Good morning everyone!
I hope that when and if you have the time, MB will be the place for you to catch up with friends before you leave for work or start your new day. A place to relax and take a break from serious topics and discussions during your day.
You are free to talk about anything here. Introduce your favourite news stories, videos, photos, funny stories or recipes. Think of it as your space, whether you wake up with the birds or chose to have a lay in, MB is open 24/7, from about 5 am EST-2 am PST.
Please feel free to drop in anytime, you are always welcome here. Looking forward to meeting you here in your mornings, afternoons and evenings.
Good morning everyone.
Songda is on the move and the rain is increasing here now. We are hoping that like the last two big typhoons in 2010, there could be a last minute change in direction over the Pacific instead of hitting us head on. Fingers crossed, well the fingers that are not plugging up a leak that is.
Will make this short as I have a Skype date with my favourite Welshman at the top of the hour. Take care and be safe. Sayonara from my rainy but not yet very windy corner of Tokyo. Mata ashita ne.
Just a heads up. This might be the last Sunday Morning Blog I do for awhile. I’d like to have this one day a week where I can relax on hubby’s only day off from work, which is Sunday. I hope you don’t mind.
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A few stories and opinions from around the globe.
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Regulators never questioned one-page document
Memo emblematic of disaster plan flaws
http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/nn20110529a1.html
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France, U.S., U.K. committed to nuke power, Germany resolutely opposed, Italy’s plans on hold
G-8 differ in reactions to Fukushima
http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/nn20110529a2.html
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As nuke workers wait, tainted water climbs
http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/nn20110529a3.html
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Power outages, downed communication lines knocked out most radiation monitoring systems in disaster areas
http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/nn20110529a4.html
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Foul-smelling fish and seaweed plague survivors of earthquake and tsunami
http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/news/20110528p2a00m0na018000c.html
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Cool pillow cases offer new energy-saving option ahead of predicted power crunch
http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/news/20110528p2a00m0na021000c.html
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News Navigator: What kinds of donations are given to Japan disaster victims?
http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/news/20110528p2a00m0na022000c.html
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28C in the middle of our summer plus the in the 90’s humidity, and you might just as well be sitting outside in the heat.
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Tokyo gov’t adopts ‘daylight savings time’ in summer energy savings plan
http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/national/news/20110528p2a00m0na016000c.html
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INTERNATIONAL NEWS
===============
Libya: Coalition forces prepare two-pronged blitz to finish off Gaddafi
British, French and other Nato forces were on Saturday night preparing a two-pronged blitz to try to finish off Col Gaddafi as already slender hopes for a peaceful resolution to the Libyan crisis faded.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/africaandindianocean/libya/8543882/Libya-Coalition-forces-prepare-two-pronged-blitz-to-finish-off-Gaddafi.html
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Gaddafi to be told to stand down or face Apache attack
If South African president Jacob Zuma’s peace mission fails, Nato will deliver its heaviest blow to Libyan leader’s forces
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/may/28/gaddafi-nato-apache-attack-libya
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Tunisia: Birthplace of the Arab Spring fears Islamist insurgence
The uprisings that swept North Africa and the Middle East began in Tunisia. But, as Andrew Gilligan finds out, the country is still searching for its happy ending.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/africaandindianocean/tunisia/8543674/Tunisia-Birthplace-of-the-Arab-Spring-fears-Islamist-insurgence.html
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After Ratko Mladic arrest, attention turns to Goran Hadzic, Serbia’s last remaining war criminal
With the arrest of Ratko Mladic, Serbia is now under pressure to capture one last remaining alleged war criminal – Goran Hadzic.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/serbia/8544168/After-Ratko-Mladic-arrest-attention-turns-to-Goran-Hadzic-Serbias-last-remaining-war-criminal.html
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Really it was someone else’s fault, isn’t that always the case with these guys?
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Ratko Mladic says all Serbs must share the guilt
It was Milosevic’s fault, says the man charged with orchestrating the biggest massacre in Europe since the last world war
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/may/28/ratko-mladic-serbs-share-guilt
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Hundreds of Palestinians cross reopened Gaza-Egypt border
Post-revolution move is hailed as ‘first step towards breaking the siege’, but Israel voices concerns
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/may/28/egypt-gaza-border-reopened-palestinians
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I can’t see what is so wonderful about this. It’s only those who have profited from the billions of dollars poured into Afghanistan who will reap any benefits. not the people of the country.
