Displaying 1,081 To 1,110 Of 18,974 Comments Good Morning Everyone. Thinking it must be Spring, (we had snow mixed with rain yesterday) my outside tribe has slowly emerged for longer periods from their warm houses. Imagine my surprise when I see what I think is a stranger only to come to terms with the fact that Blackie has turned a red shade of brown on both sides. I know he is over 10 years old and I will save him the humiliation of calling him Brownie instead, he looks embarrassed enough as it is. Poor boy. đ Have a good day wherever you may be. Take care, be safe, stay warm and comfy. Sayonara from my still cold corner of Tokyo. Mata ne. A few stories and opinions from around the globe. Tepco may evaporate tritium-laced Fukushima water instead of ocean release —- Glitch suspected in abnormally high readings at Fukushima radiation monitoring posts http://mainichi.jp/english/english/newsselect/news/20150408p2a00m0na010000c.html —- Safety review of Mihama reactor gets go-ahead http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2015/04/08/national/safety-review-of-mihama-reactor-gets-go-ahead/ —- Syrian ex-captive says he was with Goto, Yukawa —- Safety advisories for overseas vacationers http://www.japantoday.com/category/kuchikomi/view/safety-advisories-for-overseas-vacationers —- PICTURE OF THE DAY Note to Abe: Don’t come back. Bon voyage http://www.japantoday.com/category/picture-of-the-day/view/bon-voyage-3 INTERNATIONAL NEWS The gloves are off. The Tories are ‘defending the indefensible’ by opposing closure of the non-dom tax loophole, says Ed Miliband —- Englandâs arrogant nationalism has been a gift to the SNP Suzanne Moore http://www.theguardian.com/politics/commentisfree/2015/apr/08/englands-arrogant-nationalism-gift-snp —- Good Lord!! đŻ Spanish couple viciously attacked in York… âfor being foreignersâ —- Germany increasingly dismissive of Greek demand for âŹ279bn in ‘war debt’ Politicians, media and public hostile to call for reparations, seeing it as an obstacle to resolving debt issue, even if many acknowledge war crimes against Greece —- Front National family feud deepens after Marine Le Pen accuses father Jean-Marie of ‘political suicide’ after his interview with anti-Semitic magazine —- Norway to pay reparations to Roma for racist policies and suffering under Nazis Prime minister Erna Solberg apologises for discrimination which led to dozens of Roma dying in Nazi death camps after being denied re-entry into Norway —- Greece ‘did not ask Russia for cash’ Russian President Vladimir Putin says Greek PM Alexis Tsipras did not ask for financial aid from Moscow during talks. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-32213161 —- Inside the Kremlinâs hall of mirrors Fake news stories. Doctored photographs. Staged TV clips. Armies of paid trolls. Has Putinâs Russia developed a new kind of information warfare â fought in the âpsychosphereâ rather than on the battlefield? Or is it all just a giant bluff? http://www.theguardian.com/news/2015/apr/09/kremlin-hall-of-mirrors-military-information-psychology —- ‘Summary killings’ of Ukraine soldiers in east – Amnesty http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-32228336 —- Boston marathon bomber Dzhokhar Tsarnaev found guilty A jury will now decide whether Tsarnaev, who bombed the marathon along with his older brother, should face the death penalty —- Boston bombs: Chechyna, the war-raved region that fell under the spell of jihadists When the attack happened in April 2013, the question on everyone’s mind was “How did two young ethnic Chechens come to bring bloodshed to the streets of America?” —- Walter Scott shooting: Father of unarmed black man says white policeman shot his son as if he was trying to ‘kill a deer running through the woods —- Walter Scott shooting: White cop shoots black man. Whereâve I heard this before? America has still has a grave fear and loathing of black men —- Walter Scott’s shooting wasn’t just a coincidence. America was built on racism http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2015/apr/09/walter-scott-shooting-america-racism —- 5 images about being black in America After a police officer was charged with murder for shooting a black man in the back, the reaction came fast – and in many different images – online. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/blogs-trending-32222454 —- Why The Christian Right May Never Recover From Indiana —- The rush to humiliate the poor —- The double-standard of making the poor prove theyâre worthy of government benefits —- ‘Nearly 10 per cent of Americans’ have record of anger and access to guns Study finds high number of American adults who have record of angry behaviour also have access to guns —- Tom Cotton needs to have his mouth wired shut. Is Netanyahu’s puppet volunteering? Tom Cotton Suggests War With Iran Would Be A Breeze http://thinkprogress.org/world/2015/04/08/3644391/tom-cotton-suggests-war-iran-breeze/ —- Notorious Islamophobe Who Wants To Ban The Qurâan To Address Members Of Congress http://thinkprogress.org/world/2015/04/08/3644556/notorious-islamophobe-address-members-congress/ —- NEW GOP LIE: FOOD STAMPS ON CRUISE SHIPS http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2015/04/07/new-gop-lie-food-stamps-on-cruise-ships.html —- Republicans aren’t clowning around. These are their real candidates for 2016 – video —- Canada logs first Syrian air strikes Canada carries out its first air strikes in Syria, as part of the US-led coalition fighting Islamic State militants. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-32227351 —- Syria: âMy family called from Idlib. They wanted my help to flee the fightingâ —- Syria conflict: Islamic State bombings target rebels http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-32222508 —- Syria conflict: Huge suffering in Yarmouk, activist says http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-32222679 —- Syria crisis: A brush with the brutal world of child refugees The BBC’s Michael Downey in Beirut witnesses first-hand the plight of Syrian refugee children after coming to the aid of stricken five-year-old beggar http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-32193943 —- The Christian tragedy in the Middle East did not begin with Isis A hundred years on from the Armenian genocide, and a Christian minority is again suffering —- Yemen crisis: Shortage of water and medical supplies threatens civilians caught up in devastating civil war —- Morgue releases bodies of Kenyan students Families prepare to take victims home for burial as Kenya escalates crackdown on suspected al-Shabab entities. http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2015/04/morgue-releases-bodies-kenyan-students-150409015535969.html —- No Place Like Home http://interactive.aljazeera.com/aje/2015/xenophobiasouthafrica/index.html —- Iran sends military ships towards Yemen as fighting intensifies in Aden Maneouvres officially described as part of ‘anti-piracy’ patrol but likely to anger Gulf neighbours —- Iran’s Revolutionary Guards commander supports nuclear deal with west Mohammad Ali Jafari is the latest top Iranian figure to come out in support of tentative Lausanne agreement as room for criticism grows tighter —- What really happened in Tikrit after ISIL fled Tribal rivalries in Tikrit motivated the recent wave of looting and reprisals, Iraqi officials say. http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2015/04/happened-tikrit-isil-fled-150406114857518.html —- Afghan woman raped, impregnated and jailed for ‘adultery by force’ marries her attacker —- China chemical oil fire reignites Thousands are evacuated in the southern Chinese province of Fujian as a massive chemical oil fire reignites. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-china-32217568 —- China may build rail tunnel under Mount Everest, state media reports Chinese expert says tunnel under consideration in bid to link China with Nepal by rail —- Chinese man ignores dying hit-and-run victim – later finds out it is his mother A man who did not stop to help a mortally wounded elderly woman on the side of a road in China finds out the tragic truth too late —- N Korea urges Mexico to free detained ship http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-32200689 The Iranian professor who dares to differ on nuclear matters and Israel Sadegh Zibakalam, professor of political science at Tehran University, has become a familiar face in Iran for his passionate debates challenging the state line —- My secret war against apartheid: Mary Chamberlain risked everything to help break the regime in South Africa —- Children’s mental health: a mother’s campaign to be by her daughter’s side Sally Burkeâs child is one of many seriously ill youngsters sent to hospitals far from home after the closure of local inpatient units —- Meet the cancer patient in Room 52: His name is Joseph, but call him Joe —- Red River Women On the trail of the murdered and missing – why have so many of Winnipeg’s Aboriginal women and girls been killed? http://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-32115683 —- ‘God Hates Fags’: Gay man rings Westboro Baptist Church to ask how to get into heaven —- Pictures of the day: 8 April 2015 —- Photo highlights of the day 8 April 2015 