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http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/8358629.stm


Spanish 'self love' lessons row 
 
A Spanish region's new approach to sex education has provoked anger by suggesting children be taught "self-exploration and self-pleasure".

The government of Extremadura launched a campaign based around the slogan "pleasure is in your own hands", which gives advice on masturbation.

The scheme has angered Spain's Roman Catholics and conservative media.

But youth workers have also been angered by the row, saying their plans were taken out of context.

'Self esteem'

The education campaign included producing leaflets, a "fanzine" and conducting workshops with children aged between 14 and 17.
"Extremadura should be pleased with itself," Pilar Rahola, a columnist in the Barcelona-based La Vanguardia newspaper, wrote.

"It may have the most unemployed young people in Spain but they will be the best at masturbation."

But Laura Garrido, president of Extremadura's youth council, said the lessons would be valuable to adolescents, and were part of a much broader education than the mechanics of masturbating.

"The lessons are based on the concepts of self esteem, confidence and male and female anatomy and physiology," she said.

Local media reported her as saying that press coverage of the lessons had been "manipulated and twisted".




What a bunch of wankers.

With Gregory Campbell calling for a reintroduction of the death penalty and todays relatively grizzly execution in Saudi Arabia- what are your thoughts on the death penalty.

If you could make sure that the crime fit the penalty (eg child abuse, pre meditated murder to name a few), and that it was used in only cases where there was not a shred of doubt as to the guilt of the accused, would you be pro or anti the death penalty?

Growing up Irish, I always thought that we were somehow a pleasant, nice people. People said hello to each other, helped their neighbour and were generally decent sorts. The land of fecking saints and scholars my arse.

Take a look at the attitudes that prevail on this board in response to many innocuous issues today.

Online dating: for losers, and weirdos who can't get laid in a nightclub.
Men wearing scarves or straightening their hair: tossers, c***ts, twats, homos
Stephen gately: enough said

is it because the board is annonymous that these hardline attitudes, and intolerant opinions are so frequent on this board?
Is it indicative of the type of person who enjoys GAA?
Is it indicative of Irish people as a whole?
Is it because there's too many tyronies on the board?

Or are we as a nation thouroughly undeserving of the credit laid at our name of being the land of a hundred thousand welcomes, because, well, we're basically a bunch of racist, intolerant, ill mannered c***ts?

Just got this in an email this morning, Im not convinced its for real, but holy crap you could only make this shit up.


http://melodymaker.posterous.com/the-reason-some-girls-stay-single-very-funny

What are your favourite words to either speak or write?
A few of mine...

Chechnya. One of the best spoken words
Agamemnon. Another clinker
apostrophe.

Least favourite word would have to be "snog" or any variation of it, followed very quickly by scrotum.

What do you reckon folks, would mugsy have sailed us into the 2005 AIF? Or did it have to be the master to take that kick?

Say we each got one wish, aladdin style, what would YOU wish for.

Rules:
1. No killing anyone
2. No making anyone else fall in love with you (who the feck wants that)
3. No wishing for more wishes


Would you turn back time and change something?
Be rich?
Get out of ulster (for the Fermanagh folk)?

Tfearon, this is NOT  a competition, there are no wishes up for grabs.

Just following on from Oriors math thread, I was wondering what subjects did you all enjoy at school?

Obviously not PE class, as it was probably most peoples favourites.

I havnt voted yet but its a tossup between biology and A-level PE.

Do your worst.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/northern_ireland/7897678.stm


New film being screened in Ireland has just finished shooting in Tasmania. Tells the tale of an irish criminal who was deported to Van Diemens land, and escaped only to survive in the wilds by eating his fellow escapees.

Seems like it would be a good watch, with Adrain Dunbar in the cast also.



So, if you were stuck - would you do it?

Pints would probably need his buddies to be very well done, if he wasnt the first one eaten.

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pfsTKfUT-RQ

Viral video doing the rounds here, kinda funny, but Im not sure I like the fact that his own dad posted this video.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=txqiwrbYGrs

All togther now.....

Happy birthday to you
Happy birthday to you
Happy birthday you biffo
Happy birthday to you.


Happy birthday ma'am.

I'd thought about this thread a while back, but forgot about it until two things happened this week. First, the impact of the first news story thread ( which I've really enjoyed). Secondly, I was dragged to a shoe shop the other day, and for the first time in a decade I guess, I had on me a pair of Dr martens.

