Morning Blog

Good morning everyone..

Hope you all have a good day wherever you may be. Take care, be safe, stay warm and comfy.

Sayonara from my cold evening corner of Tokyo. Mata ashita ne.
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A few stories and opinions from around the globe.
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Ridiculous, and even more ridiculous is the fact that no government or power company ever showed the tenacity to start investing in renewable energy options when they were showing a huge surplus just a few years ago.
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Kyushu Electric: 36% rate hike if no reactors

Kansai utility may also face 30% rise without restart

http://www.japantimes.co.jp/text/nb20121213a3.html

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Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ fined $8.6 mil for flouting U.S. sanctions

http://www.japantoday.com/category/crime/view/bank-of-tokyo-mitsubishi-ufj-fined-8-6-mil-for-flouting-u-s-sanctions

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ANALYSIS
Significant leap for Pyongyang missile tech

http://www.japantimes.co.jp/text/nn20121213a2.html

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‘Missile glitch’ said possible smokescreen

http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/T121212005117.htm

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Japan, S. Korea agree on need for decisive action against N. Korea

http://mainichi.jp/english/english/newsselect/news/20121213p2g00m0dm024000c.html

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Japan Coast Guard rescues four from drifting North Korean boat

http://www.japantimes.co.jp/text/nn20121213a6.html

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Japan accuses China of airspace intrusion over islands

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-20707760

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PICTURE OF THE DAY

Light-up

http://www.japantoday.com/category/picture-of-the-day/view/light-up-8
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INTERNATIONAL NEWS
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So now Cameron is hiring his own “thugs” to protect ministers from any wrong doing inquiries? Will look great on your résumé David when you are looking for your next job in 2015, or hopefully even before.
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Senior David Cameron aide accused of threatening newspaper over Maria Miller investigation

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/senior-david-cameron-aide-accused-of-threatening-newspaper-over-maria-miller-investigation-8411754.html

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Two-thirds of millionaires disappeared from official statistics to avoid 50p tax rate

Almost two-thirds of the country’s million-pound earners disappeared from official statistics after the introduction of the 50p top rate of tax, figures have disclosed.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/politics/9740253/Two-thirds-of-millionaires-disappeared-from-official-statistics-to-avoid-50p-tax-rate.html

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Scotland Yard investigating allegations senior politicians abused children in the 1980s and used ‘connections’ to escape justice

Metropolitan Police’s child abuse investigation team have interviewed several adults who claim that they were sexually assaulted as children by MPs in a paedophile ring

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/scotland-yard-investigating-allegations-senior-politicians-abused-children-in-the-1980s-and-used-connections-to-escape-justice-8411989.html

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Huge mistake. Unfortunately one of too many.
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Fracking campaigners fear government will give go-ahead to shale exploration

Decision is due on whether Cuadrilla can continue exploration in Lancashire after two earthquakes

http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2012/dec/13/fracking-campaigners-government-shale-exploration

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It’s drapes for the chancellor

Perhaps George Osborne assumes that, like the rich, the poor have elegantly ruched made-to-measure silk drapes

http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/2012/dec/12/drapes-chancellor-simon-hoggart-sketch

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Someone should offer Michael Gove his own comedy show because he really fails to cut it as the Education secretary. If he were any good at his job, there would be no need for walkouts in the first place..

At first glance at the picture, I thought I was staring at Benny Hill.
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Michael Gove urges heads to dock pay in showdown with teachers

Education secretary demands hardline response to ‘irresponsible industrial action’ undertaken by members of teaching unions

http://www.guardian.co.uk/education/2012/dec/12/michael-gove-heads-pay-teachers

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The cowardice at the heart of our relationship with Israel

The Tories’ shameful reluctance to criticise Tel Aviv is putting any hope of peace at risk

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/israel/9740044/The-cowardice-at-the-heart-of-our-relationship-with-Israel.html

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It actually pays to break the law for some people.
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Rebekah Brooks paid £10.8 million compensation after she resigned from News International

But former editor of The Sun and the News of the World would be forced to repay millions if she is convicted of criminal charges relating to her time at the company

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/media/press/rebekah-brooks-paid-108-million-compensation-after-she-resigned-from-news-international-8411944.html

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Amsterdam to impose ban on smoking cannabis on school property

Dutch city becomes first in the Netherlands to forbid use of drug in playgrounds and schools under a public nuisance ordinance

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2012/dec/12/amsterdam-ban-cannabis-school-playground-marijuana

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This man is in serious need of therapy or jail time, and I hope the public have sense enough to reject him. He’s shameless.
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Meet Silvio Berlusconi’s new girlfriend Francesca Pascale – 50 years his junior

As he embarks on an audacious campaign to become prime minister of Italy for the fourth time, Silvio Berlusconi has a new woman on his arm – a glamorous member of his party nearly 50 years his junior.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/silvio-berlusconi/9740323/Meet-Silvio-Berlusconis-new-girlfriend-Francesca-Pascale-50-years-his-junior.html

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Srebrenica general convicted of genocide

Zdravko Tolimir sentenced to life imprisonment for his role in the 1995 murder of thousands of Bosnian Muslims

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2012/dec/12/srebrenica-general-convicted-genocide

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I had to laugh at this video and his “royal” entrance. He is beginning to sound a lot like some toppled dictators and despots in the ME, blaming his problems on foreign meddling, rather than accept that the Russian people are just not that into him anymore.

Hey Vlad, think you’ve got your tiara on too tight.
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Vladimir Putin: foreign meddling in Russia’s affairs is unacceptable – video

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/video/2012/dec/12/vladimir-putin-foreign-meddling-russias-video

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Trial of Ukraine’s Tymoshenko flawed says government-commissioned report

The trail of Ukraine’s firebrand former Prime Minister, Yulia Tymoshenko, was flawed and would not have passed muster in a western court, according to an independent report on her trial seen by the Daily Telegraph.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/ukraine/9741037/Trial-of-Ukraines-Tymoshenko-flawed-says-government-commissioned-report.html

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Barack Obama has the public vote on ‘fiscal cliff’, say polls

President Barack Obama appears to be winning the battle for public opinion as the US draws nearer to the “fiscal cliff”, with two-thirds of Americans saying he has a mandate to raise taxes on the wealthy.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/barackobama/9740918/Barack-Obama-has-the-public-vote-on-fiscal-cliff-say-polls.html

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John Boehner getting bad reviews on ‘fiscal cliff’ talks

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/the-fix/wp/2012/12/12/john-boehner-getting-bad-reviews-on-fiscal-cliff-talks/?wpisrc=nl_pmpolitics

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Federal Reserve to keep rates near zero as part of US stimulus programme

Bernanke calls unemployment an ‘enormous waste of potential’ as Fed plans fresh asset buying to try to kickstart US economy

http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2012/dec/12/federal-reserve-interest-rates-stimulus

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Obviously not content with their union busting law, the Republicans now carry on with their attack on women’s rights. You can really see how they learned their lesson and are trying to change after losing the election, can’t you? 😯
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Michigan enters women’s health fray with move to limit abortion access

Protesters turn out alongside right-to-work demonstrators against bill activists say ignores message sent by election result

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2012/dec/12/michigan-womens-health-bill-abortions

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Man throws ‘bleach’ in the face of New York Rabbi who campaigns against child sex abuse

Rabbi Nuchem Rosenberg believes attack is related to sexual abuse conviction of an ultra-Orthodox Jew

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/man-throws-bleach-in-the-face-of-new-york-rabbi-who-campaigns-against-child-sex-abuse-8411579.html

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Oregon mall gunman identified as Jacob Tyler Roberts

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-20698095

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Gun-selling website Armslist.com faces lawsuit in woman’s shooting death

Lawsuit has potential to become test case that could have widespread ramifications for burgeoning internet trade in guns

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2012/dec/12/gun-trade-website-armslist-lawsuit

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Actually Eric, it’s called stealing.
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Google boss: I’m very proud of our tax avoidance scheme

Google’s Chairman Eric Schmidt said £2.5 billion tax avoidance ‘is called capitalism’

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/google-boss-im-very-proud-of-our-tax-avoidance-scheme-8411974.html

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Arrests over $850m Facebook botnet crime spree

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-20693213

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Argentina: court frees all defendants in forced prostitution trial

Mother of missing woman launched campaign to find her, and rescued hundreds of women from sex slavery along the way

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2012/dec/12/argentina-court-forced-prostitution

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Syria conflict: Assad fires Scuds – live updates

LIVE• US and Nato official claim scud missiles fired at rebels
• Ambassador defends blacklisting of the al-Nusra front
• Egypt confirms two stage referendum

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/middle-east-live/2012/dec/13/syria-conflict-assad-scud-missiles-live

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US invites Syrian opposition leader for talks after backing new coalition

Invitation to Moaz al-Khatib comes at meeting of world leaders in Marrakech but formal US recognition criticised as insufficient

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2012/dec/12/us-syrian-moaz-al-khatib-opposition-coalition

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Aleppo’s winter of discontent

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-20692697

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Syria fires Scud missiles on its own people

Syria’s regime has fired Scud missiles on its own people for the first time in a sign of its increasing “desperation” to crush the rebellion.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/syria/9740772/Syria-fires-Scud-missiles-on-its-own-people.html

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Journalist held in Syria faces execution by her kidnappers

http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/greenslade/2012/dec/12/journalist-safety-syria

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Egyptian protesters claim they were tortured by Muslim Brotherhood

Opponents of President Morsi say they were detained for hours and beaten while security forces chose not to intervene

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2012/dec/12/egyptian-protesters-tortured-muslim-brotherhood

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In a polarised Egypt, the thugs and the remnants return to centre stage

Morsi blundered. But Egypt’s liberal opposition, blinded by hatred of Islamists, has allied itself with Mubarak-era forces

http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2012/dec/12/polarised-egypt-thugs-islamists-morsi

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Egypt court jails blogger Alber Saber for blasphemy

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-20695992

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Psychological scars of war take toll in Misrata

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-20629175

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UN committee deplores Yemen juvenile offender execution

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-20695984

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Hebron ‘fake gun’ teenager killed by Israeli troops

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-20706226

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Rwanda’s genocide and the bloody legacy of Anglo-American guilt

Failure to intervene in 1994’s horror means the US and UK have refused to rein in President Paul Kagame’s excesses in Congo

http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2012/dec/12/rwanda-genocide-bloody-legacy-angloamerican-guilt

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Pakistan lawless tribal areas ‘fuelling rights crisis’

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-20706955

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Afghan judge Zahorudin recorded on tape ‘seeking bribe’

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-20150996

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Afghanistan’s Garmsir is a success for Nato – but its future remains uncertain

Taliban may be biding their time in Garmsir, Helmand province, which has been superficially transformed with Nato cash

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2012/dec/12/afghanistan-helmand-success-nato-uncertain

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Duchess hoax call: watchdog opens inquiry into Australian radio station

Australia’s media watchdog has launched an investigation into whether the radio station behind the prank call to the Duchess of Cambridge’s hospital, 2Day FM, breached standards of decency or privacy.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/australiaandthepacific/australia/9741543/Duchess-hoax-call-watchdog-opens-inquiry-into-Australian-radio-station.html

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Left me speechless.
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Chinese farmer kept 100-year-old mother in pigsty

A Chinese farmer has come under fire for keeping his 100-year-old mother in a pigsty, sparking a debate over how China cares for its elderly.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/china/9741555/Chinese-farmer-kept-100-year-old-mother-in-pigsty.html

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North Korean satellite ‘orbiting normally’ after rocket launch

US and allies push for punishment over launch of satellite, whose mission is not known

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2012/dec/13/north-korea-satellite-rocket-launch

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Analysis: North Korea’s weakness is its greatest strength.

By firing a rocket into space, North Korea has shown how its experts are trying to master nuclear missile technology regardless of international pressure.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/northkorea/9740628/Analysis-North-Koreas-weakness-is-its-greatest-strength..html

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Japan’s rightwing party is losing the election if they had stayed up to date, so there is no fear that they will wield much power, and the majority of the Japanese public would not approve of their politics anyway. I can’t speak for S. Korea, but would imagine that they are in the minority there too.
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North Korean rocket launch condemned internationally

Move by communist regime expected to boost rightwing candidates in forthcoming elections in Japan and South Korea

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2012/dec/12/north-korean-rocket-launch-condemned

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Thai ex-PM Abhisit to be charged over protest death

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-20707765

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This is such a shameful issue for Burma, and detracts from the image they are trying so hard to promote to the world.
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Burma’s displaced Rohingya suffer as aid blocked

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-pacific-20694414
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TRIVIA QUIZ

Yesterday’s answer, and the right answer from kes. He wanted to play snow golf and the red paint would make it easier to spot the golf balls in the snow.

Today’s question.

Which three states have only four letters in their names/ How about three states with five letter names?

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Heartbreaking and just one story of so many.
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Stories from the frontline of homelessness

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-20696458

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There’s more to diversity than statistics. We need change at the top

The census captures Britain’s diversity. Now how about changing a few key institutions to reflect the country’s makeup?

http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2012/dec/12/diversity-statistics-change-top

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Stone Age people were making cheese over 7,000 years ago

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/science/stone-age-people-were-making-cheese-over-7000-years-ago-8411899.html

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‘Gangnam Style’ death prompts warning to middle-aged men not to attempt the vigorous dance

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/gangnam-style-death-prompts-warning-to-middleaged-men-not-to-attempt-the-vigorous-dance-8411905.html

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Life in pictures: Indian sitar virtuoso Ravi Shankar who influenced The Beatles

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/culturepicturegalleries/9738918/Life-in-pictures-Indian-sitar-virtuoso-Ravi-Shankar-who-influenced-The-Beatles.html

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Census shows a changing of the guard in Britain

What the 2011 figures prove is that the photo-op image of Team GB as a changing nation of many hues is demographic reality

http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2012/dec/11/census-2011-england-wales

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Chasing Ice movie reveals largest iceberg break-up ever filmed – video

http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/video/2012/dec/12/chasing-ice-iceberg-greenland-video

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Hans Christian Andersen’s first fairy tale found

A Danish researcher has stumbled across the first fairy tale written by Hans Christian Andersen in Denmark’s national archives.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/denmark/9741461/Hans-Christian-Andersens-first-fairy-tale-found.html

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In pictures: Wildlife crime

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/in-pictures-20685843

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Picture desk live: the best news pictures of the day

Our photo coverage of the day’s events in the UK and around the world

http://www.guardian.co.uk/news/2012/dec/12/picture-desk-live-the-best-news-pictures-of-the-day

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A lighter look – in pictures

Time for a sideways glance, or two, at some of the week’s more entertaining pictures

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/gallery/2012/dec/12/lighter-look-pictures

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Day in pictures: 12 December 2012

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-20691880

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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/2012/dec/12/24-hours-pictures-gallery

Good morning everyone.

