bust

You probably need to read beyond my comment to comprehend the point being made.

Val Kilmer has died aged 65. Like some of his stuff most memorable for me Heat and Thunderheart. Throat cancer really took it toll on him

So does that mean nothing relevant to that period can be viewed anywhere else in the world? Or are you just displaying your annoyance us Aussies beat you at another of sport 😀

This article is a few years old but a recent report claims it's even closer now. US ‘closer to civil war’ than most would like to believe, new book says Academic and member of CIA advisory panel says analysis applied to other countries shows US has ‘entered very dangerous territory’ The US is “closer to civil war than any of us would like to believe”, a member of a key CIA advisory panel has said. The analysis by Barbara F Walter, a political science professor at the University of California at San Diego who sits on the Political Instability Task Force, is contained in a book due out next year and first reported by the Washington Post. At the same time, three retired generals wrote in the Post that they were “increasingly concerned about the aftermath of the 2024 presidential election and the potential for lethal chaos inside our military”. Such concerns are growing around jagged political divisions deepened by former president Donald Trump’s refusal to accept defeat in the 2020 election. Trump’s lie that his defeat by Joe Biden was caused by electoral fraud stoked the deadly attack on the US Capitol on 6 January, over which Trump was impeached and acquitted a second time, leaving him free to run for office.The “big lie” is also fueling moves among Republicans to restrict voting by groups that lean Democratic and to make it easier to overturn elections.Such moves remain without counter from Democrats stymied by the filibuster, the Senate rule that demands supermajorities for most legislation.In addition, though Republican presidential nominees have won the popular vote only once since 1988, the GOP has by playing political hardball stocked the supreme court with conservatives, who outnumber liberals 6-3.All such factors and more, including a pandemic which has stoked resistance to government, have contributed to Walter’s analysis.Last month, she tweeted: “The CIA actually has a taskforce designed to try to predict where and when political instability and conflict is likely to break out around the world. It’s just not legally allowed to look at the US. That means we are blind to the risk factors that are rapidly emerging here.” The book in which Walter looks at those risk factors in the US, How Civil Wars Start, will be published in January. According to the Post, she writes: “No one wants to believe that their beloved democracy is in decline, or headed toward war.” But “if you were an analyst in a foreign country looking at events in America – the same way you’d look at events in Ukraine or Ivory Coast or Venezuela – you would go down a checklist, assessing each of the conditions that make civil war likely. “And what you would find is that the United States, a democracy founded more than two centuries ago, has entered very dangerous territory.” Walter, the Post said, concludes that the US has passed through stages of “pre-insurgency” and “incipient conflict” and may now be in “open conflict”, beginning with the Capitol riot. Citing analytics used by the Center for Systemic Peace, Walter also says the US has become an “anocracy” – “somewhere between a democracy and an autocratic state”. The US has fought a civil war, from 1861 to 1865 and against states which seceded in an attempt to maintain slavery. Estimates of the death toll vary. The American Battlefield Trust puts it at 620,000 and says: “Taken as a percentage of today’s population, the toll would have risen as high as 6 million souls.” Sidney Blumenthal, a former Clinton adviser turned biographer of Abraham Lincoln and Guardian contributor, said: “The secessionists in 1861 accepted Lincoln’s election as fair and legitimate.” The current situation, he said, “is the opposite. Trump’s questioning of the election … has led to a genuine crisis of legitimacy.” With Republicans’ hold on the levers of power while in the electoral minority a contributing factor, Blumenthal said, “This crisis metastasises, throughout the system over time, so that it’s possible any close election will be claimed to be false and fraudulent.” Blumenthal said he did not expect the US to pitch into outright civil war, “section against section” and involving the fielding of armies. If rightwing militia groups were to seek to mimic the secessionists of the 1860s and attempt to “seize federal forts and offices by force”, he said, “I think you’d have quite a confidence it would be over very, very quickly [given] a very strong and firm sense at the top of the US military of its constitutional, non-political role. “… But given the proliferation of guns, there could be any number of seemingly random acts of violence that come from these organised militias, which are really vigilantes and with partisan agendas, and we haven’t entered that phase. “The real nightmare would be that kind of low-intensity conflict.” Members of the Oath Keepers, a far-right group, on the East Front of the US Capitol on 6 January. The retired generals who warned of conflict around the next election – Paul Eaton, Antonio Taguba and Steven Anderson – were less sanguine about the army. “As we approach the first anniversary of the deadly insurrection at the US Capitol,” they wrote, “we … are increasingly concerned about the aftermath of the 2024 presidential election and the potential for lethal chaos inside our military, which would put all Americans at severe risk. “In short: We are chilled to our bones at the thought of a coup succeeding next time.” Citing the presence at the Capitol riot of “a disturbing number of veterans and active-duty members of the military”, they pointed out that “more than one in 10 of those charged in the attacks had a service record”. Polling has revealed similar worries – and warnings. In November, the Public Religion Research Institute asked voters if they agreed with a statement: “Because things have gotten so far off track, true American patriots may have to resort to violence in order to save our country.” The poll found that 18% of respondents agreed. Among Republicans, however, the figure was 30%. On Twitter, Walter thanked the Post for covering her book. She also said: “I wish I had better news for the world but I couldn’t stay silent knowing what I know.”

