Platespotting

A new national network of mobile cameras is to track criminals on the roads.

Automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) cameras - linked to an extensive database - will pinpoint vehicles police want to trace.

In other words, if you live in England and someone in the government decides they want to track your every move, all they need to do is enter your license plate number into a database somewhere.

Of course, I exaggerate. There are always rules governing the use of such systems. But the capacity exists.

This is London

technical difficulties

Please bear with us, dear loyal readers. Signs of the Times is experiencing severe technical difficulties.

In other words, the computer is about as useful right now as a rock.

Bush on Israel, again

U.S. President Bush said yesterday that Israel must remove the Jewish communities in Yesha. His spokesman later said that he meant only Gaza and the "unauthorized outposts."

Bush made the statement at a press conference with Jordan's King Hussein at his side. He had warm words for Abu Mazen, saying the PA Chief "wants to develop a state that will live in peace alongside Israel," and acknowledging that the PA needs armed forces and training to "defeat the terrorists who wish to stop the march to freedom."

And thus once again when I've begun to be able to think warmly of him, GWB goes and says something that makes me cringe inside. Abu Mazen doesn't want that at all and he's said so. The PA needs armed forces to defeat terrorists? With all due respect, Mr. President, it is out from its armed forces that the PA has consistently sent terrorists.

Arutz Sheva

Divesting from Israel illegal?

By suddenly taking up the banner of divestment, the leaders of America’s mainline churches are actually in violation of U.S. law.

Read the whole thing. It's intelligent and explained clearly. American mainline churches are heading right towards a major judgement if they don't back off of their anti-semitic stance towards Israel, and do it fast.

FrontPage Magazine

China increases military spending

Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said Tuesday the United States is concerned about China's military build-up due to Beijing's tensions with Taiwan, an island Washington has vowed to defend.

To say the least. Not to be uncharitable towards China, but come on, folks. It should be concerning that the Chinese are building up their military, and not just because of Taiwan.

Reuters

Unconstitutional to ban gay marriage in CA

In the eagerly awaited opinion likely to be appealed to the state's highest court, San Francisco County Superior Court Judge Richard Kramer said that withholding marriage licenses from gays and lesbians is unconstitutional.

"It appears that no rational purpose exists for limiting marriage in this state to opposite-sex partners," Kramer wrote.

Stop the world. I want to get off.

AP

Give them the finger

Customers of a German supermarket chain will soon be able to pay for their shopping by placing their finger on a scanner at the check-out, saving the time spent scrabbling for coins or cards.

The technology is out there. The advisability, I'm not sure I see.

Reuters