Not too much to say for myself this evening, it’s getting pretty cold out there, and I’m getting ready to settle in for the night.

From various news sources it seems that the launch by N. Korea was successful, but the data hasn’t really been finalized yet, and contrary to reports, Japan has not yet deemed it a success, neither has the U.S. who had been tracking it, so I will also reserve my judgement until we hear for sure. Whatever the outcome one thing remains sure, it was illegal.

Have a good day wherever you may be, take care, be safe, stay warm and comfy.

Sayonara from my cold evening corner of Tokyo. Mata ashita ne.
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A few stories and opinions from around the globe.
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Japan Atomic financial fears deepen

http://www.japantimes.co.jp/text/nn20121212a2.html

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Well of course they would, they are losing money, so what’s a little thing like public safety?
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Tsuruga nuke plant operator disputes NRA verdict on fault

http://www.japantimes.co.jp/text/nn20121212a4.html

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North Korea defies warnings to launch rocket

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-20690579

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Japan, U.S. confirm N. Korea’s launch violates U.N. resolutions

http://mainichi.jp/english/english/newsselect/news/20121212p2g00m0dm053000c.html

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Friday’s quake revised up to magnitude 7.4

http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/T121211003437.htm

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Post-earthquake Twitter prank causes outrage online

http://www.japantoday.com/category/national/view/post-earthquake-twitter-prank-causes-outrage-online

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Ito En recalls Chinese-grown Oolong tea over pesticide

http://www.japantoday.com/category/business/view/ito-en-recalls-chinese-grown-oolong-tea-over-pesticide

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Shinkansen cleanup crews perform ‘7-minute miracles’ 120 times a day

http://www.japantoday.com/category/kuchikomi/view/shinkansen-cleanup-crews-perform-7-minute-miracles-120-times-a-day
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INTERNATIONAL NEWS
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Universal credit: government admits 800,000 more households stand to lose

Revised impact assessment for flagship welfare scheme says 2.8 million households will get lower benefit entitlement

http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2012/dec/11/universal-credit-more-families-lose-out

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HSBC: The drug world’s local bank

It has a job on its hands to restore its reputation after having to pay a huge fine to settle a money-laundering probe

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/analysis-and-features/hsbc-the-drug-worlds-local-bank-8406737.html

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Bleak day for British banking as Libor arrests follow record fine for HSBC

HSBC hit with £1.2bn fine by US regulators, while SFO arrest three in connection with investigation into interest rate rigging

http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2012/dec/11/banking-libor-fine-hsbc

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Record number of ‘racist’ attacks on English in Scotland

Anti-English rhetoric is at risk of “creeping” into Scottish society after police reported a record number of racist attacks against white Britons, it has been claimed.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/scotland/9737918/Record-number-of-racist-attacks-on-English-in-Scotland.html

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France’s Jean-Marc Ayrault slams flight of the ‘greedy rich’

France’s prime minister has slammed wealthy citizens fleeing the country’s punitive tax on high incomes as greedy profiteers seeking to “become even richer”.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/france/9738178/Frances-Jean-Marc-Ayrault-slams-flight-of-the-greedy-rich.html

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The absolute nerve of this man and the corrupted, scandal ridden government that he led.
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Silvio Berlusconi launches attack on Mario Monti and austerity

Silvio Berlusconi has launched an extraordinary rant against Mario Monti, the Italian prime minister, accusing him of being too “German-centric” and claiming that concern over Italy’s borrowing rates was “an invention and a swindle”.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/italy/9738660/Silvio-Berlusconi-launches-attack-on-Mario-Monti-and-austerity.html

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Netherlands ‘halal homes’ ignite religious row

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-20679558

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Belgium’s non-EU immigrants: Many jobless, says report

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-20679343

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Son of Anna Politkovskaya criticises murder trial deal for policeman

Ilya Politkovsky says deal for officer accused in killing of Russian journalist won’t help find person who ordered the murder

http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/2012/dec/11/son-anna-politkovskaya-murder-trial

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Portland mall shooting: three dead including gunman

Man dressed in camouflage, armoured vest and mask kills two people before turning gun on himself, say police

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2012/dec/12/portland-mall-shooting-three-dead

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And then people wonder why stories of gun crimes are on the news almost every day.
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Illinois concealed weapon ban struck down by court

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-20688638

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Florida reform school abuse scandal widens with discovery of more graves

New investigation puts deaths at nearly 100 since 1900 – many young, black males sent to the institution for minor infractions

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2012/dec/11/florida-reform-school-abuse-graves

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EDITORIAL: Too Big to Indict

When government authorities chose not to prosecute HSBC on charges of vast and prolonged money laundering, they weakened deterrence for wrongdoing.

http://nyti.ms/S7A8kY

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Ravi Shankar dies

Indian sitar maestro who took instrument to the world and collaborated with western greats has died aged 92 in San Diego

http://www.guardian.co.uk/music/2012/dec/12/ravi-shankar-dies

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Syria conflict: US recognition for Assad’s opponents – live updates

LIVE• Friends of Syria meet in Morocco
• Assad regime using incendiary bombs
• Judges vote to boycott Egypt’s referendum
• Army to host dialogue on Egypt’s crisis

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/middle-east-live/2012/dec/12/syria-conflict-us-recognises-opposition-live

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Syria: explosions kill scores in Alawite villages

Scores of civilians belonging to Syrian president Bashar al-Assad’s minority sect have been killed in gunfire and explosions, as the US blacklisted an al Qaeda-linked rebel group it accuses of hijacking the uprising.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/syria/9738688/Syria-explosions-kill-scores-in-Alawite-villages.html

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Fear and loathing of Syria’s fallen soldiers

At Tishreen hospital, the army’s wounded lie in shock and pain, but they still want to defeat ‘the terrorists’

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/fear-and-loathing-of-syrias-fallen-soldiers-8406496.html

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US blacklists Syria’s al-Nusra Front as terrorist group

Obama administration imposes sanctions on Syrian resistance group and says al-Qaida has been supplying cash and weapons

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2012/dec/11/us-blacklists-syria-al-nusra-front-terrorist

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Egypt crisis: Morsi supporters and opponents rally

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-20671270

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Masked gunmen attack opposition protesters as crowds gather for rallies in Egypt

‘At least 11 protesters were wounded in the pre-dawn attack’

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/africa/masked-gunmen-attack-opposition-protesters-as-crowds-gather-for-rallies-in-egypt-8405979.html

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Egypt’s IMF loan deal postponed after Mohamed Morsi scraps tax increases

Political crisis deepens as judges refuse to oversee referendum on new constitution proposed by president

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2012/dec/11/egypt-imf-loan-delay-morsi

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Israeli separation wall threatens world heritage site of Battir’s ancient terraces

Israeli environmentalists and even the state parks authority are backing Palestinian villagers’ attempts to preserve landscape

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2012/dec/11/israel-palestinians-battir-separation-wall

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Gaza: ‘My child was killed and nothing has changed’

After eight days of war, an uneasy peace has been patched up once again between Israel and Gaza. Hamas are jubilant, but for ordinary people, there’s little cause to celebrate amid the ruins of a shattered city

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2012/dec/11/gaza-child-killed-nothing-changed

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Nelson Mandela’s ‘sparkle is fading’ as he receives treatment for lung infection

Former wife says it is painful to see him ‘ageing’

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/africa/nelson-mandelas-sparkle-is-fading-as-he-receives-treatment-for-lung-infection-8405473.html

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How on earth can a Catholic Church be state run by people who don’t believe in religion? What nonsense is this?
————

China bishop Thaddeus Ma Daqin stripped of title

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-china-20681096

—-

China sentences three Uighur men to death over alleged plane hijack

Men were arrested after the incident in June, which rights groups say was prompted by an argument over seating

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2012/dec/11/china-sentences-uighurs-death-plane

—-

North Korea launches successful rocket in face of criticism

Rocket launched close to first anniversary of death of former leader Kim Jong-il

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2012/dec/12/north-korea-launches-rocket

—-

Women in North Korea: ‘Men can’t earn enough money so it’s our job now’

North Korea’s economic decline has resulted in more women becoming the main breadwinner in households – and with it has come a new assertiveness and greater say in family affairs

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2012/dec/11/women-north-korea-men-jobs

—-

Burma protest leader bailed before ‘monasteries trial’

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-20677616
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

—-

TRIVIA QUIZ

Yesterday’s answer. Martin Van Buren, the eighth president, who was of Dutch ancestry.

Today’s question.

Why did writer Rudyard Kipling paint his golf balls red when he lived in Vermont in the 1890s?

I have a German friend who told me that her husband used to do exactly the same when they lived in Belgium.

—-

Bride-kidnapping debate divides Kyrgyzstan

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-20675101

—-

The art of the filibuster: How do you talk for 24 hours straight?

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-20672974

—-

Boy to turn 12 on 12/12/12 at 12.12pm

An American boy will celebrate his 12th birthday on December 12, 2012 at 12.12pm.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/northamerica/usa/9737231/Boy-to-turn-12-on-121212-at-12.12pm.html

—-

Restoration of Roman tunnels gives a slave’s eye view of Caracalla baths

Tourists will see ‘maniacal Roman perfection and incredible hydraulic technology’ in labyrinth under Rome’s Caracalla baths

http://www.guardian.co.uk/science/2012/dec/11/rome-caracalla-baths-tunnels-restoration

—-

Cold and flu season: a guide to home remedies and the placebo effect

Dr Bruce Barrett explains the science behind some of your favorite ways to combat flu and the common cold

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/us-news-blog/2012/dec/11/cold-flu-home-remedies-placebo-effect

—-

Drilling begins at lake hidden beneath Antarctic

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-20682647

—-

UK expats: the view from their windows – in pictures

In our recent series looking at where UK expats live, we asked our readers to send us the views from their homes, then share their efforts via our Flickr group. Here are a choice few which had us desperately searching for our passports …

http://www.guardian.co.uk/money/gallery/2012/dec/11/uk-expats-view-windows

—-

Freezing weather across UK – in pictures

Forecasters are warning the UK could experience the coldest day of the year so far on Wednesday as temperatures possibly drop as low as -14C, bringing widespread ice, harsh frosts and freezing fog

http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/gallery/2012/dec/11/freezing-weather-in-england-in-pictures

—-

Day in pictures: 11 December 2012

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/in-pictures-20676450

—-

24 hours in pictures

A selection of the best images from around the world

http://www.guardian.co.uk/news/gallery/2012/dec/11/24-hours-in-pictures

I’m presently hiding under the dining room table. 😯 I didn’t know it was the 29th today, who knew??

Of course there will be more sanctions as the launch is against international law, as if they care.

North Korea ‘launches long-range rocket’

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-20690338

And:

Obama recognizes Syrian opposition

http://edition.cnn.com/2012/12/11/world/us-syria-opposition/index.html?hpt=hp_t1

Good morning everyone.

Our drillers are slowly moving away from the area in front of our house but are still blocking our narrow street. The vibration from the sofa I sit on is becoming less and I’m very relieved. It was like sitting through an eight hour long continuous minor earthquake every day, and because of our recent activity, very unnerving. It’s not their fault I know, but I will be glad to see the back of them as they move on to annoy another neighbourhood. Everything comes to those who wait. 😀

Have a good day wherever you may be, take care, be safe, stay warm and comfy.

Sayonara from my now quiet corner of Tokyo, where scared outside tribe members have returned to their warm houses, and the inside tribe has eaten enough to send them back to sleep. Heaven!! Mata ashita ne.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

A few stories and opinions from around the globe.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Fault under reactor at Tsuruga likely active

http://www.japantimes.co.jp/text/nn20121211a3.html

—-

TEPCO admits to shady hiring practices at Fukushima nuclear plant

http://www.japantoday.com/category/national/view/tepco-admits-to-shady-hiring-practices-at-fukushima-nuclear-plant

—-

80% of evacuees report distress

http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/T121210003625.htm

—-

Search conducted for missing tsunami victims in Ishinomaki

http://www.japantoday.com/category/national/view/search-conducted-for-missing-tsunami-victims-in-ishinomaki

—-

Voters’ choice: Ban on corporate political donations susceptible to loopholes

http://mainichi.jp/english/english/newsselect/news/20121210p2a00m0na012000c.html

—-

Mutated norovirus thought to be behind large number of infections

http://mainichi.jp/english/english/newsselect/news/20121210p2a00m0na009000c.html

—-

As China’s clout grows, sea policy proves unfathomable

http://www.japantoday.com/category/commentary/view/as-chinas-clout-grows-sea-policy-proves-unfathomable

—-

Philippines backs rearmed Japan to ‘balance’ China

http://www.japantoday.com/category/politics/view/philippines-backs-rearmed-japan-to-balance-china

—-

PICTURE OF THE DAY

Sparkling night

http://www.japantoday.com/category/picture-of-the-day/view/sparkling-night
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

INTERNATIONAL NEWS
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Foolish to believe that this Tory government would be any different from the last. They will always back big oil and wealthy corporations, that’s where their biggest donors exist. Cameron’s “green energy’ conscience was just a ploy to rope in the strays. His promises are as worthless as an empty shopping bag.
————

Tough questions for Cameron as his ‘greenest government’ vow crumbles

As the prime minister faces MP questioning on his green policy, it seems likely that an attack on the Climate Change Act looms

http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2012/dec/11/tough-questions-cameron-greenest-government

—-

Why does the UK defend corporations and not their victims?

