odyssey around the Earth four decades after the Soviet Union and the United States pioneered manned space flight.
The Long March 2F rocket carrying "taikonaut" Yang Liwei lifted off into a clear blue sky over the Gobi desert at 9 a.m. (2 a.m. British time) and entered its predetermined orbit 10 minutes later.
Official media quickly declared the launch a success.
The Iniquity Summary Haiku:
Chinese manned spaceflight:
What are they doing up there?
Take-out on the moon.
Friday, October 10, 2003
Rush is a druggie
Transcript of Rush Limbaugh's Comments
Conservative commentator Rush Limbaugh told his radio audience Friday that he is addicted to painkillers and will enter rehab:
``You know I have always tried to be honest with you and open about my life. So I need to tell you today that part of what you have heard and read is correct. I am addicted to prescription pain medication.
I first started taking prescription painkillers some years ago when my doctor prescribed them to treat post surgical pain following spinal surgery. Unfortunately, the surgery was unsuccessful and I continued to have severe pain in my lower back and also in my neck due to herniated discs. I am still experiencing that pain. Rather than opt for additional surgery for these conditions, I chose to treat the pain with prescribed medication. This medication turned out to be highly addictive.
Over the past several years I have tried to break my dependence on pain pills and, in fact, twice checked myself into medical facilities in an attempt to do so. I have recently agreed with my physician about the next steps.
Immediately following this broadcast, I am checking myself into a treatment center for the next 30 days to once and for all break the hold this highly addictive medication has on me. The show will continue during this time, of course, with an array of guest hosts you have come to know and respect.
I am not making any excuses. You know, over the years athletes and celebrities have emerged from treatment centers to great fanfare and praise for conquering great demons.
They are said to be great role models and examples for others. Well, I am no role model. I refuse to let anyone think I am doing something great here, when there are people you never hear about, who face long odds and never resort to such escapes.
They are the role models. I am no victim and do not portray myself as such. I take full responsibility for my problem.
At the present time, the authorities are conducting an investigation, and I have been asked to limit my public comments until this investigation is complete. So I will only say that the stories you have read and heard contain inaccuracies and distortions, which I will clear up when I am free to speak about them.
I deeply appreciate all your support over this last tumultuous week. It has sustained me. I ask now for your prayers. I look forward to resuming our excursion into broadcast excellence together.''
AP-NY-10-10-03 1535EDT
Copyright 2003, The Associated Press. The information contained in the AP Online news report may not be published, broadcast or redistributed without the prior written authority of The Associated Press.
The Iniquity Summary Haiku:
It's just too bad, Rush,
That you were so against drugs:
You could have had more.
I heard you went deaf
From popping too many pills.
Too bad you weren't mute.
Transcript of Rush Limbaugh's Comments
Conservative commentator Rush Limbaugh told his radio audience Friday that he is addicted to painkillers and will enter rehab:
``You know I have always tried to be honest with you and open about my life. So I need to tell you today that part of what you have heard and read is correct. I am addicted to prescription pain medication.
I first started taking prescription painkillers some years ago when my doctor prescribed them to treat post surgical pain following spinal surgery. Unfortunately, the surgery was unsuccessful and I continued to have severe pain in my lower back and also in my neck due to herniated discs. I am still experiencing that pain. Rather than opt for additional surgery for these conditions, I chose to treat the pain with prescribed medication. This medication turned out to be highly addictive.
Over the past several years I have tried to break my dependence on pain pills and, in fact, twice checked myself into medical facilities in an attempt to do so. I have recently agreed with my physician about the next steps.
Immediately following this broadcast, I am checking myself into a treatment center for the next 30 days to once and for all break the hold this highly addictive medication has on me. The show will continue during this time, of course, with an array of guest hosts you have come to know and respect.
I am not making any excuses. You know, over the years athletes and celebrities have emerged from treatment centers to great fanfare and praise for conquering great demons.
They are said to be great role models and examples for others. Well, I am no role model. I refuse to let anyone think I am doing something great here, when there are people you never hear about, who face long odds and never resort to such escapes.
They are the role models. I am no victim and do not portray myself as such. I take full responsibility for my problem.
At the present time, the authorities are conducting an investigation, and I have been asked to limit my public comments until this investigation is complete. So I will only say that the stories you have read and heard contain inaccuracies and distortions, which I will clear up when I am free to speak about them.
I deeply appreciate all your support over this last tumultuous week. It has sustained me. I ask now for your prayers. I look forward to resuming our excursion into broadcast excellence together.''
AP-NY-10-10-03 1535EDT
Copyright 2003, The Associated Press. The information contained in the AP Online news report may not be published, broadcast or redistributed without the prior written authority of The Associated Press.
The Iniquity Summary Haiku:
It's just too bad, Rush,
That you were so against drugs:
You could have had more.
I heard you went deaf
From popping too many pills.
Too bad you weren't mute.
Friday, September 12, 2003
Eat More Dogs, Cambodians Urged
PHNOM PENH (Reuters) - Cambodians are being urged to eat more dogs as part of a crackdown on stray mutts wandering around the capital of the southeast Asian nation.
