On Monday May 8th 2006 BBC News 24 planned to interview Guy Kewney, an IT expert. Instead, they got Guy
Goma, a Congolese man “applying for a technology-related job”. What a classic.

Via SMH and YouTube

It turns out that science is political.

In this article, CSIRO scientists talk about how elements of Australia’s Government are putting pressure on their work.

Will our scientists have the courage to call the world as they see it? Or will our science be increasingly censored by meddling politicians?

Commenting on similar concerns in America, a senior NASA scientist has called political interference in science ‘a recipe for environmental disaster’.

Will our community stand up for independent science?

Or will we be too busy watching TV to care?

This is one for the Australians (since you’re the only ones who know the Australian national anthem). The Age published this on 26 January, 2005, but I only saw it today. You have to sing it to really enjoy it. It doesn’t make sense, but the words rhyme with the real lyrics, which makes it fun…

“Australians all own ostriches
Four minus one is three,
With olden royals, we’re fair and loyal,
Our home is dirt by sea. I learned to bounce on nature strips
In booties stitched with care.
In mystery’s haze let’s harvest maize
And plant azaleas there.

Enjoy full trains and let us in
And dance Australia, Yeah!”
-Anon.

Thinking about going to the beach? Catch some vitamin D; go for a
healthy walk along the water’s edge; maybe go for a refreshing swim…

…or you could avoid the pesky health benefits of the shore, simply by
blowing $US30, burning a little electricity and pumping untold
chemicals into
your home. All you need is:

1. To be in the USA
2. Access to Electriciy
3. A Febreeze™ Scent Stories™ Scent Player (retails for “Around $US20″)
4. A Febreeze™ Scent Stories™ “Theme Disc” (apparently retails for $US7)