Silflay Hraka

Addressing world leaders for the last time as secretary-general, Kofi Annan painted a grim picture Tuesday of an unjust world economy, global disorder and widespread contempt for human rights

Job well done, Kofi. You da man.

In a new blow to global stability, Thailand’s military launched a coup against Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra even as Annan spoke.

This might suck for the folks in Thailand, but I couldn’t help but burst into laughter when I read it. Nothings sums up the value of the UN more succinctly than some poor bastard’s government collapsing while he’s sitting in an auditorium listening to Kofi Freaking Annan.

Said Kofi:

“The events of the last 10 years have not resolved, but sharpened, the three great challenges I spoke of — an unjust world economy, world disorder, and widespread contempt for human rights and the rule of law,” Annan said. “As a result, we face a world whose divisions threaten the very notion of an international community, upon which this institution stands.”

Like I said, bang-up job, Kofi. Who wants to start the “Five More Years” chant? Woof! Woof! Woof! How about it, folks? Let’s hear it for Kofi, and the wonderful job he has done.

The presidents, prime ministers, foreign ministers, ambassadors and other diplomats in the chamber then burst into loud applause and rose to give Annan a sustained standing ovation.

And that, of course, is the saddest part of all of this. If Kofi’s two terms as secretary-general rate overwhelming approval and thunderous applause, then the concept of effective leadership in that post is unrevivably dead.

But the undercurrent of this year’s debate will be the race to succeed Annan. The six candidates were already making appearances Monday, and many more were planned.

I’m all aquiver.

First Carnival » The End

I was going to write a lengthy post on how things have changed, why people lost interest, what’s wrong with CotV, etc., and I may yet complete and post that. However, I wanted to get at least a basic announcement up sooner rather than later, and not just the ones buried on the upcoming hosts page or at the evil “Blog Carnival” site.

Carnival of the Vanities is closing for lack of interest.

I didn’t want to have to do this, but rather than see the Carnival of the Vanities shut down, I’ll be bringing it home to Silflay Hraka after the 209th edition, appearing this week at Lucy’s Dilemma.

Episode 210 will appear here on Wednesday the 27th. Future installments of CoTV will appear on this blog rather than rotate until further notice.

If you have a post you’d like to submit, please send it to kehaar at silflay hraka dot com.

I don’t necessarily have time for this, but CoTV is an institution after four years of running. I’d hoped Carnival founder Bigwig would pick up the torch again, but he’s more interested in Fishing, Drinking and Stinking these days. I guess it’s up to me to pick up the torch and run with it.

Dammit.

Toshiba recalls 340,000 Sony laptop batteries

TOKYO–Toshiba said Tuesday it would replace about 340,000 laptop computer batteries made by Sony, the latest in a string of Sony battery woes.

Meanwhile, Sony is encouraging people to upgrade their Sony Connect software because of potential security concerns surrounding Microsoft ActiveX. NPR also had a piece on the class action lawsuit alleging Sony BMG underpaid its artists for music sold online.

Man. Disliking Sony is almost too easy.

1.) Wake up and roll out of bed. It’s darker than normal. When does daylight savings time start again?
2.) Stumble through the dark into the bathroom. Pee, brush teeth, wash face, shave. Same as every other day.
3.) Grab aftershave. Apply liberally…wonder why it’s so thick and pasty. Hmm, minty fresh…
4.) Wash face again after realizing you’ve just coated yourself with Colgate toothpaste.

…

Where’s my coffee?

Me or the wife?

On yet another “Dress Down Day ” at the Catholic school Ngnat is enrolled at.

“If I wanted her to learn in an environment where everyone dressed like a whore I’d have sent her to public school.”

To be honest, the above was spurred more by the ennoyance of having to participate in a debate with Ngnat over what to wear rather than any of her schoolmate’s sartorial tendencies.

Meanwhile, in the public school system where she would have gone, some parents prefer to sue rather than parent.

Among numerous allegations, the suit contended that minority students were denied equal opportunity to education and due process, and that disciplinary measures varied along racial lines. The suit pointed to the suspensions of 202 white male students in the 2004-05 academic year, compared to the suspensions of 1,297 black males.

The plaintiffs sought monetary damages, along with the readmission of every student who was suspended or expelled under a certain school board policy since Sept. 1, 2003. In addition, it asked for retractions and apologies “to any student accused or suspected of gang affiliation or activity.”

Someone has obviously learned something from the Muslims, if not the DPS. When confronted with unpleasant truths, don’t debate them, or–God forbid–consider changing your ways. Instead, demand an apology, and (since this is the United States, after all) file a lawsuit.

Update: Some of the fine, upstanding youths whose self-esteem was so dreadfully hurt by the DPS.

So far, there are three other plaintiffs: Jazmyn Jenkins, 17; Desmond Johnson, 16; and Angell Lee Copper, 17. Back in December, the district kicked out the three students from Jordan High School for the rest of the year after a fight. The students also were arrested and charged with disorderly conduct.

Attica! Attica!