Be Disclaimed

"It is no good to try to stop knowledge from going forward. Ignorance is never better than knowledge."
Enrico Fermi

September 30, 2005

Animal Rights

Aren't animal rights people wonderful....when they do this, this (see also this), and not content with that, they decide to target a nursery. See also here.

If a human life apparently means so little to them, how can they comment on animal life?


They need to be dealt with like the vicious bastards that they are. Hmm...does that mean they are terrorists?

Please note: I am not lumping all the animal charities that are out there, including the RSPCA, RSPB, PDSA etc. with the lunatic element.

Is animal testing relevant? Yes. Unless of course you want to volunteer in order to test newr medicines. I believe that most people wouldn't volunteer. After all, there are side effects that have to be considered.

A lot of the beauty products as well as general stuff like shampoo have been tested on animals. If they aren't, then they are based on results of tests that have been carried out. What about medicine? Some of the stuff we have been innoculated with has be developed from animal testing, and that is before you consider operations, be they life saving or otherwise. See here for examples. Regulatory requirements for Medicines. All from Huntingdon Life Sciences. Go to Company Overview and read. Check out the rest of the site.

Is it 'nice'? No it isn't. Is it necessary? Yes, I believe it is. We will eventually get to the point where it is not needed, as technology will provide all the information required. Until then however, companies such as Huntingdon Life Sciences are enabling us, our pets, and our livestock to be healthy and long lived.

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September 28, 2005

The Labour Party Conference

Well....looks like the Labour Party Conference is upholding the whole debating atmosphere.....by manhandling an 82 year old party member out of the room when he heckled Jack Straw about Iraq. See here and here...footage here.

I think being prevented from returning under the Prevention of Terrorism Act was a bit much though. At least the Labour Party has apologised to him...eventually.

I didn't know they were that concerned about stopping debate. Perhaps they are getting a little sensitive?

29/9 Update: Tony Blair apologised to him this morning.

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Tech

This is a bit of a different post. It is a query really....what technology do you use?

I was thinking about the equipment I use and how it relates to what is out there.

I use a computer....which is fairly obvious considering I write this blog. I don't have a flashy speaker system to go with it, just a basic set of plug-ins. Printer/scanner....and that's your lot. I barely have a CD-ROM drive....don't even ask about floppy drive.

I have a stereo with a CD player and tape deck. I have a CD walkman that I don't use much now. I don't have an mp3 player of any kind.


er...what else? I have a small TV and a VHS player...no DVD's.

Does this mean I am backward?

I don't hanker after an iPod of any form, although I am interested in getting an mp3 player of some sort....mainly when they get large enough for a decent collection, and not at rip-off prices.

I don't have any games consoles, although I want a PS2. Apart from Halo, what is better or X-Box only which would stop me from getting a PS2? Perhaps I should wait for the PS3?

I have a mobile (cellphone for US readers), but only as pay-as-you-go....I don't see the point of forking out lots of money so I can have a phone that is obsolete in 3 months. I have a perfectly good phone that should last a year or so....then I can upgrade to something flashier.

What about blogs that are read? Well, all the ones I have read are due to that button on the right hand side at the top...and then from links on people's blogs. I have looked at the so-called 'popular' blogs and don't see the point of them. They are either unreadable due to a poxy layout or content provided, or of no interest subject-wise.

All the links that I use are regular reads.....and eventually I put some more on as and when I feel they are good enough to refer to people.

Am I snobbish or just not cool enough? Personally, stuff cool, I like being me. Let me know what you think.

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September 26, 2005

BBC refuses to hand over Islamist tape - interesting article, courtesy USS Neverdock.

Hmm....A1 Grand Prix was a good show. I think it has legs. Definitely seemed more interesting than the Brazilian Grand Prix. Especially seeing as there were no adverts on Sky Sports during the race....which is a major plus point.

That's it for now.....will come up with something eventually.

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September 25, 2005

Comments on News & Update

Well, it looks like Rita may have been a near miss. Hopefully the damage isn't too bad. Unfortunately it appears that New Orleans may need new levees building. I think they are going to need reinforced concrete and plenty of depth and breadth to it, as it appears they have been substantially weakened by Katrina.

Hmm...there was an article in the Daily Telegraph today about the number of British reporters over there. Apparently ITN had 3 people there. However the pictures were of Sky News reporters.....funny that, as they only had 12 people over there......BBC had 34.....why quite so many I have no idea. Oh well.

