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Tales From The Other Side - Alternative Culture to enlighten a mediocre mood

 
Alternative Culture and ideas, ready to be injected into your Reality.

Global Warming Quotes

January 26th 2009 14:04
We simply must do everything we can in our power to slow down global warming before it is too late... The science is clear. The global warming debate is over. Arnold Schwarzenegger, bill signing ceremony for California's strict anti-emissions law, September 26, 2006

The answer to global warming is in the abolition of private property and production for human need. A socialist world would place an enormous priority on alternative energy sources. This is what ecologically-minded socialists have been exploring for quite some time now. Louis Proyect, Columbia University

Since global warming Eskimos now have twenty different words for water.’ John O'Farrell - This Is Your Life 2001


I think it is manmade. I think it's clearly manmade. If you don't understand what the cause is, it's virtually impossible to come up with a solution. We know what the cause is. The cause is manmade. That's the cause. That's why the polar icecap is melting. Joe Biden

While human-induced global warming is not going to turn present-day Earth into present-day Mars, global warming is dire enough that our most distinguished scientists recently concluded that as many as 1 million species on the planet could be extinct by 2050 if affairs do not change. Jay Inslee

We can drift along as though there were still a cold war, wasting hundreds of billions of dollars on weapons that will never be used, ignoring the problems of people in this country and around the world, being one of the worst environmental violators on earth, standing against any sort of viable programs to protect the world's forests or to cut down on acid rain or the global warming or ozone depletion. We can ignore human rights violations in other countries, or we can take these things on as true leaders ought to and accept the inspiring challenge of America for the future. Jimmy Carter


Global warming is not a conqueror to kneel before - but a challenge to rise to. A challenge we must rise to. Joe Lieberman

At its core, global climate change is not about economic theory or political platforms, nor about partisan advantage or interest group pressures. It is about the future of God's creation and the one human family. It is about protecting both `the human environment' and the natural environment. United States Conference of Catholic Bishops statement

The world’s forests need to be seen for what they are.. giant global utilities, providing essential services to humanity on a vast scale. Rainforests store carbon, which is lost to the atmosphere when they burn, increasing global warming. The life they support cleans the atmosphere of pollutants and feeds it with moisture. They help regulate our climate and sustain the lives of some of the poorest people on this Earth. Prince Charles

Global warming is too serious for the world any longer to ignore its danger or split into opposing factions on it. Tony Blair, speech, Sept. 27, 2005

There are many who still do not believe that global warming is a problem at all. And it's no wonder: because they are the targets of a massive and well-organized campaign of disinformation lavishly funded by polluters who are determined to prevent any action to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions that cause global warming out of a fear that their profits might be affected if they had to stop dumping so much pollution into the atmosphere. Al Gore

Our nation has both an obligation and self-interest in facing head-on the serious environmental, economic and national security threat posed by global warming. John McCain

On average, global warming is not going to harm the developing world. Bjorn Lomborg

All across the world, in every kind of environment and region known to man, increasingly dangerous weather patterns and devastating storms are abruptly putting an end to the long-running debate over whether or not climate change is real. Not only is it real, it's here, and its effects are giving rise to a frighteningly new global phenomenon: the man-made natural disaster. Barack Obama

The global warming scenario is pretty grim. I'm not sure I like the idea of polar bears under a palm tree.Lenny Henry

We want a national emissions trading scheme, the Government does not and has rejected one for years. We want to boost the mandatory renewable energies target, the Government has failed to do that. We want a national demand side management strategy for the country to reduce electricity consumption and the Government, up until now, has done very little on that score. Kevin Rudd

The Greenland ice sheet is likely to be eliminated [within 50 years] unless much more substantial reductions in emissions are made than those envisaged [and will] probably be irreversible, this side of a new ice age. Jonathan Gregory, climatologist, University of Reading, April 2004

W]hen we look at the graphs of rising ocean temperatures, rising carbon dioxide in the atmosphere and so on, we know that they are climbing far more steeply than can be accounted for by the natural oscillation of the weather ... What people (must) do is to change their behavior and their attitudes ... If we do care about our grandchildren then we have to do something, and we have to demand that our governments do something. -David Attenborough.

