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 often have implications that 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.
Cheers:)
Pakistan denies Khan nuclear claim... A.Q. Kahn, father of Pakistan’s nuclear bomb, claims Pakistani Army involvement in shipping centrifuges to North Korea in 2000. Denied with a counterclaim, "...that Khan was seeking to falsely implicate Musharraf, Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence agency, the SPD and the army in nuclear proliferation." Mention of ISI raises a flag, as its Machiavellian past makes the CIA look like choir boys. Look for more about Kahn, maybe an early obituary.
US Justice Dept. Sued For Cellular Tracking Information... Own or use a cellphone? Follow the links in the Slashdot article for some eye-openers. And yes, no tinfoil hat needed... the facts are even worse (provided you know them). Yep. I have no secrets to speak of, but I neither own nor use a cellphone, in spite of their convenience.
Are We in the Peak of an Oil Bubble?... A real analytical look at the price of oil (and consequently, gasoline). It is hopeful, and not hopeful, all at once. But at least it is not just opinion, urban myth, or anecdotal.
Final Arthur C Clarke novel on the way... Good news for fans of Clarke and scifi fans in general. (Disclaimer: I confess to being in both camps.)
How your GPS can dob you in... GPS – it can be a savior in emergency, a friend when in need, or your worst nightmare. (Especially if you are the middle of a contentious divorce!) See above about cellphones, as many of them today embed GPS.
Baghdad Burning, A U.S. attack on Iraqi bankers puts a damper on talks about the future status of American forces... Winning hearts and minds, just like here.
Pentagon to build ‘safer’ cluster bombs... Is it just me, or is there an oxymoron in this title?
Group proposes George W. Bush Sewage Plant... How very appropriate!
How Osama bin Laden killed trainspotting... The poison of irrational fear seems to spread and affect all walks of life, every activity, no matter how innocent. Will bird watching be next?
G8 leaders feast on 8 courses after discussing world food shortages... The world really does seem to be dividing into two classes, the ‘haves’ and the ‘have-nots’ – with a good deal of hypocrisy thrown in.
FBI Headquarters Not Cleared for Classified Intelligence... How very strange! But then, considering the track record of the FBI over the last many years, and the DoJ (the FBI’s parent), it is hardly surprising.
Tomgram: Rick Shenkman, American Stupidity... Mea culpa! "...we are living in an Age of Ignorance," is sort of a summation of plenty of evidence presented. Like, I never knew it was not legal to vote 14 times with different names. Who woulda thought?