Displaying 691 To 720 Of 18,974 Comments Morning Blog 6th Anniverary Edition Hello, monicaangela. So glad you watched the video as it’s an amazing view into the relationship with the man who saved the penguin’s life. Sometimes I feel that I’m better understood by animals than humans. They ask for so little in return when you treat them with kindness and the respect they deserve. Well being as you are the first to answer the trivia question, I can tell you that your answer is correct and it was Saddam Hussein. Knowing what a murdering, genocidal manic he was, I can imagine the outrage. I’m giving the searching a bit of a break as I might be able to get copies if I ask nicely. First on my list is my father’s will, death certificate and a DVD of his funeral that I couldn’t attend in 2012. All through our move I had important documents very close in a big bag. The loss must have happened when 10 of our employees and four moving professionals stormed our nearby rented apartment, and moved us into our newly built house across the street. Many things went missing that day, it was a moving frenzy, and our felines were the last to move mainly because it took me 4 hours to catch the last one. Eventually, she was hot and exhausted, went into her carrier, and I gently closed the door. It took us a week or more to recover and she ran away from me for weeks to come. Never want to move again. Take your time and enjoy. See you soonish. Take care. » Posted By Kalima On March 19, 2016 @ 8:23 pm Hello, agrippa. Glad to hear that you read some of the stories I link to, and that they are informative. I watch very little tv here too because for the most part it’s mainly domestic and I get that from my only print source. If there has been something bad happening around the world, I will turn on BBCWorld, or sometimes CNN International, but most of my news is online. Yes, BBC and Al Jazeera are a good source of international and Middle Eastern issues. The Guardian, The Independent, and sometimes even The Telegraph have good opinion pieces and investigative articles too. If you want to read intelligent and accurate opinions about the Middle East, Juan Cole is the place to read. Here is the link to his website in case you don’t already know of him. There is an interesting story there right now. Here is the link. More US Muslims favor Bernie Sanders than do US Jews http://www.juancole.com/2016/03/more-us-muslims-favor-bernie-sanders-than-do-us-jews.html Thanks again for stopping by and commenting. » Posted By Kalima On March 19, 2016 @ 8:08 pm Oh Nirek, so sorry to hear about your injury. Know all about shoulder pain and how limiting it can be. Hope you are able to get a good night’s rest when it’s so difficult to find a comfy position to sleep in. Sending you healing thoughts and feel better soon prayers with hopes that you won’t have to have the surgery after all. Take care and peace to you and yours. » Posted By Kalima On March 18, 2016 @ 11:46 pm Thanks for reading it, kes, I found it to be amazing that the difference between the two was like night ad day. The way that Trump turned out is not surprising as I posted an article about his lies on the subject of his time at the strict military academy, which was actually a school where parents sent their unruly children to learn some discipline. Trump led a “white” privileged life and still acts that selfish way. Bernie’s family worked hard, and raised a man who cared and still cares about others. » Posted By Kalima On March 18, 2016 @ 3:19 am Good Morning Everyone! The time has flown by this week, but if you asked me what kept me so busy, I probably couldn’t answer you. It’s been a week of looking for missing things. Some very important, and some not so. If you ever have to move your life’s belongings twice in four months, make sure that all the things dear to you, are in the same place before you move. We had to throw half of our stuff away, so I didn’i have the luxury of time, and now I am paying the price. Looking for things can take away whole mornings and afternoons. Not finding them, can change your mood. 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. Our Moment of Zen https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=6McB0jhPWqs A few stories and opinions from around the globe. Hostage video of missing Japanese journalist Jumpei Yasuda raises fears of ransom —- Judges clad in protective gear visit Fukushima in class action suit http://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20160318/p2a/00m/0na/003000c —- No. of suicides in Japan falls for 6th straight year http://www.japantoday.com/category/national/view/no-of-suicides-in-japan-falls-for-6th-straight-year —- Tokyo NPO helps jobless in the prime of life get back on their feet —- PICTURE OF THE DAY Nap time http://www.japantoday.com/category/picture-of-the-day/view/nap-time-10 INTERNATIONAL NEWS Osborne never surprises. He stays a snotty rich bastard time after time. Budget 2016: Richest 10 per cent of households easily the biggest beneficiaries, analysis finds George Osborne could also face Commons defeat over planned £4.4bn cuts to disability benefits —- Budget 2016: George Osborne faces mass Tory rebellion over disability cuts Conservative rebels go public with anger over Personal Independence Payment changes and claim they have numbers to defeat government —- Brussels raids: Paris attack suspect Abdeslam ‘surrounded’ http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-35846954 —- Migrant crisis: EU agrees joint position to put to Turkey http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-35838735 —- Shut old nuclear reactors, says unprecedented alliance of EU cities Communities and campaigners in Germany, the Netherlands and Luxembourg lobby for closure of two ageing 40-year old Belgian nuclear reactors close to borders —- Geert Wilders on trial for comments about Moroccans Far right leader back in court for vowing he will make sure fewer Moroccans will live in the Netherlands. http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2016/03/dutch-wilders-trial-comments-moroccans-160318053712613.html —- Hungary sentences refugees for breaching border fence During the first two weeks of March, at least 1,428 were arrested for breaching Hungary’s border fence with Serbia. —- US election 2016: Russian state TV backs ‘anti-establishment’ Trump http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-35811495 —- Barack Obama writes a letter to Cuban pensioner as first direct mail sent in 50 years A 76-year-old Cuban woman has received a letter from Barack Obama as direct postal services resume between the island and its northern neighbour —- Merrick Garland for Supreme Court: A Good Man About to Go Through GOP Hell —- Merrick Garland, President Obama’s Sensible Supreme Court Choice —- The GOP’s reaction to Obama’s court nominee puts its extremism on full display —- The Risk of Playing Politics With the Supreme Court Politics factor into every Supreme Court nomination, but never more than this year. http://www.nytimes.com/2016/03/18/opinion/the-risk-of-playing-politics-with-the-supreme-court.html —- A new sign Obamacare is helping the people who really need it —- Flint water crisis: Michigan governor grilled by lawmakers http://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-35835006 —– Students Are Being Rejected From The Polls Because Of North Carolina’s Voter ID Law http://thinkprogress.org/politics/2016/03/15/3760266/north-carolina-voter-id/ —- This Week in Republican Political Lies http://takingnote.blogs.nytimes.com/2016/03/17/this-week-in-republican-political-lies/ —- Here’s How Bernie Sanders Could Win the Nomination http://www.nytimes.com/2016/03/17/upshot/heres-how-bernie-sanders-could-win-the-nomination.html —- A Bernie Blackout? http://www.nytimes.com/2016/03/17/opinion/campaign-stops/a-bernie-blackout.html —- Bernie Sanders says calls for him to drop out of Democratic race are ‘absurd http://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2016/mar/18/bernie-sanders-absurd-drop-out-democratic-race —- US election 2016: Who’s funding Trump, Sanders and the rest? —- US Election 2016: Would President Trump be a risk to global security? —- U.S. Becomes Laughingstock of World for Something Other Than Gun Laws —- Trump campaign ad clips wings of fledgling Putin friendship Video posted on Trump’s Instagram account shows Vladimir Putin throwing a judo opponent and Hillary Clinton barking —- Donald Trump’s grammar ‘typical of children aged 11 and under’ —- As what? A grain counter? A lobotomy terrorist wearing a uuge belt buckle? Ben Carson: I Didn’t Want To Endorse Trump, But He Promised Me A Position http://thinkprogress.org/politics/2016/03/15/3760261/carson-offered-position-by-trump/ —- Trudeau: Canada’s retirement age to shift to 65 from 67 http://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-35835830 —- Isis leader Abu Omar al-Shishani’s ‘death’ in a US air strike will leave a big hole in the jihadist’s high command —- Islamic State militants ‘lose 22%’ of territory http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-35816552 —- Syria’s Kurds claim autonomy in the north Shut out of UN-brokered talks, Kurdish Democratic