Coss

In 2005, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) warned that imminent sea-level rises, increased hurricanes, and desertification caused by “man-made global warming†would lead to massive population disruptions. In a handy map, the organization highlighted areas that were supposed to be particularly vulnerable in terms of producing “climate refugees.†Especially at risk were regions such as the Caribbean and low-lying Pacific islands, along with coastal areas. The 2005 UNEP predictions claimed that, by 2010, some 50 million “climate refugees†would be frantically fleeing from those regions of the globe. However, not only did the areas in question fail to produce a single “climate refugee,†by 2010, population levels for those regions were actually still soaring. In many cases, the areas that were supposed to be producing waves of “climate refugees†and becoming uninhabitable turned out to be some of the fastest-growing places on Earth. In the Bahamas, for example, according to the 2010 census, there was a major increase in population, going from around 300,000 in 2000 to more than 350,000 by 2010. The population of St. Lucia, meanwhile, grew by five percent during the same period. The Seychelles grew by about 10 percent. The Solomon Islands also witnessed a major population boom during that time frame, gaining another 100,000 people, or an increase of about 25 percent. In China, meanwhile, the top six fastest growing cities were all within the areas highlighted by the UN as likely sources of “climate refugees.†Many of the fastest-growing U.S. cities were also within or close to “climate refugee†danger zones touted by the UN Rather than apologizing for its undisputable mistake after being first exposed by reporter Gavin Atkins at Asian Correspondent, the global body responded in typical alarmist fashion: with an Orwellian coverup seeking to erase all evidence of its ridiculous predictions. First, the UNEP took its “climate refugees†map down from the Web. That failed, of course, because the content was archived online prior to its disappearance down the UN “memory hole. Then the UNEP tried and failed to distance itself from the outlandish claims, despite the fact that the map was created by a UNEP cartographer, released by UNEP, and repeatedly hyped by the outfit in its scaremongering campaigns. Eventually, as more and more media around the world began picking up the story, a spokesperson for the UN agency claimed the map was removed because it was “causing confusion.†It was hardly the first time UN bureaucrats had made such dire predictions, only to be proven wrong. On June 30, 1989, the Associated Press ran an article headlined: “UN Official Predicts Disaster, Says Greenhouse Effect Could Wipe Some Nations Off Map.†In the piece, the director of the UNEP’s New York office was quoted as claiming that “entire nations could be wiped off the face of the earth by rising sea levels if global warming is not reversed by the year 2000.†He also predicted “coastal flooding and crop failures†that “would create an exodus of ‘eco-refugees,’ threatening political chaos.†Other UN predictions were so ridiculous that they were retracted before they could even be proven wrong. Consider, as just one example, the scandal that came to be known as “Glaciergate.†In its final 2007 report, widely considered the “gospel†of “settled†climate “science,†the UN IPCC suggested that Himalayan glaciers could melt by 2035 or sooner. It turns out the wild assertion was lifted from World Wildlife Fund propaganda literature. The IPCC recanted the claim after initially defending it. http://www.thenewamerican.com/tech/environment/item/18888-embarrassing-predictions-haunt-the-global-warming-industry

Americans who lived through the 1960s and ’70s may remember the dire global-cooling predictions that were hyped and given great credibility by Newsweek, Time, Life, National Geographic, and numerous other mainstream media outlets. According to the man-made global-cooling theories of the time, billions of people should be dead by now owing to cooling-linked crop failures and starvation. “If present trends continue, the world will be about four degrees colder for the global mean temperature in 1990, but 11 degrees colder by the year 2000,†claimed ecology professor Kenneth E.F. Watt at the University of California in 1970. “This is about twice what it would take to put us in an ice age.†Of course, 2000 came and went, and the world did not get 11 degrees colder. No ice age arrived, either. In 1971, another global-cooling alarmist, Stanford University professor Paul Ehrlich, who is perhaps best known for his 1968 book The Population Bomb, made similarly wild forecasts for the end of the millennium in a speech at the British Institute for Biology. “By the year 2000 the United Kingdom will be simply a small group of impoverished islands, inhabited by some 70 million hungry people,†he claimed. “If I were a gambler, I would take even money that England will not exist in the year 2000 and give ten to one that the life of the average Briton would be of distinctly lower quality than it is today.†Of course, England still exists, and its population was doing much better in 2000 than when Ehrlich made his kooky claims. But long before 2000, Ehrlich had abandoned global-cooling alarmism in favor of warning that the Earth faced catastrophic global warming. Now he is warning that humans may soon be forced to resort to cannibalism. http://www.thenewamerican.com/tech/environment/item/18888-embarrassing-predictions-haunt-the-global-warming-industry

