Monthly Archives: February 2008

Wikileaks

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On Open Democracy Felix Cohen reports.

Wikileaks, the shadowy but seemingly genuine service for hosting leaked government and corporate documents, suffered a serious setback, when a US court forced their internet provider to remove their address records from their servers.

As Felix also reports you can still access Wikileaks if you use the more arcane method of addressing, the dotted quads – 88.80.13.160.

I remain ambivalent towards Wikileaks, whilst its belief is laudable as stated below.

We believe that transparency in government activities leads to reduced corruption, better government and stronger democracies. All governments can benefit from increased scrutiny by the world community, as well as their own people. We believe this scrutiny requires information. Historically that information has been costly – in terms of human life and human rights. But with technological advances – the internet, and cryptography – the risks of conveying important information can be lowered.

However, by its very nature one can’t be sure of Wikileaks’ veracity. I guess the test of time will prove its worth.

Duchamp, Man Ray, Picabia Exhibition

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Nude Descending a Staircase, No.2
Marcel Duchamp, Nude Descending a Staircase, No.2 1912

I’ve always thought Duchamp to be one of the most important artists, maybe more so than Picasso, but that’s just personal taste. Until the 26th May, you can judge for yourself at The Tate modern exhibition of Duchamp, Man Ray and Picabia subtitled “The Moment Art Changed Forever”. I shan’t be able to make it (shame on me) but if you get the chance go – I guess you’re not going to take my word for it – how about The Guardian‘s Adrian Searle who writes.

This exhibition and its accompanying catalogue do much to bring the complications, developing attitudes and complexities of these three artists to life. It also highlights changing social mores and the ways art has been made over the past century. Rather than presenting us with closure and academic posturings, Duchamp, Man Ray, Picabia makes the best of their art look vital again, dangerous and alive.

Humpbacked Red Ant

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In a piece on BBC Radio 4 about Buglife‘s challenge to Royal Mail’s plans to build a delivery warehouse on land at West Thurrock Marshes, one of the species threatened is the humpbacked red ant. Wondering what such an ant might look like brought a smile to my lips. A subsequent search on the internet didn’t enlighten me at all. Anybody out there have a picture?

Tax The Poor’s Enjoyment

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At the moment, it seems you can’t watch, listen or read the news without someone urging the chancellor to increase duty on alcohol to curb Britain’s so called “binge culture”. Isn’t that typical, those that will be able to afford their bottles of wine what ever the Chancellor does wanting to deny the poor theirs. Whilst the country has a problem with alcohol, increasing the already punitive tax rates in the UK is not the answer. Rather let us address the reason why vast numbers of our citizens are turning to alcohol to numb themselves from the grind that has become their daily lives. For instance, why not close the employment loophole that leaves 1.5 million people working for employment agencies, with no sick pay, no paid holiday, no pension and no security of employment [1].

[1] Johann Hari: The Battle for Labour’s soul.

Amy’s Grammy Cover-up

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Amy

Amy Winehouse scooped five statuettes at the 50th Grammy Awards, and performed via satellite link from a venue in London. However, The Guardian reports that before performing she drew a temporary bikini on to the tattoo of the topless woman. What I can’t understand is why Americans get hot under the collar about breasts. Still I can’t help thinking what was going through Amy’s mind when she had that tattoo done – not a lot I guess, but that’s the case with most tattoos.

British Gas Profits Surge

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The BBC reports the profits at British Gas’ residential arm have leapt from £95m in 2006 to £571m for last year. How have they managed such a dramatic increase? Well, the rising price of wholesale gas linked in the publics price increases seen at the petrol pumps. This has led consumers to expect price rises allowing British Gas to increase significantly its margins and obviously profits. For householders there is no way out, British Gas’ competitors seem to be operating a cartel; they are all increasing prices above what the wholesale market justifies. Expect announcement of more hefty profit increases in the sector.

125% Mortgages

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The BBC reports that lenders are pulling the plug on 100% plus mortgages. The Alliance and Leicester had offered a staggeringly irresponsible 125% mortgage.

Now, I know first-time buyers had become desperate, but not how desperate, I guess fear they’d never otherwise afford a house has driven them to temptation. However, lets be fair the alternative in the UK to purchase is pretty unpalatable – I guess, good landlords like the Scottish wildcat exist, just no-one remembers seeing one.

Still how many first-time buyers will fall into the trap now created for them. Without an increase in value of their houses and no-one offering 100% plus mortgages they’re going to find it difficult to re-mortgage when their deals come to an end, no one’s going to offer them a loan. I don’t suppose for a moment that the banks are going to lend a hand (pun intended), quite the reverse in fact – an excuse to bump up their interest rates, no doubt.

The World’s Wealthiest Football Clubs

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The BBC reports the World’s wealthiest clubs by revenue.

Deloitte’s Football Money League, which is based on revenues generated during 2006/7, was headed by United for eight years until the Spaniards deposed them.

Deloitte’s figures take into account income from ticket sales, merchandising and broadcasting contracts but do not include transfer revenues and does not calculate profitability.

Between them, the collective revenue of the top 20 clubs – which are all European – grew by 11% to £2.5bn in 2006/07, the highest rate of growth since 2002/03.

1. Real Madrid: £236.2m
2. Man Utd: £212.1m
3. Barcelona: £195.3m
4. Chelsea: £190.5m
5. Arsenal: £177.6m
6. AC Milan: £153m
7. Bayern Munich: £150.3m
8. Liverpool: £133.9m
9. Inter Milan: £131.3m
10. AS Roma: £106.1m

Arsenal 2-0 Blackburn

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On Monday night in an unconvincing performance, Arsenal beat Blackburn 2-0 to take them five points clear of Man Utd and eight points clear of Chelsea. It’s becoming ever more difficult to see Arsenal failing to win the Premiership despite poor performances Arsenal continue to clock up the points and the goals. By the time Chelsea next play in the Premiership it’s difficult not to see them 11 points behind Arsenal albeit with a game in hand due to the League Cup final against Tottenham. Chelsea’s hopes of a Premiership all but disappeared with the weekend’s lacklustre draw against Liverpool at The Bridge. As for Man Utd they must stay in touch and hope that they defeat Arsenal when they visit Old Trafford and that Chelsea also do them a favour when Arsenal visit Stamford Bridge. Once you start depending on other teams to do your bidding you know your title race is in trouble.

Thank Williams!

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The outrage at Dr Rowan Williams the Archbishop of Canterbury’s comments regarding the unavoidable introduction of Sharia law into the British legal system continues days later. However, I think we should thank the Archbishop for his comments as he’s inadvertently made sure that there’s no way that Sharia law will be introduced into our legal system in the foreseeable future. Thank Williams I say.