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Kabul gold rush: western billions bear fruit in luxury property boom for Afghan capital
Kabul is witnessing an unlikely boom in luxury properties as the billions spent in Afghanistan by the West begin to bear unexpected fruit.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/afghanistan/8543718/Kabul-gold-rush-western-billions-bear-fruit-in-luxury-property-boom-for-Afghan-capital.html
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Trafficked children condemned to a nightmare by state neglect
Thousands of trafficked children are being abused and murdered by their captors, but UK officials remain indifferent and sceptical
http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2011/may/28/trafficked-children-condemned-state-neglect
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Shocking.
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Cancer patients denied last wish to die at home because of shortage of nurses
70,000 cancer patients in England and Wales die in a hospital bed every year, despite wanting to be at home
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/may/28/cancer-patients-nurses-shortage
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Andrew Lansley forced to make U-turn on public health campaign cuts
Health secretary attacked after calls to smoking, drugs and lifestyle helplines plunged following spending freeze
http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/2011/may/28/andrew-lansley-u-turn-public-health-cuts
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Honduran police turn a blind eye to soaring number of ‘femicides’
Women are being murdered at the rate of one a day, yet a report by Oxfam accuses the police of ‘systematic indifference’
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/may/29/honduras-blind-eye-femicides
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Dominique Strauss-Kahn: Maid’s family describe ‘pious, respectable’ girl who grew up in remote rural Guinea
As the hotel maid who accused Dominique Strauss-Kahn of rape prepares for the trial in New York, her family 4,000 miles away describe the ‘pious, respectable’ girl who grew up in remote Guinea.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/dominique-strauss-kahn/8543743/Dominique-Strauss-Kahn-Maids-family-describe-pious-respectable-girl-who-grew-up-in-remote-rural-Guinea.html
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DAVID MITCHELL
Rich, bored and unpopular – Lord Ashcroft is the perfect pylon designer
It might be an idea to hand this poisoned chalice to someone with nothing to lose
http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2011/may/29/david-mitchell-lord-ashcroft-pylons
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TRIVIA QUIZ
Yesterday’s answer. El Salvador.
Today’s question.
What did visionary Czech scientist Otto Wichterle produce in his kitchen using a contrption made with an Erector Set, bike parts, and a phonograph motor?
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The big picture: the former Jackie Kennedy with new husband Aristotle Onassis at Heathrow
In 1968, JFK’s widow united American glamour with European super-wealth when she wed a Greek shipping magnate – to the dismay of many
http://www.guardian.co.uk/theobserver/2011/may/29/jackie-kennedy-aristotle-onassis-1968
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Amnesty International marks 50 years of fighting for free speech
Amnesty International: campaigning organisation started by Peter Benenson to free prisoners of conscience celebrates evolution from first protest
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/may/29/amnesty-international-marks-50th-birthday
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Shell’s battle for the heart of Ireland
For generations, the people of Erris have been farming and fishing along the remote coast of County Mayo. When gas was discovered offshore, Shell pounced. But it hadn’t bargained for the unyielding resistance of the community
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/may/29/shell-ireland-corrib-gas-project
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24 hours in pictures
A selection of the best images from around the world
http://www.guardian.co.uk/news/gallery/2011/may/28/24-hours-in-pictures-gallery
Good Morning/evening, Kalima! First off — by all means, you should enjoy your Sunday day of rest with your dear hubby. And without guilt! 😉 All the news of the world will still be there on Monday — no matter what the end-of-the-worlders say.
I love Japanese ingenuity when it comes to micro-solutions to problems. Like the cooling pillow to conserve on energy during the hot summer months. Very ingenious. (I think I might need one for my head and one for each foot, though.) And in the winter, I’ve noticed that there are practical little items like heated slippers and rugs available. Much less expensive than heating a large house to 75 degrees, the way some Americans do, so that we can lounge around in our underwear with bare feet in a snowstorm.
