Displaying 1,171 To 1,200 Of 18,974 Comments It always brings a smile to my face to find you here. 🙂 Thank you for your constant and reassuring support. Yes, the marches in France were impressive and a poke in the eye to terrorism. Hope your wife’s appointment is stress free and over with quickly. I have two tomorrow as well. Take care and peace. » Posted By Kalima On January 12, 2015 @ 4:02 am Good Evening Everyone! Sorry that I’m half a day late but there were things that prevented me from posting on time. Hope you are having a great Sunday or Monday wherever you may be. Take care, be safe, stay warm and comfy. Sayonara from my sunny but cold corner of Tokyo. Mata ne. A few stories and opinions from around the globe. Proactive emissions plan needed —- Japan eyes new law to aid non-U.S. forces in international conflicts —- Last week it was a human tooth! 😯 Rubber fragment found in McDonald’s nugget in western Japan http://mainichi.jp/english/english/newsselect/news/20150110p2g00m0dm099000c.html —- 😆 Police deem over 2 million emergency calls ‘unsuitable’ —- PICTURE OF THE DAY Cold run http://www.japantoday.com/category/picture-of-the-day/view/cold-run INTERNATIONAL NEWS Mentor of Charlie Hebdo gunmen has been UK-based Djamel Beghal has been on western intelligence agencies’ radar for 15 years and has worshipped regularly at Finsbury Park mosque http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/jan/11/mentor-charlie-hebdo-gunmen-uk-based-djamel-beghal —- Charlie Hebdo killers offend Islam more than satirical cartoons, Baroness Warsi says Britain’s first Muslim peer says that while she finds cartoons satirising her religion ‘unsavoury’ and ‘offensive’ they must not be avenged through bloodshed —- Far too many Western Muslims speak of freedom as a sin Muslims who have never known real freedom yearn – and die – for human rights —- The truth about Birmingham – #foxnewsfacts Twitter hits back at Fox News expert who claims Birmingham is populated entirely by Muslims —- Just goes to show what a vile, rancid tub of lard Murdoch really is, and why he supports the GOP and conservatives in other countries. —- Paris shooting: JK Rowling condemns Rupert Murdoch over tweet blaming all Muslims for Charlie Hebdo deaths —- Dresden protest against Pegida About 35,000 people have marched through the German city of Dresden in protest against recent so-called anti-Islamisation rallies, organisers say. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-30765674 —- Charlie Hebdo attacks: Paris rally as it happened 11 January This page automatically updates http://www.bbc.com/news/live/world-europe-30766601#/%22 —- Paris anti-terror rally: all religions, ages and nations in massive show of unity François Hollande says ‘Paris is the capital of the world’ as estimated 3.7 million across France march in solidarity http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/jan/11/paris-france-anti-terror-rally-massive-show-unity —- Millions attend unity rallies in France Estimated 3.7 million people joined by dozens of world leaders honour the 17 victims of attacks in the French capital. —- Paris march: Global leaders join ‘unprecedented’ rally in largest demonstration in history of France —- Paris march of unity: after a minute’s silence the crowd roared ‘We are not afraid!’ —- Charlie Hebdo attack Don’t avenge Charlie Hebdo deaths, says victim’s family – video —- Paris attacker seen in ISIL allegiance video Video emerges of Amedy Coulibaly, who seized hostages in kosher store, defending deadly attacks on Charlie Hebdo. —- How can anyone make sense of the Charlie Hebdo killings? Explaining the killings in Paris is an extremely difficult task – but the caricaturist’s craft offers a way of doing so, says Adam Gopnik. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-30746910 —- Paris attacks: These troubled men who project their self-hatred on others Murderers, like the Paris terrorists, are drawn to a toxic identity which equates masculinity with violence —- Croatia elects conservative in presidential election runoff Kolinda Grabar-Kitarović capitalises on discontent over economic crisis to narrowly beat incumbent Ivo Josipović —- Crisis in Ukraine could trigger nuclear war, warns Gorbachev The former Russian leader warns that Moscow does not trust the West, and the West does not trust Moscow —- US attorney general remains tight-lipped about overseeing Petraeus investigation Eric Holder steers clear of commenting directly on case of former CIA director but said he expects ‘a matter of this magnitude’ to be decided ‘at the highest level’ —- NYPD Slow: Times Square had 1 million reveling, zero tickets written —- 1 In 3 University of North Dakota Men Surveyed Would Rape A Woman If They Could Get Away With It http://thinkprogress.org/health/2015/01/11/3610327/college-men-forcible-sex-study/ —- Is Spate of Texas