What reminds you of your youth, either at home or at school?

Dr martens and kickers remind me of the CBS.


Liverpools old crown paint sponsered shirt and john barnes advertising lucozade sport "after 90 minutes of sheer hell", top of the pops on a Thursday night, the pussy cat crawling along the roof at the start of coronation street ( for years that signalled bed time for me), american football on channel 4 and westerns on BBC 2 on a Tuesday night.

These things, and I'm sure many more make me nostalgic for my childhood.

Having read a post from Mike Sheehy, in which he asks - "Tyrone will buck recent trends and actually win back 2 back AIs?" it got me thinking.

Who will be the first to break the current situation?

Tyrone have yet to defend an AI championship. Some say its understandable due to some freakish bad luck - others like to say they just dont have it in them.

Kerry have yet to win a competitive AIF (in this most recent era 2002-present day). Its no big secret that neither Cork nor Mayo turned up on the big day in 06, or 07.

Will Tyrone successfully defend an All Ireland Championship? Or will Kerry finally trump Tyrone in Croke Park at the business end of the season for the first time since 86?




What do you really think has a better chance of happening first?

I need some help. Anyone got any ideas?

Seriously how do those of you with a short fuse stop yourselves from going homicidal???

Gaaboard Allstars Exhibition match 2008: The Slurry Cup.


The Red Team.

Manager – Takeyourpoints: A silent sponsor of underage schools success, the time is right for this red coat to show us what he has learned as he manages this team of miscreants to SLURRY CUP glory.

1.   Evil Genius. The last guardian of "themmuns" who is prepared to gracefully field the high ball in the face of adversity. Expect plenty to be pumped in on top of him, and more than a few "square ball" infringements.
2.   TacadoirArdMhacha. The tenacious corner back from the orchard county almost left us for greener fields this summer. He stayed however and on a diet of liftin weights and 'fierce plain eatin' he will be up the arse of what ever corner forward comes his way.
3.   Tyrone 86.  Rumours abound as to the real identity of this poster, and whispers of an intercounty career carelessly fly around the board. With this manager unsure as to where to play him, full back ( a typically problem area for Tyrone teams) seems to be the safe spot for a man of his reputed caliber
4.   Hardstation. An autumn season of hard time has left this whippersnapper chomping at the bit to get back out and swing his hurl. Not sure if he'll play with the big ball or the little ball – but expect big things from this McCooey.
5.   AZOFFALY. His youthful exuberance belies his advancing years. A calming head and a creative influence in a half back line with a combined age of 312.
6.   O'Neill. A baldy genius from Tyrone. The opposition should be worried.
7.   Hardy. The Charraig Mor to the offaly man's creativity. Hardy learned his trade in the glory days of meath. Expect no 'action' on this side of the field after the throw in.
8.   Zulu. The breed them big down in Caark and contrary to popular belief – size matters. With his fitness at its peak, and his half backline on zimmer frames, much is required of this 2 time allstar.
9.   Ballyhaise man. Another fitness fanatic, and as he hails from cavan it's important to keep him away from the posts.
10.   Sligonian. This manager wants a Dooheresque type player at @#10. Who else but the man with the single mind for Yeats county glory?
11.   Midlouth. Controversial inclusion at CHF for the louth man. Selected here in the hope that he can twist and turn the CHB in a manner similar to his contributions to any and all threads concerning Tyrone.
12.   Magpie Seanie. A difficult wee hewer. Kinda like James McCarten. Hope he can shoot.
13.   Treasurer. Top of the left here we have the mild mannered lass from Offaly. She's probably gonna bring a hurl and want to play with small balls. I have half an inkling she might unleash some hidden psychosis under that mild mannered exterior. 3-4 expected from play.
14.   Pintsofguinness. The big man from the bridge is ready to prove the detractors wrong. You can eat a whole turkey for Christmas, be bigger boned than Geoffrey McGonigle and still whip a bit of ass at #14.
15.   BrokenCrossbar1. He may get old – but he still has the quality. We'll stick him in the corner and see how he gets on.



The white team.

Manager – Budweiser. Under the tutelage of "the bud" expect this team to be fit as fiddles. They have been ploughing fields and picking stones by hand in the offseason – all offset however with regular trips to the racetrack and the pub.

