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245
Israel Hamas War the Widening Middle East Conflict
What does he say about the indiscriminate Bombs that Hezbollah have been sending to Israel this past year plus , bombs that forced Israelis to leave their land ? Indiscriminate bombing . The Israel phone bombs targeted terrorists , members of a terror group . What are the actual laws that state that you cannot kill an enemy combatant if he isn't combatant at the actual time ? Can you only attack the enemy during working hours or something ? -
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THAILAND LIVE Thailand Live Thursday 19 September 2024
Tourist Police Ensure Safety for Full Moon Party on Koh Phangan Picture courtesy: Daily News Pol. Lt. Gen. Saksira Phueak-um, Commissioner of the Tourist Police, has assured enhanced safety measures for tourists attending the upcoming Full Moon Party on Koh Phangan, set to attract thousands of visitors. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1338535-tourist-police-ensure-safety-for-full-moon-party-on-koh-phangan/ -
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Tourist Police Ensure Safety for Full Moon Party on Koh Phangan
Picture courtesy: Daily News Pol. Lt. Gen. Saksira Phueak-um, Commissioner of the Tourist Police, has assured enhanced safety measures for tourists attending the upcoming Full Moon Party on Koh Phangan, set to attract thousands of visitors. The announcement came after a crucial security briefing held at the Vannee Golden Sands Hotel on September 18, involving key officials and representatives. Joining the security discussions were Deputy Commissioner Pol. Maj. Gen. Phongsiyam Meekhantong, Pol. Maj. Gen. Phopphon Chakkapark, British Consul Joanne Finnamore-Crorkin, London Police Chief Inspector Lorenzo Conigliaro, as well as local district and municipal leaders, reported Daily News. Picture courtesy: Daily News The main focus was on strategies to ensure the safety of the event, which will take place on Haad Rin Beach, the epicentre of the Full Moon Party festivities. Post-meeting, a large-scale readiness check and public relations campaign was conducted right on Haad Rin Beach. This initiative involved a broad spectrum of agencies including the Koh Phangan District Office, Koh Phangan Police, Surat Thani Immigration, and the Koh Phangan Marine Department. These groups, along with village committees, will work collectively to safeguard the well-being of tourists and locals alike. Pol. Lt. Gen. Saksira emphasised that the initiative is in line with the government's tourism promotion policy led by the Ministry of Tourism and Sports. Picture courtesy: Daily News The aim is to create a secure environment that will attract more tourists, boosting the local economy. With the high tourist season around the corner, the Tourist Police are ramping up efforts to ensure everything runs smoothly. Moreover, tourists can reach the Tourist Police via the 24/7 call centre at 1155, which is linked to emergency services at 191 and 1669, ensuring continuous support. This comprehensive approach is expected to build confidence among tourists, reassuring them of their safety while enjoying one of Thailand’s most famous beach parties. Picture courtesy: Daily News -- 2024-09-19 -
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Thailand: Where white losers that can’t get laid go
So as a white lady she wants to be laid by a winner, not loser. And to become a winner, I need to make a lot of things in my profession. Finally, at the age of 40+ many of white guys become winners with brilliant professional skills and salaries. But we want sex with beautiful ladies NOW - without the need of waiting up to 40 years old. -
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Robert Ripley
I haven't been there for like 15 years. Is it worth visiting with adults or is it more for kids I remember some guy in a mask screaming at me last time -
245
Israel Hamas War the Widening Middle East Conflict
I had thought personal abuse was not allowed but thankyou for transcribing what he said. -
24
Trump Is Finished: Rogan Just Roasted Him
David Frum is predicting that this weekend, Harris will be so far ahead of Trump that it will be obvious that Trump will lose. -
245
Israel Hamas War the Widening Middle East Conflict
Your nonsensical statements might have sounded better when expressed in Russian. Retired lawyer Nice has his view and it does not mean that his position is accurate or supported in fact. -The pager devices were issued to Hezbollah members. Hezbollah is am armed entity pledged to the destruction of Israel and is at war with Israel. Hezbollah militants are not civilians. - Nice is well aware that civilian casualties are acceptable in a time of war. The death or injury of civilians during an operation against a legitimate military objective is permissible subject to the principles of proportionality and military necessity. There were almost no civilian casualties and the targeting of Hezbollah command and control structure is a legitimate target. - Nice is claiming civilian casualties in large numbers do not support the incident. Ok, but there are not large numbers of civilian casualties. There are 2 civilian casualties reported without any supporting evidence. The balance of injuries were sustained by Hezbollah male militants. - Nice goes off on a tangent referencing schools and hospitals being struck. Putting aside the fact that Hezbollah and Hamas use schools and hospitals for military intent, as control centers, barracks and munition dumps, that is not the case here. - He then goes off and claiming that Lebanon should pursue this by the ICC. Cute. He ignores the fact that Hezbollah is a state within a state and does not recognize the government of Lebanon's legitimacy and is of the view that Lebanon should be reunited with Syria. Hezbollah would have to agree to Lebanon's legitimacy and agree to follow Lebanese law and jurisdiction. - And his insincerity doesn't stop there. He ignores the fact that Hezbollah is the military force that is propping up the regime of Assad in Syria. Please consult with your Russian friends to rework your claim. -
