Saturn

From an academic viewpoint, it would be interesting to see how this plays out, but being here in the middle of it (so to speak) is no fun Let us hope we live to see a peaceful end.

@pericles - Unicef (appear to have) expressed concern about children used as human shields/soldiers in the past: http://www.nowpublic.com/world/child-soldiers-peril-unicef http://www.mg.co.za/article/2009-02-17-tig...ght-says-unicef As for not having complained about X or Y issue, does that make this specific situation any less dire? I posted this here because I believe its significant and relevant to us, and there doesn't seem to notice much coverage of this topic in the local media (I don't actively follow local media so I may have missed it) As for "outsiders poking fingers" they are unicef. Unless I'm mistaken, they have done a lot to help kids. Shouldn't we thank them?

http://www.unicef.org/emerg/index_48791.html NEW YORK, USA, 18 March 2009 – In a statement issued yesterday, UNICEF Executive Director Ann M. Veneman expressed alarm at the high number of children affected by continuing violence in the northern area of Sri Lanka known as the Vanni. "Hundreds of children have been killed and many more injured as a result of the conflict in Sri Lanka," Veneman said. "Thousands are now at risk because of a critical lack of food, water and medicines." More than 150,000 people are currently trapped by fighting between government troops and the rebel group known as the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam, or LTTE. "Regular, safe access for humanitarian agencies is urgently required, so that lifesaving supplies can be provided, and civilians must be allowed to move to safe areas where essential humanitarian support is more readily available," Veneman added. 40,000 have escaped Around 40,000 people have been able to escape the conflict zone, and humanitarian groups are rushing to assist them. "UNICEF, other UN agencies and partners have been rapidly setting up toilets, getting proper sanitation and providing clean water," said UNICEF Sri Lanka Chief of Communication James Elder. "We're also supporting hospitals who, of course, are overcrowded with the injured." Elder said there are over 500 pregnant women among the displaced; UNICEF is supplying pregnancy kits for them. If the fighting continues, the number of children and women in need could increase exponentially in the coming weeks. Rights of children compromised Even temporary displacement can have a massive impact on children's health and development. UNICEF is working to mitigate the effects of school disruptions and the adverse psychological effects caused by exposure to violence in Sri Lankan conflict areas. Veneman urged all sides in the conflict to prevent civilian casualties and respect the rights of children. "Children are the innocent victims of Sri Lanka's conflict," she said. "They desperately need assistance and extraordinary efforts must be taken to protect them."

It's a little annoying when you know the problem and they just dont bother listening. Applies to all garages here I guess, not just these guys I'm not saying they have to take my word on it but it would help if they could at least use my comments as a starting point. It would save time for them at least.

You know... I'm beginning to suspect we are being trolled because if this dude is serious in half the stuff he said, God save the poor Aussies. Personally, I find it a bit strange to see someone in Australia ask people to not wear ties, not speak english, and travel in bus. I guess the irony is lost on him

You know, you've actually stumbled upon this nations method of problem solving. 1. Decide a random cause for the problem. 2. Create a new problem. 3. Fix new problem. Then, if someone complains, hey we fixed a problem. OK true we caused it but that's just a technicality. Actually I was annoyed a little but now I'm amused. Life in Sri Lanka is kinda funny if you look at it from a distance. Actually living here, not so much, It's an acquired taste. Like genital warts, it grows on you. But I've grown to appreciate the humor in day to day existence. The good news is they weren't successful in killing my car totally and its still alive.