Earthquakes Tied to Fracking? http://bluenationreview.com/spate-texas-earthquakes-tied-fracking/ —- Politicians Everywhere Respond to the News Mitt Romney is Considering Running http://bluenationreview.com/mitt-romney-everybody-can-go-tell-friends-im-considering-run/ —- Syrian refugees face hellish winter in Lebanon Thousands of Syrians who have fled the war to Lebanon are facing a sub-zero winter in tents made of potato sacks —- Lebanon violence: Bomb blast hits northern city of Tripoli http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-30765820 —- Nigeria’s forgotten massacre: 2,000 slaughtered by Boko Haram, but the West is failing to help —- Sierra Leone declares first Ebola-free district Pujehun, in the south east, has had no cases for 42 days after early decision to clamp down on public gatherings http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/jan/10/sierra-leone-first-ebola-free-district-who —- Iran looks to speed up negotiations to end 12-year nuclear standoff Foreign minister Mohammad Javad Zarif and US secretary of state John Kerry will confer ahead of negotiations in Geneva with six world powers on settling Tehran http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/jan/11/iran-us-nuclear-negotiations-geneva —- US-led coalition carries out 15 air strikes on Isis targets in Syria and Iraq Three strikes in Iraq, 12 in Syria in operations carried out since Friday http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/jan/10/us-coalition-12-air-strikes-isis-syria —- Dozens die in Pakistan bus crash At least 30 people are killed and many more injured as a bus collides with an oil tanker near the Pakistani city of Karachi, bursting into flames. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-30766412 —- Lindt cafe siege victim Katrina Dawson was hit by police bullet, reports say Police sources reportedly say that the 38-year-old barrister was caught in the crossfire and struck possibly by a ricochet —- Blackmailing again. North Korea claims it will consider halting nuclear testing if US cancels military drills in the South —- AirAsia crash: Search teams believe they have found black box recorders as well as fuselage http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/asia/airasia-crash-search-teams-believe-they-have-found-black-box-recorders-as-well-as-fuselage-9970508.html The orphans of Gaza The number of children living at the al-Amal Institute for Orphans has nearly doubled since the 2014 war. http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2015/01/orphans-gaza-20151612433820289.html —- Viewpoint: The power of one woman’s fast http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-30687326 —- Sold in Myanmar and trafficked to China http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-30272273 —- Decorated Tuskegee Airmen who faced racism after serving US die at 91 Clarence E Huntley Jr and Joseph Shambrey died last week. The two friends enlisted together in 1942 and were mechanics during WWII http://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2015/jan/11/tuskegee-airmen-members-die-91-los-angeles —- Migrant ghost ships: Who are the people smugglers? The BBC’s Jasmine Coleman looks at the smugglers adopting new tactics of packing cargo ships full of migrants and abandoning them in the Mediterranean. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-30715001 —- Would you be beautiful in the ancient world? Beauty in ancient Greece was a complicated business, with an ominous undercurrent, as historian Bettany Hughes explains. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-30746985 —- Paris shootings: Crowds join ‘Unity’ march for Charlie Hebdo attacks, in pictures —- Animal photos of the week: 9 January 2015 http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/picturegalleries/earth/11335028/Animal-photos-of-the-week.html —- The week in pictures: 9 January 2015 —- Week in pictures: 3-9 January 2015 Our selection of some of the best news photographs taken around the world this week. http://www.bbc.com/news/in-pictures-30741245 —- The 20 photographs of the week The Charlie Hebdo attack, the AirAsia plane crash, the fourth test at the Sydney Cricket Ground – the best photography in news, culture and sport from around the world this week http://www.theguardian.com/world/gallery/2015/jan/10/the-20-photographs-of-the-week » Posted By Kalima On January 11, 2015 @ 5:51 pm Well, the murdering scum are dead, but the questions remains are there more in the group planning similar attacks, and why was one brother who was jailed for trying to recruit jihadists to fight in Iraq, not monitored more closely after his release from serving a one year jail sentence? I would have liked nothing better than to see them on trial and sentenced to life in prison, but I suppose the ending was inevitable. 