quote: The UK faces a range of covert threats to its security. The background information available on these threats aims to put our security advice in context.
There is a serious and sustained threat from international terrorism to the UK and UK interests overseas. The current threat level is assessed as "Critical".
quote: "The [security] threat we face is not conventional. It is a challenge of a different nature from anything the world has faced before" Prime Minister, Tony Blair
Posted by Bandy (Member # 12) on :
I am now, thanks.
Posted by Grianagh (Member # 583) on :
a bit scary as i had back-to-back dreams about planes crashes last night. planes into rocky cliffs, planes into electrical wires, planes into bridges. the worst was the dream in which i sat in the rear part of the plane and it almost landed safely but then it's wing was blown off and we went crashing into trees, tail end first.
obviously i slept well
Posted by MiscellaneousFiles (Member # 60) on :
quote: These security measures are being carried out for the right reasons, shut up moaning and complaining , this is modern life .By the way I'm flying on Friday .
Dave, Barnstaple
I'm sitting here at Heathrow 3 hours late for a flight to Edinburgh. You know amongst the thousands of people here I can't say that I can see a single Asian person amongst all the passengers.
dontmoderateme, London
Posted by Dr. Benway (Member # 20) on :
no, not worried.
Posted by herbs (Member # 101) on :
I've become so cynical, that whenever I hear stories like this I just think it's propaganda to give weight to the war on terrrrrrrrrrrr.
Posted by sam (Member # 884) on :
I am flying on my not-middle-class package holiday tomorrow and I am not so much worried as concerned about the expensive stuff I shall have to put in my suitcase. Should I buy those cheepo throwaway cameras and not take my natty little new digital? Will the extra whatever they do with the cases damage my shiny new camera? Greece is not exactly a hot destination for terrorist bombs - so my camera is about my main worry, which shows how shallow I really am. Mind you, the Turks and Greeks do have a history, of course, but I suspect America will always be top of the terrorist list.
Seriously though, I gather that they are not even allowing passengers to carry bottles of water on flights so I am wondering what sort of bombs were being planned. Can you get liquid semtex? Do people still play around with nitro? I am assuming that the proposed bombs would have been assembled on the plane and taken on in bits in an attempt to by-pass the scanners. That's why I found the stupid bint this morning on TV a bit annoying. She was asking what good repacking does as anyone could simply put the bomb in their suitcase instead. I wanted to slap her. Like, yeah, they cause massive disruption and lose themselves a fortune in future domestic flights because the duty air controller woke up with PMT. Like, some people are so DOH!
I am glad that I didn't arrive today though and have to repack at the airport.
Posted by sam (Member # 884) on :
quote:Originally posted by herbs: I've become so cynical, that whenever I hear stories like this I just think it's propaganda to give weight to the war on terrrrrrrrrrrr.
To do that seems a bit extreme. There's money involved. It may, of course, be wildly exaggerated in order to make America feel we are doing something, but do you really think this is some sort of conspiracy?
Posted by MiscellaneousFiles (Member # 60) on :
quote:Originally posted by Grianagh: obviously i slept well
Have you been watching Lost?
I was reading *this page yesterday, which is all about the U.S. Air Force's response to 9/11. It includes transcripts and inline audio clips of their communication during the fateful day. I hadn't realised quite how confused the authorities were at the time of the attacks.
quote: 8:37:56 WATSON: What? DOOLEY: Whoa! WATSON: What was that? ROUNTREE: Is that real-world? DOOLEY: Real-world hijack. WATSON: Cool!
Posted by Thorn Davis (Member # 65) on :
quote:Originally posted by herbs: I've become so cynical, that whenever I hear stories like this I just think it's propaganda to give weight to the war on terrrrrrrrrrrr.
That's not cynical, it's just nonsensical. If this were the case, why would the story specify that the alleged bombers are British? That wouldn't make any sense. To be effective propaganda it'd have to make out that the terrorists were - you know - the people that the government is fighting. It's pretty shoddy stuff if they create a terror group that has most likely been radicalised as a result of the 'war on terror'. How would that work? "Look guys! you are at threat! ha! And it's sort of our fault! Send us your money!" It's only likely to turn people off the war.
While it may be tempting (or rather, fashionable) to blame the Government for literally everything, it may occasionally be worth considering the possibility that occasionally there are groups outside of Government that do wish to perpertrate harm on others.
Posted by herbs (Member # 101) on :
*handbag to chin*
I didn't say I was right, I said, or meant to imply, that it was my knee-jerk reaction. No doubt because I'm trying to be 'fashionable'. Or maybe down to the increasingly hysterical ravings of Blair, Reid, etc.
[ 10.08.2006, 05:22: Message edited by: herbs ]
Posted by Grianagh (Member # 583) on :
quote:Originally posted by MiscellaneousFiles: Have you been watching Lost?
not recently.
fascinating site. still reading and listening.
Posted by sam (Member # 884) on :
quote:Originally posted by Thorn Davis: [QUOTE]While it may be tempting (or rather, fashionable) to blame the Government for literally everything....
It's a bit hard to suggest it might merely be a fashion statement. After all the more media driven politics has become, the more reason people have to be cynical. Things may happen in the real world, but also things are clearly manufactured and it is not surprising that the lines between the manufactured and the real get blurred.
Politicians have been pretty quick to use 'hype' and 'spin doctors' and then Governments have the nerve to complain no-one has enough faith any more to vote.
A voter or 'the man in the street' who finds it difficult to cope with the feeling of being perpetually deceived, and I am one of those, is going to protect themselves by taking it all with a pinch of salt. It's a survival thing; we can't spend our lives feeling as if we are constantly misled and fooled without keeping something of ourselves in reserve; back there in our psyche where the bastards can't get at it.
So, a dose of salt and watch that slug turn inside out. If it doesn't and it's all real and we are personally involved in the consequences; well we wake up and cope then.
It's sad, but it's what happens imo.
Posted by Louche (Member # 450) on :
BBC News 24 is showing LIVE FOOTAGE of a house in High Wycombe that might have been used for TERRORIST PURPOSES! God, it looks ndire. If I'd lived there, I'd have probably wanted to blow up a plane as well. Gods.
Sam, you're so sweet, I want to keep you in an eglu in my garden.
Posted by sam (Member # 884) on :
Thank you very much louche. I would like to live in an eglu in your garden.
Thorn, I am curious about your opinion re my opinion. Leaving aside the touchy feely element about keeping one's inner core pure and all that, what do you think about modern cynicism? Do you think it is rampant and understandable, and how do you think it might have come about.
I am thinking there was a similar cynicism about politics etc during the regency period but I am not 100% sure why.
Or anyone for that matter. Fancy a chat about it? If that fails some really appalling jokes would do.
Posted by Thorn Davis (Member # 65) on :
quote:Originally posted by sam: A voter or 'the man in the street' who finds it difficult to cope with the feeling of being perpetually deceived, and I am one of those, is going to protect themselves by taking it all with a pinch of salt. It's a survival thing; we can't spend our lives feeling as if we are constantly misled and fooled without keeping something of ourselves in reserve; back there in our psyche where the bastards can't get at it.
I don't see too much of a difference between being 'misled and fooled' by believing everything, and being 'misled and fooled' by immediately believing everything to be a government scam. I imagine both of them are motivated by the desire to not really want to think to much beyond the absolute surface, and the only real difference is that at the end you either dismiss it or assimilate it. Either way it saves you having to consider it, and either way it gives you a sense that you know the real score and therefore the world's understandable, disgestable and you can get on with things. Just, I guess, saying 'Oh it's obviously propaganda' lends you an air of being in the know, of being a step ahead, even if it's a stupid thing to say.
quote: Leaving aside the touchy feely element about keeping one's inner core pure and all that, what do you think about modern cynicism? Do you think it is rampant and understandable, and how do you think it might have come about.
I dunno. I'm not really old enough to be able to judge 'modern' cynicism against anything; not really able to even say whether it's a particularly new thing. I have vague memories of the Conservative Government being the subject of relentless distrust and perpetual ridicule in the eighties, and my rotting recollection of British History keeps throwing up examples of similar levels of cynicism of the people towards their leaders - things like Disraeli being accused of vote winning legislation, or that Irish dude being smeared becuase he knobbed that chick called Kitty (Keir Hardy, was it? I forget). There's been unpopular, untrusted rulers as far back as I can think. Anyway. My point is, I don't even know if people are that much more cynical than they've ever been, so it's hard to comment on how it may have come about. In this instance I think maybe if you believe it's all government spin it's a lot easier to cope with than if you try to process the idea that people might suddenly attempt to injure you without warning and without you being able to defend yourself. Declaring it propaganda obviously turns it into an imaginary threat and what's more, the Goverment is actually something we have control over - something we can accuse, hold accountable, ridicule and vote out, so I guess it creates a feeling of power, whereas erally, there's not much you can do about a terrorist cell you have no knowledge of.
Posted by Black Mask (Member # 185) on :
'They' put big concrete barricades around the entrance to Victoria station, recently. A friend who's on gossiping terms with the local plod said this was because they'd received intelligence about mad bombers driving a car full of explosives into the station, across the concourse, down the platform and into a packed commuter train. This plan seemed so ludicrous as to make me do a RL LOL. I suppose the policeman may have been winding her up.
