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Ein schöner Titel der NZZ. Er bezieht sich auf die Liste der Daten, die die EU Fluggesellschaften (inkl. Swiss) über ihre USA-Passagiere an die USA liefern. Erstaunlich, dass da nicht auch noch die Schuhgrösse drauf ist!
Die Daten werden laut der einschlägigen Medienmitteilung während 3.5 Jahren aufbewahrt. Wichtig: "Die Fluggäste erhalten zudem das Recht, von den US-Behörden Auskunft über die gespeicherten Daten und nötigenfalls deren Richtigstellung zu verlangen."
17/03/2005
16/03/2005
Countermisinformation
This is neither a misunderestimated Bushism nor is it an anti-disestablishmentarianist pasttime for stupid Prince George. No, we are actually reporting (via NZZ) a most serious internet resource presented to us by the US Department of State. Its purpose is to enable us to deal with misinformation that comes in all shapes & colours.
The only problem with this meritorious effort is that it is in vain for two reasons. 1) Conspiracy theories and other similar misinformation is systematically constructed to include the other side's assertion to the contrary, thus it is not falsifiable (and therefore cannot be taken seriously by critical rationalists such as myself). 2) Since believing in that kind of information is thus a question of creed more than anything else, its refutation hinges on the pre-established credibility of the source. I am afraid I am not jumping the gun when I say that the Bush administration's perceived credibility is not beyond doubt.
The only problem with this meritorious effort is that it is in vain for two reasons. 1) Conspiracy theories and other similar misinformation is systematically constructed to include the other side's assertion to the contrary, thus it is not falsifiable (and therefore cannot be taken seriously by critical rationalists such as myself). 2) Since believing in that kind of information is thus a question of creed more than anything else, its refutation hinges on the pre-established credibility of the source. I am afraid I am not jumping the gun when I say that the Bush administration's perceived credibility is not beyond doubt.
Swiss quality of life tops
According to this Mercer survey, the overall quality of life is best world wide in Swiss cities Zürich & Geneva. If you're interested to know where your city ranks, check the top 50 list here!
Myths confirmed
I wonder why otherwise reputable Foreign Affairs has published this article on The Overstretch Myth, the purpose of which is to dispel the notion that the US current account deficit & foreign debt are threats to its global position.
While the question is an extraordinarily valid one, deserving a lot of well reasoned attention, the "reasoning" it receives by Messrs Levey & Brown is less than convincing. What the article boils down to are a few dogmata, embellished with some remotely connected numbers. Here's the crucial bullet points to save you reading the article:"The economy will at some point have to adjust to a decline in the dollar and a rise in interest rates. But these trends will at worst slow the growth of US consumers' standard of living, not undermine the United States' role as global pacesetter." "Although the net international investment position will surely continue to grow for many years to come, its increase will be far less dramatic than many economists fear." "Although the period of global rebalancing would be painful for U.S. consumers and workers, it would be even harder on the European and Japanese economies, with their propensity for deflation and stagnation. Such a transitory adjustment would be unpleasant, but it would not undermine the economic foundations of U.S. hegemony." "Only one development could upset this optimistic prognosis: an end to the technological dynamism, openness to trade, and flexibility that have powered the U.S. economy. The biggest threat to U.S. hegemony, accordingly, stems not from the sentiments of foreign investors, but from protectionism and isolationism at home." The last point, while certainly true, illustrates the warped, US-centric perception of the piece to perfection: Economically, we're the best, and we'll stay that way because - we'll stay that way. Does that sound dogmatical? To me, it does.
While the question is an extraordinarily valid one, deserving a lot of well reasoned attention, the "reasoning" it receives by Messrs Levey & Brown is less than convincing. What the article boils down to are a few dogmata, embellished with some remotely connected numbers. Here's the crucial bullet points to save you reading the article:
13/03/2005
Oreste
"Very nice. Very baroque." Thus the summary review that I've overheard of a fellow member of the audience of the dernière performance of Händel's Oreste that I've been to tonight. And so it was!