http://www.theguardian.com/news/gallery/2015/apr/08/photo-highlights-of-the-day » Posted By Kalima On April 9, 2015 @ 2:27 am Good Morning Everyone and Happy Holidays! Yesterday morning I found this really great article that made me laugh all the way through it and wanted to share it with you in case you missed it in between the other articles today. ALL ACCORDING TO PLAN NEXT, WE MUSLIMS BRING SHARIA TO INDIANA BY DEAN OBEIDALLAH04.03.15 Have a good day wherever you may be. Take care, be safe, stay warm and comfy. Sayonara from my rainy afternoon corner of Tokyo. Mata ne. Sunday’s Bits & Bobs Half of owners of Fukushima land for site to store radioactive soil are unknown —- Gov’t reluctant to charge TEPCO over rent money for voluntary Fukushima evacuees http://mainichi.jp/english/english/newsselect/news/20150404p2a00m0na014000c.html —- U.S. to digitize A-bomb archives http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2015/04/04/national/u-s-bomb-archives-go-digital/ —- Investigators sent to Turkey to probe killings of Japanese hostages http://mainichi.jp/english/english/newsselect/news/20150405p2g00m0in039000c.html —- Multiracial Miss Japan hopes to change homeland’s thinking on identity —- PICTURE OF THE DAY Row, row, row http://www.japantoday.com/category/picture-of-the-day/view/row-row-row Oh good Lord! He should move to Indiana, he would feel right at home there. Nigel Farage: Not un-Christian to stop treatment of foreign-born HIV patients UKIP leader Nigel Farage has said his criticism of ‘HIV tourists’ is not at odds with a Christian attitude and that Christians should put their countrymen before immigrants —- I never fully believed that British Muslims were being victimised, but then I was stopped at Heathrow It’s so distressing when those who are supposed to protect you treat you like a criminal —- General Election 2015: Ed Miliband and Labour on the campaign trail —- General Election 2015: David Cameron and Conservatives on the campaign trail —- General Election 2015: Nigel Farage and Ukip on the campaign trail —- Osbornia Revisited Getting the history right. http://krugman.blogs.nytimes.com/2015/04/04/osbornia-revisited/ —- Alps co-pilot ‘accelerated descent’ Data from the second Germanwings “black box” flight recorder confirms the co-pilot acted deliberately – and suggests he accelerated the plane’s descent into the Alps. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-32173632 —- Alps plane crash: Search for victims’ bodies ends http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-32186888 —- Paris survivors’ TV claims probed French police examine claims that broadcast media endangered the lives of hostages being held at a Jewish store during January’s Paris attacks. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-32173626 —- Russia ‘bought’ Marine Le Pen’s support over Crimea France’s far-Right Front National accused of taking millions of pounds in loans from Russian bank as “reward” for backing Vladimir Putin on Crimea —- American Way: The swift denunciation of the religious liberty law is nothing short of remarkable Those who formerly preached the virtues of tolerance now, given the power to vanquish their enemies, no longer seem willing to tolerate dissenting opinions —- The Conservative Christian Movement That Tried To Make Religious Liberty About Homophobia —- Bigotry, the Bible and the Lessons of Indiana Whatâs wrong and whatâs righteous changes with time and with enlightenment, unless we resist it. http://www.nytimes.com/2015/04/05/opinion/sunday/frank-bruni-same-sex-sinners.html —- G.O.P.âs Israel Support Deepens as Political Contributions Shift Republicans are more fervently pro-Israel than ever, partly a result of ideology, but also a product of a surge in campaign spending on their behalf by a small group of wealthy donors. —- These are the racially charged e-mails that got 3 Ferguson police and court officials fired —- Alabama death row inmate freed after 30 years http://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-32178121 —– Republicans have no interest in peace. The Iran talks proved that —- Fidel Castro seen in public for first time in 14 months Appearance of former Cuban leader is first since announcement of rapprochement between Havana and Washington —- Chile flood toll rises amid growing fears for missing http://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-32187734 —- ISIL seizes most of Syria’s Yarmouk camp Thousands of Palestinians trapped in Damascus district, where heavy shelling has been reported since Wednesday. http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2015/04/isil-seizes-syria-yarmouk-refugee-camp-150404135525226.html —- US-led coalition launches 15 air strikes in Syria and Iraq against Isis Military claims nine targets in Iraq and six in Syria over a 24-hour period http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/apr/04/us-allies-air-strikes-syria-iraq-isis —- Yemen burns as Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula watches with glee The Yemen civil war is one of the most disturbing and baffling of all the Middle East’s conflicts —- Yemen’s children: ‘When can I go out and play again?’ http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2015/04/yemen-children-play-150403093250605.html —- Why Saudi Arabia and Israel oppose Iran nuclear deal Al Jazeera spoke with four analysts about how the newly minted agreement could impact regional politics. —- Israeli court rejects Cremisan Valley West Bank barrier http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-32171577 —- PA rejects Israel tax transfer Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas says he will return tax revenues unfrozen by Israel because money has been deducted. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-32193371 —- Iran ‘is intensifying efforts to support Hamas in Gaza’ Iran has transferred tens of millions of dollars to Hamas’s military wing in Gaza to help it rebuild after last summer’s conflict with Israel, intelligence sources state —- A young prince may cost Syria and Yemen dear World View: As the US and Iran reach accord, Saudi Arabia endangers the status quo in the Middle East http://www.independent.co.uk/voices/a-young-prince-may-cost-syria-and-yemen-dear-10156167.html —- Kenya Garissa university attack: Authorities hunt for al-Shabaab killers following the country’s worst terror attack in over 15 years —- Kenya mourns victims of Garissa al-Shabab attack http://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-32187891 —- Iran will carry on with full nuclear programme if deal with west collapses Mohammad Javad Zarif, Iran’s negotiator, uses television interview to try to reassure Tehran hardliners about deal as Barack Obama faces criticism from Republican presidential hopefuls over agreement —- Bulk of Iran sanctions to be lifted upon fufilment of Lausanne conditions Lifting of almost all economic and financial sanctions would happen as soon as conditions are met, a process that could take at least six months —- Islamic State militants damage Hatra archaeological site with sledgehammers Footage purports to show IS extremists damaging a UNESCO World Heritage site in Hatra, Iraq with sledgehammers and assault rifles —- Iraq Tikrit: looting and lawlessness follow recapture http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-32181503 —- Hundreds attend anti-Islam rallies across Australia Police intervene in Melbourne to prevent clashes as rival, anti-racism protesters hold event at same location. —- US geologist Xue Feng ‘freed from prison in China’ http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-32180888 —- Sewol disaster: Parents march over independent inquiry http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-32182687 How one Yazidi girl fled the clutches of her Islamic State captors and embarked on the winding road to recovery —- The Ebola orphans taking desperate measures to survive A troubling new report on the plight of West African children orphaned by Ebola reveals many are forced to take desperate measures to survive, including crime and prostitution —- Tenancingo: the small town at the dark heart of Mexicoâs sex-slave trade Local crime families have grown rich by luring poor, uneducated girls into fake romances, then forcing them into prostitution http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/apr/05/tenancingo-mexico-sex-slave-trade-america —- The man who missed killing Hitler by 13 minutes http://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-32160816 —- Remote islanders saw ‘low-flying jumbo jet’ on the day MH370 disappeared —- Cheese changed the course of Western civilization http://qz.com/371839/cheese-changed-the-course-of-western-civilization/ —- Animal pictures of the week: 3rd April 2015 —- The week in pictures: 3 April 2015 —- Week in pictures: 28 March-2 April 2015 A selection of the best news photographs from around the world, taken over the past week. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/in-pictures-32146768 —- The 20 photographs of the week The attack on the university in Kenya, the aftermath of the Germanwings plane crash, Holy Week processions, the election in Nigeria â the best photography in news, culture and sport from around the world this week http://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/gallery/2015/apr/04/the-20-photographs-of-the-week » Posted By Kalima On April 5, 2015 @ 1:55 am Hello, Nirek. Well there are so few houses with gardens left now, there just isn’t any space. Our “garden” is on our second floor balcony and a small olive tree in our entrance. I have always loved forests but see them very rarely these days. I spent most of my childhood in Getmany playing in the forest opposite my grandparents house. I could climb trees faster than any boy and fall out of them faster too but never broke any bones. You could walk through that forest for miles to the next town, and then the next. In the Autumn I loved the smell of fallen leaves and the earth so much that I would nap under the big trees. Funnily enough, my grandfather always knew where to find me to bring me home. Grandfathers always know. đ Yes, it was good that the Japanese soldiers were found. Take care and peace. » Posted By Kalima On April 3, 2015 @ 12:27 am Even Netanyahu’s morose “one note samba” can’t put a damper on this achievement. Kudos to all involved! Thank you President Obama for sticking to your course of diplomacy! —- Obama hails Iran nuclear agreement Barack Obama says a framework agreement on Iran’s nuclear programme could peacefully resolve “one of the greatest threats to our security”. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-32172301 —- Iran Agrees to Detailed Nuclear Outline, First Step Toward a Wider Deal http://nytimes.com/2015/04/03/world/middleeast/iran-nuclear-talks.html —- World leaders react to Iran nuclear deal —- Iranians expect big benefits if nuke talks succeed In Tehran, analysts and lay people alike hope for major economic gains if sanctions are lifted. » Posted By Kalima On April 3, 2015 @ 12:10 am Yes it was heartbreaking. Nirek. Now they are trying to rescue his longtime friend who has had the same torture over the years. Fingers tightly crossed. » Posted By Kalima On April 2, 2015 @ 2:28 am Good Morning Everyone. Somewhere in Tokyo, the cherry blossoms are blooming, but since so many new buildings have gone up in our neighbourhood, gardens seem to be a thing of the past and have been replaced by parking space. Tokyo needs more trees. Have a good day wherever you may b. 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. Number of households on welfare in Japan hit record high in January —- Nuclear watchdog’s in-house documents leaked online via translation agency http://mainichi.jp/english/english/newsselect/news/20150401p2a00m0na009000c.html —- Bodies of Japanese WWII soldiers found in Palau cave —- Residents up in arms over children’s noise at daycare centers —- Media, automakers offer gags galore as April Foolsâ Day catches on in Japan —- đŻ PICTURE OF THE DAY April Fool burger http://www.japantoday.com/category/picture-of-the-day/view/april-fool-burger INTERNATIONAL NEWS The Tory 100: captains of industry, party donors (and a few tax avoiders) A hundred business leaders signed an open letter warning of the perils of a change in economic policy and urging UK voters to vote Tory. But who are they? Explore our list to find out the stories behind the names —- David Cameronâs corporate champions fear progressive Britain. But voters donât —- Democracy v Psychology: why people keep electing idiots The 2015 election campaigns are under way, and itâs clear that doing or saying unintelligent things are no barrier to political success. Unfortunately, there are several psychological mechanisms that lead to apparent idiots being elected into powerful positions. http://www.theguardian.com/science/brain-flapping/2015/apr/02/democracy-psychology-idiots-election —- Great question! So where will Duncan Smith find those ÂŁ12bn of welfare savings? Iain lives in a fantasy land of beanstalks leading to gold-filled chests and unicorns dancing the tango with centaurs —- Tories: “Thank you for your service,” 125,000 sign petition to try and stop Britain’s oldest prisoner of war being evicted from his home Britain’s oldest prisoner of war is being forced out of his home of more than 50 years because a council says his care is too expensive —- We already knew that. Christianity now written off as fixation with âsky pixieâ â Michael Gove ‘I am selfish, lazy, greedy, hypocritical, confused, self-deceiving, impatient and weak â and thatâs just on a good day,’ admits former Education Secretary —- French journalist describes horror of âGermanwings passenger footage’ – video http://www.theguardian.com/world/video/2015/apr/02/germanwings-passenger-footage-paris-match-video —- Greek defiance mounts as Alexis Tsipras turns to Russia and China Alexis Tspiras is playing an escalating game of brinkmanship, trying to force Europe to give ground or risk a chain-reaction that could cripple the EU —- See what happens when you use too much Botox. Russia threatens to use ‘nuclear force’ over Crimea and the Baltic states —- Russian trawler sinking: At least 54 dead as ship sinks in Sea of Okhotsk —- California restricts water as snowpack survey finds ‘no snow whatsoever’ Governor Jerry Brown orders unprecedented and mandatory water regulations on residents to reduce statewide water use as drought stretches into fourth year —- Fact Checker Obamaâs claim the Affordable Care Act was a âmajor reasonâ in preventing 50,000 patient deaths —- US Senator Bob Menendez charged with corruption http://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-32156569 —- Deal or no deal, the Iran talks have borne fruit —- Arkansas governor’s son thrust into spotlight over religious freedom bill Seth Hutchinson, who helped persuade his father to back down over the controversial bill, tells the Guardian the result was thanks to âa lot of people stepping upâ —- This picture was the catalyst in the Indiana religious freedom fight —- Opinions —- This Indiana Pizza Shop Is A Joke, But It Reveals A Real Problem With The Law http://thinkprogress.org/lgbt/2015/04/01/3641622/indiana-pizza-discrimination/ —- Right. Marco Rubio, a man who claims foreign policy experience but who couldn’t understand the simple context of the fact that Iran is not against America joining the fight against ISIS, even after the Defence Secretary explained it so many times at a hearing in the Senate, and then Rubio went on tv to say that Iran is against the U.S. helping to fight against ISIS. Hard of hearing or a head full of republican bullshit? Republican candidates are on a collision course with the American electorate —- Koch-Backed Candidates Arenât Following Their New Criminal Justice Push —- Campaign Finance Complaints Filed Against 4 Presidential Hopefuls Two groups said Jeb Bush, Scott Walker, Rick Santorum and Martin OâMalley violated rules for undeclared candidates. —- http://thinkprogress.org/climate/2015/04/01/3641594/mcconnells-inner-tom-cotton/ —- Good Lord, what’s next, stoning? Indiana, right, where else. Unbelievable! đŻ Twenty-year sentence handed to Purvi Patel for death of foetus condemned by womenâs groups —- Syria crisis: 9 Britons arrested in Turkey ‘trying to cross border’ —- False Flag? ISIS WANTS A TRUCE http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2015/03/31/isis-wants-a-truce.html —- Clashes in Damascus refugee camp after reported arrival of Isis Palestinian officials says Islamic State fighters have entered Yarmouk refugee camp in Syrian capital and are under attack from anti-government rebels http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/apr/01/clashes-damascus-refugee-camp-isis-syria —- Al-Qaeda frees 300 prisoners in Yemen jail break Jihadists have freed 300 inmates from a Yemen prison, as Saudi airstrikes begin to show results and drive back the Houthis —- Israelâs Netanyahu jumps Shark with âIran-Lausanne-Yemenâ axis barb http://www.juancole.com/2015/03/israels-netanyahu-lausanne.html —- Political Thunder Over the Iran Deal With a preliminary deal limiting Iranâs nuclear program apparently near, opponents are using rhetoric to substitute for real information. http://takingnote.blogs.nytimes.com/2015/04/01/political-thunder-over-the-iran-deal/ —- Meshaal warns of Israeli ‘extremism’ The political leader of the Palestinian group Hamas, Khaled Meshaal, tells the BBC the results of Israel’s elections will diminish hopes for peace. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-32060613 —- Palestinian Authority becomes member of international criminal court Move is welcomed by activists as opportunity to bring accountability to years of conflict between Palestinians and Israel —- Masked gunmen storm university in eastern Kenya Two people have been killed and 20 wounded as gunmen storm a university campus in Kenya, near Somalia border UPDATE: Kenya attack death toll rises to 147 The number of people killed in an attack by al-Shabab militants on a university in north-east Kenya has risen to 147, government officials say. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-32169080 —- Couldn’t they have locked him up in a broom cupboard until it was over? Iran nuclear talks: Delays in agreement blamed on repeated consultation with Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei —- Iran’s nuclear negotiations: how did we get here? â video explainer —- War with Isis: Iraq declares victory in the battle for Tikrit – but militants make make ominous advances in neighbouring Syria’s capital —- Iraq and Syria are ‘finishing schools’ for foreign extremists, says UN report The number of foreign fighters joining al-Qaida and Islamic State in Iraq, Syria and other countries has spiked to more than 25,000 from more than 100 countries —- Indian nun rape case: Police make more arrests http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-32143051 —- Three paedophile-linked churches in Australia burned down in three days Police in Melbourne investigate suspicious fires at three churches linked to paedophile priests, just days before the busy Easter period —- China building ‘great wall of sand’ in South China Sea http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-32126840 —- South Korea charges Kim Ki-Jong for knife attack on US envoy Lippert http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-32147161 —- Thai junta replaces martial law with absolute power Thailand’s junta has officially lifted martial law, 10 months after seizing power in a coup, but replaced it with a new executive order retaining sweeping powers for military http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/thailand/11510666/Thai-junta-replaces-martial-law-with-absolute-power.html Helping Gaza Children Cope with Trauma —- Syrian Journey: Choose your own route Put yourself in the shoes of a Syrian migrant and see whether you could make the right choices on the journey to Europe. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-32057601 —- Anne Frank probably died one month earlier than initially thought â museum Researchers say Frank probably died of typhus in February 1945 based on new studies of existing eyewitness accounts, documents and archives http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/mar/31/anne-frank-died-february-1945-one-month-earlier —- Bengal famine: Remembering WW2’s forgotten disaster http://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-32058977 —- The future of loneliness As we moved our lives online, the internet promised an end to isolation. But can we find real intimacy amid shifting identities and permanent surveillance? http://www.theguardian.com/society/2015/apr/01/future-of-loneliness-internet-isolation —- The Jungle Surgeon of Myanmar One medic finds that moves towards political reform have not benefited his patients in Burma’s remote border areas. http://www.aljazeera.com/programmes/witness/2014/01/jungle-surgeon-myanmar-201411281327432341.html —- Cynthia Lennon in pictures: First wife of Beatles legend John Lennon dies at 75 —- Pictures of the day: 1 April 2015 —- Best photographs of the day 1st April 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 April 2, 2015 @ 2:02 am Thank you, Nirek, he was a very interesting man to talk to and I will miss him. Have a good Sunday and see you soon. Peace. » Posted By Kalima On March 29, 2015 @ 4:44 am Hi AdLib. No, no emails but I just replied on Skype. That’s odd. Lost in translation?? » Posted By Kalima On March 29, 2015 @ 4:41 am Good Morning Everyone. Sad news yesterday that an elderly neighbour, someone I liked and used to do the shopping for after his wife died, fell on his stairs and died alone. Was in shock for most of the day and we payed our respects this morning. He looked so small and frail as we said goodbye. We should be taking better care of our elderly. He was 86, a wonderful man who spoke three languages, knew European history better than I did, and married a wonderful German woman to the surprise and annoyance of his stuffy Japanese family. RIP Mr. Sawada, you will be greatly missed and fondly remembered. Then the news that my sister’s hubby had been having a series of “mini” strokes, and with a family history of heart disease, is now thankfully being monitored. The NHS is working Mr. Cameron! Yes Ted Cruz, sometimes our private world is on fire, and it has absolutely nothing to do with President Obama. Have a good day wherever you may be. Take care, be safe, stay warm and comfy. Sayonara from my soon to be rainy afternoon corner of Tokyo. Mata ne. Sunday’s Bits & Bobs Gloves come off over Futenma base move —- Political obstacles stymie energy autonomy —- Japan makes a start on sharing lessons from nuclear crisis —- Visitors throng Ueno Park to see cherry blossoms — even at half-bloom http://mainichi.jp/english/english/newsselect/news/20150328p2a00m0na015000c.html —- PICTURE OF THE DAY Earth Hour http://www.japantoday.com/category/picture-of-the-day/view/earth-hour âa bunch of hypocritical, holier-than-thou, hopeless, sneering socialistsâ?? David Cameron calls Labour ‘hopeless, sneering socialists’ while announcing 7-day NHS plans —- SIR â Have I got this right? David Cameronâs âmoral missionâ is based on the idea that the only way to motivate poor people is to give them less money and the only way to motivate rich people is to give them more money. Nigel Pedley, Matlock, Derbyshire The Lunatics Have Taken Over the Asylum: the wittiest political letters to the Telegraph The Coalition’s past five years in power have provided, among other things, a rich seam for Telegraph letter writers to mine. A new book collates some of the finest examples —- Germanwings crash: âthe overriding feeling is one of injustice,â says officer with grim task of retrieving the dead http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/mar/28/germanwings-rescue-worker-interview-recovery-49525 —- Germanwings plane crash: The first rescuer at the scene http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-32086311 —- Germanwings crash: service held for victims near impact zone —- An act of terror on Flight 9525 —- The remarkably unlikely success of Harry Reid —- Bankers Threaten Dems Because of Elizabeth Warren but she Still Wonât Back Down http://bluenationreview.com/needed-another-reason-love-elizabeth-warren/ —- Hereâs What Georgia Businesses Think About The Stateâs âReligious Libertyâ Bill http://thinkprogress.org/lgbt/2015/03/28/3640249/no-the-georgia-rfra-is-not-dead-yet/ —- One Restaurant Already Celebrated âReligious Libertyâ By Turning Away Gays —- Sorry, Indiana Conservatives, Thereâs Nothing in the Bible that Forbids Selling Things to Gay People —- Tennessee sterilisations in plea deals for women evoke dark time in America http://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2015/mar/28/tennessee-forced-sterilizations-plea-deals-women —- From one creep to another. GOP congressman: Ted Cruz backers are making boorish phone calls to my office —- Ted Cruz Is Trying To Gut The Clean Air Act And Repeal All Climate Regulation —- Blow for Assad as Islamist militants take strategically important city of Idlib http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/mar/28/islamists-idlib-syria-assad —- US airdrops anti-Isis propaganda cartoon over Syrian city of Raqqa http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/mar/27/us-airdrops-anti-isis-cartoon-propaganda-raqqa-syria —- Wonders will never cease. When the threat is on their own doorstep, finally they move to self preservation. Arab League to create military force Arab League countries meeting in Egypt agree to create a joint Arab military force amid a crisis in Yemen and regional jihadist threats. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-32106939 —- Israel killed more Palestinians in 2014 than in any other year since 1967 —- The Gaza fisherman who built his own reef – and was shot dead there by an Israeli gunboat —- Frenchwoman becomes 22nd victim of Tunis museum attack France set for ‘march against terrorism’ on Sunday —- The Saudi-Iran powerplay behind the Yemen conflict http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2015/mar/29/iran-saudi-arabia-yemen-conflict —- Boko Haram kills 41, prevents hundreds voting in Nigeria Africa’s most populous country was also hit by technical problems, meaning voting had to be extended in some areas —- Iran nuclear talks: diplomats cite progress in attempt to seal deal —- Iran can accept nuclear limits for 10 years says ally of Supreme Leader As talks on a nuclear deal resume in Lausanne, Ayatollah Salman Safavi tells the Telegraph that Iran can accept “trust-building” limits on centrifuges for a decade. —- US and coalition launch 18 air strikes against Isis in Iraq amid fight for Tikrit http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/mar/28/us-air-strikes-isis-iraq-tikrit —- No justice 28 years after massacre of Indian Muslims Recent court ruling finds police unit not guilty of rounding up and executing 42 Muslim men during 1987 communal riots. —- Pakistan’s polio problem and vaccination danger 2014 was the worst year in more than a decade for polio infections, with at least 306 new cases reported. —- Inside North Korea: fashion, booze and house prices North Korea is undergoing some startling developments, write Daniel Tudor and James Pearson in their book North Korea Confidential —- Lee Kuan Yew: Singapore holds funeral procession http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-32102686 ‘Farkhunda belongs to all of the women of Kabul, of Afghanistan’ The funeral of the young Afghan woman brutally killed by a mob united people in their grief and showed that a few women can make a big difference —- Why I am ashamed to be a man in Afghanistan The BBC’s Karim Haidari says that the lynching of a woman who was falsely accused of burning the Koran is another example of men repeatedly inflicting misery upon women. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-32056593 —- How a Southern white student stood by his black classmates during the Civil Rights era —- Not To Be Trusted: Dangerous Levels of Inaccuracy in TV Crime Reporting in NYC http://www.colorofchange.org/newsaccuracyratings/ —- Not to be trusted https://s3.amazonaws.com/s3.colorofchange.org/images/ColorOfChangeNewsAccuracyReportCardNYC.pdf —- What drives people to murder-suicide? Is it possible ever to know what is behind extreme acts like the apparently intentional downing of the Germanwings plane in the French Alps? http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-32086196 —- El Salvador’s Archbishop murdered as he celebrated Mass http://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-31953728 —- Saving Gaza’s only grand piano http://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-32042375 —- First I was angry, then I cried. 50 years a Slave : Raju the Elephant cried tears of joy after being freed from suffering https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=DhrjTFSDqTU —- đŻ All aboard the Super Savari Express: an armed tour bus for crime-ridden Karachi It takes six gun-toting guards and a special bus in order for the wealthier residents of Karachi to see the sights of their own city http://www.theguardian.com/cities/2015/mar/25/tour-crime-karachi-super-savari-bus —- Australia’s Natural Treasures http://www.bbc.com/earth/story/20150326-outstanding-australia —- Earth Hour around the world Starting in Samoa and finishing in Tahiti, the world goes dark at 8.30pm on 28 March 2015 for Earth Hour, an annual event organised by WWF. People in about 7,000 cities and towns all over the world switch off their lights to raise awareness of the need for sustainable energy use, and this year also to demand action to halt planet-harming climate change. http://www.theguardian.com/environment/ng-interactive/2015/mar/28/earth-hour-around-the-world —- Beautiful panoramic photographs of little known corners of the world —- The week in pictures: 27 March 2015 —- Week in pictures: 21-27 March 2015 A selection of the best news photographs from around the world, taken over the past week. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/in-pictures-32084846 —- The 20 photographs of the week The Germanwings plane crash, the liberation of Damasak from Boko Haram militants, the Cricket World Cup, the escalating conflict in Yemen â the best photography in news, culture and sport from around the world this week http://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/gallery/2015/mar/28/the-20-photographs-of-the-week » Posted By Kalima On March 29, 2015 @ 2:00 am Alps crash co-pilot ‘hid illness’ German prosecutors say Alps crash co-pilot Andreas Lubitz hid details of an existing illness from his employers. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-32087203 » Posted By Kalima On March 27, 2015 @ 5:54 am For anyone who might like to follow the latest updates, here is a link to a Live Report as news rolls in. —- Germanwings flight 4U9525 Germanwings crash: police search home of co-pilot who flew plane into mountain – rolling report » Posted By Kalima On March 26, 2015 @ 7:58 pm Hello, kes. I was saying the same thing to hubby this morning. If you want to off yourself, do it in private where no one has to clean up the mess. I have never understood the motive behind taking innocent lives at the same time. There have been quite a few suicide by plane over the years, and it is the most horrific and selfish thing any person can do to involve others. An accident was bad enough, but for the families of the victims now having to deal with the knowledge that it was a suicide by one of the pilots entrusted with keeping their loved ones safe, their lives will never be the same. My heart goes out to all of them. » Posted By Kalima On March 26, 2015 @ 5:36 pm Good Morning, Nirek. It could be suicide too. You know how many disturbed people can’t die alone so they either shoot many people before killing themselves, or wait for the police to kill them. I don’t understand it at all. At first glance he has no connections to any extremist groups. This madness will be even harder for the relatives of the victims to come to terms with. As I said, absolutely horrific for all concerned. Take care. Your post will be published at 8 am, PST. Peace. » Posted By Kalima On March 26, 2015 @ 6:56 am Horrific! —- Co-pilot ‘wanted to destroy plane’ The co-pilot of the Germanwings flight that crashed into the French Alps on Tuesday was in sole control of plane and intentionally started its descent, officials say. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-32063587 » Posted By Kalima On March 26, 2015 @ 5:51 am Thank you, Nirek. Yes, very tragic. Peace and see you soon. » Posted By Kalima On March 25, 2015 @ 5:10 am Ppo, I laughed so hard that my felines ran out of the room. Yes, I have a hubby and we have been together for over 30 odd years, but he is very busy and travels a lot for work so I often wonder if I have one myself. However he does make sure that I have help with things I can no longer manage to do myself, so I’m very lucky. Thanks for the heads up on the airlines. Not sure if we will make it over this year as my illness is unpredictable and I never know how I feel until I wake up. The sooner the better though as my council tax is more expensive than some rich person with a huge house in London, and it’s not worth it for an empty house I can no longer live in. One of these days I might just wake up and decide it’s now or never and just plan it then. Inheriting a house sounds grand until you have to start paying the bills from over 5,000 miles away. Take care and btw, you have a different IP address and that is why you were blocked. I just cleared it for you so you should be ok. Goodnight from Tokyo. » Posted By Kalima On March 25, 2015 @ 5:08 am Hi ppo. Yes, another Airbus, and we were told they are so safe. Was worried because one cousin has a house in Spain, and two other travel there for vacations, but the phone didn’t ring, and there were no emails, so when I called last night they were surprised. I have to finalise things with the house I inherited from my father 3 years ago, go through his belongings, meet his neighbours and friends, make arrangements to have someone take care of my parents grave, and say goodbye. I’m not in the best of health but that goes to my mobility and not being able to travel alone. As I see it, it will be my final trip over there as I hope to sell the house after I return to Tokyo. Quite amazed at the info about the ships, and thank you for sharing it. The only problem would be that my husband can only take a week off from our business, and as I said, travelling any distance has become difficult for me, and a two hour car ride can even become overwhelming health wise, so I spend most of my time at home where it’s less stressful. Still, there are some things that people cannot do for me, and before I get any older, or the house in England starts to fall down, I will have to get on a plane and get myself over there to deal with all of this personally. A ship journey really does sound like quite an adventure though. Not quite the “African Queen” but it sounds like fun as long as there are no cat sized rats. Thanks again for your kind concern, ppo. I hope they find out the cause of this crash soon. Be well and take care. » Posted By Kalima On March 24, 2015 @ 11:47 pm Yet another tragic plane crash, there have been so many recently. Such a sad loss of lives again. To be pulverised like this, it must have crashed directly into the mountain and exploded. I have never liked flying, and now even less. The long journey to Japan was life changing, but a least I was much younger then. Have to make a final trip to England soon, and would rather spend months on a cargo ship than get up in the air. If God had wanted us to fly, he would have given us wings. My heart goes out to the victims, their families and friends. DĂŒsseldorf Airport is one I know very well, and is only an hour’s drive on the Autobahn from my hone town. —- No survivors from Alps plane crash A Germanwings plane carrying 150 people crashes in the French Alps on its way from Barcelona to Duesseldorf, with no survivors. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-32030270 » Posted By Kalima On March 24, 2015 @ 5:45 pm First of all, congratulations to your grandson, I can see how proud you must all feel. Actually, Nirek, the Iranians didn’t really take much notice of Netanyahu and the “47 Rodents”. They managed to embarrass themselves much more than damage the President’s credibility. In years to come they will be the laughingstock of the world, and history books will define them as liars and fools. My mother taught me to think before I speak, but we all know that thinking and logic is the most difficult thing on earth for republicans. They made their beds, now they can lie in them. Peace. » Posted By Kalima On March 23, 2015 @ 12:42 am Good Morning Everyone. It’s been a quiet Sunday here in Old Edo and I hope the same for all of you too. 