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. By 5 am EST-2 am PST, I will update MB each morning, posting links and sometimes brief comments to many international news stories and opinions I hope that you might find interesting.
Please feel free to drop in anytime, you are always welcome here. Looking forward to meeting you in your mornings, afternoons and evenings. Have fun.
REMINDER
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A quick reminder about the 2nd anniversary edition of MB updates. I’ve just downloaded a photo for tomorrow morning’s updates, and I will be posting a new post. The first 3 people to send me the correct answer to kalima@planetpov.com will receive a MB mug of their choice of colour and size, from me. I will leave the photo at the top of the MB post for 24 hours.
GOOD LUCK!
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY MB!!!![IMAGE NAME](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==)
![IMAGE NAME](http://planetpov.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/Kalima-Cheshire-Cat.gif)
[img]http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mmBw3uzPnJI/TAeXlYdCFRI/AAAAAAABUCA/DJ36NrKNB2s/s1600/cat_birthdays_14.jpg[/img]
😆 K, you caught me dancing on the table again. Old habits die hard.
Two years tomorrow, my how time flies when you are having fun.
Thank you so much, and don’t forget to send your answer, ok?
As you can see, I’m finally back.
Well now I’m confused, 2nd anniversary gifts calls for cotton in the US, paper in the UK and what’s it Japan? No matter you deserve precious jewels for a fantastic job–DAILY!
Thank You Kalima!
As do you my friend, as do you. 🙂
No idea if there is even such a thing in Japan, but if I could choose one, it would have to be NATTO. 😀
Bito
I second that one.
Oh K you’re gonna keep me up all night with your photo contest. I always wanted an MB mug.
K, don’t do that, it will be up for 24 hours, or until the next morning’s updates.
I didn’t know that, I mean that you wanted one. Keeping my fingers crossed for you. 🙂
Kalima
Because we don’t have calendars in our house, I thought today was the 20th and I came in my craft room to see what the quiz was today only to find out I am a day early. But now I know what the quiz is going to be about. I will be checking to see it posted. Oh and for next year we already have a calendar on the side of the fridge lol. Every month I will see a different dolphin but they are all Flipper to me. All those years ago that movie started my love affair with dolphins can you believe it? My aunt and I sat through two showings of it on the same day, that is how much I loved it. I also tried never to miss a showing of the regular series lol.
Good Morning from Kalima.
She is having some major computer problems ans she is unable to do her Morning Blog today, she sends her regrets and I’m sure we wish her the best and will miss her “bits and bobs” from around the world.
So from Kalima, “Mata ashita ne”
Kalima, you are missed. And I hope your computer problems are resolved quickly.
Hurry back!
Good morning everyone.
I’m heading into my weekend in the morning, another day will be spent in cleaning up the house ready for the big cat’s day off on Sunday.
Japan continues with almost daily stories about radiation fallout being discovered all over the northern regions of the country, and as the cooler weather grips us, I wonder and worry about those who have lost their homes and how they will cope in temporary housing. They will be spending their usually festive New Year’s celebrations, an important time for renewal for the Japanese, wondering what the future holds for them, when they can get their compensation, find work, and if and when they can rebuild their homes, their schools and their broken lives.
Hoping you have a good Friday wherever you may be, take care and be safe.
Sayonara from my corner of Tokyo, where the sky now grows dark at about 4:30 every afternoon. Mata ashita ne
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A few stories and opinions from around the globe.
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Simulation determines much of east, northeast likely contaminated
Cesium fallout widespread
http://www.japantimes.co.jp/text/nn20111118a2.html
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Fukushima to ban rice grown in Onami
High reading of cesium in sample keeps crop off marke
http://www.japantimes.co.jp/text/nn20111118a1.html
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Officials dump sender’s radioactive soil in Saitama lot
http://www.japantimes.co.jp/text/nn20111118a4.html
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Gov’t not to permit restart of 2 reactors at Genkai plant: Edano
http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/news/20111118p2g00m0dm082000c.html
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Anxieties grow about radiation costs / No clear criteria, answers from TEPCO have municipalities fearful for budgets
http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/T111117005600.htm
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GSDF to usher radiation cleanup work in Fukushima next month
http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/news/20111118p2g00m0dm081000c.html
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WELFARE SYSTEM UNDER STRAIN / Increased pressure on welfare system as many struggle on low pensions
http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/T111117002496.htm
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Tokyo Sky Tree recognized by Guinness as world’s tallest tower
http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/news/20111118p2g00m0dm009000c.html
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PICTURE OF THE DAY
Hope and bonds
http://www.japantoday.com/category/picture-of-the-day/view/hope-and-bonds
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INTERNATIONAL NEWS
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No wonder they are sacking wounded vets.
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MoD has spent nearly £600m of equipment budget on outside consultants and advisers
The Ministry of Defence has spent nearly £600 million from its equipment budget on outside specialists and consultants in the last two years, it emerged last night.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/defence/8898216/MoD-has-spent-nearly-600m-of-equipment-budget-on-outside-consultants-and-advisers.html
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I see that banning worked like a charm.
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First rise in patients on mixed wards since ban
The number of patients being treated on mixed-sex wards has increased for the first time since the practice was banned last year, figures have disclosed.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/healthnews/8898109/First-rise-in-patients-on-mixed-wards-since-ban.html
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Over two million public sector workers to strike – despite most of them not voting
More than two million public sector workers are to strike later this month, despite most of them failing to support the walkout.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/8897493/Over-two-million-public-sector-workers-to-strike-despite-most-of-them-not-voting.html
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Here come the Tories acting like human bulldozers trashing our beautiful green countryside.
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Hands Off Our Land: 400 homes to be built on the South Downs as Government halts plans to relax restrictions
Hundreds of new homes are to be built in the heart of the South Downs National Park, amid howls of protest from local residents.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/earth/hands-off-our-land/8896839/Hands-Off-Our-Land-Now-even-our-National-Parks-are-at-risk-from-developers.html
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Schools in deprived areas stand to lose most in budget shakeup
Thinktank issues warning about single national formula to calculate funding for under-16 pupils in England
http://www.guardian.co.uk/education/2011/nov/18/schools-budget-shakeup
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Of course this will only work if you increase the taxes of the rich and filthy rich at the same time George.
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Working pensioners can show George Osborne the way out of this crisis
Tax cuts for the low paid will reduce unemployment by encouraging people back to work.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/politics/georgeosborne/8896716/Working-pensioners-can-show-George-Osborne-the-way-out-of-this-crisis.html
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Ex-head of MI5 calls on government to decriminalise and regulate cannabis
Change policy and look at alternative ways of combating UK’s drugs culture, says Eliza Manningham-Buller
http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2011/nov/17/cannabis-drugs-decriminalise-mi5
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A disgrace and bad planning anywhere in the world.
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Disabled travellers lament lack of transport access for 2012 Olympics
London transport is ‘getting worse’ in the runup to the 2012 Games and could turn legacy claims into an embarrassment
http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2011/nov/17/paralympics-disabled-travel-access
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Absolutely heartbreaking.
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Stephen Lawrence’s best friend breaks down as he tells jury how teenager died
Duwayne Brooks tells Old Bailey his friend fled attack bleeding and asking: ‘What happened to me?’ before falling to ground
http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2011/nov/17/stephen-lawrence-best-friend-evidence
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Open a state bank on the high street
http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2011/nov/17/state-bank-on-high-street
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Occupy St Paul’s: no church should insulate itself from raw human need
he Occupy movement is a moment of God-given opportunity to rediscover Christian holiness: not in rich temples, but justice
http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/belief/2011/nov/17/st-pauls-occupy-movement-christianity
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St Paul’s eviction: London faces lengthy court battle to end protest
Anti-capitalist protesters have until 6pm tonight to leave the grounds of St Paul’s Cathedral before facing legal action running into tens of thousands of pounds.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/8895901/St-Pauls-eviction-London-faces-lengthy-court-battle-to-end-protest.html
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They must be kidding of course.
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Phone hacking: NI asks judge to strike out exemplary damages claims
Publisher’s lawyer seeks to avoid punitive fines in civil actions brought by Steve Coogan, Sky Andrew and other victims
http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/2011/nov/17/phone-hacking-ni-exemplary-damages
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Cameron warned his eurozone stance risks forcing two-speed Europe
Angela Merkel wants quick revision of Lisbon treaty to underpin euro and will advise Cameron to table only modest proposals
http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2011/nov/17/cameron-two-speed-europe-concessions
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Looks as if this disgusting creep is in free fall, and this is the man who had a rape case against him dismissed. Just your average family man in the middle of a smearing campaign they said.
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The French call girl, the 11 orgies and Dominique Strauss-Kahn
A French call girl took part in 11 orgies over six years with Dominique Strauss-Kahn, the fallen International Monetary Fund chief, it has been claimed.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/dominique-strauss-kahn/8896606/The-French-call-girl-the-11-orgies-and-Dominique-Strauss-Kahn.html
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Would someone remind this guy that he left the office in disgrace, and that his words are now lower than pond scum.
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Berlusconi says he’ll back his successor – for now. Not a very cheery scenario
The deposed prime minister can deprive the new government of parliamentary support whenever he likes
http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2011/nov/17/berlusconi-provisional-support-for-successor
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Greece: Athens uprising anniversary demonstration descends into violence
Running battles between police and protesters marred a march to commemorate the date of a student uprising in the country in 1973, which saw 50,000 people take to the streets of Athens.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/greece/8898156/Greece-Athens-uprising-anniversary-demonstration-descends-into-violence.html
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US man charged with trying to assassinate Barack Obama
A man accused of opening fire on the White House with an assault rifle has been charged with attempting to assassinate President Barack Obama.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/barackobama/8897795/US-man-charged-with-trying-to-assassinate-Barack-Obama.html
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Occupy Wall Street eviction: live
Around 177 people have been arrested in New York as protesters across the United States mount a day of action.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/northamerica/usa/8890772/Occupy-Wall-Street-eviction-live.html
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Extradition request for fugitive George Wright denied by Portugal
Americans want Wright – who was captured by the FBI after 40 years on the run – to serve rest of jail term for 1962 killing
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/nov/17/extradition-request-george-wright-denied
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My first thought when I read this in my morning was, what an elaborate way to distract from his scandals and foul ups. My second thought was, why the waste of taxpayers money, a few guys in clown suits would be much more appropriate.
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Herman Cain assigned Secret Service bodyguards
Herman Cain has become the first Republican presidential candidate to receive protection from the US Secret Service.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/us-election/8898298/Herman-Cain-assigned-Secret-Service-bodyguards.html
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Egypt and Syria protests – live updates
• New draft UN resolution to end human rights abuses in Syria
• Protester return to Cairo’s Tahrir Square
• Fury over Reuters Yemen reporter who also works for Saleh
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/middle-east-live/2011/nov/18/egypt-and-syria-protests-live-updates
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World must ‘hear screams’ from Syria
The world must urgently ‘hear the screams” from Syria and do something to stop the bloodshed, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Turkey’s prime minister has said.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/syria/8896858/World-must-hear-screams-from-Syria.html
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Egyptian activist’s family call for Tahrir Square protest against military trials
Detained revolutionary Alaa Abdel Fattah backed by mother, who is continuing hunger strike until military release him
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/nov/17/egyptian-activist-tahrir-square-military-trials
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Qatar, the tiny Gulf state that has turned into a big player in the Great Game
Qatar has emerged as the pea-sized power behind the Arab League’s tough new stance over Syria.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/qatar/8896727/Qatar-the-tiny-Gulf-state-that-has-turned-into-abig-player-in-the-Great-Game.html
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Kuwait security crackdown after crowd storms parliament
Emir denounces protest as threat to country’s stability and calls for ‘stricter measures to confront chaotic behaviour’
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/nov/17/kuwait-protesters-storm-parliament
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Foreign Office admits failings in case of Briton allegedly raped in Egypt
Guidelines on helping victims of torture updated after peace activist claims diplomatic staff failed to help
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/nov/17/foreign-office-admits-mistakes-alleged-rape-egypt
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Palestinian Authority ‘willing to delay UN statehood bid’
The Palestinian Authority is willing to countenance a brief delay in its United Nations bid for statehood, but only if Israel frees hundreds of prisoners and lifts financial sanctions, diplomats said on Thursday.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/palestinianauthority/8897813/Palestinian-Authority-willing-to-delay-UN-statehood-bid.html
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Concerns over rising settler violence in the West Bank
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-15753945
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Turkey urged to take military action on Syria
Syria’s opposition has urged Turkey to mount a military operation to protect civilians from President Bashar al-Assad’s security forces, it was claimed on Thursday, as Russia warned that the fighting in the country was now akin to a “civil war”.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/syria/8897816/Turkey-urged-to-take-military-action-on-Syria.html
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If you lived in Iran, wouldn’t you want the nuclear bomb?
The best way for the US to stop Iran developing nuclear weapons is to dial down the rhetoric and adopt some diplomacy
http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2011/nov/17/iran-want-nuclear-bomb
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Too kind.
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Iran fires up voters with partial lifting of water pipe ban
Mahmoud Ahmadinejad’s government reverses unpopular ban on smoking in tea houses – but only for men
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/nov/17/iran-lifts-water-pipe-ban
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Adml Mike Mullen confirms Pakistan army plot letter
Relations between Pakistan’s president Asif Zardari and the country’s powerful army were plunged deeper into crisis on Thursday after Adml Mike Mullen, America’s former top military officer confirmed he had receiving a letter urging Washington help oust the country’s top generals.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/pakistan/8896624/Adml-Mike-Mullen-confirms-Pakistan-army-plot-letter.html
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Husain Haqqani, Pakistan’s US ambassador, offers to resign
Ambassador made the offer over a letter supposedly sent to the US military requesting help after the killing of Osama bin Laden
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/nov/17/husain-haqqani-pakistan-us-ambassador-offer-resign
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Colombian Marxists plotted to sell uranium to Venezuela for ‘distant friends’
Colombian Marxist rebels plotted to sell uranium to Venezuela in the belief that they would pass it on to “friends from distant lands”, according to leaked emails.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/southamerica/colombia/8897047/Colombian-Marxists-plotted-to-sell-uranium-to-Venezuela-for-distant-friends.html
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Philippines’ Gloria Arroyo faces vote fraud charges
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-15786733
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Aung San Suu Kyi says change is on the way
Burma’s freed opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi has abandoned her principled demands for the isolation of the regime and believes she can now work to bring five decades of military dictatorship to an end.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/burmamyanmar/8897298/Aung-San-Suu-Kyi-says-change-is-on-the-way.html
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TRIVIA QUIZ
Yesterday’s answer. James Dean for “East of Eden” in 1955, and”Giant” in 1956. Dean died in September 1955. KT got it right, well done.
Today’s question.
How many square feet of lawn does it take to provide a day’s oxygen needs for one person? Hint. More than 550 and less than 630.
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Protest and survive: the Greenham veteran who refuses to go away
Thirty years ago, Helen John was the first full-time member of the Greenham Common peace camp. Now 73, she’s still hard at it, trying to stop drones operating from a UK air base
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/nov/17/helen-john-greenham-protester-drones
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How war has driven medical advances
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-15771688
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‘Pregnant and disabled but I don’t want pity’
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-15759683
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Time to swoop on the vulture funds
UK law prevents aggressive debt-gatherers from attacking poor countries. The rest of the world should follow suit
http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2011/nov/17/vulture-funds-law
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Unwrapping the ancient Egyptian animal mummy industry
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-15780427
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Myth that antibiotics cure coughs and colds still rife
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-15772727
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Guardian Viral Video Chart: Geese, Catvertising, Herman Cain, Occupy
Watch geese marching in a parade, cats getting creative and a US politician slipping up in our rundown of the top online clips
http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/pda/2011/nov/18/viral-video-chart
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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/nov/17/1
Good afternoon/morning, Kalima!
“In a few more years 90% of all internet content will be cat videos,”(said as the bar on the graph flies right past the category labeled “porn.”) 😆
I have to say that the vid of the geese following the drummer may give the cats a run for their catnip, though. That one’s pretty cute.
Boy, the myths that antibiotics can kill the common cold or influenza really do die hard, don’t they? I wonder if it’s partly because everyone wants so badly for it to be true. In this era, in which people simply can’t afford to be sick — ever — they really want to be able to take a pill and have whatever it is GONE in 12 hours. The trouble with miracle drugs is that they lead us to expect miracles. All the time. Sometimes Mother Nature just sets us back on our heels and insists that it is not always business as usual. And there’s not much we can do about it. Other myths that I wish would go away: that pneumonia comes from getting chilled, that hand washing doesn’t matter in the era of antibiotics, and that lying in bed completely immobile for days after surgery is the best way to get well. Nope.
And furthermore…! 😆 While I’m ranting! Not only should “mixed wards” be banned in Britain’s NHS, “wards” in general should be banned! The move here is toward all private rooms, which makes complete sense. A hotel would never book two unknown people to a room — even when they’re healthy! Why in the world would hospitals in the 21st century put complete strangers in — basically — one big bedroom? To facilitate germ swapping? This is a recipe for an infectious disease disaster. There may have been an era in which this was thought to reduce steps and work-time for nurses. But hospitals are not supposed to be for nurses! They’re for patients!
Years ago there was a 5 bed ward for “the poor” in a hospital in CT. The wealthy went to a special 10 bed unit — all private rooms. I thought those days were over with. Just think what the nights must be like on those wards. People coughing, moaning, calling out, getting up to go to the bathroom. Never any privacy. Terrible!
Well, I’ve ranted so long, I’ve left only a minute for my trivia guess, which I will put smack-dab in the middle at 590 sq. ft.? 😀
Good morning everyone.
The cooler weather seems to be lasting, it’s time to put the t-shirts away again for this year. My smile reaches from ear to ear. 😀
Have a good Thursday wherever you may be, take care and be safe.
Sayonara from my corner of Tokyo. Mata ashita ne.
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A few stories and opinions from around the globe.
================================
IAEA: secure permanent waste sites
http://www.japantimes.co.jp/text/nn20111117a3.html
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Half of radioactive materials from Fukushima fallen into sea: study
http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/news/20111117p2g00m0dm012000c.html
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Well of course it does. It was a 9.0 magnitude quake, followed by 30 to 40 meter tsunami’s
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Debris disposal cost in March disaster exceeds that for Hanshin Quake
http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/news/20111117p2g00m0dm005000c.html
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Boost for Japan’s CO2 trading plan
http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/T111116006068.htm
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Extension likely for green car tax cuts
http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/business/T111116005767.htm
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Considering it, what’s to consider?
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Japan mulling banning cesium-tainted rice shipments from Fukushima
http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/news/20111117p2g00m0dm069000c.html
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Japan to return ancient books to S Korea in early Dec
http://www.japantoday.com/category/politics/view/japan-to-return-ancient-books-to-s-korea-in-early-dec
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High court rules foreigners are eligible for welfare benefits
http://www.japantimes.co.jp/text/nn20111117a1.html
=========================================
INTERNATIONAL NEWS
===============
I sincerely hope that no one is surprised by this news.
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Sir Mervyn King: Britain on the brink of second credit crunch, Bank of England Governor warns
Britain is on the brink of a second credit crunch, the Bank of England warned as it slashed its growth forecasts for the economy and raised the prospect of a double-dip recession.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/financialcrisis/8895337/Sir-Mervyn-King-Britain-on-the-brink-of-second-credit-crunch-Bank-of-England-Governor-warns.html
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Well fancy that George. What, no plan B?
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Osborne to miss deficit target as UK economy stalls and unemployment rises
Eurozone crisis hits home as Bank of England cuts growth forecasts and makes grim predictions of a weak recovery
http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2011/nov/16/osborne-deficit-uk-economy-growth
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Coalition sheds crocodile tears over young jobless
Youth unemployment has risen above 1 million, but the eurozone crisis and slow global growth aren’t to blame – the coalition is
http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/economics-blog/2011/nov/16/youth-unemployment-caused-by-coalition-policies
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Hands Off Our Land: Now even National Parks are at risk
Restrictions on building in some of the most beautiful parts of the country could be relaxed under new Government plans, The Daily Telegraph can disclose.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/earth/hands-off-our-land/8894560/Hands-Off-Our-Land-Now-even-our-National-Parks-are-at-risk-from-developers.html
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Labour pledges to repeal NHS bill
All provisions that turns health and social care services into a market-based system will be removed, says Andy Burnham
http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2011/nov/17/labour-repeal-nhs-bill
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We all know who is to blame, so vote them out.
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Permanent underclass is emerging in UK, businesses warn
Survey uncovers fear that many youngsters with poor education and backgrounds are largely unemployable
http://www.guardian.co.uk/education/2011/nov/17/permanent-underclass-emerging-businesses-warn
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Unemployment: time for jobs plan
The coalition’s economic argument has been shown to be wrong; it is time for a replacement
http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2011/nov/17/unemployment-jobs-plan-economy-growth
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Unions set to back public sector strikes
Teaching assistants, refuse collectors and nurses at GMB vote to strike over pension reform with Unite expected to follow
http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/2011/nov/16/unions-public-sector-strikes
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Huh? Thank the Lord that we were married in Brixton.
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Half of population could be barred from bringing in a foreign partner under family visa reform
Up to half the population will no longer be able to bring a foreign bride, groom or relative to the UK under tough new proposals to reduce their burden on the state.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/immigration/8894283/Half-of-population-could-be-barred-from-bringing-in-a-foreign-partner-under-family-visa-reform.html
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MI6 foiled suicide bomb assassination plot in Libya
British intelligence foiled a plot by Col Muammar Gaddafi’s henchmen to assassinate Western diplomats and Libya’s revolutionary leadership, the Foreign Secretary has revealed.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/africaandindianocean/libya/8894902/MI6-foiled-suicide-bomb-assassination-plot-in-Libya.html
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Iraq war inquiry report delayed
Chilcot inquiry panel cites refusal by Whitehall departments to disclose sensitive documents as one reason for delay until summer 2012
http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2011/nov/16/iraq-inquiry-report-delayed
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Leveson inquiry told hacking of Milly Dowler’s phone ‘despicable’
NoW’s illegal deleting of murdered teenager’s voicemails gave false hope to her parents she was alive, says lawyer
http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/2011/nov/16/leveson-inquiry-milly-dowler-phonehacking
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Bastards.
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Stephen Lawrence was killed in silent, unprovoked attack, court hears
Witnesses to final minutes of black teenager’s life recall lack of shouting and that white gang walked away after attack
http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2011/nov/16/stephen-lawrence-witnesses-recall-attack
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Occupy London Stock Exchange camp at St Paul’s Cathedral: eviction notices served-in pictures
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/picturegalleries/uknews/8894781/Occupy-London-Stock-Exchange-camp-at-St-Pauls-Cathedral-eviction-notices-served.html
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German neo-Nazi terrorists had ‘hitlist’ of 88 political targets
Names of two prominent Bundestag members on list found by police investigating activities of National Socialist Underground
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/nov/16/german-neo-nazi-terror-hitlist
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New Italian government does not include a single elected politician
Mario Monti, Italy’s new prime minister, appointed a government without a single politician on Wednesday, forming a technical administration which faces the daunting challenge of preventing the country from being dragged deeper into the euro zone debt crisis.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/italy/8895003/New-Italian-government-does-not-include-a-single-elected-politician.html
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Greece braces for large protest rally in Athens
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-15767924
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Barack Obama says Asia-Pacific is ‘top US priority’
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-15715446
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Police pepper spray Occupy Seattle protesters
Members of Occupy Seattle clash with police in downtown Seattle over a protest march and are met with pepper spray.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/northamerica/usa/8895430/Police-pepper-spray-Occupy-Seattle-protesters.html
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Occupy protesters prepare for day of ‘solidarity’ across US
Series of events planned to support evicted Zuccotti Park activists by highlighting growing inequality and need for jobs
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/nov/16/occupy-protesters-day-of-solidarity
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99% v 1%: the data behind the Occupy movement – animation
It has been the rallying cry of the Occupy movement for the past two months – but is the US really split 99% v 1%? As poverty and inequality reach record levels, how much richer have the rich got? This animation explains what the key data says about the state of America today
http://www.guardian.co.uk/news/datablog/video/2011/nov/16/99-v-1-occupy-data-animation
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Syria crisis: Assad given three days to end bloodshed – live updates
• Arab League offers surprise reprieve to Bashar al-Assad
• UK urged to help set up international Syria contact group
• Protesters storm Kuwaiti parliament
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/middle-east-live/2011/nov/17/syria-crisis-assad-given-three-days-to-end-violence-live-updates
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Syria: France foreign minister in Turkey for talks
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-15769804
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Syrian rebels warn Assad regime they can strike ‘anywhere and anytime’
Syrian rebels warned the government that they could strike “anywhere and anytime” on Wednesday after they exposed the vulnerability of its security apparatus with a string of unprecedented attacks on military targets around Damascus.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/syria/8895001/Syrian-rebels-warn-Assad-regime-they-can-strike-anywhere-and-anytime.html
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Tunisia’s Islamists hail arrival of the ‘sixth caliphate’
The Islamist politician likely to become Tunisia’s first democratically elected prime minister has alarmed liberals and secularists by claiming the arrival of the “sixth caliphate”, a controversial term for a Muslim empire.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/africaandindianocean/tunisia/8894858/Tunisias-Islamists-hail-arrival-of-the-sixth-caliphate.html
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Kuwaiti protesters storm parliament
Protesters took over Kuwait’s parliament building last night as a demonstration against the prime minister spiralled into violence.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/kuwait/8895351/Kuwaiti-protesters-storm-parliament.html
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Changing their tune?
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Iran says missile base blast was not caused by Israeli intelligence
Tehran dismisses reports that Mossad or US was behind the explosion that killed the architect of country’s missile programme
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/nov/16/iran-missile-blast-israel-mossad
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US must stop night raids if it wants to keep bases in Afghanistan past 2014, Hamid Karzai warns
America must stop night raids and house searches and close its military prisons in return for keeping troops in the country after 2014, Hamid Karzai told a national assembly.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/afghanistan/8893506/US-must-stop-night-raids-if-it-wants-to-keep-bases-in-Afghanistan-past-2014-Hamid-Karzai-warns.html
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Bombs target Kenya’s aid workers
Two policemen and two security guards escorting aid workers in the world’s largest refugee camp in Kenya were injured when a remote-controlled bomb exploded beneath their vehicle.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/africaandindianocean/kenya/8893957/Bombs-target-Kenyas-aid-workers.html
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Global campaign to decriminalise homosexuality to kick off in Belize court
Lord Goldsmith involved in attempt to overturn law in country which is first of 80-plus targeted by new rights group Human Dignity Trust
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/nov/16/global-campaign-decriminalise-homosexuality-belize-court
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New Zealand prime minister seeks to block recording
John Key claims he was illegally recorded in a private conversation with an ally just days before the upcoming election
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/nov/17/new-zealand-prime-minister-recording
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Chinese man sets himself on fire in Tiananmen Square
A Chinese man set himself on fire in Beijing’s Tiananmen Square in what is thought to be the first act of self-immolation at the scene of the 1989 pro-democracy protests for more than a decade.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/china/8893337/Chinese-man-sets-himself-on-fire-in-Tiananmen-Square.html
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Anger over deadly China kindergarten minibus crash
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-15769316
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Tibet’s monks driven to resist by Chinese repression, says exiled abbot
Leader blames ‘virtual martial law’ for forcing Tibetans to adopt self-immolation as an extreme form of non-violent protest
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/nov/16/tibet-monks-selfimmolation-china
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TRIVIA QUIZ
Yesterday’s answer.
