Lowyat.NET: Latest topics by Barack Obama

$1,000,000,000,000 Rare minerals in Afghanistan

Barack Obama — Sat, 06 Sep 2014 14:43:26 +0800

QUOTE

$1 Trillion Trove of Rare Minerals Revealed Under Afghanistan

Despite being one of the poorest nations in the world, Afghanistan may be sitting on one of the richest troves of minerals in the world, valued at nearly $1 trillion, according to U.S. scientists.

Afghanistan, a country nearly the size of Texas, is loaded with minerals deposited by the violent collision of the Indian subcontinent with Asia. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) began inspecting what mineral resources Afghanistan had after U.S.-led forces drove the Taliban from power in the country in 2004. As it turns out, the Afghanistan Geological Survey staff had kept Soviet geological maps and reports up to 50 years old or more that hinted at a geological gold mine.

In 2006, U.S. researchers flew airborne missions to conduct magnetic, gravity and hyperspectral surveys over Afghanistan. The magnetic surveys probed for iron-bearing minerals up to 6 miles (10 kilometers) below the surface, while the gravity surveys tried to identify sediment-filled basins potentially rich in oil and gas. The hyperspectral survey looked at the spectrum of light reflected off rocks to identify the light signatures unique to each mineral. More than 70 percent of the country was mapped in just two months. [Facts About Rare Earth Minerals (Infographic)]

The surveys verified all the major Soviet finds. Afghanistan may hold 60 million tons of copper, 2.2 billion tons of iron ore, 1.4 million tons of rare earth elements such as lanthanum, cerium and neodymium, and lodes of aluminum, gold, silver, zinc, mercury and lithium. For instance, the Khanneshin carbonatite deposit in Afghanistan's Helmand province is valued at $89 billion, full as it is with rare earth elements.

"Afghanistan is a country that is very, very rich in mineral resources," Jack Medlin, a geologist and program manager of the U.S. Geological Survey's Afghanistan project, told Live Science. "We've identified the potential for at least 24 world-class mineral deposits." The scientists' work was detailed in the Aug. 15 issue of the journal Science.

Afghanistan treasure maps

In 2010, the USGS data attracted the attention of the U.S. Department of Defense's Task Force for Business and Stability Operations (TFBSO), which is entrusted with rebuilding Afghanistan. The task force valued Afghanistan's mineral resources at $908 billion, while the Afghan government's estimate is $3 trillion. [Gold Quiz: How Much Do You Know About Gold Mining?]

Over the past four years, USGS and TFBSO have embarked on dozens of excursions in the war zone to collect and analyze mineral samples to confirm the aerial findings.

"Performing an assessment of mineral resources in Afghanistan is not like going out in the United States and doing normal field work," Medlin said. "What becomes very, very obvious in Afghanistan is the huge amount of pre-planning that has to take place in order to visit any site in that country, such as who is going to provide security and how much security is needed. You also have to plan how you are actually going to get to some place, as for most of the sites in Afghanistan, you cannot drive there — our work involved helicopters, and for our safety, we couldn't be on the ground very long to get samples."

The researchers' work has helped develop what are essentially treasure maps that let mining companies know what minerals are there, how much is there, and where they are, all to attract bids on the rights to the deposits. The Afghan government has already signed a 30-year, $3 billion contract with the China Metallurgical Group, a state-owned mining enterprise based in Beijing, to exploit the Mes Aynak copper deposit, and awarded mining rights for the country's biggest iron deposit to a group of Indian state-run and private companies. [Is China Mining a Rare Earth Monopoly? Op-Ed]

"These resources provide the potential for Afghanistan to develop its economy, to create jobs and build infrastructure, as it goes into the future," Medlin said.

The mineral riches could lift Afghanistan out of poverty and fight crime and terrorism, said Said Mirzad, co-coordinator of the U.S. Geological Survey's Afghanistan program.

"Terrorists in Afghanistan exploited the misery of the local population," Mirzad said. "If you give the population jobs, if they could bring bread to the table, if they had something to defend, then the terrorists, who are very few in number, won't have sway."

Challenges to mining

However, developing a mining industry in Afghanistan faces major challenges. "One of the biggest challenges is security," Medlin said. "Another challenge is the lack of infrastructure. We're talking about access to energy, which is required to develop mines. We're talking access to roads, railroads and so forth. We're also talking about access to water, which is needed in most mining operations. It's all a big challenge, but it's doable. It won't happen overnight, but it's doable."