Global warming is one of those things, not like an earthquake where there's a big bang and you say, 'Oh, my God, this is really, has hit us.' It creeps up on you. Half a degree temperature difference from one year to the next, a little bit of rise of the ocean, a little bit of melting of the glaciers, and then all of a sudden it is too late to do something about it. Arnold Schwarzenegger

The whole (global warming) thing is created to destroy America's free enterprise system and our economic stability. Jerry Falwell

The European records, being so long, make a convincing case that we're already seeing changes ... This is not like 'Centuries from now the ice sheets will melt.' This is 'In a few decades it will be dramatically different.' To me, that's alarming. Drew Shindell, NASA physicist

We are upsetting the atmosphere upon which all life depends. In the late 80s when I began to take climate change seriously, we referred to global warming as a "slowmotion catastrophe" one we expected to kick in perhaps generations later. Instead, the signs of change have accelerated alarmingly. David Suzuki

Some of the scientists, I believe, haven't they been changing their opinion a little bit on global warming? There's a lot of differing opinions and before we react I think it's best to have the full accounting, full understanding of what's taking place. George W Bush

..The United States is a quarter-century late in responding to global warming; serious climate change is already underway and requires action now, not later. There were warnings from the scientific community as early as 1979 and many in the 1980’s. We frittered away that chance to respond, and here is what we are up against now. If we want to avoid leaving a ruined world to our children, we are going to have to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by about 60 percent globally and 80 percent in the United States and other developed countries, both by 2050. To do this, global emissions must peak about 2020 and decline steadily thereafter. Developed country emissions should already be declining. The United States is clearly on the wrong path. The Energy Information Administration projects that both U.S. coal use and carbon dioxide emissions are currently slated to increase by 40 percent by 2030. Gus Speth, dean of the Yale School of Forestry and Environmental Studies, 2006

Environmental organizations are formenting false fears in order to promote agendas and raise money. Michael Crichton

The danger is that global warming may become self-sustaining, if it has not done so already. The melting of the Arctic and Antarctic ice caps reduces the fraction of solar energy reflected back into space, and so increases the temperature further. Climate change may kill off the Amazon and other rain forests, and so eliminate once one of the main ways in which carbon dioxide is removed from the atmosphere. The rise in sea temperature may trigger the release of large quantities of carbon dioxide, trapped as hydrides on the ocean floor. Both these phenomena would increase the greenhouse effect, and so global warming further. We have to reverse global warming urgently, if we still can. Professor Stephen Hawking - ABC News interview, August 16, 2006

We want to annoy the fuckers whenever we can. The best thing we can do with environmentalists is shoot them. These headbangers want to make air travel the preserve of the rich. They are Luddites marching us back to the 18th century. Michael O'Leary, Ryanair Chief Executive

It used to be controversial whether smoking caused lung cancer, it used to be controversial wheter HIV caused AIDS. Now, there are a few mavericks who deny those things. In the case of climate change, I think the debate is going the same way in that there is a strong consensus that it is a serious matter. Lord Martin Rees, Royal Society president and Astronomer Royal of Great Britain, November 29, 2006

Our generation has inherited an incredibly beautiful world from our parents and they from their parents. It is in our hands whether our children and their children inherit the same world. Richard Branson

I want to tell them that France will always be by their side when they need it, but I also want to tell them that friendship means accepting that your friends may think differently and that a great nation such as the United States has a duty not to put obstacles in the way of the fight against global warming, but on the contrary to take the lead in this fight, because what is at stake is the fate of humanity as a whole. France will make this battle its primary battle. Nicolas Sarkozy, president of France, May 2007
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Michael Leunig

January 23rd 2009 04:56
There is little to describe the brilliance of Leunig. Michael Leunig is an Australian cartoonist, who is much acclaimed.

Leunig is a ‘Living National Treasure,’ shit-stirrer and a fairly definite lefty. His work though, mostly labelled political cartooning, is often focussed of spiritual, and philosophical themes. Often his works contain motifs such as plants, weapons, curly haired characters, angels and ducks.

The Melbourne Commonwealth Games was another moment where Leunig was recognised. The opening ceremony featured the journey of a ‘boy and his duck,’ based on Leunig’s work, and featured a poem by Leunig.

Leunig also writes Editorial pieces for Australian newspapers.

Leunig Cartoon
a Typical Leunig Cartoon.


Some Quotes;
The best cartoons are also philosophical and poetic by nature, rather than slick and expert; they are sublimely ambiguous, disorderly and vague, and their purpose is not to nail things down but to open things up.

The man was most definitely me and the teapot, worn like a fool's cap, symbolized warmth, nourishment and domestic familiarity. The duck represented feelings of primal freedom and playfulness; qualities sadly lacking, I thought, from the world of political commentary and critical awareness. (On his first cartoon deviating from standard political cartooning)

How come the more bloody and brutal the world gets, the more a newspaper cartoonist is asked to be nice, witty, loveable and tasteful?

"Why do you criticise Israel and not the Palestinians?" Well, my work is usually humanistic, so in a universal sense it can be safely assumed that I'm deeply reluctant about anybody's violent policies or deeds.

There comes much vicious mail, much vitriol and great swathes of annihilating insults on those futile and frustrated hate blogs. When you're alone on the receiving end of such malice and loathing you get a privileged insight into what lies beneath the surface of our "civilised society". The Cronulla riots are only a small part of the sick mosaic.