17 wasted lives since the initial attack on Wednesday morning at the office of Charlie Hebdo, and for what? The attackers proved nothing and changed nothing except to enforce and increase the country’s vigilance against terror attacks. They didn’t die as martyrs, they died as cold blooded killers in a hail of bullets from special security forces. —- “Bloody end to sieges in France” Two hostage sieges come to a dramatic end in France, with three gunmen and four hostages confirmed dead, two days after the deadly attack on Charlie Hebdo magazine . http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-30752239 —- Middle East press condemns Paris attack The overwhelming tone of reaction from Middle Eastern press is one of shock and categorical condemnation of the 7 January attack on the offices of French magazine Charlie Hebdo and the killing of 12 people. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-30724230 » Posted By Kalima On January 9, 2015 @ 4:27 pm Well if anything should happen in the next 7 hours, I will miss it because I have to sleep. Yes, that is the thing Nirek, this could happen anywhere. Goodnight from here. Peace. » Posted By Kalima On January 9, 2015 @ 6:36 am Hello Nirek. There is so much happening, another hostage situation at a Jewish kosher supermarket, two dead and hostages including women and children. A connection between the shooting death of a policewoman yesterday with the gunmen. You can follow the Live blog link below that updates often to see the latest developments. Take care. Charlie Hebdo attack: Siege Updates on the massive security operation in a town north-east of Paris, where the two men suspected over the Charlie Hebdo magazine shootings are said to be holed up in a building. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/world-europe-30722098 » Posted By Kalima On January 9, 2015 @ 4:48 am French police surround ‘Paris gunmen’ French police surround a building in a northern town where two men suspected of the Charlie Hebdo gun massacre are said to be holding a hostage. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-30740115 » Posted By Kalima On January 9, 2015 @ 2:50 am It is sickening kes, but at least the politicians and Merkel are speaking out against them with counter demos in support of Muslims and against these Far Right morons that are very robust and widespread around Germany. You can’t stop the haters but you can minimise them by speaking out about their falsehoods and ignorance. Still, politically, Hollande is very unpopular and people like Marine Le Pen from the FR National Front who already have a foot inside the government, will use this attack to gain supporters. Despicable of course. » Posted By Kalima On January 9, 2015 @ 2:15 am When people say that all Muslims are “terrorists”, it’s like claiming that all Catholics are paedophiles, or that all Americans are responsible for Iraq and the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. It pure nonsense driven by hate, the hate that Far Right anti-Islam nuts are now pushing in Europe even before the terror attack in Paris. It’s unforgivable. Fareed Zakaria: Blasphemy and the law of fanatics » Posted By Kalima On January 9, 2015 @ 2:03 am Hello kes. I look at your temps every morning and shudder, hoping that you are not out in it. Take care, keep warm and stay safe. Happy you have your internet connection and that your fingertips are not too cold to type. Yes, Abe is the genius who has made more poor people by preaching those infamous and always failing, “trickle down” economics. Hardly surprising, after all he is a conservative. Yep, firing 6,000 nurses certainly was a brilliant move by the Cameron government, and making those cuts ensured that our doctors couldn’t do their jobs properly and as you know, that led to thousands of unnecessary deaths of patients who just happened to be someone’s mother, father, husband, wife, daughter, son, sister or brother. To say that this government is “deadly” would be an understatement as the cuts in welfare benefits are responsible for even more deaths. I’m watching the latest updates on the Charlie Hebdo massacre on the BBC since it happened hoping to hear that these butchers have been caught while dreading the continuing blowback from the Far Right extremists who are already using this as an excuse to further inflame anti-Muslim sentiments in Europe. So far the degree of support for the freedom of the press is overwhelming in Europe and across the world, but I find it unfortunate that as usual a few people are blaming the victims. My question to them is do we let terrorist dictate how a long fought for democracy works by letting them intimidate us with their total disregard for human life? Are we losing sight of other terror attacks like 9/11, 7/11 in London or any number of senseless murders carried out by Islamic extremists all over the world in the last