Kagemusha

"We go to defend freedom, and all that is good and just in the world."

The proof of 'dark energy,' the Korean Peninsula seen from Space. The North has famine, energy shortages and no electricity after 9 PM. North Korean officials deny rumours that dictator Kim Jong is Ill. He missed the parade for the 60th anniversary of their totalitarian state. North Korean officials spout claims that he is fine, but no evidence. South Korean sources speculate that Lil' Kim is recovering from surgery.

Times Online reports the surprising theory that Kim Jong Il's lights went out permanently back in 2003! According to Professor Toshimitsu Shigemura's new book, "The True Character of Kim Jong Il" has been concealed for years. The occasional appearances of Lil' Kim have been played by doubles. (He did not appear this year to accept the Olympic torch, or at the recent 60th anniversary celbration of communist rule.) This theory is opposed by most NK experts, but Professor Shigemura believes that his theory will turn out to be accurate.

Kagemusha (Shadow Warrior) is a Japanese legend and a great film by Akira Kurosawa. A peasant who resembles the king is recruited to pose in the King's uniform during battles. The soldiers are energized by the appearance of their leader overseeing the battle. Unexpectedly the king dies and the Kagemusha is forced to take over all his roles. This charade ends with a tragic conclusion.

7 years after 9/11/01, most of the world believes that Osama Bin Laden is still a live target. Certainly terrorists are still a threat; their cause is aided by belief that OBL lives. Followers flock to OBL's message even though no one has seen him. All we see are old videotapes and crude audio. Major media dutifully report and amplify these crude messages. Convincing evidence would be video of him walking around while waving a current newspaper. Terrorists have every reason to produce such evidence, but do not. OBL may have met his fate within 1-2 days of December 15, 2001. Perhaps the "War on Terror" has been more successful than people realise.

Kagemushas have much in common with 'dark energy.' Like terrorism, 'dark energy' threatens to tear the Universe apart. Scientists have flocked to DE even though no one has seen it. Some of their interest is financial, for grants flow to DE researchers. Even if a Joint Dark Energy Mission is launched, it will not return a single particle or wave, just an "equation of state" which could be explained by a changing speed of light. That would not distinguish between the myriad DE theories. Cosmologists have flocked to DE like the Emperor's New Clothes, for it will keep them employed and unsuccessful indefinitely. 'Dark energy' may have tragic conclusions for the reputation of science.

UPDATE SEPT 12: Barack Obama, who has been looking pale lately, is out of action tonight due to "stomach flu."