The observant among you will have noticed the rotating flag icon. It is the link to the A1 Grand Prix site. I would use the actual logo as well, but apparently they don't want people to, so competing countries flags it is then. It is a new racing series, which I briefly mentioned before, where country competes against country. The first race is at Brands Hatch today. Different format...a sprint race, followed by the main race. Viewers in the UK can get it on Sky Sports 3 (arg make that Sky Sports 1)...coverage starts at 1:00pm.

Talking about observant, my blog layout may change, as I am trying to make it a little tidier. I am likely to have new headings for blogs, when I figure out what I am doing, and hopefully it won't take too long to do. Let me know what you think.

toodle pip

Muppetlord

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September 23, 2005

Hmm...

Simon Wiesenthal was buried today.


On lighter notes -

Catholics go Matrix - I saw this on Steve's Random & Often Belligerent Journal and I thought I'd let you know about it.

Giant Bunny in Italy. Thanks to Peter Chianca's At Large Blog for finding it....the Italians must have a sense of humour. The thing is...this is going to be on a hillside for the next 20 years.....it won't be a very pink bunny by then.

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September 20, 2005

Intolerance

This post is as you see it is as a result of a number of rewrites, tweaks and random deletions. It has rapidly expanded from it's original premise. In the beginning, I was going to call this post 'Stuff', with random comments about...you name it...stuff. However, after the events in London, I decided to rename it 'Intolerance'. This is because it alluded to a few things that were relevant....and I decided to cover them under a single banner. Confused? Excellent!

Of course, since the events on the 7th July, there have been a number of incidents that have occurred, which I thought I'd comment upon.

I have a bit of a problem......why do people have to hate each other? I went to a multinational school in a foreign country, and when it was at its busiest, there were about 1000 students of around 110 different nationalities. There was never any hassle. Incidentally this was in a Muslim country.

There was an implicit understanding to living in that country....you live and work there on the condition that you obey the law. Break the law and you would find yourself being deported and unable to return....blacklisted in fact.

Now, people think that because the Government here in the UK has decided to enforce the rules of the land, it is being racist etc. NO....you live here, you follow the rules.....it is quite simple really.

There have been articles such as Cleric compares Blair to Hitler. People are comparing him to Saddam Hussein. Pardon? As far as I am aware, people are not being forced to live in ghettos, caged, tortured, gassed, executed, or even being systematically eradicated etc.

One of the things that I don't understand is it is said, that the Government is targeting Muslims. Yes...and no. It just so happens that the people responsible for the atrocities in London are muslims of an extremist nature. The no, is because the majority are law-abiding Muslims who are 'British' and contribute to society.

Generalising by those that have the most to fear...i.e. murderers, which is what they are, does not help. Of course, that is what they want. They want the wider Muslim community to be worried. These violent people want the community to protect them....for what? It only causes unnecessary grief and hassle....and suspicion unfortunately.

Perhaps the problems that there are between different nationalities, 'ethnic groups' etc. are due to a lack of understanding, no integration (whatever that is)....which may be through choice. Of course, that doesn't mean that there aren't people out to cause trouble....from either side of an argument.

There is a possibility that some are causing trouble on purpose, creating tension where there hasn't been before. Having said that, look at Northern Ireland...years of killing...and for what? Catholics and Protestants killing each other, and they turn on the British Army who get killed because they were sent in to try and stop it. Confused?

Shia and Sunni Muslims are the two major branches of Islam, and they have their disagreements over their interpretations...and that is before all the different subsects that there are within Islam.

Look at the West Bank and Gaza Strip. Since the death of Yasser Arafat, it appears that the various terrorist groups have decided to fight for leadership. It is quite saddening to realise that probably the vast majority of Palestinians are peaceful and want the killing and suffering to end. It may surprise you to know that not all Palestinians are Muslim, some of them are Christians.

Admittedly it is not one-way traffic...some of the Israeli settlers are as combative as the Palestinian groups getting people killed. The sad thing about all of the problems in the Middle East is that both sides appear to be taught to hate the other.

There appear to be very few people willing to try and create a solution. This is a very dangerous position to take it seems, as some from both sides do not want it to happen, and unfortunately, peacemakers like Yitzhak Rabin have been killed for their efforts.

It should be noted that it was the Arabs who invaded Israel after the British left. Understandably, the Israelis were forced to fight for their very survival. Their victory cost many lives on both sides, but gave Israel the belief that they could defend their country.