A pygmy hippopotamus. Coolidge’s personal White House menagerie also included a bobcat, antelope, wallaby, goose, donkey and two lion cubs. Sorry kes, no parrot, although I don’t see why not. 🙂
Today’s question.
Who was the only actor to be nominated twice posthumously for Best Actor Oscar?
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Iraqi women: Winners or losers in a war-torn society?
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-15743078
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Self-harm practised by one in 12 adolescents, study reveals
At-risk group affected by ‘chemical melting pot’ in brain caused by onset of puberty and hormones
http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2011/nov/17/self-harm-in-adolescents-study
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‘Gourmet’ salt is no better for your health than table variety, study finds
Experts say that rock and sea salt, popularised by celebrity chefs, are just a more expensive way to damage your health
http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2011/nov/17/gourmet-salt-health-celebrity-chefs
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I agree. What’s next, how much loo paper to use at each sitting?
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All these smoking bans have left me fuming
The experts who want us to stop lighting up in cars are malicious meddlers.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/8894389/All-these-smoking-bans-have-left-me-fuming.html
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Hunger primes the brain for junk food
A hormone released by the stomach may activate the brain’s reward system and motivate us to buy high-calorie food
http://www.guardian.co.uk/science/2011/nov/16/hunger-primes-brain-junk-food
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Amphibians facing ‘terrifying’ rate of extinction
Researchers say tropical regions of richest diversity are most at risk of losing frogs, toads, newts and salamanders
http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2011/nov/16/amphibians-terrifying-extinction-threat
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The Artist pays homage to Hollywood’s silent era
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-15674340
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How to cook perfect Christmas cake
Should a Christmas cake be dark and rich, or lighter and zestier? And what of those continental contrivances panettone and stollen?
http://www.guardian.co.uk/lifeandstyle/wordofmouth/2011/nov/17/how-cook-perfect-christmas-cake
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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/nov/16/24-hours-in-pictures
Why has this neo-Nazi thing not taken off here? I mean, not only does Der Spiegel have a big spread on it, but the Guardian is covering it, etc.
Do we, as the SPLC has shown, really think this far-right terror is unrelated to us in the states?
—
Also, good article on Self-Harm. Not that I could finish it. Anything like that triggers a flood of memories and a minor quasi-panic-attack in me, and I don’t know why. I of all people should be able to handle it. But as long as it’s out there more and more I think is important.
Good morning, Khirad! You’re up early too, I see.
We must have been typing at the same time. Your comment about the neo-Nazis was not there when I stared mine. I believe we’ve had some skin-head neo-Nazis here, but they have been pretty much ignored and marginalized. At least, I don’t think they are actively targeting their enemies. I’m sure the FBI keeps a close watch on their activities. I guess there will always be those crackpots and with our rather messy freedom of speech rights in this country, it’s hard to stop them.
Illinois NAZIs;
Good morning/evening Kalima!
I share your smile this morning. The weather is cold and rather nasty today here. Time for those warm sweaters and a bowl of hot soup. We are forecast for mixed snow and rain, and the only problem I have is that I have to make a 100 mile drive to see yet another doctor for the unrelenting headaches. I would much rather stay in with the puppies.
As I scrolled through the articles, one caught my attention…the neo-Nazi problem in Germany. It is shocking that they are rearing their ugly heads again. I know nothing about German law concerning individual freedoms there, but history should be their guide. This group should be banned and wiped out. Germany has suffered enough from the stigma left from WWII. I recently watched a History Chanel program about a kind of “national guilt” that many older people still feel there. Sixty-odd years since the end of the war, we can take some consolation in that most of the Nazis from Hitler’s era are dead. Germany certainly doesn’t need any “new” ones.
The other item was the demand by a member of the medical establishment in the UK to ban smoking in cars! OMG! This sounds exactly like something the republicans would try to do in the US! They are all about “small government” but insist on putting watchdogs into every aspect of our lives, including our bedrooms and our wombs! I hope that none of our right-wingers in this country sees this article! It will only give them the idea about yet another way to control our individual behaviors while ignoring the legitimate and urgent need for jobs! Big Brother is alive and well!
As for the “loo paper”, Six squares should certainly do the job! We must be frugal!! 🙂
As for the trivia question, I don’t have a clue so I’ll make a really lame guess…Laurence Olivier! We’ll have to ask Kes! She’s amazing and will know, I’m sure!
Thanks for your hard work! Great, as usual! Have a wonderful evening/day! 🙂
Em, they are outlawed. Very explicitly in the German Federal Constitution. Because of that very, very deep collective national guilt. They’ve even tried outlawing this party, but goofed when it got out it had been Federally infiltrated:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Party_Germany
No symbols are allowed. It’s so strict it’s even gotten ridiculous how serious they take these anti-Nazi laws when anti-fascist protesters with swastikas in a crossed out circle have received fines, and Hindus have had to get exemptions to use what was their symbol in the first place!!!
As such, the remarkable part of this story is how they existed underground and committed terrorist acts for upwards a decade in the most unfriendly country to neo-Nazis, and anti-Semites (outside Israel). Many neo-Nazis feel so stifled and complain so bitterly about the “oppressive” laws of Germany (I leave the irony of that to you) that they emigrate to neighboring countries with laxer laws on free speech.
But indeed, as tempting as it is, I think our First Amendment is the way to go. I’d rather have the idiots out in public and freely posting away on the internet. The downside is that they can infect more minds, but the upside is we can freely monitor and stop them before they were to commit such terrorist attacks here, knock on wood.
As an aside, during the 2006 World Cup hosted by Germany, it was the first time German flags were brought out in force. They’ve been so shy and reticent about such colorful patriotic demonstrations ever since WWII, and I quite frankly cried a little to see such joy and the ocean of Schwarz-Rot-Gold being waved. They’re so scarred and ashamed at times (fully self-aware of where excessive nationalism has landed them in the past). I thought it was beautiful that they finally found it was ‘okay’ to be proud again. It was healing not only for getting past some of the neuroses and sensitivity to a Nazi past, but still patching up the wounds after Reunification.
Here’s more from another recent story. It should be noted that neo-Nazi groups are de facto banned, it’s more in making the case they are clearly so.
Germany bans its biggest neo-Nazi group
http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/09/21/us-germany-right-ban-idUSTRE78K1YP20110921
These groups exist all over Europe, they are also in the countries previously known as the Eastern Block. When it happens in a country where for generations we have faced our collective guilt and shame, it’s big news.
I would rather that this scum was banned from the beginning as we have done. If anyone publicly denies the holocaust they will be arrested, it’s the way we have tried to make up for the horrors of our past. I would rather be in a country that comes down hard on these groups than give way to some idea that everything goes in the name of free speech. How can the vile protests of military funerals be free speech for instance?
This is normal for people living in the U.S.. the same way as any Tom, Dick and Harry carrying a gun, it’s not normal for those of us born and bred in Europe, so I don’t think it’s possible to compare the two. If you are saying that your country is safer because of your free speech, then I would have to respectfully disagree with you because I see no evidence that the U.S. is safer than any other country in Europe, and we don’t own guns.
The swastika symbol is/was used throughout Asia as a symbol for shrines and temples long before the Nazi’s got their claws on it.
Indeed, not comparable.
Both Constitutions are just explicit/implicit in their own ways.
There’s no way to outlaw groups like that in the US because of the slippery slope Voltaire type argument. We all agree those groups are sick and dangerous, but are wary of the precedent to any other group that might be deemed unacceptable to the state in the future. Though we can implement hate crime laws and threats, we can’t prosecute thought crimes, even though Holocaust denial is like collective slander.
With Germany and Europe there is no such compunction because it is a very specific and immediate concern (particularly when it was written after the war) that doesn’t carry those broader lofty philosophical questions. When they say no Nazis, they mean no Nazis. It was its own precedent already. Nie wieder.
I also like the part in the German Federal Constitution that behooves citizens to resist by force any leader trying to subvert democracy and allowing for no powers of emergency law.
We had the same problem with the Aum Shinri Kyo here in Japan after the Tokyo sarin attack. To ban or not to ban a group who claimed to be a religious group, so would banning them outright, infringe on religious freedom?
Most of them, including their nutty leader Asahara were arrested, and the meager bunch left, decided not to pursue a group as before. They ended up in smaller groups, but were often asked by local authorities to move away because the population didn’t want them in their cities and towns. I believe that they are still being monitored, in fact I’m sure that they are.
Hello Emerald, sorry I didn’t make it back to reply before, it’s been another one of those days, and I know you have them too.
Take care, hope you feel better soon.
Good morning/evening, Kalima! Another work day here in corn country, so I’ll have to make the most of the little bit of time I have on the Planet this morning.
Shocking story of the neo-Nazi group in Germany that got away with so much for so long. 10 murders and 14 bank robberies in 13 years? Scary, scary stuff. But the really worrisome aspect of the whole thing is the fact that they are suspecting that at least one member of the German intelligence organization (which is supposed to be monitoring this sort of thing) was actually involved! Although the fact that someone who was in something like our Homeland Security/FBI department would also have right wing leanings shouldn’t be a total surprise, I guess. Some “police type” personalities, I think, don’t have far to go to make that leap.
Smoking in one’s own car? Please. I’m not a huge fan of smoking but really, this is too much. The only possible exception I can see is if there are children in the vehicle who are not allowed to open the windows. As a kid I remember being held hostage in the back seat while my grandfather smoked his dreadful cigars and my grandmother resisted any window-opening. That was pretty awful. But when there are only adults in the car? Or the driver is alone? Good grief! Smoke ’em if you’re inclined.
Trivia: Oh, Em! Now you’ve gone and put me on the spot! I really don’t know this one. I think you’re on to something with Larry Olivier, but just for novelty’s sake I say Sir John Gielgud.
Oops, the comment editor wouldn’t let me add this, but I wanted to say that “The Artist” (a new silent, b & w film) sounds fascinating. Hope I get a chance to see it!
I, as a smoker sees some wisdom in it though. My worst chain-smoking I ever did was driving! There
is just something about driving that lends itself to it with my left hand dangling out the window, my right hand on the wheel. 😆
As such, I now keep the car smoke-free and cut down significantly on cigarettes (and smell) in the process. I always had the front window down though, and cracked down the rear one to try and siphon any extra smoke out. Can’t imagine smoking with the windows closed, and can’t imagine the thick pungent cigar smoke at all. My friend and I tried a slim once and my friend put his out and made me put out mine fairly quick–it was just stinking up his car bad, with our windows all the way down and blowing out of them.
And it should be outlawed when children under legal smoking age are involved. No question about that.
But other than that, this is absurd on its face, of course (I coyly built to this). Are they trying to lampoon the “nanny state”? Is this like an art project?
Khirad, about two weeks ago I tried E-Cigarettes for the first time. They are great and about half the cost of smoking real cigarettes.
Actually, they are little cigarette sized (slightly larger than real cigarettes) vaporizers. The “cigarette” portion of the device is the battery, with a miniature circuit that activates the cig when you take a puff. The “filter,” part is a little cartridge filled with a nicotine soulution and the solution vaporizes with each puff. No smoke, (just water vapor) no stink, no ashes and no ashtrays. And it tastes and feels like you’re smoking a real cigarette. 98% safer than tobbacco cigs.
KT
I bought them as well, going to try them this week.
Sue, I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised. I was. It’s almost exactly like smoking a real cigarette, but like I said, no smoke (just vapor), no stink, no ashes, no ashtray, no lighter or matches needed.
I live in a small apartment and just got really tired of stale tobacco stink. Now my apartment smells much, much better, no stinky hair or clothes or breath. And I spend about half as much on E-Cigs than I did on real cigs. Ain’t technology great? Oh, and I am starting to feel better and my sense of smell has greatly improved. 😉
Well then KT I am going to try.
Sorry I missed you again kes, hope to catch up with you soon.
Have a good day and take care. 🙂
Trivia Answer–James Dean?
Good morning everyone.
Well today was pretty cool, they say it’s Autumn, but I believe that we might have gone straight from our long Summer into Winter. That’s cheating!
Hope you all have a good day wherever you may be, take care and be safe.
Sayonara from my very dark corner of Tokyo. Mata ashita ne.
————————————————————————————————
A few stories and opinions from around the globe.
================================
This is becoming very worrisome at a time when we have enough worries about radiation as it is.
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Second tainted bottle found in Setagaya
http://www.japantimes.co.jp/text/nn20111116a3.html
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Cattle in no-go zone to be tested
http://www.japantimes.co.jp/text/nn20111116a6.html
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Parts of Japan too radioactive to farm, say int’l researchers
http://www.japantoday.com/category/national/view/parts-of-japan-too-radioactive-to-farm-say-intl-researchers
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Experts urge Fukushima residents to deepen understanding of risks despite lack of clear answers on health effects
Low-level radiation questions spur anxiety
http://www.japantimes.co.jp/text/nn20111116f1.html
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Who would have thought eight months ago that it would come to this. How sad.
————
Firm makes iPhone Geiger counter for worried Japanese
http://www.japantoday.com/category/technology/view/firm-makes-iphone-geiger-counter-for-worried-japanese
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Canada, Australia invite disaster-zone students
http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/T111115005469.htm
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It’s Autumn already, could have fooled me.
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Japanese archipelago undergoes coldest day this fall
http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/news/20111116p2g00m0dm087000c.html
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PICTURE OF THE DAY
Tree of Hope
http://www.japantoday.com/category/picture-of-the-day/view/tree-of-hope
===============================================
INTERNATIONAL NEWS
================
This is dreadful, the ignorance and bigotry never seems to go away. We are plummeting backwards. Just look at the faces of those two men.
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Stephen Lawrence trial: teenager stabbed to death because of ‘colour of his skin’
More than 18 years after Stephen Lawrence was stabbed to death in a racist attack, two men have gone on trial for his murder.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/crime/8892874/Stephen-Lawrence-trial-teenager-stabbed-to-death-because-of-colour-of-his-skin.html
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Nick Clegg: one million unemployed young people ‘must not be ignored’
More than a million young people are unemployed, figures out today are expected to show.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/jobs/8893154/Nick-Clegg-one-million-unemployed-young-people-must-not-be-ignored.html
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Hundreds of thousands of public sector workers to announce plans to strike
Hundreds of thousands of public sector workers are set to announce plans to strike at the end of this month in what will be biggest industrial action for decades.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/politics/8892461/Hundreds-of-thousands-of-public-sector-workers-to-announce-plans-to-strike.html
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That’s fairly obvious Nick. Taxpayers money for anything but improving the lives of the public, is “not right” at any time.
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Taxpayer cash for political parties ‘not right’ during spending cuts, says Clegg
Nick Clegg has become the first party leader to rule out state funding for political parties ahead of an official review due to be published next week.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/8892573/Taxpayer-cash-for-political-parties-not-right-during-spending-cuts-says-Clegg.html
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These border tensions mask a greater scandal
Britain’s transport infrastructure is creaking – a new London airport is needed to cope with the huge number of passengers.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/comment/telegraph-view/8892081/These-border-tensions-mask-a-greater-scandal.html
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Solar giant ‘could quit UK’ after Government cuts to subsidies
The world’s biggest solar panel maker may pull out of the UK, following the Government’s controversial decision to slash subsidies.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/journalists/rowena-mason/8892601/Solar-giant-could-quit-UK-after-Government-cuts-to-subsidies.html
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There he goes again about the food and drink firms, wasn’t there an episode with a “conflict of interset” angle?
I recently linked to a story about the rise in obesity in the U.K., go figure.
————
Obesity advisory group disbanded by government
Panel’s members criticised health secretary’s decision to tackle obesity through ‘responsibility deals’ with food and drinks firms
http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2011/nov/16/obesity-advisory-group-disbanded
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Leveson inquiry warned of threat to media freedom
Phone hacking hearing told by News International and Mail group to avoid overreacting with a stringent system of regulation
http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/2011/nov/15/leveson-inquiry-threat-media-freedom
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St Paul’s protest: Occupy campers to get legal notice
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-15752168
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Good Lord, I will be so happy when this spineless wimp finally goes away, and preferably to a Swedish jail cell.
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Julian Assange seeks to take extradition fight to supreme court
WikiLeaks founder will ask permission to appeal against high court ruling that he must face sex crime charges in Sweden
http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/2011/nov/15/julian-assange-extradition-wikileaks
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Germany shocked by secret service link to rightwing terror cell
Undercover officer was at scene of Turk’s murder as rightwingers killed 10 times but stayed free for 13 years
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/nov/15/germany-neo-nazi-terror-cell-doner-killings
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Unions battle PSA Peugeot Citroën over 4,000 French job losses
Carmaker confirms plans to axe more than 5,000 jobs – up to 4,000 in France – after previously stating no full-time French workers would be affected
http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2011/nov/15/psa-peugeot-citroen-french-job-losses
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Mario Monti to announce new Italy government
Prime minister-designate says he has ‘defined picture’ of administration amid concern over possible role for Berlusconi ally
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/nov/16/mario-monti-announce-italy-government
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Euro crisis: voters prepare to eject Spain’s Socialists for Mariano Rajoy
Mariano Rajoy is poised to become Spain’s new prime minister at the weekend after an election in which voters angry at austerity measures have spurned the incumbent Socialist Party.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/spain/8891990/Euro-crisis-voters-prepare-to-eject-Spains-Socialists-for-Mariano-Rajoy.html
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Vladimir Putin in China Confucius Peace Prize fiasco
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-china-15750979
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Tens of thousands of businessmen forced to flee Russia claims former top banker
UP to 30,000 bankers, businessmen and financiers have been driven out of Russia by Vladimir Putin’s ever-tightening grip on the country’s political and commercial life, according to a prominent exile at the centre of a major banking controversy.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/russia/8892285/Tens-of-thousands-of-businessmen-forced-to-flee-Russia-claims-former-top-banker.html
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Occupy Wall Street: judge backs mayor Michael Bloomberg’s move to evict camp
Occupy Wall Street, the New York protest camp that inspired anti-capitalist demonstrations across the world, has been demolished after protesters were evicted by police.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/northamerica/usa/8892970/Occupy-Wall-Street-judge-backs-mayor-Michael-Bloombergs-move-to-evict-camp.html
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Brookfield Properties’ letter to Michael Bloomberg
Read the letter from Brookfield CEO Ric Clark on the ‘substantial adverse impact’ the property firm believes the Occupy Wall Street camp is having on the local community
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/interactive/2011/nov/15/brookfield-properties-letter-michael-bloomberg
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Occupy Wall Street protesters return to Manhattan park despite ruling
New York mayor wins legal battle to have them removed, but activists make Zuccotti Park their base again
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/nov/16/occupy-wall-street-return-manhattan-park
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Former Navy Seal’s book on Bin Laden’s death branded ‘fabrication’
US special operations command says claims in Chuck Pfarrer’s Seal Target Geronimo are ‘categorically incorrect’
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/nov/15/navy-seal-book-bin-laden-chuck-pfarrer
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Syria: Arab League meets as defectors attack – live updates
• Free Syrian Army attack bases near Damascus
• Arab League mulls sanctions at meeting in Rabat
• Political prisoner shot hours after being released
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/middle-east-live/2011/nov/16/syria-arab-league-meets-as-defectors-attack-damascus-live-updates
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Fledgling Libyan army steps in to subdue inter-militia violence
Hundreds of men in uniform deployed to bring end to feud that cast doubt on government’s ability to keep order, officials say
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/nov/15/libyan-army-inter-militia-violence
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Syrian army defectors attack intelligence base near Damascus
Attacks on President Bashar al-Assad’s military bases come two days after rebels kill 34 soldiers and security officials in Daraa
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/nov/16/syria-army-defectors-attack-base
—-
Syrian Free Army resistance attacks reported in Homs
Amateur footage from Homs is reported to show evidence of resistance to the brutal state-sponsored crackdown against protests as the Syrian Free Army target government tanks and personnel carriers.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/syria/8892091/Syrian-Free-Army-resistance-attacks-reported-in-Homs.html
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Syria to ‘boycott Arab League summit’
Syria will boycott today’s Arab League meeting in response to its decision to suspend Damascus from the organisation, according to reports.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/syria/8893183/Syria-to-boycott-Arab-League-summit.html
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Veteran human rights activist chosen as Tunisia’s new interim president
Moncef Marzouki, a veteran human rights activist, was selected as Tunisia’s new interim president on Tuesday, an official has claimed.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/africaandindianocean/tunisia/8892755/Veteran-human-rights-activist-chosen-as-Tunisias-new-interim-president.html
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Jerusalem mayor battles ultra-orthodox groups over women-free billboards
Female models erased from advertisements across city after religious lobby brands the images as offensive
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/nov/15/jerusalem-mayor-battle-orthodox-billboards
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Palestinian protesters dragged off Israeli bus riding into Jerusalem
Six Palestinian activists, clutching national flags and surrounded by dozens of reporters, were dragged off an Israeli bus they planned to ride into Jerusalem after a standoff with police Tuesday.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/palestinianauthority/8892768/Palestinian-protesters-dragged-off-Israeli-bus-riding-into-Jerusalem.html
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Turkey on brink of open confrontation with Syria
Turkey was on the brink of open confrontation over its border with Syria on Tuesday night, announcing its first economic sanctions against Damascus and saying President Bashar al-Assad’s regime was “on a knife-edge”.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/syria/8892332/Turkey-on-brink-of-open-confrontation-with-Syria.html
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Afghan president backs US pact in tribal elders talks
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-15739646
—-
Pakistan drone attack kills a dozen in South Waziristan
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-south-asia-15751313
—-
Vulture funds await Jersey decision on poor countries’ debts
Pressure grows to end trade that has made $1bn for speculators but has been blamed for delaying recovery of war-torn countries
http://www.guardian.co.uk/global-development/2011/nov/15/vulture-funds-jersey-decision-debts
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Vulture funds – how do they work?
Funds who buy up debts of countries mired in war and chaos have received payouts of $1bn and are due a further $1.3bn
http://www.guardian.co.uk/global-development/2011/nov/15/vulture-funds-how-they-work
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Julia Gillard welcomes Barack Obama to Australia
The US President is set to visit Canberra and Darwin on a brief 26-hour visit to the country.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/australiaandthepacific/australia/8893164/Julia-Gillard-welcomes-Barack-Obama-to-Australia.html
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Britain demands release of Burmese political prisoners
Britain demanded the release of leading Burmese political prisoners on Tuesday, as Andrew Mitchell, the International Development secretary became the first senior figure to meet with the regime president and top leaders.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/burmamyanmar/8892200/Britain-demands-release-of-Burmese-political-prisoners.html
—-
TRIVIA QUIZ
Yesterday’s answer.
Robin and the 7 Hoods.
Today’s question.
What kind of animal was the exotic pet named Billy that President Calvin Coolidge kept in the White house and later donated to the national zoo?
—-
Liver implant gives boy ‘another chance of life’
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-15744176
—-
Viewpoint: Are Tibet burnings plot or policy failure?
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-15738522
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What John Lewis and other stores’ TV ads tell us about Christmas 2011
Blockbuster TV adverts are a regular feature in the run-up to Christmas – John Lewis’s £5m ad has already had the nation in tears. But what makes it so powerful? And what do these costly campaigns say about us?
http://www.guardian.co.uk/tv-and-radio/2011/nov/15/john-lewis-ad-christmas-2011
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Wonder if they make smaller ones for cats?
————
Japanese create cuddly robot to cure snoring
A robot which claims to fight snoring has been unveiled by scientists in Japan.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/japan/8893083/Japanese-create-cuddly-robot-to-cure-snoring.html
—-
Alien and UFO sightings and famous hoaxes
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/picturegalleries/howaboutthat/8891410/Alien-and-UFO-sightings-and-famous-hoaxes.html
—-
24 hours in pictures
A selection of the best images from around the world
http://www.guardian.co.uk/news/gallery/2011/nov/15/1
Good afternoon/night, Kalima! A quick note before I run to the pet shop to replace a goldfish before you-know-who gets here. 😳
Whyyy did I ever got started on this? ‘Nuff said…
Sad as it is to say it, I think that if I lived in Japan I would be grateful to have the iPhone geiger counter. Have we come to this?
I hope justice is finally done in the Stephen Lawrence murder case. And you’re right about the faces of the alleged killers: “dead man eyes.”
Oh those Christmas ads. So many millions spent on persuading us to spend so many millions… Christmas… What was the original cause of all the hoopla? Poor little kid born during Occupy Bethlehem? Anchor baby? Un-wed mother? Remember, folks?
Trivia: Oh gosh…no idea whatsoever! A parrot?
Good morning everyone.
A bit of a tiring day so I will wish you all a good day wherever you may be, take care and be safe.
Sayonara from my corner of Tokyo. Mata ashita ne.
————————————————————————————————-
A few stories and opinions from around the globe.
================================
Fukushima No. 1 tour an eye-opener
Radiation dangers temper sense of stability at scene of devastation
http://www.japantimes.co.jp/text/nn20111115f1.html
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Contaminated water still headache for Tepco
http://www.japantimes.co.jp/text/nn20111115f2.html
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TEPCO gets 559 billion yen in financial aid to pay compensation
http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/news/20111115p2g00m0dm083000c.html
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Board of audit says lab for Monju reactor should not go to waste
http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/news/20111115p2g00m0dm020000c.html
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Gov’t to lower Fukushima plant workers’ maximum radiation exposure
http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/news/20111115p2g00m0dm016000c.html
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‘I thought everything was over’
http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/T111114004583.htm
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Families of 2 kindergarten kids killed by tsunami to file suit
http://www.japantoday.com/category/national/view/families-of-2-kindergarten-children-killed-by-tsunami-to-file-suit
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Safety cost for each nuclear reactor projected at 19.4 bil. yen
http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/news/20111115p2g00m0dm018000c.html
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PICTURE OF THE DAY
Something’s fishy
http://www.japantoday.com/category/picture-of-the-day/view/somethings-fishy
========================================
INTERNATIONAL NEWS
===============
Hands Off Our Land: stop this planning free-for-all, National Trust warns
David Cameron must not use the “smokescreen” of a planning “free-for-all” as a substitute for a proper strategy to boost the economy, the director-general of the National Trust has warned.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/earth/hands-off-our-land/8890303/Hands-Off-Our-Land-stop-this-planning-free-for-all-National-Trust-warns.html
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MPs kept in dark on Theresa May’s role in lax border checks
The Home Office’s most senior official has refused to say whether Theresa May knew that Britain’s border controls had been relaxed over the summer.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/immigration/8890333/MPs-kept-in-dark-on-Theresa-Mays-role-in-lax-border-checks.html
—-
Figures.
