Best part is when James Camron says that part of exploring is knowing that you'll want to capture EVERYTHING so you can come back and tell "the village" what you've learned.
Take a listen to Camron's NPR interview. You'll enjoy it.
Friday, March 30, 2012
James Camron from the depths of adventure and storytelling
Best part is when James Camron says that part of exploring is knowing that you'll want to capture EVERYTHING so you can come back and tell "the village" what you've learned.
Take a listen to Camron's NPR interview. You'll enjoy it.
Thursday, March 29, 2012
When Israel deals with a Muslim country
This morning I read a very interesting piece about Israel buying/renting/whatever old Soviet airbases in Azerbaijan . . . presumably to be used in an air campaign against Iran.
Now of course everyone has already denied it. But I encourage you to read the article over at Foreign Policy. The logic for Israel to acquire such airbases seems sound: Israel needs to carry as many bombs and as few extra gas tanks on their fighters to be able to make the 2,200 mile trip . . . and that's just one way.
The obvious way to shorten that distance is to land in Azerbaijan, or at least have helicopter recon units stationed their in anticipation of a strike.
Now, keep in mind that Azerbaijan is a Muslim country with strong cultural ties to Iran. But the ruling family of Azerbaijan is so corrupt that one could hardly call themselves allied with "Islamic interests" or anything that would cause one to pause over them dealing with Israel.
This whole thing is about arming Azerbaijan for a looming "next war" with Armenia over disputed regions, and providing them deterrence against Iranian meddling with their internal affairs. Then it's about Israel improving its tactical capabilities vis-a-vis an Iranian strike.
Winners: Israel, Azerbaijan.
Looser: Iran, Armenia
PS - I'd also add the US and Turkey to the looser list because of the regional war that is likely to break out if Iran is attacked. The US will undoubtedly get sucked in.
Now of course everyone has already denied it. But I encourage you to read the article over at Foreign Policy. The logic for Israel to acquire such airbases seems sound: Israel needs to carry as many bombs and as few extra gas tanks on their fighters to be able to make the 2,200 mile trip . . . and that's just one way.
The obvious way to shorten that distance is to land in Azerbaijan, or at least have helicopter recon units stationed their in anticipation of a strike.
Now, keep in mind that Azerbaijan is a Muslim country with strong cultural ties to Iran. But the ruling family of Azerbaijan is so corrupt that one could hardly call themselves allied with "Islamic interests" or anything that would cause one to pause over them dealing with Israel.
This whole thing is about arming Azerbaijan for a looming "next war" with Armenia over disputed regions, and providing them deterrence against Iranian meddling with their internal affairs. Then it's about Israel improving its tactical capabilities vis-a-vis an Iranian strike.
Winners: Israel, Azerbaijan.
Looser: Iran, Armenia
PS - I'd also add the US and Turkey to the looser list because of the regional war that is likely to break out if Iran is attacked. The US will undoubtedly get sucked in.
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
Dmitry Medvedev slaps down Mitt Romney
Russian president Dmitry Medvedev may seem like Vlady's sidekick in Russia. But he's actually quite a strong dude. He just happens to be less strong than Putin.
I bring up Medvedev because this week Mitt Romney called Russia America's "number one geopolitical foe" in response to a conversation about missile defense in South Korea. And much to our amusement, Medvedev responded with some advice:
How hilarious.
I bring up Medvedev because this week Mitt Romney called Russia America's "number one geopolitical foe" in response to a conversation about missile defense in South Korea. And much to our amusement, Medvedev responded with some advice:
"I would recommend all U.S. presidential candidates ... to do two things. First, when phrasing their position one needs to use one's head, one's good reason, which would not do harm to a presidential candidate.
"Also, (one needs to) look at his watch: we are in 2012 and not the mid-1970s."
How hilarious.
Sunday, March 25, 2012
Why not?
You gotta love Al Jazeera for their progressive pot smokin' edge. It's where the Qatari monarchy meets journalism. I guess.
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