Robotank

A new toy from DARPA. A prototype unmanned armoured vehicle. Its potential is obvious – and it looks pretty cool too. Who knows – not to long from now maybe there won’t be any people on the battlefield? I won’t hold my breath…

I want Midget Lion Fighters!

Some myths and illusions are too good to shatter, and life is a little less when they are; Santa Claus, the Easter Bunny, Peace on Earth and Lion Fighting Cambodian Midgets, to name but a few. In a world where we think we are much smarter than ever before (although sometimes don’t act it) media such as the world wide web make the chance of perpetuating untruths increasingly unlikely.

I think that’s right, isn’t it? The information age and instantaneous intellectual interaction – it all makes for a smarter, better world. I’m sure that’s what the salesman at the computer shop said.

Anyway, if you do find yourself in possession of some rumour or anecdote there is always someone around to bring it to account. I feel so much safer and smarter knowing there are whole web sites devoted to debunking or confirming the stories floating around the electronic ether. Of course, mentioning the fact we never needed these sites before e-mail and the internet is a little uncharitable.

Mind you, I was sorry to learn the truth about the midgets. Not that I have anything against them, please understand. It was just the thought of those plucky little men and women, girding themselves for the challenge of facing up to 400 odd pounds of endangered big cat, aroused in me great admiration for their courage, pride and – well damn it all – sheer gutsy pluck.

And it was kind of cool to think there was still somewhere in the world this kind of thing could happen…

Never mind. Truth will out.