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matgbGoogle isn't the new M$, and isn't showing signs of predatory anti-competetive practices. Is's just, um, taking over the web. Unlike ![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-syndicated.gif)
thesnowinsummer, I'm not convinced Google is evil. But I'm also no longer of the opinion Google is the best service in the world ever. HMV is trying to buy Ottakar's but faces competition from a mangement buy out. I think I'm with the managers; the local Ottakar's is great, whereas I've never been too keen on HMV stores. Besides, they may merge the chains, and then there would be less space for books; I buy my DVDs online these days so what do I need HMV for? On the other hand The Post Office wants to rival WH Smiths. Um, OK? I know they've got to be a commercial company these days (not happy about it, but it's the way it is) but trying to compete head on with Smiths and Argos? Meh.
Venezuala limits visiting preachers. Can't actually say I blame them after Marion's outburst; would you let a dodgy US preacher into the country without checking if he was a fan of the bloke that wants your elected President shot? On the other hand Gorgeous George is going on tour. I'd avoid those red states George, they've got a lot of... Wait a minute. George, go to Texas, they'll love you there! Even when I agree with him I still can't stand the man.
Talking of men we don't like, Mandelson is in trouble again. Hmmm "I believe in free trade" except when it may mean EU businesses being outcompeted. "I didn't realise they'd produce that much when we removed the trade barriers"; um, you do know that China is a big place, right Pete? "We need to stop all these cheap imports", but not actually consult the people that would need to be warned in advance nor pay attention to the business cycle. OTOH, bras in the headlines every day, but the moralists are squirming...
More blokes I don't, in theory, like. How am I agreeing with Birt? He wants to strengthen Channel 4, increase the intellectual output while at the same time allow puerile crap for the masses like I'm a Celebrity stay on air. All things to all people from the former bean counter extraordinaire? Still not planning to start watching TV any time soon. Still, good news over the pond, Bush is at only 40% approval with 56% thinking he's doing a bad job. See, I keep saying not all Americans are stupid. Not even all Texans...
Blokes we do like: Lula is clamping down on illegal logging causing a decrease in the rate of deforestation. So the rainforests are still being destroyed, but a lot less quickly. Not perfect, but better. Now if only we could persuade our subsidist western govts to encourage reforestation instead of over production up here in the 'developed' world. The woods on Granddads farm were the best bits, even if his neighbours thought he was daft for keeping them not turning them into more grazing space.
Last one for now. Shoot someone? Complain when the public get told. I know, I know, we don't have all the facts, the bad bits not the whole story was leaked, Ian Blair may not be liar extraordinaire, etc. Still, mistakes happen, they were under pressure, etc. Still doesn't justify lying about it for 72 hours.
thesnowinsummer, I'm not convinced Google is evil. But I'm also no longer of the opinion Google is the best service in the world ever. HMV is trying to buy Ottakar's but faces competition from a mangement buy out. I think I'm with the managers; the local Ottakar's is great, whereas I've never been too keen on HMV stores. Besides, they may merge the chains, and then there would be less space for books; I buy my DVDs online these days so what do I need HMV for? On the other hand The Post Office wants to rival WH Smiths. Um, OK? I know they've got to be a commercial company these days (not happy about it, but it's the way it is) but trying to compete head on with Smiths and Argos? Meh. Venezuala limits visiting preachers. Can't actually say I blame them after Marion's outburst; would you let a dodgy US preacher into the country without checking if he was a fan of the bloke that wants your elected President shot? On the other hand Gorgeous George is going on tour. I'd avoid those red states George, they've got a lot of... Wait a minute. George, go to Texas, they'll love you there! Even when I agree with him I still can't stand the man.
Talking of men we don't like, Mandelson is in trouble again. Hmmm "I believe in free trade" except when it may mean EU businesses being outcompeted. "I didn't realise they'd produce that much when we removed the trade barriers"; um, you do know that China is a big place, right Pete? "We need to stop all these cheap imports", but not actually consult the people that would need to be warned in advance nor pay attention to the business cycle. OTOH, bras in the headlines every day, but the moralists are squirming...
More blokes I don't, in theory, like. How am I agreeing with Birt? He wants to strengthen Channel 4, increase the intellectual output while at the same time allow puerile crap for the masses like I'm a Celebrity stay on air. All things to all people from the former bean counter extraordinaire? Still not planning to start watching TV any time soon. Still, good news over the pond, Bush is at only 40% approval with 56% thinking he's doing a bad job. See, I keep saying not all Americans are stupid. Not even all Texans...
Blokes we do like: Lula is clamping down on illegal logging causing a decrease in the rate of deforestation. So the rainforests are still being destroyed, but a lot less quickly. Not perfect, but better. Now if only we could persuade our subsidist western govts to encourage reforestation instead of over production up here in the 'developed' world. The woods on Granddads farm were the best bits, even if his neighbours thought he was daft for keeping them not turning them into more grazing space.
Last one for now. Shoot someone? Complain when the public get told. I know, I know, we don't have all the facts, the bad bits not the whole story was leaked, Ian Blair may not be liar extraordinaire, etc. Still, mistakes happen, they were under pressure, etc. Still doesn't justify lying about it for 72 hours.
