Topics

1

General Discussion / Israel's occupation of Palestine

« on: January 21, 2016, 10:21:53 AM »

Israel's occupation of Palestine is a subject that has always irked me.  Israel continues to seize and occupy land, displace Palestinians, torture, abuse and kill civilians and while there is international condemnation, there is no international action.

In today's news, it is revealed that Israel will shortly be appropriating another 380 acres in the Jordan Valley, the largest land seizure since August 2014:

http://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-israel-palestinians-idUKKCN0UZ1A0

http://news.yahoo.com/israel-confirms-plans-seize-west-bank-land-101044942.html

The BDS movement has sought to hold Israel accountable by encouraging boycotts of Israeli goods/services, but I've read that many governments are passing laws which effectively make it illegal to support the BDS and similar movements, on the basis that they are "anti semitic".  It is clear that, in the US in particular, Israel enjoys a great deal of support, regardless of their actions and the condemnation of the rest of the international community.  In fact, there have been at least 40 instances since 1972 that the US has vetoed UN Security Council resolutions aimed at condemning/holding Israel responsible for it's actions.  Most seem willing to ignore Israel's nuclear capability as well.

This question is directed mainly at members resident in the US - What would you say is the general attitude of the average American to the situation in Palestine?  I ask because I get the impression that the vast majority of American citizens are "pro-Israel".  The fact that the US arms Israel and provides aid to the tune of billions of US dollars per year seems to support this.  I have read about pro-Palestine organisations in the US, but I get the impression that they are small and largely unsupported/ignored.  Looking at the most popular American news channels - Fox (Faux?) News etc - the Israeli agenda appears to be very forcefully promoted as well.

2

Football / Triesman accuses four Fifa members over 2018 bidding

« on: May 10, 2011, 06:24:13 AM »

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/9481461.stm

Former Football Association chairman Lord Triesman has accused four Fifa members of improper behaviour in the bidding process for the 2018 World Cup.

Triesman, who was initially chairman of England's losing bid team, made the claims about Jack Warner, Nicolas Leoz, Ricardo Teixeira and Worawi Makudi.

He alleged their behaviour was "below what would be ethically acceptable".

He told a Department of Culture, Media and Sport committee that his bid team should have reported them immediately.

At the House of Commons on Tuesday, Triesman then said that he will now take his evidence to world governing body Fifa.

England got two out of 22 votes when Russia was awarded the 2018 tournament in December, as Qatar was handed the 2022 tournament.

More to follow.

3

General Discussion / Gangs, Guns, and Governance in Trinidad and Tobago

« on: January 15, 2010, 09:17:07 AM »

Very interesting read.

"This Report, prepared by Small Arms Survey of Switzerland, explores the rise of gangs and killings in Trinidad and Tobago and predicts that the country’s gun problems are not going to go away. Eastern Port of Spain, in particular, is described as ‘among the most dangerous places on the planet’."

http://www.smallarmssurvey.org/files/sas/publications/w_papers_pdf/WP/WP8-Gangs-Guns-Governance-Trinidad-Tobago.pdf

4

General Discussion / Cadbury's Eyebrow advert

« on: March 16, 2009, 06:49:30 AM »

This have to be the funniest advert I ever see... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TVblWq3tDwY

5

Football / Bye-bye Roy Keane?

« on: November 14, 2008, 10:14:58 AM »

The guys in the Sunderland forum ( http://www.readytogo.net/smb/ )are in a panic over talk that Roy Keane has walked out on the club.  The rumors started with a report on Setanta this afternoon that he did not travel with the team for tomorrow's game against Blackburn, and when asked the powers that be at Sunderland said "no comment".

Funny how so many of them have had not very complementary things to say about Keane given recent results, and now they all worried that he's gone.  Fickle bunch.....

6

General Discussion / SEX ASSAULT IN BLACK ROCK - Another attack on foreigners in Tobago

« on: October 21, 2008, 06:07:50 AM »

We are rapidly reaching a point where Tobago will be considered a "no-go" area for tourists - if we haven't reached that point already.  It's getting as bad as Trinidad, with incidents like this, previously unheard of in Tobago, being reported more and more frequently. 


SEX ASSAULT IN BLACK ROCK
Another attack on foreigners in Tobago
Elizabeth W Allard Tobago Bureau

Tuesday, October 21st 2008

   

TWO foreigners have been sexually assaulted in Black Rock, right on the heels of the murders of Swedish couple Ake Olsson, 73, and Anna Sundsval, 62.

