<![CDATA[Daily Talk Forum

<![CDATA[Daily Talk Forum - All Forums]]> http://www.dailytalkforum.com/ Fri, 05 Sep 2008 18:10:56 -0700 MyBB <![CDATA[Googles New Browser - Chrome]]> http://www.dailytalkforum.com/showthread.php?tid=5768 Fri, 05 Sep 2008 05:41:04 -0700 forwardone http://www.dailytalkforum.com/showthread.php?tid=5768 http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/26519075

Chrome vs. IE 8: A side-by-side comparison
On first glance, both browsers are speedy, but Chrome is faster

Google knows how to lure users with the seeming simplicity of its products, even though there’s a great deal of complexity going on behind the scenes. Microsoft often makes products that seem to create more work than they should for users.

That dichotomy is evident in the companies’ Web browsers — Google’s new Chrome and Microsoft’s Windows Internet Explorer 8, both out in beta, or test, versions. (Msnbc.com is a Microsoft-NBC Universal joint venture.)

Chrome shines in its simplicity, while IE 8 brings some better functionality to an existing product.

Both have lots to offer users. Whether either is a good fit for you will depend on your needs. Just as learning a new operating system can be time-consuming, if you’re already happy with the Web browser you use, whether it’s Internet Explorer 7, Mozilla’s Firefox, Apple’s Safari, or Opera, you don’t have to download either Chrome or IE 8, both of which are free.

However, if you like to use different Web browsers at different times, and some people do, you may want to experiment with both.

Visually, Chrome is basic, spare and efficient, an antidote to the busy, cluttered look of Internet Explorer, and the anxiety it can provoke once you get lost within its menus.

I asked Google to explain the meaning of its new browser’s name, and the explanation fit with what the product evinces.

Chrome refers to “the user interface of the browser that surrounds the Web page,” said Erin Fors of Google. “The 'chrome' is everything other than the site itself, including the address bar, toolbars, the window controls and the frame around the bottom.

“With Google Chrome, we've designed the 'chrome' to be minimal so that users are primarily experiencing the sites and Web applications they're visiting.

When you launch a Web application from a desktop shortcut in Google Chrome, the address bar and other browser controls is removed so the 'chrome' is further reduced to just the application frame.”

Chrome has almost a retro feel to it, as if this is how Web browsing should have been 10 years ago, during a (relatively) simpler time, when the Internet for the masses was still new and all about exploring interesting sites rather than having a knee-slapping night of entertainment finding the grossest videos available on YouTube.

Both are speedy; Chrome is faster
I did some initial testing of both Web browsers on a year-old ThinkPad running Windows Vista. Chrome is available for both Vista and XP; Google says versions of Chrome are in the works for the Mac and Linux operating systems.

I also use Safari on a Mac, and Firefox on both the Mac and the PC. Firefox remains my preferred browser for now on both operating systems, having proven itself as relatively stable.

I found both Chrome and Internet Explorer 8 to work quickly, although Chrome, less laden with add-ons, moves at lightning speed.

Its basic interface shows a Web address bar, back and forward buttons, a refresh button and two menus, one for tools and another to handle items such as creating new tabs, new windows and copying and pasting. (By way of comparison, to do those same functions in IE means using three different menus.)

In Internet Explorer, the Web site tabs remain located below the address bar, as they are in Firefox. Chrome puts the tabs above the address bar, giving a truer appearance of file folders in a cabinet.

I’ve never had good luck with having more than two tabs open at once in Internet Explorer before it hangs, in contrast to Firefox. Both Chrome and IE 8 seem to handle multiple tabs with no issues.

In IE 8, Microsoft has added “crash recovery” for tab crashes, so that when they do happen, the tab is restored and and the Web site reloaded as you had it. I’m happy to say I didn’t need to use crash recovery, and had six tabs open at once without incident, a record in my IE experiences.

Chrome’s home page is worth the download experience alone. It gives you a visual snapshot of your nine most-visited Web sites, making it easy to go back to them at any time. It also displays a handy list of recent bookmarks, and recently closed tabs, within easy click range on the home page.

Chrome and Internet Explorer 8 both have Web address bars that try to anticipate what you want to search for, or where you want to go, as soon as you type in a word. Chrome calls its auto-completion feature “Omnibox,” and IE 8’s is “Smart Address Bar.” Both of these worked well.

Both also have stealth surfing modes, but odds are neither will let you escape the eyes of a forensic examiner if your computer is confiscated.

Chrome’s is called “Incognito” mode, which you can slip into at any time by clicking on the same menu you use for creating a new tab. Google is quite clear about Incognito’s features.

“Browsing in Incognito mode only keeps Google Chrome from storing information about the Web sites you’ve visited. The Web sites you visit may still have records of your visit,” Google let me know before I enabled Incognito. “Any files saved to your computer will still remain on your computer.”

IE 8’s program is “InPrivate Browsing,” located in the Tools menu. InPrivate Browsing “ensures that history, temporary Internet files and cookies are not recorded on user’s PC after browsing,” according to Microsoft.

Internet Explorer 8 probably holds more excitement and interest for Web developers and IT managers than everyday Web users. Microsoft has added a lot under the hood to make IE 8 beefier in terms of security and Web development tools.

But for those of us who want a fast, no-nonsense Web-browsing experience, Chrome is a terrific option. Its ease of use does take some getting used to — imagine that! — and it’s an appealing entry into the competitive Web browsing market.]]> http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/26519075

Chrome vs. IE 8: A side-by-side comparison
On first glance, both browsers are speedy, but Chrome is faster

Google knows how to lure users with the seeming simplicity of its products, even though there’s a great deal of complexity going on behind the scenes. Microsoft often makes products that seem to create more work than they should for users.

That dichotomy is evident in the companies’ Web browsers — Google’s new Chrome and Microsoft’s Windows Internet Explorer 8, both out in beta, or test, versions. (Msnbc.com is a Microsoft-NBC Universal joint venture.)

Chrome shines in its simplicity, while IE 8 brings some better functionality to an existing product.

Both have lots to offer users. Whether either is a good fit for you will depend on your needs. Just as learning a new operating system can be time-consuming, if you’re already happy with the Web browser you use, whether it’s Internet Explorer 7, Mozilla’s Firefox, Apple’s Safari, or Opera, you don’t have to download either Chrome or IE 8, both of which are free.

However, if you like to use different Web browsers at different times, and some people do, you may want to experiment with both.

Visually, Chrome is basic, spare and efficient, an antidote to the busy, cluttered look of Internet Explorer, and the anxiety it can provoke once you get lost within its menus.

I asked Google to explain the meaning of its new browser’s name, and the explanation fit with what the product evinces.

Chrome refers to “the user interface of the browser that surrounds the Web page,” said Erin Fors of Google. “The 'chrome' is everything other than the site itself, including the address bar, toolbars, the window controls and the frame around the bottom.

“With Google Chrome, we've designed the 'chrome' to be minimal so that users are primarily experiencing the sites and Web applications they're visiting.

When you launch a Web application from a desktop shortcut in Google Chrome, the address bar and other browser controls is removed so the 'chrome' is further reduced to just the application frame.”

Chrome has almost a retro feel to it, as if this is how Web browsing should have been 10 years ago, during a (relatively) simpler time, when the Internet for the masses was still new and all about exploring interesting sites rather than having a knee-slapping night of entertainment finding the grossest videos available on YouTube.

Both are speedy; Chrome is faster
I did some initial testing of both Web browsers on a year-old ThinkPad running Windows Vista. Chrome is available for both Vista and XP; Google says versions of Chrome are in the works for the Mac and Linux operating systems.

I also use Safari on a Mac, and Firefox on both the Mac and the PC. Firefox remains my preferred browser for now on both operating systems, having proven itself as relatively stable.

I found both Chrome and Internet Explorer 8 to work quickly, although Chrome, less laden with add-ons, moves at lightning speed.

Its basic interface shows a Web address bar, back and forward buttons, a refresh button and two menus, one for tools and another to handle items such as creating new tabs, new windows and copying and pasting. (By way of comparison, to do those same functions in IE means using three different menus.)

In Internet Explorer, the Web site tabs remain located below the address bar, as they are in Firefox. Chrome puts the tabs above the address bar, giving a truer appearance of file folders in a cabinet.

I’ve never had good luck with having more than two tabs open at once in Internet Explorer before it hangs, in contrast to Firefox. Both Chrome and IE 8 seem to handle multiple tabs with no issues.

In IE 8, Microsoft has added “crash recovery” for tab crashes, so that when they do happen, the tab is restored and and the Web site reloaded as you had it. I’m happy to say I didn’t need to use crash recovery, and had six tabs open at once without incident, a record in my IE experiences.

Chrome’s home page is worth the download experience alone. It gives you a visual snapshot of your nine most-visited Web sites, making it easy to go back to them at any time. It also displays a handy list of recent bookmarks, and recently closed tabs, within easy click range on the home page.

Chrome and Internet Explorer 8 both have Web address bars that try to anticipate what you want to search for, or where you want to go, as soon as you type in a word. Chrome calls its auto-completion feature “Omnibox,” and IE 8’s is “Smart Address Bar.” Both of these worked well.

