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Morning Blog — 11-20-2014

Hello kes, and welcome back. Chicago will never be the same.

Will be back to reply to your wonderful comment after I have posted my updates on your Friday morning.

A week off? Sounds wonderful but alas I have too many stories waiting on my Mac and will only take a day because I have no one at home to pamper me or feed me grapes.

See you soon and put those weary feet up too. Gokosama!

» Posted By Kalima On September 23, 2015 @ 11:39 pm

Oh absolutely not monicaangela, just the ones you feel like commenting about.

I’m glad you saw “The Jungle”, it was raw and stark but captured the reality of what these people are going though. I especially caught my breath at the people looking through the fence, and thought, from one kind of prison to another.

The article on climate change and the increase of wild fires was an eye opener and very well researched.

Kes told me to take a week off, but I will only take a day and be back with new updates on Friday morning. Until then, take care and hope to see you soon.

» Posted By Kalima On September 23, 2015 @ 11:30 pm

Hello Nirek. Great to see you here.

The refugee crisis is awful, but even more awful are the people smugglers who make millions off the plight of others. I have one story in these updates and one in the last one about those making a business out of smuggling people. Many die as a result in trucks without ventilation. These are the people the governments should be going after, not the poor desperate people trying to escape a war.

My pleasure about the Bernie stories, I enjoy reading them too and am delighted he is doing so well.

Take care dear Nirek, and I will see you again soon.

Peace always to you and yours.

» Posted By Kalima On September 19, 2015 @ 1:56 am

Hello Monicaangela.

The music was soothing. The photo, a place that I could happily spend the rest of my life in. Thank you!

The stuffy, greedy politicians in the U.K. should be afraid of Corbyn. Sitting in their ivory towers while bleeding the country dry, and selling off public assets. They are nothing but a bunch of degenerate crooks.

I’m following the refugee crisis too, and it’s just one heartbreaking story after another, but Europe did not cause it. Some of the former Eastern Block countries are appalling.

Take your time, and I hope you find other stories of interest Sorry it’s been such a hit and miss lately, but there are times that I just can’t use the computer. Hoping for better days soon.

Thanks for coming to read and to comment. Take care and see you soon.

» Posted By Kalima On September 19, 2015 @ 1:43 am

Good Morning Everyone!

As promised, here are the latest updates and finally the rain has stopped.

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

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

Our Moment of Zen

Baby owl boogie: young bird appears to dance at UK sanctuary – video

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

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A few stories and opinions from around the globe.
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Thousands gather outside Diet in heavy rain for last chance to protest security bills

http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2015/09/17/national/thousands-gather-outside-diet-heavy-rain-last-chance-protest-security-bills/#.VftUlSTXfCR

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Opposition parties’ delaying tactics throw Diet into chaos

http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2015/09/17/national/politics-diplomacy/opposition-parties-delaying-tactics-throw-diet-chaos/

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Tsunami up to 40 cm, possibly 70 cm, reach Tohoku after Chile quake; alert still in effect

http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2015/09/18/national/1-meter-tsunami-chile-temblor-may-hit-pacific-coast-hokkaido-first/

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Infrastructure restoration going slowly in flood-damaged areas

http://mainichi.jp/english/english/newsselect/news/20150917p2a00m0na021000c.html

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PICTURE OF THE DAY

Mothers’ message

http://www.japantoday.com/category/picture-of-the-day/view/mothers-message

INTERNATIONAL NEWS
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8 charts that reveal what people think about Jeremy Corbyn on the issues that really matter

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/8-charts-that-reveal-what-people-think-about-jeremy-corbyn-on-the-issues-that-really-matter-10505992.html

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Corbyn’s Labour is a party without a point, led by a rebel with a cause
Suzanne Moore

http://www.theguardian.com/politics/commentisfree/2015/sep/16/corbyns-labour-is-a-party-without-a-point-led-by-a-rebel-with-a-cause

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Jeremy Corbyn is a patriot – he would never have waged the illegal war that killed my son
Reg Keys

http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2015/sep/17/jeremy-corbyn-patriot-war-tony-blair-iraq-labour

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Cameron adviser leaves controversial NHS data scheme for private sector

Former journalist who led error-strewn care.data programme goes to work for Australian telecoms company

http://www.theguardian.com/society/2015/sep/17/cameron-adviser-leaves-controversial-nhs-data-scheme-private-sector

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Islamic terrorist shot dead after Berlin attack on policewoman

Man identified as Rafik Y, who had been convicted in 2008 plot to murder Iraqi PM, stabbed a policewoman in western Berlin before being shot dead

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/germany/11872727/Islamic-terrorist-shot-dead-after-Berlin-attack-on-policewoman.html

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Welcome To The Jungle

Calais’ ‘New Jungle’ camp continues to swell with people who have fled their homes around the world. Photographer Guillaume Pinon spent two weeks capturing daily life in the camp that has become limbo for 4,000 people
By Guillaume Pinon, Friday 18 September, 2015

http://s.telegraph.co.uk/graphics/projects/calais-new-jungle-camp/index.html

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12 pictures that capture the chaos caused by Europe’s refugee crisis

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/12-pictures-that-capture-the-heartache-caused-by-europes-refugee-crisis-10506719.html

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Greek election 2015: Golden Dawn rises on austerity-driven despair

Far-right fringe party has shed boots for suits and toned down its rhetoric to emerge as Europe’s most dangerous political force

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/sep/16/greek-election-2015-golden-dawn-austerity

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Refugee crisis: Croatia seals border crosings with Serbia

Croatia closes seven out of eight border crossings with Serbia while Slovenia turns back train carrying migrants

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/hungary/11873012/Refugee-crisis-Hungary-declares-victory-in-border-strategy-as-migrants-head-to-Croatia-instead.html

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President Obama Drops The “U” Word On The Republican Party

http://m.dailykos.com/story/2015/09/15/1421447/-President-Obama-Drops-The-U-Word-On-The-Republican-Party

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Bernie Sanders Unveils Ambitious Plan To End Private Prisons

http://thinkprogress.org/justice/2015/09/17/3702659/bernie-sanders-prison-bill/

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Bernie Sanders Raises $1 Million Off Attack From Allies of Hillary Clinton

Senator Bernie Sanders has raised more than $1 million in small-dollar contributions off two email solicitations that highlighted an attack from allies of Hillary Rodham Clinton, a campaign official said.

http://www.nytimes.com/politics/first-draft/2015/09/17/bernie-sanders-raises-1-million-off-attack-from-allies-of-hillary-clinton/

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Can Sanders beat Hillary? There’s one big difference between the 2008 and 2016 primaries

https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/plum-line/wp/2015/09/15/can-sanders-beat-hillary-theres-one-big-difference-between-the-2008-and-2016-primaries/

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Opinions
When justice meets vanity in American politics

https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/vanity-and-justice/2015/09/16/f506521c-5cb1-11e5-9757-e49273f05f65_story.html

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Crazy Talk at the Republican Debate

It felt at times as if the candidates were no longer living in a fact-based world.

http://www.nytimes.com/2015/09/18/opinion/crazy-talk-at-the-republican-debate.html?

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Republicans Got One Question About Climate Change At The Debate, And Totally Screwed It Up

http://thinkprogress.org/climate/2015/09/16/3702554/climate-change-question-republican-debate/

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An Overdose of Donald Trump at the G.O.P. Debate

The second meeting of Republican candidates often revolved around the supposedly entertaining billionaire, and that isn’t amusing.

http://www.nytimes.com/2015/09/17/opinion/an-overdose-of-donald-trump-republican-gop-debate.html

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Dear Donald Trump: China, Japan and Mexico are not “killing us”

https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/donald-trump-is-selling-america-short/2015/09/17/95678566-5d78-11e5-8e9e-dce8a2a2a679_story.html

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Trump Is an Eighth-Grade Girl

BULLYING EXPERTS: TRUMP IS AN EIGHTH-GRADE GIRL

http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2015/09/16/bullying-experts-trump-is-an-eighth-grade-girl.html

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Donald Trump criticised for not correcting ‘Obama is Muslim’ man

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-34287676

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Fact Checker
Fact checking the second round of GOP debates

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/fact-checker/wp/2015/09/17/fact-checking-the-second-round-of-gop-debates/

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Nine police officers arrest unarmed black teen after ‘jaywalking’ – video

http://www.theguardian.com/us-news/video/2015/sep/18/nine-police-officers-arrest-unarmed-black-teen-jaywalking-stockton-video

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Americans Got Richer Last Year While The Rest Of Us Muddled Along

http://thinkprogress.org/economy/2015/09/16/3702101/census-income-inequality-2/

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Mexico arrests cartel figure over 43 missing students

Authorities capture suspected high-ranking drug cartel member over disappearance of student teachers

http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2015/09/mexico-arrests-cartel-figure-43-missing-students-150917233010164.html

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Chile earthquake kills 10 and one million evacuated

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/southamerica/chile/11872987/Chile-earthquake-kills-10-and-one-million-evacuated.html

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Syria conflict: Assad ‘won’t quit under pressure’

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-34268120

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Historical sites in Syria are being looted ‘on an industrial scale’

Irina Bokova, head of Unesco, calls on the international community to counter Isis’s ‘propaganda for cultural cleansing’

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/sep/16/historical-sites-in-syria-are-being-looted-on-an-industrial-scale

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Why Isis fights

Jihadi fighters in Iraq and Syria reveal the apocalyptic motivations of the militant movement that has hijacked the Syrian uprising – and transformed the Middle East

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/sep/17/why-isis-fight-syria-iraq

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IS, al-Qaeda, and how jihad uses chemical weapons

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-34262447

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Sipping coffee and partying on the roof as mortar attacks and power cuts hit the city. That’s normal life in Damascus …

A mood of fatalism and fear prevails in Damascus, where residents admit their hearts have grown hardened to violence. But defiant partying is one way some forget daily reality

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/sep/13/danger-death-never-far-away-damascus-syria

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They’re kids for goodness sake. Outrageous as always.
————

Benjamin Netanyahu considers using live sniper fire against stone throwers

Israeli leader asks attorney general whether it is legal to deploy the same means in East Jerusalem and Israel as the army uses in the West Bank

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/israel/11871193/Benjamin-Netanyahu-considers-using-live-sniper-fire-against-stone-throwers.html

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Burkina Faso coup sparks deadly street protests

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-34276807

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Saudi diplomat accused of raping maids leaves India under cover of immunity

Allegations that the women were trafficked and then subjected to gang-rape at diplomat’s home prompts outrage in Delhi and Nepal

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/india/11870900/Saudi-diplomat-accused-of-raping-maids-leaves-India-under-cover-of-immunity.html

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Iraq: Baghdad market bombings kill at least 23

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-34277021

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Two million Indians reply to ad for 300 clerical jobs

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-34276253

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Gunmen attack Pakistan air force base in Peshawar

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-34287385

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Former Australian PM Tony Abbott mocked for fax resignation

The recently ousted prime minister is mocked on social media after resigning to the Governor General by fax

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/australiaandthepacific/australia/11867936/Former-Australian-PM-Tony-Abbott-mocked-for-fax-resignation.html
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Smuggling people into the country thousands want to leave

http://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-34259520

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Syria refugee crisis: Yarmouk pianist’s perilous journey to Greece

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-34255104

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The women vanishing without a trace

http://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-34172733

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Journey Into Yemen: Photos From a Hidden War

http://www.rollingstone.com/politics/pictures/journey-into-yemen-photos-from-a-hidden-war-20150730

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I remember the day… an oil spill changed my life

A Nigerian fisherman remembers the day an oil spill destroyed his livelihood, and the day he was compensated for it.

http://www.aljazeera.com/programmes/my-nigeria/2015/09/remember-day-oil-spill-shell-changed-life-150916101203904.html

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What Megablazes Tell Us About the Fiery Future of Climate Change

Pervasive drought and record temperatures have turned forests from Fresno to Fairbanks into tinderboxes. And it’s only getting worse

http://www.rollingstone.com/culture/features/what-megablazes-tell-us-about-the-fiery-future-of-climate-change-20150915

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How to make the perfect egg mayonnaise sandwich

Hard or soft boiled? What about hard steamed? Coarsely chopped or mashed with a fork? Mayonnaise or mustard – or both? White or brown bread? The beauty of the classic sandwich-filler ‘lies in its simplicity’

http://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2015/sep/16/how-to-make-the-perfect-egg-mayonnaise-sandwich

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Capturing Conservation: ZSL Animal Photography Prize winners announced

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/picturegalleries/earth/11872048/Capturing-Conservation-ZSL-Animal-Photography-Prize-winners-announced.html

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Pictures of the day: 17 September 2015

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/picturegalleries/picturesoftheday/11869968/Pictures-of-the-day-17-September-2015.html

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Best photographs of the day 17 September 2015

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 September 18, 2015 @ 1:43 am

Well a big thank you monicaangela, you managed to make me laugh. It was a first after a very depressing day watching on and off, the GOP debate. It really was the craziest thing that I have seen in a long time, with so called candidates talking rubbish for what seemed like an eternity. I said quite a few prayers today. My hands are exceptionally sore.