Donald or the Movie or both?

IDIOT

I also see Tesla in Canada no longer receive Government subsidies while it remains in place for all other EVs.

Australia beats England in The Smashes jousting tournament at Kryal Castle Australia has beaten England in The Smashes jousting tournament held at Ballarat in Victoria. The event is held every two years. The next tournament will be held in England. Two knights, decked out in shining armour, circle the arena on their horses, lances pointed at the heavens. Queen hit We Will Rock You begins to play, the crowd erupts, and the knights gallop full speed at each other until lances explode in a splintering mess against their metal shields. It is not a scene from Heath Ledger's movie A Knight's Tale — this is The Smashes. More than 4,000 spectators, including many in Middle Ages garb, stepped into the faux-medieval world of Kryal Castle in Ballarat to watch jousting's answer to the cricket's Ashes rivalry. The two-day event featured Australian and English competitors battling on horseback in the hopes of getting their hands on The Smashes urn — a gold plated trophy filled with the ashes of a lance burned at Arundel Castle in England. Jousting, which dates back to the 13th Century, involves two competitors on horseback, armed with lances. They have a primary goal of breaking their opponent's lance or unseating them from their horse. Points are added by hitting the shield or helmet. Australia managed to snatch the title from the reigning champions England, winning the tournament by two points. Kryal Castle jouster Phil Leach said it was a fantastic win. "It was incredibly close," Mr Leach said. "We came from being two points down yesterday to winning by two points. "We now retain the trophy and send a team to the UK in two years." Mr Leach said the Australian team had been training for months. "The rivalry is fierce," he said. "We're friends … but we very much wanted to win." English competitor Kyle Van Dolah-Evenas said she was excited to compete in her first big international tournament. "I've always been an adrenaline junkie," Ms Van Dolah-Evenas said. She said she had done jousting as a child. "This seemed like a new and fun way to hurt myself on horseback," she said. "It's a good rivalry between our two nations and it's a good way to represent it." Bek Tomlinson and Ryan Ruddock loved dressing up for the day. (ABC News: Eden Hynninen) Bek Tomlinson and her partner Ryan Ruddock travelled from Melbourne to attend the event and spend the weekend playing dress up. "We came last year, and it felt like childhood all over again," Ms Tomlinson said. "We were running around in these outfits … we've come back to be a kid for the day."