Perhaps the Cabinet was told that the UK was seeking to demolish a vital human rights safeguard.

http://www.independent.co.uk/voices/comment/why-does-the-uk-defend-corporations-and-not-their-victims-8399557.html

—-

Britain could end these tax scams by hitting the big four

The spiders spinning the web of avoidance are the major accountancy firms who make billions from the public purse

http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2012/dec/10/end-tax-scams-by-hitting-big-four

—-

Once in awhile they let Clegg out of his little corner to use fighting words and it doesn’t make a dent.
————

Snooper’s charter is unworkable, Clegg tells May

Damning report on communications data bill brings calls for dramatic rethink from home secretary

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2012/dec/11/snooper-bill-clegg-may

—-

HSBC to pay £1.2bn over Mexico scandal

News of bank’s agreement comes hours after Standard Chartered admitted settlement with US regulator over Iran

http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2012/dec/10/standard-chartered-settle-iran-sanctions

—-

Look, privatization is great for everyone except the patients.
————

Privately-run NHS Hinchingbrooke Hospital boss got £400k pay-off

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-cambridgeshire-20672310

—-

Hospital where nurse was found dead denies Australian radio station’s claims as presenters express sorrow

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/hospital-where-nurse-was-found-dead-denies-australian-radio-stations-claims-as-presenters-express-sorrow-8399472.html

—-

Scottish referendum: EC urged to hold ‘early talks’ on independence

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-scotland-politics-20675705

—-

Police car petrol-bombed opposite MP Naomi Long’s office

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-20671528

—-

Eurozone crisis live: Greek debt buyback deadline looms

LIVEAthens is seeking more bids from bondholders after failing to meet a target to buy back bonds worth €30bn

http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2012/dec/11/eurozone-crisis-live-greek-debt-buyback-deadline

—-

Hollande accused of interfering with partner’s defamation case

French President’s letter defending Valerie Trierweiler in ‘love triangle’ law suit sparks fury

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/hollande-accused-of-interfering-with-partners-defamation-case-8399628.html

—-

This disgraced man thinks he can get back into leadership. What is so very wrong with this picture?
————

Berlusconi trial: ‘Ruby’ fails to appear in court, causes nationwide hunt

Judges order police to look for Karima el-Mahroug, accusing former prime minister of dragging out ‘Bunga Bunga’ trial

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2012/dec/10/berlusconi-trial-ruby-causes-hunt

—-

Infighting blights Romania in the shadow of European austerity

Election victory for Victor Ponta’s left-leaning government is marred by tensions with the president and his European backers

http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2012/dec/10/infighting-romania-european-austerity

—-

Obama Approves Health Insurance Marketplaces in 6 States

At the same time, the administration rejected the pleas of other states to partially expand Medicaid, causing some Republicans to express disappointment.

http://nyti.ms/UysI6V

—-

In Talks, House Majority Weighs Loyalty to Voters

House Republicans, whose constituents do not want their taxes raised, are faced with the pitch that increasing taxes for the affluent will help the nation over all.

http://nyti.ms/SSgesl

—-

Man shot dead in New York near Central Park

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-20672783

—-

Michigan prepares for mass protests against right-to-work legislation

Supporters and protesters of the law, which curbs unions ability to collect fees, will gather at the state Senate on Tuesday

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2012/dec/10/michigan-right-to-work-protests

—-

Let’s hope we never have to see or hear about this animal again.
————

Dominique Strauss-Kahn settles sexual assault case with hotel maid

Hotel maid who alleged sexual assault by the former IMF chief settles civil action case, bringing end to lengthy court battle

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2012/dec/10/dominique-strauss-kahn-case-settled

—-

Senator Stephen Colbert? South Carolina’s favourite son leads poll

State’s voters say they would choose the comedian to replace Jim DeMint but governor Nikki Haley says it won’t happen

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2012/dec/10/stephen-colbert-senator-south-carolina

—-

Boy Scouts of America: Merck pulls funding in protest at gay ban

Pharmaceutical giant says it will consider giving money again ‘when the organisation’s inclusion criteria has been expanded’

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2012/dec/10/boy-scouts-america-merck-pulls-funding

—-

Ikea monkey heads to Canada primate sanctuary

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-20673941

—-

Egypt crisis: rival protests over referendum – live updates

LIVE• Cairo braced for pro and anti Morsi rallies
• Egyptian armed forces given power to arrest and detain
• UK has drawn up military contingency plans for Syria

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/middle-east-live/2012/dec/11/egypt-crisis-rival-protests-morsi-live

—-

Syria rebels overrun Aleppo military base

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-20666047

—-

Exclusive: UK military in talks to help Syria rebels

International coalition could offer air and sea support as well as military training

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/exclusive-uk-military-in-talks-to-help-syria-rebels-8399658.html

—-

Egypt crisis: Cairo braced for rival protests

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-20671270

—-

This is so wrong.
————

Egypt army given arrest powers before referendum

President Morsi decree sets ‘dangerous precedent’ warns Amnesty amid fears civilians could be subjected to military trials

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2012/dec/10/egypt-army-arrest-powers-referendum

—-

Has Morsi borrowed Mubarak’s playbook?

The new Egyptian president’s media strategy may be echoing that of his predecessor, but Egypt’s media is fighting back.

http://www.aljazeera.com/programmes/listeningpost/2012/12/2012127113528203961.html

—-

Tunisians’ frustrations, two years on

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-20663981

—-

Bahrain activist Zainab al-Khawaja sentenced to jail

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-20672153

—-

Netanyahu’s dirty tricks.
————

Israel suspected over Iran nuclear programme inquiry leaks

Western officials believe Israel may have leaked information from IAEA investigation in bid to raise global pressure on Tehran

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2012/dec/10/israel-suspected-iran-nuclear-programme-leaks

—-

‘If they build here, there will never be peace with Israel’

As Israeli plans to build settlements on the disputed E1 area continue, Matthew Kalman meets the Bedouin people of Ma’ale Adumim who face eviction from the land

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/if-they-build-here-there-will-never-be-peace-with-israel-8399646.html

—-

Mali PM Cheick Modibo Diarra resigns after army arrest

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-20674573

—-

Bangladesh opposition in violent protests over attacks

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-20674951

—-

Pakistan’s Asif Ali Zardari backs girls’ education at event for Malala Yousufzai

Pakistan’s President Zardari tells Unesco event in Paris that providing education for girls is the best strategy to defeat Taliban

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2012/dec/10/pakistan-zardari-unesco-education-pledge

—-

A decade of western folly has erased hope from Afghanistan

With the exit of US troops the Taliban are poised to fill the gap. The Afghans’ mood is febrile and gloomy

http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2012/dec/10/ten-years-of-western-folly-afghanistan

—-

North Koreans get glimpse into another way of life with illegal forays into China

Sixty-year-old Chae Hunha risked her life to cross North Korea’s border and is missing her family, but she cannot go home

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2012/dec/10/north-korean-refugees-china

—-

Philippine typhoon toll passes 700

Hundreds missing and thousands displaced as government struggles to cope in the aftermath of Typhoon Bopha.

http://www.aljazeera.com/news/asia-pacific/2012/12/201212116511126721.html

—-

Lives shattered by Typhoon Bopha

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-20669106
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

TRIVIA QUIZ

Sunday’s answer to “What U.S. city has more bridges than any other city in the world”?

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, with 446.

Which president, the first to be born in the U.S., was the only one who didn’t speak English as his primary language?

—-

Why the war has taken its toll on Iraqi women

Continuing sectarian violence and a struggling economy in Iraq have put extra pressure on women – with 400,000 widows in Baghdad alone and 24% of women illiterate

http://www.guardian.co.uk/lifeandstyle/the-womens-blog-with-jane-martinson/2012/dec/10/war-taken-toll-iraqi-women

—-

Kim Jong-il anniversary: ‘We are too busy trying to survive to care’

As North Korea mourns its former leader with a rocket launch and more public tears, those who have escaped the regime speak about the struggle of daily life, away from the cameras

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2012/dec/10/kim-jong-il-one-year

—-

‘Long way to go’ on justice for Afghan women – UN

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-20670604

—-

Unusual jobs highlight restricted choices of Gaza youth

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-20672483

—-

River Limia runs through it: Aceredo villagers view waterlogged homes

Flood-hit families evicted from Galician village 20 years ago return to examine ruins as Lindoso reservoir waters recede

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2012/dec/10/river-limia-aceredo-villagers-homes

—-

Audio slideshow: David Goldblatt on South Africa’s gold mines

An exhibition of photographs by David Goldblatt, famous for his images from apartheid-era South Africa, is currently on display at Johannesburg’s Goodman Gallery.
In 1973 he collaborated with Nobel laureate Nadime Gordimer in a book simply titled On the Mines. To mark its republication this year, Mr Goldblatt’s photographs of the mines and men of the Witswatersrand, a region with the world’s largest known gold reserves, have gone on display again.
At a time when South Africa’s mines, and the conditions of those who work there, are once more in the news, he explains what inspired On the Mines, and his thoughts on the tragic shootings at Lonmin’s Marikana mine.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-20627000

—-

Dementia linked to loneliness, study finds

Dutch research reveals that people with feelings of loneliness more likely to suffer from mental deterioration

http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2012/dec/10/loneliness-dementia-link

—-

Census in pictures: from suffragettes to arms protesters

Since 1801, the census has been a focus for protesters around the country. In 1911 it was the suffragettes protesting about the right to vote; in 2011 it was campaigners against the arms trade as Lockheed Martin was involved in the technology.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/datablog/gallery/2012/dec/11/census-2011-pictures-suffragettes-arms-protesters#/?picture=400820091&index=0

—-

Weekend snow across the continents

Dozens of countries around the world were dealing with extreme snow this past weekend

http://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/inpictures/2012/12/201212109642606770.html

—-

In pictures: Humpbacks feed close to shore in Norway

http://www.bbc.co.uk/nature/20641787

—-

Day in pictures: 10 December 2012

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/in-pictures-20663996

—-

24 hours in pictures

A selection of the best images from around the world

http://www.guardian.co.uk/news/gallery/2012/dec/10/24-hours-in-pictures

Good Morning everyone, and welcome to Mumbly Monday.

Peace at last as our temps plunge for new lows overnight. I remember fondly our Christmases past when we would now have frost and sometimes even snow on Christmas Eve. I doubt we will ever see that again as Tokyo winters become milder, and for me, long coats and boots become a thing of the past.

In the country of my birth, snow is falling and they are expecting a white Christmas. Nothing unusual about that, we had them when I was a child, the difference is that now they have become colder and last longer. Still, I envy my cousins at this time of the year as it seems to me that over the last decade here in Tokyo, we have been reduced to two and a half seasons. Cold, rainy (the half season, our Rainy Season), and very hot, endless summers.

Have a good day wherever you may be. Take care, be safe, stay warm and comfy.

Sayonara from my early evening corner of Tokyo, where felines are sated, and dozens of sparrows didn’t get their afternoon seeds because of the continuing construction on our sewer pipes in the neighbourhood. Mata ashita ne.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

A few stories and opinions from around the globe.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Residents quick to evacuate / Quake off coast of Tohoku puts March 11, 2011, lessons to test

http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/T121208002797.htm

—-

Japan tunnel disaster a wake-up call for other countries

http://www.japantoday.com/category/national/view/japan-tunnel-disaster-a-wake-up-call-for-other-countries

—-

Tokyo bank heist unsolved, 44 years on

http://www.japantoday.com/category/crime/view/tokyo-bank-heist-unsolved-44-years-on

—-

What shocks Japanese country folk about city life

http://www.japantoday.com/category/lifestyle/view/what-shocks-japanese-country-folk-about-city-life

—-

North Korea may delay planned rocket launch, technical problems suspected

http://www.japantimes.co.jp/text/nn20121210a1.html

—-

China warships sail just outside Japan waters between Okinawa islets

http://mainichi.jp/english/english/newsselect/news/20121210p2g00m0dm017000c.html

—-

PICTURE OF THE DAY

Politics in Ginza

http://www.japantoday.com/category/picture-of-the-day/view/politics-in-ginza
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

INTERNATIONAL NEWS
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Tories warn Cameron that gay marriage will split party in two

MPs describe move as ‘barking mad’ – but Boris Johnson among those to back proposals

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/tories-warn-cameron-that-gay-marriage-will-split-party-in-two-8397629.html

—-

Against George Osborne’s war on the poor and the vile stupidity of his “workers vs shirkers” narrative

Amid talk of setting political traps for Labour, the Chancellor of the Exchequer used his Autumn Statement to attack many of the most vulnerable people in our society

http://www.independent.co.uk/voices/comment/against-george-osbornes-war-on-the-poor-and-the-vile-stupidity-of-his-workers-vs-shirkers-narrative-8397330.html

—-

The height of hypocrisy.
————

MPs will escape George Osborne’s pensions tax raid

MPs will not be affected by George Osborne’s latest tax raid on pensions, even though private sector workers with identical retirement incomes will be hit, said experts.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/politics/9733500/MPs-will-escape-George-Osbornes-pensions-tax-raid.html

—-

Preventative care for elderly under threat, survey suggests

Services have been cut or frozen by two-thirds of local councils since coalition came to power, according to ComRes study

http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2012/dec/10/preventative-care-services-elderly-comres

—-

No stretch of the imagination when some places are already that bad across the country.
————

Unemployment could rise by 200,000 in 2013, says thinktank

Despite recent falls, IPPR analysis points to bleak outlook, predicting more than a million young people among jobless

http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2012/dec/10/unemployment-figures-rise-2013-thinktank

—-

Winterbourne View scandal prompts new care guidelines

Report warns that care sector risks slipping back into institutional culture typified by Victorian asylum system

http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2012/dec/10/winterbourne-view-scandal-care-guidelines

—-

Well of course he would, he would never have to eat it. Like everything else this government fails to acknowledge about climate change, fracking, privatization, and the negative affects of austerity on the economy and the population, they will just charge ahead because they don’t give a damn about the health and welfare of the citizens whp pay their wages.
————

Food minister Owen Paterson backs GM crops

Genetically modified food should be grown and sold widely in Britain and consumer opposition to the technology is a “complete nonsense”, the Cabinet minister in charge of food and farming has said.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/politics/9733589/Food-minister-Owen-Paterson-backs-GM-crops.html

—-

I’ve heard of some wacky things but if this doesn’t take the biscuit. Paying 500 quid for something that would invade your privacy is the most ridiculous thing I’ve heard in ages. Are they nuts??
————

£500 per household for police to monitor internet

New laws allowing the police and security services to monitor emails and internet use could end up costing households £500 each, Liberal Democrats have claimed.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/law-and-order/9733505/500-per-household-for-police-to-monitor-internet.html

—-

Eurozone crisis live: Mario Monti’s resignation pledge spooks markets

LIVEItalian prime minister’s promise to step aside brings fresh political uncertainty to the eurozone
• Bond yields jump
• Italian stock market down 2.3%

http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2012/dec/10/eurozone-crisis-monti-resignation-markets-italy

—-

Editorial: Berlusconi’s return bodes ill for Italy and Europe

http://www.independent.co.uk/voices/editorials/editorial-berlusconis-return-bodes-ill-for-italy-and-europe-8397616.html

—-

Greek opposition leader calls for European debt conference

Syriza leader Alexis Tsipras says only viable solution to debt crisis is ‘a haircut for Greece and entire southern periphery’

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2012/dec/09/greek-opposition-european-debt-conference

—-

Fiscal cliff: Republicans start to line up behind compromise with Barack Obama

Republican leaders were under mounting pressure from their own ranks on Sunday night to allow President Barack Obama to raise taxes on wealthy Americans to stop the US going over the “fiscal cliff”.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/us-politics/9733445/Fiscal-cliff-Republicans-start-to-line-up-behind-compromise-with-Barack-Obama.html

—-

Three shot dead in Tule Indian Reservation, California

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-20660783

—-

Virgin Mobile US takes down Christmas advert suggesting sexual assault

Richard Branson – who does not own US company – calls offending ad ‘ill-judged’ before it is quickly removed from site

http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/2012/dec/09/virgin-mobile-us-holiday-ad

—-

Yellowstone’s popular alpha female wolf shot dead by hunters outside park

Known only as 832F, wolf was a favourite among visitors and researchers trying to understand the species’ movements

http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2012/dec/09/yellowstone-female-wolf-dead-hunters