Union Party and its allies choose to go it alone. —- Syria war: Speaking out on ‘sadistic’ government jails —- Syria and the Arab Spring: My life then and now —- Syrian poet who opposed Assad government http://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/mar/17/isis-kills-syrian-poet-who-opposed-assad-government — Where did it all go wrong for Turkey? It was hailed as the democracy in the Middle East that would be an example to the Arab world – but more than a decade later it has come to look like the Arab dictatorships it abhorred —- Youngest prisoner in Israeli jail is a 12-year-old girl http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2016/03/youngest-israeli-prisoner-12-year-girl-160317064812932.html —- PR firm accused of helping Saudi Arabia ‘whitewash’ its human rights record —- Has Zuma lost his grip on South Africa? The president retains a grip on the ANC but scandals and court cases show his power is not as absolute as it seemed —- Pathankot attacks: Pakistan investigators to probe assault http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-35839791 —- Pakistan’s Pervez Musharraf leaves country after travel ban lifted Pakistan’s former military ruler bound for Dubai after the Supreme Court lifted a three-year ban on him travelling abroad —- Australia Senate passes reforms after farcical all-nighter http://www.bbc.com/news/world-australia-35838653 —- New Chinese ship activity spotted at disputed South China Sea shoal US navy chief says moves could be precursor to land reclamation in Scarborough Shoal, seized from the Philippines in 2012 —- Democracy is a joke, says China – just look at Donald Trump —- North Korea fires two medium range missiles into the sea Pyongyang continues to defy UN with the latest in a series of missile tests as tension increase in the Korean peninsula http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/northkorea/12197421/North-Korea-fires-medium-range-missile-into-the-sea.html TRIVIA QUIZ Which infamous dictator was once given the key to the city of Detroit? HINT: 1980, after making a large donation to a local church. —- Meet the Syrian refugee who has been stuck in a Turkish airport for a year —- Kidnapped by Isis at 15: ‘I never thought I’d see the day when I was free’ —- ‘The day I blew up the Bamiyan Buddhas’ http://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-35673213 —- Afghan artisans back on the rise http://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-35836098 —- Incredible story of how six WW2 airmen survived at sea by using their underpants as a fishing net The crew also created a sail by sewing two of their shirts together using copper wire —- Tutankhamun’s secret? Experts hope new chambers could contain tomb of Nefertiti Radar scans reveal two chambers adjoining boy pharaoh’s tomb, raising prospect of finding the resting place of Queen Nefertiti —- The American landscape: from wilderness to wasteland – in pictures —- St Patrick’s Day around the world, in pictures —- Pictures of the day: 17th March 2016 —- Photo highlights of the day: dozing concertgoers and a boxed-in boy The Guardian’s picture editors bring you a selection of the best photographs from around the world, including an Afghan child, body painting and a soporific show » Posted By Kalima On March 18, 2016 @ 2:27 am Hello, monicaangela. Two, four and eight year olds, I take off my hat to you too. Hope you had a good rest after that? Yes, the news sources I check on a regular basis are full of Trump, but none of the articles I posted are in any way flattering. He’s a bad apple and that’s hard to ignore when it’s pushed in your face day after day. Can’t wait for him to finally disappear from the headlines so we can have some “real” news again. I do find some though. The world is not his oyster, and most people don’t like him. Glad that you can still find stories that interest you, and I’ll try my best not to disappoint you. Thank you and see you soon. Take care. » Posted By Kalima On March 16, 2016 @ 3:07 am Please forgive my grumpiness, but it is an ongoing battle to post these updates because my vision is failing, and there is still so much to share. I really do appreciate your interest in foreign affairs. That is why I do MB, so thank you. Out of all the articles I posted this time, I found this one quite fascinating for obvious readons. —- Trump and Sanders grew up 15 miles away from each other, but worlds apart The two presidential candidates are channeling anti-establishment characteristics but have very little in common – then and now http://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2016/mar/10/donald-trump-bernie-sanders-young-new-york » Posted By Kalima On March 14, 2016 @ 9:02 am Hello, agrippa. Sorry but I only just found this. Very interesting article that had little to do with the news and articles I posted in the latest updates. I do appreciate your input, but would prefer the respect of commenting on what I thought would be matters of interest about world issues, something you always say interests you the most. I try my best to include most countries, and because most readers are Americans, make sure that I cover that latest news the most. Please at least try to read one of the articles I spend hours, and days on trying to find. Again, thank you for the link. The reason why I say this is because I am losing my vision, so lately, everything I research and post is becoming that much more difficult. » Posted By Kalima On March 14, 2016 @ 8:39 am My dear, Kes, you remember it so well. My Live blogging during the endless aftershocks, and the scarcity of water, rice and many items we had taken for granted. The frightening news that our water source might be contaminated by radiation. The queues for petrol and transportation snafus. This was Tokyo, over 160 miles away from Fukushima, so those poor people were never far from my mind and heart. Yes, I’m glad that I’m still here too, as it was the closest I have ever come to thinking this was how I was going to die. Saw Bernie in person? Well that is something I’m sure you will never forget. Lucky you! Thanks for watching the documentary, it will make everything that much clearer, and thank you for your kind words in remembering. Take care and see you soon. » Posted By Kalima On March 14, 2016 @ 2:07 am Hello, monicaangela. Happy to read that you took the time to watch the video as it was quite long but comprehensive in detail of the order of events in the first few days. Yes I shook, but in my socks clinging on to the bathroom door because it was impossible to stand without support. It went on for about 5 minutes and they were the longest 5 minutes since I watched my mother die. Babysitting, oh what fun. Your niece and her husband are eternally grateful I’m sure. As I said to Nirek below, there is never any rush on MB, the articles are always waiting for anyone who wants to read them, whenever they find the time. Take care and enjoy the rest of your babysitting. See you later and thank you for your comment. » Posted By Kalima On March 12, 2016 @ 12:31 am Hello, Nirek. I’m glad that your experience in Japan was a pleasant time, and in 69′ not all that unusual. Guests are always treated with respect here. Japan has had it’s share of natural disasters even since I have lived in Tokyo, but the Japanese have an amazing attitude and mostly seem to recover. This time because of the immensity and radiation fallout, it is taking longer than usual. Of course the government is not making rebuilding a priority, Abe is too busy trying to change the peaceful post war constitution to think about those still suffering 5 years later. Hoping that your wife’s appointment went well. Never any rush on MB, the stories are here to read whenever you feel like reading them. Take care and peace to you and yours. » Posted By Kalima On March 12, 2016 @ 12:18 am Good Morning Everyone! Today is the 5th anniversary of the Tohoku triple disaster. Already five years, and the thought of that awful day, still makes me shudder. The city I’ve called home for over 30 years just shook, and shook, and continued to shake for days at 15 minute intervals. For a short time until I could put one foot in front of the other to put on the TV, I had thought that this was the great Kanto quake everyone had been talking about since I arrived here. Then I saw the images of devastation and raging water quickly covering all the land and buildings it came into contact with, and was horrified. After about an hour, I connected with The Planet to assure friends that we were ok. but the house shook every 15 minutes for the next few days and it was hard to fall asleep. Over the days and weeks, the number of dead and missing climbed to unbearable numbers. The fact that huge tidal waves of over 30 feet had swept away whole coastline villages and nearby communities wouldn’t sink in until much later. Fukushima’s Daiichi nuclear plant’s destruction and consequent radiation leak, was the final chain of destruction. The slow responce while government hid in their safe bunkers, was unforgivable, as was the lack of information, and the long drawn out process of taking responsibility. It is something so etched in my memory, that reaching the 5 year mark today, was almost like a dream. I thought I was going to die that day, and for me, it seems as if it just happened a few days ago. Fukushima”s TEPCO Daiichi plant will take another 40 years to fully decommission. People there still can’t return to their home towns. Many became sick or so desperate that they took their own lives, and TEPCO posts profit margines like a badge of honour as thousands still wait for compensation. For us life goes on. For many in Fukushima, life stopped that day, and they will never recover fully. Today at 2:46 pm as I have done every year, I lit incense, and prayed for the souls of the dead, the over 2000 still missing, probably swept out to sea, and those who lost loved ones. I thank my lucky stars that our old house didn’t collapse, and we are still here today. Have a good day wherever you may be. Take care and be safe. Sayonara from my evening corner of Tokyo. Mata ne. https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=YqqcNSFpiIA Quite long buy well worth watching if you have the time. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ A few stories and opinions from around the globe. Japan marks fifth anniversary of devastating 3/11 disasters —- Radiation woes dog Tepco’s efforts to decommission Fukushima No. 1 — Nuclear refugees tell of distrust, pressure to return to Fukushima —- Disaster survivors expected to still live in temporary housing in fiscal 2019: survey http://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20160311/p2a/00m/0na/011000c —- Residents divided over preservation of remains 5 years after disaster —- PICTURE OF THE DAY Remembering Tohoku http://www.japantoday.com/category/picture-of-the-day/view/remembering-tohoku INTERNATIONAL NEWS Barack Obama accuses David Cameron of getting ‘distracted’ over Libya and contributing to ‘s*** show’ US President hits out at European allies over failure to establish stability after overthrow of Muammar Gaddafi in 2011 —- NHS hospitals now so overwhelmed patients could die, says top doctor The warning from doctors in acute care comes after the NHS admits it missed almost all key targets in January – its worst-ever set of figures —- A Junior doctor’s plea to David Cameron: Stop your seven-day NHS vanity project —- Executive of oil company chaired by Michael Howard investigated by UN over ‘possible links’ to al-Shabaab Leaked letter reveals Soma Oil and Gas is the subject of an inquiry into alleged bribery of Somalian government officials —- Islamic State leaks reveals banned cleric Omar Bakri recruited British jihadists Omar Bakri Mohammad, exiled from the UK since 2005, has been named as a sponsor by British jihadists attempting to join Isil —- UK arms sales to Saudi Arabia face inquiry and high court legal action Powerful parliamentary committee will examine arms sales after Yemen bombing leads to claims of human rights breaches —- Unbelievable!! American pensioner with dementia could have been dumped in Britain by his own family —- Irish election: Dáil fails to elect new taoiseach http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-35765813 —- Germany says stolen Islamic State files ‘probably genuine’ http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-35773649 —- Migrant crisis: Merkel condemns closure of Balkan route http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-35772206 —- Russia ‘trying to destabilise’ Germany by stoking unrest over migrants, warn spy chiefs Alleged attempts by Russia to fuel worries in Germany over refugees suggest EU bids for Moscow to help in the migrant crisis may flounder —- Conditions at Idomeni camp described as ‘truly dreadful’ http://www.bbc.com/news/world-35779030 —- Anyone surprised? Former Putin press minister died of blunt force trauma in Washington hotel Medical examiner’s office report contradicts Russian TV report that family members of Mikhail Lesin, who died in November, said he had a heart attack —- Barack Obama: don’t blame me, blame the GOP for the rise of Donald Trump Though the political climate is more polarized than ever, the president said he is not responsible for the Republican party’s ‘crack-up’ and Trump’s insurgency http://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2016/mar/10/obama-trump-republican-nomination-president —- Pittsburgh shooting: five dead as gunmen open fire on party in Wilkinsburg Three others injured when two gunmen ambushed a party in a backyard near Pittsburgh —- Republicans’ mindless obstruction has helped create something far worse —- Bernie Sanders Draws Thousands at Rallies Across Florida Bernie Sanders spent Thursday talking to thousands of people in rallies across Florida in an effort to garner support before the state’s primary next week. —- The Reason Bernie Sanders Defied The Polls In Michigan http://thinkprogress.org/politics/2016/03/09/3758035/bernie-michigan-win/ —- With Bernie’s Michigan Win, It’s a Different Democratic Race Now —- Hillary Clinton’s Ordeal Continues at the Democratic Debate —- The Daily 202: Four reasons Hillary Clinton lost the Democratic debate —- Trade and Tribulation Donald Trump’s popularity and Bernie Sanders’s Michigan upset prompt the question: Are we in a protectionist moment? http://www.nytimes.com/2016/03/11/opinion/trade-and-tribulation.html —- Republican candidates vow to close US embassy in Havana and sever ties with Cuba America’s embassy in Cuba will once again shut its doors if a Republican is in the White House, the candidates have said —- Dumb and Dumber. US election 2016: Trump and Rubio row over Islam ‘hate’ http://www.bbc.com/news/election-2016-35781225 —- Trump must be so proud. Supported by a former KKK leader, and a supporter threatens to kill a protester the next time. President of the United States? I wouldn’t let him set foot in a WH closet. Trump Supporter Who Punched Protester: ‘Next Time, We Might Have To Kill Him’ —- Donald Trump’s baffling explanation for violence at his campaign rallies —- —- Trump’s flirtation with fascism —- Donald Trump’s Business Record Demands More Scrutiny http://www.newyorker.com/news/john-cassidy/donald-trumps-business-record-demands-more-scrutiny —- Trump University Hired Motivational Speakers and a Felon as Faculty http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2016/03/08/trump-university-s-shady-faculty.html —- I had to read this twice. Trump Defends Comments Encouraging Violence At Rallies: Some Protesters Are ‘Bad Dudes’ —- Syria: Five-year milestone since protests lead to civil war —- Syria civil war: Key powers ‘consider federal division’ UN envoy de Mistura says federalism would have to be discussed at Geneva talks, amid reports of push from major powers. —- Syrian refugees: Single mothers’ daily fight for survival http://interactive.aljazeera.com/aje/2016/syrian-refugees-single-women-fight-survival/index.html —- Israeli textbook ‘bad for Arabs, bad for Jews’ The current textbook depicts Arabs as immigrants in their own land. http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2016/03/israeli-textbook-bad-arabs-bad-jews-160308091457575.html —- South Sudan army ‘suffocated 60 in container’ http://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-35780777 —- US claims capture of IS chemical weapons expert http://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-35780216 —- Ten Years – the terrifying vision of Hong Kong that Beijing wants obscured — North Korea ‘fires short-range missiles’ http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-35770198 —- Myanmar begins presidential selection as Aung San Suu Kyi ruled out ‘You could see this was big by the look on people’s faces’ – readers remember the Japan tsunami five years on We heard from readers around the world who were in Japan at 2.46pm on 11 March 2011 – as teachers, students and office workers: here they share their experiences of the largest earthquake to hit the country, and how it has affected them since —- Five years after Japan’s tsunami, orphan victims lament their lost parents —- Palestinian Israelis are often dismissed. Yet our voice is key to peace Israel’s Arab minority are attacked on all sides, but our unique perspective might help in navigating a road map out of a conflict that is seemingly unending http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/mar/10/palestinian-israelis-dismissed-but-key-to-peace —- BBC School Report: Escaping war decades apart —- Trump and Sanders grew up 15 miles away from each other, but worlds apart The two presidential candidates are channeling anti-establishment characteristics but have very little in common – then and now http://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2016/mar/10/donald-trump-bernie-sanders-young-new-york —- 27 giant profitable companies paid no taxes —- A Shocking Glimpse Inside America’s Privatized Detention Facilities For Immigrants —- When the Duke of Windsor met Adolf Hitler http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-35765793 —- International Women’s Day: Five pictures that reveal how women are treated —- Helen Muspratt: the unsung camera of a communist radical – in pictures —- Images from a colonial childhood in Iran —- Breast cancer tumours killed