The property co-ordinator of the Black Rock Dreams guesthouse in Tobago, who preferred not to be named, yesterday confirmed the latest attack against foreigners on the island. He said he was asleep on the compound when he was alerted by the visitors as to the incident.

Around 2 a.m., a lone bandit armed with a knife entered one of the suites at the guesthouse and forced the two couples in it to hand over their money, jewelry and cell phones.

"The bandit forced the two females to have oral sex with him. The women were assaulted by the man several times. He was masked, wearing camouflage three-quarter pants, gardening gloves and boots, and he was equipped with a ten-inch knife. He was right handed and acted in a very professional manner. The couples were constantly pushed into a corner where they could not defend themselves," he said.

"He spoke in a very calm voice but acted aggressively. At one time he pushed one of the females with his hand. She fell and hit her head to the floor."

The incident lasted between 45 minutes and an hour, and the bandit, said to be in his 20s, left after the male guest faked a heart attack. The women are in their 50s.

"I was alerted by the guest of the incident. Apparently before the police arrived, the same guy or another guy tried to come up the steps where he first entered, but when it was realised he was seen he disappeared again.

"I think he spent another hour or half hour on the property, even watched the police do interviews with the victims, since one of the female police officers went outside on the patio ..., as she was talking on the phone she saw a shadow, but she did not react since she thought it was another guest."

The police reportedly spent six hours on the crime scene afterwards.

He said it was time the authorities let tourist know about the risks being faced with crime so they could take counter measures. However, he said security on the property and its environs would be increased.

The incident came only minutes after a police patrol in the area. Police believe the assailant timed the patrol and made his move after the police had passed through.

The guests were transferred to another hotel yesterday. They arrived on the island two weeks ago and are scheduled to leave on Sunday, but may leave the island before.

Contacted on the incident, Senior Supt Nadhir Khan said officers of the Old Grange Police Station are continuing investigations into the matter.

"All efforts are being made to have a suspect in custody, and patrols will continue in the area by police and army officials," he said.

No one has yet been charged in connection with the murder of the Swedish couple.

7

General Discussion / Swede couple chopped to death

« on: October 10, 2008, 03:32:30 AM »

Just when we thought it couldn't get much worse.......

Swede couple chopped to death

By KARL E CUPID and ANDRE BAGOO Friday, October 10 2008

http://www.newsday.co.tt/news/0,87797.html

The brutal double murder of a Swedish couple sent shockwaves through Tobago yesterday, prompting tourism and government officials to lament the killings as “a sad day” for the island.

Police found Anna Sundsval, 62, chopped to death, and her companion Oke Olsoon, 73, unconscious with wounds about his body when they received a report, at about 10.30 am, of a commotion at the couple’s villa Anthony Charles Crescent, Bon Accord Estate Development, in west Tobago. Olsoon died close to two hours later while undergoing emergency surgery at the Scarborough Hospital.

Local sources said the couple arrived in Tobago from Sweden on Sunday for a two-week stay following which they were scheduled to travel to Australia. The couple have no relatives in Tobago. Sources said Sundsval had two daughters and Olsoon had two sons.

“This is indeed a sad day for tourism in Tobago,” said Carol Ann Birchwood-James, president of the Tobago Hotel’s Association, who was among officials at the villa yesterday.

Sundsval was pronounced dead by County Medical Officer of Health Dr Mentor Melville who said she had been chopped twice across the head and face by her killer. She was attacked in a bedroom of the upstairs apartment of the villa and police described the scene as “a bloodbath”.

Police believe Sundsval put up a fight against her attacker. Olsoon was found unconscious downstairs with multiple chop wounds about his body but he did not survive emergency surgery.

The couple’s house workers, as well as close neighbours, cried uncontrollably when they heard the news of their murders.

One worker said Olsoon said to her over the weekend, “‘I must see Australia before I die.’

He didn’t know he would be dead today.”

Newsday was told that about five persons were employed by the couple.

An unarmed woman security guard stationed in a guard-hut close to the fenced premises contacted the Crown Point Police Station when she heard a commotion at the villa.

She was reported to be in protective custody yesterday.