————
UK border checks were waived for travellers in private jets, emails reveal
Leaked documents show extent that checks on European visitors were relaxed under ‘pilot scheme’ authorised by Theresa May
http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2011/nov/14/passport-checks-travellers-private-jets
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And yet another report.
————
Bupa report: Elderly at risk as cash-starved care homes face closure
A generation of elderly people face a “tragedy” of worsening care after the number of nursing home companies collapsing through lack of funds doubled in a year, research has found.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/8887529/Bupa-report-Elderly-at-risk-as-cash-starved-care-homes-face-closure.html
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Many of these so called “Watchdog” groups grossly wasted taxpayers money, and turned up zero results for any improvements.
————
NHS watchdog faces investigation as concerns mount over patient care
NHS insiders questioning whether the Care Quality Commission, set up by Labour in 2009, is fit for purpose
http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2011/nov/14/nhs-watchdog-faces-investigation
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Silly me, I thought it already was a crime.
———–
–
Stalking may become criminal offence
Stalking is likely to become a new criminal offence, after a Home Office minister admitted people are being “let down” by the current laws.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/8890014/Stalking-may-become-criminal-offence.html
—-
Leveson inquiry uncovers 28 NI staff linked to phone hacking
Private eye Glenn Mulcaire’s notes point to evidence of systematic hacking at Murdoch company, inquiry hears
http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/2011/nov/14/phone-hacking-news-international-staff-named
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Disgraceful. Gives new meaning to the word “charity”.
————
Academies pay £200k salaries
Charities running academies using taxpayers’ cash to reward senior staff with huge salary hikes
http://www.guardian.co.uk/education/2011/nov/14/academies-pay-200k-salaries
—-
Occupy London occupies Comment is free
The Occupy movement has captured people’s imaginations. Today it has captured Comment is Free – to debate an alternative future for us all
http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2011/nov/15/occupy-london-occupies-cif
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Eurozone crisis: France and Germany still growing despite turmoil
GDP data released this morning shows Europe’s two largest economies expanded in the last quarter, although France shrank unexpectedly in Q2
http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/blog/2011/nov/15/eurozone-crisis-gdp-germany-france-italy
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German police widen neo-Nazi investigation
German police have widened their investigation into the bloody activities of a neo-Nazi gang thought to responsible for 10 murders to include a string of unsolved crimes against immigrants and ethnic minorities.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/germany/8889659/German-police-widen-neo-Nazi-investigation.html
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Sarkozy is such a little weasel. There is nothing remotely redeeming about him.
————
Nicolas Sarkozy sends letter of condolence to Benjamin Netanyahu following ‘liar’ dig
Nicolas Sarkozy sent a letter of condolence to Benjamin Netanyahu, the Israeli premier, after having reportedly called him a “liar”, according to a senior Israeli official.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/israel/8890334/Nicolas-Sarkozy-sends-letter-of-condolence-to-Benjamin-Netanyahu-following-liar-dig.html
—-
As nutty as a fruitcake.
————
Anders Behring Breivik: ‘I am the commander of Norway’s resistance movement’
Anders Behring Breivik, the self-confessed killer who massacred 77 people in bomb and gun attacks in Norway earlier this year, has claimed to be the commander of a Norwegian “resistance movement”.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/norway/8889182/Anders-Behring-Breivik-I-am-the-commander-of-Norways-resistance-movement.html
—-
US Supreme Court to hear challenge to Barack Obama’s health care reform
The United States Supreme Court is to hear a challenge to President Barack Obama’s signature health care reform and deliver its ruling at the height of next year’s White House campaign.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/us-election/8889823/US-Supreme-Court-to-hear-challenge-to-Barack-Obamas-health-care-reform.html
—-
This is pretty depressing and distressing.
————
Occupy Wall Street: police evict protesters – live updates
Police in New York have launched an overnight operation to clear Occupy Wall Street protesters from Zuccotti Park
http://www.guardian.co.uk/news/blog/2011/nov/15/occupy-wall-street-police-action-live
—-
Democrats can take a weird sort of comfort from the GOP debates
The Republican nominee pantomime is offering its supporters policies they fiercely oppose
http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/cifamerica/2011/nov/14/democrats-weird-comfort-gop-debates
—-
Mexico election signals return of Vallejo’s PRI
Party that held power in Mexico for seven decades hails key election victory over Luisa Maria Calderon, sister of the president
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/nov/15/mexico-election-figueroa-pri
—-
Syria: pressure mounts on Assad – live updates
• 46 killed in clashes between Syrian army and deserters
• Jordan’s King Abdullah calls on Assad to go
• Syria tries to stall suspension from the Arab League
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/middle-east-live/2011/nov/15/syria-pressure-mounts-on-assad-live-updates
—-
Gaddafi regime produced chemical weapons, David Cameron confirms
Col Muammar Gaddafi’s regime produced chemical weapons that he “kept hidden from the world”, the Prime Minister disclosed last night.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/africaandindianocean/libya/8890238/Gaddafi-regime-produced-chemical-weapons-David-Cameron-confirms.html
—-
Libyan factions in deadly clashes near Zawiya
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-15726099
—-
Libya seeks UK firms to develop oil sector and construction industry
Nuri Berruien, head of Libya’s National Oil Company, said the government would ‘favour our friends’ to develop its reserves
http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2011/nov/15/libya-oil-industry-british-firms
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Syria: Bashar al-Assad ‘increasingly isolated’, says US
The United States has welcomed a strengthening of an international drive against the regime of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad after the Arab League, King Abdullah of Jordan and the EU piled on the pressure.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/syria/8890422/Syria-Bashar-al-Assad-increasingly-isolated-says-US.html
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Turning the screw on Assad’s ailing regime
Tougher sanctions are needed against Syria to stop President Bashar al–Assad oppressing his own people.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/comment/telegraph-view/8888875/Turning-the-screw-on-Assads-ailing-regime.html
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King Abdullah of Jordan becomes first Arab ruler to call on Syria’s Bashar al-Assad to go
King Abdullah of Jordan has become the first Arab ruler to call on Bashar al-Assad, the Syrian president, to step down.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/syria/8889653/King-Abdullah-of-Jordan-becomes-first-Arab-ruler-to-call-on-Syrias-Bashar-al-Assad-to-go.html
—-
Egypt lifts election ban on Mubarak-era party members
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-15727106
—-
Arab press predicts regional war over Syria
Syria’s growing isolation from its neighbours has raised the prospect of a regional war, according to Arab analysts and newspapers.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/syria/8888840/Arab-press-predicts-regional-war-over-Syria.html
—-
Iranian officials meet with Syrian opposition
Iranian officials have held talks with Syrian opposition leaders, in a dramatic sign of the growing isolation of the regime of President Bashar al-Assad.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/syria/8889824/Iranian-officials-meet-with-Syrian-opposition.html
—-
Iranian missile architect dies in blast. But was explosion a Mossad mission?
Tehran says blast that killed 17 and rattled windows 30 miles away was an accident
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/nov/14/iran-missile-death-mossad-mission
—-
Viewpoint: Will meetings solve the Afghan problem?
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-15722390
—-
India’s Maoists rebels call off West Bengal ceasefire
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-south-asia-15732094
—-
IMF sounds warning for Chinese banking system
China’s banks face ‘steady build-up of financial sector vulnerabilities’, according to IMF report
http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2011/nov/15/imf-warning-chinese-banking-system
—-
Spooks, suspicion and slumps, the harsh reality of investing in China
Anthony Bolton turns to private investigators after investors in Fidelity’s China fund suffer losses of 21%
http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2011/nov/14/fidelity-china-fund-slumps
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Aung San Suu Kyi marks one year of freedom in Burma
Aung San Suu Kyi, the Burmese opposition leader, signalled that she was ready for full scale engagement in the country’s military-dominated politics on Monday and insisted the president was “genuine” in his desire for change.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/burmamyanmar/8889211/Aung-San-Suu-Kyi-marks-one-year-of-freedom-in-Burma.html
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Mongolia bids to keep city cool with ‘ice shield’ experiment
Geoengineering trial aims to ‘store’ winter temperatures in a giant block of ice that will cool and water Ulan Bator in summer
http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2011/nov/15/mongolia-ice-shield-geoengineering
—-
TRIVIA QUIZ
Yesterday’s answer.
Up to 110 pounds. Each of their ears measures as much as 6 feet high and 4 feet across.
Today’s question.
In what 1964 movie musical comedy did Frank Sinatra introduce the song “My Kind of Town (Chicago is)?
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Is nothing sacred? 😯
————
Female orgasm captured in series of brain scans
The animation will help scientists to understand how the female brain conducts the symphony of activity that leads to an orgasm
http://www.guardian.co.uk/science/2011/nov/14/female-orgasm-recorded-brain-scans
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The Loons came early this year. Quick, get this man a straightjacket.
————
Screenwriter Frank Miller calls Occupy protesters ‘thieves and rapists’
Graphic novelist responsible for 300 and Sin City publishes rant on his personal blog, alienating fans
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/blog/2011/nov/14/frank-miller-occupy-movement-rant
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Psychopaths: Born evil or with a diseased brain?
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-15386740
—-
Atom test conscript John Morris became ‘human X-ray’
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-manchester-15718304
—-
Bizarre structures in the desert in China discovered on Google Maps
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/picturegalleries/worldnews/8888802/Bizarre-structures-in-the-desert-in-China-discovered-on-Google-Maps.html
—-
Simply beautiful!
————
Breathtaking view of Earth as seen from International Space Station
Time-lapse images taken over 200 miles above Earth have been edited together to produce a mesmerising video of our planet.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/science/space/8889154/Breathtaking-view-of-Earth-as-seen-from-International-Space-Station.html
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For any of you who like to eat rice, I often make this in the winter.
————
How to cook: Japanese rice – video
Yoshinori Ishii, executive chef at Japanese restaurant Umu in London, demonstrates a basic but invaluable technique for washing rice, shows how to make three variations of ‘taki komi gohan’ – cooked rice dishes, and offers his insight into the right water to use for cooking perfect rice
http://www.guardian.co.uk/lifeandstyle/video/2011/nov/14/how-cook-japanese-rice-video
—-
24 hours in pictures
A selection of the best images from around the world
http://www.guardian.co.uk/news/gallery/2011/nov/14/24-hours-in-pictures
I only the other day realized what a colossal asshole Frank Miller was when I read his comments a couple days ago.
And to think I always liked Batman and never realized it was an allegory for the 1%.
Of course! Bruce Wayne is a job-creating vigilante…
Good morning everyone.
Robin Hood was so so, and 2 hours something is quite a long time to park. Today thankfully our temps dropped about 3C and it was considerably more comfortable, made a nice change.
Have a good Mumbly Monday wherever you may be, take care and be safe.
Sayonara from my now quiet corner of Tokyo. Mata ashita ne.
————————————————————————————————-
A few stories and opinions from around the globe.
================================
Antinuclear-plant protesters rally in Fukuoka
http://www.japantimes.co.jp/text/nn20111114a3.html
—-
3,000 travel to Fukushima N-plant every day
http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/T111112004298.htm
—-
Japanese researchers see future of oil in beakers of algae
http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/news/20111113p2a00m0na010000c.html
—-
Japan, Russia agree to discuss territorial dispute in ‘quiet atmosphere’
http://www.japantimes.co.jp/text/nn20111114a4.html
—-
Asia-Pacific leaders to cut taxes on green goods
http://www.japantoday.com/category/politics/view/asia-pacific-leaders-to-cut-taxes-on-green-goods
—-
Japan economy rebounds in July-September quarter
http://www.japantoday.com/category/business/view/japans-economy-surges-6-in-third-quarter
—-
Frenchman to swim from Tokyo to San Francisco
http://www.japantoday.com/category/national/view/frenchman-to-swim-from-tokyo-to-san-francisco
—-
Once extinct in wild, Oriental white storks making slow comeback in Japan
http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/news/20111113p2a00m0na009000c.html
============================================
INTERNATIONAL NEWS
================
UK border checks are ‘a bad joke’, whistleblower claims
Dangerous asylum seekers are being released into the community as UK Border Agency staff struggle to cope with the increasing number of foreigners entering the country, a whistleblower has claimed.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/immigration/8886864/UK-border-checks-are-a-bad-joke-whistleblower-claims.html
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What is insulting about telling the truth, I should imagine that by now, some have said much worse.
————
Tory hits back over ‘insulting remarks about David Cameron’
A senior Tory MP is considering legal action after he was reported to have made a series of offensive comments about David Cameron.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/politics/conservative/8887211/Tory-hits-back-over-insulting-remarks-about-David-Cameron.html
—-
UK jobs market faces ‘slow, painful contraction’
Firms scale back recruiting decisions against background of global economic uncertainty, survey of employers finds
http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2011/nov/14/unemployment-and-employment-statistics-unemployment
—-
NHS bosses face sack for rationing treatments by delay
NHS managers have been banned from rationing treatments while patients wait to die or go private after Andrew Lansley, the Health Secretary, admitted that some hospitals were delaying operations.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/healthnews/8887837/NHS-bosses-face-sack-for-rationing-treatments-by-delay.html
—-
Doubling in number of care home firms collapsing into administration
Southern Cross joined by more than 70 smaller companies as care crisis widens
http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2011/nov/14/care-home-administrations-double
—-
Gobbledegook economics of the marketised NHS
http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2011/nov/13/gobbledegook-economics-of-marketised-nhs
—-
Training scheme sees 900% rise in apprenticeships for over-60s
More elderly are taking up government skills programme, but youth unemployment is expected to hit one million
http://www.guardian.co.uk/education/2011/nov/14/apprenticeships-training-schemes-employment
—-
UK’s oesophageal cancer rate is worst in Europe
Cancer charity attributes Britain’s poor global placing – equal with Rwanda – to high alcohol intake and growing obesity
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/nov/14/oesophageal-cancer-uk-worst-in-europe
—-
Our human rights are not a fad. We don’t need this Botox bill
Replacing the Human Rights Act could lead to a permanent constitutional revolution rather than a statement of basic values
http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2011/nov/13/botox-bill-human-rights-not-fad
—-
Protesters set up camp outside Exeter Cathedral
A group of “Occupy” protesters has set up camp next to Exeter Cathedral, just yards from where hundreds of people gathered to pay their respects to Britain’s war dead at a remembrance service.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/religion/8887028/Protesters-set-up-camp-outside-Exeter-Cathedral.html
—-
Phone hacking: Leveson inquiry into press ethics starts
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-15715348
—-
Mario Monti heralds new era for Italy as Berlusconi bows out
President urges country to unite behind new leader as outgoing prime minister says he will continue to be a force
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/nov/13/mario-monti-new-era-italy
—-
Papademos thrown in at the deep end
New PM welcomed by Greeks, but frantic negotiations and anti-austerity protests mean no honeymoon period
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/nov/13/greece-papademos-baptism-fire
—-
Russia resumes manned Soyuz flights after crash
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-15715260
—-
Tide turns against Occupy Wall Street
Occupy Wall Street protesters in several US cities faced mounting pressure from police to abandon their encampments, as the tide appeared to be turning against the movement.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/northamerica/usa/8887387/Tide-turns-against-Occupy-Wall-Street.html
—-
Portland police arrest more than 50 protesters as Occupy camps cleared
Demonstrators warned ‘chemical agents and impact weapons’ may be used if they resisted arrest or did not disperse
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/nov/14/occupy-portland-protesters-arrested-camp-cleared
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Scott Olsen makes first public statement since Occupy Oakland injury
Iraq veteran feeling better but has ‘long road’ in front of him after being knocked into coma during clashes with police
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/nov/14/scott-olsen-first-statement-occupy-oakland
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Did Perry and Palin attend the same schools?
————
Rick Perry coins a new word: ‘forewithal’
Rick Perry became the latest senior Republican to offer a new entry for the English dictionary, stating at the debate that countries required “forewithal” to deal with the economic crisis.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/republicans/8887019/Rick-Perry-coins-a-new-word-forewithal.html
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Reporting Libya: freelance coverage, full-time dangers
News organisations are facing tough issues as they are forced by shrinking resources to rely on often untrained ‘local hires’
http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/2011/nov/13/reporting-libya-freelance-dangers
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Libya oil output to return to pre-war levels
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-15712718
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Syria: deserted by his friends, Assad takes on the Arab League
Bashar al-Assad of Syria has demanded and won an emergency meeting of the Arab League in a desperate attempt to reverse its decision to suspend the country from membership and avert the prospect of its backing UN sanctions.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/syria/8887454/Syria-deserted-by-his-friends-Assad-takes-on-the-Arab-League.html
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Egyptian protesters killed in clashes with security forces
Egypt sees violence escalate as protests against ruling military junta spread beyond Cairo and Alexandria
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/nov/13/egypt-protesters-clashes-security-forces
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In Egypt, the stakes have risen
Alaa Abd el-Fattah’s jailing by the army is an attack on the very spirit of Egypt’s revolution
http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2011/nov/13/egypt-stakes-have-risen
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Arab Spring revolution at the Arab League
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-15714771
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Yemen: Al Qaeda releases French aid workers
Three French aid workers kidnapped in Yemen more than five months ago have been freed.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/yemen/8887884/Yemen-Al-Qaeda-releases-French-aid-workers.html
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Israeli air raids on Gaza kill Palestinian
Israeli air raids on the northern Gaza Strip have killed a Palestinian overnight and wounded three others.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/palestinianauthority/8887885/Israeli-air-raids-on-Gaza-kill-Palestinian.html
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Israeli ministers accused of trying to muzzle critics with funding curbs
Senior cabinet members have approved a bill limiting foreign donations to political not-for-profit organisations
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/nov/13/israeli-ministers-criticism-ngo-funding
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Iran missile development commander killed in explosion
An explosion at a Revolutionary Guard base in Iran killed a senior commander in charge of the country’s missile development programme, the authorities have said, prompting speculation Mossad, the Israeli intelligence service was involved.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/iran/8887322/Iran-missile-development-commander-killed-in-explosion.html
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Taliban say they have government’s jirga security plan
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/15715252
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Liberia opposition calls for mass rally over election
Liberia’s main opposition has called for a mass rally for the funerals of victims of pre-poll violence amid demands that a presidential election won by incumbent Ellen Johnson Sirleaf be rerun.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/africaandindianocean/liberia/8887354/Liberia-opposition-calls-for-mass-rally-over-election.html
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Chinese dissident Ai Weiwei sent £840,000 from supporters
Dissident Chinese artist Ai Weiwei said that supporters have sent him nearly 8.69 million yuan (£840,000) to help him fight a huge tax bill that he says is government harassment.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/china/8887886/Chinese-dissident-Ai-Weiwei-sent-840000-from-supporters.html
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A Band Aid for an gaping wound.
————
China ‘to give Tibetan monks welfare benefits’
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-15716778
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Wouldn’t that be something?
————
Aung San Suu Kyi braced for return to Burmese politics
Change in constitution allows National League for Democracy to contest parliamentary seats in December byelections
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/nov/13/aung-san-suu-kyi-return-politics
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Burma to release more political prisoners
Burma is to release more prisoners – including political detainees – in another sign that the military-backed government is intent on reform, even if the pace of change remains slow.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/burmamyanmar/8887182/Burma-to-release-more-political-prisoners.html
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TRIVIA QUIZ
Yesterday’s answer.
Election fraud. Vermont and Maine are the only two states that permit prisoners to vote (by absentee ballot). Kes got it right again, well done kes, you are on a roll. 🙂
Today’s question.
How much does an African elephant’s ear weigh?
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Amnesiac cellist astounds doctors with musical memory
German musician who lost nearly all memory after contracting herpes encephalitis can learn new pieces of music
http://www.guardian.co.uk/science/2011/nov/13/amnesiac-cellist-has-musical-memory
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Study links Parkinson’s disease to industrial solvent
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-15639440
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Forget the Murdoch family drama – media power needs checking
Beyond the soap opera of the News Corp succession, we must remember we got here because one group got too powerful
http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/2011/nov/13/murdoch-family-drama-media-power
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The Koch brothers’ connections – an interactive guide
David and Charles Koch, the secretive oil billionaires whose support in the White House race could prove crucial for Herman Cain, Mitt Romney and Rick Perry, are planning a vast database of Republican alliances
• Koch brothers: secretive billionaires looking to harden their political influence
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/interactive/2011/nov/07/koch-brothers-connections-interactive-guide
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Viewpoints: Should we give up trying to save the panda?
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-15691450
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Charlie Brooker
The trouble with videogames isn’t the violence. It’s that most of the characters are dicks
Every pixel in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 oozes machismo, but these games are inherently wussy
http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2011/nov/13/charlie-brooker-modern-warfare-3
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RSPCA’s Young Photographer of the year award
The 10 finalists in the RSPCA’s Young Photographer of the Year Award. The winner will be announced on December 16
http://www.guardian.co.uk/artanddesign/gallery/2011/nov/13/photography-animals
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Nigel Slater’s Christmas recipes
It makes a change from turkey – roast pork with baked butternut squash, followed by a very British baked apple trifle
http://www.guardian.co.uk/lifeandstyle/2011/nov/13/nigel-slater-christmas-recipes
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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/nov/13/24-hours-in-pictures
Good morning/evening, Kalima!
Great work today! I’ve not come anywhere close to reading everything you’ve posted for us. There’s always that second cup and a little more time before I start the chores.
One item…no, two items…the articles about the OWS protests. I am sorry to see that the problems with the camps have caused their disruption and police action in a number of locations. I believe this was inevitable though. Problems for the cities with drugs and crime are only going to be tolerated for just so long before they take action.
We were discussing this yesterday at length. The question remains, where does the movement go from here? Perhaps their best bet is to maintain a vigorous online presence over the winter. I don’t have any other answers. Media interest has waned drastically of late, that is unless there is violence that they will readily cover. The slant by the media just perpetuates the public’s perception that the camps are a nuisance and should be shut down. It’s too bad that a lot of people view them as over-staying their welcome.
I believe that the movement can be sustained over the winter with targeted sit-ins and marches, publicized in advance over social media. That approach may garner a more positive coverage from the press. IMO, the public at large still supports the general message from OWS, but as things stand right now, the movement faces a quick decline unless they change tactics. Perhaps the groups could put a bandaid on their somewhat tarnished image by tearing down the camps and helping to repair the areas, acting as good neighbors to the cities. Moving indoors, if arrangements are possible, might also be a way to keep it alive. I know they want to maintain their visibility, but it is only going to get harder as police departments crack down.
Thanks again for your collection of articles. I do promise to read more later…those nasty little chores have to take precedence this morning. Have a great evening! 🙂
Forgive me for not getting back to you Emerald, I had a really busy day today.
Take care. 🙂
No problems, Kalima! I had a pretty bad day today with one of the worst migraines I’ve had in a long time. I swear these things are going to kill me! 🙁
I’m somewhat better today and plan to do some more reading. Thanks for your usual hard work for our benefit!
Good afternoon/early morning, Kalima!
Tears of laughter in my eyes at the moment, since I saved the delectable Charlie Brooker for dessert and have just finished reading his video game review. The man almost never misses!
It only gets better from there. He is a funny, funny man.
Fascinating story about the German musician who had nearly total amnesia, except for the area of music. For one thing, I really had no idea that herpes encephalitis could be so permanently devastating. The cases I’ve seen have cleared up fairly well over a period of a couple weeks. Apparently this does happen about 1:500,000 times, though, I learned. I recall a patient with advanced Alzheimer’s in a nursing home, who could no longer speak at all, but who could still play the piano beautifully. The mysteries of the human brain.
Rick Perry and “forewithal.” Oh, I can see why the language-astute Brits would have a field day with that one. To me, with people like Palin, Dubya, and Perry, the main problem isn’t ignorance. It’s the pretentiousness of thinking that they’re going to sound erudite if they use “big words.” So,if they don’t know the appropriate “big word” to use in any given situation, they simply make one up. And their opinion of all of us listeners is so low that they think we’ll never know the difference.
So now a number of Britain’s “care homes,” which I assume would be the equivalent of our nursing homes, are going bankrupt. Is anyone surprised? I have no wonder about the fate of the poor residents there. Sold to the highest bidder? Unbelievable.
Trivia time: Elephant’s ear? Hmmmmm. In Ohio there is a confection (of sorts) sold at county fairs called an elephant’s ear. I think they are deep fried and probably weigh about 50 pounds apiece. (Kidding!) But for some odd reason, I think I do recall seeing the figure 50 pounds attached to the weight of an elephant’s ear, so I’m going to guess that. Although why I remember silly things like that is cause for some alarm, if I do say so myself. 🙁 Don’t I have any better things to do with my mind?
Hi kes, I didn’t get back to you either, forgive me. I think that Charlie Brooker is a great find, he never fails to cheer me up.
See you soon. 🙂
Good morning everyone.
In a mad rush as we will be having our Skype call with our favourite Welshman soon, then settle down to watch Robin Hood. I hope it’s good, I think it’s over 2 hours long, so it had better be.
Have a good Sunday wherever you may be, take care and be safe.
Sayonara from my corner of Tokyo, where the big cat just woke up. Mata ashita ne.
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Sunday’s Bits & Bobs.
==============
Good Lord, what a cock up!
————
Labour dragged into border fiasco over dropped passport checks
Millions of people are feared to have been allowed into Britain without full passport checks in a major new borders scandal.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/immigration/8886486/Labour-dragged-into-border-fiasco-over-dropped-passport-checks.html
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Huh??
————
Police told me to relax passport rules, says former borders chief
Home secretary on the ropes after telling the Commons that Brodie Clark had acted improperly
http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/2011/nov/13/theresa-may-uk-borders-agency-brodie-clark
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Neither her sex nor status should save Theresa May if she’s misled us
Westminster thinks that the home secretary will stay, but we’ve only heard her side of the story
http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2011/nov/13/andrew-rawnsley-theresa-may-border-controls
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This is too funny, Cameron sure has a bunch of losers around him.
————
Oliver Letwin’s ‘aide’ is arrested after asking questions about Home Office
A former Conservative MP allegedly representing Oliver Letwin, David Cameron’s head of government policy, has been arrested.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/politics/8886386/Oliver-Letwins-aide-is-arrested-after-asking-questions-about-Home-Office.html
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Liam Fox’s adviser Adam Werritty facing questions over ‘missing’ £60,000.
Liam Fox’s best man Adam Werritty has been ordered to repay £60,000 given to him to cover the debts of the former defence secretary’s controversial charity
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/politics/conservative/8885995/Liam-Foxs-adviser-Adam-Werritty-facing-questions-over-missing-60000..html
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15 minutes? 😆
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Minister says public sector workers can ‘strike for 15 minutes’
Public sector workers have been told they can strike for 15 minutes and not see their pay docked on a planned day of national protest, under a peace deal offered by the Government.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/politics/8885669/Minister-says-public-sector-workers-can-strike-for-15-minutes.html
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Unions attack 15-minute strike idea as ‘daft’
Cabinet Office minister Francis Maude suggested public sector workers stage ‘token strike’ on 30 November
http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/2011/nov/12/unions-attack-15-minute-strike
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A disgraceful admission.