Posted by Black Mask (Member # 185) on :
Why else would they put those big concrete barricades in front of the station, though..?
Posted by herbs (Member # 101) on :
To stop hoi polloi driving in and dropping off passengers? Traffic complications due to those sodding bendy buses?
Posted by mart (Member # 32) on :
you can tell you're a sub, herbs
Posted by Black Mask (Member # 185) on :
No, the concrete blocks are in front of the pedestrian access into the station, the big arch on Wilton Road. The access road in front of the station (used by cars, taxis, etc;) is still open for business.
Posted by herbs (Member # 101) on :
Mart - is it because I didn't use 'the' before 'hoi polloi'? I'll have you know I am now an editor, not just a sub. Oh no.
BM - To stop people leaving with the luggage trollies?
Posted by MiscellaneousFiles (Member # 60) on :
Perhaps this is an elaborate publicity stunt for Snakes on a Plane.
Posted by Black Mask (Member # 185) on :
quote:Originally posted by herbs: BM - To stop people leaving with the luggage trollies?
THey could put up a barrier of little metal pylons or a cattle grid-type thing to do that. Cheaper, less obstructive, more aesthetically appealing. These are the vast concrete lozenges (like they have outside the American Embassy) I'm talking about here.
Posted by Black Mask (Member # 185) on :
Plus, you could get a trolley between these concrete blocks easy. You couldn't get a car full of Pakistani bombs through 'em, though.
Posted by dance margarita (Member # 848) on :
herbs: legs akimbo/ arms akimbo. one of these is literally incorrect, which is it? i cant remember.
Posted by mart (Member # 32) on :
herbs: yes
disco: Akimbo: "In or into a position in which the hands are on the hips and the elbows are bowed outward".
Posted by Bandy (Member # 12) on :
quote:Originally posted by MiscellaneousFiles: Perhaps this is an elaborate publicity stunt for Snakes on a Plane.
lol.
Apparently you aren't allowed to take any liquids onboard today though, meaning that it is more of a case of Shakes on a Plane.
Same joke re bombers and Sheiks on a Plane.
Posted by Thorn Davis (Member # 65) on :
Have Your Say is really getting on my nerves today:
quote: So how am I supposed to take a 2 year old child on a 12 hour flight - with no activities and toys (not even a teddy bear because it isn't an essential medical requirement)?
What kind of fucking mong-tard sadist takes a two year old on a 12 hour flight in the first place?
Posted by Louche (Member # 450) on :
BBC News is now interviewing someone who could be William Hague or Ian Hislop. Has my brain really atrophied that much?
Posted by Louche (Member # 450) on :
It's William Hague. God, I bet you're all glad I cleared that up. Is it too early to get drunk?
Posted by Louche (Member # 450) on :
It's never too early to get drunk, is it? I hate my sister.
Posted by Black Mask (Member # 185) on :
quote:Originally posted by Thorn Davis: Have Your Say is really getting on my nerves today:
quote:As no-one can take food or drink on to a plane at the moment, will the various airlines be reducing their ridiculously high onboard prices for these items?? No, I thought not!
Annia Valainistima, United Kingdom
quote:Just to clarify, I'm not allowed a book to read or a bottle of water to drink, I need to put my tampons in a clear plastic bag for all the world to see and I can't have my glasses case to protect them if I take them off for a nap. Bet John Reid won't have my problems when HE'S flying.
Abject nonsense designed to increase fear so the sheep will happily accept the erosion of our hard won civil liberties. There's no need to take things this far, we can be protected without this scaremongering.
SM, Glasgow
quote: There’s probably some scam behind it. So what’s going to happen. ONLY checked in luggage, all passengers screened, Duty Free securely delivered to the plane. Sounds to me like a way of speeding up the check-in process, embarking / disembarking, reducing the general hassle around luggage in the passenger compartment. So who wins out of this? Hmmm. Airbus plan to have 550 seater planes, Heathrow has the new terminal 5 and wider runways to cope with the traffic that will come through. I wonder…
Richard Philips, London
Posted by New Way Of Decay (Member # 106) on :
Have your say is pretty good today.
quote:My mum is flying out of Gatwick today to the Dominican rep! What are people supposed to do on the flights for 10 hours when they have no books or magazines!
Laura Acus
What kind of calculable risk is that? I waiver my rights to a safe journey as long as I gat ma magazeens!
quote:Today is my birthday, and sofar I have spent the whole day waiting in the terminal. My 'partner' was supposed to be taking be on a surprise trip to New York. What a great 30th birthday this is turning out to be!
Ben, Cirencester
There's always one person who somehow manages to turn everything into "I'm gay everybody! Look at me!"
Posted by Black Mask (Member # 185) on :
quote: since when has a family going on holiday costing £4500 to disneyland been a potential terror threat - even I can screen the most likely from the unlikely terrorists - and why not do a hand search of hand baggage if you do not trust the xray machine as it cannot take any longer.
chris, brixham
Posted by sam (Member # 884) on :
I don't see too much of a difference between being 'misled and fooled' by believing everything, and being 'misled and fooled' by immediately believing everything to be a government scam. I imagine both of them are motivated by the desire to not really want to think to much beyond the absolute surface. Either way it saves you having to consider it, and either way it gives you a sense that you know the real score and therefore the world's understandable, disgestable and you can get on with things. Just, I guess, saying 'Oh it's obviously propaganda' lends you an air of being in the know, of being a step ahead, even if it's a stupid thing to say. Should I call this view of human nature cynical? It would be ironic if it was as you seem to be suggesting that cynicism is intellectual laziness. I do rather think that this is a bleak view of human nature. Don’t you think you are under estimating your ability to see the many aspects of a situation; to make links by implying that everyone can do what you do and see as clearly as you do? I really don’t think everyone can make the links, can see all situations as a whole, and that being so it isn’t always about them then choosing not to think about it. The woman on TV this morning really believed that she was being logical in asking how come it is safer to let them pack their bombs in their suitcases. She didn’t make the link with not carrying water on board that I did, or the fact that it is British terrorists so it is hardly to be a scam, that you did. She followed what was a perfectly logical, if erroneous, train of thought. I would suggest a lot of people think like that. I bet once someone pointed out the links between things for her; she would understand perfectly and stop carping. My point being that she didn’t deliberately chose to think like that; she just wasn’t capable of thinking beyond that without a bit of a hint from someone else. I feel I am getting side tracked here though and discussing human nature but you do suggest that cynicism is a choice made in the full understanding of what is being rejected and I don’t entirely agree. My point is, I don't even know if people are that much more cynical than they've ever been, so it's hard to comment on how it may have come about. I don’t think people are always naturally lazy about politics and world events. It is true that there have been periods of apparently greater cynicism, such as the regency period when America was ‘lost’ to us and the Governemtn was seen as corruptible etc. But there have also been periods of great optimism that has led to real social change; take the post WW2 introduction of the welfare state. People were fully engaged in politics and eager to sacrifice in order to achive something. That would suggest that it is not necessarily inherent for people to automatically want to take the ‘;azy ‘view of workld events. It suggests to me that something has to switch people off, so to speak.
In this instance I think maybe if you believe it's all government spin it's a lot easier to cope with than if you try to process the idea that people might suddenly attempt to injure you without warning and without you being able to defend yourself. Declaring it propaganda obviously turns it into an imaginary threat and what's more, the Goverment is actually something we have control over - something we can accuse, hold accountable, ridicule and vote out, so I guess it creates a feeling of power, whereas erally, there's not much you can do about a terrorist cell you have no knowledge of.
I can see what you mean here; powerlessness is a difficult feeling to live with and the economic uncertainty of our society makes it only too common; unlike the sixties or Tudor England, for instance. There’s less optimism, less faith. In a way that suggests then that the choice to be cynical isn’t so much a deliberate one as a gut reaction and unconscious. It’s therefore more understandable, or excusable than your first somewhat harsh judgement of human nature would have it, I think.
God knows if any of that made sense, I seem to be a bit woolly minded to my mind, but thanks for letting me have a waffle back! J
I am not sure if the posts you are posting from that have your say support your bleak view of human nature as selfish and intellectually lazy, or support my view that people can’t think that cogently so are not entirely to blame for their cynicism!
Posted by Black Mask (Member # 185) on :
quote: Yet again a knee jerk reaction causes havoc for the masses who are looking to travel on business or a well earned holiday.
Yet again the British public is being made to suffer so that politicians can be seen to be being "Strong on terorrism". If people are intent on terrorism these measues will not make the blindest of differences.
I am fast coming to the conclusion that emigrating to a more civilised nation is the only way to have a normal life!
Kevin Davidson
Kevin needs many punches.
Posted by Thorn Davis (Member # 65) on :
quote:Originally posted by New Way Of Decay:
quote:Today is my birthday, and sofar I have spent the whole day waiting in the terminal. My 'partner' was supposed to be taking be on a surprise trip to New York. What a great 30th birthday this is turning out to be!
Ben, Cirencester
I can't believe they spoilt his birthday. I mean, they've crossed a line, now.
