jvlm.123

I was just wondering what the population of members' hometowns (or towns/cities they live in now) is. Mine is - Coolnagard (my neighbourhood) - 2,547 (2001) Omagh (my town) - 21,380 (2006) Omagh (my district) - 50,082 (2004) Tyrone (my county) - 166,516 (2001) Ulster (my province) - 1,978,896 (2006) Ireland (my country) - 5,792,826 (2006) What's yours?

Inspired by threads such as "London" by ledge69, "Chicago Photo Gallery" by SC4Noobie, "Come and know Colombia" by aleko, and the many ".... Skyscrapers" threads, I have decided to make a thread dedicated to Ireland's capital city, Dublin. I will show photos/pictures/etc.. showing many different aspects of life in the city. To start us off here is a small introduction to Dublin; Population (2006): City of Dublin: 505,739 Greater Dublin Area (GDA): 1,661,185 Name meaning: "Dublin" - anglicism of the Irish name "Dubh Linn" (say "doob-linn"), meaning "black pool". "Baile Átha Cliath" (say "ball-ya ah-ha clee-ah") - Irish for "Town of the Ford of the Reed Hurdles". "Dublin" and "Baile Átha Cliath" are the two "official" names of the city, though "Dubh Linn" is also popularly used. Economy: GDP: €60 billion ($75.7 billion) annually. GDP per capita: €36,120 ($45,515) annually. The GDA contributes to 45% of total Irish GDP. There are three stock exchanges in the city: the ISEQ, the INEX and the IEX. Main industries: Pharmacuticals, trading, finance, commerce, internet trading, information technology, software development, retail. Climate: Mild (mild winters, warm summers), sunny and dry annually (rain is evenly distributed throughout). Weather extremes are rare. January average temperature: 3ºC to 9ºC (37ºF to 48ºF) July average temperature: 12ºC to 23ºC (54ºF to 74ºC) Record high: 31.5ºC (88.7ºF) Record low: -12.4ºC (9.68ºF) Annual total rainfall: 711mm (this is actually less than Sydney, New York and even Dallas!) Days with sunshine 310 a year (more than you thought, huh? ) Days with snow: 21 a year. Days with thunder: 4 a year. Days with hail: 9 a year. Days with fog: 26 a year. Days with over 5mm of rain: 45 a year. Average daily humidity: 79% --- And now for a few general pictures of the city; O'Connell Street (Sráid Uí Chonaill) Dublin Skyline (Foirgneamh dar Baile Átha Cliath) River Liffey and the Ha'Penny Bridge (An Life agus Droichead Leathphingin) Temple Bar (Barra an Teampaill) Grafton Street (Sráid Grafton) --- That's a general overview of the city. The next update will be of important historical buildings found in and around the city. Also, for those interested in seeing the city live; there's a good webcam of central Dublin found here: http://stream.netro.ca/allcladdagh In the camera, landmarks such as Liberty Hall, Custom House, IFSC House, O'Connell Bridge, the Ha'Penny Bridge and more can be seen. Feel free to ask any questions in this thread...

