Author Archives: odeboyz

Climate Emergency: A Temporary Quick Fix

During the 1970s the Saudis led the OPEC group of nations as they massively increased oil prices in retaliation for European and American support for the Israelis. The USA responded by introducing a speed limit of 55 mph to reduce … Continue reading

Posted in Economics, environment, Politics, Technology | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments

For he that hath….

And they had a wonderful pandemic

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John von Neumann:* aversion to exercise

Equally, von Neumann had no interest in sport and, barring long walks (always in a business suit), he would avoid any form of vigorous physical exercise for the rest of his life.  When his second wife, Klari, tried to persuade … Continue reading

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The power of lobbying in US policy making

 I [John Boehner]* was on the Agricultural Committee and were getting ready to put together the 1996 farm bill. I walked into my office while this was going on and found a sugar lobbyist hanging around, trying to stay close … Continue reading

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Film Review: Scarface (Al Pacino) (1983) (Netflix)

This is one of the few pre-1990 films on NetFlix, which guarantees it’s brilliance. Tony Montano (Pacino) is a Cuban gangster and assassin. He’s a beneficiary of Fidel Castro’s cynical ploy to empty Cuban jails and send them to the … Continue reading

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Why not?

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An Equal Opportunities Santa

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When Does an Election Become an Undemocratic Lottery?

The basic premise of British democracy is that if anyone at all votes, an election is deemed to be democratic. Therefore if only three people vote and one candidate receives two votes, that’s enough. Even if the electorate is 64,831. … Continue reading

Posted in Philosophy, Politics | Tagged , , , | 3 Comments

A lucky break

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An Arnold Schwarzenegger quip

Having more money doesn’t make you happier. I have 50 million dollars but I’m just as happy as when I had 48 million.

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