————
Care may suffer, admits private company taking over NHS hospital
Uproar as Circle Health confirms in document that critics’ unease about patients is justified
http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/2011/nov/12/care-private-company-nhs-hospital
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Private sector prisons are an eye-watering scandal, union tells justice ministry
Privatisation is no longer based on efficiency – it’s now ideological, says probation officers union
http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2011/nov/13/privatise-prisons-scandal
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Child poverty warning as cuts threaten to close 3,500 Sure Start centres
Flagship scheme for children is in danger as budget restrictions bite, warns former government adviser
http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2011/nov/13/sure-start-cuts-threat
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Veterans join Occupy protest as St Paul’s canon shows support
Occupy London’s tents prevent new lord mayor from being anointed on cathedral steps for first time in 800 years
http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2011/nov/12/st-pauls-canon-occupy-protest
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The week that Europe stumbled to the brink of disaster… and stopped
Prime ministers fell, markets shook and there were rumours that the eurozone would split up. But it survived – for now
http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2011/nov/13/eurozone-crisis-italy-greece-france-germany
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Silvio Berlusconi finally resigns as Italy’s prime minister, to cheers from supporters and jeers from foes
Silvio Berlusconi has resigned as Italy’s longest-serving post-war prime minister, bringing to an end a tumultuous, 17-year political career which was marred by sex scandals, corruption allegations and gaffes on the international stage.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/silvio-berlusconi/8886479/Silvio-Berlusconi-finally-resigns-as-Italys-prime-minister-to-cheers-from-supporters-and-jeers-from-foes.html
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It’s time for an ascetic, noble Italy to replace the crass Berlusconi version
The fetish of the ‘lovable rogue’ showed up the worst of our national character. The best may yet emerge
http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2011/nov/12/maria-laura-rodota-italy-crisis
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Far-right Finnish politician Timo Soini bids for presidency
Timo Soini’s conversation ranges from Moses to Millwall FC as he reiterates his opposition to the euro
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/nov/13/timo-soini-finnish-presidency
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Blow for Syria as Arab League votes to suspend it and threatens sanctions
The Arab League has dealt President Bashar al-Assad the most humiliating of blows by voting to suspend Syria in a move that could pave the way for UN sanctions against his regime.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/syria/8886193/Blow-for-Syria-as-Arab-League-votes-to-suspend-it-and-threatens-sanctions.html
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By day, I shot my boss Hosni Mubarak. By night, I dreamt of
dictator’s downfall
Ahmed Mourad was Hosni Mubarak’s personal photographer right up until his overthrow. But he also wrote a thriller about Egypt’s corruption that became a bestseller. As the book, Vertigo, is published in English, he talks about the anger that drove him to write it and his hopes for the country’s future
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/nov/13/hosni-mubarak-ahmed-mourad-egypt
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Post-Islamists in the Arab world (or, Islamists mugged by reality)
Islamist groups have had to face a stark reality: conform to the changing environment or fade into irrelevance
http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2011/nov/12/post-islamism-middle-east-democracy
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And the U.S. support this government, while it drags us all into another conflict, another war?
————
Israel refuses to tell US its Iran intentions
Israel has refused to reassure President Barack Obama that it would warn him in advance of any pre-emptive strike on Iran’s nuclear capabilities, raising fears that it may be planning a go-it-alone attack as early as next summer.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/israel/8886543/Israel-refuses-to-tell-US-its-Iran-intentions.html
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Huge explosion kills at least 27 Revolutionary Guards at Iran military base
Amateur video shows smoke billowing out from an Iranian military base near Tehran following an explosion which has killed at least 27 people and injured 16 more.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/iran/8886162/Huge-explosion-kills-at-least-27-Revolutionary-Guards-at-Iran-military-base.html
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I’d like to hear it from the citizens living in Kabul.
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Life better since Taliban driven from Kabul, says Nato
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-15710041
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Interview: Lindwe Mazibuko, the new black face of South Africa’s ‘white’ party
Lindwe Mazibuko is the first black woman to pose a serious challenge to the ANC. But can she convince the electorate, asks Aislinn Laing.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/africaandindianocean/southafrica/8886383/Interview-Lindwe-Mazibuko-the-new-black-face-of-South-Africas-white-party.html
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Brazilian police invade Rio’s biggest slum
The raid is part of a policing campaign to drive drug gangs out of the city’s slums, where the traffickers have ruled for decades
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/nov/13/rio-raid-rocinha-drug-wars-brazil
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Colombian president calls for global rethink on drugs
Juan Manuel Santos stresses vital role of Britain, America and the EU to ‘take away violent profit of traffickers’
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/nov/13/colombia-juan-santos-call-to-legalise-drugs
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Eyewitness report – inside the wreckage of Japan’s Fukushima nuclear reactor
Japan’s stricken Fukushima nuclear plant has opened its doors to reporters for the first time since the March 11 earthquake. Martin Fackler of the New York Times sent this pooled dispatch.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/japan/8886466/Eyewitness-report-inside-the-wreckage-of-Japans-Fukushima-nuclear-reactor.html
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Japan opens doors to crippled Fukushima nuclear plant
Japan’s notorious Fukushima nuclear power plant opens its doors to the media for the first time since it was damaged in the March 11 earthquake and tsunami.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/japan/8885778/Japan-opens-doors-to-crippled-Fukushima-nuclear-plant.html
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Kazakhstan: Taraz city attack kills seven
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-15705308
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TRIVIA QUIZ
Yesterday’s answer. Chopsticks, and both Sue and Emerald were correct. Well done. A special mention for AB, because she made me laugh with this:
” I’m guessing the Chinese used the Popeil Pocket Fisherman fishing rod. Just cuz I wanted to say “Popeil”.
Today’s question.
What is the only crime that can disqualify a prisoner in Vermont from voting?
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‘Your Lifelong Prisoner’ – Liu Xiaobo’s poem from prison
New book by the jailed dissident and Nobel peace prizewinner contains a moving tribute to his wife, the poet Liu Xia
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/nov/12/your-lifelong-prisoner-liu-xiaobo
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Japanese tsunami victim: ‘I’m one of the few with something left’
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-15591353
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Dances and dalliances: legendary Jerusalem bar opens once more
Casino de Paris was once a playground for British officers and their Jewish girlfriends against the backdrop of the struggle to create the state of Israel. In the heart of the city’s iconic market, it is now reborn as a hotspot for the young
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/nov/13/jerusalem-dispatch-bar-reopens
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I adore this woman.
————
This much I know: Judi Dench
The actor, 76, on fearing worms, living with her grandson and exercising tomorrow
http://www.guardian.co.uk/culture/2011/nov/13/this-much-i-know-judi-dench
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Does comic ‘bravery’ go hand in hand with being offensive and stupid?
It’s a mistake to think a comedian is validated because their material is perceived as being ‘brave’
http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2011/nov/13/stewart-lee-comedy-offensive-gervais
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Does too little sunlight give us all the winter blues?
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-15692180
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The Rolling Stones: that 50-year itch…
As the Rolling Stones’ pivotal 1978 album Some Girls is reissued, Messrs Jagger, Richards, Wood and Watts talk about sex, drugs and survival – and the chance of a celebration tour
http://www.guardian.co.uk/music/2011/nov/13/rolling-stones-some-girls-interview
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Love leeks, but they are so rare and so expensive over here, I hardly get to use them.
————
Nigel Slater’s leek pie and quince ginger crunch recipes
With a cream and Marsala sauce and a crunchy potato topping, a leek and mushroom pie will have you licking the bowl clean
http://www.guardian.co.uk/lifeandstyle/2011/nov/13/nigel-slater-leek-
mushroom-quince
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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/nov/12/24-hours-in-pictures
Okay, if my answer yesterday made you grin – here’s the Perryesque response to todays trivia:
Mistakenly pointing to NH as VT on a map???
No, but funny. Is that like thinking we speak Chinese in Japan? 😀
Morning, Ms. K! Perzactly. Wish I had time to read today’s MB, but I’m off & running to work. Maybe later – I always try and at least look at the photos……..
Good evening/morning, Kalima! Hope that Robin Hood turned out to be 2 interesting hours and not a prolonged nap. The rob-from-the-rich-to-give-to-the-poor concept does sound pretty timely!
Mr. Kawasaki is an amazing guy. The fellow who’s rebuilding his home after the tsunami. The matter-of-fact way he talks about having saved 7 people during the disaster itself, and then doing the difficult and depressing work of searching for bodies afterward. Wow. And after all the hard labor of re-building, he says that if the government tells him he must tear his house down: “I will cooperate.”
I had to laugh at the chant that greeted Silly Burlesque-only as he resigned in Italy: “Eeed-yote! Eeed-yote!” That one word says it all: “idiot.”
“Care may suffer” is the way they phrase it. Sounds so casual doesn’t it? Kind of like the way Timothy McVeigh discussed “collateral damage.” Oh well. On the relentless march to profiteer off of the health care system in Britain through privatization “care may suffer.” Remember Chaplin’s “Modern Times”? The gigantic machine with the gears that pulled the Little Tramp into itself? I suppose there will be patients who will know exactly how he felt. These Tories really must be stopped.
Trivia time: after a weekend away from home you’d think my brain cells would be rested and I would have a snappy answer. But you’d be wrong. (Just this once.) Nuthin’ up there. So…I’ll just have to guess that if you’re in prison for voter fraud and/or tampering with an election, they won’t let you vote!? 😀
Hi kes. Well I think that “Idiot” can be understood in any language if the leader had been as bad as “Caligula” Berlusconi, I’m glad they came to see him off. 😀
I have to congratulate the Japanese on their fortitude. When you think of all they have been through since the end of WW11, they certainly know how to pick themselves up, and start all over again.
Today a few more stories about the waning health care, I find something almost every day, each one a little more shocking than the one before. Yes, they must be stopped.
Psst, you got it right kes.
😆 A rare 5 a.m.visit to the Planet after making sure that the son arrived home safely from California, only to find that my semi-jesting trivia guess was actually right! Go figure.
Now…back to bed. Zzzzzzzz…
😆 kes, must be that telli-pathy we are always talking about. Good night again. 🙂
Happy that number one son is back safe.
Good morning everyone, and welcome to another weekend.
All my idle chatter about the cooler weather arriving here, flew out of the window when it became warmer than expected, with 81% humidity here again this early afternoon. Still waiting and still hoping. 🙁
Have a good weekend wherever you may be, take care and be safe.
Sayonara from my tired corner of Tokyo, where I’m hoping to put my feet up for a bit before hubby comes home. Mata ashita ne.
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A few stories and opinions from around the globe.
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Crisis worker woes, shortage another story
Calm at J. Village belies the danger
http://www.japantimes.co.jp/text/nn20111112a3.html
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Japan opens Fukushima reactors to media for 1st time since March 11
http://www.japantoday.com/category/national/view/japan-opens-fukushima-reactors-to-media-for-1st-time-since-march-11
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Utility: Japan nuke crews’ conditions improving
http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/news/20111112p2g00m0dm015000c.html
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Searchers undeterred by winter cold / Thousands of police continue efforts to return disaster victims’ remains to families
http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/T111111005681.htm
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Gov’t cost-cutting panel to review nuclear power, 9 other areas
http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/news/20111112p2g00m0dm010000c.html
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Japan’s decision to join TPP talks irks opposition parties
http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/news/20111112p2g00m0dm013000c.html
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Russia asks Japan to treat badly burned Sakhalin boy
http://www.japantimes.co.jp/text/nn20111112a7.html
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Meanwhile, on the island where they say hello . . .
http://www.japantimes.co.jp/text/fl20111112cz.html
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PICTURE OF THE DAY
Over the rainbow
http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/20111112dy01.htm
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INTERNATIONAL NEWS
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Unbelievable and immoral!
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Wounded soldiers face sack under new Army redundancy plans
Wounded soldiers are to be dismissed from the Army under plans to double the number of personnel being made redundant, a leaked memo discloses.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/defence/8885552/Wounded-soldiers-face-sack-under-new-Army-redundancy-plans.html
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So people who can only work part time because of illness or maybe because this is all they can find, are lazy?
What’s next, finding finding harrowing work for wheelchair bound invalids?
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Duncan Smith plans new crackdown on lazy benefit claimants
Part time workers will be forced to work longer hours or face losing their state benefits in the next phase of the government’s welfare reforms.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/politics/8885199/Duncan-Smith-plans-new-crackdown-on-lazy-benefit-claimants.html
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Public sector workers to be offered further concessions in pensions row
Ministers preparing to give in to trade unions in contentious area of transferring pensions from public to private sector
http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2011/nov/11/public-sector-concessions-pensions-row
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Trade unions to be offered concessions on transfer of public sector pensions
Ministers will impose a public sector pensions deal at the end of the year if trade union leaders reject final peace offering
http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/wintour-and-watt/2011/nov/11/public-sector-pensions-liberal-conservative-coalition
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Every damned thing this Tory government does is contradictory and confusing.
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Hands Off Our Land: David Cameron’s attempts to reform the planning system are ‘contradictory and confusing’
David Cameron’s attempts to reform the planning system are “contradictory and confusing”, MPs say today.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/earth/hands-off-our-land/8884553/Hands-Off-Our-Land-David-Camerons-attempts-to-reform-the-planning-system-are-contradictory-and-confusing.html
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I just had to include this because I almost choked while drinking my afternoon cup of tea. Cameron preaching about being honest 😆 the funniest thing I’ve heard in a long time.
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Cameron copies his Bible favourites
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/8885187/Cameron-copies-his-Bible-favourites.html
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Police arrest EDL supporters in London – video
Scotland Yard confirm over 170 members of the English Defence League were arrested on Armistice Day in order to ‘avert a planned attack’. Sources said repeated threats had been made to attack Occupy protesters camped outside St Paul’s Cathedral. The law states that officers can make arrests if they believe a breach of the peace to be ‘imminent’
http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/video/2011/nov/11/police-arrest-english-defence-league-supporters-video
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Police arrest EDL members to ‘avert planned attack’ in London
Three bailed and 176 released without charge after reports of threats to attack Occupy protesters outside St Paul’s
http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2011/nov/11/edl-arrests-london-occupy-armistice-day
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This Veterans Day, we must remember the Iraqi interpreters
They stood by us and helped us do our job and stay alive. Now it’s time to repay the debt and resettle our Iraqi comrades
http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/cifamerica/2011/nov/11/veterans-day-time-remember-iraqi-interpreters
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It wasn’t me: James Murdoch, Theresa May and a mysterious world of denial
Murdoch and May have shown how people in high places can profess to know the least about the organisations they lead
http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2011/nov/11/james-murdoch-theresa-may-denial
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News of the World lawyer Tom Crone expected to face censure
Parliamentary committee likely to characterise James Murdoch as ill-informed rather than mendacious
http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/2011/nov/11/news-world-crone-censure
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German Chancellor Angela Merkel tells Greek PM Lucas Papademos that her country will ‘stand by’ Athens
German Chancellor Angela Merkel told interim Greek Prime Minister Lucas Papademos in a telegram that Berlin would “stand by” Athens as it grapples with its crippling debt crisis.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/financialcrisis/8883981/German-Chancellor-Angela-Merkel-tells-Greek-PM-Lucas-Papademos-that-her-country-will-stand-by-Athens.html
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One way or another, this creep will brought down.
————
Dominique Strauss-Kahn linked to French prostitution scandal
Former IMF chief implicated in investigation into alleged pimping at luxury hotels in northern France
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/nov/11/dominique-strauss-kahn-prostitution-scandal
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Silvio Berlusconi has always acted in his own – not Italy’s – interests
Current crisis may have been easily resolved if the embattled leader’s promised reforms had been put into effect
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/nov/11/silvio-berlusconi-own-interests-italy
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Anders Behring Breivik hearing can be in public, court rules
Judge rules that media and members of the public should be allowed partial access to Norwegian gunman’s next session
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/nov/11/anders-behring-breivik-court-public
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Vlad seems to be doing a heck of a lot of defending himself these days.
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Russian PM Putin defends bid for presidency
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-15703811
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This is nothing short of a witch hunt.
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Ukraine brings new criminal charges against Yulia Tymoshenko
Former PM faces charges of concealing foreign currency revenues and evading taxes while head of firm in 1990s
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/nov/11/ukraine-yulia-tymoshenko-new-charges
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Penn State abuse scandal: Mike McQueary placed on leave
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-15703590
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Mexico helicopter crash kills Interior Secretary Blake Mora
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-15702285
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Snivelling coward! Like father, like son.
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Niger grants asylum to Saadi Gaddafi
Niger has risked the wrath of the new authorities in neighbouring Libya by granting asylum to Col Muammar Gaddafi’s third son in defiance of an Interpol request for his extradition.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/africaandindianocean/libya/8885031/Niger-grants-asylum-to-Saadi-Gaddafi.html
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Syria: Arab League under new pressure to act against Assad regime
The death toll in the Syrian city of Homs passed 100 in the last eight days on Friday as pressure mounted on the UN Security Council to refer the Assad regime to the International Court.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/syria/8884600/Syria-Arab-League-under-new-pressure-to-act-against-Assad-regime.html
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Syria: Deadly crackdown continues, say activists
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-15695396
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Egyptian pyramid closes briefly over 11/11/11 rumour mill
Giza’s Great Pyramid, according to reports, target of new age or masonic events to mark not so rare calendrical moment
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/nov/11/egypt-great-pyramid-closes-111111
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Heavy clashes in Yemen as thousands of anti-Saleh protesters take to the streets in Sanaa
At least 17 people have been killed after protesters opposed to Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh clashed with government forces in the city of Taiz.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/yemen/8885512/Heavy-clashes-in-Yemen-as-thousands-of-anti-Saleh-protesters-take-to-the-streets-in-Sanaa.html
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Yemen’s southern rebels emerge from the shadows
Hirak leader calls for beleaguered regime in Sana’a to accept south’s self-determination demands
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/nov/11/yemen-southern-rebels-hirak-secession
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Turkish forces end ferry hijack
The hijacker had seized the Kartepe ferry after it set sail from the northwestern port of Izmit with 18 passengers on board
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/nov/12/turkey-ferry-hijack-hostages
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Turkey quake death toll rises to 25
Rescuers in Van search for two journalists trapped in collapsed hotel after second earthquake in two weeks
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/nov/12/turkey-earthquake-deaths
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I have many things I want to say about this, but for now will button my lips. I’ll just sum it up with two words, “cowards and hypocrites”, and I don’t mean the Palestinians.
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UN vote on Palestinian state put off amid lack of support
Palestinians to decide whether to press statehood issue after mustering only eight of nine votes needed to win approval
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/nov/11/united-nations-delays-palestinian-statehood-vote
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Viewpoint: I’m Palestinian – but where am I from?
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-15682672
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Sudan bombing of South amounted to a war crime
A Sudanese airforce bombing run on a refugee camp in South Sudan was yesterday condemned as a crime against international law by UN agencies.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/africaandindianocean/sudan/8884136/Sudan-bombing-of-South-amounted-to-a-war-crime.html
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US report warns Sudan’s military is upgrading air bases
Satellite monitoring group says build-up of air resources could be precursor to wider bombing campaign in south Sudan
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/nov/11/sudan-air-bases-us-report
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India’s Supreme Court denounces Pakistani jail term discovery
India’s Supreme Court has denounced the detention without trial of more than 250 Pakistanis who illegally crossed the border, including four prisoners who have spent more than forty years in jail.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/india/8884453/Indias-Supreme-Court-denounces-Pakistani-jail-term-discovery.html
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Aren’t you glad that you don’t live in China? 😯
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China tries to stay in control of the web with new rules for reporters
China has banned journalists from publishing information culled from the internet without verification, in its latest attempt at diluting the influence of social media.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/china/8884120/China-tries-to-stay-in-control-of-the-web-with-new-rules-for-reporters.html
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Here in Japan and even in Tokyo, many years we have had months of everything covered with a fine yellow dust which blows in from China. Researches have suggested it causes many respiratory problems.
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China concedes it underestimates air pollution levels
After a wave of public anger at Beijing’s atrocious pollution, the Chinese government on Friday promised to make its misleading readings of smog levels more accurate.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/china/8884604/China-concedes-it-underestimates-air-pollution-levels.html
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China’s chequebook diplomacy runs deep in the Pacific
The opening of a Chinese embassy in the Maldives in the Indian Ocean fits into a long-established pattern by Beijing of pursuing better relations with small island nations in the Pacific Ocean in a bid to win support at the United Nations vis a vis Taiwan, and as a bulwark against American influence.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/china/8883910/Chinas-chequebook-diplomacy-runs-deep-in-the-Pacific.html
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TRIVIA QUIZ
Yesterday’s answer. Magnum Opus, and kes in her late night/early morning dash got it right. Well done kes. 😀
Today’s question.
In 2011 street thieves were filmed in Chinese cities using what innovative pickpocketing tools: Fishing rods; Barbecue tongs; Portable vacuum cleaners, or Chopsticks?
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Yuan drain as China’s rich move west
Up to half of China’s millionaires considering emigrating for better education, cleaner air and greater stability
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/nov/11/china-rich-emigrate
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Ivory Coast cocoa farms child labour: Little change
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-15681986
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India’s ‘wedding detectives’ enjoy booming trade
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-radio-and-tv-15520929
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Best frenemies: politicians and the press
For a dying industry, the press has a hell of a lot of clout with elite politicians
http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/2011/nov/11/best-frenemies-politicians-press
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Capitalism is amoral – we’re our own worst enemy
Why do protesters blame all of our ills on capitalism? No one, not even a government, can spend on credit for ever
http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2011/nov/11/capitalism-amoral-worst-enemy-people
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Artistic relations: how family portraiture changed through the ages
An exhibition exploring the portrayal of the family in British art provides some surprising contrasts
http://www.guardian.co.uk/artanddesign/2011/nov/11/family-paintings-exhibition-norwich
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Leonardo da Vinci: ‘An artist who deserves every bit of his fame’ – video
The National Gallery’s Leonardo exhibition promises a once-in-a-lifetime chance to view the artist’s finest paintings and drawings. Jonathan Jones takes a look at this unprecedented show, the most complete display of Leonardo’s rare surviving paintings ever held, and discovers an artist who looks deeply into the human experience
http://www.guardian.co.uk/artanddesign/video/2011/nov/11/leonardo-da-vinci-national-gallery-video
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Rebecca Coriam: lost at sea
When Rebecca Coriam vanished from the Disney Wonder in March, hers became one of the 171 mysterious cruise ship disappearances in the past decade. So what happened? Jon Ronson booked himself a cabin to find out…
http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2011/nov/11/rebecca-coriam-lost-at-sea
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Affairs of the heart, part one: the story of a single heartbeat – video
In the first of four scientific tours of the heart, Prof Michael Shattock of King’s College London tells the story of a single heartbeat. How does a tiny electrical signal from the pacemaker cells kick off the tightly coordinated series of muscular contractions needed to pump blood around the body?
http://www.guardian.co.uk/science/video/2011/nov/11/affairs-heart-heartbeat-video
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Kitten Covers: famous album sleeves remade featuring cats
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/culturepicturegalleries/8884382/Kitten-Covers-famous-album-sleeves-remade-featuring-cats.html
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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/nov/11/24-hours-in-pictures
Good morning/evening, Kalima!
I would send you the cold weather from here if that is what you would want! It has dawned clear and cold…time for my fuzzy socks too. I let my tribe out early and they both made a quick retreat back to the door to come in from the cold, tails wagging and expecting a doggie treat. What pleasure they bring me!
I started to write a comment about the child sex abuse scandal, but decided to do a piece about it instead. This story has so many implications that we need to examine.
For today’s question, I would have to guess…chopsticks?? I cannot imagine using a vacuum cleaner to steal a wallet out of someone’s pocket!
Thank you again, for putting so much thought and effort into MB! As usual, many very interesting articles. I have so much to read today!! 🙂
Yell-o K & Em!
Open house tomorrow. The horrid chirren in the McMansion behind us were screaming as usual. Blov shouted Shuddup, at which point they lined up at the fence and screamed even more loudly. I then told the Pup to look and see: it makes so difference how much $$ you have, you can still be white trash. The little darlings then yelled in unison: We’re calling the police! And I replied “FOR WHAT??” That made the never present mummy and dada come usher the little darlings inside.
This man was one of the Obama haters from WAAAYYY back, and proudly and stupidly kept his No Socialism sign in the yard way past its due date.
GRRRRR. I love children, but hate it when parents allow them to harass and bother those with whom they share no DNA. They -like their rich trash dad – are rude. AB is gonna nip ’em next time….
SO: I’m guessing the Chinese used the Popeil Pocket Fisherman fishing rod. Just cuz I wanted to say “Popeil”.
Trust your weather will change soon, dear Ms. K.
And Em: SO fun on VOX wit ya last night…..
AB
there is no reasoning for why people like that behave as they do. One guess would be if you ever had one of those “mooslim” children at your house, then you are harboring turrists. There is no guessing what makes people like that what they become. Too bad the next in line with that gene pool are just as bad.
They are the type that scream gubmint out of my life but do not mind sticking their nose into everyone else’s, so keep your uterus guarded.
HA, Sue – fooled ’em. Had the uterus yanked out when I was in my 40s. Best thing I ever did – can wear white any day I want, swim without worry of sharks, etc.
No, these people have nothing about the Pup or the others. They are just those “my little darlings are so precious everyone will love to hear their screams at 8AM, so Mummy and Dada can get some more sleep” type.
I truly love kids – have been “Auntie” (or now, Khala) for so many. But there are well mannered children, and there are brats. And sometimes well behaved children ACT like brats. But these children are, I believe, JUST brats. I’ve seen little of them that belies that.
OK, enough. Too nice a day to spoil it sulking.
AB
Go out and make the world a better place. I plan to by cooking a mexican dish for my company tonite. I guarantee they have never had it. I made it up.
Hint, you put cream cheese on top and then mix it with Cheddar, whoa ho the taste together is dynamite.
Hey Sue! That sounds wonderful! I’ll be over about 6pm…OK??
🙂
HELLO, AB! It was great fun indeed! You are a gem and I love it when you are there on VP!
Sounds like trouble in paradise! I am so glad that I live out in the “boonies” with virtually no neighbors within earshot! Now, if I can keep my shih tzu from barking at NOTHING! She is incorrigible! She watches TV with me and barks at things like jelly fish and men in hoodies!
I figured chopsticks for today’s trivia question, just because they are so prevalent in China, an easy and cheap little tool! Come to think of it, there are lots of easy and cheap little tools in our politics lately! Ha!
I really do wish we could do VP more often than once per week! It is so much fun and I love our conversations without having to wait for the usual reply to comments.
I trust you will have a good weekend! Keep ’em all in line, the Blov and the Pup alike! 🙂
Kalima
So the EDL, besides hating Muslims, also disdain the Occupy movement? Kind of makes their marches against Muslims to be just one facet of the number of people they hate.