245
Israel Hamas War the Widening Middle East Conflict
He says they are undoubtedly criminal on a number of grounds owing to the indiscriminate nature of the bombs and the high likelihood that innocent civilians would be killed or maimed as a result. And even if he is a Hezbollah militant but at the time a non-combatant, it is unlawful. He was unequivocal in that judgement. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geoffrey_Nice -
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Health Supplements
The first generation statins, such as lovastatin, came from red yeast rice. Fourth generation statins, such as rosuvastatin, are much better. High LDL has a large genetic component. Some people will never have high amounts of LDL no matter what, and some people will have high LDL even with proper diet and rigorous exercise. For them, statins or other meds are life-changers. There is no one-size-fits-all answer like those found in online forums. A cardiologist will work to find a proper solution for their individual patients. If you're in the US, find one who's board-certified. If your LDL is high the first step is to get it under control, often through medication, and then focus on diet and exercise. Also, the known best diet for long-term cardiovascular health is now well established. Thousands of papers have been published in the last 10 years. Eat fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, legumes, fish and seafood. Limit saturated fats. If you regularly eat those, you can also enjoy (in moderation) whatever else you like to eat. Ignore the gym-bros who promote things like the carnivore diet. -
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Robert Mueller Warns of Continued Russian Election Interference, US Remains Unprepared
Former special counsel Robert Mueller, who led the investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 U.S. presidential election, has issued a stark warning: the United States is still not adequately prepared to combat Russian attacks on its democratic process. This caution comes in the preface to *Interference: The Inside Story of Trump, Russia, and the Mueller Investigation*, a new book by Aaron Zebley, James Quarles, and Andrew Goldstein, all of whom served as prosecutors under Mueller during his investigation from 2017 to 2019. “It is … evident that Americans have not learned the lessons of Russia’s attack on our democracy in 2016,” Mueller writes. He points out that the evidence was undeniable in his report, which detailed how the Russian government systematically targeted the U.S. electoral process to undermine democracy and boost one candidate over another. That candidate was Donald Trump, the Republican who won the presidency over Democrat Hillary Clinton. Despite efforts by various government officials, Mueller states that the country remains ill-prepared for future Russian interference, echoing a grave concern that “Russia attacked us before and will do so again.” Mueller’s warning underscores the importance of vigilance from all Americans, as well as the need for heightened governmental readiness. The book *Interference* explores the Mueller investigation in depth, from its origins following the firing of FBI Director James Comey to its eventual conclusion in March 2019. The investigation did not find conclusive evidence of collusion between Trump and Moscow, but it did lead to indictments against three Russian entities and 34 individuals. One of those convicted was Trump’s campaign manager, Paul Manafort, who was jailed. Mueller also identified 10 potential instances of obstruction of justice by Trump, though he refrained from indicting the sitting president due to Justice Department guidelines. Mueller praises Zebley, Quarles, and Goldstein, writing that they “care deeply about the rule of law and know the importance of making decisions with integrity and humility.” He highlights the value of these principles, particularly when facing those who are unwilling to play by the rules. The book also reveals behind-the-scenes moments, including a meeting at the White House, where Mueller was considered for a return to his previous position as FBI director. According to the authors, Trump dominated the conversation, but Mueller declined the offer, despite Trump’s later claims to the contrary. In the lead-up to the 2016 election, an “October surprise” came in the form of WikiLeaks' release of hacked Democratic emails, attributed to Russian interference. This event coincided with the fallout from Trump’s infamous *Access Hollywood* tape, in which he boasted about sexual assault. The Mueller team’s investigation confirmed that Russia’s actions were aimed at tipping the scales in Trump’s favor. However, attempts to