Cartooning is nothing if not primal and emotional - the shadowy, natural truths and organic indecencies that make many readers and some intellectuals squirm and others laugh, inwardly at least.

More cartoon
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Marijuana and the International Law

January 6th 2009 11:33


Like Alcohol, all countries have different ways of dealing with Marijuana. This is a list of laws that Countries all over the world have for possession or use of marijuana.

Albania – Laws prohibit possession and use, but are rarely enforced.

Argentinia – Accepted but not legislated for Medical Use. Smaller amounts decriminalised.

Australia – Different States have different laws. Queensland would see possession of marijuana as an offence for which one would appear in court. Hypothetically, this could lead to up to fifteen years in jail, but this is not common for possession of small amounts. New South Wales and Tasmania have banned use, which attracts fines. Other states and territories, such as the Northern Territory see possession as a misdemeanour, which one may pay a fine for. South Australia may demand fines for some offences, and potential jail terms for more serious offenses. In Western Australia up to two plants are permitted for personal use. Northern Territory also allows possession of plants for personal use – both these states subject plants to height restrictions.

Austria – No prosecution for smaller amounts.

Bangladesh – Illegal in North Bangladesh.

Belgium – Marijuana is not legal, but is legally tolerated, so long as the user is not causing trouble to their environment. Smaller amounts are not prosecuted.

Britain – Marijuana is a class B drug (Second most restricted). There are also five separate schedules of drugs for medical use. Small amounts for private use are not pursued in court.

Cameroon – Use and possession illegal, through permitted for Cancer and AIDS patents.

Canada – While socially tolerated, and politically pressured towards legalization, Cannabis is still illegal, and fines or jail sentences may be dealt to offenders. The court ruling Hitzig v. Canada gives seriously ill Canadians the right to use Marijuana, though not a means. Sativex (essentially Cannabis in Liquid form) is available by prescription, and is used by sufferers of Multiple Sclerosis.

China – Smoking or selling can be a Capital Offence.

Croatia – Possession, sale and use illegal. In practice, less than one gram will not see a case in court, but may see a charge of 700 Euro. Cases in court may result in up to three years jail.

Czech Republic – Possession of under 20 grams is not a crime, but the owner may be fined. Czech law does not tend to distinguish between different types of drugs.

Denmark – Illegal, however it there is the interesting case of the social experiment of Christiania. Smaller amounts are not prosecuted.

Dubai – Trafficking or possession of large amounts can be punishable by life in prison or death.

Ethiopia – Possession Punishable by up to six months in prison.

Finland – Up to six plants, within a small group, distribution, cultivation and use are accepted as misdemeanours. It is to the discretion of a prosecutor to decide if smaller cases are seen.

France – Minor offences can mean a year in jail. Possession or sale can lead to 20 years in Jail. Life sentences are possible. When caught possessing cannabis, an individual can be held without trial for up to four days.

Germany – Possession and use are illegal, however, a fine may not be incurred where the amount is small enough. Small numbers of people have permission for medical use of Marijuana.

Honduras – Use and possession are regarded harshly by law. However, it is said that use is liberally treated in practice.

Hong Kong – Laws are very strict. Heavy fines may be paid and jail time varies between 7 years for use and life for trafficking.

Hungary – Illegal.

India – In Goa, Marijuana is accessible but illegal. Most offences – real or fraudulent can be paid for through bribery as corruption is rife within the police forces. Forms of Marijuana are legal for cooking.

Indonesia – Up to 20 years imprisonment for possession of an illegal drug. Possible death sentence for trafficking, though in the high profile case of Schappellle Corby, the sentence was 40 years, reduced to 20.

Iran – Illegal.

Ireland – Fines for marijuana related crimes (with the exemption of possessing seeds, which is not criminal) on a first offence. Higher fines for second offence, with even higher fines, and potential jail time for a third offense. Marijuana has no recognised medical benefits in Ireland, however an extract used to treat Multiple Sclerosis (possibly Sativex) has been approved for trials. The Gardi (Irish police) do have a level of discretion when it comes to prosecution.

Israel – Small numbers of people are permitted use, including the terminally ill. THC has been trialled in the military for Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome.

Italy – Marijuana is class B (least controlled class). Private possession and use is not penalised. Public use is penalised.

Jamaica – Possession illegal though enforcement is rare.

Japan – All THC producing forms of Cannabis are illegal. Culturally it is not popular or generally tolerated. Possession can lead to five years imprisonment with hard labour.

Korea – There is no distinction between Marijuana and any other drug.

Kuwait – Minor cases can be overlooked, but possession is punishable by Imprisonment. Sale or cultivation may lead to life imprisonment or death.

Lativa – Small amounts may result in a fine. Larger amounts may lead to a prison sentence. A drug test can be used as proof of use. A first offence may result in a fine, a second offence may lead to jail time.

