Morning Blog

Good Morning everyone and welcome to Mumbly Monday.

My Monday afternoon was hijacked by people from our house construction company who wanted to take some pictures of the inside of the house for an in-company competition. When I reminded them that the ideas for the interior were all mine, and the things in it that they wanted to photograph were all ours so that if they used them for anything else we expected the credit, they looked a bit surprised. Some places were off limits though, the tribe room because one of them has a tummy upset and was sleeping, and the bedroom. For my trouble I received some cakes which hubby will polish off in next to no time.

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

Sayonara from my cool evening corner of Tokyo. Mata ne. Won’t be here tomorrow as I have an appointment and these things tend to take the whole of the afternoon.
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A few stories and opinions from around the globe.
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Cracks in Tepco’s 3/11 narrative

http://www.japantimes.co.jp/opinion/2013/11/17/commentary/cracks-in-tepcos-311-narrative/#at_pco=tcb-1.0&at_tot=8&at_ab=-&at_pos=6

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TEPCO starts fuel removal from Fukushima No. 4 spent fuel pool

http://mainichi.jp/english/english/newsselect/news/20131118p2g00m0dm028000c.html

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Tepco aiming to cut 1,000 jobs via voluntary redundancy

http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2013/11/16/national/tepco-aiming-to-cut-1000-jobs-via-voluntary-redundancy/#.Uom8jaVMIfE

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Fukushima evacuees’ housing units crumbling

http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2013/11/17/national/fukushima-evacuees-housing-units-crumbling/#.Uom8CaVMIfE

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Chinese speculators buying up diapers in Japan

http://www.japantoday.com/category/lifestyle/view/chinese-speculators-buying-up-diapers-in-japan

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PICTURE OF THE DAY

Fuel pool

http://www.japantoday.com/category/picture-of-the-day/view/3794423
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INTERNATIONAL NEWS
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Big Six energy prices rise eight times more than wages

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/big-six-energy-prices-rise-eight-times-more-than-wages-8945636.html

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Hope the coalition is taking a bow. Shameful!
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Malnutrition cases in English hospitals almost double in five years

http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/malnutrition-cases-in-english-hospitals-almost-double-in-five-years-8945631.html

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Thanks Tories. That’s another broken promise to delete from your website.
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Executive pay rises by 14% as awards linked to shares soar

Total pay package for an average FTSE 100 director rose by a 58% surge in the value of long-term incentive plans (LTIP)

http://www.theguardian.com/business/2013/nov/18/executive-pay-up-14-percent

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Hear that Tories, you’re full of it. Iain Duncan-Smith should be made to eat his words.
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Paying benefits ‘does not make unemployed lazy’

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/paying-benefits-does-not-make-unemployed-lazy-8945753.html

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Naples families protest over toxic waste

Leakage from waste dumped by Camorra crime syndicate for decades has contaminated some water supplies

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/nov/17/naples-protest-toxic-waste

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Russia plane crash: No survivors as Boeing 737 bursts into flames on landing in Kazan

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/russia-plane-crash-boeing-737-bursts-into-flames-on-landing-in-kazan-killing-50-8945388.html

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At least six dead as multiple tornadoes sweep through America’s Midwest

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/at-least-six-dead-as-multiple-tornadoes-sweep-through-americas-midwest-8945669.html

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About time. Thank you Nancy Pelosi.
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Democrats rally behind president in defence of Obamacare

Nancy Pelosi says website problems will be fixed and ‘Democrats stand tall in support of the Affordable Care Act’

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/nov/17/obamacare-democrats-healthcare

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President Obama Should Never Apologize for Passing Obamacare

http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2013/11/18/president-obama-should-never-apologize-for-passing-obamacare.html

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Hurricane Katrina, The Obamacare Rollout, And Allowing Privilege To Shape Our Politics

http://thinkprogress.org/health/2013/11/16/2950911/obamacare-katrina-blind-spot-privilege/

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Can anyone explain this to me? Anyone???
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Cantor: We Can’t Pass Immigration Reform Because Healthcare.gov Is Having Technical Difficulties

http://thinkprogress.org/immigration/2013/11/15/2952701/cantor-pass-immigration-reform-healthcaregov/

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Feathering his own political nest.
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Wisconsin Governor Seeks to Extend Medicaid

“We want to make sure nobody falls through the cracks,” said Gov. Scott Walker, citing the troubled rollout of the new federal health care law.

http://nyti.ms/17wXtnK

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The Shame of American Health Care

People in the United States pay more and get less than citizens in other advanced countries.

http://nyti.ms/1bHi0Wa

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A Permanent Slump? By Paul Krugman

The new normal for our economy may be a state of mild depression.

http://nyti.ms/I0oEw2

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Top Syrian rebel commander Abdul Qader Saleh ‘dies’

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-24984365

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31 Syrian soldiers killed by rebel bomb blast

Assad regime hit by bomb on army transport base near Damascus, with reports 31 soldiers are killed

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/syria/10456213/31-Syrian-soldiers-killed-by-rebel-bomb-blast.html

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Jordan’s Zaatari refugee camp mushrooms as Syrians set up shop

Markets and schools create vibrant atmosphere, but concerns are growing over the strain on public services in the region

http://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2013/nov/18/jordan-zaatari-refugee-camp-syria-shops

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Egypt: 24 dead as train crashes into vehicles outside Cairo

Many of the dead were returning from a wedding when a train struck their mini-bus and other vehicles

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/africaandindianocean/egypt/10456410/Egypt-24-dead-as-train-crashes-into-vehicles-outside-Cairo.html

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Misrata militia ordered out of Tripoli after clashes

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-24982399

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Blah, blah, blah…………
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Netanyahu steps up attack on prospect of Iran nuclear weapons deal

Israeli PM calls for sanctions and says he will not allow ‘ayatollahs with nuclear weapons’ to threaten ‘the Jewish people’

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/nov/17/binyamin-netanyahu-iran-nuclear-weapons-talks

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Israel’s ‘exceptionalism’ and the UN

Critics say ending UN rights council boycott will diminish scrutiny of Israel’s occupation.

http://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/features/2013/11/israel-exceptionalism-un-2013111710465371468.html

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The real poison is to be found in Arafat’s legacy

He placed vain trust in Israel and the US – mistakes that his people are still paying for

http://www.independent.co.uk/voices/comment/the-real-poison-is-to-be-found-in-arafats-legacy-8945393.html

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Qatar 2022 World Cup workers ‘treated like cattle’, Amnesty report finds

Fresh fears raised about exploitation after Fifa president declares country ‘on right track’ over migrant labourers’ rights

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/nov/17/qatar-world-cup-worker-amnesty-report

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UN report detailing Taliban fighter deaths warns of force’s illicit funding

Report estimates 12,000 rebels are thought to have been killed, captured or wounded

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/nov/17/un-report-taliban-fighter-deaths

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Australia ‘spied on Indonesia President Yudhoyono’

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-24952229

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China police station attack leaves 11 dead

Nine attackers and two officers killed in Xinjiang area dogged by unrest among Uighur Muslims

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/nov/17/china-police-station-attack-xinjiang

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Indonesia recalls ambassador to Australia over spying allegations – live updates

LIVEAustralian surveillance agencies targeted the mobile phone calls of Indonesian president, his wife and and senior Indonesian ministers, according to top secret documents revealed by Guardian Australia and the ABC. Follow all the reaction to the revelations here

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/nov/18/australia-indonesia-spying-revelations-live
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TRIVIA QUIZ

The answer to the question “What Western resort town was the first city in the U.S. to be totally governed by women”?

Jackson, Wyoming, which elected a woman mayor and women to its four city council seats in 1920, the year the 19th amendment gave women the right to vote.

Today’s question.

Which familiar features on the face of the Man in the Moon are created by the Sea of Showers and the Sea of Serenity on the lunar surface?

HINT: Two.

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A journey to the heart of Africa’s Aids epidemic

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/africa/a-journey-to-the-heart-of-africas-aids-epidemic-8945522.html

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Lily’s story: it takes more than drive to succeed

Poverty is a thief that steals childhood dreams. You can’t expect a kid to excel when they have to raise the rest of their family

http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2013/nov/17/growing-up-in-poverty-bronx-new-york

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In Dealey Plaza, it’s forever 1963: The assassination of John F Kennedy – 50 years on

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/in-dealey-plaza-its-forever-1963-the-assassination-of-john-f-kennedy–50-years-on-8945436.html

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Reporting JFK’s assassination: A BBC correspondent’s notes

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-24954509

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Lincoln’s Sound Bite: Have Faith in Democracy

Rarely was so much compressed into such simple elements.

http://nyti.ms/1gX0Urb

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Gone With The Wind didn’t give a damn about slavery

Why most films of Hollywood’s golden age chose to brush race issues under the carpet

http://www.theguardian.com/film/2013/nov/18/slavery-gone-with-the-wind

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In pictures: Catholics flock to churches as typhoon aid arrives in Philippines

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/picturegalleries/worldnews/10455225/In-pictures-Catholics-flock-to-churches-as-typhoon-aid-arrives-in-Philippines.html

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Guns ‘Bible’ Guns & Ammo fires writer for off-message editorial

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/guns-bible-guns–ammo-fires-writer-for-offmessage-editorial-8945508.html

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Murdoch sale led to ruin of MySpace, says its co-founder

News Corp squandered $15bn of investors’ cash, Chris DeWolfe tells Katherine Rushton

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/newsbysector/mediatechnologyandtelecoms/digital-media/10455975/Murdoch-sale-led-to-ruin-of-MySpace-says-its-co-founder.html

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Doris Lessing: a woman ahead of her time

The impact of Doris Lessing is still profound, says Gaby Wood

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/books/10455882/Doris-Lessing-a-woman-ahead-of-her-time.html

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They’ve betrayed feminism, they define life in terms of sex, they’re always whingeing. What’s wrong with today’s younger generation?

Each decade the spoiling gets worse and is mistaken for perfect child rearing

http://www.independent.co.uk/voices/comment/theyve-betrayed-feminism-they-define-life-in-terms-of-sex-theyre-always-whingeing-whats-wrong-with-todays-younger-generation-8945406.html

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The week in pictures: 15 November 2013

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/picturegalleries/theweekinpictures/10452413/The-week-in-pictures-15-November-2013.html

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Week in pictures: 9-15 November 2013

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/in-pictures-24954392

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Picture Desk Live

The best pictures of the day – live

The Guardian’s photo team brings you a daily round-up from the world of photography

http://www.theguardian.com/news/2013/nov/15/the-best-pictures-of-the-day-live

Good morning everyone.

I might not have mentioned it before but tomorrow morning the Tokyo Electric company are coming to dig a hole just by the side of our house to check what lies beneath. A few days ago a nice man came to explain it all to me, said he was the PR man. We have just had new stones laid when they chopped off a corner of our property and in return, they offered to move an ugly lamppost/ utility pole 1 meter 20 cm to the right so that it doesn’t block our view so much. Not that there is anything interesting to see once it’s been moved, but it’s the thought that counts. Our ward/area is doing something nice for us instead of milking us dry with residence taxes. When I asked why the ugly cables, some as thick as my thigh, could not be buried under ground, he explained that in Japan most of the roads and streets are too narrow and already have gas, water and sewage pipes cluttering the ground below. He has a point as the road running behind our house is only just over 4 meters wide. Will let you know if the moving of the pole will be successful and if it makes any difference to our lives.

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

Sayonara from my rainy corner of Tokyo. Mata ne.
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A few stories and opinions from around the globe.
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Risky fuel removal about to start

http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2013/11/14/national/risky-fuel-removal-about-to-start/#.UoWwJaVMIfE

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Some spent fuel rods at Fukushima were damaged before 2011 disaster

http://www.japantoday.com/category/national/view/some-spent-fuel-rods-at-fukushima-were-damaged-before-2011-disaster

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Leaks seen under reactor 1 containment vessel

http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2013/11/14/national/leaks-seen-under-reactor-1-containment-vessel/#.UoWxdKVMIfE

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Only 1 in 5?
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1 in 5 people in Japan avoid produce from radiation-exposed areas

http://mainichi.jp/english/english/newsselect/news/20131115p2g00m0dm027000c.html

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‘Hafu’ tells story of Japan’s mixed-race minority and changing attitudes in society

http://www.japantoday.com/category/arts-culture/view/hafu-tells-story-of-japans-mixed-race-minority-and-changing-attitudes-in-society

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PICTURE OF THE DAY

Blue night

http://www.japantoday.com/category/picture-of-the-day/view/blue-night
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INTERNATIONAL NEWS
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Huh? So much for freedom of speech and the right to orderly protests.
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Councils to be given powers to ban peaceful protests that might disturb local residents

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/councils-to-be-given-powers-to-ban-peaceful-protests-that-might-disturb-local-residents-8940535.html

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Competition is killing the NHS, for no good reason but ideology

Enforced competition, as predicted, is wasting millions and putting lives at risk. Just look at Bournemouth and Poole

http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2013/nov/15/competition-killing-nhs-bournemouth-poole

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The disengaged: how four in ten voters reject ALL parties

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/the-disengaged-how-four-in-ten-voters-reject-all-parties-8940389.html

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Cameron is attacking those he thinks ‘lack aspiration’. What would he know?

I’ve taught hundreds of pupils from poorer backgrounds, and of course they want to get on in life

http://www.independent.co.uk/voices/comment/cameron-is-attacking-those-he-thinks-lack-aspiration-what-would-he-know-8939137.html

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Why should Britain build new towns when it already has great cities?

Awarding prizes for the urbanisation of the countryside makes no sense while existing cities are given Cinderella status

http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2013/nov/14/why-build-new-towns-when-we-have-cities

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List of broken Tory promises deleted from their website. In retrospect some of the biggest lies of the century.
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Tories ‘deleted 10 years of speeches and press releases from party website’

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/tories-deleted-past-broken-promises-from-party-website-8937435.html

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Tory website purge extends to YouTube page, prompting airbrushing claims

Deletion of WebCameron videos and speeches boost critics’ view that ‘modernisation is ending’ says ex-PM speechwriter

http://www.theguardian.com/politics/2013/nov/14/tory-website-purge-youtube-webcameron

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Lord Owen calls for release of Blair and Bush Iraq evidence

Former foreign secretary critical of Whitehall’s refusal to disclose records and describes Blair’s stance on the material ‘an affront’

http://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2013/nov/14/lord-owen-iraq-release-blair-bush-evidence

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Francois Hollande in crisis as France engulfed by ‘exasperation and anger’

François Hollande’s popularity now stands at 15 per cent amongst French public The French president’s approval rating hits a new low as regional governments warn of ‘dangerous climate’

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/francois-hollande/10450534/Francois-Hollande-in-crisis-as-France-engulfed-by-exasperation-and-anger.html

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Swiss divided as 1:12 executive pay referendum nears

Big business accused of scaremongering just days before vote on capping bosses’ pay at 12 times that of their worst-paid staff

http://www.theguardian.com/business/2013/nov/14/swiss-divide-1-12-executive-pay-referendum

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Madrid’s rotting rubbish mounds spark political finger pointing

Mayor Ana Botella becomes target for citizens as refuse piles up on streets during strike by 6,000 street cleaners

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/nov/14/blame-madrid-rubbish-mayor-botilla

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Kosovo PM urges Serbs to vote in make-or-break elections

Hashim Thaçi says participation vital to peace deal with Serbia after violence led to aborted poll in ethnically divided Mitrovica

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/nov/14/kosovo-pm-hashim-thaci-serbs-vote-elections

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*Sigh*
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Obama admits to rollout ‘fumble’ and offers health insurance fix

Move will allow people with existing policies that do not meet minimum Obamacare standards to keep them for another year

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/nov/14/obama-healthcare-insurance-policy-amnesty

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Everything You Need To Know About Obama’s ‘Fix’ For Insurers Canceling Plans

http://thinkprogress.org/health/2013/11/14/2941161/obama-plans-let-coverage-like/

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A Health Care Fix

Facing political furor, President Obama corrects earlier statements and offers a way to let some people keep their current insurance policies.

http://nyti.ms/1j8eKUi

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Stop-and-frisk: only 3% of 2.4m stops result in conviction, report finds

Report by New York attorney general is first detailed examination of policy deemed unconstitutional earlier this year

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/nov/14/stop-and-frisk-new-york-conviction-rate

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Sandy Hook families launch ‘cultural change’ campaign on gun violence

Sandy Hook Promise campaign hopes to recruit 500,000 parents prioritising local violence prevention over DC legislation

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/nov/14/sandy-hook-newton-shooting-victims-gun-violence-campaign

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Koch Brothers’ Americans for Prosperity Spent Record $122 Million In 2012

http://thinkprogress.org/justice/2013/11/14/2944811/americans-prosperity-122-million/

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Time to cancel my Facebook account.
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Facebook and Microsoft help fund rightwing lobby network, report finds

State Policy Network rejects climate change, opposes workers’ rights – and is backed by some top US tech and telecoms firms

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/nov/14/facebook-microsoft-rightwing-lobby-network-spn

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The man is pathetic.
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George W Bush’s new ‘crusade’: converting Jews to Christianity

Bush is speaking at a fundraiser today for Messianic Jews. It’s the same imperial mentality that’s ravaged the holy land for ages

http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/andrewbrown/2013/nov/14/george-w-bush-speech-messianic-judaism

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Court rules 3,000-year-old gold relic to be returned to German museum

Family lore says Holocaust survivor, who brought the tablet when he settled in US, got it by trading cigarettes to a Russian soldier

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/nov/14/court-return-gold-relic-holocaust-germany

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Hundreds arrested as Canadian police smash global paedophile ring

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/hundreds-arrested-as-canadian-police-smash-global-paedophile-ring-8940562.html

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Oh good Lord!
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Venezuela’s President Maduro moves nearer to decree powers

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-24951590

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Support from a terrorist group, wow, how fitting.
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Hezbollah will carry on backing Bashar al-Assad, says leader Nasrallah

Head of Islamic movement in Lebanon justifies troops’ presence in Syria as resistance against extremists and Israel

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/nov/14/hezbollah-assad-syria-nasrallah-lebanon

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The Egyptian general idolised for deposing former President Mohamed Morsi

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/africa/the-egyptian-general-idolised-for-deposing-former-president-mohamed-morsi-8940476.html

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Ethiopians ‘surrender’ in Saudi after clamp down

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-24938570

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Just like that.
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Gambia severs diplomatic ties with Taiwan

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-24951115

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UN reports halt in Iran’s nuclear activities three months after moderate Hassan Rouhani became president

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/un-reports-halt-in-irans-nuclear-activities-three-months-after-moderate-hassan-rouhani-became-president-8940459.html

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Bombings kills dozens of Shia pilgrims in Iraq

One of the most important days in the Shia religious calendar is marked by a wave of attacks killing at least 43

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/iraq/10449308/Bombing-kills-dozen-in-Iraq.html

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What difference does it make, they still would have beheaded someone else. Not much of an apology.
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Al-Qaeda-linked rebels apologise after cutting off head of wrong person

Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham militants say sorry for decapitating a fellow extremist rather than enemy

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/syria/10449815/Al-Qaeda-linked-rebels-apologise-after-cutting-off-head-of-wrong-person.html

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Sri Lanka human rights overshadow summit

Allegations of human rights violations have led to several high profile boycotts of Commonwealth Summit

http://www.aljazeera.com/video/asia/2013/11/sri-lanka-human-rights-overshadow-summit-2013111420930998533.html

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Typhoon Haiyan: China gives less aid to Philippines than Ikea

World’s second largest economy pledges less than $2m to help relief effort, compared to furniture store’s $2.7m

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/nov/14/typhoon-haiyan-china-aid-philippines-ikea

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N Korea denies giving military aid to Syria

North Korea denies “foreign media reports” it is sending helicopter pilots and advisers to help Syrian government.

http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2013/11/n-korea-denies-giving-military-aid-syria-201311150579120661.html

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Frustration spreads in Philippines at slow pace of typhoon relief effort

Officials post death toll of 4,000 in Tacloban city alone, with UN confirming some of worst-hit areas have received no aid

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/nov/14/typhoon-haiyan-relief-effort-stalls-philippines
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TRIVIA QUIZ

Yesterday’s answer. To hide stains. Designed in the 1800’s by French chef Marie-Antoine Careme, making it white to emphasise the cleanliness of the kitchen and double-breasted so it could be buttoned either way to cover up stains.