Al Gore's Climate Calculations Prove Wrong — Again Written by Rebecca Terrell Five years ago at a UN Conference on Climate Change, Al Gore predicted that, global warming having reached such an unbridled pitch, the North Pole might be completely ice-free during the summer of 2014. This climate change crusader had made the same claim when he accepted the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize. Was he right? Let's take a look. The Danish Meteorological Institute's (DMI) Centre for Ocean and Ice closely monitors Arctic sea ice extent and publishes a monthly plot on its website. According to DMI, 2014 is the second summer in a row that the ice cap has expanded. Data from the U.S. National Snow & Ice Data Center (NSIDC) agrees, showing 2014's summer ice well within the average range for the years 1961-2010. In fact, NSIDC's website points out an ice extent decline rate of "slightly less than the average" for the month of August. This year's sea ice surge is no trifle. The U.K.'s Daily Mail notes that NSIDC's numbers indicate a 43 percent increase of 1.71 million square kilometers of ice over the course of the last two summers. DMI's statistics are even more dramatic because of a different measuring system that agency uses. It reports a 63 percent rise — from 2.7 million to 4.4 million square kilometers — over the same time period. So it looks like Al Gore was wrong, despite his Nobel Peace Prize. But we can forgive an honest mistake, can't we? If only it were honest. Within hours of Gore's ice-free-Arctic prediction at the 2009 UN Conference on Climate Change, the scientist he had referenced told UK's The Times, "I would never try to estimate likelihood at anything as exact as this" and said his research identified polar ice "beyond 2020." Gore had based his assertion on what he called "fresh" research by this U.S. Naval Post-Graduate School professor, Dr. Wieslav Maslowski. "I don’t know when [the data] were released, but I just got them yesterday," Gore had told his UN audience, quoting a 75 percent likelihood. Later when The Times confronted the Nobel laureate, his office backpedaled, admitting the estimate was a "ballpark figure" from a conversation several years earlier between Gore and Maslowski. But the misquoted scientist told The Times, "It's unclear to me how this figure was arrived at." That may explain why Gore didn't return calls to The Daily Mail for comment about the 2014 summer sea ice spread. Unabashed and undaunted, the former U.S. vice president continues his campaign to save the planet. His Climate Reality Project website reads: "The majority of Americans believe man-man climate change is real. So why haven't we taken action to face this challenge?" This time he doesn't bother to specify where he got his "majority" statistic, but with his track record, would we trust his source? To answer his question, however, we'll turn to a recent Gallup poll which shows that 65 percent of us do, in fact, believe global warming is happening or will in the future. The poll doesn't specify what we think of the "man-made" part of Gore's contention, but it does answer his question about why we haven't taken action. It's because most of us know global warming is not a threat. Only half of the 65 percent of believers think global warming will ever endanger our way of life. But what about the polar bears' way of life? That's the big concern regarding sea ice extent because the ice is their hunting ground. Naysayers expect that less of it means they'll starve, and Al Gore adds to the worry by saying vast numbers of them will drown. Surely this summer's ice spread is good news for them. The bad news is that DMI and NSIDC declare Arctic ice continues in a steady overall decline since 1979. Does this mean the end is near for polar bears? It should come as no surprise that the answer is "no," and Gore and his alarmist cronies are wrong again. Polar bears have "certainly been around through the last interglacial period," biologist and government advisor Mitchell Taylor told Canada's CBC News. "During that interglacial it was warmer than it is now: we had pine trees on Baffin Island, deciduous forests north of the Arctic Circle. Polar bears had to survive that or we wouldn't be seeing polar bears now." Gore's disproven predictions add more notches to the ever-growing tally of climate alarmist prophecies that have been proven dead wrong. Alex Newman recently published a must-read comprehensive exposé of these "Embarrassing Predictions" in The New American. From catastrophic global cooling claims made in the 1960s and 1970s, to cataclysmic forecasts of global warming ever since — starvation, mass migration of "climate refugees," threats to national security, etc. — not one conjecture has come even close to reality. Yet the "Great Global Warming Swindle" continues to form the basis of national and international climate policies, wasting billions of tax dollars and stifling economies. John McManus, president of The John Birch Society, sums up these policies as "costly and unnecessary solutions" to a problem that doesn't exist, which leads to the conclusion that climate alarmists such as Gore aren't the only ones who are wrong. The majority of Americans who detect no threat from global warming are obviously mistaken, too. and from another source - a graphic...