It was disheartening to read about the dearth of at-home nursing care for cancer patients in the UK, but it reminds me of how much more difficult it is for cancer patients in the US. 24/7 at-home care is virtually unheard of here, except for the very, very wealthy. Even having an aide available around the clock is out of the question, sadly. Which throws a huge burden on family members and results in their needing to take leaves from work (and even that possible only because of Clinton’s Family Leave Act)and/or walking around in a more or less permanent state of exhaustion. What a set of priorities we have.
To the trivia question: today’s guess du jour — the electric mixer?? 🙄 That’s all I’ve got!
Happy Memorial Day weekend to all. I’m off to the barbecue, which will likely be rained out, I’m thinking?
Both the story on the lack of hospice nursing care and the story on trafficked children make me wonder about results the cuts in social services the UK and the US that conservatives seem to want. No thought of the future. I would like some one ask Paul Ryan what happens under his plan with home-health care, hospice and nursing home care?
Mix Master! Probably right, but how about? Garbage disposal? 😉
Ok- another chance for you to make fun of me Kalima..
But for some reason- the first thing that popped into my head was plastic..(and I’m darn sure it wasn’t something I retained from my chemistry classes!)
So that’s my guess- Laugh away!!
If I’m wrong you can laugh, but you can’t keep me after school- not after bito said ‘garbage disposal!!!’ 😉
(sure hope you’re wrong, bito!)
Kes, I think your answer is correct. Sounds good anyway!
e’cat, I’m away from home at the moment but I had to pop back in for a minute to say that I could hardly have been “wronger”!
I looked it up and you won’t believe it when you hear the answer! 😉
But there is Hospice.
God Bless every dear one who is a part of that organization.
They fought to keep my Mom comfortable, and in the beautiful Yellow Rose Unit in Methodist Hospital, Indy- until she died.
Maybe some “sorta-kinda” good news.
Typhoon weakens to tropical storm
http://www.japantoday.com/category/national/view/typhoon-weakens-to-tropical-storm
Doesn’t sound like you can put the rice bowls back-drip, drip, drip…
bito- you just became a ray of sunshine!
Sorry about the rice bowls, Kalima, but look at the bright side- they’re washed now!
😉
Eeeek, the Guardian sure slapped Jackie O. back down didn’t they!
Yah, like she is alive to give a damn. If she were still with us, they would be one of those cameras cramming for a shot at her. The glasses were to get attention? She lived in NYC! She could get all the attention she wanted. And, how do they know that is fake fur in that car? Like Jackie said, “You marry the first time for love, the second for money, and the last time for companionship.”
Jackie didn’t give a damn when she was alive- shows her character.
Kalima! where do you get your smilies?? Mine don’t work anymore? 🙁
Joy to the Word, Three Dog Night! Gotta be there! And we are now in serious pet acquisition talk no thanks to you!
You have furry kids???!!
Details/pics!!
Hey, I’m food chain for a reason. We had dogs, cats, reptiles,everything but birds. We do need a new stock as it were. 😉 No alligators though! It was you that like I thought you was a toad? Jeremiah was a bull frog!!
Gators fall under nuisance- at best!
Bullfrogs aren’t too cuddly- IMO! 😉
Although Jkk, how Kalima does it day after day is a source of raising wonderment to me.
Didn’t you know?
Kalima is WonderWoman!!
Would Love to see pussypalin take Kalima on!!! 😉
jkk, I can nothing kind about Palin. As a female, I’ve got a lot of anger about her and what she’s doing. Cheap cheap cheap and I ain’t talking Tucans. If I get to FL, she’s a “two beer story” as they say.
LOL fc- it’s a deal!
Good morning everyone. Welcome to your Memorial Day weekend.
Won’t chat long, still have a few things to check and prepare just in case typhoon “Songda” does hit us as predicted during the weekend or Monday. The rain has been constant all day long, but nothing like the torrential rain we have been told to expect. Not making things any easier is the news that the damaged Fukushima nuclear plant is in no condition to withstand heavy rain and wind. A very unsettling prospect.
So I should get on with my securing and last minute checking. Hope you will have a good day. Take care and be safe. Sayonara from my dark for most of the day corner of Tokyo. Mata ashita ne.
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A few stories and opinions from around the globe.