We have a winner, and well done again kes.

Today’s question.

What Western resort town was the first city in the U.S. to be totally governed by women?

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The Fight for Native Families

Fault Lines examines why so many Native American children are caught in the child welfare system in South Dakota.

http://www.aljazeera.com/programmes/faultlines/2013/11/fight-native-families-2013111484221295305.html

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I lost my son to mental illness – we must fight for more compassion

Stigma surrounding mental illness will continue until mothers and fathers, siblings and friends come out of the centuries-old shadows of fear, unite and stand firm for our loved ones

http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2013/nov/15/i-lost-my-son-to-mental-illness-we-must-fight-for-more-compassion

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Quite horrifying.
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Lethal injection: Secretive US states resort to untested drugs

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-24935868

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I found this video bordering on exploitation. This is how Mr. Wolf might have looked if he had had a job in the first place, and for all we know, his alcohol problem probably stems from not having a stable life too.
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Trending: Why Jim Wolf’s makeover video went viral

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-24942277

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I preferred this one.
————

Dog days: the struggle to survive for street dogs and their homeless owners – video

http://www.theguardian.com/society/video/2013/nov/13/dogs-homeless-leeds-video

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Top 10 irreplaceable nature reserves on Earth – in pictures

The most irreplaceable nature reserves on Earth have been identified by an international team of scientists, based on the large numbers of threatened animals and birds they harbour. They range from a misty mountain refuge for nature in Colombia, to the rainforests of Madagascar, the elephant-rich hills of western India and the wet tropics of Queensland, Australia

http://www.theguardian.com/environment/gallery/2013/nov/14/top-10-irreplaceable-nature-reserves-in-pictures

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Afros, quiffs and a swan lake: Deutsche Börse photography prize 2014 – in pictures

The four shortlisted artists for the annual £30,000 prize are redefining photography, as they turn their lenses – and video cameras – on everything from rebel fighters (thanks to Ireland’s Venice Biennale representative, Richard Mosse) to themselves (Spain’s Alberto García-Alix).

http://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/gallery/2013/nov/14/deutsche-borse-photography-prize-2014-pictures

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Pictures of the day: 14 November 2013

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/picturegalleries/picturesoftheday/10448757/Pictures-of-the-day-12-November-2013.html

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The best pictures of the day – live

LIVEThe Guardian’s photo team brings you a daily round-up from the world of photography

http://www.theguardian.com/news/2013/nov/15/the-best-pictures-of-the-day-live

Good morning everyone.

I managed a sneaky nap while the construction elves were on their lunch break today. Keeping fingers and toes tightly crossed that they at least get a roof on before the weather turns, although I doubt it. Maybe I should volunteer to help them but on second thoughts, I’m quite dangerous with a hammer, to myself that is.

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

Sayonara from my now quite evening corner of Tokyo. Mata ashita ne.
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A few stories and opinions from around the globe.
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Thyroid cancers up in Fukushima

http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2013/11/13/national/thyroid-cancers-up-in-fukushima/#.UoRxzKVMIfE

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TEPCO ready for fuel removal from No. 4 spent fuel pool: U.S. expert

http://mainichi.jp/english/english/newsselect/news/20131114p2g00m0dm040000c.html

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New law paves way to break up electricity monopolies

http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2013/11/13/national/new-law-paves-way-to-break-up-electricity-monopolies/#.UoRyAKVMIfE

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Japan to send up to 1,000 SDF members for relief work in Philippines

http://mainichi.jp/english/english/newsselect/news/20131114p2g00m0dm041000c.html

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PICTURE OF THE DAY

Tower top

http://www.japantoday.com/category/picture-of-the-day/view/tower-top
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INTERNATIONAL NEWS
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Exclusive: US blocks publication of Chilcot’s report on how Britain went to war with Iraq

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/exclusive-us-blocks-publication-of-chilcots-report-on-how-britain-went-to-war-with-iraq-8937772.html

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Out of sight out of mind? I don’t think so guys.
————

Tories ‘deleted past broken promises from party website’

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/tories-deleted-past-broken-promises-from-party-website-8937435.html

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Is Clegg only just waking up?
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Cameron just wants to cut for cutting’s sake, claims Clegg

The Prime Minister’s plans for permanent cuts in spending would condemn Britain to “indefinite austerity”, warns Nick Clegg

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/politics/nick-clegg/10448340/Cameron-just-wants-to-cut-for-cuttings-sake-claims-Clegg.html

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The moment David Cameron lost the 2015 general election

By extolling the virtues of permanent austerity, the prime minister has abandoned the middle ground he needs to win

http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2013/nov/13/david-cameron-permanent-austerity-lose-election-2015

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Everyone needs to tighten their belts – except for Tory MPs, that is

Slip-ups with expenses and the odd £17m windfall are fine. It’s having an ex-PM who doesn’t know which way to pass the port that’s really bringing the Conservative party into disrepute

http://www.theguardian.com/politics/2013/nov/13/everyone-tighten-belts-except-tory-mps

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Eurozone GDP: French economy shrinks by 0.1% as German growth slows – live

LIVE• French GDP unexpectedly contracted in Q3
• Germany grew by 0.3%

http://www.theguardian.com/business/2013/nov/14/eurozone-gdp-france-economy-shrinks-by-01-as-german-growth-slows-live

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They deserve each other. Two hate-filled degenerates.
————

Dutch Eurosceptic Wilders and France’s Le Pen unite

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-24924372

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Pope Francis ‘may be at risk from Italian mafia’

The Pope’s efforts to tackle corruption within the Catholic Church could put him at risk from the Italian mafia, a leading prosecutor warns

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/religion/the-pope/10447007/Pope-Francis-may-be-at-risk-from-Italian-mafia.html

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‘If You Like Your Plan, You Can Keep It’ Is Easier Said Than Done

http://thinkprogress.org/health/2013/11/13/2931281/democrats-baited-voting-policy-bills/

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California Health Exchange Beats All Others in Enrollment, Officials Say

About 2,000 people are enrolling in private health care plans daily through the state’s website, officials said, a rate that has picked up considerably over the past few weeks.

http://nyti.ms/1e4z3BC

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Four US Marines killed in accident at Camp Pendleton in California

News reports suggest the deadly incident involved the detonation of unexploded ordnance

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/northamerica/usa/10448383/Four-US-Marines-killed-in-accident-at-Camp-Pendleton-in-California.html

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Those big fat Boehner lies.
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Teens Confront Speaker Boehner On Immigration Reform

http://thinkprogress.org/immigration/2013/11/13/2933151/teenagers-confront-boehner-diner/

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Serving Life for This? By Nicholas Kristof

In America, nonviolent offenses are getting grotesque punishment.

http://nyti.ms/1drzjcT

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Majority of red-state Americans believe climate change is real, study shows

Study suggests far-reaching acceptance of climate change in traditionally Republican states such as Texas and Oklahoma

http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2013/nov/13/climate-change-red-state-opinion-america-study

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The Right’s Slavery Obsession

http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2013/11/12/the-right-s-slavery-obsession.html

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Huh??? 😯
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Crack-smoking Toronto Mayor Rob Ford claims he is ‘a role model for down and out kids’

http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/cracksmoking-toronto-mayor-rob-ford-claims-he-is-a-role-model-for-down-and-out-kids-8937884.html

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Syria rebels urge Aleppo mobilisation to halt assault

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-24927097

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Mohamed Morsi accuses army chief of treason

Former Egyptian president’s speech damns man who toppled him, General Abdel Fatah al-Sisi, marking escalation in rhetoric

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/nov/13/mohamed-morsi-accuses-army-chief-treason-egypt

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Russia seeks to up Middle East influence with Egypt mission

Moscow sends top officials to discuss military deals with country’s new rulers, amid discontent in Cairo over partial withdrawal of US support

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/africaandindianocean/egypt/10447956/Russia-seeks-to-up-Middle-East-influence-with-Egypt-mission.html

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US names Nigeria’s Boko Haram and Ansaru ‘terrorists’

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-24931684

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In Iran, France, not Britain, now the ‘Little Satan’

Nuclear watch: France is widely seen as the culprit for scuttling the nuclear talks in Geneva

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/nov/13/iran-france-not-uk-now-the-little-satan

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Iran to ban morality police from targeting women

President Hassan Rouhani has ordered the country’s morality police to stop arresting women considered to be in defiance of a strict dress code

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/iran/10446613/Iran-to-ban-morality-police-from-targeting-women.html

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Iraq Shia pilgrims and police killed in bomb attacks

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-24923794

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No wonder it’s so hard to reform the justice system in India if the top police guy thinks this way. Horrendous!!
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India’s top police official Ranjit Sinha apologises after ‘if you can’t prevent rape, you enjoy it’ remark

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/asia/indias-top-police-official-ranjit-sinha-apologises-after-if-you-cant-prevent-rape-you-enjoy-it-remark-8937253.html

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Have they lost their minds? Sheer madness.
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China granted seat on UN’s human rights council

Campaigners express concern at China’s human rights record as it gains seat along with Russia, Saudi Arabia and Cuba

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/nov/13/china-granted-seat-un-human-rights-council

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Typhoon Haiyan: US carrier to boost relief effort

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-24936387

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Typhoon Haiyan: Philippines government on defensive over slow response

Supplies of food and water running dangerously low in hardest-hit areas, as the mayor of devastated Tacloban City urges its residents to flee

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/philippines/10448420/Typhoon-Haiyan-Philippines-government-on-defensive-over-slow-response.html
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TRIVIA QUIZ

Yesterday’s answer. An individual’s body clock or natural internal rhythm, the circadian factors that determine whether someone is a morning person, or an evening person, or neither. Kes got the right answer, so well done.

I used to be a night person but now am neither. It means that I’m just as useless and tired in the mornings as I am in the evenings.

Today’s question.

Why is the traditional chef’s jacket double-breasted?

Hint: Think cleanliness.

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The precarious life of Zabulon Simintov, the last Jew in Afghanistan

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/asia/the-precarious-life-of-zabulon-simintov-the-last-jew-in-afghanistan-8937759.html

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Rebuilding lives, after the conflict: How traumatised youngsters in the Central African Republic can hope to return to a normal life thanks to Independent readers

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/africa/rebuilding-lives-after-the-conflict-how-traumatised-youngsters-in-the-central-african-republic-can-hope-to-return-to-a-normal-life-thanks-to-independent-readers-8937773.html

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In pictures: Waiting for aid

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-24922331

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Lily Allen says her video for Hard Out Here isn’t to do with race. She is wrong

Racism works by denying the presence of race, the privilege being to not notice it

http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2013/nov/13/lily-allen-hard-out-here-racism

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Why you won’t catch me queuing for a burger

Waiting two hours in a line for beef in a bun was never going to be a good idea

http://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2013/nov/13/jay-rayner-queue-for-hamburger

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Ok, this is freaky but I laughed even though I’m against it.
————

Bad taxidermy is the perfect mix of hilarious and terrifying

http://www.deathandtaxesmag.com/209534/bad-taxidermy-is-the-perfect-mix-of-hilarious-and-terrifying/

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😆
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Sarah Palin tries to woo America with her guide to celebrating Christmas

The former vice-presidential candidate has written a book, Good Tidings and Great Joy, about the real meaning of Christmas. We read it so you don’t have to.

http://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/shortcuts/2013/nov/13/sarah-palin-guide-celebrating-christmas

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How about this? 🙂
————

Elephant orchestra: Can animals make real music?

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-24400364

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How to make the perfect onion bhajis

Can another member of the fritter family beat the onion bhaji, do you eat them as a starter or a snack, and what do you serve with them?

http://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/wordofmouth/2013/nov/13/how-to-make-perfect-onion-bhajis

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Pictures of the day: 13 November 2013

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/picturegalleries/picturesoftheday/10445816/Pictures-of-the-day-12-November-2013.html

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Picture Desk Live

Best pictures of the day – live

The Guardian’s photo team brings you a daily round-up from the world of photography

http://www.theguardian.com/news/2013/nov/13/best-pictures-of-the-day-live

Good morning everyone.

Well the day finally came when the construction next door was in full swing, and that day came today. Early this morning most of our light has been blocked at one side of our house, and carpenter elves have been banging and drilling since before 9 am this morning. Needless to say, now after 4 pm, I have a headache. 🙁

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

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

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

Gov’t readies additional Y3 tril for Fukushima clean-up

http://www.japantoday.com/category/national/view/govt-readies-additional-y3-tril-for-fukushima-clean-up

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Plan to lower radiation readings OK’d

http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2013/11/12/national/plan-to-lower-radiation-readings-okd/#.UoMa06VMIfE

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Koizumi calls on Abe to ditch nuclear power

http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2013/11/12/national/koizumi-calls-on-abe-to-ditch-nuclear-power/#.UoMa_6VMIfE

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55% of Japanese want zero-nuclear Japan: Mainichi survey

http://mainichi.jp/english/english/newsselect/news/20131113p2a00m0na002000c.html

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Japan to send SDF team to Philippine typhoon zone

http://www.japantoday.com/category/national/view/japan-to-send-sdf-team-to-philippine-typhoon-zone

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Caroline Kennedy sworn in as ambassador to Japan

http://www.japantoday.com/category/politics/view/caroline-kennedy-sworn-in-as-ambassador-to-japan
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INTERNATIONAL NEWS
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Only until we can kick you out Dave, standing there at your gold lectern talking about austerity. Shame on you!!
————

David Cameron insists that squeeze on public-sector spending is permanent

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/david-cameron-insists-that-squeeze-on-publicsector-spending-is-permanent-8933539.html

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The biggest shake-up of emergency care in decades: Top doctor calls for two-tier NHS to introduce A&E system

http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/the-biggest-shakeup-of-emergency-care-in-decades-top-doctor-calls-for-twotier-nhs-to-introduce-ae-system-8935603.html

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This is as embarrassing as it is disgraceful.
————

Elderly who fear care home abuse

Fewer than one in four adults would be willing to consider moving into a home if they become frail in old age, with concerns about the risk of being badly treated by staff cited as the main reason

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/elderhealth/10445449/Elderly-who-fear-care-home-abuse.html

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No, Mr Gove, social workers don’t lack compassion or intellect. They lack time and resources

Michael Gove’s proposed changes to social work overlook the huge impact on child welfare of cuts in services and family living standards

http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2013/nov/12/gove-social-workers-compassion-intellect-time

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Funny, when was the last time Russia apologised for anything?
————

Russia demands apology from Poland over Warsaw rioting

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-24909716

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Putin has his fingers in every sticky pie.
————

Ukraine’s planned release of political prisoner Yulia Tymoshenko and trade agreement with EU hindered by Russia’s chocolate strategy

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/ukraines-planned-release-of-political-prisoner-yulia-tymoshenko-and-trade-agreement-with-eu-hindered-by-russias-chocolate-strategy-8935678.html

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6 Reasons Why Obamacare Enrollment Is Going Better Than You Think

http://thinkprogress.org/health/2013/11/12/2923931/obamacare-enrollment-going-better-think/

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Major Insurance Company Faces Lawsuit For Allegedly Tricking Customers Into Canceling Their Policies

http://thinkprogress.org/health/2013/11/07/2906861/major-insurance-company-lawsuit/

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Fighting to Stop an Entitlement Before It Takes Hold, and Expands

One reason Republicans are fighting so hard to stop President Obama’s health law now is that it may be impossible to do so once it is established.

http://nyti.ms/HRWKlR

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Elizabeth Warren challenges Obama to break up ‘too-big-to-fail’ Wall St banks

Amid speculation that she might run against Hillary Clinton in 2016, firebrand senator attacks regulators for multiple failings

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/nov/12/elizabeth-warren-obama-banks

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Republicans block Nina Pillard’s nomination for federal appeals court

Democrats say move broke informal agreement between parties and call for rule change

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/nov/13/republicans-block-nina-pillard-nomination

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Over 3,000 US prisoners serving life without parole for non-violent crimes

ACLU report chronicles thousands of lives ruined by life sentences for crimes such as shoplifting or possession of a crack pipe

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/nov/13/us-prisoners-sentences-life-non-violent-crimes

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How about them apples, Cobb? HA!
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White supremacist Craig Cobb told he is 14% African in televised DNA test

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/white-supremacist-craig-cobb-told-he-is-14-african-in-televised-dna-test-8934797.html

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In Aleppo I only survive by looking Syrian

In this war, to be a foreign reporter is to be hunted by Islamists and the regime. My helmet is a veil, my hijab a flak jacket

http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2013/nov/12/only-survive-by-looking-syrian-hunted-by-islamists

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Syrian Kurdish party plans transitional administration

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-24918265

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Egypt acts to end state of emergency

Court rules to lift three-month-old state of emergency but curfew to remain as military says it awaits executive order.

http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2013/11/egypt-announces-end-state-emergency-201311121547516990.html

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For how long this time?
————

Israel cancels plans to build 20,000 new settler homes

Benjamin Netanyahu calls off construction of new homes after Palestinian president warns it would prompt him to declare the peace process over

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/israel/10445550/Israel-cancels-plans-to-build-20000-new-settler-homes.html

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Horrendous!!
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Palestinian villages subject to Israeli mock raids not told they are exercises

Israeli military rejects complaints by Israeli human rights group Yesh Din over ‘training’ arrests of Arabs and raids on homes

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/nov/12/palestinian-israeli-training-raids-mock-arrests-human-rights

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Special report: The new model armies – why are Western forces being deployed across Africa?