decades, and what ISIS has done to civilians in Syria and Iraq. What were the reasons for those attacks and were those victims to blame too? The latest attack by extremists. ‘Bodies strewn’ across Nigeria town Bodies lay strewn on the streets of a key north-easter http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-30728158 Charlie Hebdo satirised every religion, politician and every day issues, that was who they were, it was a career, not a hate fest against Muslims. To silence it; to silence freedom of speech in a democracy would make it meaningless. The definition of satire. “mockery, ridicule, derision, scorn, caricature; The Turtle is living on the planet BS if he thinks that anyone but fellow planet BS dwellers would believe that his party had anything to do with the growth of your economy. To say it out loud just proves how utterly full of crap and lies the Repubs really are. They will continue just as they have during the President’s years in office as the party of no to progress while rushing to pass legislation in home states that will bring more suffering for the people living there. Then they will get on with their only agenda which is to help the rich become even richer. About the richest 100, here is an article I forgot to include and again shows how out of touch rich people are while highlighting their apathy for the poor. Wonkblog — I’m amazed that three American families are allowed to finance more than half of Netanyahu’s campaign, and that you have no laws against it. Mind boggling. Like you, I had to wonder about the bad luck and determination of Adrian Carton de Wiart, and believe that there still are military officers who don’t feel complete unless they are charging into battle somewhere. Prime example the older U.S. and British military brass who insist that the battle against ISIS can’t be won without troops on the ground. *sigh* Yes, the finding of a new antibiotic is groundbreaking at a time that over prescriptions of available antibiotics had rendered so many useless in the fight against infections leading to so many deaths worldwide. Something to celebrate in our constant uncertainty about our future. Again, take care and stay indoors when you can. See you soon and thanks for dropping by to read and to comment. » Posted By Kalima On January 9, 2015 @ 12:35 am Just wanted to post these additions to today’s MB updates. Worth reading. —- AYAAN HIRSI ALI: OUR DUTY IS TO KEEP CHARLIE HEBDO —- LIVE TEXT from the BBC Live blog link below. 01:02 Ian McEwan: ‘Gates of hell’ “We could really bring this right into the national curriculum in schools,” he told BBC’s Newsnight. “We need to be able to teach everyone just how important freedom of speech is. And how in that freedom there is mockery, satire, scholarly analysis. It’s going to be difficult but talking and writing is all we’ve got. Slaughtering each other is going to bring us to the very gates of hell.” 00:30 Ex-editor: ‘Silence is the threat’ “But we must not believe that the Muslims who are today outraged by what has happened cannot understand it. They can understand it. They can understand that today, their religion needs to reform. So that it does not in the heart of the democracy where they have chosen to live, create terrorists, terrorism, which is of course opposed by most Muslims, who are victims of it.” Email: HaveYourSay@bbc.co.uk Charlie Hebdo attack: Manhunt A manhunt is under way in France for two gunmen named as suspects after 12 people were shot dead in an attack on satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/world-europe-30722098 —- The Backlash against Muslims from the racist Far Right in Europe.———— EUROPE’S ISLAM HATERS SAY WE TOLD YOU SO http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2015/01/08/europe-s-islam-haters-say-we-told-you-so.html » Posted By Kalima On January 8, 2015 @ 5:29 pm Good morning, Nirek. It looks as if the 18 year old is not involved. See you soon as I’m off to sleep now. I’m 14 hours ahead of you. 🙂 Have a good day. Peace. » Posted By Kalima On January 8, 2015 @ 6:18 am In total agreement for those prison for life sentences. Latest on the Beeb is that they robbed a gasoline stand further north, still had their guns as they stole food and petrol, and are stupid enough to be using the same Renault reported stolen after they dumped the get away car. Not very bright and I believe they will be caught soon. Meanwhile a policewoman in the south was shot and died, and a Mosque was the scene of an explosion. Very sad and scary. I’ll join you in that RIP for those who died needlessly while trying to defend the freedom of the press. » Posted By Kalima On January 8, 2015 @ 4:03 am Good Morning Everyone! Hope that your slide into the New Year was a pleasant one and that you are ready to face 2015? The year not off to a great start for France with yet another terror