I read an article that stated the EU may request Microsoft to supply alternatives to the applications that they provide for free in the OS (the browser being a prime example). Even to the point of allowing it to be installed from media.
Other rulings have already forced Microsoft to allow alternative browsers and e-mail clients (to the point where an application can register as one of these types). I think that is enough, they should not disallow a competing application from running or having access to the APIs the internally developed application has (that was always a bone of contention, some of it unfortunate, some maybe intentional advantage protection).
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Oscars Slumdog Millionaire
It would be nice to see this film do well at the Oscars tonight. From what I've heard it raises awareness of India's stark difference between rich and poor.
But I hope it does not end there, I think the west has for too long been prepared to take the cheap labour which would not be so cheap if it had a government that had to maintain a standard of living for all. It would be nice to see out sourcers having this mandated on them by our goverments - it would not solve the whole problem but it would show at least some responsibility goes with globalisation.
But I hope it does not end there, I think the west has for too long been prepared to take the cheap labour which would not be so cheap if it had a government that had to maintain a standard of living for all. It would be nice to see out sourcers having this mandated on them by our goverments - it would not solve the whole problem but it would show at least some responsibility goes with globalisation.
The carriers
Although their position seemed secured, there is the possibility of the RAF wanting to scrap the remaining Harriers much sooner - in order to get Eurofighter into something more useful, a ground attack capability as well as air to air. If the RAF do that then they maybe unwillinging to commission the F-35B, which is what is due to serve on the carriers.
In some ways as a cost saving measure it makes sense, but it does put the Navy in the situation of having no significant fixed wing air capability and no prospect of getting it without a lot of capital investment. Alongside that the expensive T-45 will eat into budgets.
So watch this space, will the carriers ever be built?
In some ways as a cost saving measure it makes sense, but it does put the Navy in the situation of having no significant fixed wing air capability and no prospect of getting it without a lot of capital investment. Alongside that the expensive T-45 will eat into budgets.
So watch this space, will the carriers ever be built?
Film: Man on Wire by James Marsh
A documentary film about tightrope walker Philippe Petit's illegal high wire act between the twin towers in New York in 1974.
This film has some great archive footage of similar walks in Sydney at the Harbour Bridge and Paris at Notre Dame. The film also charts the planning and execution of what the team called "the coup". Phillippe himself is interviewed extensively and really brings the story to life. Members of the team and his girlfriend also provide interviews.
The earlier attempts have video footage but the WTC just has some still photos as evidence. This adds to the mystique of it all and the one off nature of the attempt.
There were clearly some creative tensions between the director and Philippe over details that could be included. He wanted much more description of the wire placing and setup, after all for him it was a matter of life and death; I think they get a reasonable balance between detail and story - although some may wish for more detail.
Good watching and an exceptional piece of history 8/10
This film has some great archive footage of similar walks in Sydney at the Harbour Bridge and Paris at Notre Dame. The film also charts the planning and execution of what the team called "the coup". Phillippe himself is interviewed extensively and really brings the story to life. Members of the team and his girlfriend also provide interviews.
The earlier attempts have video footage but the WTC just has some still photos as evidence. This adds to the mystique of it all and the one off nature of the attempt.
There were clearly some creative tensions between the director and Philippe over details that could be included. He wanted much more description of the wire placing and setup, after all for him it was a matter of life and death; I think they get a reasonable balance between detail and story - although some may wish for more detail.
Good watching and an exceptional piece of history 8/10
100% mortgages to be discouraged
As decided by our Prime Minister Gordon Brown. I'm glad that stable door has been shut.
If only he had said it in the up of the lending cycle, a lot less people would be facing a lot less hardship. After all these are the people most likely to feel the pinch on any market price adjustments.
One commentator I read has been saying for a while that bank bosses need to be interviewed to ascertain the expected losses, and failure to disclose would mean loss of liberty - prison. This seemed a bit extreme to me when he first said it, but given the position of the country has now been so compromised for so many years - I think it is justifiable.
If only he had said it in the up of the lending cycle, a lot less people would be facing a lot less hardship. After all these are the people most likely to feel the pinch on any market price adjustments.
One commentator I read has been saying for a while that bank bosses need to be interviewed to ascertain the expected losses, and failure to disclose would mean loss of liberty - prison. This seemed a bit extreme to me when he first said it, but given the position of the country has now been so compromised for so many years - I think it is justifiable.
