Displaying 1,141 To 1,170 Of 18,974 Comments Good Morning Everyone! Sorry I’ve been missing but it’s been a bit difficult to sit at my computer for any length of time this week. Took a tumble in the closet on Monday morning and have been paying the price. Good news is that nothing is broken. Have a good day wherever you may be. Take care, be safe, stay warm and comfy. Sayonara from my cold afternoon corner of Tokyo. Mata ne. QUOTE OF THE DAY Homer The difficulty is not so great to die for a friend, as to find a friend worth dying for. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ A few stories and opinions from around the globe. That’s my Ward!! 🙂 Same-sex couples to get recognition under plan by Shibuya Ward —- Kepco reactors at Takahama clear key safety hurdle toward resumption —- Thyroid cancer case found in 2nd survey of Fukushima children http://mainichi.jp/english/english/newsselect/news/20150212p2g00m0dm067000c.html —- 😯 8 out of 10 Japanese didn’t know Feb 11 was National Foundation Day —- 140 agencies in China advertise proxy servers for potential criminal use http://mainichi.jp/english/english/newsselect/news/20150210p2a00m0na007000c.html —- A search for meaning in the arc of Goto’s life and the horror of his death —- PICTURE OF THE DAY 😯 Cold run http://www.japantoday.com/category/picture-of-the-day/view/cold-run-2 INTERNATIONAL NEWS Prime Minister’s Questions: David Cameron is a ‘dodgy Prime Minister surrounded by dodgy donors’, says Ed Miliband —- HSBC files reveal how UK’s non-dom tax concession is being exploited Leaked files show how controversial tax status, aimed at encouraging foreign investors to spend time in UK, is used to legally hide fortunes in HSBC’s Swiss private bank —- Isis in Iraq: Britain has no plan for tackling the militants, and no idea who’s in charge A Commons report revealed last week that our involvement there is beyond parody —- Dresden Armageddon 70 years on: the shadow of extremism hangs over the birthplace of the Pegida – a city once devastated by Allied bombing during WWII —- Belgium jails Islamist group members A Belgian court jails the leader of a group that sent jihadists to Syria to 12 years in jail, in a case with 46 suspects – the largest such case in Belgium. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-31378724 —- Costa Concordia captain Schettino sentenced to 16 years in prison Francesco Schettino sentenced to 16 years in prison for his role in the 2012 Costa Concordia shipwreck that killed 32 people off the Tuscan holiday island of Giglio —- Migrant ships sink in Mediterranean with 300 people on board A fleet of ships from Libya carrying an estimated 300 migrants have sunk off the coast of Italy —- Greece threatens tilt to Russia and China unless Europe yields “We have other ways of finding money. It could be the United States, it could be Russia, it could be China” said the Greek defence minister —- Ukraine crisis: reports emerge of deal in Minsk talks Diplomatic sources suggest Ukraine and Russia will sign document drafted in marathon negotiations brokered by France and Germany —– Ukraine crisis: Russia conditions unacceptable – Poroshenko http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-31434528 —- Ukraine crisis: President Petro Poroshenko warns he is ready to impose martial law as he arrives in Belarus for talks —- Isis: US President Barack Obama asks Congress to ramp up military force against militants —- North Carolina shooting victims remembered for their ‘amazing spirit’ Thousands gathered to pay tribute at vigil for three students who were gunned down on Tuesday, as crowd reminded that ‘Muslim lives matter’ http://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2015/feb/11/north-carolina-shooting-victims-remembered-vigil —- Chapel Hill shooting and western media bigotry The religious identity of violent perpetrators is only highlighted when they’re Muslim. —- A Bibi boycott in the US Congress? One of longest-standing US senators announces he won’t attend Israeli PM’s speech next month. http://www.aljazeera.com/blogs/2015/02/netanyahu-boycott-congress-150211031931957.html —- These People Said ‘Thank You’ to the President For This: http://bluenationreview.com/people-said-thank-president/ —- Emerging Hillary Clinton Team Shows Signs of Disquiet A public struggle over funding has pitted Hillary Rodham Clinton’s loyalists against those who helped Barack Obama defeat her in 2008. http://www.nytimes.com/2015/02/11/us/politics/emerging-clinton-team-shows-signs-of-disquiet.htm —- Presidential Has-Been Mike Huckabee Associates Nazism With Gay Rights http://bluenationreview.com/presidential-hopeful-mike-huckabee-conflates-nazism-gay-rights/ —- Kansas Governor Takes Mean-Spirited Swipe At Gay Rights, Forgets To Read The Constitution —- Koch Brothers Win Battle to Keep 200,000 Tennesseans Uninsured http://bluenationreview.com/koch-brothers-win-battle-keep-200000-tennesseans-uninsured/ —- No, The Koch Brothers Aren’t Socially Liberal http://thinkprogress.org/election/2015/02/10/3617677/koch-brothers-moderate-message/ —- Puerto Rico considers fining parents of obese children Puerto Rico considers fining parents of obese children over £500 in bill criticised as ‘draconian’ —- Damascus strikes ‘kill nearly 200’ Air strikes carried out by Syria’s air force have killed almost 200 people in the past 10 days, according to the UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-31427471 —- The Guardian view on Bashar al-Assad’s BBC interview: the lies of a tyrant The Syrian dictator is profiting from the west’s lack of strategy, while the bloodshed he unleashes leads a country to ruin —- US warning as pro-Assad Hezbollah fighters launch assault on Syrian rebels Official warns of ‘unprecedented’ influx of 20,000 foreign fighters into Syria as Hezbollah fighters, backed by the Assad regime, advance in country’s south http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/feb/11/us-warning-assad-hezbollah-syria —- How Syria lost its humanity: Why has the civil war been marked out by almost medieval acts of savagery? —- From Jordan base, UAE resumes airstrikes on Islamic State —- Yemen crisis: US, UK and France close Sanaa embassies http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-31411284 —- Egypt overturns 36 death sentences Egypt’s top appeals court overturns death sentences given to 36 members of the Muslim Brotherhood, including its spiritual leader Mohammad Badie. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-31417173 —- Arab nations united in fury against Isis but divided on strategy Jordan seeks revenge for pilot’s horrific death, with UAE, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain in agreement – but only a ground offensive can destroy Islamic State —- Morocco destroys migrant camps near border with Spanish enclave Human rights group says more than 1,200 migrants detained and put on buses to other parts of the country in raids near Melilla http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/feb/11/morocco-destroys-migrant-camps-melilla-spain-border —- Palestinian Remix http://interactive.aljazeera.com/aje/PalestineRemix/ —- Good Lord! Put him back into the museum he crawled out of. Saudi historian claims Western women drive because they ‘don’t care about being raped’ —- Sudanese soldiers accused of mass rape in Darfur Human Rights Watch finds evidence that 200 women and girls were attacked in village last year as suffering continues in long-running war —- New Ebola cases show rise for second week in row http://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-31429433 —- Iraq’s Kakais: ‘We want to protect our culture’ Iraq’s Kakai religious minority is taking up arms against ISIL. http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2015/02/iraq-kakais-protect-culture-150209064856695.html —- Yazidis released by ISIL seek religious cleansing Hundreds of Yazidis have gathered in Iraq’s holy centre of Lalish, struggling to recover after months in captivity. —- Yazidis tell horror stories about ISIL captivity Yazidis freed from ISIL captivity are still haunted by their memories and wondering about the fate of their loved ones. —- India PM ‘appalled’ by Modi temple in Gujarat http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-31433695 —- Sydney terror suspects ‘threatened stabbings’ http://www.bbc.com/news/world-australia-31433608 —- Thousands of Beijing’s ‘rat tribe’ underground residents evicted 120,000 people evicted from illegal underground homes in former air raid shelters in Beijing —- Japan joins hunt for ‘Jihadi John’ Tokyo seeks assistance of Britain and US to catch British national who apparently murdered two Japanese hostages http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/japan/11407533/Japan-joins-hunt-for-Jihadi-John.html The town destroyed to stop black and white people mixing Sixty years ago, the South African government cleared Sophiatown, a multi-racial neighbourhood in Johannesburg, to turn it into a whites-only area. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-31379211 —- The untold story of the Maidan massacre http://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-31359021 —- History of Lynchings in the South Documents Nearly 4,000 Names http://nytimes.com/2015/02/10/us/history-of-lynchings-in-the-south-documents-nearly-4000-names.html —- Artifacts show a Rosa Parks steeped in freedom struggle from childhood —- The baby that divided a nation http://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-31168246 —- The Anti-Vaccine Conspiracy Theory That Slips Under The Radar http://thinkprogress.org/health/2015/02/11/3621774/vaccine-conspiracy-spacing/ —- Where people around the world eat the most sugar and fat —- Pictures of the day: 11 February 2015 —- Day in pictures: 11 February 2015 A selection of images from around the world, taken over the past 24 hours. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/in-pictures-31418636 —- Photo highlights of the day The Guardian’s picture editors bring you a selection of the best photographs from around the world, including migrants rescued in Italy, a sandstorm in Cairo and parasailing in Bhopal http://www.theguardian.com/news/gallery/2015/feb/11/photo-highlights-of-the-day » Posted By Kalima On February 12, 2015 @ 2:00 am Wouldn;t that be something, Nirek? I hardly ever get out so I don’t catch colds from places, I catch them from people bringing them to our house. Hope that you are over yours by now? Take care. Peace. » Posted By Kalima On February 12, 2015 @ 12:51 am Hello kes. Well I remember that both of us reacted quite strongly to the firing of over 6,000 nurses, only to find them hiring nurses privately for three times as much as the previous nurses they fired. Make sense of that one. Then they used computers to analyze if people were ready to go back to work which ended up with scores of cancer patients still receiving chemo, and mentally disabled people being informed that they were fit for work so would lose their benefits. They have no clue how to fix the NHS, but they sure know how to ruin it. Paul Ryan has a few screws loose, and how can he ever reconcile his way of thinking while also claiming to be a Catholic? Yes, ISIS has gone too far and sealed their own fate. What goes around, comes around. So happy for the man from Detroit, and happier still that somebody cared enough to help. Imagine walking so many miles and back to work every day. I know that you are in for a bitterly cold couple of days, so stay warm and when possible, stay indoors. Take care and hope to see you soon, » Posted By Kalima On February 12, 2015 @ 12:44 am Ooo you naughty girl kes, whatcha doing up there in the clouds? I press the wrong buttons all the time. 🙂 See you later as I’ll be back in my morning when I hope to make more sense to reply to your comment. Have a peaceful Sunday and take care. » Posted By Kalima On February 8, 2015 @ 2:55 am No problem, Nirek, my door is always open and there are more important things than MB. Take care and I hope you are feeling better now. See you soon. Peace. » Posted By Kalima On February 7, 2015 @ 6:12 am Good Morning Everyone. Miserable day here. Cold, wet with rain mixed with snow. Have a good day wherever you may be. Take care, be safe, stay warm and comfy. Sayonara from my cold early evening corner of Tokyo. Mata ne. Our Moment of Zen. ソファで寝るねこ。- Maru sleeps on the sofa.- https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Yup-vi_OWZ4 A few stories and opinions from around the globe. Two idled Kepco reactors to get safety OK next week —- Japanese gather at Jordanian Embassy to mourn death of pilot at hands of IS http://mainichi.jp/english/english/newsselect/news/20150205p2a00m0na004000c.html —- Hacker who framed computer users with cyberthreats jailed for eight years —- Heavy snow predicted for Kanto-Koshin region on Feb. 5 http://mainichi.jp/english/english/newsselect/news/20150204p2a00m0na010000c.html —- PICTURE OF THE DAY National:Japanese gather at Jordanian Embassy to mourn death of pilot at hands of IS http://mainichi.jp/graph/2015/02/05/20150205p2a00m0na004000c/001.html INTERNATIONAL NEWS Brits asked to prove nationality in clampdown on health tourism A Government clampdown on health tourism will see Britons asked to produce official cards proving that they are resident here and entitled to free healthcare —- Insanity! Has a computer got hands to feel lumps and abnormalities, and if some doctors can’t even make a quick and correct diagnosis when examining a patient, what the hell can a computer do? Jeremy Hunt: People will be diagnosed at home by a computer Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt says that controversial care line NHS 111 will be rolled out online —- How hedge fund super-rich ‘donated £19m to Tory party’ —- Timeline: How the Chilcot Inquiry has gone on and on and on The Iraq Inquiry, carried out by a five strong panel chaired by Sir John Chilcot, was meant to report in 2010. But Britain is still waiting.Here we trace the key dates in the progress of the inquiry. —- Protesters to gather at Oxford University ahead of Marine Le Pen appearance Over 200 protesters pledge demonstration outside Oxford Union against visit of leader of France’s far-right Front National —- From Islamism to Putin, Europe faces new threats – but can it unite to fight? The continent is spending less on security and many countries are unwilling or unable to deploy forces abroad —- An Alarming Outcome in France After the terrorist attacks, the far right appears to be gaining political strength. http://www.nytimes.com/2015/02/05/opinion/an-alarming-outcome-in-france.html —- Norway proposes to criminalise beggars and those trying to help them —- Ukraine crisis: shell hits Donetsk hospital Donetsk hospital hit by shell leaving ‘several’ dead as Pope Francis decries the ‘scandal’ of the Ukraine crisis —- Saudi princes ‘supported al-Qaeda before 9/11’ claims twentieth hijacker As US-Saudi relations enter delicate phase, top former al-Qaeda operative Zacarias Moussaoui alleges high-level Saudi involvement in Osama bin Laden terror network —- Ruth Bader Ginsburg: I would overturn supreme court’s Citizens United ruling US supreme court justice speaks to Georgetown Law class and says 2010 decision on campaign finance would be the one case she’d pick to undo http://www.theguardian.com/law/2015/feb/04/ruth-bader-ginsburg-supreme-court-citizens-united —- Paul Ryan’s name-calling misses what government does all the time —- GOP majority faces problems as Democrats block bill to fund DHS in immigration fight —- OUCH THESE ANTI-VAXXERS ARE FUNDING ‘READY FOR HILLARY’ http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2015/02/04/anti-vaxxers-funding-ready-for-hillary.html —- Rand is full of it. Rand Paul Is Linked to Doctors’ Group That Supports Vaccination Challenges The senator, who adjusted course Tuesday and said vaccines were not harmful, was a member of the Association of American Physicians and Surgeons. —- Hatch’s dementia. Senator Orrin Hatch Grills Health Secretary For Believing What Senator Orrin Hatch Said In 2010 —- LIVING LARGE JORDAN PAID CHRISTIE’S $30K HOTEL TAB http://www.thedailybeast.com/cheats/2015/02/03/jordan-paid-christie-s-30k-hotel-tab.html —- Unbelievable!! Utah Lawmaker