Both also have stealth surfing modes, but odds are neither will let you escape the eyes of a forensic examiner if your computer is confiscated.

Chrome’s is called “Incognito” mode, which you can slip into at any time by clicking on the same menu you use for creating a new tab. Google is quite clear about Incognito’s features.

“Browsing in Incognito mode only keeps Google Chrome from storing information about the Web sites you’ve visited. The Web sites you visit may still have records of your visit,” Google let me know before I enabled Incognito. “Any files saved to your computer will still remain on your computer.”

IE 8’s program is “InPrivate Browsing,” located in the Tools menu. InPrivate Browsing “ensures that history, temporary Internet files and cookies are not recorded on user’s PC after browsing,” according to Microsoft.

Internet Explorer 8 probably holds more excitement and interest for Web developers and IT managers than everyday Web users. Microsoft has added a lot under the hood to make IE 8 beefier in terms of security and Web development tools.

But for those of us who want a fast, no-nonsense Web-browsing experience, Chrome is a terrific option. Its ease of use does take some getting used to — imagine that! — and it’s an appealing entry into the competitive Web browsing market.]]> <![CDATA[Mick Gatto Melbourne Mayor Hoax..]]> http://www.dailytalkforum.com/showthread.php?tid=5767 Wed, 03 Sep 2008 04:23:38 -0700 okosh http://www.dailytalkforum.com/showthread.php?tid=5767

Quote:Mick Gatto target of spoof Melbourne mayoral campaign
Article from: Herald Sun
Mary Bolling

September 03, 2008 12:00am

A SPOOF campaign nominating underworld identity Mick Gatto to be Melbourne's mayor shows residents could be prepared to vote for the underworld identity.

Yarra Trams seized half a dozen "Mick for mayor" postcards from a route 86 tram on Friday.

The cards purport to be distributed by the "Committee to Elect Domenic (sic) Gatto" and to be "authorised by D Hinch".

But a Herald Sun online poll shows Gatto could win a majority at Town Hall.

Asked if they would vote for the Carlton identity, 51 per cent said they would, 41 per cent said they would not, and 7 per cent said they would be too afraid to vote.

But neither Gatto nor his 3AW critic are laughing.

"I don't know anything about it," Gatto said yesterday.

"Maybe I would (run) if they asked me, but I've never heard about it before.

"It's a joke. Why else would it have Derryn Hinch's name on it?" he said.

Hinch was also in the dark about the postcards, which ask Melburnians to send suggestions for a Gatto campaign to replace Mayor John So in November's council elections to 3AW's mailing address.

"I'd say it's somebody with a sick sense of humour. What can you say? There are some fruit loops out there," he said.

"I would just hope, if he were elected as lord mayor, he'd be an absent one."

The card, bearing a council logo with a pair of guns inserted into the image, describes Gatto's "dedication to law and order" and bears a bogus endorsement from a former policeman who was investigated in relation to a murder.

"In all the years I have known Mr Gatto, I have always found him to be a man of great honesty and integrity," it reads.

The cards also take a swipe at council, saying Gatto's "first act as lord mayor will be to reform Melbourne City Council's electoral laws in order to bring an end to the corruption that plagues them so".

http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/0...62,00.html]]>

Quote:Mick Gatto target of spoof Melbourne mayoral campaign
Article from: Herald Sun
Mary Bolling

September 03, 2008 12:00am

A SPOOF campaign nominating underworld identity Mick Gatto to be Melbourne's mayor shows residents could be prepared to vote for the underworld identity.

Yarra Trams seized half a dozen "Mick for mayor" postcards from a route 86 tram on Friday.

The cards purport to be distributed by the "Committee to Elect Domenic (sic) Gatto" and to be "authorised by D Hinch".

But a Herald Sun online poll shows Gatto could win a majority at Town Hall.

Asked if they would vote for the Carlton identity, 51 per cent said they would, 41 per cent said they would not, and 7 per cent said they would be too afraid to vote.

But neither Gatto nor his 3AW critic are laughing.

"I don't know anything about it," Gatto said yesterday.

"Maybe I would (run) if they asked me, but I've never heard about it before.

"It's a joke. Why else would it have Derryn Hinch's name on it?" he said.

Hinch was also in the dark about the postcards, which ask Melburnians to send suggestions for a Gatto campaign to replace Mayor John So in November's council elections to 3AW's mailing address.

"I'd say it's somebody with a sick sense of humour. What can you say? There are some fruit loops out there," he said.

"I would just hope, if he were elected as lord mayor, he'd be an absent one."

The card, bearing a council logo with a pair of guns inserted into the image, describes Gatto's "dedication to law and order" and bears a bogus endorsement from a former policeman who was investigated in relation to a murder.

"In all the years I have known Mr Gatto, I have always found him to be a man of great honesty and integrity," it reads.

The cards also take a swipe at council, saying Gatto's "first act as lord mayor will be to reform Melbourne City Council's electoral laws in order to bring an end to the corruption that plagues them so".

http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/0...62,00.html]]> <![CDATA[Australian author arrested for lese-majeste]]> http://www.dailytalkforum.com/showthread.php?tid=5766 Wed, 03 Sep 2008 04:05:53 -0700 KoratCat http://www.dailytalkforum.com/showthread.php?tid=5766 Quote:Australian arrested in Thailand for lese-majeste

BANGKOK (Reuters) - An Australian writer has been arrested in Thailand and faces a lese-majeste charge for publishing a novel deemed defamatory to the country's royal family, police and the Australian embassy said on Wednesday.

An embassy official identified the man as a 41-year-old from Melbourne and police named him as Harry Nicolaides, who was unaware there was an arrest warrant out for him when he tried to fly out from Bangkok to Australia on Sunday.

"An arrest warrant was issued in March for a book he wrote in 2005 deemed defamatory to the crown prince," Police Lieutenant-Colonel Boonlert Kalayanamit told Reuters.

He has been charged with lese-majeste, a crime that can carry a 15-year jail sentence in Thailand, and was being held at a remand prison pending further interviews, Boonlert said.

Nicolaides, a regular visitor to Thailand and briefly a resident, when he taught English and wrote for Australian newspapers, had not been granted bail, police said.

Police identified the novel in question as "Verisimilitude", described in publicity dated June 2005 on the phuket-info.com website as a "trenchant commentary on the political and social life of contemporary Thailand". Reuters Sept. 3, 2008]]> Quote:Australian arrested in Thailand for lese-majeste

BANGKOK (Reuters) - An Australian writer has been arrested in Thailand and faces a lese-majeste charge for publishing a novel deemed defamatory to the country's royal family, police and the Australian embassy said on Wednesday.

An embassy official identified the man as a 41-year-old from Melbourne and police named him as Harry Nicolaides, who was unaware there was an arrest warrant out for him when he tried to fly out from Bangkok to Australia on Sunday.

"An arrest warrant was issued in March for a book he wrote in 2005 deemed defamatory to the crown prince," Police Lieutenant-Colonel Boonlert Kalayanamit told Reuters.

He has been charged with lese-majeste, a crime that can carry a 15-year jail sentence in Thailand, and was being held at a remand prison pending further interviews, Boonlert said.

Nicolaides, a regular visitor to Thailand and briefly a resident, when he taught English and wrote for Australian newspapers, had not been granted bail, police said.

Police identified the novel in question as "Verisimilitude", described in publicity dated June 2005 on the phuket-info.com website as a "trenchant commentary on the political and social life of contemporary Thailand". Reuters Sept. 3, 2008]]> <![CDATA[In Memory Of Carnac the Magnificent aka Johnny Carson]]> http://www.dailytalkforum.com/showthread.php?tid=5765 Wed, 03 Sep 2008 02:42:49 -0700 toopeekaa 1 http://www.dailytalkforum.com/showthread.php?tid=5765
Where he would hold up a sealed envelope to his forehead, telepathically give the answer, then open the envelope to read the question.

Just so happens I have some of those stored away.

Post em if u got em :

ANSWER: Clean air, a virgin and a gas station open on Sunday.

QUESTION: Name three things you won't find in Los Angeles.]]>
Where he would hold up a sealed envelope to his forehead, telepathically give the answer, then open the envelope to read the question.

Just so happens I have some of those stored away.

Post em if u got em :

ANSWER: Clean air, a virgin and a gas station open on Sunday.

QUESTION: Name three things you won't find in Los Angeles.]]> <![CDATA[Wrestling legend Killer Kowalski dies]]> http://www.dailytalkforum.com/showthread.php?tid=5764 Mon, 01 Sep 2008 22:30:54 -0700 okosh http://www.dailytalkforum.com/showthread.php?tid=5764 Quote:Wrestling legend Killer Kowalski dies
Article from: The Daily Telegraph

[Image: walter_tribute.jpg]

September 01, 2008 12:00am

PROFESSIONAL wrestling legend Walter "Killer" Kowalski - one of the sport's early bad men and known for his stomach clutch - has died following a heart attack. He was 81.

Kowalski died at Whidden Hospital in Everett, Massachusetts, on Saturday - 12 days after his family decided to take him off life support. He had been in critical condition since his heart attack on August 8, wife Theresa Kowalski said.

An obituary posted at Weir Mac Cuish Family Funeral Home's Web site said Kowalski began his professional career in 1947. His 6-foot-7, 275-pound frame and a brutal wrestling style soon earned him the nickname "Killer."