The USGS is currently helping to rebuild the scientific expertise of the Afghanistan Geological Survey, teaching the researchers modern techniques such as remote sensing. "We want to bring the Afghanistan Geological Survey into the 21st century," Medlin said. "The aim is to help the Afghans develop their mineral resources in a sustainable way."

Mining and other forms of natural resources development can lead to graft, corruption, social unrest and environmental degradation. Other nations rich in resources such as Botswana, Chile and Norway could provide Afghanistan good models to emulate in order to avoid these problems, said Marcia McNutt, editor-in-chief of the journal Science and director of the USGS in the summer of 2012.

For example, important factors contributing to peace and prosperity in those nations are strong public institutions, equitable redistribution of revenues, environmental planning and investment in education, scientific institutions and human resources, McNutt noted.

"The leaders of Afghanistan will have many important decisions to make in the coming years and decades," McNutt wrote in an editorial in the Aug. 15 issue of the journal Science. "Science has opened the door to a new, more prosperous future. May they use this opportunity wisely."

http://news.yahoo.com/1-trillion-trove-rar...-114520215.html

US invasion incoming

The 9 most powerful sedans sold in US

Barack Obama — Sat, 23 Aug 2014 13:41:19 +0800

1. BMW M5

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2. Rolls-Royce Ghost

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3.Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG / E63 AMG S-model / CLS63 AMG S-model

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4. Bentley Flying Spur W-12

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5. Mercedes-Benz S65 AMG

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6. Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat (Value for money car)
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https://autos.yahoo.com/news/power-rankings...-001923867.html

Last one is hell of a deal

Where to buy/rent prom dress

Barack Obama — Tue, 19 Aug 2014 14:33:56 +0800

Anyone know in kl where have renting or selling decent prom dresses?
asking on behalf of my colleague

Giant dogs and babies

Barack Obama — Tue, 19 Aug 2014 08:17:29 +0800

Would u guys let ur baby so near big dogs?

Non original Alternator

Barack Obama — Fri, 23 Aug 2013 16:12:01 +0800

Hi all recently my car broke down and turns out to be the alternator died. Nearest shop I can find managed to replace one for my car for RM450. The Thing is its not original cuz I heard the price of original should be 2k+ My car is Toyota innova...so I'm now concerned whether to change to original alternator. If I don't change to original will it be bad for my car?
The original one is just too expensive

WTA-Repair old records

Barack Obama — Thu, 08 Aug 2013 18:57:14 +0800

Any place can recommend to repair old records?
I have a few thats quite old and dusty
so I want repair them to working condition.

I have one similar like this

Need to find a place to restore this urgently so I can give it for someones birthday

burning smell when >140kmh

Barack Obama — Tue, 16 Jul 2013 20:03:29 +0800

Have anyone experienced this before? Last 2 weeks i was driving to jb and turn into this empty long road to desaru and I drove my car near 140-150 and noticed there was a very lite rubber burn smell... then i slowed down to 110 and few minutes later no more smell
On the way back to kl is the same...I also went 140-150 then there was the smell again...is anyting wrong with my car?
-engine oil ok ,not time to service yet
-spark plug changed
-aircond filter changed
-Battery less than 1 y.o but havent check the battery liquid level in a while

others havent changed in a while

btw its a toyota innova year 2005
mileage near 170,000 km
I understand my car was not made for that speed so maybe i pushed it too hard or something is just wrong inside?

Public transport to Sepang International Circuit

Barack Obama — Thu, 13 Jun 2013 20:27:09 +0800

want to know if can take the LRT stop from cheras to sepang international Circuit? How much the transport cost? And estimated time? Thanks

Banned Baby Names

Barack Obama — Thu, 02 May 2013 20:38:52 +0800

QUOTE

'4Real'?, New Zealand reveals banned baby names

WELLINGTON: New Zealand officials on Wednesday released a list of baby names put forward by parents that were rejected because they were too bizarre or offensive, including "Lucifer" and "Mafia No Fear".

The list of 77 names reveals one child was set to be called "Anal" before the Department of Internal Affairs vetoed the proposal, while another narrowly avoided being dubbed "." or full stop.