Questions Whether Sex With An Unconscious Person Should Always Be Considered Rape —- Typical for people without integrity. compassion or shame. Disgraceful! Fox News site embeds unedited Isis video showing brutal murder of Jordanian pilot Only US network to feature graphic video showing Muadh al-Kasasbeh burning to death. Twitter accounts associated with Isis supporters are sharing video via links to Fox News http://www.theguardian.com/media/2015/feb/04/fox-news-shows-isis-video-jordan-pilot —- Dead Argentine prosecutor drafted arrest warrant for Cristina Kirchner Document for arrest of Argentine president Cristina Kirchner for alleged cover-up of Iran role in Jewish centre bombing recovered from apartment where Alberto Nisman found shot dead —- Use of chlorine in Syrian civil war condemned by international watchdog West holds Bashar al-Assad’s regime responsible for chlorine attacks, despite denial by Syrian leader —- I think IS failed in their attempt to scare countries and drive a wedge between the coalition of countries that are hunting them down. Their brutal taped murders of their hostages, probably long before their meaningless demands, has so infuriated Jordan that they are calling for an annihilation of the group instead. Jordan vows ‘severe response’ to IS Jordan’s King Abdullah II vows to fight back against Islamic State, a day after an IS video shows a Jordanian pilot being burnt alive. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-31125835 —- Jordan’s IS raids ‘just the start’ Jordan says its air strikes on Islamic State targets are “the beginning of our retaliation” for the killing of a captured army pilot. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-31158919 —- Female jihadist ‘guide’ to life under IS http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-31142273 —- ISIL’s new tactics Many believe the killing of a Jordanian pilot aims to frighten those fighting the armed group. http://www.aljazeera.com/programmes/insidestory/2015/02/isil-tactics-150204184902180.html —- War with Isis: If the Saudis aren’t fuelling the militant inferno, who is? —- Isil ‘broadcast video of pilot burning on giant public screen to young children’ Young boy shown in video saying “I wish to capture pilots and burn them”, as leaders across the Middle East condemn the death by burning of a captive Jordanian pilot —– Isis militants are using mentally challenged children as suicide bombers and crucifying others, says UN body —- Egypt court: Activist Ahmed Douma among 230 sentenced to life in prison http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-31134227 —- Stealing from people who have so little in the first place? Israeli army to charge soldiers with looting Palestinian homes during Gaza operation http://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/1.640783 —- Blow to anti-Isil coalition as United Arab Emirates pull out United Arab Emirates pull out of anti-Isil coalition, a day after Jordanian pilot burned to death —- Boko Haram ‘kill 70’ in Cameroon border town of Fotokol http://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-31141097 —- New Ebola cases show first rise in 2015 http://www.bbc.com/news/health-31140987 —- Pity he didn’t land on his head. Robert Mugabe falls down steps in Zimbabwe Zimbabwe’s 90-year-old president falls down steps after delivering speech in Harare —- Iranian president says nuclear deal with the west is getting closer Mehr news agency quotes Hassan Rouhani saying sides have ‘narrowed the gaps’ as second report emerges of uranium enrichment deal with US http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/feb/03/iranian-president-nuclear-deal-west —- Rouhani tries to get Iranians to pay their taxes Repairing the Islamic republic’s broken tax system becomes a priority as oil revenues continue to fall —- The Taliban comeback Afghanistan’s Kunar province faces a grim return of the hard-line group after foreign forces’ withdrawal. http://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/features/2015/01/taliban-comeback-150128092123970.html —- Peter Greste returns to Australia with pledge to fight on for fellow captives Speaking to Patrick Kingsley on board flight EK432, freed al-Jazeera journalist says ‘primary job’ is pushing for colleagues’ release from Egyptian prison http://www.theguardian.com/media/2015/feb/04/peter-greste-captives-egypt-al-jazeera-australia —- Then he should give all his money and food to the poor and go on a long diet to find out what it means to be starving. 🙄 Kim Jong-un ‘cannot sleep’ because of North Korea’s poverty North Korean dictator makes frank admission about his country’s hardships, but may himself have £2.7 billion in overseas bank accounts —- Pilots of crashed TransAsia flight hailed as heroes More than a dozen passengers survive Asia’s latest air catastrophe as pilots of a Taiwanese passenger plane dip past a highway and crash into a river —- ‘Fire your Indonesian maid’ advert sparks row with Malaysia http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-31143198 Ukip couldn’t improve on what Winston Churchill had to say about Muslims Churchill published some views so dark about Muslims that he deleted them from future editions – but I kept hold of them —- Winston Churchill: A life of one-liners http://www.independent.co.uk/news/people/winston-churchill-a-life-of-oneliners-10012926.html —- The men of steel with a softer side http://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-31057308 —- The palace of shame that makes China angry There is a deep, unhealed historical wound in the UK’s relations with China – one that most British people know nothing about. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-30810596 —- The Swedish Schindler who disappeared Raoul Wallenberg was a Swedish diplomat who saved thousands of Jews in World War Two – but in 1945 he was taken by Soviet forces and was never seen again. http://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-30934452 —- Is there really a Jewish exodus from western Europe? There was a dramatic rise in the number of Jews leaving France for Israel last year, b —- There is nothing heroic about watching Isis’s high-definition murder porn Suzanne Moore —- Italy’s 700-year-old murder mystery of Dante’s warlord patron solved Renaissance warlord Cangrande della Scala, long thought to have died from disease, was poisoned, scientists claim —- Fundraiser for Detroit man who walks 21 miles a day to work reaches $230,000 —- Creepy! Mongolian mummified monk ‘not dead’ A mummified monk found preserved in Mongolia last week is baffling those who uncovered him, with senior Buddhists saying he is still alive. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-31125338 —- End of common cold could be in sight Scientists say ‘Enigma machine’ has unlocked clues to the way the virus of the common cold assembles – making it possible to stop disease in its tracks http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/nhs/11390786/End-of-common-cold-could-be-in-sight.html —- Pictures of the day: 4 February 2015 —- Day in pictures: 4 February 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-31136019 —- Best photographs of the day: 4 February 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 February 5, 2015 @ 2:00 am Apart from the senseless and brutal murders, this bunch of serial killers have gained nothing. France and Japan are now even more determined to rid the world of them, and now even Jordan has had it’s eyes opened to who they are dealing with. Liars, thieves, cold blooded murdering scum, and cowards with knives and guns. I want them defeated before too many more innocents have to die at their hands. They belong in the depths of Middle Earth. » Posted By Kalima On February 3, 2015 @ 6:15 pm Hello kes. In a reply to Nirek below a few days ago, I said that I thought the pilot had been murdered not long after they captured him, and it seems as if I was right. They had no intention of letting the two Japanese and the Jordanian pilot go. When Jordan asked for proof of life for the pilot, they murdered Goto. These people don’t work for their prophet, they work for the Devil. There is nothing human about them. Cowards who kill women and children or bury them alive, and slit the throats of men with their hands tied behind their backs and burn them alive in a cage while hiding their faces. —- Jordanian pilot ‘burned alive’ by IS Jordan confirms the death of pilot Moaz al-Kasasbeh after a video published online by Islamic State claims to show him being burned alive. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-31121160 » Posted By Kalima On February 3, 2015 @ 4:10 pm Hello Nirek. All the more reason to never negotiate with terrorists, and I think that the Jordanian pilot was more than likely already killed some time after his capture last year, and the offer to spare the Japanese hostage’s life in return for the release of the convicted woman terrorist, was to embarrass the Jordanian government and the King, and put a wedge between the coalition fighting to stop ISIS. When Jordan asked for “proof of life” from the pilot, talks stalled. Having no proof, they killed Goto instead. My heart goes out to his wife, his mother, and his two young children. One newborn and a two year old. These people have failed again. Now Japan is even more committed to joining the fight against them. Hope you are feeling a bit better today? Take care. Peace. » Posted By Kalima On January 31, 2015 @ 4:35 pm Japan hostage Goto ‘killed’ – video Japan outrage at hostage ‘beheading’ A video is released online purporting to show the beheading by Islamic State militants of Japanese hostage Kenji Goto. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-31075769 —- Kenji Goto’s murder shows the madness in Isil’s method » Posted By Kalima On January 31, 2015 @ 1:46 pm Oh Nirek, just caught your reply and so sorry to hear that you are sick. Keep warm, rest and get plenty of liquids, and I’ll see you when you are feeling better. My husband is on the fourth day of a cold he brought back after travelling, and hopefully he will feel better by tomorrow. When he’s sick with a cold, he eats a lot, takes a hot bath and then sleeps early. Take care and feel well soon. Peace. » Posted By Kalima On January 30, 2015 @ 3:18 pm Good Morning Everyone. Tomorrow was supposed to be the last outstanding work we had asked for in September last year, and now it’s given rain. Bloody hell, I just can’t seem to get rid of these workmen!! Friday morning edit: The predicted rain is actually white, cold and fluffy. 😯 Have a good day wherever you may be. Take care, be safe, stay warm and comfy. Sayonara from my cold evening corner of Tokyo. Mata ne. A few stories and opinions from around the globe. Jordan reportedly offers to swap would-be bomber for captured pilot; no mention of Goto —- Religious leaders hold solidarity rally for Goto in Tokyo —- IS hostage exchange demand a bid to sow dissent http://www.japantoday.com/category/opinions/view/is-hostage-exchange-demand-a-bid-to-sow-dissent —- PICTURE OF THE DAY Going ape http://www.japantoday.com/category/picture-of-the-day/view/going-ape INTERNATIONAL NEWS Health, immigration and the economy: where the election will be won and lost The countdown continues to the most unpredictable and closely-fought general election in living memory. Here are the battleground issues where the election will be won and lost. —- David CameronThe long read Cameron’s five-year legacy: has he finished what Thatcher started? —- Farage accused of smearing Ukip defector amid attack on his integrity Tories rubbish claim of Amjad Bashir suspension by Ukip as George Galloway says he also once stood for Respect party http://www.theguardian.com/politics/2015/jan/25/ukip-farage-smear-claim-defector-attack-tories —- Forget the Greens – if the UK wants a truly leftwing party, it might have to grow its own Suzanne Moore —- 10 things you need to know about fracking http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/10-things-you-need-to-know-about-fracking-10008831.html —- This is good news. Germany’s Pegida anti-Islam movement unravelling Five leaders resign from Pegida, the anti-Islam movement in Germany —- France launches video campaign to deter would-be jihadis Government hopes juxtaposing extremists’ statements with the reality will stop more French nationals joining Islamic militants http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/jan/28/france-jihadi-video-campaign-islamic-militants —- 9 reasons Greece’s experiment with the radical left is doomed to failure —- Ukraine conflict: Russia boycotts Europe rights body PACE http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-31032034 —- Ukraine conflict: EU to debate fresh Russia sanctions http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-31033924 —- Ukraine violence takes rising civilian toll Fighting between security forces and pro-Russian rebels in country’s east forces civilians to flee their homes. —- Say whaaaat??? 😯 Russia’s bizarre proposal to condemn West Germany’s 1989 ‘annexation’ of East Germany —- PHOTOS: Female Leaders Besides Michelle Obama Who Didn’t Wear A Headscarf In Saudi Arabia http://thinkprogress.org/world/2015/01/28/3616556/saudi-arabia-michelle-obama/ —- US nuclear scientist jailed for trying to sell secrets http://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-31033686 —- Administration Official Criticizes Israeli Ambassador Over Netanyahu Visit The tension with Israel is over Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s acceptance of Republican leaders’ invitation to address Congress about Iran without consulting the White House. —- Republicans discover that it isn’t easy running Congress —- Poll Confirms That The Republican Party’s Obamacare Strategy Is Extraordinarily Unpopular —- Continued Assaults on Health Reform Republicans in Congress are trying to dismantle the Affordable Care Act piece by piece. http://www.nytimes.com/2015/01/28/opinion/continued-assaults-on-health-reform.html —- Explainer: How the Kochs and their allies plan to spend $889 million —- Surveillance Video Raises Questions About 17-Year-Old Girl Fatally Shot By Cops At Police Station http://thinkprogress.org/justice/2015/01/28/3616806/kristiana-coignard-video/ —- Judge clears ‘Friendship Nine’ 54 years after they sat at ‘whites only’ counter As Selma film puts America’s racial legacy under focus, the 1961 convictions of nine young black men who ordered lunch at a segregated counter in South Carolina are thrown out —- Netanyahu’s contempt for President Obama —- E.J. Dionne: Culture wars, old and new —- Reducing Our Obscene Level of Child Poverty A new report on our nation’s “moral disgrace” reminds us that allowing child poverty to remain this widespread costs more than eliminating it would. —- We Dodged Icy Doom. Let’s Gripe. Whether they prepare for too little snow or too much, politicians can be assured of our unhappiness. http://www.nytimes.com/2015/01/28/opinion/frank-bruni-de-blasio-cuomo-and-the-blizzard-response.html —- Raul Castro: US must return Guantanamo to Cuba Cuban President listed demands that needed to be met to normalise relations with US after half-century freeze —- Alberto Nisman’s death ‘responsibility of pro-Kirchner intelligence operatives’, claims ex-official Former senior Argentine security official blames presidential loyalist cell for killing of prosecutor as Cristina Kirchner calls for intelligence agency to be dissolved —- Raqqa: ‘It is a very sad life under ISIL’ http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2015/01/raqqa-sad-life-isil-201511110501184890.html —- New footage shows extent of damage in Syrian town of Kobani – video —- Isis hostage crisis: Jordan offers prisoner in exchange for its captured pilot —- Arrest in Lebanon lifts veil on life of Islamic State leader’s ex-wife, Saja al-Dulaimi —- Here we go again. Israel on brink of new conflict with Hizbollah after two soldiers killed Israeli air and ground forces attack targets in Lebanon for the first time since 2006 —- Hundreds of thousands of children shell-shocked after the war in Gaza More than 370,000 children have been left shell-shocked by last year’s Israeli attack on Gaza —- Child soldiers freed in South Sudan A South Sudanese militia has released 280 child soldiers as the first step in a process to free 3,000, the UN’s children agency says. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-31009349 —- Ebola outbreak: Virus mutating, scientists warn http://www.bbc.com/news/health-31019097 —- Boko Haram crisis: Nigeria army ‘warned about Baga attack’ http://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-31026557 —- Now that’s insane! Isis threatens to behead Barack Obama and ‘transform America into a Muslim province’ —- Sydney siege inquest: Hostage died from fragments of ricocheted police bullet —- China media: Japan’s IS hostage crisis http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-china-31033983 —- Signs North Korea restarting nuclear reactor North Korea may be attempting to restart its main nuclear bomb fuel reactor after a five-month shutdown, a U.S. research institute said Thursday. —- Huh?? North Korea demanded $10bn in cash and food to attend talks with South Hermit state asked for money and half a million tons of food as precondition to holding summit with South in 2009 —- AirAsia co-pilot was in charge of plane when it crashed, investigators reveal Cockpit voice and flight data recorders show that AirAsia flight QZ8501 had been cruising at a stable altitude before the crash http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/jan/29/airasia-co-pilot-was-in-charge-of-plane-when-it-crashed-investigators-reveal Afghans live in peril among unexploded Nato bombs that litter countryside Ordnance left by parting international troops kills or injures about 40 people a month – the vast majority children http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/jan/29/afghans-lives-in-peril-unexploded-bombs —- The twins of Auschwitz On the 70th anniversary of the liberation of the Auschwitz concentration camp, survivors of experiments on twins recall their treatment at the hands of SS doctor Josef Mengele. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-30933718 —- Is western media an unwitting ally of North Korea’s propaganda? News outlets have raised concerns over the reliability of defector testimony after Shin Dong-hyuk recanted part of his story this week. For Pyongyang, this is a welcome distraction from its crimes, writes Michael Kirby, chair of the UN inquiry into North Korea’s human rights abuses —- The height of hypocrisy. China’s super-rich communist Buddhists There are new signs that while a crackdown on Tibetan nationalism continues, China may be softening its position towards the Tibetan Buddhism, and even the Dalai Lama. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-30983402 —- Winner: RSA / Nominet Trust Short Film Competition: Food Rules for Healthy People and Planet https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=KxyxANyTWeM —- Malnutrition in war-torn South Sudan —- What does your fridge reveal about you? http://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-30720662 —- I just had to share this. It left me rolling on the floor laughing, then turned my expression to this. 😯 FOR THE LOVE OF GOOP DON’T STEAM YOUR VAGINA http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2015/01/29/for-the-love-of-goop-don-t-steam-your-vagina.html —- Jack Monroe’s red bean soup with dumplings http://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2015/jan/28/jack-monroe-red-bean-soup-and-dumplings-recipe —- General Election 2015: You’ve been framed! Politicians’ funny photocall photos —- Pictures of the day: 28 January 2015 —- Day in pictures: 28 January 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-31017150 —- Photo Highlights Of The Day Best photographs of the dayEach day the picture editor of the Guardian brings you a selection of photo highlights 28 January 2015 http://www.theguardian.com/news/series/ten-best-photographs-of-the-day » Posted By Kalima On January 29, 2015 @ 1:55 am Hello Nirek. We have four indoor cats too and now only four outside ones out of 20 a few years ago. Happy to hear that you find stories of interest, and just between the two of us, I’m drinking tea from my MB mug when I’m doing my updates. 😉 Take care. Peace. » Posted By Kalima On January 27, 2015 @ 3:59 am That’s the guy kes, claiming to be a private security contractor. His poor father is in denial hoping the video was a fake, poor man, and probably wishing that mental health problems were more easily addressed over here. I will be very surprised if Jordan gives up a convicted terrorist for the remaining hostage considering the suffering she and her dead husband caused to the families and friends of the wedding party and two other hotel blasts in the 2005 suicide bombing. Stay warm, and stay home. Take care and see you soon. » Posted By Kalima On January 25, 2015 @ 11:05 pm Good Morning Everyone! A very quiet Sunday today, just the way I like them. The news full of the brutal murder of one of the Japanese hostages kidnapped by ISIS. Opinions are varied but most people agree that they should never have gone there considering the years long civil war and the devastating effects of the terror group trying to take over both Syria and Iraq. Have a good day wherever you may be. Take care, be safe, stay warm and comfy. Sayonara from my cool evening corner of Tokyo. Mata ne. Sunday’s Bits & Bobs Purported Islamic State video shows hostage Goto claiming Yukawa has been executed —- Questions surround veracity of video claiming execution of Yukawa —- A wake-up call for Japan http://www.japantimes.co.jp/opinion/2015/01/23/editorials/a-wake-up-call-for-japan/#.VMSE-WTXfCQ —- Amazon’s Japan unit raided over child porn image sales http://mainichi.jp/english/english/newsselect/news/20150124p2g00m0dm058000c.html —- Democracy drowning in a sea of dark money http://www.japantoday.com/category/opinions/view/democracy-drowning-in-a-sea-of-dark-money —- PICTURE OF THE DAY Sad Sunday http://www.japantoday.com/category/picture-of-the-day/view/sad-sunday Iraq invasion 2003: The bloody warnings six wise men gave to Tony Blair as he prepared to launch poorly planned campaign —- Broadmoor financial scandal: The £4m of NHS funds wasted at high-security hospital —- Jobless are being punished with hunger for claiming unemployment benefit, say churches —- My old party is pretty amateur – and it stands only for ruthless self-interest Amjad Bashir describes Ukip as “pretty amateur” as he talks about his decision to switch parties. —- Litvinenko inquiry: the proof Russia was involved in dissident’s murder National Security Agency (NSA) obtained communications between key individuals in London and Moscow from the time that Alexander Litvinenko was poisoned with radioactive material —- Spain arrests four suspected jihadists Four suspected members of an Islamist militant network arrested in town bordering Morocco amid fears of a Charlie Hebdo-style attack —- Greece elections: Voters will choose the Syriza party – and send a defiant message to the EU —- Tank troops fight to contain rebel expansion in eastern Ukraine War escalates as 27 civilians killed in rocket attack and Kiev accuses Moscow of sending —- Koch-backed network pulls back curtain on gathering of wealthy donors —- “American Courage: Our commitment to a free society”? Say what?? There’s nothing “free” about what republicans want to do to the country from anti-abortion bills to cutting welfare for those who need it most. Free society my left foot. Exclusive: Inside the Koch Brothers’ Secret Billionaire Summit http://m.thenation.com/article/180267-exclusive-behind-koch-brothers-secret-billionaire-summit —- Serious Ethical Questions Arising From Journalist’s Participation In Koch Event http://thinkprogress.org/media/2015/01/23/3614673/abc-news-paying-jonathan-karl-koch-brothers/ —- Rand Paul ‘clarifies’ remarks about disabled —- Fact Checker Rand Paul’s claim that ‘over half of the people on disability are either anxious or their back hurts’ —- BREAKING: Everyone is running for president in 2016! —- Walmart, where white guys walk around with their guns on display, and black folks are shot by police for picking up a gun sold there, or assaulted. Man shopping for