In Turkey you could receive 25 years in jail and in Cyprus you could be be in for a long prison sentence for possession, or receive a large fine thanks to their zero tolerance policy.
In Tunisia, if you are caught smoking cannabis or in possession any other soft drugs you will most likely receive a prison sentence.
In Thailand, possession of even tiny quantities of drugs can lead to imprisonment and sentences of 50 years without remission are not unusual. In the most serious cases, the death penalty can be given. Possession of 20 grammes or more of any Class A drug at a Thai exit point is classed as trafficking and, if found guilty, the death sentence is usually given. In Thailand, amphetamines and ecstasy are both considered Class A drugs.
In Spain, possession of any drug is illegal and could result in a prison sentence, and in the Balearic Islands (Mallorca, Ibiza and Menorca) it is also illegal to drink alcohol in the streets.
All this leads to the fact that with a criminal record you are refused entry into e.g. the USA.
Ah, BBB, dear Mr. Rogers. What a fantastic piano player he had behind that show for all kids, grown up and otherwise:
Listeners, in purusing the news today, I found the ten top cities in which to live on this planet.
5. Madrid, Spain
Valencia, Barcelona, Madrid, Sevilla... Spain is just beautiful. The weather is great, the ladies are stunning and the food is pretty good too. While Barcelona's thriving economy would help it outrank Madrid, some of us prefer to live in peaceful times all year long; sorry Barcelona.
4. New York City, United States
San Francisco, New Orleans, Santa Fe, Seattle, Charleston, Phoenix, and Chicago are all wonderful cities. In fact, many in the panel even preferred Chicago, but New York is the capital of the world for a reason. Cosmopolitan, diverse, amazing food, great nightlife, lots to do, big parks, and the center of the business world. With Bill Clinton's wife running the State, it can only get better.
3. Rome, Italy
While Florence, Venice and Milan all got votes, Rome's popularity in international circles and its rich history, combined with its fashion, modernity, cleanliness, arts, and culture, made it stand out. If you have never been to Italy, make sure to go. If you happen to visit Europe, then consider your trip incomplete until you give Rome a visit. If the country focused more on the economy, it could place even higher, but isn't that what gives it its Italian charm?
2. Sydney, Australia
Sydney (along with Melbourne) are part of the reason why so many people love Australia. The cosmopolitan city offers great beaches, beautiful weather (albeit too hot sometimes), a strong economy, and very beautiful women who like to drink with the best of them. Too bad the ozone layer is missing above the city. The only knock against Sydney is what also gives Australia its charm -- it is too bloody far away from everything.
1. Montreal, Canada
Yes, it is very cold in the winter, but some actually like winter sports. Many do not like the weather, so why don't they ever leave Montreal? Let's see: it's the most cosmopolitan and multicultural city, which explains why it has the most beautiful women, diverse restaurants and an amazing nightlife (ask any Formula One driver).
The economy is growing rapidly, the arts and culture are extremely diverse and rich, and it offers you all four seasons to the fullest. Although the language questions become mundane, we hear that they provide for good entertainment. To top it all off, Canada is systematically voted the Top Country by the United Nations.
and, here is more info:
Tired of where you live? Well, we're not. That's why we've asked our readers, consulted with the experts, tracked down travel agents, and even researched the Web, to compile AskMen's top places to live. To be fair, we have selected one city from 10 different countries because we know that all countries were created equally, but some are better than others.
Oh, and for the record, the list examined the city's nightlife, standard of living, job sector, arts and culture, weather, state of affairs, and all of the other things that encompass daily life.
10. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
So what if the crime gets you [shot] down at times, and the telecommunication companies have yet to provide phones for everyone -- that is why you have mobiles, no? You can bet your last Brazilian Real that with the best beaches in the world, you will not be looking for your phone anyway. Also, this is the country that brought you Gisele Bundchen, so need we say more?