interview Trump himself were blocked by his attorneys, including Rudy Giuliani, who breached confidentiality agreements, leading Mueller to cut ties with him permanently. As the book examines the aftermath of the 2016 election, it also reflects on the broader legal challenges Trump faced during his presidency. Giuliani is now embroiled in criminal and civil proceedings linked to efforts to overturn Trump’s 2020 election loss, while Trump faces multiple charges himself, including 34 criminal counts related to hush-money payments before the 2016 election. The authors express concern over recent U.S. Supreme Court rulings that could complicate future investigations into presidential misconduct. They highlight cases such as *Trump v. United States*, which grants a president "presumptive immunity" for official actions, thereby limiting the scope of potential prosecution for presidential abuses of power. Mueller’s investigation may not have resulted in Trump’s punishment, but it played a significant role in shaping public discourse on the integrity of American elections. As the nation heads toward another presidential race, the warnings from Mueller and his team resonate even more urgently. Their book arrives at a time when new reports suggest that Russian influence operations, this time targeting Vice President Kamala Harris, are already underway. Mueller’s warning is clear: while the U.S. may have learned from the past, it remains unprepared for the challenges of tomorrow. Credit: The Guardian 2024-09-19 -
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Russian Disinformation Campaign Targets Kamala Harris with False Accusations
Russian propagandists have escalated their attacks on the presidential campaign of Vice President Kamala Harris, spreading disinformation through viral social media videos, according to Microsoft researchers. One particularly damaging video featured an actor falsely accusing Harris of a hit-and-run that paralyzed a young girl. Although the incident never happened, the video spread widely on X (formerly Twitter), reaching as many as 7 million views and gaining further traction on platforms like Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube. The video originated from a newly created San Francisco-based news outlet, which quickly disappeared after the video gained popularity. Despite its short lifespan, the false narrative resonated with social media users, shared by accounts with hundreds of thousands of followers. Another fabricated video promoted the idea that Harris had commissioned vulgar billboards in New York advocating for children to change their gender. This video also gained substantial attention, amassing hundreds of thousands of views. Microsoft researchers identified three Russian government-backed groups as the source of these smear campaigns. The groups have a history of creating provocative, fake content designed to generate outrage and sway public opinion. One of the groups, Microsoft noted, is particularly adept at creating scandalous claims and videos that dominate headlines. Another is expected to ramp up its targeting of the Harris campaign as the election approaches. These findings were part of Microsoft’s regular report on foreign attempts to influence U.S. elections. The company has warned that Russia’s disinformation efforts have not diminished despite previous exposure and attempts to disrupt their operations. In fact, the Kremlin seems undeterred by international scrutiny, even as Russian President Vladimir Putin has publicly claimed to support Harris. Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, recently took action by banning pages affiliated with the Russian state-controlled media outlet RT (formerly Russia Today). The U.S. government has imposed sanctions on RT, accusing it of engaging in intelligence and propaganda activities. Two RT employees were indicted by the Department of Justice for laundering millions of dollars through shell companies to covertly run a media firm in Tennessee, which posted videos by conservative influencers in an effort to undermine support for Ukraine. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has been vocal about the threat posed by Russian media outlets like RT, stating that they are no longer merely spreading propaganda but are actively involved in covert operations to influence elections. "They are engaged in covert influence activities aimed at undermining American elections and democracies, functioning like a de facto arm of Russia’s intelligence apparatus," Blinken said. In addition to disinformation campaigns, Microsoft’s report also detailed the activities of six Russian hacktivist groups believed to be working in collaboration with Russian intelligence agencies, such as the FSB and GRU. These groups, while claiming independence, seem to coordinate closely with the Russian government and offer a means of disseminating compromised information from hacking operations while maintaining plausible deniability. The U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and the FBI have also raised alarms, warning that foreign actors might attempt to falsely claim hacks of voter rolls or election-related materials to undermine public trust in the election process. Microsoft echoed this concern, urging caution in inflating the perceived threat posed by these groups, while also emphasizing the need for vigilance. In addition to Russian interference, the report highlighted the activities of a Chinese influence group. This group appears more focused on dividing Americans and creating confusion rather than backing a specific candidate. Microsoft pointed to a notable example following the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump in Butler, Pennsylvania. After the incident, Chinese-operated accounts began rapidly sharing content from right-wing influencers and commentators, pushing narratives that implicated Democrats in the attack. These revelations underscore the ongoing threat of foreign interference in U.S. elections, as Russia and other countries continue to exploit social media and other platforms to spread disinformation, inflame tensions, and erode trust in democratic institutions. Credit: WP 2024-09-19 -