[ 10.08.2006, 07:56: Message edited by: Thorn Davis ]
Posted by New Way Of Decay (Member # 106) on :
I liked SM from Glasgow. Somebody should inform her that she only needs to carry her unused tampons in a see-through bag. She can dispose of the others.
Posted by Black Mask (Member # 185) on :
quote: Panic? Panic? What panic? I am angry!!!!How dare these people live, work, and enjoy our democratic country whilst planning to attack us. What I dont understand is, if they are so unhappy with the British way of life and style of living why are they here? You can disagree about anything and everything, but do it in a civilized and legal way. Anyone hating the British way of life is free to leave, yes I said free, that is the corner stone of the British legal system, we are free to disagree.
Yvonne Wicca
Wicca?
Posted by sam (Member # 884) on :
quote:Originally posted by Louche: It's never too early to get drunk, is it? I hate my sister.
tmo's getting surreal again! Posted by Black Mask (Member # 185) on :
quote: If the US are worried about liquids being taken on board, could this be a chemical device rather than an explosion. Fumes released could intoxicate the whole aircraft, leading it to the States with an AutoPilot only in control. Just a thought?
Pete, Bolton
LOL
Posted by sam (Member # 884) on :
quote:Originally posted by Black Mask:
quote: Yet again a knee jerk reaction causes havoc for the masses who are looking to travel on business or a well earned holiday.
Yet again the British public is being made to suffer so that politicians can be seen to be being "Strong on terorrism". If people are intent on terrorism these measues will not make the blindest of differences.
I am fast coming to the conclusion that emigrating to a more civilised nation is the only way to have a normal life!
Kevin Davidson
Kevin needs many punches.
Kevin could emigrate to America.
Posted by New Way Of Decay (Member # 106) on :
quote:Originally posted by sam: tmo's getting surreal again!
I don't understand Sam. Above you clearly show yourself to have a thinking head. Louche is watching William Hague on the tv, feels like getting drunk because her sister must have said something to piss her off. S'not rocket science.
Posted by sam (Member # 884) on :
quote:Originally posted by New Way Of Decay:
quote:Originally posted by sam: tmo's getting surreal again!
I don't understand Sam. Above you clearly show yourself to have a thinking head. Louche is watching William Hague on the tv, feels like getting drunk because her sister must have said something to piss her off. S'not rocket science.
Ah. Um... Yes. Um.
Posted by New Way Of Decay (Member # 106) on :
I don't know why I use that expression. Rocket science is hardly the most complex of sciences. It started by fending off the mongs for god sake. The MONGS.
Posted by Louche (Member # 450) on :
Louche wants to get drunk because Louche is bored and hungover and opening the Polish vodka (70%) that she got for her birthday seems like an excellent idea. I am not surreal. I'm too fat to be surreal.
Posted by Louche (Member # 450) on :
Louche is referring to herserlf in the third person. Louche should be shot.
Posted by sam (Member # 884) on :
quote:Originally posted by Thorn Davis: So how am I supposed to take a 2 year old child on a 12 hour flight - with no activities and toys (not even a teddy bear because it isn't an essential medical requirement)?
Funnily enough, I was thinking this. Not about my teddy, obviously. Edward has been used to travelling in my suitcase for years so he won't mind, but without a book? Horror. I shall have to watch the bloody stupid flight movie now.
Soddin' terrorists. No consideration.
Posted by Abby (Member # 582) on :
I heard it was Louche's sister that tried to blow up a plane.
Posted by sam (Member # 884) on :
quote:Originally posted by New Way Of Decay: I don't know why I use that expression. Rocket science is hardly the most complex of sciences. It started by fending off the mongs for god sake. The MONGS.
Are these the same mongs that take their 2 year olds on planes?
quote:Originally posted by Louche: Louche wants to get drunk because Louche is bored and hungover and opening the Polish vodka (70%) that she got for her birthday seems like an excellent idea. I am not surreal. I'm too fat to be surreal.
No probs with wanting to get drunk. Especially if its free. But your sister? Did she buy you the booze? Wouldn't you love her if she did?
Posted by Black Mask (Member # 185) on :
My sister didn't get home until 9:30pm the other day because some arsehole threw himself on the tracks on the Central Line. See, there are inconsiderate suicidal people all over the place. Not all of them are muslim, though.
Posted by New Way Of Decay (Member # 106) on :
The terrorists are going to win if everyone shits their pants at something so mundane as not having a magazine to read for 10 hours. I mean, yeah you'd be bored, naturally. But it's hardly something to get in a twist about if the alternative is being blown sky fucking high and having your flesh burnt from your mealy-mouth. I can't imagine being gutted that I didn't read the circle-of-shame section in Heat as my body is rendered apart from the blast.
Posted by Vogon Poetess (Member # 164) on :
My first reaction to the "no hand baggage" was WHAT ABOUT BOOKS?
The bottle of water thing could easily be tested- passengers must drink heavily from it before taking it on board.
Anyone who bleats about the extended security checks should be offered the choice of a special charter flight organised by Allah Airlines. They're allowed to take their teddy bears and tampons onboard, but they have to sit next to a bunch of wild-eyed, beared Asian types with large, clanking rucksacks. The pilot has a hook for a hand and there are no lifejackets under the seats, only a card with "death is merciful" embossed in gold italic letters. Can you imagine their faces as they have to make the decision? With any luck, most of them will implode and remove themselves from the gene pool.
Posted by Louche (Member # 450) on :
My sister didn't get me a present. She's a mong. And a minger. And she stole my Virgin Megastores voucher. Which I don't really care about, I mean what would anyone buy from Virgin Megastores anyway? Gods. TMO is a shit place to have an online breakdown. I'm ging to go to Handbag and threaten to kill myself on a webcam. Or something. I have nothing that goes with vodka.
Posted by sam (Member # 884) on :
quote:Originally posted by Black Mask: My sister didn't get home until 9:30pm the other day because some arsehole threw himself on the tracks on the Central Line. See, there are inconsiderate suicidal people all over the place. Not all of them are muslim, though.
It's doubly inconsiderate if it he wasn't a muslim. That could have left Ms Wicca with one less to worry about sending back.
Posted by Black Mask (Member # 185) on :
quote:Originally posted by Vogon Poetess:
The bottle of water thing could easily be tested- passengers must drink heavily from it before taking it on board.
This wouldn't work if Louche was a terrorist.
Posted by Black Mask (Member # 185) on :
quote:Originally posted by Louche: I have nothing that goes with vodka.
Paracetamol?
Posted by ralph (Member # 773) on :
lol
Posted by Louche (Member # 450) on :
quote:Originally posted by Black Mask:
quote:Originally posted by Louche: I have nothing that goes with vodka.
Paracetamol?
I love you.
Posted by Black Mask (Member # 185) on :
The afternoon would just fly by if we were together, Louche.
Posted by Louche (Member # 450) on :
x
[ 10.08.2006, 09:00: Message edited by: Louche ]
Posted by Louche (Member # 450) on :
x
Posted by Louche (Member # 450) on :
I am an idiot. I am going to bed.
Posted by New Way Of Decay (Member # 106) on :
Dude, your penultimate post is excellent. It isn't an edit, you just decided to post a single x. Brilliant.
Posted by vikram (Member # 98) on :
quote:Originally posted by Thorn Davis: That's not cynical, it's just nonsensical. If this were the case, why would the story specify that the alleged bombers are British? That wouldn't make any sense. To be effective propaganda it'd have to make out that the terrorists were - you know - the people that the government is fighting.
Sorry haven't gottime right now to read this thread, so it's probbaly been answered -
Thorn, the enemy within is a muchmore useful. We can have ID cards, greater surveillance, 'efficient' justice, etc.
Posted by Thorn Davis (Member # 65) on :
quote:Originally posted by vikram: Thorn, the enemy within is a muchmore useful. We can have ID cards, greater surveillance, 'efficient' justice, etc.
That still doesn't make any sense. If the government were engineering a threat in order to get ID cards through, then it's completely pointless to boast that you averted a major terrorist threat with the resources currently available. "We need ID cards to fight terror!" "Well, obviously... you don't." It would make much more sense to engineer a threat that you failed to stop because you didn't have the 'necessary' systems in place.
Posted by Black Mask (Member # 185) on :
Yeah, that would be like if they'd stopped the Port Arthur Massacre and then said "let's ban assault rifles". Stupid.
Posted by Black Mask (Member # 185) on :
quote: the suitcases dont make it any more easyer for sreening,with there allmost hiddin compartments. taking drink onto the plane is no big deal a you can get warter on the plane
tim, cheshire
Poor tim. Maybe tim's a pilt.
Posted by MiscellaneousFiles (Member # 60) on :
*Michelle Malkin is on top form.
Posted by vikram (Member # 98) on :
[ 10.08.2006, 11:33: Message edited by: vikram ]
Posted by MiscellaneousFiles (Member # 60) on :
quote: These stills are from a BBC comedy called "Time Trumpet" (big hat tip - Steve J). The show features a satirical "Terrorism Awards" show with nominees including a "lone gunman" who shoots Tony Blair in the head as he sleeps with his wife; a 9/11-style video of terrorists crashing an airliner into the Houses of Parliament; and a Tel Aviv suicide bombing.
