01 April 2004

Why We Love: The Nature and Chemistry of Romantic Love [Scientific American] Something to read and understand.  I seem to remember a similar cover story in TIME a little while ago that I haven't read yet. 2:24:20 PM    comment []

More on Cyprus In the cold (and very wet) light of day, what have we got? Well, it is over to referenda in each Cypriot community on April 24, voting on a heavily revised Annan Plan.  It appears that the Turkish Cypriots may well vote in favour, since they have the most to lose if the Greek side only enters the EU (which is the default scenario if either side votes against); despite the fact that hoary old Denktash is against the plan, Turkish PM Erdogan seems to be backing it, as he would, with the incentive of EU membership for Turkey.  On the Greek Cypriot side, apparently 70% are against the plan, with two main sticking points - the restrictions on exiled Greek Cypriots returning to their conquered properties in the North, and the retention of Turkish occupation forces in the north, fairly reasonable objections, one would think, given the history. And, speaking of history, let no-one forget that the situation which has existed for the last 40 years is due to Britain totally botching the issue in a sad bit of post-imperial madness - read Lawrence Durrell's "Bitter Lemons of Cyprus" for a sad, bittersweet first-person memoir of how it all went wrong. LATER:  Here, hot off the press, is The Economist's wrap of the situation, authoritatie and link-rich as always. 9:03:34 AM    comment []

Zimbabwe's economy hits new lows. Poverty levels double, economic output falls by a third, and inflation and unemployment soar, the IMF says. [BBC News | News Front Page | UK Edition] Meanwhile, totally predictably, the news from Zimbabwe gets worse, while the world, especially the great and wise South African leadership, who can and should do something about it, seems to stand back and watch.  It is a huge human catastrophe, which should evoke worldwide protests and demonstrations, but doesn't.  We see frequent items on the BBC and CNN how white Zimbabwean farmers are being welcomed and supported in Zambia, Mozambique and Nigeria.  Although many of them have suffered greatly and lost a lot, their skills, energy and resourcefulness will allow them to succeed and contribute to their new countries, whereas their previous workers and other black Zimbabweans are left in misery, poverty, disease and starvation - they are the real victims of Mugabe's madness and Mbeki's heartless, cynical refusal to act. Shame. 12:06:08 AM    comment []