Morning Blog

In case of any confusion, i’m here with the new MB and updates on our Front Page until my moving help arrives to drop me into my MB widget. 😉

http://planetpov.com/2014/11/20/morning-blog-6/

Good Morning Everyone!

On Thursday the 20th of November MB will be 5 years old, and to celebrate there will be a quiz question with the first three correct answers winning a MB mug in a colour of their choice. I use mine every day and would feel lost without it. so please pop in on the 20th and have a go at the question. You won’t regret it.

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

Sayonara from my cool corner of Tokyo. Mata ne.
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A few stories and opinions from around the globe.
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Niigata nuclear disaster drill finds governor, state at odds over iodine pill distribution

http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2014/11/12/national/niigate-nuclear-disaster-drill-finds-governor-state-odds-iodine-pill-distribution/

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Kansai Electric mulls operating two reactors beyond 40-year limit

http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2014/11/13/national/kansai-electric-mulls-operating-two-reactors-beyond-40-year-limit/

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I linked to a story about the huge profits they had raked in after upping their prices to consumers whose tax yen had bailed them out. These people are disgusting.
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TEPCO to refrain from taking legal action over repayment of nuclear compensation

http://mainichi.jp/english/english/newsselect/news/20141111p2a00m0na010000c.html

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What U.S.-China climate deal means to the world

http://www.japantoday.com/category/opinions/view/what-u-s-china-climate-deal-means-to-the-world

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This crossing was one of the first things I experienced when I arrived in Tokyo. Apart from being the only light haired person crossing in a sea of black, the sheer number of people made me dizzy and was actually incredibly scary. Considering that many Japanese even without cell phones never look where they are going anyway, although only about 10 minutes from our home, I won’t be going there any time soon.
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Japan’s smartphone ‘zombies’ wreak havoc on the streets

http://www.japantoday.com/category/national/view/japans-smartphone-zombies-wreak-havoc-on-the-streets

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PICTURE OF THE DAY

Circle of LOVE

http://www.japantoday.com/category/picture-of-the-day/view/circle-of-love
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INTERNATIONAL NEWS
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Whose fault is that?
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Life-saving Cancer Drug Fund medicines could be too costly to prescribe

http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/lifesaving-cancer-drug-fund-medicines-could-be-too-costly-to-prescribe-9857377.html

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Yet people want to vote for Ukip to spite the Tories without knowing the first darned thing about their reckless policies.
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Nigel Farage caught on video suggesting the NHS should be run privately

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/nigel-farage-caught-on-video-suggesting-the-nhs-should-be-run-privately-9857389.html

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Nearly half of academy trusts paid millions to ‘dubious’ contacts

NAO finds 43% of trusts paid public money towards private businesses of directors, trustees and relatives, worth estimated £71m

http://www.theguardian.com/education/2014/nov/13/nearly-half-academy-trusts-related-party-transactions

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They feel shame? Really?
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Shame in the City: £2.6bn fine leaves London’s reputation in tatters

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/comment/shame-in-the-city-26bn-fine-leaves-londons-reputation-in-tatters-9857280.html

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Fracking won’t cut bills and ministers ‘oversold’ shale gas benefits, experts say

Ministers must “stop banking on this idea that shale is going to be plentiful and cheap”, Government-funded UK Energy Research Centre says

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/earth/energy/fracking/11224097/Fracking-wont-cut-bills-and-ministers-oversold-shale-gas-benefits-experts-say.html

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The right man for the jpb?
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Juncker defends Luxembourg’s tax arrangements as legal

Head of the European Commission says he regrets if companies avoided paying taxes while he was prime minister of Luxembourg

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/eu/11225662/Juncker-defends-Luxembourgs-tax-arrangements-as-legal.html

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Racial tensions in Rome: ‘Long live Il Duce’ chants as locals attack immigrant centre with rocks and petrol bombs

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/racial-tensions-in-rome-long-live-il-duce-chants-as-locals-attack-immigrant-centre-with-rocks-and-petrol-bombs-9857049.html

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Catalan president facing prosecution after independence vote

Spain expected to charge regional leader Artur Mas with disobeying court order and misuse of government funds

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/nov/12/catalan-president-prosecution-independence-vote

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Putin’s defense of Hitler pact should worry all

http://www.japantimes.co.jp/opinion/2014/11/11/commentary/world-commentary/putins-defense-hitler-pact-worry/#.VGLib0nXfCQ

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Ukraine ‘readies for combat’ as Russian troops enter the country

Fears of a full-blown conflict return as Nato confirms Moscow has poured columns of troops and military hardware across the border

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/ukraine/11226324/Ukraine-readies-for-combat-as-Russian-troops-enter-the-country.html

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What Climate Scientists Have To Say About Obama’s Deal With China

http://thinkprogress.org/climate/2014/11/12/3591341/china-climate-deal-scientists-reaction/

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Biden leads Veterans Day events

US Vice-President Joe Biden has laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier as part of Veterans Day remembrance events across the US.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-30010048

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Race to revive NSA surveillance curbs before Congress handover

Harry Reid, leader of the outgoing Democratic Senate majority, attempts to bring USA Freedom Act to a vote

http://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2014/nov/13/harry-reid-usa-freedom-act-senate-vote-nsa-reform

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Don’t govern on fantasies by E.J. Dionne

http://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/ej-dionne-dont-govern-on-fantasies/2014/11/09/11cad588-66ba-11e4-9fdc-d43b053ecb4d_story.html?wpisrc=nl_opin&wpmm=1

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The Worst Voter Turnout in 72 Years

Apathy, anger and frustration at the negative tone of the campaigns resulted in the lowest percentage of voter participation since 1942.

http://www.nytimes.com/2014/11/12/opinion/the-worst-voter-turnout-in-72-years.html

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New York’s Miserable Voter Turnout Isn’t an Accident

Incompetent Albany politicians like the system just the way it is.

http://takingnote.blogs.nytimes.com/2014/11/12/new-yorks-miserable-voter-turnout-isnt-an-accident/

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Huh??
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America’s Race Problem Is “Pathetic, Self-Defeating Black Underclass”

Ben Stein: America’s Race Problem Is “Pathetic, Self-Defeating Black Underclass”

http://www.buzzfeed.com/andrewkaczynski/ben-stein-americas-race-problem-is-pathetic-se

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‘You filthy, abnormal animal’: graphic contents of anonymous letter sent by FBI to Martin Luther King

Civil rights leader was urged to kill himself over ‘sexual orgies’ with ‘evil playmates’

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/northamerica/usa/11226618/You-filthy-abnormal-animal-graphic-contents-of-anonymous-letter-sent-by-FBI-to-Martin-Luther-King.html

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Ferguson authorities urge calm as anxiety mounts over pending grand jury decision

Region bracing for potential unrest if officer Darren Wilson is not indicted by a grand jury looking into the 9 August fatal shooting of Michael Brown

St Louis rapper turned activist Tef Poe releases shooting protest song ‘War Cry’
America’s on edge about the Ferguson grand jury decision

http://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2014/nov/12/ferguson-authorities-calm-down-grand-jury-anxiety

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Fox News Melts Down Over The U.S.-China Climate Deal

http://thinkprogress.org/climate/2014/11/12/3591585/fox-news-best-meltdowns-over-the-us-china-climate-deal/

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Here we go.
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False Robocalls That Wreaked Havoc On Chicago Elections Linked To GOP Activists

http://thinkprogress.org/election/2014/11/12/3591417/chicago-robocalls/

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Race, to the Finish

Let’s review how we got to this point where African-Americans vote so overwhelmingly Democratic and are suspicious of Republican motives.

http://www.nytimes.com/2014/11/13/opinion/charles-blow-race-to-the-finish.html

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Right Wing Trolls Continue To Fail At Journalism – Obama Nominee NOT Involved in Whitewater

Right Wing Trolls Continue To Fail At Journalism

http://bluenationreview.com/right-wing-trolls-continue-fail-journalism/

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Texas Oil Regulator Says It Will Not Honor Town’s Vote To Ban Fracking

http://thinkprogress.org/climate/2014/11/10/3590690/texas-fracking-ban-denton/

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Protesters burn state congress over Mexico ‘massacre’

More than 500 masked students and members of the radical CETEG teachers union broke into the empty Guerrero state legislature and set fire to chamber

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/centralamericaandthecaribbean/mexico/11227539/Protesters-burn-state-congress-over-Mexico-massacre.html

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Good Lord!!
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Brazilian police kill 11,000 people in five years

Study finds police kill an average of six people a day

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/southamerica/brazil/11224872/Brazilian-police-kill-11000-people-in-five-years.html

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US air strikes help halt Isil advance towards Kobane

American support aids Kurdish forces defending Syrian town of Kobane as over 750 Islamic State fighters are reported to have been killed in bombings

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/islamic-state/11226998/US-air-strikes-help-halt-Isil-advance-towards-Kobane.html

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Syria war: Special coverage

Live coverage of the war in Syria – part of a two-day BBC special focusing on the conflict and its impact on the Middle East and beyond

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/world-middle-east-30002828

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Isis in Syria: In the shadow of death, a few thousand Christians remain to defy the militants

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/isis-in-syria-in-the-shadow-of-death-a-few-thousand-christians-remain-to-defy-the-militants-9857030.html

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Syria war refugees’ key role in telling the story

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-29991161

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‘Terror’ attack on Egypt naval boat leaves eight servicemen missing

Naval vessel has been set alight in an exchange of fire with assailants

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/africaandindianocean/egypt/11227639/Terror-attack-on-Egypt-naval-boat-leaves-eight-servicemen-missing.html

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Israel approves new Jerusalem settler homes

Israeli authorities give preliminary approval to build 200 illegal homes in east Jerusalem amid heightened tensions.

http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2014/11/israel-approves-new-settlements-jerusalem-20141112212822973852.html

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Israeli policeman arrested over death of Palestinian

Officer is suspected of using live fire to shoot teenager who away from stone-throwing demonstrators when he was killed

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/israel/11225458/Israeli-policeman-arrested-over-death-of-Palestinian.html

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A NEW INTIFADA? ISRAEL’S ARAB CITIZEN UPRISING SPREADS

http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2014/11/10/a-new-intifada-israel-s-arab-citizen-uprising-spreads.html

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Mecca under threat: Outrage at plan to destroy the ‘birthplace’ of the Prophet Mohamed and replace it with a new palace and luxury malls

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/mecca-under-threat-outrage-at-plan-to-destroy-the-birthplace-of-the-prophet-mohamed-and-replace-it-with-a-new-palace-and-luxury-malls-9857098.html

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Ebola outbreak: MSF to start West Africa clinical trials

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-30033400

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Shell ignored internal warnings over Nigeria oil spills, documents suggest

Documents filed at London high court suggest Shell didn’t act on advice to fix aged pipeline and underplayed magnitude of two spills in Nigeria in 2008

http://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2014/nov/13/shell-nigeria-oil-spills-amnesty-international

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Russia to build Iran atomic reactors

Russia agrees to build up to eight nuclear reactors in Iran, as a deadline approaches for agreement in talks on curbing Iran’s nuclear programme.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-30015464

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Killing ‘Caliph Ibrahim’ Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi would not be the end of Isil

The ‘decapitation’ of terror groups damages them, but it is too much to hope that Isil will fade away if Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi is really dead

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/islamic-state/11222807/Killing-Caliph-Ibrahim-Abu-Bakr-al-Baghdadi-would-not-be-the-end-of-Isil.html

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India police detain sterilisation surgeon after 13 women die

As reports emerge rusty instruments were used during mass sterilisation of women in Chhattisgarh state, doctor is held for questioning

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/india/11227726/India-police-detain-sterilisation-surgeon-after-13-women-die.html

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How ridiculous. Why don’t they just shout that they are happy to remain ignorant?
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Pakistan schools denounce Nobel Peace Prize winner Malala Yousafzai with ‘I am not Malala’ day

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/asia/pakistan-schools-denounce-nobel-peace-prize-winner-malala-yousafzai-with-i-am-not-malala-day-9855642.html

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Australia’s Coalition grip weakened by Pup infighting