We are a month away from the five-year anniversary of the 9/11 attacks. I still pause, once a day, to think about what happened and how it has changed my outlook on life. How it has opened my eyes to the evils of jihad. How it has changed the focus of my work. How it affects my children. How it affects us all. Every so often, when I'm in Washington, D.C., and a plane flies low on its way to Dulles or Reagan Airport, I catch my breath. And I remember. I cannot fathom how the BBC, the once-revered British network of supposedly serious journalists, could pull a sick stunt like this.
quote: Note to BBC: Notice, you arbiters of cultural sensitivity, that we Americans will not be burning down the British embassy or calling for your beheadings or forcing your news hosts into hiding in fear for their lives.
That is the difference between us and them. But it's all a joke to you.
quote: Well, this certainly puts that appalling BBC satire, "The Terrorism Awards," making fun of planes crashing into buildings, in its place, doesn't it? Are they laughing at the BBC now?
[ 10.08.2006, 11:24: Message edited by: MiscellaneousFiles ]
Posted by vikram (Member # 98) on :
meanwhile Posted by MiscellaneousFiles (Member # 60) on :
quote: hands up all those in favour of establishing concentration camps for Muslims and burning them all.
Registered users of the site can give a thumbs up or down to any post in a discussion. The quoted entry is currently on +2
Posted by sam (Member # 884) on :
quote:Originally posted by MiscellaneousFiles: From a discussion on *digg.com:
quote: hands up all those in favour of establishing concentration camps for Muslims and burning them all.
Registered users of the site can give a thumbs up or down to any post in a discussion. The quoted entry is currently on +2
Isn't it an accepted wisdom that only the downright bolshy bother expressing their opinion loudly, or indeed, saying anything at all, and that Joe Decent spends most of his time keeping his thoughts to himself? If it is, maybe there is no need to be too disheartened; perhaps the other readers were like you and I; saddened by the vote but not actually voting contrariwise themselves.
Posted by MiscellaneousFiles (Member # 60) on :
You're very comforting, sam.
ETA: Thankfully, it's now on -1
[ 10.08.2006, 12:20: Message edited by: MiscellaneousFiles ]
Posted by turbo (Member # 593) on :
Perhaps I've become cynical, but all this palaver about no hand luggage etc struck me as rather overdone. If hand luggage poses such a big risk, why weren't these banned on all flights since 9/11? Also, after several hours of 'breaking news' on the BBC, I have to admit I thought 'FFS, nothing actually happened!' A friend of mine even thinks there were never any arrests, that it's just Blair's way of trying to increase his profile.
Posted by sam (Member # 884) on :
quote:Originally posted by turbo: Perhaps I've become cynical, but all this palaver about no hand luggage etc struck me as rather overdone. If hand luggage poses such a big risk, why weren't these banned on all flights since 9/11? Also, after several hours of 'breaking news' on the BBC, I have to admit I thought 'FFS, nothing actually happened!' A friend of mine even thinks there were never any arrests, that it's just Blair's way of trying to increase his profile.
I am packing now for the morning and there is definitely something going on with liquids. Even liquid medication cannot be carried without verification, and no contact lens fluid either. It makes sense that it might be real. After all, it's a pressurised cabin and it wouldn't take a huge explosion to blow it if, perhaps, placed in the right place.
I don't know. Maybe I am not cynical enough. My first thought this morning was that it was exaggerated, but when you think about how much effort is going into this, its hard to see it as an elaborate conspiracy and it's better safe than sorry.
Posted by Thorn Davis (Member # 65) on :
quote:Originally posted by turbo: A friend of mine even thinks there were never any arrests, that it's just Blair's way of trying to increase his profile.
I'm genuinely curious as to why people immediately believe that it can't be true that there was a terrorist strike planned. I'm not saying that it's impossible that the government would lie, just that it's more plausible that a group of people really did plan to carry out terrorist act. I mean - there are precedents set as far back as Guy Fawkes for the latter. I'm struggling to think of a precedent for the government literally inventing a threat out blue like this. There's the 'sexed up' document for Iraq, but even that had a foundation of truth insofar as Saddam Hussein was a dictator with a history of aggression towards other countries. I don't recall any incidents when they've just suddenly gone "Oh you know what, there was this terrorist strike going to happen but we stopped it", but it turned out to be a complete fabrication. I mean - isn't it more implausible the number of people that would have to be involved in such a fabrication, who would have to be sworn to secrecy and would never come forward despite holding the key to the story of the 21st Century? How would that even work? The government's had dozens of leaks since 1997; how on earth would they hope to keep such a conspiracy secret in a climate where royalty have their phones tapped by journalists? How can that be more believeable to people than the possibility that there are such things as terrorists? What's the leap of imagniation here? Is it just incredulity at the fact that MI6 or whoever actually claim to have done something right on this occasion?
I don't really see it as Blair 'trying to raise his profile', lol. I mean, the man's Prime Minister so he already has a quite a high profile. Plus it's not really going to reflect that well on him is it? Scotland Yard seem to be taking most of the credit, and if anything it's slightly awkward that it all kicked off while he was on holiday.
Posted by George the Robot (Member # 681) on :
Plus, the Met have been utterly humiliated at least twice in the last year or so on this kind of thing (de Menezes and Forest Gate). Are we saying that the police are just willing pawns in this big deception, putting themselves up for lampoon and even outrage time and time again?
If the security services have to admit that they've made a big mistake, again, in a few weeks, it won't prove that there's any kind of conspiracy, just that that the information they're acting on isn't as sound as they might like, and that they obviously cannot take any chances with hundreds if not thousands of lives.
[ 11.08.2006, 04:23: Message edited by: George the Robot ]
Posted by Black Mask (Member # 185) on :
quote:Originally posted by George the Robot: (de Menezes and Forest Gate).
I still think all of those guys were guilty. The cops just couldn't demonstrate the intelligence without fucking up ongoing investigations or revealing sensitive sources. They've got people working undercover that they have to maintain, remember. I think the Menezes and Forest Gate cases were handled exceptionally well, under the circumstances. The Met took it on the chin, they were prepared to look like clowns, but they gave a stern message to London's terrorist cells. "We are watching. We will pop a cap in yo ass."
Posted by Darryn.R (Member # 1) on :
There was a Dutch guy on the local news this morning who was stuck at Heathrow for about 6 hours waiting to fly back to Holland, when he eventually got a flight he had his hand luggage stripped down to the bare minimum and everything else put into his main suitcase which it turned out after he'd been waiting three hours at Schiphol's baggage reclaim area the airline had lost so he had no house keys or car keys.
I bet they confiscated a lot of Ipods yesterday...
Posted by Black Mask (Member # 185) on :
quote:Originally posted by Darryn.R: he had no house keys or car keys.
People shouldn't be carrying keys. Not in the current climate of fear.
Posted by New Way Of Decay (Member # 106) on :
I think one of the most interesting parts is that there are reports that the suspects are all Muslims, but the papers have really played it down. Actually, they've done the opposite arguing a case against discrimination whilst barely mentioning anything about the actual political beliefs behind the plot, because in the Metro today they were quite quiet about many of the details. Or Providing much insight into the religious backgrounds of the people detained. But, for some unknown reason there was thrown in an article where they had a guy saying about how as a Muslim he was being discriminated against and it was totally unfair. I have to ball my fists up at the stupidity. Dude! You are in a religion that encourages the growth of beards. Every single person who has been connected to the recent spate of terrorism has had bare minimum: mutton chop sideburns. Anyone with even slightly dark skin and a massive beard are going to get eyed up with suspicion. Thems the breaks! I've heard ZZ Top were en route from Magaluf and were detained. They held the whole band! Which is silly because the drummer is only called Pete Beard. He doesn't have one.
Posted by herbs (Member # 101) on :
Imagine my excitement at discovering I live in the heart of a hotbed radical Islamic foment. I drove down one of the roads named on the news as being home to a 'cell' on my way to am dram, but instead of cordons, fingertip searches and the barrage of media I'd hoped for, there was a lone bobby and one photographer. Where's the fun in that.
Posted by MiscellaneousFiles (Member # 60) on :
There seems to be a lot of confusion in the US regarding the British use of the word "asian". Am I right to think that in the US, "asian" means Chinese, Korean, Japanese, Vietnamese, etc (i.e. those we might describe as "oriental")? Does it not cover other parts of Asia, such as Pakistan for example? Would it be considered racist to call someone "oriental"?
Posted by New Way Of Decay (Member # 106) on :
quote:Originally posted by herbs: there was a lone bobby and one photographer. Where's the fun in that.
They might be a strip-o-gram and his agent.
Posted by not... (Member # 25) on :
quote:Originally posted by MiscellaneousFiles: There seems to be a lot of confusion in the US regarding the British use of the word "asian". Am I right to think that in the US, "asian" means Chinese, Korean, Japanese, Vietnamese, etc (i.e. those we might describe as "oriental")? Does it not cover other parts of Asia, such as Pakistan for example? Would it be considered racist to call someone "oriental"?