1.   Illdecide. In fairness it's basically a weight issue. That and a desire to see a true heavyweight clash between the man who'd get up on a cracked plate and the opposition FF (who might also get up on the cracked plate – but wouldn't need to tell anyone about it to show how hard he really is).
2.   Iceman.  Mentally and physically strong – a great choice for corner back. Our only concern is his strong morality. He's gonna have to learn to be a c@#t.
3.   Full back. To be honest this was the most hotly contested position after the naming of the opposition line up. There were hewers turning up for training left right and centre. We even had some boy with a down tracksuit and lots of gold rings try and threaten the manager insisting he had to start. Scary fella. Full back reckons he's the man however.
4.    Kerry Mike. The wily auld fox has toughened up some since he married the blade from Monaghan. He'll need all of it as he "gets to grips" with the blade from Offaly. She's gonna have a stick KM!
5.   Puckoon. I suppose his natural "Davey Harte" attributes ensured that this spot was only gonna ever have one taker. He's a natural like Davy, except for the hair, the speed, the stamina and the long range point taking. Rumour has it that Puck has a bigger tackle.
6.   Fear an strath ban. No one at training in Gaaboard HQ can quite figure this man out. His age appears somewhere between 20-60. Time will tell if this beer connoisseur needs his wine turned into water. A mouthwatering battle with mid louth awaits.
7.   Screenexile. Everyone was looking forward to seeing this fella at training. His reputation preceded him. Unfortunately like most Derry boys, it went to his head and his form has dipped severely. Makes the team on potential only. Keeps muttering things about that "feckin county board hi"
8.   Saffron Sam 2. This giant of a man needs no introduction. Can catch a ball one handed and stick it over from 60 yards, all while putting manners in some young pup on the board.
9.   Maguire 01. The boys weren't happy on the team bus with his musical snobbery – but that doesn't faze him. With his uber trendy hair cut, liberal attitudes and great engine – he's a natural midfielder for the times.
10.    Uladh. Another eldersatesman enjoying an Indian summer. He's basically there for the frees. The really really really long range ones. A cracking battle with hardy is promised. Unless they get sidetracked by the GPA. Has bandages and paper stitches in his socks just incase. Uladh has indicated that unless the board improves - this could be his final year.
11.    Tony Fearon. With O'Neill up his ass all day, the competition genius will be looking to 'win' frees at every opportunity. Expect him to want to swap shirts at the end of the game. With everybody.
12.    Leenie. Expect this sippery lass from Knockmany Forest to put the skid (marks) on AZOFFALY. AZ better lace up the togs tight. This one has been known to sleaze anywhere and everywhere.
13.   Gabriel Hurl. Well he just looks like a corner forward in exile. From an u-15 Feile. Played in the cold. White boots and all – this boy can score.
14.   Square ball. This mercurial talent picks himself. Provided he can get out from watching the kids and generally being a house wife. The boys have signed the petition. It's up to Mrs Ball to do the right thing.
15.    Gaoth Dobhair abu. As with most of the shaggers from that neck of the woods – the talent is limitless. Getting him off the grog for the game is the challenge for this team. Not helped by the manager's fondness for team meetings down the local. GDA may well be steaming.



Who wants a ticket?

Its getting to that time of year again, and I was wondering if anyone cared to post their recipes for Christmas dinner on here.

Anything different or unusual that some of the rest of us might try?

Me - this year Im making a turducken.

Its sausage stuffing in a chicken in a duck in a turkey.


I dont think Ill actually make the thing, maybe just buy one pre made and stick it in the oven.



Now, whose gonna give me a recipe for some tasty side dishes?

Ladies and Gentlemen, boys and girls, posters of all ages. Please join with me in wishing our resident birthday wisher and lover of all things feminine the happiest birthday he has ever had.

The one, the only, the irripressible Ziggy!

Happy birthday horse, may a thousand camels shit in your garden and the sun shine out from under your oxters.

Edit - Technically there are still a few more ticks of the big hand until it reaches the little hand.

Some of you may have already seen this on BBC, but if not heres a chance to fall asleep in-front of the computer, or think philosophicaltastically about the world.

Its a nice change of pace from the grants, asthma induced drug abuse and the executive.


Question 1.