Update : The evacuation of the Gaza Strip of the Israeli settlers could be the start of something which benefits both Israelis and Palestinians. Worth keeping an eye on.


There was a site I came across (address of I have forgotten) that had a list of the current conflicts in the world, which involved Muslims.....and there seemed to be an awfully large number of them. Why?

Why are there large numbers of Muslims determined to kill people? Is it some kind of inferiority complex or something? You wouldn't think that at one time, Islam was at the forefront of science, technology, and literature. Muslims were known as learned (as in learn ed) scholars all over the world. It is because of Islam that many of the Greek and Roman advances were kept safe when the Church decided that Knowledge was bad for the people during the Dark Ages.

There were people such as Sultan Saladin, or Salah al-Din Yusuf (depending on what you read, or Salah ad-din, Yusuf ibn Ayyub. Spellings vary depending on the source). He united and led the Muslim world, and recaptured Jerusalem. Yet he did not kill those he captured, unlike the actions of the Christians in the past. Indeed when he met King Richard I, the Lionheart, he provided supplies when those of the Christian armies were running low. He had respect not only from Muslims, but also from those he fought against.

Under his rule, there was a cultural renaissance, with the creation of mosques and colleges.

Much of our knowledge of mathematics and astronomy is due to Islam. Islam covered a large part of the world from the birthplace in what was to become Saudi Arabia, to Spain in the West, and far to the East. They were a major trading entity, such that merchants and scholars from all around travelled to the Muslim lands.

....and then something happened. It is as though they forgot who they were...and what they stood for.

Now what do we have?

Well....there appear to be a large number of extremists (so-called 'militants', though I'd rather called them murdering psychopaths), who appear to be taking over and spreading death and destruction worldwide.

Look at Iraq. The majority of deaths of Iraqis are not caused by the US, British and other armies. They are caused by the 'insurgents'...who are Muslim...so everyone blames the Americans. Why?

What surprises me is that the moderates are unable, or unwilling to put the extremists down like the rabid dogs that they are. This has got to change. I don't know if people have their heads in the sand, or are actively being silly about it. I have been browsing a few blogs from time to time, and it appears that there are a number of Muslims who are against violence, and are adamant that the extremists have to be dealt with.

However they appear to be the small voices in the wilderness. Why? Why are they the only ones that make the point. Why are the extremists the ones with the media coverage?

It has to change. It's about time the media starved the extremists of oxygen. Don't give them the publicity, lets focus on those that actually like living here, and are helping the community. Let's focus on people like Dr Zaki Badawi and the work of the Muslim College in London.

Free Muslim Coalition Against Terrorism - This is a site worth looking at. They have a number of interesting proposals. Personally I believe they have missed a radical idea. Why not make Jerusalem an independent city state, like the Vatican? Have a rotating joint leadership of both Israeli and Palestinian representatives, thereby ensuring impartiality. Alternatively, what about a council...a tripartite leadership of representatives from the Islamic, Christian and Judaic faiths. In that way there can be Israel as well as a Palestinian State, with the hotly contested city of Jerusalem independent from both.

I have a cunning plan..., why don't the violent people from both sides of all the conflicts get put into a large walled arena with suitable weaponry and let them fight amonst themselves. This arena would have a secure perimeter, so if any violent types survive, they get taken out by snipers or grenades before they can harm anyone else. Problem solved right?

Wrong. Sadly people still discriminate in this day and age, even against their neighbours.

I thought we are all human.

Make the effort people. Unless of course you want the violence to continue....in which case, can you top yourselves now, preferably in the middle of nowhere?

I don't care what colour of skin or religious belief people are, I just put people into the following categories:

Friendly
Not Friendly

You see...maybe I'm enlightened....or an alien.

Let me know your considered thoughts in the comments.

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September 19, 2005

Current News...for once.

Hmmm....well who won in Germany then?

Blackpool in the news!! I know, we have a conference here at the moment, but that isn't it...but the Daily Telegraph has this - Trawler steamed into germ warfare site and no one said a word.

Ooh look, the Florida Keys looks like it is going to get hit. Right, so Rick's and Margaritaville will probably fill up even more than normal...even though the Conch's will be told to leave...stubborn sods that they are.

Face transplants....anyone? Not here! I like myself as I am thanks....and I am not going so far as to change my face.



Random thing - To the plank with you arrr!! (Scaryduck again)

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September 18, 2005

RIP Michael Park

Markko Martin's co-driver, Michael Park was killed in an accident in the Rally of GB in Wales today.

