What Caught My Eye Today

India - Forty years after the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) was signed, an agreement that prohibits nonnuclear states from acquiring such weapons, India's Prime Minister Monmohan Singh announced that India is willing to join the NPT as a nuclear weapons state. Before I rain on their parade, here's a bit more on why this pronouncement is newsworthy...yeah whatever. By pursuing NPT status India stands to gain several benefits. It would enhance the country's image as a responsible great power without forcing it to sacrifice its nuclear deterrent. It would serve as a strong warning to Iran about its suspected NPT violations. And it would help India deflect calls to join the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty, an agreement that would ban testing of all nuclear weapons. As I subtly alluded to a few moments ago, it is my belief that this is much ado about nothing. First of all, in order to admit India to the NPT, the agreement has to be amended to allow India to sign onto a treaty specifically intended to prohibit nations from developing nuclear weapons if they didn't already have that capability prior to 1967. Seriously, what's the point. Given that logic, we might as well kill two birds with one stone and sign North Korea up for this deal along with India. As for the suggestion that this gesture will somehow act as a deterrent to Iran, I have two words for you--AS IF. Since when has Iran cared about what any other nation has thought of its actions? I contend that this will serve as motivation that Iran can keep on its current course. If India can get away with ignoring the NPT, why can't Iran? And lastly, let me see if I have this straight. India wants to join a treaty that it has previously ignored, so it can avoid participating in another treaty with pretty much the same purpose as the NPT. Does this sound peculiar to anyone besides me?

Canada - As you may have heard, there is a climate conference going on for the next two weeks in Denmark. I stumbled upon this little nugget a couple of days ago. Canada has long been revered as a champion of good causes but to many delegates attending the conference in Copenhagen, Canada is just another eco-hostile petrostate, thanks in large part to its unapologetic support for its extremely dirty but highly lucrative energy industry, especially the carbon-spewing Alberta tar sands. Interestingly, this is just the latest in Canada's fall from grace among the eco-friendly set. Three years ago, Canada formally dropped its commitment to the Kyoto Protocol and Canadian carbon dioxide emissions have risen 25% since 1999. And the Climate Change Performance Index for 2009 ranks Canada 59th, just one place ahead of Saudi Arabia. Right then. Let's put this into proper context, shall we? Canada is cashing in on an energy source that has been known to exist for years but only recently become financially feasible given the recent run up in oil prices. I challenge any country to claim that it wouldn't have done the same thing (especially in the current economic environment) given the same opportunity that was presented to Canada. As for dropping the Kyoto Protocol, at least they participated for most of it. The limits are scheduled to expire in 2013 and the biggest polluters were not following the protocol at all (China, Russia, Brazil and, of course, the United States). I really don't see this as being that much of a sell out. And that 25% increase in carbon emissions? Amateurs. The U.S. is good for almost 21% of the global emissions compared with Canada's 1.9%. Though curiously, the U.S. is expected to have a 6.1% decrease in emissions for 2009. Finally, a silver lining to that 10% unemployment rate. Who would have thought that not working would be good for the environment? Anyway, my point is this. Canada might not be the poster child for environmental responsibility, but even with recent developments these dudes are miles better than those of us who couldn't be bothered to even try to make an effort to improve until now.

Begging - Each year, more and more people are going online for their holiday shopping, but in these hard times, the Internet is also becoming a place where people in need can ask for a handout. Heck, everything else is schlepped on the 'Net. I suppose it was just a matter of time before begging caught on.. There are thousands of appeals on craigslist and on other Web sites devoted to begging, such as Begslist, CyberBeg and DonateMoney2me.com. Some sites charge up to $45 a month. Sort of defeats the purpose, don't you think? DonateMoney2me.com says that's so it can provide better services, including advice on how to enhance an online appeal by using phrases such as "with your help, we can go on" and "your generosity can give a new lease on life.". That totally makes sense. These guys are totally providing a service. After all, it requires a lot of effort to find just the right phrases to steal from all those Hallmark cards.

Tiger Woods - I thought that I was going to avoid talking about this Tiger Woods nonsense, but clearly I was mistaken. I appreciate that it's hard to have much sympathy for a dude making $90 million a year who got caught with his hand in the wrong cookie jar, but seriously, how much must it suck to be this guy right now? Here's a quick recap of what has to be considered a contender for the "Worse Week Ever" award. Tiger Woods’ recent car accident has led to a media firestorm surrounding his personal life. The world’s No. 1 golfer hit a hydrant and a tree on Nov. 27, and he was cited for careless driving and fined $164. The accident and Woods’ refusal to answer questions about it—fueled speculation about a possible dispute between him and his wife, Elin. Woods has been out of the public eye since the crash and subsequent allegations of extramarital affairs. Last week, Woods issued a statement saying he had let his family down with unspecified "transgressions" that he regrets with "all of my heart." Translation: "I can't believe Elin found out. Damn that caller id!" But wait there's more. Late last week, it was reported that Elin bought a $2 million cottage on a secluded island in Sweden with her twin sister--sheer coincidence, I'm sure. And then, this week there was another 911 call from the Woods' estate--this time because Elin's mother was suffering from chest pains. Reckless driving, marital problems, and mother-in-law suffering chest pains? Come on, you have to feel some sympathy for this poor bastard. But wait, there's still more. Apparently Tiger was being considered for the Congressional Medal of Honor, the highest award Congress has to honor civilians for achievements and contributions to society. Not no more. Oh, I almost forgot. Gatorade is taking the Tiger-themed Focus sports drink off the market due to slumping sales. This chump cannot catch a break.