He became known as a villain after severing part of Yukon Eric's ear during a match in Montreal in 1954. He visited his opponent in the hospital and "the two men began laughing at how silly Eric's bandages looked. The reporter incorrectly printed that Killer was laughing at his victim and soon after, Killer quickly became wrestling's most renowned 'heel,'" according to the Web site.

Kowalski later became famous for various moves, including a stomach vice grip called the Killer Clutch. He retired in 1977, a year after he and Big John Studd captured the WWF Tag Team Championship as The Executioners.

He went on to open a wrestling school in Malden, where he trained many current stars including WWE's Triple H.
http://www.news.com.au/dailytelegraph/st...21,00.html]]> <![CDATA[State of emergency announced in Bangkok]]> http://www.dailytalkforum.com/showthread.php?tid=5763 Mon, 01 Sep 2008 18:02:43 -0700 lukamar http://www.dailytalkforum.com/showthread.php?tid=5763 Quote:PM to have absolute control; PAD to go on protesting despite state of emergency; more people join protest at Government House, pro-government protesters disperse, 24 schools in 3 districts closed

Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej Tuesday announced the state of emergency in Bangkok following a clash between the pro and anti-government supporters early in the morning.

Reasoning that some groups of people caused disturbances in Bangkok that affect the peace and security, Samak announced the enforcement of the Emergency Decree on Public Administration in Emergency Situations in Bangkok.

The prime minister's order also appointed the army chief to be in charge of enforcing the emergency decree in Bangkok.

Thai PBS reported that the announcement exempted the enforcement paragraph 1 of Article 9 which prohibit people from leaving their houses, meaning people can still go t work.

The state of emergency prohibits gathering of more than five people.

The state of emergency authorises the authorities to evict people from any place or prohibit them from entering a place.

The state of emergency also prohibits news publicity in a way that terrifies the public.

The state of emergency also allows the authorities to detain suspects for seven days and would prohibit people from making illegal entries into government offices.

Pro-government protesters dispersed soon after learning about the emergency situation announcement.

But the leaders of the People's Alliance for Democracy said the protest would continue at Government House.

Thai PBS reporter reported from the scene that more people came out to join the rally Tuesday morning.

Democrat Party MP Sathit Wongnongtoey said the state of emergency would allow the prime minister to have absolute control.

Sathit said it seemed that the government foresaw the violence and state of emergency. He said the prime minster and People Power MPs indicated the violence would take place when they spoke during a debate on the political crisis Sunday night.

Supreme Commander Gen Boonsrang Niampradit said the people should stay calm and the government would take only necessary actions.

It was announced on TVs that 24 schools in three districts of Bangkok would be closed indefinitely. ]]> Quote:PM to have absolute control; PAD to go on protesting despite state of emergency; more people join protest at Government House, pro-government protesters disperse, 24 schools in 3 districts closed

Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej Tuesday announced the state of emergency in Bangkok following a clash between the pro and anti-government supporters early in the morning.

Reasoning that some groups of people caused disturbances in Bangkok that affect the peace and security, Samak announced the enforcement of the Emergency Decree on Public Administration in Emergency Situations in Bangkok.

The prime minister's order also appointed the army chief to be in charge of enforcing the emergency decree in Bangkok.

Thai PBS reported that the announcement exempted the enforcement paragraph 1 of Article 9 which prohibit people from leaving their houses, meaning people can still go t work.

The state of emergency prohibits gathering of more than five people.

The state of emergency authorises the authorities to evict people from any place or prohibit them from entering a place.

The state of emergency also prohibits news publicity in a way that terrifies the public.

The state of emergency also allows the authorities to detain suspects for seven days and would prohibit people from making illegal entries into government offices.

Pro-government protesters dispersed soon after learning about the emergency situation announcement.

But the leaders of the People's Alliance for Democracy said the protest would continue at Government House.

Thai PBS reporter reported from the scene that more people came out to join the rally Tuesday morning.

Democrat Party MP Sathit Wongnongtoey said the state of emergency would allow the prime minister to have absolute control.

Sathit said it seemed that the government foresaw the violence and state of emergency. He said the prime minster and People Power MPs indicated the violence would take place when they spoke during a debate on the political crisis Sunday night.

Supreme Commander Gen Boonsrang Niampradit said the people should stay calm and the government would take only necessary actions.

It was announced on TVs that 24 schools in three districts of Bangkok would be closed indefinitely. ]]> <![CDATA[State of Emergency Announced]]> http://www.dailytalkforum.com/showthread.php?tid=5762 Mon, 01 Sep 2008 17:03:58 -0700 lukamar http://www.dailytalkforum.com/showthread.php?tid=5762 Quote: State of emergency declared in Bangkok

Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej on Tuesday imposed a state of emergency after overnight clashes between pro- and anti-government protesters left one person dead and dozens injured.

State and private broadcasting stations declared the state of emergency at 7am ]]> Quote: State of emergency declared in Bangkok

Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej on Tuesday imposed a state of emergency after overnight clashes between pro- and anti-government protesters left one person dead and dozens injured.

State and private broadcasting stations declared the state of emergency at 7am ]]> <![CDATA[One is killed and dozens injured in the clash : doctor]]> http://www.dailytalkforum.com/showthread.php?tid=5761 Mon, 01 Sep 2008 16:35:11 -0700 lukamar http://www.dailytalkforum.com/showthread.php?tid=5761 Quote:A doctor confirmed on Tuesday that a man was killed and dozens were injured in the clash between pro-and anti-government protesters near the Government House.

Dr Petchpong Kamjornkitjakarn of Erawan Rescue Centre identified the first victim was Narongsak Kohtaisong. He died from wounds caused by impact of blunt object.

One of the injured was shot at chest while another has gunshot wounds, the doctor said.

The injured were rushed to nearby hospitals including Wajira, Hua Chiew and Rama Dhibodi.

Quote:Anti-riot soldiers arrive to help police handle the clash

Anti-riot soldiers arrived at clash site at about 3pm to assist the police who had been sandwiched between pro- and anti-government protesters.

Army Commander in Cheif Gen Anupong Paojinda ordered the deployment.

Quote:Army, police chiefs say state of emergency not warranted yet

Both Army Commander-in-Chief Gen Anupong Paochinda and Police Commissioner-General Pol Gen Phatcharawat Wongsuwan said Tuesday that the situation has not yet warranted an announcement of state of emergency.

The two gave call-in interviews to Thai PBS channel.

The Nation

]]> Quote:A doctor confirmed on Tuesday that a man was killed and dozens were injured in the clash between pro-and anti-government protesters near the Government House.

Dr Petchpong Kamjornkitjakarn of Erawan Rescue Centre identified the first victim was Narongsak Kohtaisong. He died from wounds caused by impact of blunt object.

One of the injured was shot at chest while another has gunshot wounds, the doctor said.

The injured were rushed to nearby hospitals including Wajira, Hua Chiew and Rama Dhibodi.

Quote:Anti-riot soldiers arrive to help police handle the clash

Anti-riot soldiers arrived at clash site at about 3pm to assist the police who had been sandwiched between pro- and anti-government protesters.

Army Commander in Cheif Gen Anupong Paojinda ordered the deployment.

Quote:Army, police chiefs say state of emergency not warranted yet

Both Army Commander-in-Chief Gen Anupong Paochinda and Police Commissioner-General Pol Gen Phatcharawat Wongsuwan said Tuesday that the situation has not yet warranted an announcement of state of emergency.

The two gave call-in interviews to Thai PBS channel.

The Nation

]]> <![CDATA[PAD take away official documents]]> http://www.dailytalkforum.com/showthread.php?tid=5760 Mon, 01 Sep 2008 10:39:09 -0700 lukamar http://www.dailytalkforum.com/showthread.php?tid=5760 Quote:PAD take away official documents senior official

The People's Alliance for Democracy seized all the documents involving hiring, procurement and purchase of government projects kept inside the Government, PM's Office Permanent Secretary Chulayuth Hiranyawasit said Monday.

He added that the officials from his agency went into the Government House to bring some documents out so that they can continue working. They found that those documents had been taken by the PAD.

TheNation
Seize is a very poor choice of words as it infers that the PAD took possession by legal process. The statement should have read.

The People's Alliance for Democracy have stolen all the documents

From Websters... Stole stolen steal
a: to take or appropriate without right or leave and with intent to keep or make use of wrongfully
b: to take away by force or unjust means
c: to take surreptitiously or without permission
d: to appropriate to oneself or beyond one's proper share]]> Quote:PAD take away official documents senior official

The People's Alliance for Democracy seized all the documents involving hiring, procurement and purchase of government projects kept inside the Government, PM's Office Permanent Secretary Chulayuth Hiranyawasit said Monday.

He added that the officials from his agency went into the Government House to bring some documents out so that they can continue working. They found that those documents had been taken by the PAD.

TheNation
Seize is a very poor choice of words as it infers that the PAD took possession by legal process. The statement should have read.