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More Comments

America's airlines, flying on empty - interesting article....makes you wonder how these airlines keep operating, especially when you consider the European airlines that went to the wall after September 11th.

Myth, Fact, and the al-Dura Affair -not everything you see is real. Makes you wonder what else we see is actually fabricated. (link courtesy Depleted Uranium)

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September 15, 2005

Random

Random Questionnaire through email.....Thanks V.

1. WHAT BOOK ARE YOU READING? State of Fear - Michael Crichton
2. WHAT TIME IS IT? 18:43
3. WHAT'S ON YOUR MOUSE MAT? Bugs Bunny
4. WHAT'S YOUR FAVOURITE BOARD GAME? hmm...I don't really have a favourite....so long since I played one.
5. YOUR FAVOURITE MAGAZINE? Top Gear
6. BABIES? no
7. FAVOURITE SOUND? sound of waves lapping against the shore
8. WORST FEELING IN THE WORLD? ..........?
9. FIRST THING YOU THINK OF IN THE MORNING? hmmm...is it sunny?
10. HOW MANY RINGS BEFORE YOU ANSWER THE PHONE? depends on who it is

11. FUTURE CHILDS NAME? no idea...ask me when I have one.
12. FAVOURITE COLOUR? black
13. WHAT IS MOST IMPORTANT THING IN YOUR LIFE? ...er....pass.
14. FAVOURITE FOOD? Indian
15. IF YOU COULD PLAY AN INSTRUMENT, WHAT WOULD IT BE? Guitar
16. DO YOU LIKE TO DRIVE FAST? ish...
17. DO YOU SLEEP WITH A STUFFED ANIMAL? no...should I?
18. STORMS - cool or scary? cool....unless its a big one....
19. WHAT TYPE WAS YOUR FIRST CAR? Mitsubishi Colt
20. WHO IS THE ONE PERSON FROM YOUR PAST YOU WISH YOU COULD GO BACK AND TALK WITH? KB

21. FAVOURITE ALCOHOLIC DRINK? a good ale.
22. WHAT'S IN THE BOOT OF YOUR CAR? nothing.
23. DO YOU EAT THE STEMS ON BROCCOLI? no....because I don't eat broccoli in the first place
24. IF YOU COULD HAVE ANY JOB YOU WANTED, WHAT WOULD IT BE? ih? What if I get bored? It would be the one I want :D
25. LEAST LIKELY TO RESPOND? me obviously
26. EVER BEEN IN LOVE? yes
27. IS THE GLASS HALF FULL OR HALF EMPTY? half full...though if you get me one, it will be full :D
28. FAVOURITE MOVIE? I have to choose??? er...War of The Worlds, Ghostbusters etc.
29. DO YOU TYPE WITH YOUR FINGERS ON THE RIGHT KEYS? occasionally...depends what I think are the right ones :D
30. WHAT'S UNDER YOUR BED? nothing

31. WHAT'S YOUR FAVOURITE NUMBER? 7
32. WHAT'S YOUR FAVOURITE SPORT TO WATCH? usually F1, I occasionally watch WSB or BSB - (The Ashes series was the one to watch!!)
33. SAY AT LEAST ONE NICE THING ABOUT THE PERSON WHO SENT THIS TO YOU? V is cool, funny and sexy.
34. IF YOU COULD BUILD A HOUSE, WHERE WOULD IT BE? not sure....on a coast somewhere.
35. WHAT'S YOUR FAVOURITE ARTICLE OF CLOTHING? er....pass?
36. BEACH, MOUNTAINS or CITY? beach
37. TECHNOLOGY or ART? er...both? tech if I must choose.
38. COMEDY or HORROR? horror
39. FAVOURITE PHYSICAL FEATURE OF THE OPPOSITE SEX? eyes, mouth
40. FAVOURITE TIME OF DAY? night

41. THE LAST CD YOU BOUGHT? KT Tunstall - Eye To The Telescope
42. WHAT'S YOUR FAVOURITE PLACE TO BE MASSAGED? ....to be massaged would be a start.
43. WHAT'S MORE IMPORTANT TO YOU. STRONG IN MIND or STRONG IN BODY? strong in mind
44. WHAT TIME DO YOU WAKE UP IN THE MORNING? depends
45. WHAT'S YOUR FAVOURITE KITCHEN ITEM? pan
46. WHAT MAKES YOU REALLY ANGRY? depends
47. WHAT DO YOU PREFER, A SPORTS CAR or 4x4? sports car....Nissan 350Z or BMW 6 series if you're offering
48. DO YOU BELIEVE IN THE AFTERLIFE? yes
49. WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE SEASON? summer
50. IF YOU COULD HAVE ONE SUPER POWER, WHAT WOULD IT BE? flying