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. Sunday’s Bits & Bobs Security blanket: Should Japan beef up its anti-terrorism measures? —- Final stretch of tsunami-damaged railway line in Miyagi Prefecture reopened —- AUM Shinrikyo successor ‘Aleph’ lures new members without revealing cult connection http://mainichi.jp/english/english/newsselect/news/20150321p2a00m0na012000c.html —- Council to oversee 24-hour monitoring of volcanoes http://www.japantoday.com/category/national/view/council-to-oversee-24-hour-monitoring-of-volcanoes —- Sexual identity isnât as simple as it once was http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2015/03/21/national/media-national/sexual-identity-isnt-simple/ —- PICTURE OF THE DAY Iwo Jima 70 years later http://www.japantoday.com/category/picture-of-the-day/view/iwo-jima-70-years-later Election 2015: Meet the top 12 wacky candidates seeking your vote in May —- ‘No bad deal’ with Iran, powers vow Western powers meeting in London promise they will not accept a “bad deal” with Iran on its nuclear activity, as deadlines for agreement loom. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-32003852 —- Tens of thousands march through Dublin to protest against water charges Irish governmentâs austerity measure has sparked widespread public anger, with Saturdayâs street protest the fourth since October http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/mar/21/tens-thousands-march-dublin-protest-water-charges —- France balks at US plan for phased lifting of Iran nuclear sanctions —- France holds local election, as National Front eyes gains http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-32006268 —- Sweden shooting puts focus on life in ‘ghettoes without hope’ With a bystander one of the two men shot dead in Gothenburg, gang violence has made marginalised immigrant communities a matter for national debate —- Protesters march against austerity measures in Madrid âMarch for dignityâ comes on the eve of a closely-watched regional election in Andalusia in southern Spain http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/mar/22/protesters-march-against-austerity-measures-in-madrid —- Russia warns Denmark its warships could become nuclear targets Russia tells Denmark not to join Nato missile shield or face becoming a target for Russian missiles —- Missile remains ‘found at MH17 site’ Dutch broadcaster RTL says it has new evidence the Malaysia Airlines plane shot down over Ukraine last July was hit by a Russian-made Buk missile. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-31978578 —- Russia moves to stop same-sex spouses receiving UN staff benefits Russia asks UN to put recognition of same-sex marriage for 43,000 staff worldwide to a vote, in attempt to thwart policy change —- Mr Obama, there is still time to remake the Middle East In an open letter to the US President, a leading Palestinian calls for the US to step up peace efforts after the Israeli re-election of Benjamin Netanyahu —- Role of Hillary Clintonâs brother in Haiti gold mine raises eyebrows —- Judge Strikes Down Scott Walkerâs Anti-Abortion Law http://thinkprogress.org/health/2015/03/21/3637241/judge-strikes-scott-walkers-anti-abortion-law/ —- Every Claim In This Ted Cruz Statement Is Completely False —- Suspect shot after attacking staff at New Orleans airport has died Richard White was shot three times after slashing airport officals with a machete —- Islamic State posts pictures of 100 US military on ‘kill list’ Pentagon says it investigating online threat to US servicemen —- Two convicted of Canada train plot A Canadian court convicts two terror suspects over a plot to attack a train from New York to Toronto. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-31989896 —- Parents of British doctors in Syria travel to border to plead for them to come home Families of nine British medics who have travelled to Syria desperately attempt to persuade children to return —- Report says nearly 650,000 besieged in Syria Nearly three times as many Syrians are living in besieged communities as the UNâs official figures, according to report by the Syrian American Medical Society http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/mar/20/report-says-nearly-650000-besieged-in-syria —- Kurds targeted in Syria bombings More than 20 people have been killed in a twin bomb attack targeting Kurds marking Persian New Year, or Norouz, in north-eastern Syria, activists say. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-31986847 —- Ocalan delivers call to Turkey Kurds Abdullah Ocalan, the jailed leader of Turkey’s main Kurdish rebel group, calls for a congress to bring an end to the 30-year armed struggle. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-31998336 —- Obama says Netanyahu has made it ‘hard to find a path’ on Israeli-Palestinian peace As the US-Israel relations suffers their worst crisis in decades, president says PM’s flip-flopping on issue of two-state solution has made negotiations harder —- Netanyahu sank into the moral gutter â and there will be consequences Israelâs prime minister won re-election with a combination of belligerence and bigotry. His opposition to a Palestinian state is a stance the world should not accept http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2015/mar/20/inyamin-netanyahu-israel-election —- Netanyahu stoked primal fears in Israel. Now my country is divided as never before —- There was no swing to the right in Israel http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/mar/20/implications-israel-election-result —- Yemen is a battlefield for Saudi Arabia and Iran The latest atrocity in Yemen, which claimed nearly 150 lives on Friday, appears part of a proxy war between the Middle East’s two superpowers —- US special forces evacuated from Yemen as security situation deteriorates The last remaining US troops have left Yemen as Sunni and Shia forces wage an increasingly lethal battle —- Tunisia releases CCTV of Bardo museum attack Footage shows the shooters calmly walking through museum before shooting dead 20 people —- Guns do not have a religion In his weekly blog on security issues Imran Khan explains how attacks like the Tunis one are an easy way to cause chaos. http://www.aljazeera.com/blogs/europe/2015/03/guns-religion-150320130859510.html —- – Boko Haram crisis: At least 70 bodies found in Nigerian town http://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-31991752 —- Dozens killed as Pakistan army takes on Taliban At least 87 people killed in clashes between army and Pakistani Taliban in northwestern Khyber area, military says. http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2015/03/dozens-killed-pakistan-army-takes-taliban-150322064456981.html —- Some things never change. Shocking!! Mob beats Afghan woman to death for allegedly burning Koran Crowd surrounds woman, whose family say she suffered from mental illness, filming attack on mobile phones before her body is set a light —- Woman killed by mob in Kabul was innocent: investigator http://reuters.com/article/idUSKBN0MI0C920150322?irpc=932 —- Probe reveals sexual exploitation at Nauru asylum camp Inquiry finds abuse of asylum seekers by security guards at Australian immigration processing centre on Pacific island. —- Briton ‘dies in Thailand shooting’ The Foreign Office is investigating reports that a British man has died at a shooting range in southern Thailand. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-32004181 The counted: inside the search for the real number of police killings in the US State by state, town by town, cop by cop, a lack of transparency is halting police reform. But part two of a Guardian investigation reveals that a quiet revolution in crime data may be under way â and justice may be next http://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2015/mar/21/police-killings-us-government-statistics —- The slow death of the great American newsroom The newspaper industry in the US is in freefall as the shift to digital news accelerates. One photojournalist has spent five years lamenting the decline, and charting what has been lost —- HOW THATCHERâS GOVERNMENT COVERED UP A VIP PEDOPHILE RING http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2015/03/06/britain-s-horrific-vip-pedophile-cover-up.html —- Kenya jail frees 100-year-old woman A 100-year-old Kenyan woman – jailed after failing to pay a $1,000 fine – is freed from prison following a national campaign. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-31985709 —- Richard III: Weâre burying the wrong body There is much controversy surrounding the reburial of Richard III, but the biggest question should be, is this even him? says Dominic Selwood http://www.telegraph.co.uk/history/11484859/Richard-III-Were-burying-the-wrong-body.html —- The men who uncovered Assyria Islamic State is destroying ancient cities excavated by three remarkable men in the middle of the 19th Century – among them the first Iraqi archaeologist. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-31941827 —- Arctic sea ice hits record low Sea ice in the Arctic Ocean has fallen to the lowest recorded level for the winter season, according to US scientists. —- Animal photos of the week: 20 March 2015 http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/picturegalleries/earth/11485510/Animal-photos-of-the-week.html —- The week in pictures: 21 March 2015 —- Week in pictures: 14-20 March 2015 Our selection of some of the best news photographs taken around the world this week. http://www.bbc.com/news/in-pictures-31974358 —- The week in wildlife â in pictures Kingfishers in courtship, rare clawed gecko and Himalayan griffon vultures are among the pick of this weekâs images from the natural world http://www.theguardian.com/environment/gallery/2015/mar/20/the-week-in-wildlife-in-pictures —- Twenty photographs of the week March 2015 The best photographs in news and culture from around the world http://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/series/twenty-photographs-of-the-week » Posted By Kalima On March 22, 2015 @ 2:00 am Hello kes, and thank you. It’s a pleasure to do it for all of you who are interested and appreciate what I try to do. Thank you for all the years of concerned, intrigued and often witty comments, I really do appreciate the endless effort. đ I’ve read nothing so far about where the threats against Caroline Kennedy came from, but yes, the Japanese authorities and police are on it investigating. Why anyone would threaten her is beyond me. George Osborne is not funny, and at times you have to wonder if he’s even human when he steals from the poor, disabled and needy to line the pockets of the rich. Despicable! Yes the IRA disclosure was really shocking although child abuse knows no boundaries from priests to teachers to care institutions to family and even parents. I thought the Vice interview was great. He was candid and spoke the absolute truth about what is going on in Congress and the obstructing, greedy Repubs. Obviously they don’t like him because he’s honest and totally open about their agenda too. Do you remember the 5 part video series I posted here from Vice documenting the working lives of undocumented immigrants? That was really well researched and terribly sad. Just loved that title. “Why does Dick Cheney keep talking”. Sums it up perfectly. Netanyahu is more concerned with his Iranmania than he is with Israel’s immediate security from groups who want an end to the occupation and a country for the war weary Palestinians. There can never be peace in the region until they get what is rightfully theirs and Israel stops stealing more of their land. Any future terror attacks should be blamed directly on this dreadful man. Those three Aljazeera articles are all excellent, especially this one you mentioned about the reaction on the 5th anniversary of the start of the fighting. —- —- Have to agree that if it wasn’t for the innocence and unconditional love from my animals, I might wake up one day and never stop crying at the state of our world. Have a good Saturday. Take care and see you soon. » Posted By Kalima On March 21, 2015 @ 5:00 am There had been one in Nagano before this, but they didn’t connect the dots to the cult until this one. Seven people, a dog and a pond full of Koi (Japanese carp) died in the first one. I can’t understand why it’s taking so long to convict the remainder of them as the families of the victims need to move on after all this time. The Japanese justice system is very slow. Peace. » Posted By Kalima On March 20, 2015 @ 5:44 pm Hard to believe it’s already been 20 years when I can remember the news coming in as if it were only yesterday. Deadly sarin attack on Tokyo subway system recalled 20 years on » Posted By Kalima On March 20, 2015 @ 5:10 pm We are very similar in our love of animals. In some cases I like them more than humans, and not one of them have ever let me down, lied or disappointed me. My early childhood until now has been filled with animals, and I have benefitted from having them in my life. How many humans do we know we can say the same thing about? About your deer. Stay up one day or night and they might just surprise you and come to sniff your hands. Once an animal has your scent, they don’t forget you. Pity that humans are not that evolved. Goodnight from me. Peace. » Posted By Kalima On March 19, 2015 @ 7:14 am Good Morning, agrippa. You will never know how much your kind words touch me, and thank you so much for commenting. Have a peaceful day and take care. You have just given me another good reason to continue. Thank you! » Posted By Kalima On March 19, 2015 @ 6:56 am Good Morning, Nirek. Yes unfortunately there are far too many disturbing stories out there, and Syria is one of the saddest and already 5 years old. Maybe this from today’s updates might make you feel a bit better. Take care. Have a pleasant day, and peace to you too. — Amazing video! The lion hugger Valentin Gruener raised a lion by hand. It was the start of a beautiful friendship that is still continuing three years later. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-31818370 » Posted By Kalima On March 19, 2015 @ 5:08 am Good Morning Everyone! Not much to report today as it’s been another dull and rainy day here in Old Edo. 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. Two more power companies to scrap aging nuclear reactors —- U.S. working with Japan in wake of death threats against Ambassador Kennedy —- Japan confirms deaths of 3 nationals in Tunisia attack http://mainichi.jp/english/english/newsselect/news/20150319p2g00m0dm034000c.html —- U.S. first lady arrives in Tokyo on tour to promote girls’ education http://mainichi.jp/english/english/newsselect/news/20150318p2g00m0dm059000c.html —- PICTURE OF THE DAY First ladies http://www.japantoday.com/category/picture-of-the-day/view/first-ladies INTERNATIONAL NEWS Budget 2015: George Osborneâs three jokes that cost the taxpayer ÂŁ41 million —- Budget 2015 sketch: Here comes the sun… but only if you vote for me In his crucial Budget speech, George Osborne tries to pull off a tough balancing act â while Ed Miliband gets cross, and David Cameron becomes a little over-excited http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/budget/11481330/Budget-2015-sketch-Here-comes-the-sun…-but-only-if-you-vote-for-me.html —- Ukip has peaked, but no one wants to admit it â Nigel Farage now resembles every other politician The Ukip leader has traded on his outsider status, but the nearer we get to the election the more he is playing the game he said he wouldnât play —- OMERTA IRA ACCUSED OF CHILD ABUSE COVER-UP http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2015/03/17/ira-accused-of-child-abuse-cover-up.html —- EU to target Russian ‘disinformation’ As EU leaders prepare for a summit, they appear broadly agreed on the fighting Russia’s “disinformation campaigns”. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/blogs-eu-31932005 —- Sweden shootings: several dead at Gothenburg pub Automatic weapon believed to have been used, say police, in killings in countryâs second-largest city —- Putin’s scapegoats. Brothers’ family fights Nemtsov charges The family of two brothers at the centre of Russia’s biggest murder enquiry believe them to be incapable of the killing of opposition politician Boris Nemtsov. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-31909903 —- Obama: Republicans Are âMotivated, Principally, By Opposing Whatever It Is That I Proposeâ http://thinkprogress.org/climate/2015/03/18/3635504/obama-vice-interview/ —- Obama Chides G.O.P. Over Proposed Program Cuts In a speech in Cleveland, the president said the Republican budget plan would set back the economic recovery and hurt workers who have not yet been able to profit from it. http://www.nytimes.com/2015/03/19/us/politics/obama-chides-gop-over-proposed-program-cuts.html —- The House Budget Disaster The Republicansâ road map to a âStronger Americaâ sticks to the tired themes of tax cuts and spending cuts, no matter the need or consequences. http://www.nytimes.com/2015/03/18/opinion/the-house-budget-disaster.html —- Opinions The dysfunctional GOP is failing to govern —- Opinions —- Why Does Dick Cheney Keep Talking? His extremely long Playboy interview includes some strange comments about same-sex marriage. http://takingnote.blogs.nytimes.com/2015/03/18/why-does-dick-cheney-keep-talking/ —- Canadian backbencher apologises for telling Muslim women who insist on wearing the niqab to ‘stay the hell where they come from’ —- SYRIA: BROKEN NATION Syria chlorine gas attack evidence of ‘fresh war crime’ —- WAR & CONFLICT Syria: No strings Three Syrian children seek refuge over the Turkish border where teachers try to help them cope with the trauma of war. WAR & CONFLICT http://www.aljazeera.com/programmes/witness/2014/08/syria-no-strings-2014817105747216504.html —- Inside Syria: ‘We had a house and lived with dignity’ —- You probably wonât read this piece about Syria —- Islamic State blamed for Tunisia attack after killing of Libyan cell leader Twenty people were killed after gunmen attacked Tunisia’s national museum including French, Polish and South African tourists —- Terrorism and tourism: the two faces of Tunisia The deadly attack on the Bardo Museum shows why this birthplace of the Arab Spring has exported up to 7,000 fighters to the Islamic State —- Obama snubs Netanyahu and criticises Israeli PM’s ‘divisive rhetoric’ President has yet to call Israeli PM to congratulate him on his election victory, as White House says it will have to re-evaluate its approach to peace talks http://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2015/mar/18/obama-netanyahu-israel-election-white-house —- The Guardian view on Netanyahuâs victory: a risky path for Israel The Israeli prime minister has secured a fourth term but his tactics have damaged the countryâs standing http://www.theguardian.com/global/commentisfree/2015/mar/18/guardian-view-on-netanyahus-victory —- An Israeli Election Turns Ugly In his desperation to win, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu resorted to fear-mongering and anti-Arab attacks. http://www.nytimes.com/2015/03/18/opinion/an-israeli-election-turns-ugly.html —- AT WHAT COST VICTORY? BIBIâS UGLY WIN WILL HARM ISRAEL http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2015/03/18/bibi-s-ugly-win-will-harm-israel.html —- Israel election: Benjamin Netanyahu’s win is bad for the ‘peace process’ and for US progress on Iran Despite the current strains, the deep-rooted US-Israeli relationship will survive —- US drone strike kills al Shabab leader linked to Kenyan shopping centre massacre Adan Garar dies after missile his his vehicle in southern Somalia —- Boko Haram ‘driven out’ of northeastern Nigerian town Niger and Chad troops liberate Damasak as regional campaign moves ahead to take control of territories from armed group. http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2015/03/niger-chad-troops-nigeria-town-boko-haram-150319015134021.html —- Wouldn’t that be a great achievement? Obama urges ‘historic’ Iran deal US President Barack Obama tells the Iranian people a nuclear deal presents a rare chance to transform the relationship between the two countries. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-31957265 —- Life under Isis: Sunnis face an even bleaker future in Iraq if the militants’ reign of terror is finally defeated —- May have? They buried almost 500 women, children and elderly alive. IS ‘may have committed genocide’ Islamic State jihadists may have committed genocide and war crimes in its attacks on Iraq’s minority Yazidi community, a UN reports says. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-31962755 —- Pakistan lynching: Witness describes moment crowd murdered and burned two innocent men —- Ireland rebukes Australia’s Tony Abbott over St Patrick’s Day message Tony Abbott’s St Patricks’ Day video message has been slammed for its “stage Irish” tone by Enda Kenny, the Irish prime minister —- Vanuatu cyclone death toll ‘will not rise dramatically’ PM rules out higher death toll a week after devastating Cyclone Pam hit South Pacific island nation, killing 11 people. —- China and Japan hold first security talks in four years http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-31957664 —- Thai ex-PM Yingluck Shinawatra to stand trial for negligence http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-31957314 The uncounted: why the US can’t keep track of people killed by police After a year of high-profile police killings, calls for a national database have gained traction. But how would that work? Tom McCarthy investigates the challenges for law enforcement and government officials alike http://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2015/mar/18/police-killings-government-data-count —- Noam Chomsky on the Roots of American Racism Slavery and oppression of nonwhites were built into the foundations of the United States, and they didnât end in 1865. http://opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com/2015/03/18/noam-chomsky-on-the-roots-of-american-racism/ —- RACIST HISTORY THE REAL LYNCHINGS IN SAEâS OKLAHOMA BACKYARD http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2015/03/12/the-real-lynchings-in-sae-s-oklahoma-backyard.html —- âA Conversation With My Black Sonâ In this short documentary, parents reveal their struggles with telling their black sons that they may be targets of racial profiling by the police. http://www.nytimes.com/2015/03/17/opinion/a-conversation-with-my-black-son.html —- The man who helped blow up the Bamiyan Buddhas One of the men who was forced to help blow up the Bamiyan Buddhas tells the BBC how Taliban fighters spent 25 days trying to destroy the ancient figures. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-31813681 —- Amazing video! The lion hugger Valentin Gruener raised a lion by hand. It was the start of a beautiful friendship that is still continuing three years later. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-31818370 —- The upside of losing one’s memory In middle age people’s brains can start to slow down. It can be both terrifying and enlightening, says Tom Shakespeare. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-31849855 —- A man and his wallet, reunited after 65 years A man is being reunited with his wallet, 65 years after he dropped it down the back of an medieval bookcase at Lambeth Palace. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-31854167 —- Spain finds tomb of writer Cervantes Scientists say they have found the tomb of Spanish literary giant Miguel de Cervantes, nearly 400 years after the Don Quixote writer’s death. http://w.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-31852032 —- Pictures of the day: 18 March 2015 —- St Patrick’s Day around the world in pictures —- Day in pictures: 18 March 2015 Our selection of some of the best news photographs taken around the world during the past 24 hours. http://www.bbc.com/news/in-pictures-31939751 —- Best photographs of the day 18 March 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-day18 March 2015 » Posted By Kalima On March 19, 2015 @ 2:00 am Scaring people really seems to work for RWingers. There are however many Israelis who want to see him gone so that there will be a chance of a two state solution and peace. People are getting tired of fighting, and electing the warmonger just trashed their sense of security. It made things more difficult for neighbouring countries to support Israel. They are heading for isolation, and a world that used to care, no longer find that it can. » Posted By Kalima On March 19, 2015 @ 1:50 am No element of real surprise here, but it is sickening that Israel will see no change in policy for the next four years. The man they just chose for their PM, although fudging the numbers is more than likely, is a danger to the whole world. A sad day for the region. A dangerous future for all concerned. The warmonger wins. —- “Netanyahu in surprise election win” Benjamin Netanyahu’s Likud party wins a surprise victory in Israel’s election, putting him on course for a fourth term in office. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-31933326 » Posted By Kalima On March 18, 2015 @ 12:47 am They would need the support of another party before the President can form a government. In 2010, the U.K. Tories (Conservatives) didn’t win the majority, so clueless Nick Clegg and the Liberal Party joined them instead of joining Labour to form a coalition government, and you have read about the dreadful results of that decision. » Posted By Kalima On March 17, 2015 @ 2:11 pmComments Posted By Kalima
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http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/video/2015/apr/08/republican-2016-election-candidate-clowncar-video
Mohammed, an aid worker in Syria, describes how he went back to the city of Idlib to ensure the safety of his family
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The Guardianâs picture editors bring you a selection of the best photographs from around the world, including snow in California, Shanghai fashion week and breakfast in Kabul
http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2015/04/03/next-we-muslims-bring-sharia-to-indiana.html
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Report: under Isis, Syria and Iraq have become finishing schools for extremists
Young children are being traumatised by the conflict in their country, experts say, as air strikes continue.
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Donors and peers among signatories of pro-Tory business letter
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Donât wreck religious libertyâs brand
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Mitch McConnell Undermines Obamaâs Climate Plan With Other Countries
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http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/apr/02/iraq-and-syria-are-finishing-schools-for-foreign-extremists-says-un-report
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Watch the lights go out by clicking on the image
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Jonathan Freedland
Anshel Pfeffer
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The death of the American newsroom â in pictures
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http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-31976749
“You probably wonât read this piece about Syria”
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Suzanne Moore
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Republicans reach another milestone in political malpractice
20 Aug 2014 14:54 GMT | War & Conflict, Refugees, Child rights, Education, Syria: Broken Nation
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2015/03/syria-house-lived-dignity-150314103106036.html
Editorial
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