As promised I’ll be back in your morning, so I hope you will find something of interest.

Goodnight for now.

» Posted By Kalima On September 17, 2015 @ 6:19 am

Hello slm. It shook us awake but we are ok. Thank you for your kind concern, and I’m sorry for the delay in responding.

See you soon.

» Posted By Kalima On September 17, 2015 @ 12:02 am

Good Morning Everyone!

Just to let you know that I will be posting my updates on Friday morning instead of today.

Thank you for your understanding, and see you soon.

Take care.

» Posted By Kalima On September 16, 2015 @ 11:57 pm

My dear Kes, thank you so much for taking the time to comment. Will be back to reply as soon as there is a “Divine Intervention”. 🙂

Thanks again and hope to see you soon. Have a great Friday.

» Posted By Kalima On September 4, 2015 @ 2:44 am

Good Morning Everyone!

A day late I’m afraid. Sorry about that.

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

Sayonara from my very humid corner of Tokyo. Mata ne.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

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

TEPCO begins pumping up groundwater before dumping in ocean

http://mainichi.jp/english/english/newsselect/news/20150903p2g00m0in042000c.html

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DNA check identifies mystery man found dead among 3/11 rubble

http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2015/09/04/national/dna-check-identifies-mystery-man-found-dead-among-311-rubble/

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Then this government will know about every penny you own and find new ways to steal it from you.
————

My Number law revised, IDs to be linked to bank accounts from 2018

http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2015/09/03/national/politics-diplomacy/number-law-revised-ids-linked-bank-accounts-2018/

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Hiroshima woos tourists with Google-style street view… for cats

http://www.japantoday.com/category/travel/view/hiroshima-woos-tourists-with-google-style-street-view-for-cats

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PICTURE OF THE DAY

Scarecrow

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

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

Refugee crisis: David Cameron lowered the flag for the dead king of Saudi Arabia – will he do the same honour for little Aylan Kurdi?

In the ever-growing chasm between the people of Europe and their immoral leaders there is a far more serious challenge for the future

http://www.independent.co.uk/voices/comment/refugee-crisis-david-cameron-lowered-the-flag-for-the-dead-king-of-saudi-arabia–will-he-do-the-same-honour-for-little-aylan-kurdi-10485261.html

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Isn’t privatisation great? Take over something that wasn’t broken and belongs to the people. Royally fuck it up with greediness for profits, and the Health Department will bail you out while patients are dying for lack of proper care around the country.
————

Department of Health spends £1.2bn bailing out NHS providers

Double last year’s amount paid to cover wages, debts and deficit reduction, says Health Service Journal

http://www.theguardian.com/politics/2015/sep/02/department-of-health-spends-prop-up-nhs-providers

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Refugee crisis: ‘Europe’s biggest test since second world war’ – live updates

Special coverage as David Cameron prepares details of a climbdown on accepting more refugees and a standoff between migrants and the authorities in Hungary continues

http://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2015/sep/04/refugee-migration-crisis-live-eu-biggest-test-since-second-world-war

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Image of dead Syrian boy captures human tragedy of Europe’s migrant crisis

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/eu/11840069/Image-of-dead-Syrian-boy-captures-human-tragedy-of-Europes-migrant-crisis.html

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Arafat poisoning inquiry dropped by French prosecutors

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-34135596

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Nazi ‘gold train’: Tourist’s descend on Polish town of Wasbrzych despite lack of evidence that its discovery is genuine

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/nazi-gold-train-tourists-descend-on-polish-town-of-wasbrzych-despite-lack-of-evidence-that-its-discovery-is-genuine-10485266.html

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Hungary: Migration crisis is Germany’s problem – not ours

Viktor Orban, Hungarian prime minister, attacks European ‘invitations’ to migrants as he insists he is defending Christian culture against Muslim immigrants

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/hungary/11841822/Hungary-Migration-crisis-is-Germanys-problem-not-ours.html

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Hungarian PM: We don’t want more Muslims

Viktor Orban’s comments come as refugees are forced off train headed towards Austria and taken to refugee camp.

http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2015/09/refugees-hungary-train-station-150903064140564.html

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Refugees in Hungary: how thousands spend the night at Keleti station – video

http://www.theguardian.com/world/video/2015/sep/04/refugees-hungary-how-thousands-spend-night-keleti-station-budapest-video

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Obama secures Iran victory as 34th senator endorses nuclear deal

John Kerry appeals to remaining waverers after support from Democrat Barbara Mikulski ensures Obama veto will be upheld if Congress rejects deal

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/sep/02/iran-nuclear-deal-congress-34th-senator

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Barack Obama becomes first US president to cross Arctic Circle

Barack Obama visits Artic community during last day of Alaska trip focused on global warming

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/northamerica/usa/11840784/Barack-Obama-becomes-first-US-president-to-cross-Arctic-Circle.html

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Prescription Drug Prices Are Out Of Control. Bernie Sanders Has A Plan.

http://thinkprogress.org/health/2015/09/03/3697990/sanders-prescription/

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Kentucky clerk jailed for refusing to issue marriage licences to gay couples

Kim Davis in custody after defying US Supreme Court by refusing to issue licences for same sex marriages

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/northamerica/usa/11842642/Kentucky-clerk-jailed-for-refusing-to-issue-marriage-licences-to-gay-couples.html

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Oops!
————

Kentucky clerk unknowingly issued marriage license to transgender man

Camryn Colen and his wife obtained marriage license in February from Kim Davis, who has been summoned for denying paperwork to same-sex couples

http://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2015/sep/02/kentucky-clerk-transgender-man-kim-davis

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Cringeworthy video of Davis.
————

Kim Davis cites God, crowd jeers gay couple

http://www.courier-journal.com/story/news/local/2015/09/01/rowan-courthouse-kim-davis/71504176/

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IS NOT A CHRISTIAN MARTYR: THE KENTUCKY COURT CLERK DESERVES TO BE IN THE CLINK

http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2015/09/04/kim-davis-is-not-a-christian-martyr-the-kentucky-court-clerk-deserves-to-be-in-the-clink.html

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This man is certifiably insane!!
————

Huckabee Compares Kim Davis To Abraham Lincoln

http://thinkprogress.org/politics/2015/09/03/3698408/huckabee-kim-davis-is-noble-like-lincoln/

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BEHOLD JEB’S MYTHICAL CHINESE WARRIOR

http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2015/08/30/behold-jeb-s-mythical-chinese-warrior.html

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Obviously those glasses didn’t help to make him any smarter, 🙄
————

Rick Perry gaffes again as he says broken clock is right once a day

Former Texas governor and Republican presidential hopeful suffers another embarrassing verbal mishap

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/us-election/11843141/Rick-Perry-gaffes-again-as-he-says-broken-clock-is-right-once-a-day.html

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Morning Plum: Donald Trump’s supporters want mass deportations, new poll finds

https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/plum-line/wp/2015/09/02/morning-plum-donald-trumps-supporters-want-mass-deportations-new-poll-finds/?wpmm=1&wpisrc=nl_popns

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His Royal Thickness.
————

Donald Trump Stumbles and Bristles During Foreign Policy Interview

Donald J. Trump revealed gaps in his mastery of international affairs during a radio interview on Thursday, appearing to mistake the Quds Force, an Iranian military group, for the Kurds, a Middle Eastern people, and growing testy over questions about foreign leaders.

http://www.nytimes.com/politics/first-draft/2015/09/03/donald-trump-stumbles-and-bristles-during-foreign-policy-question/

Oh Lordy!!

Donald Trump and Hugh Hewitt Discuss Foreign Policy

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

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Opinions

Racism, violence and the politics of resentment

https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/putting-the-politics-of-remedy-ahead-of-the-politics-of-resentment/2015/09/02/0b1495fa-519f-11e5-933e-7d06c647a395_story.html

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RUSSIA PUTS BOOTS ON THE GROUND IN SYRIA

http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2015/09/01/russia-puts-boots-on-the-ground-in-syria.html

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White House monitoring reports Russian military is in Syria

US says any form of support for President Bashar al-Assad is ‘destabilising and counterproductive’

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/syria/11843030/White-House-monitoring-reports-Russian-military-is-in-Syria.html

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Palmyra’s Temple of Bel destroyed, says UN

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-34111092

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Syria

Isis’s destruction of Palmyra: ‘The heart has been ripped out of the city’

Isis is destroying the ‘Venice of the sands’ piece by piece – and worse atrocities may be yet to come. Will the brutal organisation erase the memory of Syria’s extraordinary history? Plus, Robin Yassin-Kassab assesses the impact on the nation

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/sep/02/isis-destruction-of-palmyra-syria-heart-been-ripped-out-of-the-city

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The best hope for change on the West Bank? Keep those cameras rolling
Ori Nir

The viral video of an Israeli soldier trying to arrest a 12-year-old with his arm in a cast is an example of how technology is driving a change of public opinion

http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2015/sep/03/west-bank-viral-video-israeli-soldier-arrest

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Middle East wars deprive 13m children of education – UN

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-34136074

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Let this be the last’, says heartbroken father of Aylan and Galip Kurdi as he prepares to bury them

Syrian refugee Abdullah Kurdi says his sons’ deaths should be a “wake up call to the world” after they drowned and were washed up on a beach

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/11842795/Let-this-be-the-last-says-heartbroken-father-of-Aylan-and-Galip-Kurdi-as-he-prepares-to-bury-them.html

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Yemen crisis: Sanaa mosque bombings kill at least 20, officials say

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-34134450

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The rapes harm the image of this country.
————

Film on doctor who saved rape victims banned by Democratic Republic of Congo

Authorities ban film because it harms the image of the country

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/africaandindianocean/democraticrepublicofcongo/11843124/Film-on-doctor-who-saved-rape-victims-banned-by-Democratic-Republic-of-Congo.html

—-

Tony Abbott says decision on joining air strikes in Syria will be made ‘next week’

The prime minister says Isis is ‘worse than the Nazis’ as retired US general David Petraeus urges Australia to join the Middle East bombing campaign

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/sep/03/tony-abbott-says-decision-on-joining-air-strikes-in-syria-will-be-made-next-week

—-

Migrant crisis: Australia PM says stopping boats key for Europe

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-australia-34148931

—-

Bangkok’s Erawan Shrine bomb damage repaired

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-34149087

—-

Wing part found on Reunion island is definitely from MH370, French prosecutors say

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/wing-part-found-on-reunion-island-is-definitely-from-mh370-french-prosecutors-say-10484966.html
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The ‘revenge rape’ scandal shows that India’s women are worse off than ever

Two sisters in rural India have been ‘sentenced to rape’ by unelected village elders, as punishment for their brother’s ‘dishonourable’ marriage. Shahla Khan says it shines a light on how little has really changed for women there

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/women/womens-life/11841021/India-revenge-rape-shows-things-for-women-are-worse-than-ever.html

—-

Migrant Smuggling in Europe Is Now Worth ‘Billions’

As thousands pour out of Afghanistan and the Middle East, the business of smuggling them into the European Union has grown larger than the illicit trade in drugs and weapons.

http://www.nytimes.com/2015/09/04/world/europe/migrants-smuggling-in-europe-is-now-worth-billions.html

—-

New Black Panthers documentary tells the story behind the berets

Formed in 1966, the group remains misunderstood and poorly represented – especially on film. The Black Panthers: Vanguard of the Revolution tries to sort the fact from fiction

http://www.theguardian.com/film/2015/sep/03/black-panthers-vanguard-revolution-film

—-

Hodei: The man who vanished

http://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-34130163

—-

The Burmese Indians who never went home

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-33973982

—-

Hunting down witches in northeast India

Accusations of black magic causing disease and death have led to dozens of deaths during mob attacks in Assam state.

http://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/features/2015/09/hunting-witches-northeast-india-150902092226394.html

—-

Fighting to save Sydney’s working-class history

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-australia-34070549

—-

The struggles of the world’s hairiest family

http://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-33978116

—-

Overly-controlling parents cause their children lifelong psychological damage, says study

http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/overlycontrolling-parents-cause-their-children-lifelong-psychological-damage-says-study-10485172.html

—-

I so hope that this was not staged.
————

Gone catfishin’: Lost kittens rescued from Alabama river – video

http://www.theguardian.com/world/video/2015/sep/02/kittens-rescued-alabama-river-video

—-

Throwback Thursday: Funny photographs from the archive

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/picturegalleries/howaboutthat/11786799/Throwback-Thursday-Funny-photographs-from-the-archive.html

—-

Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2015 finalists – first look

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/earth/wildlife/11837044/Wildlife-Photographer-of-the-Year-2015-finalists-first-look.html

—-

Pictures of the day: 3 September 2015

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/picturegalleries/picturesoftheday/11840429/Pictures-of-the-day-3-September-2015.html

—-

Best photographs of the day 3 September 2015

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 September 4, 2015 @ 1:40 am

Hello Nirek. Sorry about the delay but it’s been another busy week. Just passing through briefly to leave you this link. My thoughts are well done Bernie Sanders because crowning Hillary, is exactly what they plan to do.