The People's Alliance for Democracy have stolen all the documents

From Websters... Stole stolen steal
a: to take or appropriate without right or leave and with intent to keep or make use of wrongfully
b: to take away by force or unjust means
c: to take surreptitiously or without permission
d: to appropriate to oneself or beyond one's proper share]]> <![CDATA[Thaksin Sells Manchester City]]> http://www.dailytalkforum.com/showthread.php?tid=5759 Mon, 01 Sep 2008 05:18:46 -0700 forwardone http://www.dailytalkforum.com/showthread.php?tid=5759
"Manchester City can confirm that a Memorandum of Understanding has been signed between the Abu Dhabi United Group (Adug) and Manchester City Football Club Limited," a club statement read. "A period of due diligence for all parties, including the FA Premier League, has now been entered."

Thaksin Shinawatra, who will remain at the club as honorary president without any administrative responsibilities, agreed the deal last night to sell the club to Adug, who will be represented on the new City board by Dr Sulaiman Al-Fahim. "We will release details later, but this is a great event for both the club and Abu Dhabi," said Al-Fahim, the chief executive of Hydra Properties. "Our goal is very simple: to make Manchester City the biggest club in the Premier League, and to begin with to finish in the top four this season."

According to Arabian Business, negotiations between City and Adug began three weeks ago and were completed last night at the Emirates Palace Hotel in Dubai. Al-Fahim said that Adug will clear any club debts and pending payments, and provide money to bring in some of the world's best players. He also hopes that in turn the deal will make Abu Dhabi more prominent in the world of sport and economics.

"We in Abu Dhabi United Company for Development and Investment are keen to develop ways to provide support and care for various sports activities to help build and develop a new generation of young State, which represents the real wealth and the future of this nation and the cornerstone for building the future of our civilisation," he said.

"As embodied in our mission to open new horizons in all kinds of sports, it will enable them to enjoy healthy body and mind, thanks to the lessons we have learned from the wise leadership in Abu Dhabi.

"We will adopt marketing plans that reflect positively on the club and the company from investments in all sectors of television marketing and purchasing of the stars players, as well as development of infrastructure facilities at the club."

http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2008/...feed=sport]]>
"Manchester City can confirm that a Memorandum of Understanding has been signed between the Abu Dhabi United Group (Adug) and Manchester City Football Club Limited," a club statement read. "A period of due diligence for all parties, including the FA Premier League, has now been entered."

Thaksin Shinawatra, who will remain at the club as honorary president without any administrative responsibilities, agreed the deal last night to sell the club to Adug, who will be represented on the new City board by Dr Sulaiman Al-Fahim. "We will release details later, but this is a great event for both the club and Abu Dhabi," said Al-Fahim, the chief executive of Hydra Properties. "Our goal is very simple: to make Manchester City the biggest club in the Premier League, and to begin with to finish in the top four this season."

According to Arabian Business, negotiations between City and Adug began three weeks ago and were completed last night at the Emirates Palace Hotel in Dubai. Al-Fahim said that Adug will clear any club debts and pending payments, and provide money to bring in some of the world's best players. He also hopes that in turn the deal will make Abu Dhabi more prominent in the world of sport and economics.

"We in Abu Dhabi United Company for Development and Investment are keen to develop ways to provide support and care for various sports activities to help build and develop a new generation of young State, which represents the real wealth and the future of this nation and the cornerstone for building the future of our civilisation," he said.

"As embodied in our mission to open new horizons in all kinds of sports, it will enable them to enjoy healthy body and mind, thanks to the lessons we have learned from the wise leadership in Abu Dhabi.

"We will adopt marketing plans that reflect positively on the club and the company from investments in all sectors of television marketing and purchasing of the stars players, as well as development of infrastructure facilities at the club."

http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2008/...feed=sport]]> <![CDATA[Good English]]> http://www.dailytalkforum.com/showthread.php?tid=5758 Mon, 01 Sep 2008 02:52:38 -0700 forwardone http://www.dailytalkforum.com/showthread.php?tid=5758 Tesco to ditch 'ten items or less' sign after good grammar campaign

Tesco has bowed to pressure from those lobbying for the use of good English and have altered checkout signs reading "ten items or less" in the interests of being gramatically correct.

From now on. signs in new stores are to say "up to 10 items" after a long running argument with those who have objected to the use of the word "less" in that context.

Many have argued that the signs ought to read "ten items or fewer" instead of "ten items or less". Their argument is that the word 'fewer' should be used when it refers to quantities that can be counted. 'Less', they say, should refer to quantities that cannot be counted.

The new form of words comes from a suggestion by the Plain English Campaign.

"There is a debate about whether the word should be 'less' or 'fewer'," a campaign spokesman said. "Saying 'up to ten items' is easy to understand and avoids any debate."

Guidance from Oxford University Press says: "Less means 'not as much'. Fewer means 'not as many'. This can be tricky when referring to quantities. For example, we say less than six weeks, not fewer than six weeks, because we are not referring to six individual weeks, but to a single period of time lasting six weeks."

Hopes that changing the wording would provide a satisfactory solution to the knotty problem appear premature with some critics claiming that the new signs are themselves ambiguous.

Some would argue that "up to ten items" could mean "ten items and no more" or "nine items or fewer".

A Tesco spokesman said: "The debate about what is right has been going on for years now, and I still don't think we know if 'less' or 'fewer' is correct.

"The new signs will be in the rolling out of new stores. We are not going to see any new ones in existing shops so shoppers in those will not see the change."

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/2...paign.html]]> Tesco to ditch 'ten items or less' sign after good grammar campaign

Tesco has bowed to pressure from those lobbying for the use of good English and have altered checkout signs reading "ten items or less" in the interests of being gramatically correct.

From now on. signs in new stores are to say "up to 10 items" after a long running argument with those who have objected to the use of the word "less" in that context.

Many have argued that the signs ought to read "ten items or fewer" instead of "ten items or less". Their argument is that the word 'fewer' should be used when it refers to quantities that can be counted. 'Less', they say, should refer to quantities that cannot be counted.

The new form of words comes from a suggestion by the Plain English Campaign.

"There is a debate about whether the word should be 'less' or 'fewer'," a campaign spokesman said. "Saying 'up to ten items' is easy to understand and avoids any debate."

Guidance from Oxford University Press says: "Less means 'not as much'. Fewer means 'not as many'. This can be tricky when referring to quantities. For example, we say less than six weeks, not fewer than six weeks, because we are not referring to six individual weeks, but to a single period of time lasting six weeks."

Hopes that changing the wording would provide a satisfactory solution to the knotty problem appear premature with some critics claiming that the new signs are themselves ambiguous.

Some would argue that "up to ten items" could mean "ten items and no more" or "nine items or fewer".

A Tesco spokesman said: "The debate about what is right has been going on for years now, and I still don't think we know if 'less' or 'fewer' is correct.

"The new signs will be in the rolling out of new stores. We are not going to see any new ones in existing shops so shoppers in those will not see the change."

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/2...paign.html]]> <![CDATA[Fish Oil Supplements Help With Heart Failure]]> http://www.dailytalkforum.com/showthread.php?tid=5757 Mon, 01 Sep 2008 02:49:21 -0700 forwardone http://www.dailytalkforum.com/showthread.php?tid=5757
But a cholesterol-lowering statin drug had no beneficial effect in a parallel heart failure trial.

"This confirms what we've been seeing for a couple of decades in observational studies," Dr. Dariush Mozaffarian, an associate professor of medicine and epidemiology at Harvard Medical School and the Harvard School of Public Health, said of the fish oil trial. "There is a benefit of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids for heart failure patients."
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Both findings were published online Aug. 31 in the journalThe Lancetand presented at a meeting of the European Society of Cardiology, in Munich, Germany.

The omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) study, done by a consortium of 357 Italian cardiology centers, enlisted more than 7,000 people diagnosed with heart failure, which is the progressive loss of the heart's ability to pump blood. Half took a daily capsule containing omega-3 PUFA, the other half took a capsule with a placebo. The death rate in the PUFA group was 27 percent, compared to 29 percent in the placebo group.

That reduction might not seem like much, but it impressed Mozaffarian, who has done his own PUFA studies.

"There are few treatments we have in medicine that affect total mortality in patients," he said. "Just a handful of treatments affect total mortality. Even a small move percentage-wise is a very important effect."

In absolute terms, the Italian researchers reported that 56 people with heart failure would have to take PUFA supplements for about four years to avoid one death. The supplements also reduced hospitalizations, with one less hospitalization or death for every 44 people taking the supplements for four years.

Similar results have been reported in two earlier trials, Mozaffarian said. But they did not have the strict conditions of the Italian study, which were placebo-controlled and "double-blind," meaning that neither the physicians nor the participants knew who was getting the active substance rather than the placebo.

"You always like to have a placebo-controlled trial," he said.

But the positive trial results don't mean that anyone with heart failure can start taking fish oil supplements on their own, said Dr. Gregg Fonarow, professor of cardiovascular medicine at the University of California, Los Angeles, who wrote an editorial accompanying the journal report.

"They used a specific formulation, a prescription formulation," Fonarow said. "Heart failure is a very high-risk condition. It is absolutely critical for patients, whether it is a prescription medicine or modification of diet or a supplement, that they consult their physician."