You know what, people are too sensitive. I'm white, cacausian, British, English, European, limey, pomme. None of which offends me, but the other day I was worried about describing someone as "oriental". WTF! Why are we so worried about being politically correct and why do the goalposts keep being moved? It's confusing. Now I have to correct my Dad for calling a black guy "coloured" I mean really, what is the big deal here?
Posted by Black Mask (Member # 185) on :
quote:Originally posted by not...: I mean really, what is the big deal here?
I should be able to answer this...
...
No. Sorry. It's gone.
Posted by not... (Member # 25) on :
I'll tell you what it is...it's political correctness gone mad Posted by ralph (Member # 773) on :
quote:Originally posted by MiscellaneousFiles: Am I right to think that in the US, "asian" means Chinese, Korean, Japanese, Vietnamese, etc (i.e. those we might describe as "oriental")?
Yes.
quote:Originally posted by MiscellaneousFiles: Does it not cover other parts of Asia, such as Pakistan for example?
No.
Posted by Black Mask (Member # 185) on :
I think America should follow Britain's lead on this 'Asia'/'Oriental' thing. I mean, we named all those places, after all.
Posted by Online Poker (Member # 870) on :
I've got a passport stamp from the 'Oriental Republic of Uruguay' - wot's 'Oriental' really mean then? - I thought it meant 'over there', but I could be wrong.
Posted by Black Mask (Member # 185) on :
It's the opposite of Occidental... obviously.
Posted by Online Poker (Member # 870) on :
Is Occidental used for European then?
Posted by Black Mask (Member # 185) on :
From the Beeb...
quote:'Air plot' suspects: Names released The assets of 19 people held on suspicion of plotting to blow up passenger planes have been frozen. Their details appeared on the Bank of England's website as: ALI, Abdula, Ahmed Date of birth (DOB): 10/10/1980 Address: Walthamstow, London, E17
There's three Hussains an Amin and an Arafat on that list. How come the police didn't round them up sooner?
Posted by Black Mask (Member # 185) on :
quote:Originally posted by Online Poker: Is Occidental used for European then?
How the fuck should I know?
Posted by Online Poker (Member # 870) on :
don't worry. I wasn't expecting much.
Posted by mart (Member # 32) on :
VOP, occidental is used in Spanish for Western, as in Europa occidental (though interestingly the 'opposite' is Europa del Este) and as in el Occidente for "the West" but then you probably knew that already because you bloody live there.
Posted by Online Poker (Member # 870) on :
quote:Originally posted by mart: VOP, occidental is used in Spanish for Western, as in Europa occidental (though interestingly the 'opposite' is Europa del Este) and as in el Occidente for "the West" but then you probably knew that already because you bloody live there.
No, no, I wasn't messing ..thanks for the reply ..I'd heard the term but I thought it was olde Castellano. Actually, I thought it meant 'west' in racial terms, as opposed to geographical.
Posted by mart (Member # 32) on :
Out of interest whereabouts do you live now, VOP? Are you Gibraltar-based or La Línea or in Cádiz, or where?
Posted by Online Poker (Member # 870) on :
I have an apartment at Alcaidesa because of the vicinity to Gib, I generally escape at weekends, Coin or Estepona but I'm selling and looking for a small flat in Sevilla now that its only an hour away by bike. It was three hours plus when I lived here in 2000. I love Sevilla. I love Spain. Think I'm staying put this time.
Posted by mart (Member # 32) on :
seville is full of bloody sevillanos though stupid twats most of them but, yeah, wicked :wistful:
Posted by Online Poker (Member # 870) on :
You should never have left mate. I left six years ago and have been trying to get back ever since.
Posted by mart (Member # 32) on :
Well we're staying put in Leeds for the next few years until MiniGree finishes high school, but after that the world's our langostino blanco de Huelva.
Posted by turbo (Member # 593) on :
quote:Originally posted by Thorn Davis: I'm genuinely curious as to why people immediately believe that it can't be true that there was a terrorist strike planned. I'm not saying that it's impossible that the government would lie, just that it's more plausible that a group of people really did plan to carry out terrorist act.
True. As I said, it was a friend of mine that thought this - the idea hadn't entered my mind before then. I honestly doubt the government would come up with such an elaborate plan, but I like a good conspiracy theory, so I have been thinking "What if?" Also, with all these kinds of things, I can't help but think that the reaction is a bit overdone. However, if they played it all down and didn't take the extra precautions, who knows what might have happened? I just hope air travel goes back to relative normality soon.
About that list of the arrested terrorists: they're so young! Perhaps I'm just so old, but several were born when I was a teenager. Gosh, even the terrorists are getting younger and younger...
Posted by Bandy (Member # 12) on :
One of them was born in, like, 1989.. Darn kids.
Posted by dang65 (Member # 102) on :
I can't believe I missed this thread just because I went on a stupid bloody holiday for a few days.
At least there was a half-hearted attempt to rustle up a couple of conspiracy theories, but I do think the finger of scepticism is being pointed in the wrong direction here.
My own suspicion is that the Orimentals are working the kind of long-term strategy that we fast-food and TV-addled Occidumbtals could never hope to conceive, let alone put into practice.
What they're doing is slowly drawing us into a gigantic conflict which we have no hope of winning. The kind of endless guerrilla or civil war that we see in parts of Africa, Asia and South America. They're bringing us to their own hunting grounds and picking us off slowly but surely.
Since 9-11 and 7-7 many people, understandably, cannot doubt the genuine threat of terror. Those attacks and others around the world really did happen. From then on there is no need to actually act; the terrorist masterminds can simply leak some details here and there, name a few hand-picked names which sound like absolute dead certs - I mean they've got to be guilty with names like that - then they just have to mention 'liquids', 'flights', 'death to the infidels' and the whole UK-US transport system is crippled.
Biggest bonus is if UK intelligence pick up, yet again, a load of innocent people and nothing at all is found in their houses. This creates more and more resentment amongst even the most peaceful and neutral members of the Muslim community, and cynicism and automatic doubt amongst the non-Muslim population. Every time intelligence goes wrong our politicians look stupid and paranoid, always insisting there's a threat but never seeming to actually catch the right people.
It's a brilliant strategy and it's working like a dream. We already see the same people that voted to send our troops into Iraq to deal with non-existent WMDs, and who still think it's right for them to be there, now shouting for Israel to stop dealing with real-life missiles actually being lobbed at their actual cities. What's the old cliche? "Divide and rule"? Like most cliches, it's spot on.
Posted by squeegy (Member # 136) on :
Dang, you rock!
Posted by not... (Member # 25) on :
That certainly sounds plausible. It would be a excellent method of causing trouble for little effort too. However I was under the impression that this particular terror threat has been followed for several months by the intelligence agencies and was based on a whole lot of monitoring etc.
I'm sure that there are a great many "spoof" terror threats that the UK Intelligence has to weed through daily. Christ you only have to look at those twats that go through the security checks at airports and say something like "I've got a bomb in me handbag mate" for a gr9 laugh. I don't think a few rumours would neccessarily bring the country to a halt, at least not to this level of paranoia (no handluggage, no liquids etc) unless the Intelligence thought the "threat" had some definate weight behind it.
Posted by dang65 (Member # 102) on :
Yeah, but I reckon that setting up an authentic looking fake attack would be just as complex as setting up the real thing. And the end result is more rewarding - no one is killed, intelligence and politicians are made to look stupid and paranoid, resentment ferments etc etc. If they are able to deliberately frame completely innocent people too then it would be a masterpiece of bluffing - the kind of thing the UK is so proud of having managed in the past with the likes of Enigma or The Man Who Never Was etc.
I'm sure intelligence does foil quite a few plots and sift out many fakes, but I still think we're being goaded into a huge and unwinable conflict. It must've been infuriating for the extremists to have to sit through years and years of peace talks and pacifist western leaders who would do anything to avoid actually deploying troops. Only Israel was up for it, and they know the territory and mindset too well to be beatable.
Finally the US got a leader that rises to challenges and walks into traps, and praise be to Allah so did the UK at the same time. What was stirred up with 9/11 has resulted in a far, far worse situation around the world than was ever there before.
The decisions made directly after 9/11 was where it all went wrong. The decision to steam in instead of talking and negotiating. Those that say that negotiation and diplomacy never got us anywhere in the Middle East should accept that they haven't a fucking clue what they're talking about. It was the only thing keeping the lid on the fucking place.
Posted by not... (Member # 25) on :
quote:Originally posted by dang65: Yeah, but I reckon that setting up an authentic looking fake attack would be just as complex as setting up the real thing. And the end result is more rewarding - no one is killed, intelligence and politicians are made to look stupid and paranoid, resentment ferments etc etc. If they are able to deliberately frame completely innocent people too then it would be a masterpiece of bluffing - the kind of thing the UK is so proud of having managed in the past with the likes of Enigma or The Man Who Never Was etc.
You could also argue that the UK and US government are getting what they want out of this too.
The general public's paranoia against terrorist attacks is fuelled.
UK and US goverment "war on terror" campaigns seem more justified.
Even if it is later found out that the guys allegedly responsible for the planned attack are completely innocent of all charges I don't think such a big deal would be made of it in the tabloids. Meanwhile the damage is done. People are now living in Michael Moore's "culture of fear".