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-australia-30032468

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And of course the Repubs are already speaking out against saving our planet.
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Secret deal to tackle emissions ushers in a new era in the fight against global warming

http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/secret-deal-to-tackle-emissions-ushers-in-a-new-era-in-the-fight-against-global-warming-9857278.html

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Myanmar arrests point to ‘dangerous future’

Almost 200 farmers from five villages have been arrested since 2012 for protests over land confiscated by the military.

http://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/features/2014/11/myanmar-arrests-point-dangerous-future-2014111110224285311.html
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A tough cell: US to defend solitary confinement use before UN

Reports suggest over 80,000 prisoners in isolation at any time, but government insists punishment is not systematic

http://america.aljazeera.com/articles/2014/11/11/solitary-confinementinusunderunreview.html

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Wall Street landlords

Fault Lines investigates how Wall Street firms are returning to communities hardest-hit by the foreclosure crisis.

http://www.aljazeera.com/programmes/faultlines/2014/11/wall-street-landlords-20141111151849893632.html

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Indian sterilisation clinic full of cobwebs and dust

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-30015755

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Banning begging in super-wealthy Norway

Critics of a street begging ban in a Norwegian town say it targets ethnic Roma, but defenders say it will lower crime.

http://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/features/2014/11/banning-begging-super-wealthy-norway-2014111261115409524.html

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The school that says Osama Bin Laden was a hero

http://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-30005278

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#BBCTrending: Arnold Abbot, 90, vows to feed homeless despite arrest threat

http://www.bbc.com/news/blogs-trending-30012135

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The teenage soldiers of World War One

http://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-29934965

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Spare me the selfie school of feminism: women always give up too much information

Every generation of women create ways to hate themselves and amplify their anxieties in public – and it’s time to stop

http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2014/nov/12/spare-selfie-school-feminism-women-always-give-too-much-information-suzanne-moore

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John Oliver’s best bits on Last Week Tonight

As the chat show says farewell to its first season, we choose its best moments, from doggy supreme court to a typical Thursday for Vladimir Putin

http://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/tvandradioblog/2014/nov/12/john-olivers-best-bits-on-last-week-tonight

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Mormon founder ‘had up to 40 wives’

The Mormon church says for the first time that its founder Joseph Smith took up to 40 wives, including a 14-year-old and others who were already married.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-30009324

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Bletchley Park codebreakers ‘dried their knickers on Hitler’s Enigma machine’

Elizabeth ‘Betty’ Balfour, 88, says that during night shifts at Bletchley the Enigma machine was the only warm thing to dry her smalls on

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/history/world-war-two/11226192/Bletchley-Park-codebreakers-dried-their-knickers-on-Hitlers-Enigma-machine.html

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Armistice Day: Service personnel and veterans gather to remember the fallen

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/history/world-war-one/11222769/Armistice-Day-Service-personnel-and-veterans-gather-to-remember-the-fallen.html

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Pictures of the day: 12 November 2014

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/picturegalleries/picturesoftheday/11225143/Pictures-of-the-day-12-November-2014.html

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Day in pictures: 12 November 2014

Our selection of some of the best news photographs taken around the world during the past 24 hours.

http://www.bbc.com/news/in-pictures-30018644

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Photo highlights of the day

The Guardian’s picture editors bring you a selection of the best photographs from around the world including Rosetta preparing to land and dismantling the poppies in London

http://www.theguardian.com/news/gallery/2014/nov/12/photo-highlights-of-the-day

Good Morning Everyone, well maybe not all that good. Hoping that most of you are over the puzzling and often outrageous results from Tuesday’s elections, and just to say that I’m still trying hard to pick up my jaw from the floor. Talk about the Twilight Zone. 😯

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

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

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

Spent fuel rods removed from No. 4 reactor building at Fukushima

http://www.japantoday.com/category/national/view/spent-fuel-rods-removed-from-no-4-reactor-at-fukushima

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Remember it was raised to 8% just this April.
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To Hike Consumption The Tax Or Not

http://www.japantimes.co.jp/opinion/2014/11/05/editorials/hike-consumption-tax/#.VFq8EEnXfCQ

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Typhoon Nuri nears Ogasawara, Izu chains; government vigilant against alleged Chinese poaching ships

http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2014/11/06/national/typhoon-nuri-nears-ogasawara-izu-chains-government-vigilant-alleged-chinese-poaching-ships/

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Mayors of Hiroshima, Nagasaki protest against U.S plutonium tests

http://mainichi.jp/english/english/newsselect/news/20141105p2g00m0dm037000c.html

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PICTURE OF THE DAY

Wedding march

http://www.japantoday.com/category/picture-of-the-day/view/wedding-march-3
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INTERNATIONAL NEWS
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So is the awful man himself.
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MPs: Failure of IDS’s Work Programme is a scandal

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/mps-failure-of-idss-work-programme-is-a-scandal-9842188.html

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It sure is.
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This Parliament is done. Time for a general election

Does anyone care who won PMQs today, asks Iain Martin

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/politics/11210928/This-Parliament-is-done.-Time-for-a-general-election.html

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Million Masks March 2014: Thousands gather for anti-capitalist protest in London

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/million-masks-march-2014-thousands-gather-for-anticapitalist-protest-in-london-9842407.html

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Luxembourg tax files: how tiny state rubber-stamped tax avoidance on an industrial scale

Leaked documents show that one of the EU’s smallest states helped multinationals save millions in tax, to the detriment of its neighbours and allies

http://www.theguardian.com/business/2014/nov/05/-sp-luxembourg-tax-files-tax-avoidance-industrial-scale

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Finland warns Europe is ‘at the gates of a new cold war’ in wake of Russian military activity

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/finland-warns-europe-is-at-the-gates-of-a-new-cold-war-in-wake-of-russian-military-activity-9841867.html

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Catalonia symbolic vote ‘to proceed’

The head of Spain’s Catalonia region, Artur Mas, vows to go ahead with an informal vote on independence on Sunday in defiance of a court ban.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-29920521

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Portugal escorts Russian ship away

A Portuguese navy ship escorts a Russian oceanic research vessel away from Portugal’s coastal economic zone amid new East-West tensions.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-29919036

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Anti-Putin activist found dead in Moscow home

Friend says actor Alexei Devotchenko was murdered but investigators say there was no sign of violence

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/nov/06/alexei-devotchenko-anti-putin-activist-dead

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Ukraine crisis deepens after rebel vote in east

Petro Poroshenko, the Ukrainian president, calls emergency meeting of the country’s security council after denouncing separatist election as a “farce”

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/ukraine/11207106/Ukraine-crisis-deepens-after-rebel-vote-in-east.html

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Children dead in new Ukraine violence

Two teenagers were killed and four hurt while playing football at a school in eastern Ukraine, amid fears that a fragile ceasefire is falling apart.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-29912055

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After Election, Obama Vows to Work With, and Without, Congress

President Obama shook off an electoral drubbing and said he was eager to find common ground, but he also vowed to bypass Congress to change the immigration system.

http://www.nytimes.com/2014/11/06/us/politics/midterm-democratic-losses-grow.html

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How the Republicans took the Senate from the Democrats

As the GOP emerge victorious from the midterms, here’s a breakdown of how the key states voted

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/us-election/11209762/How-the-Republicans-took-the-Senate-from-the-Democrats.html

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Negativity Wins the Senate

Republicans returned to the majority by campaigning on basically one thing: what they called the failure of President Obama.

http://www.nytimes.com/2014/11/05/opinion/negativity-wins-the-senate.html

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Outside Groups With Deep Pockets Lift G.O.P.

The election was a pivotal moment for the “super PACs” and political nonprofit groups that helped the party defeat Democrats across the country.

http://www.nytimes.com/2014/11/06/us/politics/koch-brothers-republican-super-pac-spending-pays-off.html

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Meet The Newest Wave Of Tea Party Congressmen

http://thinkprogress.org/election/2014/11/05/3589301/craziest-congressmen-leaving-and-coming/

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What We Can Learn From The Voting Totals Of Every Senator In The Next Congress

http://thinkprogress.org/justice/2014/11/05/3589157/millions-more-votes-were-cast-for-democrats-in-the-incoming-senate-than-for-republicans/

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Inside The Democrats Godawful Midterm Election Wipeout by Michael Tomasky

http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2014/11/05/inside-the-democrats-godawful-midterm-election-wipeout.html

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Huh? Not to poison the well? Isn’t that what Repubs have been doing for 6 years straight?
————

McConnell warns Obama not to ‘poison the well’ after midterms rout

Republican leader challenges president to compromise with Congress after Democrats’ bruising defeat while Obama concedes electorate sent clear message

http://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2014/nov/05/mcconnell-warns-obama-poison-the-well-midterms

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After the midterm massacre, Democratic blame game begins

Republicans successfully tamed their Tea Party fringe and ran against Obama, but some Democrats are ruing caution, negativity and misjudged campaign themes

http://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2014/nov/05/after-midterm-massacre-democratic-blame-game-begins

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Progressive ballot initiatives provide counter-current to Republican tide

Voters have approved measures on the minimum wage, marijuana, sentencing reform, gun control and fracking, and also decided on abortion policy

http://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2014/nov/05/progressive-ballot-initiatives-counter-current-republican-tide

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Mexicans protest for 43 missing after mayor caught

Demonstrators take to the streets to demand safe return of 43 missing students as a former mayor and his wife are arrested over their disappearance

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/centralamericaandthecaribbean/mexico/11212491/Mexicans-protest-for-43-missing-after-mayor-caught.html

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No Canada visas for Ebola countries

Canada suspends visa applications from countries in the grip of the Ebola outbreak, in a move similar to a much-criticised Australian plan.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-29861563

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Lebanon’s Shia defiant in face of ISIL threat

Lebanese Shia mark Ashura amid increasing security threats and sectarian tensions.

http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2014/11/lebanon-shia-defiant-face-isil-threat-201411554736711396.html

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Erdogan palace cost soars for Turks

A controversial new 1,000-room palace built for Turkey’s President Erdogan will cost about £385m ($615m) – nearly twice the previous estimate.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-29912398

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Egypt rights record under fire at UN

Egypt is strongly criticised by Western countries and right groups during a regular review of member states at the UN Human Rights Council.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-29924135

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Jerusalem sees new deadly car attack

A Palestinian driver rams a car into pedestrians in East Jerusalem, killing one person, hours after clashes at the city’s holiest site.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-29911702

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Israel accused of war crimes during campaign in Gaza

Amnesty International says Israel displayed ‘callous indifference’ in attacks on family homes during military campaign in Gaza

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/nov/05/israel-accused-war-crimes-gaza–amnesty-international

—-

Sudan bans observers from scene of alleged mass rape

UN and African Union representatives not allowed into western Dafur region where attacks on 200 women and girls reported

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/nov/05/sudan-alleged-mass-rape-western-darfur

—-

Ebola outbreak: UN ‘lacks resources’ to fight deadly virus

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-29929024

—-

Pakistan ‘blasphemy’ deaths arrests

Pakistani police arrest at least 43 suspects in connection with Tuesday’s killing of a Christian couple accused of desecrating the Koran.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-29911857

—-

US army ‘loses’ military equipment worth $420 million in Afghanistan

Missing hardware includes sensitive weapons systems, encryption devices and vehicles, according to internal Pentagon investigation that highlights challenges of $7 billion Afghan withdrawal

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/afghanistan/11211358/US-army-loses-military-equipment-worth-420-million-in-Afghanistan.html

—-

Aung San Suu Kyi: Myanmar reform process ‘stalled’

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-29919094

—-

Australia rejects asylum offer claim in riot death case

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-29928697
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Islamic State: Diary of life in Mosul

In an exclusive series of diary instalments, residents describe what life is like in the Iraqi city of Mosul since Islamic State militants took over in June.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-29600573

—-

East Germany’s trade in human beings

http://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-29889706

—-

The book in every Iranian home

http://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-29648166

—-

Scary stuff.
————

GAY TALESE ON CHARLIE MANSON’S HOME ON THE RANGE

http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2014/10/31/the-stacks-charlie-manson-s-home-on-the-range.html

—-

The man who killed his daughter’s rapist

The BBC’s Geeta Pandey pieces together the story of an Indian father hailed as a hero for torturing and killing the man who allegedly raped his 13-year-old daughter.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-india-29901304

—-

How Amelia’s Plane Was Found

http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2014/10/30/the-fingerprint-that-helped-unravel-the-mystery-of-amelia-earhart.html

—-

Stunning Nasa image reveals surface of Saturn’s Titan moon

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/science/stunning-nasa-image-reveals-surface-of-saturns-titan-moon-9841631.html

—-

Pictures of the day: 5 November 2014

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/picturegalleries/picturesoftheday/11209788/Pictures-of-the-day-5-November-2014.html

—-

Day in pictures: 5 November 2014

Our selection of some of the best news photographs taken around the world during the past 24 hours.

http://www.bbc.com/news/in-pictures-29915172

—-

Photo highlights of the day

The Guardian’s picture editors bring you a selection of the best photographs from around the world, including the results in the US midterms, farmers protesting in France and triplet pandas in China

http://www.theguardian.com/news/gallery/2014/nov/05/photo-highlights-of-the-day

Let’s try this again. Fingers, toes and eyes crossed. 🙂
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Good Morning Everyone!