The negative results of the statin trial were a surprise, Fonarow said. It included more than 4,500 people with heart failure, half of whom took the statin rosuvastatin (Crestor), while the other half took a placebo. The death rate was 29 percent in the statin group, 28 percent in the placebo group.

The result doesn't mean that a statin should not be prescribed for someone with heart failure and high cholesterol, Fonarow said. "There were no safety concerns," he said. "The drug was well tolerated. It indicates that heart failure, in and of itself, should not be reason to start a patient on a statin."

The study "doesn't shut the door" on the use of statins for heart failure, Mozaffarian said, "but it closes it partly. Maybe another statin would have a benefit. It definitely makes us question the benefit of statins in heart failure, but it doesn't close the door completely."

Another report in the same issue of the journal that was led by British cardiologists described a trial of the drug ivabradine, which reduces the heart rate, in people with coronary artery disease and an unusually fast heart rate. The drug reduced deaths and hospitalizations significantly, the researchers said.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/con...00444.html]]>
But a cholesterol-lowering statin drug had no beneficial effect in a parallel heart failure trial.

"This confirms what we've been seeing for a couple of decades in observational studies," Dr. Dariush Mozaffarian, an associate professor of medicine and epidemiology at Harvard Medical School and the Harvard School of Public Health, said of the fish oil trial. "There is a benefit of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids for heart failure patients."
ad_icon

Both findings were published online Aug. 31 in the journalThe Lancetand presented at a meeting of the European Society of Cardiology, in Munich, Germany.

The omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) study, done by a consortium of 357 Italian cardiology centers, enlisted more than 7,000 people diagnosed with heart failure, which is the progressive loss of the heart's ability to pump blood. Half took a daily capsule containing omega-3 PUFA, the other half took a capsule with a placebo. The death rate in the PUFA group was 27 percent, compared to 29 percent in the placebo group.

That reduction might not seem like much, but it impressed Mozaffarian, who has done his own PUFA studies.

"There are few treatments we have in medicine that affect total mortality in patients," he said. "Just a handful of treatments affect total mortality. Even a small move percentage-wise is a very important effect."

In absolute terms, the Italian researchers reported that 56 people with heart failure would have to take PUFA supplements for about four years to avoid one death. The supplements also reduced hospitalizations, with one less hospitalization or death for every 44 people taking the supplements for four years.

Similar results have been reported in two earlier trials, Mozaffarian said. But they did not have the strict conditions of the Italian study, which were placebo-controlled and "double-blind," meaning that neither the physicians nor the participants knew who was getting the active substance rather than the placebo.

"You always like to have a placebo-controlled trial," he said.

But the positive trial results don't mean that anyone with heart failure can start taking fish oil supplements on their own, said Dr. Gregg Fonarow, professor of cardiovascular medicine at the University of California, Los Angeles, who wrote an editorial accompanying the journal report.

"They used a specific formulation, a prescription formulation," Fonarow said. "Heart failure is a very high-risk condition. It is absolutely critical for patients, whether it is a prescription medicine or modification of diet or a supplement, that they consult their physician."

The negative results of the statin trial were a surprise, Fonarow said. It included more than 4,500 people with heart failure, half of whom took the statin rosuvastatin (Crestor), while the other half took a placebo. The death rate was 29 percent in the statin group, 28 percent in the placebo group.

The result doesn't mean that a statin should not be prescribed for someone with heart failure and high cholesterol, Fonarow said. "There were no safety concerns," he said. "The drug was well tolerated. It indicates that heart failure, in and of itself, should not be reason to start a patient on a statin."

The study "doesn't shut the door" on the use of statins for heart failure, Mozaffarian said, "but it closes it partly. Maybe another statin would have a benefit. It definitely makes us question the benefit of statins in heart failure, but it doesn't close the door completely."

Another report in the same issue of the journal that was led by British cardiologists described a trial of the drug ivabradine, which reduces the heart rate, in people with coronary artery disease and an unusually fast heart rate. The drug reduced deaths and hospitalizations significantly, the researchers said.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/con...00444.html]]> <![CDATA[Pound falls to two-year low on Darling blunder]]> http://www.dailytalkforum.com/showthread.php?tid=5756 Mon, 01 Sep 2008 02:47:48 -0700 forwardone http://www.dailytalkforum.com/showthread.php?tid=5756
Sterling also weakened ahead of this month's interest rate decision on Thursday, on hopes the Bank of England's Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) will vote to cut borrowing costs.

However, it is widely expected that the MPC will keep rates at 5 per cent for September after inflation hit a 16-year high of 4.4 per cent last month, more than double the Government's 2 per cent target.

While the pound retreated to its lowest level since April 2006, the euro jumped to 81.39 against sterling - the highest since the single European currency launched in 1999.

Mr Darling told The Guardian last week that conditions were "arguably the worst they've been in 60 years", in stark contrast to Prime Minister Gordon Brown who has been emphasising the resilience of the UK economy.

Ahead of Thursday's interest rate decision, Howard Archer, chief UK and European economist at Global Insight, said it may be premature to expect the MPC to vote for a 25 basis point cut to 4.75 per cent. However, Mr Archer expects at least one reduction to borrowing costs by the end of the year.

He said: "...we believe that most MPC members will still be reluctant to cut interest rates at this stage given the fact that consumer price inflation is set to move further above its 2.0 per cent target over the next few months and could well reach 5.0 per cent around October.

"The Bank of England will want to send out the message that while it recognises the increased danger of recession, it is not prepared to trim interest rates until it is confident that the combination of subdued economic activity and rising unemployment is starting to dilute underlying inflationary pressures."

http://business.timesonline.co.uk/tol/bu...651993.ece]]>
Sterling also weakened ahead of this month's interest rate decision on Thursday, on hopes the Bank of England's Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) will vote to cut borrowing costs.

However, it is widely expected that the MPC will keep rates at 5 per cent for September after inflation hit a 16-year high of 4.4 per cent last month, more than double the Government's 2 per cent target.

While the pound retreated to its lowest level since April 2006, the euro jumped to 81.39 against sterling - the highest since the single European currency launched in 1999.

Mr Darling told The Guardian last week that conditions were "arguably the worst they've been in 60 years", in stark contrast to Prime Minister Gordon Brown who has been emphasising the resilience of the UK economy.

Ahead of Thursday's interest rate decision, Howard Archer, chief UK and European economist at Global Insight, said it may be premature to expect the MPC to vote for a 25 basis point cut to 4.75 per cent. However, Mr Archer expects at least one reduction to borrowing costs by the end of the year.

He said: "...we believe that most MPC members will still be reluctant to cut interest rates at this stage given the fact that consumer price inflation is set to move further above its 2.0 per cent target over the next few months and could well reach 5.0 per cent around October.

"The Bank of England will want to send out the message that while it recognises the increased danger of recession, it is not prepared to trim interest rates until it is confident that the combination of subdued economic activity and rising unemployment is starting to dilute underlying inflationary pressures."

http://business.timesonline.co.uk/tol/bu...651993.ece]]> <![CDATA[Words of Wisdom, maybe]]> http://www.dailytalkforum.com/showthread.php?tid=5755 Sun, 31 Aug 2008 20:17:03 -0700 toopeekaa 1 http://www.dailytalkforum.com/showthread.php?tid=5755 The real reason that we can't have the Ten Commandments posted in a courthouse is this: You cannot post "Thou Shalt Not Steal," "Thou Shalt Not Commit Adultery," and "Thou Shall Not Lie" in a building full of lawyers, judges and politicians ... It creates a hostile work environment.

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]]> The real reason that we can't have the Ten Commandments posted in a courthouse is this: You cannot post "Thou Shalt Not Steal," "Thou Shalt Not Commit Adultery," and "Thou Shall Not Lie" in a building full of lawyers, judges and politicians ... It creates a hostile work environment.

Icon_mrgreen

]]> <![CDATA[Funny Photoshopped]]> http://www.dailytalkforum.com/showthread.php?tid=5754 Sun, 31 Aug 2008 04:55:01 -0700 Shrek http://www.dailytalkforum.com/showthread.php?tid=5754 [Image: Fun_Pic (742).jpg]

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]]> <![CDATA[Jeez - I must be thick, I just don't understand.]]> http://www.dailytalkforum.com/showthread.php?tid=5753 Sat, 30 Aug 2008 20:54:53 -0700 lukamar http://www.dailytalkforum.com/showthread.php?tid=5753 Quote:Academics split over best solution
'PM should quit or dissolve House'

Academics were yesterday divided over what was the best solution for defusing the ongoing political crisis between the government and the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD).

Although they agreed that the prime minister's days were numbered given the sharp rise in the political temperature following Friday's running street battles, they had split into two lines of thinking.

The first camp wants to see Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej resign from his post, while those in the other camp have urged him to dissolve parliament to end the crisis.

Whole story
http://www.bangkokpost.net/310808_News/3...news10.php
Normally academics have a high education but I'm beginning to think that thy all get a higher Degree in Thailand with a wink and a quick pass of the hand. Can any of these people even think let alone teach and mold the young minds that will be Thailand's future. I don't think so or am I just outright dumb. I fear for my son's education, maybe I better salt away some more money so he can go to University in Canada.