Many of the people in the EDL look like aging “Skinheads” to me, they hate everyone who doesn’t look like them or think like them. Most of them are as ignorant and dumb as a rotting tree stump, most people who hate are this way I believe. Even their faces have turned as ugly as their hearts and thoughts.
K: I have a friend, a Palestinian artist (Salwa Arnous – check her out; her paintings and prints are amazing), who actually has PALESTINE as the country of her birth on her passport. You should hear what she went through to get that.
When people say “Palestine was never a ‘country'”, I remind them to look at maps that show that land marked Palestine BEFORE 1948.
Honestly. Makes me so nuts. Deny it, and it will go away. Or shoot it if it doesn’t. Bibi Nuttyyahoo is as big a dick as Cheney.
I wish for all Palestinians as safe and secure a home as I wish for all Jews. I just want a more level playing field for them.
Ab
Wow, such suffering. I am with you on your thoughts about Palestine. It really makes me uneasy that so many people do not understand the origins of that area and because of their “made up” religious stories go to such ends to protect Israel over all others. Israel has a right to exist as does Palestine.
Your artist friend’s art is really powerful
Hi again, AB!
I checked out your friend’s beautiful artwork. Very moving and poignant! I do so hope that they can gain their own statehood and that all can learn to live together in peace! I’d say it’s about time! Long overdue!
AB, thank you so much for sharing the work of your friend, the paintings show the face of what I have always imagined life to be like for the Palestinians, their suffering and their constant grief. Like you, I want both sides to live in peace, I want the land stolen from the Palestinians returned to them, and I’m am very disappointed in the U.S. and their stance on this, and the European countries who promised the Palestinians they would stand behind their bid for statehood, then bowing to the decision of the U.S. I’m mad, very mad.
I’ve said it here often enough, the U.S, and their mollycoddling of Israel when they behave like tyrants, is contributing to more and more tyranny against a proud people. Instead of cutting funds to the Palestinians, cut the aid to Israel until they can actually do something positive for peace in that region.
Thanks again for the link, the paintings are outstanding, and the music touched my heart.
Oh, K! I will share with Salwa. I now only see her about once a year, which saddens me. But I love her like a sister. The Blov went to Palestine WITH Salwa that year that forever changed us both on the issue.
Send me an email and a postal for you; I will eventually get you an amazing video.
The one painting I love most is the one of the man covering his face. She painted a duo – Grieving Father and Grieving Mother. Mother sold, and if I ever have extra cash, I’m buying Father.
One of my host moms had “discovered” Salwa, and had purchased one of her paintings BEFORE I ever met her. We have a woodblock print of boats along the Nile. Simply beautiful, and probably our favorite piece of art.
Thanks again, and I know Salwa will appreciate it. – AB
On this issue I can only speak the truth, it is amoral what is being done to and has been done to these people, generation after generation, and things becoming worse, not better, I feel very strongly about it, and always have, even though I was against the terrorism. They deserve their stolen land back, more was stolen to make Israel’s own “Berlin Wall”, and they deserve an equal place at the table.
I’ll send you my address, but will be upset that you will have to pay for the postage. Can’t you find some healthy pigeon, or a flying mule?
K: I don’t mind at all. Really. Trust me, it’s so nice to be able to pay postage and get something somewhere, as opposed to having to find couriers to take things to AFG.
I agree – the Blov has an outstanding PPT on the Wall in Palestine/Israel and the Berlin Wall.
I will never stay quiet about the matter; as good old Jesus said: Ye shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free. And I have photos and the Blov’s first hand experience; and I have a mouth the size of Russia, so keeping quiet on the subject doesn’t work.
But I have to say: since 2003, when the Blov went, I have seen a marked increase in people here in the U.S. who are now tuned into the issue, and who are questioning our motives. For the first time, ever. Makes me have that hope thingy-ma-bob.
When you have to pay someone to be your “friend”, you’re not really that well liked. It goes to our relationship with Israel, and our relationship trying to buy them friends in Egypt and Jordan.
To quote Stephen Bruton (RIP) from Rich Man’s War – “when you buy an ally, you can treat ’em like a whore”. Guess who “bought” us????
We give Israel $8.2 million a DAY in military aid. That sucks. No other way to put it.
Now, off to bed for me. Sweet dreams and all that crap. It’s a rich man’s war, but it’s a poor man’s fight. – AB
Ok, sweet dreams and all that crap then. 🙂
We would make a great team then, you and your mouth, me and mine. I remember you talking often about the Blov’s trip over there, and then I thought you had lost most of your data when your computer crashed, happy that something as important as this was saved.
Can’t really imagine having to buy friends, I’d be forever looking over my shoulder or having to make lame excuses whenever they embarrassed me.
In the end it won’t be that they feel any shame from the international outrage whenever they do something that demands it, it will come from their own citizens, who when polled recently, were quite high in percentage for “Yes” to a Palestinian statehood.
Rest well you ultra busy girl, take a close look at those sheep you are are counting about now, one might have my face and be waving at you, please wave back.. 😀 Good night AB.
Kalima
I would say chop sticks. They, to me, would be the lightest tool so as not to be felt by the victim. The rest would all make a chance of detection more likely.
Kalima, in going back to read more of your MB today, the article on Capitalism was most interesting. I came across something that bears some thought…
“The big mistake made by libertarians is to assume that economic and social liberalism go together. Liberal capitalism requires social conservatism. It needs the virtue-generating institutions or there’ll be no thrift, no duty, no honesty, no Protestant work ethic.”
Liberal capitalism requires social conservatism…exactly what the teabaggers would like! Unregulated markets and over-regulation of everything else in our private lives.
I would reject the idea that social liberalism does not generate duty, honesty, etc. Who gave the social conservatives the high ground here? Maybe I’m reading this the wrong way.
Interesting article! Thanks for posting that!
Em
Come on over. It is a simple recipe. You buy a can of green chile enchilada sauce and pour it on the bottom of a 9×13 baking dish. Simmer your chicken in water and Mexican style stewed tomatoes. Shred the chicken when done and roll it into softened flour tortillas like a closed ended burrito. Lay the burritos in the pan and spread cream cheese over the tops, not too thick but not too thin. Then sprinkle either grated sharp chedder or slices over each burrito until the tops are completely covered. Tent with foil and cook until the cheeses are melted. If you like a partially crisp burrito, spray the tops and sides with pam prior to adding cheeses. You can make a whole tray of them(that is what we call enchiladas made in a baking dish) and freeze them with spanish rice to eat later in the week. My husband and I do it every so often so we don’t have to cook during the week. I hate to cook and so does he, unless it is the BBQ.
Sue, I might be running a little late! 3,000 miles for dinner is a bit of a stretch! 🙂
That sounds delicious! I may have to try that!
No worries, we will put yours in the warmer…….
Hi Emerald. I would have to read through the article again, but judging how the article is written, I assume that this writer meant that this is what conservatives think, and not his personal opinion.
Happy as always that I brought something of interest to the page. 🙂
Kalima
I went back and read some of the morning blog this morning(from yesterday) because I have my grandson this week and he gets most of my attention. My point being, please please keep yourself and hubby adequately covered when going out, always with any rain or fog any time you go out. What are your furry friends going to do if you get ill? What would all of us here do? Please take care. You are loved.
Oh that is so sweet of you Sue, and I will try to remember the next time, I promise. Our garage, where I feed the outside tribe is built onto the house, so it was a quick dash out because my hands were full. You are right, I don’t want to take any chances, if I get sick with something that might be in the rain, which is the way it has been carried to Tokyo from Fukushima in many cases, who would feed my tribes when hubby is out at work. I’ll be careful the next time, and thank you for caring.
Oh my goodness, Yes
Good morning everyone.
A rather rainy and miserable day here in Old Edo today. Where I would usually quite enjoy a day like this, now going out in the rain holds too many “I wonder ifs” for me and I suppose for many living here. Contrary to my promise to always wear some protection, when you have a hungry tribe complaining just a few feet from you outside, thoughts of yourself seem to fly right out of the window.
Hope you have a good Friday wherever you may be, take care and be safe.
Sayonara from my still rainy corner of Tokyo. Mata ashita ne.
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A few stories and opinions from around the globe.
================================
Japanese aid worker injured in Turkey quake dies
http://www.japantoday.com/category/national/view/2-japanese-aid-workers-rescued-from-rubble-of-turkish-quake
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Paying off reconstruction debt
http://www.japantimes.co.jp/text/ed20111111a2.html
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Ishinomaki album restored / Photo studio owner, students work to save memento of school
http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/T111110005576.htm
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Geothermal power spreading in Oita Pref.
http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/T111110005898.htm
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Journalist won’t appeal ruling on damages over remarks on abductees
http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/news/20111111p2g00m0dm032000c.html
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Yokotas’ hopes rise after S Korean magazine says Megumi was alive in 2005
http://www.japantoday.com/category/national/view/yokotas-hopes-rise-after-s-korean-magazine-says-megumi-was-alive-in-2005
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Generation that grew up on texting find phone conversations time-wasting
http://www.japantoday.com/category/kuchikomi/view/generation-that-grew-up-on-texting-find-phone-conversations-time-wasting
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Once in a blue moon
http://mdn.mainichi.jp/photojournal/graph/photojournal/1.html
=========================================
INTERNATIONAL NEWS
===============
Lowering taxes on the rich will save the economy, right. Now where have I heard that before? 😆
So 50 pence, which won’t even buy you a cup of coffee, axed from the higher income earners, will save us, I have a bridge to sell you. The British delusional “trickle down”. Who is advising them, George Bush?
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Debt crisis: ‘axe the 50p tax rate now to save the economy’
George Osborne should “accelerate” plans to scrap the 50p higher rate of income tax and increase personal tax allowances to help the economy during the euro crisis, business leaders will warn the Chancellor.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/eu/8882655/Debt-crisis-axe-the-50p-tax-rate-now-to-save-the-economy.html
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What a mess! “Borders for Profit Inc”
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Border official ‘gave away visas for tens of thousands of pounds’
A senior border official is facing a “substantial” prison sentence after pleading guilty to issuing visas to “scores” of non-European citizens who had no right to stay in Britain.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/immigration/8882858/Border-official-gave-away-visas-for-tens-of-thousands-of-pounds.html
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They are really all the same, just some of them speak with a different accent.
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Hague facing questions over Libya deal
William Hague, the Foreign Secretary, is facing questions over his role in a controversial oil deal in Libya involving a company run by a Conservative donor.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/politics/8882816/Hague-facing-questions-over-Libya-deal.html
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Is it any wonder that the country is in a mess?
What happens now to people with genuine claims when someone has been to lazy to do the job they are payed to do?
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£300 million of disability benefits paid ‘without checks’
Hundreds of millions of pounds are being paid in disability benefits to people without a face-to-face assessment of their needs, figures have revealed.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/politics/8882513/300-million-of-disability-benefits-paid-without-checks.html
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Well no one ever accused them of being honest.
————
Hands Off Our Land: Treasury figures justifying controversial planning reforms are ‘nearly 20 years old’
Government claims that planning delays are costing the economy billions of pounds every year are based on figures that are nearly two decades old.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/earth/hands-off-our-land/8882146/Hands-Off-Our-Land-Treasury-figures-justifying-controversial-planning-reforms-are-nearly-20-years-old.html
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Arab spring + European autumn = Mediterranean crisis
Almost all the countries round the Med are gripped by instability or uncertainty
http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/blog/2011/nov/10/arab-spring-european-autumn-mediterranean-crisis
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‘Schoolboy mentality hampers political debate’
Westminster is a bizarre microclimate in which old-fashioned gender stereotypes are revived with alarming regularity
http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/the-womens-blog-with-jane-martinson/2011/nov/10/schoolboy-mentality-hampers-political-debate
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Muslims Against Crusades to be banned from midnight
Home secretary announces ban on group, which burned poppies last November and was planning Armistice Day protest this year
http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2011/nov/10/muslims-against-crusades-banned
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Murdoch shows aptitude for apologies
Smart political leaders have a special way of saying sorry. Essentially it involves apologising while at the same time emphasising that whatever they’re apologising for wasn’t their fault. James Murdoch, to go by his performance in front of the Commons select committee yesterday, shares this vital skill.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/phone-hacking/8882749/Murdoch-shows-aptitude-for-apologies.html
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Good I hope it does, it’s nothing but scandalous trash talk rag anyway.
————
Tabloid’s future in doubt over phone hacking scandal
James Murdoch threw the future of News International into doubt yesterday by suggesting that The Sun might be closed down if it is dragged into the phone hacking scandal.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/phone-hacking/8882790/Tabloids-future-in-doubt-over-phone-hacking-scandal.html
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He’s not very convincing with his lies.
————
Phone hacking: James Murdoch questioned by MPs – video analysis
Guardian media correspondent James Robinson examines James Murdoch’s appearance before the Commons select committee – where he described Myler and Crone’s testimony as ‘misleading’ and Tom Watson’s line of questioning about the mafia as ‘offensive’
http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/video/2011/nov/10/james-murdoch-phone-hacking-video
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James Murdoch: never has one man known so little, and so often
News Corp chief executive displays total lack of recall when appearing before Commons culture committee
http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/2011/nov/10/murdoch-memory-mafia
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Occupy London protesters ‘will not obstruct remembrance events’
Activists at St Paul’s Cathedral say they will not overshadow ceremonies on Armistice Day and Remembrance Sunday
http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2011/nov/10/occupy-london-remembrance-day
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Cameron’s ‘blame Europe’ strategy is full of holes – but so far it’s working
Blaming the eurozone crisis for Britain’s economic ills will play well with the Tory faithful, and have Labour on the back foot
http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2011/nov/10/cameron-blame-europe-strategy-eurozone
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Kudos to her. After all of Cameron’s grandstanding and blaming for the crisis in the U.K. which started long before the crisis in Europe, it’s good to see her slap him down. Very good.
————
Angela Merkel to David Cameron: support us or we leave UK behind
German chancellor told prime minister that eurozone countries are prepared to draw up their own treaty without Britain
http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/wintour-and-watt/2011/nov/11/davidcameron-angela-merkel
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Well the French are great at making excuses. and Sarkozy lacks the backbone to fight on.
————
France plots eurozone ‘breakaway group’
France is drawing up plans to create a breakaway organisation of eurozone countries with its own treaty, parliament and headquarters – a move that could significantly undermine the existing European Union.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/financialcrisis/8882643/France-plots-eurozone-breakaway-group.html
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Crucial vote for eurozone due in Italian senate
Upper house expected to pass austerity measures, with Silvio Berlusconi to resign as prime minister afterwards
http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2011/nov/11/eurozone-crucial-italian-senate-vote
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Berlusconi’s exit – what does it mean for Italy?
Seventeen years of Berlusconi has meant rising poverty, rampant price-fixing, strengthened organised crime, a burgeoning black market and a shocking brain drain. So what next for troubled Italy?
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/nov/10/berlusconi-exit-italy
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New Greek Premier Lucas Papademos seeks unity over euro
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-15687600
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This is just so shocking.
————
Remains of US troops killed in Iraq dumped in a landfill
The cremated remains of American troops who were killed in action in Iraq and Afghanistan were dumped in a landfill, it has emerged.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/northamerica/usa/8881981/Remains-of-US-troops-killed-in-Iraq-dumped-in-a-landfill.html
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‘Kill team’ US platoon commander guilty of Afghan murders
Calvin Gibbs, who made soldiers help him kill civilians and take body part ‘trophies’, could be out in less than 10 years
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/nov/11/kill-team-calvin-gibbs-convicted
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ANAMARIECOXBLOG
In other news: silent but deadly
The grab bag has been re-branded, at last. But it’s still a grab bag of stuff I saw
http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/ana-marie-cox-blog/2011/nov/10/in-other-news-silent-but-deadly
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The Right Word:
Herman Cain v the ‘feminazis’
In a week of reverses for conservatives, Rush Limbaugh is especially sore about the rising tide of political correctness
http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/cifamerica/2011/nov/10/herman-cain-v-feminazis
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Syria accused of crimes against humanity – live updates
• Human Rights Watch details systematic abuses in Homs
• Activists say 39 people killed in Syria in the last 24 hours
• Panetta warns against attacking Iran
• Palestinian bid for UN statehood fades
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/middle-east-live/2011/nov/11/syria-middle-east-unrest-live-updates
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Oh I don’t know, after all the people he has ordered killed, imprisoned and tortured, a “fate” like Momo sounds very fitting.
————
Syria: Bashar al-Assad urged to take up offer of asylum in Arab world
Bashar al-Assad, the Syrian president, has been urged to spare himself the fate of Col Muammar Gaddafi in Libya by taking up an offer of asylum elsewhere in the Arab world.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/syria/8881868/Syria-Bashar-al-Assad-urged-to-take-up-offer-of-asylum-in-Arab-world.html
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Young girl among 12 killed in Syria
A young girl and six soldiers were among 12 Syrians killed on Thursday as security forces pressed a crackdown on protests and in clashes between troops and army deserters, a rights group said.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/syria/8881439/Young-girl-among-12-killed-in-Syria.html
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Syria: HRW urges suspension by Arab League
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-15686689
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New attack on Egypt gas pipeline to Israel and Jordan
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-15670301
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Turkey rescue workers find another earthquake victim
A man’s body is recovered from under a collapsed hotel in Van as rescue workers continue to search for survivors
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/nov/11/turkey-rescue-workers-earthquake-victim
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Moan, moan, and bitch, bitch. Everyone hide under your bed.
————
Iran’s supreme leader warns West of ‘strong slap and iron fist’
Iran’s supreme leader has warned Israel and the United States that Tehran would respond with “a strong slap and iron first” if either launched a military strike aimed at crippling the country’s nuclear programme.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/iran/8882093/Irans-supreme-leader-warns-West-of-strong-slap-and-iron-fist.html
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Moshe Katsav rape sentence upheld
Ex-Israeli president convicted of raping one woman and molesting two others loses appeal against seven-year jail term
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/nov/10/moshe-katsav-rape-sentence-upheld
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Palestinian Authority to push for UN non-member state status ‘within weeks’
The United Nations General Assembly could be asked to admit the Palestinian Authority as a non-member state within weeks after officials in the West Bank conceded that their bid to win full statehood from the Security Council would have to be put on hold.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/palestinianauthority/8882097/Palestinian-Authority-to-push-for-UN-non-member-state-status-within-weeks.html
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Hamas support on the wane amid crackdowns on political dissent
Prisoner swap boosted popularity but disillusionment grows over corruption and focus on conflict with Israel rather than jobs
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/nov/10/hamas-support-wane
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India telecoms corruption trial under way
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-south-asia-15688352
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Hard to believe there has been any progress when you read horrifying stories like this.
————
Afghanistan mother and daughter stoned and shot dead
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-15688354
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Sirleaf victory in Liberia marred by boycott and violence
Ellen Johnson Sirleaf wins election by landslide thanks to opposition boycott, but insists polls were legitimate
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/nov/11/sirleaf-liberia-victory
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Rio favelas: key facts and figures
Police in Rio de Janeiro are seeking to take back control of many of the cities main favelas from drug gangs before playing host to matches in the 2014 World Cup and the 2016 Olympic Games.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/southamerica/brazil/8882701/Rio-favelas-key-facts-and-figures.html
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New Zealand coal company chief faces criminal charges
Pike River Coal’s former chief executive Peter Whittall faces 12 charges following the explosion that killed 29 miners last year
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/nov/11/new-zealand-coal-company-charges
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‘Burning martyrs’: the wave of Tibetan monks setting themselves on fire
Monks and nuns say leaflets are circulating in monasteries in China listing names of those ready to carry out suicide protests
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/nov/10/burning-martyrs-tibetan-monks-fire
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TRIVIA QUIZ
Yesterday’s answer.
Sleight of hand (it means great manual dexterity, as a conjuror would use, or figuratively refers to deception – sleight is an old English word from the Norse root sloegr, meaning sly)
Well done again to kes and Emerald.
Today’s question.
What Latin expression, meaning ‘great work’, described the search for the secret of alchemy?
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Richard Nixon claimed Watergate tapes erased ‘accidentally’
Richard Nixon claimed to investigators that an infamous White House recording must have been erased accidentally during the Watergate scandal and that he “blew his stack” when he found out, secret testimony has disclosed.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/us-politics/8882460/Richard-Nixon-claimed-Watergate-tapes-erased-accidentally.html
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Quite an amazing photo considering what she had gone through just a few days earlier.
————
Gabrielle Giffords photo days after shooting released
A newly released photograph of Gabrielle Giffords shows the US Congresswoman, in her hospital bed days after being shot in the head.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/northamerica/usa/8881743/Gabrielle-Giffords-photo-days-after-shooting-released.html
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Probably nothing.
————
Inside Rick Perry’s head during his memory gaffe
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-15684676
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High-fibre diet cuts bowel cancer risk, analysis of 25 studies finds
Porridge, brown rice and cereals reduce danger but ‘no significant evidence’ that fruit and vegetables do the same
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/nov/10/high-fibre-diet-less-bowel-cancer
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Why is school such a hard place to be gay?
Despite the high profile of young characters such as Kurt and his boyfriend in TV show Glee, two-thirds of gay teenagers are still bullied at school. Charlie Condou, who plays a gay character in Coronation Street, considers why – and what is being done to stop it
http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2011/nov/10/school-hard-place-gay-bullying
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China’s Chen Guangcheng: Isolated but not forgotten
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-15681662
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‘Pakistan’s toughest cop’ vows to bury his Taliban attackers in bomb crater
Karachi version of Dirty Harry, who has been shot five times, makes pledge after suicide attack blows the front off his home
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/nov/10/pakistan-toughest-cop-bury-taliban
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Encouraging news, it is a cruel practice and should be banned altogether.
————
Shark fin soup disappearing from the menu at Chinese weddings
Couples marrying in Hong Kong and mainland China swayed by conservation groups’ campaign to ban shark trade
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/nov/10/shark-fin-soup-off-chinese-menu
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Seven wonders of the natural world – in pictures
A list of the new seven wonders of the natural world is about to be announced following a global poll. But which sites will make the cut? We present the ten most likely candidates
http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/gallery/2011/nov/10/seven-wonders-natural-world-in-pictures
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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/nov/10/24-hours-in-pictures
Good evening/morning, Kalima!
At 3 a.m. in Ohio, I think this is a record last minute trivia guess:
“magnum opus”?
I promise I’ll do better on the next edition.
Which may be coming out in 5 minutes!! 😆
Good morning everyone.
Although as yet missing the crispness of Autumn air, today was feeling very close, and I believe that our cooler weather is now here to stay. Roll on the fluffy socks days.
Hope that you will have a good day wherever you many be, take care and be safe.
Sayonara from a very happy corner of Tokyo, after finding our favourite Welshman doing well, and looking better than he has for a very long time. 🙂 Mata ashita ne.
————————————————————————————————
A few stories and opinions from around the globe.
================================
Tepco told to revise Fukushima road map
Utility ordered to remove spent fuel a year earlier
http://www.japantimes.co.jp/text/nn20111110a2.html
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Tohoku teens share views of survival
Young network, share ideas at camp focused on leadership
http://www.japantimes.co.jp/text/nn20111110f1.html
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Many evacuees ‘won’t go home’ / Uncertainty, distrust, radiation discourage displaced Fukushima people
http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/T111109005814.htm
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Police, firefighters, coast guard search for bodies along Fukushima coast
http://www.japantoday.com/category/national/view/police-firefighters-coast-guard-search-for-bodies-along-fukushima-coast
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Hiroshima gov. meets U.N. chief, gets ‘push’ for global peace plan
http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/news/20111110p2g00m0dm018000c.html
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Police, other authorities start investigating Olympus
http://www.japantoday.com/category/crime/view/police-other-authorities-start-investigating-olympus
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Japanese whaling: Why the West is in the wrong
http://www.japantoday.com/category/commentary/view/japanese-whaling-why-the-west-is-in-the-wrong
=======================================
INTERNATIONAL NEWS
===============
He backed George Osborne on a plan that is failing. He backed Liam Fox when his scandal came to light. He let Andy Couson have first hand information about sensitive issues he had no business knowing about. I hope that he doesn’t bet on the horses, he seems to have an uncanny knack of backing the losers.
————
David Cameron backs Theresa May on border control pilot
The Prime Minister is accused of running “a shambolic Government” by Labour leader Ed Miliband as he defends his Home Secretary’s pilot scheme to relax border controls.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/politics/david-cameron/8878935/David-Cameron-backs-Theresa-May-on-border-control-pilot.html
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Widen the drain holes, the flood of disasters are starting. When I hear the word “private” in context to health care, I can’t help but cringe.
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Private company to take over ‘failing’ NHS hospital
A private company will today become the first to be given the go-ahead by the Treasury to take over the management of a “failing” NHS hospital, The Daily Telegraph can disclose.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/healthnews/8880225/Private-company-to-take-over-failing-NHS-hospital.html
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The elderly deserve far better from the NHS
Making sure that older patients get decent care is the next great battle for the health service.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/elderhealth/8879476/The-elderly-deserve-far-better-from-the-NHS.html
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A filthy shame
Hospitals will have a greater number of older people to care for in future and must resolve the scandal of inadequate care.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/comment/telegraph-view/8879458/A-filthy-shame.html
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Politics is bad for our health
Cancer survival rates in the NHS are excellent. But without costly meddling they could be even better
http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2011/nov/09/politics-bad-for-our-health-cancer
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Head teachers back national strike action over pensions
Millions of children face being turned away from school after head teachers overwhelmingly backed plans for a national strike.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/education/educationnews/8879660/Head-teachers-back-national-strike-action-over-pensions.html
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Of course they will oppose this.
————
Tories to oppose £10,000 individual party donation cap, leak reveals
Proposal is central recommendation of report into party funding designed to end abuse of big money in politics
http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/2011/nov/09/conservatives-oppose-party-funding-cap
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London protests: police put a stop to Trafalgar Square ‘tent city’
Police stepped in to prevent another “tent city” being set up in central London yesterday after protesters attempted to occupy Trafalgar Square.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/education/educationnews/8880180/London-protests-police-put-a-stop-to-Trafalgar-Square-tent-city.html
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London student protests: a street-level view
Thousands of students and protesters marched from outside University College London to protest against tuition fee hikes and the ‘privatisation’ of the higher education system.
The march passed off peacefully, with only a handful of arrests but many protesters complained of intimidation tactics by the police
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/video/2011/nov/10/london-student-protests-video
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University admissions could create two-tier system, committee warns
MPs warn new proposals could channel some students into ‘low-cost-model of higher education’
http://www.guardian.co.uk/education/2011/nov/10/university-admission-two-tier-system
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UK troops to withdraw from Germany by end of decade under MoD plans
Under proposals accelerated by defence cuts, troops will return to the UK 15 years earlier than first planned
http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2011/nov/10/uk-troops-withdraw-germany-mod
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The Little Englanders marginalising Britain to play to the gallery | Michael White
By backing the government’s line that Britain should not increase its IMF contribution, Labour is pandering to the unappeasable Eurosceptic faction
http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/blog/2011/nov/09/little-englanders-marginalising-britain-europe
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Sob! Sob!!