51. IF YOU HAVE A TATTOO, WHAT IS IT? don't have one.
52. CAN YOU JUGGLE? don't be daft.
53. WHAT'S YOUR FAVOURITE DAY? Friday
54. WHICH DO YOU PREFER, SUSHI or HAMBURGER? hmmm....I suppose it'll have to be hamburger....never had sushi.
55. FROM THE PEOPLE YOU E-MAIL THIS TO, WHO'S MOST LIKELY TO RESPOND FIRST? no-one...not emailing it...hahahaha.
56. WHO DID YOU RECEIVE THIS FROM? V
57. WHAT'S YOUR FAVOURITE CARTOON? I have to choose 1?? Duckula, Robotech and Transformers come to mind instantly.
58. FAVOURITE MEAL? Chicken Kushbu
59. IF YOU COULD TAKE A VACATION ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD, WHERE WOULD IT BE? Milan
60. DO YOU HAVE ANY PETS? yes

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September 14, 2005

Multiple Ramblings

Just a few comments - Jews and Freemasons controlled war on Iraq says No 10 advisor. Does this sound a little like paranoia?

The Ashes - Celebrations. Wasn't it good to see the turnout for the England men and women's teams on both winning the Ashes from Australia? The Australian press don't seem to be taking it too well. Personally...live with it, now you know what it's like to lose.

Talking of celebrations, it didn't take long for people to have a go at the England team for having a proper party. What is wrong with people? They have won probably the most important event for the England team in cricket, which they have not won for a few years. I think they are entitled to have a serious drink.

At least they have a reason to go on a celebration drink....which is more than can be said for the football team....and that doesn't stop them.

The UN meeting. It appears that the important phrase of terrorism being the deliberate targeting and killing of civilians won't make it into the texts....apparently the Palestinian delegation and the Egyptians don't agree. WTF? Obviously they are happy for people to be blown apart by bombs, mortars and rockets, and riddled with bullets.

UPDATE: Kofi Annan read them the riot act though...how refreshing.

The Gaza Strip - Well what can you say?

Iraq - more Iraqis being slaughtered by Muslim militants (this being the politically correct phrase of the moment).

Northern Ireland - Apparently the Orange Order is not responsible for the violence which has left 60 police officers injured.

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September 13, 2005

Intolerant?

Holocaust Day must be scrapped, say Muslim leaders (taken from the Daily Telegraph).

Apparently they don't think it's inclusive enough.....I thought it was perfectly inclusive....it remembers all those who have been persecuted, not just the Jewish Holocaust, but also the Armenian Genocide etc.
Remember the Nazis killed thousands, not just Jews, but Gypsies, the disabled etc.

Apparently we are supposed to include Palestinians who launched attacks against Israeli shops, restaurants, cafes, markets, buses etc.

I don't think so.

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September 12, 2005

The Ashes!!

Congratulations England!!

Farewell to Richie Benaud, the Voice, after 42 years commentating in the UK.

Farewell to Shane Warne on his last Ashes series in the UK.

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Stuff

Final day of the Ashes...can England do it?

Northern Ireland - What is the point of Orange Parades in this day and age? Also, why do these people have the nerve to call themselves British? A word to the wise....attacking policemen and trying to destroy things is not the way to go. You don't deserve respect.

Further to my previous post on the Flying Spaghetti Monster...it got mentioned in the Sunday Telegraph!! It obviously is getting noticed.


Just a couple of other things to mention - I just got back from a FEMA Detention Camp.

Pictures of Katrina? - I am not sure if this is right or not....see Lizze's comment. Awesome pictures either way.

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September 11, 2005

4th Anniversary

On this day some 2,801 people died in the attacks on the World Trade Center, Pentagon, and the crash in Southern Pennsylvania.

Remember that there were not just Americans killed. Many of the companies that were situated in the Towers were international companies. It is estimated that around 500 nationals from 91 countries were among the dead.

Let us remember them.

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September 10, 2005

Football

I know, I know, I am a little late posting this, especially when there is something else worth watching...I mean the cricket.

Rankings - England : 7th, Northern Ireland : 116th.

To put this into perspective : Scotland : 86th, Wales : 83rd, Austria : 71st, Qatar : 68th, Colombia : 24th, Iran : 15th, Italy : 13th, Germany : 11th, France :9th.