It doesn't take a genius to understand that if your child grows up in a household where you abuse your significant other they will probably do exactly the same. Same goes for governments and street gangs. Although the academics mentioned don't seem to be bright enough to use logic in this situation. If you dissolve parliament and/or the pm resigns every time a group gets together and opposes anything and everything you would never have a government. Dissolving the house and calling an election will just prolong the situation because we all know who would win if the election was held tomorrow. If the PM resigns the PAD won't be happy because they want the government to resign so the cycle will start all over again with new demands.

Today I had an online conversation with a PAD supporter who thought it was fine to take over government house. I ask him what he would do if 100 of my friends decided to camp out in his front yard and kick the door in so they could use the washroom. He said call the police and I told him that's exactly what the government did when the PAD invaded their house. In the end he realized that you can't usurp other peoples property, in this case the people of Thailand's property, even if you think your cause is just.

I also explained to him that both sides have good and bad points but that the tact that PAD has taken in the last week was both subversive and was an outright armed insurrection. And as an insurrection the government had all means at their disposal to quell it but they have not done so but that will not last for long now. He decided to stay home and watch the TV today.]]> Quote:Academics split over best solution
'PM should quit or dissolve House'

Academics were yesterday divided over what was the best solution for defusing the ongoing political crisis between the government and the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD).

Although they agreed that the prime minister's days were numbered given the sharp rise in the political temperature following Friday's running street battles, they had split into two lines of thinking.

The first camp wants to see Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej resign from his post, while those in the other camp have urged him to dissolve parliament to end the crisis.

Whole story
http://www.bangkokpost.net/310808_News/3...news10.php
Normally academics have a high education but I'm beginning to think that thy all get a higher Degree in Thailand with a wink and a quick pass of the hand. Can any of these people even think let alone teach and mold the young minds that will be Thailand's future. I don't think so or am I just outright dumb. I fear for my son's education, maybe I better salt away some more money so he can go to University in Canada.

It doesn't take a genius to understand that if your child grows up in a household where you abuse your significant other they will probably do exactly the same. Same goes for governments and street gangs. Although the academics mentioned don't seem to be bright enough to use logic in this situation. If you dissolve parliament and/or the pm resigns every time a group gets together and opposes anything and everything you would never have a government. Dissolving the house and calling an election will just prolong the situation because we all know who would win if the election was held tomorrow. If the PM resigns the PAD won't be happy because they want the government to resign so the cycle will start all over again with new demands.

Today I had an online conversation with a PAD supporter who thought it was fine to take over government house. I ask him what he would do if 100 of my friends decided to camp out in his front yard and kick the door in so they could use the washroom. He said call the police and I told him that's exactly what the government did when the PAD invaded their house. In the end he realized that you can't usurp other peoples property, in this case the people of Thailand's property, even if you think your cause is just.

I also explained to him that both sides have good and bad points but that the tact that PAD has taken in the last week was both subversive and was an outright armed insurrection. And as an insurrection the government had all means at their disposal to quell it but they have not done so but that will not last for long now. He decided to stay home and watch the TV today.]]> <![CDATA[Sour Sobs growing out of control]]> http://www.dailytalkforum.com/showthread.php?tid=5752 Sat, 30 Aug 2008 02:52:05 -0700 Coffee Break http://www.dailytalkforum.com/showthread.php?tid=5752 the best way to permanently remove them

This is what my back yard looks like ATM Shy

]]> the best way to permanently remove them

This is what my back yard looks like ATM Shy

]]> <![CDATA[Enemies of the State]]> http://www.dailytalkforum.com/showthread.php?tid=5751 Fri, 29 Aug 2008 19:48:04 -0700 maximsilentfoot http://www.dailytalkforum.com/showthread.php?tid=5751
August 30, 2008

I have been receiving lots of great feedback about my recent short political analysis (People's Alliance for Anarchy, August 26th 2008 found at http://www.dailytalkforum.com/showthread.php?tid=5743 ) and as there have been many developments since the events of that day, here I am again, writing a much more detailed analysis of the present state of Thai Politics. As always, I welcome feedback whether or not you agree with what I have to say.

First off, a brief chronological update before I go into the details.

-Warrants of arrest have been issued for the core leaders of the People's Alliance for Democracy (or according to my previous analysis the 'D' for democracy should be replaced with 'A' for Anarchy, so I will be referring to them as the PAA), charges include treason;

-the Civil Court has issued an immediate injunction for the PAA to be evicted from Government House and clear the surrounding area so that normal traffic may resume;

-police destroy PAA stage at Makkhawan bridge, then PAA reclaims it awhile later after police retreated from the area;

-clashes occurred at government house when police accompanying the civil court's legal executioner had to beat protestors who tried to prevent the executioner from pasting the notice of injunction at 5 spots in the government house;

-various unions call on workers to strike and stop working, starting with the State Railway of Thailand SRT);

-PAA surrounds and tries to take over control of Phuket, Krabi, and Hat Yai airports;

-PAA tries to attack Metropolitan Police Headquarters and damages vehicles, but is repelled by teargas;

-civil court cancels injunction following claims of police brutality in the morning;

-coalition partners recommend special session on Sunday to find a solution to the present conflict.

The Rule of Law

The PAA's enemies have always been well known: the Thaksin regime (TRT) and now the Samak administration (PPP). Yet now they seem to challenge the authority of the courts. The most interesting and relevant development so far is the issue of warrants of arrest for the core PAA leaders. They were charged with treason, amongst others, which carries the death sentence. One point that I would like to highlight here is the fact that till today, the leaders have not turned themselves in. Instead they have chosen to remain in the Government House, and demand that the police should come and get them. At the same time, they surround themselves with women, the elderly and even monks. If they are true leaders of an army waging a so-called 'war' against the present government, they would not be hiding and would turn themselves in like honorable men, of which they obviously are not. This kind of behavior is cowardly to say the least.

Some irony can even be seen in the actions of the PAA. Just weeks ago, they staged a huge protest in front of the British Embassy to demand the sending back of former prime minister Dr. Thaksin and his wife to Thailand as there are arrest warrants out for the both of them and they are considered to be fugitives. Amazingly today, the PAA leaders are behaving just like fugitives themselves; rather than turning themselves in peacefully, which could greatly help avoid unnecessary clashes and bloodshed, they choose to hide behind a human shield.

One of the charges that have been laid out against them is treason, and it one can be sentenced to death if convicted. It basically labels a person as being an 'enemy of the state'. Unfortunately, some members of the Democrat party (the opposition) and some appointed senators (the non-elected lot) was somehow uneducated and stupid enough to call the charge of treason 'too severe'. I actually laughed out loud. How opportunistic of them to gain popularity rather than putting logic and the welfare of their country first.

Khun Korn, the shadow finance minister, even appeared at the PAA stage at government house and said that he was here to encourage the PAA to continue what they are doing, since there is nothing wrong with assembling peacefully. The same was said by Khun Rosana (a senator). These people obviously need a reality check. Maybe if one day Khun Korn becomes a real minster rather than hanging out in the shadow, and has to work at the government house, we can see if his enemies gather people and take over his place of work he will still consider that peaceful. If he and other idiots call the raid at NBT station, the attack on the metropolitan police headquarters, the occupation and refusal to vacate the premises of the Government house, the refusal of the core leaders to turn themselves in despite arrest warrants being issued, and most importantly the calling for a democratically elected and royally appointed government to resign through whatever means possible as not being amounting to treason, then what is? Don't forget that they are calling for a 'new form of politics' with the whole 70-30 fiasco. How is that going to be achieved with the current constitution still in force? It can't, which only means they are seeking to overthrow this government and rip apart this constitution and write their own version of politics.

A final thing to note on this point is the fact that the PAA do have a right to the freedom of assembly. However that right must be done peacefully, without arms, and must not infringe on the rights of others. I am sure the events which have taken place over the past few days are a clear enough indication to any rational person reading this as to whether or not the PAA are behaving in a peaceful manner without violating the rights of others.

The Democrat Party's True Colors

There is a particular reason that I have decided to mention the sole opposition party in Thailand's current parliament and the oldest political party in Thailand. There have always been suggestions of the Democrat's party involvement in the PAA movement; recently that was confirmed through a number of events. Well first off, it is quite obvious from the fact that a Democrat MP (Dr. Somkiat) is a core leader of the PAA. In fact, an arrest warrant was issued on charges of treason for him as well. Unfortunately (or the other way around for him), the constitution grants immunity to any member of parliament from criminal prosecution so long as parliament is still in session. Only a matter of time for before his arrest warrant takes effect then. In the mean time, he has the guts to appear before parliament and perform his duties with no shame. Yet one person who is in the 'shame zone' would be his party leader, Khun Abhisit. The fact that Khun Abhisit stood by this thug when he was charge with lese majeste during the squabble with Rajavinit School already spoke volumes about Khun Abhisit's standards. And now, Khun Abhisit seems fine with a member of his party being charged with treason still continuing his job as a member of parliament and remains a member of the Democrat Party. Is this not a form of double standards considering the fact that it was Khun Abhisit that seems to be a champion of morals? I recall him calling for Khun Jakrapob's immediate resignation when he was charged for lese majeste after making statements to the FCC.