I dunno, I'm not much of a conspiracy theorist, I tend to believe that it would be hard for a government to set up deliberate mock terror attacks. I'm sure that someone would leak info at some point which would be so much more damaging to the Government in the long run.
*shrugs*
Posted by Dr. Benway (Member # 20) on :
some FUCK on the tube yesterday, got on, left his big black holdall by the door and then went and sat down nowhere near it. The train was busy. So I went over and said OI MATE YOU FACKIN CANT DON'T LEAVE UR FACKIN SHIT ON IT'S OWN IT'LL SHIT PEOPLE UP and he fackin looks at me like Im a right CANT and goes 's'alright mate I've got my eye on it' so I was like NO YOU STUPID POSH CANT YOU DON'T FACKIN GET IT, IT'LL SHIT PEOPLE UP and he just goes 'that's fine, that's fine'. I was FACKIN CONFUSED by his argument. IT FACKIN WASN'T FINE AND HE'S A FACKIN CANT. WOT A CANT WOT A FACKIN CANT I said under my breath as I FACKED OFF.
[ 14.08.2006, 06:17: Message edited by: Dr. Benway ]
Posted by dang65 (Member # 102) on :
quote:Originally posted by not...: I dunno, I'm not much of a conspiracy theorist, I tend to believe that it would be hard for a government to set up deliberate mock terror attacks. I'm sure that someone would leak info at some point which would be so much more damaging to the Government in the long run.
*shrugs*
It's not governments we're talking about though. It's shady, double-bluffing, rumour mongering terrorist organisations with years and years of experience.
As for all this being to the advantage of the US and UK governments... I think that was true for a short time, but it's really passed now. There is doubt and scepticism everywhere. Even unashamed racists who would be happy to see Asians of any origin being arrested on sight and deported the same day are aware that Blair and Bush have done something incredibly stupid in Iraq and Afghanistan. And I don't see any particular climate of fear around the place. Even in the Daily Mail (which I actually read a copy of last week when I was on holiday). I read The Independent as well, mind, but even that was full of shit.
Posted by Louche (Member # 450) on :
If you want to see a climate of hate and fear, check out the Handbag news programmes. There's a prevailing sense that 1) Muslims are getting a better deal than ordinary decent white people and 2) All Muslims are plotting to blow us up and should be deported.
I read it when I'm not feeling quite depressed enough.
Posted by not... (Member # 25) on :
quote:Originally posted by dang65: It's not governments we're talking about though. It's shady, double-bluffing, rumour mongering terrorist organisations with years and years of experience.
Yeah sorry I know that was what you were talking about, but I was going off at a tangent saying that it could arguably be a set up by our own government in order to increase public paranoia and justify the war on terror.
quote:And I don't see any particular climate of fear around the place
I don't agree that there's no climate of fear. When I'm travelling around London there's a small bit of paranoia in the back of my mind especially when I'm on the tube and sitting next to a muslim guy with a large backpack. Or on the buses and to a lesser degree, but still there - when I see a shady looking guy pacing around in thge departure lounge of the airport.
I'm sure as time goes on people forget and and get more relaxed but it only takes a few small incidents to remind them, and the Great British Public's Terrometer's goes straight back up to critical...
pah, talking about politics makes me feel small and powerless.
[ 14.08.2006, 06:37: Message edited by: not... ]
Posted by MiscellaneousFiles (Member # 60) on :
Perhaps opaque garments and luggage should be banned and we should all walk round in transparent clothing, carrying transparent bags. After all, if we have nothing to hide then why should we be allowed somewhere to hide it?
Posted by not... (Member # 25) on :
There's always anal cavities.
Posted by not... (Member # 25) on :
I already regret saying that. Damn you misc.
Posted by New Way Of Decay (Member # 106) on :
My friend wanted to smuggle a load of pills into Global Gathering but was told they have sniffer dogs during the time he was due to arrive. I asked him how he was going to smuggle them in and he said "In condom. Up the arse" I said "If it works" with a shrug and he followed up "My mate doesn't want me to. But I don't see what the problem is. If you are going to do drugs, you have to face that at some point in time, they have more that likely been up someones arse"
Louche, could you link please?
[ 14.08.2006, 06:51: Message edited by: New Way Of Decay ]
Posted by MiscellaneousFiles (Member # 60) on :
Seriously though, is it possible to synthesize a drinkable liquid explosive? It could remain in the body of a suicide bomber until s/he decides to set it off, by swallowing a pill which contains the catalyst.
ETA: Not sure if Hezbollah is an equal opportunities employer.
ETAM: Is it hez-bull-ar, hiz-bolla, or what?
EDAM: The mild cheese.
[ 14.08.2006, 07:06: Message edited by: MiscellaneousFiles ]
Posted by New Way Of Decay (Member # 106) on :
Maybe you could swallow reactive chemicals inside cling film and mix them by eating a bag of Dorritos and punching oneself in the stomach.
Posted by herbs (Member # 101) on :
Can one have an explosion with no oxygen present? I was wondering this the other day when a colleague tastefully posited the notion of semtex tampons.
Posted by dang65 (Member # 102) on :
I think part of the psychology of suicide bombing must be that you make peace with your god and then pull the detonator string, blam. Swallowing a pill and then waiting ten minutes, or half an hour, who knows, for it to get to your stomach and mix and blow you up could be a bit of a head fuck to put it mildly.
I mean, what if you swallowed the pill and then the girl next to you started chatting to you and you found you had loads in common and she was really good looking and laughed at your jokes, and then you asked her to marry you and she said yes, and then you had to say, "Ah, there's one small problem...". That's exactly the sort of thing that would happen to me if I was a suicide bomber. Posted by New Way Of Decay (Member # 106) on :
quote:Originally posted by herbs: Can one have an explosion with no oxygen present? I was wondering this the other day when a colleague tastefully posited the notion of semtex tampons.
Lol! Imagine the dance the terrorist would do as the wick burnt right down to the sempon*
Posted by Louche (Member # 450) on :
Jesus Christ. I can't believe how much time I used to spend on Handbag. It really is a hive of stupidity sometimes. No wonder sporeton fits in so well. Good to see he's thinking of emigrating to Australia.
[ 14.08.2006, 07:27: Message edited by: Thorn Davis ]
Posted by New Way Of Decay (Member # 106) on :
*or Tampex
Posted by New Way Of Decay (Member # 106) on :
Snorton has got some identity issues hasn't he?
Posted by Louche (Member # 450) on :
quote:Originally posted by Thorn Davis: Jesus Christ. I can't believe how much time I used to spend on Handbag. It really is a hive of stupidity sometimes. No wonder sporeton fits in so well. Good to see he's thinking of emigrating to Australia.
The State Funeral for Thatcher? thread is also an entertaining venture down the path of human idiocy.
I have too much time on my hands. Maybe I should go and try to infiltrate the local AlQaeda cell, just to see whather Dang is right or not.
Posted by New Way Of Decay (Member # 106) on :
Notice the ignorance at the term 'Halal Shrimp'
Posted by H1ppychick (Member # 529) on :
quote:Originally posted by Thorn Davis: It really is a hive of stupidity sometimes. No wonder sporeton fits in so well. Good to see he's thinking of emigrating to Australia.
They wouldn't let him in as he looks like one of them, surely?
Posted by Thorn Davis (Member # 65) on :
I reckon he'll be OK as long as they don't have a box on the form that says "Are you a fucking cretin?"
Still, his cover may be blown the first time he reveals he's emigrating from the UK because he can't stand all the immigrants.
Posted by MiscellaneousFiles (Member # 60) on :
On the train this morning...
"This service will terminate at Reading today, due to... major problems at London Paddington"
Cue a barrage of mobile phone clicks followed by overlapping phrases such as "...bloody terrorists..." and "...might work from home today..."
Is something fishy afoot, or have the trees of Paddington been dropping the wrong kind of leaves?
Posted by Thorn Davis (Member # 65) on :
Nothing so dramatic as terrorists:
quote: Signalling problem at London Paddington
Time Reported: 08:52 Route Affected: London Paddington - Ealing Broadway - Greenford / Heathrow Airport / Reading / Oxford / Cheltenham Spa / Bristol / Plymouth TOC/s Affected: First Great Western, Heathrow Connect, Heathrow Express Description: Train services at London Paddington are being disrupted due to a signalling problem at the station.
Platforms 9 - 14 are currently out of use at London Paddington, leading to congestion of services using the other platforms, and delays of up to 45 minutes. Some services may be started / terminated at Reading or Ealing Broadway to ease congestion at London Paddington.
There is currently no estimate for a normal train service to resume Easements: London Underground will accept National Rail ticket holders on all reasonable routes
Posted by MiscellaneousFiles (Member # 60) on :
Thank Gord!
Posted by New Way Of Decay (Member # 106) on :
Not to be all conspirisoir, but there are never any signal failures. That's a load of old toot made up for something else like 'oh the driver of the 11.15 to swansea hadn't finished eating his egg and cress sandwich' If I believed that any of the trains are delayed to signalling failures, then the signal at Gunnersbury park seems to fail for 10 minutes on every train that heads westbound every day of the week. Perhaps they employed the maid from Tom and Jerry cartoon fame to do the signalling manually and whenever she spots a rodent on the line she pulls up 50 layers of skirts and stands on a chair or nothing.