Hope that all who will be celebrating Halloween tomorrow and those with small children and grandchildren, will have a wonderful time. HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

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

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

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

Ministerial scandals highlight inadequate controls on political funding

http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2014/10/29/national/politics-diplomacy/ministerial-scandals-highlight-inadequate-controls-on-political-funding/#.VFHZQkuVsfE

—-

It should have been done decades ago.
————

Group tells Yasukuni Shrine to ditch convicted war criminals

http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2014/10/29/national/group-tells-yasukuni-shrine-ditch-convicted-war-criminals/#.VFHLM0nXfCQ

—-

Over 1,000 public schools don’t have anti-tsunami measures for school buildings

http://mainichi.jp/english/english/newsselect/news/20141029p2a00m0na001000c.html

—-

PICTURE OF THE DAY

Little tramps

http://www.japantoday.com/category/picture-of-the-day/view/little-tramps
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

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

Let’s hope they remember this when they vote in 2015.
————

Britons fear rich-poor divide is harming society, poll finds

Almost half of people polled feel the UK has become less fair since the 2010 election

http://www.theguardian.com/society/2014/oct/28/rich-poor-divide-harming-britain-poll

—-

Drug policy: punitive laws are failing, says Home Office study

Home Office study finds no evidence that harsh sentencing curbs illegal use and documents success of Portugal’s decriminalisation

http://www.theguardian.com/society/2014/oct/30/punitive-drug-laws-are-failing-study

—-

As to the first question about immigrants, it hardly surprising when the Tories make such a bloody fuss about it and embellish the numbers.
————

Muslims, immigration and teenage pregnancy: British people are ignorant about almost everything

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/muslims-immigration-and-teenage-pregnancy-british-people-are-ignorant-about-almost-everything-9825116.html

—-

This politics of denial over immigration is feeding a growing inhumanity

The cowardice and dishonesty of politicians means we now talk about people as if they were a virus

http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2014/oct/29/politics-denial-immigration-inhumanity

—-

Roma complain of Czech school segregation

The EU warns the Czech Republic about school segregation, as many Roma children are still sent to special schools for slow learners, Rob Cameron reports from Prague.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-29742282

—-

Budapest autumn: hollowing out democracy on the edge of Europe

Rightwing prime minister Viktor Orbán is using his huge electoral majority to rewrite the rules, and not just for Hungary

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/oct/29/budapest-viktor-orban-democracy-edge-hungary

—-

Nato jets track ‘unusual’ Russian bomber sorties

Four groups of aircraft intercepted in past 24 hours – and similar incidents are running at three times the rate of 2013

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/russia/11197145/Nato-jets-track-unusual-Russian-bomber-sorties.html

—-

Holder Adds Fuel to Debate Over Ferguson’s Police Department

Attorney General Eric H. Holder Jr. said Wednesday that there was a need for “wholesale change” in the town’s beleaguered police department.

http://www.nytimes.com/2014/10/30/us/holder-adds-fuel-to-debate-over-fergusons-police-department.html

—-

David Axelrod just zeroed in on the most powerful attack against Chris Christie

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/post-politics/wp/2014/10/30/david-axelrod-just-zeroed-in-on-the-most-powerful-attack-against-chris-christie/

—-

Footage shows homeless black man Milton Hall being shot at 46 times by police in the US

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/footage-shows-homeless-black-man-milton-hall-being-shot-at-46-times-by-police-in-the-us-9826453.html

https://www.aclu.org/blog/criminal-law-reform-free-speech-racial-justice/eight-police-officers-fired-46-times-my-mentally

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Iigvm5iPkU

—-

MYSTERY MAN BUYS KENTUCKY FOR THE GOP

http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2014/10/29/mystery-man-buys-kentucky-for-the-gop.html?via=newsletter&source=CSMorning

—-

The great Kansas tea party disaster

http://www.rollingstone.com/politics/news/the-great-kansas-tea-party-disaster-20141023

—-

The secrets behind the midterms

http://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/ej-dionne-the-secrets-behind-the-midterms/2014/10/26/56aa3346-5bad-11e4-8264-deed989ae9a2_story.html

—-

Congressman either thinks Missouri is a Continent, or he’s offensive

http://bluenationreview.com/congressman-either-incorrectly-ids-missouri-continent-hes-offensive/

—-

BREAKING: Court Refuses To Intervene In Case of 40,000 Missing Voters In Georgia

http://thinkprogress.org/election/2014/10/28/3585449/court-allows-voter-suppression/

—-

Fact Checker

Republicans reach back six years to cite an out-of-date tax vote

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/fact-checker/wp/2014/10/27/republicans-reach-back-eight-years-to-cite-an-out-of-date-tax-vote/

—-

America’s Ebola Epidemic Currently Consists Of One Person With Ebola

http://thinkprogress.org/health/2014/10/28/3585269/both-dallas-nurses-confirmed-ebola-free/

—-

Syrian helicopter bombs aid camp, say residents

US condemns attack as “barbaric” as unverified footage emerges showing apparent aftermath of two barrel bombs in Idlib province

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/syria/11197283/Syrian-helicopter-bombs-aid-camp-say-residents.html

—-

Besieged town of Kobani gets reinforcements in fight against Isis

More than 200 Iraqi peshmerga and Free Syrian Army soldiers carrying heavy weapons head for the town to join battle

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/oct/29/kobani-reinforcements-isis-iraq-peshmerga-free-syrian-army

—-

Isis in Syria: A general reveals the lack of communication with the US – and his country’s awkward relationship with their allies-by-default

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/isis-in-syria-a-general-reveals-the-lack-of-communication-with-the-us–and-his-countrys-awkward-relationship-with-their-alliesbydefault-9826846.html

—-

Egypt destroys homes for Gaza buffer

Egypt begins demolishing homes along its border with Gaza as part of a planned 500m buffer zone intended to prevent weapons smuggling.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-29825889

—-

Sounds about right to me, although considering it came from someone at the WH, there must have been more choice words to use to describe that awful man.
————

Benjamin Netanyahu is ‘a chickens**t prime minister’ and ‘coward’, says US official

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/benjamin-netanyahu-is-a-chickenst-prime-minister-and-coward-says-us-official-9824745.html

—-

Israeli MP proposes banning Islamic prayer call

New legislation by coalition partner could silence the muezzin’s call to prayer from mosques on the grounds of “noise pollution”

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/israel/11194848/Israeli-MP-proposes-banning-Islamic-prayer-call.html

—-

UN rebuke over Jerusalem settlements

Israel faces strong criticism at the UN Security Council over plans to build hundreds of homes in occupied East Jerusalem.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-29801841

—-

Tunisia election results: Nida Tunis wins most seats, sidelining Islamists

Secularists rule out unity government with Ennahda party after winning 85 seats and the right to form government

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/oct/30/tunisia-election-results-nida-tunis-wins-most-seats-sidelining-islamists

—-

UAE is a leading player in Arab opposition to Isis in the Middle East

Emiratis, who have played a role in US-led attacks on Islamic State, are increasingly assertive in fightback against jihadism

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/oct/30/uae-united-arab-emirates-leading-player-opposition-isis-middle-east

—-

Ebola cases ‘slowing in Liberia’

The WHO says Liberia, the country hardest hit in the Ebola outbreak, has seen a decline in infections, but warns the crisis is far from over.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-29822303

—-

‘A bit of a shock…’ Cambridge economist with Glasgow roots becomes Zambia’s acting President

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/africa/a-bit-of-a-shock-cambridge-economist-with-glasgow-roots-becomes-zambias-acting-president-9826899.html

—-

Islamic State ‘kills 30 Sunni tribesmen’ in Iraq

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-29819665

—-

Traumatised by ISIL, Yazidis seek help

The strong sense of community among Yazidis brings them through the trauma of war.

http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2014/10/traumatised-isil-yazidis-seek-help-2014102695410680300.html

—-

The hunt for India’s ‘black money’

The government submits 627 names to the Supreme Court in its search for undeclared foreign bank accounts.

http://www.aljazeera.com/programmes/insidestory/2014/10/india-black-money-20141029185831607877.html

—-

Sri Lanka mudslide buries 100 people alive

Hopes were fading for 100 people believed to have been buried alive on a Sri Lankan tea plantation

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/srilanka/11196169/Sri-Lanka-mudslide-buries-100-people-alive.html

—-

Desperation grows among Pakistan’s displaced

Thousands fleeing army offensive against Taliban in North Waziristan find themselves without much hope in camps.

http://www.aljazeera.com/video/asia/2014/10/desperation-grows-among-pakistan-displaced-2014102911119413730.html

—-

Abbot Point spoil dumping plan will not get impact study

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-australia-29828276

—-

Australians think Muslim population is nine times greater than it really is

International Ipsos Mori poll shows Australians are also wildly wrong in their estimations on teen pregnancy, immigrants and unemployment

http://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/datablog/2014/oct/30/australians-think-muslim-population-nine-times-greater

—-

North Korean officials ‘publicly executed for watching South Korean soap operas’

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/asia/north-korean-officials-publicly-executed-for-watching-south-korean-soap-operas-9825170.html
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Shocking!!
————

The Swiss children used as cheap farm labour

Thousands of people in Switzerland who were forced into child labour are demanding compensation for their stolen childhoods.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-29765623

—-

THE GHOSTS OF GAZA: ISRAEL’S SOLDIER SUICIDES

http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2014/10/28/the-ghosts-of-gaza-israel-s-soldier-suicides.html

—-

Malala Yousafzai donates prize money to rebuild schools in Gaza damaged by Israeli shelling

The Nobel Peace Prize laureate and teenage activist for girls’ education announces donation to United Nations of $50,000 after winning World Children’s Prize

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/gaza/11197284/Malala-Yousafzai-donates-prize-money-to-rebuild-schools-in-Gaza-damaged-by-Israeli-shelling.html

—-

Pencils and Bullets

Having the chance to attend school, two Turkmen girls in Afghanistan reveal their hopes and fears for the future.

http://www.aljazeera.com/programmes/aljazeeraworld/2013/10/pencils-bullets-201310675745335276.html

—-

Kobani – Kurdistan Female Fighters – YPG – ROJAVA

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4JrqfJ67GUM&sns=em

—-

Jim Crow returns

Millions of minority votersthreatened by electoral purge

http://projects.aljazeera.com/2014/double-voters/

—-

Quality of U.S. Hospices varies, patients left in dark

http://www.washingtonpost.com/business/economy/quality-of-us-hospices-varies-patients-left-in-dark/2014/10/26/aa07b844-085e-11e4-8a6a-19355c7e870a_story.html?wpisrc=al_excl

—-

World’s richest man would take 220 years to spend his wealth
Number of billionaires on Earth has more than doubled since the financial crisis, according to a new report from Oxfam

http://www.theguardian.com/news/datablog/2014/oct/29/oxfam-report-220-years-richest-man-spend-wealth

—-

Unexpected ways to wake up your brain

Tea or coffee is often the favoured brew for those who are tired and in need of a caffeine boost. But is this really the best way to make ourselves more alert?