9. Frankfurt, Germany
Germany is one of the richest and most modern countries in the world. It offers great employment careers, an elevated standard of life, and is rich with history. Few countries manage to blend state of the art technology with arts and culture like the Germans do. Football is the passion and beer is the beverage of choice (or anything with alcohol content). Germany's "aversion" to military spending after World War II partially explains why it has risen so much, by pouring all of its finances into health, sciences, the economy, and all the other good things in life.
8. Paris, France
How could we leave out the City of Lights? Whether you wish to go sightseeing or spend your honeymoon in Paris, the French Capital has something for everyone. It is for this reason that many young foreigners live in Paris for a few years to learn the culture, history and the bad manners (oh c'mon, don't even think of blasting me...). Although the food will take some time to get used to, you can drink enough wine to lose your taste buds, so don't worry, be happy.
7. London, United Kingdom
While Ireland's Dublin has rapidly risen in status, London still has a unique charm amongst international cities. Yes, the weather is gloomy and many would never live there, but the raw energy of London and its deep historical roots are hard to beat. The city has also managed to do well economically, despite shunning the EU. As for Fish 'N Chips, hey, it can't be that bad with all that beer. In all fairness, there has been a culinary improvement in London in recent years, as Europeans have settled in the Foggy City and brought along their influences.
6. Hong Kong, China
Yes, Tokyo, Singapore and Bangkok have much to offer, but as the gateway into China, Hong Kong is a pearl in the Far East as capitalism has collided with communism. The place is always alive, even after the British handed the island back to the Chinese. Hong Kong is full of history and provides a glimpse of what happens when Asian beliefs meet European culture
Can you guess the rest, listeners?
Hmmmm. Florida was even mentioned. <smile>
Well, Walter, thanks for making that quite clear. As I told McTag, I was surprised at the possible repercussions for the offense.
I think msolga had a thread about Australia's reaction, but I can't locate it in our vast radio audience.
Incidentally, listeners, please edit that last statement to read: Florida was NOT even mentioned in the top cities.
Obviously not, edgar. <smile>
Songs for the places:
Well it's a rainy night in Paris
And I'm sitting by the Seine
It's a pleasure to be soaking
In the European rain
Now my belly's full of fancy food and wine
But in the morning there'll be hell to pay
Somewhere along the line
Sweet Virginia Cigarette
Burning in my hand
Well you used to be a friend of mine
But now I understand
You've been eating up inside me for some time
But I know your gonna get me
Somewhere along the line
Somewhere along the line
Well I know it's just a matter of time
When the fun falls through and the rent comes due
Somewhere along the line
Well, you know I love my woman
And I would not let her down
And I did my share of lovin'
When I used to get around
Now I'm satisfied that she is lookin' fine
But you pay for your satisfaction
Somewhere along the line
Hey, it's good to be a young man
And to live the way you please
Yes, a young man is the king
Of every kingdom that he sees
There's an old and feeble man not far behind
But it surely will catch up to him
Somewhere along the line:
Billy Joel
Bob, good morning. I really like that song, Boston, and I was amazed at the history behind Ian Fleming. I also like Carly Simon's " Nobody does it better", and I think that was from THE SPY WHO LOVED ME.
Hey, how went the karaoke last night? Sorry to say that Boston was NOT mentioned in the top ten, either.
Listeners, if you have a song that you would liked played to one or more of the top places to live, call in in.
A cofession from a hard head: I have never watched a single James Bond movie.
I actually opted for dinner with the PDiddie's at Jacob Wirths along with littlek and Dagma. I spoke to the rain gods first and they agreed to let the rains abate for that day. The Diddies did what diddies do best and a pleasant evening ensued. I was sure it would be a happy occasion for while I waiting outside for someone to show I beheld on top of the Wang Center a pair of redtailed hawks. I chose the scrod which was well prepared. Libations were poured and consumed. We fleshed out their knowledge with some recommendations. They penciled in a journey along the Freedom Trail.