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/politics/special-report-the-new-model-armies–why-are-western-forces-being-deployed-across-africa-8935715.html

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DR Congo refuses to sign M23 ‘accord’ in Kampala

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-24915550

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Good Lord!
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Ayatollah Khamenei’s £60bn empire includes birth control factory

Ayatollah Khamenei has been found to control a financial empire worth an estimated £60 billion, which includes businesses as wide-ranging as an ostrich farm and a birth control pill factory

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/iran/10445424/Ayatollah-Khameneis-60bn-empire-includes-birth-control-factory.html

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Banned students reinstated in Iran

Reprieve is part of more moderate treatment of academia following the election of Hassan Rouhani

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/nov/12/iran-students-change-hassan-rouhani

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No, you are a rapist and murderer. Period.
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‘I am a student, I’m not a killer’: One of four men accused of a brutal gang-rape and murder that shocked India protests his innocence

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/asia/i-am-a-student-im-not-a-killer-one-of-four-men-accused-of-a-brutal-gangrape-and-murder-that-shocked-india-protests-his-innocence-8935606.html

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Outrage over Indian official Ranjit Sinha’s ‘rape’ remarks

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-india-24922280

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Afghanistan’s poppy farmers plant record opium crop, UN report says

Despite 10 years of western efforts to curb production, a combination of economics and political instability means farmers in the world’s largest heroin-producing country are as enthusiastic as ever for the poppy

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/nov/13/afghanistan-record-opium-crop-poppies-un

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Typhoon Haiyan: aid convoys come under fire as relief operation becomes ‘logistical nightmare’

Security situation now desperate as tens of thousands clamour to escape the devastated city of Tacloban and hundreds of thousands of people remain stranded without food, water or shelter across the central Philippines

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/philippines/10445615/Typhoon-Haiyan-aid-convoys-come-under-fire-as-relief-operation-becomes-logistical-nightmare.html

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Philippines typhoon: eight die in food stampede amid desperate wait for aid

Wall collapses as thousands storm rice warehouse in devastated Leyte province while Haiyan relief effort flounders

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/nov/13/philippines-typhoon-food-stampede-aid
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TRIVIA QUIZ

Today’s question.

What is a human chronotype?

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Sibling bullying: ‘I wished I hadn’t been born’

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-24867267

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All living US presidents recite Gettysburg Address

Filmmaker Ken Burns persuades presidents, politicians and celebrities to recite Abraham Lincoln’s iconic Gettysburg Address for a video in honour of its 150th anniversary

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/northamerica/usa/10445322/All-living-US-presidents-recite-Gettysburg-Address.html

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The problem with anti-rape underwear

This modern-day chastity belt is yet another product of a society that blames victims rather than rapists

http://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/womens-blog/2013/nov/11/problem-anti-rape-underwear-chastity-belt

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Nigel Slater’s chicken with haricot beans and lemon recipe

Hearty food for a chilly night

http://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2013/nov/12/chicken-haricot-beans-recipe-nigel-slater

Pictures of the day: 12 November 2013

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/picturegalleries/picturesoftheday/10442895/Pictures-of-the-day-12-November-2013.html

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Day in pictures: 12 November 2013

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/in-pictures-24910222

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10 photo highlights of the day

Each day the picture editor of the Guardian brings you a selection of top photographs from around the world

http://www.theguardian.com/news/gallery/2013/nov/12/10-photo-highlights-of-the-day

Good morning everyone.

This month is speeding by for me and I still don’t feel that we are experiencing an Autumn yet. Maybe it’s because the temps have been so all over the place with more warm days than cool. Or maybe it’s because there are so few trees left in our neighbourhood that I’m missing the changes in colours and the falling leaves. It gets dark before 4:30 pm now.

Autumn is my favourite season of the year, and I can’t remember when we last had a real one here in the city that becomes hotter every Summer and where you miss the the Spring completely should you blink. I miss my four seasons and mourn them deeply.

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

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

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

Deluge of harassing emails angers anti-nuclear groups

http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2013/11/11/national/deluge-of-harassing-emails-angers-anti-nuclear-groups/#.UoHNUqVMIfE

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TEPCO plans to change drainage channel outlet heading to ocean

http://mainichi.jp/english/english/newsselect/news/20131112p2g00m0dm036000c.html

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For many Fukushima evacuees, the truth is they won’t be going home

http://www.japantoday.com/category/national/view/for-many-fukushima-evacuees-the-truth-is-they-wont-be-going-home

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Some 100 Japanese unaccounted for after Philippines typhoon

http://mainichi.jp/english/english/newsselect/news/20131112p2g00m0dm057000c.html

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Japanese medical team leaves for typhoon-hit Philippines

http://mainichi.jp/english/english/newsselect/news/20131112p2g00m0dm035000c.html

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PICTURE OF THE DAY

Wind power for Fukushima

http://www.japantoday.com/category/picture-of-the-day/view/wind-power-for-fukushima
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

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

That’s been plainly obvious for years.
————

Coalition cuts blamed for shortage of 20,000 NHS nurses

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/coalitioncuts-blamedfor-shortageof-20000nhs-nurses-8933661.html

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More than four million more face higher energy bills as Minister attacks suppliers for acting like greedy banks

E.ON is preparing to push through a 6.6 per cent increase in gas and electricity prices with the increase taking effect in early January

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/personalfinance/consumertips/household-bills/10442288/More-than-four-million-more-face-higher-energy-bills-as-Minister-attacks-suppliers-for-acting-like-greedy-banks.html

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Heartbreaking.
————

450,000 elderly people ‘facing Christmas alone’ this year

Age UK is calling for elderly people to contact its support services rather than spend Christmas alone as research finds that many have no-one to turn to as the festive period approaches

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/elderhealth/10441273/450000-elderly-people-facing-Christmas-alone-this-year.html

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Good for him for speaking the truth.
————

‘Truly shocking’ that the private-school educated and affluent middle class still run Britain, says Sir John Major

Former Prime Minister criticises the dominance of private-school educated elite in “upper echelons” of British public life

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/politics/conservative/10439303/Truly-shocking-that-the-private-school-educated-and-affluent-middle-class-still-run-Britain-says-Sir-John-Major.html

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Sir John Major’ attack on Britain’s privileged governing class: edited speech transcript

Sir John Major, the former Conservative Prime Minister, said in a speech on Friday that he was appalled that “every single sphere of British influence” in society is dominated by men and women who went to private school or who are from the “affluent middle class”.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/politics/conservative/10441029/Sir-John-Major-attack-on-Britains-privileged-governing-class-the-speech-transcript.html

—-

The push for performance-related pay is driven by faith, not facts

Incentives destroy morale and lead to risky behaviour. Yet ministers promote them with an almost religious fervour

http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2013/nov/12/performance-related-pay-risky-behaviour

—-

German government unveils details of ‘Nazi art’

Almost 600 works of art discovered in Munich apartment of Cornelius Gurlitt may have been stolen by Nazis

http://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2013/nov/12/german-nazi-art-cornelius-gurlitt-munich

—-

François Hollande booed as 70 arrested at Armistice Day ceremony

French government says protesters linked to far-right groups as polls reveal another fall in president’s popularity ratings

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/nov/11/francois-hollande-booed-protesters-arrested-armistice-day

—-

Some Captain.
————

Capt Schettino did abandon ship before all passengers were evacuated, court hears

Italian court hears how Capt Schettino jumped to safety before ship was fully evacuated

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/italy/10441539/Capt-Schettino-did-abandon-ship-before-all-passengers-were-evacuated-court-hears.html

—-

Sweden closes four prisons as number of inmates plummets

Decline partly put down to strong focus on rehabilitation and more lenient sentences for some offences

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/nov/11/sweden-closes-prisons-number-inmates-plummets

—-

Polish riot police use rubber bullets on far-right protesters in Warsaw

Demonstrators set cars alight during annual march to celebrate national independence day

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/nov/11/polish-riot-police-rubber-bullets-warsaw

—-

Man who shot gay rights activist in face with airgun in Russia spared jail

A man who shot a gay rights activist in the face with a rubber bullet gun has been released by a Russian court with a one-year suspended sentence

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/russia/10441573/Man-who-shot-gay-rights-activist-in-face-with-airgun-in-Russia-spared-jail.html

—-

President Obama lays wreath at Veterans Day ceremony

President Barack Obama pays tribute to US veterans by laying a wreath at the Arlington National Cemetery.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/barackobama/10442559/President-Obama-lays-wreath-at-Veterans-Day-ceremony.html

—-

Wisconsin Supreme Court Hears Arguments on Collective Bargaining Law

Wisconsin’s top court on Monday heard arguments on the constitutionality of a 2011 law that all but eliminated collective bargaining for most public employees.

http://nyti.ms/HQYDzj

—-

Renisha McBride, 19, was shot in face by Detroit homeowner

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-24907851

—-

Texas fight for right to abortion goes to Supreme Court

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/texas-fight-for-right-to-abortion-goes-to-supreme-court-8933617.html

—-

😯
————

Texas conservative wins local election after ‘pretending to be black’

Dave Wilson shrugs off criticism after fooling black voters in Houston with endorsement from cousin in Iowa

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/northamerica/usa/10441941/Texas-conservative-wins-local-election-after-pretending-to-be-black.html

—-

Insane! Courtesy of Brothers Koch.
————

No Health Insurance? Just Drink.

Generation Opportunity hosted a tailgate party to dissuade students from signing up for insurance through an exchange.

http://nyti.ms/16WH6yu

—-

How Republicans Are Denying Health Care Coverage To Thousands Of Veterans

http://thinkprogress.org/health/2013/11/11/2922301/republicans-denying-health-care-coverage-thousands-veterans/

—-

40 Armed Gun Advocates Intimidate Mothers Against Gun Violence In A Restaurant Parking Lot

http://thinkprogress.org/justice/2013/11/10/2921121/dallas-gun-advocates-protest-restaurant-gun-control-advocates/

—-

CBS News facing calls for investigation into 60 Minutes’ false Benghazi account

Brace of apologies for broadcasting a false eyewitness account of the 2012 Benghazi attack has failed to quell mounting furore

http://www.theguardian.com/media/2013/nov/11/cbs-news-60-minutes-benghazi-investigation

—-

Syrian opposition picks interim government

The National Coalition chose its cabinet members, insists Geneva talks must lead to removal of the Assad regime.

http://www.aljazeera.com/video/middleeast/2013/11/syrian-opposition-picks-interim-government-201311125755856616.html

—-

The sons feared lost to al-Qaida in Syria

Parents in Turkish town of Adiyaman tell of anguish of searching for offspring recruited for jihad in neighbouring country

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/nov/11/sons-lost-al-qaida-syria-turkey-jihad

—-

Teenage Syrian refugees wed ‘for protection’

Girls as young as 14 are being married off, fearing attacks in the world’s second-largest refugee camp.

http://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/features/2013/11/teenage-syrian-refugees-wed-protection-201311101497543146.html

—-

Revealed: Egypt is the worst Arab country for women

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/africa/revealed-egypt-is-the-worst-arab-country-for-women-8933608.html

—-

Anger over Israeli mayor who says there are no gays in his town

Moshe Abutbul, the ultra-Orthodox mayor of Beit Shemesh, says no gays live in his town and homosexuality should be a police matter, amid debate in Israel over a proposal to allow same-sex unions

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/israel/10440627/Anger-over-Israeli-mayor-who-says-there-are-no-gays-in-his-town.html

—-

NGO: Israeli plan for Jewish town racist

Israeli Arab rights group Adalah accuses government of establishing new Jewish towns while evicting Bedouin residents.

http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2013/11/ngo-israeli-plan-jewish-town-racist-2013111224120442508.html

—-

Somalis ‘killed in Puntland’ during tropical cyclone

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-24896857

—-

‘It’s a new Congo, we won’t bow down to the enemy again’: Optimism as DRC’s vanquished rebels sign up for peace

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/africa/its-a-new-congo-we-wont-bow-down-to-the-enemy-again-optimism-as-drcs-vanquished-rebels-sign-up-for-peace-8933384.html

—-

Iran’s deputy industry minister shot dead

Safdar Rahmat Abadi was shot in the head and chest in first killing of senior government official in years

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/iran/10440006/Irans-deputy-industry-minister-shot-dead.html

—-

Iran allows inspectors to visit two key nuclear sites

IAEA granted permission to enter long-unseen facilities as Tehran seeks to show co-operation after failure of Geneva talks

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/nov/11/iran-allows-nuclear-inspectors-iaea

—-

Iran voices: Hassan Rouhani’s first 100 days in office

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/24856343

—-

CHOGM: Indian PM’s absence to benefit China?

Doubts voiced over India-Sri Lanka ties as Manmohan Singh decides to stay away from Commonwealth summit in Colombo.

http://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/2013/11/chogm-indian-pm-absence-benefit-china-201311118392960885.html

—-

Nasiruddin Haqqani: Senior militant shot dead in Pakistan

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-24898804

—-

What???
————

Women who have abortions deserve to die, doctor claims

A Melbourne doctor thinks women who have terminations should die – and regularly breaks the state’s abortion laws

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/nov/12/women-who-have-abortions-deserve-to-die-doctor-claims

—-

And yet his father’s passion was watching foreign films and kidnapping foreign actresses.
————

Dozens executed in North Korea ‘for watching foreign films’

Eighty people have been executed by firing squad in North Korea for watching foreign films, it has been claimed.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/northkorea/10442375/Dozens-executed-in-North-Korea-for-watching-foreign-films.html

—-

Typhoon Haiyan: British and US warships head for Philippines

HMS Daring and USS George Washington lead military push to help relief effort with drinking water and air support

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/nov/12/typhoon-haiyan-british-us-warships-philippines

—-

Typhoon Haiyan: ‘Every single building. Every single house. Destroyed’ – Governments pledge millions, but Tacloban still waits

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/asia/typhoon-haiyan-every-single-building-every-single-house-destroyed–governments-pledge-millions-but-tacloban-is-still-waiting-8933515.html
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Touching.
————

Hundreds of strangers attend veteran’s funeral

A ceremony to mark the passing of a World War Two veteran attracts scores of attendees after fears nobody would turn up

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/defence/10441173/Hundreds-of-strangers-attend-veterans-funeral.html

—-

Money won’t compensate for my torture in Chile

The £20,000 I’ve been awarded won’t lessen the terrible abuse I suffered under Pinochet. But at least the ruling sets a precedent

http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2013/nov/10/money-will-not-compensate-torture-chile-pinochet

—-

My Abortion

One in three women has an abortion by the age of 45. How many ever talk about it? New laws, old stigmas. ShareTh

http://nymag.com/news/features/abortion-stories-2013-11/

—-

Preserved as evidence, Camp X-Ray holds dark memories

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-24830077

—-

Joan Bakewell : Dying wishes sometimes take on a life of their own

The writing of a will doesn’t quite set the seal on your earthly preferences – as is being demonstrated with the Burrell Museum in Glasgow

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/comment/10441356/Joan-Bakewell-Dying-wishes-sometimes-take-on-a-life-of-their-own.html

—-

In pictures: India’s street children

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-india-24455387

—-

Alcohol without the hangover? It’s closer than you think

Science now allows us to develop a safer way to get drunk. But before we can sober up in minutes, the drinks industry needs to embrace this healthier approach

http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2013/nov/11/alcohol-benefits-no-dangers-closer-think

—-

Vapours from damp buildings may trigger Parkinson’s

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/science/vapours-from-damp-buildings-may-trigger-parkinsons-8933451.html

—-

Job #1? Not in a million years. 😯
————

The world’s oddest jobs – in pictures

Nancy Rica Schiff is a professional photographer hunting down people working in the world’s most unusual occupations, be it dog food tasters, armpit sniffers or dinosaur dusters

http://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/gallery/2013/nov/11/worlds-oddest-jobs-in-pictures

—-

Pictures of the day: 11 November 2013

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/picturegalleries/picturesoftheday/10440431/Pictures-of-the-day-11-November-2013.html

—-

Day in pictures: 11 November 2013

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/in-pictures-24897377

—-

10 photo highlights of the day

Each day the picture editor of the Guardian brings you a selection of top photographs from around the world – here the focus is on Armistice Day

http://www.theguardian.com/world/gallery/2013/nov/11/10-photo-highlights-of-the-day

Good morning everyone.

Looks as if I’m still fighting that old bug but hope to be back on my feet again very soon.

Have a good Sunday wherever you may be. Take care, be safe, stay warm and comfy or cool and dry.

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

Sunday’s Bits & Bobs
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

TEPCO to begin to recover spent nuclear fuel

http://mainichi.jp/english/english/newsselect/news/20131109p2a00m0na007000c.html

—-

M5.5 quake jolts Ibaraki Pref. area

http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2013/11/10/national/m5-5-quake-jolts-ibaraki-pref-area/#.Un8-kaVMIfE

—-

PICTURE OF THE DAY

Color me red

http://www.japantoday.com/category/picture-of-the-day/view/color-me-red
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Care home fees: the scandal of secret mark-ups

Figures compiled for the Telegraph show those who pay for their own care are paying 13pc above the ‘real cost’

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/personalfinance/insurance/longtermcare/10435265/Care-home-fees-the-scandal-of-secret-mark-ups.html

—-

That’s what is bankrupting the NHS.
————

Number of NHS ‘super managers’ earning up to £240,000 soars amid pay freeze fear

Figures undermine David Cameron’s claims that health service bureaucracy is being cut

http://www.theguardian.com/society/2013/nov/10/nhs-super-managers-428-nurse-pay

—-

Widows and widowers’ pensions could be axed under new proposals

Pension for surviving spouse and inflation linking threatened under plan to make final salary schemes affordable

http://www.theguardian.com/money/2013/nov/10/widow-pension-threat

—-

What a terrible waste!
————-

Affordable homes facing demolition because of bedroom tax

Housing associations say change to benefit rules means tenants cannot afford to rent three-bed maisonettes

http://www.theguardian.com/society/2013/nov/10/bedrooom-tax-affordable-homes-face-demolition

—-

And some will move from the U.K. if they leave the EU.
————

UK manufacturing is only being kept afloat by foreign-owned car factories

The sector is at the heart of the chancellor’s rebalancing plans: but, apart from the car industry, there are few signs of life

http://www.theguardian.com/business/2013/nov/10/portsmouth-makers-marching

—-

Fifty days in hell: dispatches from Russia in the Arctic 30’s own words

How Greenpeace activists held in Russia have told the world their story through tweets and messages home

http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2013/nov/09/dispatches-arctic-30-russia-oil-protest

—-

Immigration Vote Unlikely This Year, Lawmaker Says

The House will not have time to vote on a bill until early next year, Representative Kevin McCarthy, the majority whip, told protesters in his California district.

http://nyti.ms/1adAImI

—-

Toronto’s Mayor McCrack has a problem and so does the city he leads

Rob Ford’s crack cocaine smoking may mask even darker truths, writes John Avlon

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/us-politics/10437897/Torontos-Mayor-McCrack-has-a-problem-and-so-does-the-city-he-leads.html

—-

Venezuela’s government seizes electronic goods shops

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-24883849

—-

Syria rebels recapture army base near Aleppo

Opposition fighters held the site for nine months until Friday when government forces briefly pushed them out.

http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2013/11/syria-rebels-recapture-army-base-near-aleppo-2013119153526111282.html

—-

Syrian opposition accuses Russia of blocking humanitarian aid

Syrian opposition points finger at Russia for “blocking humanitarian aid” from reaching those in need

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/syria/10437730/Syrian-opposition-accuses-Russia-of-blocking-humanitarian-aid.html

—-

Experts question Russian Arafat findings

Al Jazeera releases conclusions of Russian probe into Palestinian leader’s death, which say results are “inconclusive”.

http://www.aljazeera.com/investigations/killing-arafat/experts-question-russian-arafat-findings-2013118102237239238.html

—-

Iran nuclear talks break without agreement

Talks over country’s disputed nuclear programme end inconclusively, as world powers agree to reconvene on November 20.

http://www.aljazeera.com/news/europe/2013/11/iran-nuclear-talks-continue-third-day-201311984344448450.html

—-

Saudi Arabia: two killed in clashes involving foreign workers

Almost 70 others injured and more than 500 arrested as officials give no hint of the riot’s origin

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/nov/10/saudi-arabia-two-killed-clashes-foreign-workers

—-

Indian PM to boycott Commonwealth summit in Sri Lanka over human rights

Manmohan Singh becomes second leader to cancel attendance at summit

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/srilanka/10438750/Indian-PM-to-boycott-Commonwealth-summit-in-Sri-Lanka-over-human-rights.html

—-

Afghan troop deaths up almost 80% in 2013 fighting season, says Pentagon

Report says US and coalition deaths down almost 60% in same period, as reduction in troop numbers continues

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/nov/08/afghan-troop-casualties-up-almost-80-in-2013-fighting-season-says-pentagon

—-

Disgraced Chinese politician Bo Xilai made ‘chairman for life’ of new political party

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/asia/disgraced-chinese-politician-bo-xilai-made-chairman-for-life-of-new-political-party-8930413.html

—-

Smoggy Beijing sees lung cancer cases soar

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-24880737

—-

Typhoon Haiyan: at least 10,000 reported dead in Philippine province

Estimated death toll soars as path of destruction leaves many parts of Philippines inaccessible to government and aid officials

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/nov/10/typhoon-haiyan-thousands-dead-philippines
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

IRIVIA QUIZ

The answer to the question “In the US, which three states share land borders with Michigan?
Indiana, Ohio, Wisconsin.

