Hey. Here’s your linkage…
Data Mining
- No, I don’t care where Snowden is going next… but I am happy to see that Hong Kong used the opportunity to request clarification about US hacking of their computer systems. (h/t E. Webb)
Drones
- Paradoxically, there’s something about James Bridle’s outline of a reaper drone on the steps of the Corcoran Gallery that makes the idea of drones more tangible and murderous.
- Of course, the drone pilots actually spend much of their time being bored. Luckily, Jerry Falwell’s Liberty University is willing to supply thousands of “Christ-centered aviators” to fill these boring jobs. (They can also take a course on American Exceptionalism developed by Newt Gingrich!) And if they have a pang of conscience about murdering for Christ and country, they can talk to a Liberty University trained military chaplain to set them straight. (h/t Sepoy)
Disasters
- The Singaporean government is mulling suing two firms registered in Singapore for starting the fires in Indonesia which are currently choking the city-state.
- India’s floods which have killed hundreds may be due to increasing hydro-power projects and development of the hill states.
- Why Miami is doomed to drown. (How do you say “Bienveindos a Miami!” underwater?) (h/t D. Faris)
Discontent
- Rodrigo Nunez argues that Brazilians are seeking to redefine development in qualitative terms.
- If only the people of Atlanta were as courageous as Brazilians…
Dirt bags
- Finally, Vladimir Putin appears to have a compromise solution for the Superbowl ring he allegedly stole, but he’s not giving back the bling.
Photo: Florentijn Hofman’s Giant Duck in Hong Kong. (What is that thing flying behind the giant duck?)
Vikash is an Associate Professor of Political Science and Asian Studies at Hobart and William Smith Colleges in Geneva, NY. His main areas of academic interest are (post-) globalization, economic development, and economic freedom, with a regional focus on South Asia
Is it wise (or…normal) for a press release to implicitly link a moment of bureaucratic intransigence to a prior diplomatic disgruntlement?