Have a good day. Take care, and peace.

—-

Democratic challengers launch attacks against Clinton, party leadership

http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/democratic-challengers-launch-attacks-against-clinton-party-leadership/2015/08/28/722bc1c6-4d9b-11e5-84df-923b3ef1a64b_story.html

» Posted By Kalima On August 29, 2015 @ 5:00 am

Good Morning Everyone!

Strange August here. From over a month of 35C daily, to rain and a drop of 10C in a matter of days. Very hard to feel good knowing that it won’t last and our temps will be going up again soon. The best thing is that my outside felines now feel that much better. Can’t argue with that.

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

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

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

National lawyers’ group joins opposition to security bills

http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2015/08/27/national/japans-lawyers-rally-behind-opposition-abes-contentious-security-bills/

—-

Japan nuclear watchdog revises guideline to create medical network in event of atomic crisis

http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2015/08/26/national/japan-nuclear-watchdog-revises-guideline-create-medical-network-event-atomic-crisis/

—-

U.S. refused to treat former POW atomic bomb survivor

http://mainichi.jp/english/english/newsselect/news/20150826p2a00m0na018000c.html

—-

Photo exhibition focuses on faces, lives of Tokyo’s homeless

http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2015/08/27/national/social-issues/photo-exhibition-focuses-faces-lives-tokyos-homeless/

—-

PICTURE OF THE DAY

400th anniversary of Siege of Osaka

http://www.japantoday.com/category/picture-of-the-day/view/400th-anniversary-of-siege-of-osaka
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

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

SNP calls for immediate halt to all benefit sanctions

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/snp-calls-for-immediate-halt-to-all-benefit-sanctions-10473256.html

—-

Sir John Chilcot points finger at government over inquiry delay

Sir John Chilcot reveals that some critical documents have only been released this year as families say their patience has run out

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/iraq/11826743/Sir-John-Chilcot-points-finger-at-government-over-inquiry-delay.html

—-

Oh absolutely being as Blair started this mess.
————

Labour has duty to resolve ‘mess’ of hospital PFI deals, says Jeremy Corbyn

Leadership frontrunner claims NHS is paying price for ‘City con-trick’ implemented by New Labour and says indebted hospitals should be bailed out

http://www.theguardian.com/society/2015/aug/26/labour-has-duty-to-resolve-mess-of-hospital-pfi-deals-says-jeremy-corbyn

—-

Angela Merkel warns against intolerance towards refugees

Chancellor dismisses ‘traitor’ jibes from far-right hecklers at Saxony refugee shelter and thanks Germans trying to help asylum seekers

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/aug/26/angela-merkel-warns-against-intolerance-towards-refugees

—-

Hungarian police fire tear gas at migrants near border with Serbia

Security forces acted to stop 200 migrants trying to leave the EU country’s main refugee processing centre at Roszke

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/hungary/11824774/Hungarian-police-fire-tear-gas-at-migrants-near-border-with-Serbia.html

—-

Oops!
————

Russia ‘accidentally reveals’ number of its soldiers killed in eastern Ukraine

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/the-number-of-russian-troops-killed-or-injured-fighting-in-ukraine-seems-to-have-been-accidentally-published-10472603.html

—-

Virginia gunman Vester Flanagan said he acted in response to Charleston church shooting

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/gunman-vester-flanagan-said-he-acted-in-response-to-charleston-church-shooting-10473642.html

—-

Bryce Williams: profile of Virginia news gunman

The gunman, whose real name is Vester Lee Flanagan, shot reporter Alison Parker and photojournalist Adam Ward before posting the film online

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/northamerica/usa/11826100/Bryce-Williams-profile-of-Virginia-news-gunman.html

—-

James Holmes, Colorado cinema gunman, sentenced to life in jail

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-34068806

—-

In South Carolina, Bernie Sanders confronts his black-voter problem

http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/in-south-carolina-bernie-sanders-confronts-his-black-voter-problem/2015/08/22/97aa50d8-4919-11e5-846d-02792f854297_story.html

—-

Bernie Sanders Just Drew Almost 3,000 People In a Conservative Stronghold

http://bluenationreview.com/bernie-sanders-just-drew-almost-3000-people-in-a-conservative-stronghold/

—-

Bernie Sanders’s Success in Attracting Small Donors Tests Importance of ‘Super PACs’

By refusing support from “super PACs,” Bernie Sanders has built a campaign that appears to be drawing even more rank-and-file support than President Obama did in 2008.

http://www.nytimes.com/2015/08/26/us/politics/bernie-sanders-success-in-attracting-small-donors-tests-importance-of-super-pacs.html

—-

Donald Trump’s Campaign Is Built Entirely on Racism

http://bluenationreview.com/donald-trumps-campaign-is-built-entirely-on-racism/

—-

Alabama tried a Donald Trump-style immigration law. It failed in a big way.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/alabama-tried-a-donald-trump-style-immigration-law-it-failed-in-a-big-way/2015/08/22/2ae239a6-48f2-11e5-846d-02792f854297_story.html

—-

Opinions
The Trumpification of the news

https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/the-trumpification-of-the-news/2015/08/26/eea4e0ae-4c27-11e5-902f-39e9219e574b_story.html

—-

Harry Reid endorses Iran deal, boosts chances Congress won’t block it

http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/harry-reid-endorses-iran-deal-giving-boost-to-obamas-supporters/2015/08/23/8fb89a40-49c0-11e5-846d-02792f854297_story.html

—-

Prominent Iranians launch campaign calling on Congress not to kill Iran deal

Scores of high-profile Iranians, many of them sentenced to lengthy prison terms or enduring solitary confinement, express their support for the nuclear deal

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/aug/25/prominent-iranians-launch-campaign-congress-nuclear-deal

—-

‘I choose peace’: voices from Iran call for a nuclear deal – video

http://www.theguardian.com/world/video/2015/aug/25/i-choose-peace-voices-from-iran-call-for-a-nuclear-deal-video

—-

We are on the brink of securing a historic diplomatic agreement to peacefully stop Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon. This would avert a disastrous war with Iran, which could easily turn into a repeat of the war in Iraq that left hundreds of thousands dead and millions as refugees.

However Democratic Sens. Chuck Schumer and Robert Menendez, along with 13 House Democrats, have joined with Republicans in opposition to President Obama’s monumental diplomatic agreement. They are threatening to scuttle the whole thing and lead us down the path to war.

Rep. Brendan Boyle (D-PA)
Rep. Ted Deutch (D-FL)
Rep. Eliot Engel (D-NY)
Rep. Alcee Hastings (D-FL)
Rep. Steve Israel (D-NY)
Rep. Nita Lowey (D-NY)
Rep. Grace Meng (D-NY)
Rep. Donald Norcross (D-NJ)
Rep. Kathleen Rice (D-NY)
Rep. David Scott (D-GA)
Rep. Brad Sherman (D-CA)
Rep. Albio Sires (D-NJ)
Rep. Juan Vargas (D-CA)

Please Sign the Petition.

https://m.dailykos.com/campaigns/1399

—-

Alabama Is About To Make It Much Harder To Get A Voter ID

http://thinkprogress.org/election/2015/08/26/3695404/alabama-is-about-to-make-it-much-harder-to-get-a-voter-id/

—-

Mustard gas ‘likely used’ in suspected Islamic State attack in Syria

Fears grow over Isis chemical warfare capability as doctors find patients from frontline town of Marea have symptoms indicating exposure to toxic agent

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/aug/26/mustard-gas-likely-used-in-suspected-islamic-state-attack-in-syria

—-

Assad ‘confident’ of Russian support for Syria regime

Syrian president describes Vladimir Putin’s regime as ‘sincere and transparent’ while US ‘abandons its friends’ in interview with Hezbollah TV network

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/aug/26/assad-confident-of-russian-support-for-syria-regime

—-

Destruction of Palmyra’s Baalshamin temple ‘a war crime’

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-34043676

—-

Syrian refugee crisis strains Jordan’s water supply

Shortages continue to make regional conflicts worse and force many states to stop growing their own food, NGO says.

http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2015/08/syrian-refugee-crisis-strains-jordan-water-supply-150827011123701.html

—-

Turkish air force to join anti-IS campaign

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-34056269

—-

South Sudan President Salva Kiir signs peace deal

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-34066511

—-

Indian army deployed to riot-hit areas of Gujarat

At least seven killed during violence in Prime Minister Modi’s home state as Patel caste protest gathers momentum.

http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2015/08/indian-army-deployed-riot-hit-areas-gujarat-150827052532462.html

—-

Taliban capture key Helmand district of Musa Qala

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-34062664

—-

Afghan gas blasts ‘kill 10 children’ in Herat

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-34049507

—-

Sydney dam spills as flood clean-up continues

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-australia-34070257

—-

Tianjin officials suspected of negligence over port explosion

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-china-34070601

—-

China share slump: How it affects the rest of the world

http://www.bbc.com/news/business-34040679
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The story of China’s left-behind children

More than 60 million Chinese children, or one in every four, are left behind in rural areas with their parents forced to move hundreds of miles away for work. The Telegraph visits one such town where children are forced to look after themselves

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/china/11824563/The-story-of-Chinas-left-behind-children.html

—-

Looking for my Shanghai father

http://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-33962179

—-

India’s sewer cleaners risk their lives for a living

Mostly low-caste workers in Mumbai have to deal with filthy conditions and dangerous gases without basic safety gear.

http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2015/08/india-sewer-cleaners-risk-lives-living-150827020728343.html

—-

10 Years After Katrina, Will California’s Capital Be The Next New Orleans?

http://thinkprogress.org/climate/2015/08/24/3690955/sacramento-katrina-levees/

—-

New Orleans, 10 Years After Katrina
By ALEXANDRA GARCIA, MARGARET CHEATHAM WILLIAMS and ANDREW BLACKWELL | Aug. 26, 2015 | 12:21

The city that went under in the surging waters of Hurricane Katrina has not returned, not to how it used to be. A decade later, New Orleans is an improvisation, one that is establishing a new normal.

http://www.nytimes.com/video/us/100000003868449/new-orleans-10-years-after-katrina.html?playlistId=100000002797598&region=video-grid&version=video-grid-headline&contentCollection=U.S.+%26+Politics&contentPlacement=0&module=recent-videos&action=click&pgType=Multimedia&eventName=video-grid-click

—-

The age of the tragic selfie

http://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-34018886

—-

Before the fall: life on both sides of the Berlin wall – in pictures

Rudi Meisel was one of the very few West German photographers allowed to cross the Berlin Wall into East Germany. Despite the best efforts of censors, he captured authentic street life in the GDR. A new exhibition reveals that East and West Germans weren’t so different after all

http://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/gallery/2015/aug/27/before-the-fall-life-on-both-sides-of-berlin-wall-rudi-meisel-in-pictures

—-

Pictures of the day: 26 August 2015

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/picturegalleries/picturesoftheday/11824467/Pictures-of-the-day-26-August-2015.html

—-

Best Photos of the Day 26.August 2015

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 August 27, 2015 @ 1:34 am

Hello monicaangela.

Welcome back and thanks for letting me know that you are still enjoying the brief spin around the world with me.

Yes, reading about Trump every day on your news sources, and finding that some dimwits are actually praising this abomination, does make the bile ducts work overtime.

Thanks. As soon as the temps and humidity go down, this yearly blasted and painful rash will disappear. Not for another month though. What I wouldn’t give for one complete night of undisturbed sleep.

Hope to see you again soon.

» Posted By Kalima On August 20, 2015 @ 6:52 pm

Hello monicaangela.\r\n\r\nWelcome back and thanks for letting me know that you are still enjoying the brief spin around the world with me.\r\n\r\nYes, reading about Trump every day on your news sources, and finding that some dimwits are actually praising this abomination, does make the bile ducts work overtime.\r\n\r\nThanks. As soon as the temps and humidity go down, this yearly blasted and painful rash will disappear. Not for another month though. What I wouldn\’t give for one complete night of undisturbed sleep.\r\n\r\nHope to see you again soon.

» Posted By Kalima On August 20, 2015 @ 6:52 pm

Good Morning Everyone!