While the theater's austerity and the stage setting oozed more of a school group performance's atmosphere and thus was not opulent at all, the pasticcio renano performed very well indeed. The small ensemble was precise and lively and the singers were much better than I expected. The stage was set in a rather surprising way: Diana's temple on Tauris looked very much like one of those little greek beach shops, complete with miniature statues for sale and all.
The direction had quite a few fun ideas as well. So, the evil tyrant received his comeuppance perched over an ice cream freezer (consequently there was no ice cream on sale during intermission). Or Herbert Grönemeyer's Der Mensch was featured at one point - and surprisingly, it made perfect sense. And the programme contains a unexpected treatise of sorts on the relative merits of tshapkas (a.k.a. ushanka) vs. Astrakhan hats (pictures of both here), which were worn by the tyrant and his dogsbody.
All in all, a really nice evening! Oh, and thank you to the anonymous donor who left a beautiful, yet empty tin of Yardley English Lavender Soap on the boot of my Jag in the car park. I can take a hint, you know! But given the current weather, surely it would be a waste to use that kind of soap, even on an English car!
While the theater's austerity and the stage setting oozed more of a school group performance's atmosphere and thus was not opulent at all, the pasticcio renano performed very well indeed. The small ensemble was precise and lively and the singers were much better than I expected. The stage was set in a rather surprising way: Diana's temple on Tauris looked very much like one of those little greek beach shops, complete with miniature statues for sale and all.
The direction had quite a few fun ideas as well. So, the evil tyrant received his comeuppance perched over an ice cream freezer (consequently there was no ice cream on sale during intermission). Or Herbert Grönemeyer's Der Mensch was featured at one point - and surprisingly, it made perfect sense. And the programme contains a unexpected treatise of sorts on the relative merits of tshapkas (a.k.a. ushanka) vs. Astrakhan hats (pictures of both here), which were worn by the tyrant and his dogsbody.
All in all, a really nice evening! Oh, and thank you to the anonymous donor who left a beautiful, yet empty tin of Yardley English Lavender Soap on the boot of my Jag in the car park. I can take a hint, you know! But given the current weather, surely it would be a waste to use that kind of soap, even on an English car!
12/03/2005
By Jove!
Care for some examples? With pleasure! This is my all time favourite: There's this Egyptian architect coming to see the druid on accounts of having to build a palace for Cleopatra to impress Caesar. He greets him with the memorable sentence (translated from the German version): I am, my dearest friend, much more than glad to see you! To which the druid replies with a knowing smile to the bystanders: That is an Alexandrine. Which of course it is, and in more than just the sense that his visitor hails from Alexandria. Also, since the Romans are the beloved enemies of the Gauls, there's plenty of latin quotes, which are always translated in footnotes (!). So, there's this Roman officer going: Gnôthi seäuton! A fellow soldier aks what that meant, to which he says: That's Greek to me, so I don't know! Logically, we are not treated to a translation. (If you have to know, it's Know thyself!) But don't bother looking for such treasures in volumes following XXIV. The more recent issues have become so much more representative of real French humour...
Now, Asterix is entering the internet era! Here is his official website, which I've only just discovered. Enjoy!
11/03/2005
Quel scandal!
According to this BBC story, this poster has been banned in France and Italy (that's two European countries, one of them clearly secular even!) because it is "a gratuitous and aggressive act of intrusion on people's innermost beliefs"! This is outrageous! What about freedom of expression?! Are we back in the dark ages of the Spanish Inquisition? If this is considered to be religiously intrusive, then I'll join Rowan Atkinson's freedom to insult campaign - right now! Count me in!
Again, congratulations to Girbaud - not only for creating a nice fashion campaign, but also (inadvertently, I presume) for fighting for freedom of expression. Please appeal those injunctions, I am pretty sure you'll come out on top! And there's a lot of free advertising ...