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Fukushima school limit: 1 millisievert
http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/nn20110528a1.html
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Fukushima Pref. teachers get dosimeters
http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/T110527005113.htm
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Assistance assurances for Japan as nuclear crisis, implications take center stage at summit
G-8 urges atomic safety standards
http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/nn20110528a2.html
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Kansai prefectures on board with Son’s huge solar energy project
http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/nn20110528a4.html
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Crippled nuke plant not prepared for heavy rain, wind
http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/news/20110528p2g00m0dm013000c.html
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IAEA expert team inspects crisis-hit Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant
http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/news/20110528p2g00m0dm003000c.html
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Criteria to assume missing people as dead undecided
http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/news/20110528p2g00m0dm012000c.html
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INTERNATIONAL NEWS
===============
Good, now get started.
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Ratko Mladic is fit enough to face trial for Bosnian massacres
Ratko Mladic, the Butcher of Bosnia, is fit enough to be extradited to the UN war crimes tribunal in The Hague, a court in Serbia has ruled, dismissing his family’s claims that he is too ill to face justice.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/serbia/8541917/Ratko-Mladic-is-fit-enough-to-face-trial-for-Bosnian-massacres.html
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I’m not really sure how I feel about a role for Russia in this.
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G8 summit: Russia agrees to mediate Gaddafi exit strategy
Russia has agreed to mediate an exit strategy with Col Muammar Gaddafi after appeals by President Barack Obama and President Nicolas of Sarkozy of France for his help in ending the stalemate in Libya.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/africaandindianocean/libya/8542616/G8-summit-Russia-agrees-to-mediate-Gaddafi-exit-strategy.html
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Arab Spring: protests in Yemen and Egypt while fighting continues in Libya-in pictures
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/picturegalleries/worldnews/8542574/Arab-Spring-protests-in-Yemen-and-Egypt-while-fighting-continues-in-Libya.html
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Egypt to open Gaza border crossing
Hamas praise ‘courageous decision’ to allow Palestinians first free passage out of Gaza for four years
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/may/27/egypt-opens-rafah-border-crossing
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Libya: In the line of fire
Guy Martin was one of a group of five photojournalists covering fierce street fighting in the Libyan city of Misurata when they were hit by a mortar attack. His colleagues Tim Hetherington and Chris Hondros were killed, and Martin himself suffered serious injuries. Jessica Salter hears his story
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/africaandindianocean/libya/8541161/Libya-In-the-line-of-fire.html
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Good luck to them.
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Yemen president launches air strikes as rebels advance towards Sana’a
Ali Abdullah Saleh, the Yemeni president, launched air strikes on Friday as he mounted a desperate rearguard action to prevent the capital city Sana’a from falling to tribal fighters seeking his overthrow.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/yemen/8542813/Yemen-president-launches-air-strikes-as-rebels-advance-towards-Sanaa.html
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35 feared dead after Pakistan bus crash
Up to 35 people are feared dead after the bus they were travelling in plunged into a river in Pakistani Kashmir on Friday, police said.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/pakistan/8541678/35-feared-dead-after-Pakistan-bus-crash.html
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Ethiopia ‘day of rage’ hopes to oust Meles Zenawi from power
Democracy activists plan protest aimed at ending prime minister’s two-decade authoritarian rule
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/may/27/ethiopia-day-of-rage-protest
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David Cameron defends aid spending at G8 summit
PM launches passionate defence of Britain’s commitment to international aid and calls on other leaders to fulfil their pledges
http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/2011/may/27/david-cameron-defends-aid-g8
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I suppose when you are born with a “silver spoon” in your mouth, you just have to keep up appearances, right mate?
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David Cameron spent £680,000 of taxpayers’ cash on Downing Street
Refurbishments revealed in government records, including £30,000 for No 11 flat
http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/2011/may/27/david-cameron-taxpayers-home-improvements
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Murdoch’s shenanigans on parade yet again.
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Phone hacking: police warn Mail journalists of voicemail interceptions
Mail on Sunday and Daily Mail may have been targeted by News of the World investigator Glenn Mulcaire
http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/2011/may/27/phone-hacking-mail-journalists
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This must have been terrible, but I imagine that dropping at this speed, many of the passengers would have lost consciousness before the plane hit the ocean.