Well I would love to be able to say that our summer is over, but it won’t be really over until the end of September. Last night I did manage to sleep through the night except for a quick spray of white powder on my prickly heat rash. That is quite an improvement from four or five times, but it’s only a few degrees cooler. It’s been tough.

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

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

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

Why cats aren’t Republican

http://messagingmatters.com/2014/10/27/why-cats-arent-republican/
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

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

Pyongyang finished reinvestigations into abductees but Tokyo snubbed results, mission told

http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2015/08/20/national/history/pyongyang-finished-reinvestigaitons-abductees-tokyo-nubbed-results-mission-told/

—-

63% say Japan should stop apologizing over war: poll

http://www.japantoday.com/category/politics/view/63-say-japan-should-stop-apologizing-over-war-poll

—-

PICTURE OF THE DAY

Afternoon break

http://www.japantoday.com/category/picture-of-the-day/view/afternoon-break-5
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

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

DWP’s fake benefit claimants were also used to promote other Government schemes

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/dwp-used-fake-benefit-claimants-as-case-studies-in-other-government-literature-10462026.html

—-

No wonder the DWP has been making up benefits claimants – poor people were never real to the Tories

Are we really shocked by this development when a woman who stole a 75p Mars bar after having her benefits sanctioned was fined hundreds of pounds?

http://www.independent.co.uk/voices/no-wonder-the-dwp-has-been-making-up-benefits-claimants–poor-people-were-never-real-to-the-tories-10461688.html

—-

The best British political insults and putdowns

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/culturenews/11519453/best-british-political-insults.html

—-

Europe migrant crisis: Germany ‘will cope with surge’

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-33992563

—-

British police deployed in Calais over migrant crisis

Theresa May, the Home Secretary, announces that British police will help track down criminal gangs that are smuggling migrants into Britain

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/immigration/11813203/British-police-deployed-in-Calais-over-migrant-crisis.html

—-

Migrants crisis: Slovakia ‘will only accept Christians’

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-33986738

—-

Think Vladimir Putin looks like a Bond villain? It’s more serious than that
Jonathan Jones

The west may laugh at the Russian president’s submarine stunt, but his actions echo those of nationalist leaders in the 20s – and are received just as well at home

http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2015/aug/19/vladimir-putin-bond-villain-russia-submarine

—-

Why Black Lives Matter Protesters Are Targeting Democrats And Mostly Ignoring Republicans

http://thinkprogress.org/justice/2015/08/19/3693205/why-the-black-lives-matter-movement-is-targeting-democrats-and-mostly-ignoring-republicans/

—-

WHO REALLY RUNS #BLACKLIVESMATTER?

http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2015/08/15/who-really-runs-blacklivesmatter.html

—-

Hillary Clinton Asks to Have Donors Pay for Food and Drinks at Her Fund-Raisers

Hillary Rodham Clinton’s campaign wants to have donors foot the bill for those appetizers and gin-and-tonics -– not to mention valet parking — at some fund-raisers, and also follow Federal Election Commission finance rules.

http://www.nytimes.com/politics/first-draft/2015/08/19/hillary-clinton-asks-to-have-donors-pay-for-food-and-drinks-at-her-fund-raisers/

—-

G.O.P. Candidates Follow Trump to the Bottom on Immigration

Donald Trump is not cornering his rivals on immigration. They are choosing to take the low road with him.

http://www.nytimes.com/2015/08/20/opinion/gop-candidates-follow-trump-to-the-bottom-on-immigration.html

—-

Morning Plum: Donald Trump’s GOP rivals struggle to understand his appeal

https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/plum-line/wp/2015/08/18/morning-plum-donald-trumps-gop-rivals-struggle-to-understand-his-appeal/

—-

Undocumented Trump Hotel Worker Speaks Out Against His Employer, Despite Risk Of Losing His Job

http://thinkprogress.org/election/2015/08/19/3692940/undocumented-worker-trump-hotel/

—-

Mike Huckabee blunders his way through Israel press conference

Republican presidential candidate calls Russia ‘the Soviet Union’ and implies that the West Bank borders a hostile state rather than Jordan

http://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2015/aug/19/mike-huckabee-blunders-his-way-through-israel-press-conference

—-

Iran nuclear deal only ‘empowers rogue nation’, says Huckabee – video

http://www.theguardian.com/us-news/video/2015/aug/19/iran-nuclear-mike-huckabee-video

—-

Nearly all the GOP candidates bow down to Grover Norquist

https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/plum-line/wp/2015/08/13/nearly-all-the-gop-candidates-bow-down-to-grover-norquist/

—-

The world must act to stop Syria’s suffering

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/aug/19/the-world-must-act-to-stop-syrias-suffering

—-

Syria conflict: UN ‘horrified’ by attacks on civilians

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-33958184

—-

Beheaded Syrian scholar refused to lead Isis to hidden Palmyra antiquities

Khaled al-Asaad, 82, was interrogated by militants for a month before he was murdered in the ancient city

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/aug/18/isis-beheads-archaeologist-syria

—-

Isis lost more than 7,000 fighters in past year, says Australian defense chief

David Johnston says group is more centralised in Iraq and most of its efforts are spent trying to hold ground rather than take new areas

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/aug/19/isis-lost-more-than-7000-fighters-in-past-year-says-australian-defence-chief

—-

‘There is no silver bullet’: Isis, al-Qaida and the myths of terrorism

The west’s response to 9/11 was the catastrophic ‘war on terror’. Have we learned from our mistakes with al-Qaida, or is history repeating itself with Isis?

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/aug/19/isis-al-qaida-myths-terrorism-war-mistakes-9-11

—-

Yemen conflict: Country on brink of famine, says UN official

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-33998006

—-

Tunisian policeman shot dead near beach resort of Sousse

Two people on a motorbike open fire on group of police officers near the coastal resort where a jihadi gunman killed 38 tourists in June

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/aug/19/tunisian-policeman-shot-dead-near-beach-resort

—-

Cairo explosion: at least six injured in bomb attack near security building

Blast happened close to state security building in Egyptian capital in the early hours of Thursday morning, wounding six police officers

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/aug/20/explosion-heard-in-cairo-casualties

—-

Israel and Hamas ‘holding direct talks in an African state’, says Mahmoud Abbas

Claim from Palestinian Authority chairman comes amid reports Tony Blair “perhaps the most significant individual to begin dealing with cease-fire initiatives in Gaza in recent months”

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/gaza/11813184/Israel-and-Hamas-holding-direct-talks-in-an-African-state-says-Mahmoud-Abbas.html

—-

Decade later, many Israelis see Gaza pullout as a big mistake

https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/middle_east/a-decade-later-israelis-see-gaza-pullout-as-big-mistake/2015/08/14/21c06518-3480-11e5-b835-61ddaa99c73e_story.html

—-

Boko Haram crisis: ‘Dozens drown’ fleeing Nigeria attack

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-33983546

—-

Iraqi Kurds in limbo over president’s fate

Barzani’s term is set to end this week, but a controversial government decision could extend it for

http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2015/08/iraqi-kurds-limbo-president-fate-150818080100886.html

—-

Bangkok bomb: ‘Network of at least 10 people, including foreigners, planned attack for a month’

Thailand circulates description of “foreign” chief suspect to Interpol for manhunt but says that attack not believed to be linked to international terrorist group

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/thailand/11813535/Bangkok-bomb-Network-of-at-least-10-people-including-foreigners-planned-attack-for-a-month.html

—-

Abu Sayyaf hostages escape in Philippine raid

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-33998661
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The Texas border town where undocumented migrants are greeted with applause

When McAllen, Texas, found itself at the centre of America’s ‘migrant crisis’, it called in reinforcements – a 62-year-old nun with a revolutionary idea

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/aug/20/the-texas-border-town-where-undocumented-migrants-are-greeted-with-applause

—-

What was in Osama Bin Laden’s tape collection?

http://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-33931657

—-

Risking death at sea to escape boredom

http://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-33986899

—-

😆
————

Gone off sex? Never fear, ‘pink Viagra’ is here to save womankind

Suzanne Moore

The holy grail of the drugs industry has arrived. Women who mostly can’t be bothered with sex can take a pill that will make them crave it – even with their own partners

http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2015/aug/19/gone-off-sex-never-fear-pink-viagra-here-to-save-womankind

—-

Bug-killing book pages clean murky drinking water

http://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-33954763

—-

Piggyback riders: Funny photos of lazy hitchhiking animals

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/picturegalleries/howaboutthat/11447004/Piggyback-riders-16-funny-photos-of-lazy-hitchhiking-animals.html

—-

Pictures of the day: 20 August 2015

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/picturegalleries/picturesoftheday/11813489/Pictures-of-the-day-20-August-2015.html

—-

Best photographs of the day 19 August 2015

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 August 20, 2015 @ 1:47 am

Good Morning Everyone!

Today is the 70th anniversary of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima. August the 9th will be the 70th anniversary of the atomic bombing of Nagasaki. I have included a few videos to remind us of those two awful days and the human cost of innocent lives lost. 80% of the residents of Hiroshima were civilians. I’m sure that you will share the same hope as I do that it will NEVER happen again.

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

Sayonara from my very hot early evening corner of Tokyo. Mata ne.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

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

Hiroshima 70th A-bomb anniversary will draw officials from record 100 countries

http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2015/08/05/national/history/hiroshima-gears-70th-bomb-anniversary-peace-campaigners-gather/

—-

How The Japan Times reported the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki

http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2015/08/05/national/history/japan-times-reported-atomic-bombings-hiroshima-nagasaki/

—-

Japan defense chief says SDF could deal with nukes under security bills

http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2015/08/05/national/politics-diplomacy/japan-defense-chief-says-sdf-deal-nukes-security-bills/

—-

Kyushu Electric delays scheduled nuclear reactor reactivation

http://mainichi.jp/english/english/newsselect/news/20150805p2a00m0na010000c.html

—-

Did a Japanese high school student stop 350,000 people from getting home by throwing a bag?

http://www.japantoday.com/category/national/view/did-a-japanese-high-school-student-stop-350000-people-from-getting-home-by-throwing-a-bag

—-

PICTURE OF THE DAY

Peace

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

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

Why not sell the whole bloody island while you’re at it George??
————

4 charts that show how George Osborne wants to sell more public assets in 12 months than Britain has in last 20 years

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/news/the-great-british-sell-off-osborne-will-sell-more-public-assets-in-the-next-12-months-than-in-the-last-20-years-combined-10440918.html

—-

Conservatives launch new assault on union funding

Conservatives launch a new assault on trade unions by banning public sector bodies from automatically deducting subscription fees from workers’ wages.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/politics/conservative/11786119/Conservatives-launch-new-assault-on-union-funding.html

—-

Tony Blair should stand trial for war crimes over Iraq invasion, Jeremy Corbyn says

The Labour leadership candidate says it was an ‘illegal war'” and individuals who ‘made the decisions’ should face justice

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/politics/labour/11784095/Tony-Blair-should-stand-trial-for-war-crimes-over-Iraq-invasion-Jeremy-Corbyn-says.html

—-

Russian region bans British historians’ books on Second World War

Works by Antony Beevor and Sir John Keegan are targeted by the authorities in Sverdlovsk, who accuse them of spreading “Nazi propaganda”

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/russia/11786024/Russian-region-bans-British-historians-books-on-Second-World-War.html

—-

Obama accuses Iran deal opponents of luring Congress toward Middle East war

US president warns against heeding the ‘drumbeat of war’ ahead of congressional vote, saying the Iran deal’s dissenters also argued for the war in Iraq

http://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2015/aug/05/obama-speech-iran-deal-iraq-war

—-

Complete Video of Obama’s Case for the Iran Deal

Video of President Obama’s complete remarks on Wednesday, in which he reminded Americans that several prominent critics of the Iran nuclear deal had also advocated the invasion of Iraq.

http://www.nytimes.com/politics/first-draft/2015/08/05/complete-video-of-obamas-case-for-the-iran-deal/

—-

The real nuclear danger isn’t Iran or North Korea

http://america.aljazeera.com/articles/2015/8/4/the-real-nuclear-danger-doesnt-come-from-iran-or-north-korea.html

—-

Joe Biden ‘actively considering’ challenging Hillary Clinton

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-33697387

—-

Bernie Sanders to Visit Liberty University, a Rare Venue for a Democratic Campaign

Mr. Sanders will speak at the university founded by the Rev. Jerry Falwell, despite, the senator said, the “very different” views he and the conservative institution have.

http://www.nytimes.com/politics/first-draft/2015/08/05/bernie-sanders-to-visit-liberty-university-a-rare-venue-for-a-democratic-campaign/

—-

Bernie Sanders’s rise means for American politics

https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/weekend-at-bernies/2015/08/05/64c67582-3ba6-11e5-9c2d-ed991d848c48_story.html