Investigators believe the killer gained entry to the villa by using a ladder to climb over the fence at the back of the property. There was a break-in at the villa last year when electronic and household appliances were stolen. It was after the robbery that the couple fenced their property.

The couple’s workers, who did not want to be identified, said they visited the villa each year, sometimes staying as long as six months.

“They bought this villa to live in peace in Tobago and look what happen,” an expatriate neighbour commented.

Tobago House of Assembly (THA) Chief Secretary Orville London yesterday extended condolences to the families of the slain couple. Senior Superintendent Nadir Khan led a team of officers to the crime scene where tracker dogs were used to search the area for the killer.

Homicide Bureau investigators also assisted the local Crown Point police and there were reports last evening that a forensic team from the Special Anti Crime Unit in Trinidad had flown to Tobago to assist in the investigation.

Tourism Minister Joseph Ross yesterday called the killings a “tragic event” which he described as an “isolated incident”.

In a media release, Ross said he has been in contact with Minister of National Security Martin Joseph, Acting Commissioner of Police James Philbert and officials of the Tobago House of Assembly regarding the investigation of the murders.

Ross however noted that Trinidad and Tobago has not had many reported cases of crimes against visitors. “According to the Crime Analysis Branch of the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service there were no incidents of serious crimes committed against tourists in Trinidad and Tobago for the period 2005 to July 2008,” the Tourism Minister’s statement read.

“The Ministry of Tourism has also been in continuous contact with the Tobago Hotel’s Association and other tourism stakeholders. We are also liaising with our overseas marketing representatives and High Commissions.”

Ross will today meet with THA officials and other tourism stakeholders in Tobago. Yesterday tourism stakeholders braced for the expected impact the murders would have on the sector.

In Trinidad and Tobago, tourism (mainly on the island of Tobago) accounts directly for around six percent of GDP and employs around six percent of the workforce.

According to a report in The Economist in March of this year, there has been a clear escalation of crime against tourists in Tobago.

“While most violent crime in Trinidad and Tobago is concentrated in the ghettos surrounding Port-of-Spain, violent attacks on visitors to Tobago have risen sharply in recent years,” the report stated.


Foreigners murdered

October 9, 2008: Swedish couple Anna Sundsval, 62, and Oke Olsoon, 73, chopped to death at their villa in Tobago

October 3, 2008: German national Gunther Woehner, 72, is shot dead at his Zoar Heights, Four Roads home in a robbery. Woehner lived in Trinidad for 40 years.

January 18, 2005: German Jurgen Claus Keck, 60, a retired engineer turned artist/painter, is shot dead at his Aquaview Terrace, Carenage.

April 29, 2004: Canadian professor Robert Mac Donald, 43, succumbs to his injuries after being shot by robbers. Mac Donald was in the country to attend a karate tournament.

February 26, 2004: American customer services representative Camelia Nyack, 31, is killed in a shoot-out at a friend’s home at Sorzano Street, Arima after visiting Trinidad for Carnival celebrations.

February 12, 2002: American oil engineer Mark Staley, 38, of Mountain View, Wyoming, is stabbed to death during Carnival Monday night mas.

March 10, 1996: The body of an American yachtie is discovered in the Tucker Valley hills.

May 11, 1994: The bodies of Canadian Geoff Thomas Barnes, 23, and his pregnant wife Sherelle Ann Barnes, 22, are discovered on a Blanchisesse beach in May, 1994.

8

Jokes / The Secret Blog of Patrick Manning

« on: October 09, 2008, 05:04:50 AM »

I found this web page this morning and wanted to dead with laugh..... check it out if you haven't seen it:

http://ttblogs.com/patrickmanning/

Also good for a laugh is "The Fawking Arse":

http://www.thefawkingarse.com/

and "The Extra Secret Blog of  Basdeo Panday":

http://basdeopanday.wordpress.com/

9

Football / Roy Keane - "Warner's a clown"

« on: September 12, 2008, 03:44:45 AM »

Roy Keane - "Warner's a clown"
By Graeme Anderson (Sunderland Echo).

Roy Keane today labelled Fifa vice-president Jack Warner a "clown".
The Sunderland manager today hit back at criticism from Warner about the club's treatment of Dwight Yorke.

Yorke was recalled home after playing one of Trinidad & Tobago's two World Cup qualifiers during the international break and Warner accused the Black Cats' boss of having a "mean streak.

Keane – who was happy for Yorke to face Guatemala last week but insisted he miss Wednesday's loss to the USA – reacted angrily to the criticism.