—-

Egypt: Morsi move fails to pacify opposition – live updates

LIVE• Egyptian president rescinds controversial powers
• Opposition still angry about new constitution
• Friends of Syria meeting in Morocco

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2012/dec/10/egypt-morsi-move-fails-to-pacify-opposition-live

—-

Brahimi holds ‘constructive’ talks on Syria

“Situation getting worse” but political process “still possible”, UN envoy says after meeting US and Russian diplomats.

http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2012/12/201212914168987129.html

—-

Assad’s strategy shift keeps rebels at gates of Damascus

Government forces may have retreated but it seems their tactic is to strengthen the areas that they believe they can hold

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/assads-strategy-shift-keeps-rebels-at-gates-of-damascus-8397542.html

—-

Damascus – a tale of two cities

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-20659573

—

Egypt crisis: Morsi orders military to keep order

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-20661758

—-

Egypt crisis: Opposition shuns Morsi move

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-20659233

—-

Egypt’s hopes betrayed by Morsi

Bread, freedom and social justice were the demands of the revolution. Instead Mohamed Morsi delivered bloodshed

http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2012/dec/09/egypt-hopes-betrayed-mohamed-morsi

—-

Egypt: revolutionary responsibility

Morsi withdrawing his controversial decree will not be enough to restore the calm and trust that Egypt needs

http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2012/dec/09/egypt-revolutionary-responsibility-editorial

—-

Arab states agree on aid for Palestinians

At meeting of Arab League ministers, Qatari PM brands the Quartet “a failure” and calls for rethink of peace process.

http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2012/12/2012129134036903903.html

—-

South Sudan army shot dead 10 protesters, UN mission says

Troops accused of opening fire on civilians in Wau protesting against relocation of municipal council headquarters

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2012/dec/09/south-sudan-army-shot-protesters-un

—-

Nelson Mandela ‘has stopped talking’

South African leaders issued assurances about the health of former president Nelson Mandela on Sunday night after the 94 year-old was airlifted to hospital having reportedly stopped speaking amid a deterioration in his condition.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/nelson-mandela/9733036/Nelson-Mandela-has-stopped-talking.html

—-

‘Eight dead’ in Pakistan militant attack near Bannu

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-20662117

—-

Female government worker shot dead in Afghanistan

Nadia Sediqqi, acting head of women’s affairs department in Laghman province, is shot dead on her way to work

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2012/dec/10/female-government-worker-shot-afghanistan

—-

Afghan police chief of Nimroz dies in bomb attack

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-20662105

—-

Member of US special forces killed during rescue of hostage in Afghanistan

An American doctor kidnapped by the Taliban was freed as a result of mission, says the White House

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2012/dec/09/us-special-forces-killed-afghanistan

—-

Kabul’s $100m mosque: a sign of a heavyweight battle for post-2014 Afghanistan

As Nato prepares to withdraw, Afghans will find it hard not to get caught up in the competing interests of regional powers

http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2012/dec/09/kabul-mosque-afghanistan

—-

Christchurch earthquake: collapsed building was ‘poorly designed and constructed’

A six-story office building that collapsed and killed 115 people in New Zealand’s devastating earthquake last year was poorly designed by an inexperienced engineer, inadequately constructed and should never have been issued a building permit, a government report has found.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/australiaandthepacific/newzealand/9733828/Christchurch-earthquake-collapsed-building-was-poorly-designed-and-constructed.html

—-

Tibetan protests: China holds monk for inciting immolation

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-china-20658873

—-

Typhoon Bopha: Fears for Philippines missing

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-20656846
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

A monument to evil that can teach the modern world

The picture shows German tanks on the streets of Oslo in 1940. In Norway, our correspondent examines how education, terror and history are linked

http://www.independent.co.uk/voices/comment/a-monument-to-evil-that-can-teach-the-modern-world-8397354.html

—-

Twenty years after he was freed, Terry Waite makes his peace with Hezbollah

Former hostage meets captors during return to Lebanon

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/twenty-years-after-he-was-freed-terry-waite-makes-his-peace-with-hezbollah-8397635.html

—-

Revolution through the lenses of Magnum photographers

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/in-pictures-20627005

—-

Older women are the nation’s great untapped resource

Skills and experience are going to waste. Labour is a taking a lead, but the other parties ignore this demographic at their peril

http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2012/dec/09/older-women-great-untapped-resource

—-

Secession petitions: Why Americans don’t really want to break up

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-20633042

—-

Harlem nights fall silent with loss of lounge

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/harlem-nights-fall-silent-with-loss-of-lounge-8397567.html

—-

It’s a dog’s life in China: sold for £1m – or stolen and sold as meat

From prized mastiffs to dogmeat as wintertime dish, attitudes towards pets are changing but animal cruelty is still widespread

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2012/dec/09/dogs-life-china-pets-sold-meat

—-

CHARLIE BROOKER

Q: What do Skyfall, The Dark Knight Rises and a hamburger have in common? A: See below

If the year’s two biggest blockbusters strive to be meatier than Transformers, hooray. But great pop shouldn’t be too po-faced

http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2012/dec/09/skyfall-dark-knight-rises-hamburger

—-

Life and death of Dylan Thomas: BBC biopic to mark poet’s centenary

TV film focuses on writer’s last days in New York and shows how drink turned possible triumph into tragedy

http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2012/dec/09/life-death-dylan-thomas-bbc

—-

The history of London’s black cabs

As the classic black Fairway taxis disappear from the streets of London, a newly qualified cabbie recalls the history of the job – and explains why the Knowledge beats satnav every time

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2012/dec/09/history-london-black-cabs

—-

Weekend readers’ pictures: reactions

From animals to teenagers: your best pictures on this week’s theme, Reactions
http://www.guardian.co.uk/lifeandstyle/gallery/2012/dec/07/reactions-photography-readers-pictures

—-

24 hours in pictures

A selection of the best images from around the world

http://www.guardian.co.uk/news/gallery/2012/dec/09/1

Good morning everyone.

My wish for a quiet and uneventful Sunday was granted today, and it made a wonderful change.

Have a good day wherever you may be, take care, be safe, stay warm and comfy.

Sayonara from my cool corner of Tokyo. Mata ashita ne.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Sunday’s Bits & Bobs.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Loose bolts found next to collapsed Japanese tunnel

http://www.japantimes.co.jp/text/nn20121209a1.html

—-

Scientists setting radiation exposure limits took utility money: probe

http://www.japantoday.com/category/national/view/scientists-setting-radiation-exposure-limits-took-utility-money-probe

—-

SDF finishes deployment for N. Korea rocket launch

http://www.japantimes.co.jp/text/nn20121209a2.html

—-

Friday’s quake an ‘outer-rise earthquake’

http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/T121208002758.htm

—-

A lot of weird things are happening in our area, these random knife attacks are just one of them.
————

Experts give tips for repelling a random slasher

http://www.japantoday.com/category/kuchikomi/view/experts-give-tips-for-repelling-a-random-slasher
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Hospital writes to royal prank radio station owners about ‘appalling’ stunt

King Edward VII hospital chairman accuses DJs of ‘humiliating’ staff, after death of nurse who took Duchess of Cambridge call
http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2012/dec/08/hospital-royal-prank-radio-nurse

—-

Families hit by tax credit red tape

More than 500,000 households must now send proof to HMRC of their childcare spending

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/families-hit-by-tax-credit-red-tape-8395995.html

—-

I can’t remember the man ever showing any respect for anyone out of his pay league. He is a presumptuous snob.
————

George Osborne’s savage attack on benefits is an affront to British decency

George Osborne in his autumn statement displayed a total contempt for the welfare of the less well-off

http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2012/dec/09/george-osborne-new-social-contract

—-

Surely it should anger most patients too?
————

Plans for NHS database of patients’ DNA angers privacy campaigners

Critics of initiative to be unveiled by David Cameron talk of ‘Big Brother’ system that could identify individuals

http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/2012/dec/09/dna-database-nhs-gene-genomics

—-

The NHS was forged from care, not box-ticking

At Stafford hospital, the guidelines were fulfilled, but patients died needlessly

http://www.independent.co.uk/voices/comment/the-nhs-was-forged-from-care-not-boxticking-8395848.html

—-

Special report: People power forces big business to pay up

Tax-avoidance schemes are being used by firms from Amazon to Google which deprive the British coffers of hundreds of millions of pounds. Sarah Morrison reports on what the Government plans to do about it

http://www.independent.co.uk/money/tax/special-report-people-power-forces-big-business-to-pay-up-8395967.html

—-

The fracking dream which is putting Britain’s future at risk

George Osborne and fellow zealots believe shale gas to be a bonanza of cheap energy. Where’s the evidence?

http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2012/dec/09/shale-gas-frackheads-dubious-dream

—-

From Russia with hate – are Russian assassins on the loose in Britain?

With the death of a businessman in Surrey now being treated as suspicious, we look at the spate of hits that have taken place in Britain

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/russia/9729583/From-Russia-with-hate-are-Russian-assassins-on-the-loose-in-Britain.html

—-

Ulster loyalist leader warns flag protests are close to spiralling out of control

Sectarian violence is building as demonstrators demand union flag must keep flying over City Hall

http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2012/dec/09/ulster-union-flag-protests

—-

If Italians are dumb enough to re-elect Berlusconi, they should have their heads examined.
————

Mario Monti to quit as Italian PM amid waning support for austerity policies

Prime minister announces decision hours after former leader Silvio Berlusconi confirms he will seek office again

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2012/dec/09/mario-monti-italian-pm-resign

—-

Romania goes to polls in parliamentary elections

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-20656359

—-

Five myths about the unemployed

http://wapo.st/UrUrpR

—-

GOP governors seek leeway on Medicaid expansion

http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/health-science/gop-governors-seek-leeway-on-medicaid-expansion/2012/12/08/80ab2e72-3e52-11e2-ae43-cf491b837f7b_story.html?wpisrc=nl_headlines

—-

Oops!
————

Mob associate uses campaign emails from US politicians to mitigate sentence

Collection of letters presented to the court include standard mass email replies from Bill Clinton and Barack Obama

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2012/dec/08/mob-associate-campaign-emails

—-

Alaska police fear confessed serial killer may have murdered nearly a dozen

Authorities say Israel Keyes, who killed himself in prison last week, gave police details about murdering eight others

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2012/dec/08/confessed-serial-killer-israel-keyes

—-

Venezuela’s Hugo Chavez says he needs cancer surgery

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-20656441

—-

As noose tightens on Assad, rebels ask: what comes next?

The fate of the Kurds and arms stockpiles worry neighbouring Turkey as it sees the end of the regime drawing near

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2012/dec/09/syria-fall-of-damascus-aftermath

—-

Syria’s rebels reach Damascus suburbs, but cannot break the civil-war deadlock

World View: In a special dispatch, our reporter files from amid the ‘vicious and unrelenting fighting’ that is tearing the country apart

http://www.independent.co.uk/voices/comment/syrias-rebels-reach-damascus-suburbs-but-cannot-break-the-civilwar-deadlock-8395844.html

—-

Egypt: Morsi must act to build consensus

Morsi and opposition leaders urgently need to find a calm way forward

http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2012/dec/09/egypt-revolution-compromise-urgently-needed

—-

Tens of thousands celebrate Hamas ‘victory’ rally as exiled leader returns

Tens of thousands gather to cheer as Khaled Meshaal claims victory in last month’s war and says more Israeli soldiers could be kidnapped

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2012/dec/08/hamas-gaza-palestine-khaled-meshaal-israel

—-

Doha climate change deal clears way for ‘damage aid’ to poor nations

EU, Australia and Norway also sign up to new carbon-cutting targets as fortnight-long conference in Qatar closes

http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2012/dec/08/doha-climate-change-deal-nations

—-

South Africa’s Nelson Mandela in hospital ‘for tests’

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-20653597

—-

American doctor rescued from Taliban

Dilip Joseph was captured by Taliban insurgents on Wednesday with intelligence showing he was in imminent danger

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2012/dec/09/american-doctor-rescued-taliban-afghanistan

—-

Kate hoax call: Scotland Yard contacts Australian police

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-20656911

—-

Australian DJs’ prank ‘could have broken law and radio codes of practice’

Legal experts in Australia attack 2Day FM owner’s denial that call to London hospital was negligent

http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2012/dec/09/australian-stations-royal-prank

—-

Vietnam breaks up anti-China protests

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-20656533
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

TRIVIA QUIZ

Today’s question.

What U.S. city has more bridges than any other city in the world?

—-

‘Jihad Jane’ explains her strange journey from victim to radical Muslim

Colleen LaRose has explained how a troubled childhood led her on the path to Islam in the first interview since her arrest

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2012/dec/08/jihad-jane-journey-victim-radical

—-

Writer prepares to retrace early humans’ journey out of Africa’s Great Rift Valley

Paul Salopek will begin trip in Ethiopia and hopes to reach most southerly point of South America in seven years

http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2012/dec/08/writer-retrace-early-humans-journey-africa

—-

Russians’ enduring support of Vladimir Putin

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-20639114

—-

A day in the life of an olive oil virgin

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-20632941

—-

Doomsayers await the end of the world – in 12 days’ time

But governments try to reassure their citizens not to panic

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/politics/doomsayers-await-the-end-of-the-world–in-12-days-time-8395863.html

—-

When Homo sapiens hit upon the power of art

A staggering collection of ice age artefacts from museums across Europe will showcase the explosion of technical and imaginative skill that experts say marked the human race’s discovery of art

http://www.guardian.co.uk/science/2012/dec/09/ice-age-art-exhibition-british-museum

—-

Where should we place burglars on the bravery-cowardice spectrum?

Judge Peter Bowers’s statement that burglary takes ‘a huge amount of courage’ is both correct and refreshingly inappropriate

http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2012/dec/09/judge-peter-bowers-david-mitchell

—-

Shit London awards 2012 – in pictures

The winners and runners-up in the second annual Shit London photography awards, celebrating the city’s ugliest buildings, worst shop names and most depressing views

http://www.guardian.co.uk/artanddesign/gallery/2012/dec/06/shit-london-awards-2012-in-pictures

—-

Tweets of the week: Pregnant Kate and driving dogs

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-20636384

—-

Nigel Slater: ‘Planning, rarely part of my kitchen life, is essential for Christmas’

In this extract from Kitchen Diaries II, Nigel Slater begins the countdown through December to Christmas with recipes for chocolate hazelnut slice and a pork and fruit terrine

http://www.guardian.co.uk/lifeandstyle/2012/dec/09/nigel-slater-christmas-countdown

—-

24 hours in pictures

A selection of the best images from around the world

http://www.guardian.co.uk/news/gallery/2012/dec/08/24-hours-in-pictures-gallery

Egypt: Mohamed Morsi cancels decree that gave him sweeping powers

Annulment of measure that sparked days of protests comes after military says constitution crisis could drag Egypt into ‘dark tunnel’

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2012/dec/09/egypt-mohamed-morsi-cancels-decree

—-

Death of a nurse: ‘I am devastated by the loss of my beloved wife’

As Jacintha Saldanha’s husband and children await results of post-mortem, hospital’s chairman sends angry letter to the Australian radio station

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/death-of-a-nurse-i-am-devastated-by-the-loss-of-my-beloved-wife-8395991.html

Good morning everyone.