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-29817519

—-

Life Story with David Attenborough

Sir David Attenborough’s new series Life Story tells the remarkable and often perilous story of the journey through life.

Every animal on earth is in pursuit of nature’s greatest prize – the continuation of its own bloodline through its offspring. The odds may be stacked against any individual succeeding, but each is born with a relentless instinct to overcome the odds. An animal must triumph again and again, over every challenge, if its life is to culminate in success.

Life Story captures stories and unique behaviour from around the globe, from Australia and South East Asia to Africa and the USA, along with stunning landscapes and natural spectacles.

http://www.bbc.com/news/in-pictures-29687718

—-

Under the sea: The weird and wonderful creatures from the bottom of the ocean

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/picturegalleries/earth/11193394/Under-the-sea-The-weird-and-wonderful-creatures-from-the-bottom-of-the-ocean.html?frame=3087755

—-

Pictures of the day: 29 October 2014

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/picturegalleries/picturesoftheday/11194613/Pictures-of-the-day-29-October-2014.html

—-

Day in pictures: 29 October

http://www.bbc.com/news/in-pictures-29816244

—-

Photo highlights of the day

The Guardian’s picture editors bring you a selection of the best photographs from around the world including a rocket explosion, Halloween preparations and rescued dogs in Peru

http://www.theguardian.com/news/gallery/2014/oct/29/photo-highlights-of-the-day

Test? 😯 Huh??

Can’t post my updates but this gets through?

Having problems, will try again in my morning. 🙁

Good Morning Everyone, and welcome to another Sunday.

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

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

Sunday’s Bits & Bobs
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I hope that means they pay us back and give out those compensation checks.
————

Tepco projects ¥130 billion pretax profit for year

http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2014/10/25/business/tepco-projects-¥130-billion-pretax-profit-for-year/#.VEyR1UuVsfE

—-

Miyagi town protesters block gov’t survey of proposed radioactively contaminated waste site

http://mainichi.jp/english/english/newsselect/news/20141025p2a00m0na014000c.html

—-

Japan’s power failure: Bid to forge national grid stumbles

http://www.japantoday.com/category/national/view/japans-power-failure-bid-to-forge-national-grid-stumbles

—-

Remains of Japanese war dead arrive in Tokyo from Pacific island battleground

http://mainichi.jp/english/english/newsselect/news/20141024p2a00m0na008000c.html

—-

Why Israel loses no sleep over Islamic State

http://www.japantoday.com/category/opinions/view/why-israel-loses-no-sleep-over-islamic-state

—-

PICTURE OF THE DAY

Halloween fun

http://www.japantoday.com/category/picture-of-the-day/view/halloween-fun
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Millions face years on the breadline: Britain has more long-term low-paid workers than ever

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/millions-face-years-on-the-breadline-britain-has-more-longterm-lowpaid-workers-than-ever-9818694.html

—-

The Observer view on corporation tax

Eliminating avoidance by multinationals is vital for the good of society

http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2014/oct/26/observer-view-on-corporation-tax

—-

Friends: The One Where Dave Cheers Up

In our political sitcom, Dave finds reasons to be cheerful at the end of a beastly week

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/politics/11185918/Friends-The-One-Where-Dave-Cheers-Up.html

—-

Angela Merkel opposes Cameron EU renegotiation plan

German chancellor ‘will not tamper’ with principle of free movement of workers, which PM seems to want to alter

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/oct/26/angela-merkel-opposes-cameron-eu-renegotiation-plan

—-

Don’t tell Vladimir the price of crude oil is falling

BP is issuing caveats about results as oil keeps getting cheaper. If it stays cheap, the consequences could be far-reaching

http://www.theguardian.com/business/2014/oct/26/dont-tell-vladimir-price-crude-oil-price-falling-bp

—-

Ukraine war hero fights election from Russian psychiatric ward

Ukraine’s first female combat helicopter pilot is running for parliament despite being held in a secure psychiatric unit in Russia

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/ukraine/11187920/Ukraine-war-hero-fights-election-from-Russian-psychiatric-ward.html

—-

Barack Obama ‘not at all concerned’ about hugging cured Ebola patient – video

http://www.theguardian.com/us-news/video/2014/oct/25/barack-obama-hugging-cured-ebola-patient-dallas-nurse-nina-pham-video

—-

American Way: Republicans beware, midterms are not always a sign of things to come

Whatever happens on November 4 could have huge ramifications, even if they aren’t obvious at first blush

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/us-politics/11187560/American-Way-Republicans-beware-midterms-are-not-always-a-sign-of-things-to-come.html

—-

The Blackwater trial: A shameful case exposes a murky world

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/the-blackwater-trial-a-shameful-case-exposes-a-murky-world-9818252.html

—-

The Police Are Still Out of Control

I should know.

http://www.politico.com/magazine/story/2014/10/the-police-are-still-out-of-control-112160.html

—-

Why is BC talking trash.
————

Toxic Partisanship? Bill Clinton Says He Had It Worse, Yet Got Things Done

The former president argues that the personal attacks were even harsher when he was in the White House, raising the question of whether a bitter atmosphere should be an excuse for political gridlock.

http://www.nytimes.com/2014/10/25/us/politics/toxic-partisanship-bill-clinton-says-he-had-it-worse-than-obama.html

—-

Time to send for the guys in the white coats! 😯
————

Senate Candidate Claims Harry Reid Is Conspiring To Let Obama Run The Country Unilaterally

http://thinkprogress.org/election/2014/10/25/3584521/david-perdue-obama-tyranny/

—-

Chile marches against education bill

Tens of thousands of parents in Chile march against the government’s planned education bill which would phase out subsidised schools.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-29773137

—-

Kurds fear Isis use of chemical weapon in Kobani

Doctor in besieged Syrian town reports arrival of patients with blisters, burning eyes and breathing difficulties after explosion

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/oct/24/kurds-fear-isis-chemical-weapon-kobani

—-

Isis threatens to kill British jihadis wanting to come home

‘At least 30’ Britons seek to flee Islamic State as it is revealed that a fourth young Muslim from Portsmouth has died in Syria

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/oct/25/isis-threatens-kill-british-jihadis-wanting-to-come-home

—-

Isis exploits tribal fault lines to control its territory

As the jihadi group sends new recruits to face air strikes, its leaders plant ever deeper roots in areas it occupies

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/oct/26/isis-exploits-tribal-fault-lines-to-control-its-territory-jihadi

—-

Life in Aleppo’s ruins: ‘We’ve had enough of dying, sitting at home, having no fun. We want to dance’

After three years of war, power blackouts, shelling within its ruins and with nearly two million people displaced, the resilience of those left in the Syrian city shines through

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/oct/26/aleppo-enough-dying-we-want-to-dance-syrian

—-

Lebanese army battles gunmen in historic Tripoli market

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-29775696

—-

Tunisia holds first election under new constitution

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-29771109

—-

Egypt imposes state of emergency in Sinai after bomb kills 30 soldiers

Authorities crack down after suspected jihadist car bomb killed scores of Egyptian soldiers at a checkpoint in Sinai

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/africaandindianocean/egypt/11187477/Egypt-imposes-state-of-emergency-in-Sinai-after-bomb-kills-30-soldiers.html

—-

US urges probe after teenager shot dead in West Bank

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-29771814

—-

WHO: Ebola outbreak cases pass 10,000

UN agency says virus killed 4,922 people and is now also threatening Ivory Coast’s border area with Guinea and Liberia.

http://www.aljazeera.com/video/africa/2014/10/who-ebola-outbreak-cases-pass-10000-20141025232040803820.html

—-

Iran and the West: on the brink of a choice to trust again

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/iran-and-the-west-on-the-brink-of-a-choice-to-trust-again-9818441.html

—-

Amnesty condemns ‘bloody stain on human rights record’ as Iran hangs 26-year-old woman

Reyhaneh Jabbari is 967th person to be executed since Hassan Rouhani became Iran’s president in August last year

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/iran/11187496/Iran-hangs-woman-despite-international-campaign.html

—-

Kurdish and Iraqi government forces make gains against Isis insurgents

Coalition air strikes enable Kurds to recapture Zumar, while Iraqi army and Shia militias take strategic ground near Baghdad

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/oct/25/isis-kurds-iraqi-army-recapture-zumar-baghdad

—-

Pakistan’s bewildering array of militants

Over the years Pakistan’s insurgents have spawned a bewildering array of splinter groups and factions. The BBC’s M Ilyas Khan takes a look.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-29724771

—-

South Korea residents try to stop balloon launch to North

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-29771111
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Afghan children helped to hear for first time

The hearing impaired have lived in a world of their own, but a new initiative gives them chance to rejoin society.

http://www.aljazeera.com/video/asia/2014/10/afghan-children-helped-hear-first-time-2014102571914689307.html

—-

How A South Dakota County Is Suppressing The Native American Vote

http://thinkprogress.org/election/2014/10/24/3583565/south-dakota-native-american-voter-suppression/

—-

Do Black People Have Equal Gun Rights?

Why African-Americans and the National Rifle Association should be allies.

http://www.nytimes.com/2014/10/26/opinion/sunday/do-black-people-have-equal-gun-rights.html

—-

Beaten, trapped, abused and underpaid – migrant domestic workers in the UAE

Human Rights Watch urges UAE to protect workers by ending kafala visa system after report exposes shocking exploitation

http://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2014/oct/23/migrant-domestic-workers-uae-beaten-abused

—-

‘I am not a virus’

The movement against being stigmatized for having Ebola has now spread to chat apps.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/blogs-trending-29725915

—-

Ebola crisis: My son’s survival saved me

A Liberian worker for the medical charity Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) tells how he lost most of his family to Ebola, but his son’s survival kept him going.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-29713473

—-

“We are not amused!”
————

Queen Victoria’s majestic knickers are knocked down for £6,000

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/queen-victorias-majestic-knickers-are-knocked-down-for-6000-9818596.html

—-

10 things we didn’t know last week

Walk on the Wild Side’s bass line cost £17, and other nuggets

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/blogs-magazine-monitor-29763371

—-

Animal photos of the week: 24 October 2014

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/picturegalleries/earth/11185246/Animal-photos-of-the-week.html

—-

The week in pictures: 24 October 2014

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/picturegalleries/theweekinpictures/11185244/The-week-in-pictures-24-October-2014.html

—-

Week in pictures: 18-24 October 2014

A selection of the best news photographs from around the world, taken over the past week.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/in-pictures-29737289

—-

The 20 photographs of the week

The continuing crisis on the Turkish-Syrian border, the sentencing of Oscar Pistorius, the attack on Canada’s parliament – the best photography in news, culture and sport from around the world this week

http://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/gallery/2014/oct/25/the-20-photographs-of-the-week

Good Morning Everyone.

Sorry about the Sunday updates, there weren’t enough hours in my afternoon to put all the stories in order ready to post.

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

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

Our Moment of Zen.