Other names on the list included "4Real", "V8", and "Queen Victoria". In some cases, parents appeared to have lost any inspiration for coming up with a moniker for their offspring, wanting to call the latest addition to the family simply "2nd", "3rd" or "5th".

The department's rules forbid any name that might imply a child holds an official title or rank, so "King", "Duke" and "Princess" were among those that had been turned down most since 2001.

"Justice" was the most popular, having been rejected 62 times, although "Justus" and "Juztice" also failed to gain official approval.

In 2008, New Zealand's family court ordered that a nine-year-old girl whose parents had called her "Talula Does The Hula From Hawaii" should have her name changed because it was embarrassing and "makes a fool of the child".

At the time, judge Rob Murfitt criticised parents who gave their children bizarre names, citing examples such as "Number 16 Bus Shelter", "Midnight Chardonnay" and twins called "Benson" and "Hedges". - AFP

SoS

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where to park near kl sentral

Barack Obama — Thu, 02 May 2013 20:32:15 +0800

Where can i park near kl sentral for the cheapest rate?
I know its all probably above normal rate but which one is cheapest?
Today ive experienced parking from 8:05 am to 5:45 pm and the parking was rm40.
Midas tower there.....anyways tmr i need to go there again for work so i need some advice.
Serious topic.

Fastest animal in the world

Barack Obama — Sun, 28 Apr 2013 20:30:16 +0800

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No its not a cheetah

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These 2 are are no match

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It's

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Stray Dogs taking trains

Barack Obama — Sun, 21 Apr 2013 17:25:46 +0800

QUOTE

Stray Dogs of Moscow Have Learned to Take the Subway.

Stray dogs of Moscow, Russia have discovered that the best way to find food is to commute into the city via public transportation. This is probably one of the most interesting articles I’ve read in a while. Thank you, Tumblr, for always being there for me.

“Each morning, like clockwork, they board the subway, off to begin their daily routine amidst the hustle and bustle of the city.

But these aren’t just any daily commuters. These are stray dogs who live in the outskirts of Moscow, Russia and commute on the underground trains to and from the city centre in search of food scraps.

Then after a hard day scavenging and begging on the streets, they hop back on the train and return to the suburbs where they spend the night.

Experts studying the dogs, who usually choose the quietest carriages at the front and back of the train, say they even work together to make sure they get off at the right stop – after learning to judge the length of time they need to spend on the train.

Scientists believe this phenomenon began after the Soviet Union collapsed in the 1990s, and Russia’s new capitalists moved industrial complexes from the city center to the suburbs.

Dr Andrei Poiarkov, of the Moscow Ecology and Evolution Institute, said: “These complexes were used by homeless dogs as shelters, so the dogs had to move together with their houses. Because the best scavenging for food is in the city centre, the dogs had to learn how to travel on the subway – to get to the center in the morning, then back home in the evening, just like people.”

Dr Poiarkov told how the dogs like to play during their daily commute. He said: “They jump on the train seconds before the doors shut, risking their tails getting jammed. They do it for fun. And sometimes they fall asleep and get off at the wrong stop.”

The dogs have also amazingly learned to use traffic lights to cross the road safely, said Dr Poiarkov. And they use cunning tactics to obtain tasty morsels of shawarma, a kebab-like snack popular in Moscow.

With children the dogs “play cute” by putting their heads on youngsters’ knees and staring pleadingly into their eyes to win sympathy – and scraps

Dr Poiarkov added: “Dogs are surprisingly good psychologists.”

SoS

such amazing creatures

WTA where to buy chrysanthemum tea for boiling

Barack Obama — Sat, 30 Mar 2013 20:03:03 +0800

so where are the good places to buy teas and stuff?
Im looking for chrysanthemum like these but i dont want those powder form or already packed into packets and cans for drinking
something like this

Ferrari Burnt and melted

Barack Obama — Sat, 02 Mar 2013 21:38:23 +0800

QUOTE

A red Ferrari was completely burnt after it burst into flames on Penjuru Road on Wednesday afternoon.
The sports car was stationary when the incident happened, and the driver is believed to have left the car to investigate after he saw smoke coming from the engine.
An eyewitness, Mr Derrick Chua, 26, said that he was at a coffeeshop just opposite when everyone's attention turned towards the road. "I saw smoke coming out, it grew thicker, and eventually the car burst into flames."
The Singapore Civil Defence Force arrived shortly after.
- See more at: http://www.straitstimes.com/breaking-news/...h.gERkYG1Q.dpuf

SoS

Ferrari driven by young man goes up in flames along Penjuru Rd

A Ferrari went up in flames along Penjuru Road this afternoon (Feb 27), shortly after the driver stopped the car due to smoke in the engine compartment.