He told the Echo: "I spoke to Jack Warner about the situation but I'm not surprised at what has been said by him.

"The man is a clown.

"I think he's a disgrace to go through the media the way he has."

10

General Discussion / Today's vote of no confidence in T&T....

« on: September 12, 2008, 03:22:26 AM »

Surprised there is nothing on here discussing this.  I've been away from home far to long to remember the workings of the political system so can some of the local based educate me on how this works constitutionally? 

From my reading of the Express, Guardian and Newsday online, it is clear that there will be a debate, but what does the vote itself involve and what are the chances that such a motion will be carried? (I know how these things work in the UK but will not presume that the political system at home will work the same way in this instance).

Thanks.

11

Other Sports / Motorcycle enthusiasts - Allyuh check out this video....

« on: June 18, 2008, 06:45:19 AM »

Jamie Whitham used to be a World Superbike and World Supersport racer.  He is a commentator for Eurosport now.  Anyhow, check out this video of Jamie test riding a YZF R1 - wheelies over 100mph, stoppies and accelerating to over 150mph with an unsuspecting motorcycle salesman on the back.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-lPBgtRLmIE&feature=related

12

Football / The Russell Latapy Story

« on: August 16, 2007, 05:53:15 AM »

I dunno if anybody post this before (I eh see it on de site) but a Falkirk fan do a real cool video called "The Russell Latapy Story" and put it on youtube.  Look it here - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=74zTbGDNn8o

Real good video - it make mih heart swell wid pride.  We love yuh, Latas......

13

Cricket Anyone / That was a collapse an a half..........

« on: June 08, 2007, 10:59:51 AM »

What de A** happen dey boy?  Jus when I start thinking "game on..... we go give dem some horrors", half the batting lineup collapse.  Worse still, I watching this thing on TV at work - in London - and all these damn English people givin' me fatigue!  STEUPPPPPPSSSSSSSSS.

I real vex now.  It have no justice.........

14

Other Sports / Any Moto GP fans on here?

« on: March 09, 2007, 07:37:24 AM »

First round of the 2007 Championship and Valentino Rossi on pole.  He means business this year.....

GO VALE!!!!

15

Jokes / Intelligent people

« on: February 07, 2007, 03:43:01 AM »

Patrick Manning goes to Buckingham Palace and meets with the Queen of England. He asks her, "Your Majesty, how do you run such an efficient government? Are there any tips you can give to me?
 
Well," says the Queen, "the most important thing is to surround yourself with intelligent people."
 
Manning frowns. "But how do I know the people around me are really intelligent?"
 
The Queen takes a sip of tea. "Oh, that's easy. You just ask them to answer an intelligence riddle."
 
The Queen pushes a button on her intercom. "Please send Tony Blair in here, would you?"
 
Tony Blair walks into the room. Yes, my Queen?"
 
The Queen smiles. "Answer me this, please, Tony. Your mother and father have a child. It is not your brother and it is not your sister. Who is it?"
 
Without pausing for a moment, Tony Blair answers, "That would be me."
 
"Yes! Very good," says the Queen.
 
Back in Trinidad at the Red House, Manning asks to speak with Keith Rowley. "Keith, answer this for me. Your mother and your father have a child. It's not your brother and it's not your sister. Who is it?"
 
"I'm not sure," says Rowley. "Let me get back to you on that one." Rowley goes to his co-ministers in the PNM and asks every one, but none can give him an answer.  Finally, he ends up in the men's room in the Red House and recognizes Winston Dookeran's shoes in the next stall.
 
Rowley shouts, "Dooks! Can you answer this for me? Your mother and father have a child and it's not your brother or your sister. Who is it?"
 
Winston Dookeran yells back, "That's easy. It's me!". Rowley smiles. "Thanks!"
 
Rowley goes back to Manning's office to speak with him.
 
Say, I did some research and I have the answer to that riddle. It's Winston Dookeran."
 
Manning gets up, stomps over to Rowley, and angrily yells into his face, "No, you idiot! It's Tony Blair!"

16

General Discussion / We need this guy!!

« on: February 05, 2007, 11:22:56 AM »

TO THOSE OF YOU NOT FAMILIAR WITH JOE ARPAIO, HE IS THE COUNTY SHERIFF (ARIZONA)

AND HE KEEPS GETTING ELECTED OVER AND OVER AGAIN

These are some of the reasons why:

Sheriff Joe Arpaio created the "tent city jail" to save Arizona from spending tens of million of dollars on another expensive prison complex.