This Video Of Second Graders Being Treated To A $220 Seven-Course Tasting Menu Is Utterly Delightful

http://digg.com/video/this-video-of-six-second-graders-being-treated-to-a-220-seven-course-tasting-menu-is-utterly-delightful?utm_source=digg&utm_medium=email
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

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

Ex-PM Koizumi raps Abe’s aim to revive nuclear power

http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2014/10/22/national/politics-diplomacy/ex-pm-koizumi-raps-abes-aim-revive-nuclear-power/#.VEieWkuVsfE

—-

Work begins toward dismantling building cover at Fukushima plant

http://mainichi.jp/english/english/newsselect/news/20141022p2g00m0dm072000c.html

—-

Prosecutors set to rule on Fukushima indictments against TEPCO execs

http://www.japantoday.com/category/national/view/prosecutors-set-to-rule-on-fukushima-indictments-against-tepco-execs

—-

Fukushima film shows reality sinking in for ‘nuclear refugees’

http://www.japantoday.com/category/entertainment/view/fukushima-film-shows-reality-sinking-in-for-nuclear-refugees

—-

Joining Islamic State is about sex and aggression, not religion

http://www.japantoday.com/category/opinions/view/joining-islamic-state-is-about-sex-and-aggression-not-religion

—-

PICTURE OF THE DAY

Follow the leader

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

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

He is such a deplorable, ignorant arsehole!
————

Thousands with degenerative conditions classified as ‘fit to work in future’ – despite no possibility of improvement

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/thousands-with-degenerative-conditions-classified-as-fit-to-work-in-future–despite-no-possibility-of-improvement-9811910.html

—-

Nasty Little Nigel!
————

Nigel Farage needs a Polish rightwinger in his Euro group because money talks

Robert Iwaszkiewicz helps Ukip’s European parliamentary group qualify for funding, so any indiscretions are forgotten

http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2014/oct/22/ukip-needs-polish-rightwinger-money-talks

—-

Wind farms outstrip nuclear power

The UK’s wind farms generated more power than its nuclear power stations on Tuesday, the National Grid says.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-29715796

—-

Ebola: WHO emergency team holds talks on travel curbs

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-29721853

—-

Nine injured as migrants rush Spanish border fence in north Africa

Spain says this year 2,000 migrants have made it across the border separating enclave of Melilla from Morocco

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/oct/22/nine-injured-migrants-rush-border-fence-spain-melilla

—-

Oil slump leaves Russia even weaker than decaying Soviet Union

Russia had the chance at the end of the Cold War to build a modern, diversified economy, with the enthusiastic help of the West. That chance has been squandered

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/comment/ambroseevans_pritchard/11181297/Oil-slump-leaves-Russia-even-weaker-than-decaying-Soviet-Union.html

—-

Isn’t it time to build a better fence? WTF??
————

Man apprehended after jumping White House fence in latest security breach

Video shows secret service agents surrounding the man on the north lawn at presidential building in Washington

http://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2014/oct/23/man-jumps-white-house-fence-washington

—-

UN officials ‘shocked’ by Detroit’s mass water shutoffs

http://america.aljazeera.com/articles/2014/10/20/detroit-water-un.html

—-

DARK MONEY AND OUR LOOMING OLIGARCHY

BY MICHAEL TOMASKY

http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2014/10/22/dark-money-and-our-looming-oligarchy.html?via=newsletter&source=politics

—-

Monkey Cage

The tea party’s anti-Washington consensus

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/monkey-cage/wp/2014/10/19/the-tea-partys-anti-washington-consensus/

—-

How Insurers Are Trying To Get Around Obamacare And Avoid Covering Sick Patients

http://thinkprogress.org/health/2014/10/22/3582886/insurers-avoiding-obamacare/

—-

Meet the one Democrat who is not running from Obama

http://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/dana-milbank-theres-one-democrat-not-running-from-obama/2014/10/21/51e4bdda-5951-11e4-bd61-346aee66ba29_story.html

—-

Blackwater security guards convicted over Iraqi deaths

Jury in Washington finds one private security guard guilty of first-degree murder and three others guilty of voluntary manslaughter over 2007 shootings.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/northamerica/usa/11181068/Blackwater-security-guards-convicted-over-Iraqi-deaths.html

—-

Cheap Solar Power Just Became An Employee Benefit For More Than 100,000 People

http://thinkprogress.org/climate/2014/10/22/3582763/cheap-solar-power-employee-benefit/

—-

Scientists Just Discovered How To Determine If Water Contamination Comes From Fracking

http://thinkprogress.org/climate/2014/10/21/3581800/duke-fracking-waste-tracker/

—-

‘Mayor ordered police attack on missing students’ in Mexico, according to attorney general

Proesecutor alleges that Jose Luis Abarca sent police into action to prevent students disrupting an event at which his wife was presenting a report

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/centralamericaandthecaribbean/mexico/11181504/Mayor-ordered-police-attack-on-missing-students-in-Mexico-according-to-attorney-general.html

—-

Ottawa shooting: Terror strikes Canada’s capital as attacks leave one soldier and one suspect dead in gunfight

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/ottawa-shooting-terror-strikes-canadas-capital-as-attacks-leave-one-soldier-and-one-suspect-dead-9812395.html

—-

Syria conflict: ‘200 air force strikes’ in 36 hours

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-29720384

—-

Isis releases first video showing the stoning of woman accused of committing adultery as her father shouts ‘don’t call me Dad’

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/isis-releases-first-video-showing-stoning-of-woman-accused-of-committing-adultery-as-her-father-shouts-dont-call-me-dad-9809748.html

—-

US military admits cache of weapons dropped into Syria landed in Islamic State hands

Officials say they had no reason to doubt authenticity of video posted online showing masked gunman displaying crates full of grenades and rockets

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/islamic-state/11181392/US-military-admits-cache-of-weapons-dropped-into-Syria-landed-in-Islamic-State-hands.html

—-

Kobane explained: What’s so special about it?

Syrian town grabs all the headlines in fight against ISIL – but does it really matter?

http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2014/10/kobane-explained-what-so-special-about-it-201410216033364111.html

—-

HAS ISIS PEAKED AS A MILITARY POWER?

http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2014/10/22/has-isis-peaked-as-a-military-power.html

—-

In Egypt, an authoritarian regime holds sway again

Egypt is commandeering every resource to establish control over the country – with more to come

http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2014/oct/19/cairo-egypt-government-crackdown-adhaf-soueif

—-

Jerusalem car ‘attack’ kills baby at rail station

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-29725278

—-

Israel is changing, and suddenly Binyamin Netanyahu looks vulnerable

In August he appeared untouchable, but cracks are showing in the prime minister’s rightwing coalition. Can he reinvent himself?

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/oct/23/israel-changing-binyamin-netanyahu-prime-minister-coalition

—-

Anger as Israeli settlers buy Arab property

Palestinian Authority president toughens laws against Palestinians selling land or homes to Israeli settlers.

http://www.aljazeera.com/video/middleeast/2014/10/anger-as-israeli-settlers-buy-arab-property-201410232262972889.html

—-

UN chief plans Gaza conflict inquiry

UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon says he is setting up an inquiry into attacks on UN facilities during Israel’s recent offensive in the Gaza Strip.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-29718322

—-

In Pictures: Pressing Olives in Ramallah

http://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/inpictures/2014/10/pictures-pressing-olives-ramal-2014102274235405182.html

—-

Ebola death toll rises to almost 4,900

Red Cross says epidemic can be contained in West Africa within four months if all necessary steps are taken.

http://www.aljazeera.com/news/africa/2014/10/ebola-death-toll-rises-almost-4900-201410233325939609.html

—-

Ebola serum for Africa ‘in weeks’

Treatments to tackle the Ebola outbreak in West Africa should become available in the coming weeks and months, says the World Health Organization.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-29707393

—-

Iranians protest over acid attacks against women

Thousands stage demonstration in Isfahan after women are targeted for wearing clothes deemed inappropriate by hardliners

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/oct/22/isfahanis-protest-over-iran-acid-attacks

—-

Iraqis react to Blackwater verdict: ‘I’m surprised they were convicted at all’

Sense of justice served mingles with anger and surprise in Iraqis’ reactions to conviction of guards in Nissour Square incident

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/oct/23/iraq-blackwater-guards-conviction-guilty-verdict-baghdad

—-

Iraqi Kurds to send forces to Syria’s Kobane

Kurdish authorities agree to send Peshmerga fighters to northern Syrian town to fight ISIL after Turkey allows passage.

http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2014/10/iraqi-kurds-peshmerga-syria-kobane-20141022132341576698.html

—-

War with Isis: US and Iraq draw up a plan for ground force attack on Islamist militants

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/war-with-isis-us-and-iraq-draw-up-plan-for-ground-force-attack-on-islamist-militants-9811769.html

—-

Afghan opium cultivation hits record high, fueling Taliban insurgency

http://america.aljazeera.com/articles/2014/10/21/afghanistan-opiumrecord.html

—-

Will coal exports kill the Great Barrier Reef?

Increasing coal exports will boost Australia’s economy but as the BBC’s Jon Donnison reports, this could cause irreversible damage to the Greet Barrier Reef.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-australia-29705818

—-

China ‘executed 2,400 people in 2013’ – three times the rest of the world combined

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/asia/china-executed-2400-people-in-2013–three-times-the-rest-of-the-world-combined-9810981.html

—-

Hong Kong protesters march on Government House as public support rises

A new poll shows that 62 per cent of Hong Kong’s youth back the pro-democracy campaign

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/hongkong/11180339/Hong-Kong-protesters-march-on-Government-House-as-public-support-rises.html

—-

Six officials ‘disappear’ in latest Pyongyang purges

Reports that Kim Jong-un is linked to disappearance of senior members of the North Korean government and military

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/11181611/Six-officials-disappear-in-latest-Pyongyang-purges.html
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Ethiopia, 30 years after the famine

Three decades after images that shocked the world, country has become darling of the global development community – and the scourge of the human rights lobby

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/oct/22/-sp-ethiopia-30-years-famine-human-rights

—-

Who are the Kurds?

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-29702440

—-

Inside Geneva’s nuclear bunker turned homeless shelter – in pictures

Reinforced doors, metal bunks and hot food – with nuclear winter an unlikely prospect, Geneva’s fallout shelters have thrown open their doors to welcome the homeless

http://www.theguardian.com/cities/gallery/2014/oct/22/inside-geneva-nuclear-bunker-homeless-shelter-in-pictures

—-

Ebola crisis: My son’s survival saved me

A Liberian worker for the medical charity Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) tells how he lost most of his family to Ebola, but his son’s survival kept him going.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-29713473

—-

Pakistan’s ‘miracle’ doctor inspired by NHS

The BBC’s Shahzeb Jillani meets a Pakistani doctor, who – inspired by Britain’s National Health Service – has been a driving force behind Karachi’s hospital treating millions of patients for free.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-29648454

—-

Reeva Steenkamp was a victim of male violence. That is the real story

When coverage of Steenkamp’s death, at the hands of a famous athlete, ducks the male violence question, what hope for the less newsworthy women killed each year by men?

http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2014/oct/22/discussion-of-reeva-steenkamp-killing-has-sidelined-male-violence

—-

How Facebook is wrecking political news

http://kernelmag.dailydot.com/issue-sections/staff-editorials/10580/facebook-trending-topics-journalism/

—-

Nelson Bunker Hunt dead: Former world’s richest man dies in ‘modest circumstances’ in US after losing his fortune

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/former-worlds-richest-man-nelson-bunker-hunt-dies-in-modest-circumstances-in-us-after-losing-his-fortune-9809932.html

—-

Found: two long-lost comedies featuring Monty Pythons

‘Long-lost’ comedy episodes showing the beginning of Monty Python’s most famous catchphrases discovered in David Frost’s collection

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/comedy/comedy-news/11180852/Found-two-long-lost-comedies-featuring-Monty-Pythons.html

—-

😆
————

Sheep munch through £4,000 of cannabis plants dumped in their field

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/crime/11171357/Sheep-munch-through-4000-of-cannabis-plants-dumped-in-their-field.html

—-

Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2014

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/travelnews/11178354/Wildlife-Photographer-of-the-Year-2014.html

—-

Pictures of the day: 22 October 2014

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/picturegalleries/picturesoftheday/11178915/Pictures-of-the-day-21-October-2014.html

—-

Day in pictures: 22 October

http://www.bbc.com/news/in-pictures-29722102

—-

Photo highlights of the day

The Guardian’s picture editors bring you a selection of the best photographs from around the world, including migrants scaling a border fence on Spain’s border with Morocco, children going back to school in Baghdad and a bird’s eye view of Paris

http://www.theguardian.com/news/gallery/2014/oct/22/photo-highlights-of-the-day

Good Morning Everyone.

We are now typhoonless and experiencing a sharp drop in temperatures, especially in the evenings. Consequently, still wearing my summer clothes, I’ve got the sniffles since this morning. When this clears up, I can finally enjoy autumn after 5 months of heat.

