Comments on life and work
There are a lot of companies in the USA who will always resist any form of “single payer” healthcare system. Healthcare is big business in America. Most of the money is earned legally (though much unethically) but a huge amount is gained by cooking the books using Medicaid beneficiaries. Continue reading
I know that the suffering in the West seldom compares to that in the third world, but this 60 minutes documentary about American children describing how they go to bed hungry touches a raw nerve. Continue reading
Here is a sweet clip, with the right wing Wolf Blitzer trying to outwit Michael Moore and failing miserably. Seems the recent vote to allow the poor and sick in America to have healthcare has brought out the worst in conservatives like Blitzer.
Update: Longer clip here and worth watching.
Some people think the support for Sarah Palin in America is superficial. But listen to these intellectual heaviweights and you might change your mind.
Yesterday the long overdue health reform in the USA came one step closer, with a narrow win in the Senate. It is merely a vote to hold a full debate on the issue, but even this was vehemently opposed by Republicans, influenced heavily by the hugely wealthy health insurance and pharmaceutical industries. Continue reading
In an age where we are all encouraged to watch our words and to please everyone and not to ruffle feathers, here is a refreshing politician from the US (Alan Grayson) who is determined to have his say, however uncomfortable it may be to the opposition and to viewers. Continue reading
It is a week since I returned to UK from Iran. While I was flying back the demostrations started. Everyone is waiting to see what happens today. Whatever happens, we all hope it does not involve bloodshed. But feelings are high, and frustrations intense. Continue reading
I am visiting my dad in Mashhad, in Iran. The presidential election campaigns here are at their peak, ahead of voting on Friday. These include several live TV debates. Last night my friend Hamed Zaghaghi (a talented programmer, and one of the few free software advocates in Iran) asked if I wanted to go to one of the rallies for Karroubi, and to watch the debate on a makeshift, large-screen TV. Continue reading
The Persian new year, or Norooz, is calculated to the nearest second each year. It happened about 1 hour ago, at 12.45pm, London time. To coincide with this, Barack Obama has sent a video message to Iranians, wishing them a happy new year in Persian, or Farsi. Continue reading
I am sitting in my hotel room in Boston, at the end of a short trip to attend a holography gathering at MIT. I did a live webcast and recorded the show, as a small contribution. I met several colleagues whom I had not seen for around 20 years, but the years had not dented our friendship. So a great trip all around. Continue reading