Nothing reported only tremors felt. Which is quiet odd considering how close Chiang Rai is to Mandalay compared to Bangkok. The Chiang Mai governor has been instructed to assess any fall-out from the quake although the Chiang Mai Provincial Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Office (PPDMO) says it has not yet received reports of damage and continues to closely monitor the situation. At 08:37, the earthquake monitoring centre reported a 6.4 magnitude seismic event with the epicentre located near Kengtung in the Shan State of Myanmar at a depth of 9 kilometres, approximately 100 kilometres northwest of Mae Sai District, Chiang Rai Province. It was followed by a series of aftershocks. The tremors were felt in several provinces including Chiang Rai, Chiang Mai, Mae Hong Son, Lamphun, Phayao, Lampang, Nan, Udon Thani, Khon Kaen, and in Bangkok, particularly in high-rise buildings. People in Chiang Mai city centre and the surrounding districts felt the earth move, with both flat and elevated areas experiencing the tremors, prompting concerns about potential aftershocks. The Chiang Mai region remains vigilant for any further seismic activity. A student in a fourth-floor classroom said the teacher abruptly halted the lesson and instructed everyone to leave the building when the earthquake occurred. Some individuals initially thought they were experiencing dizziness without realizing an earthquake had taken place. Others, who were busy working, were unaware of the tremors and once the situation had calmed down, life in the city continued as usual for most residents. Mae Fah Luang University in Chiang Rai Province and schools in Lampang Province issued evacuation orders, instructing people to gather outside the buildings for safety. The seismic activity had no impact on electricity generation at the Mae Moh Power Plant in Lampang province and has not affected the Mae Chang and other dams operated by the Provincial Electricity Authority in the Mae Moh district The 41 Thais waiting in Kengtung to be repatriated are also said to be safe.