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

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

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

Niigata governor says it’s too soon for reactor restarts

http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2014/10/16/national/niigata-governor-says-soon-reactor-restarts/#.VD9f6UuVsfE

—-

Trial of Japan reporter for ‘defamation’ in S. Korea to begin Nov. 13

http://mainichi.jp/english/english/newsselect/news/20141015p2g00m0dm039000c.html

—-

New facility in Saitama gives nuclear evacuees from Fukushima town a sense of community

http://mainichi.jp/english/english/newsselect/news/20141014p2a00m0na004000c.html

—-

SDF jets scrambled 533 times in last 6 months to counter rising Russian incursions

http://www.japantoday.com/category/national/view/sdf-jets-scrambled-533-times-in-last-6-months-to-counter-rising-russian-incursions

—-

PICTURE OF THE DAY

Robot caregiver

http://www.japantoday.com/category/picture-of-the-day/view/robot-caregiver
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

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

Bloody idiot!!
————

Disabled pay row minister apologises

Welfare minister Lord Freud apologises for “foolish and offensive” remarks about how much workers with disabilities should be paid amid calls for him to resign.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-29628557

—-

Who in hell is running these trusts?
————

Mistakes cost NHS up to £2.5bn a year, says health secretary Jeremy Hunt

Minister to tell NHS hospital trust bosses that unprecedented financial challenge is no reason not to improve safety

http://www.theguardian.com/society/2014/oct/16/mistakes-cost-nhs-billions-each-year

—-

Russell Brand’s revolution or a meaningless two-party system? Politics should be about more than this

The Scottish referendum and rise of Ukip has shown that engagement is high and small parties can thrive, but still the political class wants things to stay the same

http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2014/oct/15/russell-brands-revolution-or-a-meaningless-two-party-system-politics-should-be-about-more-than-this

—-

Wonderful!!
————

John Lydon on Russell Brand’s call for revolution: ‘The most idiotic thing I’ve ever heard’ – video

http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/video/2014/oct/15/john-lydon-russell-brand-revolution-video

—-

At yacht parties in Cannes, councils have been selling our homes from under us

http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2014/oct/14/yacht-cannes-selling-homes-local-government-officials-mipim

—-

Dutch bikers join fight against Islamic State in Iraq

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-29635394

—-

Election gains for Hungary far right

The far-right Jobbik party in Hungary makes gains in local elections dominated by Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s ruling nationalist Fidesz.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-29596031

—-

US health officials allowed nurse who treated Ebola patient on plane with slight fever

In their latest Ebola blunder US health officials told nurse Amber Vinson she could get on a flight despite having a fever

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/ebola/11166112/US-health-officials-allowed-nurse-who-treated-Ebola-patient-on-plane-with-slight-fever.html

—-

Arkansas Supreme Court Strikes Down Voter ID Law, Saying It Exceeds State Constitution

The ruling came less than three weeks before an election in a state where there are several close contests this year, including for governor and the United States Senate.

http://www.nytimes.com/2014/10/16/us/arkansas-supreme-court-strikes-down-voter-id-law-saying-it-exceeds-state-constitution.html

—-

Courting Corruption: The Auctioning of the Judicial System

http://m.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2014/10/courting-corruption-the-auctioning-of-the-judicial-system/381524/

—-

😯
————

The Absolute Weirdest Thing Ever To Happen At A Political Debate

http://thinkprogress.org/election/2014/10/15/3580470/rick-scott-fan-debate-tantrum/

—-

Where on earth do they find these people?
————

Senate Candidate: Women Only Vote Democrat Because They Are Dependent On Government Benefits

http://thinkprogress.org/election/2014/10/10/3578647/new-jersey-gop-single-mothers/

—-

Lone Star Crazy: How Right-Wing Extremists Took Over Texas

http://www.rollingstone.com/politics/news/lone-star-crazy-how-right-wing-extremists-took-over-texas-20140701

—-

US-led airstrikes kill ‘hundreds’ of Islamic State fighters in Kobane

Coalition airstikes on Islamic State fighters in Kobane helping push militants back from key border town

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/islamic-state/11166032/Isil-jihadists-may-have-access-to-chemicals-for-dirty-bombs.html

—-

Secret ‘white shroud’ guerrilla group killing Islamic State militants

The group says it is acting in response to the militants’ brutality and say they have killed more than 100 fighters in the last few months

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/islamic-state/11164976/Secret-white-shroud-guerrilla-group-killing-Islamic-State-militants.html

—-

Cairo rocked by bomb blast after Islamic militants sentenced to death

Twelve people injured in explosion in centre of city following sentencing of seven militants over killing of soldiers last year

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/oct/15/cairo-bomb-blast-islamic-militants-death-sentence

—-

Is Israel losing the support of its traditional allies? – video analysis

http://www.theguardian.com/world/video/2014/oct/14/israel-palestinian-territories-video-analysis

—-

Saudi Shia cleric Nimr al-Nimr ‘sentenced to death’

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-29627766

—-

Ebola crisis: WHO says major outbreak in West ‘unlikely’

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-29640470

—-

Ebola crisis: British Army medics due to arrive in Sierra Leone

Nearly 100 nurses, doctors and consultants are set to join 40 soldiers already in the west African country

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/oct/16/ebola-crisis-british-army-medics-arrive-sierra-leone

—-

Ebola in Sierra Leone: ‘we feel like a pariah nation’

Sluggish courtrooms, swamped clinics and parents forgoing food are becoming the norm as Ebola opens cracks in Sierra Leonean society

http://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2014/oct/15/ebola-sierra-leone-pariah-nation

—-

The Secret Casualties of Iraq’s Abandoned Chemical Weapons

http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2014/10/14/world/middleeast/us-casualties-of-iraq-chemical-weapons.html?_r=0

—-

Exclusive video shows ISIL battle in Iraq

Footage shot in Salahuddin province shows how group has been able to take control of swaths of Iraq and Syria.

http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2014/10/al-jazeera-films-isil-battle-with-iraqi-army-20141015173221741308.html

—-

Avalanches in Nepal kill 25, including 9 foreigners

Blizzards in Mustang and Manang districts make 2014 one of the deadliest years on record for mountaineering in Nepal

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/nepal/11165113/Avalanches-in-Nepal-kill-25-including-9-foreigners.html

—-

Afghans living under shadow of Iranian guns

Iranian guards erect wall and continue to fire, forcing dozens of villagers in Nimroz province to flee border areas.

http://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/features/2014/10/afghanistan-shooting-nimroz-iran-taliban-2014101471028888751.html

—-

China blocks BBC website as Hong Kong tensions rise

Broadcaster defends move as ‘deliberate censorship’

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/hongkong/11166114/China-blocks-BBC-website-as-Hong-Kong-tensions-rise.html

—-

Hong Kong protests: Crowds lay siege to police HQ and demand justice as anger grows over beating of pro-democracy demonstrator

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/asia/hong-kong-protests-crowds-lay-siege-to-police-hq-demanding-justice-as-anger-grows-over-beating-of-prodemocracy-demonstrator-9797105.html

—-

North Korea and the Kim Jong-un rumour mill in 60 secs

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-29620552

—-

Malaysia arrests 13 over ‘Islamic State links’

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-29628049
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Looking Away

https://youtube.com/watch?v=QNJmg4pwLBQ

—-

In fight against Islamophobia, websites seek to dispel warped portrayals

http://america.aljazeera.com/articles/2014/10/15/alchemiya-muslimislamaphobia.html

—-

‘I feel I have no future’: Thousands orphaned by Ebola face stigma

http://america.aljazeera.com/articles/2014/10/15/ebola-sierra-leoneorphans.html

—-

Why Are Police Using Military-Grade Weapons in High Schools?

http://www.rollingstone.com/politics/news/why-are-police-using-military-grade-weapons-in-high-schools-20141008

—-

Mid-term Blues: Day Three – Rock ‘n’ roll and broken government

http://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-29576002

—-

In pictures: Life in Chechnya

An exhibition of photographs by Davide Monteleone, winner of the fourth Carmignac Gestion Photojournalism Award, has opened in London.

The Italian’s project, Spasibo, documents life in the southern Russian republic of Chechnya, focusing on the social, political and economic situation.

http://www.bbc.com/news/in-pictures-29567368

—-

Richest 1% of people own nearly half of global wealth, says report

Credit Suisse study shows inequality accelerating, with NGOs saying it shows economic recovery ‘skewed towards wealthy’

http://www.theguardian.com/business/2014/oct/14/richest-1percent-half-global-wealth-credit-suisse-report

—-

Libya’s government holed up in a 1970s hotel

http://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-29603393

—-

Garry Winogrand retrospective in Paris

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/photography/11161931/garry-winogrand-photography-exhibition-america.html

—-

Pictures of the day: 15 October 2014

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/picturegalleries/picturesoftheday/11163533/Pictures-of-the-day-15-October-2014.html

—-

Day in pictures: 15 October

A selection of images from around the world taken over the past 24 hours.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/in-pictures-29633108

—-

Photo highlights of the day

The Guardian’s picture editors bring you a selection of the best photographs from around the world, including protests in Jerusalem’s Old City, voting in Mumbai and Mozambique, pottery ahead of Diwali and Batman on a skyscraper in Melbourne

http://www.theguardian.com/news/gallery/2014/oct/15/photo-highlights-of-the-day

Thank you kes, Nirek and ppo for your good wishes. We are ok and hope this was the last typhoon of the season.

Thank you for your kind concern, and see you Thursday. Take care.

Peace.

Good Morning Everyone.

Having a bit of a problem with my internet connection and might lose it completely as it’s already touch and go. Hope to see you as soon as I can.

Have a good Sunday and take care.

—-

Japan prepares for Typhoon Vongfong

Japan is bracing as powerful Typhoon Vongfong sweeps north, with officials saying it will be the strongest storm to hit the country this year.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-29563792

Great news!

Malala wins Nobel Peace prize

Pakistani child education activist Malala Yousafzai and Indian child rights activist Kailash Satyarthi win the Nobel Peace prize.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-29564935

Good Morning Everyone.

Well, after getting rid of typhoon #18, we are now waiting for typhoon #19 coming over the weekend. We average about 11 typhoons each year so this year we just shook our heads as we mouthed global warming. Thankfully we don’t have much to blow away, but hubby had to refuse his scheduled work away from Tokyo last Monday as about 700 domestic flights had been cancelled. Another fun weekend.

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

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

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

Fukushima No. 1 plant workers kept in the dark over hazard pay

http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2014/10/08/national/nuclear-workers-kept-in-dark-about-fukushima-hazard-pay/#.VDYojEuVsfE

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How a pregnant Fukushima plant official remained at her station as the disaster unfolded

http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2014/10/09/national/pregnant-fukushima-plant-official-remained-station-disaster-unfolded/#.VDYo5EuVsfE

—-

1 more body found on Mt. Ontake, bringing death toll to 55

http://mainichi.jp/english/english/newsselect/news/20141008p2g00m0dm069000c.html

—-

Vongfong, supertyphoon rivaling Haiyan, roaring toward Japan

http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2014/10/09/national/vongfong-supertyphoon-rivaling-haiyan-roaring-toward-japan/#.VDYpRUuVsfE

—-

Huh??
————

Journalist doubts student’s seriousness about joining Islamic State

http://mainichi.jp/english/english/newsselect/news/20141007p2a00m0na008000c.html

—-

Mobile truck stores filling void in shrinking suburbs

http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2014/10/08/national/mobile-truck-stores-filling-void-in-shrinking-suburbs/#.VDYpqkuVsfE

—-

PICTURE OF THE DAY

Lunar eclipse

http://www.japantoday.com/category/picture-of-the-day/view/lunar-eclipse
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

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

Crazy!! Built so close to a body of water with rising sea levels from global warming, is just asking for disaster.
————

Hinkley Point nuclear plant to cost £24.5bn

Britain’s first new nuclear plant in a generation has been granted state aid approval

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/newsbysector/energy/11148193/Hinkley-Point-nuclear-plant-to-cost-34bn-EU-says.html

—-

Isil terror suspect tweeted: ‘I smell war’

Medical student used social media to promote radical preacher and joke about atrocities before his arrest on his return from visit to Syria

