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1 September

Today, as autumn approaches (though it doesn't feel like it yet; the blight that has struck my tomatoes is the only ominous sign of a seasonal shift so far) I've been deriving huge enjoyment from the offical report on what a vile and greedy scumbag the media mogul Conrad Black is. It lists a huge series of schemes he came up with to siphon cash from his company, Hollinger International, and spend it on himself and his vile wife Barbara Amiel. My favourite detail is the $24,950 of shareholders' money they pilfered to spend on 'summer drinks' for themselves. How much Pimm's could you get for that?

Two other interesting things today. One is a wonderful satirical book about the Iraq War, entitled Operation Iraqi Freedom - a puzzle and colouring book which you really mustn't miss. Best not to give it to your children for Christmas though.

The other, which should be of interest to anyone who has read my book, or is interested in the Free West Papua campaign is a new NASA photo of the Freeport gold mine in the highlands of West Papua, taken from space. The full impact of this disastrous engineering project can be seen in the image, and it's stunning, in every sense of the word.

I'm off out into the sun now, while it lasts. A beer by the Thames calls, I think.

Posted by paul at September 1, 2004 02:33 PM

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