It does not end with Dr. Somkiat of course. The fact that Khun Abhisit went personally to where the PAA were gathering, along with the likes of Khun Korn, just to give moral support rather than to condemn what the PAA has done so far, already shows the true colors of the Democrat Party; another irony considering the name of their party. Like I had previously stated, the Democrat Party is behaving like crook opportunists who are willing to turn a blind eye to an illegal movement so long as somehow they can achieve some personal gain in the end, perhaps they hope that they will finally be allowed to form a government considering they will probably never be able to do so through the ballot, hence the cheap tactic. In my opinion, the PAA may very well bring the downfall of not only the stability of our great nation, but also the popularity of the democrats once people see what kind of double standards they apply and how they are so cheap as to back the PAA despite common sense and the rule of law not being on its side.

Where Do We Go From Here?

That's a good question. I honestly don't know. But here are some possible outcomes and things than could happen in the next few days. First, the PAA leaders could come to their senses, turn themselves in to face the charges, and tell the protesters to disperse, maybe back to Makhawan bridge; highly unlikely considering the fact that these criminals made it clear that they will only leave once the cabinet leaves and they succeed in their goal of getting rid of this government through, and I stress this again, whatever means possible. A second possible outcome could be the resignation of Khun Samak, the prime minister. While this might ease tensions a bit, it does not necessarily solve the whole problem; the PAA don't just want him to go, they want to somehow 'reform' Thai politics so the whole cabinet must go with him and so will the constitution. What about dissolving parliament? Unlikely to solve anything since the PAA knows that the majority of the population will once again vote the PPP or whatever proxy party back into power. Considering the recent moves by the Democrats, the PPP might even win by a bigger margin than last time. As I am writing this, the coalition partners in the government, specifically the Chart Thai Party leader Khun Banharn proposed the idea of having a special parliamentary session on Sunday to find a way out of the current crisis gripping our nation. I like this idea, and I hope that the ruling government, Democrat party, and the self-righteous senators put the interests of their nation before themselves.

It seems then that the possible outcomes are quite numerous, and I intentionally chose not to list them all because they are endless. But there is a particular outcome that I would like to highlight: violence and the spilling of Thai blood. As much as I hope it never comes to this and all parties come to their senses, it is starting to look inevitable. I would like what I'm about to say to be food for thought to those who continue to ask the government to "use restraint and to not use force against the protestors, etc". What I would like to hear is some way for the police to reclaim government house, for the government to continue its work at that place, with the PAA out of there since their continued occupation is ILLEGAL by any standards. The people there have warrants of arrest out for their heads to appear in a court of law, and they hide inside. If a criminal locks himself up in your home, for how long will you tolerate negotiating with him? There comes a time when the government must put their foot down and set a precedent: the taking over of government property by the public which inhibits the government from performing their duties and to unjustly cause hardship to their fellow citizens must never be tolerated.

The PAA has already shown the whole nation that they never intended to use 'peaceful' means to achieve what they want. They will do it by any means possible, even with the use of violence. Now we hear that they are trying to shut down major airports. Who benefits? Are these people even thinking about what is in the best interests of Thailand? I guess not. Maybe they have forgotten how much we depend on tourism, and the number of business which will be (and already are) badly affected by their illogical and unjustified acts of treason. Just last night, some of the protestors wanted to leave the government house to go home. To their surprise, the PAA guards refused to let them leave and even locked up the gates to make sure no one got out. In my opinion, it is only a matter of time before the PAA implodes unless some drastic measures are taken by whichever side.

I was very encouraged when on Wednesday, a day after the PAA decided to take control of Thailand, I was having lunch in the canteen of my faculty at Chulalongkorn University and I noticed a group of students gathering and took turns at the microphone denouncing the acts of the PAA as amounting to treason and that they had to face the wrath of the law. Then today over the radio students at Thammasat University seem to have formed a group to denounce the PAA and demand an immediate end to their illegal acts. In a country of over 63 million people, logic would dictate that the PAA has no authority whatsoever to continue what they are doing. These types of denunciations must continue until more people come to their senses.

In conclusion, my dear readers, I would like to beg for each and every one of you to resist supporting what the PAA is asking for and denounce their movement. Am I asking for you to love and adore the Samak government? Most definitely not. You have the very right to not like the government or whichever party. That is your right, and no one can take that away. You want to protest? Do it peacefully, and do not infringe on the rights of anyone else. The PAA has stepped over the line by miles. Each and every thing they have done so far shows that they are not the peaceful demonstrators they once were. They are trying to cripple our nation, to bring the government to its knees, by whatever means possible, and this must not be tolerated. Just imagine the future consequences: a government chosen by the people of this country, receiving the blessings of His Majesty the King, being toppled through mob-rule. How can a group of people, however many thousands in number, tell us, the majority and law-abiding citizens of Thailand, how the government should function, what rules should and should not apply, and who should be in charge? Who do they think they are? Just today, they even told the deputy commissioner general of the Royal Thai Police to 'hand over the police in charge of using force against the PAA, so that they may punish him for what he did'. Unbelievable isn't it? Apparently they think they somehow have the mandate to decide someone's guilt. I cannot say this enough: the PAA have gone too far and must be stopped. The government must put their foot down, and it is about time that rational and reasonable Thais see through their façade of claiming to be a peaceful movement. Whatever happens in the next few days, whether or not PM and his cabinet resigns, under no circumstances can we accept the actions of the PAA over the last few days. My fellow citizens, it is time we show the PAA that there are more educated and rational Thais than those paid and brainwashed to join their treacherous cause. The rule of law must prevail, the core leaders of the PAA must be arrested and appear before a court of law, the PAA must leave government house and cease their occupation of various airports. Only then can we take steps towards creating national reconciliation and ensure that everything is done within the scope of the supreme law of the land.]]>
August 30, 2008

I have been receiving lots of great feedback about my recent short political analysis (People's Alliance for Anarchy, August 26th 2008 found at http://www.dailytalkforum.com/showthread.php?tid=5743 ) and as there have been many developments since the events of that day, here I am again, writing a much more detailed analysis of the present state of Thai Politics. As always, I welcome feedback whether or not you agree with what I have to say.

First off, a brief chronological update before I go into the details.

-Warrants of arrest have been issued for the core leaders of the People's Alliance for Democracy (or according to my previous analysis the 'D' for democracy should be replaced with 'A' for Anarchy, so I will be referring to them as the PAA), charges include treason;

-the Civil Court has issued an immediate injunction for the PAA to be evicted from Government House and clear the surrounding area so that normal traffic may resume;

-police destroy PAA stage at Makkhawan bridge, then PAA reclaims it awhile later after police retreated from the area;

-clashes occurred at government house when police accompanying the civil court's legal executioner had to beat protestors who tried to prevent the executioner from pasting the notice of injunction at 5 spots in the government house;

-various unions call on workers to strike and stop working, starting with the State Railway of Thailand SRT);

-PAA surrounds and tries to take over control of Phuket, Krabi, and Hat Yai airports;

-PAA tries to attack Metropolitan Police Headquarters and damages vehicles, but is repelled by teargas;

-civil court cancels injunction following claims of police brutality in the morning;

-coalition partners recommend special session on Sunday to find a solution to the present conflict.

The Rule of Law

The PAA's enemies have always been well known: the Thaksin regime (TRT) and now the Samak administration (PPP). Yet now they seem to challenge the authority of the courts. The most interesting and relevant development so far is the issue of warrants of arrest for the core PAA leaders. They were charged with treason, amongst others, which carries the death sentence. One point that I would like to highlight here is the fact that till today, the leaders have not turned themselves in. Instead they have chosen to remain in the Government House, and demand that the police should come and get them. At the same time, they surround themselves with women, the elderly and even monks. If they are true leaders of an army waging a so-called 'war' against the present government, they would not be hiding and would turn themselves in like honorable men, of which they obviously are not. This kind of behavior is cowardly to say the least.

Some irony can even be seen in the actions of the PAA. Just weeks ago, they staged a huge protest in front of the British Embassy to demand the sending back of former prime minister Dr. Thaksin and his wife to Thailand as there are arrest warrants out for the both of them and they are considered to be fugitives. Amazingly today, the PAA leaders are behaving just like fugitives themselves; rather than turning themselves in peacefully, which could greatly help avoid unnecessary clashes and bloodshed, they choose to hide behind a human shield.

One of the charges that have been laid out against them is treason, and it one can be sentenced to death if convicted. It basically labels a person as being an 'enemy of the state'. Unfortunately, some members of the Democrat party (the opposition) and some appointed senators (the non-elected lot) was somehow uneducated and stupid enough to call the charge of treason 'too severe'. I actually laughed out loud. How opportunistic of them to gain popularity rather than putting logic and the welfare of their country first.

Khun Korn, the shadow finance minister, even appeared at the PAA stage at government house and said that he was here to encourage the PAA to continue what they are doing, since there is nothing wrong with assembling peacefully. The same was said by Khun Rosana (a senator). These people obviously need a reality check. Maybe if one day Khun Korn becomes a real minster rather than hanging out in the shadow, and has to work at the government house, we can see if his enemies gather people and take over his place of work he will still consider that peaceful. If he and other idiots call the raid at NBT station, the attack on the metropolitan police headquarters, the occupation and refusal to vacate the premises of the Government house, the refusal of the core leaders to turn themselves in despite arrest warrants being issued, and most importantly the calling for a democratically elected and royally appointed government to resign through whatever means possible as not being amounting to treason, then what is? Don't forget that they are calling for a 'new form of politics' with the whole 70-30 fiasco. How is that going to be achieved with the current constitution still in force? It can't, which only means they are seeking to overthrow this government and rip apart this constitution and write their own version of politics.

