Gongol.com Archives: September 2006
Brian Gongol


September 9, 2006

Socialism Doesn't Work Decentralization of political power doesn't work unless government is also downsized
Indonesia is finding that decentralization isn't entirely successful, in part because government is so powerful to begin with that the existing bureaucracy is trying to re-gain old power. What they apparently needed was first a dismantling of government power per se, then a devolution of authority to local governments.

Humor and Good News Laughter workouts for good health
Laughter is overwhelmingly seen as a force for good health, but the concept of a "laughter workout" seems, well, contrived. Why not just find a funny movie or read "Catch-22?"

Humor and Good News Can we reclassify celebrities?
If Pluto can be downgraded to a "dwarf planet," can we also downgrade Tom Cruise and Kevin Federline?

Computers and the Internet MySpace becomes a de facto record label
By providing a forum through which people can buy music from unsigned bands, MySpace could make some big money and threaten services like iTunes -- assuming any of the unsigned bands are good enough to attract downloads

Health Madrid Fashion Week bans skinny models
Women without a BMI of at least 18 will be classified "unhealthy" and get the boot

The American Way Economic convergence may be happening faster than expected
American and British workers are now being hired by Indian firms to work in India -- at Western-competitive rates.