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3.5 minutes of terror: Air France crash dropped at 10,000 feet a minute
Passengers on an Air France flight plunged for three and a half minutes before crashing into the Atlantic, killing all 228 on board, after it lost speed and stalled while the main pilot was resting, the first evidence from black boxes has found.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/france/8541703/3.5-minutes-of-terror-Air-France-crash-dropped-at-10000-feet-a-minute.html
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Spanish protesters clash with police over clean-up
Violence breaks out around Barcelona’s Plaça de Catalunya, the first trouble after 12 days of protests
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/may/27/spanish-protesters-clash-with-police
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UN warns of food riots in developing world as drought pushes up prices
European dry spell and commodities speculation combine to push up average cereal costs by 71% to record levels
http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2011/may/27/food-riots-warning-by-un-as-commodities-soar
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I said this here about a month ago.
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WikiLeaks accused Bradley Manning ‘should never have been sent to Iraq’
Guardian exclusive: Soldier held over US intelligence leak was known to be mentally fragile and unsuited to army life
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/may/27/bradley-manning-wikileaks-mentally-fragile
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Internet security: cookie monster unleashed following EU ruling
Browsing the internet may become frustrating as a ruling forces all websites to gather user consent before storing data
http://www.guardian.co.uk/money/2011/may/28/internet-security-cookie-eu-ruling
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Palin and her bus tour and now Giuliani leading a poll, come on you guys, admit it, you really have no one for 2012. This is as laughable as it is pathetic.
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Rudy Giuliani surprise leader in lastest Republican poll
Rudy Giuliani came out on top of a new survey of the 2012 Republican presidential primary field, even though the former New York Mayor has not so far jumped into the race.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/us-election/8543324/Rudy-Giuliani-surprise-leader-in-lastest-Republican-poll.html
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TRIVIA QUIZ
Yesterday’s answer.
The Persian Gulf War.
Today’s question.
What’s the only Central American country without a coastline on the Caribbean?
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Congo: Across the spectrum – in pictures
Soldiers’ uniforms turn purple, vegetation magenta … the infrared film used by photographer Richard Mosse forces us to see the conflicts of Congo in different ways
http://www.guardian.co.uk/artanddesign/gallery/2011/may/28/richard-mosse-infrared-photographs-congo
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Freedom Riders hit the road again, 50 years after US civil rights milestone
Civil rights activists who helped to end segregation at bus and train stations reunite in Jackson, Mississippi
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/may/27/freedom-riders-50-years-mississippi
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Le Quattro Volte: ‘A film with the heart of a saint and the soul of a vegetable’
Xan Brooks admires the quiet majesty of Michelangelo Frammartino’s drama about one man and his goats
http://www.guardian.co.uk/film/video/2011/may/27/le-quattro-volte
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Mugabe is a lunatic, he believes he is royalty.
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In jail: Zimbabwe police sergeant who dared to use Robert Mugabe’s loo
Alois Mabhunu may face a year in prison for insulting the president after being caught short at trade fair
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/may/27/police-sergeant-jail-mugabe-loo
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24 hours in pictures
A selection of the best images from around the world
http://www.guardian.co.uk/news/gallery/2011/may/27/1
Morning Kalima,
Checked the weather sites for Japan and that typhoon seems to quite slow moving, wave action getting larger along with the rain heavier. Turn, Songda, Turn!!
A year in jail for using Mugabe’s loo! If one looks up the term “power corrupts” it could just say “see Mugabe.”
This article: “UN warns of food riots in developing world as drought pushes up prices”, caught my eye. Why to some in the US keep ignoring these warnings is beyond me. There have been studies after studies done warning of this. Even in Congressional hearings the Pentagon has ranked this their number one concern, yet we have a Congress cutting funds for alternative energy sources, subsidizing oil companies, and doing their “drill, baby, drill chant.
Afternoon bito. I’ve just checked and “Songda” is now approaching Kyushu, the rain is heavier here.
http://www.japantoday.com/category/national/view/powerful-typhoon-approaching-kyushu-region
Mugabe’s loo story shows how delusional this creep is. I’m sure he would just wallow in the title of HRH.