Have a good day wherever you may be take care, be safe, stay warm and comfy.

Sayonara from my corner of Tokyo. Mata ashita ne
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

A few stories and opinions from around the globe.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Top dose for teen workers at Fukushima plant 57 millisieverts so far

http://www.japantimes.co.jp/text/nn20121208b1.html

—-

Dangerous fault alleged 25 years ago at Shika nuclear plant site

http://mainichi.jp/english/english/newsselect/news/20121207p2g00m0dm074000c.html

—-

7.3-magnitude temblor triggers tsunami alert
Long, deep quake off Tohoku rocks buildings in capital; Tepco reports no reactor problems

http://www.japantimes.co.jp/text/nn20121208a1.html

—-

7 tunnel victims identified

http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/T121207004152.htm

—-

Police see rise in membership of extremist groups

http://www.japantoday.com/category/national/view/police-see-rise-in-membership-of-extremist-groups

—-

Okinawa on full missile alert / SDF prepares to intercept falling debris with Aegis, PAC-3

http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/T121207004500.htm

—-

Toyota sees Japan sales dropping 20% in 2013

http://www.japantoday.com/category/business/view/toyota-sees-japan-sales-dropping-20-in-2013
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

INTERNATIONAL NEWS
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The ugly face of hypocrisy from the man bleeding the country dry. “Scrooge” Osborne.

Osborne quibbles about the price of a paddock, an extension to his property, while millions go starving to bed every night, and some are living on our streets or in our parks without a roof over their heads.
———-

George Osborne in expense claim for paddock

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/george-osborne-in-expense-claim-for-paddock-8393737.html

—-

The Tory pledge, keep the rich rich and happy so that they continue their campaign donations and bribes to the government to stay rich.
————

Tories sought donors’ cash to fight Lib Dem mansion tax

Tories sent out letter asking for funds to defeat council tax plans while cabinet ministers were still discussing it

http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/2012/dec/07/tory-funds-mansion-tax

—-

David Cameron faces Tory revolt over vote on same-sex weddings

Gay marriage compromise allows faith ceremonies, but churches, mosques and synagogues ‘free to refuse’

http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2012/dec/07/david-cameron-same-sex-weddings

—-

Michael Gove is hailed as a rising star. He does not deserve it

Michael Gove’s policies are not a disaster for our schools or our children. They are just an irrelevance and a monumental waste of money

http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2012/dec/07/gove-myth-educational-standards-private-providers

—-

Belfast: Eight officers hurt in Loyalist protests

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-20648109

—-

France funding Syrian rebels in new push to oust Assad

Money delivered by French government proxies across Turkish border has been used to buy weapons and ammunition

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2012/dec/07/france-funding-syrian-rebels

—-

Syrian refugees ‘turned back from Greek border by police

Asylum seekers crossing from Turkey say they have been illegally deported by Greek police or blocked from entering

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2012/dec/07/syrian-refugees-turned-back-greek

—-

Russia to retaliate over US Magnitsky rights act

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-20638613

—-

Russian oil giant signs twin deals with ExxonMobil

BP denies being snubbed as Rosneft reaches agreement with its rival to explore sites in western Siberia and the Arctic

http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2012/dec/07/exxonmobil-rosneft-oil-deal

—-

Sandy: Barack Obama asks Congress for $60bn

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-20649755

—-

Jobs Report Becomes Fodder in Fiscal Debate

Democrats and Republicans seized on November’s job numbers to press for a compromise on a deficit deal.

http://nyti.ms/SEKW6Q

—-

US supreme court agrees to take up two gay marriage cases

Justices to review Prop 8 and decide on constitutionality of Doma in move heralded by activists as ‘enormously satisfying’

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2012/dec/07/us-supreme-court-gay-marriage-cases

—-

Rice in Limbo as Nomination Remains Uncertain

President Obama has strongly defended Susan E. Rice, the ambassador to the United Nations, but it is not yet clear if he will nominate her for secretary of state.

http://nyti.ms/VoPKMg

—-

Syria rebels aim to seize Damascus airport

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-20637079

—-

US uses rumours of chemical weapons to underpin threat of action in Syria

Syria’s ally Russia casts doubt on flurry of leaks from Pentagon and state department that Assad is preparing sarin gas

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2012/dec/07/us-chemical-weapons-syria

—-

Syria, Bashar al-Assad, and the truth about chemical weapons and who may or may not have them.

Bashar’s father Hafez al-Assad was brutal but never used chemical arms. And do you know which was the first army to use gas in the Middle East?

http://www.independent.co.uk/voices/comment/syria-bashar-alassad-and-the-truth-about-chemical-weapons-and-who-may-or-may-not-have-them-8393539.html

—-

Special report: How Damascus became a city at war

The extent of the violence is both exaggerated and understated by rumour or propaganda

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/special-report-how-damascus-became-a-city-at-war-8393617.html

—-

Signs of retreat by Morsi after thousands protest against vote

Both sides have been accused of using firearms during protests that left six dead

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/africa/signs-of-retreat-by-morsi-after-thousands-protest-against-vote-8393574.html

—-

Khaled Meshaal’s return gives Palestinians new hope for unity

Hamas’ exiled political leader pledges to work with Fatah on his first visit to Gaza since 1967

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/khaled-meshaals-return-gives-palestinians-new-hope-for-unity-8393575.html

—-

Tunisia’s rural poor pose steep learning curve for World Bank-funded scheme

Once passive recipients of top-down assistance, rural Tunisians have become more vocal about their needs since the revolution

http://www.guardian.co.uk/global-development/2012/dec/07/tunisia-rural-poor-world-bank

—-

UN climate summit’s Qatari hosts under fire as talks drag on

Negotiations fail to reach conclusion amid rows and adjournment caused by lack of agreement on poorly worded texts

http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2012/dec/07/un-climate-summit-qatar-talks

—-

Nairobi’s Somali area Eastleigh hit by fatal blast

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-20645415

—-

Afghanistan suicide bomber hid explosives around his genitals

Attacker evades security checks to launch failed attempt to kill intelligence chief Asadullah Khalid in Kabul

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2012/dec/07/afghanistan-suicide-bomber-genitals

—-

Hardly a time to be making excuses.
————

Australian DJs royal prank broke no laws, says CEO

Rhys Holleran said 2Day FM radio presenters responsible for the hospital hoax call could not have ‘reasonably foreseen’ tragedy

http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2012/dec/08/royal-hoax-call-australian-presenters-law

—-

2Day FM: Australia’s shock-jock station with history of backfiring stunts

One DJ previously reprimanded for making teen girl admit she was raped, and calling a female journalist a ‘fat slag’

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2012/dec/07/2dayfm-australia-shock-jock-station

—-

Obviously China has a problem looking in a mirror. Who is “disgusting”? The West sees the truth. China buries it.
————

China calls US Tibet remarks ‘disgusting’

Foreign ministry furious after US diplomat says Tibet tensions, including self-immolations, have been exacerbated by Beijing

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2012/dec/07/china-calls-us-tibet-remarks-disgusting

—-

Burma apologises for police attack on protesting monks

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-20650576
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Gypsies arrived in Europe 1,500 years ago, genetic study says

Migrants from India came to continent much earlier than previously thought, analysis suggests, and arrived in the Balkans

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2012/dec/07/gypsies-arrived-europe-1500-genetic

—-

Mathias Rust: German teenager who flew to Red Square

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-20609795

—-

Angolan plane fall man: Residents seek end to mystery

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-20644402

—-

Firm offers moon missions for $1.5bn

Golden Spike president says he is looking at countries such as South Africa, South Korea and Japan for two-person trips

http://www.guardian.co.uk/science/2012/dec/07/firm-moon-missions-golden-spike

—-

Fox News adjusts to new reality as it faces four more years of Obama

It’s the go-to network for outraged conservatives – but now Fox News has benched two high-profile pundits, and shown signs of retreat. Is the US’s biggest cable news network going moderate?

http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/2012/dec/07/fox-news-new-reality-republican

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Smoke from Arctic wildfires may have caused Greenland’s record thaw

Satellite images suggest soot particles settled over ice sheet making it absorb more heat during last year’s extreme melting

http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2012/dec/07/greenland-ice-melting-arctic-wildfires

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Spuds you’ll like: Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall’s winter potato recipes

The secret to truly enjoying winter potato dishes – the buttery mash, the gorgeous gratin – is to start with top-notch tubers

http://www.guardian.co.uk/lifeandstyle/2012/dec/07/winter-potato-recipes-pan-haggerty

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South Africa: sbujwa on the streets

Its origins may be unclear but the Johannesburg street craze that moves every muscle is mesmerising to watch

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2012/dec/07/south-africa-sbujwa-dance

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Picture desk live: the best news pictures of the day

LIVEOur photo coverage of the day’s events in the UK and around the world

http://www.guardian.co.uk/news/2012/dec/07/picture-desk-live-the-best-news-pictures-of-the-day

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The week in wildlife – in pictures

From wolves in Germany to bears in Kashmir, here is a pick of the wildlife highlights of the week

http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/gallery/2012/dec/07/week-in-wildlife-in-pictures

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Week in pictures: 1-7 December 2012

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/in-pictures-20645403

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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/2012/dec/07/1

Good morning everyone.

Well I thought I would have a peaceful time to check all the news stories now that the drilling has stopped, but it was not to be. As you can see from my links, we had a powerful earthquake in the region of the big one last year, and Tokyo shock like a house next to a train line. Better rush this in before we get the expected aftershocks.

Have a good day, take care, be safe, stay warm and comfy.

Sayonara from my not so safe feeling corner of Tokyo. Mata ashita ne.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

A few stories and opinions from around the globe.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Japan hit by magnitude 7.3 earthquake

Tsunami warning issued for north-east coastal areas after earthquake shakes buildings in Tokyo

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2012/dec/07/japan-asia-pacific

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As I mentioned here before, the head of the NRA is a former nuclear energy insider.
————

Japan could restart some nuclear reactors next summer: NRA

http://www.japantimes.co.jp/text/nn20121207a4.html

—-

Tsuruga nuke plant’s reactivation faces further obstacles

http://mainichi.jp/english/english/newsselect/news/20121206p2a00m0na011000c.html

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Nuts used on suspended ceilings in Sasago Tunnel repaired in 2001 after coming loose

http://mainichi.jp/english/english/newsselect/news/20121206p2a00m0na007000c.html

—-

Evacuee: Chaos in Sasago Tunnel

http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/T121206004884.htm

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Japan issues order to shoot down N Korean rocket

http://www.japantoday.com/category/national/view/japan-issues-order-to-shoot-down-n-korean-rocket

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PICTURE OF THE DAY

Lost souls

http://www.japantoday.com/category/picture-of-the-day/view/lost-souls
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

INTERNATIONAL NEWS
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

How is this supposed to be fair? The rich won’t miss it, the poor will be dragged further into dept and poverty.
————

Poorest and richest bear the brunt of George Osborne’s Autumn Statement leaving ‘squeezed middle’ relatively unscathed

The package of tax rises and benefit cuts will cost the poorest 10 per cent of households in Britain £3.34 per week by 2015, while the richest 10 per cent will see their incomes decline by £8.05

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/poorest-and-richest-bear-the-brunt-of-george-osbornes-autumn-statement-leaving-squeezed-middle-relatively-unscathed-8390523.html

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Autumn Statement: family tax bombshell over new black hole

Families’ pensions, pay and benefits will be in the line of fire again after the next election because of a £27 billion black hole in the budget, economists have warned.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/budget/9728607/Autumn-Statement-family-tax-bombshell-over-new-black-hole.html

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Oh good Lord, the man is ruining the country and can’t be held responsible or asked the tough questions in an interview. Get out of the kitchen George if you can’t stand the heat. Bloody Wimp!
————

Downing Street complains over Evan Davis’s George Osborne interview

Downing Street has complained to the BBC after one of the broadcaster’s interviewers was accused of badgering George Osborne in an “unedifying” row on live radio.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/politics/9728398/Downing-Street-complains-over-Evan-Daviss-George-Osborne-interview.html

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Be bold, Labour, and expose Osborne’s skivers v strivers lie

Osborne’s below-inflation benefit rise may not be as popular as he thinks. Labour can, and must, make the case against

http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2012/dec/06/bold-labour-osborne-skivers-strivers

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Is this what passes for “real” Tory compassion?
————

Ministers accused of ‘cruelty’ after announcing plans to close 15 Remploy factories for disabled workers with the loss of 900 jobs

Posts will be axed in moves to close or sell off plants and divert cash into other work programmes

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/ministers-accused-of-cruelty-after-announcing-plans-to-close-15-remploy-factories-for-disabled-workers-with-the-loss-of-900-jobs-8390544.html

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Media must share blame for scandal of blacklisted trade unionists

http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/2012/dec/06/media-share-blame-blacklisted-trade-unionists

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‘Sex for student fees’ man unmasked to be IT consultant ‘with top-level MoD security clearance’

‘Assessor’ for SponsoraScholar.co.uk Mark Lancaster worked on massive overhaul of the British military computer network

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/sex-for-student-fees-man-unmasked-to-be-it-consultant-with-toplevel-mod-security-clearance-8390456.html

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Eurozone crisis live: Bundesbank slashes German growth forecasts

LIVE• Germany’s central bank warns that 2013 will be tough
• Investors have until 5pm GMT today to take part in a bond buyback that must succeed to unlock Greek aid

http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2012/dec/07/eurozone-crisis-german-growth-forecasts-bundesbank

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Gay marriage: France is not uptight … but some French politicians are

Reactionary politicians are disfiguring the debate on same-sex marriage in France

http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2012/dec/06/gay-marriage-france-politicians

—-

Why does this disgraceful man still wield so much clout in the Italian government? They should be ashamed of themselves.
————

Italy in turmoil as Silvio Berlusconi boycotts Mario Monti reforms

Berlusconi party members walk out before crucial vote threatens PM’s survival, with magnate hinting he could return to power

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2012/dec/06/italy-silvio-berlusconi-boycotts-mario-monti

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North Sea sinking: 11 dead as rescuers abandon hope of finding survivors

Dutch and Belgian air sea rescue and coastguard have recovered five bodies and have given up hope of finding survivors among the six crew members still missing from the sinking of the Baltic Sea.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/netherlands/9726940/North-Sea-sinking-11-dead-as-rescuers-abandon-hope-of-finding-survivors.html