Mitsubishi

So I took my car to the agent the other day. I knew what the problem was. They listened to me, told me to have a seat, and gave the car a tuneup, and gave it back. I gently reminded them that this wasn't going to fix the problem. They told me not to worry, and to come back if theres a problem again. So, the next day, I drove back, explained the problem again, what was causing it, and what I wanted them to do. They parked the car in their service bay and this is when things got a bit odd. The problem deals with power loss at higher RPMs. The chief technician decided that it isn't really power loss at high RPMs, so he put the handbreak on, reved my car to around 4000, and engaged the clutch a few times. Basically, each time he did this, the engine obviously stalled after a lot of stress. Having smoked my clutch, the cheif technician informed me that my clutch doesnt seem very strong. I was about to point out that a) I was aware of this, and it was doing OK until he kinda decided to smoke it but decided to let that slide. Anyhoo, the technician confirmed my original diagnosis, and solution (nothing to do with the clutch). but now my poor clutch is a bit on the weak side Oh, as for the necessary repair? Well they said they don't have parts, to drop the car there and they will call me when they find the part (they need to remove it and find a recond equivalent). Sigh.. gotta love this country.

Now you just have to beg them not to Just kidding Say.. are you guys going to upgrade hosting anytime soon? this site gets quite slow at times.

Goodness! I used to be pissed off at the crazy stuff people do but nowadays I take the path of least resistance and drive like an old man in the slow lane, which is easy as I am getting old. I prefer to laze along and let all the Pants on Fire kinds overtake me. Thing is, this is a small country, and no matter how fast or slow people go, the nature of traffic means you can't get anywhere fast. Every once in a way I slowly overtake someone who overtook/cut into me in a mad hurry (using strategy, not speed) and give them a little toot just to say hey. I don't do fancy stuff because it's useless. I just figure, hey, this aint my country, and theres no point. Driving slowly I cut my stress levels by 90% and get to go to my destination roughly the same time or at most five mins late than everyone else, which is cool as I have all the time in the world I used to be one of those angry people driving at high speeds, overtaking like a maniac.. well not a maniac but overtaking like a Sri Lankan.. now I just laze along. Life is short, it just aint worth getting stressed up on these roads.

drive in sri lanka.

*literally* The rest of the series are here: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/picturegal...-on-camera.html

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/picturegal...March-2009.html

http://www.hrw.org/en/news/2009/03/04/sri-...cuate-civilians

As already pointed out here.. the camera does not necessarily matter much, its the lens which counts. Pericles has already listed some excellent lens choices for the Canon, as for Nikon, not sure but you can always check at kenrockwell.com Personally, I'd suggest getting the cheapest body you can get (even a 1000d) and a good lens Most of all, remember, what matters most is skill. A good photographer can work miracles with basic cheap stuff, so I'd suggest you invest the most in learning see the links peri has posted. Oh, since you mentioned Macro, may I recommend a RING LIGHT

Seatbelts are good. They save lives, prevent injuries. Making it the law.. donno if that will make a difference - but it will be fun to see them try it.

How good is the image quality? Do they have any 16x9 channels?

How much does it cost btw? Is there a standard fee or does it depend on the place? edit: found a web site for laugfs I think, showed a cost of around 800 or so.. whats the pass rate for cars?

500mm f4 l IS USM lens assembly

dang...can't wait for DTV to go HD, though I don't think that will happen anytime soon. it sucks at high res none of the indian satellite providers provide HD either speaking of SLT, has anyone tried the higher bandwidth versions of SLT? does SLT have any download limits?

Hey take that back! Headless chicken are smarter Speaking of road rage, I saw something I haven't ever seen happen in 5 years driving here - a cop pulling over a bus. What made this even sweeter is that the bus guy had tried to run over me (though not the reason he was pulled over). I was so stunned I wanted to pull over and ask why... Well I've seen a lot but this really surprised me..

Perhaps there's a problem in your voltage system which is causing the system to have higher than normal voltages when running? If the battery is failing for example and the voltage regulator on the alternator isn't good, this could happen in theory? After a drive, pull into your driveway, leave engine running and hook a voltmeter - see the voltage? Also, take the car to Pala. They are quite good in electrical work, as far as I know..

Sorry not me.

If you don't mind me asking, where does the gif in your signature come from? It's fascinating

Actually, its because car owners here are a non-vocal minority as such they are a soft target/cash cow, when it comes to setting policy, the powers that be, know that we can be counted to bend over and take it..