Displaying 1,051 To 1,080 Of 18,974 Comments Good Morning Everyone! The long wait for the summer filled with rain and off the charts humidity can wear you down and make you dream about December. Every year is hotter than the last and without buildings, Tokyo would surely be a lush jungle as the only thing flourishing here are the weeds. Have a good day wherever you may be. Take care, be safe, stay cool and dry. Sayonara from my hot-cheeked corner of Tokyo. Mata ne. Our Moment Of Zen CAT LOGIC (Our lot to the letter “t”) https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=K3p0EFtJIn8 A few stories and opinions from around the globe. Top U.N. official on human rights meets with former ‘comfort women’ —- Over 10,000 people with dementia reported missing in 2014, 98% found http://mainichi.jp/english/english/newsselect/news/20150625p2g00m0dm068000c.html —- Arrested Toyota exec says narcotic painkiller not prescribed for her http://mainichi.jp/english/english/newsselect/news/20150625p2g00m0dm035000c.html —- After hearing that this did not work in many European countries, they still go ahead with it. Sounds so familiar. No romance to show for Y6 bil in gov’t outlays http://www.japantoday.com/category/kuchikomi/view/no-romance-to-show-for-y6-bil-in-govt-outlays —- Wakayama’s popular ‘stationmaster’ cat Tama, 16, dies —- PICTURE OF THE DAY Accident prevention http://www.japantoday.com/category/picture-of-the-day/view/accident-prevention INTERNATIONAL NEWS David Cameron struck a double blow in his hopes to win Britain a new EU deal —- Redefine child poverty? What the heck? Poverty Tory plan to redefine child poverty as figures set to show first rise in decade http://www.theguardian.com/society/2015/jun/23/child-poverty-measures-figures-first-rise-in-decade —- If you voted for the Tories you consented to the splintering of Britain into six nations —- Disability protesters try to storm Commons during Prime Minister’s Questions Dozen chanting activists – some in wheelchairs – stopped by police as David Cameron addresses MPs just feet away in House of Commons —- By scapegoating Muslims, Cameron fuels radicalisation —- Calais crisis: Migrants evade Government’s ‘100 per cent’ checks on lorries Exclusive: The suspected illegal immigrants detained in Britain in wake of French strikes —- Last-ditch Greek rescue hopes dashed as Alexis Tsipras faces austerity ultimatum Fundamental differences force finance ministers meeting to be aborted as creditors demand more cuts from the cash-strapped country —- Bosnian court grants wartime rape victim compensation in landmark ruling As two Bosnian Serb soldiers are each sentenced to 10 years’ jail, verdict offers hope to more women who suffered sexual violence during 1992-95 war —- Nato updates Cold War playbook as Putin vows to build nuclear stockpile Defence chiefs fear they no longer understand Russia’s behaviour, as Kremlin waves ‘nuclear sabre’ at the West —- Islamic State spreads tentacles to Russia as Chechnya militants pledge allegiance to leader Baghdadi New alliance marks first time the terror group has made a territorial claim in Russia and becomes the latest addition to its rapidly expanding portfolio of terror franchises —- NYTimes: Supreme Court Allows Nationwide Health Care Subsidies The case concerned a central part of the Affordable Care Act, which created marketplaces, known as exchanges, to allow people who lack insurance to shop for health plans. http://www.nytimes.com/2015/06/26/us/supreme-court-affordable-care-act-health-subsidies.html —- Heckler becomes the heckled as Barack Obama responds at White House LGBT event – video —- Boston bomber Tsarnaev apologises to victims in court http://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-33259984 —- Homegrown Extremists Tied to Deadlier Toll Than Jihadists in U.S. Since 9/11 —- Rebel flag protests spread across US Four US states join South Carolina in calling on the withdrawal of the Confederate battle flag, after a church shooting thought to be racially motivated. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-33244710 —- The Daily 202: 5 takeaways from Bernie’s bounce http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/powerpost/wp/category/the-daily-202/ —- An interview with Bernie Sanders: Deficit Hawk —- PLAIN AND SIMPLE GET REAL: CHARLESTON CHURCH SHOOTING WAS TERRORISM BY DEAN OBEIDALLAH 06.18.156:25 PM ET —- DELUDED WHY THE GOP HATES TALKING ABOUT HATE: CONSERVATIVES CAN’T CONFRONT RACISM IN CHARLESTON SHOOTING —- Hey repubs!! World ‘largely favours’ US and Obama The US is viewed favourably by two-thirds of people surveyed by Pew in 40 countries, up on previous years, but its interrogation methods remain unpopular. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-33249752 —- Senator Attributes Charleston Massacre To ‘Mideast Hate’ —- Guns in Church? I have never heard of anything more appalling! These people are insane. South Carolina Lawmaker Defends Confederate Flag, Blames Charleston Victims For Their Own Deaths —- Trump has just outtrumped himself. Ignorant and proud of it. Donald Trump says African-American youths have ‘no spirit’ —- Isil reenters key Syria border town of Kobane Islamic State jihadists launch new assault on town secured by US air strike-backed Kurds in highly symbolic battle in January —- Palestinians to present evidence against Israel to International Criminal Court —- Israel’s far right seeks to cripple human rights groups which monitor government and army abuses in the Occupied Territories —- Beach gives hope to Gaza’s drowning economy As Gaza’s economy struggles to recover from the 2014 war, one beach is offering people some rare business opportunities. http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2015/06/beach-hope-gaza-drowning-economy-150621105024642.html —- South Africa’s failure to arrest Omar al-Bashir ‘is betrayal of Mandela’s ideals’ Abiodun Williams, head of an influential thinktank, says allowing the Sudanese president to leave the country was a ‘clear abuse of executive authority’ —- Beyond the polls and Twittersphere: what Iranians really think of the nuclear talks A deal may lead to ‘investment, job creation, McDonald’s and Starbucks’, but in the office few seem interested. The third in our series on working in the Islamic republic http://www.theguardian.com/world/iran-blog/2015/jun/25/iranians-speak-out-landmark-nuclear-deal —- India floods: Thirty die in Gujarat rains http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-33265985 —- Pakistan heatwave deaths cross 800 The death toll from a heatwave in Pakistan’s southern Sindh province has passed 800, hospital officials say, with mortuaries reaching their capacity. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-33251100 —- 40 year old meat?? China ‘seizes 40-year-old meat in crackdown on smugglers’ http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-china-33254123 —- A devastating drought, maybe hundreds or thousands will die, but hey dad, we have a shiny new airport. North Korea unveils gleaming new airport for Pyongyang http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-33266278 This Is How They Teach South Carolina Students About Slavery http://thinkprogress.org/education/2015/06/24/3673587/teach-history-slavery-south-carolina/ —- ‘My children are suffering but what can I do?’ Delhi’s polluted air, by the people who live there A family living in the middle of an eight-lane motorway, an autorickshaw driver struggling to breathe, a young woman who can’t wait to leave … the foul air of India’s capital affects all sections of society —- THE ‘SOUTHERN AVENGER’ REPENTS: I WAS WRONG ABOUT THE CONFEDERATE FLAG —- Refugee: The Afghan returnee’s struggle back home Like countless other Afghan returnees, Bibi Nekbakht, tries to build a new life in Kabul after fleeing Pakistan. http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2015/06/refugee-afghan-returnee-struggle-home-150621123914733.html —- The man who sleeps in Hitler’s bed Kevin Wheatcroft has quietly amassed the world’s largest collection of Nazi memorabilia. Now he wants to share it with the world. What is behind this dark obsession? http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/jun/24/the-man-who-sleeps-in-hitlers-bed —- The ice-cream maker of Gaza In the heart of Gaza City, one man is making and selling ice cream that is famous among Israelis and Palestinians alike. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-33189120 —- The secret world of Isis brides: ‘U dnt hav 2 pay 4 ANYTHING if u r wife of a martyr’ http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/jun/24/isis-brides-secret-world-jihad-western-women-syria —- The Sikhs who saved Parmesan http://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-33149580 —- Pictures of the day: 24 June 2015 —- Each day the picture editor of the Guardian brings you a selection of photo highlights 24 June 2015 http://www.theguardian.com/news/series/ten-best-photographs-of-the-day » Posted By Kalima On June 25, 2015 @ 2:00 am Hello Nirek. Happy to hear that you are enjoying what you are doing to help Bernie Sanders. Keep up the good work. Thought you might enjoy this. —- ‘Who the Hell is Bernie Sanders?’ These Southerners want everyone to know. Thank you for taking the time to come to MB. Take care and peace. » Posted By Kalima On June 18, 2015 @ 5:54 am Good Morning everyone! Well, the Rainy Season is officially here and so is my prickly heat rash. Need two hands to type and one hand to scratch so you can imagine the fun I’ve had getting my updates to you today. Have a good day wherever you may be. be safe and stay cool and dry. Sayonara from my sticky corner of Tokyo. Mata ne. A few stories and opinions from around the globe. Mount Shindake erupts for second time http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2015/06/18/national/mount-shindake-erupts-second-time/ —- Fukushima radioactive waste storage operator’s intranet infected by virus —- Gov’t to lift evacuation order for Fukushima Prefecture town of Naraha http://mainichi.jp/english/english/newsselect/news/20150617p2a00m0na016000c.html —- Kamikaze survivors debunk stereotype in stories of sacrifice —- For woman, quality of air-dropped U.S. leaflets was portent of WWII’s end —- PICTURE OF THE DAY Locking up http://www.japantoday.com/category/picture-of-the-day/view/locking-up INTERNATIONAL NEWS Then how about the Tory promise of creating new jobs? *crickets* George Osborne: The amount Britain spends on welfare ‘unsustainable’ —- There’s no reason to accept austerity. It can be defeated The Tories don’t have a mandate for what they’re set to unleash. Opposition has to go beyond parliament —- PMQs: If you’re going to ignore a question, at least listen to it first Standing in for the PM while he wanders Europe, George Osborne played for laughs at prime minister’s questions and died a slow death http://www.theguardian.com/politics/2015/jun/17/pmq-ignore-question-listen-first-george-osborne —- The roots of radicalisation? It’s identity, stupid The common thread that links the Bradford sisters, Talha Asmal and Thomas Evans is a search for belonging. The answer is to build a value system everyone can buy into —- Germany plans for exit from eurozone of Greek ‘clowns’ British business fearful as Europe prepares to cast off Athens —- Denmark’s election campaign has been a ‘race to the bottom’ on immigration As Danish voters prepare to go to the polls, politicians and commentators alike have been startled by the stridently anti-immigrant rhetoric that has characterised the campaign —- Greeks admit they will default at the end of the month as central bank turns on government Prime minister Alexis Tsipras says he is ready to assume responsibility for his government’s negotiating stance as “uncontrollable crisis” beckons —- Hungary orders 100-mile Serbia border fence to keep out migrants Foriegn minister says they are taking action to stop hundreds of thousands of migrants entering the country as EU is ‘too slow to act’ —- Serbian PM ‘shocked’ at Hungary’s plan for migrant fence http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-33168125 —- Bulgaria tightens up border with razor wire Nick Thorpe reports on Bulgaria’s efforts to tighten up its border, which has attracted thousands of migrants, mainly Syrian Kurds. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-33169054 —- Putin nuclear move ‘dangerous’ – Nato Nato condemns Russia’s move to strengthen its nuclear arsenal after it says it will put more than 40 intercontinental ballistic missiles into service. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-33153703 —- South Carolina church shooting live: White gunman on run after nine killed in ‘hate crime’ —- Deadly Berkeley balcony collapse likely caused by ‘dry rot’, investigation shows Poorly sealed support beams and water-damaged wood may have led to accident at Library Gardens apartment complex that killed six people and injured seven http://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2015/jun/17/berkeley-balcony-collapse-dry-rot-investigation —- House Republicans Propose Stripping Family Planning Services From Millions Of Low-Income Women http://thinkprogress.org/health/2015/06/17/3670537/house-gop-title-x-budget/ —- THE DRUMPF ADMINISTRATION? GARISH TASTES, AWFUL HAIR: DONALD TRUMP IS AMERICA —- Scott Walker and the Fate of the Union In Wisconsin, where the labor movement took root a century ago, a campaign by the governor has broken its power. His political allies hope he can take a similar campaign nationwide. http://www.nytimes.com/2015/06/14/magazine/scott-walker-and-the-fate-of-the-union.html —- New $10 bill: some of the American women in the running Goodbye Alexander Hamilton and hello mystery woman. The US treasury is going to put a woman a banknote – meet a selection of the candidates —- Syrians recount horror of chemical attacks on civilians Medical personnel tell US Congress that government forces using chlorine gas on civilians and urge for no-fly zone. —- ‘Mastermind’ of 1982 Jewish cafe attack in Paris arrested in Jordan High-ranking member of Palestinian militant group, who went by name of Amjad Atta, held over lethal raid on Chez Jo Goldenberg in which six died —- Bomb attacks claimed by Islamic State kill 31 at Shia sites in Yemen capital The attacks come three months after the extremist group killed more than 140 people in multiple bombings on Shia mosques —- Israel threatens military intervention in Syria’s civil war Prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu under pressure from Druze villagers to protect co-religionists at risk from jihadist rebels —- Palestinian unity government ‘to resign over Gaza row’ http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-33160184 —- Chad bans Islamic face veil after suicide bombings http://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-33166220 —- Iraqi commander who ordered troops to withdraw blamed for Ramadi’s fall British army brigadier says Anbar provincial capital was lost unnecessarily and the battle wasn’t a ‘victory’ for Islamic State —- Australian tribunal forces Christian asylum seeker to undergo ‘unusually difficult’ Bible quiz An Australian court has ordered a tribunal to reassess the asylum claim of a Catholic woman from China who was forced to answer a series of in-depth Bible questions —- China bans Muslims from fasting during Ramadan, say Uighur community —- Hong Kong pro-democracy leaders vow to block ‘fake’ reforms Security tight as territory’s legislature begins debating political reforms denounced by critics as a denial of real democracy —- North Korea says it is suffering worst drought in a century, raising fears of food shortages http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/asia/north-korea-says-it-is-suffering-worst-drought-in-a-century-raising-fears-of-food-shortages-10326293.html In Thai detention centers, female migrants remain in limbo —- The quiet tragedies of Africa’s escape routes —- The spiritual guru to China’s corrupt officials The BBC takes a look at Cao Yongzheng, the spiritual guru who advised several high-profile Chinese officials investigated for corruption. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-china-33130404 —- Draft of the pope’s encyclical blames climate change on human activity —- Opinions —- The great Moldovan bank robbery http://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-33166383 —- Empathy is healthy but Rachel Dolezal claimed someone else’s pain for herself We are simultaneously encouraged to be everything we want and to keep it real but, although politics needs empathy, it cannot be reduced to an identity Olympics —- Global cost of war reaches $14 trillion, says report Wars in Syria, Iraq and Afghanistan highlight how half the world is suffering more conflict, while the other half enjoys growing levels of peace —- Nasa data shows the world is running out of water —- Building the face of a criminal from DNA Constructing a face from crime scene DNA sounds like sci-fi, but revealing the face of a criminal based on their genes may be closer than we think. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-33054762 —- Pictures of the day: 17 June 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 June 18, 2015 @ 1:48 am Hello, Nirek, and thanks for stopping by. I completely understand your feeling about sending advisors to Iraq, and yes, many in the Iraqi army don’t want to fight. I’ve posted many stories about how some throw down their weapons and run away, or in some cases even join the other side. At least it’s only advisors, if the Repubs had their way it would be thousands of ground troops again. Read an article where this crazy Joni Ernst woman said that America was ready to send troops to Iraq to continue the war. So who is ready to go back to a lost war? The sons and daughters of republicans? I wonder what planet this woman is living on? Planet Huh? —- Joni Ernst beats the drums for another war in Iraq. http://crooksandliars.com/2015/06/joni-ernst-beats-drums-another-iraq-war-us Take care and peace. » Posted By Kalima On June 11, 2015 @ 5:51 pm Good Morning Everyone! Back to muggy days and nights and I only saw the sun twice today. Have a good day wherever you may be. Take care, be safe, stay cool and dry, or warm and comfy. Sayonara from my late afternoon corner of Tokyo. Mata ne. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ A few stories and opinions from around the globe. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Constitutional questions grow over Abe’s military plans —- Study finds 61% of male seniors suspected of having dementia still drive —- Wow!! Did they ask the wives before coming to a ruling? ———— Tokyo court ruling says adultery OK if it’s for business: experts —- I don’t understand why this maniac has been released. My heart goes out to the families of his victims. He wrote about it because he still gets off on it. ———— Kobe murderer writes ambiguously of regret and pleasure from 1997 child killings —- PICTURE OF THE DAY Have an ice day http://www.japantoday.com/category/picture-of-the-day/view/have-an-ice-day INTERNATIONAL NEWS Osborne swallows loss of £7bn in RBS sell-off The bailed-out bank is to be sold off nearly seven years after it was rescued by the taxpayer —– Harriet Harman tells David Cameron to show ‘a bit more class’ during PMQs – video http://www.theguardian.com/politics/video/2015/jun/10/harriet-harman-david-cameron-class-pmqs-video —- Even the Tory benches are tiring of Cameron’s chorus of gloats and sneers —- No surprise but the fact that he joined this group of racists is a surprise. ———— Ukip insider Raheem Kassam: ‘We had to lock HQ doors because some people were too embarrassing to be seen’ He was Nigel Farage’s righthand man and election strategist, and even shared a flat with the Ukip leader. Forced out of the party, Kassam breaks his silence about the egos, the infighting and the hopeless manifesto —- Gay marriage costs Irish politicians nothing – abortion is another matter Suzanne Moore It is easier for people to accept equal marriage than the reproductive rights of women. Why is abortion still framed as a grave moral issue? http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2015/jun/10/gay-marriage-ireland-abortion-suzanne-moore —- Germanwings victims return home The bodies of 16 students and two teachers are among first to be repatriated after string of delays following March crash —- Swiss police seize IT data from Fifa headquarters http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-33088747 —- Pope creates tribunal for bishop child abuse cases Unprecedented Vatican department will judge bishops accused of covering up or not preventing sexual abuse of minors. —- Greek debt talks ‘must intensify’ http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-33089665 —- OMG! Send for the exorcist! ———— Vladimir Putin says he has never made a mistake because God wanted him to be perfect —- Obama to Supreme Court: You wouldn’t dare kill Obamacare —- New York prison killer fugitives ‘now in Vermont’ http://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-33085356 —- This is outrageous! Woman Charged With Murder For Taking The Abortion Pill [UPDATED] http://thinkprogress.org/health/2015/06/10/3668022/abortion-pill-georgia/ —- US man freed after 43 years’ solitary A US judge orders the release of an inmate who has been in solitary confinement for 43 years – the last imprisoned member of the “Angola Three” group. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-33059012 —- These 9 words prove that Bill Clinton still doesn’t get it on the Clinton Foundation —- Hey Jeb! That’s exactly what your brother did. Talk about double standards. The man is unbelievable. Jeb Bush says Vladimir Putin has changed from the days when his brother looked the Russian leader in the eye and saw his soul. “He’s much more — he’s just invaded another country,” Bush told reporters in Berlin on Wednesday…….. 18 not-so-nice things U.S. politicians have said about Vladimir Putin —- Senators Vote To Repeal Clean Water Rule That Protects Millions Of Miles Of Streams http://thinkprogress.org/climate/2015/06/10/3668258/senate-committee-votes-to-block-epa-water-bill/` —- Meet The Doctor Social Conservatives Depend On To Justify Anti-Transgender Hate http://thinkprogress.org/lgbt/2015/06/10/3668041/paul-mchugh-transgender/ —- Syrian rebel forces seize major military base from government Further setback for Bashar al-Assad’s regime as Southern Front alliance takes control of ‘Brigade 52’ in Daraa province —- Isis’s dirty bomb: Jihadists have seized ‘enough radioactive material to build their first WMD’ —- How Isis crippled al-Qaida The inside story of the coup that has brought the world’s most feared terrorist network to the brink of collapse http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/jun/10/how-isis-crippled-al-qaida —- Suicide attack outside Karnak temple in Egypt’s Luxor http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-33077862 —- Growing toll of ‘the disappeared’ after year of Sisi in Egypt As President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi marks a year in office, human rights groups accuse his administration of accelerating its crackdown on dissent, with a surge in forced disappearances —- It’s time for Israel to talk to Hamas, says former Mossad head —- Israel’s strategic position ‘enhanced by chaos of Arab neighborhood’ Netanyahu government reaps benefits of Middle Eastern mayhem but is set to maintain the status quo of occupation on the Palestinian front —- Mediterranean migrant crisis: The Libyan human trafficker making $50,000 a week —- UN peacekeepers ‘barter goods for sex’ http://www.bbc.com/news/world-33089662 —- President Obama to boost army advisers in Iraq http://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-33083359 —- Footage reveals IS regime in Mosul Exclusive video and testimony from Iraq’s second city of Mosul reveal a life of brutality and oppression a year after its fall to Islamic State. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-32831854 —- Pakistan ex-minor hanging condemned Pakistan executes a man who was 15 when he was sentenced to death for a double murder in 1992 and who rights groups say was tortured into confessing. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-33074769 —- China ex-security chief gets life term China’s former security chief Zhou Yongkang is sentenced to life in prison, Chinese media report. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-china-33095453 —- Five dead in China ‘mass shooting’ Four people and a suspected gunman die and several are injured in a rare shooting in a village in China’s Hebei province, state media report. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-china-33059234 —- Had to laugh out loud. Malaysia official blames nude tourists for deadly quake Tourists who posed nude on Malaysia’s Mount Kinabalu angered mountain spirits, causing an earthquake, a senior official says. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-33058692 —- Indonesia looks into claims Australia paid people smugglers to turn back Indonesian foreign affairs official says if reports are found to be true it would be ‘very concerning’ and would prompt diplomatic protest http://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2015/jun/11/indonesia-looks-into-claims-australia-paid-people-smugglers-to-turn-back Horrific! The children taken from home for a social experiment http://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-33060450 —- Who are the Med’s migrants? Four migrant families describe how and why they made the long, dangerous journey from the Middle East and Africa to Europe. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-32782655 —- The Agency From a nondescript office building in St. Petersburg, Russia, an army of well-paid “trolls” has tried to wreak havoc all around the Internet — and in real-life American communities. http://nytimes.com/2015/06/07/magazine/the-agency.html —- Six Days In North Korea http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2015/06/10/world/asia/north-korea-photos-video.html —- Powerful images show what it’s like to read when you have dyslexia —- Cooking with glass transformed every kitchen into a home-ec lab http://www.collectorsweekly.com/articles/how-pyrex-transformed-every-kitchen/ —- Airline Refuses To Set Up Ramp, Forces Wheelchair User To Crawl Onto Plane http://thinkprogress.org/health/2015/06/10/3668164/disabled-woman-sues-american-airlines/ —- The obscure legal system that lets corporations sue countries Fifty years ago, an international legal system was created to protect the rights of foreign investors. Today, as companies win billions in damages, insiders say it has got dangerously out of control —- A handful of nuts can save your life, says new study The study confirms a link between peanut and nut intake and lower mortality rates —- Ruby Tandoh’s summer quiche recipes The classic quiche – no longer a vestige of 1970s naffness – here is revamped into a couple of picnic-perfect summer treats: a herby, crumbly affair laced with salmon and ricotta, and a heartier pie, bursting with roasted cauliflower —- Pictures of the day: 10 June 2015 —- Each day the picture editor of the Guardian brings you a selection of photo highlights 10 June 2015 http://www.theguardian.com/news/series/ten-best-photographs-of-the-day » Posted By Kalima On June 11, 2015 @ 2:46 am Sorry to be so late, Nirek. Glad you liked the animal rescue video and some of the stories. You are always very welcome, and thank you for taking the time. Take care, and peace to you and yours. See you again soon I hope. » Posted By Kalima On June 8, 2015 @ 7:35 pm Hello kes. Sorry it’s taken so long to get back to you. Too many late nights sapping my energy for the last few weeks,months. Abe’s economy has only benefitted the rich and corporations so far. Isn’t that always the case with conservative governments cutting corporate tax rates? I’m still having a tough time with the U.K. election results and it makes no sense to me. Iain Duncan Smith is not only a bad Catholic, he’s a liar too. His benefits reform plan is not working. In fact it’s a bloody mess and has created thousands more poor people with smeo even dying as a result so he’s a murderer too. I imagine that if the North Koreans really started to rebel, Kim might end up at the bottom of the sea. As for Putin, his homegrown following is not what it used to be, with only the diehards supporting his invasion of the Ukraine, or those who will benefit directly from it. His motives had nothing to do with patriotism, rather everything to do with ego and revenge. Glad you managed to watch “Little Princess” and read those other disturbing stories. Made me once again realise and appreciate where I was born, and the opportunities I had because of it. Whenever you can come here it is a pleasure for me. Have a wonderful time with your son, and enjoy every second of it. Take care and see you later. » Posted By Kalima On June 8, 2015 @ 7:22 pm Good Morning Everyone! Blue skies. Low humidity and a soft breeze, it was a day to cherish because there won’t be many more of them before our Rainy Season begins. Have a good day wherever you may be. Take care, be safe, stay cool and dry or warm and comfy. Sayonara from my pleasant, late afternoon corner of Tokyo. Mata ne. Our Moment of Zen Heartwarming – Watch this if you thought Kindness is Dead https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=a64IiZ_WvGU