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US ‘trying to start new Cold War’, says Russia

Russia has accused the US of trying to start a new Cold War after Congress passed a law banning Russians linked to serious human rights abuses from entering America.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/northamerica/usa/9728794/US-trying-to-start-new-Cold-War-says-Russia.html

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OP-ED COLUMNIST: The Forgotten Millions by Paul Krugman

The “fiscal cliff” has everyone talking about a fiscal crisis. But what we should be talking about is a very real job crisis.

http://nyti.ms/TIfQNP

—-

Jim DeMint heads to the Thinkery

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/compost/wp/2012/12/06/jim-demint-heads-to-the-thinkery/

—-

Little Rock shooting: fresh testimony casts doubt on police account

Exclusive: Files seen by the Guardian raise questions over inquiry into fatal shooting of Eugene Ellison by off-duty officer

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2012/dec/06/little-rock-shooting-testimony-police-account

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Mexican police brutality uncovered by human rights investigators

Four case of torture among alleged offences during inauguration of President Enrique Peña Nieto

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2012/dec/06/mexican-police-brutality-presidential-inauguration

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Egypt braced for protests after Morsi’s defiant speech – live updates

LIVE• Obama expresses ‘deep concern’ over clashes in Egypt
• Opposition rejects Morsi’s call for dialogue
• Diplomats try to bring Syria back from the brink

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/middle-east-live/2012/dec/07/egypt-crisis-protests-morsi-defiant-live

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Five killed in Tripoli as Syrian conflict spreads to Lebanon

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/five-killed-in-tripoli-as-syrian-conflict-spreads-to-lebanon-8390382.html

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The Syrian children desperate for normality

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-20625443

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Mohamed Morsi calls for dialogue in attempt to quell Egypt’s anger

Violent street battles stop – for now – but country remains locked in confrontation

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2012/dec/06/mohamed-morsi-egypt

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In Egypt the elite may have changed, but the revolution continues

The struggle against a state that seeks to deny its people any genuine empowerment is playing out on the streets of Heliopolis

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2012/dec/06/egypt-elite-changed-revolution-continues

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Israel goes forward with plan for West Bank building project

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/israel-goes-forward-with-plan-for-west-bank-building-project-8388991.html

—-

Palestinian Hamas leader Khaled Meshaal to visit Gaza

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-20636413

—-

Ghana election: John Mahama faces Nana Akufo-Addo challenge

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-20631933

—-

Indian officials accused of Kashmir rights abuses

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-india-20624798

—-

Nobel peace prize winner’s wife Liu Xia describes ‘Kafkaesque’ house arrest

The wife of China’s Nobel Peace prize-winner Liu Xiaobo has spoken out from under house arrest for the first time in more than two years, describing the Kafkaesque conditions she is being kept in.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/china/9726907/Nobel-peace-prize-winners-wife-Liu-Xia-describes-Kafkaesque-house-arrest.html

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Philippine President Aquino visits typhoon-hit area

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-20636943
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Palestinian refugees increasingly drawn into Syrian war

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-20630517

The US Bureau of Prisons’ lack of compassion costs it dear

The federal BOP houses more than 200,000 inmates. Last year, it granted 25 compassionate releases for the aged, sick or dying

http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2012/dec/06/us-bureau-prison-lack-compassion

—-

New York Post cover: When should photographers drop their cameras?

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-20616635

—-

Charles Thomson Rees Wilson: The man who made clouds

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-20608377

—-

Guardian Viral Video Chart: Instagram, Star Trek and Kate Middleton prank

Take a trip in the world’s scariest elevator, listen to the royal prank call and enjoy a tribute to Dave Brubeck

http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/2012/dec/07/viral-video-chart

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Day in pictures: 6 December 2012

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/in-pictures-20625053

—-

24 hours in pictures

A selection of the best images from around the world

http://www.guardian.co.uk/news/gallery/2012/dec/06/24-hours-in-pictures

Good morning everyone.

It will have to be a quickie today, but I’ll be back in full force in the morning. A bit knackered today after a frustrating day out dealing with Japanese bureaucracy, yes we have it here too, with all I have to show for it being 5,000 yen out of pocket for the there and back taxi fare, over two hours waiting to be insulted, and an upset stomach due to the stress of it all. It will be forgotten by the morning.

Have a good day wherever you may be, take care, be safe, stay warm and comfy.

Sayonara from my suddenly cold corner of Tokyo. Mata ashita ne.

Our moment of Zen.

Believe it or not, this was exactly how our Coco spoke and purred, and just as loud. 😀

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VtBEfo3W1JY
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Rocky Flats: Life in the shadow of a nuclear bomb factory

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-20616195

—-

Disability history month: Arthur MacMorrough Kavanagh

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-20592861

—-

Viewpoint: How India moved on from Ayodhya

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-india-20552040

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Dave Brubeck, jazz composer and pianist, dies aged 91

Classically influenced artist’s hit Take Five made him a household name and helped to define 1960s jazz

http://www.guardian.co.uk/music/2012/dec/05/jazz-dave-brubeck

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e1S_vA0ougg

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It’s still as funny and just as silly, but now it’s a magic dragon. Ok guys, got it. 😆
————

Unicorn lair ‘discovery’ blamed partly on mistranslation

Agency said it reconfirmed the lair of one of the unicorns ridden by the ancient King Tongmyong but the story is not true

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2012/dec/05/north-korea

—-

Our never ending obsession with the apocalypse

http://www.bbc.com/future/story/20121205-our-endless-apocalypse-obsession

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I’ve met a lot of older people who were very happy too, and occasionally, the odd old grump, usually male, who lives to be a 100 years old, or so it seems.
————

Viewpoint: How happiness changes with age

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-20591893

—-

A lighter look – in pictures

Time for a sideways glance, or two, at some of the week’s more entertaining pictures

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/gallery/2012/dec/05/a-lighter-look-in-pictures

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Day in pictures: 5 December 2012

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/in-pictures-20607306

—-

24 hours in pictures

A selection of the best images from around the world

http://www.guardian.co.uk/news/gallery/2012/dec/05/24-hours-in-pictures

Good morning everyone.

Have a good day wherever you may be, take care, be safe, stay warm and comfy.

Sayonara from my corner of Tokyo. Mata ashita ne.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

A few stories and opinions from around the globe.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

40 residents near Fukushima nuke plant seek 1.94 billion yen from TEPCO

http://mainichi.jp/english/english/newsselect/news/20121204p2a00m0na029000c.html

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‘Labor violations rife’ at Fukushima N-plant

http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/T121204004443.htm

—-

Tunnel disaster puts spotlight on Japan’s aging infrastructure

http://www.japantoday.com/category/national/view/tunnel-disaster-puts-spotlight-on-aging-infrastructure

—-

Japanese police wary of rightists amid territorial rows, leftists linked to antinuclear power rallies

http://www.japantimes.co.jp/text/nn20121205b1.html

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Rent-a-boyfriend dispatch service: Because Japanese women get lonely too

http://www.japantoday.com/category/lifestyle/view/rent-a-boyfriend-dispatch-service-because-japanese-women-get-lonely-too

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PICTURE OF THE DAY

Helping hand

http://www.japantoday.com/category/picture-of-the-day/view/helping-hand-3
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

INTERNATIONAL NEWS
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

As if anything could ever “jolt” George Osborne.
————

Autumn statement: growth and NHS figures jolt George Osborne

Gloomy deficit and growth forecasts as health secretary Jeremy Hunt rebuked over spending claims

http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2012/dec/04/autumn-statement-nhs-george-osborne

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George Osborne’s Autumn Statement will mean a winter of discontent for the disabled

The Chancellor has no intention of tackling multinational tax avoiders and the people after whom Mr Osborne is actually going have no cunning tax lawyers to defend them

http://www.independent.co.uk/voices/comment/george-osbornes-autumn-statement-will-mean-a-winter-of-discontent-for-the-disabled-8382099.html

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We know by how he has handled quite a few situations and issues that Cameron is not an honest man, if he had been, his BFF Hunt would be out of a job by now. Birds of a feather and all that.
————

Government’s own statistics watchdog rebukes Cameron and Hunt over spending claims

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/governments-own-statistics-watchdog-rebukes-cameron-and-hunt-over-spending-claims-8382223.html

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Warning on benefit cuts amid rise in homelessness

Rise in statutory homelessness has disproportionately affected families with children, Crisis report says

http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2012/dec/04/benefit-cuts-rise-homelessness

—-

Blacklisting is the scandal that now demands action

Thousands have been driven out of work in Britain by corporate spying outfits. It’s an outrage that calls for more than an inquiry

http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2012/dec/04/blacklisting-scandal-corporate-spying

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Only a fraction of capital spending promised last year has materialised

No major roads built since coalition came to power and many promises of cash not fulfilled

http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2012/dec/04/autum-statement-analysis-george-money

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Swing voters want Tories to invest in green technology to save planet and boost economy

http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/climate-change/swing-voters-want-tories-to-invest-in-green-technology-to-save-planet-and-boost-economy-8382451.html

—-

Eurozone crisis live: Ireland to unveil another austerity budget

LIVEDublin will announce billions of euros in fresh spending cuts today as the pain of austerity continues
http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2012/dec/05/eurozone-crisis-ireland-austerity-budget

—-

Tearful Angela Merkel re-elected as CDU party leader for seventh time

Germany’s ‘Mutti’ appears emotional as Christian Democrat colleagues confirm her position with a 98% positive vote

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2012/dec/04/angela-merkel-re-elected-as-cdu-leader

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Obama calls Republicans’ fiscal cliff offer ‘out of balance’ as deadline nears

In first interview since re-election, president sticks to requirement of higher taxes on the wealthiest 2% as a non-negotiable point

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2012/dec/04/obama-rejects-republicans-offer-fiscal-cliff

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In Tax Fight, G.O.P. Seeks a Position to Fall Back On

With President Obama winning public support for higher tax rates on the rich, Congressional Republicans find themselves in a difficult political spot and are quietly beginning the search for a way out.

http://nyti.ms/XnZIn2

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TAKING NOTE: From Republicans, a Parting Slap at Bob Dole and Disabled Americans

The latest victim of Republican paranoia was a UN treaty to protect the rights of the disabled.

http://nyti.ms/11AAguZ

—-

Shameful.
————

US Senate rejects UN treaty on disability rights amid GOP opposition

Treaty modeled after Americans with Disabilities Act fails to pass as conservative Republicans argue it threatens US sovereignty

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2012/dec/04/senate-rejects-un-treaty-disability

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Susan Rice’s surrogate role

http://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/richard-cohen-susan-rices-surrogate-role/2012/12/03/d21b19c8-3d82-11e2-ae43-cf491b837f7b_story.html?wpisrc=nl_opinions

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Boehner’s ‘nowhere’ nonsense

Boehner plays a weak hand

http://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/eugene-robinson-boehner-plays-a-weak-hand/2012/12/03/227b41da-3d70-11e2-ae43-cf491b837f7b_story.html?wpisrc=nl_opinions

—-

Anger at New York Post cover photo of subway passenger seconds from death

Picture of man in the moments before being fatally struck by train prompts questions photographer’s role in helping him

http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/2012/dec/04/new-york-post-outrage-subway-photo

—-

Syria conflict: Assad reportedly eyeing asylum in Latin America – live updates

LIVE• Syrian official flew to Cuba, Venezuela and Ecuador
• Nato agrees to send Patriots missiles to Turkey
• Egyptians vow to continue anti-Morsi protests

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/middle-east-live/2012/dec/05/syria-conflict-assad-asylum-live

—-

Mortar attack on school outside Damascus ‘kills 29’

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-20596612

—-

Egyptian security forces clash with anti-Mohamed Morsi protesters

President seen leaving Cairo palace in convoy as opponents gather to condemn assumption of new powers

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2012/dec/04/egyptian-clash-mohamed-morsi-protest

—-

Iranian TV shows off ‘captured US ScanEagle drone’

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-20591336

—-

Pakistani Interior Minister ‘to reveal Benazir Bhutto killers in book’

Controversial politician claims he will release more details of assassination of former leader

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/asia/pakistani-interior-minister-to-reveal-benazir-bhutto-killers-in-book-8382316.html

—-

British forces accused of killing four teenagers in Afghan operation

Boys were targeted at close range witnesses claim, as defence secretary asked to launch urgent inquiry

http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2012/dec/04/british-forces-accused-killing-teenagers

—-

Guangdong factory fire kills 14
Suspect Liu Shuangyun tells TV station he started blaze at clothing factory because he was angry about unpaid wages

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2012/dec/05/guangdong-factory-fire-kills-14

—-

Philippines typhoon death toll worsens

More than 50,000 forced to flee as Bopha sweeps across south of country, with damage worst on island of Mindanao

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2012/dec/04/philippine-typhoon-bopha-kills-five
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

‘I asked my family to finish me off’

When her boyfriend’s brutal attack left her blinded, Tina Nash wanted to die. But with the love and support of her family, she has started to rebuild her life

http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2012/dec/04/blinded-woman-wanted-to-die

—-

Ann Clwyd: my husband died like a battery hen in hospital

Labour MP tells of inhumane treatment and says she fears normalisation of cruelty now rife among NHS nurses

http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2012/dec/04/ann-clwyd-husband-died-hen

—-

Life of a sex worker: disease, abortion, debt bondage and death – video

http://www.guardian.co.uk/global-development/video/2012/dec/04/life-sex-worker-video

—-

Why al-Qaeda finds no recruits in India

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-india-20590302

—-

For Young Latino Readers, an Image Is Missing

Educators say grade-school students develop reading skills better when they are engaged by books full of characters with whom they can identify. For Hispanic children, that’s hard to find.

http://nyti.ms/VzqmFD

—-

The corruption map of the world

Transparency International’s transparency index measures each country in the world on corruption. See how they compare by clicking on each country. Use the dropdown menu to see how scores have changed since 2011

http://www.guardian.co.uk/news/datablog/interactive/2011/dec/01/world-corruption-index-transparency-international-map

—-

The homeless man and the NYPD cop’s boots: how a warm tale turns cold

The image of the New York officer donating boots has done something terrible and cruel to the barefoot Jeffrey Hillman

http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2012/dec/04/homeless-man-nypd-cop-boots

—-

Ghanaian photographer Nii Obodai – in pictures

Ahead of the country’s elections on Friday, a selection of images from the book Who Knows Tomorrow
Read an interview with Nii Obodai here

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/gallery/2012/dec/04/ghana-photography-nii-obodai

—-

Sleep: Your stories of weird sleep behaviour

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-20542311

—-

Day in pictures: 4 December 2012

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/in-pictures-20592514

—-

24 hours in pictures

A selection of the best images from around the world

http://www.guardian.co.uk/news/gallery/2012/dec/04/24-hours-in-pictures-gallery

Good morning everyone.