Although dogs, along with creepy-crawlies such as spiders, beetles and crickets, are found regularly on menus in deeply impoverished rural areas, eating them is frowned upon in the relative sophistication of Phnom Penh.
City governor Kep Chuktema says it is now time to draw up a special pooch policy to control the growing problem of pavement-fouling strays, and for city-dwellers to throw off their traditional snootiness toward dining on man's best friend.
"Come on, dog meat is so delicious," he was quoted as saying in Thursday's Cambodia Daily newspaper. "The Vietnamese and Koreans love to eat dog meat."
"(Cambodians) don't have wine, but poor people can enjoy their dog meat with palm juice wine," he said.
Hitherto, Phnom Penh dog lovers have had to keep their tastes under wraps by asking for 'special' or 'jogging cow' meat in restaurants.
09/11/03 10:23
© Copyright Reuters Ltd. All rights reserved. The information contained In this news report may not be published, broadcast or otherwise distributed without the prior written authority of Reuters Ltd.
The Iniquity Summary Haiku:
oriental food
confusing for white person
i'll have jogging cow
PHNOM PENH (Reuters) - Cambodians are being urged to eat more dogs as part of a crackdown on stray mutts wandering around the capital of the southeast Asian nation.
Although dogs, along with creepy-crawlies such as spiders, beetles and crickets, are found regularly on menus in deeply impoverished rural areas, eating them is frowned upon in the relative sophistication of Phnom Penh.
City governor Kep Chuktema says it is now time to draw up a special pooch policy to control the growing problem of pavement-fouling strays, and for city-dwellers to throw off their traditional snootiness toward dining on man's best friend.
"Come on, dog meat is so delicious," he was quoted as saying in Thursday's Cambodia Daily newspaper. "The Vietnamese and Koreans love to eat dog meat."
"(Cambodians) don't have wine, but poor people can enjoy their dog meat with palm juice wine," he said.
Hitherto, Phnom Penh dog lovers have had to keep their tastes under wraps by asking for 'special' or 'jogging cow' meat in restaurants.
09/11/03 10:23
© Copyright Reuters Ltd. All rights reserved. The information contained In this news report may not be published, broadcast or otherwise distributed without the prior written authority of Reuters Ltd.
The Iniquity Summary Haiku:
oriental food
confusing for white person
i'll have jogging cow
Tuesday, July 29, 2003
Sunday, July 27, 2003
Tuesday, May 20, 2003
Wednesday, May 14, 2003
Tuesday, May 6, 2003
Not quite million dollar idea of the day:
The people and pets mobile bakery van
What is it?
A fish&chips van renovated to sell bakery products targeted towards healthy, active adults and their canine companions. Van could be pulled up to dog parks, trailheads, events where people are likely to be with their dogs. Would sell a variety of "natural" and "healthy" cookies, muffins, scones, etc. with products for the dogs as well. Coffee, chai, sodas also. Bottled water and portable doggie dishes are a must. All actual baking would either be contracted or would take place in a commercial kitchen. Van for retail only.
The people and pets mobile bakery van
What is it?
A fish&chips van renovated to sell bakery products targeted towards healthy, active adults and their canine companions. Van could be pulled up to dog parks, trailheads, events where people are likely to be with their dogs. Would sell a variety of "natural" and "healthy" cookies, muffins, scones, etc. with products for the dogs as well. Coffee, chai, sodas also. Bottled water and portable doggie dishes are a must. All actual baking would either be contracted or would take place in a commercial kitchen. Van for retail only.
Sunday, May 4, 2003
Wednesday, April 30, 2003
Monday, March 24, 2003
Thursday, March 20, 2003
Wednesday, February 12, 2003
I was watching a boy play a Nintendo game last night, and his playing style reminded me of the working style of some of the people I work with:
In the game, you can approach objects and people and interact with them. Frequently they give you information and clues. He would interact, but then only read the first line of what they had to say, and then zoom off, smashing everything in his way that he thought might contain some treasure. I tried to coach him to read the entire interaction carefully, but he kept telling me "oh, they don't have anything to say" or "oh, it's just something about [insert placename]."
He never did get the full gist of what anyone in the game was telling him, and couldn't see that there were obvious clues, hints and directions contained in what the people had to say because it was rarely contained within the first line of what they were saying.
I think he's spent weeks just flitting around the game smashing things, without any idea of the actual objective of the game.
You people at work probably have no idea who you are.
In the game, you can approach objects and people and interact with them. Frequently they give you information and clues. He would interact, but then only read the first line of what they had to say, and then zoom off, smashing everything in his way that he thought might contain some treasure. I tried to coach him to read the entire interaction carefully, but he kept telling me "oh, they don't have anything to say" or "oh, it's just something about [insert placename]."
He never did get the full gist of what anyone in the game was telling him, and couldn't see that there were obvious clues, hints and directions contained in what the people had to say because it was rarely contained within the first line of what they were saying.
I think he's spent weeks just flitting around the game smashing things, without any idea of the actual objective of the game.
You people at work probably have no idea who you are.
Tuesday, February 11, 2003
Conversational excerpt from IM:
NetAdmin: my god, I have much power
NetAdmin: unfortunately I no longer have to the ability to take the network down by making a phone call
NetAdmin: I have to do it the old fashioned way now....