————–
James Murdoch’s career on the line as he faces MPs
Rupert Murdoch’s heir apparent will come before MPs demanding to know if he misled parliament over phone-hacking
http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/2011/nov/09/james-murdochs-career-questions-parliament
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Ten questions for James Murdoch
James Murdoch is to face MPs’ questions over what he knew and when during the News of the World phone-hacking scandal
http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/2011/nov/09/ten-questions-for-james-murdoch
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The phone hacking inquiry must shackle corporate power, not journalists
As James Murdoch takes MPs’ questions again, it’s important to remember where the real problem with phone hacking lies
http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2011/nov/09/leveson-james-murdoch-phone-hacking
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And we were doing so well.
————
Markets hit by European debt crisis as threat of eurozone breakup persists
FTSE and global stock markets endure more losses amid fears Italy’s rising borrowing costs may force bailout
http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2011/nov/10/european-debt-crisis-eurozone-breakup
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Eurozone crisis could stall German economic growth at 1%
Leading economists warn Berlin that Germany will enter recession next year if world trade grinds to halt
http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2011/nov/09/eurozone-crisis-german-economic-growth
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Finally, the end of “Caligula”.
————
Italy crisis: Berlusconi will resign ‘within days’
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-15668873
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Spanish electoral candidate forced to quit over ‘bad taste’ Photoshop joke
A conservative party candidate in Spain’s forthcoming elections has been forced to quit after she posted a Photoshopped image of a socialist rival baring her breast on her Facebook account.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/spain/8879495/Spanish-electoral-candidate-forced-to-quit-over-bad-taste-Photoshop-joke.html
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Greece debt crisis: Talks on unity government resume
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-15669427
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Doesn’t Russia and China veto just about everything?
————
Russia rejects further sanctions of Iran over nuclear programme
Moscow wary of moves towards ‘regime change’ after IEAA report, effectively guaranteeing a muted international response
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/nov/09/russia-rejects-iran-sanctions-nuclear
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US State Department agent on assignment in Honolulu charged with murder in McDonald’s
A US State Department agent on assignment in Honolulu has been charged with murder after allegedly shooting a man dead in a late night row in a McDonald’s restaurant.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/northamerica/usa/8876976/US-State-Department-agent-on-assignment-in-Honolulu-charged-with-murder-in-McDonalds.html
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Jefferson County in Alabama faces bankruptcy
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-15668788
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How many “gaffes” does it take to fell a Perry??
————
Rick Perry forgets agency he wants to scrap in Republican debate disaster
Former frontrunner advised to ‘go home to Texas’ by supporters after humiliating TV performance
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/nov/10/rick-perry-forgets-agency-scrap
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Syria, Iran and Middle East latest – live updates
• UN human rights chief warns of civil war in Syria
• Arab leaders offering asylum to Assad, US diplomat claims
• Palestinians braced for set back on statehood bid
• China rejects sanctions over Iran’s nuclear programme
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/middle-east-live/2011/nov/10/syria-iran-middle-east-latest-live-updates
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Libyan cleric announces new party on lines of ‘moderate’ Islamic democracy
Liby’s Islamists are forming a new party that is almost certain to dominate the country’s new politics on the “moderate” lines successfully pursued first in Turkey and now in Tunisia, The Daily Telegraph can disclose.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/africaandindianocean/libya/8879955/Libyan-cleric-announces-new-party-on-lines-of-moderate-Islamic-democracy.html
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Libya ex-PM ‘faces torture threat’ if he leaves Tunisia
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-15662469
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Syria: Arab leaders willing to provide safe haven for Bashar al-Assad
Some Arab leaders have told the United States they are willing to provide safe haven to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad to hasten his “inevitable” departure from power.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/syria/8880439/Syria-Arab-leaders-willing-to-provide-safe-haven-for-Bashar-al-Assad.html
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Syria opposition figures pelted with eggs by angry protesters
Demonstrators accuse Syrian opposition figures of working covertly for Syrian President Bashar al-Assad ahead of their meeting in Cairo with the Arab League.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/africaandindianocean/egypt/8879489/Syria-opposition-figures-pelted-with-eggs-by-angry-protesters.html
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Turkey earthquake kills seven and leaves dozens trapped in rubble – video
Dozens are trapped awaiting rescue as 25 buildings collapse, including two hotels and a school, after 5.7-magnitude earthquake. The quake hit late on Wednesday with its epicentre in the Edremit district, 10 miles south of Van. The disaster comes less than three weeks after a much stronger quake in the same area killed 600 people and left thousands homeless
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/video/2011/nov/10/turkey-earthquake-rubble-video
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Turkish Roma make way for property developers in historic Istanbul district
Sulukule ‘urban regeneration’ programme sees new townhouses advertised at 10 times the price paid to evictees
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/nov/09/sulukule-roma-housing-row-istanbul
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Why Iran wants the bomb
Iran’s unanimous desire to have the security of nuclear weapons puts it on a collision course with the West.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/iran/8879463/Why-Iran-wants-the-bomb.html
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Iran nuclear report: Britain and France push for new sanctions
Iran came under mounting diplomatic pressure on Wednesday following a UN report that it may be trying to develop nuclear weapons, with Britain and France issuing a joint statement calling for new and strong sanctions.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/iran/8879903/Iran-nuclear-report-Britain-and-France-push-for-new-sanctions.html
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Iran: bolting the stable door
It really is time to drop the pretence that Iran can be deflected from its nuclear path
http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2011/nov/09/iran-bolting-the-stable-door
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70 Taliban fighters killed
Up to 70 Taliban fighters were killed after trying to attack a foreign troop base in eastern Afghanistan, according to officials.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/afghanistan/8878867/70-Taliban-fighters-killed.html
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Sonia Gandhi’s cancels speech fuelling succession to Rahul speculation
Sonia Gandhi, India’s most powerful politician, has cancelled her first public speech since undergoing suspected cancer surgery, fuelling speculation she will hand power to her son, Rahul.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/india/8879300/Sonia-Gandhis-cancels-speech-fuelling-succession-to-Rahul-speculation.html
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Sudan warns it is ready to return to war with South Sudan
Omar Al-Bashir, Sudan’s president, has criticised “continued provocations” by South Sudan and says his country is ready to return to war with its neighbour.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/africaandindianocean/sudan/8879373/Sudan-warns-it-is-ready-to-return-to-war-with-South-Sudan.html
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‘Nigerian Taliban’ threat prompts US military training
US embassy in Abuja refuses to confirm whether help focuses on growing threat from Boko Haram militants
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/nov/08/nigerian-taliban-us-boko-haram
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Raul Castro’s daughter indulges in Twtter spat with dissident
Raul Castro’s daughter and an anti-government Cuban blogger have engaged in a prickly argument on Twitter.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/twitter/8880448/Raul-Castros-daughter-indulges-in-Twtter-spat-with-dissident.html
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Charges laid over deadly New Zealand mine blast
Charges over alleged safety failures at the Pike River Mine, where 29 men died in an explosion, have been laid in a New Zealand court.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/australiaandthepacific/newzealand/8880463/Charges-laid-over-deadly-New-Zealand-mine-blast.html
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Renegade China soldiers ‘killed’ after Jilin emergency
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-china-15669501
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TRIVIA QUIZ
Yesterday’s answer. Rigmarole and kes was correct.
Today’s question.
Spell the expression: Slieght of hand; Slyte of hand; Sleight of hand; or Slight of hand?
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Brain scanner brings new hope for patients in vegetative state
Patients previously believed to be in vegetative state respond to basic questions through portable bedside brain scanner
http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2011/nov/10/brain-scanner-hope-patients-vegetative
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Medicinal tree used in chemotherapy drug faces extinction
Annual IUCN ‘red list’ of endangered species includes upgraded threat to tree whose bark is harvested for cancer treatment
http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2011/nov/10/iucn-red-list-tree-chemotherapy
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IUCN red list 2011 – in pictures
The latest update of the IUCN ‘red list’ of threatened species illustrates the efforts undertaken by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) to expand the number and diversity of species assessed, improving the quality of information in order to build up a better picture of the state of biodiversity
http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/gallery/2011/nov/10/icun-red-list-in-pictures
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Tasers: ‘If officers have a new toy, they like using it’
Tasers are part of the modern police’s arsenal. But how safe are they and why are the guidelines for their use so vague?
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/nov/09/how-safe-are-tasers
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Arab nations aim to win back tourists
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-15651730
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South Africa: No safe haven for Somalis
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-15076486
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Patent trolls in Piney Woods make mischief for innovators everywhere
Texas courts allow companies with catch-all patents to sue high-tech firms in UK and rest of the world
http://www.guardian.co.uk/law/2011/nov/09/patent-trolls-make-mischief
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Single-molecule ‘electric car’ taken for test drive
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-15637867
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Wilfred Owen: From humble cottage to dazzling tribute
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-15659821
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Oh absolutely, and to acquaint yourself with a country, their customs and what might be considered bad manners by the locals.
I remember many years ago after hubby returned from a trip to Italy with a good Japanese friend of ours. He told me of his embarrassment as our friend almost emptied a whole restaurant when he began making loud slurping noises while eating his pasta. In Japan it is normal to slurp while eating hot ramen and noodles, in Milan it was an unforgivable faux pas. Not wanting to embarrass our friend in front of the few remaining customers, hubby explained it when they returned to their hotel later.
————
The history of table manners
Mealtime etiquette has relaxed hugely since Mrs Beeton’s time. Do manners still matter?
http://www.guardian.co.uk/lifeandstyle/2011/nov/09/history-table-manners-etiquette-beeton
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Angela Hartnett’s sweet potato, smoked mackerel and beetroot recipe
Horseradish is the key to this quick, cheap and tasty recipe
http://www.guardian.co.uk/lifeandstyle/2011/nov/09/sweet-potato-smoked-mackerel-beetroot-recipe
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Bolivia’s Day of the Skulls – in pictures
Thousands of Bolivians celebrate the Day of the Natitas, or Day of the Skulls. The human skulls from unnamed, abandoned graves or from departed loved ones are cared for and decorated and are believed to give protection from evil
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/gallery/2011/nov/09/bolivia-day-skulls-in-pictures
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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/nov/09/24-hours-in-pictures
I’ll rattle on as fast as I can, Kalima! It was nobody’s fault (that we know of…heh…heh…) that the Planet was down for a while earlier in the day. But — blast — why did it have to happen just when I was going to comment on MB!? 😀
Last things (literally) first: If you check out the skulls that are decorated and carried to Mass in Bolivia, you see the funniest things: like stocking caps (skulls get chilly?), cigarettes stuck between their teeth (cause of death?) and military caps (slightly more logical?) Well — funny in a gallows humor sort of way, anyhow? (Too many years in nursing?)
Speaking of nursing, I’m glad Britain is getting a grip on understanding the problem of poor care for the elderly, at least. I know I shouldn’t generalize, but in my limited experience the elderly who don’t have dementia are among the most pleasant people to take care of. (And if there are difficulties because of dementia, it’s certainly NOT the patient’s fault.) The alert members of that generation often have amazing patience and endurance. Having been through the Depression and WWII, they accept the concept of sacrifice without whining — almost to a fault! Often you have the urge them even to take Tylenol. You have to offer food/beverages at bedtime, because they will not ask! They’ve been taught: “don’t complain; don’t make a mess; don’t impose.” Sometimes I wish they hadn’t learned those lessons so well.
The Queen of Schadenfreude. C’est moi. Rick Perry’s flame-out was a sight to behold last night. Forgive me, but the way he kept looking frantically to a bemused Ron Paul to bail him out was priceless. Game over, Senor Perry.
Wasn’t that picture of the guy who murdered the man in the Hawaii McDonald’s creepy? The eyes of a cold-blooded killer. And to think that a man like that was going to have a hand in managing security for high level attendees at a conference — including OUR PRESIDENT! Scary, scary stuff.
Now trivia: This could be embarrassing because I just used this phrase recently, and if I discover that I’ve been misspelling it all along, I’m gonna feel pretty silly. I spelled it “sleight of hand.” Izzat right? (Gonna hafta Google again!)
Hi Kes! I had the same problem this morning when trying to post a comment on MB! The site wouldn’t load…no bad cookies. It just wouldn’t connect. I realized there was a problem and saved my comment. I swear there are poltergeists roaming around in here! 🙂
Em and all, Apologies to all about the site being down this morning, but the staff all went to something called “occapieing” or something like that and I had to do all my own chores, ingrates. 😉
They ain’t poltergeists , but they are some nasty, sneaky bastids.
Sorry again! 🙁
I wasn’t “occapieing”, I was fast asleep.
Kalima, you’re the smart one in the bunch! 🙂
As much as I hate time zones because I miss so much here, sometimes they come in handy. 😉
I hope you were Kalima, it was the middle of your night!
Thanks for “watching” as I did. 🙂
Oh well, Bito…that explains a lot! LMAO
Sneaky bastids, indeed! 🙂
Em, as bito said, no poltergeists or gremlins, just your human variety of sewer rats, chewing the connection to our server.
Kalima, they gotta’ be repub rats! 🙂
I’d bet my Shepherd’s Pie on it Em. 😉
Hello kes, you are having a bad break in choosing to comment when we go down, and I’m so sorry, we are working on the problem with our server.
So glad you saw those hilarious skulls too kes, it seems like such a fun way to remember your dead.
Perry’s fall from grace was pure delight, the man is obviously very dumb, now more people will know that, but for some, they of course won’t be able to join the dots. The press and the blogs however, had a wicked field day. Prosit! 😀
Yes I’m so glad that the neglect in nursing and care is being exposed on almost a daily basis, makes it harder for the blasted Tories to deny it, or leave it rotting on some musty shelf.
With you on that guy’s eyes, who hires these crackpots anyway?
I suppose when you said you were just rattling through, that it means you are working again today. Have a safe journey home, and then I want to see those tired feet up. 🙂
The feet are up, dear Kalima, but more from habit than anything else at this point. No work today but a pick-up of the Fave 5th grader and some pizza to share with her. Back to the grind tomorrow, though. Unless they’re considerate enough to figure out that I’d rather do Vox here than work there….
Well, feet up anyway, you use them more than most. 🙂
Kes, I missed the McDonald’s shooter this morning but just went back and looked at it. WOW! This guy is unhinged! Very creepy! But the weird thing was that he has been placed on “paid administrative leave”, now that he is out on bond.
WTF???
OMG, Em! I missed that. The shooting was on the security tape! It’s not like there’s any doubt who did it!
What are they thinking?
Kes, sometimes I just don’t understand our government!
PAID administrative leave??? Your tax dollars at work!
Note: Hi Kalima! Just as I was about to post a reply to you this morning, the site went down. I saved the comment and here ’tis…
Good morning/evening, Kalima!
Good collection of stories, as usual! Plenty to chew on here.
The item about table manners is quite interesting to me. When I was a young “lady”, my grandparents sent me to a rather posh preparatory school. Every meal was served at a “high table”, complete with white linen tablecloth and napkins, and a full setting of silverware. I learned very quickly how to dine, rather than just to eat. No elbows on the table, where to place the knife and fork after using it, proper use of the napkin, etc. These things sound silly now when I think about it. It was stiff and confining to a teenage girl at the time. We were required to eat even fried chicken with a knife and fork, strange for Southerners!
The preparation that I received at that school has served me well over the years in various social situations. I may never be invited to a state dinner at the White House, but if it should happen, at least I will not embarrass myself! I will know how to dress, how to introduce others and converse in “polite” society, and how to dine. I’ve tried to pass these old-fashioned manners on to my grandchildren. Good manners are a gift that I can give them, knowing that it will benefit them in the years ahead. A price cannot be placed on the value.
The answer today would be “sleight of hand”. I always have to stop and think about the “i before e” rhyme. 🙂
Thanks for posting the article. It brought back some memories of a more gentile time, and of my beloved grandmother who taught me so much! Have a great day/evening!
Now, I’ll try it again! So far, so good!
Glad that you saved your comment Em, sorry, the site went down.
It was the same with my grandparents, and no one sat at the breakfast table in their pajamas, you had to be dressed and ready to go. If my grandmother could see me now, she might be cross, then again she might be proud that as of now and in all the years since I left her, I always use a plate, and have never eaten anything straight out of the box or container, except for newspaper wrapped fish and chips in England, and that was only nibbling until I got them home to put on a plate. Eating spare ribs with my fingers for the first time as a teenager, I felt as if I had let the side down. Still, try eating those with a knife and fork. 😀
Again, my pleasure that you found something of interest, that’s what I like to hear. Thank you. 🙂
Kalima, this really did give my memories a little jolt. I guess that happens when one gets older! I will always be grateful for my grandmother’s teachings. She was a great lady and I miss her so much.
While I have no illusions about the “good ol’ days”, there is still something to be said for using good manners, dressing appropriately and conducting yourself in a civilized way. I am certainly not stodgy, prim and proper at all, but there is a time for jeans and a time to get dressed up. I love to dress and go out for a nice dinner at a good restaurant. At least, I know which fork to use! 🙂
And you’re 100% correct…spare ribs just cannot be managed with a knife and fork! And the bib is not particularly attractive either! Would never have done at my posh school!
Thanks again for all your hard work to enlighten us! You have succeeded beautifully!
Oh Em, now you made me blush. 😳
Hubby and I have traveled the world, have eaten at many good restaurants, and I’m happy to say that so far, I haven’t used the finger bowls as a dipping sauce, or had some fussy French waiter giving me the “evil” eye either.
My grandparents did a superb job, and I’m eternally grateful for all they have taught me, not only good manners, but all of it.
Kalima, hopefully you haven’t thrown up all over the Japanese PM like Bush did! 🙂
I can imagine that would not be considered especially good manners in Japan!
Em, I’m a Taurean, I take good food seriously, and would never throw up a good meal. 🙂
Bush had a virus I believe, it must have been embarrassing, and no I don’t think the Japanese were that fazed, people throw up here all over the place after drinking too much.
Good morning everyone.
I’m in the middle of making Shepherd’s Pie, you are all welcome for dinner tonight, but I’ll have to run because I have to peel a stack of potatoes yet.
Have a good day wherever you may be, take care and be safe.
Sayonara from my somewhat cooler corner of Tokyo. Mata ashita ne.
———————————————————————————————-
A few stories and opinions from around the globe.
================================
DPJ yields to opposition call for extension
Tohoku recovery bond redemption put at 25 years
http://www.japantimes.co.jp/text/nn20111109a1.html
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Residents sue over Tsuruga reactors
http://www.japantimes.co.jp/text/nn20111109a2.html
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RADIATION DECONTAMINATION
Radiation cleanup plan falls short
Experts liken current strategy to letting nature run its course
http://www.japantimes.co.jp/text/nn20111109f1.html
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Minamata disease exhibit offers lessons to radiation-hit Fukushima
http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/news/20111109p2g00m0dm003000c.html
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90% of Fukushima candidates want N-reactors scrapped
http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/T111108005264.htm
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Survey: Students shying away from N-zone schools
http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/T111108005279.htm
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25% of displaced Fukushima residents do not wish to return home again: survey
http://www.japantoday.com/category/national/view/25-of-displaced-fukushima-residents-do-not-wish-to-return-home-again-survey
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Nuclear accident to raise electricity costs by up to 1.6 yen per kwh
http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/news/20111108p2g00m0dm131000c.html
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This is bloody ridiculous!
————
Meeting with Dalai Lama cools warming ties with China
http://www.japantimes.co.jp/text/nn20111109a5.html
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PICTURE OF THE DAY
Eternal lights
http://www.japantoday.com/category/picture-of-the-day/view/eternal-lights-2
==========================================
INTERNATIONAL NEWS
==============
May should resign too.
————
UK border chief Brodie Clark quits over passport scandal with broadside against Theresa May
Brodie Clark, the senior civil servant at the heart of the scandal over relaxed passport checks, has made a direct attack on Theresa May, accusing the Home Secretary of misleading the public.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/immigration/8877988/UK-border-chief-Brodie-Clark-quits-over-passport-scandal-with-broadside-against-Theresa-May.html
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Oh Lordy Lordy!
————
One in five staff passholders in the House of Lords linked to lobbying
Guardian survey shows that, excluding obviously junior outside interests, 172 of 646 staff working for lords have lobbying links
http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/2011/nov/08/house-of-lords-passholders-lobbying
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Nick Clegg vetoes Conservative donor’s idea to help firms sack workers
Deputy PM blocks plan backed by No 10 guru Steve Hilton to promote growth but Lib Dems open to other labour reforms
http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/2011/nov/08/nick-clegg-vetoes-work-reform
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Student fees protest: who is behind latest London demonstrations
Thousands of students and demonstrators are expected to gather for protests against tuition fees on Wednesday. Here is a look at some of the groups involved in the large scale demonstration.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/education/educationnews/8877044/Student-fees-protest-who-is-behind-latest-London-demonstrations.html
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Charming!
————
Met accused of trying to scare off protesters with warning letter
Force writes to anyone previously arrested for public order offences before demonstration in central London on Wednesday
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/nov/08/met-accused-scare-protesters-letter
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These reports are coming fast and furious, but what will be done about it with the Tories in charge?
————
‘Age discrimination within NHS’ leaves elderly neglected
Appalling standards of care on some NHS wards have led to complaints of neglect of elderly patients increasing by more than a third over the past year, according to a new report.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/healthnews/8877991/Age-discrimination-within-NHS-leaves-elderly-neglected.html
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NHS care quality comes under fire
Report highlights how some patients were denied pain relief by nurses and were sometimes left without food and water
http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2011/nov/09/nhs-care-quality-under-fire
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So they can’t find work, but it’s alright to use them as forced unpaid labour.
————
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Jobless to be forced into community work
People unemployed for more than two years could be forced to do compulsory community work or have their benefits cut, David Cameron has announced.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/politics/8878040/Jobless-to-be-forced-into-community-work.html
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Britain can’t afford to bet its future on shale gas – wind turbines are here to stay
Diversity of energy sources increases our security: renewables, fossil fuels and nuclear power are not mutually exclusive.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/earth/energy/8877214/Britain-cant-afford-to-bet-its-future-on-shale-gas-wind-turbines-are-here-to-stay.html
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Rotters!
————
News International put MP Tom Watson under surveillance, lawyer claims
A lawyer representing phone hacking victims says he has seen documents suggesting that News International placed politicians under surveillance.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/phone-hacking/8876809/News-International-put-MP-Tom-Watson-under-surveillance-lawyer-claims.html
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Bye bye, mafia guy.
————
Italy greets Silvio Berlusconi’s resignation with relief and concern
Rome grinds to a halt as prime minister announces decision to step down later this month following vote on budget
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/nov/09/italian-relief-silvio-berlusconi-resignation
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Silvio Berlusconi: the rise and fall
Timeline: the political ups and downs of the media magnate’s career as Italy’s leader
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/nov/09/timeline-silvio-berlusconi-italy-euro-elections
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Greece to announce new government ‘today’ as markets hail Berlusconi exit – live
Eurozone debt crisis: The search for Greece’s next prime minister might finally end in the next few hours, while Italy will also soon have a new leader to replace Silvio Berlusconi
http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/blog/2011/nov/09/greece-prime-minister-italy-berlusconi-resigns
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Russian Mars probe stuck in Earth’s orbit after engines fail to fire
Spacecraft was to visit Martian moon of Phobos and bring back soil sample but looks like joining list of failed red planet missions
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/nov/09/russian-mars-probe-engines-fail
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Now that’s scary.
————
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US weapons ‘full of fake Chinese parts’
Thousands of United States’ warplanes, ships and missiles contain fake electronic components from China, leaving them open to malfunction, according to a US Senate committee
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/northamerica/usa/8876656/US-weapons-full-of-fake-Chinese-parts.html
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Is everything back to normal then?
————
BP to end cleanup operations in Gulf oil spill
Focus will turn to restoring areas damaged in the oil spill, which the coast guard says represents an important milestone
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/nov/09/bp-gulf-oil-spill-end-cleanup
—-
Occupy protesters plan 300-mile march from NYC to Washington
Protesters to set off from Wall Street to meet up with other Occupy movements on the way to DC
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/nov/08/occupy-wall-street-washington-march
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Herman Cain is a monster, says second woman
A second woman who claims she was sexually harassed by Herman Cain identified herself last night, as the Republican presidential hopeful said he would undergo a lie detector test to prove his innocence.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/us-election/8878323/Herman-Cain-is-a-monster-says-second-woman.html
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Syria, Iran and Middle East latest – live updates
• UN says more than 3,500 killed in Syria’s crackdown
• Siege of Homs continues in defiance of Arab League plan
• US and Israel digest IAEA report on Iran’s nuclear plans
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/middle-east-live/2011/nov/09/syria-iran-middle-east-latest-live-updates
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Libya ex-PM al-Baghdadi al-Mahmoudi to be extradited
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-15645272
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I’ve read it was closer to 4,000.
————
Syria death toll tops 3,500, UN says
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-15635867
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Israel poised to call for tougher sanctions against Iran
Netanyahu government to issue statement amid fears Israel could be preparing for attack on Iran’s nuclear installations
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/nov/08/israel-call-tougher-sanctions-iran
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Mordechai Vanunu deserves freedom from Israel
Israel has until Sunday to respond on the nuclear whistleblower’s bid to leave the country. It’s time to stop punishing him
http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2011/nov/09/mordechai-vanunu-israel
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Iran’s nuclear ambitions: military action may quickly follow unless Tehran climbs down
Keenly anticipated reports on subjects of global weight often prove to be damp squibs. The expectation and the leaks can easily exceed the impact of what is eventually produced.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/iran/8877829/Irans-nuclear-ambitions-military-action-may-quickly-follow-unless-Tehran-climbs-down.html
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The pot calling the kettle black.
————
Iranian president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad calls head of nuclear watchdog a US ‘puppet’ – video
Mahmoud Ahmadinejad rejects the International Atomic Energy Agency’s ‘serious concerns’ about research and development work by Iran, which the agency described as ‘specific to nuclear weapons’. In its report on Iran’s nuclear programme, the IAEA said it had accumulated more than 1,000 pages of documentation that led it to believe suspected nuclear weapons work was carried out under a ‘structured programme’ until 2003, and ‘some may still be ongoing’
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/video/2011/nov/08/iran-president-iaea-un-nuclear-watchdog-head-puppet-of-america-video
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Iran’s nuclear programme: the IAEA report (pdf)
Read the November 2011 IAEA report warning that Iran appears to be on a structured path to building a nuclear weapon
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/interactive/2011/nov/09/iran-nuclear-programme-iaea-report
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India court convicts 31 over deadly 2002 Gujarat riots
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-15651609
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Pakistan floods: why are donors not giving?