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Trump: "President Biden was so nice." Civility During Flint Rally Amid Political Tensions
In a rare departure from his usual fiery rhetoric, Donald Trump appeared to embrace a more tempered tone during a rally in Flint, Michigan. With weeks left until the election, the likelihood of attacks ramping up remains, but for the moment, the former president seemed focused on lowering the political heat. "It’s a dangerous business being president," Trump remarked to loud applause inside the Dort Financial Center. The event marked Trump's first public appearance since his Florida golf course was the site of a dramatic security incident. Interviewed by Sarah Huckabee Sanders, his former press secretary and now the governor of Arkansas, Trump recounted the tense moments when shots were fired between holes five and six at his course in West Palm Beach. "I have to say, Secret Service did a hell of a job," he said, explaining how one agent spotted the suspect with a rifle. Trump then lightened the atmosphere by quipping, "Women are smarter than men," in reference to a female witness who snapped photos of the fleeing suspect's vehicle. As Trump retold the story, Secret Service agents stood vigilant on either side of the stage, carefully scanning the crowd for any signs of danger. At one point, Trump eagerly asked the agent who identified the gunman to stand up and be recognized by the crowd but quickly decided against it. Despite initially blaming Joe Biden and Kamala Harris for fueling violent rhetoric—an accusation made without evidence—Trump refrained from such claims during this rally. Instead, he spoke almost warmly about recent conversations with both the president and vice president. "President Biden was so nice," Trump shared. "I do feel he’s so, so nice." Regarding Kamala Harris, Trump said, "I got a very nice call from Kamala. It was very nice." Though some in the crowd shouted, “She’s a liar,” Trump dismissed the comment with a shake of his head. Brian Menasco, a local from Columbiaville, believes Trump was making an effort to lower the political temperature. "I think so," Menasco said. "I've wanted him to do that since 2016. He's amazing but sometimes I think, 'why has he said that?'" Trump's decision to hold the rally in Flint was deliberate. He had planned to visit Michigan before the apparent assassination attempt and sees the state as critical to his path back to the White House. After winning Michigan in 2016 and losing it to Biden four years later, regaining support in key swing states like Michigan is essential for Trump’s campaign. Flint, about an hour from Detroit, is infamous for its water crisis, which began in 2014 when lead contaminated the city’s water supply, resulting in at least 12 deaths and leaving lasting scars on the community. Known as "Vehicle City" due to its history with the auto industry, Flint's economy has suffered as manufacturing jobs declined. The North Dort Highway is still lined with businesses tied to cars, including repair shops and scrap metal yards. Gary Grundy, an independent voter, was at Trevor’s Tires, loading tyres into his SUV when asked about Trump's rally. He believes both Republicans and Democrats share the responsibility for dialing down political rhetoric. "When I heard, I was like, that's two attempts on his life, that’s kind of crazy," he said. "But the talk on both sides needs to be dialed down. So the rhetoric on both sides needs to calm down, it's collective responsibility." Not all attendees shared this view. Kristin Martinez, a Trump supporter, argued that Democrats bear some responsibility for inciting violence against Trump. "I really do think that they are responsible for, you know, maybe not calling out somebody to do it, but, you know, their words triggered somebody." Despite Trump's gestures towards civility, with less than two months until the election and political tensions high, the threat of further violence remains palpable. Credit: Sky News 2024-09-19 -
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Southern African Nations Turn to Elephant Culling Amid Drought to Feed Hungry Communities