Today’s question.

It takes from three to six months for a fingernail to grow back completely. How about a toenail?

Hint: Much longer.

—-

Inspiration or danger? Private schools in Pakistan ban Malala Yousafzai’s book

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/asia/inspiration-or-danger-private-schools-in-pakistan-ban-malala-yousafzais-book-8930925.html

—-

Father who lost limbs in Afghanistan teaches son to stay positive

An ex-soldier who lost three limbs after stepping on a bomb in Afghanistan is using his story to teach his child how to stay positive

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/defence/10438266/Father-who-lost-limbs-in-Afghanistan-teaches-son-to-stay-positive.html

—-

Lawyers seek new trial for 14-year-old South Carolina boy executed in 1944

George Stinney, put to death for the murders of two young white girls, was the youngest US person executed in the 20th Century

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/nov/09/george-stinney-retrial-south-carolina-executed-murder

—-

JFK and me: pictures of the president

John F Kennedy’s untimely death has meant that the president remained for many a symbol of youth and promise, frozen in time in a series of iconic photographs. To mark the 50th anniversary of his assassination we ask those whose paths crossed his to choose the photograph of him that means most to them – and to tell us why

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/nov/10/john-f-kennedy-jfk-50-years-photographs

—-

From shopping to scandal: What did the Georgians ever do for us? Quite a lot, actually…

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/this-britain/from-shopping-to-scandal-what-did-the-georgians-ever-do-for-us-quite-a-lot-actually-8930920.html

—-

Are you cooking comfortably: Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall’s one-pot winter warmer recipes

They don’t involve much work, and they always turn up trumps on a cold day: what’s not to like about one-pot winter wonders?

http://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2013/nov/08/one-pot-winter-recipes-hugh-fearnley-whittingstall

—-

Animal photos of the week: 8 November 2013

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/picturegalleries/earth/10435783/Animal-photos-of-the-week.html

—-

The week in pictures: 8 November 2013

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/picturegalleries/theweekinpictures/10435787/The-week-in-pictures-8-November-2013.html

—-

Week in pictures: 2-8 November 2013

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/24848978

—-

The Observer’s 20 photographs of the week

The best photography in news, culture and sport from around the world this week

http://www.theguardian.com/theobserver/gallery/2013/nov/09/observer-20-photos-tony-mccoy

Good morning everyone.

Just to set the record straight for those of you who might think I’ve been lollygagging my week away, well, I haven’t. Came down with a bug last week and had been fighting for my right to feel better ever since. I think that I’m succeeding, so thank you kindly for your patience.

I might not make it tomorrow morning either because we have decided to visit my mother-in-law who doctors had almost given up hope of survival for in August on the day we moved here, and is now singing two karaoke songs at the top of her lungs each day. This we have to see. 😀

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

Sayonara from my late afternoon corner of Tokyo. Mata ne.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

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

Bill to set up U.S.-style security council clears Lower House
Passage lets Lower House start discussion on secrets act

http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2013/11/07/national/bill-to-set-up-u-s-style-security-council-clears-lower-house/#.Unx-zKVMIfE

—-

Another myth debunked.
————

NOAA: No giant floating island of tsunami debris

http://mainichi.jp/english/english/newsselect/news/20131108p2g00m0dm008000c.html

—-

Japan making China nervous? That’a a laugh when China has spent recent years bullying every other nation it meets on the high sea claiming they own it.
————

.

Japan stations missiles on Pacific gateway island

http://www.japantoday.com/category/national/view/japan-stations-missiles-on-pacific-gateway-island

—-

New U.S. Ambassador Caroline Kennedy to arrive in Japan on Nov 15

http://www.japantoday.com/category/politics/view/new-u-s-ambassador-caroline-kennedy-to-arrive-in-japan-on-nov-15

—-

PICTURE OF THE DAY

Fuji Wonderland

http://www.japantoday.com/category/picture-of-the-day/view/fuji-wonderland
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

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

Instead of hiring capable people to improve the system, they waste precious funds to cover the arses of those who can’t do the work they are payed to do, which is take care of patients not profits for board members.
————

Crisis in maternity care: Health service spends £482m of its budget on insuring against negligence claims

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/crisis-in-maternity-care-health-service-spends-482m-of-its-budget-on-insuring-against-negligence-claims-8927687.html

—-

They should have kept their dirty hands off it.
————

Government’s attempt to save salary-linked pensions could eat into other retirement schemes

http://www.independent.co.uk/money/pensions/governments-attempt-to-save-salarylinked-pensions-could-eat-into-other-retirement-schemes-8928147.html

—-

How can this man lose something he never had? He has caused millions to suffer and starve.
————

Iain Duncan Smith has lost touch with reality on the Universal Credit

Labour supports Universal Credit – but the Government has wasted millions of pounds of taxpayers’ money, writes Rachel Reeves.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/politics/conservative/10433079/Iain-Duncan-Smith-has-lost-touch-with-reality-on-the-Universal-Credit.html

—-

Iain Duncan Smith’s second epiphany: from compassion to brutality

I’ve seen his benefit sanctions inflict misery on places like Easterhouse, where poverty made him weep a decade ago

http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2013/nov/08/duncan-smith-poverty-benefit-sanctions-easterhouse

—-

Universities cancel Muslim cleric’s speaking tour over concerns about his anti-gay views

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/education/education-news/universities-cancel-muslim-clerics-speaking-tour-over-concerns-about-his-antigay-views-8927902.html

—-

France’s credit rating cut by S&P to AA

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-24863628

—-

‘The core of the problem is Hollande’s own personality’: France’s President clings to the last of his credibility

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/the-core-of-the-problem-is-hollandes-own-personality-frances-president-clings-to-the-last-of-his-credibility-8927672.html

—-

I’m pleased to hear it. An animal calling another human, a woman no less, an animal.
————

Senior Italian politician charged with ‘defamation aggravated by racial discrimination’

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/senior-italian-politician-charged-with-defamation-aggravated-by-racial-discrimination-8927534.html

—-

Greenpeace Arctic activists face further Russian charges

Investigator says several activists will face charges of resisting law officers, in addition to hooliganism charges

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/nov/07/greenpeace-activists-more-charges-russia

—-

Senate passes landmark Enda bill to protect LGBT employee rights

Passage piles pressure on House to approve bill speaker John Boehner says could prove too expensive for businesses

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/nov/07/senate-passes-enda-house-pressure

—-

Obama apologises for ‘holes and gaps’ in health law

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-24860621

—-

Opposing Obamacare in Kentucky, one of America’s sickest states

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-24824271

—-

Billionaires Collect Millions In Taxpayer Dollars Through Farm Subsidies

http://thinkprogress.org/economy/2013/11/07/2912031/billionaires-farm-subsidies-snap-cuts/

—-

The Tenth Amendment Is Dead As A National Political Issue

http://thinkprogress.org/justice/2013/11/06/2889191/tenth-amendment-dead-national-political-issue/

—-

Iowa Town’s Vote Delivers Rebuke to Kochs’ Group

All three incumbents who ran won their races in Coralville, Iowa, on Tuesday, despite being targeted by the conservative group Americans for Prosperity over the town’s debt.

http://nyti.ms/1dOG49C

—-

Shooting death of Detroit woman reignites ‘stand your ground’ furore

Residents call for charges to be brought in death of Renisha McBride, 19, who was unarmed when she was shot

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/nov/07/woman-shot-detroit-stand-your-ground

—-

Slavery Isn’t a Thing of the Past
by Nicholas Kristof

Finally, we can face the monstrosity of 19th-century slavery. But what about people enslaved today?

http://nyti.ms/HysVWJ

—-

A loose cannon.
————

Toronto mayor in fresh controversy as video surfaces of drunken rant

Rob Ford ’embarrassed’ but gives no sign that he will step down after video published showing him staggering and shouting

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/nov/07/toronto-mayor-video-surfaces-drunken-rant

—-

Syria polio outbreak now threatens Europe, warn experts

http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/syria-polio-outbreak-now-threatens-europe-warn-experts-8927728.html

—-

Syria crisis: Saudi Arabia to spend millions to train new rebel force

Riyadh ‘fighting two wars in Syria’ as new force Jaysh al-Islam excludes al-Qaida affiliates in bid to defeat Assad regime

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/nov/07/syria-crisis-saudi-arabia-spend-millions-new-rebel-force

—-

Jordan set to replace Saudi Arabia on Security Council after Saudis reject seat

Private deal reportedly struck to see Jordan take place of Saudi Arbia for a two-year term starting in January following Saudi’s unprecedented rejection of the seat

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/jordan/10434852/Jordan-set-to-replace-Saudi-Arabia-on-Security-Council-after-Saudis-reject-seat.html

—-

Heavy fighting on streets of Libyan capital as rival militia do battle

At least one dead and several wounded in the second outbreak of street fighting in a matter of days in Tripoli as post-Gaddafi government struggles to control fighters

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/africaandindianocean/libya/10434849/Heavy-fighting-on-streets-of-Libyan-capital-as-rival-militia-do-battle.html

—-

Yet earlier independent tests found no traces of polonium. Strange.
————

Palestinians to respond on Arafat polonium findings

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-24863138

—-

DR Congo’s M23 rebel chief Sultani Makenga ‘surrenders’

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-24849814

—-

Is the white-right in South Africa a threat?

Recent sentencing of extremist coup plotters highlights right-wing’s discontent.

http://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/features/2013/11/white-right-south-africa-threat-201311795044515944.html

—-

US offers short-term nuclear deal allowing Iran to continue enriching uranium

American negotiators want a six month freeze to Iran’s nuclear programme to create time for a final agreement, but the terms risk a backlash from both Israel and Congress as John Kerry heads to Geneva talks

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/iran/10434331/US-offers-short-term-nuclear-deal-allowing-Iran-to-continue-enriching-uranium.html

—-

Does Pakistan have nuclear weapons ready to ship to Saudi Arabia?

A new BBC report says they are packed and ready to go

http://www.theguardian.com/world/julian-borger-global-security-blog/2013/nov/07/pakistan-saudi-nuclear-proliferation

—-

Terrorist who ordered Malala’s assassination is new head of Pakistan Taliban

Maulana Fazlullah, a Taliban leader with a reputation for brutality, replaces Hakimullah Mehsud, who was killed in a drone strike

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/pakistan/10433207/Terrorist-who-ordered-Malalas-assassination-is-new-head-of-Pakistan-Taliban.html

—-

Pakistanis react with dismay to new Taliban chief

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-24859657

—-

Pakistan frees Pervez Musharraf from house arrest

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-24847160

—-

Man arrested for bombing Communist Party HQ

State media says police arrested a 41-year-old ex-convict in the early hours of Friday morning in connection with Wednesday’s bombing of a Communist Party headquarters in north China

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/china/10434851/Man-arrested-for-bombing-Communist-Party-HQ.html

—-

China’s top-secret nuclear base to be revived as £30m Communist Party theme park

One of China’s most secret military compounds is undergoing an unlikely transformation into a “red tourism” theme park for Communist Party aficionados

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/china/10433364/Chinas-top-secret-nuclear-base-to-be-revived-as-30m-Communist-Party-theme-park.html

—-

Monster typhoon Haiyan roars into Philippines

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-24846813
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

TRIVIA QUIZ

Today’s question.

In the US, which three states share land borders with Michigan?

—-

Moving photographs show Pope Francis embracing man disfigured by disease

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/moving-photographs-show-pope-francis-embracing-man-disfigured-by-disease-8926116.html

—-

Where do all the angry white men come from?

Women have stepped free of gender stereotyping, but men are stuck with a protector-provider script for a role that barely exists

http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2013/nov/07/angry-white-men-gender-stereotyping

—-

Why men decide to become single dads

You’re successful at work, happily single – and desperate to become a father. What happens when men get baby hunger? We meet the parents who have decided to go it alone through surrogacy or adoption

http://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2013/nov/02/men-single-dad-father-surrogacy-adoption

—-

Fountain of youth? Scientists discover why wounds heal quicker for young people

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/science/fountain-of-youth-scientists-discover-why-wounds-heal-quicker-for-young-people-8927387.html

—-

How to make the perfect apple pie

Puff or shortcrust, cooking apples or dessert, cream or custard – and can plain old apple pie compete with tarte tatin and strudel?

http://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/wordofmouth/2013/nov/07/how-to-make-perfect-apple-pie

—-

😆
————

Police break down door after ‘Bruce Lee’ cat dials 999

A cat prompted police to go and investigate his home and break down the door after it dialled 999 and then hid in the back of a wardrobe

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/howaboutthat/10432950/Police-break-down-door-after-Bruce-Lee-cat-dials-999.html

—-

I don’t know about you, but my lot wouldn’t stay still long enough and would probably hate me for the rest of their nine lives.
————

Hilarious photos of cats wearing tights

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/lifestyle/pets/10430594/Hilarious-photos-of-cats-wearing-tights.html?frame=2725506

—-

Pictures of the day: 7 November 2013

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/picturegalleries/picturesoftheday/10432002/Pictures-of-the-day-7-November-2013.html

—-

Day in pictures: 7 November 2013

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/in-pictures-24848979

—-

Picture Desk Live

Best pictures of the day – live

The Guardian’s photo team brings you a daily round-up from the world of photography

http://www.theguardian.com/news/2013/nov/07/best-pictures-of-the-day-live

Good morning everyone and welcome to your Mumbly Monday.

Sunday was the hubby’s birthday and we christened our new house in our third floor room for the first time too. Now we get back into the swing of everyday living and a chance to enjoy it in peace. Hallelujah!

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

Sayonara from my cozy but rainy corner of Tokyo. Mata ashita ne.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

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

Koizumi defends anti-nuclear drive, seeks policy change

http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2013/11/04/national/koizumi-defends-anti-nuclear-drive-seeks-policy-change/#.Unc0waVMIfE

—-

LDP questions plan to let Fukushima evacuees go home

http://www.japantoday.com/category/national/view/ldp-questions-plan-to-let-fukushima-evacuees-go-home

—-

What defines the Japanese character?

http://www.japantoday.com/category/lifestyle/view/what-defines-the-japanese-character

—-

Nursing clothes manufacturer lets interns bring their children to work

http://mainichi.jp/english/english/newsselect/news/20131103p2a00m0na002000c.html
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

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

Shameful! In the meantime MPs are fiddling their expenses and getting pay raises for doing bugger all to help the people of the nation..
————-

Number of homeless families with children in B&Bs highest in a decade

New research also shows over a third of the 2,090 families living in B&Bs have been doing so beyond the legal limit of six weeks

http://www.theguardian.com/society/2013/nov/04/homeless-families-b-and-b-highest-decade

—-

The citizens have overpaid for years and some can’t afford to heat their food or their homes this winter, but the taxpayers should pay for MPs energy bills?? Huh??
————

340 MPs claim £200,000 on expenses for energy bills

More than 300 MPs claimed a total of £200,000 on expenses for their energy bills, it has been reported.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/newsbysector/energy/10423252/340-MPs-claim-200000-on-expenses-for-energy-bills.html

—-

Pills, bills and bellyaches: a peek behind the scenes at a GP surgery

GPs are under more pressure than ever – to work evenings and weekends, to see more patients and to run their surgeries with less money. What’s day-to-day life like in a hectic practice? We spent four days in one to check its pulse

http://www.theguardian.com/society/2013/nov/03/behind-the-scenes-gp-surgery-evenings-weekends

—-

A satirical take on the week in politics

.

