monguRE: UN resolutions
Well at the moment Turkey has no chance of joining. But nothing should ever be ruled out in the long term in politics!
monguRE: UN resolutions
Well at the moment Turkey has no chance of joining. But nothing should ever be ruled out in the long term in politics!
monguRE: Cities pics
Liver building I think. The Isle of Man car ferry docks opposite it on a floating landing stage.
monguRE: Newcastle news
The Wonder Greek vs. The Bearded Wonder!
monguRE: Cyprus issue
[updated:LAST EDITED ON 17-11-02 AT 03:17 PM (GMT)]It is likely that Turkey will have to withdraw as a precondition to EU membership.
If Turkey joins, it will be AFTER Cyprus. Remember that if that happens, two existing members (Cyprus and Greece) are highly likely to insist upon it. For our part, I think the UK is pro-Greek on this issue.
Of course, if Turkey feels that they will not be allowed to join the EU whatever happens, then the will NOT withdraw. Mutual membership of NATO will prevent anything more than a cold war developing.
monguRE: Cyprus issue
[updated:LAST EDITED ON 17-11-02 AT 03:17 PM (GMT)]It is likely that Turkey will have to withdraw as a precondition to EU membership.
If Turkey joins, it will be AFTER Cyprus. Remember that if that happens, two existing members (Cyprus and Greece) are highly likely to insist upon it. For our part, I think the UK is pro-Greek on this issue.
Of course, if Turkey feels that they will not be allowed to join the EU whatever happens, then the will NOT withdraw. Mutual membership of NATO will prevent anything more than a cold war developing.
monguRE: FINALLY!! Britain admits to their sordid colonial past!!!
[updated:LAST EDITED ON 17-11-02 AT 01:58 AM (GMT)]Interesting final point Sam.
The ancient Ethiopian culture was the one part of Africa where development in agriculture was not held back because of the Tsetse fly. As a result, the population were able to grow surplus food and survive disasters, grow strong and trade with other continents – such as India and China, whose artifacts can still be seen in the ruins of cities in the south of Ethiopia. Like for like, their culture was ahead of European culture at that point in time. They had impressive architecture, works of literature and international trade.
The idea that blacks could develop a world class civilisation, but only didn’t do it because of Tsetse (and a few other issues) would be almost heresy in the days of Empire. Yet, it seems to be true.
You certainly have to consider the fact that Europeans grew strong, partly as a result of their benign climate and surroundings.
Anyway, your point about the Spanish/Portuguese empires. The only colony I have much knowlwedge about is Mozambique. There, the Portuguese were recongised as about the most liberated and friendly colonials in Africa, encouraging mixing between African and Portuguese. I’m not defending Empire, just saying that from what I know of the Portuguese they were not much worse than anyone else. Spain and Portugal both played a role in the destruction of native cultures in latin America I suppose.
Finally, the US were regarded as oppressors during their occupation of the Philippines. Which just goes to show that the “usual suspects” of Britain and anyone else were not always the only bad guys in town.
PS – in true British fashion (we don’t write the important things down, like the constitution) the Empire still exists, because it was never officially dissolved. That’s why in countries like Australia, New Zealand and Canada the head of state is still the Queen, even if it is effectively a purely ceremonial position. Does this apply to other countries, does anyone know? I thought it might apply to India, because they have a prime minister which implies either a President or a monarch sitting on top
monguRE: FINALLY!! Britain admits to their sordid colonial past!!!
[updated:LAST EDITED ON 17-11-02 AT 01:58 AM (GMT)]Interesting final point Sam.
The ancient Ethiopian culture was the one part of Africa where development in agriculture was not held back because of the Tsetse fly. As a result, the population were able to grow surplus food and survive disasters, grow strong and trade with other continents – such as India and China, whose artifacts can still be seen in the ruins of cities in the south of Ethiopia. Like for like, their culture was ahead of European culture at that point in time. They had impressive architecture, works of literature and international trade.
The idea that blacks could develop a world class civilisation, but only didn’t do it because of Tsetse (and a few other issues) would be almost heresy in the days of Empire. Yet, it seems to be true.
You certainly have to consider the fact that Europeans grew strong, partly as a result of their benign climate and surroundings.