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/terrorism-in-the-uk/11150449/Isil-terror-suspect-tweeted-I-smell-war.html

—-

It is now our solemn duty as Western Muslims to stand with our adopted homeland against the murderers of Alan Henning

Imams have denounced the killers, so has the Muslim Council of Britain, and young Muslims have started a #notinmyname campaign; but it isn’t enough

http://www.independent.co.uk/voices/comment/it-is-now-our-solemn-duty-as-western-muslims-to-stand-with-our-adopted-homeland-against-the-murderers-of-alan-henning-9775663.html

—-

Budget deadlock between EU members overshadows jobs summit

http://www.bbc.com/news/business-29546437

—-

How Spain failed its Ebola patient

As it emerges Spanish nurse with Ebola ‘was fobbed off with paracetamol’, health care workers complain of a long list of failings in the case

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/ebola/11150369/How-Spain-failed-its-Ebola-patient.html

—-

The new dynamics of protecting a president: Most threats against Obama issued online

http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/the-new-dynamics-of-protecting-a-president-most-threats-against-obama-issued-online/2014/10/07/a525ef6c-4b11-11e4-891d-713f052086a0_story.html

—-

The Deficit Is Down, and Nobody Knows or Cares by Paul Krugman

So much for pundit fantasies.

http://krugman.blogs.nytimes.com/2014/10/08/the-deficit-is-down-and-nobody-knows-or-cares/

—-

In a Defense of Obama by Paul Krugman

http://www.rollingstone.com/politics/news/in-defense-of-obama-20141008

—-

Seems as if Panetta is a repeat offender.
————

Amplified by Social Media, Insider Memoirs Make More Racket

The White House tell-all is hardly a new phenomenon. But what may be new is how much more amplified these books have become with the advent of the Internet, social media and cable television.

http://www.nytimes.com/2014/10/08/us/amplified-by-social-media-insider-memoirs-make-more-racket.html

—-

Anxiety grows in US after death of Texas Ebola patient

Hours after Thomas Eric Duncan became first Ebola fatality in the US, official who had visited contaminated apartment shows ‘some’ symptoms

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/oct/08/ebola-dallas-deputy-sheriff-hospital-symptoms-death

—-

This is what happens when you have no ideas to run on. Ridiculous!!
————

Republicans Threaten Another Shutdown Over Obamacare

http://thinkprogress.org/health/2014/10/08/3577518/republicans-threaten-another-shutdown-over-obamacare/

—-

Unbelievable!
————

Senate Candidate Tells Women That Repealing Obamacare Will Help Them Get Birth Control

http://thinkprogress.org/health/2014/10/08/3577474/virginia-senate-candidate-birth-control/

—-

Judge To Ferguson Police: You Can’t Arrest Protesters For Standing Still

http://thinkprogress.org/justice/2014/10/07/3577001/judge-to-ferguson-police-you-cant-arrest-protesters-for-standing-still/

—-

Three comments that won’t help matters in Ferguson

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/post-partisan/wp/2014/10/08/three-comments-that-wont-help-matters-in-ferguson/

—-

St. Louis police fatally shoot suspect near site of Ferguson protests

Off-duty policeman shot and killed a young male suspect after being fired at, police say, just miles from where Michael Brown was controversially killed

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/northamerica/usa/11150470/St.-Louis-police-fatally-shoot-suspect-near-site-of-Ferguson-protests.html

—-

Bill Maher Isn’t the Only One Who Misunderstands Religion

In Islam and other faiths, religion is more often a matter of culture and identity than beliefs and practices.

http://www.nytimes.com/2014/10/09/opinion/bill-maher-isnt-the-only-one-who-misunderstands-religion.html

—-

Mexico protests gather pace after student teachers go missing

Thousands demonstrate in cities over disappearance of 43 student teachers who went missing after police arrested them

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/oct/09/mexico-protests-student-teachers-missing

—-

SYRIAN REBELS SEIZE RUSSIAN SPY STATION NEAR ISRAELI BORDER

http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2014/10/07/syrian-rebels-seize-russian-spy-station-near-israeli-border.html

—-

Syrians fleeing Kobani detained by Turkey on suspicion of being militia

Ten children among those thought to be part of YPG and held at Turkish border as battle against Isis unfolds

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/oct/08/syrians-fleeing-kobani-ypg-suspicion-turkey

—-

Syria declares new chemical weapons facilities

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-29534926

—-

Isis in Kobani: John Kerry says preventing the fall of the town is ‘not a strategic objective’

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/isis-in-kobani-still-no-sign-of-turkey-reacting-to-threat-on-its-border-as-john-kerry-says-preventing-the-fall-of-the-town-is-not-a-strategic-objective-9783372.html

—-

The Turks won’t do the West’s dirty work

Turkey’s large army isn’t going to crush Isil’s forces besieging Kobani if that promotes Kurdish independence

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/islamic-state/11148908/The-Turks-wont-do-the-Wests-dirty-work.html

—-

Mr. Erdogan’s Dangerous Game

The president of Turkey is weakening the fight against the Islamic State by engaging in cynical political calculations.

http://www.nytimes.com/2014/10/09/opinion/turkeys-refusal-to-fight-isis-hurts-the-kurds.html

—-

Turkish-Kurdish relations threatened by ISIL

The stakes are high for Turkey if ISIL takes over Kobane, say Turkish analysts.

http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2014/10/turkish-kurdish-relations-threatened-isil-201410892311126563.html

—-

Gaza farmers struggle in war aftermath

Israel’s war on Gaza has taken its toll on all economic sectors, with the agriculture industry hit especially hard.

http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2014/10/gaza-farmers-struggle-war-aftermath-20141075578186995.html

—-

In Pictures: The remnants of Gaza

Israel’s bombardment of Gaza has ended, but many Palestinians must now tackle the challenge of rebuilding from rubble.

http://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/inpictures/2014/10/pictures-remnants-gaza-201410585548291895.html

—-

Suicide bombing hits Yemen capital

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-29548568

—-

Ebola crisis: Hundreds of British troops sent to tackle deadly outbreak

More than 750 British troops, along with three helicopters and a medical support ship will head to Sierra Leone to tackle the to help tackle the deadly Ebola outbreak

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/ebola/11149069/Ebola-crisis-Hundreds-of-British-troops-sent-to-tackle-deadly-outbreak.html

—-

Uhuru Kenyatta at ICC: Kenyans greet returning president

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-29548753

—-

Iran’s ‘nuclear bomb-maker’ shifts operations

Iran seeks to protect secret nuclear programme by shifting headquarters to new site

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/iran/11149876/Irans-nuclear-bomb-maker-shifts-operations.html

—-

It will take more than a quiet word in Iran’s ear to put human rights on the table

Ghoncheh Ghavami’s imprisonment shows how Tehran’s hardliners deal with dissent. If the west cares, it must be consistent in complaining

http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2014/oct/08/iran-human-rights-ghoncheh-ghavami-imprisonment

—-

First Australian air strike in Iraq bombs Isis target, says ADF

‘All aircraft exited the target area safely and returned to base,’ Australian defence force says

http://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2014/oct/09/first-australian-air-strike-in-iraq-drops-two-bombs-on-isil-facility

—-

Five men are executed in Afghanistan for gang rape

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/five-men-executed-in-afghanistan-for-gang-rape-9782443.html

—-

Hong Kong protests: China detentions in shadow of rallies

http://www.bbc.com/news/blogs-china-blog-29502455

—-

North Korea ‘admits to having labour camps’ ahead of human rights discussions

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/asia/north-korea-admits-to-having-labour-camps-ahead-of-human-rights-discussions-9783093.html

—-

Myanmar army using child soldiers despite ban

Despite being ruled illegal in 2012, both military and ethnic rebels still recruiting minors to fight.

http://www.aljazeera.com/video/asia-pacific/2014/10/myanmar-army-using-child-soldiers-despite-ban-201410931613535186.html
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Terminally Ill 29-Year-Old Woman: Why I’m Choosing to Die on My Own Terms

http://www.people.com/article/Brittany-Maynard-death-with-dignity-compassion-choices?xid=rss-topheadlines

—-

Thomas Eric Duncan fled Liberian war years before fatal Ebola infection

Duncan had reunited with his son in Texas after having spent years a refugee from native country, where he contracted virus

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/oct/08/thomas-eric-duncan-liberia-ebola-war-texas-family-obituary

—-

The boy from Kosovo who grew up to be a suicide bomber

http://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-29524402

—-

Is it right to pay ransoms?

http://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-29409361

—-

A happy homecoming for India’s widows

A group of Indian widows have returned to their home city of Calcutta to raise awareness about the plight of thousands of women who are thrown out by their families after their husbands die. The BBC’s Rahul Tandon in Calcutta meets them to hear their stories.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-india-29519669

—-

Inside Sierra Leone’s Ebola clinics

BBC global health reporter Tulip Mazumdar shares her experiences from Ebola-stricken Sierra Leone, where UK aid workers will soon be joining the race to stem this deadly disease outbreak.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-29507673

—-

WTF is Cultural Appropriation

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=eGgj9S8XO7k

—-

Cave paintings in Indonesia suggest art came out of Africa

Ghostly hand markings and animals in Sulawesi caves are much older than thought, pushing back probable date for origin of art

http://www.theguardian.com/science/2014/oct/08/cave-art-indonesia-sulawesi

—-

Kurdish peshmerga fighters: women on the frontline – in pictures

Kurdish peshmerga fighters have been in training for many years. Here, Maryam Ashrafi photographs women learning to use guns and training in various parts of Kurdistan. The Kurds of Syria and Iraq have become a major focal point in the war against Isis. The cooperation between Kurds in these countries underscores their loyalty, not to the nations in which they live, but to the shared dream of one day establishing an independent and unified Kurdistan, or Land of the Kurds.

http://www.theguardian.com/world/gallery/2014/oct/09/kurdish-peshmerga-fighters-women-on-the-frontline-in-pictures

—-

‘Blood moon’ and total lunar eclipse – the best photos

On Wednesday night skywatchers were treated to the unusual sight of a ‘blood moon’. Here are some of our readers’ best shots alongside the best photography from the agencies

http://www.theguardian.com/science/gallery/2014/oct/09/blood-moon-total-lunar-eclipse-photos

—-

Pictures of the day: 8 October 2014

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/picturegalleries/picturesoftheday/11147909/Pictures-of-the-day-8-October-2014.html

—-

Day in pictures: 8 October

http://www.bbc.com/news/in-pictures-29533748

—-

Photo highlights of the day

The Guardian’s picture editors bring you a selection of the best photographs from around the world including a blood moon, sunrise over the North sea and a Moroccan sunset

http://www.theguardian.com/news/gallery/2014/oct/08/photo-highlights-of-the-day

Good Morning Everyone.

The news from the rescue operation on Mount Ontake is that so far 47 bodies have been recovered with many more missing. The rule is that all who climb Mt Ontake and other mountains in Japan, should register in case of an emergency, but many didn’t, making the number still unaccounted for difficult to estimate. From today they are expecting rain and that could mean dangerous mudslides. Latest story below.