SHOULD WE KILL HEALTHY PEOPLE FOR THEIR ORGANS?
Suppose Bill is a healthy man without family or loved ones. Would it be ok painlessly to kill him if his organs would save five people, one of whom needs a heart, another a kidney, and so on? If not, why not?

Consider another case: you and six others are kidnapped, and the kidnapper somehow persuades you that if you shoot dead one of the other hostages, he will set the remaining five free, whereas if you do not, he will shoot all six. (Either way, he'll release you.)

If in this case you should kill one to save five, why not in the previous, organs case? If in this case too you have qualms, consider yet another: you're in the cab of a runaway tram and see five people tied to the track ahead. You have the option of sending the tram on to the track forking off to the left, on which only one person is tied. Surely you should send the tram left, killing one to save five.

But then why not kill Bill?


Question 2.

ARE YOU THE SAME PERSON WHO STARTED READING THIS ARTICLE? (Needless to say this question does not apply to O'Neill).
Consider a photo of someone you think is you eight years ago. What makes that person you? You might say he she was composed of the same cells as you now. But most of your cells are replaced every seven years. You might instead say you're an organism, a particular human being, and that organisms can survive cell replacement - this oak being the same tree as the sapling I planted last year.

But are you really an entire human being? If surgeons swapped George Bush's brain for yours, surely the Bush look-alike, recovering from the operation in the White House, would be you. Hence it is tempting to say that you are a human brain, not a human being.

But why the brain and not the spleen? Presumably because the brain supports your mental states, eg your hopes, fears, beliefs, values, and memories. But then it looks like it's actually those mental states that count, not the brain supporting them. So the view is that even if the surgeons didn't implant your brain in Bush's skull, but merely scanned it, wiped it, and then imprinted its states on to Bush's pre-wiped brain, the Bush look-alike recovering in the White House would again be you.

But the view faces a problem: what if surgeons imprinted your mental states on two pre-wiped brains: George Bush's and Gordon Brown's? Would you be in the White House or in Downing Street? There's nothing on which to base a sensible choice. Yet one person cannot be in two places at once.

In the end, then, no attempt to make sense of your continued existence over time works. You are not the person who started reading this article.


Question 3.

IS THAT REALLY A COMPUTER SCREEN IN FRONT OF YOU?
What reason do you have to believe there's a computer screen in front of you? Presumably that you see it, or seem to. But our senses occasionally mislead us. A straight stick half-submerged in water sometimes look bent; two equally long lines sometimes look different lengths. 
Are things always as they seem? The Muller-Lyer illusion indicates not

But this, you might reply, doesn't show that the senses cannot provide good reasons for beliefs about the world. By analogy, even an imperfect barometer can give you good reason to believe it's about to rain.

Before relying on the barometer, after all, you might independently check it by going outside to see whether it tends to rain when the barometer indicates that it will. You establish that the barometer is right 99% of the time. After that, surely, its readings can be good reasons to believe it will rain.

Perhaps so, but the analogy fails. For you cannot independently check your senses. You cannot jump outside of the experiences they provide to check they're generally reliable. So your senses give you no reason at all to believe that there is a computer screen in front of you."


Question 4.

DID YOU REALLY CHOOSE TO READ THIS ARTICLE?
Suppose that Fred existed shortly after the Big Bang. He had unlimited intelligence and memory, and knew all the scientific laws governing the universe and all the properties of every particle that then existed. Thus equipped, billions of years ago, he could have worked out that, eventually, planet Earth would come to exist, that you would too, and that right now you would be reading this article.

After all, even back then he could have worked out all the facts about the location and state of every particle that now exists.

And once those facts are fixed, so is the fact that you are now reading this article. No one's denying you chose to read this. But your choice had causes (certain events in your brain, for example), which in turn had causes, and so on right back to the Big Bang. So your reading this was predictable by Fred long before you existed. Once you came along, it was already far too late for you to do anything about it.

Now, of course, Fred didn't really exist, so he didn't really predict your every move. But the point is: he could have. You might object that modern physics tells us that there is a certain amount of fundamental randomness in the universe, and that this would have upset Fred's predictions. But is this reassuring? Notice that, in ordinary life, it is precisely when people act unpredictably that we sometimes question whether they have acted freely and responsibly. So freewill begins to look incompatible both with causal determination and with randomness. None of us, then, ever do anything freely and responsibly."



Happy Philosophising