10/03/2005
In Our Time
The BBC is experimenting with their own podcast of sorts: Apparently for a limited time, they are publishing In Our Time as an mp3 on an RSS feed. The current programme on Stoicism is really good: The group discusses modern utopias and dystopias in a laid back, yet very thoughtful way. Just one little gem from the debate for you to think about: Nazism and Communism contaminated imagination.
As for the format of pushing audio (formerly know as radio) programmes on an RSS feed, I think that's a brilliant idea! Because of this programme's utter professionalism, it's definitely not like your garden variety of a podcast, that's for sure. But why should it have to be? I think of it as a way to remind you of radio programmes you do not want to miss. You just subscribe to the feed - no more fiddling with timetables, tape recorders, or archives and stuff. The programme you're after is just one click away, where you expect it & whenever you want it. This could very well be the "radio" programming of the future! Way to go, dear Beeb!
As for the format of pushing audio (formerly know as radio) programmes on an RSS feed, I think that's a brilliant idea! Because of this programme's utter professionalism, it's definitely not like your garden variety of a podcast, that's for sure. But why should it have to be? I think of it as a way to remind you of radio programmes you do not want to miss. You just subscribe to the feed - no more fiddling with timetables, tape recorders, or archives and stuff. The programme you're after is just one click away, where you expect it & whenever you want it. This could very well be the "radio" programming of the future! Way to go, dear Beeb!
09/03/2005
Russlands Sündenbock
Interessante Geschichte! Es macht den Anschein, dass Russland nun in der OSZE einen passenden Sündenbock für den Verlust eines wichtigen Teils des nahegelegenen Auslands gefunden hat. Indem man ihn in die Wüste schickte, könnte man auch gleich in Zukunft derart unangenehme Differenzen zwischen dem Blankoscheck der GUS-Beobachter und der massiven Kritik der OSZE-Delegation an den Wahlen in Bjelarus vermeiden. Denn schliesslich ist Russland ja ein demokratischer Staat und Mitglied des Europarates!
Wenn ich mich recht entsinne, hat die Schweiz seinerzeit als Pate bei der Aufnahme Russlands in diese Organisation gewirkt. Vielleicht sollten wir jetzt unsere Verantwortung wahrnehmen und den Ausschluss Russlands betreiben?
Wenn ich mich recht entsinne, hat die Schweiz seinerzeit als Pate bei der Aufnahme Russlands in diese Organisation gewirkt. Vielleicht sollten wir jetzt unsere Verantwortung wahrnehmen und den Ausschluss Russlands betreiben?
Definitionen
I humbly ask forgiveness from my English only audience. This post is about German legal humour & hence certifiably intranslatable.
"Das Huhn ist aus ethologischer Sicht ein sozial und territorial lebender Scharr- und Flattervogel mit klar strukturierter Rangordnung, dessen wichtigstes Fortbewegungsmittel die Beine sind. (Deutschland)
Eier sind die von einer unverletzten Kalkschale umgebenen, unbebrüteten Keimzellen des Haushuhnes oder anderer Vogelarten. (Lebensmittelverordnung, Schweiz)
Ein Lutscher zeichnet sich dadurch aus, dass der zu verzehrende bzw. zu lutschende oder schleckende Karamellteil auf einem Stiel aufgebracht ist. Ohne einen solchen Stiel würde es sich nicht mehr um einen Lutscher, sondern vielmehr um ein gewöhnliches Bonbon handeln. (Deutsches Gerichtsurteil)