There may be several reasons why there is a funding shortfall for the Pakistan floods of 2011.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/pakistan/8877683/Pakistan-floods-why-are-donors-not-giving.html
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Afghan soldiers disarmed after attack on Australian allies
Soldier turned his weapons on colleagues at base in Uruzgan province, seriously wounding three of them
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/nov/09/afghan-soldiers-disarmed-australian-uruzgan
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Liberian polls deserted after election violence
Nobel laureate Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf is expected to retain Liberia’s presidency even though polling stations were deserted and atmosphere tense on Tuesday, following clashes which saw up to four people killed.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/africaandindianocean/liberia/8876934/Liberian-polls-deserted-after-election-violence.html
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Ugandan president Museveni says US troops will not engage in battle
Barack Obama has dispatched 100 military personnel to aid in fight against rebel group the Lord’s Resistance Army
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/nov/08/uganda-museveni-obama-troops
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Beijing in air pollution action
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-china-15649829
—-
TRIVIA QUIZ
Yesterday’s answer. King Arthur’s father. His full name was Uther Pendragon. We have two winners, Emerald and kes, well done ladies. 🙂
Today’s question.
What English expression for a long complex procedure derived from a old legal document called a ragman roll?
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Aung San Suu Kyi admits she does not have courage to watch film of her life
Aung San Suu Kyi, Burma’s freed democracy leader, has admitted she has yet to summon up the courage to watch a film portraying her life, as it contains scenes depicting the deaths of her father and British husband.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/burmamyanmar/8876308/Aung-San-Suu-Kyi-admits-she-does-not-have-courage-to-watch-film-of-her-life.html
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‘Sun Biofuels have left us in a helpless situation. They have taken our land’ – video
The collapse of British company Sun Biofuels has left thousands of Tanzanians landless, jobless and in despair for the future. Residents of villages in Kisarawe district thought their dreams had come true as they were promised payments, jobs, water wells and more, but after the company went bust, they were left with nothing. Damian Carrington investigates what went wrong
http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/video/2011/nov/09/biofuel-tanzania-video
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Israel Shamir and Julian Assange’s cult of machismo
That Shamir ever gained access outraged many at WikiLeaks. Now Assange’s dictator-admiring friend has surpassed himself
http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/cifamerica/2011/nov/08/israel-shamir-julian-assange-cult-machismo
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Social networking aside, how many close friends do you have?
So much for Facebook and Twitter, most of us have only two real friends. How many do I, and the others we asked, admit to?
http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2011/nov/08/social-networking-close-friends
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At home with Schlamowitz: Gaddafi’s Jewish pen pal
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-15642297
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Consumer ripoffs amount to £7bn a year, government committee warns
Public accounts committee says methods of protecting consumers fail to keep pace with fraudsters
http://www.guardian.co.uk/money/2011/nov/09/consumer-ripoff-scams-fraudsters
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Multiple gene test allows more targeted treatment of cancer
SNaPshot test looks for mutations in key genes of patients with cancer so they can be given the most effective drugs
http://www.guardian.co.uk/science/2011/nov/09/multiple-gene-test-treatment-cancer
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Turner prize 2011 contenders: George Shaw – video
George Shaw’s The Sly and Unseen Day show has been nominated for this year’s Turner prize. Painted in Humbrol enamel, these works look at the landscape of his adolescent life, depicting locations near his childhood home in Coventry.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/artanddesign/video/2011/nov/08/turner-prize-2011-george-shaw-video
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The story behind the V&A’s new Photographs gallery – audio slideshow
The V&A has been involved with photographs since the 1850s. Now the London museum is bringing together its extraordinary collection in a new dedicated gallery, opening on 24 October. The curator of photographs, Marta Weiss, talks about some of the highlights including work by Julia Margaret Cameron, Roger Fenton, Eugène Atget and Alfred Stieglitz
http://www.guardian.co.uk/artanddesign/interactive/2011/oct/24/v-and-a-photographs-gallery
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Nigeria’s plastic bottle house
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-14722179
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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/nov/08/1
Red tape.
3,500 is a really conservative estimate. Those that can be accounted for.
Good morning/evening, Kalima!
Before I dash off to take the dear old dad to a medical appointment, I just have to toss in my trivia guess (to prevent its escaping my weak brain cells): rigmarole?
Mmmm…hope hubby appreciates the home-made Shepherd’s Pie. Sounds great.
Hope I can get back to MB later in the day for a good read.
Good morning everyone.
Sorry have to rush again. Have a good day wherever you may be, take care and be safe.
Sayonara from my corner of Tokyo. Mata ashita ne.
————————————————————————————————
A few stories and opinions from around the globe.
================================
Jobless claims quadruple in disaster zone
http://www.japantimes.co.jp/text/nn20111108a1.html
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Nuclear-related budget requests reveal gov’t nature and policy haven’t changed
http://mdn.mainichi.jp/perspectives/news/20111107p2a00m0na002000c.html
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Nuclear safety agency denies criticality at Fukushima reactor
http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/news/20111108p2g00m0dm016000c.html
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Smart grid eyed to smooth power supply to Tokyo offices
http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/T111107003673.htm
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Well well, what do you know.
————
¥428 billion in tax funds improperly spent in ’10: audit
http://www.japantimes.co.jp/text/nn20111108a2.html
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Thai floods to hurt food supply here
http://www.japantimes.co.jp/text/nb20111108a1.html
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Tokyo govt to test N-safety of 500 food items
http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/T111107004475.htm
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Japan bought 10% of eurozone fund’s latest bonds
http://www.japantoday.com/category/business/view/japan-bought-10-of-eurozone-funds-latest-bonds
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Olympus shares fall after it admits hiding losses
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-15632320
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Japan to verify South Korean reports Megumi Yokota is alive
http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/news/20111108p2g00m0dm015000c.html
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PICTURE OF THE DAY
An afternoon in the park
http://www.japantoday.com/category/picture-of-the-day/view/an-afternoon-in-the-park
==========================================
INTERNATIONAL NEWS
===============
Unbelievable, and then they have the nerve to complain about suspected terrorist infiltration. Great job you are doing in keeping us safe Ms May
————
UK Border Agency staff: passport checks were ‘suspended daily’
The suspension of passport checks on foreigners at ports and airports occured almost daily and lasted several hours, workers claimed ahead of an emergency Commons statement by Theresa May.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/immigration/8873665/UK-Border-Agency-staff-passport-checks-were-suspended-daily.html
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1 million to lose incapacity benefits under Coalition reforms
Almost one million people will be stripped of their incapacity benefit payments and forced to look for jobs under major reforms to the welfare system over the next three years, research has found.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/8874589/1-million-to-lose-incapacity-benefits-under-Coalition-reforms.html
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Murder Inc.
————
NHS blunders have killed 8000 patients in 13 years, figures show
Thousands of patients have been killed because of errors within the NHS over the past 13 years, it has been claimed.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/healthnews/8873586/NHS-blunders-have-killed-8000-patients-in-13-years-figures-show.html
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NHS cancer figures contradict David Cameron and Andrew Lansley’s claims
The prime minister and health secretary have criticised the NHS on cancer, but new figures suggest the service is a world leader
http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2011/nov/07/nhs-cancer-figures-cameron-lansley
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Hospital bed-blocking ‘rising’
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-15198431
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Imagine what 8 billion pound could buy, or how many people it could save from poverty or contribute to their medical needs.
————
Taxman accused of letting Vodafone off £8 billion
The taxman was yesterday accused of letting Britain’s biggest phone company off paying up to £8 billion in a “sweetheart” deal not available to ordinary people.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/politics/8875360/Taxman-accused-of-letting-Vodafone-off-8-billion.html
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Retail sales slump amid fears over euro and job losses
Spending on furniture, clothes and other non-food items declined by 1.8% from September while food held up with 1.8% growth
http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2011/nov/08/retail-sales-slump-job-losses
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Amazing, the government witl use taxpayers money to do something that the taxpayers in the regions are against in the first place. The government seems to like to pay money to help anyone except it’s tax paying citizens, even already rich developers.
————
Government pledges £500m to developers to finish stalled housing projects
Half a billion pounds of public money will be used to help developers complete stalled housing projects, ministers will announce today.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/politics/8873392/Government-pledges-500m-to-developers-to-finish-stalled-housing-projects.html
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Students are fighting not just for education, but the welfare state
Our protest on Wednesday could mark the start of the resistance that breaks the coalition’s cuts and privatising agenda
http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2011/nov/07/students-fighting-education-welfare-state
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What the hell?????
————
Plastic bullets available to police for Wednesday’s student protests
Scotland Yard says officers are free to use baton rounds in extreme cases but critics say tactic is ‘appalling and un-British’
http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2011/nov/07/plastic-bullets-available-student-protests
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Greens back the Occupy movement
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/nov/07/greens-support-the-occupy-movement
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As a war in Iran draws closer, Britain should press for peace
Tough diplomacy and sanctions rather than an Israeli air strike remain the best option for dealing with the global pariah.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/israel/8874531/As-a-war-in-Iran-draws-closer-Britain-should-press-for-peace.html
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News of the World hired investigators to spy on hacking victims’ lawyers
Exclusive: Investigators followed and filmed lawyers of hacking victims in apparent attempt to gather material on private lives
http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/2011/nov/07/news-world-investigator-spy-lawyers
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Société Générale cuts dividends and bonuses amid eurozone crisis
French bank to scrap payouts to investors and reduce bonuses after it was ordered to preserve capital during the bank stress tests
http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2011/nov/08/societe-generale-cuts-dividends-bonuses
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Carlos the Jackal trial begins with a smile and raised fist from terrorist
Carlos the Jackal, the world’s most infamous terrorist of the 1970s and 1980s, began his trial in typically defiant fashion on Monday: with a smile and a raised fist.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/france/8875034/Carlos-the-Jackal-trial-begins-with-a-smile-and-raised-fist-from-terrorist.html
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I would hope so or Italy is in much worse shape of than first thought.
————
Is there salvation without Silvio Berlusconi?
Rocked by financial ineptitude and political division, Italy is staring a new reality in the face: life without its long-serving prime minister.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/silvio-berlusconi/8874516/Is-there-salvation-without-Silvio-Berlusconi.html
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Poland’s first transsexual and gay MPs to be sworn in
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-15630789
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Russia warns against Israeli air strike on Iran
Russia’s foreign minister Sergei Lavov has warned that a military strike on Iran would be a “very serious mistake” with “unpredictable consequences”, after Israel’s president Shimon Peres said that an attack was increasingly likely.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/iran/8874073/Russia-warns-against-Israeli-air-strike-on-Iran.html
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Keystone pipeline: State Department agrees to investigate charges
Inspector general launches investigation after conflict of interest charges from environmental groups and politicians
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/nov/07/state-department-invesigation-keystone-pipeline
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Barack Obama announces fresh aid for US war veterans
President joined by veterans at White House Rose Garden as he seeks to push congressional Republicans to pass tax credits
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/nov/07/barack-obama-aid-us-veterans
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Occupy Wall Street: a primer
In nearly two months, reams have been written in the media on Occupy Wall Street. If you missed some, this is a brief guide
http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/cifamerica/2011/nov/07/occupy-wall-street-primer
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Finally some justice for his children and family. Hopefully a warning to others who do the same with impunity.
————
Conrad Murray guilty over death of Michael Jackson: as it happened
Coverage of the trial in Los Angeles of Dr Conrad Murray, as the jury finds him guilty of the manslaughter of Michael Jackson.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/music/michael-jackson/8791778/Conrad-Murray-trial-for-Michael-Jackson-death-live.html
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I think this is “Bye bye Cain”.
————
US election 2012: woman breaks silence to say Herman Cain sexually groped her
A former colleague of the Republican presidential hopeful Herman Cain came forward on Monday night to accuse him publicly of sexually assaulting her.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/us-election/8875369/US-election-2012-woman-breaks-silence-to-say-Herman-Cain-sexually-groped-her.html
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Former heavyweight champion Joe Frazier dies after losing cancer fight
Joe Frazier, the former world heavyweight champion, has died aged 67.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/othersports/boxing/8875801/Former-heavyweight-champion-Joe-Frazier-dies-after-losing-cancer-fight.html
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Syria, Iran and Middle East unrest- live updates
• Homs a city of fear as regime seeks to crackdown
• Tensions mount ahead of Iran nuclear report
• Clinton defends US policy on Middle East
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/middle-east-live/2011/nov/08/syria-iran-middle-east-unrest-live
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Syrian declares Homs a ‘humanitarian disaster zone’
Syria’s opposition has appealed for international intervention to protect the civilian population of Homs after more than 110 people were reportedly killed in the army’s latest assault on city.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/syria/8875220/Syrian-declares-Homs-a-humanitarian-disaster-zone.html
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Syria’s rebuff threatens the Arab League with relegation
The Assad regime’s disdain for the Arab League’s peace initiative is another blow to the organisation’s credibility
http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2011/nov/07/syria-rebuff-arab-league-relegation
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Scary report.
————
Iran nuclear report: IAEA claims Tehran working on advanced warhead
IAEA findings could pave way to sanctions or military strike although no ‘smoking gun’ expected to be revealed in report
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/nov/07/iran-working-on-advanced-nuclear-warhead
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India stampede ‘kills 10’ at Haridwar festival
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-15633204
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Liberians vote despite Tubman-Weah protests
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-15633697
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Threats and arrests in Uganda
A report by Amnesty International warns that the government crackdown on its critics could worsen under proposed new laws
http://www.guardian.co.uk/global-development/poverty-matters/2011/nov/08/uganda-amnesty-report-media-crackdown
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Australian Senate passes carbon tax
Vote is a victory for Julia Gillard, who staked her government’s future on the most comprehensive carbon price scheme outside Europe
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/nov/08/australia-senate-passes-carbon-tax
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Still, I wish he would intervene to halt them. This self destruction will leave hardly a dent in the Chinese stance, even with continued international outrage. It just highlights the utter futility of their plight.
————
Dalai Lama blames suicide protests on Chinese ‘cultural genocide’
The Dalai Lama has blamed a recent wave of Tibetan self-immolations on a policy of “cultural genocide” being carried out by the Chinese government.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/china/8874374/Dalai-Lama-blames-suicide-protests-on-Chinese-cultural-genocide.html
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China to join Mekong river patrols after murder of sailors
Beijing announces plan to help protect cargo ships in ‘Golden Triangle’ area after 13 were killed on Chinese vessels
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/nov/08/china-mekong-river-patrols-sailors
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South Korea to send medical aid to North Korea
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-15633440
—-
TRIVIA QUIZ
Yesterday’s answer.
Shampoo(campo was an instructional verb form of the word press, used in old Turkish bath massage methods)
Looks like Khirad couldn’t contain himself, even though his answer is correct.
Today’s question.
Who was King Uther?
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The 1% are the very best destroyers of wealth the world has ever seen
Our common treasury in the last 30 years has been captured by industrial psychopaths. That’s why we’re nearly bankrupt
http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2011/nov/07/one-per-cent-wealth-destroyers
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Pensions dispute gives academics work-life balance
Many lecturers who are ‘working to contract’ over a pensions dispute are finding that they suddenly have time for their families
http://www.guardian.co.uk/education/2011/nov/07/academics-pensions-dispute
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A fate worse than death: displaying criminals’ corpses
The desire to see the bodies of criminals and despots put on public display reaches across cultures and across time
http://www.guardian.co.uk/science/blog/2011/nov/07/fate-worse-death-displaying-corpses
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Tackling South Korea’s high suicide rates
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-pacific-15331921
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What should we do about sexist abuse online?
Online abuse is common – and can be violent. Our panel members debate how to tackle the problem
http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2011/nov/07/abusive-sexist-comments-online
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Return to Levittown: America’s first suburb reaches 60
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-15598511
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Charlie Brooker
The National Anthem: the princess, the PM and bestiality on TV? It must be C4
Charlie Brooker’s comic drama to explore reaction of Twitter to fictionalised sensational news story
http://www.guardian.co.uk/tv-and-radio/2011/nov/07/the-national-anthem-charlie-brooker
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Love cherries!!
————
In praise of… cherries
Researchers claim a couple of daily glasses of juice made from tart Montmorency cherries can be worth up to 25 minutes extra sleep
http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2011/nov/07/in-praise-of-cherries
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Satellite eye on Earth: October 2011 – in pictures
Slash-and-burn forest clearing in Brazil, toxic algae in Lake Erie and amassed campervans in the Nevada desert at Burning Man festival were among the images captured by European Space Agency and Nasasatellites last month
http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/gallery/2011/nov/07/satellite-eye-on-earth-in-pictures
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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/nov/07/24-hours-in-pictures
Good morning/evening, Kalima!
The Tories seem to be inducing a health care system meltdown in Britain, don’t they? Terrible numbers of deaths due to errors. Granted humans are humans and not infallible, but when the “assembly line” is constantly sped up, it compounds the likelihood of errors many times. And having elderly patients either thrown out of the hospital prematurely or “warehoused” there while awaiting the establishment of a decent home care set-up is beyond risky.
Charlie Brooker writing for TV! Look out U.K.! I’m sure it’ll be hilarious and edgy.
I just had to Tweet the article on the scientific evidence that the top 1% are in fact wealth destroyers, and are no smarter, no more hard working than say the mom in Africa who struggles to feed her kids. So well-written!
“Shampoo!” As I said to Khirad: doh!! OK, today’s trivia: I’m gonna guess that King Uther was King Arthur’s dad. 😆
I agree, Kalima. As my dad said of Cain: “Stick a fork in him. He’s done.” Next!
Oh how I love cherries, too. Unfortunately, my favorite version of them is cherry pie. Does that cancel out their cherry-healthful-goodness?
I’m late as usual kes, you must be at work, come home soon. 🙂
What the Tories are doing to our country is unforgivable, anyone voting for them in the next elections should have mental health checks or just be thrown into a padded cell anyway. 8,000 deaths in 13 years, when even one would have been too many.
Looks like The Italian “Viagra” Stallion” is done too. Italy is not out of the woods, but their clown has gone taking his circus with him as he leaves I hope. I’ve heard that Cain blames the Democrats for his problems, and am still trying to figure that bit of nonsense out. No luck yet. 🙄
Love Charlie Brooker, never fails to make me laugh out loud. Love cherries too, but straight from the trees, or cold, just out of the fridge.
Gila Bend, AZ–Party Town, USA 😆
Sorry Kalima interrupting all your Important news but while reading them and tweeting them I saw this from Telegraph!
Prince Harry warned over ‘fornicating’ in Christian US town
The mayor of a US town where Prince Harry is staying during helicopter training has warned him to be on his best behaviour with its young women.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/prince-harry/8875772/Prince-Harry-warned-over-fornicating-in-Christian-US-town.html
Bito, I was about to post this! Unbelievable! How embarrassing! I’m sure the Brits think we’re all completely nuts!
LOCK UP YOUR DAUGHTERS! Prince Harry is in town!! 🙂
I agree. Embarrassing. Like Prince Harry is hard up to find a date. Unless he has heard the stories I heard about those so called “good Christian girls”…….I’d say, “Harry, watch out!”
Who’s he kidding? There are probably a number of fathers in Gila Bend who would give Harry a handsome sum to go out with their daughters! Those RWers are all about royalty and the 1%.
Good morning/evening Kalima!
I am so confused by the time change! I wake up at 4am and can’t go back to sleep. My “tribe” wants to go out…in the dark! It will take a couple of weeks to get my internal clock back on track.
Great collection of articles today! I noticed another article about the online abuse of female bloggers. This is a lousy state of affairs! I still believe we should invite these ladies to publish their work here at PPOV.
As for the trivia question, I believe that would have to be King Arthur’s father who, with Merlin’s assistance, took on the form of another man to sleep with his wife…nine months later, we had the “once and future king”! I loved these stories! Guess I’m just a silly romantic at heart. 🙂 BTW, last year there was a new series on TV here in the States called “Camelot”. It was the story of how Arthur came to be king. It was quite well done, but I have not heard anything about the second season.
As we were discussing a few days ago, that drumbeat for war with Iran is getting louder. I’m very worried about this. Nothing about it could end up with a good outcome for anyone. I don’t know much about the science of nuclear weapons, but it has occurred to me that there could be contamination from a strike on Iran’s facilities. Maybe I’m wrong…I certainly hope so. In any event, it is being discussed on American TV much more in the past 10 days or so. Troubling!
Anyway, thanks again for your usual great collection of stories. I especially liked the photos from space…fascinating to see the planet like that.
Take care…see ya’ tomorrow! 🙂
Hi Emerald, I’m doubly confused about the time zones. The U.K. went back an hour last week, you guys went back on Sunday and I have friends on the EC, the WC and in between like AK and TX. We have friends in Europe, Peru, Brazil, Argentina, Hawaii, Australia, Hong Kong and Tunisia, my world clock for phoning them is always upside down, especially if they change their time.
About the women bloggers Em, I have no idea if they they are payed, and we certainly wouldn’t be able to pay them here. They should ask the people who they blog for, to look into better security against trolls, it’s not really all that hard.
As I mentioned here before, my biggest concern is Israel, who seem to be having a panic attack before any real information is out there to be had about Iran’s nuclear capabilities, and are advertising it for all they are worth, which I think is a bad idea. If you are actually planning to attack a facility, why shout about it?
As always, thanks for stopping by to read, glad you found something of interest. 🙂
Thanks, Kalima! I didn’t think about the lady bloggers being paid for their work. You are right. They need to have a zero tolerance rule for the trolls. We seem to do just fine here! 🙂
I don’t understand Israel either. This makes no sense. They also did not guarantee that they would give the US any advance notice of their intentions. I read that several days ago. Apparently Leon Panetta tried to convince them to coordinate with the US, but received no commitment.
Practically every major newscast has mentioned the possibility of war with Iran lately, but America is so caught up in its own problems that it doesn’t pay much attention. Perhaps the MSM is down-playing the story. I’m not sure of what to make of it, but I know that I don’t like the possibilities!
Thanks again for all your hard work! It must take an amazing amount of time to put this all together. I appreciate it so much! 🙂
Hardly surprising Em, the U.S. couldn’t even stop them from building more settlements illegally. Only way to stop them, is to cut their aid, I’ve been saying this for years, it’s because the U.S. mollycoddles them, that they continue to take advantage. If Israel goes ahead and causes another war in this region, the U.S. must accept the blame too.
The hardest part is trying to find a bit of something for everyone, there is always plenty of news going on around the globe.
Kalima, that attitude from the Israelis makes me nuts. They give lip service to peace, but in the next breath, they announce new housing units being built. It’s as if they want to p*ss off the Palestinians just for the heck of it…and to make the US look foolish. I’m all about supporting their democracy, but I think they really do take advantage.
The government over there don’t want peace Em, it’s all for show after they’ve done something outrageous again to cause international outrage and the U.S. is slow off the mark to condemn them as usual. It’s like rewarding a child for constant bad behaviour. I know there are many people who believe or have come to believe as we do.
I wish them no harm, but despise the harm they cause others.
Italy’s Berlusconi to resign as prime minister, president says
http://www.cnn.com/2011/11/08/world/europe/italy-economy/index.html?hpt=hp_t1
Heard that this morning. Yay!!
Oh, noes Kalima, I thought it was fixed.
Me 2. 🙁
Good morning everyone, and it’s another Mumbly Monday.
Having a bit of a problem fitting this into my usual time slot as I have to adjust to your new time over there. I’ll get the hang of it soon.
Have a good day wherever you may be, take care and be safe.
Sayonara from my already dark again corner of Tokyo. Mata ashita ne.
———————————————————————————————
A few stories and opinions from around the globe.
================================
Miyagi completes work on temporary housing
http://www.japantimes.co.jp/text/nn20111107a2.html
—-
TEPCO to review criteria for determining ‘criticality’
http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/news/20111107p2g00m0dm004000c.html
—-
Farmland conversion up after disaster
http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/T111106003219.htm
—-
Kobe memorial flame to bring light to Tohoku
http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/T111106003295.htm
—-
That was quick. Is that number 7 I see standing in the wings?
————
Support rate for Noda cabinet drops to 47.1%
http://www.japantoday.com/category/politics/view/support-rate-for-noda-cabinet-drops-to-47-1
—-
Big anti-TPP rally held in Tokyo as deadline for decision looms
http://www.japantoday.com/category/politics/view/big-anti-tpp-rally-held-in-tokyo
—-
Japan to join TPP talks, media report
http://www.japantoday.com/category/politics/view/japan-to-join-tpp-talks-media-report
—-
Japan detains China boat captain off Goto Islands
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-15615705
—-
Japanese viewers tuning out, turning off their TVs
http://www.japantoday.com/category/kuchikomi/view/japanese-viewers-tuning-out-turning-off-their-tvs
============================================
INTERNATIONAL NEWS
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Rugby club fireworks show under investigation over M5 crash
A rugby club fireworks display is being investigated as the potential cause of Britain’s most devastating motorway accident for 20 years.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/motoring/news/8873311/Rugby-club-fireworks-show-under-investigation-over-M5-crash.html
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Go ahead, blame the Unions.
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Union chiefs ‘hell bent on strikes’ says Danny Alexander
Cabinet minister Danny Alexander has accused some trade union leaders of being “hell bent” on strike action over changes to public sector pensions with little regard for the interests of their members.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/personalfinance/pensions/8872720/Union-chiefs-hell-bent-on-strikes-says-Danny-Alexander.html
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If true, that’s a bit much.
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St Paul’s Cathedral cleaners outraged over ‘dirty protest’
Staff at St Paul’s have expressed their outrage at having to clean up human waste left by protesters outside the cathedral.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/religion/8872671/St-Pauls-Cathedral-cleaners-outraged-over-dirty-protest.html
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St Paul’s report links City’s ethical decline to Big Bang reforms
Canon who quit in protest over threatened eviction at St Paul’s argues computer-driven trading eroded personal responsibility
http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2011/nov/06/church-report-says-city-morality-declining
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David Miliband warns against complacency over rightwing extremism
Former foreign secretary praises Demos report into rise of far right in Europe
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/nov/06/david-miliband-rightwing-extremism
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Theresa May to be grilled over terror threat from relaxed border controls
Home secretary under pressure over alleged ministerial instructions not to check people against terrorist database
http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2011/nov/06/theresa-may-threat-border-controls
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James Murdoch prepares to face MPs over phone hacking
News Corp boss is preparing to concede that company should have taken further action over allegations earlier
http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/2011/nov/06/james-murdoch-mps-phone-hacking
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‘Carlos the Jackal’ faces new French bomb attack trial
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-15616344
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In pictures: Floods in France and Italy
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/in-pictures-15613133
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This is insanity!