What do you think the world and your country will be like in 2050? I live in Ireland. 1. Population of Ireland is approaching 8 Million. 2. 4 Million dwellings on the island. 3. 2.5 Million of these are less than 50 years old. 4. Multi-Centred Metropolis between Larne & Wicklow (Distance - 269.7 kilometres). Population 4.8 Million (Or 60% of the total population). 5. This comprises the towns and cities of - Larne, Belfast, Lisburn, Newry, Dundalk, Drogheda, Dublin and numerous other towns/villages/hamlets. 6. Tuskar Tunnel completed (Linking Rosslare to Holyhead in Wales). It is now possible to travel from Ireland to Britain and on to mainland Europe by train. 7. Completion of Belfast Orbital Route. 8. Completion of Dublin's (second) Orbital Route. 9. 51 Million people pass through Dublin Airport alone in 2050 (2004 - 17 Million). 10. Belfast now has a light-rail system connecting the City Airport (not the International Airport) to the City Centre and outlaying suburbs. 11. Dublin Metro completed. Dublin now has Suburban Rail, DART (Dublin Area Rapid Transportation), LUAS (Light Rail - Luas is Irish for speed) and Metro Rail Systems. 12. Beaufort Tunnel Completed (Linking Larne to Scotland). 13. Greater Dublin Area population around 2.5 Million. 14. Greater Belfast population around 1 Million. 15. Cork population around 516,000. 16. Limerick population around 320,000. 17. Galway population around 217,000. 18. Waterford population around 200,000. 19. Derry population around 160,000. 20. Heavy construction of Motorways and Dual Carriageways between the major cities almost completed. 21. Ireland reunited in 2025-2035 (according to Wikipedia it's expected). 22. Around 20% of the population is born outside Ireland. Ireland is now one of the most multi-cultural countries on Earth. 23. Cork becomes the fifth largest pharmicutical centre in the world. 24. Construction of the new rail line between Derry and Limerick (381.4 kilometres) completed. 25. Global warming has given Ireland a new climate. Tropical weather is experienced in Summer (Highest temperature recorded - 50 Celcius). Extreme Winters occur, with heavy snowfall (Coldest temperature recorded - -30 Celcius). 26. Skyscrapers become more and more common around Ireland's cities - Dublin becomes one of Europe's Skyscraper Cities. 27. Ireland is now the richest country in the world (2006 - 4th richest). 28. Most of the population is employed now in either Commerce, Services, Retail or High-Tech Industry. Agriculture has decreased steadily throughout the century. 29. Population density 92 per sq. km. (2000 - 68 per sq. km.) 30. Most of the population are now urban - dwellers. 50% live in either Dublin or Belfast. 20% live in other large cities. 31. The EU has expanded further, nearly all European countries (including Russia) are part of it. 32. There is a financial collapse when an Earthquake hits Downtown Tokyo or another similar catastrophe in a major city, it, however, only lasts a few weeks. 33. The USA pull out of Iraq in 2008/9/10 and give in to Kyoto when Global Warming causes a shift in world weather patterns. 34. Canada and Australia both become Presidential Republics. 35. The entire world is now metric. 36. Air travel is shortened dramaticially - it is now possible to fly from Dublin to New York in under an hour. 37. Space travel becomes one of the most popular (and affordable) holidays with easySpace. 38. A human walks on Mars. 39. Cars are now powered by Hydrogen Fuel Cells. 40. Possible collapse of the E.U. or U.N. 41. There are talks of building settlements on the Moon. 42. There are fully functioning articificial eyes and legs. 43. Internet crime is now the most common form of crime. 44. Extension of lifespan to over 100. 45. Underground cities are common (especially in Japan). 46. Cars that drive themselves on Smart Highways. 47. Global Electronic Currency in use. 48. 3-D Video Conferencing possible. 49. Robotic pets common. 50. Robotic servants common. 51. Virtual Reality becomes impossible to distinguish from reality. 52. Foods can be genetically altered (to taste better, to be fat-free, to contain more vitamins, etc...) 53. Skyscrapers grow to unimaginable heights (5 kilometres +). 54. Earth population around 10 Billion. 55. Korea is reunited after long negociations (It is now all capitalist). 56. People in Cuba are now able to eat in McDonald's, drink Coca-Cola and drive Ford cars after the death of Castro and fall of Communism. 57. Various forms of electronic addiction become a problem. 58. Records (Remember them?), cassette tapes, compact discs and DVDs become rarer and rarer, with online retailers (eg. iTunes) selling MP3 and MP4 formats cheaper. 59. Some records show up in museums. 60. Major (rival) multinational companies merge or are taken over. Such companies like: McDonald's-Burger King, Coca-Cola-Pepsi, Apple-Microsoft, Sony-Philips, etc... 61. Poverty in the third world is abolished by another Live Aid/Live 8-esque concert and the willingness of first world countries. 62. There are more political parties in the U.S.A., like in Canada, Ireland and the U.K. now. 63. China and India now emerge as major world powers. 64. Probably a few more wars from now. 65. Terrorism might grow beyond the control of government systems. 66. Some computer viruses are more dangerous than terrorism. 67. Cyprus reunited. 68. HIV/AIDS may still be a problem, but will be drastically cut (especially in MEDCs). 69. New fads/trends will appear since now and then, obviously, but what kind (in your opinion)? 70. Most people (worldwide) now live in urban areas. 71. Iran may go to war (probably with the U.S.A. and/or Israel). 72. Fall of communism ideas and ideals worldwide. 73. There will be the Olympics/World Cups etc... since now and then, where will the host cities/countries be? 74. Technology advances further (even SMALLER MP3/MP4 players, mobile phones (cell phones), etc...). 75. The Year 2038 Problem ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Year_2038_problem ) turns out to be nothing (Like the Year 2000 Problem), but is an obsession of the media in 2037. 76. The government system in Ireland will be similar to the USA now. With the four provinces acting like US States. The provinces are: 1. Leinster (Capital: Dublin) 2. Ulster (Capital: Belfast) 3. Munster (Capital: Cork) 4. Connacht (Capital: Galway) Dublin will also be the overall capital. So, that's what I think, what do you think, and, how will we plan for the future? (Immature, I know)