—-

Texas ID Law Called Breach of Voting Rights Act

The court ruling centers on a state requirement that would-be voters produce some specific forms of government-issued photo identification.

http://www.nytimes.com/2015/08/06/us/appellate-panel-says-texas-id-law-broke-us-voting-rights-act.html

—-

Americans say racism is a bigger problem today than at any point in the past 20 years

http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/wonkblog/wp/2015/08/05/americans-say-racism-is-a-bigger-problem-today-than-at-any-point-in-the-past-20-years/

—-

11 Things You’ll Probably Hear During The First GOP Debate That Are Totally False

http://thinkprogress.org/election/2015/08/04/3687520/first-republican-debate/

—-

The GOP field’s calculated crazy talk

https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/the-gop-fields-calculated-crazy-talk/2015/08/03/ea8ccea6-3a10-11e5-8e98-115a3cf7d7ae_story.html

—-

Only losers out-Trump Trump

https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/only-losers-out-trump-trump/2015/08/02/b645000c-37c0-11e5-b673-1df005a0fb28_story.html

—-

Charles Koch: I Don’t Have Too Much Power Because I Don’t Completely Control The Government

http://thinkprogress.org/election/2015/08/05/3688184/charles-koch-not-much-power/

—-

US-trained Syrian rebels say they won’t fight al-Qaeda affiliate Jabhat al-Nusra

Division 30 signals rejection of Washington’s strategy, even as US vows to step up air support to defend the group from attacks by the radical Islamist faction

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/syria/11784872/US-trained-Syrian-rebels-say-they-wont-fight-al-Qaeda-affiliate-Jabhat-al-Nusra.html

—-

Tunisia beach massacre ‘linked’ to museum killings

http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-33791293

—-

The military operation in Gaza that still haunts Israel one year later

https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/the-military-operation-in-gaza-that-still-haunts-israel-one-year-later/2015/08/03/915859a8-3480-11e5-b835-61ddaa99c73e_story.html

—-

Do Israelis Still Care About Justice?

After two deadly hate crimes by Jewish extremists, there has not been nearly enough outrage.

http://www.nytimes.com/2015/08/04/opinion/do-israelis-still-care-about-justice.html

—-

Hundreds feared dead as fishing boat carrying 600 migrants capsizes north of Libya

Hundreds feared dead as major rescue operation underway after boat overturns during desperate attempt to reach Libya

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/africaandindianocean/libya/11785341/Fishing-boat-carrying-600-migrants-capsizes-north-of-Libya.html

—-

Taliban resignation points to extent of internal divisions in leadership crisis

Head of Qatar-based political office quits and issues statement criticising power transition following confirmation of leader Mullah Omar’s death

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/aug/04/taliban-resignation-divisions-leadership-qatar-mullah-omar

—-

China detains Zhejiang Christians amid cross removal dispute

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-china-33783463

—-

MH370: Abbott says ‘baffling mystery’ is closer to being solved

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-33798704

—-

Relatives refuse to believe debris is from MH370

Families in China carry banner reading “It will surely return safely” despite Malaysia’s prime minister saying wreckage is from missing plane

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/mh370/11786399/Relatives-refuse-to-believe-debris-is-from-MH370.html
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Hiroshima Nuclear (atomic) Bomb – USA attack on Japan (1945) 1/3

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=jY9VwCE_Dsg

24 Hours After Hiroshima 2/3

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=AjPm9Vo_pYU

24 Hours After Hiroshima 3/3

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

Hiroshima atomic bomb: Necessity or war crime?

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-33782641

—-

Hiroshima: the true account of hell on earth

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/books/authors/hiroshima-the-true-account/

—-

Hiroshima: They told me to paint my story

Eighty-nine-year-old man recalls the terror and the trauma when the atomic bomb fell on Japanese city 70 years ago.

http://www.aljazeera.com/blogs/editors-blog/2015/08/hiroshima-japan-atomic-bomb-painter-keigo-miyagawa-150805155310433.html

—-

70 years after the atomic bombs: Hiroshima and Nagasaki then and now

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/japan/11784827/70-years-after-the-atomic-bombs-Hiroshima-and-Nagasaki-then-and-now.html

—-

Chicago police detained thousands of black Americans at interrogation facility

Special report: Guardian lawsuit reveals overwhelming racial disparity at Homan Square, where detainees are still held for minor crimes with little access to the outside world, despite police denials that site is an anomaly

http://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2015/aug/05/homan-square-chicago-thousands-detained

—-

A young girl’s struggle to go to school

Poni walks four hours to and from school daily and attends classes after working with her mother. Why? She is a girl.

http://www.aljazeera.com/blogs/africa/2015/08/young-girl-struggle-school-150806010832062.html

—-

Inside the largest Syrian refugee camp – Zaatari camp three years on

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/jordan/11782854/Inside-the-largest-Syrian-refugee-camp-Zaatari-camp-three-years-on.html

—-

Pictures of the day: 6 August 2015

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/picturegalleries/picturesoftheday/11786480/Pictures-of-the-day-6-August-2015.html

—-

Best photographs of the day 5 August 2015

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-da

» Posted By Kalima On August 6, 2015 @ 1:51 am

Hello Nirek.

Well it sounds as if you are very busy promoting Bernie, good for you.

Our night temperatures are 27C and up. Even with the A/C on, it is often unbearable. I doubt that we will see any cooling down until the end of September. Sorry I’m not around much but it is difficult to concentrate.

Thanks for dropping by, it’s always good to see you.

Take care and peace.

» Posted By Kalima On August 1, 2015 @ 4:29 am

Good Morning Everyone!

Today is the first time this week that I have opened my Mac. It’s just too hot to type in front of screen that generates even more heat. Our long summer is here.

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

Sayonara from my own personal sauna in my corner of Tokyo. Mata ne.

Thought of the Day

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

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

Hibakusha offspring seek greater national study to address their health concerns

http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2015/07/30/national/science-health/hibakusha-offspring-seek-greater-national-study-address-health-concerns/

—-

Relatives sue TEPCO over suicide of 102-year-old man in nuclear evacuation zone

http://mainichi.jp/english/english/newsselect/news/20150729p2a00m0na012000c.html

—-

Search for bodies of 6 missing climbers on Mt Ontake resumes

http://www.japantoday.com/category/national/view/search-for-bodies-of-6-missing-climbers-on-mt-ontake-resumes

Rainy season declared over throughout Japan

http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2015/07/29/national/rainy-season-declared-over-throughout-japan-2/

—-

Old haunts: Looking for hidden ghosts in Tokyo

http://www.japantoday.com/category/travel/view/old-haunts-looking-for-hidden-ghosts-in-tokyo

—-

PICTURE OF THE DAY

Hanging around Hanazono

http://www.japantoday.com/category/picture-of-the-day/view/hanging-around-hanazono
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

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

Jeremy Corbyn wins backing of Unison trade union in race for Labour leadership

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/jeremy-corbyn-wins-backing-of-unison-trade-union-in-race-for-labour-leadership-10424779.html

—-

How do you ration hip surgery? Will they start a lottery? You win. You lose.
———–

NHS treatments such as vasectomies and hip operations to be rationed because of cost-cutting

http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/nhs-treatments-such-as-vasectomies-and-hip-operations-to-be-rationed-due-to-costcutting-10424891.html

—-

Disgusting!
———–

Centrica to cut 6,000 jobs as British Gas profits double

Britain’s biggest energy supplier made £528m in the first half of 2015 – more than in the entirety of 2014

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/newsbysector/energy/11771823/Centrica-announces-6000-job-cuts-as-British-Gas-profits-double.html

—-

Heinous!
————

Peer claims £300 a day in expenses to walk 200 yards to work at House of Lords

Baroness Wilcox lives in a £4.5million home 200 yards from the House of Lords, but bills taxpayer up to £5,700 a month for walk to work

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/politics/conservative/11769736/Peer-claims-300-a-day-in-expenses-to-walk-200-yards-to-work-at-House-of-Lords.html

—-

Calais migrants undeterred by Channel Tunnel security blitz – live

Migrants in new attempts to reach Britain as David Cameron warns UK will not be ‘safe haven’ for illegal immigrants at French port – latest updates

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/immigration/11772262/Calais-illegal-immigrants-crisis-live.html

—-

Greece PM threatens Syriza rebels with snap elections

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-33707439

—-

Well of course they have, they never take responsibility for anything.
————

MH17 crash: Russia vetoes UN resolution for international tribunal

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-33710088

—-

Here’s some more good news about Obamacare. Too bad it won’t dent the debate.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/plum-line/wp/2015/07/28/heres-some-more-good-news-about-obamacare-too-bad-it-wont-dent-the-debate/

—-

Jewish Americans support the Iran nuclear deal

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/the-fix/wp/2015/07/27/jewish-americans-support-the-iran-nuclear-deal/

—-

Raynette Turner: Mother of 8 becomes fifth black woman to die in US custody this month

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/raynette-turner-mother-of-8-becomes-fifth-black-woman-to-die-in-us-custody-this-month-10425698.html

—-

Cincinnati campus police officer charged with murder of black man

The University of Cincinnati police officer who fatally shot an unarmed black man killed the man “totally unwarranted”, the prosecutor says

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/northamerica/usa/11771985/Cincinnati-campus-police-officer-charged-with-murder-of-black-man.html

—-

Bernie Sanders Lobbies for A.F.L.-C.I.O. Endorsement

Citing his long legislative record and improving performance in opinion polls, Senator Bernie Sanders told leaders of the union that he was best equipped to advance the rights and benefits of organized labor.

http://www.nytimes.com/politics/first-draft/2015/07/29/sanders-lobbies-for-a-f-l-c-i-o-endorsement/

—-

Hillary Clinton’s climate change plan ‘just plain silly’, says leading expert

The Democratic frontrunner’s solar proposal has major holes if she hopes to halt global warming. What would a real climate-change candidate look like?

http://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2015/jul/29/hillary-clinton-climate-change-plan

—-

Walter Palmer faces threat of US prosecution over Cecil the lion shooting

Both US Fish and Wildlife Service and US Attorney’s office examining complaint by Minnesota congresswoman Betty McCollum

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/northamerica/usa/11772283/Walter-Palmer-faces-threat-of-US-prosecution-over-Cecil-the-lion-shooting.html

—-

Memo To Donald Trump: Here’s What The Law Actually Says About Raping Your Spouse

http://thinkprogress.org/justice/2015/07/28/3684980/memo-donald-trump-heres-law-actually-says-raping-spouse/

—-

Mike Huckabee and Donald Trump Offer Bizarre Defenses for Indefensible Statements

Mr. Huckabee says Jewish voters aren’t offended by his recent Holocaust references.

http://takingnote.blogs.nytimes.com/2015/07/28/mike-huckabee-and-donald-trump-offer-bizarre-defenses-for-indefensible-statements/

—-

Good Lord!
————

Alabama Seeks To Deny Woman Abortion By Stripping Her Parental Rights, Appointing Lawyer For Fetus

http://thinkprogress.org/health/2015/07/29/3685847/alabama-fetus-lawyer-inmate/

—-

The man with the toughest job in the world

When Staffan de Mistura became UN special envoy, his past successes brought hope for peace. A year later, with no solution in sight, he faces heavy criticism. Has his innovative diplomacy failed or is it simply mission impossible?

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/jul/30/staffan-de-mistura-man-with-toughest-job-in-world-syria

—-

What does Turkey’s involvement in air strikes mean for Kurds, Isil, Syria and Nato?

