Scientists say dolphins should be treated as ‘non-human persons’ // // // // // <!– Remove following to not show photographer information –> <!– Remove following to not show image description –> Dolphins have long been recognised as among the most intelligent of animals but many researchers had placed them below chimps <!– Remove following to not show enlarge option –> // Jonathan Leake <!– –> Dolphins have been declared the world’s second most intelligent creatures after humans, with scientists suggesting they are so bright that they should be treated as “non-human persons”. Studies into dolphin behaviour have highlighted how … Continue reading Dolphins are Sea Humans?

In the next decade, I hope global capitalism will end I’d like to see a new international politics, where humanitarian concerns take precedence over greed and self-interest Cath Elliott guardian.co.uk, Saturday 2 January 2010 10.00 GMT I don’t mean to sound like some wise old sage, because let’s face it, I’m not one; but if there’s one thing life has taught me, it’s that there’s truth in the adage that the older you get the faster time seems to pass. To a child, 10 years sounds like a lifetime away: but when you get to my age, you know those … Continue reading Will global greed end in this decade?

In the next decade, I hope for a spirit of ‘sharism’ Through sharing, and the use of technology, those who believe in a top-down approach will eventually lose their power Isaac Mao guardian.co.uk, Sunday 3 January 2010 12.00 GMT Feng Zhenghu, a Chinese scholar and human rights activist, has been stuck at Narita Airport in Tokyo since 4 November, unable to shower and dependent on airport staff and travellers for food. Amazingly, he seems to be becoming more optimistic about his situation. With a Twitter account and a mobile phone, he has set up a global network to support his … Continue reading Thanks to greed! This will be the decade of sharing…. 🙂

A patchwork of personality We are all imperfectly human. So how can centralised structures be imposed so rigidly on us? Peter Preston guardian.co.uk, Sunday 3 January 2010 20.00 GMT Inevitably, our justice secretary has got it in the neck from all and unionised sundry for his mild new year observation that “some police officers, whatever they say, quite enjoy being in a police station in the warm” – and therefore taking four toasted hours or so to fill out a few report forms that, for chaps in the force next door, might take an hour of their time. Cue a spectrum … Continue reading We are all imperfectly human. So how can centralised structures be imposed so rigidly on us?

The war on terror has been about scaring people, not protecting them The ease with which the plane bomber could operate exposes the vacuity and recklessness at the heart of the US response to 9/11 Gary Younge guardian.co.uk, Sunday 3 January 2010 21.00 GMT So there was no ticking time bomb. No urgent need ever arose to torture anybody who was withholding crucial details, so that civilisation as we know it could be saved in the nick of time. No wires had to be tapped, special prisons erected or international accords violated. No innocent people had to be grabbed off … Continue reading The war on terror has been about scaring people, not protecting them

Is there a connection between the mindset of those who study engineering as a subject, and violent extremism? Brian Whitaker guardian.co.uk, Saturday 2 January 2010 14.00 GMT Amid all the discussion of Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab and his activities prior to boarding flight 253 for Detroit, the fact that he spent three years in London studying mechanical engineering has attracted relatively little attention. A degree in engineering has no obvious connection with terrorism or religious/political extremism – and yet some research published earlier this year suggests it may be highly relevant. Looking at the educational background of known militants, Diego Gambetta … Continue reading Beware the militant engineers

Polygamy for all A Saudi journalist is demanding that women be given the right to four husbands. Maybe she has a point Khaled Diab guardian.co.uk, Saturday 2 January 2010 16.00 GMT They say that hell hath no fury like a woman scorned. But it does: the roaring rage of injured male pride. This was amply demonstrated in Egypt when a female Saudi journalist had the audacity to apply logic and consistency to challenge an area of traditional male privilege. In an article provocatively entitled “My Four Husbands and I“, Nadine al-Bedair quite sensibly posed the logical question: if Muslim men … Continue reading Women can now marry upto four husbands in Saudi Arabia!

Rahul Gandhi may have a good education, charisma and ‘sexy dimples’, but for the sake of democracy he must not ‘inherit’ India Michael Connellan guardian.co.uk, Saturday 2 January 2010 18.00 GMT Rahul Gandhi is a very, very eligible bachelor. The Cambridge-educated 39-year-old has money, charisma, a fierce intellect – and according to the press – “sexy dimples“. He also has a country of 1 billion people to inherit if he fancies it. Rahul is the shining young light of the Nehru-Gandhi dynasty that has ruled India for most of its post-independence history. His ascent to the position of prime minister … Continue reading India keeps politics in the family