Posted by herbs (Member # 101) on :
innteressting.
Would that explain why a delay on the same tube line will be put down to signalling failure at highbury in one announcement at one station, and down to someone trespassing on the line at Victoria at another? Do they not all stick to the party line?
Posted by Louche (Member # 450) on :
It's a conspiracy!
Someone killed themselves at Victoria in Manchester once and they just announced it, cheerfully. Imagine a reet proper Northern accent: "Sorry for the delay but someone's chucked themselves on the line on Platform 3. All services are now subject to delay."
That was mildly surprising.
Posted by New Way Of Decay (Member # 106) on :
I'm thinking that they get all sorts of stupid delays you know? I mean, it must be a fairly complex system to run. But the whole leaves on the line/signalling failure is just a way of passing the buck isn't it? Nobody sits there thinking "stupid STUPID leaves!!" but if they were honest and said that Colin, the work experience kid had spilt his Tango on the controls and that there would be a delay while he frantically mops that shit off.
I'm joking of course. Colin likes Fanta. Maybe it was a signal failure. I mean, they do happen. But you'd be led to believe that all signal boxes are sprouting bare wires and letting off sparks by the way London Underground carries on.
Posted by herbs (Member # 101) on :
We quite often get 'person under a train'. Generally on the northern line. And 'person taken ill on a train', which I always imagine as a vomit-spattered horror scene.
Posted by Louche (Member # 450) on :
Aren't the delays mostly due to the fact that the whole country is mostly running on knackered rails, ancient rolling stock and presumably organising and signal equipment in much the same state?
Posted by New Way Of Decay (Member # 106) on :
I think privatisation had a hand in it too.
Posted by herbs (Member # 101) on :
You really have to worry when the man from the past comes on and says 'Will Mr Sands come to the control room', as that means there's a fire. Apparently.
Posted by Vogon Poetess (Member # 164) on :
When I went racing at Goodwood the other day (involved leaving London- brrrr), the train sat idling for about 15 minutes. The driver then informed us that this was due to a "cow on the line". I guess this is the kind of third world shit you have to put up with when you leave urban civilisation.
I'm sure I was told that alot of signal failures are genuine- they're quite sensitive bits of kit and are designed to fail at the sign of any unusual stimulation (oo matron), as it's preferable for the system to stop and be investigated rather than continue with a possibly faulty signal. My boss told me that the deep tunnel lines (eg Piccadilly and Central) are less prone to signal failures as they are less affected by rain/flooding.
Posted by New Way Of Decay (Member # 106) on :
Similarly, if one of the bloaties at work do a really stinky poo, I strut back into our support centre holding my nose and say 'Thib ib anna mergency. We've got a code brown. Thib ib not a drill'
Posted by dang65 (Member # 102) on :
While all the railway experts are conveniently gathered in one place... can anyone tell me what the name "Parkway" refers to? There's millions of train stations called "[Whatever] Parkway". I'd assumed there were only a couple (Bristol Parkway, Didcot Parkway) and that it was just a coincidence and they must be train stations which happened to be near a park or something, but there's loads and loads of them so it can't be that.
Does it just mean "the other station, not in town"?
Posted by Louche (Member # 450) on :
The most common one we get coming out of Salford is 'debris on the line' as people like to put benches and sofas and washing machines and things on them. Twice, the train actually crashed! That was funny. We all had to be led off by men in high vis vests and then hide in a bus sheleter on the road for a bus. All these businessy posh sticks to Manchester commuters, marooned in deepest, darkest Salford, nervously clutching their valuables and edging together for safety.
Posted by Louche (Member # 450) on :
quote:Originally posted by dang65: Does it just mean "the other station, not in town"?
Excellent. That's a load off my mind. So Bristol Parkway was first and all the other ones used the name when they were in a similar sort of location. This reminds me of the fact that the Russian word for train station is "Vauxhall" (sort of).
I don't know why I never realised how fascinating railways are before now.
Posted by MiscellaneousFiles (Member # 60) on :
I think they should be more honest when naming stations.
Newbury's second station is called Newbury Racecourse, which makes it sound right classy like, but it would be just accurate to call it Newbury Industrial Estate.
Reading's goes by the geographically correct, but forgettable name of Reading West, although it would be better described as Reading Ghetto.
Posted by Louche (Member # 450) on :
quote:Originally posted by dang65: I don't know why I never realised how fascinating railways are before now.
Not half as fascinating as roads, though. Did you know that the foundations of Barton Bridge on the M60 (the UK's only fully orbital motorway) are made from the remains of Preston Bypass, the UK's first ever motorway?
Posted by Louche (Member # 450) on :
That's the most boring thing I have ever posted anywhere in all my life.
Posted by New Way Of Decay (Member # 106) on :
quote:Originally posted by Vogon Poetess: I'm sure I was told that alot of signal failures are genuine- they're quite sensitive bits of kit and are designed to fail at the sign of any unusual stimulation (oo matron), as it's preferable for the system to stop and be investigated rather than continue with a possibly faulty signal. My boss told me that the deep tunnel lines (eg Piccadilly and Central) are less prone to signal failures as they are less affected by rain/flooding.
quote:Originally posted by MiscellaneousFiles: Reading Ghetto.
quote:From Wikipedia Many people in the U.S. and Europe strongly dislike the term ghetto, believing it to have racist, elitist and culturally insensitive overtones, and the mention of such a word to describe a working-class ethnic community is a considered a generalization or an insult. Many suggest alternative words like inner city and economically disadvantaged areas.
Oops.
Perhaps Reading Economically Disadvantaged would be a more PC name for the station.
Posted by Vogon Poetess (Member # 164) on :
I can see how people become "rail enthusiasts", because the history of early trains and their impact on Britain's economy and social structure is quite interesting. I also defy anyone not to stare transfixed at the rare sight of a proper steam train. You'd have to be quite comatose not to find steam trains at least a bit cool.
What I don't get is modern day trainspotters. There are always some at Clapham Junction (always always male). Often with quite expensive looking big cameras, as well as their dog eared notebooks for recording those all important numbers. Being interested in steam engines and working to keep historical branch lines open is one thing, but why would anyone care about ugly, functional modern trains? I might ask them one day.
Posted by dang65 (Member # 102) on :
quote:Originally posted by Louche: That's the most boring thing I have ever posted anywhere in all my life.
No it isn't.
Posted by dang65 (Member # 102) on :
You set 'em up...
Posted by MiscellaneousFiles (Member # 60) on :
quote:Originally posted by Vogon Poetess: What I don't get is modern day trainspotters. There are always some at Clapham Junction (always always male). Often with quite expensive looking big cameras, as well as their dog eared notebooks for recording those all important numbers. Being interested in steam engines and working to keep historical branch lines open is one thing, but why would anyone care about ugly, functional modern trains? I might ask them one day.
There is a large community of fans who used to appreciate slam-doors. They get quite enthusiastic about the noise of the engines, the bouncy suspension and the old fashioned quality which has been lost since the introduction of modern slide-doors. Remember those trains with the separate compartments? The frosted British Rail insignia on the mirrors. The polished wooden trim. The option of smoking a cigarette if the mood took you. Ah, memories...
Once, during the boredom of the summer holiday, I went bashing with a rail obsessed school chum. From what I remember this involved sticking your head out of the window, grasping your face with one hand, holding your other fist in the air and then pulling it downwards as if pulling the horn, whilst shouting "Spoooooon!" in mimicry of the associated sound.
Bashers: a bit weird.
Posted by Louche (Member # 450) on :
Planning anything interesting for the big 6,000, Dangster?
Posted by New Way Of Decay (Member # 106) on :
quote:Originally posted by MiscellaneousFiles: Once, during the boredom of the summer holiday, I went bashing with a rail obsessed school chum. From what I remember this involved sticking your head out of the window, grasping your face with one hand, holding your other fist in the air and then pulling it downwards as if pulling the horn, whilst shouting "Spoooooon!" in mimicry of the associated sound.
Rock n Roll Misc.
Posted by MiscellaneousFiles (Member # 60) on :
quote:Originally posted by New Way Of Decay: Rock n Roll Misc.
I haven't even told you about the model railway club yet...
Aforementioned school pal was the only member under the age of 40. Some of the modellers had wives, some even had children, but the vast majority were the predictable divorced middle aged gents with beards that would make ralph envious.
A legendary member of this club of despair built a huge "layout" (the insider's term for what we would call a train set) in his garden shed. After spending literally years modelling the landscape and buildings after a real station, he realised that his construction was inaccurate. Blind with a special kind of rail-enthusiast fury at his inability to create a perfect replica, he removed the carefully transfered station signage and replaced it with equally detailed miniature signs, forever branding the station Toilet Central.
Posted by ralph (Member # 773) on :
quote:Originally posted by MiscellaneousFiles: divorced middle aged gents with beards that would make ralph envious.
The fact that they're lucky enough to be divorced has me green with envy this morning. Not so much the beards, as I only sport one out of a deep hatred of shaving.