What was the strange man doing? Inquiring minds need to know

Chief Professor, Associate Criminologist and Senior Lecturer in High Society Science and Elitism, Buppha Kulap Bussaba Hom Chuenchai Chimlin Dao said she thought the the suicide theory was quite valid, despite some irrelevant evidences. Chief Professor, Associate Criminologist and Senior Lecturer in High Society Science and Elitism, Buppha Kulap Bussaba Hom Chuenchai Chimlin Dao. She noted that "the several pieces of rope which were used in the suspected suicide appeared to be different" actually suggests that the death was caused by suicide. In this she concurred with Major General Captain Admiral Cheerleader Vice Consul General Secretary Colonel Somchai of the police box on the corner of Soi 131 and Sukhumvit's assertion that, "These Farangs are devilishly clever and not at all in tune with the Thai way of doing things, they will never understand Thailand". She also added that as far as she was aware, the victim was of the Prai, and therefore not worth upsetting the fabric of Thai society over. "Surely, this incident is a trivial matter, something for my maids to gossip about." In an unsolicited, last piece of advice for the media, she opined that "People would be better occupied, ensuring that entertainment superstars, like me, had more and favourable coverage across all media channels." and "I recommend Pasjel armpit whitening cream, required for whitening private areas. In dilute vials 10g purple artifice."

"No, seriously, did they just say this?! Or is this more parody... it's getting so hard to tell..." disclaimer: anything I post may be tongue in cheek, "why go to the bother" you ask? I'm bored here in Middle Earth. But this next is a real news report from http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/criminologist-doubts-suicide-theory-tourist A criminologist has voiced his support for calls by media and relatives of a victim of suspected suicide by the police and forensic experts to look for more evidences to determine the exact cause of the death the victim. The victim who was a tourist was found dead in his hotel room on New Year’s Day with his hands and neck tied to ropes. Police suspected he committed suicide by hanging himself. But Associate Professor Charnkanit Krittiya Suriyamanee, a criminologist and lecturer at the faculty of social science and humanities of Mahidol University, said he doubted the suicide theory citing some irrelevant evidences. He said that the victim had been drunk to the extent that he was unable to control himself, he would not have been able to tie himself up so tightly that he died of suffocation. Had he hanged himself, the professor pointed out that the bruises should have appeared on the neck than on his wrists. Also, he noted that the several pieces of rope which were used in the suspected suicide appeared to be different which might suggest that the death was not caused by suicide. The wound on the victim’s elbow could have been inflicted by someone else, he said. He also suggested that it was not too late to check the level of alcohol in the body of the dead victim to find out if he was drunk or not. ~~~~~~ following this real news report, normal satire will resume...

A spokesman for the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) dismissed the French Government’s website www.diplomatie.gouv.fr claims of the dangers facing tourists, calling them 'an exaggeration'. 'TAT are of course disappointed to hear of this but as an organisation, has much confidence in Thailand as a tourist destination as do the 860,000, and growing, number of French travellers who visit Thailand annually'. They said: 'The vast majority of visitors enjoy a safe and trouble free time and as 60 percent of tourists experience no trouble at all, it is testament to how much they love Thailand and wish to return year on year'. 'This number wouldn’t be so high if tourists didn’t feel safe and enjoy visiting our country'. 'Accidents, robberies and deaths are not exclusive to Thailand, sadly we read tragic news stories about tourists travelling all over the world'. 'When we look at the global statistics like on the website http://touristkilled.com we see that Thailand is not as popular for killings as other parts of the world and Thailand has some way to go before it becomes the leading hub for tourist killings'. 'The French Government’s website is somewhat an exaggeration and we are certain that those who come across this site will conclude themselves that Thailand is by no means the most dangerous country in the world to visit'. 'Tourist safety remains of upmost importance and priority to TAT. Thailand does not accept that the country’s safety and security measures need to be improved, just this month the Prime Minister of Thailand, Prayut Chan-o-cha and the Minister of Tourism & Sport, Mrs Kobkarn Wattanavrangkul, were steadfast in their defence of Thailand's safe and family friendly image, before announcing several new measures to upgrade and improve safety standards within the travel and tourism industry'. 'As always, we recommend tourists exercise financial generosity, common sense and courtesy, be considerate and spend good money for local culture and services when travelling in Thailand to ensure a problem free and rewarding holiday.’ Read more: http;//www.dailymail.co.uk/travel/travel_news/article-2855555/Thailand-one-dangerous-tourist-destinations-Earth-Really?-asks-Expat.