Junta continues dropping bombs after Myanmar earthquake as opposition puts down arms Rescue teams are searching through rubble in Myanmar for earthquake survivors. In short: As the death toll from the Friday's earthquake rises sharply in the space of a few hours, Myanmar's shadow National Unity Government has announced a unilateral partial ceasefire to facilitate relief efforts. Independent Myanmar media have reported that the military continued air attacks on resistance-held areas even in the wake of the earthquake. What's next? Rescue efforts continue, especially in the major stricken cities of Mandalay, the country's number two city, and Naypyitaw, the capital. Myanmar's shadow National Unity Government (NUG), which coordinates the popular struggle against the ruling military, has announced a unilateral partial ceasefire to facilitate earthquake relief efforts. The announcement comes despite reports the ruling junta has continued air strikes in the wake of Friday's natural disaster that has left more than 1,600 dead, with the death toll expected to continue rising. US geologists have said the 7.7 magnitude temblor was the biggest to hit Myanmar in over a century. The NUG said its armed wing, the People's Defense Force, would implement a two-week pause in offensive military operations starting on Sunday in earthquake-affected areas. It said it would "collaborate with the UN and non-governmental organisations to ensure security, transportation, and the establishment of temporary rescue and medical camps", in the areas it controls. The statement called on the country's ethnic groups, which operate their own armies, to cooperate. There was no immediate comment by the military on the announcement. Rescue workers search for survivors in Naypyitaw. (AP: Aung Shine Oo) Military continuing attacks: reports The UN special rapporteur on Myanmar, Tom Andrews, condemned the military government's continued attacks on resistance-held areas. Mr Andrews said at least three air strikes were carried out on the Sagain region — near the epicentre of the earthquake, and a rebel stronghold. He said the strikes were exacerbating the crisis caused by the quake. "This is completely outrageous and unacceptable," he told the BBC. "The incredible damage that's going to be created by, first of all, just a diversion of people having to deal with this military operation, and divert relief operations — but obviously if you've got bombs being dropped from the sky while you're trying to rescue people it's nothing short of incredible." Julie Bishop, the UN Secretary-General's Special Envoy on Myanmar, called for both sides to lay down their arms to allow help to reach those affected by the earthquake. "This natural disaster will greatly exacerbate an already dire situation for the people of Myanmar," the former Australian government minister told The Australian on Saturday. "The situation has now become even more urgent and disastrous and I call upon all the parties to the conflict to cease all violence now so we can focus our attention and resources and effort on assisting those people in desperate need." There is precedent for major disasters to play a part in helping to restore peace to areas torn by conflict, most notably in Indonesia's Aceh province after it was devastated by the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami. However, there is little precedent for this in Myanmar, where military governments have kept up repression even in the wake of destructive cyclones. A map produced by the United States Geological Survey showing the intensity of the earthquake centred on Myanmar. (Supplied: United States Geological Survey) Sharp rise in death toll Myanmar's ruling military said on Saturday on state television that the confirmed death toll from the earthquake rose to 1,644, as more bodies were pulled from the rubble of the scores of buildings that collapsed when it struck near the country's second-largest city. The new total is a sharp rise compared to the 1,002 total announced just hours earlier, underlining the difficulty of confirming casualties over a widespread region and the likelihood that the numbers will continue to grow from Friday's quake. The Inwa bridge over the Irrawaddy River collapsed in the earthquake. (AP: Maxar Technologies) The number of injured increased to 3,408, while the missing figure rose to 139. Most of the casualties were in Mandalay, Myanmar's second-largest city with a population of more than a million people and the city closest to the epicentre of the earthquake. Hospitals in central and north-western Myanmar were struggling to cope with the influx of injured people, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs said, warning that damage to roads was hindering access. Rescue operations in Mandalay could not match the scale of the disaster, one resident said by phone, asking not to be named because of security concerns. "Many people are trapped but there is no help coming, just simply because there isn't manpower or equipment or vehicles," he said. Survivors there dug with their bare hands on Friday in desperate attempts to save those still trapped, lacking heavy machinery and with authorities absent. Even though teams and equipment have been flown in from other nations, they are hindered by the airports in those cities being damaged and apparently unfit to land planes. Myanmar's civil war makes movement around the country both difficult and dangerous, complicating relief efforts and raising fears that the death toll could still rise precipitously. The United States Geological Service's (USGS) predictive modelling estimated the death toll could exceed 10,000 people in Myanmar and that losses could be greater than the value of the country's gross domestic product. Blood in high demand The earthquake struck at midday on Friday with an epicentre not far from Mandalay, followed by several aftershocks, including