How can you lose to a team ranked so far below you? I have no idea...people will be calling for Sven's sacking....but I say....call for the team's sacking. They are the ones that play to get the result, they should be the ones to be hammered. Lets get them to play for nothing....see if they have the ability to play for country, rather than for money.

So, here and now....let's make it clear...you want to play for England, you have to be committed to win, because these half-arsed results they are not showing they deserve to be anywhere near the top 20.

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Random List

1. Coca-cola was originally green.
2. Every day more money is printed for Monopoly than for the US Treasury.
3. Smartest dogs: 1) border collie; 2)poodle; 3)golden retriever.
4. Dumbest dog: Afghan.
5. Hawaiian alphabet has 12 letters.
6. Men can read smaller print than women; women can hear better.
7. Chances that an American lives within 50 miles of where they grew up: 1 in 2.
8. Amount American Airlines saved in '87 by taking out 1 olive from each salad served in first class: $40,000.
9. City with the most Rolls Royce's per capita: Hong Kong.
10. State with the highest percentage of people who walk to work: Alaska.
11. Chances of a white Christmas in New York: 1 in 4.
12. Portion of US annual rainfall that falls in April: 1/12.
13. Percentage of Africa that is wilderness: 28%.
14. Percentage of North America that is wilderness: 38%.
15. Estimated % of American adults who go on diet each year: 44%.
16. Barbie's measurements if she were life size: 39-23-33.
17. Average number of days a West German goes without washing his underwear: 7.
18. Percentage of Americans who say that God has spoken to them: 36%.
19. Percentage of Americans who regularly attend religious services: 43%.
20. City with highest per capita viewership of TV evangelists: Washington DC.
21. Percentage of American men who say they would marry the same woman if they had it to do all over again: 80%.
22. % of American women who say they would marry the same man: 50%.
23. % of men who say they are happier after their divorce or separation: 58%.
24. % of women who say they are happier after their divorce or separation: 85%.
25. Number of different family relationships for which Hallmark makes cards: 105.
26. Cost of raising a medium-size dog to the age of eleven: $6,400.
27. Average number of people airborne over the US any given hour: 61,000.
28. Percentage of Americans who have visited Disneyland or Disney World: 70%.
29. Average life span of a major league baseball: 7 pitches.
30. Portion of ice cream sold that is vanilla: 1/3.
31. Portion of potatoes sold that are French fried: 1/3.
32. Percentage of Americans that eat at McDonald's each day: 7.
33. Percentage of bird species that are monogamous: 90%.
34. Percentage of mammal species that are: 3%.
35. Number of US states that claim test scores in their elementary schools are above national average: 50%.
36. Portion of Harvard students who graduate with honors: 4/5.
37. Chances that a burglary in the US will be solved: 1 in 7.
38. Portion of land in the US owned by the government: 1/3.
39. Only President to remain a bachelor: James Buchanon.
40. Only first lady to carry a loaded revolver: Eleanor Roosevelt.
41. Only President to win a Pulitzer: John F. Kennedy for "Profiles in Courage".
42. Only President awarded a patent: Abe Lincoln, for a system of buoying vessels over shoals.
43. Only food that does not spoil: honey.
44. Only person to win $64,000 Challenge and $64,000 Question: Dr. Joyce Brothers (subject is boxing).
45. Only bird that can fly backwards: Hummingbird.
46. Only continent without reptiles or snakes: Antarctica.
47. Only animal besides human that can get sunburn: pig.
48. Ostriches stick their heads in the sand to look for water.
49. An eagle can kill a young deer and fly away with it.
50. In the Caribbean there are oysters that can climb trees.
51. Polar bears are left-handed.
52. Intelligent people have more zinc and copper in their hair.
53. Eskimos never gamble.
54. The world's youngest parents were 8 and 9 and lived in China in 1910.
55. The youngest pope was 11 years old.
56. Mark Twain didn't graduate from elementary school.
57. Proportional to their weight, men are stronger than horses.
58. Pilgrims ate popcorn at the first Thanksgiving dinner.
59. Your nose and ears never stop growing.
60. Jupiter is bigger than all the other planets in our solar system combined.
61. Hot water is heavier than cold.
62. The parachute was invented by da Vinci in 1515.
63. They have square watermelons in Japan. They stack better.
64. Cream does not weigh as much as milk.
65. Starfish have eight eyes-one at the end of each leg.
66. Iceland consumes more Coca-cola per capita than any other nation.
67. First novel ever written on a typewriter was "Tom Sawyer."
68. There are more collect calls on Father's Day than any other day of the year.
69. Heinz Catsup leaving the bottle travels at 25 miles per year.
70. It is possible to lead a cow upstairs but not downstairs.
71. Men get hiccups more often than women.
72. Armadillos can be housebroken.