Weather you love it or hate it, McDonald's is practically everywhere. But not all McDonald's restaurants are the same. So post a picture of the one nearest you (if you can)... Here's the one nearest to me: It's the only McDonald's in my town (Omagh) and is located on the Dromore Road, about 1km from where I live. It (and the ASDA-Wal*Mart supermarket, behind), operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Here's some more Irish ones... That's mine, show us yours!

Current Conditions Forecast ºC Cloudy 16 °C Barometer: 1011 mb Humidity: 100% Wind: N Light Today

Final round of French presidential elections Sunday, 6 May 2007 09:07 Some 44.5 million French voters go to the polls today in the second and decisive round of presidential elections. The battle between Socialist Ségolène Royal and conservative Nicolas Sarkozy has been described as the most hotly contested election in France in recent times. Both candidates are hoping to succeed 74-year-old Jacques Chirac, who has held power for 12 years. Mr Sarkozy is widely expected to win and has promised 'a rebirth of the nation' through reforms and hard work. Ms Royal has said she wants to safeguard generous social protection, create jobs and carry out sweeping institutional reform to bring government closer to the people. As a clear favourite in opinion polls, Mr Sarkozy is proposing a series of tax cuts and is advocating tougher controls on immigration as part of what he has termed a 'clean break' with the politics of the past. His tough approach to law and order and pledges to purge the suburbs of the 'racaille' or rabble has turned him into an enemy of the poor neighbourhoods where many descendants of north African immigrants say they are shut out of mainstream France. With the final polls showing Mr Sarkozy on course to win the election, Ms Royal has warned that his victory could re-ignite violence in the high-immigrant suburbs following riots in late 2005. She has described Mr Sarkozy as a 'dangerous' leader who would divide rather than unite the French people. Security has been stepped up in Paris and the suburbs to prevent possible violence in the event of a Sarkozy victory, with some 3,000 police on alert for trouble. --- Sarkozy wins French presidential election Sunday, 6 May 2007 20:00 Conservative Nicolas Sarkozy has won France's presidential election, beating his Socialist rival Ségolène Royal by a comfortable margin and extending the right's 12-year grip on power. Mr Sarkozy pledged to reach out to all French people after his victory. He said: To all those French who did not vote for me, I want to say that beyond political battles, beyond differences of opinion, for me there is only one France. 'I want to tell them that I will be president of all the French.' Within minutes of polls closing, Ms Royal conceded defeat in a speech to party faithful in the heart of Paris. She said: 'I hope that the next president of the republic fulfils his role in the service of all French people.' Forecasts by four pollsters showed Mr Sarkozy, 52, a hardline former interior minister, won around 53% of the vote in the second-round ballot and will succeed fellow conservative Jacques Chirac, who was president for 12 years. Turnout was predicted at about 85%. Mr Sarkozy's face flashed up on television screens after polling stations closed, signalling his victory and setting off jubilant scenes among supporters gathered in central Paris. Across the city at Socialist headquarters there was gloom and sorrow after the party crashed to its third consecutive presidential election defeat. It now faces the prospect of tough internal reform to make itself more appealing to voters.