one measuring 6.4. It sent buildings in many areas toppling to the ground, buckled roads, caused bridges to collapse and burst a dam. Mandalay suffered some of the worst damage. (AP: Myo Kyaw Soe/Xinhua) In the capital Naypyidaw, crews worked on Saturday to repair damaged roads, while electricity, phone and internet services remained down for most of the city. The earthquake brought down many buildings, including multiple units that housed government civil servants, but that section of the city was blocked off by authorities on Saturday. Myanmar's government said that blood was in high demand in the hardest-hit areas. In a country where prior governments sometimes have been slow to accept foreign aid, Min Aung Hlaing said that Myanmar was ready to accept outside assistance. Myanmar's military seized power from the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi in February 2021, and is now involved in a civil war with long-established militias and newly formed pro-democracy ones. Ye Aung with his wife Phyu Lay Khaing after she was rescued from the rubble of a collapsed apartment building. (AFP: Sai Aung Main) Husband embraces wife after rescue Amidst the desperation there were some good news stories. Rescuers pulled a woman alive from the wreckage of a collapsed apartment building in Mandalay on Saturday, 30 hours after the earthquake. Applause rang out as Phyu Lay Khaing, 30, was brought out of the Sky Villa Condominium by rescuers and carefully removed from the rubble by stretcher. Her husband Ye Aung, who had been waiting anxiously for news, embraced her as the stretcher was lifted down. "In the beginning, I didn't think she would be alive," Ye Aung told AFP as he waited for his wife to emerge from the debris. "I am very happy that I heard good news," said the trader, who has two sons with his wife — eight-year-old William, and Ethan, five. Rescuers search for survivors trapped in the collapsed Sky Villa Condominium building in Mandalay. (AFP: Sai Aung Main) As the ambulance drove away to hospital, Ye Aung was seen through the window clutching his wife's hand. A Red Cross official told AFP earlier that more than 90 people could be trapped under the remains of the apartment block. Bangkok high-rise collapses In neighbouring Thailand, the quake rocked the greater Bangkok area, home to about 17 million people, and other parts of the country. Bangkok city authorities said the number of confirmed dead was now 10, nine at the site of the collapsed high-rise under construction near the capital's popular Chatuchak market, while 78 people were still missing. A high-rise building under construction collapsed in Bangkok. (AP: Wason Wanichakorn) Rescue efforts were continuing in the hope of finding additional survivors. On Saturday, more heavy equipment was brought in to move the tons of rubble, but hope was fading among friends and family members of the missing that they would be found alive. "I was praying that they had survived, but when I got here and saw the ruin — where could they be? In which corner? Are they still alive? I am still praying that all six are alive," said 45-year-old Naruemol Thonglek, sobbing as she awaited news about her partner, who is from Myanmar, and five friends who worked at the site. Bangkok worker ran for his life Photo shows A man in a light denim jacket stands near media at the construction site As Pornsak Seingsing ran for his life out of a collapsing high-rise building in Bangkok, he could hear terrified cries at his back. Thai authorities said the quake and aftershocks were felt in most of the country's provinces. Many places in the north reported damage to residential buildings, hospitals and temples, including in Chiang Mai, but the only casualties were reported in Bangkok Earthquakes are rare in Bangkok, but relatively common in Myanmar. The country sits on the Sagaing Fault, a major north-south fault that separates the India plate and the Sunda plate. Brian Baptie, a seismologist with the British Geological Survey, said that the quake caused intense ground shaking in an area where most of the population lives in buildings constructed of timber and unreinforced brick masonry. "When you have a large earthquake in an area where there are over a million people, many of them living in vulnerable buildings, the consequences can often be disastrous," he said in a statement. Airport tower down Satellite photos from Planet Labs PBC analysed by the AP show the earthquake toppled the air traffic control tower at Naypyitaw International Airport as if shorn from its base. The control tower at Naypyitaw International Airport collapsed in the quake. (AP: Planet Labs PBC) Debris lay scattered from the top of the tower, which controlled all air traffic in the capital of Myanmar, the photos showed on Saturday. International relief efforts Australia is providing $2 million to the rescue effort through the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). "Australia's support will assist ICRC to carry out immediate lifesaving support including to address emergency medical needs," Foreign Minister Penny Wong said in a statement. "Australia does not provide any direct funding to the military regime and takes proactive steps to ensure our assistance does not legitimise the military regime in Myanmar." China said it has sent more than 135 rescue personnel and experts along with supplies like medical kits and generators, and pledged around $US13.8 million in emergency aid. Russia's Emergencies Ministry said that it had flown in 120 rescuers and supplies, and the country's Health Ministry said Moscow had sent a medical team to Myanmar. China and Russia are the largest suppliers of weapons to Myanmar's military. Other countries like India and South Korea are sending help, and the UN allocated $US5 million to start relief efforts. US President Donald Trump said on Friday that Washington was going to help.