Taken from
C+G In Singapore.

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September 08, 2005

More Random Comments

I had a random moment browsing through blogs....and guess what? I found these : Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster, Badger Badger Badger - all from Scaryduck. The whole badger thing will run through your head for ages.

The Pub industry appear to be getting annoyed with the Daily Mail. See here .

I know Dubya isn't popular, but isn't this a little bit extreme? Oh well, there goes the planet.

A motorbike with an airbag but it doesn't work for sport bikes. So, GoldWing it is then.

Too sexy to teach?

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September 07, 2005

Random Words

On This Day - 7 September. In 1871 Nathan Coker, a blacksmith from Easton, Maryland, demonstrated his fire immunity before many prominent local officials. Unlike some other famous fire handlers, Coker needed no trance or preparation. A shovel was heated to a white-glow, and Coker 'pulled off his boots and placed the hot shovel on the soles of his feet, and kept it there until the shovel became black.' (New York Herald 7 Sept 1871). He also swilled molten lead-shot around his mouth until it solidified; held glowing coals in his hands; and took a red-hot iron out of the fire with his hands.
Taken from Fortean Times

While we focus on New Orleans, please don't forget those throughout Mississippi who have been affected by Hurricane Katrina. Talking of New Orleans, I suspect pumping toxic water straight into the Gulf of Mexico may cause more problems than it solves....and why would you stay? I know it's home, but you have no electric, no sanitation, and the water is contaminated.

In other news - it's the final Test in the Ashes starting tomorrow...can we beat the Australians one last time?

England 0 - 1 Northern Ireland!! That is some result....any chance of winning the next 2 matches?

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September 04, 2005

New Orleans part 3

Update: The US Government has finally asked for aid from the European Union and NATO.

It is good to know that some good people are in New Orleans - This is about 5 brave officers.




This is from DirectNic who are in New Orleans.... shown in a previous post as mgno.com. Posted last night.

Help Rescue Officials Locate Survivors
Here's a pretty serious email I received this evening.

URGENT ASSISTANCE NEEDED.

First of all, many thanks to the kind and courageous folks currently staffing Outpost Crystal. Their compassion and honesty are unparalleled.

I am writing this to describe a horrific situation in NOLA that few are aware of, and those who are aware are doing little or nothing. As many of you have likely observed, the national media outlets are suggesting that hurricane relief is finally leading to vast improvements with each hour that passes. Food and water are being delivered, power restored, levees repaired, water drainage plans developed, and those still living successfully evacuated. Many are reporting that the final areas are being checked for survivors, as well as those who have passed at the hands of Katrina (and more often, neglect). Unfortunately, this is not the case. As demonstrated on nola.com's blog section, many individuals know the exact locations and WORKING telephone numbers of family
members, most of whom are elderly, sickly, starving, and in serious need of medical attention. When able to get through on emergency telephone numbers, a feat not to be taken lightly, they are dismissed or told that dispatch would be sent immediately, yet no one has come, even though calls have been placed for days. Many do not require full
evacuation, but basic medical attention and/or supplies. Many are completely immobile, and unable to access the limited relief sites or food drops. I spoke to one such individual, Ms. Lee Livermore, who was still trapped in her home earlier this evening (around 6:00pm EST).
Her nephew, living in Michigan, explained to me that she is diabetic, has difficulty moving, and he has been in contact with the coast guard, emergency services, and even the governor's office, yet nothing is being done. Stranded on a 3rd floor apartment, with little food, no sweets, and low blood sugar, her outlook is not promising. This is just one case out of hundreds, probably thousands. Incredibly, much of this information is available through nola.com, a resource many of the media are utilizing, yet remains unreported. The television broadcasts refer to none of this, simply stressing the importance of financial
contributions, encouraging National Guard membership for potential volunteers, and emphasizing the positive direction the situation is headed.