Obey the grater... obey the grater... Now I'm really looking forward to see more.

Great work, as always, Glenni! Looking forward to more!

Heh, looks interesting so far Krio, can't wait to see more!

Current Conditions Forecast °C Fair 11 °C Barometer: 1012 mb Humidity: 100% Wind: Calm Today 16 Showers / Clear Tonight 10 Showers / Clear Tomorrow 16 Showers / Clear Friday 16 Showers / Clear It's now cooler and changable, with showers and sunshine just being minutes apart, right now it's sunny and 11 ºC / 52º F.

In my opinion, it should be up to the people of Scotland on whether or not they want to be an independent nation; and if a majority do want it in an future referendum, so be it. Plus, the 'new' country would probably be able to survive quite well if it joined the EU and similar organisations. Biggest question: Who'd get the North Sea oil?

Originally posted by: Micah Just curious, why were guns banned in Europe?quote> I only know of reasons for two countries about why they restricted their gun laws. Well, the Republic of Ireland, since it's foundation in 1937 (when the constitution came into power) has never allowed the easy availability of guns - not even the Garda Síochána (police force) have guns. However, guns are available for hunting in some counties, but then only at specific times - although hunting and all blood sports may be banned after the next government is formed on 14 June. In all of the UK, gun laws were tightened after the school massacre in Dunblane, Scotland in 1996; in which 16 young children and their teacher were killed, before the gunman turned the gun on himself. As for other European countries, I honestly don't know.

Wow, great detail Glenni; can't wait for more!

Two words: GUN CONTROL It's as simple as that; amend the US Constitution if you have to, it's not a good excuse to justify thousands of people dead every year.

RTÉ 2fm Current song: Coldplay - 'Speed of Sound'

33 dead in US university campus massacre Monday, 16 April 2007 22:44 At least 32 people were killed by a gunman who then killed himself at Virginia Tech university in the deadliest campus shooting in US history. 15 other people were injured. US President George W Bush said tonight that schools should be places of safety and sanctuary and learning. 'When that sanctuary is violated the impact is felt in every American classroom and every American community,' he said. The shootings took place in two separate areas of the campus and police believe a single gunman was responsible. Police said they were investigating whether the gunman killed himself or was killed by authorities. Most of the shootings took place at a part of the campus called Norris Hall, according to campus police chief Wendell Finchum. All classes at the University today and tomorrow were cancelled by the 'This is a tragedy of monumental proportions,' Virginia Tech president Charles Steger told reporters. It is the deadliest campus shooting in US history, worse than the infamous 1966 incident at the University of Texas in Austin when Charles Whitman went to top of the tower in the middle of campus and opened fire on people 27 stories below. Whitman killed 15 people, including his mother and wife the night before, and wounded 31 others. In April 1999 two student gunmen killed 12 other students and a teacher at Columbine High School in Littleton, Colorado, before killing themselves. The death toll in Blacksburg is second only to a bombing in 1927 at the Consolidated School building in Bath village, near Lansing, Michigan, that killed 38 children and seven teachers. Virginia Tech, with 28,000 students, is located in the southwest of the state, about 425km from Washington DC. http://www.rte.ie/news/2007/0416/virginia.html --- This is such a terrible tragedy, and I would like to give my condolences to the victims, their families, friends and fellow students as well.