Several STOMPers sent in photos and videos of the incident.

STOMPer Bharati praised the SCDF for putting out the fire quickly.

It is unclear from the pictures and videos what model the burnt car was, but the cheapest Ferrari model appears to be the 2012 Ferrari California which reportedly costs $242,763, while the most expensive one is reportedly a 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO made for race driver Stirling Moss which costs $43 million.

STOMPer Bharati wrote:

"At about 1.15pm along Penjuru Road, a red Ferrari caught fire.

"SCDF personnel were very fast in putting out the fire.

"This is what remained of the Ferrari.

No one was injured during this incident."

A STOMPer added:

"Ferrari caught fire.

"A red Ferrari caught went up in flames minutes after the driver noticed smoke in the engine area and stopped the car along Penjuru Road.

"SCDF hose burst while putting out the fire."

STOMPer Haja commented:

"Young driver, aged 28, calmly letting his car get burnt, right outside 10 Penjuru Road."

STOMPer Rebecca said:

"At about 1.10pm, a red Ferrari came to a screeching halt along Penjuru Road, right in front of Block 54 Teban Gardens Road.

"The driver came dashing out of the car trying to find an extinguisher to save his car but to no avail.

"Shortly, a small explosion was heard and the Ferrari caught fire at the engine area. The fire raged, spreading quickly to the surrounding area and another small explosion occurred.

"This time, the fire was raging, devouring the Ferrari within thick clouds of black smoke. The fire was so great that it was almost 2-storeys high.

"The police and Civil Defence arrived shortly in about 5-10 minutes. Our efficient fire fighters got to their positions with their tools, fought the raging fire and extinguished it in less than 3 minutes with their excellent teamwork.

"Our observant fire fighters even had to put out the smoke on the upper part of the nearby tree caused by the raging tall fire.

"The beautiful red Ferrari was reduced to a pile of burnt scrap metal in less than 20 minutes."

STOMPer Ferrari Burning added:

"A young Chinese driver, 28, left his car right outside 10 Penjuru Road.

"Shortly after he left, his Ferrari went up in flames due to smoke in the engine compartment.

"It happened at around 1.15pm. SCDF personnel were very fast in putting out the fire."

STOMPer Donovan also shared a video of the burning Ferrari and wrote:

"Burning Ferrari. Perjuru Road today at 1.19pm."

A STOMPer wrote:

"Today at around 1.20pm, this incident happened at Teban Gardens Block 54 main road.

"Luckily this driver got out in time.

"The fire took 5 minutes to burn everything black."

A spokesperson from the SCDF said:

"Update to the fire fighting operation involving a vehicle fire along Teban Gardens Road at 1.12pm today (Feb 27).

"SCDF sent 2 fire bikers, 1 Red Rhino and 1 fire engine for this vehicle fire.

"The fire bikers were the first to arrive and they immediately used their handheld fire extinguishing system to control the fire.

"Upon arrival of the fire engine, the fire fighters used a water jet from the fire engine to extinguish the fire within 5 minutes.

"As a precautionary measure, the crew from the Red Rhino was tasked to set up an additional water jet but this was not required as the fire was extinguished using the water supplied from the fire engine.

"There were no injuries reported."

SoS

F 430?
reminds me of the lamborghini burned in malaysia last year.....maybe southeast asia weather too hot for sports car engine?

Drug trackfficking on a whole new level

Barack Obama — Sat, 02 Mar 2013 00:24:29 +0800

QUOTE

Marijuana cannon’ fires pot across border fence

Mexican police have confiscated an improvised cannon that they say was used to fire packages of marijuana across a border fence into California.

The makeshift cannon was made of plastic pipe and powered by compressed air sourced from an old car engine, police in the border city of Mexicali said. The device was able to fire cylinders packed with up to 30 pounds of pot.