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Banks bailout
It has been a weekend of talk over a possible nationalisation of Lloyds which was the solvent bank that took over HBOS only to find now the losses were a bit more than expected.
The best case I've heard for stronger regulation is the fact the the banks were all relying on a guarantee that would (eventually) be underwritten by the taxpayer. In effect we always should have had a golden share - a casting vote, since in the event of failure it would be down to us to support the banks. This had been forgotten since the guarantee had never been called upon - until now.
In some ways I do not mind the city bonuses, other than they are reward for short term gain and not for doing anything sustainable. Weapons of mass destruction were never found but we uncovered financial instruments of mass destruction, right under our noses.
The best case I've heard for stronger regulation is the fact the the banks were all relying on a guarantee that would (eventually) be underwritten by the taxpayer. In effect we always should have had a golden share - a casting vote, since in the event of failure it would be down to us to support the banks. This had been forgotten since the guarantee had never been called upon - until now.
In some ways I do not mind the city bonuses, other than they are reward for short term gain and not for doing anything sustainable. Weapons of mass destruction were never found but we uncovered financial instruments of mass destruction, right under our noses.
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Tax returns - tax deductible
I might have to do a tax return this year. The UK has a really over complex tax system, and people usually employ an accountant to get things done. The thing is you then have to spend some extra money to do this.
Faced with this prospect I had a good idea. Why not make accountants fees tax deductible? That way the government would have to regulate accountants from charging too much. There would be a motivation for the government to reduce tax complexity - because simpler tax returns can be filed quicker and cost less. The bonus for me is I do not have to pay for the return I pay out of my tax for it.
A winner all round I think - but the chances of that happening in the UK?
Faced with this prospect I had a good idea. Why not make accountants fees tax deductible? That way the government would have to regulate accountants from charging too much. There would be a motivation for the government to reduce tax complexity - because simpler tax returns can be filed quicker and cost less. The bonus for me is I do not have to pay for the return I pay out of my tax for it.
A winner all round I think - but the chances of that happening in the UK?
Monday, February 9, 2009
Tony Adams fired as Portsmouth manager
Also Scolari was fired from Chelsea today, they are in a disastrous fourth position in the Premier league (!)
But the history books will say that Adams had a short stay at Portsmouth. I feel he was unlucky and I would have liked to see him do well. Definitely a guy who has fought his demons and come through it.
My only doubts about him would have been future signings and attracting players - but he never got the chance at 16 games.
But the history books will say that Adams had a short stay at Portsmouth. I feel he was unlucky and I would have liked to see him do well. Definitely a guy who has fought his demons and come through it.
My only doubts about him would have been future signings and attracting players - but he never got the chance at 16 games.
Sunday, February 8, 2009
Clemenceau at breakers yard
This old French carrier is now at a breakers yard on Teeside, apparently too toxic for Eygpt or India to take on and dismantle. So here's one thing that is difficult to outsource! I think the facility at Teeside has also some ex US navy ships which were also in a similar situation.
I hope our working conditions are good enough, and if so it is not a bad trade for the UK to be in. Having seen how badly PCB's can be "recycled" in India with little regard for workers health it is time we showed some responsibility and cared more about conditions in those countries (rather than just the bottom line). It almost needs goverment intervention to insist on at least equivalent working conditions - if not pay.
Saturday, February 7, 2009
Book read: The audacity of hope by Barack Obama
I think this book will be the most bought book by a politician; I do hope it does not end up like a Brief History of Time where it is only half read.
A really good personal account of his life and political career that gives some really sharp analysis of America's problems and successes and lays out a way forward. I only knew a little about Obama pre-election, I made a point of watching his speech in Berlin. I knew then he was something special, delivering a flawless speech.
An undertone of the book is certainly race, but he readily admits failings as well as areas where minorities have been ill served.
I'm impressed how much Obama knows of the world outside America. This is from his upbringing and living outside the states as a child. He certainly will not be an inward looking president.
A thought provoking book, 8/10.
A really good personal account of his life and political career that gives some really sharp analysis of America's problems and successes and lays out a way forward. I only knew a little about Obama pre-election, I made a point of watching his speech in Berlin. I knew then he was something special, delivering a flawless speech.
An undertone of the book is certainly race, but he readily admits failings as well as areas where minorities have been ill served.
I'm impressed how much Obama knows of the world outside America. This is from his upbringing and living outside the states as a child. He certainly will not be an inward looking president.
A thought provoking book, 8/10.
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