We have already seen the protests in the ME sparked in many cases by rising food prices and joblessness as much as them being protests against corruption and unfair elections. Yes, leaders should heed the warning signs, they have been continuing for many years, it’s not a new possibility by any means. Riots about food shortages happen every time there is a drought anywhere in the world and governments just seem to ignore them as people who speculate on the prices get filthy rich and people, mostly babies and toddlers, are dying of starvation every hour of every day. Some progress for mankind isn’t it?
Good morning everyone.
I’ve been out and I was so happy to get back to the safety of my own house. Going out to normally crowded areas of Tokyo is always an adventure, especially when the crowds you meet are mostly going in the opposite direction from where you are trying to go to. I survived by hanging on to pavement railings when the surge started, looking right and left constantly, then attempting a quick rush into the lobby of the photo studio where I always have any official photos taken. I was shaken but not stirred, and relieved to be in one piece. 😯
Have any of you ever had a successful photo from one of those maniac photo booths they put all over the city? I come out looking like prisoner number 999 every time, and my husband’s driving licence photo of a few years ago, would have earned him a place on the 10 most wanted list. I had to pay a little extra so that they would be ready today, and they have just been delivered. Not exactly my best, but they will have to do because in the usual kerfuffle of leaving the house, I forgot my hair brush and my lipstick when Ollie started to do his upside down, tickle my tummy pose just as I stepped into the hallway. Never mind, no one will ever see them unless I rob a bank or steal an old lady’s handbag. 🙂
So I will wish you all a good day. Take care and be safe. Sayonara from my as not yet rainy corner of Tokyo, although the weather forecast has given rain for a week. Mata ashita ne.
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A few stories and opinions from around the globe.
================================
Fukushima No. 1 eyed as site for nuke fuel graveyard
http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/nn20110527n1.html
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Farmers in 5 prefectures to demand TEPCO pay 10 bil. yen in damages
http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/news/20110527p2g00m0dm004000c.html
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Marine debris hampers fishing
http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/T110526005611.htm
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Iwate Pref. OK’s handover of unclaimed cars
http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/T110526005174.htm
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Miyagi areas devising restoration plans
http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/T110526006118.htm
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INTERNATIONAL NEWS
===============
Great news for many who have waited for justice for far too long.
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Ratko Mladic arrested: Serb general called to account after 16 years on the run
Ratko Mladic once went by the self-anointed title of “God”, but to thousands of Muslims in the Balkans, the man arrested by Serbian special forces on Thursday was the devil himself.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/serbia/8539628/Ratko-Mladic-arrested-Serb-general-called-to-account-after-16-years-on-the-run.html
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Ratko Mladic spearheaded the Serbian war machine in the Balkans
Ratko Mladic was the brutish army commander who embodied the vengeful Serbian nationalism that swept the Balkans in the 1990s.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/serbia/8539951/Ratko-Mladic-spearheaded-the-Serbian-war-machine-in-the-Balkans.html
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Ratko Mladic: An old man faces justice
Belgrade has sent a clear message that it intends to turn the page and start rebuilding the country and the region
http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2011/may/27/ratko-mladic-serbia-editorial
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Why did Ratko Mladić’s arrest take so long?
I will never forget the horror in the eyes of Srebrenica refugees. Sixteen years on, my faith in international justice has waned
http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2011/may/26/ratko-mladic-arrest-srebrenica-refugees
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Then again, Cameron’s fears could just be pure scare tactic speculation, as the majority in the ME don’t favour extremism for their futures.
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Arab Spring will add to extremism if we do not help, says David Cameron
The Arab spring risks fuelling extremism and immigration unless fledgling democracies are given help by the West, David Cameron has warned.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/politics/david-cameron/8539420/Arab-Spring-will-add-to-extremism-if-we-do-not-help-says-David-Cameron.html
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Real comeuppance would be if he were killed by the people he tried to kill. Bloody coward!