Der Wertsack ist ein Beutel, der auf Grund seiner besonderen Verwendung im Postbeförderungsdienst nicht Wertbeutel, sondern Wertsack genannt wird, weil sein Inhalt aus mehreren Wertbeuteln besteht, die in den Wertsack nicht verbeutelt, sondern versackt werden. (Deutschland)"
Herrlich! Mehr hier. Da gibt es doch tatsächlich auch eine Kurze Einführung in den Juristenhumor, mit Fussnoten und allem drum und dran. Allerdings bin ich bis dato nicht über Seite 14 (von 214) hinausgelangt - Humor ist ja etwas schönes; aber Juristenhumor, und dann erst noch deutscher Provenienz, ist, sagen wir es einmal höflich, doch sehr anspruchsvoll. Aber die zitierten Stellen sind schön. Um beim Einführungsbeispiel zu bleiben:
"Das BGer unterscheidet dabei mit dem LG zwischen 'Konversationsgegacker' und 'Legegegacker'. Es sei, so führt das BGer hierzu aus, gerichtsbekannt, dass nach der Ueberzeugung zahlreicher ländlicher und kleinstädtischer mit Hühnern vertrauter Personen die Hühner nach dem Legen eines Eies in einer besonders charakteristischen Weise gackerten ('Legegegacker'). Ein solches Gegacker komme vor allem im betonten Hervorheben eines der ersten Gackertöne zum Ausdruck." (Stader, 1993, S. 103)
Nach dergestalter Klärung kommt das Landgericht (sic!) in der Sachverhaltsbeurteilung alsbald zum Schluss, dass es sich bei der bestrittenen Werbebotschaft trotz Tierstimmenimitators in der Tat um Legegegacker handle. Was allerdings die Rechtsfolge dieser Konklusion ist, verschweigt uns der Autor gnädig.
"Das Huhn ist aus ethologischer Sicht ein sozial und territorial lebender Scharr- und Flattervogel mit klar strukturierter Rangordnung, dessen wichtigstes Fortbewegungsmittel die Beine sind. (Deutschland)
Eier sind die von einer unverletzten Kalkschale umgebenen, unbebrüteten Keimzellen des Haushuhnes oder anderer Vogelarten. (Lebensmittelverordnung, Schweiz)
Ein Lutscher zeichnet sich dadurch aus, dass der zu verzehrende bzw. zu lutschende oder schleckende Karamellteil auf einem Stiel aufgebracht ist. Ohne einen solchen Stiel würde es sich nicht mehr um einen Lutscher, sondern vielmehr um ein gewöhnliches Bonbon handeln. (Deutsches Gerichtsurteil)
Der Wertsack ist ein Beutel, der auf Grund seiner besonderen Verwendung im Postbeförderungsdienst nicht Wertbeutel, sondern Wertsack genannt wird, weil sein Inhalt aus mehreren Wertbeuteln besteht, die in den Wertsack nicht verbeutelt, sondern versackt werden. (Deutschland)"
Herrlich! Mehr hier. Da gibt es doch tatsächlich auch eine Kurze Einführung in den Juristenhumor, mit Fussnoten und allem drum und dran. Allerdings bin ich bis dato nicht über Seite 14 (von 214) hinausgelangt - Humor ist ja etwas schönes; aber Juristenhumor, und dann erst noch deutscher Provenienz, ist, sagen wir es einmal höflich, doch sehr anspruchsvoll. Aber die zitierten Stellen sind schön. Um beim Einführungsbeispiel zu bleiben:
"Das BGer unterscheidet dabei mit dem LG zwischen 'Konversationsgegacker' und 'Legegegacker'. Es sei, so führt das BGer hierzu aus, gerichtsbekannt, dass nach der Ueberzeugung zahlreicher ländlicher und kleinstädtischer mit Hühnern vertrauter Personen die Hühner nach dem Legen eines Eies in einer besonders charakteristischen Weise gackerten ('Legegegacker'). Ein solches Gegacker komme vor allem im betonten Hervorheben eines der ersten Gackertöne zum Ausdruck." (Stader, 1993, S. 103)
Nach dergestalter Klärung kommt das Landgericht (sic!) in der Sachverhaltsbeurteilung alsbald zum Schluss, dass es sich bei der bestrittenen Werbebotschaft trotz Tierstimmenimitators in der Tat um Legegegacker handle. Was allerdings die Rechtsfolge dieser Konklusion ist, verschweigt uns der Autor gnädig.
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