coffee creamer at Walmart attacked by vigilante for carrying gun he was legally permitted to have —- A Scorsese Documentary on Bill Clinton Is Stalled —- Venezuelans demonstrate against President Maduro http://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-30971615 —- US troops heading to Middle East to train Syria rebels Some 100 US troops to arrive in the region in next few days to set up training sites for moderate rebels, Pentagon says. —- US-led task force launches 26 air strikes against Isis in Syria and Iraq According to coalition statement, 13 targets hit in Syria as well as 13 hit in Iraq http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/jan/24/isis-air-strikes-us-led-coalition-iraq-syria —- Air strikes killed 6,000 ISIS fighters: U.S. ambassador —- AIRSTRIKES KILLED ‘HALF OF ISIS LEADERS’ http://www.thedailybeast.com/cheats/2015/01/22/airstrikes-killed-half-of-isis-leaders.html —- The secret world of Isis training camps – ruled by sacred texts and the sword We reveal how the terror group recruits and retains its members through zealotry, rhetoric and obscure theology http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/jan/25/inside-isis-training-camps —- Libya’s Ansar al-Sharia Islamist group confirms chief’s death Leader of terror group has died of wounds suffered when fighting pro-government troops several months ago —- King Abdullah dead: We can’t afford not to hold Saudi Arabia’s royals to account Sucking up to the Saudis didn’t stop the 9/11 attacks, the Chibok kidnappings, or Paris —- Obama arrives in India for landmark visit Unprecedented second visit by US president aimed at consolidating ‘defining partnerships of the 21st century’. http://www.aljazeera.com/news/asia/2015/01/obama-india-landmark-visit-150124213509057.html —- Massive power failure plunges 80% of Pakistan into darkness Rebels blamed for breakdown of power transmission line on Sunday —- Aborigines win historical land rights battle over inhabited 4.5m hectares in southern Australia Court says Aborigines continued traditional links with land after European settlement in legal victory that could affect future claims over populated areas —- Hard times return as China bids to bring its economic miracle to an end Beijing insists slow growth is part of a plan to bring years of explosive expansion under control. But the global slowdown may make it hard to soft-land an economy still hooked on exports http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/jan/25/china-bids-bring-economic-miracle-end-hard-times —- Wait until he hears about this. Philippines ‘hid homeless from Pope’ The government in the Philippines is facing calls for an inquiry after it temporarily relocated homeless people during Pope Francis’ visit. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-30946059 —- AirAsia flight QZ8501: Bid to raise fuselage begins http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-30964705 TRIVIA QUIZ Today’s question. What summer job did Martin Luther King Jr. have as a teenager in Connecticut? —- A graphic history of US civil rights – in comic book form —- This powerful image perfectly captures how divided America was when MLK died —- The lost sons http://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-30912576 —- Winston Churchill: From accusations of anti-Semitism to the blunt refusal that led to the deaths of millions —- If you don’t understand how people fall into poverty, you’re probably a sociopath Why don’t abused women just leave their partners? Why don’t poor people just spend less? Why do people in positions of power ask so many stupid questions? —- The surprising cost of growing up poor in the shadow of wealth —- Monsanto’s Roundup Found in Animals with Birth Defects http://www.care2.com/greenliving/monsantos-roundup-found-in-animals-with-birth-defects.html —- The Kenyan grandmother at school with her progeny A 90-year-old Kenyan woman, who goes to class with six of her great great grandchildren, is believed to be the oldest primary school pupil in the world, writes the BBC’s Ed Thomas. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-30935874 —- Where do the wealthiest 1% live? http://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-30949796 —- #BBCTrending: Is Winnipeg Canada’s most racist city? http://www.bbc.com/news/blogs-trending-30941647 —- Funny photographs of the week —- Animal photos of the week: 23 January 2015 http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/picturegalleries/earth/11365394/Animal-photos-of-the-week.html —- The week in pictures: 23 January 2015 —- Week in pictures: 17-23 January 2015 Our selection of some of the best news photographs taken around the world this week. http://www.bbc.com/news/in-pictures-30935205 —- The 20 photographs of the week The crisis in Kiev produces more poignant images, sportsmen and women excel in Australia, the World Economic Forum attracts attention in Davos and turnips fly in a centuries-old tradition in Spain – the best photography in news, culture and sport from around the world this week http://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/gallery/2015/jan/24/the-20-photographs-of-the-week » Posted By Kalima On January 25, 2015 @ 2:00 am Hello Nirek. One is a freelance reporter and the other is a “make believe private security contractor” with mental health issues, and neither of them had any business being over there. For Japan to have payed a ransom would have been outrageous and set a presedent for further demands. ISIS is nothing but a group of blood thirsty serial killers. » Posted By Kalima On January 24, 2015 @ 2:37 pm Thanks kes, I just woke up. Do you remember the story I posted here last year of the mentally unstable man who cut off his own penis and then went to Syria to join the rebels even though he didn’t know how to use a gun? Well this is the guy who is supposed to have been murdered. The other guy, Goto, went over there to save him. There is not much public sympathy for either of them here. Now they are demanding the release of a female prisoner in Jordan who is the sister of the founder of ISIS killed about 10 years ago. She was arrested wearing a suicide vest that didn’t detonate when a terror attack claimed the lives of over 50 people at a wedding party in Jordan. I’ll have more updates in your morning. » Posted By Kalima On January 24, 2015 @ 2:28 pm Hostages in limbo as deadline passes —- Journalists criticize Abe’s response to hostage crisis » Posted By Kalima On January 23, 2015 @ 5:02 pm Hello kes. Yes, the murderers of the Charlie Hebdo staff failed to stop their supposed “cause” completely, and died as the criminal scum they were. Through their terror rampage, they elevated the magazine to new heights, and made the majority of the nation even more determined to protect the freedom of expression. My last five words? “Thank you” and “I love you” to the many people who have touched my life and made me a better person. Then again, knowing me, I would have already said thank you and I love you, so I might say, “Remember to feed the cats”. 🙂 You get the first trivia, “well done”. The answer is 9%, so I think you deserve it. Stay warm and safe. See you soon. » Posted By Kalima On January 21, 2015 @ 3:54 pm Yay!! That’s great news, Nirek, and the fact that you liked it, even better. I was beginning to get ready to deliver it in person, but couldn’t find any sensible shoes. Let’s also thank AdLib for ordering the mugs for me, and I think ppo should soon be receiving his too. Knowing how much you are touched by nature, I chose green for you. Enjoy it, and you are most welcome. Peace. » Posted By Kalima On January 21, 2015 @ 3:43 pm I agree but unfortunately many have forgotten how to look around them, so the awesome is hard to find. In my own health situation there are times that are very depressing, but if I try I can even find humour in being housebound, and someimes replace medication for laughter that might continue for hours on and off. Our extended animal family are also a constant source of comedy, and I thank them every day. For some of us we can’t change a certain part of our lives but we can try to make our acceptance of it that much easier with humour and thereby becoming that much more stronger. Works for me most of the time. And no, the rich are never happy or satisfied. See? Enough will never be enough. Richest 1% to own more than the rest Wealth amassed by the richest 1% will soon overtake the amount owned by everyone else in the world, says charity group Oxfam. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-30875633 » Posted By Kalima On January 18, 2015 @ 8:45 pm Glad you liked it. I find it essential to laugh about something in my life every day, and often will work to find humour in situations that are not really all that funny. It helps to keep me balanced, and stops me from becoming too jaded. Anger, disappointment, disgust and distrust I have in droves, but becoming jaded and bitter is what I strive not to be. Laughter is what keeps us human. » Posted By Kalima On January 18, 2015 @ 8:17 pm They estimate that 6 million people turned out in the rain to see Pope Francis give his outdoor Mass, and that is nothing short of amazing. Thanks for coming by. Peace. This article says 6 billion but it must a slip of the computer keys, and the Beeb made a boob. Pope leaves Asia after record crowds Pope Francis departs for Rome after drawing huge crowds and spreading a message of alleviating poverty in the Philippines. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-30875645 » Posted By Kalima On January 18, 2015 @ 7:41 pm My dear kes, thank you for stopping by after your long day and watching the interview with this incredible young man. The admiration I feel for him holds no bounds. The giggling baby is something that cheers me up since I found it and worth keeping: Here is the link in case you want to watch it again. 🙂 https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=RP4abiHdQpc The articles will still be here tomorrow so I hope you can soon have a peaceful sleep. Brought back the Trivia Quiz if you feel like having a go. Take care and see you soon. » Posted By Kalima On January 18, 2015 @ 7:38 pm Good Morning Everyone! The bright sunlight streaming into the windows this morning were deceiving. It was windy and bitterly cold for most of our day. Have a good Sunday wherever you may be. Take care, be safe, stay warm and comfy. Sayonara from my cold evening corner of Tokyo. Mata ne. Our moment of Zen. This baby’s reaction when the list of names, including Mitt Romney’s, of presidential hopefuls, is read out loud and promptly ripped up. https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=RP4abiHdQpc Sunday’s Bits & Bobs Some residents drop petition to halt restart of Sendai reactors in Kagoshima —- Gov’t, municipalities offer subsidies to spur earthquake proofing http://mainichi.jp/english/english/newsselect/news/20150117p2a00m0na014000c.html —- Reflections on the Kobe quake two decades on http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2015/01/17/national/reflections-kobe-quake-two-decades/ —- PICTURE OF THE DAY National:Japan marks 20 years since Kobe quake, locals vow to pass on lessons http://mainichi.jp/graph/2015/01/17/20150117p2g00m0dm002000c/001.html Conservative party is still racist, says a former adviser Derek Laud —- (FUKP)? I think they forgot the “U” before the “P”. Al Murray: The Pub Landlord on Muslim ‘ghettos’, breastfeeding and overseeing the acquisition of Greece by Kent County Council —- Carmel McConnell: Meet the woman whose charity is delivering breakfast to 16,000 schoolchildren a day – and stopping hunger being a barrier to education —- The fewer young people that vote, the worse for the future of Britain Parties privilege the old because they are more likely to turn out. But who wants a country for old men? http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2015/jan/18/fewer-young-people-vote-worse-for-britain —- The British Muslims not afraid to fight extremism Dilwar Hussain, Sara Khan, Manwar Ali and Adam Deen offer the only credible answer to forces within this country that threaten to divide us in the most dangerous way imaginable http://www.independent.co.uk/voices/the-british-muslims-not-afraid-to-fight-extremism-9985531.html —- Charlie Hebdo attack: French police investigate whether there was a fourth Paris gunman Suspect’s DNA found on Tokarev semi-automatic pistol used by Amedy Coulibaly when he attacked the kosher supermarket in Paris —- Europe’s far right gets the attention, but the left is making the political running EU leaders are already assuming that Syriza will win the Greek election. If so, the consequences elsewhere could be profound —- Moroccan man in France killed at home in front of wife in ‘horrible Islamophobic attack’ —- Soldiers to guard Belgian Jewish sites as Europol warns of further attacks Protection stepped up across Europe – with UK police on highest alert level ever – in wake of series of terrorist incidents —- Greek police detain suspected ringleader of Belgian terror cell, says source Photos and DNA evidence sent to Belgium to see whether one of the four detainees is Abdulhamid Abaaoud, the man believed to be mastermind behind plot —- Ukraine struggles on brink of economic crisis http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-30846185 —- Not surprising. #JeSuisCharlie gets little sympathy in Russia Russian authorities and religious leaders are critical of the #JeSuisCharlie campaign, calling Charlie Hebdo offensive to Muslims, the BBC’s Sarah Rainsford reports. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-30847694 —- Obama’s budget proposal will take aim at the wealthy —- Holder limits seized-asset sharing process that split billions with local, state police —- Here’s how Democrats win back the Senate in 2016. And it’s surprisingly simple. —- Elizabeth Warren keeps pressure on Hillary Clinton and Democrats ahead of 2016 —- THE GOP SHOULD STOP LYING ABOUT OBAMA’S ECONOMY —- More than half of US public school students live in poverty, report finds Problem is growing, especially among children, as report finds the majority of public school students in nearly half of US states live in poverty http://www.theguardian.com/money/us-money-blog/2015/jan/17/public-school-students-poverty-report —- THE NY POLICE UNION’S CIVIL WAR http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2015/01/16/the-ny-police-union-s-civil-war.html —- Republicans Introduce An Anti-Abortion Bill So Extreme That GOP Women In Congress Are Revolting http://thinkprogress.org/health/2015/01/16/3612731/gop-women-abortion-bill/ —- Huh?? Republican Party Chairman Defends Comparison Of America’s Founding Fathers To ISIS —- American Way: I have not met anyone who wants the return of Mitt Romney Aside from a handful of rich political donors, you would be hard pressed to find anyone who thinks yet another Mitt Romney presidential bid is a good idea —- Florida police shot images of black men in training http://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-30860057 —- Police In St. Louis County Admit They Beat Up The Wrong Young Black Man http://thinkprogress.org/justice/2015/01/17/3612876/police-beat-wrong-person/ —- Everyone must be aware of the strict punishment for drug smugglers in Indonesia, so why do it? Brazil ‘outraged’ by Indonesia drug trafficking execution http://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-30866752 —- Yemen: Shia Houthis seize president’s chief of staff http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-30862528 —- The guilty always shout the loudest. Israel PM slams impending ‘war crimes’ probe Netanyahu calls decision by Hague-based ICC to launch investigation into possible war crimes in Palestine “absurd”. —- Without a doubt. Were war crimes committed in Palestine? The ICC has opened a probe into possible war crimes by Israel and Palestinians. —- Saudi Arabia publicly beheads woman in holy Mecca as blogger lashings are postponed —- Five dead in Charlie Hebdo riots in Niger Second day of violence in Niger as protests continue —- Why Nigeria’s military is losing the battle against Boko Haram http://america.aljazeera.com/articles/2015/1/13/boko-haram-nigeriamilitary.html —- Iranian