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Explosions have hit three churches and three hotels in and around the Sri Lankan capital of Colombo, police said Sunday. The blasts hit several high-end hotels and one church in the capital, while two additional churches were targeted outside Colombo, police said. There were initial reports of at least 80 people injured in the capital. "Eighty people have already been admitted, and more are still coming in," an official at the Colombo National Hospital told AFP on condition of anonymity. The nature of the explosions was not immediately clear. "A bomb attack to our church, please come and help if your family members are there," read a post in English on the Facebook page of the St Sebastian's Church at Katuwapitiya in Negombo. Read more at https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/asia/blasts-hit-two-sri-lanka-churches-during-easter-mass-at-least-80-11464816 To think I was just considering to book next vacay at Sri Lanka after watching a YouTube video...HOPE no one is badly injured n no deaths. Story is developinh

Terrorist attacks again? [:(] From CNA: http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/world/...-in/639570.html Two killed, 36 injured in Boston Marathon blasts POSTED: 16 Apr 2013 3:40 AM BOSTON, Massachusetts: At least two people were killed and 36 wounded when two explosions struck near the finish line of the Boston Marathon on Monday, sparking scenes of panic. Police did not immediately say whether the explosions were part of a terrorist attack, but marathon organizers said it was a twin bombing and media outlets reported that other unexploded devices had been found nearby. The blasts left a street littered with blood and debris, as spectators screamed and fled, paramedics hauled away stretchers and police rushed in, according to witnesses, one of whom saw a man with his lower limbs blown off. Boston Marathon organizers said on Facebook that "two bombs" exploded near the finish line, without providing a source for the information. "We are working with law enforcement to understand what exactly has happened," it said. NBC News, citing officials, earlier reported that police had found "multiple explosive devices" in Boston, raising the possibility of a coordinated attack. The twin explosions come more than a decade after nearly 3,000 people were killed in airplane strikes on New York, Washington and Pennsylvania on September 11, 2001. At a hastily convened press conference, Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick described a "very fluid situation" as he and other officials implored anyone with information about the incidents to call local tip hotlines. Boston Police Chief Ed Davis said there was a third explosion at the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library, but the library later said there was an electrical fire that had been extinguished without causing any injuries. A video clip posted online appeared to show one of the marathon explosions going off, apparently several feet back from the barricades and the line of national flags separating the race spectators and the street. One runner is seen staggering and then falling, while others keep going for a few more steps. Volunteers in yellow jackets cover their ears at the sound of the blast. "We saw people with their legs blown off," Mark Hagopian, owner of the Charlesmark Hotel, told AFP from the basement of a restaurant where he had sought shelter. "A person next to me had his legs blown off at the knee -- he was still alive. "It was bad, it was fast," he said. "There was a gigantic explosion... we felt wind on our faces... Police were saying: 'Get out, get out, leave, leave there may be more bombs.'" Nineteen wounded people were taken to Massachusetts General Hospital, including six who required emergency surgery, according to Alasdair Conn, head of emergency services. He added that several of the injured required "traumatic amputations" at the scene or at the hospital. Boston Medical Centre said it received 20 patients, including two children, from the site of the marathon explosions. "Most of these patients have lower leg injuries," it said in a brief statement. The Boston Police Twitter account had earlier said two people were killed and 23 wounded. Officials at the press conference declined to discuss the exact number of casualties. US President Barack Obama was notified about the incident, and his administration was in contact with state and local authorities, a White House official said. Obama called Patrick and Boston mayor Tom Menino to express his concern for the injured and to offer support. He was to make a statement at 2210 GMT. Security was stepped up in New York and Washington, as well as in Los Angeles and San Francisco. In the Big Apple, police said they were boosting security at hotels and "other prominent locations in the city." The blasts in Boston rattled US markets, sending the Dow and the S&P 500 down at the close. "Praying for those at the Boston Marathon today," said one of the US senators from Massachusetts, Elizabeth Warren. The Senate observed a moment of silence, and the House of Representatives was to follow suit. The Boston Marathon is one of the biggest annual athletic events held in the United States, with nearly 27,000 racers who must qualify to compete and tens of thousands of spectators. The race attracts world-class athletes, most of whom would have likely completed the race a couple hours before the blast went off. The video clip of the blast showed the marathon timeclock at 4:09:44. - AFP/fa

How good does it this sound? That is of course a rhetorical question. Different rules must apply in China, as, if I did that in the UK I'd have plod knocking on my door in double-quick time! In particular it is noticeable how fast the gear changes are. They are much, much faster than a standard 599, which in itself isn't bad for a single clutch gearbox. via: autoviva

Info An Iranian man was severely injured when he threw a bomb at police that hit a tree and bounced back towards him and exploded in Bangkok today...........