After the terrorist attack in Turkey last week, Ankara has launched air strikes and allowed the US to use its airbase in Incirlik. King’s College London experts and Richard Spencer explain what this change in policy means

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/turkey/11769463/What-does-Turkeys-involvement-in-air-strikes-mean-for-Kurds-Isil-Syria-and-Nato.html

—-

Israel accused of killing 75 children during day of ‘carnage’ and war crimes in Gaza war

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/amnesty-international-accuses-israel-of-war-crimes-during-black-friday-of-gaza-war-10424085.html

—-

Israel announces more settlements after West Bank demolition protests

Benjamin Netanyahu approves 300 homes in religious West Bank settlement as a sweetener after residents protested angrily over the destruction of two unauthorised buildings

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/israel/11771140/Israel-announces-more-West-Bank-settlements-after-demolition-protests.html

—-

Two Israelis charged in arson attack on Church of Loaves and Fishes

Described by authorities as Jewish extremists, the two men are accused of torching part of a church at the site where Christians believe Jesus performed the miracle of the loaves and fishes

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/israel/11771952/Two-Israelis-charged-in-arson-attack-on-Church-of-Loaves-and-Fishes.html

—-

Al-Jazeera journalists to hear Egypt retrial verdicts

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-33713293

—-

Gaddafi’s son Saif al-Islam sentenced to death by court in Libya

Former heir apparent and other senior members of one-time Libyan regime sentenced in Tripoli after controversial trial criticised by human rights groups

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/jul/28/saif-al-islam-sentenced-death-by-court-in-libya-gaddafi-son

—-

Yakub Memon, convicted in 1993 Mumbai blasts, has been hanged

India has hanged Memon for his role in the country’s deadliest bombings, which killed 257 people in Mumbai in 1993, after the Supreme Court threw out his final plea for a stay of execution

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/india/11772331/Yakub-Memon-convicted-in-1993-Mumbai-blasts-has-been-hanged.html

—-

Notorious terrorist commander killed in Pakistan

Malik Ishaq, the leader of Lashkar-e-Jhangvi (LeJ) which concentrated on attacking Shia Muslims, dies in a mysterious ambush in the city of Multan

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/pakistan/11771297/Notorious-terrorist-commander-killed-in-Pakistan.html

—-

Mullah Omar – the evasive ghost who led the Taliban through secrecy

The apparent death of a man who was an institution within the group threatens the possibility of peace with the Taliban

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/jul/29/mullah-omar-evasive-ghost-who-lead-taliban-through-secrecy

—-

Mullah Omar, creator of the Taliban, is dead… for the fourth time

I was once told that intelligence services declare their enemies dead to provoke them into popping up their heads and revealing their location

http://www.independent.co.uk/voices/mullah-omar-creator-of-the-taliban-is-dead-for-the-fourth-time-10425159.html

—-

UPDATE:

MH370: Malaysia urges debris vigilance after wing part found

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-33753126

—-

MH370 search: Réunion Island debris ‘almost certainly’ from Boeing 777 – live updates

Officials examine aircraft part washed up on Réunion Island in the French Indian Ocean as possible clue to fate of missing Malaysian Airlines plane

Read the latest summary
What is the flaperon found in La Réunion?

http://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2015/jul/30/mh370-possible-breakthrough-debris-found-reunion-island

—-

Myanmar frees 6,966 prisoners ahead of polls

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-33714620
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Sex trafficking: Lifelong struggle of exploited children

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-33710224

—-

Mexico: Growing old in poverty

Caught in cycle of poverty feeding off the informal labour market, Mexico poor grow old on the job, have no retirement.

http://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/features/2015/07/mexico-growing-poverty-150727062410702.html

—-

Walter Palmer killed Cecil the Lion with a bow to show off – and now he’s discovering what it’s like to be hunted

Palmer has finally learned what it means to be the prey of a larger force than himself

http://www.independent.co.uk/voices/comment/walter-palmer-killed-cecil-the-lion-with-a-bow-to-show-off–and-now-hes-discovering-what-its-like-to-be-hunted-10424613.html

—-

Germany Just Got 78 Percent Of Its Electricity From Renewable Sources

http://thinkprogress.org/climate/2015/07/29/3685555/germany-sets-new-renewable-energy-record/

—-

Memory loss: what makes people forget who they are?

When amnesia strikes, people can forget everything about their life, including their name. But what causes memory loss? And what happens to people who lose themselves for an hour, a few months – or even for ever?

http://www.theguardian.com/science/2015/jul/29/memory-loss-what-makes-people-forgot-who-they-are-amnesia

—-

This must be an epidemic 😯
————

Man suffering from blocked nose dials 999

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/leamington-spa-man-dials-999-for-blocked-nose-10424696.html

—-

Picturing England: photographs of English life

From egg gatherers in Yorkshire to the Holborn viaduct under construction, a book by the Historic England Archive brings together photos dating from 1850

http://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/gallery/2015/jul/29/picturing-england-photographs-english-life-historic-archive

—-

Chernobyl 30 years on: Photographs from inside the exclusion zone

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/earth/environment/11765272/30-years-on-The-eerie-scenes-of-disaster-stricken-Chernobyl-in-pictures.html

—-

Pictures of the day: 30 July 2015

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/picturegalleries/picturesoftheday/11772063/Pictures-of-the-day-30-July-2015.html

—-

Best photographs of the day 29 July 2013

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 July 30, 2015 @ 2:01 am

Hello Kes.

Your evening news, that’s something, and it continues unfortunately. Can’t spend more than two minutes outside at one time. It’s relentless.

Jeremy Hunt should never have been given that post. It’s like hiring a lifeguard who cannot swim. Useless!

Scandinavian countries seem to share a unique view of punishment, and as you say, domestic terrorists are thriving in jail while the victims families are struggling to get on with their lives. Something is definitely out of whack there.

I have never liked Trump. Found him to be a classless oaf, but if he damages the republicans for as long as the ignoramus is in the race, they deserve each embarrassing part of him.

Ah yes, Israel calling the kettle black. So what else is new when you have people in power who become the oppressors despite their tragic history?

Glad you like the 999 call guy. Well I suppose it’s a step up from calls here complaining that they can’t get off the loo because they have run out of loo paper. Lol!

That story about the new car was just too funny. Thanks for sharing. 🙂

Thanks for stopping by when I know how busy you have been lately. Hope that you can relax a bit now and put your feet up.

Take care and see you soon.

» Posted By Kalima On July 28, 2015 @ 10:03 pm

Good Morning Everyone!

That typhoon I spoke about last time, is still on it’s way. Can’t remember waiting for one as slow as this one has been in coming. Until the rain today, I had almost forgotten about it.

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

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

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

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

Japan discloses photos of China’s gas development in East China Sea

http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2015/07/22/national/politics-diplomacy/japan-discloses-photos-chinas-gas-development-east-china-sea/

—-

Nuclear evacuees face dilemma over returning home

http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2015/07/23/national/social-issues/nuclear-evacuees-face-dilemma-returning-home/

—-

Over 6,000 people rushed to hospitals amid summer heat last week

http://mainichi.jp/english/english/newsselect/news/20150722p2g00m0dm046000c.html

—-

PICTURE OF THE DAY

Spacemen

http://www.japantoday.com/category/picture-of-the-day/view/spacemen-2
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

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

George Osborne will spend more than ever. Don’t be fooled by his ‘40% cuts’

Simon Jenkins

http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2015/jul/23/george-osborne-spend-more-than-ever-not-cutting-cost-public-sector

—-

Is Jeremy Hunt to the NHS what Henry VIII was to the monasteries?
Giles Fraser

It was Benedictine monks who cared for the sick before Henry’s grand theft and destruction. No wonder our health secretary talks of a Reformation of the NHS

http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/belief/2015/jul/17/jeremy-hunt-nhs-henry-viii-monasteries

—-

Breivik victims’ parents too traumatised to work four years on, research shows

Six out of 10 parents are still struggling with intense grief over the 2011 massacre, while two out of three show symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/jul/22/anders-breivik-victims-parents-too-traumatised-to-work-research

—-

Migration centres to close after people were ‘being treated like animals’

Three centres will close in Sicily after Italian Carabinieri officers found they failed to meet the required health and safety standards.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/italy/11756705/Migration-centres-to-close-after-people-were-being-treated-like-animals.html

—-

Greek parliament approves new reforms, clearing way for bailout talks

Alexis Tsipiras survives revolt by radical members of his own Syriza party and says Greece had no alternative but to accept tough conditions

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/greece/11757232/Greek-parliament-approves-new-reforms-clearing-way-for-bailout-talks.html

—-

White House in ‘final stages’ of plan to close Guantánamo Bay prison

Barack Obama’s administration to present plan to close detention center for terrorism suspects

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/northamerica/usa/11757017/White-House-in-final-stages-of-plan-to-close-Guantanamo-Bay-prison.html

—-

Obama on The Daily Show: ‘I can’t believe you’re leaving before me’

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-33618447

—-

Sanders rallies with federal workers for ‘$15 and a union’

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/post-politics/wp/2015/07/22/bernie-sanders-rallies-with-federal-workers-for-15-and-a-union/

—-

Clinton lags among voters in swing states against leading GOP hopefuls

http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/clinton-lags-among-voters-in-swing-states-against-leading-gop-hopefuls/2015/07/22/2f83ba56-2fe4-11e5-8f36-18d1d501920d_story.html

—-

Zombie Eric Cantor is here to weigh in on the Donald Trump problem he helped create

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/the-fix/wp/2015/07/22/zombie-eric-cantor-is-here-to-weigh-in-on-the-donald-trump-problem-he-helped-create/

—-

Donald Trump: Master of the demolition derby

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-33600260

—-

Opinions

Trump has the GOP establishment’s number
https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/trump-has-the-gops-number/2015/07/22/60ec49e6-309d-11e5-8353-1215475949f4_story.html

—-

What The Supreme Court Has To Say About Sandra Bland’s Arrest

http://thinkprogress.org/justice/2015/07/22/3683281/supreme-court-say-sandra-blands-arrest/

—-

Canada tightens citizenship laws to fight ‘terrorism’

Dual nationals convicted of terrorism can now be stripped of their citizenship, and applicants face new hurdles.

http://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/features/2015/07/canada-tightens-citizenship-laws-fight-terrorism-150719113501038.html

—-

Syria named as the world’s most dangerous country in latest research on global levels of peace and violence

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/politics/syria-named-as-the-worlds-most-dangerous-country-in-latest-research-on-global-levels-of-peace-and-violence-10408410.html

—-

Syria conflict: ‘Unprecedented’ assault on Zabadani

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-33624215

—-

Suruc suicide attack: Bombing shows that Turkey is being sucked into the violence in Syria

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/suruc-suicide-attack-bombing-shows-that-turkey-is-being-sucked-into-the-violence-in-syria-10408595.html

—-

Nile river boat crash: At least 15 dead, six missing

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-33632887

—-

What a choice for Egypt – a megalomaniac president or the madness of Isis

Egypt is following the path of so many other countries that are being torn apart. If you torture your people enough, Isis will germinate in their wounds

http://www.independent.co.uk/voices/comment/what-a-choice-for-egypt–a-megalomaniac-president-or-the-madness-of-isis-10400354.html

—-

How utterly ridiculous, most of them are children.
————

Israel introduces controversial 20-year jail sentences for stone throwing

Long sentences could be meted out to culprits proven to have intended to cause harm while lesser offenders could face up to 10 years in prison

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/israel/11755603/Israel-introduces-controversial-20-year-jail-sentences-for-stone-throwing.html

—-

EU protests against Israeli plans to demolish Palestinian village

European foreign ministers join US in warning against ‘harmful and provocative’ demolition or evictions in West Bank village of Khirbet Susiya

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/jul/21/israel-demolition-palestinian-village-khirbet-susiya-eu-protest

—-

Nigeria’s Boko Haram crisis: Many dead in Gombe bombing

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-33631744

—-

Iran seeks tension-easing meeting with Gulf neighbours after nuclear deal

Foreign minister to visit Qatar next week with view to arranging summit, as US vows to help Arab states ‘push back’ against Tehran’s regional influence

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/jul/22/iran-seeks-tension-easing-meeting-gulf-neighbours-nuclear-deal

—-

The Iran deal is good for Middle East peace

The international unity forged in Vienna may be able to resolve other deep-rooted regional problems in the region.

http://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/opinion/2015/07/iran-nuclear-deal-good-middle-east-peace-150715100134095.html

—-

Car bombings and suicide attacks kill dozens in Iraq

Over 30 people killed in four separate bombings in Baghdad, while 22 Iraqi soldiers and fighters killed in Fallujah.

http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2015/07/deadly-double-suicide-attacks-rock-iraq-fallujah-150722083024575.html

—-

Isis fighters ‘blown up by their own landmine’ in Iraq, Kurdish fighters claim

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/isis-fighters-blown-up-by-their-own-landmine-in-iraq-kurdish-fighters-claim-10406898.html

—-

Australia’s climate change stance attacked by UK MP

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-australia-33632240

—-

Unforgivable and irresponsible. Humans are to blame for not taking care of their pets by spaying and neutering, then growing tired of their pets, they heartlessly abandon them. This is disgraceful!
————

Australia Plans To Kill 2 Million Cats

https://www.thedodo.com/australia-kill-feral-cats-1253963938.html

—-

Burma sentences 153 Chinese workers to life imprisonment for illegal logging

China lodges diplomatic protest after court issues harsh punishments in crackdown on illegal timber trade along border

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/jul/23/burma-chinese-workers-life-imprisonment-illegal-logging
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Why my own father would have let IS kill me

http://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-33565055

—-

Is This the End of Christianity in the Middle East?