A final thing to note on this point is the fact that the PAA do have a right to the freedom of assembly. However that right must be done peacefully, without arms, and must not infringe on the rights of others. I am sure the events which have taken place over the past few days are a clear enough indication to any rational person reading this as to whether or not the PAA are behaving in a peaceful manner without violating the rights of others.

The Democrat Party's True Colors

There is a particular reason that I have decided to mention the sole opposition party in Thailand's current parliament and the oldest political party in Thailand. There have always been suggestions of the Democrat's party involvement in the PAA movement; recently that was confirmed through a number of events. Well first off, it is quite obvious from the fact that a Democrat MP (Dr. Somkiat) is a core leader of the PAA. In fact, an arrest warrant was issued on charges of treason for him as well. Unfortunately (or the other way around for him), the constitution grants immunity to any member of parliament from criminal prosecution so long as parliament is still in session. Only a matter of time for before his arrest warrant takes effect then. In the mean time, he has the guts to appear before parliament and perform his duties with no shame. Yet one person who is in the 'shame zone' would be his party leader, Khun Abhisit. The fact that Khun Abhisit stood by this thug when he was charge with lese majeste during the squabble with Rajavinit School already spoke volumes about Khun Abhisit's standards. And now, Khun Abhisit seems fine with a member of his party being charged with treason still continuing his job as a member of parliament and remains a member of the Democrat Party. Is this not a form of double standards considering the fact that it was Khun Abhisit that seems to be a champion of morals? I recall him calling for Khun Jakrapob's immediate resignation when he was charged for lese majeste after making statements to the FCC.

It does not end with Dr. Somkiat of course. The fact that Khun Abhisit went personally to where the PAA were gathering, along with the likes of Khun Korn, just to give moral support rather than to condemn what the PAA has done so far, already shows the true colors of the Democrat Party; another irony considering the name of their party. Like I had previously stated, the Democrat Party is behaving like crook opportunists who are willing to turn a blind eye to an illegal movement so long as somehow they can achieve some personal gain in the end, perhaps they hope that they will finally be allowed to form a government considering they will probably never be able to do so through the ballot, hence the cheap tactic. In my opinion, the PAA may very well bring the downfall of not only the stability of our great nation, but also the popularity of the democrats once people see what kind of double standards they apply and how they are so cheap as to back the PAA despite common sense and the rule of law not being on its side.

Where Do We Go From Here?

That's a good question. I honestly don't know. But here are some possible outcomes and things than could happen in the next few days. First, the PAA leaders could come to their senses, turn themselves in to face the charges, and tell the protesters to disperse, maybe back to Makhawan bridge; highly unlikely considering the fact that these criminals made it clear that they will only leave once the cabinet leaves and they succeed in their goal of getting rid of this government through, and I stress this again, whatever means possible. A second possible outcome could be the resignation of Khun Samak, the prime minister. While this might ease tensions a bit, it does not necessarily solve the whole problem; the PAA don't just want him to go, they want to somehow 'reform' Thai politics so the whole cabinet must go with him and so will the constitution. What about dissolving parliament? Unlikely to solve anything since the PAA knows that the majority of the population will once again vote the PPP or whatever proxy party back into power. Considering the recent moves by the Democrats, the PPP might even win by a bigger margin than last time. As I am writing this, the coalition partners in the government, specifically the Chart Thai Party leader Khun Banharn proposed the idea of having a special parliamentary session on Sunday to find a way out of the current crisis gripping our nation. I like this idea, and I hope that the ruling government, Democrat party, and the self-righteous senators put the interests of their nation before themselves.

It seems then that the possible outcomes are quite numerous, and I intentionally chose not to list them all because they are endless. But there is a particular outcome that I would like to highlight: violence and the spilling of Thai blood. As much as I hope it never comes to this and all parties come to their senses, it is starting to look inevitable. I would like what I'm about to say to be food for thought to those who continue to ask the government to "use restraint and to not use force against the protestors, etc". What I would like to hear is some way for the police to reclaim government house, for the government to continue its work at that place, with the PAA out of there since their continued occupation is ILLEGAL by any standards. The people there have warrants of arrest out for their heads to appear in a court of law, and they hide inside. If a criminal locks himself up in your home, for how long will you tolerate negotiating with him? There comes a time when the government must put their foot down and set a precedent: the taking over of government property by the public which inhibits the government from performing their duties and to unjustly cause hardship to their fellow citizens must never be tolerated.

The PAA has already shown the whole nation that they never intended to use 'peaceful' means to achieve what they want. They will do it by any means possible, even with the use of violence. Now we hear that they are trying to shut down major airports. Who benefits? Are these people even thinking about what is in the best interests of Thailand? I guess not. Maybe they have forgotten how much we depend on tourism, and the number of business which will be (and already are) badly affected by their illogical and unjustified acts of treason. Just last night, some of the protestors wanted to leave the government house to go home. To their surprise, the PAA guards refused to let them leave and even locked up the gates to make sure no one got out. In my opinion, it is only a matter of time before the PAA implodes unless some drastic measures are taken by whichever side.

I was very encouraged when on Wednesday, a day after the PAA decided to take control of Thailand, I was having lunch in the canteen of my faculty at Chulalongkorn University and I noticed a group of students gathering and took turns at the microphone denouncing the acts of the PAA as amounting to treason and that they had to face the wrath of the law. Then today over the radio students at Thammasat University seem to have formed a group to denounce the PAA and demand an immediate end to their illegal acts. In a country of over 63 million people, logic would dictate that the PAA has no authority whatsoever to continue what they are doing. These types of denunciations must continue until more people come to their senses.

In conclusion, my dear readers, I would like to beg for each and every one of you to resist supporting what the PAA is asking for and denounce their movement. Am I asking for you to love and adore the Samak government? Most definitely not. You have the very right to not like the government or whichever party. That is your right, and no one can take that away. You want to protest? Do it peacefully, and do not infringe on the rights of anyone else. The PAA has stepped over the line by miles. Each and every thing they have done so far shows that they are not the peaceful demonstrators they once were. They are trying to cripple our nation, to bring the government to its knees, by whatever means possible, and this must not be tolerated. Just imagine the future consequences: a government chosen by the people of this country, receiving the blessings of His Majesty the King, being toppled through mob-rule. How can a group of people, however many thousands in number, tell us, the majority and law-abiding citizens of Thailand, how the government should function, what rules should and should not apply, and who should be in charge? Who do they think they are? Just today, they even told the deputy commissioner general of the Royal Thai Police to 'hand over the police in charge of using force against the PAA, so that they may punish him for what he did'. Unbelievable isn't it? Apparently they think they somehow have the mandate to decide someone's guilt. I cannot say this enough: the PAA have gone too far and must be stopped. The government must put their foot down, and it is about time that rational and reasonable Thais see through their façade of claiming to be a peaceful movement. Whatever happens in the next few days, whether or not PM and his cabinet resigns, under no circumstances can we accept the actions of the PAA over the last few days. My fellow citizens, it is time we show the PAA that there are more educated and rational Thais than those paid and brainwashed to join their treacherous cause. The rule of law must prevail, the core leaders of the PAA must be arrested and appear before a court of law, the PAA must leave government house and cease their occupation of various airports. Only then can we take steps towards creating national reconciliation and ensure that everything is done within the scope of the supreme law of the land.]]> <![CDATA[Trivia Quiz 37]]> http://www.dailytalkforum.com/showthread.php?tid=5750 Fri, 29 Aug 2008 19:30:12 -0700 Coffee Break http://www.dailytalkforum.com/showthread.php?tid=5750
It was a major event in world history

WHAT was it?

The winner gets $10 in Pay Pal

[Image: pp.gif]

]]>
It was a major event in world history

WHAT was it?

The winner gets $10 in Pay Pal

[Image: pp.gif]

]]> <![CDATA[FOTM August 2008]]> http://www.dailytalkforum.com/showthread.php?tid=5749 Fri, 29 Aug 2008 19:22:40 -0700 Coffee Break http://www.dailytalkforum.com/showthread.php?tid=5749 The Daily Talk / IFA FOTM for August 2008 is:

Korat Info

Forum URL: http://www.korat-info.com/forum/

Description: Firsthand information about Nakhon Ratchasima and Northeast Thailand by and for expats. In both English and German

Start Date: Unknown

Total Members: 166

Total Posts and Topics: 8239 posts in 1683 threads

Admins User Name: KoratCat

Stars 4/5:

Congratulations to Korat Info on being awarded The Daily Talk / IFA FOTM for July 2008

You may display the FOTM banner on your site

[Image: fotm.jpg]

]]> The Daily Talk / IFA FOTM for August 2008 is:

Korat Info

Congratulations to Korat Info on being awarded The Daily Talk / IFA FOTM for July 2008

You may display the FOTM banner on your site

[Image: fotm.jpg]

]]>