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

Sayonara from my darkening corner of Tokyo. Mata ne,
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

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

Mount Ontake death toll rises to 47, making it Japan’s worst volcanic disaster in almost 90 years

http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2014/10/01/national/ontake-search-resumes-amid-volcanic-tremors/#.VCzQEoTXfCQ

—-

He should be ashamed of himself. No one predicted the tsunami that wreaked TEPCO’s Daiichi plant in Fukushima, yet look at what happened.
————

Nuclear safety chief counters experts over volcanic hazards

http://mainichi.jp/english/english/newsselect/news/20141002p2g00m0dm042000c.html

—-

Abductees’ families warn official visit to Pyongyang may not yield answers

http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2014/10/01/national/politics-diplomacy/abductees-families-warn-official-visit-pyongyang-may-yield-answers/#.VCzPyITXfCQ

—-

Norway named best place to grow old; Japan 9th

http://www.japantoday.com/category/lifestyle/view/norway-named-best-place-to-grow-old-japan-9th

—-

Unicare unveils ‘anti-loneliness’ hugging chair

http://www.japantoday.com/category/national/view/unicare-unveils-anti-loneliness-hugging-chair

—-

PICTURE OF THE DAY

Helping hand

http://www.japantoday.com/category/picture-of-the-day/view/helping-hand-8
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

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

Accidentally? Really??
————

David Cameron accidentally says he resents the poor

http://i100.independent.co.uk/article/david-cameron-accidentally-says-he-resents-the-poor–xyEAyXjPBl

—-

Ukip’s assault on the NHS would ensure its extinction

The public needs to know that Ukip would sell off the lucrative parts of the NHS quicker than the present government given half a chance

http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2014/oct/02/ukip-assault-on-nhs-extinction

—-

Many in rural regions where they are most needed.
————

Up to 600 GP surgeries could close over course of next year as doctors retire

Number of young medics choosing general practice falls short of those leaving as patient numbers increase, says GPs’ leader

http://www.theguardian.com/society/2014/oct/02/600-gp-surgeries-close-doctors-retire-maureen-baker-warning

—-

Single mothers are the real casualties in Cameron’s class war

By making the poorest pay for tax cuts, the Tories are clearly happy to see lone parents – and their kids – eat toast for dinner

http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2014/oct/01/single-mothers-david-cameron-class-war-conservatives-tory-party-conference

—-

Another bald-faced, lying war criminal.
————

Radovan Karadžić tells war crimes trial there was no ethnic cleansing in Bosnia

Ex-Bosnian Serb leader makes stunning remark at end of ICC trial in The Hague, saying he was a ‘true friend to Muslims’

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/oct/01/radovan-karadzic-war-crimes-trial-no-ethnic-cleansing-bosnia

—-

Rebel push to take Donetsk airport

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-29455133

—-

Deadly attack on Donetsk school

A shell blast kills four people at a school in the rebel-held Ukrainian city of Donetsk on the first day of classes, delayed because of the conflict.

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-29455133

—-

Secret service director Julie Pierson resigns after series of security lapses

First female secret service chief bows to pressure to quit after House hearing revealed evidence chronicling security failures

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/oct/01/secret-service-director-resigns-white-house-security-lapses

—-

Obama’s Secret Service has become sloppy with its delusions of Hollywood grandeur

After a number of shocking security lapses, it’s time the leader of the free world’s safety was taken seriously

http://www.independent.co.uk/voices/comment/obamas-secret-service-has-become-sloppy-with-its-delusions-of-hollywood-grandeur-9768426.html

—-

Pierson failed to provide fresh start for Secret Service that administration wanted

http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/pierson-failed-to-provide-fresh-start-for-secret-service-that-administration-wanted/2014/10/01/51a642a2-49a8-11e4-891d-713f052086a0_story.html

—-

Florida man found guilty of first-degree murder in ‘loud music’ retrial

Michael Dunn convicted for killing of 17-year-old Jordan Davis in incident stemming from argument over loud music

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/oct/01/florida-man-guilty-first-degree-loud-music-retrial

—-

This Country Just Abolished College Tuition Fees

http://thinkprogress.org/education/2014/10/01/3574551/germany-free-college-tuition/

—-

Well done to the bus company for refusing this disgraceful ad.
————

Pro-Israel group sues NY bus company for refusing ‘Hamas killing Jews’ ad

Adverts on buses were refused as they could ‘incited violence’

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/northamerica/usa/11134927/Pro-Israel-group-sues-NY-bus-company-for-refusing-Hamas-killing-Jews-ad.html

—-

Ebola in US: Children came in contact with patient suffering from the deadly virus

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/ebola-in-us-children-came-in-contact-with-patient-suffering-from-deadly-virus-9768380.html

—-

OMG!!
————

Republicans’ Latest Pitch To Women: Voting Is Just Like Picking A Wedding Dress

http://thinkprogress.org/election/2014/10/01/3574672/say-yes-to-the-candidate/

—-

Even nuttier.
————

Top Republican Presidential Candidate Says Anarchy May Force Cancellation Of 2016 Election

http://thinkprogress.org/election/2014/09/28/3573103/ben-carson-anarchy-election/

—-

Children killed in Homs double blast

Attack outside primary school in central Syrian city kills at least 45 people, including 41 children.

http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2014/10/children-killed-homs-double-blasts-201410113272780724.html

—-

HOW TO CUT OFF ISIS TERROR TYCOONS

http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2014/09/26/how-to-cut-off-isis-terror-tycoons.html

—-

Turkey MPs vote to join war on IS

Turkey’s parliament backs a motion that could allow its military to enter Iraq and Syria to fight Islamic State militants.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-29455204

—-

Turkish MPs to vote on military action against Isis

Legislators poised to vote on deployment of troops in Iraq and Syria as pressure piles on Turkey to join anti-Isis coalition

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/oct/01/turkish-mps-vote-military-action-isis-islamic-state-syria-iraq

—-

Bedouins fear Israeli resettlement plans

Development and rights groups believe the aim is to free up land for Israel to expand settlement in the West Bank.

http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2014/09/bedouins-fear-israeli-resettlement-plans-201493081221641315.html

—-

Great image. In London they put up signs to tell women which side of the street to walk on, until they were removed by local councils that is.
————

Israeli airline faces calls to stop ‘bullying’ of female passengers by ultra-Orthodox Jews

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/israeli-airline-facing-calls-to-stop-bullying-of-female-passengers-by-ultraorthodox-jews-9766617.html

—-

Gaza portraits: the one thing I saved from the rubble

Tanks and airstrikes blasted holes in people’s homes, offering us a glimpse into their lives, and these evocative images of Gaza residents show them with cherished items salvaged from the devastation
• ActionAid is working in Gaza providing essential supplies like food and medicine for people whose homes have been damaged or destroyed.

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/oct/01/-sp-gaza-portraits-the-one-thing-i-saved-from-the-rubble

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Bahrain human rights activist arrested over tweets

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-29454283

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Ebola outbreak: ‘Five infected every hour’ in Sierra Leone

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-29453755

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‘Africa’s arms dump’: following the trail of bullets in the Sudans

Sudan and South Sudan are among the most heavily armed countries in the world. The Niles investigates how this came about and the consequences of spiraling bloodshed

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/oct/02/-sp-africa-arms-dump-south-sudan

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Iran filmmakers back nuclear deal

Six prominent Iranian filmmakers launch a campaign urging world powers to agree a permanent solution to the dispute over Iran’s nuclear programme.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-29449703

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Australian air force carries out first support missions against Isis in Iraq

Wedgetail early warning and control aircraft and refueller aircraft used in assisting role, says Defence

http://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2014/oct/02/australian-air-force-carries-out-first-support-missions-against-isis-in-iraq

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Iraq PM opposes Arab strikes in Iraq

Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi tells the BBC he “totally” opposes Arab nations joining air strikes against Islamic State in his country.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-29447201

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‘Racist’ Indian mob attacks African students

A mob attack on three terrified Africans in Delhi has raised new allegations of racism in India

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/india/11132768/Racist-Indian-mob-attacks-African-students.html

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Pakistan struggling to cope with surge in polio cases

Once on track for polio eradication, Pakistan now faces a setback as a result of inaccessibility, violence and misinformation

http://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2014/oct/01/pakistan-struggling-cope-surge-polio-cases

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Kabul Bank fraud: Ghani reopens Afghan corruption case

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-29450821

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Less than a week ago China said that they were confident that the Hong Kong authorities would be able to control the protests.
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Hong Kong: China warns of ‘unimaginable consequences’ if pro-democracy campaign demonstrations continue

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/asia/hong-kong-lord-patten-tells-beijing-they-are-reneging-on-twosystem-deal-9768205.html

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Hong Kong protests force China to suspend tours

China suspends tour groups to Hong Kong amid protests and warns that the city is on the verge of falling into ‘chaos’

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/hongkong/11134931/Hong-Kong-protests-force-China-to-suspends-tours.html

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Wang Dan: HK protests ‘inspire new generation’

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-china-29437844

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😯
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Kim Jong-un ‘so fat he has fractured his ankles’

North Korean leader in hospital as his feet fail to take the strain of his ever-increasing weight, newspaper claims

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/northkorea/11131885/Kim-Jong-un-so-fat-he-has-fractured-his-ankles.html
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Captured by the Islamic State, these two teenagers went through hell. Then they ran

Sara and Leila both survived the mass capture of Yazidi women and children in Iraq last month. These are their stories.

http://www.globalpost.com/dispatch/news/regions/middle-east/140929/how-two-teenagers-yazidi-girls-sinjar-escaped-islamic-state

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George Zimmerman, Darren Wilson and the kickstarted defense: you call this justice?

Is crowd-sourced funding the new public defender? Just ask the killers of Trayvon Martin and Michael Brown – or the secret conservatives who pay their legal fees

http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2014/oct/01/george-zimmerman-darren-wilson-crowd-sourced-legal-fees

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THE RELIGIOUS RIGHT’S SLOW-MOTION SUICIDE by Michael Tomasky

http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2014/09/29/social-conservatives-face-the-precipice.html

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Inside the Koch Brothers’ Toxic Empire

http://www.rollingstone.com/politics/news/inside-the-koch-brothers-toxic-empire-20140924

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I told Harvard I was an undocumented immigrant. They gave me a full scholarship.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/posteverything/wp/2014/09/24/i-told-harvard-i-was-an-undocumented-immigrant-they-gave-me-a-full-scholarship/

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The Iraqis who laugh at Islamic State

A TV comedy in the war torn country is proving popular online.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/blogs-trending-29431788

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Cerro Rico: Devil worship on the man-eating mountain

http://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-29448079

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I loved this.
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The What’s Underneath Project: Jacky O’Shaughnessy

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=mBZQpsXUsfw

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Flights re-routed to avoid walrus stampede on Alaska beach

An estimated 35,000 of the animals were spotted as summer sea ice fell to its sixth lowest in the satellite record

http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2014/oct/01/walrus-alaska-beach-trampled-death

Walrus mass on Alaska beach – in pictures

http://www.theguardian.com/environment/gallery/2014/oct/01/walrus-mass-on-alaska-beach-in-pictures

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How keep-fit gyms gripped Victorians

The secrets of Victorian gym regimes are revealed in a 19th Century book, found in the archives of a library in London.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-28858090

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Why Japan’s sunny beaches are deserted

For much of September, Tokyo basked in temperatures of 25C or more. In most countries there would be a rush for the beach, but not in Japan.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-29429742

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Canada switches on world’s first carbon capture power plant

Boundary Dam held up as first commercial-scale CCS plant and proof that coal-burning is compatible with cutting emissions

http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2014/oct/01/canada-switches-on-worlds-first-carbon-capture-power-plant

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Make Life Worth Living: Nick Hedges’ photographs for Shelter

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/photography/11128331/Make-Life-Worth-Living-Nick-Hedges-photographs-for-Shelter.html

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Pictures of the day: 1 October 2014

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/picturegalleries/picturesoftheday/11132726/Pictures-of-the-day-1-October-2014.html

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Day in pictures: 1 October

http://www.bbc.com/news/in-pictures-29442220

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Photo highlights of the day

The Guardian’s picture editors bring you a selection of the best photographs from around the world, including the Hajj pilgrimage, the fight against Ebola, the protests in Hong Kong on China’s National Day, and the Dussehra festival in India

http://www.theguardian.com/news/gallery/2014/oct/01/photo-highlights-of-the-day

We have been experiencing many earthquakes over the last few months and although experts say that they can’t predict eruptions, surely it is a warning sign. I remarked to my husband only last week that the frequency of quakes was a bit alarming.

This is the latest from my newspaper, and thank you all for your kind concern. I’ll be back later to reply to your comments. We are safe as this happened in a neighbouring prefecture/state.

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Four Mount Ontake climbers confirmed dead after eruption

http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2014/09/28/national/rescue-operations-resume-on-mount-ontake-after-major-eruption/#.VCiGDITXfCQ

Japanese troops search mountain after volcano traps dozens

Up to 32 hikers could be missing and dozens injured after Mount Ontake erupted without warning

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/sep/28/japanese-troops-search-volcano-traps-dozens