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Libya: Gaddafi ‘increasingly worried’ he will be killed by Nato
Col Muammar Gaddafi is “increasingly worried” he will be killed by Nato and has taken to hiding in Libyan hospitals to avoid air strikes, British intelligence reports suggest.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/g8/8540047/Libya-Gaddafi-increasingly-worried-he-will-be-killed-by-Nato.html
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Nato attacks in Libya: key targets, day by day
Nato has been bombarding pro-Gaddafi forces in Libya since 31 March 2011 in Operation Unified Protector. Our map shows the targets reported.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/news/datablog/interactive/2011/may/23/libya-nato-bombing-no-fly-zone
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Refugees from Libya attacked in Tunisian desert
Hundreds who fled Gaddafi regime left without shelter as locals ransack and torch refugee camp
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/may/25/libya-refugees-gaddafi-regime-attacked
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Thousands flee Yemen capital amid civil war fears
Thousands of panicked civilians have fled heavy fighting in the Yemeni capital Sana’a yesterday amid growing fears that President Ali Abdullah Saleh’s refusal to stand down could trigger a civil war.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/yemen/8539225/Thousands-flee-Yemen-capital-amid-civil-war-fears.html
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Hillary Clinton arrives in Pakistan amid tense relations
Hillary Clinton arrives in Pakistan on surprise visit amid frayed relations after death of Osama bin Laden
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/may/27/hillary-clinton-pakistan-surprise-visit
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Contract killers as young as 15 recruited to do drug syndicates’ dirty work
Turkish crime gangs in north London thought to be linked to spate of killings
http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2011/may/26/contract-killers-drug-gangs-london
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Hands off our health care!!
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NHS reform bill sent back to MPs for examination
Health and social care bill to be delayed by six months as Nick Clegg says it would be wrong to ‘bounce’ it through parliament
http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2011/may/26/nhs-reform-bill-sent-back
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Not only are they the scum of the earth, they are also bad losers.
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Far-right attacks escalate after BNP election defeats
Glass and rocks hurled at anti-racism meeting in east London
http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2011/may/27/far-right-attacks-rise
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What an absolute monster.
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Abortion clinic doctor charged with infecting patients with hepatitis C
Anaesthesiologist James Latham Peters charged with endangering life of 49 women at clinic in Melbourne
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/may/27/australian-doctor-charged-hepatitis-c
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TRIVIA QUIZ
Yesterday’s answer.
Cimarron (1931) Dances With Wolves (1990) and Unforgiven (1992) Looks like KT got all 3 correct answers. Was that right off the top of your head KT, if so, well done.
Today’s question.
What marked the first time since the Revolution that the U.S. accepted direct financial aid to fight a war?
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Major questions raised over routine treatment for shock in children – video
Doctors stunned by results of trial carried out in Africa, which showed excess deaths in children who had been treated by Feast
http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2011/may/26/shock-treatment-feast-trial-results
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I wonder if they do day trips?
Beautiful pictures.
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Cosmos Close-Up: wonders of space from our solar system to the edge of the Universe
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/science/picture-galleries/8530995/Cosmos-Close-Up-wonders-of-space-from-our-solar-system-to-the-edge-of-the-Universe.html
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Woman to swim from Cuba to Florida 30 years after first attempt
A 61-year-old American woman plans to swim through shark infested waters from Cuba to Florida after failing to complete the feat 30 years ago.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/northamerica/usa/8540384/Woman-to-swim-from-Cuba-to-Florida-30-years-after-first-attempt.html
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Oops, that’s a huge thing to lose.
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£900,000 State coach made for the Queen ‘missing’
A £900,000 handmade state coach designed as a gift for the Queen’s 80th birthday has vanished in Australia.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/queen-elizabeth-II/8537787/900000-State-coach-made-for-the-Queen-missing.html
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Fun with David Mitchell
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David Mitchell’s Soapbox: Phone calls – video
David questions the modern assumption that everything is quicker and easier to sort out by text, rather than via the mystical language of the mouth
http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/video/2011/may/26/david-mitchell-soap-box-phone-calls-video
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Viral Video Chart: Obama hits a bump in the road
Obama’s cavalcade comes to an embarrassing standstill, Japanese teams stage a pitched battle in the name of sport, and a child has fun with an otter in this week’s roundup
http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/pda/2011/may/27/1
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Hardly a great image for Ralph Lauren. Hard to live down I should think.