The reaction prior to Sunday's Chinese grand prix was already not positive, so Michael Schumacher is advised to avoid the media in the wake of the Shanghai race. After finishing a minute behind Nico Rosberg at the chequered flag, and seven tenths off his teammate's pace in qualifying, the specialist Auto Motor und Sport said China was probably "the worst weekend in the record winner's whole career". The German magazine gave 41-year-old Schumacher just 3 out of 10 for his performance at the wheel of the grey Mercedes. One of his former Ferrari teammates, who did not want to be named, told the Independent: "After the beating he got on Sunday, in conditions in which the old Michael Schumacher excelled, I don't think he'll ever come back to his old level." The Cologne publication Express published a photo-shopped image of a snail with the seven time world champion's head and cap, while France's Auto Hebdo observed that in China "the former rain king seemed lost". Bild newspaper's headline read: "Rain God? Schumi got flooded!", while Italy's La Gazzetta dello Sport asked of Schumacher's return: "Why did he do it?" The sports newspaper Tuttosport said Schumacher "is only a shadow of himself", while another sports daily Corriere dello Sport called him "an old lion attacked by a group of young and hungry animals". The broadsheet La Stampa said: "F1 without overtaking? Just ask Schumacher, who was passed constantly", while the major La Repubblica said the German "is no longer in the league of the best formula one drivers". Hamburg's Abendblatt called Schumacher a "learner driver", while the Frankfurter Rundschau blasted his "horrible performance" and Austria's Kleine Zeitung said he had been "humiliated" in China. Britain's The Guardian recalled the moment in the post-race press conference when Lewis Hamilton was asked how it had felt to race wheel-to-wheel with his childhood hero. Jenson Button leaned over and demanded Hamilton "tell the truth" before the pair both laughed, and the Guardian said the exchange "may have been the unkindest cut of all" for Schumacher. "The way things look, it would be no surprise to see him bowing out with as much dignity as he can salvage before the formula one season is very much older," added the newspaper.

Mon, Apr 05, 2010 AFP by Prashant Rao BAGHDAD, IRAQ - Iraq's security forces were on high alert Monday after three suicide car bombs targeting regional and European embassies rocked Baghdad, killing 30 people. The attacks came as Iraq's political parties struggled to form a government. Incumbent Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki, whose coalition finished second in the March 7 general election, held a meeting with Iraq's national security council over Sunday's blasts, a statement from his office said. Officials said the near-simultaneous attacks, which a minister said bore the signature of Al-Qaeda, had also wounded 224 people. Two were suicide attacks against the Egyptian and Iranian embassies, while a third struck an intersection near the German, Spanish and Syrian missions. Baghdad security spokesman Major General Qassim Atta said a bomb-laden car had also been intercepted in Masbah, central Baghdad, apparently heading towards the headquarters of police tasked with diplomatic protection. Its driver was arrested and the device was defused, he said. "It looks like (Al-Qaeda)," Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zebari told AFP. "I really feel it's early, however, unless we ensure the investigation is complete" to say who was behind the blasts, he added. "They bear the same marks of previous attacks, in the timing, the targeting, the simultaneous attacks on different targets in different places to have maximum impact," Zebari said. He was referring to co-ordinated bombings in August, October, December and January that killed more than 400 people. The two bombs that battered the diplomatic western neighbourhood of Mansur were followed soon afterwards by a third huge explosion outside the Iranian embassy in central Baghdad. Said Mohammed, who was close to the blast at the Egyptian embassy, said guards had tried to prevent the attack. "Three security guards shouted at the truck to stop moving, and opened fire on the driver," said Mohammed, before turning angrily to nearby Iraqi army officers and shouting: "How did the truck get here?" "The explosion was really strong," said taxi driver Abu Ahmed of the blast at the Iranian embassy, which caused no casualties among its staff. "They never kill ministers, officials or heads of state. They kill taxi drivers, public employees and shopkeepers," he added. "How much longer will this last?" German Chancellor Angela Merkel said in Berlin she was "profoundly affected" by the blasts, while the Arab League said that they sought to destabilise Iraq at a "delicate moment." French Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner condemned the bombings as "barbaric". The attacks came as Iraqi political parties negotiate to form a government, nearly a month after an election that left none of the four main blocs with enough seats to form a 163-seat parliamentary majority on its own. Former premier Iyad Allawi, whose bloc finished first in the election, has accused Iran of seeking to prevent him becoming prime minister again by inviting all major parties except his secular bloc to Tehran. Security officials had warned that protracted coalition building could give insurgents an opportunity to further destabilise the country. Although the frequency of attacks has dropped significantly since peaking in 2006 and 2007, figures released on Thursday showed 367 Iraqis were killed inviolence last month - the highest number this year. --AFP