in 11 days with ‘staggering’ new therapy Experts hail findings as ‘astonishing’ and suggest results of trial for one of most aggressive forms of breast cancer could revolutionise future treatment —- The tribes of Ethiopia’s Omo Valley by Massimo Rumi, in pictures —- Pictures of the day: 10th March 2016 —- Photo highlights of the day: a Delhi bride and an elephant snack » Posted By Kalima On March 11, 2016 @ 1:58 am Hello, Kes. Yes after 9 years of torture, sweet Minnie finally forgave him. I haven’t yet. The video of the cat and refugee reunion touched my heart. What a wonderful human to animal relationship. In the midst of all of their hardship, one family member was very missed. Both cat and humans looked so happy. After an autopsy, it was revealed that the Japanese driver had suffered a stroke and was unconscious when the car went out of control. Sad for everyone concerned. Leave it to Dave to be an arsehole. The immoral aspects of selling arms to the Saudis never occurs to people who have no souls or can’t feel the suffering of others. The French are offering temporary housing for the people who occupied the “Calais Jungle” but they should have done it sooner. Those people were trying to bring some sort of normalcy to their torn lives, and that was once again taken away from them. Ben Carson is done. Stick a fork in him. Trump not speaking up about the Duke endorsement, shows what an opportunist he really is. This man will stop at nothing and nothing is too gross for him to try. While he stands on his pedestal preaching hate, pure ignorance and complete nonsense, the utter dislike for this man spreads like a viral infection around the world. It is inevitable that Kimmy will go too far with his killing spree. Most of the military brass were in place during his father’s “reign”, so killing them off in such numbers will have consequences. I hope it’s sooner than later as the UN has just imposed strong sanctions against N. Korea for their “fake hydrogen” bomb test. Loved the wonderful video of Virginia McLaurin dancing with the President, and I wish her many more years. I wonder what she thinks of this year’s presidential circus? Take care. Stay warm and dry and see you soon. Thanks for your lovely comment. Always very much appreciated. Especially now. » Posted By Kalima On March 3, 2016 @ 4:41 pm Hello, Aquarius, thank you so much for your comment. Like you, we have always had animals since I can remember, and like you too, when we lose one, I want another. Minnie’s sister Nikkie is also 14 years and six months old, and when she leaves us we will be getting two more. Maybe siblings, a boy and a girl. A house without a cat in it would be unbearable. Love the Bengal breed. We have had four Abys and four Siamese, both breeds were a joy. One never stopped talking, and the other never grew up. They say if you have an Aby you will never eat alone. 🙂 My missing cat is unfortunately still missing. I have his picture on a lamppost just outside of our house and patiently wait for news. He has been in my life since he was four months old and is now 10. All of my outside cats were neutered and spayed so this is the first time that he’s gone missing. First Minnie and then Timmy. Always very sad. I doubt that there are any “safe” places in Syria, just ask the stream of refugees heading for Europe. What I would really like to see with TEPCO is for the top executives to be charged. The top guys escaping in their private helicopters as people were dying. Then I want to see compensation being payed to everyone instead of reading about their increasing profit line because they are charging us so much more for electricity. When a company is in cahoots with the conservative government, nothing will change and nothing is fair, not even justice. No I don’t believe that HC’s support of that bill was the sole cause of poverty but it did contribute to it. I try to post differing opinions, and that article was certainly controversial. I’m sure that by the time your primary comes around you will vote with your conscience and make the best decision possible. Wishing you all the best. Thank you for your kind words about the cats and I will post any news I hear about Timmy. Take care and thanks again for your comment. Always nice to see you here. » Posted By Kalima On March 2, 2016 @ 9:00 pm Oh Nirek, I am so sorry to hear about your wife’s health issues and hope she feels better soon. My concern about my cats might seem trivial by comparison, but the truth is that I have lost many family members and friends in the last few years, and now any death, plays heavy on my heart. Even here in Japan, the concensus is, wtf is wrong with American politics? Get some rest and see you when you feel better. My best regards to your wife and hopes for a speedy recovery. Peace always. » Posted By Kalima On February 26, 2016 @ 5:19 am Good Morning Everyone! As promised I am back with the latest updates and hope you find something of interest today. Minnie’s remains are back at home for almost a week now, and she is in the room, next to the house that she spent most of her last 9 years in. She was bullied relentlessly by another one of my cats, but didn’t care for the last one month of her life. A few days before she died, they kissed and made up. It was an amazing thing to see. Her sister Nikkie seems to be doing better. I’m glad. Unfortunately, one of my outside tribe went missing almost two weeks ago. A first for him since I started to care for him over 10 years ago. It’s been a difficult couple of weeks here. Have a good day wherever you may be. take care, be safe, stay warm and comfy. Sayonara from my cold and windy evening corner of Tokyo. Mata ne. A few stories and opinions from around the globe. Two dead, nine injured as car runs over pedestrians on sidewalk in Osaka —- Zika virus infection confirmed in Kawasaki; Japan announces $1 million aid —- 3 former TEPCO execs to be indicted over nuclear crisis based on panel recommendation http://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20160226/p2a/00m/0na/005000c —- Japan’s population at 127.11 mil in 2015, down for 1st time since 1920 —- PICTURE OF THE DAY Off to work http://www.japantoday.com/category/picture-of-the-day/view/off-to-work INTERNATIONAL NEWS How’s that for bad timing, Dave, on the day the EU bans it? David Cameron boasts of ‘brilliant’ UK arms exports to Saudi Arabia PM talks of government role in selling BAE defence equipment as EU parliament votes for arms embargo on country —- Bulldozers to move in on Calais ‘Jungle’ after court gives green light to migrant eviction Camp’s densely populated southern section to be razed, in move NGOs say will leave thousands with nowhere to go —- What is life like inside the Calais ‘Jungle’ migrant camp? —- EU parliament votes for embargo on arms sales to Saudi Arabia Motion ratchets up pressure on Riyadh over its Yemen bombing campaign but does not force European states to halt deals —- Up to four dead and 20 wounded in Kansas shooting Gunman opens fire on colleagues at industrial plant before shot dead by police, reports say —- Sanders Brings Clinton’s Record On Welfare Into The Democratic Primary http://thinkprogress.org/economy/2016/02/25/3753482/sanders-welfare-reform/ —- Supreme Court Fight Won’t Die, No Matter How Hard Republicans Try Democrats continued their battle to fill the vacant court seat in the Senate on Thursday as Republicans held firm against doing so. http://www.nytimes.com/2016/02/26/us/politics/supreme-court-congress.html —- Clinton, Sanders and Southern Voters A regional preference creates a cultural barrier for one candidate and a built-in advantage for the other. http://www.nytimes.com/2016/02/25/opinion/campaign-stops/clinton-sanders-and-southern-voters.html —- US Election 2016: Cruz and Rubio attack Trump in debate http://www.bbc.com/news/election-us-2016-35665575 —- Poll: Trump’s negatives among Hispanics rise; worst in GOP field —- Donald Trump is the product of our failed political system —- US Election 2016: KKK man David Duke: vote Trump http://www.theguardian.com/us-news/live/2016/feb/25/david-duke-kkk-vote-donald-trump —- What President Donald Trump’s first 100 days in office would look like The possibility that Trump could beat a Democratic nominee on 4 November should no longer be taken lightly – here’s what might happen first if he did —- The Secret Side of Donald Trump http://www.nytimes.com/2016/02/25/opinion/the-secret-side-of-donald-trump.html —- Trump is the GOP’s Frankenstein monster. Now he’s strong enough to destroy the party. —- Al Sharpton Laughs At Ben Carson For Questioning Obama’s Blackness http://thinkprogress.org/politics/2016/02/25/3753672/al-sharpton-ben-carson/ —- Syrian militia groups set to reveal intentions over ceasefire In a logistical, military and political nightmare, Russian and American forces will be expected to agree the coordinates of legitimate targets —- Syria conflict: Obama says next few weeks ‘critical’ http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-35665819 —- Syria: Under Russia’s fist http://www.aljazeera.com/programmes/peopleandpower/2016/02/syria-russia-fist-160225053929748.html —- Turkish troops taking on Isil in ‘secret battle’ in Iraq Exclusive: More than 1,000 soldiers are engaged in covert ground war with the Islamic State near their stronghold of Mosul, against Iraq’s —- The Syrian refugees of Gaza Meet the refugees who fled war-torn Syria for the besieged and impoverished Gaza Strip. http://interactive.aljazeera.com/aje/2016/syria-refugees-of-gaza/index.html —- Somalia’s al-Shabab killed ‘180 Kenyan troops’ in el-Ade http://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-35658500 —- Is Narendra Modi’s government unravelling? http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-35638170 —- Iran elections: Little choice for voters in the ‘Shia Vatican’ where reformers are banned from standing In the holy city of Qom, where loyalty to the Islamic Republic runs deep, the choice in Friday’s poll will be limited to ultra-conservatives or pragmatic conservatives —- Iran elections: What do young people want? —- Iraq Baghdad: Islamic State claims double mosque bombing http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-35662828 —- Comical. Pot calls kettle black. China angered by Australia military spending boost http://www.bbc.com/news/world-australia-35665400 —- China urges ‘space-saving’ burials to cut land use http://www.bbc.com/news/blogs-news-from-elsewhere-35659745 North Korea: US submits tougher sanctions to UN http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-35664794 —- North Korea’s Generals Could Turn Against Kim Jong Un http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2016/02/11/north-korea-s-generals-could-turn-against-kim-jong-un.html Still smiling – the women fighting back after acid attacks @BBCNewsMagazine – http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/resources/idt-4799f705-bc19-4b9f-8391-1f955f800d2a —- US gun victims put manufacturers in their crosshairs Families sue firearms producer, arguing that it should not market and sell lethal military-style weapons to civilians. —- Why does China have women-only mosques? http://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-35629565 —- What life was like in America when Virginia McLaurin was born 106 years ago —- Sarah Palin’s Mustache When unwanted facial hair brings unfair scrutiny. http://www.nytimes.com/2016/02/26/opinion/campaign-stops/sarah-palins-mustache.html —- ‘Refugee cat’ reunited with family http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-35625698 —- Beirut’s river of garbage, in pictures —- Pictures of the day: 25 February 2016 —- Week in pictures: 20-26 February 2016 http://www.bbc.com/news/in-pictures-35667603 —- Best photographs of the day 25 February 2016 Each day the picture editor of the Guardian brings you a selection of photo highlights http://www.theguardian.com/news/series/ten-best-photographs-of-the-day » Posted By Kalima On February 26, 2016 @ 1:43 am Thank you, AdLib. I know you have gone through it so you feel what I feel. Yes they are members of our family, and when they leave us, it leaves another hole in our hearts. She was loved. I cared for her as she declined during the month, and was with her until a few hours before she died. Now I have to look after the ones I have left and treasure every minute. See you soon. » Posted By Kalima On February 19, 2016 @ 6:01 pm Thank you, monicaangela. I can’t remember not having an animal going all the way back to when I was 3 years old. Each one is different. Each one has a special place in my heart, and I mourn and miss them always. See you next week. Take care. » Posted By Kalima On February 19, 2016 @ 5:54 pm Thank you, Nirek, I’ll be back as soon as I can. We lost one in July 2014 too, so it was quite a shock. Take care and see you soon. Peace. » Posted By Kalima On February 19, 2016 @ 5:50 pm Good Morning Everyone! So sorry about the absence of regular updates, but sometimes life gets in the way. Lost another furry, little family member last week Friday, and it hit me harder than expected. So, I will come to terms with our recent loss, and will be back with updates again next week. Hold your loved ones close and never forget to show them or tell them that you love them. Take care. See you next week. Peace always. » Posted By Kalima On February 19, 2016 @ 12:33 am Hello Monicaangela. Great to see you and know that you are still reading here. There was a small aftershock late in the afternoon, but our new house is very stable. Yesterday, further south in Kyushu, a volcano erupted. Saw it on the news and it was very powerful. Yes, there is always so much going on in the world and I try to bring a slice of it here to MB. If you have time I posted this from a black, gay British guy, and it really sums up what I have often said here about Hillary and her on the fence reaction to almost any issue. Take care and see you soon. —- Why I’m tired of the gay community’s obsession with Hillary Clinton There may be a lot of #GaysForHillary, but Bernie Sanders has a much better record in supporting — and campaigning for — gay rights —- This was very sad and shameful. It speaks to decades of neglect by the state government to try to improve the lives of its minority citizens. —- ‘Still a city of slaves’ – Selma, in the words of those who live there A beacon for the civil rights movement 50 years ago, the Alabama city’s largely African American population today struggles with joblessness, poverty and drugs » Posted By Kalima On February 6, 2016 @ 1:20 am Hello Nirek. I couldn’t watch the debate over here but I read quite a few sources and also the transcript I posted above, and believe that Bernie held his own. She gets angry because she is being challenged on her known ties to Wall Street. He gets emotional about the injustice facing many Americans. As far as opinions go, it’s working against her. If she thinks that she deserves more respect because she is a woman, she shouldn’t be running for the office of the next POTUS. Take care and see you soon. Peace always. » Posted By Kalima On February 6, 2016 @ 1:08 am Good Morning Everyone! An earthquake that sounded very much like an express train coming through our house, greeted us before 8 am this morning. Hubby was in the bath and I was in the kitchen. Never a dull moment here in Tokyo. 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. A few stories and opinions from around the globe. Tokyo explains alert systems to be used if North Korea fires missile —- Government OKs multiple-site storage of radioactive waste —- Felt and sounded like an express train coming through the house. M4.6 quake jolts eastern Japan, no tsunami warning issued http://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20160205/p2g/00m/0dm/023000c —- Hitler took this symbol from Asian shrines and temples btw. They have been used in Asia for hundreds of years to depict shrines and temples. Japan may change temple map icon to avoid Nazi swastika confusion —- New icon for Buddhist temples proposed http://www.japantoday.com/category/picture-of-the-day/view/new-icon-for-buddhist-temples-proposed —- PICTURE OF THE DAY http://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20160205/p2a/00m/0na/005000c INTERNATIONAL NEWS Tories pressure Government to water down plan that could deprive Labour of £8m a year of funding A cross-party rebellion against the Trade Union Bill in the House of Lords could force a government U-turn —- Hospitals’ bed-blocking ‘costing NHS £900m a year’ In a new report, Lord Carter of Coles sets out how NHS hospitals can cut costs to save £5bn a year by 2020 —- The hospitals with more room for pen-pushers than patients —- Boo hoo! Good Schools Guide editor: Better state schools put private sector at risk http://www.bbc.com/news/education-35511564 —- Attitudes harden towards refugees from Syria and Libya, BBC poll suggests http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-35470723 —- Man claims killing Dutch health minister was an ‘order from God’ Suspect reportedly reveals motive behind 2014 stabbing – former health minister Els Borst drafted the Netherland’s 2002 landmark law legalizing euthanasia http://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/feb/04/dutch-health-minister-els-borst-murder-motive-suspect —- Russian menace pushes Sweden towards Nato —- Russia ‘simulated a nuclear strike’ against Sweden, Nato admits —- These People Are Standing In The Way Of Obama Or Congress Accomplishing Anything This Year http://thinkprogress.org/politics/2016/02/04/3745939/freedom-caucus-compromise/ —- US election: Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders clash in first one-on-one debate —- Outside Of The Debate, College Students Explain Why They Are Feeling The Bern http://thinkprogress.org/politics/2016/02/04/3746580/bernie-sanders-nh-debate/ —- Transcript of the Democratic Presidential Debate Following is a transcript of the Democratic debate, as transcribed by the Federal News Service. http://www.nytimes.com/2016/02/05/us/politics/transcript-of-the-democratic-presidential-debate.html —- Fact Checks of the Fifth Democratic Debate – —- Why I’m tired of the gay community’s obsession with Hillary Clinton There may be a lot of #GaysForHillary, but Bernie Sanders has a much better record in supporting – and campaigning for – gay