He has jail meals down to 40 cents a serving and charges the inmates for them

He banned smoking and porno magazines in the jails, and took away their weightlifting equipment and cut off all but "G" movies. He says: "they're in jail to pay a debt to society not to build muscles so they can assault innocent people when they leave

He started chain gangs to use the inmates to do free work on county and city projects and save taxpayer's money.

Then he started chain gangs for women so he wouldn't get sued for discrimination.

He took away cable TV until he found out there was a federal court order that required cable TV for jails. So he hooked up the cable TV again but only allows the Disney channel and the weather channel.

When asked why the weather channel he replied: "so these morons will know how hot it's gonna be while they are working on my chain gangs."

He cut off coffee because it has zero nutritional value and is therefore a waste of taxpayer money. When the inmates complained, he told them, "This isn't the Ritz/Carlton. If you don't like it, don't come back."

He also bought the Newt Gingrich lecture series on US history that he pipes into the jails. When asked by a reporter if he had any lecture series by a Democrat, he replied that a democratic lecture series that actually tells the truth for a change would be welcome and that it might even explain why 95% of the inmates were in his jails in the first place.

With temperatures being even hotter than usual in Phoenix
(116 degrees just set a new record for June 2nd), the Associated Press reports: About 2,000 inmates living in a barbed- wire-surrounded tent encampment at the Maricopa County Jail have been given permission to strip down to their government-issued pink boxer shorts

On Wednesday, hundreds of men wearing pink boxer shorts were chatting in the tents, where temperatures reached 128 degrees. "This is hell. It feels like we live in a furnace," said Ernesto Gonzales, an inmate for 2 years with 10 more to go. "It's inhumane."

Joe Arpaio, who makes his prisoners wear pink, and eat bologna sandwiches, is not one bit sympathetic. "Criminals should be punished for their crimes - not live in luxury until it's time for parole, only to go out and commit more crimes so they can come back in to live on taxpayers money and enjoy things many taxpayers can't afford to have for themselves."

Wednesday he told all the inmates who were complaining of the heat in the tents: "It's between 120 to 130 degrees in Iraq and our soldiers are living in tents too, and they have to walk all day in the sun, wearing full battle gear and get shot at, and they have not committed any crimes, so shut your damned mouths!"

Way to go, Sheriff! If all prisons were like yours there would be a lot less crime and we would not be in the current position.

 

17

General Discussion / Leaving home........

« on: January 08, 2007, 06:28:12 AM »

Well, got back to England yesterday after a fantastic Christmas and Old Years with my family.  I was only able to come home for 2 weeks because of work but spent a week in Tobago too so it was good.

The thing is, I have now been living abroad for more than 17 years and instead of getting easier to leave home and the family after visiting, it getting harder.  I now sitting at my desk and supposed to be doing the work that pile up over Christmas but I finding it too hard...  I missing my parents, family and T&T too much.....  I want to come back home.......  

I know this thread is pointless - but at least it gives me a chance to communicate with fellow Trinbagonians.......  A happy and prosperous New Year to you all.

18

Jokes / Cookie patent

« on: November 24, 2006, 06:36:24 AM »

A fella went into the Copyright and Patent office.  He tell the clerk that he want application forms to copyright a cookie. 

The clerk watch him and say "Hear dis breds, yuh cant copyright a cookie - cookies around for years"

The fella say to the clerk "but yuh see, this cookie special - it does taste like pussy!" 

The Clerk didn't believe him so the fella pull out one ah de cookie and give it to the clerk to taste.  The clerk take a bite and spit it out same speed, bawling "this cookie taste like shit!"  The fella watch the clerk and tell him "turn it around man, turn it around!".

19

General Discussion / Plasma/LCD tv in Trinidad

« on: November 22, 2006, 07:16:43 AM »

I comin' home for Christmas  and was thinking 'bout buying my parents a new TV because they watching the same RCA set for real years now.

I was thinking a 42" plasma or LCD would be nice. Anyone at home have any info on what I can expect to pay for a decent quality set and who the best suppliers are?  I landing on 23rd December so wont have a lot of time to shop around before Christmas day.......

Any info/help appreciated.