Anyway, your point about the Spanish/Portuguese empires. The only colony I have much knowlwedge about is Mozambique. There, the Portuguese were recongised as about the most liberated and friendly colonials in Africa, encouraging mixing between African and Portuguese. I’m not defending Empire, just saying that from what I know of the Portuguese they were not much worse than anyone else. Spain and Portugal both played a role in the destruction of native cultures in latin America I suppose.
Finally, the US were regarded as oppressors during their occupation of the Philippines. Which just goes to show that the “usual suspects” of Britain and anyone else were not always the only bad guys in town.
PS – in true British fashion (we don’t write the important things down, like the constitution) the Empire still exists, because it was never officially dissolved. That’s why in countries like Australia, New Zealand and Canada the head of state is still the Queen, even if it is effectively a purely ceremonial position. Does this apply to other countries, does anyone know? I thought it might apply to India, because they have a prime minister which implies either a President or a monarch sitting on top
monguRE: Spotting
Not sure whether they’re charter or regular, but in the last 12 months I’ve also seen:
Air Zimbabwe B767-200
DAS Air Cargo DC-10F
Old Canadian B757-200
BA wise, it’s pretty much 737’s (-400 predominantly) and 777’s with a few 146s/RJs, Dash 8’s and ATR-72’s handling regional/domestic ops. They shifted all the 747’s over to LHR last year.
Plus there is a Comet parked on the apron!
monguRE: Pic Of the Day-Raw Power!
I guess a breather pipe seems OK, although its always rusty at the tip! It’s probably no big deal, but when passengers are sitting opposite an engine in a high wing aircraft, any small thing is nervously noticed! Especially, when the interior is very uncomfortable and your attention is kind of focused outside as a result.
Same with Dash 8’s, I always find myself inspecting the landing gear when it’s down, for any faults. Not that I’d know one if I found it, like.
monguRE: Aviation In India!—-A Book!
Well done Kabir. It must have been a nightmare trying to talk to the publishers – they’re famously dismissive.
monguRE: Enviromental disaster
Yeah, it does look quite bad. Isn’t there an offshore region where lots of seabirds live, close to the ship?
In terms of low quality Bahamian ships, I would say that there is no shipping version of ICAO and that there are not many standards for marine transport. Captains qualify once and do not require check rides or refresher courses. Maybe the UN should start to do something?
monguRE: Enviromental disaster
Yeah, it does look quite bad. Isn’t there an offshore region where lots of seabirds live, close to the ship?
In terms of low quality Bahamian ships, I would say that there is no shipping version of ICAO and that there are not many standards for marine transport. Captains qualify once and do not require check rides or refresher courses. Maybe the UN should start to do something?
monguRE: FINALLY!! Britain admits to their sordid colonial past!!!
Thanks keltic. It took me two months to buy a new house but it’s all done now.
BTW, Sam is prone to being an antagonist. He’ll probably call me a “murderous ignorant white christian racist exploiting colonist” for saying that 🙂
I remember in the early days of the British nuclear programme, in the early 1950’s. We exploded a nuclear weapon in Australia, in the outback. We got hundreds of Aussie troops to circle the device, so we could measure the effects. I think 100% of them are now dead. Although Australia was effectively independent at the time, it was still regarded as a “colony” by London. My fiance is Australian, and although we don’t spend much time talking about nuclear tests (!) I suppose I had to be honest about the past with her. I can fully appreciate that some terrible and barbaric things were done by the Empire. I just happen to think that the good outweighed the bad; Sam obviously takes the opposing view, that the bad outweighed the good. I can respect that.
monguRE: FINALLY!! Britain admits to their sordid colonial past!!!
Thanks keltic. It took me two months to buy a new house but it’s all done now.
BTW, Sam is prone to being an antagonist. He’ll probably call me a “murderous ignorant white christian racist exploiting colonist” for saying that 🙂
I remember in the early days of the British nuclear programme, in the early 1950’s. We exploded a nuclear weapon in Australia, in the outback. We got hundreds of Aussie troops to circle the device, so we could measure the effects. I think 100% of them are now dead. Although Australia was effectively independent at the time, it was still regarded as a “colony” by London. My fiance is Australian, and although we don’t spend much time talking about nuclear tests (!) I suppose I had to be honest about the past with her. I can fully appreciate that some terrible and barbaric things were done by the Empire. I just happen to think that the good outweighed the bad; Sam obviously takes the opposing view, that the bad outweighed the good. I can respect that.
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