100 Million iPods Sold Updated: 11:26, Tuesday April 10, 2007 Apple has sold its 100 millionth iPod, making the digital music player the fastest-selling in history. The first was sold in November 2001 - and it has now been through 10 new models. These include five generations of iPod, two generations of iPod mini, two generations of iPod nano and two generations of iPod shuffle. The company said: "Along with iTune and the iTunes online music store, the iPod has transformed how tens of millions of music lovers acquire, manage and listen to their music." Apple chief executive Steve Jobs said: "At this historic milestone, we want to thank music lovers everywhere for making iPod such an incredible success. "IPod has helped millions of people around the world rekindle their passion for music, and we're thrilled to be a part of that." Singer Mary J. Blige said: "It's hard to remember what I did before the iPod. "IPod is more than just a music player, it's an extension of your personality and a great way to take your favourite music with you everywhere you go." Singer-songwriter and guitarist John Mayer said: "Without the iPod, the digital music age would have been defined by files and folders instead of songs and albums. "Though the medium of music has changed, the iPod experience has kept the spirit of what it means to be a music lover alive." Seven-time Tour de France champion Lance Armstrong said: "I take my running shoes and my iPod with me everywhere. "I listen to music when I run. Having my music with me is really motivating." The music player has spawned an "ecosystem" of around 4,000 related accessories, made by a host of different firms.

Red - Blood Yellow - Summer Blue - Water Green - Grass Orange - Autumn (Fall) Purple - Magic/Supernatural Brown - Trees/Wood Pink - Feminine White - Snow Black - Night --- Scroll over, as per usual.

Arresting peaceful protesters, killing their own spies and journalists, supplying weapons to 'rogue' nations, all the time while the Russian peoples' quality of life slowly deteroirates [. I guess the USSR was better than the current situation...

Stay in bed, it's... Friday The 13th Friday, April 13, 2007 Paraskavedekatriaphobics will probably be having a bad day today, as their fear - Friday 13th - is here again. Considered to bring bad luck in English, Italian, German and Portuguese-speaking cultures across the globe, some people have been known to be too fear-stricken to get out of bed when Friday 13th rolls round. And, according to experts, it's amazing what lengths some countries will go to to eradicate the number 13 from names, planes and games out of fear. Examples of the fear of the number 13, also known as triskaidekaphobia, include: • Some aeroplanes having no 13th aisle .• Over 80% of high-rise buildings not having a 13th floor. • Italians omitting the number 13 from their national lottery. • Hospitals and hotels often having no room number 13. • Streets in Florence, Italy, where the number of a house between 12 and 14 being addressed as 12 and a half. • Many cities in the US not having a 13th Street or a 13th Avenue. •Socialites in France known as the quatorziens (fourteeners) who once made themselves available as 14th guests to keep a dinner party from an unlucky fate. It has also been claimed that people with 13 letters in their names have the devil's luck, including Jack the Ripper, Theodore Bundy, Charles Manson, Jeffrey Dahmer and the Boston Strangler, Albert De Salvo. The original "Friday the 13th" is believed to be the day in October, 1307, when The Templars were arrested, tortured and subsequently burned at the stake for heresy. It was certainly an unlucky day for them... But triskaidekaphobics are not the only superstitious ones. Over the years, a welter of unsubstantiated lore has amassed - and it's not just restricted to walking under ladders. Did you know, for instance, that: • It's bad luck to put a hat on a bed. • Three butterflies together mean good luck. • If a black cat walks towards you, it brings good fortune, but if it walks away, it takes the good luck with it. • It's bad luck to let milk boil over. • If you drop scissors, it means your lover is being unfaithful to you. • It's bad luck to leave shoes upside down . • If you sing before seven, you will cry before eleven. And there are other people gripped with an acute - but entirely different - sense of foreboding when it comes to things beyond their control. Half of women and 10% of men are afraid of spiders (arachnophobia) for example, while the many claustrophobics among us are likely to suffer from panic attacks in elevators, trains, or aircraft. More unusual, and perhaps, irrational hang-ups include emetophobia, which is the fear of vomit. Those afflicted may be afraid to vomit, or they may feel awkward watching others vomit. Brontophobia - also called astraphobia, keraunophobia and tonitrophobia - which is most common in children, is the fear of thunderstorms or the fear of thunder and lightning. And, yet another compulsive disorder, mysophobia, is a fear of germs or dirt. Medical experts, claim that sufferers worry less about being clean, and more about picking up germs by, for instance, shaking hands.

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Ice Cream is also meant to be healthy for you, like chocolate. But seriously, it does; it's like an anti-depressant and makes you feel a lot happier: http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk_news/story/0,3604,1472620,00.html

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Great to see you back, Evil - I look forward to more updates.