Foreigners down, energy prices up: another great week for the coalition

The poster campaign persuaded at least one more immigrant to leave, and the City made a killing in the Royal Mail selloff: we imagine how Cameron and co celebrate a vintage week in power

http://www.theguardian.com/politics/2013/oct/30/foreigners-down-energy-prices-up

—-

German police recover 1,500 modernist masterpieces ‘looted by Nazis’

Works by Chagall, Klee, Matisse and Picasso – worth up to £860m – had been considered lost until raid on flat in Schwabing

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/nov/03/nazis-looted-modernist-masterpieces-germany-police

—-

Violence mars Kosovo elections

Masked men fire teargas and smash ballot boxes at three polling stations on Serb side of Mitrovica

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/nov/03/violence-mars-kosovo-elections

—-

As they should.
————

White House rejects notion of clemency for Edward Snowden

Senior Obama aide and heads of House and Senate intelligence committees dismiss fugitive analyst Edward Snowden’s appeal for clemency

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/northamerica/usa/10424215/White-House-rejects-notion-of-clemency-for-Edward-Snowden.html

—-

Under Health Care Act, Millions Eligible for Free Policies

Federal subsidies will pay the entire monthly cost of some plans being offered in the online marketplaces, a surprising figure that has not gotten much attention, in part because the zero-premium plans come with serious trade-offs.

http://nyti.ms/1alVm0z

—-

How To Spot A Fake Obamacare Horror Story

http://thinkprogress.org/health/2013/10/31/2868631/essential-guide-debunking-obamacare-cost-myth/

—-

The noise around Obamacare

http://m.washingtonpost.com/opinions/ej-dionne-jr-the-noise-around-obamacare/2013/11/03/1b6f8e6c-4352-11e3-8b74-d89d714ca4dd_story.html

—-

Poverty in America Is Mainstream

Contrary to popular belief, the percentage of the population that directly encounters poverty is exceedingly high.

http://nyti.ms/Hyo1tl

—-

Koch Group Has Ambitions in Small Races

Backed by the billionaire Koch brothers, Americans for Prosperity has campaigned against taxes and spending in Coralville, Iowa, but some voters are skeptical of its motives.

http://nyti.ms/1b5GkNE

—-

How The NRA Made It Easier To Bring Guns Into Airports

http://thinkprogress.org/justice/2013/11/03/2877251/nra-guns-airports/

—-

Embattled Toronto Mayor Rob Ford urges police to release alleged crack smoking video

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/embattled-toronto-mayor-rob-ford-urges-police-to-release-alleged-crack-smoking-video-8919893.html

—-

Eight killed as plane crashes in northern Bolivia

Local hospital reports that eight of the 18 people on board a small turboprop plane died as it crashed near Brazilian border with pilot and co-pilot in ‘grave’ condition

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/southamerica/bolivia/10424214/Eight-killed-as-plane-crashes-in-northern-Bolivia.html

—-

Official: Suicide bombing in Syrian town kills 4

http://www.theguardian.com/world/feedarticle/11049722

—-

Radicalisation in Syria poses growing threat to Europe, says Turkish leader

In exclusive interview, president Abdullah Gul says Syria risks becoming ‘Afghanistan on the shores of the Mediterranean’

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/nov/03/radicalisation-syria-turkish-president-abdullah-gul

—-

As Morsi goes to trial, General Sisi should remember: Egypt is a dangerous place to rule

The erstwhile President appears in court at a tense time even by Egypt’s standards

http://www.independent.co.uk/voices/comment/as-morsi-goes-to-trial-general-sisi-should-remember-egypt-is-a-dangerous-place-to-rule-8919862.html

—-

Israeli fire ‘kills Gaza militant’

Israeli tank accused of firing on group in the Gaza Strip and killing one man

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/israel/10419433/Israeli-fire-kills-Gaza-militant.html

—-

Same old same old.
————

Israel to build wall along Jordanian border

Decision to build border fence coincides with approval of construction of almost 2,000 settler homes in occupied areas.

http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2013/11/israel-build-wall-along-jordanian-border-2013113144354151980.html

—-

Crazy!
————

Saudi Arabia ‘arrests Kuwaiti woman for driving diabetic father to hospital’

Kuwait Times reports that woman had been driving just over the border in Saudi Arabia when she was stopped by police

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/nov/03/saudi-arabia-arrests-kuwaiti-woman-driving-father-hospital

—-

France condemns ‘cold-blooded execution’ of journalists in Mali

French foreign minister Laurent Fabius says ‘terrorist’ group behind killings of Radio France Internationale journalists Claude Verlon and Ghislaine Dupont

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/france/10423656/France-condemns-cold-blooded-execution-of-journalists-in-Mali.html

—-

Imprisoned Iranian human rights lawyer goes on hunger strike

Abdolfattah Soltani mounts protest at lack of medical care for himself and other dissidents in Tehran’s Evin prison

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/nov/03/iran-human-rights-lawyer-hunger-strike

—-

Seven killed in rebel attack in India’s Assam state

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-india-24800266

—-

Pakistan: The Enemy Within

As western forces withdraw from Afghanistan, how long can Pakistan’s army hold off the Taliban in South Waziristan?

http://www.aljazeera.com/programmes/101east/2013/10/pakistan-enemy-within-2013102881922435647.html

—-

“unsuitable time”? Is there a suitable time to eliminate a leader of a group of mass murderers?
————

Afghan president Hamid Karzai criticises timing of Pakistani Taliban leader’s killing

President of Afghanistan Hamid Karzai tells visiting US Congress delegation that drone strike that killed Pakistani Taliban leader Hakimullah Mehsud “took place at an unsuitable time” but expresses hope the peace process will not suffer

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/afghanistan/10424218/Afghan-president-Hamid-Karzai-criticises-timing-of-Pakistani-Taliban-leaders-killing.html

—-

Six dead as tourist ferry sinks in Thailand

Three Thais and three foreigners killed and 15 others injured as tourist ferry sinks off the popular resort of Pattaya

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/thailand/10424216/Six-dead-as-tourist-ferry-sinks-in-Thailand.html
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

TRIVIA QUIZ

The answer to the question “During which year were escalators installed in the Empire State Building in New York”? 1964.

Today’s question.

Sweetango is a variety of which fruit?

—-

What a life! 😯
————

Lady Colin Campbell: ‘My father said I should take rat poison’

As Germany recognises a ‘third sex’, Julia Llewellyn Smith talks to the controversial socialite Lady Colin Campbell, who was wrongly raised as a boy

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/10422505/Lady-Colin-Campbell-My-father-said-I-should-take-rat-poison.html

—-

WW1 memories: my grandfather’s story

The Imperial War Museum wants us all to share stories of relatives who fought in the First World War. Toby Helm looks through the letters, diaries and photographs of his own grandfather and uncovers a harrowing and haunting picture of life on the frontline.

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/nov/03/ww1-memories-imperial-war-museum-share

—-

Facebook beheading video: Who was Mexico’s Jane Doe?

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-24772724

—-

Tracing the Congolese mine that fuelled Hiroshima

On a quest to trace the origins of the Hiroshima atom bomb, writer Patrick Marnham travelled to the Congolese mine that supplied its uranium, and found the Geiger counter still clicking

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/10416945/Tracing-the-Congolese-mine-that-fuelled-Hiroshima.html

—-

Roman Empire to the NSA: A world history of government spying

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-24749166

—-

Supermarkets are driven by profits, not the urge to keep us healthy

Politicians’ attempts to persuade supermarkets to offer customers healthier alternatives to sweets and crisps miss the point

http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2013/nov/03/supermarkets-profits-healthy-alternatives-david-mitchell

—-

Labour of love: restoring the sacred, 15th-century art of Mustang’s monasteries

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/asia/labour-of-love-restoring-the–sacred-15thcentury-art-of-mustangs-monasteries-8919881.html

—-

Spuds you’ll like: Yotam Ottolenghi’s potato recipes

Mash, roast, boiled and slathered in butter, fried… we’ve got a myraid ways of cooking potatoes, but Britain’s official vegetable deserves a rethink

http://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2013/nov/01/potato-recipes-ottolenghi-pizza-stew

—-

Animal photos of the week: 1 November 2013

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/picturegalleries/earth/10419809/Animal-photos-of-the-week.html

—-

The month in photography – audio slideshow

Corinne Day, Anders Peterson, Garry Winogrand and JH Engström feature in November’s guide to the best photography exhibitions and books.

http://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/audioslideshow/2013/nov/01/month-in-photography-corinne-day

—-

Brandon Stanton’s Humans of New York – in pictures

When Brandon Stanton lost his job as a bond trader he took up photography. His pictures of strangers on the streets of New York became huge hits on Tumblr and Facebook – and now his book, Humans of New York (St Martin’s Press), has debuted at No 1 on the New York Times bestseller list

http://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/gallery/2013/nov/03/brandon-stanton-humans-of-new-york-pictures

—-

The weekend in pictures

A selection of the best photographs from around the world this weekend

http://www.theguardian.com/news/gallery/2013/nov/03/weekend-in-pictures-photography

Good morning everyone and HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

I can now say with pride that from this afternoon, the K house is finally finished and mistakes have been rectified. BANZAI!! 😀

Have a good day wherever you may be. Take care, be safe, stay warm and comfy or cool and dry. For all of you celebrating Halloween tonight, may the weather be kind to you. Have fun!

Sayonara from my “finished” corner of Tokyo. Mata ashita ne.

Our Moment of Zen.

There was an incident last night at CVS

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M0-kHIh-tlI&sns=em
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

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

Regulators OKs fuel rod removal from pool at Fukushima plant

http://www.japantoday.com/category/national/view/regulators-oks-fuel-rod-removal-from-pool-at-fukushima-plant

—-

Good for them.
————

600 march in business suits in central Tokyo to protest against nuke plants

http://mainichi.jp/english/english/newsselect/news/20131031p2a00m0na003000c.html

—-

Most of them have no homes safe enough to move back to, and most don’t want to move back anyway.
————

Gov’t to abandon idea of having all Fukushima evacuees return home

http://mainichi.jp/english/english/newsselect/news/20131030p2a00m0na006000c.html

—-

Health ministry eyes lower medical expenses for intractable diseases

http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2013/10/30/national/health-ministry-eyes-lower-medical-expenses-for-intractable-diseases/#.UnHy_BYTMfE

—-

‘Buy from bookstores or they’ll disappear!’ Frustrated bookseller implores crowd on final day of business

http://www.japantoday.com/category/lifestyle/view/buy-from-bookstores-or-theyll-disappear-frustrated-bookseller-implores-crowd-on-final-day-of-business

—-

PICTURE OF THE DAY

Quiet moment

http://www.japantoday.com/category/picture-of-the-day/view/quiet-moment
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

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

Revealed: How targets make the A&E crisis far worse

Hospitals struggling to cope after government cuts to care services, says Labour

http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/revealed-how-targets-make-the-ae-crisis-far-worse-8913933.html

—-

One in the eye for Duncan Smith. Great news!
————

Poundland case: government defeated again over back-to-work schemes

Iain Duncan Smith’s appeal to supreme court fails as justices rule work programmes were legally flawed

http://www.theguardian.com/business/2013/oct/30/poundland-case-government-defeated-work-schemes-duncan-smith

—-

Phone-hacking trial: Missing notebooks and illegal payments – the case against Rebekah Brooks

Startling allegations as phone-hacking prosecutor insists that ‘News of the World’ editors must have known about conspiracy to ‘intrude into people’s privacy’ illegally

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/phonehacking-trial-missing-notebooks-and-illegal-payments–the-case-against-rebekah-brooks-8913689.html

—-

The closed world of an open government

How Whitehall austerity trumps your right to know

http://www.theguardian.com/politics/2013/oct/30/hugh-muirs-diary-freedom-of-information

—-

MI6 and the CIA are spying on foreign leaders? Thank God!

The whole purpose of having an overseas security service is that it will provide information that enhances our interests, writes Jacob Rees-Mogg.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/politics/10414790/MI6-and-the-CIA-are-spying-on-foreign-leaders-Thank-God.html

—-

On the trail of SS accused Siert Bruins

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-24365735

—-

I’m sure they did though.
————

France denies paying ransom for al-Qaeda hostages

Controversy over French hostage situation mounts amid claims £21 million ransom was paid to free them from al-Qaeda

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/france/10415557/France-denies-paying-ransom-for-al-Qaeda-hostages.html

—-

Putin’s USB spy sticks and other dodgy espionage tricks

Did Russian secret agents hope to bug G20 delegates with USB sticks? If so, they wouldn’t be the only spooks to go to absurd lengths to find out what their enemies were up to

http://www.theguardian.com/world/shortcuts/2013/oct/30/putins-usb-spy-sticks-g20-espionage

—-

Sochi: chaos behind the scenes of world’s most expensive Winter Olympics

Angry construction workers are demanding to be paid as Sochi 2014 draws closer, amid accusations of massive corruption, shoddy workmanship and spiralling costs

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/russia/10414885/Sochi-chaos-behind-the-scenes-of-worlds-most-expensive-Winter-Olympics.html

—-

Vladimir Putin’s anointment as the planet’s No 1 hombre is jaw-dropping

The Russian leader is top of Forbes magazine’s power-list, but that power is merely illusory

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/oct/30/vladimir-putin-power-list-forbes-magazine

—-

Barack Obama: I’ll end the daily cruelties of our health system

President hits back at critics and pledges to create a more dignified delivery of care

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/barack-obama-ill-end-the-daily-cruelties-of-our-health-system-8913894.html

—-

Grudge Spectacle

Americans may not know all the details on HealthCare.gov, but they know a piling on when they see it.

http://nyti.ms/1aUweio

—-

Voters’ Anger Over Shutdown Is Inspiring Democrats to Run

Previously reluctant Democrats in places like Arkansas, Florida, Nebraska and New Jersey are suddenly deciding to challenge Republicans for House seats.

http://nyti.ms/HfShIW

—-

After losing so much popularity during and after the shutdown, the TPRepubs are still working for the rich.
————

House Votes to Repeal Dodd-Frank Provision

The House of Representatives passed legislation that would roll back a major element of the Dodd Frank law of 2010, intended to strengthen financial regulations.

http://nyti.ms/17y58Ai

—-

Oh come on. Does anyone really believe they didn’t know? Google spies on your private emails all the time, says gmail users can’t expect privacy. Oh the irony and hypocrisy.
————

Google and Yahoo furious over reports that NSA secretly intercepts data links

Leaked files suggest NSA can collect information ‘at will’ by intercepting cables that connect Google and Yahoo’s data hubs

http://www.theguardian.com/technology/2013/oct/30/google-reports-nsa-secretly-intercepts-data-links

—-

The Spies Who Loved to Damage Our Reputation by Nicholas Kristof

Flying naked would surely make planes safer, but there are some things that shouldn’t be done even for the sake of security.

http://nyti.ms/HfQrHL

—-

Sandy Hook shooting victims’ families ask to keep 911 call audio private

After a FOIA ruling in favor of AP’s data gathering last month, a prosecutor says he will appeal the decision in superior court

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/oct/30/newtown-connecticut-sandy-hook-shooting-911-calls-public

—-

ANAMARIECOX

Dick Cheney, one-man zombie apocalypse

The former VP has returned from the shadows – weirdly, to court the Tea Party for daughter Liz’s Senate run. Happy Halloween!

http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2013/oct/30/dick-cheney-zombie-apocalypse

—-

Hunger the weapon of choice for Syria’s Assad regime

Starvation is being used as a military tactic against the besieged area of Moadamiyeh

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/hunger-the-weapon-of-choice-for-syrias-assad-regime-8913847.html

—-

Assad should have no say in this after killing so many of his own citizens. When the rebels run out of weapons, the massacres will double killing many more innocents.
————

No Syria peace without end to foreign support for rebels, says Bashar Assad

Syrian leader tells United Nations envoy Lakhdar Brahimi that foreign governments must stop aiding armed opposition if a political resolution to the civil conflict is to succeed

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/syria/10415015/No-Syria-peace-without-end-to-foreign-support-for-rebels-says-Bashar-Assad.html

—-

Al-Qaeda recruits entering Syria from Turkey safehouses

Foreign jihadists – including Britons – are flooding into Syria to join al-Qaeda from safe houses in Turkey

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/syria/10415935/Al-Qaeda-recruits-entering-Syria-from-Turkey-safehouses.html

—-

Suicide bomber strikes at Tunisia tourist resort

Attacker is only fatality after blowing himself up outside a hotel in Sousse, a seaside resort popular with European tourists

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/africaandindianocean/tunisia/10414919/Suicide-bomber-strikes-at-Tunisia-tourist-resort.html

—-

Yet no tension when their government steals more Palestinian land for illegal settlement.
————

Tension among Israelis after release of 26 Palestinian prisoners

Release of prisoners on demand from Palestinian leaders as precondition for peace talks sparks conflict in Israeli cabinet

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/oct/30/tension-israelis-26-palestinian-prisoners-release

—-

Israel approves new East Jerusalem settlement homes

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-24741524

—-

Bahrain police raid uprising exhibition

Interior ministry says display at building operated by opposition group included ‘incitement material’, and warns of legal action

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/oct/30/bahrain-raid-uprising-exhibition

—-

Bodies of 87 migrants found in Niger desert

Group of migrants including women and children died in early October crossing desert towards Europe

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/africaandindianocean/niger/10416468/Bodies-of-87-migrants-found-in-Niger-desert.html

—-

Ghana arrests Chinese and Indian illegal gold miners

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-24746490

—-

Three killed in fresh violence in India’s Muzaffarnagar

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-india-24753494

—-

😆
————

Australian woman loses bid for compensation for sex injury while on work trip

Australia’s highest court has ruled a bureaucrat injured while having sex on a work trip is not entitled to workers’ compensation

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/australiaandthepacific/australia/10413743/Australian-woman-loses-bid-for-compensation-for-sex-injury-while-on-work-trip.html

—-

Tiananmen crash: Xinjiang security tightened

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-china-24739270

—-

Khmer Rouge leaders deny guilt

Verdict due on chief ideologist and head of state of Cambodia regime, charged with genocide and crimes against humanity.

http://www.aljazeera.com/news/asia-pacific/2013/10/khmer-rouge-head-denies-guilt-as-trial-closes-201310313143614697.html
.~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

TRIVIA QUIZ

Yesterday’s answer. Peacock. Like you kes, I would have thought raven.

Today’s question.

During which year were escalators installed in the Empire State Building in New York?

HINT: Some time in the 60’s but which year? A Beatles song?

—-

An Afghan Tragedy: The Pashtun practice of having sex with young boys

Afghanistan’s subculture of paedophilia is one of the country’s untold shames

http://www.independent.co.uk/voices/comment/an-afghan-tragedy-the-pashtun-practice-of-having-sex-with-young-boys-8911529.html

—-

Shifting attitudes to teen pregnancy in India

Community workers are trying to educate families to empower girls and break the cycle of burden and struggle.

http://www.aljazeera.com/video/asia/2013/10/shifting-attitudes-teen-pregnancy-india-2013103163031696524.html

—-

James Harris: American football’s first black quarterback

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-24719187

—-

Ghostly journey through Hong Kong’s old Wan Chai district

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-china-24302108

—-

People lie and cheat more during afternoon

People are more likely to lie or cheat during the afternoon because self control diminishes during the day, according to researchers

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/science/science-news/10414535/People-lie-and-cheat-more-during-afternoon.html

—-

What is the scariest film music?

Anne Billson selects the spookiest, most spine-tingling music in cinema

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/film/10412570/The-horror-movies-with-the-spookiest-music.html

—-

Photoshop disasters: cloned hovercrafts, floating Chinese officials, transparent people and more

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/picture-galleries/10415180/Photoshop-disasters-cloned-hovercrafts-floating-Chinese-officials-transparent-people-and-more.html?frame=2718491

—-

Pictures of the day: 30 October 2013

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/picturegalleries/picturesoftheday/10413884/Pictures-of-the-day-30-October-2013.html

—-

Day in pictures: 30 October 2013

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/in-pictures-24747331

—-

Picture Desk Live

Best pictures of the day – live

The Guardian’s photo team brings you a daily round-up from the world of photography

http://www.theguardian.com/news/2013/oct/30/best-pictures-of-the-day-live

Good morning everyone.

Beautiful day today after all that rain we had yesterday. Hubby who had set off to his golf game very early in the morning, came back cold and a bit bedraggled. Some hot food and hot rum took care of that.