rights —- Bernie Sanders Just Changed the Democratic Party —- Bernie Sanders Knows What Time It Is —- Can the Koch Brothers Stop Trump? —- Oops! Rubio Attacks Obama For Visiting Mosque, Forgets That Bush Did The Same http://thinkprogress.org/politics/2016/02/04/3746233/rubio-obama-mosque-visit/ —- Ted Cruz Just Won The Iowa Caucus. This Is His Radical Agenda For America. —- Donald Trump Wanted Vets Kicked Off Fifth Avenue —- Republican self-destruction is fun to watch, but bad for us all —- How has the US gun lobby been so successful? http://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-35355319 —- Russian bombs triggering mass Aleppo exodus, Syria conference told Turkish prime minister says tens of thousands being pushed towards border as world gathers to raise billions for refugees —- Syria’s horrifying statistics —- The Syrian children ravaged by war http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-35488796 —- Italian student Giulio Regeni’s body found in Egypt http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-35490825 —- Two Israelis jailed for burning Palestinian teenager Mohammed Abu Khdeir alive Pair who were minors at time of attack in which 16-year-old was snatched from east Jerusalem street and killed are sentenced to life and 21 years —- Saudi Arabia offers to send ground troops to Syria to fight Isis Thousands of special forces could be deployed, likely in coordination with Turkey, Saudi sources told the Guardian http://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/feb/04/saudi-arabia-ground-troops-syria-fight-isis —- Iraq blames ISIL for deadly attacks on troops At least 28 killed as one car bomb hits army barracks in Ramadi and another targets government base in Fallujah. —- Australia criticised for banning British families from World War One centenary commemoration Ceremony to mark the fallen at Battle of Fromelles limited to Australian passport holders, even though there were more than 1500 British casualties —- Everybody duck!!!! North Korea ‘preparing long-range missile launch’ TRIVIA QUIZ The answer to the last trivia question, what was Casanova’s profession was. He was a librarian. He wrote his memoir, Story of My Life while manning the library of a castle in Bohemia —- Another Kind of Girl In this short documentary, a 17-year-old Syrian films an intimate portrait of life in her refugee camp. http://www.nytimes.com/2016/01/27/opinion/another-kind-of-girl.html —- Women’s rights crackdown exposes deepening crisis in Chinese society The abrupt closure of a flagship legal service for women in Beijing set up by the renowned lawyer Guo Jianmei has sent shockwaves among women’s activists —- Israel’s unwanted African migrants —- The Indian girls who survived being raped —- India cancer survivor brings joy to destitute children http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-35480519 —- FGM: number of victims found to be 70 million higher than thought —- ‘Still a city of slaves’ – Selma, in the words of those who live there —- Before Hillary Clinton, there was Shirley Chisholm —- This is what white privilege is —- Ten words for rain: A story of love and climate change —- Meet the Kenyans too poor to afford cancer treatment —- 10 things we didn’t know last week http://www.bbc.com/news/blogs-magazine-monitor-35438525 —- Pictures of the day: February 4 2016 —- Photo highlights of the day: carnival season and clashes in Athens 4 February 2016 » Posted By Kalima On February 5, 2016 @ 1:10 am You can slide in whenever you want to, kes. As I have said often, I feel safe here. There are the occasional petty criminals, murders and child abductions, but mostly by recently released disturbed people, and there are no guns, except with the yakuza who buy them in Thailand or the Philippines, and smuggle them into Japan. We have been burgled though and they stole my money while I was out shopping for only 30 minutes. It was a shock to come home to a broken window, upside down drawers, and two very scared Siamese shaking under the bed. Funny thing is that the police informed us later that it was an Asian gang that had broken into about ten houses in the neighbourhood within the last three weeks. Our burglars were not even Japanese. They never caught them. Apart from some pervert exposing himself in the street one night, a peeping Tom at our bathroom window, some freak stealing my underwear off the washing line, animal abuse, and someone setting fire to a plastic rubbish bin, life has been quite uneventful. I thoroughly enjoyed the name calling during the discussion on whether or not to ban Trump. Leave it to the Brits to speak their minds. Banned or not, with over 1 million people signing petitions to have him banned, there won’t be a welcoming committee the next time he should visit the U.K. So glad that you read the article about the Bullingdon Club. No surprise that the 3 stooges, Cameron, Osborne and Boris whathisname were members there. Instead of trashing just the dishes and furniture, they graduated to trashing the country instead. Yes, it must be terrifying for the elderly to have to worry about the disgraceful expense of care. I’m glad that it never got to that stage with my father. Not that we would have ever allowed it to happen. The cuts did impact his care though, and for that I will always hate this Tory government especially since my father was a D-Day, Normandy veteran. The Kochs interfering in education is an abomination. Actually, the Kochs are an abomination. I’m looking forward to Putin’s political demise. The fact that he ordered the murder of many of his critics is something I have been saying for many years. He needs to be held accountable for his crimes. The Hague would be a suitable location. You might have seen it by now as the answer was vanilla. Sorry it took so long to answer but I did promise to come back. Take care. Stay warm and see you soon. » Posted By Kalima On January 28, 2016 @ 2:47 am Well I almost missed this but am off to sleep now. Will be back after I wake up to reply. Take care and have a peaceful Sunday as I head into Monday. » Posted By Kalima On January 24, 2016 @ 7:10 am Hello Nirek. Happy to hear that you found something of interest. MB is open 24/7 so you can read whatever you want whenever you want. Take care. Peace to you and yours. » Posted By Kalima On January 24, 2016 @ 6:23 am Thank you so much for stopping by, Aquarius. That is wonderful news about your daughter, you must be so proud of her. The snow came to everywhere except Tokyo. I dread the summer we can expect this year. With so many tall buildings going up over the last 10 years, the winds from the Pacific Ocean no longer cool us. Unfortunately the reactors are going back online. Seems like over 15,000 dead, 2,000 missing and an increase in thyroid cancer in children, it is still not enough to invest in renewable energy. We have so much sunshine, wind and water, yet this conservative Abe government, full of old fogies, still want to put a nation that has an earthquake almost every day in danger. Your political circus at the moment makes me wish that I could wash my brain. Bizarre and very disturbing is an understatement. I watch while picking my jaw off the floor and pray for some sanity to prevail. Thanks again for taking the time to comment. Take care and hope to see you here again soon. » Posted By Kalima On January 24, 2016 @ 6:15 am Good Morning Everyone! Expecting more snow over this weekend and though I loved it at one time, it can be very disturbing in the city. Not looking forward to clearing routes for my outside felines. All of you expecting snow, be careful. 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. A few stories and opinions from around the globe. Tour operator raided over labor law violations after deadly bus crash —- Ski bus was running downhill in neutral at time of deadly Nagano crash: investigators —- Japan to restart another nuclear reactor Jan 29, 1st on MOX fuel —- Illegal sales of discarded foods found in Aichi; scope of problem continues to grow http://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20160121/p2a/00m/0na/015000c —- PICTURE OF THE DAY Special K http://www.japantoday.com/category/picture-of-the-day/view/special-k INTERNATIONAL NEWS Blairites should ‘keep their mouths shut’ and get behind Jeremy Corbyn, veteran Labour MP advises Ronnie Campbell said he was sick of the leader’s internal opponents ‘causing trouble’ —- Widow of Litvinenko calls for further sanctions against Russia Marina Litvinenko writes to David Cameron after public inquiry finds Vladimir Putin ‘probably’ sanctioned her husband’s murder —- I’ve been saying for years here that Putin gave the order for this murder and there are more. Putin runs Russia like a Mafia don. Fortunately not all mafia dons are lying, murdering scumbags and pedophiles. Don’t know how his ex-wife stood it for all those years but do know that he had her institutionalised before the last GE. Such a great husband! Shocking story that is easy to believe. Remember this in 2015? Right in front of the Kremlin? Russian opposition leader Nemtsov shot dead in Moscow Alexander Litvinenko Was Killed ‘For Calling Putin A Pedophile —- Litvinenko