Hey. Â 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?)
Is it wise (or…normal) for a press release to implicitly link a moment of bureaucratic intransigence to a prior diplomatic disgruntlement?