ISIS and other extremist movements across the region are enslaving, killing and uprooting Christians, with no aid in sight.

http://www.nytimes.com/2015/07/26/magazine/is-this-the-end-of-christianity-in-the-middle-east.html

—-

Meeting Obama’s grandmother in family’s Kenyan homeland

Village in which US president’s father was born hope Barack Obama will visit them on his upcoming trip to Kenya.

http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2015/07/meeting-obama-grandmother-family-kenyan-homeland-150723042707943.html

—-

How Walking in Nature Changes the Brain

A walk in the park may soothe the mind and, in the process, change the workings of our brains in ways that improve our mental health.

http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2015/07/22/how-nature-changes-the-brain/

—-

Hilarious!
————

Listen: Man rings 999 after seagull tries to steal sandwich

‘One of them seagulls basically tried to rip the sandwich out of my hand’: Avon and Somerset Police release ’emergency’ call made by Bristol man

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/howaboutthat/11756384/Listen-Man-rings-999-after-seagull-tries-to-steal-sandwich.html

—-

Laughter in the slums: the best work of street photographer Shirley Baker – in pictures

Shirley Baker, who died recently, documented everyday life in the UK with a fond eye, turning prosaic scenes in slums and seasides into quietly romantic images. Here is a selection of her finest work

http://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/gallery/2014/oct/08/laughter-in-the-slums-the-best-work-of-street-photographer-shirley-baker-in-pictures

—-

Pictures of the day: 23 July 2015

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/picturegalleries/picturesoftheday/11757075/Pictures-of-the-day-23-July-2015.html

—-

Best photographs of the day 22 July 2015

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 July 23, 2015 @ 2:08 am

Oops, I almost missed this comment, so sorry for the delay, Aquarius.

Yes, the GOP hopeful lunatics are very tiring because there is nothing in the least substantial about any of them. They are in fact a parody of themselves. Add the awful toupee fiasco, and you have an embarrassing, cheaply made, reality show where one tries to outdo the other with the tackiest statements. This is not politics, it’s a freak show.

I wish that there were a few more reliable candidates on the Dem side too, but as you say, it’s still early and a lot can change in a year.

Glad you enjoy the world news here, hope to post again on Thursday morning should you be interested.

There is still much good in the world, and wonderful people helping each other, but finding those stories becomes more difficult, and the pictures need little explanation.

Thanks for your good wishes but there will be no cool days until about October now. Our rainy season just ended, and now our long, unbearably hot summer begins along with my yearly prickly heat rash. At 6 am it is already 29C. Have been seriously thinking of moving into our freezer for the duration, unfortunately my hubby and our felines would not all fit in with me.

Take care and I hope to see you again soon. Thanks for stopping by.

» Posted By Kalima On July 20, 2015 @ 3:32 pm

Hello Nirek, always nice to find you here.

Thanks for the good wishes. We are expecting a slow moving typhoon here although our rainy season officially ends on Sunday. We are so fed up with the heat and rain, especially my three outside cats, but after this comes our long scorching summer so there is no relief in sight. I often wonder what I’m doing here being born in a country where winters were severe enough to actually freeze the water in the loos. I must be insane!

Yes, it’s a great accomplishment by the President and those GOPers against it, haven’t even bothered to read it. You know, like they couldn’t be bothered to read through the ACA bill or for that matter, anything else President Obama proposes. Lazy bunch of immature, clueless hasbeens! Just the fact that the President wanted this deal is enough to make them scream against it. What else is new? Stupid people.

Just in case you haven’t read this yet, here is another link to an interview with Bernie. Distribution of wealth was Obama’s wish during the last GE campaign if you remember? Can’t see a way to get any Republicans on that train though.

Take care and peace to you and yours.

—-

Bernie Sanders on America’s ‘grotesquely unfair’ society

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/wonkblog/wp/2015/07/16/bernie-sanders-on-americas-grotesquely-unfair-society/

» Posted By Kalima On July 17, 2015 @ 2:03 am

Good Morning Everyone!

Sorry I’ve missed a few days but have been battling a killer heatwave that continued for over a week, claimed lives, and hospitalised over 1000 people. Very strange for this time of the year, and now we are expecting a typhoon.

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

Sayonara from my rainy, windy and very humid corner of Tokyo. Mata ne.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

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

Amid angry scenes, ruling parties force security bills through Lower House committee

http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2015/07/15/national/politics-diplomacy/amid-angry-scenes-ruling-parties-force-security-bills-lower-house-committee/

—-

Protesters decry passage of ‘war legislation’ by Lower House committee

http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2015/07/15/national/outside-diet-protesters-decry-passage-defense-bills-lower-house-committee/

—-

Ikata reactor in Ehime wins safety approval as nuclear plants inch closer to restart

http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2015/07/15/national/ikata-reactor-ehime-wins-safety-approval-nations-nuclear-plants-inch-closer-restarts/

—-

Nuclear watchdog says safety culture not good enough after documents falsified

http://www.japantoday.com/category/national/view/nuclear-watchdog-says-safety-culture-not-good-enough-after-documents-falsified

—-

Muslims in Japan observe Ramadan

http://www.japantoday.com/category/lifestyle/view/muslims-in-japan-observe-ramadan

—-

PICTURE OF THE DAY

Beat the heat

http://www.japantoday.com/category/picture-of-the-day/view/beat-the-heat-4
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

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

Great way to exhaust them so mistakes may be made that could cause people to lose their lives.
————

New doctors will be forced to work weekends in ‘seven-day NHS’ plan

http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/new-doctors-will-be-forced-to-work-weekends-in-sevenday-nhs-plan-10391641.html

—-

This Tory attack on unions should remind us how much we need them
Zoe Williams

With work no longer linked to production but precarious and something to be grateful for, it’s crucial collectivism survives: without it, the richer party wins

http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2015/jul/15/tory-attack-unions-work

—-

Majority of poor children live in working families, IFS study finds

Research says tax and benefits policies will directly increase inequality, undermining government’s ‘work your way out of poverty’ mantra

http://www.theguardian.com/society/2015/jul/16/ifs-majority-poor-children-working-families-study

—-

‘Accountant of Auschwitz’ jailed for the murder of 300,000 Jews

Judge in German court says 94-year-old former SS guard Oskar Gröning helped ensure smooth running of the Nazi killing machine

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/jul/15/accountant-oskar-groning-auschwitz-jailed-for-the-of-300000-jews

—-

France explosions: Devices found near Berre-L’Etang plant

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-33537345

—-

Greek MPs pass controversial austerity bill to secure Eurozone bail-out

Syriza MPs rebel, but Alexis Tsipras secures parliamentary vote that will stave off the threat of bankruptcy for now

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/greece/11742995/Greek-MPs-pass-controversial-austerity-bill-to-secure-Eurozone-bail-out.html

—-

Desperate Greeks scour UK for jobs to escape debt crisis

Recent developments in the debt crisis have exacerbated raging unemployment in the stricken country and prompted a rush in online searches for jobs in the UK

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/jobs/11741492/Desperate-Greeks-scour-UK-for-jobs-to-escape-debt-crisis.html

—-

MH17: Russian separatist leader sued for $900 million by crash victims

Exclusive: Igor Girkin formally accused of orchestrating the shooting down of the Malaysia Airlines flight in east Ukraine

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/ukraine/11742865/MH-17-Russian-separatist-leader-sued-for-900-million-by-crash-victims.html

—-

Iran nuclear deal: ‘99% of world agrees’ says Obama

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-33537634

—-

THE REAL REASON OBAMA DID THE IRAN DEAL

http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2015/07/14/the-iran-deal-s-missing-ingredient.html

—-

The Simplest Explanation Of The Iran Deal You’ll Find

http://thinkprogress.org/world/2015/07/15/3680767/iran-deal-explained-60-seconds-using-legos/

—-

Republicans’ knee-jerk hatred of the Iran deal

http://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/republicans-knee-jerk-hatred-of-the-iran-deal/2015/07/14/e62f32c4-2a5a-11e5-a5ea-cf74396e59ec_story.html

—-

Hillary Clinton Lags in Engaging Grass-Roots Donors

Hillary Rodham Clinton’s presidential campaign has been slow to harness the fund-raising power of the Democratic Party’s legions of grass-roots donors, according to reports filed Wednesday, a weakness that her campaign is racing to combat.

http://www.nytimes.com/2015/07/16/us/politics/hillary-clinton-lags-in-engaging-grass-roots-donors.html

—-

Hillary Clinton’s ‘Hillblazers’ List Is a Who’s Who of Big Donors

Hillary Rodham Clinton’s presidential campaign put out a list Wednesday of supporters from Wall Street to Hollywood who have raised at least $100,000 for her campaign by hosting events.

http://www.nytimes.com/politics/first-draft/2015/07/16/clintons-hillraisers-list-is-a-whos-who-of-big-donors/

—-

House Republicans Are Outraged That Obama Is Too Merciful

http://thinkprogress.org/justice/2015/07/15/3680759/house-republicans-clemency-letter/

—-

Jeb Bush’s Latest Attack on Obama Makes No Sense

Mr. Bush cited Mr. Obama’s “rhetoric of divisiveness,” but the president’s comments are only divisive if you refuse to recognize the facts.

http://takingnote.blogs.nytimes.com/2015/07/15/jeb-bushs-latest-attack-on-obama-makes-no-sense/

—-

Nuts!
————

Florida Congressman Claims Donald Trump’s Candidacy Was Orchestrated By Democratic Party

http://thinkprogress.org/election/2015/07/14/3680558/curbelo-trump-phantom-candidate/

—-

Trump:A monster the GOP created

http://www.washingtonpost.com/posttv/editorial/trump-a-monster-the-gop-created/2015/07/09/180812b0-2665-11e5-b621-b55e495e9b78_video.html

—-

Appalling!
————

Dozens of child soldiers recruited by Isil in Syria killed since the start of 2015

Since the start of the year, the extremist group has recruited more than 1,100 children, using them to execute prisoners and suicide bomb attacks

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/islamic-state/11741503/Dozens-of-child-soldiers-recruited-by-Isil-in-Syria-killed-since-the-start-of-2015.html

—-

Netanyahu slated in Israel for foreign policy failure over Iran nuclear accord

PM heavily criticised for isolating Israel diplomatically after he was unable to block deal, while Philip Hammond claims Israel prefers ‘permanent standoff’

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/jul/15/binyamin-netanyahu-slated-israel-foreign-policy-failure-iran-nuclear-accord

—-

Video ‘raises doubt over Palestinian shooting claim’

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-33506008

—-

Archbishop Desmond Tutu to stay second night in hospital

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-33534605

—-

Police unusually tolerant as Iran celebrates deal with song and dance

The nuclear accord that lifts sanctions against Iran has heralded a huge outpouring of jubilation with authorities promising to ‘accompany’ the festivities

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/jul/15/iran-police-tolerant-people-celebrate-deal-singing-dancing

—-

Iranians dance in streets over nuclear deal – video

http://www.theguardian.com/world/video/2015/jul/14/iranians-dance-streets-nuclear-deal-video

—-

On the front line of the war against Isis, joint action by US and Iran has never felt closer

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/on-the-front-line-of-the-war-against-isis-joint-action-by-us-and-iran-has-never-felt-closer-10391625.html

—-

Taliban leader Mullah Omar backs Afghanistan peace talks

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-33535905

—-

I’m sure everyone is queueing for their visa as I type.
————

Kim Jong-un invites entire US government to visit pesticide plant

Invitation follows warning by US weapons expert that facility could be used to manufacture anthrax

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/northkorea/11742465/Kim-Jong-un-invites-entire-US-government-to-visit-pesticide-plant.html
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

China struggles to contain the environmental damage of its rapid growth

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-china-33546231

—-

Full circle: Syria to Sicily

http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-33440568

—-

The Good Doctor

How one doctor’s inspirational leadership has made free, top-class public healthcare a reality in Pakistan.

http://www.aljazeera.com/programmes/thecure/2015/07/good-doctor-150714080512150.html

—-

In one Gaza neighbourhood, a bit of colour prevails

In an unconventional response to the trauma of war, one Gaza neighbourhood has been transformed with colour.

http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2015/07/150708101628874.html

—-

Tunisian winemakers remain upbeat despite concerns

http://www.bbc.com/news/business-33424302

—-

Sacred mystery: the photographers obsessed with the crumbling sphinx

From eerie Victorian prints to Freudian school-outing snaps, the ancient Egyptian colossus has captivated photographers since the dawn of the medium

http://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2015/jul/15/sacred-mystery-the-photographers-obsessed-with-the-crumbling-sphinx

—-

Pictures of the day: 15 July 2015

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/picturegalleries/picturesoftheday/11740180/Pictures-of-the-day-15-July-2015.html

—-

Best photographs of the day 15 July 2015

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 July 16, 2015 @ 2:06 am

Kes, it’s the President’s masterpiece to make a “friend” out of a “foe”. Of course the GOP are already all over it without having read any of the terms. Typical!

BooHoo Netanyahu is full of lies and the brown stuff. I doubt many people/countries will react to his yammering. That train left the station many years and many attacks on civilian Palestinians ago.

