jakob's web studio - Politics & Society

According to popular opinion in Sweden, some bad will actually do good

Sun, 17 Sep 2006 18:50:01 -0500

Tonight something rare happened, a conservative coalition won the parliamentary election in Sweden but it was close, and almost even. While the result doesn't surprise me, what amazes me is how easy it was to redefine the image of conservative party as an alternative similar to the social democrats, with policies not so different, and convince a large portion of the population of that. Perhaps people are so desperate, and so eager to forget recent history, that they're prepared to vote their political enemies into power as a manifestation of the disappointment in the now former social democratic government. Regardless of the success of said strategy it's not a recipe for a lasting solution and long-term political success. After all four years can pass rather quickly...

"Thank you IDF"

Mon, 07 Aug 2006 11:13:16 -0500

I'm posting something different this time, something that is a bit more poetic than my usual ramblings. This was written by my girlfriend who's in Lebanon and who has a much better writer's voice than I'll ever hope to have. Enjoy!

If you could, would you stop a crime from happening?

Sat, 29 Jul 2006 14:00:07 -0500

According to some theories of moral understanding, acting according to one's moral conviction without regard to personal safety or the conventions of society is the highest tier on the ladder of moral maturity. Very few people can claim do have done it, and those who do seem to be among some of the most inspiring leaders and visionaries of our time, including people like Nelson Mandela and Gandhi. But the time for miracle efforts for justice isn't over as the world is seeing the war in the Middle East deteriorate and stands mostly passively by and watches a state systematically harass and kill the civilian population of another, you could also speak out against it and work for a better world.

Lebanon, beauty ravaged by destruction

Sun, 23 Jul 2006 14:49:38 -0500

I'm back in Sweden after two strange weeks in Lebanon, filled with wonder, excitement but also nervousness and frustration due to the situation that is unfolding there. I've been experiencing a relatively unknown country that deserves more than it reputation has. It is a beautiful country, situated on the rolling hills and mountainsides overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, offering beaches, mountains, skiing and a capital with a vibrant culture and nightlife. Lebanon is a fusion of west and east, hard to define but easy to love for its eclectic progressive young soul and generous cuisine.

Congratulations Finland!

Sat, 20 May 2006 17:07:49 -0500

A complete surprise, Finland won the Eurovision Song Contest this year and I can't imagine a better or more deserving winner. Finland's never done better than ending up sixth place and that was back in 1973. Best of all, they didn't just win with any song, they won with Finnish trademark music: heavy rock, so this is great news indeed!

A different perspective on the music filesharing debate

Sat, 13 May 2006 06:18:46 -0500

The debate on filesharing is heavily polarized and seemingly dominated by two camps; the record companies with their signed artists as allies attempting to come off as guardians of justice forming the vanguard of an army of lawyers marching on the supposedly anarchistic, irresponsible filesharers. I think this view, which is popularized through media, is extremely inaccurate and is an obstacle in every attempt to try and understand the issue and its underlying causes. Filesharing was inevitable and is here to stay, in fact its success is in part due to record companies' strategies.

When is "humor" actually humor and when is it racist?

Thu, 04 May 2006 17:06:30 -0500

Talking to my friend Bexx who lives in this US, and can be seen posting here at my site now and then, she showed a picture of tshirt she perceived as being racist, perpetuating stereotypes about native Americans. This made me recall the recent and similar political debate and media storm regarding the caricatures posted in the press containing a derogatory depiction of the prophet Mohammad. What should be considered racist and what should not?

Can web designers truly make a difference?

Thu, 04 May 2006 12:47:29 -0500

As living beings, we are born, we grow up, live and die. During that period of time many of us would like to produce something that outlives us, and almost everyone wants to impact others such as family, friends and lovers. Some of us think the world is unfair and wish to do something about it, but can you do that, regardless of your profession? I believe you can and I'll tell you why, from my point of view as a web designer.

Piracy and its legal consequences in a psychopathic world

Wed, 26 Apr 2006 12:27:57 -0500

Browsing my regular website for news related to the Internet and information technologies, idg.se, I came across a reference to these articles about the revised DMCA that would introduce penalties of up to ten years in prison for attempting piracy, far more than the sentences for assault, robbery and rape, a clear indication of how mega corporations look upon the human worth as compared to it of money.

Browser Bugs and Neutrality

Sun, 09 Apr 2006 18:06:24 -0500

I've been busy ironing out the bugs I've discovered since the launch of the site. ~~It still suffers from a mysterious bug in IE related to the loading of background images of certain elements, which makes the page header look strange in IE. I hope to be able to find a solution soon.~~

Swedish foreign minister murdered

Thu, 11 Sep 2003 14:08:01 -0500

Me and the whole nation are shocked by the death of Swedish foreign minister Anna Lindh. She was stabbed seriously yesterday afternoon and her life could not be saved, she died this morning. My condolences to her family, friends and colleagues. Sweden has lost one of its brightest rising political stars, an outspoken supporter of peace, solidarity and human rights, by many regarded as a future candidate for prime minister.