The restaurant features sing alongs on Friday night. They must have heard of me since they cancelled it this Friday. We broke up about 10:00 and I headed home. Passing through Hingham I stopped at the Ocean Kai (karaoke). I'd been there before and experienced a less than glowing performance from the dj who dabbled mainly in boredom. Last night it was a woman who was interested and supportive. The system was well balanced and she was attentive to the singers. In the hour and a half that remained I sang five songs. During smoke breaks a number of people came over to say how much they enjoyed my performance.
All in all it was a wonderful evening.
Ah, Bob. You must tell us more about your gathering, right listeners?
Hey, edgar. Have you read any of Ian Anderson's books or seen his movies. Heh! heh!
Hi Letty! I'd just like to let all your listeners know about my new feature on this board.
Now all the news that you really need to know about is
HERE at
Must Read News.
Great, Reyn. We'll be right over Mr. Montage. <smile>
Letty wrote:Great, Reyn. We'll be right over Mr. Montage. <smile>
By the way, it's got nothing to do with montages. I decided to give that a rest.
I know it doesn't Reyn. I have already marked the page and intend to return when I get a moment. I hope all those here will do so as well.
and a song for Rio, all:
RAINY NIGHT IN RIO,
[verse]:
PEOPLE IN BRAZIL
ARE HAPPY IN THE MOONGLOW;
THOSE WHO WANT A THRILL
FULFILL THEIR FONDEST DREAMS.
BUT WHEN IT RAINS,
I WONDER DOES IT HAMPER
AND PUT A DAMPER
ON SENTIMENTAL SCHEMES?
[Chorus]:
WHAT DO THEY DO ON A RAINY NIGHT IN RIO?
WHAT DO THEY DO WHEN THERE IS NO STARRY SKY?
WHERE DO THEY GO WHEN THEY CAN`T GO FOR A WALK?
DO THEY STAY HOME AND TALK,
OR DO THEY SIT AND SIGH-AI-AI?
WHERE DO THEY WOO ON A RAINY NIGHT IN RIO?
WHERE DOES A GAY SENORITA SAY, `SI SI?`
MAYBE THE GIRL WANTS A TENDER KISS,
AND YET HOW TENDER CAN YOU GET
WHEN YOU`RE BENEATH A WET PALM TREE?
BUT WHAT DO THEY DO IN MISSISSIPPI
WHEN THE SKIES ARE DRIPPY?
AND WHAT ARE THEY DOIN`
WHEN IT`S MURKY IN ALBUQUERQUEE?
AND WHAT DO THEY DO TIJUANA
WHEN THEY WANNA SNUGGLE TIGHT?
WELL, THAT`S WHAT THEY DO IN RIO
ON A RAINY NIGHT.
BUT WHAT DO THEY DO WHEN SKIES ARE DREARY
ALONG LAKE ERIE?
AND WHAT DO THEY DO WHEN GRASS IS DEWY
IN OLD SAINT LOUIS?
AND WHAT DO THEY DO IN TALLAHASSEE
WHEN A LASSIE SAYS, `ALL RIGHT?`
WELL, THAT`S WHAT THEY DO IN RIO
ON A RAINY NIGHT.
UhOh, listeners. Things are weird all over:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Big Ben's Silence Baffles Engineers By THOMAS WAGNER, Associated Press Writer
Sat May 28, 9:27 AM ET
LONDON - Big Ben, the landmark London clock renowned for its accuracy and chimes, stopped ticking for 90 minutes, an engineer said Saturday.
Officials do not know why the 147-year-old clock on the banks of the River Thames stopped at 10:07 p.m. Friday. It resumed keeping time, but stalled again at 10:20 p.m. and remained still for about 90 minutes before starting up again, a spokeswoman for the House of Commons said on condition of anonymity, citing government policy.
There has been speculation a recent spell of hot weather may have been to blame. Temperatures in London reached 90 Saturday, and forecasters called it England's hottest day in May since 1953.
Big Ben, which is operated by the Palace of Westminster, survived attacks by German Luftwaffe bombers during World War II, continuing to mark the time to within 1 1/2 seconds of Greenwich Mean Time.
However, the clock has experienced occasional problems.