Out for most of the day, I am now thankfully home in the warm once again, and happy to be here.

Have a good day wherever you may be. Take care, be safe, stay warm and comfy.

Sayonara from my rainy evening corner of Tokyo. Mata ashita ne.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

A few stories and opinions from around the globe.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

No repairs made since ’77; death toll hits nine

Fatal tunnel collapse blamed on aging bolts

http://www.japantimes.co.jp/text/nn20121204a1.html

—-

29 tunnels built in same way as Sasago

http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/T121203003265.htm

—-

Key artery’s closure blow to transport, bus firms

http://www.japantimes.co.jp/text/nn20121204a2.html

—-

Police raid Japan tunnel operator after collapse

http://mainichi.jp/english/english/newsselect/news/20121204p2g00m0dm048000c.html

—-

Tepco moves up nuclear salvage schedule for Fukushima fuel rods to 2014

http://www.japantimes.co.jp/text/nn20121204a4.html

—-

Tsunami-hit brothers get new fishing boat

http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/T121203003294.htm

—-

Campaigning starts for election that could end DPJ’s 3-yr rule

http://mainichi.jp/english/english/newsselect/news/20121204p2g00m0dm006000c.html

—-

Scary stuff, thank goodness they won’t win the election, and the man who started the row with our neighbouring countries about the disputed islands, won’t be a position to cause any more trouble for now.
————

Nationalist strains echo on campaign trail

http://www.japantoday.com/category/opinions/view/nationalist-strains-echo-on-campaign-trail

—-

Déjà vu.
————

PAC-3s Okinawa-bound for North Korean launch

http://www.japantimes.co.jp/text/nn20121204a3.html

—-

PICTURE OF THE DAY

Night at the temple

http://www.japantoday.com/category/picture-of-the-day/view/night-at-the-temple
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

INTERNATIONAL NEWS
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Not on your nellie.
————

Will George Osborne hail the shale gas in his own backyard?

The Chancellor’s Tatton seat is ripe for fracking – but his constituents may not share their MP’s enthusiasm for the drill

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/will-george-osborne-hail-the-shale-gas-in-his-own-backyard-8376431.html

—-

British economy would be £20bn-a-year better off with focus on wind power, says think tank

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/british-economy-would-be-20bnayear-better-off-with–focus-on-wind-power-says-think-tank-8376215.html

—-

Public expenditure crisis: no cash for decrepit schools, jails – or NHS

As pensions soak up ever larger sums, other areas of the budget face harsh cuts. Our specialist correspondents analyse the impact on some specific areas

http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2012/dec/03/public-expenditure-crisis-no-cash-nhs

—-

Why ever not, it has worked in places like France, Italy and Spain. Sooner or later everyone will see Cameron for exactly who he is; a conduit for the rich.
———–

David Cameron rules out ‘naming and shaming’ multinationals who fail to pay their ‘fair share’ of tax

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/david-cameron-rules-out-naming-and-shaming-multinationals-who-fail-to-pay-their-fair-share-of-tax-8375801.html

—-

Wasn’t this exactly the same problem with the old one?
————

New Bank of England head will have too much power, warns insider

Ex-policymaker Adam Posen points to expanded regulator role as Carney ‘told by everyone that he’s wonderful’

http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2012/dec/03/bank-england-head-power-new

—-

Former HBOS chief executive Sir James Crosby sold off shares in bank on the eve of crash

Ex-HBOS chief admits selling two-thirds of holding in two years before near-collapse

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/former-hbos-chief-executive-sir-james-crosby-sold-off-shares-in-bank-on-the-eve-of-crash-8376368.html

—-

Tories at half-time: cruel and inept, with worse to come

The autumn statement falls on an inauspicious day – Cameron’s halfway mark – and is likely to unleash yet more chaos

http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2012/dec/03/tories-half-time-worse-to-come

—-

Break the grip of corporate power to secure our future

Neoliberal dogma forbids the intervention required to stop climate change. To save the planet we must articulate a new politics

http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2012/dec/03/break-grip-corporate-power-secure-future

—-

Litvinenko widow appeals for legal funds after Berezovsky backing runs out

Marina Litvinenko says she hopes next year’s inquest will discredit competing theories about her husband’s death

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2012/dec/03/litvinenko-widow-appeal-legal-funds

—-

Laptop ‘destroyed to hide story’ behind Saddam Hussein underpants picture

Labour MP Chris Bryant raises questions over picture of former dictator published by Murdoch’s Sun and New York Post

http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/2012/dec/03/laptop-destroyed-saddam-hussein-underpants-picture

—-

Pregnant Kate spending second day in hospital

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-20589896

—-

Violence flares after controversial Belfast vote over Union flag

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/violence-flares-after-controversial-belfast-vote-over-union-flag-8381048.html

—–

Eurozone crisis live: Ministers to debate banking supervision

LIVEEuropean finance ministers are discussing proposals for a single supervisory mechanism for banks in Brussels today, amid chatter about Jean-Claude Juncker’s decision to step down as eurogroup president

http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2012/dec/04/eurozone-crisis-ministers-banking-supervision-juncker

—-

Two arrests in south-west France ‘over Merah case’

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-20591856

—-

French charity workers stand trial on kidnap charges over ‘Darfur orphans’

Six accused of taking 103 children from Chad for adoption by French families, saying they were left parentless by conflict

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2012/dec/03/french-charity-trial-kidnap-orphans

—-

And they blame Europe for their problems.
————

Ex-Greek PM’s mother linked to $550m Swiss account

Furore over allegations in Greek press that Margaret Papandreou is on list of those who stockpiled fortunes overseas

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2012/dec/03/greece-margaret-papandreou-swiss-account-allegations

—-

They still don’t get it.
————

Republicans offer fiscal cliff proposal that avoids raising taxes on wealthy

Plan signed by six top Republicans proposes $800bn in new tax revenue gained from closing loopholes and deductions

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2012/dec/03/republicans-offer-fiscal-cliff-proposal-taxes

—-

Wall Street manipulates deficit angst with fiscal cliff fear

Deficit hawks rely on media allies to report budget doom to advance their agenda of cutting Medicare and social security

http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2012/dec/03/wall-street-deficit-fiscal-cliff-fear

—-

Fort Hood shootings: judge who ordered beard shaved is taken off case

Colonel engaged in ‘duel of wills’ with suspect Major Nidal Hasan rather than conducting case properly, says appeals court

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2012/dec/04/fort-hood-shootings-judge-dismissed

—-

Tax avoidance in the U.K. and now this. Do you think that someone is too greedy?
————

Starbucks to slash paid lunch breaks and sick leave

Coffee chain sparks fresh concern over business practices amid fears low-paid staff will bear cost of potentially increased tax bill

http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2012/dec/03/starbucks-slash-lunch-breaks

—-

Chinese firm in illegal nuclear exports to Pakistan

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-20590136

—-

Rupert Murdoch reportedly refused to speak to Elisabeth after lecture

According to New Yorker article mogul began nine-week silence towards daughter after she criticised her brother James

http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/2012/dec/03/rupert-murdoch-refused-speak-daughter-elisabeth

—-

The piece from The New Yorker.
————

Annals of Communications: The Heiress, by Ken Auletta. The rise of Elisabeth Murdoch.

http://www.newyorker.com/reporting/2012/12/10/121210fa_fact_auletta?mbid=social_tablet_e&pink=kQbXB4

—-

Gerard Baker named as editor in chief at Dow Jones and WSJ

Journalist will succeed Robert Thomson as Rupert Murdoch reshuffles management of worldwide newspaper operation

http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/2012/dec/04/gerard-baker-dow-jones-wsj

—-

Syria conflict: Obama warns Assad over chemical weapons – live updates

LIVE• Obama warns Assad the ‘world is watching’
• Foreign minstry spokesman Makdissi ‘defects’
• UN to evacuate non-essential staff from Syria

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/middle-east-live/2012/dec/04/syria-obama-chemical-weapons-warning-live

—-

Syrian foreign ministry spokesman ‘defects’
There are unconfirmed reports that Jihad Makdissi has either defected or been fired and is in the UK.

http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2012/12/2012123163314873741.html

—-

UN to withdraw non-essential staff from Syria

Missions to conflict zone cancelled and remaining employees on standby to move, in final step before full-scale evacuation

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2012/dec/03/un-withdraw-nonessential-staff-syria

—-

Barack Obama warns Syria of chemical weapons ‘consequences’

US president reacts to reports that sensitive chemical weapons parts have been moved around the country by the Assad regime

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2012/dec/04/barack-obama-syria-chemical-weapons-warning

—-

Nato missiles to shield Turkey from Syrian chemical attack

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/nato-missiles-to-shield-turkey-from-syrian-chemical-attack-8376355.html

—-

Yemen’s Abyan saw ‘rights catastrophe’ says Amnesty

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-20588744

—-

About time.
————

UN tells Israel to let in nuclear inspectors

As nuclear peace talks are cancelled, overwhelming vote by general assembly calls for Israel to join nonproliferation treaty

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2012/dec/04/un-tells-israel-nuclear-inspectors

—-

EDITORIAL: Mr. Netanyahu’s Strategic Mistake

Expanding settlements in contested areas will hurt Israel’s long-term security interests.

http://nyti.ms/YJdOQd

—-

Israel defiant on settlements expansion after European condemnation

Official says Israel will ‘stand by our vital national interests’, after ambassadors summoned in five EU countries

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2012/dec/03/israel-defiant-settlement-expansion-europe

—-

Don’t assume that all Jewish people have the same view about Israel. Ask us and you’ll find we don’t

Why do so many people, when making conversation, jump from the discovery that you’re Jewish to the assumption that you have a particular view of Israel?

http://www.independent.co.uk/voices/comment/dont-assume-that-all-jewish-people-have-the-same-view-about-israel-ask-us-and-youll-find-we-dont-8376397.html

—-

Africa’s largest solar power plant to be built in Ghana

155MW plant being developed by a British company is expected to create hundreds of jobs, increase electricity capacity and cut emissions

http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2012/dec/04/africa-largest-solar-power-plant-ghana

—-

DR Congo army returns to Goma

M23 rebels warn to retake the city, if the government fails to enter negotiations.

http://www.aljazeera.com/news/africa/2012/12/201212318492118383.html

—-

Iran: US ScanEagle drone ‘captured over Gulf’

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-20591336

—-

China unearths ruined palace near terracotta army

Excavations near Xi’an reveal vast ancient palace complex a quarter of the size of Beijing’s Forbidden City

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2012/dec/03/china-ruined-palace-terracotta-army

—-

Philippines typhoon forces 41,000 people to evacuate their homes

Residents of vulnerable areas take shelter from typhoon Bopha, the 16th major storm system to hit the country this year

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2012/dec/04/philippines-typhoon-people-evacuate-homes

—-

Weeks after Obama’s Burma visit, the monk who never had a prayer is back in jail

Released for the visit to Burma by President Obama, activist Ashin Gambria has been thrown back in jail after he dared to protest again

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/asia/weeks-after-obamas-burma-visit-the-monk-who-never-had-a-prayer-is-back-in-jail-8376350.html
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

TRIVIA QUIZ

Yesterday’s answer. All the bills were hand-signed by Tresury Department clerks. The following year, and ever since, engraved signatures of high Treasury Department officials have been printed on U/S. currency.

Today’s question.

What was the first public company in the world to issue stock? Hint: The year was 1602.

—-

Iran’s HIV/Aids sufferers struggle for survival

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-20579164

—-

Libya rebel flees to UK as revolution sours for women

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-20584573

—-

Cancer: Not only a rich-world disease

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-20524606

—-

Is the end of the world really nigh? Authorities reassure Russians over Mayan Armageddon prophecy amid reports of ‘unusual behaviour’

Some parts of Russia, which is often said to have a penchant for mystical thinking, appear to have been spooked by the Mayan predictions

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/is-the-end-of-the-world-really-nigh-authorities-reassure-russians-over-mayan-armageddon-prophecy-amid-reports-of-unusual-behaviour-8375660.html

—-

The girl who was raised as a boy so she wasn’t abused says a lot about society

Why would any mother be driven to change the gender of their child?

http://www.independent.co.uk/voices/comment/the-girl-who-was-raised-as-a-boy-so-she-wasnt-abused-says-a-lot-about-society-8375842.html

—-

Le Faune (The Fairies and the Faun) – 1908 Pathé video

http://www.guardian.co.uk/film/video/2012/dec/03/le-faune-1908-pathe-video

—-

Day in pictures: 3 December 2012

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/in-pictures-20578290

—-

24 hours in pictures

A selection of the best images from around the world

http://www.guardian.co.uk/news/gallery/2012/dec/03/24-hours-in-pictures-gallery

Good morning everyone, and welcome to another Mumbly Monday.

The deadly tunnel collapse eventually claimed 9 lives, and with no recorded seismic activity in the region, those in charge are going to have a lot of explaining to do considering the recent check they say they did of this particular tunnel. Those poor people didn’t stand a chance.

Have a good day wherever you may be. Take care, be safe, stay warm and comfy.

Sayonara from my cold evening corner of Tokyo. Mata ashita ne.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

A few stories and opinions from around the globe.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Gov’t orders inspection of aging expressway tunnels after 9 die in cave-in
http://www.japantoday.com/category/national/view/safety-questions-arise-as-tunnel-collapse-death-toll-reaches-9

—-

Voters in tsunami-hit area feel let down as election nears

http://www.japantoday.com/category/politics/view/voters-in-tsunami-hit-area-feel-let-down-as-election-nears

—-

Business as usual.
————

Despite 2011 disaster, pro-nuclear LDP favored to win power

http://www.japantoday.com/category/politics/view/despite-2011-disaster-pro-nuclear-ldp-favored-to-win-power

—-

How do ordinary people see the tax hike?

http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/T121202003658.htm

—-

Island dispute dulls China land grab fears in Japan

http://www.japantoday.com/category/national/view/island-dispute-dulls-china-land-grab-fears-in-japan

—-

Govt scuttles N. Korea talks over rocket launch

http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/T121202003771.htm

—-

You can put me in the number one group but only for hospital visits. Who wears make-up to go to the hospital?
————

More Japanese youth wearing surgical masks to hide their face

http://www.japantoday.com/category/lifestyle/view/more-japanese-youth-wearing-surgical-masks-to-hide-their-face

—-

PICTURE OF THE DAY

Artistic expression

http://www.japantoday.com/category/picture-of-the-day/view/artistic-expression
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

INTERNATIONAL NEWS
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I have many other choice words to call it.
————

Cutting benefits to poorest ‘a tragedy’

Campaigners warn Chancellor not to freeze welfare payments to balance budget

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/cutting-benefits-to-poorest-a-tragedy-8374315.html

—-

Osborne not content just to steal from the very poor, now uses equal opportunity to steal from anyone he darned well pleases. Is this what they mean about saving for your own elderly care and retirement?
————

Government considering £1.8bn raid on tax relief

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/government-considering-18bn-raid-on-tax-relief-8374265.html

—-

Hospitals ‘full to bursting’ as bed shortage hits danger level

Death rates at more than a dozen trusts are worryingly high, says Dr Foster report based on NHS’s own performance data

http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2012/dec/02/hospitals-full-bursting-nhs-report

—-

NHS budget freeze could lead to two-tier health service, says thinktank

Nuffield Trust says health service could face £44bn funding gap by 2021/22, giving it no choice but to limit care

http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2012/dec/03/nhs-budget-two-tier-thinktank

—-

Standards fall as care operators get ‘too big to fail’

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/standards-fall-as-care-operators–get-too-big-to-fail-8374324.html

—-

Global giants must be ‘named and shamed’ over tax avoidance

MPs calls for end to ‘sweetheart deals’ and insist multinationals should be prosecuted for not paying enough tax

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/global-giants-must-be-named-and-shamed-over-tax-avoidance-8374374.html

—-

What happened to that nice David Cameron?