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Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi in negotiations to hold together governing coalition
Silvio Berlusconi is engaged in frantic negotiations with rebels in his governing coalition ahead of a key vote on Tuesday which could end his 17-year political career.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/italy/8873137/Italian-Prime-Minister-Silvio-Berlusconi-in-negotiations-to-hold-together-governing-coalition.html
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Greece locked in coalition talks as Italy’s borrowing costs soar – live
• Negotiations over a new Greek unity government continue
• Italian 10-year bond yields hit 6.66%
• Today’s agenda
http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/blog/2011/nov/07/greece-coalition-government-george-papandreou-crisis
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US entrepreneurs cash in on Occupy movement
T-shirts, coffee mugs and other merchandise being offered on campsites that have sprung up in cities across country
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/nov/06/us-entrepreneurs-occupy-movement
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Herman Cain’s popularity sinks after sexual harrassment allegations
Republican presidential candidate denies claims relating to when he was head of the National Restaurant Association
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/nov/06/herman-cain-sexual-harrassment-allegations
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Arab League warns of ‘disastrous consequences’ for the Middle East after Syria peace plan fails
The head of the Arab League warned of “disastrous consequences” for the Middle east on Sunday as the Assad regime heightened fears of civil war in Syria by inflicting a fresh round of bloodshed on its people.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/syria/8873162/Arab-League-warns-of-disastrous-consequences-for-the-Middle-East-after-Syria-peace-plan-fails.html
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Syria crackdown continues prompting urgent Arab League talks
Arab League arranges emergency meeting to discuss Assad’s failure to stick to peace plan after death of 13 on Islamic holy day
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/nov/06/syria-protests-urgent-arab-league-talks
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Bus crash in Hurghada, Egypt, kills Hungarian tourists
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-15614512
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Ehud Barak refuses to rule out military strike against Iran
Ehud Barak, the Israeli defence minister, refused to rule out military action against Iran yesterday, heightening expectations that his government is preparing to authorise an attack on Tehran’s nuclear facilities.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/israel/8873009/Ehud-Barak-refuses-to-rule-out-military-strike-against-Iran.html
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IAEA due to expose Iranian nuclear weapons design and testing facility
The UN nuclear watchdog will unveil details of an advanced warhead blueprint and a site where it may have been tested, reports say
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/julian-borger-global-security-blog/2011/nov/07/iran-nuclear-weapons
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Imran Khan predicts ‘a revolution’ in Pakistani politics
Former national cricket captain vows to fight corruption and negotiate with the Taliban in address to 100,000 at Lahore rally
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/nov/06/imran-khan-revolution-pakistani-politics
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US warns of attacks on luxury Nigerian hotels after 150 killed
The US has warned that a militant Islamist group is planning to bomb three luxury hotels in Abuja after 150 people were killed in coordinated attacks in northeast Nigeria.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/africaandindianocean/nigeria/8872867/US-warns-of-attacks-on-luxury-Nigerian-hotels-after-150-killed.html
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Somalis revel on Mogadishu’s safe beaches for first time in three years
Roads are being repaired and air and sea traffic has increased after the retreat of the militant group al-Shabaab
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/nov/06/somalians-revel-mogadishu-safe-beaches
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Members of FARC ‘ collaborated in murder of commander-in-chief’ Alfonso Cano
Members of Farc, Colombia’s Marxist rebel group, collaborated in the operation that killed Alfonso Cano, their commander-in-chief, according to President Juan Manuel Santos.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/southamerica/colombia/8872946/Members-of-FARC–collaborated-in-murder-of-commander-in-chief-Alfonso-Cano.html
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Retired general Otto Perez wins Guatemala presidential election
Rightwinger takes victory in runoff ballot after promising to send army into battle against drug cartels
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/nov/07/otto-perez-wins-guatemala-president
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BP’s $7bn sale of Pan American Energy to Argentinian firm collapses
• Sale of Pan American stake was to fund Gulf spill costs
• Putative buyer Bridas puts blame on BP’s ‘behaviour’
http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2011/nov/06/bp-pan-american-energy-sell-off-blocked
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Thousands of Chinese help Ai Weiwei pay tax bill
More than 20,000 people have shown their support for Ai Weiwei, the Chinese activist-artist, by chipping in to help him pay a £1.5 million tax bill.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/china/8873482/Thousands-of-Chinese-help-Ai-Weiwei-pay-tax-bill.html
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Chinese state press questions donations to Ai Weiwei
Global Times suggests artist and activist is conducting illegal fundraising as supporters send money to help with tax fight
http://www.guardian.co.uk/artanddesign/2011/nov/07/china-questions-ai-weiwei-donations
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TRIVIA QUIZ
Yesterday’s answer.
Baseball.The city has produced an amazing number of major league ballplayers, many of them All-Stars, and some who return from November to February to play winter league games.
Today’s question.
The Hindi word campo, meaning press, is the origin of what word for a modern consumable product and related verb?
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Who knows where the occupations are going – it’s just great to be moving
As Wall Street wormed its way into everyone’s life, so Occupy protests grow everywhere: symbolic for now, but changing debate
http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2011/nov/06/knows-occupations-going-great-moving
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Inside the unit for the UK’s most disturbed female offenders
The Orchard is a medium-security hospital that rehabilitates women with convictions for violence. Sarah Boseley talks to some of them
http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2011/nov/06/uk-unit-disturbed-female-prisoners
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Look out for dementia warning signs, families urged
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-15581986
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Light ‘promising’ in cancer fight
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-15571711
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Viewpoint: Has a year of civilian rule changed Burma?
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-15560414
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I have been murdered and replaced with a suspicious facsimile. In running shoes
I’m jogging, exercising, using gyms – a betrayal of everything I stand for
http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2011/nov/06/charlie-brooker-becomes-a-runner
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Featured photojournalist: Navesh Chitrakar
Navesh Chitrakar was born in Kathmandu in 1986, into a family of artists, photographers and journalists. After college, Navesh worked for the Himalayan Times, and two years ago joined Reuters. Here he captures the spirit of the Chhath and Tihar festivals in Nepal, which took place this week
http://www.guardian.co.uk/artanddesign/gallery/2011/nov/04/photojournalist-navesh-chitrakar-nepal
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Eid al-Adha around the world – in pictures
The festival is an important religious holiday celebrated by Muslims worldwide to commemorate the willingness of the prophet Ibrahim to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/gallery/2011/nov/06/eid-al-adha-in-pictures
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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/nov/06/1
I always forget to come back when I do this, but I need to give others a chance to guess on the Hindi ’cause I want to see the guesses.
I will help a little. Campo (चाँपो) is absolutely correct transliteration. But remember it is pronounced ch.
This is my answer though, in reverse transliteration: शैंपू.
Duh, Dominican Republic and baseball. I’ve even read about the world-class facilities which the MLB has built as an All-Star factory there.
Good evening/morning, Kalima!
Had to run a few errands and I was mulling that tricky trivia question while I was in the car. (Yes, I am weird.) I’m having a tough time with this one. It’s a consumable AND has a verb form? Could it possibly be something related to champagne/campaign? The word “campo” is the puzzler… Can’t wait to see the answer on this one.
LATER EDIT: Just realized I forgot to add this great comment on that article on the decline in TV watching in Japan:
Well, Charlie Brooker has done it again. If anyone wants to see how much hilarious self-loathing can result from picking up the habit of running, Charlie’s your man. What a way with words. AND he forced me to look up Keyser Soze on Google.
A very interesting article on the fact that the Japanese are turning off their TVs at a rapid rate. Boy, do I get that. Now that I don’t have cable anymore, I realize how much I do not miss it — except for the occasional Rachel Maddow or Colbert show. But when I remember how much is available on line, I know that I’m saving money and enjoying a little more peace and quiet around the house, too. For the dozens and dozens of cable channels out there, there’s very little that’s worth watching.
It was eerie to read about the use of light in treating cancer. Before she died three years ago, my good friend predicted that light would eventually kill cancer. At the time I more or less humored her, but truthfully could not think how on earth that would ever be the case. I knew she was smart, but she was smarter than I knew.
Silvio really should have been a ME dictator. He clings to power and to the power of denial, exactly the way MoMo did. He’d be well-advised to start planning his escape route right now. But somehow, I suspect it will all come as a bi-i-i-g surprise when he is toppled. Bunga-bunga Berlesconi….
These time zones have us all confused. It will get better right around the time it’s time to spring forward, I’m sure. 😉
EVEN LATER EDIT: Well, I’m not sure how that last edit ended up in the middle of my comment, but trying to fix it made it even worse. So I think I’ll leave not quite well-enough alone! 😳
You were close with champagne.
Shampoo.
Doh!!!
Forehead slap and Homer Simpson intonation.
Good morning everyone.
A dark, rainy and miserable Sunday over here, hope yours turns out much better. Have a good day wherever you may be, take care and be safe.
Sayonara from my total confusion corner of Tokyo, where I’m still trying to remember the new time to Skype with our favourite Welshman after the clocks went back an hour last Sunday. Isn’t life complicated enough?
Mata ashita ne
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Sunday’s Bits & Bobs
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M5 crash death toll expected to rise as grim search goes on
At least seven dead and 51 injured as stretch of motorway shut for a second night
http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2011/nov/05/m5-crash-death-toll
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Britain faces new isolation threat from eurozone ‘caucus’
Britain will be marooned inside a “permanent minority” in European Union decision making in just three years’ times after rule changes kick in on member states’ voting powers, according to a new report.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/eu/8872261/Britain-faces-new-isolation-threat-from-eurozone-caucus.html
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Butt out! You have 50 million uninsured in the U.S. don’t meddle with our NHS.
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NHS reforms: American consultancy McKinsey in conflict-of-interest row
Firm receives £250,000 a year from government while also providing paid-for advice to GPs affected by changes
http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2011/nov/05/nhs-reforms-mckinsey-conflict-interest
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For women, the losses are more than financial
The government can’t afford to abandon female voters who, as a new report by various bodies shows, have been particularly badly hit by cuts
http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2011/nov/06/observer-editorial-women-cuts-fawcett
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Abandon boundary changes or face revolt, warns Iain Duncan Smith
Former Tory leader says MPs could quit party and return to better-paid work rather than risk losing their seats
http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/2011/nov/05/boundary-changes-iain-duncan-smith
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Ed Miliband: politicians must listen to the St Paul’s Cathedral protesters
Labour leader says only ‘most reckless’ will ignore danger signals from Occupy London protest
http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2011/nov/05/ed-miliband-st-paul-occupy-protest
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Funny! 😀
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Friends: The One with the Coalition Bonfire Night
Nick and Dave negotiate on the choice of a guy in the latest episode of our Westminster sitcom.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/politics/david-cameron/8871190/Friends-The-One-with-the-Coalition-Bonfire-Night.html
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The only power world leaders have is to frustrate each other
The failure of the G20 summit has dramatically advertised the incapacity of the political elite to rise to the crisis
http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2011/nov/06/andrew-rawnsley-world-leaders-powerless
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BP’s bid to clean up its act dealt blow by revelations in Russia case
Court documents show the oil giant appeared to regard its partners in a major deal as criminals
http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2011/nov/05/bp-clean-up-russia-case
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Murdoch gave loyal lieutenant Rebekah Brooks £1.7m pay-off, car and office
News International chairman may face questions in Commons over generous severance deal despite phone-hacking scandal
http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/2011/nov/05/murdoch-phone-hacking-rebekah-brooks
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Tristane Banon: why I still can’t bear to say Dominique Strauss-Kahn’s name
French writer Tristane Banon was told no one would believe her when she claimed that the former IMF chief Dominique Strauss-Kahn had sexually harrassed her. In her first interview with a British newspaper, she reveals why she now feels vindicated.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/france/8871786/Tristane-Banon-why-I-still-cant-bear-to-say-Dominique-Strauss-Kahns-name.html
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Good for them!!
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Italians descend on Rome to protest against Silvio Berlusconi
Members of the Italian Democratic Party, the leading opposition party, are demanding that the Italian Prime Minister resigns.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/italy/8871920/Italians-descend-on-Rome-to-protest-against-Silvio-Berlusconi.html
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Greek MP who wants Papandreou to quit says ‘I haven’t slept for days. This is the point of no return.’
Greece needs a government that can reassure people it is staying in the Eurozone, says Eva Kaili, a key politician who has stopped backing prime minister George Papandreou.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/financialcrisis/8872391/Greek-MP-who-wants-Papandreou-to-quit-says-I-havent-slept-for-days.-This-is-the-point-of-no-return..html
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US jobless mapped: unemployment state by state across America
Which states have been hardest hit by unemployment? Where are jobs scarcest? We’ve mapped the official data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics showing the percentage of people unemployed. Click on a state to explore it – or click the dropdown menu to choose ways of seeing the data and how it’s changed
http://www.guardian.co.uk/news/datablog/interactive/2011/sep/08/us-unemployment-obama-jobs-speech-state-map
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Oklahoma rattled by 5.6 earthquake
Homes damaged and roads buckled by series of shocks including the biggest on record in US state
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/nov/06/earthquakes-oklahoma-biggest-ever
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Libya dispatch: as lawlessness spreads, are the rebel ‘good guys’ turning bad?
Once welcomed as liberators, Libya’s rebel fighters are beginning to outstay their welcome in Tripoli.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/africaandindianocean/libya/8871825/Libya-dispatch-as-lawlessness-spreads-are-the-rebel-good-guys-turning-bad.html
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Fall of Gaddafi opens a new era for the Sahara’s lost civilisation
Libyan leader showed no interest in ancient culture of Garamantes, but now archaeologists hope to unearth neglected slice of history
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/nov/05/gaddafi-sahara-lost-civilisation-garamantes
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Six killed as Syria violence continues, opposition claims
Protest and repression reportedly continues in Syria despite Arab League-brokered peace plan
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/nov/06/syrian-troops-kill-six-protests
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Syria: amateur video purports to show more violence in Homs
Reports of violence cast doubt on whether an Arab League plan can end months of bloodshed triggered by a popular uprising against the regime of the Syrian President.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/syria/8872105/Syria-amateur-video-purports-to-show-more-violence-in-Homs.html
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Hajj pilgrims scale Mount Arafat
Over two million Muslim pilgrims climb to the place where the Prophet Mohammed is said to have given his last sermon.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/saudiarabia/8871838/Hajj-pilgrims-scale-Mount-Arafat.html
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Israel is unwise to raise the nuclear stakes
As we await the report on Iran’s nuclear capability, Israel is posturing dangerously
http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2011/nov/06/iran-israel-nuclear-weapons
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The state of Israel: Internal influence driving change
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-15479879
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Triple blast hits Baghdad market
At least eight dead and 26 injured in attack in Iraqi capital which coincides with beginning of Eid al-Adha festival
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/nov/06/baghdad-market-triple-attack
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How about the people who payed them?
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Bhutto murder: Pakistan police and Taliban charged
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-15605565
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Afghan suicide blast kills seven Eid worshippers
Victims include two police chiefs in suicide bomb attack outside mosque in northern Afghanistan
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/nov/06/afghan-suicide-blast-kills-eid-worshippers
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At least 65 die in Nigerian terrorist attacks
Churches, mosques and police stations in Damaturu were attacked after earlier bomb blasts in Maiduguri
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/nov/05/65-die-nigerian-terrorist-attacks
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The slow boats to South Sudan
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-15583749
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Colombia’s president hails killing of Farc leader Alfonso Cano
Death of rebel chief in gun battle with government troops puts proposed peace talks in doubt
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/nov/05/colombia-president-farc-alfonso-cano
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Cubans hail a private property revolution
State controls are whittled back as Raúl Castro abolishes the ban on buying and selling houses
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/nov/06/cubans-can-sell-homes-home-raul-fidel-castro
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North Korean ‘defectors’ found by southern coastguard
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-15607677
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TRIVIA QUIZ
Yesterday’s answer was Victor. Sorry, I can’t accept a Frankie, (although in our house we always called him Frankie Stein) or a Friedrich, although they did make me laugh. 😀
Today’s question.
What is the big tourist attraction in San Pedro de Macoris in the Dominican Republic?
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Trafficking in Britain: ‘For five months I asked when I would get a job, but all I did was clean their home’
Men from eastern Europe are the latest victims of gangs who are promising jobs in Britain but delivering a life of virtual slavery
http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2011/nov/06/trafficking-britain-eastern-europe
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Parents of adopted children with special needs ‘lack support’
National Autistic Society warns of significant breakdown in the assistance on offer from social services
http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2011/nov/05/adopted-children-special-needs-support
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Arts education defended by star-studded campaign
Kevin Spacey and Lord Puttnam among big names from the UK’s creative industries who are supporting a report that highlights the importance of cultural learning and activities
http://www.guardian.co.uk/education/2011/nov/05/arts-education-defended-by-campaign
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Rageh Omaar: ‘Idealism has become a dirty word among many journalists’
The former war reporter talks modern slavery, the dark side of journalism and why he doesn’t miss the three-minute news story
http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/2011/nov/06/rageh-omaar-interview-slavery-evil
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Separated by 1,000 miles: the young ballet star and her father
What is it like to see your 16-year-old daughter move to Russia, to join one of the world’s toughest and most prestigious ballet schools? And what is it like to be the far-flung daughter?
http://www.guardian.co.uk/stage/2011/nov/06/ballet-russia-isabella-mcguire-mayes
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Roger Ebert: ‘I’m an optimistic person’
Roger Ebert is widely acclaimed as one of the world’s leading film critics, but since treatment for thyroid cancer he has been unable to speak. Here, he explains how he remains so positive about life
http://www.guardian.co.uk/film/2011/nov/06/roger-ebert-cancer-life-cinema
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Women bloggers call for a stop to ‘hateful’ trolling by misogynist men
Anonymous trolls regularly threaten female writers with rape
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/nov/05/women-bloggers-hateful-trolling
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DAVID MITCHELL
There’s little sign of intelligent life on Twitter, never mind over Los Angeles
The reaction to Victoria Beckham’s tweet about a UFO hovering above her house was infuriatingly obtuse
http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2011/nov/06/david-mitchell-beckham-moon-ufo
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I’d be happy if I could just understand half of what my computer, iPad and iPod can actually do. If it’s on a scale of 1 to 10, I figure that I’m teetering on the wobbly 4th step with one foot in the air, and sometimes stumbling back onto the 3rd.
When a computer programmer friend of mine in the U.S. tries to tell me how to do something, and then tells me how easy it is, I either shut down my email, or hang up the phone. Don’t mess with me, I’m not stupid, I’m just not very techy. For someone like me, just an on and off switch would be perfectly acceptable. Forget about clouds.
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Cloud computing: the lowdown
Much of our computing (including the storage of our personal data) is now being done remotely via the ‘cloud’. But what is it? Here is a brief history of this radical shift while, below, we assess the relative merits of four cloud computing services
http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/2011/nov/06/cloud-computing-guide-history-naughton
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The 10 best silent movie stars – in pictures
Observer film critic Philip French’s choice of the 10 most quietly impressive actors of their age
http://www.guardian.co.uk/culture/gallery/2011/nov/06/ten-best-silent-movie-stars-in-pictures
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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/nov/05/24-hours-in-pictures-gallery
Good morning/evening, dear Kalima!
So funny! The article on the selection of the “guy” for the bonfire. And some of the comments equal the article:
😆 The spirit of Dickens lives on.
Great selection of photos of silent film stars. I’m a huge fan of Louise Brooks. A truly timeless talent. If anyone has never seen “Pandora’s Box,” I highly recommend it. Not for children, though.
All over the world, the conservative agenda for women seems to be the same. Deny them reproductive rights — even the right to birth control. But when they have all those children, make sure they have no help with day care or employment. Make single motherhood a near impossibility, economically. But then make sure that divorce is also nearly impossible. Abandon the enforcement of domestic violence and/or rape laws, while you’re at it. Thus guaranteeing a life of hellish slavery, eternal pregnancy and abuse for many. Can head to toe “blue bags” be far behind, as required “modesty apparel” for “good” women (as opposed to the only other thing a woman can be — a slut)?
I’m sure that’s what DSK probably called the poor 22 year old woman he victimized. Aren’t “they” all? And DSK is the “persecuted one.” Uh-huh…
Heh. The only reason I know a “mumblin’ word” about cloud computing is because of my son, who set up our system to back-up daily to the “cloud,” so that in the case of a catastrophic event all is not lost. When he moves out, I suspect I will sink to something of a stone age of technology… 🙁 Try as I might to keep up…
Ah, yes! Victor Frankenstein! How could I have forgotten?! But I’m glad Friedrich (Freddy?) gave you a grin. Lesseeee….today’s trivia: since I have absolutely no idea whatsoever, I’ll say that there’s a gigantic…hmmm….squid or lobster or something in a tank that people come to look at! 😀
Hello kes, that “guy” episode was hilarious, very Brit humour. They mention others, I’d be interested to check them out, I love political parody and good old fashioned satire, the Brits are famous for it. 🙂
Yes the Tories and the GOPTP are all reading from the same old page where women are concerned, but there will be a huge push back this time. Women are just not going to stand for it, they will lose many votes. Cameron trying to put a band aid on the problem, the Tory problem, won’t help him in the next elections, wait and see.
I’m a little envious that your son is so knowledgable about computers. I have my computer guy, who also works for us and knows much more than I do. However when trying to set up an email account for me a few months ago, he managed to make almost 3,000 emails go poof, never to be found again. 🙁
Hope your work day today was not so draining. Take care.
Looks to me that the Tories idea on how to ‘reform’ the NHS consists mainly of paying off their buddies with exorbitant “consulting fees.” How many doctor and nurse salaries would this had paid for?:
RE:http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2011/nov/05/nhs-reforms-mckinsey-conflict-interest
Seems someone else read that story on MB, Kalima!
http://paper.li/jmcaninch68/1308496130
Bito, I am so pleased that items are being noticed and picked up by other sites! You, Adlib, Cher, and Kalima deserve to be recognized for your good work! 🙂
I don’t know very much about the health care situation in the UK, but it sounds like the typical American corporation moving in to collect the bucks! Despicable! Those monies would be much better spent for patient care, IMO!
Wow! That’s some pretty big $$$ for “advice”! Nice work if you can get it!
Isn’t that disgusting bito, you can’t imagine how much of the taxpayers money has been squandered on useless committees and so called “Watchdog” groups who pay their top idiots far too much money, and then have them taking holidays on the rest of the funds. It’s a den of thieves, and people are dying from lack of immediate care. It’s criminal, they should be sitting in jail, and it makes my blood boil that they are not. Bloody crooks!
Breaking: Eurozone crisis: Greek PM George Papandreou to resign
Crisis-hit leader expected to step down after emergency cabinet meeting to form a cross-party unity government
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/nov/06/greece-george-papandreou?CMP=twt_gu
UpDate on the Greek situation:
Greeks agree coalition government without Papandreou
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-15614883
Thanks bito, I got an email alert this morning saying he was resigning, I’m sure that the other MP’s there are breathing a sigh of relief.
Good morning/evening, Kalima!
I am sorry that your weather has turned so ugly today. We are fortunate here to have one of these crisp autumn days with bright sunshine and a rather cool breeze…perfect for football!
One comment about the story of the female bloggers calling for an end to misogynist attacks. I really had no idea that this problem was as widespread as it seems to be. We know that there are lots of people out there in the wide world with deeply pathological problems. There is research to support the fact that when times are hard in the economy, some men feel emasculated and impotent, which may in some way contribute to this phenomenon. But that certainly can never excuse these kinds of attacks. What a terrible thing to do to a woman! While not physical, it is still traumatic! Sometimes, psychological abuse can be just as destructive as physical abuse.
This made me think of just how lucky we are to be contributing to a site such as PlanetPOV! In my two+ years here, I have never felt anything other than total acceptance and friendship. I have complete comfort in writing on any subject and knowing that I will be read by an appreciative group of very intelligent people. Perhaps we should invite the ladies mentioned in the article to join us here to publish their work! They will not be attacked on this site! I’m sure the other members of PPOV would agree.
I feel a kind of “ownership” for the Planet. It is such a unique place and I treasure my time with you! I see it as part of my education and growth as a human being, learning to think more critically, to be more open to others’ opinions, and perhaps to contribute in some small way to the growth of others. A little sentimental, but I do feel this way. I could never imagine being attacked…not on this site! I admit it…I’m spoiled! The article you posted was quite an eye-opener!
Good job, today! As usual, you have given us much food for thought! Stay indoors and be a “couch potato”! There’s something to be said for doing that occasionally! I hope to see you tomorrow when your weather will surely have improved! Hope hubby and the tribe are well! 🙂
Thanks Emerald for your very welcome support. I try every day to make it as interesting as I can, and thanks for all the good words about The Planet.
The story about the female bloggers is alarming, and I’m happy that we decided from the beginning that The Planet would be a troll free zone. A few have slipped through the cracks as I think you might remember, but they don’t get a second chance here to remain abusive, we founders here had had our fill of them on HP for all those years. If other sites were stricter with their no tolerance for trolls rule, maybe it might be less of a problem for these women. Btw, I don’t really think that these men do it because of the economy, they do it because they are negative, mean spirited human beings who have no respect for women or anyone else. I believe it’s a sickness, or how weak minded bullies get their jollies, in real life women wouldn’t give them a second glance.
Thanks, Kalima! I got my fill of trolls over at that other site like many others here. I can’t tell you how nice it is to come here and be able to express any opinion without those attacks, although I have never been attacked like the ladies in the article. My screen name doesn’t denote gender.
Real women have opinions…real men don’t attack them for it!
Em
Thank god the Planet is free from that sort of thing. I did not have much of an issue at HuffPo because of my name there, people always thought I was a man. Giantsfan44 but how chauvenist that is as well. You have to be a man because you are a Giants Baseball fan?
Sue, I didn’t get that kind of attack either, but lots of those “you’re a stupid librul commie”. When I first started over there, it upset me. I couldn’t understand why people would say such things. After a while, it just got to be boring.
Finding the Planet was such a breath of fresh air! I admit that I was a little intimidated at first. There are such great people writing here. But I have been made to feel completely welcome and at home with you all! What a great bunch of folks…and a great site! I hope we will continue to grow!
Kalima, I forgot to mention one other item… and I can’t seem to find the “edit” button to add it to my comment.
A couple of days ago, Killgore Trout posted a very cool video with the question, “Do you know what a murmuration is?” I didn’t know, but watched the video of the most beautiful ballet of starlings, flying with what can only be called choreography.
Today, in your images from around the world, the #5 photo was a still shot of a murmuration! I can’t believe I’ve come across that word twice in one week…and that I actually know what it means!
Thanks for posting this! 🙂
I didn’t see the video, but it sounds wonderful. I’ve seen this in the country in the U.K. where my father lives, while waiting to board a train. The sky was black, it was amazing.
I don’t know if you saw it, but AdLib left a reply for you in Help Desk asking you to let him know if the problem with the “Edit” button was resolved and to let him know there if your problems continue. It will be easier for us if reports of problems are all posted in the same place, the Help Desk.Thanks.
Thanks, Kalima. I really didn’t think the edit button was a problem so I didn’t post it at the help desk. But thanks bunches!
Kalima is the answer Beaches? Or Whales
You of all people here should know this Sue. 😉 That was a hint btw.
Something Reggae related?
LOL yes Khirad I love Reggae too but I think the answer is baseball. Think about all the major league players who have come from the Dominican Republic
Kalima
Ok it is baseball. I thought of that at first but then thought because most are in it to come play in the bigs it could not be right but I guess it might be like people here watching Triple A baseball. The San Jose Giants have a huge following.