A few stories and opinions from around the globe. Lost in communication: Naha close call involving jetliners, ASDF copter drives home ‘critical 11 minutes’ risks —- 5,212 school buildings in Japan not quakeproof: survey http://mainichi.jp/english/english/newsselect/news/20150603p2a00m0na011000c.html —- Record number of households on welfare in Japan http://www.japantoday.com/category/national/view/record-number-of-households-on-welfare-in-japan —- 15 million flowers in bloom right now at Saitama’s field of Heavenly Poppies —- Mystery still shrouds beach deaths of suicide sailors preparing for attack after Japan’s surrender —- PICTURE OF THE DAY Point of return http://www.japantoday.com/category/picture-of-the-day/view/point-of-return INTERNATIONAL NEWS Most vulnerable people in country ‘in jeopardy’ over £1.1bn of cuts to adult social care —- This monster should be thrown in jail. Iain Duncan Smith to fight David Cameron over cuts to child benefit Work and Pensions Secretary has not given up on his plans to slash benefit, despite the Prime Minister publicly slapping him down —- Millions of savers hit as Friends Life performs U-turn on pension freedoms Major insurer has “changed its mind” about offering customers the new flexible pensions – after keeping them waiting for two months —- Thousands sign petition calling on London borough of Hackney to stop ‘criminalising’ homeless people —- From Fifa to Tony Blair — I’ve tried to understand the rich, but I just can’t These capitalists really do see themselves as redeemers, even those who pay their staff nothing —- America curbs state snooping, Britain gives the green light Simon Jenkins http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2015/jun/03/america-freedom-act-britain-state-snoopers —- Fifa whistleblower Chuck Blazer – bribes accepted for 1998 and 2010 World Cups: as it happened Latest on the Fifa crisis after Chuck Blazer admits he helped facilitate ‘bribe in conjunction with the selection of the host nation for the 1998 World Cup’ after reports circulate that Sepp Blatter is under investigation by US authorities —- Nato and EU face collapse if they fail to stop Russian aggression, experts warn —- Europe has no choice – it has to save Greece Even if Greece leaves the euro, Europe has to ensure the country’s economy thrives. Otherwise it puts the entire EMU project at risk —- U.S. Congress Should Have No Part In International Climate Deal, French Minister Says —- Nutcase! Wilders to show Muhammad cartoons Dutch politician Geert Wilders says he will show on TV cartoons of the Prophet Muhammad from an event in Texas that was attacked by gunmen. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-32997038 —- Russians looking for the exit If Russia’s actions in Ukraine and anti-Western rhetoric are alarming its neighbours, many Russians themselves are also uneasy – and some are preparing to leave. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-32976294 —- Ukraine accuses rebels of launching ‘large-scale offensive’ Ukrainian military claims large assault by rebels west of Donetsk, while separatists report shelling deaths —- Chechen leader’s show of strength muddies loyalty to Putin Ramzan Kadyrov’s display of loyalty to Russian president could be warning of Chechen forces’ huge potential —– The Supreme Court May Take Up A Case That Could Be A Game Changer On Abortion Access http://thinkprogress.org/health/2015/06/01/3663955/admitting-privileges-supreme-court/ —- Family losses frame Vice President Biden’s career —- Ted Cruz Mocks Joe Biden The Day Before He’s Burying His Son http://thinkprogress.org/election/2015/06/03/3665980/ted-cruz-mocks-joe-biden-day-hes-burying-son/ —- Bernie Sanders Calls for More and Earlier Debates Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont is calling for more debates, which could help him stand out in the growing field of Democrats who are running for president —- Mitch McConnell’s N.S.A. Debacle His recent fumble over the Patriot Act was the outcome of six years of ideological mindlessness. http://takingnote.blogs.nytimes.com/2015/06/02/mitch-mcconnells-n-s-a-debacle/ —- Front-runner angst: Bush lead evaporates, Clinton favorability hits 7-year low —- Meet The Detroit Residents Fighting Back Against Having Their Water Shut Off http://thinkprogress.org/economy/2015/06/03/3665817/hearing-detroit-water-shutoffs/ —- Huh? Who the hell is Santorum? Santorum Wants The Pope To Back Off Talking About Climate Science http://thinkprogress.org/climate/2015/06/03/3665559/rick-santorum-pope-francis-climate-change/ —- Syria civil war: Meet the military commander who says his soldiers will not rest until every inch of their war torn country is free of Islamist ‘terrorists’ —- Syria: Isis advance on Aleppo aided by Assad regime air strikes, US says Opposition fighters make same claims as Isis advances towards Azaz, 20 miles from Aleppo, which would imperil their supply line into Syria’s biggest city —- Syrians ‘stranded in Jordan desert’ Hundreds of Syrian refugees are stranded in remote desert areas because Jordan is restricting informal border crossings, Human Rights Watch says. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-32990304 —- US claims 10,000 Isil fighters killed by airstrikes in Syria and Iraq Tony Blinken, US secretary of state, insists there has been “significant progress” even as jihadists advance on Aleppo —- Turkey election: Axe-wielding police officers round up dozens of Kurds ahead of parliamentary poll —- Tensions soar in West Bank refugee camp Balata camp residents say PA security forces have targeted them disproportionately, without ensuring due process. http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2015/05/tensions-soar-west-bank-refugee-camp-150530075457166.html —- Good for them for taking a stand against illegal settlements. Israel PM attacks Orange over deal Israel’s Prime Minister has attacked the boss of the French telecom giant Orange for looking to pull out of a deal with an Israeli partner. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-33013390 —- Boko Haram crisis: ‘Thousands have died in Nigeria army custody’, says Amnesty http://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-33000098 —- Isis use water as a weapon in Iraq, by shutting dam on the Euphrates River —- This is what the Taliban wanted to stop. The treatment, not the disease. Polio in Pakistan: Drop of 70% recorded this year http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-32996624 —- Yangtze boat disaster: cruise ship failed safety test Rescuers deciding whether to cut into overturned hull with hope of finding survivors trapped in air pockets —- China boat capsize: Relatives stage protest http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-china-33002124 —- Whispers of dissent in North Korea suggest waning loyalty to Kim Jong-un http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/jun/04/north-korea-kim-jong-un-popularity-waning —- South Korea tests missile capable of reaching deep into North Korea An agreement with the Americans, signed in 2012, was enacted on Wednesday as Seoul tested its new long-distance weapon —- Even in Safety of Malaysia, Rohingya Migrants Face Bleak Prospects The arrivals who landed last month joined 75,000 others already there, but their marginalization in the region has muted their voice in the debate over their future. http://www.nytimes.com/2015/06/04/world/asia/rohingya-migrants-malaysia.html Little Princess A mother’s struggle to escape the violent exploitation of living on the streets of Bolivia for the sake of her son. http://www.aljazeera.com/programmes/viewfinder/2015/05/princess-latin-america-150527103948937.html —- My 977 days held hostage by Somali pirates Michael Scott Moore was kidnapped by Somali pirates in 2012. For the first time, he tells the story of his abduction, detention and eventual release —- Canada accused of ‘cultural genocide’ Report details widespread abuse of Aboriginal children forcibly removed from their families for schooling. —- The day my daughter was shot in front of me Mahenaz Mahmud talks about the day she saw her daughter Sabeen killed in Karachi – Sabeen was an advocate of free speech. —- The musicians fighting back against extremism Morocco’s Gnawa festival is about more than music and colour, it has come to symbolise the fight against Islamic State. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-32929974 —- ‘Like a prison for the dead’: welcome to Hart Island, home to New York City’s pauper graves More than a million bodies are believed to be buried on Hart Island, the city’s indigent burial ground for over a century. Now one woman is trying to link families with their loved ones with ‘a sort of Facebook for the dead’ http://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2015/jun/03/hart-island-new-york-city-mass-burial-graves —- The man who was caged in a zoo In 1904, Ota Benga was kidnapped from Congo and taken to the US, where he was exhibited with monkeys. His appalling story reveals the roots of a racial prejudice that still haunts us http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/jun/03/the-man-who-was-caged-in-a-zoo —- Occupation children shunned in post-war Germany and Austria A new book describes how the children of Allied soldiers in Germany and Austria faced discrimination and social exclusion, reports Bethany Bell. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-32972893 —- When it comes to smearing the Irish, Australia is the world’s serial offender From Graeme Morris’s anti-Irish rant to the reporting of ‘drunk Paddy’ stories, Australia trades in Irish cliches long after they were abandoned elsewhere —- I’ve landed where? Misleading airport names —- Fukushima’s forbidden ghost towns, in pictures —- Pictures of the day: 2 June 2015 —- Best photographs of the day 3 June 2015 http://www.theguardian.com/news/series/ten-best-photographs-of-the-day » Posted By Kalima On June 4, 2015 @ 1:50 am Good Morning Everyone! Sleepless nights as the humidity rises early in May. The fun begins. Have a good day wherever you may be. Take care, be safe, stay warm and comfy or cool and dry. Sayonara from my late afternoon corner of Tokyo. Mata ne. A few stories and opinions from around the globe. 54 SDF members who did Indian Ocean, Iraq duty committed suicide: government —- Way to go Shibuya! Shibuya Ward aims to launch same-sex partnership certificates in October —- Right, and the moon is made of blue cheese. TEPCO says all highly toxic water in tanks filtered http://mainichi.jp/english/english/newsselect/news/20150527p2g00m0dm071000c.html —- Sendai nuclear plant obtains final permit needed to restart —- PICTURE OF THE DAY The big heat http://www.japantoday.com/category/picture-of-the-day/view/the-big-heat-3 INTERNATIONAL NEWS Poor David Cameron is now prisoner of all his promises Simon Jenkins http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2015/may/27/queens-speech-cameron —- Shocking! UK’s cancer death rates blamed on delays in sending patients for tests Researchers say GPs in England, Wales and Northern Ireland less likely than other countries to refer possible cancer patients immediately —- I guess that means me except for the fact that I own a home there and pay the property tax every year so I should have been able to vote on May 7th. Expat vote ban lifted, but not in time for EU referendum The 15-year rule, which prevents a million Britons overseas from voting in UK elections, will be scrapped – but they won’t be given a vote on Europe —- Tony Blair resigns as Middle East peace envoy Former Prime Minister Tony Blair resigns from his position as Middle East peace envoy —- France: no Iran nuclear deal if military site inspections are blocked French foreign minister Laurent Fabius urges other negotiators to take a tough stance if ayatollah Khamenei continues to resist inspections —- Fifa in crisis as officials who presided over ‘World Cup of fraud’ are arrested FBI investigation into corruption leads to dawn raids in Zurich, while Swiss authorities look into bids for 2018 and 2022 World Cups —- I’ve posted many horror stories of the treatment of migrant workers in Qatar over the last few years, here is another one of many. The human toll of FIFA’s corruption —- Poland outperforms UK in education and health, report finds Analysis suggests that Poland is the best country at turning economic growth into the wellbeing of its citizens —- Nato chief says Russian nuclear threats are ‘deeply troubling and dangerous’ Jens Stoltenberg says Russian plans such as the deployment of nuclear-capable missiles near the Polish border would ‘fundamentally change’ European security —- Devastation spreads as death toll in Texas floods reaches 18 —- Republicans’ ‘plans’ for Isis would drag us into Iraq for another ground war The GOP candidates use innuendo and coded language to push the need for ground troops into public discourse. At least the military hawks are more overt http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2015/may/27/republicans-isis-iraq-another-forever-war —- What the GOP could learn from Ireland on gay marriage —- Opinions —- Does this monster have a daughter, a wife or a sister? Shame on him! SCOTT WALKER TO SIGN BAN ON ABORTIONS FOR RAPE, INCEST —- FIFA HAS CLINTON FOUNDATION TIES; WORLD CUP HOST QATAR GAVE MILLIONS —- Ten Outrageous Ideas Rick Santorum Actually Believes http://thinkprogress.org/election/2015/05/27/3658823/santorum-lesser-known-hits/ —- The Silliest Things Republican Contenders Are Saying This Week Rand Paul on “America-hating socialists” at universities, and more from likely G.O.P. presidential candidates. —- DOUBLE STANDARD WE OWE MARTHA STEWART AN APOLOGY http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2015/05/22/it-s-time-for-america-to-pardon-martha-stewart.html —- Nusra leader: Our mission is to defeat Syrian regime Leader of Nusra Front in exclusive interview to Al Jazeera says his group has no agenda to target West. —- Isil seizes Syrian regime’s lucrative phosphate mines Isil strikes at heart of Syrian economy with gains in oil, gas and mining following capture of Palmyra and further gains deeper into the province —- Isis in Syria: The Kurdish enclave still resisting the tyranny of President Assad and militant fighters —- Yemen conflict: Sanaa commando base strike kills dozens http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-32898997 —- Israel launches air strikes in Gaza after rocket attack Israeli jets target training camps following string of cross-border rocket strikes —- Iraq starts anti-IS Anbar offensive Pro-government forces in Iraq launch an operation to drive Islamic State out of the western province of Anbar, days after the fall of Ramadi. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-32882540 —- Video shows militia fighters’ attack on key Islamic State-held oil refinery Shia militia video shows military operations to retake the contested Baiji oil refinery —- India’s deadly heatwave set to continue Forecasters warn that high temperatures – which have led to more than 1,000 deaths – will go on into next week http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/may/28/indias-deadly-heatwave-set-to-continue —- Bangladesh moves persecuted Rohingya to ‘out of sight’ island camps Bangladesh announces controversial move as human rights report finds traffickers forcing girls as young as thirteen onto crowded migrant boats —- Welcome to Cambodia: What Australia isn’t telling refugees http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-32872835 —- North Korea deploys new generation of fast warships Very Slender Vessels designed to infiltrate saboteurs or agents into South Korea —- Malaysia investigates police over links to mass graves http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-32911023 —- Burma protesters march in capital Rangoon angry at country being blamed for Rohingya crisis http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/asia/burma-protesters-march-in-capital-rangoon-angry-at-country-being-blamed-for-rohingya-crisis-10279868.html China’s lonely voice of dissent refuses to forget the victims of Tiananmen Square Attacking the Beijing regime over the 1989 massacre remains a dangerous business, even for an outspoken critic who has has found refuge in Australia —- How I survived Cambodia’s Killing Fields: Acclaimed surgeon SreyRam Kuy celebrates her mother’s determination to escape to the US —- What makes Indian farmers kill themselves? Unseasonal rainfall and hailstorms in many parts of India in recent weeks have destroyed crops, putting further strain on impoverished farmers and driving many of them to kill themselves. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-32827047 —- Megan Rice: Meet the 85-year-old Catholic nun who breaks into high-security bases to protest US’s nuclear weapons programme —- Charles Manson’s sordid legacy endures thanks to pop culture’s odd fascination NBC’s new crime drama Aquarius is the latest addition to the cult leader’s cultural subgenre. Lewis Parker is partial toward classic Manson Family jams http://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2015/may/27/charles-manson-family-pop-culture-aquarius —- Breast cancer could be ‘stopped in its tracks’ by new technique, say scientists Discovery of method for blocking enzyme that spreads cancer cells to bones is described as ‘important progress’ in prevention of secondary stage of disease —- Sending ice to Antarctica http://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-32802588 Pictures of the day: 27 May 2015 —- Best photographs of the day 27 May 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 May 28, 2015 @ 2:00 am Hello kes. I’m so glad that you managed to watch that amazing short documentary. It was excellently executed and really pulled you in. Although I wanted more, I think that everything that needed to be shown and said had been covered with a rare sense compassion and understanding of the torrid and frightening past that both men experienced. Kudos to the director and all who worked on it, especially the two men who lived through it. Cameron may feel that he has had a victory but just wait until his team start to leave because of a possible split from the EU, and those 40 new Scottish MPs start to flex their muscles to oppose him on issues they will never support. Good luck with that, PM. Can’t say that I’m feeling much sympathy for those fleeing three British schoolgirls. The amount of trouble and stress they have caused their parents by being so stupid is unforgivable. Then there is the amount of time and money spent trying to catch them before they crossed the border to Syria. I do hope that they get back to safety though as those poor parents must be going out of their minds. There will always be weak people who are easily led, and I also blame the British woman who influenced their decision by contact on the Internet. Her poor parents must be going through the same thing too. About Texas and their cruel legislation against women’s rights to choose, what can one say except that I hope these sadists rot in hell. The women can’t get abortions so when that child is born and the family is already struggling, they will cut their benefits too in a blink of an eye. Sick bastards! Years ago I had read something about the rapes of women in Berlin when the Russian troops came in to “save” them. This article confirms it and of course breaks my heart because the criminals would never see justice. The horrors of war exceed just the killing of innocents, for many who survive, it tears their very souls apart. Yes, the GOP have a lot to answer for by cutting funding to Amtrak needed to replace the new technology that could have prevented the crash and have saved lives. They don’t give a damn and are still defending their position. They have no human traits except for rabid greed. You never have to apologise for being late here because you never are. Always great to read that you found something of interest worth replying about, so thank you. Take care and see you soon. » Posted By Kalima On May 21, 2015 @ 5:01 pm Good Morning Everyone! Spring never came this year. If it did, we missed it again here in Tokyo. Now we are speeding towards our oppressive rainy season, and as I do every year, I am dreading it because after that, we start our scorching long summer. A smack across the head for all those who claim there is no global warming. Come and spend the summer here then. I dare you. Have a good day wherever you may be. Take care, be safe, stay warm and comfy or cool and dry. Sayonara from my darkening evening corner of Tokyo. Mata ne. Our Moment of Zen Every country in the world needs more politicians like Congressman Lieu. Well stated sir. Well done!! Congressman Lieu Remarks at Committee on Oversight and Government Reform Hearing on Immigration https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Y-gREFiCRsU&t=120 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ A few stories and opinions from around the globe. Here we go with lessons never learned. NRA approves restart for third nuclear plant http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2015/05/20/national/japan-approves-third-nuclear-plant-restart/ —- Ex-Futaba mayor sues state, Tepco over Fukushima nuclear disaster —- TEPCO likely failed in attempted venting at Fukushima No. 2 reactor http://mainichi.jp/english/english/newsselect/news/20150520p2g00m0dm029000c.html —- Japan aquariums vote to stop using dolphins from Taiji http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2015/05/20/national/national-zoo-body-bans-using-taiji-dolphins/ —- No. of foreign visitors to Japan in April reaches record high —- PICTURE OF THE DAY Hamburger heads http://www.japantoday.com/category/picture-of-the-day/view/hamburger-heads INTERNATIONAL NEWS EU referendum: Pro-Europe campaign unites to fight ‘No’ camp —- How about starting with Georgie’s salary? George Osborne orders almost every government department to find cuts George Osborne, the Chancellor, says that Britain needs to “find that extra gear” to deliver “higher living standards for the next generation to come —- He looks like the devil. Illegal immigrants’ pay will be seized, pledges David Cameron —- The London borough that has turned homeless people into ‘criminals’ —- Doctors rubbish seven-day GPs plan David Cameron needs to “get real” and ditch his “surreal obsession” with opening GP surgeries in England seven days a week, the British Medical Association says. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-32810368 —- Oil Keep it in the ground Revealed: BP’s close ties with the UK government Documents show the extent of BP’s influence on government policy and how their intimate relationship is at odds with UK commitments to reduce carbon emissions http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2015/may/20/revealed-bps-close-ties-with-the-uk-government —- Nigel Farage mocked by MEPs as ‘big loser’ of general election European Parliament descends into laughter as Nigel Farage, the Ukip leader, is openly mocked by fellow MEPs for failing to win a seat —- Barclays handed biggest bank fine in UK history over ‘brazen’ currency rigging Financial Conduct Authority’s £284.4m penalty comes amid $6bn in fines for six banks for foreign exchange manipulation —- Ireland gay marriage referendum: how LGBT rights have improved across the world As Ireland holds a referendum this week on same sex marriage, we look back on other milestones for gay rights around the world —- Translated, “extremist” means anyone who criticises Putin. The world is in chaos and this invader thinks about his image. Russia threatens to ban Google, Twitter and Facebook over extremist content —- Obama says climate change threatens US national security US president says extreme weather is growing threat to US military bases and stability around the world —- Well it’s only a measly $26 million, easy to overlook. Clinton Foundation reveals up to $26 million in additional payment —- Good Lord! More nonsense from yet another Bush. Jeb Bush: climate is changing but human role is ‘convoluted’ Former Florida governor casts doubt on causes of climate change despite the world’s top climate scientists saying humans are unequivocally to blame —- Is It Okay To Refuse Service To A Same-Sex Couple For Religious Reasons? Jeb Bush: ‘Absolutely.’ http://thinkprogress.org/lgbt/2015/05/18/3659900/jeb-bush-same-sex-marriage-discrimination/ —- Nuts by the barrel full! Ted Cruz Blasts ‘The Left’ For Focus On Marriage Equality, Says Liberals Are ‘Obsessed With Sex’ http://thinkprogress.org/election/2015/05/20/3661035/ted-cruz-wonders-left-obsessed-sex-isis/ —- Declassified bin Laden documents: 10 things we learned Osama bin Laden had al-Qaeda aspirants fill out an application form, and kept documents on Bishops in the church of England —- NYTimes: I’m With Stupid by Paul Krugman How dumb are we? http://krugman.blogs.nytimes.com/2015/05/20/im-with-stupid/ —- UN Rights Review Slams US For Police Violence And Racism http://bluenationreview.com/un-human-rights-review-slams-us-for-police-violence-and-racism/ —- It Won’t Happen But Bernie Sanders Puts Forth A Great Idea http://bluenationreview.com/it-wont-happen-but-bernie-sanders-puts-forth-a-great-idea/ —- The Republican field is a clown car —- Rubio’s Gambian Human Rights Fiasco Gets Worse http://thinkprogress.org/election/2015/05/20/3661130/marco-rubio-gay-beheading-gambia/ —- Disgusting! Fraudulent cancer charities accused of using £122m donations for Victoria’s Secret spending sprees and Caribbean cruises —- Lifelong Republican turns on his Party embraced Onamacare http://thinkprogress.org/health/2015/05/19/3660701/luis-lang-obamacare/ —- Ruptured pipeline on California coast spills oil into ocean – in pictures An oil slick four miles wide is created in Santa Barbara after 21,000 gallons of oil spills into the Pacific Ocean. The US coast guard, county emergency officials and state parks officials were cleaning up the spill on Wednesday —- Brazil blogger known for reporting on corruption found decapitated Evany José Metzker, who had investigated child prostitution and drug dealing, found dead five days after being reported missing —- Isis seizes Palmyra: Fears for ancient Unesco World Heritage Site as militants take full control of Syrian city —- Bashar al-Assad’s airmen laugh as they drop barrel bombs on fellow Syrians New footage obtained by al-Jazeera, shot on board a Syrian military helicopter, contradicts the dictator’s claim that his forces have never used barrel bombs —- UN urges Jordan not to deport Palestinian activist back to Syria Campaigners say deportation of Wael al-Sahlee, who fled Syria with his son in 2012, may result in his death http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/may/21/al-sahlee-syria-deport-jordan-palestinian-refugee-dubai —- How civil of them. 🙄 Israel scraps scheme to ban Palestinians from buses Defence minister had approved programme to stop Palestinians working in Israel returning to West Bank on Israeli buses —- Give Up on Netanyahu, Go to the United Nations America must stop blocking U.N. action on Mideast peace and start pushing for a tough Security Council resolution that forces both parties to negotiate a deal — and fast. —- Palestinian soccer players tell FIFA Israel violates their ‘basic rights’ Palestinian soccer body calls for Israel to be suspended from FIFA over ‘discrimination’ and ‘oppression’ —- Amnesty criticises Qatar on migrant labour rights Rights group says Gulf nation failing workers and says FIFA should pressure Qatar to do more ahead of 2022 World Cup. —- Two jihadist leaders killed in Mali, says France http://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-32821731 —- Ramadi has fallen to Isis. But there is still good reason for hope Baghdad is in disarray, but it can still call upon Kurdish forces and Shia militia to at least contain Isis until Iraqi forces reorganise —- Brutal truths about ISIL victories Retreat in Ramadi should trigger a review of coalition’s ISIL strategy. —- US sends Iraq missiles for IS fight The US military says it is sending 1,000 anti-tank missiles to the Iraqi government following the fall of Ramadi to Islamic State forces. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-32819890 —- Outrage in Sri Lanka over teenager’s rape and murder http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-32820033 —- Pakistan court jails hate cleric for five years http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-32814393 —- Despite sanctions, Pakistan’s ‘terrorists’ thrive Banned groups, along with their charitable and militant wings, operate freely despite sanctions. —- Afghan police officers jailed over mob killing of woman Eleven officers sentenced to one-year in prison for their roles in killing of 27-year-old woman named Farkhunda. —- Huh?? Australian family charged ‘grief tax’ to remain by relative’s grave Mourners in the Australian city of Brisbane upset after being told they would have to pay overtime to remain by the graveside —- China ‘illegally fishing off W Africa’ More than 70 Chinese vessels have been found fishing illegally off the coast of West Africa, a new Greenpeace study reports. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-32817193 —- N Korea claims nuclear breakthrough North Korea again claims it can make nuclear warheads small enough to fit on a missile, hours after cancelling a visit by the UN Secretary General. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-32807774 —- What lies behind North Korea’s nuclear claims http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-32817524 —- Philippines willing to accept Rohingya migrants Government indicates willingness to provide welfare for boat people, after other SE Asian nations reject new migrants. http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2015/05/philippines-accept-rohingya-migrants-150519091830125.html —- Asia migrants: Malaysia orders search and rescue for boats http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-32822508 Truly sickening. Corrective rape: The homophobic fallout of post-apartheid South Africa South Africa has one of the highest rates of rape in the world – including ‘corrective rape’ – used to ‘cure’ lesbian women of their homosexuality. Lydia Smith reports —- Indonesian separatists ‘held my school hostage’ http://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-32781286 —- Hooked – Part 4 http://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-32740690 —- Russian expansion: ‘I went to bed in Georgia – and woke up in South Ossetia’ A slow-motion plan to absorb territory has left Georgians cut off in a foreign land, or exiled from their homes. But, all the while, pro-Kremlin voices are gaining traction in Tbilisi http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/may/20/russian-expansion-georgia-south-ossetia —- The nurse whose rape changed euthanasia laws Indian columnist Bachi Karkaria pieces together the story of nurse Aruna Shanbaug, who died after spending 42 years in a vegetative state after being brutally raped. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-india-32776902 —- “I will never allow you to become a doctor” An Indian doctor’s rant against the state of his profession has touched off a debate online. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/blogs-trending-32815816 —- ‘Prison guards can never be weak’: the hidden PTSD crisis in America’s jails ‘Eight and the gate’ is a corrections officer’s unofficial motto, but the hyper-vigilance of the job and the episodes of inmate violence take an extremely high toll. ‘We’re doing time too, we’re just getting paid for it’ http://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2015/may/20/corrections-officers-ptsd-american-prisons —- ‘New beginning to the known archaeological record’ as oldest stone tools ever discovered found in Kenya —- Depression may be factor in Parkinson’s risk Major Swedish study which tracked over 500,000 people for more than two decades finds close links between the conditions —- The idea that hunting saves African wildlife doesn’t withstand scrutiny Zambia has lifted a ban on hunting lions and leopards and said the move will help protect wildlife, as a US hunter killed a black rhino in Namibia in what he called a victory for conservation. But experts have serious doubts about the claims —- Alien origin of Earth’s oceans http://www.bbc.com/earth/story/20150526-alien-origin-of-earths-oceans —- How North Korea may (or may not) have fooled the world —- Pictures of the day: 21 May 2015 —- Best photographs of the day 20 May 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 May 21, 2015 @ 2:19 am Hello Nirek. I cheer each time he breaks down another barrier. Long life and many more years as our Pope to this honest and compassionate man, the world’s leaders could learn so much from him if only some of them actually possessed a beating heart for mankind. Peace. » Posted By Kalima On May 19, 2015 @ 7:24 pm Truly a remarkable man, kes, who is not afraid to act on his convictions. It seems as if we have had to wait a long time for him, and now that he’s here, we need him to stay. There was also this which is only just and right. Everything he is doing gives me hope for the Church. —- Pope Francis to canonise Palestinian nuns Pope Francis is set to canonise two nuns who lived in 19th Century Palestine, in what the Vatican hopes will be a boost for Christians in the Holy Land. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-32757345 » Posted By Kalima On May 19, 2015 @ 7:19 pm Hats off to Pope Francis! To Israel’s offensive objection. What “peace deal”? Shame on you. —- Vatican recognizes state of Palestine in new treaty » Posted By Kalima On May 15, 2015 @ 3:22 am Good Morning, Nirek. Sorry I haven’t been around much to comment but I have been on The Planet working on things that have to be taken care of. Our much needed typhoon rain during the night certainly made everything greener and cleaner here too. Yes, the people of Nepal need to feel safe again and after a big quake and an equally huge aftershock, that is a hard thing to do. After our magnitude 9.0 earthquake in 2011, we had aftershocks for the rest of the year. It was a stressful nightmare. Take care and your post is scheduled for this morning. Peace always. » Posted By Kalima On May 13, 2015 @ 4:37 am Good Morning Everyone! Today a shout out to a dear friend who survived the odds two years ago today, and came back smiling, healthy and stronger. You are remarkable. You are an inspiration. You know who you are, and I love you dearly. Congratulations!! Have a good day wherever you may be. Take care, be safe, stay warm and comfy or cool and dry. Sayonara from my sticky corner of Tokyo where we have a typhoon and an earthquake behind us in less than 24 hours. Mata ne. A few stories and opinions from around the globe. Strong offshore quake rocks Tohoku http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2015/05/13/national/strong-m6-6-offshore-quake-rocks-iwate/ —- Kansai Electric to increase electricity rates for households by 8.36% —- Music was a haven for woman who lived as a man for eight decades —- PICTURE OF THE DAY Midtown monster http://www.japantoday.com/category/picture-of-the-day/view/midtown-monster INTERNATIONAL NEWS Cameron should enjoy his ‘sweet victory’ – before it turns sour http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2015/may/10/cameron-sweet-victory-short-lived —- Labour needs to be ready when the Tories slip up – and they will slip up http://www.theguardian.com/business/2015/may/10/labour-ready-when-tories-slip-up —- The anti-austerity protest in London was about more than an Ed Miliband look-alike I want people to know the real reason I was there staring at an armed police officer —- Congratulations David Cameron! You now have an alarmingly anti-gay Culture Secretary Although luckily for John Whittingdale, there aren’t too many LGBT people in the arts… —- We need a new kind of politics: a vote every five years is not enough The barriers between politicians and ordinary citizens must come down in order to achieve true democracy http://www.theguardian.com/society/2015/may/13/new-politics-uk-vote-five-years-not-enough-democracy —- Welcome to the Cameron/Osborne dictatorship. Tory officials threatened BBC during election, says Miliband’s strategist Tom Baldwin says senior BBC executives faced repeated threats of far-reaching reforms if they didn’t change election campaign coverage —- What an absolute disgrace! Does Cameron have to bribe them to agree with his destructive policies? New MPs to be handed 10 per cent pay rise worth £7,000 within months Exclusive Parliament’s expenses watchdog is planning to a statutory review to rubber stamp a finding from 2013 that MPs’ pay should increase from £67,060 to £74,000 a year —- Three British girls married to jihadis ‘on the run’ from Islamic State The identity of the three girls is unknown but it raises fears it might be the Bethnal Green schoolgirls who fled there in February —- Russia ‘lost 220 troops’ in Ukraine An investigation by Russian opposition activists concludes that 220 Russian soldiers died in two major battles in eastern Ukraine. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-32705610 —- Russian troops key in decisive Ukraine battles, says Boris Nemtsov report More than 200 servicemen died fighting in Donbas region, claim colleagues of murdered Kremlin critic —- US Amtrak train derails in Philadelphia, five killed http://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-32716462 —- Policeman who shot dead black teen in Wisconsin not charged Police officer will not be charged over shooting dead black teenager Tony Robinson in Wisconsin in March —- Jeb Bush Signals His Faith Informs His Positions On Climate Change —- Jeb Bush’s Iraq Debacle Gets Weirder [Updated] A former aide now says Mr. Bush misheard a question about the invasion of Iraq. http://takingnote.blogs.nytimes.com/2015/05/12/jeb-bushs-iraq-debacle-gets-weirder/ —- Scott Walker’s Corporate Tax Breaks Come Back To Haunt Him —- The Family Planning Cuts That The Texas Legislature Forced Through Are Having Dire Consequences http://thinkprogress.org/health/2015/05/12/3657728/texas-reproductive-health-report/ —- Rafiq Hariri tribunal: Was the former Lebanon PM’s assassination the work of Syria’s President Assad? —- Smuggled Syrian documents enough to indict Bashar al-Assad, say investigators Prosecution cases have been prepared against president and senior members of his regime for possible war crimes tribunal http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/may/12/smuggled-syrian-documents-indict-assad-investigators —- Syria’s truth smugglers A team of Syrian investigators have risked their lives to collect secret government documents that provide evidence of war crimes by Bashar al-Assad and his regime. http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/may/12/syria-truth-smugglers-bashar-al-assad-war-crimes —- Inspectors in Syria Find Traces of Banned Military Chemicals The discovery came as Syrian government forces were being accused of continuing to bombard insurgent-held areas with chlorine bombs. —- Syrian opposition group to skip Geneva talks http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2015/05/syria-coalition-geneva-150512123323810.html —- Is Syria’s war edging towards an outcome? http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-32703945 —- Yemen conflict: Strikes rock Sanaa ahead of ceasefire http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-32703623 —- Israel must be held to account for occupation, say ex-European leaders European Eminent Persons Group says PM Binyamin Netanyahu has little interest in two-state solution and EU must take the lead http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/may/13/israel-occupation-european-leaders-binyamin-netanyahu —- Israel’s anti-boycott law to ‘muzzle’ Palestinians Al Jazeera examines the impacts of a controversial law allowing the state to penalise those who call to boycott Israel. http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2015/05/150509080554926.html —- New Israeli justice minister notorious for anti-Palestinian rhetoric given bodyguard after ‘Nazi’ death threats Ayelet Shaked, of the far-right Jewish Home party, drew outrage last year when she posted a quote online which appeared to brand all Palestinians enemy combatants and legitimate targets —- Liberia’s ‘Goodbye Ebola’ party A public holiday’s been held in Liberia to celebrate the country being declared free of Ebola. http://www.bbc.co.uk/newsbeat/articles/32700855 —- Gambian President Yayah Jammeh threatens to ‘slit the throats’ of gay people —- Tehran’s notorious Evin prison may become park http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-32703629 —- Second Nepal earthquake kills dozens – as it happened New earthquake hit on Tuesday with shockwaves felt as far away as New Delhi. US military helicopter helping in the recovery effort went missing with eight people on board —- Bangladesh blogger Ananta Bijoy Das hacked to death http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-32701001 —- Rescue to resume after Nepal quake Rescue work is to resume after the latest deadly earthquake in Nepal, as thousands of scared residents spend the night in the open. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-32716211 —- US military helicopter ‘found’ as Nepal reels from second earthquake – latest news on Wednesday Emergency centre says craft located but gives no indication of its condition following second major quake to strike the region in a fortnight. Follow the latest developments —- Karachi police say gunmen kill 43 on bus carrying Shias http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-32717321 —- Torture still routine in Chinese jails, Human Rights Watch report finds Human Rights Watch report says detainees electrocuted, shackled to chairs, starved and deprived of sleep to elicit confessions —- North Korea Defence Chief Hyon Yong-chol ‘executed’ http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-32716749 —- Myanmar migrants ‘begging for help’ A group of 350 migrants from Myanmar tell an activist by phone that they have been abandoned at sea and need help. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-32701203 The rape of Berlin http://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-32529679 —- NYTimes: ‘My Enemy, My Brother’ In this short documentary, two survivors of a brutal war in the Middle East meet again years later under astonishing circumstances. http://www.nytimes.com/2015/05/13/opinion/my-enemy-my-brother.html —- Outcast: Adrift with Burma’s Rohingya Persecuted Rohingya Muslims fleeing Myanmar face a dangerous journey on their way to freedom in Thailand and Malaysia. —- Afghanistan’s floundering billion dollar drug war Afghan poppy fields are ground zero in the global war on drugs – a battle authorities are largely losing. http://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/features/2015/05/150511080049609.html —- The battle of the e-Muftis Have traditional clerics across the Middle East got what it takes to be heard in the digital culture war against the self-styled Islamic State? http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-32697424 —- US nurse marks 90th birthday at work Florence ‘SeeSee’ started working at Tacoma General Hospital in Washington state in 1946 and has not stopped. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-32710408 —- Pictures of the day: 12 May 2015 —- Best photographs of the day 12 May 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 May 13, 2015 @ 2:08 am Oh good Lord, those poor people. Will bring updates on Thursday morning. —- Major earthquake strikes Nepal A magnitude 7.4 earthquake strikes eastern Nepal, two weeks after a devastating earthquake that killed more than 8,000 people, the USGS says. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-32701385 » Posted By Kalima On May 12, 2015 @ 12:58 am My dear Nirek, I’m so depressed by the voting public in the U.K. that I can hardly breathe. What is the matter with these people? I know few well off people there, but hear much about suffering, especially in the North. So what happened that a government who will make their lives so much more oppressing, won by a majority? I’m more than just depressed, I’m speechless. Britain needs progressive changes to survive so what is wrong with these people? I don’t know. Something is wrong. Not knowing the opinions on important issues is one of them. Maybe the most important. At least the racist Ukip farts didn’t get much support, and for me, that is the only bright spot of this farce of an election. Take care and peace to you and yours. Warning for 2016. How could the polls and predictions be so wrong? » Posted By Kalima On May 9, 2015 @ 6:37 am Good Morning Everyone. Well our Golden Week is finally over, not that I saw much of it this year, and people are back to work. Spring never came, it just skipped over us again this year, something that has been happening for several years now. Sad really. Have a good day wherever you may be. Take care, be safe, stay warm and comfy or cool and dry. Sayonara from my muggy corner of Tokyo. Mata ne. A few stories and opinions from around the globe. No-go zone declared at Hakone as officials raise volcano alert http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2015/05/07/national/volcano-alert-raised-mount-hakone/ —- Kagoshima residents appeal court’s go-ahead to restart Sendai reactors —- TEPCO refuses to reveal tsunami simulation results in nuclear disaster suit http://mainichi.jp/english/english/newsselect/news/20150505p2a00m0na016000c.html —- Clinical trials using near infrared light to treat cancer to begin this year http://mainichi.jp/english/english/newsselect/news/20150506p2a00m0na009000c.html —- PICTURE OF THE DAY Picnic http://www.japantoday.com/category/picture-of-the-day/view/picnic INTERNATIONAL NEWS Election polling day live: Tories and Labour neck and neck as UK polling stations open —- Election 2015: Voters head to the polls as UK candidates await their fate – live Polling stations open at 7am. Join us for live coverage of the United Kingdom election as votes are cast http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/general-election-2015/11586470/polling-day-live.html —- Oh charming! General election: Ukip member tells voter trying to confront Nigel Farage: ‘This is not about you’ —- The Guardian view: Britain needs a new direction, Britain needs Labour Election 2015 poses some profound questions for this country. Ed Miliband has better answers than his rivals, and so deserves a chance to govern —- Vote Tory and you’re voting for the rich to get richer and the poor to get poorer Cameron says he wants to ‘finish the job’. Is that the point when the richest one per cent have quadrupled their wealth? —- Low pay and high rent: is work really the route out of poverty in Tory Britain? The big issue: Our series looking at key general election issues considers employment, with a trip to Iain Duncan Smith’s constituency, which – perhaps surprisingly – has the fifth highest proportion of low-paid workers in Britain —- Germanwings report: Lubitz practised playing with altitude settings before crash France’s air accident bureau has confirmed much of the preliminary detail from the Germanwings crash, and revealed that co-pilot Andreas Lubitz “tested” how he would crash —- The old racist pot calling the younger racist kettle black. Jean-Marie Le Pen is ‘ashamed’ of his daughter and urges her to marry and change second name —- Golden Dawn leaders to resume trial in Greece Leader Nikolaos Michaloliako and 12 more MPs from neo-Nazi party among those accused of operating a criminal organisation after trial was adjourned in April http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/may/07/golden-dawn-leaders-resume-trial-greece —- With so much proof against them, why bother to deny it? MH17 crash: Russian challenge to rebel Buk missile theory http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-32610955 —- Baltimore police face new race bias probe http://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-32616307 —- 8 reasons — and one powerful video — show why racism is real in America —- Clintons, a luxury jet and their $100 million donor from Canada —- Scientists Discover Fracking Chemicals In Pennsylvania Drinking Water http://thinkprogress.org/climate/2015/05/05/3655025/something-in-the-water-its-fracking-chemicals/ —- 7 Ridiculous Things Ben Carson Believes http://thinkprogress.org/election/2015/05/04/3646780/ben-carson-announcement/ —- Good Lord!! Sylvia Driskell: Nebraska woman files lawsuit against every gay person in the world —- Record number internally displaced by conflict – report http://www.bbc.com/news/world-32608172 —- Bashar al-Assad accepts Syrian regime suffering military defeats The Syrian president gave a more sober assessment of the war which has seen more than 200,000 people killed and millions forced to flee Syria —- Islamic State: Life under the brutal jihadist movement, in pictures http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/islamic-state/11476731/The-brutality-of-Islamic-State.html —- Yemen appeals for ground forces as crisis deepens Ambassador to the UN urges international community to quickly intervene with ground forces “to save Yemen”. http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2015/05/150506132213938.html —- Scores of Yemeni civilians killed in Aden as loyalists try to resist Houthi rebels Saudis launch air strikes against rebels, while aid workers say at least 40 Yemeni civilians were killed when their boat was shelled as they fled fighting in the port —- Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ‘strikes coalition deal’ —- Israeli veterans say permissive rules of engagement fueled Gaza carnage —- “From what we knew, that area was supposedly devoid of civilians” http://www.breakingthesilence.org.il/testimonies/database/453039 —- Israeli soldier testimony: ‘Most of our shooting was random… we didn’t think about civilian casualties’ – video —- No idea that such hair styles existed, did you? “I’d like a gay hair cut please”. ” Can you make me look like the devil’? Iran bans ‘homosexual’ and ‘devil worshipping’ hairstyles As the desire to make fashion statements spikes each summer, authorities step up their crackdown on ‘un-Islamic’ haircuts and body modifications http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/may/05/iran-bans-devil-worshipping-homosexual-hairstyles —- Nepalese survivors afraid to return to their earthquake-damaged and dangerous homes Hundreds of thousands of survivors are left worrying about the monsoon season approaching as the government says it will need to focus on reconstruction —- Nepalis slam Indian media for using quake for PR #GoHomeIndianMedia trends on social platforms as journalists are criticised for perceived patriotic reporting. http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2015/05/150506143714012.html —- Afghanistan army defends Kunduz from Taliban http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-32620595 —- Australian workforce sheds more jobs than expected in blow for Joe Hockey Jobless rate rises to 6.2% as the workforce sheds 2,900 positions in April driven by a fall in full-time work for men and part-time roles for women http://www.theguardian.com/business/2015/may/07/australian-workforce-sheds-more-jobs-than-expected-in-blow-for-joe-hockey AN IRANIAN SPEAKS OUT—AND GETS HACKED http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2015/05/03/an-iranian-speaks-out-and-gets-hacked.html —- Tracing the children of the Holocaust http://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-32589411 —- International abortion laws: The six nations where it is still illegal to have an abortion —- The Indonesian horse that acts as a library http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-32612216 —- Veg, pasta and sauce cooked in a single pot In the first in our edited serialisation of Tamar Adler’s celebrated book The Everlasting Meal, she pushes the limits of a single pot of water, starting with veg —- Pictures of the day: 6 May 2015 —- Photo highlights of the day 6 May 2015 The Guardian’s picture editors bring you a selection of the best photographs from around the world http://www.theguardian.com/news/gallery/2015/may/06/photo-highlights-of-the-day » Posted By Kalima On May 7, 2015 @ 2:00 am Oh you naughty girl, thought that you and that nasty cold would have been in bed hours ago. Shows you how much I know. So glad you got to watch that video of the 15 year old in Gaza, I imagine that there must be many like her all over the world but her situation living in Gaza is that much more heartbreaking. I wish I could help them all. Sorry that Ohio was on that list but I agree with your reasons for it and am appalled that these people unfortunately wil continue to vote for a repub who in turn will make their lives even more miserable. There is no earthly logic in that. Have you noticed that our smilies have taken a turn for the worse? When writing these updates I included quite a few shocked faces and our usual mobile laughing faces, and now it looks like a constipated snarl. Somebody made off with our smilies. Help!! Hope you got a good night’s sleep and are feeling a bit better today? Take care, many thanks, and see you soon. » Posted By Kalima On April 30, 2015 @ 9:36 pm Hello, Nirek. From what I understand he doesn’t expect to win, but he will certainly keep the focus on the main issues, and hold feet to the fire for the others who might be running. That is a very good thing and I look forward to the debates and wish him all the luck in the world. Go Bernie, go!! Peace. » Posted By Kalima On April 30, 2015 @ 9:23 pm Good Morning everyone. The last day in April and I wonder if like me, you are also wondering where it has gone? Have a good day wherever you may be. Take care, be save and stay comfy. Sayonara from my slightly humid corner of Tokyo. Mata ne. A few stories and opinions from around the globe. With speech, Abe faces tough sell in skeptical U.S. Congress —- Outrage in Fukushima Prefecture at gov’t’s revival plan for nuclear power http://mainichi.jp/english/english/newsselect/news/20150429p2a00m0na006000c.html —- Japanese rescuers step up work in quake-stricken Nepal http://mainichi.jp/english/english/newsselect/news/20150429p2g00m0in031000c.html —- Gifu company pays workers to refrain from using smartphones —- PICTURE OF THE DAY Blowin’ in the wind http://www.japantoday.com/category/picture-of-the-day/view/blowin-in-the-wind-2 INTERNATIONAL NEWS This has been the Tory plan for five years so it is not surprising because we first heard about relocation in 2011. Over 50,000 families shipped out of London in the past three years due to welfare cuts and soaring rents —- ‘Secret’ Tory plans for £8bn in welfare cuts exposed by Danny Alexander Exclusive: Lib Dem chief secretary accuses Tories of ‘trying to con the British people’ by concealing until after the election plans for major reforms to child benefits and child tax credits —- Seriously? If you have to ask, you shouldn’t be allowed to vote. GPs are exhausted, A&E is overrun and hospitals are broke. What went wrong? The Big Issue: Each day this week we are looking at key election issues. Today we examine the NHS, and the claim that the coalition’s plan for market-based healthcare was based on a mistaken belief that doctors are driven by self-interest —- My plea to the NHS: decide whether or not my life is worth saving, and call me I have leukaemia. I’m a mum. A second bone marrow transplant is my only chance but the NHS must approve it. Six weeks on I’m still in the dark, waiting … —- If they sent one to me over here, maybe I could actually be allowed to vote. Hey!! Over here!! General Election 2015: 200,000 ballot papers stolen by van thieves —- Huh? 😯 Hungary PM: bring back death penalty and build work camps for immigrants Rightwing nationalist Viktor Orbán threatens to defy EU law and launches anti-immigration manifesto calling for internment camps for illegal immigrants —- Fire breaks out near Chernobyl plant Firefighters battle blaze in woods near Ukraine’s disused Chernobyl nuclear plant, the site of the worst nuclear disaster in history. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-32502393 —- 😆 Huh?? Russian politician denounces Apple’s U2 album gift as ‘gay propaganda’ Rightwing politician demands an investigation into U2’s album giveaway, which he says ‘spammed youths with illegal content’ and promoted gay sex —- International Rescue Committee forced out of East Ukraine http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-32526595 —- Freddie Gray protests in several US cities http://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-32525182 —- Justice Ginsburg Eviscerates The Case Against Marriage Equality In Just Five Sentences —- Madam Fixit: Hillary Clinton positions herself as the can-do candidate In her speech on criminal justice reform, Mrs Clinton cast herself as a no-nonsense and non-partisan successor to Barack Obama —- Clinton Foundation Failed to Disclose 1,100 Foreign Donations —- Bernie Sanders isn’t going to be president. That’s not the point. —- You will never go wrong assuming people don’t know much about politics. Never —- Fracturing democracies —- Senior female Isis figure who helped recruit women from Europe to Syria is revealed as student from Seattle —- Egypt Islamists get life for Kerdasa church attack http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-32512931 —- Israel struck Gaza shelters – UN report http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-32479271 —- Saudi Arabia shakeup as much about retrenchment as reform King appoints nephew Mohammed bin Nayef as crown prince and heir to the kingdom http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/apr/29/saudi-arabia-mohammed-bin-nayef-crown-prince —- French soldiers accused of raping and abusing refugee children in Central African Republic in exchange for food in ‘leaked UN report’ —- Boko Haram’s former captives need ‘intensive psychological care’ Girls and women rescued had fired on soldiers advancing on Boko Haram’s forest stronghold after becoming indoctrinated into believing the group’s ideology —- Nigerian army ‘rescues nearly 300’ from Sambisa Forest http://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-32506942 —- US ‘monitoring’ Iran ship seizure Pentagon officials say the US is monitoring the seizure by Iranian forces of a Marshall Islands-flagged cargo ship in waters off Iran. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-32503660 —- Why has Iraq’s Beiji refinery been so hard fought over? The refinery, an important source of revenue to both Iraq and ISIL, has been claimed by both sides over http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2015/04/iraqs-beiji-refinery-hard-fought-150429111816551.html —- India evacuates Nepal foreigners India helps in evacuating 170 foreign nationals from 15 countries who were trapped in Nepal’s earthquake in which more than 5,000 people are now known to have died. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-india-32509157 —- Nepal earthquake: Amid all the sadness and death, the talk is of hope and rebirth —- Nepal earthquake: first aerial view of flattened Gurkha heartland The Telegraph witnesses the devastation wrought upon the remote villages closest to the quake epicentre in central Nepal – some of which are only now being reached by aid workers —- Nepal earthquake: A shocking disaster in one of the most remarkable countries on earth Imagine if London saw thousands die, and the Houses of Parliament, Tower of London and Buckingham Palace all collapse in ruins —- Nepal earthquake: Rescuers land in Kathmandu to aid quake victims, in pictures —- North Korea ‘executed 15 people’ http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-32511431 —- North Korean soldiers suspected of China killings Three people dead in area not far from where North Korean border guards reportedly killed seven villagers last year. —- North Korean nuclear reactor may be operating again, say experts Institute for Science and International Security says there are signs that a centrifuge plant at the Yongbyon nuclear complex is active again —- Anger and dismay over Indonesia executions UN and Australian prime minister Tony Abbott condemn the execution of eight drug traffickers on the prison island of Nusakambangan, Indonesia —- Briton on Indonesia death row fears she may be next after Bali Nine executions Lindsay Sandiford, a British grandmother on death row in Indonesia for smuggling cocaine, met the executed Australian pair in jail and says their deaths were senseless —- ‘Am I being executed?’ Brazilian killed by Indonesia unaware until end, says priest Priest who counselled Rodrigo Gularte – who has been diagnosed as having paranoid schizophrenia and bipolar disorder – says he tried in vain for three days to to explain to the inmate he was about to die —- The Guardian view on Indonesia’s executions: cruel and unnecessary Death penalty abolition is spreading around the world. It is vital to maintain global pressure on all those who execute their citizens http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2015/apr/29/guardian-view-indonesia-executions-cruel-unnecessary Searching for the truth about my mother http://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-32478411 —- Vietnam marks 40 years since end of war http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-32527645 —- Vietnam 40 years on: Ex-reporter on media’s role in war Al Jazeera talks to Michael Nicholson, an ex-ITN war reporter who was at the US embassy in Saigon http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2015/04/reporter-discusses-media-role-vietnam-war-150428132837805.html —- Robert Fisk in Abu Dhabi: The Emirates’ out-of-sight migrant workers helping to build the dream projects of its rulers —- 15 in Gaza A unique insight into the challenges facing an ambitious Gazan schoolgirl as she stands on the brink of adulthood. http://www.aljazeera.com/programmes/witness/2014/02/15-gaza-201421011597321712.html —- Oskar Groening trial: Loss of family I never knew http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-32493010 —- The amateur photographer capturing the story of the #BaltimoreRiots A young Baltimore resident’s photos of protests and riots are sweeping social media. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/blogs-trending-32497921 —- The most racist places in America, according to Google —- Another Corpse, Another Excuse: Who Has a Right to Be Tired After Walter Scott’s —- The Katie Hopkins effect: why widespread anger is so common If being outraged and offended is such an unpleasant experience, why is it so common? And why do so many people jump at the chance to experience it? —- Better Life Index: Infographic shows what people around the world value most —- Adolf Hitler suicide 70 years on: what became of Nazi leader’s bunker All that remains of Adolf Hitler’s Berlin Führerbunker, near the Brandenburg Gate, is a small information board next to a car park —- The women of the Chinese internet remain defiant http://www.bbc.com/news/blogs-trending-32518852 —- Pictures of the day: 29 April 2015 —- Photo highlights of the day 29 April 2015 http://www.theguardian.com/news/gallery/2015/apr/29/photo-highlights-of-the-day » Posted By Kalima On April 30, 2015 @ 2:00 am Nepal quake relief drive intensifies Rescue efforts in Nepal intensify after more than 2,000 died in the country’s worst quake in more than 80 years, as a powerful aftershock hits the region. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-32470731 » Posted By Kalima On April 26, 2015 @ 6:04 am Hello, Nirek. I think it’s the same situation in all countries with a conservative government whether they are in power or not. They have no qualms about taking money no matter where it comes from. The Tories in the U.K. did it recently with a bank under investigation for money laundering and tax evasion. If you have no moral compass you don’t care, and they don’t. In America though you have too many rich people giving money to shape the government and that is not what democracy is about. The givers and taker are crooks. To me it’s nothing more than bribery and corruption on a grand scale, and that should be punished as the crime that it is. Take care and peace to you and yours. » Posted By Kalima On April 23, 2015 @ 8:44 pm Good Morning Everyone. Except for new shoots from plants in my balcony garden. I see very few signs of spring here yet. Still hoping. Have a good day wherever you may be. Take care, be safe, stay warm and comfy. Sayonara from my darkening corner of Tokyo. Mata ne. A few stories and opinions from around the globe. Cesium-carrying drone could have landed on prime minister’s helipad any time after March 22 —- Kagoshima court rejects injunction against Sendai reactor restarts —- Survey shows strong opposition, concern over nuclear power http://mainichi.jp/english/english/newsselect/news/20150422p2a00m0na015000c.html —- New law to allow Japan to supply U.S. military in South China Sea —- PICTURE OF THE DAY Must be good ramen http://www.japantoday.com/category/picture-of-the-day/view/must-be-good-ramen-2 INTERNATIONAL NEWS The sickening truth about food banks that the Tories don’t want you to know If a prison decided to implement a policy of punishing its inmates by cutting their food supply, it would be universally condemned as a human rights abuse —- General Election 2015: An SNP takeover? Whatever happened to democracy? Because Labour will be dependent on the SNP, they’ll probably give all our money away to Scotland, and replace the Premier League with curling —- 😯 The man obviously has a few screws loose. This is not how you talk to the audience during a debate (Video) —- EU leaders to consider military intervention against Libyan migrant traffickers David Cameron and other European Union leaders will consider efforts to identify, capture and destroy vessels before they are used by traffickers, draft document shows —- Migrant crisis: EU ministers to discuss U-turn on search-and-rescue operations in Mediterranean —- Armenian killings were genocide – German president http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-32437633 —- French police foil ‘imminent’ terror attack in Paris Interior minister announces arrest of student after stash of weapons found in car and lodgings http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/apr/22/paris-student-planned-attack-church-france —- Ukraine truce: US accuses Russia of violating deal http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-32425602 —- Cash Flowed to Clinton Foundation as Russians Pressed for Control of Uranium Company As the Russian atomic energy agency gradually took charge of a company that controls one-fifth of all uranium production capacity in the United States, a stream of cash made its way to former President Bill Clinton’s charitable organization. —- Why The Koch Brothers Want Scott Walker To Be President http://thinkprogress.org/election/2015/04/21/3649458/koch-scott-walker-endorsement/ —- MARCO RUBIO, GEN-X FRAUD http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2015/04/19/marco-rubio-gen-x-fraud.html —- No, gay marriage will not cause 900,000 abortions —- This is sick on so many levels. As if the killing of Christians in Iraq, Syria and African nations, and those of other religions such as the massacre of the Yazidis and Shi’ites were somehow acceptable. There are more Muslim on Muslim killings than any other. The victim card is hard to let go of, especially when so many atrocities are being perpetrated in the name of your own religion. ‘Killing Jews is worship’ posters to be displayed in New York subways The posters will be allowed despite objections from Mayor Bill de Blasio —- As Huckabee Plans Presidential Run, He’s Already Alienated Half The Country http://thinkprogress.org/election/2015/04/17/3648467/huckabee-women-2016/ —- The Link Between Fracking Activity And Earthquakes Is Getting Stronger http://thinkprogress.org/climate/2015/04/22/3649781/fracking-activity-earthquakes-texas-oklahoma/ —- Syria conflict: IS-rebel clashes ‘leave 40 dead’ http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-32418258 —- A small country but a big nation: how genocide shaped the Armenia of today As Armenians mark the beginning of violence that left 1.5 million dead, Turkey’s lack of contrition leaves descendants struggling to reconcile loss and renewal —- Egypt’s ousted President Morsi jailed for 20 years http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-32391891 —- ‘Now we all curse the Saudis’: Yemen reels in face of month-long air strikes Saudi Arabia’s four-week aerial assault has left Yemen a divided country, with almost 1,000 dead and many more injured —- Yemen conflict: Saudi-led coalition resumes air strikes http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-32411311 —- Gaza fallout: ‘I cannot understand these crimes’ A new report suggests that Israel directly targeted Palestinian children during the Gaza war. http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2015/04/gaza-fallout-understand-crimes-150420130139305.html —- Palestinian boy’s name erased from Jerusalem memorial wall Father of Mohammed Abu Khdeir says he does not want son’s name written next to those of Israeli soldiers in Mount Herzl cemetery http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/apr/22/palestinian-boy-name-erased-jerusalem-memorial-wall —- Kenya erects a wall along border with Somalia to keep out al-Shabaab Critics point out that the al-Shabaab militants, who killed 148 people mostly students at Garissa University, were from Kenya and not Somalia —- Boko Haram crisis: Nigeria begins Sambisa ground offensive http://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-32416155 —- Anti-ISIL rally turns violent in Ethiopia Rally over deaths in Libya gains anti-authority momentum with protesters throwing stones at police, prompting crackdown http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2015/04/anti-isil-rally-turns-violent-ethiopia-150422151713828.html —- Islamic State crisis: Iraqi forces ‘retake parts of Ramadi’ http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-32403199 —- Bangladesh garment workers suffer poor conditions two years after reform vows Assault, verbal abuse and forced overtime persist following the Rana Plaza disaster, which killed 1,100 people in Dhaka, Human Rights Watch claims —- Afghanistan tries to strike balance in escalating Iran-Saudi rivalry The new Kabul leadership must preserve its strategic ties with the Islamic republic while pursuing better relations with Saudi Arabia, says veteran Afghan journalist http://www.theguardian.com/world/iran-blog/2015/apr/21/afghanistan-iran-saudi-arabia-yemen-conflict —- Clean-up begins after storms lash New South Wales http://www.bbc.com/news/world-australia-32424810 —- China warns North Korea’s nuclear arsenal is expanding, report says Chinese experts believe their communist ally may already have an arsenal of 20 warheads and the enrichment capacity to double that figure by next year —- How North Korea’s hushed-up economy is hindering its development Pyongyang has been denied entry to China’s new investment bank because of a refusal to share economic data. But with the World Bank unlikely to step in the regime may have to reconsider, says Andray Abrahamian http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/apr/22/north-korea-secret-economy-aiib-development-china Vietnam 40 years on: how a communist victory gave way to capitalist corruption After the military victory, Vietnam’s socialist model began to collapse. Cut off by US-led trade embargos and denied reconstruction aid, it plunged into poverty. Now its economy is booming – but so is inequality and corruption —- Armenian immigrants look for a better life in Turkey Despite tensions between the two countries, tens of thousands of Armenians have come to Turkey illegally for work. http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2015/04/armenian-immigrants-life-turkey-150420070803126.html —- ‘They hate black people’ http://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-32419952 —- Watch what happened when a homeless man tried to give money to people —- Sister Act: how nuns are staging a surprise comeback in UK The unexpected revival of convent life in 21st Century Britain —- Top 10 best Shakespearean insults – to celebrate the bard’s birthday From tripe-visaged rascal to ass-head… William Shakespeare may have been born 450 years ago today (or thereabouts) but he sure knew how to put someone down in style. David and Ben Crystal, authors of the Oxford Illustrated Shakespeare Dictionary, help you work out which insults to use and when! —- Pictures of the day: 22 April 2015 —- In pictures: 25 years of Hubble http://www.bbc.com/news/in-pictures-32388337 —- Photo highlights of the day The Guardian’s picture editors bring you a selection of the best photographs from around the world, including Amnesty’s International’s provocative response to the Mediterranean migrant crisis and a woman who shares her home with an 85kg pig http://www.theguardian.com/news/gallery/2015/apr/22/photo-highlights-of-the-day » Posted By Kalima On April 23, 2015 @ 2:09 am Hi GC. No, I’m haven’t come across this story and many activists write columns in the sources I use here so you would think that one of them would have mentioned it even if the source seems a bit obscure. Although I have no way of disproving this, I would just