The cannon was discovered on Tuesday after U.S. officers told Mexican police that they had been confiscating a large number of drug packages that appeared to have been fired over the border, the Associated Press said.

It's not the first time drug traffickers have used a cannon to transport marijuana across the border. In December, U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials recovered more than 30 cans of marijuana scattered in Yuma, Ariz., near the Colorado River.

According to NBC, an investigation of the area "determined that the cans were fired from about 500 feet away with a pneumatic-powered cannon" and that a "carbon-dioxide tank was found nearby."

In that case, the cannon was not found. But Mexican border police said on Tuesday that they have confiscated similar devices in recent years.

SoS

Man Hides Millions in treasure

Barack Obama — Sat, 02 Mar 2013 00:15:51 +0800

QUOTE

Man Hides Millions in Treasure – and Wants You to Find It

Need motivation to get outdoors more? How about a treasure hunt for a hidden chest filled with gold? We thought that might get your attention. The Web certainly took notice after a story about New Mexico multimillionaire Forrest Fenn announced he had hidden just such a box three years ago. And here's the cool part: The treasure map is a poem.

The 82-year-old's goal is "The Thrill of the Chase," as he calls his self-published autobiography. The art collector's hope is that the promise of riches will get couch potatoes off their duffs and on their feet to enjoy the outdoors. That's the real prize.

Of course, if you find the chest, it's yours to keep. The octogenarian says the trove weighs 40 pounds and is filled with millions of dollars in gold coins, diamonds, and other gems that he's collected over the years.

Crazy, right? People from around the world have flocked to join the modern-day treasure hunt, which has foiled all seekers so far. Here's the full text of the poem.

As I have gone alone in there

And with my treasures bold,

I can keep my secret where,

And hint of riches new and old.

Begin it where warm waters halt

And take it in the canyon down,

Not far, but too far to walk.

Put in below the home of Brown.

From there it's no place for the meek,

The end is drawing ever nigh;

There'll be no paddle up your creek,

Just heavy loads and water high.

If you've been wise and found the blaze,

Look quickly down, your quest to cease

But tarry scant with marvel gaze,

Just take the chest and go in peace.

So why is it that I must go

And leave my trove for all to seek?

The answers I already know

I've done it tired, and now I'm weak

So hear me all and listen good,

Your effort will be worth the cold.

If you are brave and in the wood

I give you title to the gold.

SoS

Goodbye /k/, wish me luck

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Miami Heat

Barack Obama — Sat, 02 Mar 2013 00:02:15 +0800

Miami Heat Harlem shake

[YOUTUBE]Ir2TdfSwH8g[/YOUTUBE]

btw who watch the NBA All-Stars 2013?

Car lock beeps too many times

Barack Obama — Sat, 23 Feb 2013 16:47:15 +0800

Hi guys recently I changed my car battery and after that I lock the car with remote key and it beeps like 10 times then it locks.
Before the battery change normally only beeps twice then locks.
Just now I tried to unplug battery and repluged it but still not fixed.
What could be the problem?

Blind Dog Living in a Trash Pile

Barack Obama — Thu, 21 Feb 2013 00:09:19 +0800

[YOUTUBE]nnYRhanK3XA[/YOUTUBE]

Living alone in trash and blinded

Car cannot start today

Barack Obama — Mon, 18 Feb 2013 20:38:50 +0800

Need some help and advice.
This afternoon car still running fine till now want to go out and the car couldnt start..
Here's what I know

Toyota innova 7-8 years old
Mileage: 160,000 km

-opened each cap on battery and battery water level fine but have a bit of smoke come out after I opened a cap...just a bit

-battery is only 1 year and 5 months old, I put battery water few months ago when I checked the level was near emptied

-engine oil just changed

-spark plugs haven't changed since dunno how many years ago maybe 4-5 years

-checked coolant water and was kinda empty so I filled in water. But my car water Never dropped before wor..

Just now I asked a car guy come change the battery and the car started.
Now what I'm worried is why my car coolent water dropped? Is it because of the battery malfunction that the level dropped? Cuz my water never dropped before ever...so I'm worried something might be wrong.

Another thing is now after changed the battery I Locked the car with remote key and it beeped like 10 times...normally locking the car only beep twice