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

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

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

Then don’t use anymore of the taxpayers money to help them pay their bills.
————

Tepco refuses to fund outside cleanup

Utility leaves ministry holding ¥30 billion bill; exemption eyed

http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2013/10/29/national/tepco-refuses-to-fund-outside-cleanup/#.UnCbFhYTMfE

—-

Japan government panel ‘suggests Tepco break-up’

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-24739264

—-

Tepco may use undamaged reactor buildings for water storage

http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2013/10/29/national/tepco-may-use-undamaged-reactor-buildings-for-water-storage/#.UnCbUBYTMfE

—-

Huh?
————

Aomori municipalities ask prefecture to cover lost ‘power industry money’

http://mainichi.jp/english/english/newsselect/news/20131029p2a00m0na007000c.html

—-

China’s behavior jeopardizing peace, Onodera says

http://www.japantoday.com/category/politics/view/chinas-behavior-jeopardizing-peacetime-onodera-says

—-

Yes, we spy on allies. Want to make something of it?

http://www.japantoday.com/category/opinions/view/yes-we-spy-on-allies-want-to-make-something-of-it

—-

He’s also pushing for nuclear plants there. Idiot! Wasn’t Fukushima enough of a warning for the world??
————

Turkish delight

http://www.japantoday.com/category/picture-of-the-day/view/turkish-delight
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

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

Jail the lot of them.
————

‘British justice on trial’: Judge urges phone-hacking jury to consider only the evidence presented to them

The nine women and three men will decide the guilt or innocence of Rebekah Brooks, An

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/british-justice-on-trial-judge-urges-phonehacking-jury-to-consider-only-the-evidence-presented-to-them-8910893.html

—-

Hey Hunt, get a clue!
————

Jeremy Hunt loses appeal on unlawful hospital closures

The Health Secretary has suffered a humiliating defeat in the Court of Appeal after a ruling that his plans to downgrade a London hospital were “unlawful” was upheld.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/10412986/Jeremy-Hunt-loses-appeal-on-unlawful-hospital-closures.html

—-

Our ageist NHS is failing the people who need it most

It’s a scandal that taxpayer money has been funnelled away from older people in rural areas, writes Jesse Norman.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/elderhealth/10408685/Our-ageist-NHS-is-failing-the-people-who-need-it-most.html

—-

The grip of privatisation on our vital services has to be broken

From Ineos to energy, powerful interests are driving a 30-year failed experiment. Utilities belong in public hands

http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2013/oct/29/grip-privatisation-vital-services-ineos-energy

—-

LETTERS

A race to the bottom in social care provision

http://www.theguardian.com/society/2013/oct/29/race-bottom-social-care-provision

—-

So get that money back to the consumers.
————

Energy firms ‘overcharge by £3.7bn a year’

MPs told that some suppliers cannot justify increases in household bills

http://www.theguardian.com/business/2013/oct/29/energy-firms-overcharge-accusation

—-

Amazon distribution staff go on strike in Germany

Services trade union Verdi has been trying to force Amazon to accept collective agreement on employment conditions

http://www.theguardian.com/technology/2013/oct/29/amazon-staff-strike-germany

—-

François Hollande becomes most unpopular French president ever

Poll shows only 26% of French people have positive opinion of Socialist president, lower even than Sarkozy’s 30%

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/oct/29/francois-hollande-most-unpopular-president

—-

NSA spy row: France and Spain ‘shared phone data’ with US

Spain and France’s intelligence agencies carried out collection of phone records and shared them with NSA, agency says

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/northamerica/usa/10413260/NSA-spy-row-France-and-Spain-shared-phone-data-with-US.html

—-

Mother of Maria has five children taken into care

Sasha Ruseva, Maria’s mother, has five children taken into care by social services, as Bulgaria insists they want Greece to hand four-year-old over

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/bulgaria/10412854/Mother-of-Maria-has-five-children-taken-into-care.html

—-

Controversial Sochi Games start in 100 days

Concern over conditions of migrant workers building the venues casts shadow over the upcoming Winter Olympics in Russia.

http://www.aljazeera.com/video/europe/2013/10/controversial-sochi-games-start-100-days-20131029202736204454.html

—-

Of course you did.
————

Russia denies spying on G20 leaders at St Petersburg summit

President Putin’s spokesman says allegations are aimed at diverting attention away from controversy over NSA surveillance

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/oct/29/russia-denies-spying-g20-putin-spokesman

—-

Russia and Ukraine edge closer to ‘gas war’

Gazprom demands payment of half a billion pounds in arrears in move seen by some as punishment for aligning with EU

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/oct/29/russia-ukraine-gazprom-gas-war

—-

Pakistani family give Congress an unprecedented account of effect of CIA drone attacks on their community

Politicians gather to hear startling testimony from a family on the death of a 67-year-old woman in Pakistan

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/pakistani-family-give-congress-an-unprecedented-account-of-effect-of-cia-drone-attacks-on-their-community-8911587.html

—-

Trayvon Martin’s mother testifies against stand-your-ground laws

Sybrina Fulton urges congressional committee to review law invoked in the 2012 killing of her son by George Zimmerman

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/oct/29/trayvon-martin-mother-testifies-senate-stand-your-ground

—-

Despicable man!
————

At Stand Your Ground Hearing, Ted Cruz Argues Florida Law Helps African-Americans

http://thinkprogress.org/justice/2013/10/29/2852451/cruz-blacks-benefit-stand-ground/

—-

Here Is What’s Wrong With That Story About Obama Knowing That Your Health Care Policy Would Get Cancelled

http://thinkprogress.org/health/2013/10/28/2850061/wrong-story-obama-knowing-health-care-policy-cancelled/

—-

The Big Kludge
By PAUL KRUGMAN

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/10/28/opinion/krugman-the-big-kludge.html

—-

LETTERS

Health Care: The Law and the Website

Responses to the continuing coverage of the health care law and the trouble with the government website for the insurance exchange.

http://nyti.ms/1aRQBNo

—-

Peru prime minister resigns

Juan Jimenez announces his departure after being criticised for remarks that belittled Peruvians’ concerns about crime

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/oct/30/peru-prime-minister-resigns

—-

Fears for Syrians ‘still trapped’ in Damascus suburb

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-24739208

—-

Bashar al-Assad sacks Syria’s deputy prime minister

Qadri Jamil is fired for ‘overstepping his brief’ after meeting US envoy in blow to hopes for international ‘Geneva 2’ peace conference

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/syria/10413099/Bashar-al-Assad-sacks-Syrias-deputy-prime-minister.html

—-

Syria: UN and health organisations call for ceasefire to deal with polio threat

Save the Children appeals to warring sides to respect ‘vaccination ceasefires’ after outbreak in east of country

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/oct/29/syria-ceasefire-polio-vaccination

—-

Turkey’s Bosphorus sub-sea tunnel links Europe and Asia

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-24721779

—-

Egypt regime arrests Essam el-Erian

Deputy leader of deposed Muslim Brotherhood joins list of senior figures from the movement detained by military government

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/oct/30/egypt-arrests-essam-el-erian

—-

Israel releases 26 Palestinian prisoners as part of deal for peace talks

Joy in West Bank and Gaza Strip as Israel releases 26 prisoners as part of deal brokered by John Kerry

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/israel/10413715/Israel-releases-26-Palestinian-prisoners-as-part-of-deal-for-peace-talks.html

—-

Bahrain teargas stockpile plan faces international opposition

Government insists weapon is legal after activists condemn tender for vast quantities of gas and grenades

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/oct/29/bahrain-teargas-stockpile-plan-campaign

—-

US drone strike in Somalia killed al-Shabaab ‘chief bomb-maker’

Explosives expert behind “many deaths” among three men killed in missile attack on four-wheel-drive

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/africaandindianocean/somalia/10412699/US-drone-strike-in-Somalia-killed-al-Shabaab-chief-bomb-maker.html

—-

Four French hostages freed in Niger – President Hollande

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-24735293

—-

South Africa white supremacists jailed over plot to kill Nelson Mandela

Boeremag militia members handed prison sentences of between five and 35 years after 10-year long treason trial

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/oct/29/south-africa-plot-boeremag-sentenced

—-

The hunt for Joseph Kony: US steps up search for Ugandan warlord

US Special Forces are helping African troops in their hunt for the messianic rebel leader – and the pieces are finally coming together

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/africa/the-hunt-for-joseph-kony-us-steps-up-search-for-ugandan-warlord-8911629.html

—-

India bus crash: at least 44 dead

Dead includes children after luxury bus catches fire

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/india/10413745/India-bus-crash-at-least-44-dead.html

—-

Land deal stand-off continues in China village

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-china-24739248

—-

😯
————

Chinese officials in new Photoshop fail

Anhui province apologises for doctored picture that shows vice-mayor hovering like a ghost above a puppet-sized old lady

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/oct/30/chinese-officials-new-photoshop-fail

—-

North Korea: UN human rights inquiry ‘moved to tears’

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-24726013

—-

Thailand ex-PM vows to fight any charges over 2010 redshirt crackdown

Abhisit Vejjajiva says he and deputy Suthep Thaugsuban are innocent of alleged role in death of anti-government protesters

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/oct/29/thailand-charges-redshirt-crackdown-protesters
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

TRIVIA QUIZ

Yesterday’s answer. Rabbi (in Reform Judaism)

Today’s question.

The feathers of which bird are said to bring bad luck if they are brought into the house?

—-

The heavy-lifting ‘mule women’ of Melilla

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-24706863

—-

Some British people can’t afford to heat their food. Aren’t we ashamed?

I don’t suppose any of the big six energy bosses has wrapped a toddler in a fleece, dressing gown and jumper of an evening

http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2013/oct/29/british-cant-afford-heat-food-big-six-energy-jack-monroe

—-

Indian funeral pyres and incense ‘melting glaciers’

Funeral pyres and temple incense are responsible for nearly a quarter of carbon emissions from India and Nepal, study claims

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/india/10412104/Indian-funeral-pyres-and-incense-melting-glaciers.html

—-

India’s elephant girl takes on the herds

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-india-24572894

—-

Toxic waste weighs on ex-mafia man’s mind

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-24678624

—-

Nigel Slater’s pork belly recipe

A meal with a traditional feel

http://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2013/oct/29/pork-belly-recipe-nigel-slater

—-

Pumpkin carvings for Halloween – in pictures

Ray Villafane and his team of professional sculptors, from Michigan, meticulously carve pumpkins using spoons and scalpels. Each character takes an average of two hours to complete

http://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/gallery/2013/oct/29/pumpkin-carvings-for-halloween-in-pictures

—-

Zombie faces: Why are we afraid of them?

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/education-24711244

—-

Pictures of the day: 29 October 2013

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/picturegalleries/picturesoftheday/10410987/Pictures-of-the-day-29-October-2013.html

—-

10 photo highlights of the day

Each day the picture editor of the Guardian brings you a selection of top photographs

http://www.theguardian.com/news/gallery/2013/oct/29/10-photo-highlights-of-the-day

Good morning everyone.

Sunday and Monday were beautiful sunny days but it’s not quite autumn yet and we are soon into November. Living where we do, we no longer have the luxury of seeing many trees, as what few there were, have been uprooted to make way for new buildings. As yet have seen no leaves littering the streets so hope to see some signs when I finally get out next week to keep an appointment.

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

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

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

Exactly.
————

NRA to Tepco: Get a grip on No. 1 before thinking of restarts

http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2013/10/28/national/nra-tepco-heads-discuss-fukushima-no-1-water-woes/#.Um9RkBYTMfE

—-

Niigata governor says TEPCO can’t be trusted to restart another nuclear plant

http://www.japantoday.com/category/national/view/niigata-governor-says-tepco-cant-be-trusted-to-restart-another-nuclear-plant

—-

Police search tsunami-hit area in Miyagi after dismantling of stranded ship

http://mainichi.jp/english/english/newsselect/news/20131028p2a00m0na009000c.html

—-

Protest is lodged over China’s latest intrusion

http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2013/10/28/national/protest-is-lodged-over-chinas-latest-intrusion/#.Um9UqRYTMfE

—-

PICTURE OF THE DAY

Vatican diplomat

http://www.japantoday.com/category/picture-of-the-day/view/vatican-diplomat
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

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

St Jude’s Day Storm: Four dead after night of destruction – but at least we saw it coming

Four died and thousands are still without power, but the Met Office says the forecasts show how much weather predictions have improved compared with 26 years ago

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/st-judes-day-storm-four-dead-after-night-of-destruction–but-at-least-we-saw-it-coming-8909512.html

—-

Another storm blows into town… phone-hacking trials under way

Rebekah Brooks and Andy Coulson, formerly of News International, are among eight defendants

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/another-storm-blows-into-town-phonehacking-trials-under-way-8909534.html

—-

Ha! As if that would make the slightest bit of difference when there are not enough staff.
————

NHS told to give every patient a pen and paper by their hospital bed to note down complaints

We need a ‘revolution’ in the way the health service handles complaints

http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/nhs-told-to-give-every-patient-a-pen-and-paper-by-their-hospital-bed-to-note-down-complaints-8909064.html

—-

Ideology meets idiocy in these brutal disability cuts

Iain Duncan Smith’s disability benefits regime, beset by mishaps, not only smears the vulnerable but makes no economic sense

http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2013/oct/29/tory-disability-benefits-ideology-idiocy

—-

Energy firms raised prices despite drop in wholesale costs

Energy firms face MPs as profit per household doubled in past year from £45 to £95, while wholesale costs increased by £10

http://www.theguardian.com/business/2013/oct/29/energy-firms-raised-prices-as-wholesale-costs-fall

—-

Six dead in Germany as storm sweeps across Europe

Deaths in the Netherlands and Denmark, woman swept out to sea off France, and Sweden braces for storm’s arrival

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/oct/28/storm-europe-germany-netherlands-denmark

—-

Good Lord!!
————

St Jude’s storm whips across northern Europe

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-24702190

—-

Romania works on US missile shield at Deveselu base

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-24705739

—-

Greenpeace Arctic 30’s plight highlights the inhumanity of Russia’s jails

The prisons that the arrested environmental activists are being held in are designed to break people. Cold and cramped, remand cells are notoriously harsh

http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2013/oct/28/greenpeace-arctic-30-russia-jails

—-

The man is such a raving hypocrite.
————

Sochi 2014: Putin declares gay athletes welcome

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-24708739

—-

Georgia elects oligarch PM Bidzina Ivanishvili’s candidate as president

Vote for Giorgi Margvelashvili cements Ivanishvili’s vanquishing of outgoing Mikheil Saakashvili

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/oct/28/georgia-elects-ivanishvili-margvelashvili-saakashvili

—-

Obama May Ban Spying on Heads of Allied States

President Obama was poised to order the ban in response to a deepening diplomatic crisis over reports that the National Security Agency had for years targeted the cellphone of Chancellor Angela Merkel of Germany.

http://nyti.ms/1alCYuM

—-

Superstorm Sandy: US marks one year anniversary

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-24721439

—-

Mexican vigilantes take on drug cartels – and worry authorities

Militias spring up across Mexico to defend communities but authorities fear ‘rebel force’ and an ‘undeclared civil war’

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/oct/28/mexican-militias-vigilantes-drug-cartels

—-

Destruction of Peru’s rainforest by illegal gold mining is twice as bad as experts thought

3D model shows that illegal gold mining is wiping out a global biodiversity hotspot

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/destruction-of-perus-rainforest-by-illegal-gold-mining-is-twice-as-bad-as-experts-thought-8909377.html

—-

Syria weapons watchdog unable to inspect key sites

Safety concerns have prevented inspectors from reaching two sites declared by Syria as part of chemical weapons agreement, but UN remains confidant process ‘on schedule’

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/syria/10410416/Syria-weapons-watchdog-unable-to-inspect-key-sites.html

—-

As Syria disintegrates, so too does Iraq

Where there are Sunni minorities in Iraq, they will be killed or forced to flee

http://www.independent.co.uk/voices/comment/as-syria-disintegrates-so-too-does-iraq-8909348.html

—-

Lebanon army deploys amid violence in Tripoli

Military trying to curb fighting between supporters and opponents of Syrian President as war spills over into Lebanon.

http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2013/10/lebanon-army-deploys-amid-violence-tripoli-2013102813927482901.html

—-

Dozens of ‘soldiers’ killed in Islamist strike in northern Nigeria

Morgues collect 35 bodies in military uniform after Boko Haram attacks northern Nigeria city

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/africaandindianocean/nigeria/10409569/Dozens-of-soldiers-killed-in-Islamist-strike-in-northern-Nigeria.html

—-

DR Congo M23 rebels ‘all but finished’, says UN

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-24722794

—-

Saudi satirist’s No Woman, No Drive goes viral

Saudi comedian Hisham Fageeh’s version of the Bob Marley classic No Woman, No Cry, protesting the ban on women driving in the kingdom has become a viral sensation

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/saudiarabia/10408553/Saudi-satirists-No-Woman-No-Drive-goes-viral.html

—-

Qayyum Karzai: Afghanistan president’s brother on why his is running for election

Qayyum Karzai, the elder brother of Afghanistan’s president, tells The Telegraph’s Rob Crilly why he has decided to run as a candidate in next year’s election

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/afghanistan/10410308/Qayyum-Karzai-Afghanistan-presidents-brother-on-why-his-is-running-for-election.html

—-

Afghan villagers beat to death man blamed for roadside bomb deaths

After an IED killed 18 wedding guests in Ghazni province, an angry mob headed for the house of a suspected Taliban sympathiser, according to local officials

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/oct/28/afghan-villagers-roadside-bomb-ghazni-taliban-wedding

—-

Jeep crash in China’s Tiananmen Square leaves five dead

Tourists and police among dozens injured as vehicle hits crowd and bursts into flames outside Forbidden City in Beijing

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/oct/28/china-tiananmen-square-crash-beijing

—-

Tiananmen crash: China police ‘seek Xinjiang suspects’

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-china-24722898

—-

US think-tank claims North Korea in the process of upgrading missile launch site

Satellite images suggest North Korea constructing a second flat mobile launch pad at Sohae missile site, according to US-Korea Institute at Johns Hopkins University

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/northkorea/10410711/US-think-tank-claims-North-Korea-in-the-process-of-upgrading-missile-launch-site.html
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

TRIVIA QUIZ

The answer to the question “What is the famous last line of the 1959 comedy film ‘Some Like it Hot’?
‘Well, nobody’s perfect’

Today’s question.

In June 1972, Sally Priesand became the first female ‘what’ in the US?

—-

The teenager who saved a man with an SS tattoo

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-24653643

—-

‘Scottsboro Boy’ daughter ‘proud’

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-24683649

—-

Meet the Australian children fluent in Mandarin

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-24672295

—-

😆
————

Together we can fight the scourge of texting while walking

‘Distracted walkers’ rely on the assumption that the rest of us will navigate around them. Let’s see what happens when we don’t

http://www.theguardian.com/news/2013/oct/28/fight-the-scourge-texting-while-walking

—-

PASSNOTES

The parliament gym: is a ripped MP worth the fitness subsidy?

Should taxpayers really be spending up to £250,000 helping our politicians feel the burn?

http://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/shortcuts/2013/oct/28/parliament-gym-ripped-mp-fitness-subsidy

—-

Pictures of the day: 28 October 2013

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/picturegalleries/picturesoftheday/10408446/Pictures-of-the-day-28-October-2013.html

—-

Day in pictures: 28 October 2013

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/in-pictures-24713607

—-

10 photo highlights of the day

Each day the picture editor of the Guardian brings you a selection of top photographs

http://www.theguardian.com/news/gallery/2013/oct/28/10-photo-highlights-of-the-day

Good morning everyone.

Typhoon came and went. We have had beautiful blue skies all day although it is still quite windy.