For more information on these people who are stranded and requiring immediate assistance, please visit
http://www.nola.com/weblogs/nola/index.ssf?/mtlogs/nola_nolaview/archives/2005_09.html
Note: specific contact information and locations ARE provided

Some of these people, primarily those in high profile areas, such as universities and hospitals, have since been rescued. Others, however, are being ignored, even though their situation and status is easily discernable and their telephone contacts are reliable and consistent.
Addresses are always provided, as is contact information for family and friends. After speaking with stranded individuals and their family members, the severity of the situation is obvious, yet rescue workers are overwhelmed or dismissive, often a combination of the two, with each call placed. We are being bombarded with images of the care and
rescue of healthy, able-bodied people, yet so many of those who need our attention most are completely helpless.

After having little success using the emergency numbers provided by a variety of organizations and websites, I called CNN to explain the distress that these individuals are in. I was told that they have a department compiling information of those who need assistance, and that the office would be open on TUESDAY, after the Labor Day holiday, so the best course of action is to leave a voicemail. Understandably outraged, I called MSNBC, where the woman I spoke with was also shocked. She told me they have a voicemail box that was checked every 15 minutes, and my information could be left there. It was, not surprisingly, full, and I was disconnected, as has occurred on every subsequent call.

I encourage anyone in a position to help to do everything they can to assure that those whose locations are known, especially those requiring medical attention, be assisted IMMEDIATELY, with other search and rescue operations taking a lesser priority. Just because these people are less visible and indoors, some perhaps in dry areas, should not
exempt them from the care and attention being relegated to others.

I also ask that those who are able complain about the policies of the major media networks, both in collecting information on those in need, as well as the reporting of improvements, when many are STILL ALIVE, but will starve and die of their conditions in the very near future.

I understand that the extremely limited resources need to be conserved and delivered where most needed. As it is easy to ascertain the condition and whereabouts of many of these people, through a mere phone call, something that rescue agencies and certainly the media have access to, it seems beyond remiss that their perilous situations be ignored.

If anyone has additional questions, information, or advice, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Brittany Turner
631-258-4604
brittaful@aol.com
Saugerties, NY

Emergency numbers are available to any who need them by visiting
http://www.wwltv.com/

Best of luck to all of you still in the area, doing your best to report accurate and timely information.

Team SOTI is going to auction off some stuff on Ebay when we're done here and send the proceeds to charity and relief efforts. We will start with Donny's famous striped shirt (visible on cam now).

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September 03, 2005

New Orleans part 2

It looks like some bastards are already trying to use the suffering:

Warnings of Katrina e-mail scams from the BBC News site.

You want to make a donation - go to the American Red Cross or other sites.
See here for info on what you can do to help. - Taken from CNN.


Further thoughts : This article from Wired News shows that they practice for stuff like Katrina. ADCIRC Development Group (Advanced Circulation Model) have this to say about the 'Hurricane Pam' exercise...complete with computer simulation.

FEMA had this to say on concluding the exercise...and the press release that went with it. (
update : oh, it's gone - try this from Innovative Emergency Management Inc. instead.)

Louisiana State University Hurricane Center were involved in the exercise and said this about it. The Louisiana Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness site had this to say before the exercise began - dated July 20th 2004.

Louisiana's Wetlands - National Geographic - October 2004

You think they reacted to this as well as they were able to?

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September 02, 2005

Blackpool

On a somewhat lighter note...today is the 2nd of September. Nothing special about the date other than the fact that it is the 1st day of the Illuminations!

Yes, up and down the Prom(enade) we have all sorts of interesting lighting things, for people to come from miles around to be stunned and amazed at. Launched with a firework display and a concert (which I know little about...because I barely read the Gazette) this will run until the 1st week in November. Of course the Illumination trams are much reduced this year...how long will they last I wonder?

So now we can expect traffic chaos (despite having changed the routes over the years of entry and exit) at night, so all the residents have to use the back roads. That is dependent, of course, on whether anyone actually turns up this year.

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New Orleans

Blogs / Journals to keep a watch on for information in New Orleans etc. -

mgno.com
Eye Of The Storm
Eyes on Katrina which links through the SunHerald
Shusters Katrina Diary
DeadlyKatrina.com
Katrina Information Map

If there are more, post them in the comments, and I'll put them up here.

Personal comment -
What is going on with New Orleans? It appears the government is more concerned about law and order in the region rather than providing food and water. Am I the only one who gets that?

It appears that society doesn't hold people together very well in the wake of a disaster. There are growing reports of violence, shootings, rapes etc. Why? Why are they more concerned with killing rather than helping each other?

For those who wish to help, go to the American Red Cross and click on the Donate Now button.

Other agencies helping?

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