inquiry: Britain cannot let Russia get away with murder —- The Guardian view on the Litvinenko inquiry: a price must be paid in Moscow A foreign state pulled off an elaborate, nuclear-laced conspiracy to kill in the heart of London. Putin was likely involved. The EU must freeze assets and restrict the travel of the president’s men —- Knocked down, spat at and trampled on: another day in A&E – video —- If you’ve ever said the benefits system isn’t harsh enough, you need to hear about my life as a widowed carer —- Donald Trump stirs up the bile of the British —- Clearing of the Calais ‘Jungle’ – in pictures http://www.theguardian.com/world/gallery/2016/jan/20/clearing-of-the-calais-jungle-in-pictures —- Anger over European countries’ seizing jewellery from asylum seekers UN attacks Denmark’s plans to allow refugees’ property to be confiscated as it emerges Germany routinely seizes cash and jewellery when they enter the country —- Paris attacks: Hasna Ait Boulahcen ‘died of asphyxiation’ http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-35375297 —- EU judges convict Kosovo Serb politician Ivanovic of war crimes —- US snowstorm: Millions prepare for huge blizzard http://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-35374741 —- Michigan authorities ‘knew’ about the Flint water crisis at least a year ago —- As Flint Struggles With Contaminated Water, Congress Tries To Gut Clean Water Rule http://thinkprogress.org/climate/2016/01/21/3741610/clean-water-rule-veto-upheld/ —- This Is What Happens To Humans When They Are Exposed To Too Much Lead http://thinkprogress.org/health/2016/01/21/3741020/lead-health-effects/ —- Sanders prepares to challenge Clinton on Super Tuesday and beyond —- Paul Kirk, Ex-D.N.C. Chairman and Ted Kennedy Confidante, Endorses Bernie Sanders Paul Kirk Jr., a former Democratic National Committee chairman and Ted Kennedy confidante, endorsed Bernie Sanders before a rally at Dartmouth College. —- Bernie Sanders and Donald Trump Open Up Strong Leads in Iowa, Poll Shows Senator Bernie Sanders and Donald J. Trump have opened up solid leads in Iowa less than two weeks before the state’s caucuses kick off the 2016 presidential nominating contests, according to a new poll. —- Bernie Sanders: 17 things the Democratic socialist believes —- Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders Ads Diverge on Road to Caucuses The two Democrats have begun to make closing arguments in sharply distinct ads, with Mrs. Clinton’s emphasizing experience and Mr. Sanders’s projecting hope. —- The Koch brothers’ impact on the American political system —- The gospel according to Donald Trump —- Sarah Palin takes the GOP campaign to a new low —- MEETING OF THE MINDS http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2016/01/19/sarah-palin-backs-donald-trump-murders-irony.html —- Jason Rezaian’s wife, mother describe their tortuous final hours in Iran —- BBC journalist Rana Rahimpour stopped from flying to US http://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-35358362 —- Brazil Zika outbreak: More babies born with birth defects http://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-35368401 —- New Unicef video highlights impact of Syrian conflict on children —- ‘Jihadi John’ death: Islamic State says Mohammed Emwazi killed http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-35358101 —- Russian air strikes ‘kill more civilians than Isil fighters’ —- Six killed in Egypt bomb attack near Giza pyramids The blast was carried out by the Muslim Brotherhood, which also wounded 13 people http://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jan/21/six-killed-egypt-bomb-attack-giza-pyramids —- Fears grow over health of hunger-striking Palestinian Lawyers decry court date proposed by Israel for detained journalist Mohammad al-Qeq fearing he could die before hearing. —- Tunisia protest: Clashes as demonstrations spread http://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-35377580 —- The Gulf states are stuck between Isil and Iran We must not allow failed states and power vacuums to be filled by this extremist, expansionist agenda —- Saudi Arabia and Isis: Riyadh keen to show it is tackling terror threat In part two of our series, we examine the uneasy relationship between Riyadh’s tough stance on jihadis and its reputation as an incubator of violent extremism http://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jan/21/saudi-arabia-isis-riyadh-terror-threat —- At least 20 killed in Somali restaurant attack Somali forces end siege at beachfront restaurant after terror attack leaves at least 20 dead —- As Kony’s commander faces trial in The Hague, Ugandans recount tales of the horror they endured Dominic Ongwen, a Lord’s Resistance Army commander, faces 70 war crimes charges before the ICC on Thursday but in his native Uganda opinion is divided over what purpose a trial will serve —- Iran elections: Rouhani criticises ban on reformist candidates —- Pakistan attack: Vigils held for Bacha Khan University dead http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-35368959 —- Pakistan attack: ‘My son died protecting his guests’ —- Afghanistan turns US military base into rehab centre http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2016/01/afghanistan-drug-rehab-160119065418362.html —- Taliban suicide attack in Kabul kills TV station staff At least seven dead and many wounded as explosion hits vehicle carrying employees of TOLO TV http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2016/01/afghan-capital-kabul-rocked-explosion-160120131352851.html —- Pro-China posts spam Taiwan President-elect Tsai’s Facebook http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-china-35368930 —- North Korea claims it has arrested a ‘US student’ University of Virginia student held for “hostile activities,” state media reports http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/12114251/North-Korea-claims-it-has-arrested-a-US-student.html TRIVIA QUIZ Last week’s answer. Vanilla. The vanilla bean is the fruit of V. Planifolia, a flower belonging to the orchid family. 7oday’s question. Casanova is best known for his exploits with women, but what was the famous lover’s actual profession? Hint: Do you like to read? —- Forgotten Youth: Inside America’s Prisons —- Reviving the Memory of a Black Pioneer —- Helping the village where one in four is disabled http://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-35201822 —- The Australian who shot a North Korean propaganda film http://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-35365142 —- Fairy tale origins thousands of years old, researchers say http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-35358487 —- It’s official: 2015 ‘smashed’ 2014’s global temperature record. It wasn’t even close —- Frying vegetables in oil is healthier than boiling them and prevents cancer, research shows Vegetables fried in extra virgin olive oil increased their anti-oxidant capacity and chemical —- The Moroccans by Leila Alaoui – in pictures —- Pictures of the day: 21 January 2016 —- Your pictures: Black and white http://www.bbc.com/news/in-pictures-35350840 —- Photo highlights of the day: submarine fire drill and a hungry stingray » Posted By Kalima On January 22, 2016 @ 1:19 am Hello Nirek; sorry I’m late and happy you came. President Obama will always be a shining example of a world leader I would vote for if I had the chance and an innovator in American politics that will unfold in the future. Once you have tasted a wonderfully cooked steak, why go with a fast food hamburger? As for Bernie. Clinton started the aggression in the same way as she did with Obama, fighting dirty until the end. Have never liked the Clintons because they are self serving, but agree that if she gets the nomination, every Dem and left leaning voter has an obligation to vote for her. The alternative is insane. As for problems in the world. We have always had problems. I remember as a child giving money for the collection basket after Mass for poor children in Africa. It is still necessary after all these years. I wanted to because me a missionary at 6 years old to help these kids. Nothing changes because we let the rich exploit the poor. Voices must be raised, and people worldwide need to take to the streets. That is our right in most countries and the reason for revolt in the ME and poor countries. America can only be great again when every repub has been defeated. Peace and love to you too. » Posted By Kalima On January 16, 2016 @ 6:12 am Thank you too, Kes. Sleep? You will have to speak to my hot carpet about that. 😉 » Posted By Kalima On January 15, 2016 @ 2:27 amComments Posted By Kalima
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http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2016/03/16/merrick-garland-for-supreme-court-a-good-man-who-doesn-t-deserve-what-s-about-to-happen.html
http://www.newyorker.com/news/news-desk/president-obamas-sensible-supreme-court-choice
By E.J. Dionne
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/wonk/wp/2016/03/15/a-new-sign-obamacare-is-helping-the-people-who-really-need-it/
Gov. Greg Abbott of Texas says “voter fraud is rampant.” It isn’t.
