You may have heard, "truth is stranger than fiction," and indeed, that often seems the case. While that strange truth is usually just entertaining and innocuous, there are times when it is exactly the opposite... stupefying, shocking, even threatening.
Mimicking Ripley is not the intent here, though. It is simply to point you to a variety of recent articles, some of which just bring a smile, some that give pause for thought, and some that deal with very serious issues. Not surprisingly, many involve government and elected officials at various levels.
Aside from the trivial 'fun' articles, many are important but have been beneath the radar for whatever reason. They need greater exposure, for they have implications which scream for attention.
The entries here do not comprehensively quote their referenced sources, except for maybe a one or two line teaser that might pique your interest, and, of course a link, along with maybe short comment. Better that you follow the links and look in the horse's mouth yourself:) Hope you enjoy.
Secret report: biofuel caused food crisis, perhaps not news to you, illustrates the disingenuous spin (read ‘lying’) that is a hallmark of GWB and his administration. From a leaked World Bank economic analysis, The Guardian reported
The basket of food prices examined in the study rose by 140% between 2002 and this February. The report estimates that higher energy and fertiliser prices accounted for an increase of only 15%, while biofuels have been responsible for a 75% jump over that period. (emphasis mine)
To see why it makes Bush the Decider Deceiver, go to the link... excellent, and a sure cure for low blood pressure! Might want to think about that the next time you fill the car with ethanol blend fuel?
Immune to Critics, Secret-Spilling Wikileaks Plans to Save Journalism ... and the World... what do you think? Is Wikileaks irresponsible or , based on a juvenile idea that secrecy is evil – or does Wikileaks meet a legitimate need, serve a useful function? (The link for Wikileaks is here.)
'HD TV gas' 17,000 times worse for planet than CO2, claims boffin... NOT good!
What powers a solar-powered snail, kids? would be laughable, if not so sad. Yes, this is in Britain, but I am sure these questions or ones similar are destined to show up in the NCLB testing regime. After all, we are competitive and want to win every race... even the race to the bottom, it seems. Wonder of GWB could get a passing score?:)
Trouble for Craft Beer Makers , a subject dear to my heart... beer! The lead-in, "Microbrewers are dealing with rising commodity prices and a slowing economy by raising prices and consolidating," points to two questions. Rising commodity prices – see the link to The Guardian, above? Consolidating – at what point in consolidation doe a microbrewer become a macrobrewer? Makes me wish I had a few fields of hops, though:)
Flat-earther blind to oil facts... Friedman gets a smack upside the head with some real facts and sharp analysis about all of that black gold. (IMO, Henry C K Liu is one of the best writers/analysts on things economic around.)
Crocs, bah, horses the deadliest animals, who would have thought? And why would a respectable newspaper waste this space?
For the quarter-pounder, this is the heavy artillery... definitely in the ‘you gotta be shi&#ing me!’ category. Wonder how the desert menu is?
Feds' closed-door deal could ease development... Let no crony or contributor go unrewarded! Gated communities in the most pristine wilderness areas of Montana?
US increases Israeli aid by $170 million... $2.55 billion in FY 2009, as part of a 10-yr $30 billion package – not exactly chump change! (Figures for 2005 show Israel with a per capita GNP of $18,624, placing it 35th among 224 nations. For the US, the data were $43,743 and 6th, respectively.)