Morning Blog

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!

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.
————

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.
————

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.
————

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.
————

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 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?
————

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
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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.
————

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.
————

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?
————

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

—-

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

—-

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

—-

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

—-

Anger over deadly China kindergarten minibus crash

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-15769316

—-

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

—-

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?

—-

Iraqi women: Winners or losers in a war-torn society?

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-15743078

—-

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

—-

‘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

—-

I agree. What’s next, how much loo paper to use at each sitting?
————

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

—-

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

—-

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

—-

The Artist pays homage to Hollywood’s silent era

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-15674340

—-

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

—-

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

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.
————

Second tainted bottle found in Setagaya

http://www.japantimes.co.jp/text/nn20111116a3.html

—-

Cattle in no-go zone to be tested

http://www.japantimes.co.jp/text/nn20111116a6.html

—-

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

—-

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

—-

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

—-

Canada, Australia invite disaster-zone students

http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/T111115005469.htm

—-

It’s Autumn already, could have fooled me.
————

Japanese archipelago undergoes coldest day this fall

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/news/20111116p2g00m0dm087000c.html

—-

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.
————

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

—-

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

—-

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

—-

That’s fairly obvious Nick. Taxpayers money for anything but improving the lives of the public, is “not right” at any time.
————

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

—-

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

—-

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

—-

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

—-

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

—-

St Paul’s protest: Occupy campers to get legal notice

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-15752168

—-

Good Lord, I will be so happy when this spineless wimp finally goes away, and preferably to a Swedish jail cell.
————

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

—-

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

—-

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

—-

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

—-

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

—-

Vladimir Putin in China Confucius Peace Prize fiasco

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-china-15750979

—-

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

—-

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

—-

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

—-

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

—-

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

—-

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

—-

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

—-

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

—-

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

—-

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

—-

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

—-

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

—-

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

—-

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

—-

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

—-

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

—-

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

—-

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

—-

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 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

—-

Contaminated water still headache for Tepco

http://www.japantimes.co.jp/text/nn20111115f2.html

—-

TEPCO gets 559 billion yen in financial aid to pay compensation

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/news/20111115p2g00m0dm083000c.html

—-

Board of audit says lab for Monju reactor should not go to waste

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/news/20111115p2g00m0dm020000c.html

—-

Gov’t to lower Fukushima plant workers’ maximum radiation exposure

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/news/20111115p2g00m0dm016000c.html

—-

‘I thought everything was over’

http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/T111114004583.htm

—-

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

—-

Safety cost for each nuclear reactor projected at 19.4 bil. yen

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/news/20111115p2g00m0dm018000c.html

—-

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

—-

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

—-

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

—-

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

—-

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

—-

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

—-

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

—-

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

—-

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

—-

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

—-

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

—-

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

—-

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

—-

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)?

—-

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

—-

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

—-

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

—-

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

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

—-

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

—-

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

—-

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

—-

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

—-

Libya oil output to return to pre-war levels

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-15712718

—-

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

—-

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

—-

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

—-

Arab Spring revolution at the Arab League

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-15714771

—-

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

—-

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

—-

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

—-

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

—-

Taliban say they have government’s jirga security plan

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/15715252

—-

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

—-

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

—-

A Band Aid for an gaping wound.
————

China ‘to give Tibetan monks welfare benefits’

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-15716778

—-

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

—-

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

—-

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?

—-

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

—-

Study links Parkinson’s disease to industrial solvent

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-15639440

—-

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

—-

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

—-

Viewpoints: Should we give up trying to save the panda?

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-15691450

—-

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

—-

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

—-

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

—-

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 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.
————————————————————————————————-

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

—-

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

—-

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

—-

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

—-

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

—-

15 minutes? 😆
————

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

—-

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

—-

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

—-

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

—-

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

—-

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

—-

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

—-

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

—-

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

—-

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

—-

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

—-

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

—-

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

—-

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

—-

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

—-

I’d like to hear it from the citizens living in Kabul.
————

Life better since Taliban driven from Kabul, says Nato

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-15710041

—-

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

—-

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

—-

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

—-

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.
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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.
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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

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
================

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.
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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.
————

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