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

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

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

Foreign land grabs near SDF sites face curbs

http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2013/10/26/national/foreign-land-grabs-near-sdf-sites-face-curbs/#.Umy2TBYTMfE

—-

Get Koizumi: Nuclear village goes on offensive

http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2013/10/26/national/get-koizumi-nuclear-village-goes-on-offensive/#.Umy1-hYTMfE

—-

Japan scrambles fighter planes as 4 Chinese planes fly near Okinawa

http://mainichi.jp/english/english/newsselect/news/20131026p2g00m0dm004000c.html

—-

How religious are Japanese people?

http://www.japantoday.com/category/opinions/view/how-religious-are-japanese-people

—-

PICTURE OF THE DAY

Forward march

http://www.japantoday.com/category/picture-of-the-day/view/forward-march
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Exclusive: The other energy scandal – power giants use loophole to cut their own tax bills

While Britons face soaring energy costs, firms such as Scotia Gas avoid millions in levies. It’s perfectly legal and, say critics, ‘absolutely shocking’

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/exclusive-the-other-energy-scandal–power-giants-use-loophole-to-cut-their-own-tax-bills-8906447.html

—-

Horrifying.
————

Mid Staffs NHS whistleblower: They destroyed flowers on my mother’s grave

Woman who exposed scandal of inhumane treatment at hospital was forced to leave home after campaign of abuse

http://www.theguardian.com/society/2013/oct/27/stafford-nhs-whistleblower-julie-bailey-interview

—-

Do we really need a thinktank to tell us this?
————

Minimum wage earners face struggle to climb career ladder

Thinktank finds that many people – mainly women – are getting stuck on the minimum wage

http://www.theguardian.com/society/2013/oct/26/national-minimum-wage-earners

—-

Another idiot telling young people not to vote.
————

Ignore Russell Brand and vote, Bite The Ballot campaign urges young

A US-style voter registration drive is tackling political apathy head on

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/ignore-russell-brand-and-vote-bite-the-ballot-campaign-urges-young-8906450.html

—-

British Muslims defiant over al-Shabab threat

UK Muslims are speaking out against a call by al-Shabab for more international “do it yourself” attacks.

http://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/features/2013/10/british-muslims-defiant-over-al-shabab-threat-2013102591313719196.html

—-

NSA spying allegations: Are US allies really shocked?

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-24676392

—-

Mons prepares to share its memories of Europe’s killing fields

As the anniversary of the outbreak of the first world war draws near, the Belgian city that became a symbol of conflict gets set to greet 250,000 visitors to its humbling memorials

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/oct/27/mons-europes-killing-fields-ww1

—-

Czech election: Social Democrats lead but no clear winner

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-24686257

—-

Serbia state funeral for widow of Yugoslav leader Tito

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-24683351

—-

Georgia votes in elections as Saakashvili’s rule ends

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-24690085

—-

Immigration Poses Threat of Another Republican Rift

A push to bring legislation to the House floor, led by a coalition of executives, conservatives and evangelical leaders, could affect campaign contributions before the midterm elections.

http://nyti.ms/18kehbm

—-

A $13 Billion Reminder of What’s Wrong

The government’s proposed settlement with JPMorgan Chase offers a teaching moment — about the role banks played in the financial crisis, and risks that remain in the financial system.

http://nyti.ms/18lSuQJ

—-

Gifts probe leaves McDonnell sidelined in governor’s race

Republican candidate Ken Cuccinelli has kept the incumbent at arm’s length..

http://wapo.st/17QWr0C

—-

Do We Invest in Preschools or Prisons? By Nicholas Kristof

Big Bird and the A.B.C.’s may be the best tools for fighting poverty and crime. So let’s get moving on early education programs.

http://nyti.ms/1aKYlkb

—-

There nothing quite like creating an alternative universe, just ask Maduro. 😆
————

Venezuela creates Social Happiness ministry

Nicolas Maduro, Venezuela’s president, creates Vice Ministry of Supreme Social Happiness, despite chronic shortages of basic goods like toilet paper

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/southamerica/venezuela/10406386/Venezuela-creates-Social-Happiness-ministry.html

—-

New crisis in Syria as polio strikes: World Health Organisation launches a massive immunisation programme as 22 children succumb to crippling virus

Poor hygiene hastens the spread of the disease. There is no cure

http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/new-crisis-in-syria-as-polio-strikes-world-health-organisation-launches-a-massive-immunisation-programme-as-22-children-succumb-to-crippling-virus-8906383.html

—-

Syria Kurdish fighters seize border post from Islamists

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-24689025

—-

What’s going on in Syria is about a lot more than chemical weapons

In the third year of this war, we know that people are in agony and rape and torture are widespread. We cannot ignore it

http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2013/oct/26/syria-peace-talks-women-raped

—-

Lebanon suffers under the strain of a refugee crisis now out of control

Syrian refugees make up a quarter of Lebanon’s population, the country’s fragile systems are stretched and tensions are rising. Charities and NGOs are battling to get 70,000 children into schools, and families living in flimsy tents face another harsh challenge – the winter snows are only weeks away

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/oct/26/syria-refugees-lebanon-save-the-children

—-

Tunisia’s ‘sexual jihad’ – extremist fatwa or propaganda?

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-24448933

—-

Palestinian farmers hungry for change

West Bank farmers are developing self-sustaining practices as a way to protest the Israeli occupation.

http://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/features/2013/10/palestinian-farmers-hungry-change-20131019131141244255.html

—-

Nigerian army kills 95 suspected Boko Haram Islamist militants

Army uses bombs and ground troops to destroy Boko Haram camps in Borno and claims to have killed 95 Islamist militants in Nigeria’s north east

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/africaandindianocean/nigeria/10406348/Nigerian-army-kills-95-suspected-Boko-Haram-Islamist-militants.html

—-

Kenya’s William Ruto loses ICC trial attendance ruling

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-24666472

—-

Drive to get Saudi women on the road: The kingdom holds the world’s only ban on female motorists

Campaigners defied country’s rulers in a day of action that is as much about women’s rights as about getting from A to B

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/drive-to-get-saudi-women-on-the-road-the-kingdom-holds-the-worlds-only-ban-on-female-motorists-8906384.html

—-

Iran hangs 16 prisoners after guards killed near Pakistan border

Fourteen Iranian guards killed near border with Pakistan during overnight clashes, and Tehran retaliates by hanging 16 “rebels”

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/iran/10406372/Iran-hangs-16-prisoners-after-guards-killed-near-Pakistan-border.html

—-

Iraq car bombs cause Baghdad carnage

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-24690970

—-

Afghan soldier killed after row with Nato troops

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-24684853

—-

China newspaper apologises over Chen Yongzhou reports

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-china-24690631
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Menus and mundanity in Murmansk: A letter from Greenpeace activist Frank Hewetson from behind bars in Russia

Arrested with 29 others aboard the ship Arctic Sunrise, Frank Hewetson is now being held in Murmansk prison on hooliganism charges. From there, he writes a letter to The Independent on Sunday’s editor Lisa Markwell

http://www.independent.co.uk/voices/comment/menus-and-mundanity-in-murmansk-a-letter-from-greenpeace-activist-frank-hewetson-from-behind-bars-in-russia-8906307.html

—-

Akong Rinpoche: Tibetan monk achieved feat of Chinese approval

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-china-24659538

—-

Acid attacks in India under the spotlight

Victims say government not doing enough despite occurrence of an estimated thousand incidents targeting women yearly.

http://www.aljazeera.com/video/asia/2013/10/acid-attacks-india-under-spotlight-201310274391526356.html

—-

‘It’s easier to change a body than to change a mind’: The extraordinary life and lonely death of Roberta Cowell

Cowell had been a racing driver, a Spitfire pilot and a prisoner of war – but her biggest challenge was to become the first person in Britain to undergo gender-reassignment surgery

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/people/profiles/its-easier-to-change-a-body-than-to-change-a-mind-the-extraordinary-life-and-lonely-death-of-roberta-cowell-8899823.html

—-

Roma – the unwanted Europeans

Suspicion of people who are poor and homeless is fuelled by rumours of stolen children and French bungling over the expulsion of a Roma family

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/roma–the-unwanted-europeans-8906382.html

—-

The open spaces where we played are cruelly lost to today’s children

Rickets is on the rise, but let’s not consider it a Victorian throwback, more of a symptom of our airless lifestyle

http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2013/oct/26/children-have-no-space-to-play

—-

Beverly Hills mums want to legalise cannabis

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-24642295

—-

There’s no need to apologise for the sorry state of Britain. But I’m sorry

Even Americans have been forced to accept the value of our favourite self-effacing five-letter word

http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2013/oct/27/apologise-sorry-state-britain-harvard-david-mitchell

—-

Audio Slideshow

Historical east London photos published

In 2009, anonymous London blogger The Gentle Author set out to write 10,000 stories about the East End’s Spitalfields at a rate of one a day.

He has now published The Gentle Author’s London Album, a compilation of more than 600 previously unpublished photos showing a century of east London life.

Archivist Stefan Dickers discovered the slides at the Bishopsgate Institute and highlighted them to the Gentle Author.

They include images of Tower Bridge under construction in the 1890s and a funeral effigy of Charles II on display at Westminster Abbey in the 1910s.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-24539618

—-

Pine nuts? I use them in ratatouille. hamburgers and meat loafs, salads, stews and many other dishes. Love them but they are a bit expensive over here.
———–

Nigel Slater’s pine nut recipes

Pine nuts are usually confined to pesto, but bake them with sardines or stir them into a chocolate cake and you’ll find this useful golden nugget is a real treasure

http://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2013/oct/27/pine-nut-nigel-slater-recipes

—-

Animal photos of the week: 25 October 2013

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/picturegalleries/earth/10404742/Animal-photos-of-the-week.html

—-

The week in pictures: 25 October 2013

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/picturegalleries/theweekinpictures/10404740/The-week-in-pictures-25-October-2013.html

—-

The Observer’s 20 photographs of the week

The best photography in news, culture and sport from around the world this week

http://www.theguardian.com/theobserver/gallery/2013/oct/26/observer-20-photos-lady-gaga

Good morning everyone.

This seems to be a very slow moving typhoon so we are just waiting to see if it makes landfall on our East Coast. it’s been raining for almost two days now and it’s pretty boring. Next week we hope to have things fixed the way we want them outside. Should be fun as about an hour ago, something fell off our front gate as I was closing it and I have it tucked away in a plastic storage bag ready to pounce when the guy in charge shows up. We haven’t payed for the work yet and that’s a relief.

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

HB to a dear friend, have a wonderful day.

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

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

Radiation doubles to new high in No. 1 plant water ditch

http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2013/10/24/national/radiation-doubles-to-new-high-in-no-1-plant-water-ditch/#.UmoEuhYTMfE

—-

TEPCO eyes fuel removal from Fukushima No. 4 unit starting early Nov

http://mainichi.jp/english/english/newsselect/news/20131024p2g00m0dm034000c.html

—-

TEPCO employee found dead in apparent suicide

http://www.japantoday.com/category/national/view/tepco-employee-found-dead-in-apparent-suicide

—-

Fukushima evacuee family on edge as TEPCO prepares to restart Niigata nuke plant

http://mainichi.jp/english/english/newsselect/news/20131024p2a00m0na015000c.html

—-

Typhoon Francisco heads for Kyushu

http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2013/10/24/national/typhoon-francisco-heads-for-kyushu/#.UmoEPBYTMfE

—-

I’ve met this man here, he is a good friend of another friend of mine who moved back to Arkansas in 2001.
————

Japan’s national health insurance can save your life and savings

http://www.japantoday.com/category/opinions/view/japans-national-health-insurance-can-save-your-life-and-savings

—-

PICTURE OF THE DAY

A sight for saur eyes

http://www.japantoday.com/category/picture-of-the-day/view/a-sight-for-saur-eyes-4
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

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

The man is a tyrant, how dare he blame the elderly for wanting to live in their own home?
————

Elderly to blame for housing crisis, indicates minister

Old people and immigrants are forcing the Government to relax planning rules and allow more houses to be built on the greenbelt, Nick Boles has said.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/earth/hands-off-our-land/10403390/Elderly-to-blame-for-housing-crisis-indicates-minister.html

—-

More Tory lies about the NHS exposed.
————

Medical tourism generates millions for NHS and wider economy, finds study

‘Foreigners abusing system’ claim contradicted by research that also shows more people go overseas for treatment than arrive

http://www.theguardian.com/society/2013/oct/24/medical-tourism-generates-millions-nhs-health

—-

What, has he gone bonkers? Has he ever experienced a northern winter without heat? Maybe he should be forced to. Callous and insulting considering the number of people who freeze to death every year.
————

Downing Street: People faced with rising energy bills should consider wearing jumpers

David Cameron believes that millions of people facing rising energy bills should consider “wrapping up warm” and wearing jumpers, Downing Street has indicated.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/personalfinance/consumertips/household-bills/10388368/Downing-Street-People-faced-with-rising-energy-bills-should-consider-wearing-jumpers.html

—-

Angela Merkel demands action from US to rebuild trust following allegations her phone was monitored

Furious Angela Merkel accuses US of betraying trust of German soldiers that fought and died alongside American allies on the battlefields of Afghanistan by bugging her phone and insists US strikes a ‘no-spying’ agreement with Berlin and Paris by the end of the year

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/germany/10403915/Angela-Merkel-demands-action-from-US-to-rebuild-trust-following-allegations-her-phone-was-monitored.html

—-

Revealed: Mafia’s prime role in human-trafficking misery

Italian mobsters work with Egyptian crime syndicates to imprison migrants and extort cash

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/revealed-mafias-prime-role-in-humantrafficking-misery-8902359.html

—-

Spain split over Eta militant’s early release from jail

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-24653851

—-

Madeleine McCann inquiry reopened by Portuguese police

Fresh investigation into British girl’s disappearance comes a week after UK police made TV appeal with efit of new suspect

http://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2013/oct/24/madeleine-mccann-inquiry-reopened-portuguese-police

—-

Mikhail Khodorkovsky’s son says jailed Russian oligarch remains defiant after ten years

Vladimir Putin’s biggest critic Mikhail Khodorkovsky continues to make a stand from Russia’s Penal Colony No 7, his eldest child Pavel tells the Telegraph

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/russia/10403026/Mikhail-Khodorkovskys-son-says-jailed-Russian-oligarch-remains-defiant-after-ten-years.html

—-

Of course they do. 🙄
————

Healthcare contractors point finger at Obama administration

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-24658892

—-

Obama Urges House Republicans to Act on Immigration

President Obama is turning attention back to the immigration overhaul issue, which has been overshadowed in Washington in recent months.

http://nyti.ms/1aHTq3j

—-

In Search of Republican Grown-Ups

The Republican Party will have to do much better than avoiding default to earn back the public’s trust after their disastrous and juvenile shutdown stunt.

http://nyti.ms/1amLuaY

—-

Is anyone surprised??
————

Group Linked to Kochs Admits to Campaign Finance Violations

The nonprofit, which has ties to the billionaire conservative businessmen Charles and David Koch, failed to disclose over $15 million in contributions it funneled into California referendum battles.

http://nyti.ms/1fYyrka

—-

Addicted to the Apocalypse by Paul Krugman

The sky is falling! The sky is falling. When it comes to all the talk of economic catastrophe, why are these disaster fantasies taken so seriously?

http://nyti.ms/1eOtEib

—-

Huh??
————

Campus police officer who pepper-sprayed peaceful student protesters is awarded £25,000 in compensation for ‘psychiatric injuries’

The court agreed payment means that the officer has been better compensated that the victims of his pepper spraying

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/campus-police-officer-who-peppersprayed-peaceful-student-protesters-is-awarded-25000-in-compensation-for-psychiatric-injuries-8901745.html

—-

Tennessee schedules first execution in five years for January

Execution of Billy R Irick on January 15 will be first to use only sedative pentobarbital rather than three-drug method

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/oct/24/tennessee-execution-january-pentobarbital

—-

Syria: the shots that shook the world

Five photographers who have borne witness to Syria’s civil war tell the stories behind their defining images of the conflict

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/syria/10400229/Syria-the-shots-that-shook-the-world.html

—-

Syrian refugees face bleak time in Bulgaria’s broken asylum system

Refugees escaping the violence in Syria face harsh conditions in Bulgaria, which is being overwhelmed by their numbers

http://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2013/oct/24/syrian-refugees-bulgaria-asylum

—-

How the Sunni-Shia schism is dividing the world

The unprecedented Saudi refusal to take up its Security Council seat is not just about Syria but a response to the Iranian threat

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/politics/how-the-sunnishia-schism-is-dividing-the-world-8899780.html

—-

‘Four killed’ in Lebanon flare-up

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-24657491

—–

Tending to Syria’s wounded in Turkey

Syrian Medical Centre has treated more than 10,000 war victims requiring long-term care.

http://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/features/2013/10/turkish-medical-centre-helps-wounded-syrians-20131019112136910563.html

—-

Libyan court charges Gaddafi-era figures

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-24659181

—-

Israel clashes with US as it calls for destruction of Iran’s nuclear industry

Benjamin Netanyahu, the Israeli prime minister, questions Washington’s friendlier stance towards Tehran

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/israel/10400680/Israel-clashes-with-US-as-it-calls-for-destruction-of-Irans-nuclear-industry.html

—-

Kenya’s William Ruto awaits key ICC ruling

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-24666472

—-

Saudi government warns women over campaign to drive

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-24658753

—-

Iraq needs leadership worthy of its people

With a death toll of half a million since 2003, the country deserves leaders who can put national unity above personal gain

http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2013/oct/24/iraq-leadership-people-death-toll-unity

—-

Have been saying this for years now.
————

Secret memos ‘show Pakistan endorsed US drone strikes’

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-24649840

—-

Australian wildfires: military defend explosives exercise that sparked blaze

The deputy head of the Australian armed forces defends an exercise that triggered the largest wildfire in New South Wales as “demolition activity in support of our people”

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/australiaandthepacific/australia/10401645/Australian-wildfires-military-defend-explosives-exercise-that-sparked-blaze.html

—-

Bo Xilai loses appeal over life sentence

Maverick Chinese leader Bo Xilai loses his appeal against a life sentence for corruption, embezzlement and abuse of power

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/china/10403917/Bo-Xilai-loses-appeal-over-life-sentence.html

—-

North Korean leaders may be called to face ICC over ‘human rights abuses’

Panel sitting in London hears ‘extremely powerful’ evidence of mistreatment by totalitarian country and neighbour China

http://www.theguardian.com/law/2013/oct/24/human-rights-abuses-china-north-korea

—-

South Korea conducts military exercise at disputed islands

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-24666048

—-

UN envoy slams Myanmar’s anti-Muslim violence

Human rights envoy says violence feeds wider anti-Muslim narrative that threatens country’s reform process.

http://www.aljazeera.com/news/asia-pacific/2013/10/un-envoy-slams-myanmar-anti-muslim-violence-201310250350636671.html
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

TRIVIA QUIZ

Today’s question.

What is the famous last line of the 1959 comedy film ‘Some Like it Hot’?