http://www.reuters.com/article/newsOne/idUSTRE56G0EX20090717 JAKARTA (Reuters) - Four people were killed in two separate explosions on Friday at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel and the Marriott Hotel in central Jakarta, Indonesia's Metro TV reported. Police have confirmed the blasts, but not yet said if they were caused by bombs. There have not been any major bomb blasts in Indonesia for several years, and this month the country's presidential election passed off peacefully. "There were explosions heard from two separate places, one the JW Marriott, the other in the Ritz Carlton. We are still trying to check because right now we are still helping the victims," said South Jakarta Police Chief Firman Santyabudi. Witnesses at the scene told Metro TV that the injured, including Indonesians and foreigners, were seen being taken away in ambulances. "Some windows of the Ritz-Carlton building have been shattered, mostly on the lower section. I'm looking at it from my office," said Myra Junor, who works at a nearby building. The Marriott Hotel was badly damaged by a car bomb attack in 2003 that killed 12 people. That coincided with a period when Islamists militants carried out numerous attacks, including bombings in Bali in 2002 that killed 202 people. Many militants have since been arrested. (Reporting by Olivia Rondonuwu, Telly Nathalia in Jakarta, Harry Suhartono in Singapore, Writing by Sara Webb; Editing by Dean Yates)

KUALA LUMPUR: Manchester United on Friday cancelled the Indonesian leg of their pre-season tour to Asia after a bomb exploded at the Jakarta hotel where they were due to stay next week. "Following the explosions in Jakarta -- one of which was at the hotel the team were due to stay in -- and based on advice received, the directors have informed the Indonesian FA that the club cannot fulfil the fixture in Jakarta on the 2009 Asia tour," the club said in a statement. They were due to fly to Jakarta after their match in Kuala Lumpur on Saturday evening and play an Indonesia XI in front of a sell-out 100,000 crowd. The club said it was trying to reorganise that leg of the tour, which also includes matches in South Korea and China. "We are working on a revised itinerary outside Indonesia with the promoters and we will make a further announcement when these decisions have been made," the statement added. "We are deeply disappointed at not being able to visit Indonesia and thank the Indonesian FA and our fans for their support. Our thoughts go to all those affected by the blasts." - AFP/yt

In today's TODAY, I found an interest article.. http://www.todayonline.com/pdf_main.asp?pubdate=20071115 KUALA LUMPUR

Audi's RS Blasts Back he ultimate A4 is go, and Auto Express has the first official pictures. Set to debut at next week's Geneva Motor Show, the sensational new RS4 is packed with technology and promises unrivalled pace in a market that already hosts some of the world's fastest cars. Building on the success of the last- generation S4, the new RS recreates the legend of past models and is powered by a hi-tech evolution of Audi's 4.2-litre petrol V8. New pistons, cylinder heads and a special crank-shaft boost performance massively. Capable of revving to 8,250rpm, the unit also sports Audi's cutting-edge FSI fuel-injection system and produces an amazing 420bhp and 430Nm of torque - an output of over 100bhp per litre. To make the most of all that power, the Audi has a six-speed manual gearbox - no automatic version is available yet - and a new generation of the quattro four-wheel-drive system. For the first time, the 4WD offers variable torque distribution and a self-locking centre differential, which ensures that the power is fed to the wheels with the most grip at all times. The result is a 0-60mph time of only 4.8 seconds, and 0-124mph in 16.6 seconds. Top speed is electronically limited to 155mph, but derestricted it is reckoned that the newcomer could reach 180mph. Large ventilated and drilled brake discs help to haul the RS4 down from high speeds, with aero- dynamic aids designed to cool the set-up during hard use. The super saloon also promises excellent handling. Aluminium suspension components help reduce unsprung weight for better control, while the ESP system is reprogrammed to respond more gently, allowing the driver more freedom. It also adjusts the brakes in wet weather, automatically applying them lightly to dry the discs, ensuring max-imum stopping power. The RS4 has a wider track, too, and is lowered by 30mm for better grip and stability. The exterior has a number of subtle features which hint at the supercar performance without spoiling the clean A4 lines. A deep front grille with discreet RS4 badges adds menace, while increasing airflow to the thumping V8 engine. At the rear, two large exhaust pipes and a small boot spoiler are the only giveaways to the car's potential. Multi-spoke lightweight alloy wheels wear ultra low-profile tyres for ultimate grip. The A4 cabin gets a number of sporting additions. Light- weight leather seats have inflatable side bolsters for ultimate support. Chequered carbon fibre inserts, a dash-mounted starter button and a sport button for sharper throttle response add to the race car feel. After its Geneva debut, sales of the RS4 are set to start later this year. Matt Joy [inline car_portal_pic_18676.jpg] [inline car_portal_pic_18677.jpg] [inline car_portal_pic_18678.jpg] [inline car_portal_pic_18679.jpg]