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Mexico: youth follows drug barons’ fashion with Ralph Lauren polo shirts
Branded shirts worn by arrested barons have become a trend among youth who ‘want to look like the bad guys’
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/may/26/mexico-ralph-lauren-polo-shirts
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24 hours in pictures
A selection of the best images from around the world
http://www.guardian.co.uk/news/gallery/2011/may/26/24-hours-in-pictures
Good morning/evening, Kalima! I’m still reading and have to leave soon, but I just had to take note of the story on “Feast” rehydration in Africa. These rapid fluid boluses for dehydration have always seemed counter-intuitive to me (and other nurses). MDs will order them fairly often — sometimes at the rate of up to 1000 ml per hour. Based on the patient’s condition, sometimes we simply don’t comply. For a very ill patient about 300 ml/hr seems to be the max. Maybe that’s why more people survive in the West. The nurses refuse to obey every order?
More later, I hope!
We had a Doc on our staff who would not write an order until he had gotten report from the nurse. He always told them, ‘I’m just the Doctor, You Know this patient.’
He is a Very smart Doc- and everyone would bend over backward to accommodate him!
Lots of interesting stories, Kalima. From my two visits to Tokyo, I remember well the flood of humanity on the Tokyo streets. I remember marveling at this one boulevard at nine o’clock — a vast sea of businessmen in suits, all a bit worse for wear after an evening of eating and drinking. Once I was meeting a friend in a subway station at rush hour. When the trains pulled into the station, the huge rush of people pouring out of the trains was really quite terrifying. I hid behind a pole and almost had to bolt the station before my friend finally showed up. It was overwhelming and not fun!
Am I the only person here who hasn’t visited Japan??
I propose a tour for Planet people!
Kalima, how many sleeping bags can the outside tribe fit into their garage?? 😉
Kalima, yes it was. Mad dad was a huge fan of westerns, and I grew up with them. I wasn’t quite sure about Cimarron and just gave it a shot.
Batttan down the hatches, Kalima! How many candles will it take to get this out to sea?[img]http://www.jma.go.jp/en/typh/images/wide/all-00.png[/img]
http://www.jma.go.jp/en/typh/
Thank you bito. As always, your good wishes and kind thoughts will be enough. The heavy rain should be starting tonight after hubby gets home. The garage tribe should be ok too. I’ve secured extra plastic sheets over the entrance, they should be able to keep dry, if not there are plenty of houses in the back they can shelter in. Typhoons in May are very rare, especially ones as strong as this, but even stranger, our rainy season was announced yesterday. I can’t ever remember it being this early before. Thanks as always for your concern. Will keep you posted.
Hi K as promised a picture of Arthur doing his “prairie dog” begging trick.
[img]http://planetpov.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/Arthur-trick.jpg[/img]
This spoiled kitty has allot of junk in his trunk huh?
ARTHUR, I hardly recognized you!! No more treats for you for awhile. 😉
EDIT
Arthur, come back! I didn’t mean it, honestly! 🙁
Arthur- she Did mean it!
She’s a wicked one- that Kalima! 😉
psst, Arthur- fish snacks over here!
😆 I always say what I mean and mean what I say. You are grounded!!!!!
HAH! e’cat you are welcome to the doghouse!!
I’ve been here Way too long! 😉
You’re only enabling the poor fellow.
Arthur says: “i’m just big boned”
Arthur says, ‘I am just a gorgeous cat- appreciate my awesomeness!!’
(and bring snacks!!)
Arthur looks like a marsupial. What’s he got in that pouch? Too many kitty treats?
Arthur is a gorgeous Kitty, KQ.
The ‘prairie dog’ is a cute cat trick! 😉
I couldn’t resist those eyes and sweet face!
KQ: all the better to balance with!
Arthur looks mildly exasperated that his kitty-dignity is offended by doing a canine-style “sit up and beg” routine.
But the treats make it all worthwhile.
If there were a kitty Buddha, I think it would be Arthur.
Hey. My kitty’s name is Buddha.
Buddha. Also known as Budapest because he pesters humans.
[img]http://planetpov.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/P3040011.jpg[/img]
Oh wow e’cat, he’s a beauty and I wouldn’t mind a bit if he pestered me all day long. 😀
He’ll try to smooch you, Kalima. He’ll crawl up your chest and smooch.
I love smoochers! After we lost Coco last year, the lap sitters are now few and far between. I miss her little face looking up at me as her front paws kneaded my stomach, we called it “baking bread” and she could do it all night. That’s how she woke me up in the mornings too. I need another Aby. 🙁