[ 16.08.2006, 07:17: Message edited by: ralph ]
Posted by MiscellaneousFiles (Member # 60) on :
Trouble in paradise, Ralph?
Posted by ralph (Member # 773) on :
Yes. Posted by MiscellaneousFiles (Member # 60) on :
At least you've got the beard. Nobody can take that away from you.
Posted by dang65 (Member # 102) on :
quote:Originally posted by Louche: Planning anything interesting for the big 6,000, Dangster?
Cripes. That's quite a big number isn't it? I bet that's an even bigger number than "eleven" or one of those sort of numbers. It's too much for me to even begin to imagine really. I'll have a lie down first and then see if I can come up with something. Which isn't very likely, let's face it.
Posted by Louche (Member # 450) on :
No pressure, Dang. No pressure. We're all friends here, aren't we? You're in safe place. Amongst friends.....
Posted by dang65 (Member # 102) on :
What do you call a girl wearing a pair of testicles for earrings?
'nad ear!
(Apologies to anyone that's called Nadia, anyone that wears bollocks as jewellery, and most of all anyone that's read any of my 6000 posts on TMO. So far.)
Posted by ralph (Member # 773) on :
Jesus Posted by Louche (Member # 450) on :
Well done, Dang. I'm so proud.
Posted by MiscellaneousFiles (Member # 60) on :
*applause* (the kind we used to reserve for Jonesy)
Posted by MiscellaneousFiles (Member # 60) on :
quote:'Hybrid Mutant' Found Dead in Maine
Residents are wondering if an animal found dead over the weekend may be the mysterious creature that has mauled dogs, frightened residents and been the subject of local legend for half a generation.
Mike O'Donnell, who is married to Michelle O'Donnell, said the animal looked "half-rodent, half-dog" to him.
It was charcoal gray, weighed between 40 and 50 pounds and had a bushy tail, a short snout, short ears and curled fangs hanging over its lips, he said. It looked like "something out of a Stephen King story."
"This is something I've never seen before. It's an evil-looking thing," he said.
Posted by Dr. Benway (Member # 20) on :
That's like something out of a Stephen King story.
[ 17.08.2006, 05:53: Message edited by: Dr. Benway ]
Posted by Darryn.R (Member # 1) on :
looks like a puppy to me..
Posted by MiscellaneousFiles (Member # 60) on :
"Hello Steve. Wanna buy a puppy?" Posted by Thorn Davis (Member # 65) on :
quote: For the past 15 years, residents across Androscoggin County have reported seeing and hearing a mysterious animal with chilling monstrous cries and eyes that glow in the night. The animal has been blamed for attacking and killing a Doberman pinscher and a Rottweiler the past couple of years.
Yet clobber it with a car and it crumples like a wad of dough. Mankind wins again! Are there any other animals being terrorised by mutants that we need to bail out of trouble yet again?
Posted by Louche (Member # 450) on :
It looks really pissed off to be dead, though, doesn't it?
Posted by Louche (Member # 450) on :
Though that's unsurprising, really. I suppose most things would be pissed off if you hit them with a car and killed them.
Posted by ralph (Member # 773) on :
I'd be ok with it.
Posted by Thorn Davis (Member # 65) on :
Stephen King didn't like it.
Posted by Dr. Benway (Member # 20) on :
quote:Originally posted by ralph: I'd be ok with it.
O ralph Posted by herbs (Member # 101) on :
Ralph, spill. Wassup?
Posted by Louche (Member # 450) on :
Is Stephen King a zombie? Posted by MiscellaneousFiles (Member # 60) on :
quote:Originally posted by Louche: Is Stephen King a zombie?
No, but after reading that excerpt of Cell I can see where you're coming from...
Posted by herbs (Member # 101) on :
Will somebody please post up some entertaining bollocks. I'm really busy at work, and need distraction.
Posted by H1ppychick (Member # 529) on :
we could find an image tag for herbs each and then vote for the best one to use!
Posted by Vogon Poetess (Member # 164) on :
Herbs, I've just made an appointment for a consultation to have my leg-forest zapped into oblivion by a gigantic laser gun.
Googling for what the laser gun might look like, I found this model entitled "street police with laser gun". I like to think that this is what I'm paying for.
Edit: grrr! It doesn't work. Just do a Google Image search for "laser gun" and you'll see what I mean.
I hope it makes an awesome ZZZZZZZZZZZ noise.
[ 17.08.2006, 11:09: Message edited by: Vogon Poetess ]
Posted by MiscellaneousFiles (Member # 60) on :
Posted by herbs (Member # 101) on :
quote:Originally posted by H1ppychick: we could find an image tag for herbs each and then vote for the best one to use!
Yes! Do this!
Posted by MiscellaneousFiles (Member # 60) on :
Posted by mart (Member # 32) on :
herbs i've just thought: you don't have a younger brother do you? i know two people with your surname, so he must be your brother. send him my regards wontcha.
[ 17.08.2006, 11:33: Message edited by: mart ]
Posted by herbs (Member # 101) on :
I do have a younger brother, but I doubt you know him. He doesn't really do 'knowing people'. Or 'people' come to that.
Posted by mart (Member # 32) on :
he's not a big name in techno and avant-garde electronic music then?
the fucking bastard, he's been lying to me all this time.
Posted by herbs (Member # 101) on :
Not unless he's been lying to me too about his job in a solicitor's office.
Posted by Thorn Davis (Member # 65) on :
If I recall correctly, herbs worked on a magazine or something with my younger brother.
Posted by mart (Member # 32) on :
he's a two-faced lying shitbag is what he is, then
Posted by mart (Member # 32) on :
and your sister worked with my dad, or something, thorn
Posted by herbs (Member # 101) on :
I did Thorn, that's right. He resigned in a huff over not being given three weeks' holiday at a fortnight's notice. I hope you gave him a stern talking to.
Posted by Thorn Davis (Member # 65) on :
quote:Originally posted by mart: he's a two-faced lying shitbag is what he is, then
Steady on, there. Yes, there was some controversy over his account of how that vase got broken, but that was 20 years ago. You sound like my sister.
Posted by Thorn Davis (Member # 65) on :
quote:Originally posted by herbs: I did Thorn, that's right. He resigned in a huff over not being given three weeks' holiday at a fortnight's notice. I hope you gave him a stern talking to.
Well, he's dead now, so I hope you're happy.
Posted by H1ppychick (Member # 529) on :
I found this when I GISed 'herbalicious'
Posted by H1ppychick (Member # 529) on :
and this is 'hoibs'... (sorry, it may give you a wide-on)
eta yes it did...shame...
[ 17.08.2006, 12:04: Message edited by: H1ppychick ]
Posted by herbs (Member # 101) on :
Parsley the lion looks appropriately 'sage' for one as wise as me.
Posted by Bandy (Member # 12) on :
quote:Originally posted by H1ppychick: and this is 'hoibs'... (sorry, it may give you a wide-on)
eta yes it did...shame...
Speaking of which, this was on my google homepage today (thanks to dictionary.com's word of the day):
chary: wary; cautious.
Posted by New Way Of Decay (Member # 106) on :
Posted by turbo (Member # 593) on :
My GIS for herbs:
You're welcome.
Posted by MiscellaneousFiles (Member # 60) on :
[ 17.08.2006, 16:04: Message edited by: MiscellaneousFiles ]
Posted by Waynster (Member # 56) on :
Sorry now, as you were.
Posted by herbs (Member # 101) on :
Misc - is that the actual bowl?
[ 18.08.2006, 04:28: Message edited by: herbs ]
Posted by Dr. Benway (Member # 20) on :
This picture is called
Ganja Mind Warp Fractal Ganja Leaf
You can't beat a picture of a marujuana leaf. This one's especially good. Those trippy visual effects not only reflect the kind of hallucinations that you can get if you really cane the weed, but also, when you're high you can stare at the picture and it'll blow your mind! Plus, it's got an important message or even mantra for people who enjoy getting baked: "High Life". The more you think about that, the cleverer it seems.
Staying on the flora tip, I present my second suggestion. Discerning readers will instantly recognise this Lily. That's right! It's one of Mapplethorpe's famous photographs. I chose this not only because it has a timeless elegance, much like herbs, but also being it is a deliberately suggestive image. Here, Robert is explicity referencing human genitalia, as he is wont to do. I think that this reflects herbs' mind - a fresh, bright beauty, with some seriously randy foundations.
Viewers are advised that googling for Mapplethorpe's photgraphs is probably best left until you get home.
Hello beautiful! Who's this lady about town? Paris Hilton? Lindsey Lohan? Look closer - it's a dog wearing a hat! Awwww.
[ 18.08.2006, 05:15: Message edited by: Dr. Benway ]
Posted by turbo (Member # 593) on :
quote:Originally posted by herbs: Ralph, spill. Wassup?
Ralph is still keeping quiet. What's going on, beard-man?
Posted by MiscellaneousFiles (Member # 60) on :
quote:Originally posted by herbs: Misc - is that the actual bowl?
No - but it's the closest I could find after a quick search of the Internet. I don't think your bowl was anywhere near as narsty as that.
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