When I met Cameron five years ago, I was taken with his fresh voice, keen intelligence, openness and tolerance.

http://www.independent.co.uk/voices/comment/what-happened-to-that-nice-david-cameron-8374138.html

—-

Hugh Grant brands PM ‘disgraceful’ as Hacked Off petition tops 100,000

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/hugh-grant-brands-pm-disgraceful-as-hacked-off-petition-tops-100000-8374253.html

—-

Eurozone crisis live: Greece launches debt buyback scheme

LIVEGreece is presenting the details of its bond buyback scheme, as new manufacturing survey from across the world is released

http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2012/dec/03/eurozone-crisis-greece-bond-buyback-launched

—-

Angela Merkel hints at future writedown of Greek debt

German chancellor’s comments likely to bolster critics who accuse her of concealing the full cost of Greece’s latest aid deal

http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2012/dec/02/angela-merkel-future-greek-writedown

—-

Italy vote: Pier Luigi Bersani wins centre-left poll

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-20574581

—-

UBS could pay $450m to settle Libor claims

UBS spokeswoman told Reuters that the bank was in the midst of discussions with authorities in the United States and Britain

http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2012/dec/03/ubs-libor-450m-dollars

—-

Slovenian ex-PM Borut Pahor wins presidency

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-20571215

—-

Are we there? Nyet! Russians stuck in traffic jam for two days

Thousands of cars and trucks stranded in 35-mile tailback after heavy snow hits Moscow-St Petersburg motorway

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2012/dec/02/russians-stuck-traffic-jam-two-days

—-

NEWS ANALYSIS: Pushing G.O.P. to Negotiate, Obama Ends Giving In

President Obama has emerged as a different kind of negotiator in the past week or two, frustrating Republicans on the other side of the bargaining table.

http://nyti.ms/WCYlvF

—-

OP-ED COLUMNIST: The Big Budget Mumble by Paul Krugman

Obama versus the party of no ideas.

http://nyti.ms/11ntUPt

—-

“flabbergasted”? What he should be feeling is shame.
————

Boehner ‘flabbergasted’ by Treasury secretary’s plan to avoid fiscal cliff

Tim Geithner joins House speaker in taking US economic debate to Sunday morning talk shows as sides struggle for agreement

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2012/dec/02/boehner-flabbergasted-geithner-fiscal-cliff

—-

Tom Mockridge resigns as chief executive of News International

New world publishing arm to be headed by Robert Thomson, current managing editor of Wall Street Journal

http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/2012/dec/03/tom-mockridge-resigns-news-international

—-

Israel: ‘Britain considers withdrawing envoy over settlements’ – live updates

LIVE• Move would be protest at decision to expand settlements
• Decision could be taken today
• France plays down reports it is considering similar action

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2012/dec/03/britain-considers-withdrawing-envoy-over-settlements-live

—-

Deadly Syria blasts hit upscale Homs area
Two car bomb explosions in the central city leave at least 12 people killed and dozens more injured.

http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2012/12/20121221341681745.html

—-

Syria Moves Its Chemical Weapons, and U.S. and Allies Cautiously Take Note

The United States and several allies warned President Bashar al-Assad that he would be “held accountable” if his forces used the weapons against the rebels.

http://nyti.ms/SqFxAa

—-

Turkey requested Nato missile defences over Syria chemical weapons fears

Turkish officials say they have evidence Assad regime could resort to ballistic missiles if air campaign against rebels fails

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2012/dec/02/turkey-syria-chemical-weapons-fears

—-

Russia’s Putin to discuss Syria with Turkey PM Erdogan

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-20576197

—-

Egypt’s top judges go on strike as Brotherhood blockades court

‘Climate of hate’ after Morsi supporters back charter that critics say will pave way for Islamic state

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/africa/egypts-top-judges-go-on-strike-as-brotherhood-blockades-court-8374247.html

—-

Who is running the country, mean-spirited 10 year olds?
————

Israel seizes $120m in Palestinian tax revenue over UN vote

Palestinian official accuses Israel of desperation after second punitive response to UN vote recognising state of Palestine

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2012/dec/02/israel-palestinian-tax-revenue-un-vote

As if they care.
————

UN’s Ban Ki-moon warns Israel of ‘fatal blow’ to peace

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-20576201

—-

UN internet regulation treaty talks begin in Dubai

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-20575844

—-

Borno attacks: Nigeria ‘militants’ kill Christians

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-20576217

—-

Halabja chemical weapons: A chance to find the men who armed Saddam

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-20553826

—-

Blind activist Chen Guangcheng appeals to China’s Xi Jinping

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-china-20576828

—-

Singapore deports Chinese bus drivers after protest

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-20576424
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

TRIVIA QUIZ

Today’s question.

What was unique about the signatures on the $60 million in U.S. paper currency authorised by Congress in 1861?

—-

Lives still in limbo for Burma’s forgotten cyclone victims

Four years after the disaster, Andrew Buncombe visits the inaccessible Irrawaddy Delta, where people have yet to fully recover from Nargis’ impact

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/asia/lives-still-in-limbo-for-burmas-forgotten-cyclone-victims-8374277.html

—-

Tragic deaths that demand a better response than I witnessed

Even as mental distress and the risk of suicide soar, support is being slashed.

http://www.independent.co.uk/voices/comment/tragic-deaths-that-demand-a-better-response-than-i-witnessed-8374130.html

—-

Bear hunting in California: the end of an era

The controversial practice of hunting bears with dogs is about to be banned in the US state. Some veterans on one of their final expeditions share the thrill of the chase

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2012/dec/02/bear-hunting-california-end-era

—-

My brain tumour blog

When she was told she had a brain tumour, Jennie Cohen began to record her thoughts online. Here’s how she coped with the diagnosis and surgery

http://www.guardian.co.uk/lifeandstyle/2012/dec/02/brain-tumour-blog

—-

CHARLIE BROOKER

Wake up, little one. Wake up and witness the terrifying face of Balok

I try not to expose my baby son to too much TV, but he cannot escape the image on my iPhone

http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2012/dec/02/wake-up-witness-terrifying-balok

—-

😆 Well you have to give them points for trying.
————

Unicorn lair ‘discovered’ in North Korea

Korean news agency say they have ‘recently reconfirmed’ the lair of one of the unicorns ridden by the ancient King Tongmyong

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2012/nov/30/unicorn-lair-discovered-north-korea

—-

Search for life begins in lake entombed under Antarctic ice

If there is life in Lake Ellsworth, it may have been isolated from the rest of the world for a million years

http://www.guardian.co.uk/science/2012/dec/02/search-life-lake-antarctic-ice

—-

The royal court – picture of the day

A photographic highlight selected by the picture desk. Adolphe Braun’s carefully composed group portrait of the entourage of Emperor Napoleon shows how the new medium of photography enabled royalty to project an informal image of itself

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/picture/2012/dec/02/france-photography

—-

Napoleon’s Moscow Kremlin letter auctioned

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-20572136

—-

24 hours in pictures

A selection of the best images from around the world

http://www.guardian.co.uk/news/gallery/2012/dec/02/24-hours-in-pictures

Good morning everyone.

I’m running a bit behind so today have just managed to bring most of the top international stories, but no trivia question as I have back to back Skype calls coming soon. I’ll be here with your question tomorrow.

Have a good day, take care, be safe, stay warm and comfy.

Sayonara from my bitterly cold corner of Tokyo. Mata ashita ne.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Sunday’s Bits & Bobs.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Noda orders ministries to be on alert over North Korea’s planned ‘satellite launch’

http://www.japantimes.co.jp/text/nn20121202a7.html

—-

At least 5 dead in fire after Yamanashi expressway tunnel caves in

http://www.japantoday.com/category/national/view/at-least-5-dead-in-fire-after-yamanashi-expressway-tunnel-caves-in

—-

CCTV shows scene inside Japan’s collapsed Sasago tunnel

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-20572014

—-

‘We’ll die if it explodes’: Gov’t ignored Fukushima plant manager’s plea

http://mainichi.jp/english/english/newsselect/news/20121201p2a00m0na008000c.html

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China less attractive to Japanese firms – but not because of riots

http://www.japantoday.com/category/kuchikomi/view/china-less-attractive-to-japanese-firms-but-not-because-of-riots

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PICTURE OF THE DAY

Penguin parade

http://www.japantoday.com/category/picture-of-the-day/view/penguin-parade-3
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Oh wonderful, tax breaks for fracking while green energy deals are thrown in the rubbish. First ruin their health care service, deprive them of their benefits, and finally poison them to finish them off.
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Osborne to offer tax breaks for shale gas

Despite the risk of earthquakes and water contamination, the fracking ban is expected to be lifted this week

http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/climate-change/osborne-to-offer-tax-breaks-for-shale-gas-8373865.html

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One in 10 families forced to default on household debts

Survey result comes days before Chancellor is expected to impose further cuts and benefit freezes

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/one-in-10-families-forced-to-default-on-household-debts-8373888.html

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A third of families ration fuel as soaring power prices force ‘heat or eat’ dilemma

New research reveals 10% of people have already defaulted on energy bills

http://www.guardian.co.uk/money/2012/dec/02/families-ration-fuel-energy-prices

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I’ve been saying this for well over a year, there are so many empty houses already standing, building in our beautiful countryside would be a crime.
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Tory rural raid will ruin countryside, says Andrew Motion

Chair of CPRE and former poet laureate describes Nick Boles’s plans to build on greenfield sites as ‘incredibly irresponsible’

http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2012/dec/01/tory-rural-raid-andrew-motion

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Oh goody. I’ve always hated the fact that the Hunt scandal was swept under the No. 10 carpet by Cameron flexing the only muscle in his entire body, the “I’m PM so I must be God” muscle.
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Hunt faces new questions over BSkyB bid

The former culture secretary may yet have to answer to standards tsar

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/hunt-faces-new-questions-over-bskyb-bid-8373891.html

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Poll: Most Irish want new abortion legislation

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-20568283

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Slovenians vote in run-off presidential poll after protests

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-20571215

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In Latest Campaign, Obama Takes Deficit Battle to the Public

Visiting a toy factory in Hatfield, Pa., President Obama used a campaign tactic to turn up the heat on Republicans as he promotes his tax plan.

http://nyti.ms/Uxpqmo

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Robert Thomson to be named News Corp publishing chief – sources

WSJ managing editor and Murdoch confidant expected to be announced as head of hived off publishing arm next week

http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/2012/dec/01/robert-thomson-news-corp-publishing

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US government announces opening of Atlantic coast for offshore wind farms

Department of the interior will offer lease sales on areas off coasts of Rhode Island, Massachusetts and Virginia

http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2012/dec/01/us-government-offshore-wind-farms-atlantic

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Enrique Peña Nieto takes office as Mexico’s president

Violent protests greet inauguration of PRI candidate who brings party back into government after 12 years

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2012/dec/02/enrique-pena-nieto-mexico

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Syria internet access restored after two-day blackout

Damascus and Homs residents say communication lines are back up, amid signs that Assad’s forces will launch new offensive

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2012/dec/01/syria-internet-access-restored-blackout

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Flow of Arms to Syria Through Iraq Persists, to U.S. Dismay

Iraqi airspace has emerged as a main supply route for weapons from Iran, which has an enormous stake in Syria, at a time when President Bashar al-Assad is under increasing pressure from rebel fighters.

http://nyti.ms/SxN6GO

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Morsi supporters hail Egypt constitution referendum

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-20571718

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I thought I was seeing things.
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Bahrain police deploy teargas at anti-Kim Kardashian protest

Hardline Islamic demonstrators clash with police as reality TV star visits Middle East kingdom and tweets its praises

http://www.guardian.co.uk/lifeandstyle/2012/dec/01/kim-kardashian-bahrain-protest-teargas

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Rebels in DR Congo withdraw from Goma

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-20565711

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Iran sacks cyber police chief over blogger’s death in custody

Sattar Beheshti was detained in Evin prison for criticising government and died days after complaining of being tortured

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2012/dec/01/iran-police-sacked-blogger-death

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Afghanistan Taliban attack US base in Jalalabad

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-20571640

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North Korea raises tension with rocket

Not even China is happy with Pyongyang’s test launch later this month

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/asia/north-korea-raises-tension-with-rocket-8373785.html
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OP-ED COLUMNIST: Letter From Syria

A walk along the Orontes River reveals the crosscurrents of the civil war.

http://nyti.ms/Tzc4Cy

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Miracle of the artificial heart, 30 years on

Since Barney Clark became the first recipient in 1981, thousands of lives have been saved – including that of an Oxfordshire toddler

http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/miracle-of-the-artificial-heart-30years-on-8373894.html

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Cyprus fighters sue Britain for torture during uprising

Those who fought colonial rule in the late 1950s allege they were abused by the British

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/cyprus-fighters-sue-britain-for-torture-during-uprising-8373867.html

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OPINION: Beyond Black and White in the Mississippi Delta

In three small-town Southern elections, community and trust trumped race.

http://nyti.ms/Tz7JiJ

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Tea-plucking machines in India threaten Assam livelihoods

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-20542255

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Chinese ‘highway house’ is demolished after owners agree to move

Couple whose plight was revealed after images showing road built around property went viral, agree compensation deal

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2012/dec/01/chinese-highway-house-demolished

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Bo inspects White House Christmas decorations

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-20571513

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Nigel Slater’s recipe for mushrooms stew with spelt

Adding pearled spelt to this mushroom soup turns it into a creamy risotto. The plump grains are pleasingly al dente and moreish, adding an original note to the earthy mushroom flavours

http://www.guardian.co.uk/lifeandstyle/2012/dec/02/mushrooms-spelt-brown-stew-nigel-slater

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UK frost and snow: Your photos

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/in-pictures-20565934

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Week in pictures: 24-30 November 2012

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/in-pictures-20561870

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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/2012/dec/01/24-hours-pictures-gallery