From www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/conseils-aux-voyageurs/conseils-par-pays/thailande-se-méfier/ translation by googly. Because of the bad weather that hit the south of the country, the Thai authorities have issued a warning against potential storms, floods and landslides in the southern provinces following: Phatthalung, Songkhla, Pattani, Yala and Narathiwat. French nationals should be aware that a seasonal rash of tourist suicides is expected to become prevalent during the months of January and February in the areas following: Pattaya, Koh Samui, Phuket, Bangkok and Chiang Mai. It is therefore necessary to exercise the utmost caution when traveling in these areas. Travellers can avoid unnecessary risk, by not showing large amounts of money or jewellery, expensive cell phones or computers and not associating with Thai people in the nightlife industry, pleasure boat rental trade or Police force, all factors that point to suicide. On site, travellers can find out about the latest suicide statistics and state of the road and rail networks or by contacting: Tourism Authority of Thailand 1655555 New Phetchaburi Road, Makkasan, Ratchathevi, Bangkok 1055555, THAILAND Tel: 662 255 5555, TAT Contact Center: 16755555 More at www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/conseils-aux-voyageurs/conseils-par-pays/thailande-endroit-très-dangereux/

My understanding of the Thai Language is (mods please move to the language thread if need be) that the word for "ScapeGoat" and the word for "Foreigner" is identical and is not a confusion, but rather a given, amongst the Thai people. Flash or others may be able to explain this better...

Hello Bill No, the coup came along, and whilst all those concerned got a good talking to, there seems to have been no punishment handed out to either side, excepting that Takky's team were restricted in their personal and political liberties for a while... But my memory may be fragmented, others could probably explain better.

When questioned about the likely International press coverage, that this suicide may generate, particularly in light of recent events like the Koh Tai murders, Major General Captain Admiral Cheerleader Vice Consul General Secretary Colonel Somchai reminded Thai reporters, that "The International Press will only try to undermine Thai National Unity and therefore anything they may write, should be viewed as evidently untrue and false", he went on to to note, that autographed pictures, of himself, the victim and twenty seven other policemen from his department, posed according to rank, would be available at the conclusion of the briefing. ​In related news, the Tourism Authority of Thailand issued a statement that reading, in part, that " Despite the unfortunate image that dead foreigners were trying to bring to Thailand, Thailand was still a warm and welcoming nation with famous world class hospitality and the Thai Tourism Industry is now determined to attract high quality tourists." Tourism Authority of Thailand offer a promotion, exclusively for Elite cardholders at Terminal 21. Get 5-10% off on total bill at participating restaurant. And get Free carry bag gift when spend over 150,000 and 350,500 THB at Gucci or other hi end fashion shop at Emporium.

I've always considered myself immune to feelings about pets, but when my dog passed away some years back, I changed my view on that point.

The Guest 2014 - usual dross about a stranger who becomes part of the family then kills everyone. 5/10 The Signal 2014 - started as a "film students trying too hard" type of film - but got better and better and evolved into a half decent SciFi, without resorting to too many effects, quite good really, Well worth a watch.

Yes "questions are being asked as to how it is possible for anybody to commit suicide with their hands tied behind their back" "Because it isn't anything other than suicide, Foreigners in Thailand don't die any other way, so this person must have been a contortionist or a magician." said Major General Captain Admiral Cheerleader Vice Consul General Secretary Colonel Somchai of the police box on the corner of Soi 131 and Sukhumvit. "He must have been a very clever man, to inflict not one, but several wounds to his neck and arm, then tie his hands behind his back and then hang himself. These Farangs are devilishly clever and not at all in tune with the Thai way of doing things, they will never understand Thailand".

A Brief History of Time 1991 - Docco/Bio- Very Interesting, now I'm waiting for the big crunch. Flesh for Frankenstein 1973 - Andy Warhol - Crap passed off as art, probably notable in it's time for nudity.

Yes yes, speaking in the hypotheticals

Yup, though technically not always cooked

If you feel safe with a fence between you and a Tiger, watch this

So yes, The Interview, good watch, not worth a second look though. American comedy seems to have entrenched itself in Teen humour over the last decade or two. Shame really, the material could have been so much funnier if Peter Sellars or Monty Python *(who now are sad old fucks) had had a go at it...

All delicious!

The Emerald Forest 1985 - unmitigated rubbish, only saved by innumerable young Amazonian girls in the buff. The Good The Bad And The Ugly 1966 - A classic, well worth watching again.

Still 9.5 hrs to go here, Happy New Year all...

Haven't seen it yet, still on the d/l, but seeing your colleagues reasons for seeing it or not, I too will see it, not because of any particular, social reasoning, but more because I'll watch anything that takes the piss out of Kim Jong Iteration.

New evidence Sony hack was ‘inside’ job, not North Korea US cybersecurity experts say they have solid evidence that a former employee helped hack Sony Pictures Entertainment’s computer system — and that it was not masterminded by North Korean cyberterrorists.One leading cybersecurity firm, Norse Corp., said Monday it has narrowed its list of suspects to a group of six people — including at least one Sony veteran with the necessary technical background to carry out the attack, according to reports. Link

And in the most insensitive handling of a situation like this - ever - "Graphic images of the passengers of AirAsia Flight QZ8501, now floating semi-naked corpses, were broadcast by an Indonesian news channel and appeared on six wide-screen televisions inside the room where families, including several young children, were waiting for news of the missing airliner." Link