Mars or War

The United States tax payers paid nearly 500 million dollars sending a space ship to mars. Eight years work for the project team and sharing knowledge around the world. This was great value for money considering the week before they agreed a budget of 189 billion to continue the Iraq and Afghanistan wars for one year.

South Africa backlash

President Thabo Mbeki of South Africa stood by for years letting Zimbabwe fall apart under president Mugabe. He let over 3 million refuges cross the border from Zimbabwe. Over the years he did nothing while Government of Robert Mugabe let the once rich country, the bread basket of Africa, with the most fertile agriculture land, turn into a poverty stricken country. With hungry people of Zimbabwe taking the lowest paid jobs in South Africa, it is the poor of the townships who are now uprising against the refugees. President Mbeki has made a serious error with Mugabe and is not suffering the consequences. Having to sent his own troops into the townships to restore order may end in a bloodbath. It is easy to send in troops but another question tying to get them out. It took the British a long time to take troops out of Northern Ireland (over thirty years) and the Americans are stuck in Iraq.

They look like winners

Dima Bilan runner up in 2006, winner 2008, he also co wrote the lyrics with Jin Beanz

Eurovision song contest

Yet again Ireland and the UK complain that they did not get votes from Eastern European countries. Ireland did not qualify with the puppet Dustin the Turkey slagging off the event with a rap type song. The UK was represented by a former winner of a talent show singing a poor song. Russia won with a song sung by there top pop star with top class production by an American expert. Ireland's puppet was in a shopping trolley. If the UK entered one of there top stars like Robbie Williams or Elton John and Ireland with Westlife or u2 they might get a few more votes with a chance of winning. They need to stop complaining of the voting system and get a high class act and song.

China earthquake

It must be one of the worst natural disasters this last decade, the earthquake which hit Sichuan province in China this May. For the individuals who lost there lives and homes it is a sad affair. The government on the other hand it has a double edge, on the one hand it has lost lives of its citizens and much of the infrastructure in the Province of Sichuan. But with its quick action and opening up to the world for help it has won a propaganda coup. No more news of human right abuses in Tibet or treats of a boycott of their Olympics.

Forgotten

The world has forgotten Aung San Suu Kyi. A cyclone has devastated Burma and killed 10's of thousands. This was reported world wide and the General's in charge gave the free world shoulder and did not let in experts to help with emergency relief. Yet the world press ignored Aung San Suu Kyi (the democratic elected, under house arrest for over 10 years ) plight. Her house no electricity and she no fresh food or water. Why has she been forgotten ?

Dynasty

The government party changed seats in Ireland Wednesday. The three top posts went to Dynasty's. Brian Cowan, now Taoiseach got his relatives seat and has worked his way up to the top job. The new Finance minister Conor Lenihan is from one of the biggest political dynasties in Ireland with his Aunt still in the Seanad Eireann. Mary Coughlan is made the Tanaiste inherited her seat in Donegal from the Family. So if you want a high political office you will be up against family interests, yet it;s still the public that vote them in.

Bertie's last day

Its Bertie's last day as Taoiseach, hes up at Oldcastle with his new friend Ian. Now he will have time to spend his pension of 169,000 euro a year.