Have a good article on this for the Thursday morning updates.

» Posted By Kalima On July 14, 2015 @ 8:35 pm

Iran nuclear agreement ‘reached’ – diplomats in Vienna

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-33518524

» Posted By Kalima On July 14, 2015 @ 1:12 am

Good Morning Everyone!

It’s been a busy week here in Old Edo and I’m finally starting to unwind. Our Rainy Season has not disappointed, it’s been nonstop since last Tuesday. The mid year gifts are being delivered. The fridge and freezers are full of stuff I will never eat, but wait….here come the hams and and sausages because that is all we Germans ever eat, right?

Hope that your 4th of July celebrations are going well and that you are enjoying your weekend?

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

Sayonara from my rainy Sunday afternoon corner of Tokyo. Mata ne.

OUR MOMENT OF ZEN.

Why can’t we all learn to get along like Bella and her new friends?

Bella the Pit Bull Fosters Orphan Kittens

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=IJYo4vxgRA8
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A few stories and opinions from around the globe.
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Fuel ready to be brought to Sendai nuclear reactor

http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2015/07/04/national/fuel-ready-brought-sendai-nuclear-reactor/

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Bullet trains get rude wake-up call

http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2015/07/04/national/bullet-trains-get-rude-wake-up-call/

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Neighborhood heroes come in all sizes

http://www.japantoday.com/category/kuchikomi/view/neighborhood-heroes-come-in-all-sizes

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PICTURE OF THE DAY

Tropical delight

http://www.japantoday.com/category/picture-of-the-day/view/tropical-delight
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INTERNATIONAL NEWS
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Number of young homeless people in Britain is ‘more than three times the official figures’

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/number-of-young-homeless-people-in-britain-is-more-than-three-times-the-official-figures-10366229.html

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Found: The Bethnal Green schoolgirls who ran away to Syria

Exclusive: The Telegraph tracks down the three teenage runaways who left London in February to join Islamic State

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/islamic-state/11716099/Bethnal-Green-schoolgirls-identified-in-Syria-in-exclusive-video-footage.html

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Britain holds minute’s silence for victims of Tunisia beach attack – in pictures

People unite to mourn those killed in a gun massacre on a Tunisian beach last week. The Queen and the prime minister, David Cameron, paid their respects to the 38 killed, 30 of whom were British tourists, while play at Wimbledon was delayed and flags flew at half-mast over Whitehall and Buckingham Palace

http://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/gallery/2015/jul/03/britain-minutes-silence-victims-tunisia-beach-attack-in-pictures

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Greeks brace themselves for Referendum Day in the ‘Neighbourhood of the Gods’

As Greeks go to the polls, Colin Freeman speaks to Athenians about their feelings for the future

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/greece/11718604/Greeks-brace-themselves-for-Referendum-Day-in-the-Neighbourhood-of-the-Gods.html

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Ukraine crisis: Rally in Kiev urges war on eastern rebels

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-33392991

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Barack Obama wishes Americans happy and safe Fourth of July – video

http://www.theguardian.com/us-news/video/2015/jul/04/barack-obma-wishes-americans-happy-and-safe-fourth-of-july-video

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Obama’s Eulogy, Which Found Its Place in History

The president’s speech at the funeral of the Rev. Clementa C. Pinckney was not just eloquent but remarkable in how it fit a mass shooting into a discussion of race and justice.

http://www.nytimes.com/2015/07/04/arts/obamas-eulogy-which-found-its-place-in-history.html

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Koch-Backed Group Calls For No More National Parks

http://thinkprogress.org/climate/2015/07/03/3676816/happy-fourth-no-more-national-parks/

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Is The Declaration of Independence A ‘Scientific Paper’?

http://thinkprogress.org/climate/2015/07/03/3676956/july-4th-jefferson-intergenerational-equity/

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Bernie Sanders addresses 10,000 supporters at Wisconsin rally – video

Democratic presidential hopeful Bernie Sanders thanks his 10,000-strong crowd at a rally in Madison, Wisconsin, on Wednesday and criticises Republicans to the delight of his supporters. Sanders, a 73-year-old self-described democratic socialist, is trying to appeal to the most liberal Democrats with his message of raising the minimum wage to $15 an hour, bridging the gap between rich and poor, criminal justice reform and raising taxes on the wealthy and Wall Street
Source: Bernie 2016
Thursday 2 July 2015 11.08 BST

http://www.theguardian.com/us-news/video/2015/jul/02/bernie-sanders-supporters-wisconsin-rally-video

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Bernie Sanders’s Revolutionary Roots Were Nurtured in ’60s Vermont

Long before Mr. Sanders was a presidential candidate, he went to Burlington, where he supported himself with odd jobs and planned to remake the world.

http://www.nytimes.com/2015/07/04/us/politics/bernie-sanderss-revolutionary-roots-were-nurtured-in-60s-vermont.html

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SIGN THIS: It’s time for a constitutional amendment to overturn Citizens United

https://m.dailykos.com/campaigns/1336?detail=action

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A college balks at Hillary Clinton’s fee, so books Chelsea for $65,000 instead

http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/a-college-balks-at-hillary-clintons-fee-so-books-chelsea-for-65000-instead/2015/06/29/b1918e42-1e78-11e5-84d5-eb37ee8eaa61_story.html

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Donald Trump: A farce to be reckoned with

http://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/a-farce-to-be-reckoned-with/2015/07/02/230bb402-20fa-11e5-84d5-eb37ee8eaa61_story.html

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Mexican Laborer Delivers Devastating Response To Donald Trump In 58 Seconds — And Never Stops Working

http://thinkprogress.org/election/2015/07/02/3676891/mexican-laborer-donald-trump-rapists/

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

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Shell to start Arctic oil drilling

Oil and gas giant Shell is expected to begin drilling for oil in the Arctic within the next two weeks.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-33379982

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Court Sides With Homeowners Against Oil and Gas Companies

http://bluenationreview.com/court-sides-with-homeowners-against-oil-and-gas-companies/

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US air strikes hit multiple targets in Isil stronghold Raqqa

Strikes hit Islamic State structures and transit routes to ‘constrict freedom of movement’

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/islamic-state/11718781/US-air-strikes-hit-multiple-targets-in-Isil-stronghold-Raqqa.html

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Isis destroys Palmyra shrines in Syria

Islamic State militants have blown up two ancient shrines they consider sacrilegious at the 2,000-year-old Unesco world heritage site in central Syria

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/jun/23/isis-destroys-palmyra-shrines-in-syria

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Isis video shows killing of Syrian troops at Palmyra amphitheater

Teenage boys appear to shoot dead 25 men at Unesco world heritage site, in footage linked to Islamic State accounts

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/jul/04/isis-video-killing-palmyra-amphitheatre

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Report: Egypt increasingly cracking down on its youth

Egypt’s youth and activists are being subjected to a number of repressive measures, according to Amnesty International.

http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2015/06/150630071237894.html

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Tunisia beach attack: State of emergency declared

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-33394847

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Islamic State threatens to topple Hamas in Gaza Strip in video statement

Video issued from Isis stronghold in Syria is rare public challenge to Hamas, which has been cracking down on jihadis who oppose its truces with Israel

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/jun/30/islamic-state-threatens-hamas-gaza-strip

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IS claims rocket attack on Israel

Sinai Province, a group affiliated with Islamic State, says it fired three rockets into Israel from Egypt’s Sinai peninsula.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-33391871

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US church votes to divest over Israeli occupation

United Church of Christ decision adds momentum to movement urging boycott of Israel over policies towards Palestinians.

http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2015/07/united-church-christ-divest-israel-boycott-occupation-150701001231111.html

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Boko Haram raids ‘heinous’ – Buhari

Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari describes as a “heinous atrocity” the latest wave of attacks by Boko Haram militants that left more than 150 people dead.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-33389408

Iran nuclear talks: ‘Deal never closer’, says FM Zarif

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-33392987

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Iranian foreign minister raises prospect of joint action against Islamic State

Zarif says there will be opportunities for Iran and the US to cooperate if a deal is cut on the nuclear issue

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/jul/03/iranian-foreign-minister-raises-prospect-of-joint-action-against-islamic-state

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China factory collapse: Six dead and 49 rescued

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-china-33396086

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Philippines ferry sinking: Kim Nirvana owner on murder charge

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-33393858
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Afghanistan: No Country for Women

In war-torn Afghanistan it is not the Taliban that poses the greatest threat to women – it is their own families.

http://www.aljazeera.com/programmes/101east/2015/06/afghanistan-country-women-150630115111987.html

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We Africans love the US, so why can’t we accept gay marriage?

A homophobic backlash is the instinctive African response to America’s same-sex marriage revolution. But do the continent’s leaders dare outrage the west?

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/jul/04/africans-love-america-cant-accept-gay-marriage

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The girl who escaped from Boko Haram

http://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-33382516

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How I was de-radicalised

http://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-33344898

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Why the Indian soldiers of WW1 were forgotten

Only now are the sacrifices made by thousands of Indians who lost their lives in WW1 beginning to be remembered, writes Shashi Tharoor.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-33317368

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‘We blame the sick for being expensive’: the mother whose baby cost AOL $1m

After AOL’s CEO told employees he was cutting retirement benefits partly because of the cost of two ‘distressed babies’, one mother fought back

http://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2015/jul/04/deanna-fei-aol-distressed-baby-healthcare-privacy

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The Albino children locked away to be kept safe from witch doctors

One in 20,000 people are born albino, but it is particularly common in Tanzania, where it claims one in 1,400. Aislinn Laing reports on the fight to keep albino children safe

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/africaandindianocean/tanzania/11718452/The-Albino-children-locked-away-to-be-kept-safe-from-witch-doctors.html

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What it means to be female in Nigeria

Women are sharing stories about gender inequality in Nigerian society on Twitter

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/blogs-trending-33239356

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Viewpoint: Watching the lesbians in India

Writer Shovon Chowdhury gives us his perspective on a recent advert featuring lesbians in India.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-india-33265987

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The best of Siri: 11 funny responses from the iPhone’s virtual assistant

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/apple/11709991/The-best-of-Siri-11-funny-responses-from-the-iPhones-virtual-assistant.html

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10 things we didn’t know last week

People with blue eyes are more likely to have an alcohol addiction, plus more news nuggets.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/blogs-magazine-monitor-33377682

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Animal pictures of the week: 3 July 2015

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/picturegalleries/earth/11716047/Animal-pictures-of-the-week-3-July-2015.html

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The week in pictures: 3 July 2015

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/picturegalleries/theweekinpictures/11716051/The-week-in-pictures-3-July-2015.html

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The 20 photographs of the week

Horror in Tunisia, a derailment in Pakistan and tennis at Wimbledon – the best photography in news, culture and sport from around the world this week

http://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/gallery/2015/jul/04/the-20-photographs-of-the-week

» Posted By Kalima On July 5, 2015 @ 1:50 am

I’m going to have to break my promise because I have spent my morning and most of my afternoon in the Tokyo immigration office trying to renew my “Alien” Registration card. Hundreds of people with 3 to 4 staff for about 100 people. Need I say more?

Will be posting on Sunday morning so please forgive me.

Happy 4th of July to all of you. Have a great weekend.

» Posted By Kalima On July 3, 2015 @ 3:16 am

Good Morning Everyone!

Something has come up and I won’t be able to complete my updates for this morning. So sorry but will post them on Friday morning instead.

Thank you for your patience and see you very soon.

Take care.

» Posted By Kalima On July 2, 2015 @ 2:41 am

‘Man decapitated’ in French attack

One man decapitated and several hurt in suspected Islamist attack on factory near Lyon, French sources say.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-33284937

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Deadly attack on Tunisia tourist hotel

At least seven people are killed in an attack on a tourist hotel in the Tunisian resort town of Sousse, the Interior Ministry says.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-33287978

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Islamic State claim responsibility for deadly blast at Kuwait City mosque

The militant group has said on Twitter that it was behind an attack carried out by a suicide bomber inside the Imam Sadiq mosque during Friday prayers

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/jun/26/islamic-state-claim-responsibility-deadly-blast-kuwait-city-mosque

» Posted By Kalima On June 26, 2015 @ 2:53 am

Hello Nirek.

Of course they won’t answer you because it’s hard to dispute the truth about what we see and don’t see, and the Repubs are scared of Bernie Sanders because of his popularity with conservatives and moderates.

I don’t know if you have read this, the first Democratic attack ad against Bernie Sanders.

Take care and peace. Thanks for stopping by.

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THE FIRST DEMOCRATIC ATTACK DOESN’T MENTION CLINTON

http://bluenationreview.com/the-first-democratic-attack-ad-doesnt-mention-hillary-clinton/

» Posted By Kalima On June 25, 2015 @ 7:26 pm

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