—-

Horrific and sickening!
————

FGM: ‘It’s like neutering animals’ – the film that is changing Kurdistan

A film made over 10 years with the stories of girls and women affected by female genital mutilation is tackling a taboo subject

http://www.theguardian.com/society/2013/oct/24/female-genital-mutilation-film-changing-kurdistan-law

—-

High human cost for New York building boom

More construction in US city has led to a rise in fatalities, particularly among Latino and immigrant labourers.

http://www.aljazeera.com/video/americas/2013/10/latino-workers-new-york-construction-2013102535433973527.html

—-

Giant solar mirrors bring light to shady Norwegian town

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-24652439

—-

Slow metabolism ‘obesity excuse’ true

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-24610296

—-

Viral Video Chart: Anchorman 2 trailer, Superman and the Simpsons

Will Ferrell is back as Ron Burgundy, we celebrate two cartoon legends – and Washington’s baby giant panda has her first jab

http://www.theguardian.com/media/2013/oct/25/anchorman-2-trailer-superman-simpsons-panda

—-

Hilarious photos of misspelled tattoos

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/picturegalleries/howaboutthat/10402448/Hilarious-photos-of-misspelled-tattoos.html

—-

Pictures of the day: 24 October 2013

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/picturegalleries/picturesoftheday/10401307/Pictures-of-the-day-24-October-2013.html

—–

Day in pictures: 24 October 2013

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/in-pictures-24658430

—-

Picture Desk Live

Best pictures of the day – live

The Guardian’s photo team brings you a daily round-up from the world of photography

http://www.theguardian.com/news/2013/oct/24/best-pictures-of-the-day-live

Good morning everyone.

We are due for our umpteenth typhoon from tomorrow, the sky is already overcast and the rain starts some time tonight. It has been a very strange year.

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

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

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

Japanese mayor offers Fukushima kids a home in his town

http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2013/10/23/national/japanese-mayor-offers-fukushima-kids-a-home-in-his-town/#.Umdm8xYTMfE

—-

Radioactive cesium again detected off coast of Japan

http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2013/10/22/national/radioactive-cesium-again-detected-off-coast-of-japan/#.UmdnPBYTMfE

—-

Japan moves toward adopting tougher penalties for leakers

http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2013/10/22/national/japan-moves-toward-adopting-tougher-penalties-for-leakers/#.UmdnbhYTMfE

—-

Landslide warnings for Japan as typhoon approaches

http://mainichi.jp/english/english/newsselect/news/20131023p2a00m0na003000c.html

—-

Japan under siege by broken umbrellas

http://www.japantoday.com/category/lifestyle/view/japan-under-siege-from-broken-umbrellas

—-

PICTURE OF THE DAY

Family man

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

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

Eurobonds scandal: The high street giants avoiding millions in tax

In the third part of our investigation into the biggest corporations in Britain, we turn to the stores that dominate our town centres

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/eurobonds-scandal-the-high-street-giants-avoiding-millions-in-tax-8897591.html

—-

Surprise! Surprise! Not really.
————

Benefit cap is failing to achieve its aims, study concludes

The cap is neither forcing unemployed people to take a job nor saving taxpayers’ money, according to the first in-depth study

http://www.theguardian.com/society/2013/oct/23/benefit-cap-failing-achieve-aims

—-

Vulnerable elderly ‘locked out’ of state-funded care despite reforms, study finds

Some 340,000 elderly and disabled people will receive no assistance towards care costs, experts warn

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/politics/10398204/Vulnerable-elderly-locked-out-of-state-funded-care-despite-reforms-study-finds.html

—-

Dublin family insists girl seized by police is theirs

Roma family has agreed to co-operate in DNA tests to establish whether or not child belongs to them

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/oct/23/dublin-family-girl-seized-police

—-

Old attitudes resurface: inside the Roma camp where Maria the ‘blonde angel’ lived

Anger and defiance in Greece after a case that has reignited prejudices

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/old-attitudes-resurface-inside-the-roma-camp-where-maria-the-blonde-angel-lived-8897530.html

—-

Greece freezes state funding for far-right Golden Dawn party

Greek assembly votes 235-0 to suspend state funding for Nazi-inspired Golden Dawn party whose leadership stand accused of criminal activities

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/greece/10398363/Greece-freezes-state-funding-for-far-right-Golden-Dawn-party.html

—-

Russia rejects court over Greenpeace arrests

Moscow says it will boycott maritime tribunal in attempt by the Netherlands to release 30 detained Greenpeace activists.

http://www.aljazeera.com/news/europe/2013/10/russia-rejects-court-over-greenpeace-arrests-2013102372953176720.html

—-

Kerry holds urgent talks as US-Saudi rift deepens over Middle East policy

Secretary of state on charm offensive amid criticism from Riyadh that the US is not providing sufficient help to Syrian rebels

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/oct/22/kerry-talks-us-saudi-rift-foreign-policy

—-

Nevada shooting: Parents of suspect may face charges

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-24631668

—-

How dumb is this clown?
————

Top White House security official fired over critical tweets

Jofi Joseph, who was involved in Iranian nuclear talks, used Twitter to insult key members of Obama administration

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/oct/23/white-house-security-official-fired-tweets

—-

US CEOs break pay record as top 10 earners take home at least $100m each

Pay gaps within companies widen as top two earners, led by Facebook’s Mark Zuckerberg, earn billion-dollar paychecks

http://www.theguardian.com/business/2013/oct/22/top-earning-ceos-100m-paychecks-record

—-

The 10 best-paid CEOs in America

US’s top-paid executives in 2012 represent technology, coffee, and sporting goods companies – and all are white and male

http://www.theguardian.com/business/2013/oct/22/best-paid-chief-executives-america

—-

Syria frees women after hostage deal

Fourteen female detainees released as part of hostage exchange but dozens of others still being held, activist says.

http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2013/10/syria-frees-women-after-hostage-deal-2013102372117123946.html

—-

Syria talks: Geneva meeting in doubt over fractured opposition

A meeting in Geneva next month is in doubt thanks to Syria’s fractured opposition

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/syria/10398001/Syria-talks-Geneva-meeting-in-doubt-over-fractured-opposition.html

—-

Syrian family’s tortuous journey into the unknown

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-24614655

—-

Why Jerusalem’s mayor will only be able to count on one half of the city

East Jerusalem’s Arab residents boycott election seen as pivotal by the Israelis

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/why-jerusalems-mayor-will-only-be-able-to-counton-one-half-of-the-city-8897617.html

—-

Islamic police arrest 150 in Nigeria accused of indecent dress, prostitution and cross-dressing

Religious police in northern Nigeria detain scores of people for flouting Shariah law including 45 at a birthday party due to “indecent dress that is against the practice of Islam”

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/africaandindianocean/nigeria/10398365/Islamic-police-arrest-150-in-Nigeria-accused-of-indecent-dress-prostitution-and-cross-dressing.html

—-

Student activist Majid Tavakoli out on bail after four years in jail

Prisoner is latest in number of political detainees given leave or released since Hassan Rouhani became president

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/oct/22/politicial-prisoner-majid-tavakoli-bail

—-

Afghan village in the calm before the storm

Waghjan in Logar province enjoys a precarious peace in one of the country’s most dangerous areas.

http://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/features/2013/10/afghan-village-calm-before-storm-2013102010321687403.html

—-

Fire threat to Australia’s Blue Mountains ‘averted’

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-24634821

—-

New Zealand cuts postal service to three days a week

Government says Monday to Friday mail deliveries are no longer needed in urban areas but will be maintained in countryside

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/oct/23/new-zealand-postal-three-days

—-

China challenged over human rights record at United Nations

Activists say despite Beijing’s claims of improvements, dissenters, minorities and the disabled still face state brutality

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/oct/22/china-challenged-human-rights-un

—-

Chinese newspaper calls for journalist’s release

New Express in Hunan province makes rare appeal, saying Chen Yongzhou was targeted over corruption stories

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/oct/23/chinese-newspaper-calls-journalists-release

—-

Barbaric!
————

Brunei introduces death by stoning under new Islamic laws

Brunei is to introduce a raft of tough sharia punishments including amputation and death by stoning for adulterers

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/brunei/10395702/Brunei-introduces-death-by-stoning-under-new-Islamic-laws.html
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

TRIVIA QUIZ

Yesterday’s answer, grey. 🙁

Today’s question.

In nature, what are active, dormant and extinct?

—-

Life in a Cambodian rubbish dump

Workers at the Anlong Pi landfill near Siem Reap live and breathe toxic chemicals on a daily basis.

http://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/inpictures/2013/10/life-cambodian-rubbish-dump-20131018112429578824.html

—-

Captain Collette: The life of a woman on the front line

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-24622762

—-

The four sisters who took on Botswana’s chiefs – and won

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-24623692

—-

Nigel Slater’s poached eggs with chorizo and avocado

A simple, easy and very quick supper for two or more

http://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2013/oct/22/poached-eggs-chorizo-avocado-nigel-slater

—-

Eat butter and cheese not low-fat spreads, says heart specialist

Aseem Malhotra says saturated fat is not a problem, low-fat products are often full of sugar and statins are over-prescribed

http://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2013/oct/22/butter-cheese-saturated-fat-heart-specialist

—-

Pictures of the day: 22 October 2013

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/picturegalleries/picturesoftheday/10395588/Pictures-of-the-day-22-October-2013.html

—-

Day in pictures: 22 October 2013

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/in-pictures-24623853

—-

10 photo highlights of the day

Each day the picture editor of the Guardian brings you a selection of top photographs and today the focus is on portraits

http://www.theguardian.com/news/gallery/2013/oct/22/10-photo-highlights-of-the-day

Good morning everyone.

The 24th, next Thursday, should be the day that we get our final dislikes and concerns here dealt with. No surprises that we had quite a few even after having to wait so long for the work to be finished. Will I finally have these people out of my life, I can only hope so. If I never see them again, it will be too soon.

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

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

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

Radiation in rainwater overflow spikes at No. 1

http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2013/10/21/national/rainwater-flows-over-tank-barriers-at-fukushima-no-1/#.UmYNkhYTMfE

—-

Fukushima No. 1 radioactive water problems laid to Tepco ineptitude

http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2013/10/22/national/fukushima-no-1-radioactive-water-problems-laid-to-tepco-ineptitude-plague-the-nation/#.UmYNvhYTMfE

—-

Poll highlights refugees’ difficulties in rebuilding homes

http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2013/10/21/national/poll-highlights-refugees-difficulties-in-rebuilding-homes/#.UmYN7hYTMfE

—-

Gov’t delaying cleanup of towns near Fukushima nuclear plant

http://www.japantoday.com/category/national/view/govt-delaying-cleanup-of-towns-near-fukushima-nuclear-plant

—-

Japan braces for another powerful typhoon

http://mainichi.jp/english/english/newsselect/news/20131022p2a00m0na002000c.html

—-

PICTURE OF THE DAY

Young fan

http://www.japantoday.com/category/picture-of-the-day/view/young-fan
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

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

Labour reviews race relations as party alleges Tories ‘turning clock back’

Report points to decrease in black police officers, employment inequalities and incomes disproportionately hit by cuts

http://www.theguardian.com/politics/2013/oct/22/labour-major-review-race-relations

—-

Most of them don’t deserve what they are getting payed right now. How dare they demand a pay raise when so many have no jobs and are suffering? Disgraceful.
————

MPs want to keep their perks – as well as 11% pay rise

MPs on Commons standards committee argue that other professionals who work anti-social hours are able to claim for expenses

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/mps-want-to-keep-their-perks–as-well-as-11-pay-rise-8895002.html

—-

UK nuclear power plant contract: £80bn deal or no deal?

Political parties and industry groups welcome low-carbon project as academics and campaigners question cost and waste

http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2013/oct/21/uk-nuclear-power-plant-contract-deal-no-deal

—-

LETTERS

Ineos, tax and China

http://www.theguardian.com/politics/2013/oct/21/ineos-tax-china

—-

Extremist Pavlo Lapshyn admits murdering elderly Muslim man and committing mosque attacks in attempt to spark ‘race war’

Pavlo Lapshyn stabbed 82-year-old victim in back just days after he arrived from Ukraine to start prestigious placement at software design firm

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/extremist-pavlo-lapshyn-admits-murdering-elderly-muslim-man-and-committing-mosque-attacks-in-attempt-to-spark-race-war-8894780.html

—-

Markets poised for delayed US jobs data – live

LIVEAmerica’s non-farm payroll is finally released today, showing how many new jobs were created in the US in September
• The wait of over for US employment data
• Ofgem shows teeth….but is it too late?
Coming up, UK public finances and MPs grilling ex-Co-op boss

http://www.theguardian.com/business/2013/oct/22/market-delayed-us-jobs-non-farm

—-

Lampedusa: Survivors excluded from Italy memorial

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-24617419

—-

Maria: Greek Roma couple charged with abduction

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-24605954

—-

Serbia’s forgotten veterans fight new battle for hearts, minds and welfare

While Croatia’s Balkan war veterans rights are enshrined in law Serbian fighters battle Belgrade for even basic benefits

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/oct/21/serbias-veterans-benefits-croatias-balkan-war

—-

Suicide bomb on bus in Russia kills five ahead of Sochi Olympics

A suicide bomber has killed several people and injured dozens in what appears to be the first in a promised campaign of terror against Russia ahead of the Sochi Winter Olympics.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/russia/10394109/Suicide-bomb-on-bus-in-Russia-kills-five-ahead-of-Sochi-Olympics.html

—-

Obama Admits Web Site Flaws on Health Law

President Obama offered an impassioned defense of the Affordable Care Act, acknowledging the technical failures of the HealthCare.gov Web site, but providing little new information about the problems.

http://nyti.ms/17EzFJa

—-

Medicaid Expansion Is Set for Ohioans

Defying the Republican majorities in both houses of the General Assembly, Gov. John R. Kasich, a Republican, pushed through the expansion under the health care law.

http://nyti.ms/HbG1ty

—-

Nevada middle school shooting: teacher and ‘shooter-suspect’ dead

A teacher is killed and two students injured after a 13 or 14-year-old student goes on a shooting rampage in a US school

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/northamerica/usa/10395359/Nevada-middle-school-shooting-teacher-and-shooter-suspect-dead.html

—-

Politicians’ Extortion Racket

A legal shakedown to extract campaign contributions.

http://nyti.ms/15YFkwi

—-

Venezuela shoots down two ‘hostile’ planes

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-24618087

—-

Brazil oil-auction protests turn violent

Unions angered by foreign firms’ participation in state-run oil company’s successful bid to develop offshore field.

http://www.aljazeera.com/news/americas/2013/10/brazil-protesters-march-against-oil-auction-2013102244618284582.html

—-

Syria conflict: London to host key opposition talks

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-24619329

—-

Free Syrian Army leader killed in clash with government troops

Yasser al-Aboud killed in assault on army checkpoints near southern city of Deraa, insurgents and state media say

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/oct/21/free-syrian-army-leader-killed-deraa

—-

Syrians in Egypt: Escaping a once safe haven

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-24612768

—-

Egypt: Coptic church wedding shooting kills four members of same family

Coptic Christian wedding in Egyptian capital Cairo is raked by gunfire, killing four members of the same family including girl cousins aged eight and 12

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/10394747/Egypt-Coptic-church-wedding-shooting-kills-four-members-of-same-family.html

—-

Israel’s elections bring ‘racism’ to the fore

Political ads banned after Jewish parties accused of using denigrating language towards Palestinians.

http://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/features/2013/10/israel-elections-bring-racism-fore-2013102184217401251.html

—-

Is Libya on the brink of a new civil war?

Two years after the fall of Muammar Gaddafi, we ask why the government struggles to rein in the country’s militias.

http://www.aljazeera.com/programmes/insidestory/2013/10/libya-brink-new-civil-war-2013102183055736865.html

—-

US strikes in Yemen have killed dozens of civilians, says report

Human Rights Watch says 57 civilians have been killed in six attacks that ‘clearly or possibly’ violated international law

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/oct/22/us-strikes-yemen-killed-civilians

—-

Mozambique 20-year peace deal ‘ends after base raided’

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-24615549

—-

Angola ‘in denial’ over impact of severe drought

Government accused of playing down the crisis, which has affected 1.8 million people, to protect its economic reputation

http://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2013/oct/22/angola-in-denial-severe-drought

—-

Saudi Arabia human rights record criticised at UN meeting

Countries at human rights council accuse kingdom of abusing rights of women and foreign workers

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/oct/21/saudi-arabia-human-rights-record-criticised-un-meeting

—-

Iraq: dozens killed as suicide car bomb hits Baghdad cafe

At least 35 killed and 45 wounded in primarily Shia area, while car bomb explosion north of capital kills seven

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/oct/20/iraq-car-bomb-baghdad-cafe

—-

India school meal deaths: headteacher and husband charged with murder

Meena Devi her husband will go on trial over death of 23 children who died from eating pesticide-contaminated lunches

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/oct/22/india-school-meal-deaths-headteacher-charged-murder

—-

Australia fire fighters back-burn to merge NSW fires

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-24607401

—-

Chinese city paralysed by smog

In parts of Harbin, the PM2.5 measure of air pollution reaches 1,000 – 40 times the WHO’s recommended daily exposure level

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/oct/21/chinese-city-paralysed-by-smog
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

TRIVIA QUIZ

The answer to the question “A logophile is a lover of what”? was, words.

Today’s question.

Gainsboro is a pale shade of which colour?

—-

Dangerous ‘truth’: The Kabul women’s poetry club

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-24608666

—-

Just listening is what turns a victim into a survivor

It wasn’t until I was mugged in my 40s that I regained the voice I’d lost through earlier trauma. All because a passer-by bore witness

http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2013/oct/21/listening-turns-victim-survivor

—-

From Sydney student life to a Sudanese struggle: a voter’s journey

Neither her family’s fears nor harsh living conditions could stop Julia Williams joining the trail from Australia to Abyei

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/oct/22/abyei-referendum-south-sudan

—-

Jerusalem: Communities up-close

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-24567567

—-

Wikipedia: We have blocked 250 ‘sock puppets’ for biased editing of our pages

Online reference site admits spin doctors and users with false online identities have been changing pages

http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/gadgets-and-tech/news/wikipedia-we-have-blocked-250-sock-puppets-for-biased-editing-of-our-pages-8895112.html

—-

Why have young people in Japan stopped having sex?

What happens to a country when its young people stop having sex? Japan is finding out… Abigail Haworth investigates

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/oct/20/young-people-japan-stopped-having-sex

—-

About the image used. Who still puts opened cans into the fridge? Unbelievable! Not only is it dangerous, it’s also very lazy.
————

What’s going off in your fridge?

We throw away almost half the apples, bread and bagged salad we buy, according to Tesco. Guardian writers confess how much food they waste

http://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2013/oct/21/going-off-fridge-food-waste

—-

Are people snobbish about frozen food?

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-24551578

—-

Pictures of the day: 21 October 2013

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/picturegalleries/picturesoftheday/10393049/Pictures-of-the-day-21-October-2013.html

—-

Day in pictures: 21 October 2013

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/in-pictures-24607472

—-

10 photo highlights of the day

Each day the picture editor of the Guardian brings you a selection of photo highlights

http://www.theguardian.com/news/gallery/2013/oct/21/10-photo-highlights-of-the-day