12 Monkeys I don’t know about you, but ever since that ‘swine flu’ broke out in Mexico, I can’t help thinking of that 1995 movie “12 Monkeys”, by Terry Gilliam. The movie is set in a grim post-apocalyptic future. In 1996-1997, the Earth’s surface was contaminated by a virus so deadly that it forced the surviving population to live underground. If you have seen the movie, you probably remember that it turns out that the virus was spread by an evil scientist, set on a tour of cities (by plane), which turned out to be the path of the worldwide viral outbreak. A real bioterrorist attack, […]
Two infinite things: the universe and man’s stupidity
The saying goes: “There are two infinite things: the universe and man’s stupidity.” Well, nothing proves better that this saying is absolutely right, than todays news. Even in a week with a plane crash and more news about the financial crisis developing, there is one Dutch politician that is able to dominate the Dutch news: Geert Wilders of the PVV. Why? According to the latest polls, made public today, Wilders right-wing political party would become the biggest political party in the Netherlands if elections would be be held today. Wilders reacted extatic to the news and even sees himself becoming […]
Come fly with me
I think that most people who know me, are aware of the fact that I’m not that keen on flying. Don’t get me wrong: I will get on a plane, I have my fear under control. I just don’t like flying. According to some psychologists it’s because people don’t like the fact that they are not in control. Whatever it may be, my heart skipped a beat this Wednesday when a plane from Turkish Airlines crashed about a mile short of the runway at Schiphol airport. Out of the 134 passengers 9 people died and 44 people got injured. There […]
11 hours, 11 minutes to go
According to my countdown clock we are now 11hrs, 11 minutes away from another Gulf war. At least, that is what we think: given the circumstances the US and Brittain (I keep forgetting them all the time) might attack earlier. This morning I spoke to a friend of mine who is an officer in the Dutch army. He said that it is no accident the US did choose this date to attack. According to him it is an advantage that it is full moon right now. Even though the US troops are technologically very advanced, they can use the extra […]
“I would never die for my beliefs because I might be wrong.” — Bertrand Russell (1872-1970)
With a new Gulf war on its way in the next 24 hours, I can only think up this quote from this famous British philosopher who also was a know pascifist. Who are we to decide for another person – let alone another country – what is right and what is wrong? Now, we all know Saddan Hoessein is an evil dictator who exploits his own people. However, starting a war is not the solution to the problem, since it will hurt innocent people that have part in anything going on. That the war was coming was obvious: and I […]
Give peace a chance – Point of no return
Give peace a chance – Point of no return At the same time I’m writing this, probably a thousand other people are also filling their Blogs with the same words: Give peace a chance. Although I did not attend any of the so many peace protests that went on yesterday (see: CNN.com – Cities jammed in worldwide protest of war in Iraq – Feb. 15, 2003 and CNN.com – European protesters fill cities – Feb. 15, 2003), I do support the effort to keep peace. Even my girlfriend in the US did attend the peace rally that went on in […]
Bizarre coincidence?
Sometimes life is so weird. I was reinstalling a PC of a friend and I put XP on it. Now you might know that XP has this login screen with little icons on it. You can change them and replace them with a photo of yourself if you want. It seems that XP chooses a random icon to represent the people that can login. I created 2 users so I had 2 icons. Now here comes the bizarre coincidence: XP choose an icon of…. the space shuttle! I could *not* believe my eyes but it is true. Go through the […]
The Final Frontier
Wow. That’s the only word I can think up for now. This afternoon I received an e-mail alert by CNN stating that NASA had lost contact with the space shuttle while they were on their re-entry to earth. Needless to say this is again a big tragedy. I still remember when the Challenger blew up years ago. Now the Columbia is gone and with it a fine crew of 7. Off course this will set back all the missions planned for this and coming years. I’m sure they don’t allow any shuttle to lift-off until they have a clear idea […]
Clear and present danger?
I watched the RTL4 and NOS news this morning (for those not familiar with these channels: they are Dutch TV-channels) to get a glimpse of the State of The Union, as presented by Pres. Bush last night. Well, what can I say, it couldn’t be more clear: the US is gonna attack Iraq no matter what. They don’t need proof or a smoking gun either: “Some have said we must not act until the threat is imminent,” Bush said. “Since when have terrorists and tyrants announced their intentions, politely putting us on notice before they strike?” What this means (in […]
Where is the smoking gun?
Call me suspicious, but why can’t the UN produce a smoking gun when it comes to the evil empire Iraq? Maybe Iraq isn’t half the threat the US wants the world to believe. On the other hand: if they (they as in ‘the US’) really want a war, you would think they can ‘invent’ the proof they need. Afterall: they were able to blame Lee Harvey Oswald for the murder of John F. Kennedy back in the 60’s. So how hard can it be to forge some documents and convert them into the smoking gun they need? Or plant some […]