Nope never been to Silverstone however been to Sepang several times and it's a 90 minute trip. Hour fast train and 20-30 minute bus. Well that's how I got there however i believe there were other quicker options. But you make the exact point I was. Not much to see in a village of 2,000 people after the race. 😊

Seems Burma copped the worst of it yet most of the first information came out of Thailand. I assume this is because of all the restrictions in place by the Junta. As the ground stopped shaking the Burmese Military carried out air strikes in neighboring Shan State. Giving there is an existing humanitarian crisis taking place throughout Burma, aid will be difficult to reach survivors.

It's not about the circuit. It's about the infrastructure supporting it. International airport. Hotels. Public Transport etc. Correct me if I'm wrong but Buriram Airport is domestic only not international. How many 5 star hotels etc. All those are essential for the right to host an F1 event. They also look at things like entertainment and hospitality services.

A collapsed building after a strong earthquake struck central Myanmar on March 28. (Reuters: Ann Wang) In short: The death toll in Myanmar from a magnitude-7.7 earthquake has passed 1,000, with 2,376 people injured and 30 missing. The military junta chief, Min Aung Hlaing, has ordered a prompt rescue effort in affected regions. Buildings in Bangkok, which is 1,000 kilometres from the epicentre, have been severely damaged. The death toll in Myanmar from a strong earthquake has passed 1,000, with 2,376 people injured and 30 missing, according to the state-run MRTV. It said that the isolated military junta chief, Min Aung Hlaing, had ordered a prompt rescue effort in affected regions. Friday's magnitude-7.7 quake shook the region, with neighbouring Thailand continuing rescue efforts after a 30-storey construction site collapsed, killing at least three people and trapping dozens of others under the rubble. Mr Hlaing said the main earthquake was followed by three aftershocks, according to the state-owned New Light of Myanmar. "The number of casualties is expected to rise further," he said in an address to the nation, "In some areas, buildings have collapsed, and we are still carrying out rescue operations in those locations. "I have declared a state of emergency in all affected areas and have opened all possible channels to receive international assistance. "Infrastructure such as roads, bridges, and buildings were affected, leading to casualties and injuries among civilians. Search and rescue operations are currently being carried out in the affected areas." Rescue personnel work at the site of the collapsed building in Bangkok. (Reuters: Chalinee Thirasupa) The United States Geological Service's (USGS) predictive modelling estimated the death toll could exceed 10,000 people in Myanmar and that losses could be greater than the value of the country's gross domestic product. Susan Hough, a scientist in the USGS's Earthquake Hazards Program, told Reuters it was difficult to predict an earthquake's death toll for various reasons, including timing. When an earthquake strikes during the daytime, as it did in Myanmar, "people are awake, they have their wits about them, they are better able to respond," she said. Biggest quake in Myanmar in over a century, impacting Bangkok It was the biggest quake to hit Myanmar in over a century, according to US geologists, and the tremors were powerful enough to severely damage buildings across Bangkok, which is 1,000 kilometres from the epicentre. A rescue mission was stepped up on Saturday to find construction workers trapped under the rubble of a collapsed 33-storey tower in the Thai capital. Bangkok governor Chadchart Sittipunt said around 10 people had been confirmed killed across the city, most in the skyscraper collapse, and up to 100 workers were still missing at the building. Thai building collapses following tremors from Myanmar earthquake A 37-strong team from China landed in Yangon, Myanmar's former capital, early on Saturday local time, carrying medicine and equipment to detect signs of life with them, the Chinese embassy said in a Facebook post. Russia said it was sending 120 experienced rescuers, doctors and search dogs, according to state news agency TASS. US President Donald Trump said on Friday he had spoken with officials in Myanmar and that his administration would provide some assistance. Dr Hough, who worked in Myanmar on the local seismology network, said the country's mix of modern structures and traditional buildings would also play a role. Traditional buildings "are going to be less potentially deadly than concrete," she said. Thai authorities said nine people had died and 101 were missing in Bangkok, mostly labourers trapped in the rubble of the collapsed tower. "We will do everything, we will not give up on saving lives, we will use all resources," Mr Sittipunt said at the site, as excavators moved debris and drones scoured the rubble searching for survivors. The Thai capital ground to a halt on Friday and Mr Sittipunt said hundreds of people had spent the night in city parks, but he said the situation was improving. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-03-29/myanmar-death-toll-rises-after-earthquake/105112556

Yes it accredited but I don't think it ticks all the boxes for the F1 entity which is a completely separate requirement to host an F1. Also it currently doesn't hold a Grade 1 license to host an F1 event. Hasn't since 2020. That doesn't mean they cannot reapply. The bigger hurdle is Liberty Media who ultimately decide events on a commercial value which is why they would more than likely favor a street circuit in Bangkok.

That's what I understood. Perhaps workers inside are what is being referred to. More than likely undocumented Burmese as it is on most construction sites in Thailand. This in Naypyidaw which is up in the hills from Mandalay. And if I am correct was once called Maymyo which has an interesting history. Spent a few days there once.

The one under construction? Seems road collapsed as well. I'm sure this story will unfold

7.3 magnitude is pretty strong

Don't think it's certified for F1. Lots of boxes to tick before approval. F1 seems to like street circuits under the new management.

The actual earthquake was in central Burma. Not sure which state.

I remember when the Vietnam one was being promoted but never eventuated. Interesting to see how far this one gets although if Red Bull are involved it may just happen. Wonder if "Boss" will make an appearance. I wish they'd bring back the Malaysian Grand Prix. Sepang is such a fantastic circuit. I've done the Singapore/Malaysian a couple of times. Singapore over priced and over rated. Malaysian great value and a much better experience.

Who gets to sweep this one away? Pam or Kash? What a monumental stuff up. I can see the Red lot growing tired of all this negative attention.

I imagine Donny to be a terrible poker player.