caution that there are a few groups with their hair on fire who want to stop the reopening of idled reactors, which is what I want too, but it won’t happen if everything in Japan is going to be blamed on radiation. I would need real experts with facts from different sources to start to believe it, and that is not happening on any grand scale here. One good thing is that anti-nuclear sentiments and marches are definitely on the increase here. Great to see you here again. Take care. » Posted By Kalima On April 19, 2015 @ 8:18 pm Hello, Nirek. It’s the same here with bad companies like TEPCO declaring huge profits because they raised the monthly electricity bill for households while still owing millions in compensation to those affected by the 2011 disasters. The same in the U.K. with the Tories promising to crackdown on rich tax evaders and increasing taxation on the rich. That was five years ago and the only thing they have done is to cut benefits for the needy and the disabled and try to destroy our healthcare system, and there are people dumb enough to vote for them in the upcoming GE. Sorry that I didn’t get today’s updates posted but it’s been a really hectic week. Peace. » Posted By Kalima On April 19, 2015 @ 7:55 pm Good Morning Everyone. Today was a day that we didn’t have rain. Have a good day wherever you may be. Take care, be safe, stay warm and comfy. Sayonara from my evening corner of Tokyo. Mata ne. A few stories and opinions from around the globe. Residents would need 16 hours to evacuate if Takahama plant struck by disaster: NRA —- Nuclear watchdog hits out at injunction against restart of Takahama reactors —- TEPCO resumes robot survey inside Fukushima reactor vessel http://mainichi.jp/english/english/newsselect/news/20150415p2g00m0dm076000c.html —- 33 cultural properties vandalized with oily liquid in Japan http://mainichi.jp/english/english/newsselect/news/20150416p2g00m0dm066000c.html —- Kansai International: The airport that’s never lost a passenger’s bag —- PICTURE OF THE DAY Trick Audi http://www.japantoday.com/category/picture-of-the-day/view/trick-audi INTERNATIONAL NEWS British Government will still be in debt by end of decade, warns IMF —- Youth homelessness is already high enough, and what are politicians proposing? Taking even more away from those in need Removing the housing safety net for 18-21 year olds would be a disaster —- Ha! Lying becomes you, Dave. PM anger at ‘party of the rich’ claim David Cameron tells the BBC accusations that the Conservatives are “the party of the rich” make him “more angry than almost anything else”. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/election-2015-32325930 —- Germanwings crash: call for technology to enable remote command of plane German air traffic control authority urges aviation industry to consider allowing people on the ground to take control of a plane and steer it to land safely —- Greece in new downgrade by S&P for “unsustainable” commitments http://www.bbc.com/news/business-32326547 —- 😯 !!!! Vladimir Putin claims in accounts he made just £100k last year Kremlin critics ridicule the income declarations of top Russian officials, saying their real earnings are much higher —- SPY GAMES EDWARD SNOWDEN IS ACTING VERY STRANGE INSIDE RUSSIA —- Ousted Ukraine president’s ally found shot dead in Kiev home Oleg Kalashnikov was a member of Viktor Yanukovych’s parliament http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/apr/15/ousted-ukraine-president-ally-shot-dead —- ‘Christian Taliban’s’ crusade on Ukraine’s front lines As officials work on peace deals with separatists, a rogue religious battalion vows to fight its way to Moscow. —- Backlash as Belarus imposes ‘social parasite’ law to fine unemployed New rules that effectively criminalise those out of work have been criticised as a Soviet-era throwback http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/apr/16/belarus-fine-unemployed-social-parasite-law —- US fast food wage protests expand to other industries http://www.bbc.com/news/business-32324293 —- Here’s What Happened In Indiana As Soon As The Media Stopped Paying Attention http://thinkprogress.org/lgbt/2015/04/15/3647223/indiana-epilogue-lgbt-protections-rejected/ —- Clinton Foundation to continue accepting foreign donations Presidential hopeful Hillary Clinton has faced criticism over the charity’s acceptance of foreign money, that some believe could be used to curry her favour —- Congress Has Made Undermining Energy And Environmental Laws The Focus Of Its First 100 Days http://thinkprogress.org/climate/2015/04/15/3647310/congress-first-100-days-energy-report/ —- DUMB AND DUMBERER THE GOP PRIMARY IS WHERE IDEAS GO TO DIE BY MICHAEL TOMASKY 04.15.155:25 AM ET http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2015/04/15/gop-primary-land-where-ideas-go-to-die.html —- Republicans push for a permanent aristocracy —- Family is important to Marco Rubio, just not gay families —- Tennessee house of representatives approves Bible as official state book While some representatives argue the holy book’s importance to state history and culture, others say measure blatantly violates separation of church and state http://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2015/apr/15/tennessee-house-bible-state-book —- 😯 Huh? Islamic Extremists Have Seized Control Of U.S. Cities, Says NRA Seminar http://thinkprogress.org/justice/2015/04/14/3646567/no-go-zones-nra-convention/ —- China’s Texas Hold ’em: Rick Perry and a Chinese plant on the Gulf —- A strong step toward a safer Iran —- Cuba welcomes US move to drop island from terror list Havana says Barack Obama’s decision is ‘fair’ and that they should never have been on it in first place —- New questions in mysterious death of Argentine prosecutor after mother discovers gun Alberto Nisman’s personal gun found in storage, suggesting he did not take his own life as claimed —- Colombia to resume bombing of FARC rebels after attack Ten soldiers killed by rebels in early morning ambush described by President Santos as a “rupture” of FARC’s ceasefire. —- Islamic State ‘pushed back’ by Palestinians in Yarmouk http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-32318134 —- EU parliament calls for Turkey to recognise ‘genocide’ Ankara condemns non-binding resolution on Armenian killings, saying that it “slaughters history and law”. —- Huh? Israel hails ‘achievement’ in its bid to block Iran nuclear deal A Senate vote on a final agreement with Iran will give Israel the chance to block – or toughen – the terms of any deal, says minister —- Huh?? Kettle call pot black. How Israel Hid Its Secret Nuclear Weapons Program An exclusive look inside newly declassified documents shows how Israel blocked U.S. efforts to uncover its secret nuclear reactor. http://www.politico.com/magazine/story/2015/04/israel-nuclear-weapons-117014.html#ixzz3XTp1CjBP —- Libya migrants: UN urges more effort to save lives http://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-32314263 —- Al-Shabab recruiting in Kenyan towns http://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-32329518 —- Iran leader: We are in talks with ‘the major powers,’ not the U.S. Congress —- The roots of Iran’s revolutionary fighters Four members of the Revolutionary Guard recently killed in Syria are from a garden town in Isfahan that also played a decisive role in the Iran-Iraq war —- Yazidi sex slaves reveal Isis militants picked who to rape in twisted ‘lottery’ in distressing accounts —- Yazidi girls as young as eight raped as Isil sex slaves, finds report Eyewitness testimony by Yazidi women and girls in Iraq provides details of one of the most systematic instances of sexual slavery in the 21st century —- Families demand answers over South Korea ferry disaster on one-year annniversary Debate over the disaster continues as families of more than 300 dead are angry that an investigation has not been opened as the first anniversary passes —- Indonesia protests at execution of maid in Saudi Arabia http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-32318131 —- Indonesia bans alcohol sales in small shops http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-32330135 Stories from the Armenian genocide: the survivors, the victims and the relatives —- Young, female and forging a path in Gaza http://www.bbc.com/capital/story/20150415-young-and-female-in-gaza —- Girls who escaped Boko Haram refuse to be victims Al Jazeera talks to three students who escaped after more than 200 girls were abducted in Nigeria a year ago. —- Abraham Lincoln: The enduring images http://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-32292217 —- Anarchy in the UK: 35 years of fanatics and firebrands at Speakers’ Corner Before Twitter, Speakers’ Corner in London’s Hyde Park was where idealists, eccentrics and firebrands went to hold forth. John Harris on a new photobook that celebrates this peculiarly British bastion of free speech http://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2015/apr/16/speakers-corner-philip-wolmuth —- Soapbox superstars: 35 years at Speakers’ Corner – in pictures They rant and rave about how to rob banks, how to find God, why men are better than women – and the ‘noise poison’ the government has stored under London. A new photobook celebrates the Christians, conspiracy theorists and anarchists that hold forth in Hyde Park —- Too Much Carbon Dioxide May Have Caused Earth’s Worst Mass Extinction http://thinkprogress.org/climate/2015/04/13/3646211/boom-youre-dead/ —- Middle age now lasts until 74 as baby boomers refuse to grow old Old age does not begin until 74, researchers suggest in a new report which looks at the real impact of an ageing population —- A ranking of the world’s ‘most powerful’ passports —- What can I say, I love elephants. 🙂 Kidnapped Baby Elephant Reunited With Mother After Years Apart http://www.care2.com/causes/kidnapped-baby-elephant-reunited-with-mother-after-years-apart.html MeBai and her Mother —- Pictures of the day: 16 April 2015 —- Photo highlights of the day The Guardian’s picture editors bring you a selection of the best photographs from around the world including dog groomers in China, new year in Burma and fashion week in Sydney http://www.theguardian.com/news/gallery/2015/apr/15/photo-highlights-of-the-day » Posted By Kalima On April 16, 2015 @ 2:39 am Hello, agrippa. I had already read the article you linked to but being as I post international news and not just domestic U.S. issues, I didn’t have room for it. I can’t quite see the significance of Sir Robert Peel and his creation of his metropolitan police force in the U.K. (his “bobbies”), and today’s law enforcement issues in the U.S. » Posted By Kalima On April 10, 2015 @ 5:30 am Hello, Nirek. Sorry for the delay but it turned out to be a busy day. Hope your doctor’s appointment went off ok? You seem to have done your fair share of snow shovelling this year so hurry up spring. Take care and see you soon. Peace. » Posted By Kalima On April 10, 2015 @ 4:44 amComments Posted By Kalima
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This government’s brutish front-benchers have sharpened their biggest knives, and introduced planned poverty
Seumas Milne
http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2015/06/18/let-s-call-charleston-shooting-what-it-was-a-terrorist-attack.html
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Israel faces accusation of carrying out war crimes as Palestinians raise stakes in legal campaign, even though Hamas also faces similar similar accusations following UN investigation
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http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2015/06/22/the-southern-avenger-repents-i-was-wrong-about-the-confederate-flag.html
What draws western women to Islamic State’s violent jihad? Nabeelah Jaffer spent months talking to British and American ‘sisters’, before and after they travelled to Syria. How were they convinced by promises of a ‘perfect’ society and life as a martyr’s widow?
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/picturegalleries/picturesoftheday/11694914/Pictures-of-the-day-24-June-2015.html
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Seumas Milne
John Crace
Shiraz Maher
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http://america.aljazeera.com/articles/2015/6/17/In-thai-detention-centers-migrants-stuck-in-limbo.html
African migrants who drown on their journey to Europe leave their families behind with an unspoken burden of loss.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/an-italian-draft-of-pope-francis-environmental-paper-leaks–setting-off-scurry-to-google-translate/2015/06/15/89af0012-1379-11e5-9ddc-e3353542100c_story.html
The pope, the saint and the climate
Suzanne Moore
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/picturegalleries/picturesoftheday/11679775/Pictures-of-the-day-17-June-2015.html
17 June 2015
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http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/picturegalleries/picturesoftheday/11664302/Pictures-of-the-day-10-June-2015.html
Catching up has been a bit difficult.
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Though the true state of politics in Pyongyang remains opaque, sources in the capital report early signs of discontent. Daily NK reports
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http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-32839660
Pádraig Collins
Each day the picture editor of the Guardian brings you a selection of photo highlights
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Among the victims was Alyssa Ramirez, an 18-year-old driving home after her high school prom
Ted Cruz, charlatan
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Communications watchdog says US companies could face sanctions over alleged ‘illegal activities’ under controversial bloggers law
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The Guardian’s picture editors bring you a selection of the best photographs from around the world, including last night’s protests in Balitmore, an internet conference in Beijing and more from the earthquake in Nepal
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Six Yanukovych-era government officials have died over last two months
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The 100 Lives project hopes to build up the history of Armenians whose relatives were killed or survived the Armenian genocide. Raziye Akkoc speaks to some of those whose families were killed or forced to flee
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https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=YslTuEvudfU
See our election photo highlights
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