Friday, August 27, 2004
Civil servants don't have a monopoly on obfuscation
"The Euclidean path integral over all topologically trivial metrics can be done by time slicing and so is unitary when analytically continued to the Lorentzian. On the other hand, the path integral over all topologically non-trivial metrics is asymptotically independent of the initial state. Thus the total path integral is unitary and information is not lost in the formation and evaporation of black holes. The way the information gets out seems to be that a true event horizon never forms, just an apparent horizon."
PROFESSOR STEPHEN HAWKING on ‘The information paradox for black holes’
BBC website (courtesy of Private Eye magazine.)
"The Euclidean path integral over all topologically trivial metrics can be done by time slicing and so is unitary when analytically continued to the Lorentzian. On the other hand, the path integral over all topologically non-trivial metrics is asymptotically independent of the initial state. Thus the total path integral is unitary and information is not lost in the formation and evaporation of black holes. The way the information gets out seems to be that a true event horizon never forms, just an apparent horizon."
PROFESSOR STEPHEN HAWKING on ‘The information paradox for black holes’
BBC website (courtesy of Private Eye magazine.)
Canadian tax authority tells churches not to speak on moral issues
Sometimes news takes a while to reach us, but is no less significant for that.
The legal counsels for the Evangelical Fellowship of Canada and for the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops were called to a meeting with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) in early March and were warned by tax officials that if they became involved in "partisan political activity" during the then coming 2004 federal election, they would risk losing their tax-exempt status.
According to the CRA, to avoid being partisan meant not addressing issues on which the competing political parties have opposing views. This could include coming out strongly on an issue such as same-sex marriage or poverty.
One official said: "The best thing for a charity to do, especially during an election, is to stay away from those issues. There are certain issues, especially during election times, that are very political." All moral issues, including even poverty, seem to be covered by the gag order.
This is significant for New Zealand, because the Charities Bill currently before a Select Committee, provides for exactly the same thing to happen here. Under the Bill, a charity can be deregistered if it carries out any activities that are not primary to its charitable purpose.
Sometimes news takes a while to reach us, but is no less significant for that.
The legal counsels for the Evangelical Fellowship of Canada and for the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops were called to a meeting with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) in early March and were warned by tax officials that if they became involved in "partisan political activity" during the then coming 2004 federal election, they would risk losing their tax-exempt status.
According to the CRA, to avoid being partisan meant not addressing issues on which the competing political parties have opposing views. This could include coming out strongly on an issue such as same-sex marriage or poverty.
One official said: "The best thing for a charity to do, especially during an election, is to stay away from those issues. There are certain issues, especially during election times, that are very political." All moral issues, including even poverty, seem to be covered by the gag order.
This is significant for New Zealand, because the Charities Bill currently before a Select Committee, provides for exactly the same thing to happen here. Under the Bill, a charity can be deregistered if it carries out any activities that are not primary to its charitable purpose.
Thursday, August 26, 2004
Why the original Olympics were banned
With the attention this week on the Olympic Games, it's not widely known that the original Games, along with other festivals, were banned in a.d. 393 by Roman emperor Theodosius for being "too pagan." Under the emperor's direction, fanatical Christians closed and later tore down ancient wonders of the world, most notably the Temple of Zeus built in Olympia and the Temple of Serapis in Alexandria.
Why did Theodosius do something which today would be savagely criticised? He apparently had some very good reasons. The Games incorporated events which would definitely not be viewer-friendly today. Christianity Today has an interesting article reviewing this little-known item of history.
With the attention this week on the Olympic Games, it's not widely known that the original Games, along with other festivals, were banned in a.d. 393 by Roman emperor Theodosius for being "too pagan." Under the emperor's direction, fanatical Christians closed and later tore down ancient wonders of the world, most notably the Temple of Zeus built in Olympia and the Temple of Serapis in Alexandria.
Why did Theodosius do something which today would be savagely criticised? He apparently had some very good reasons. The Games incorporated events which would definitely not be viewer-friendly today. Christianity Today has an interesting article reviewing this little-known item of history.
What did God join?
The debate in the church over same-sex "marriage" (or civil unions) must be leaving a lot of ordinary pew-sitting Christians thoroughly confused. The Bible is being used as the authority by both those favouring same-sex marriage, and those who oppose it. Who - if anyone - is right? Does it matter?
Edith M. Humphrey, associate professor of New Testament at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary, has written one of the best articles I have seen weighing up the relative merits of both camps' arguments. A must-read.
The debate in the church over same-sex "marriage" (or civil unions) must be leaving a lot of ordinary pew-sitting Christians thoroughly confused. The Bible is being used as the authority by both those favouring same-sex marriage, and those who oppose it. Who - if anyone - is right? Does it matter?
Edith M. Humphrey, associate professor of New Testament at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary, has written one of the best articles I have seen weighing up the relative merits of both camps' arguments. A must-read.
"No Dole" charter in Oz
Some Australians have come up with a novel to help school-leaving age teens avoid the unemployment trap.
More than 40 schools around Australia are involved in a project which has senior students make a pledge to continue education, training or gain full-time employment after completing Year 10.
This month the Australian Minister Brendan Nelson joined more than 90 students at Brooks High School, Launceston, Tasmania, who signed the "No Dole" charter for 2004, in the presence of their parents and teachers, school friends, local industry and business representatives. The No Dole project has been operating at Brooks High School since 1995 and more than 1,400 students have taken the pledge. The programme develops strong links and helps build networks between the students and the local Launceston business community.