paper shut over Clooney ‘Je Suis Charlie’ photo http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-30865315 —- From this. Hundreds of Yazidis released by ISIL More than 200 mostly elderly members of the minority community freed after being held for months by armed group. —- To this. IN GRAPHIC PHOTOS AND ON TWITTER, ISIS MEMBERS RECORD AND TOUT EXECUTIONS OF GAY MEN —- Delhi woman who said she was raped by Uber driver to sue company in US Woman suing for negligence to be represented by Douglas Wigdor, who acted for maid in Dominique Strauss-Kahn case http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/jan/15/delhi-woman-alleged-rape-uber-driver-sue-us —- Peshawar massacre sparks policy shifts Pakistani PM Nawaz Sharif’s government has been far from idle in the month since the Peshawar school attack. —- China boat capsize on Yangtze river kills 22 http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-china-30861821 —- Pope Francis: Huge crowds gather in Manila for Mass http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-30869019 —- Six drug convicts executed in Indonesia, including five foreigners Foreigners from Brazil, Malawi, Nigeria, Vietnam and the Netherlands shot dead, as well as an Indonesian woman http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/jan/18/indonesia-six-drug-convicts-shot-dead-five-foreigners TRIVIA QUIZ Today’s question. What percentage of New Year’s celebrants who make resolutions are successful at achieving their goals? Hint: A number between 6 and 11. Glad it’s not just me. Oops. —- An amazing story of struggle and determination. Meet the man who spent 12 years trapped inside his body watching ‘Barney’ reruns —- Martin & Joan Pistorius on the Wright Stuff https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=GBFntsxK-vc —- Muslims and the UK media: ‘It’s not just the Charlie Hebdo cartoons’ – video Following the publication of the first issue of Charlie Hebdo since the terrorist attacks in Paris that left 17 dead, Muslims in London talk to Iman Amrani about freedom of speech, the Charlie Hebdo cartoons and the reaction of the British press and government. She found widespread mistrust, a feeling of being unfairly http://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/video/2015/jan/16/muslims-uk-media-cartoons-charlie-hebdo-video —- ARE ALL TERRORISTS MUSLIMS? IT’S NOT EVEN CLOSE http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2015/01/14/are-all-terrorists-muslims-it-s-not-even-close.html —- Offensive? Yes. Do I want to kill someone because of it? No. READ THE NEW ISSUE OF CHARLIE HEBDO IN ENGLISH —- North Korea begins brainwashing children in cult of the Kims as early as kindergarten —- FROM ‘MOMMA’S BOY’ TO WANNABE TERRORIST http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2015/01/16/from-momma-s-boy-to-wannabe-terrorist.html —- What must Pakistan do to beat polio? http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-30822967 —- Ethel Lang, the last Victorian, has died but Victorianism lives on Much of what our society holds important was shaped in the 19th century – including some of our attitudes —- Shakespear of Arabia The roots of Britain’s friendship with Saudi Arabia lie in the exploits of one dashing diplomat, Capt William Shakespear, explorer and pioneering photographer. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/blogs-magazine-monitor-30796539 —- #MyLastWordsIn5Words: What would you say? If you only had breath to utter five words before you died, what would you say? http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/blogs-trending-30851379 —- It used to be rude not to answer the phone. Now you’re rude if you do The fuss about Michael Gove’s mobile going off during a cabinet meeting makes you nostalgic for a much simpler phone etiquette —- Animal photos of the week: 16 January 2016 http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/picturegalleries/earth/11350719/Animal-photos-of-the-week.html —- The week in pictures: 16 January 2015 —- Week in pictures: 10-16 January 2015 Our selection of some of the best news photographs taken around the world this week http://www.bbc.com/news/in-pictures-30846412 —- The 20 photographs of the week Climbers conquer a peak in Yosemite, activists protest in Mexico, the pope visits the Philippines and a sports final takes place in Texas – the best photography in news, culture and sport from around the world this week http://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/gallery/2015/jan/17/the-20-photographs-of-the-week » Posted By Kalima On January 18, 2015 @ 1:40 am Hello kes. I find the situation with the lack of police work in NY, very infantile, and hope that because of it, some will be reprimanded, although I doubt that the brass are any more sincere or have the balls. I agree that these extremists are cut off from reality for one reason or another and are therefore easy prey for recruiters from jihadist groups. Cults use the same methods by promising that these young people will belong once in their group and take the place of everything they feel they have lost or has been missing. Then again, some are just cruel people waiting for the chance to use a gun to kill people with. Problem is they are used and belonging to these groups means there is a price to pay. With terror groups it means you could be asked to be a suicide bomber to blow up innocent men, women and children as well as yourself for whatever lie for a cause they might tell you. In most cases like with ISIS, it’s about a power trip for the leaders but claiming it’s religious works much better. It’s all bullshit. Next time I run out of loo paper, lose my glasses or forget my passwords, I’ll know just who to call. 😆 Stay out of the bitter cold and be warm and safe. See you soonish. » Posted By Kalima On January 13, 2015 @ 9:12 pm This story was one of the most sickening that I posted. Who are these people who have no shame in admitting it? Obviously guys who have trouble getting women to sleep with them or hate women. It was very disturbing. » Posted By Kalima On January 13, 2015 @ 8:23 pm Hi KT, and welcome back. Every nation refers to an attack on its soil as being an attack against that nation. 9/11 and the tube attacks in the U.K. were presented in the same way, so of course the French feel this way. Yes, the PM should have said “a war on Muslim extremists” and maybe that is what he meant, I’m not sure. This was however an attack on the freedom of expression in France. » Posted By Kalima On January 13, 2015 @ 8:19 pm Hello kes. So sorry for the delay in answering but was out for most of yesterday. Will get back to you before the end of my day. Take care and stay warm. » Posted By Kalima On January 13, 2015 @ 7:45 pm Charlie Hebdo: An editorial thanks the millions of people who have declared themselves as Charlie in the past few days – but it says it wants no more of the past insinuations that by provoking Muslims, it has somehow brought trouble on itself. France ‘at war with terrorism’ French Prime Minister Manuel Valls says Islamist gunmen who murdered 17 people in Paris wanted to kill the “spirit of France” – but have failed. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-30794973 » Posted By Kalima On January 13, 2015 @ 7:39 pmComments Posted By Kalima
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Combat fighters to be indicted for five incidents investigated by military police.
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http://www.theguardian.com/politics/2015/jan/28/-sp-david-camerons-five-year-legacy-has-he-finished-what-margaret-thatcher-started
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Residents fleeing Raqqa give testimonies of what life is like under ISIL.
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The humble kidney bean makes a great base for this deeply satisfying soup and dumpling combo
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‘Isis mobile oil drilling rig’ among targets in Syria, says US Central Command
Huge blackout is latest reminder of the country’s chronic problems
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