In 1962, snow caused the clock to ring in the New Year 10 minutes late. In 1976, the clock stopped when a piece of its machinery broke. Big Ben also stopped on April 30, 1997, and once more three weeks later.
Big Ben is actually the clock's 13-ton bell, which was named after Sir Benjamin Hall, the British commissioner of works at the time the clock was built.
The official name for the Gothic tower holding Big Ben is St. Stephen's Tower. Standing 315 feet tall, it was completed in 1858 after an 1834 fire destroyed most of the Palace.
Roger's river; Russia's anomaly; Diane's shelf; Walter's "Midnight in Moscow"; and now Big Ben. I find this a bit odd.
Man, things are weird all over. Even aggie hasn't posted yet. Well Bob what are you gonna do about it? Whaddayamean? Why don't you pick up the slack and post them? I don't know how. So learn. You don't think she'll get mad? Not aggie. Why don't I call her instead? Now that might get her mad. I sure don't want a madaggie. Call it survival instinct and do it. Right.
* 1759 - William Pitt the Younger, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom (d. 1806)
* 1779 - Thomas Moore, poet (d. 1852)
* 1807 - Louis Agassiz, zoologist and geologist (d. 1873)
* 1818 - Pierre Beauregard, American Confederate general
* 1887 - Jim Thorpe, sportsman (d. 1953)
* 1900 - Tommy Ladnier, jazz musician (d. 1939)
* 1908 - Ian Fleming, author of James Bond books (d. 1964)
* 1910 - T-Bone Walker, blues singer (d. 1975)
* 1917 - Papa John Creech, musician (d. 1994)
* 1923 - Henry Kissinger, US presidential advisor
* 1931 - Carroll Baker, actress
* 1934 - The Dionne quintuplets, the world's first surviving quintuplets
* 1936 - Betty Shabazz, civil rights leader and wife of Malcolm X
* 1938 - Jerry West, basketball star
* 1944 - Rudy Giuliani, mayor of New York City
* 1944 - Gladys Knight, U.S. singer
* 1945 - John Fogerty, musician ("Creedence Clearwater Revival")
* 1947 - Sondra Locke, actress
* 1949 - Wendy O. Williams, musician ("The Plasmatics") (d. 1998)
* 1955 - John McGeoch, Scottish musician, Siouxsie and the Banshees (d. March 4, 2004)
* 1957 - Kirk Gibson, baseball player
* 1962 - Roland Gift, musician ("Fine Young Cannibals")
* 1962 - Brandon Cruz, actor
* 1964 - Christa Miller, actress (The Drew Carey Show, Scrubs)
* 1968 - Kylie Minogue, Australian actress and singer
* 1977 - Elisabeth Hasselbeck, television panelist
* 1980 - Mark Feehily, Member of the Irish boyband Westlife
Howzat look? If the next time they see you and you've got a black eye, we'll know it's not good and aggie got mad. I can live with that. Good.
Hmmm. It is unusual for Aggie not to have given us the celebs update. I'll check on her later, but thanks, Bob for being her stand in black eye and all.
BELIEVE ME, IF ALL THOSE ENDEARING YOUNG CHARMS
Author: Thomas Moore
Believe me, if all those endearing young charms,
Which I gaze on so fondly to-day
Were to change by to-morrow, and fleet in my arms,
Like fairy-gifts fading away,
Thou wouldst still be adored, as this moment thou art,
Let thy loveliness fade as it will,
And around the dear ruin each wish of my heart
Would entwine itself verdantly still.
It is not while beauty and youth are thine own,
And they cheeks unprofaned by a tear,
That the fervor and faith of a soul can be known,
To which time will but make thee more dear;
No, the heart that has truly loved never forgets,
But as truly loves on to the close,
As the sun-flower turns on her god, when he sets,
The same look which she turned when he rose.
Can any of you out there in radio land guess to whom and why this poem was written. Don't cheat. <smile>
(edited to get rid of "hot stuff" :wink:
oops, delete all that superflous info, Letty. Okay, I will just give me a moment.