Defeating Hillary Clinton is not impossible at this point in the primary season, though it will be very hard. A closer look.
You could argue that Sanders has been starved of much of the positive coverage — or that he has been saved from much of the negative.
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‘To suggest we don’t fight this out to the end would be, I think, a very bad mistake,’ senator said after reports Obama had asked party to back Clinton
http://www.bbc.com/news/election-us-2016-35713168
http://www.bbc.com/news/election-us-2016-35836099
Abraham Lincoln used the most sophisticated language in his speeches
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Diplomatic Channels: ‘Omar the Chechen’ was the groups most successful military commander
Hanada al-Refai tells Al Jazeera about being tortured, losing her brother, and her campaign to free political prisoners.
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-35718798
Mohammad Bashir al-Aani and son had been captured after family funeral and held for several months accused of apostasy
There is a dramatic rise in the number of Palestinian minors detained since October, rights groups say.
Exclusive: Agency deleted reference to client after challenge from human rights group
Beijing might be worried about the threat of a trade war with President Trump, but for now it’s content to laugh at the ‘rise of a racist’ in the US election
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Fadi Mansour has been stuck in Istanbul Ataturk Airport unable to leave after fleeing Syria to avoid fighting for the regime, Amnesty says
After escaping imprisonment Nihad Alawsi wants the world to recognise what’s happening to girls in Iraq, and why coming home isn’t the end of the ordeal
The ravaged landscape of America in the 1980s is the focus of a new book by photographer David T Hanson. Comprising four powerful sets of unseen photographs that show the impact of industrialization and the military, the images range from nuclear sites to mines and bear testimony to the legacy of their toxic and hazardous remains. Wilderness to Wasteland is published by Taverner Press on 26 April
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The elderly man can only recall his name as Roger Curry but has no other ID
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by Michael Tomasky
http://www.newyorker.com/news/john-cassidy/hillary-clintons-ordeal-continues-at-the-democratic-debate
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/powerpost/paloma/daily-202/2016/03/10/daily-202-four-reasons-hillary-clinton-lost-the-democratic-debate/56e0a5cd981b92a22d7c29e7/
by Paul Krugman
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http://www.insideedition.com/headlines/15177-trump-supporter-who-punched-protester-next-time-we-might-have-to-kill-him
No, Donald Trump, ‘great love for the country’ comes from people protesting you
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http://thinkprogress.org/politics/2016/03/10/3759034/trump-defends-violence-at-rallies/
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-35779034
A dystopian independent film has played to packed houses but after Chinese criticism it has disappeared from public screens
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http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-35770535
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‘Getting back to normal will take a very long time … I wonder if it is even possible for them to get back to normal’
Mira Awad
http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-wales-35765760
http://www.usatoday.com/story/money/markets/2016/03/07/27-giant-profitable-companies-paid-no-taxes/81399094/
http://thinkprogress.org/justice/2016/03/10/3757575/secretive-world-of-privatized-immigrant-detention/
http://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-35660047
From wild experiments in 1930s bohemia to documenting the Welsh working classes – discover the luminous and little-known portraits of Helen Muspratt
British filmmaker Miranda Pennell introduces The Host, her personal account of oil, empire and family
The Guardian’s picture editors bring you a selection of the best photos from around the world, including an Indian bride and a buffet for elephants
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The Telegraph shows you around the migrant camp in Calais where the residents have built mini-supermarkets, restaurants and even a hairdressers
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/politics/wp/2016/02/25/poll-trumps-negatives-among-hispanics-rise-worst-in-gop-field/
A never-ending search for the least-bad Republican.
We investigate the horrifying consequences for civilians under Russian air strikes in Syria.
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-35666306
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The head of an NHS efficiency review orders hospitals to sell off swathes of surplus land, devote more space to patients and bring an end to ‘Soviet-style’ attitudes to those in their care
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http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-35456535
Russian bombers targeted military and intelligence installations in 2013 war game that caught Swedish airforce unprepared
http://www.bbc.com/news/election-us-2016-35499180
http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2016/us/elections/fact-check.html
http://www.newyorker.com/news/john-cassidy/bernie-sanders-just-changed-the-democratic-party
http://www.newyorker.com/news/benjamin-wallace-wells/bernie-sanders-knows-what-time-it-is
http://www.vanityfair.com/news/2016/02/koch-brothers-take-on-trump
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http://thinkprogress.org/politics/2016/02/01/3745131/ted-cruz-iowa-win/
http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2016/01/28/donald-trump-wanted-vets-kicked-off-fifth-avenue.html
https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/republican-self-destruction-is-fun-to-watch-but-bad-for-us-all/2016/01/29/c420a9c6-be64-11e5-bcda-62a36b394160_story.html
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-35489756
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http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-35489692
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http://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-35475403
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-35379221
Half of girls and women cut live in just three countries as Unicef statistics reveal shocking global scale of barbaric ritual
A beacon for the civil rights movement 50 years ago, the Alabama city’s largely African American population today struggles with joblessness, poverty and drugs
http://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-35057641
In south India, a couple know the various types of rain that fall on their land as intimately as they know each other.
The stories of two cancer patients reveal the desperate plight faced by those who cannot afford private care.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/picturegalleries/picturesoftheday/12139058/Pictures-of-the-day-4-February-2016.html
The Guardian’s picture editors bring you a selection of the best photographs from around the world, including carnival costumes and a general strike in Greece
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Boris Nemtsov, a former deputy PM and Putin critic, shot several times from a passing car near the Kremlin.
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2015/02/russian-opposition-leader-nemtsov-shot-dead-moscow-150227220848302.html
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http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2016/01/21/alexander-litvinenko-was-killed-killed-for-calling-putin-a-pedophile.html
We have seen the worst of Russia in this saga – now we must both hope for the best
Editorial
We go behind the scenes in the A&E department of the Royal Stoke University hospital in Staffordshire at its busiest time of the year – the weekend before Christmas. Last winter the hospital enacted emergency measures as it struggled to cope with a surge in demand for its A&E services
At one point I sent out six birth certificates – one for each member of my family, including my deceased husband – as well as our marriage certificate and his death certificate at the same time: our entire family’s lives confined to one small envelope
https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/british-bile-at-trump-shows-that-his-election-would-make-us-laughingstock/2016/01/18/51a67258-be2e-11e5-bcda-62a36b394160_story.html
Refugees at the camp in the northern French port of Calais are in a desperate race to save their makeshift homes from the bulldozers
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-35374946
Water expert and Virigina Tech professor Dr Marc Edwards says authorities knew they were ‘absolutely’ breaking the law
http://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-35364868
Sarah Palin Backs Donald Trump, Murders Iron
As the conflict in Syria enters its sixth brutal year, Unicef has created a new video to highlight impact the conflict is having on Syrian children
Russia’s bombing of Syria has led to more deaths of civilians than it has of Islamic State fighters, according to new figures
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-35370799
Residents express anger and grief following the attack on Charsadda university which left 20 people dead and 50 injured
World’s biggest opium producer has an estimated 2.4 million adult drug users but only 123 treatment centres.
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We examine the lives of young inmates in adult prisons and investigate their claims of physical and sexual abuse.
http://www.newyorker.com/books/page-turner/reviving-the-memory-of-a-black-pioneer
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/energy-environment/wp/2016/01/20/its-official-2015-smashed-2014s-global-temperature-record-it-wasnt-even-close/
s which prevent long-term diseases
Leila Alaoui was a French-Moroccan photographer and video artist. For her series, The Moroccans, she travelled the country with her mobile photo studio to capture the ethnic and cultural diversity of Morocco. Leila was killed on assignment in Burkina Faso on 15 January
The Guardian’s picture editors bring you a selection of the best photographs from around the world, including a Royal Navy fire drill and a fish dinner
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