Some Australians have come up with a novel to help school-leaving age teens avoid the unemployment trap.
More than 40 schools around Australia are involved in a project which has senior students make a pledge to continue education, training or gain full-time employment after completing Year 10.
This month the Australian Minister Brendan Nelson joined more than 90 students at Brooks High School, Launceston, Tasmania, who signed the "No Dole" charter for 2004, in the presence of their parents and teachers, school friends, local industry and business representatives. The No Dole project has been operating at Brooks High School since 1995 and more than 1,400 students have taken the pledge. The programme develops strong links and helps build networks between the students and the local Launceston business community.
Wednesday, August 25, 2004
The quangos roll on
It probably won't garner much attention, but Ethnic Affairs Minister Chris Carter today announced the appointment of eight trustees to the newly formed Chinese Poll Tax Heritage Trust.
The what!!!
In case you didn't know, from 1881, all Chinese migrants were required to pay a poll tax on entry to New Zealand. Other punitive initiatives also singled out Chinese people. Their right to naturalisation was withdrawn from 1908 to 1951 and they were compulsorily thumb printed upon returning to New Zealand from overseas.
"The Poll Tax and other unfair immigration practices had a terrible impact on early Chinese settlers. The Government sincerely hopes that the Trust will strengthen the unique identity of Chinese New Zealanders� Mr Carter said.
To ensure that we make all amends, the Trust has been given a $5 million grant to fund projects to boost the study and preservation of Chinese New Zealand history, culture and language.
Okay, roll up the next cultural/ethnic/racial group who can find some grievance in the past and get your loverly government handout.
It probably won't garner much attention, but Ethnic Affairs Minister Chris Carter today announced the appointment of eight trustees to the newly formed Chinese Poll Tax Heritage Trust.
The what!!!
In case you didn't know, from 1881, all Chinese migrants were required to pay a poll tax on entry to New Zealand. Other punitive initiatives also singled out Chinese people. Their right to naturalisation was withdrawn from 1908 to 1951 and they were compulsorily thumb printed upon returning to New Zealand from overseas.
"The Poll Tax and other unfair immigration practices had a terrible impact on early Chinese settlers. The Government sincerely hopes that the Trust will strengthen the unique identity of Chinese New Zealanders� Mr Carter said.
To ensure that we make all amends, the Trust has been given a $5 million grant to fund projects to boost the study and preservation of Chinese New Zealand history, culture and language.
Okay, roll up the next cultural/ethnic/racial group who can find some grievance in the past and get your loverly government handout.
Tuesday, August 24, 2004
A remarkable woman
One of Britain's most remarkable women is currently touring New Zealand. Baroness Caroline Cox is, among other things, the deputy Speaker in the House of Lords, and founder of the organisation Christian Solidarity Worldwide, which advocates on behalf of people of all races and faiths who suffer oppression around the world. She has tramped many times into areas which despotic regimes have tried to put off-limits to Western journalists or observers, to stand alongside people who are suffering incredible hardships. She is a strong campaigner for truth and justice.
One of the issues which really gets Lady Caroline going is the growth of the European Union, and the way Britain is rapidly handing over its sovereignty. She is a supporter of the UK Independence Party, formed in 1993, which had remarkable success in the recent EU elections, and which is dedicated to cutting back the tentacles of the EU octopus.
Forty percent of British laws are now made in Brussels, and the British public seems to be remarkably accepting of the way in which they are being taken over. Some, however, are fighting back. Global Britain, formed by three House of Lords MPs, is one organisation dedicated to restoring British sovereignty.
One of Britain's most remarkable women is currently touring New Zealand. Baroness Caroline Cox is, among other things, the deputy Speaker in the House of Lords, and founder of the organisation Christian Solidarity Worldwide, which advocates on behalf of people of all races and faiths who suffer oppression around the world. She has tramped many times into areas which despotic regimes have tried to put off-limits to Western journalists or observers, to stand alongside people who are suffering incredible hardships. She is a strong campaigner for truth and justice.
One of the issues which really gets Lady Caroline going is the growth of the European Union, and the way Britain is rapidly handing over its sovereignty. She is a supporter of the UK Independence Party, formed in 1993, which had remarkable success in the recent EU elections, and which is dedicated to cutting back the tentacles of the EU octopus.
Forty percent of British laws are now made in Brussels, and the British public seems to be remarkably accepting of the way in which they are being taken over. Some, however, are fighting back. Global Britain, formed by three House of Lords MPs, is one organisation dedicated to restoring British sovereignty.
Vaccines again under fire
A week or so ago, I highlighted an article by Melanie Phillips on the problems surrounding the MMR vaccine in England. Now the new meningoccocal vaccine recently released in New Zealand is under fire.
In a comprehensive article, Jon Eisen says the vccine maker (the Chiron company) admits the vaccine may not work, and could in fact be dangerous. Eisen works his way through the fine print (it always pays to read the fine print) on the leaflet that is packed with the vaccine, and finds a lot to be worried about.
A week or so ago, I highlighted an article by Melanie Phillips on the problems surrounding the MMR vaccine in England. Now the new meningoccocal vaccine recently released in New Zealand is under fire.
In a comprehensive article, Jon Eisen says the vccine maker (the Chiron company) admits the vaccine may not work, and could in fact be dangerous. Eisen works his way through the fine print (it always pays to read the fine print) on the leaflet that is packed with the vaccine, and finds a lot to be worried about.