In response to a crippling drought, Zimbabwe and Namibia have announced plans to slaughter hundreds of wild elephants and other animals to provide much-needed food for their struggling citizens. The devastating drought, worsened by the El Niño weather phenomenon, has left many communities in these southern African countries facing severe hunger. On Monday, Zimbabwe's government disclosed its decision to allow the culling of 200 elephants, with the meat being distributed to vulnerable communities. Similarly, Namibia has begun killing over 700 wild animals, including 83 elephants, as part of a strategy revealed three weeks ago to address the food crisis. Tinashe Farawo, spokesperson for the Zimbabwe National Parks and Wildlife Management Authority, confirmed that permits would be issued to affected communities to hunt elephants. Additionally, the parks authority itself would conduct culling to meet the quota of 200 elephants. "We will start culling as soon as we have finished issuing out permits," Farawo stated. Farawo explained that the elephants will be taken from areas where their numbers have surpassed the capacity the environment can support. One such region is Hwange National Park in the arid western part of Zimbabwe, where humans and wildlife increasingly compete for scarce resources like food and water. The park currently hosts over 45,000 elephants but only has the capacity to sustain 15,000. Zimbabwe as a whole is home to roughly 100,000 elephants, double the population the country’s national parks can handle, according to park officials. In December, Zimbabwe's parks agency revealed that more than 100 elephants had already died due to the severe drought. Farawo warned that many more animals could perish from thirst and starvation as the country enters its hottest season. The drought situation, exacerbated by rising temperatures, has put immense pressure on wildlife and human populations alike. Zimbabwe's Environment Minister, Sithembiso Nyoni, voiced her support for the culling program during a Parliamentary session last week. “Indeed, Zimbabwe has more elephants than we need, more elephants than our forestry can accommodate,” Nyoni said. She added that the government was preparing to implement the culling and involve women in the process of drying and packaging the meat to ensure it reaches communities in need of protein. Namibia has also embarked on a large-scale culling operation. The Namibian government recently approved the killing of 723 animals, which includes not only elephants but also hippos, buffalos, zebras, impalas, and elands. These animals are sourced from five national parks, where the population of wildlife has grown beyond sustainable levels and has led to increased conflicts between humans and animals. Romeo Muyunda, spokesperson for Namibia's environment department, explained that the decision aligns with the country’s constitutional mandate to use natural resources for the benefit of its citizens. "This is necessary and is in line with our constitutional mandate where our natural resources are used for the benefit of Namibian citizens," Muyunda said. He emphasized that this action demonstrates how wildlife conservation can directly benefit people. While neighboring Botswana has the world’s largest elephant population at 130,000, it has not followed Zimbabwe and Namibia's lead in culling elephants to feed its population. However, Botswana's approach remains a notable contrast amid the region's broader struggle with drought. Guyo Roba, a food security and agricultural expert from the Jameel Observatory, a Kenya-based environmental think tank, commented on the difficult decisions facing both Zimbabwe and Namibia. "They are working against a wildlife population that is above their carrying capacity," Roba said. He acknowledged that the measures might appear controversial at first glance, but stressed that the governments face a tough balancing act. "The governments are torn between remaining faithful to some of their obligations at an international level in terms of conservation and supporting the population,” Roba said. As the drought continues to ravage southern Africa, the decision to cull elephants and other wildlife has become a desperate measure to address immediate food shortages. While controversial, it underscores the complex challenges these nations face as they seek to protect both their citizens and their natural heritage. Credit: ABC 2024-09-19 -
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Whistleblower Testifies Titan Sub Tragedy Was 'Inevitable' Due to Ignored Safety Warnings
In a public hearing on the 2023 Titan submersible tragedy, a former employee of OceanGate, the company behind the ill-fated vessel, claimed the disaster was "inevitable" due to the company bypassing safety protocols. David Lochridge, OceanGate’s former operations director, testified before U.S. Coast Guard investigators, stating that he had raised concerns about potential safety issues before being dismissed in 2018. His warnings were ignored, culminating in the tragedy that claimed five lives when the Titan imploded during a descent to the Titanic wreck in June 2023. Investigators disclosed additional details, including communications between the Titan and its mother ship, the Polar Prince. Notably, one of the last messages from the submersible before it imploded read, "all good here." Officials also revealed that during its earlier dives to the Titanic in 2021 and 2022, the submersible had experienced 118 equipment issues. Specific incidents included its batteries dying, leaving passengers stranded inside the sub for 27 hours. The Titan tragedy claimed the lives of OceanGate CEO Stockton Rush, British explorer Hamish Harding, veteran French diver Paul Henri Nargeolet, British-Pakistani businessman Shahzada Dawood, and his 19-year-old son, Suleman. Following the incident, OceanGate suspended all exploration and commercial operations. Credit: BBC 2024-09-19
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