Lebanon – Treatment and Rehabilitation for first time offenders.

Lituania – Use may result in a fine or jail time.

Luxembourg - Marijuana is decriminalised. Fines range from €250 – €2,500. However jail time can apply in more serious circumstances such as public use, or involvement of minors.

Republic of Macedonia – Smaller amounts may be ignored, larger amounts may result in three months to five years.

Malaysia – Harsh laws see the death penalty enforced for trafficking. Possession may see a jail sentence of between five and twenty years and whipping of at least 10 strokes.

Mexico – Small amounts of marijuana are decriminalised.

Moldova – Illegal.

Mongolia- Illegal

Morocco – Small amounts can lead to 48 hours jail time, larger amounts can lead to up to four months.

Mozambique. Technically illegal, but widely tolerated. Fines are possible with public use.

Nepal – Illegal but not uniformly enforced.

Netherlands – While the Netherlands has a reputation for having an open drug policy, marijuana is not legal. There has been support for its legalisation, but this is impossible in accordance with several anti-drug agreements to which the Netherlands is party. However, it is ‘tolerated’ and can be purchased in Coffee shops. It can be also bought as a prescription drug under the name Mediwiet.

New Zealand – Illegal, including medical use.

Norway – Up to 15 grams incurs fines of around 1500-5000 Kroner for first time offenders. Second time offenders, dealers (definition of dealing includes possession over 15 grams) may face jail time.

Pakistan – Use is accepted but not legal.

Paraguay – Illegal.

Peru – Up to 8 grams is accepted for possession, provided no other drugs are possessed.

Philippines – Possession many lead to twelve to fifteen years of jail. More serious offences or possession of large amounts may lead to Life Imprisonment. The Death Penalty has been used but was abolished in 2006.

Poland – Illegal, with high penalties for possession.

Portugal – Use is decriminalised, while sale and trafficking remain illegal.

Puerto Rico – Illegal as a misdemeanour, though tolerated.

Romania – Small amounts may lead to fines of between 150 – 200 $US. Larger amounts may lead to jail time of between 3 and 6 years. Sale may result in jail time in excess of this.

Russia – Effectively smaller amounts are decriminalised, but my incur a fine relative to the daily minimum wage.

Saudi Arabia – Death for Trafficking.

Serbia – Illegal.

Singapore – Death Penalty for Trafficking.

Slovenia – Small amounts tolerated. Larger amounts on repeat offence may result in 1 – 3 years jail time. If involved in organised crime, this increases to 3 – 15 years.

Somalia – Punishable by death or flogging.

South Africa – Illegal.

South Korea – Use not tolerated, minimum six months jail time.

Spain- The Autonomous region of Catalionia has approved trials of Sativex. Spain distinguishes between drugs that do serious harm and those that do not. Despite being one of the more relaxed countries in terms of drug laws, with home use and personal growing decriminalized, legalisation is not supported widely within the community.

Sweden – Small amounts of possession may lead to a fine, and treatment. Driving under the influence may lead to suspension of license and at least one month imprisonment. Sale may lead to a prison sentence of 6 to 10 years.

Switzerland – Use, possession and sale are illegal, as is incitement to use, and can be punished with fines or up to three years jail. However, it can be purchased in some ‘coffee shops’, and enforcement appears uneven. There is no penalty in particularly light cases. Consumption of soft drugs is punishable with a fine of around 100 Swiss franks, but the amount is relative to the accused’s financial situation. This amount increases with repeated offences or larger amounts.

Thailand – Illegal. Death Penalty often enforced for sellers.

Thaiwan – Possession can lead to up to 3 years imprisonment.

Turkey – Cultivation is controlled by the government as Cannabis has many legal uses. Possession of small amounts may lead to a fine, where trafficking, cultivation or sale may lead to may lead to 2 – 5 years imprisonment, longer if organised crime. Consumption may lead to 1 – 3 years imprisonment.

United Arab Emirates – Death Penalty seems to be possible for Trafficking. Small amounts carry a mandatory 4 years sentence.

United Kingdom – Illegal. Sativex is availible through prescription through a faily long and compicated process, and is not legally prescribed in the UK.

United States – Varies by area. In Alaska, four grams is permissible for private use.
Small amounts are also decriminalised in some areas including Boston.
In California, medical use is permitted.
In some states including LA, Honolulu, Medical Marijuana can be purchased by those with prescriptions from vending machines.
Other states such a Washington have harsher laws, with up to 5 years jail for sale, cultivation or possession over 20grams.

Uruguay – Illegal over 5g.

Venezuela – Decriminalised. Over 20g leads to mandatory drug treatment programs.

Viet Nam. – Illegal.

LINKS -
Effects of Marijuana on the Brain.
Personal Story relating to Marijuana law in Japan.
Image by WarrentedArrest under an Attribution Creative Commons License.
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