WebDev: by asking a tech to do something really simple?
NetAdmin: welp, I spose that would do it too
NetAdmin: my god, I have much power
NetAdmin: unfortunately I no longer have to the ability to take the network down by making a phone call
NetAdmin: I have to do it the old fashioned way now....
WebDev: by asking a tech to do something really simple?
NetAdmin: welp, I spose that would do it too
Monday, February 3, 2003
Sooooooooooooo...
If you've ever had a lower back injury, specifically but not limited to a herniated disk, learning to snowboard is probably not a good idea for you either, even though you've been working out and you feel good and you think you are invincible and your back hasn't hurt you in a while. The first time you fall on your ass, you will go momentarily blind from the pain. Trust me.
I never want to hear the phrase "Can you get up, Ma'am?" being said to me ever EVER again.
If you've ever had a lower back injury, specifically but not limited to a herniated disk, learning to snowboard is probably not a good idea for you either, even though you've been working out and you feel good and you think you are invincible and your back hasn't hurt you in a while. The first time you fall on your ass, you will go momentarily blind from the pain. Trust me.
I never want to hear the phrase "Can you get up, Ma'am?" being said to me ever EVER again.
Tuesday, January 21, 2003
Dear Enterprise Car Rental Company,
My mother, [name omitted], rented a car in Springfield, MO from your company on January 19, 2003. When the car was brought around for her pickup, she commented that it was odd that the car hadn't even been washed. The Enterprise employee just shrugged at her comment.
After driving a while, my mother used the brakes for the first time. They didn't work! There was a terrible screeching noise and the car did not slow down or stop as expected. She drove slowly to the nearest safe area and called your company regarding the problem.
She was told 1) that the previous renter of the car, who had turned in the car that morning, hadn't mentioned anything wrong with the brakes, but 2) she could drive the car over to the nearest Enterprise branch and they would exchange it for her.
Do you see anything wrong with this story? Not only did you knowingly give my mother an uninspected, faulty, unsafe vehicle, but then a representative of your company asked her to continue to drive that unsafe vehicle. Would you want YOUR mother driving a car with no brakes? I think not.
I can't imagine what excuse this person could come up with for their depraved treatment of my mother as a customer AND a person, but for my own satisfaction, I would request that this matter is investigated and remedied. Enterprise should not be allowed to endanger the lives of their customers and other drivers with their complete incompetence and total indifference.
Sincerely,
[omitted]
My mother, [name omitted], rented a car in Springfield, MO from your company on January 19, 2003. When the car was brought around for her pickup, she commented that it was odd that the car hadn't even been washed. The Enterprise employee just shrugged at her comment.
After driving a while, my mother used the brakes for the first time. They didn't work! There was a terrible screeching noise and the car did not slow down or stop as expected. She drove slowly to the nearest safe area and called your company regarding the problem.
She was told 1) that the previous renter of the car, who had turned in the car that morning, hadn't mentioned anything wrong with the brakes, but 2) she could drive the car over to the nearest Enterprise branch and they would exchange it for her.
Do you see anything wrong with this story? Not only did you knowingly give my mother an uninspected, faulty, unsafe vehicle, but then a representative of your company asked her to continue to drive that unsafe vehicle. Would you want YOUR mother driving a car with no brakes? I think not.
I can't imagine what excuse this person could come up with for their depraved treatment of my mother as a customer AND a person, but for my own satisfaction, I would request that this matter is investigated and remedied. Enterprise should not be allowed to endanger the lives of their customers and other drivers with their complete incompetence and total indifference.
Sincerely,
[omitted]
Monday, January 20, 2003
Dear Person Who Tried to Use my Stolen Visa/ATM Card Number to Set Up Cable Service with Time Warner Cable in Minneapolis,
You are the perfect example of why most criminals get caught. You are too stupid for words.
Did it not occur to you that installing cable requires an ADDRESS on the account? You know, the cable guy needs to be able to show up somewhere to turn the shit on for you, genius. And you would want him to come to your real house so you could watch WWE on TNT, right?
I guess they will never be able to find out who used my card now, dang. Oh wait, here's an idea: How about the cops just come to your fucking house and ask you about it?
Retard. Your mother should have pinched your head off when you were born.
Another thing you probably didn't consider: the penalties for credit card fraud are much higher than those for rooking cable service from your neighbor.
Duh. Seriously. Just kill yourself. Please.
You are the perfect example of why most criminals get caught. You are too stupid for words.
Did it not occur to you that installing cable requires an ADDRESS on the account? You know, the cable guy needs to be able to show up somewhere to turn the shit on for you, genius. And you would want him to come to your real house so you could watch WWE on TNT, right?
I guess they will never be able to find out who used my card now, dang. Oh wait, here's an idea: How about the cops just come to your fucking house and ask you about it?
Retard. Your mother should have pinched your head off when you were born.
Another thing you probably didn't consider: the penalties for credit card fraud are much higher than those for rooking cable service from your neighbor.
Duh. Seriously. Just kill yourself. Please.
Tuesday, January 14, 2003
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