attack, and Europe on pins and needles wondering who will be next. To all those suffering in unusually low temperature, stay warm and stay safe. Have a good day wherever you may be. Take care, be safe and stay warm and comfy. Sayonara from my quite cold corner of Tokyo. Mata ne. A few stories and opinions from around the globe. Number of households on welfare hits record high —- Nearly 75% of people in Japan live in areas at risk of disaster —- You want teeth with that? McDonald’s Japan sold fries with surprise —- PICTURE OF THE DAY Sumo ritual http://www.japantoday.com/category/picture-of-the-day/view/sumo-ritual INTERNATIONAL NEWS After sacking more than 6,000. Thanks Cameron!! A&E crisis: foreign nurses and untrained volunteers drafted in to plug dangerous shortfall At least 14 NHS hospitals have declared major incidents and trusts are scrambling to recruit more staff —- Corporate feasting will devour the NHS This A&E crisis will seem small beer if Cameron gets to carry out his cuts and privatisation plans —- Sort of like the GOPTP and the U.S. Constitution. The hypocrites have jumped aboard the Magna Carta bandwagon Neither the Government nor the VIPs celebrating the historic charter’s anniversary give a damn about its principles —- The Charlie Hebdo killers must not silence us. We should ridicule them The gunmen behind the Paris murders want to shut down our freedom of expression. Our response should be to openly disrespect them http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2015/jan/07/charlie-hebdo-killers-must-not-silence-us —- Charlie Hebdo massacre: Arrests as France hunts gunmen http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-30721677 —- As it happened: Charlie Hebdo attack This page automatically updates http://www.bbc.com/news/live/world-europe-30710777 —- Charlie Hebdo attack: Paris police name three suspects in manhunt as Kouachi brothers and surrendered 18-year-old ‘accomplice’ —- Charlie Hebdo shooting: arrests made as police hunt for suspects – live updates —- Charlie Hebdo attack: France’s worst terrorist attack in a generation leaves 12 dead Ten journalists and two policemen killed after the attack by three gunmen on the Charlie Hebdo magazine office in Paris —- Charlie Hebdo attack: Thousands join vigils in Paris, London, Berlin and around the world —- Charlie Hebdo: This is the terrifying price we pay for free speech in a liberal democracy —- ‘Dangerously cold’ temperatures and snow across US http://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-30716563 —- Congress Introduces A National Abortion Ban On Its Very First Day Back http://thinkprogress.org/health/2015/01/07/3608821/congress-20-week-abortion/ —- EJ Dionne: The right’s wrong idea of governance —- The new Congress is 80 percent white, 80 percent male and 92 percent Christian —- Mitch McConnell is off to a bitter start —- Did Mitch McConnell Just Take Credit for the Economic Recovery? The new Senate majority leader said “the uptick appears to coincide” with “the expectation of a new Republican Congress.” —- Uh Oh, Republicans Are Trying to ‘Protect’ Social Security Again A new rule would bar the House from using money in the retirement system to fund the disability system. —- Where Is The 24-Hour News Cycle On The Bomb At A Colorado NAACP? —- John Boehner is Speaker again. Now what? http://bluenationreview.com/john-boehner-speaker-now/ —- Is Chris Christie’s Lovefest With the Dallas Cowboys an Ethical Violation? http://bluenationreview.com/chris-christies-lovefest-dallas-cowboys-ethical-violation/ —- These Three American Families Are Funding Half Of Netanyahu’s Re-Election Bid http://www.buzzfeed.com/sheerafrenkel/meet-the-american-families-bankrolling-netanyahus —- How do Americans feel about Muhammad cartoons? —- What Muslims Really Believe About Cartoons Of Muhammad —- The U.S. Military Will Spend $1.5 Trillion on a Plane That Barely Works https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=8xYTd2e_Tdo —- Mexico charges mayor’s wife with organized crime Wife of Mexican mayor in city where students disappeared charged with money laundering —- Canada opens doors to 13,000 Syrian and Iraqi refugees Ten thousand Syrian and 3,000 Iraqi refugees will be welcomed over the next three years in response to a UN plea, Canada’s immigration minister says —- Islamic State crisis: Religious police ‘kidnapped’ in Syria http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-30721021 —- Investigators confident that chlorine gas was used as weapon in Syria Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons does not apportion blame but says bombs were probably dropped from helicopter http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/jan/07/syria-chlorine-chemical-weapons-attacks-opcw —- Winter storm brings misery to Middle East refugees http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-30711789 —- Dozens dead and injured after bomb explodes at Yemen police college Suicide bomber suspected of exploding device in capital Sanaa kills at least 30 —- Hardline Israelis anger Palestinians by trying to reclaim prayer rights at Jerusalem’s most famous holy site As Muslims and Jews assert ownership over the Jerusalem’s most famous holy site, some fear the competing beliefs risk igniting a full-scale religious conflict —- UN chief says Palestinians to become ICC member in April —- Dominic Ongwen, who was abducted by the LRA as a child and rose to be one of its most brutal leaders, is wanted by the ICC for war crimes —- Sri Lanka’s Mahinda Rajapaksa faces crucial poll http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-30715792 —- Indonesia says crashed AirAsia plane tail found Find could be crucial in establishing cause of AirAsia QZ8501 crash as black box is usually situated in the tail section http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/indonesia/11329481/Indonesia-says-crashed-AirAsia-plane-tail-found.htm The tragic story of a Gaza family drowned on a smugglers’ boat as they tried to escape the death and destruction that claimed the lives of four young relatives —- The people pushed out of Ethiopia’s fertile farmland The construction of a huge dam in Ethiopia has been controversial, and finding out what local people think can be hard – but armed with a bottle of rum nothing is impossible. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-30623571 —- Killing, not curing: deadly boom in counterfeit medicine in Afghanistan Corruption and lack of border controls has opened country up to flood of substandard drugs that put poor, sick Afghans at risk —- The murder that has obsessed Italy On 26 November 2010, Yara Gambirasio, 13, went missing. Three months later her body was discovered in scrubland nearby. So began one of the most complex murder hunts in Italian history, which will reach its climax later this year http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/jan/08/-sp-the-murder-that-has-obsessed-italy —- FBI investigates suspicious death of North Carolina teen Lennon Lacy —- America’s Dirtiest Cops: Cash, Cocaine and Corruption on the Texas Border —- THE 100 RICH PEOPLE WHO RUN AMERICA http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2015/01/05/the-hundred-rich-people-who-run-america.html —- The unkillable soldier Sir Adrian Carton de Wiart was a one-eyed, one-handed war hero who fought in three major conflicts across six decades. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-30685433 —- First new antibiotic in 30 years discovered in major breakthrough The discovery of Teixobactin could pave the way for a new generation of antibiotics because of the way it was discovered. —- Pictures of the Day: 7 January 2015 —- Day in pictures: 7 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-30709182 —- Photo highlights of the day The Guardian’s picture editors bring you a selection of the best photographs from around the world, including the terrorist attack in Paris, the search for QZ8501, snowfall in Lebanon and Swan Lake ballet in London http://www.theguardian.com/news/gallery/2015/jan/07/photo-highlights-of-the-day » Posted By Kalima On January 8, 2015 @ 2:00 am Hello kes. If you click on the BBC link it’s constantly being updated. They are now raiding areas in the north in Reims and have pictures up of two Algerian brothers who are suspects. They failed. Millions can now see those cartoons all over the world. The person who decides what goes into a newspaper or magazine is the Editor, not some crazed, inhuman gun man. They cannot take away the freedom of the press, that is what democracy is all about. I imagine that the majority of Muslims feel like Hamed Saeedi. Kudos to him for saying it where it can be seen. I’ll be bringing the latest in my updates for your morning. Take care and keep warm. » Posted By Kalima On January 7, 2015 @ 8:09 pm Hi AdLib. This is what Europe has been dreading after the return of fighters from Syria and Iraq. Two of the suspects are brothers from Algerian heritage, born in Paris, who fought for ISIS over there. I don’t think that these people can be rehabilitated, they are too far gone to ever value human lives again, but yes, nations have to come together to promote that value. It’s ironic that although they murdered 12 people, the cartoons they were willing to kill for, hit Twitter, youtube and the international newspapers like falling rain, thereby giving access to millions who might otherwise not have seen them. They failed!! » Posted By Kalima On January 7, 2015 @ 4:47 pm The latest about a raid in Reims, and reactions from the international press. —- Charlie Hebdo attack – latest The office of satirical French magazine Charlie Hebdo is attacked by gunmen – 12 killed. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/world-europe-30710777 » Posted By Kalima On January 7, 2015 @ 4:36 pm Good Morning Nirek. Cowards hiding behind their masks and extreme interpretations of Islam. I’m watching on the BBC, and hope they catch them soon before they can cross any borders. Europe will now be on high alert not knowing if this attack was domestic sympathisers or returning IS fighters who are citizens or nationals. Take care and I’ll post more updates in the morning. Peace. » Posted By Kalima On January 7, 2015 @ 5:52 am Paris Charlie Hebdo shooting: eleven dead at Paris offices of satirical magazine – live updates http://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2015/jan/07/shooting-paris-satirical-magazine-charlie-hebdo —- Massacre at French magazine office Gunmen attack the Paris office of French satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo killing 11 people and wounding 10, French officials say. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-30710883 » Posted By Kalima On January 7, 2015 @ 4:28 am Happy New Year, dear kes! Well if the truth be told I didn’t even get the chance to sample the quiches, as two were gone in a flash, and I cut the third one in half for each of the nieces to take home. I did have a thimble full of the pasta sauce though when I licked the wooden spoon after it was ready. It was rather tasty but I felt like Oliver Twist. 😆 Only pictures from around the globe in these updates, but will be back as soon as the celebrations end. Take care and look forward to seeing you here again in 2015. » Posted By Kalima On January 1, 2015 @ 10:31 pm Happy New Year dear Nirek! Today was a success, and if I had been a restaurant owner, i would have been sold out. After decades of eating traditional Japanese food, the family loved the change of me cooking here for the second year. I’m very tired and nodding off soon, but their smiles and thank yous made it all worthwhile. 🙂 So a very exhausted me, promises to keep looking for and linking to the most interesting stories I can find this year. I have of course been following the AirAsia story, but it was just to distressing to link to at the moment and my heart goes out to the victims and their loved one. Take care and I’ll be back very soon. Peace to you and yours. » Posted By Kalima On January 1, 2015 @ 5:03 am [img]https://planetpov.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/IMG_1450.png[/img] Wishing all our Planeteers and readers a very HAPPY NEW YEAR!! May your dreams come true and may you find peace in this turbulent, fast moving world of ours. See you soon. Take care. Mata ne. A Song for New Year’s Eve William Cullen Bryant (1859) Stay yet, my friends, a moment stay‚— The year, whose hopes were high and strong, The kindly year, his liberal hands Days brightly came and calmly went, Dear friends were with us, some who sleep Even while we sing, he smiles his last, 100 things we didn’t know last year http://www.bbc.com/news/blogs-magazine-monitor-30492726 —- Happy New Year http://www.japantoday.com/category/picture-of-the-day/view/happy-new-year-8 —- New Year 2015 in pictures: Fireworks and celebrations around the world —- Pictures of the Year: 2014 We’ve picked a selection of our favourite pictures taken during the past year around the world. Some are dramatic moments, others have a touch of humour, but all sum up the past 12 months. http://www.bbc.com/news/in-pictures-30476846 —- New Year 2014: from Sydney to Beijing, the best photos from celebrations around the world —- Best photographs of 2014 – in pictures From the Ferguson riots to the school attack in Peshawar, a Missouri ‘firenado’ and hailstones in Siberia: the Guardian’s features picture editor Sarah Gilbert selects the most compelling images of 2014 http://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/gallery/2014/dec/28/best-photographs-of-2014-in-pictures —- Photo highlights of the day The Guardian’s picture editors bring you a selection of the best photographs from around the world including the first same-sex wedding in Scotland, new year celebrations and prayers for the victims of the AirAsia flight http://www.theguardian.com/news/gallery/2014/dec/31/photo-highlights-of-the-day » Posted By Kalima On January 1, 2015 @ 12:22 am Thank you, Nirek and I hope you have a wonderful day. My day is almost over and I’m off to sleep. It’s been a busy week here. Pope Francis has given me hope too, we have been waiting for someone like him for far too many years. I also hope that the Feds will try to use that law, it might be a start to make some of the police think before they shoot unarmed black men. Merry Christmas and peace to you and yours. » Posted By Kalima On December 25, 2014 @ 5:03 am [img]https://planetpov.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/IMG_1440.jpg[/img] Good Morning Everyone! On behalf of The Planet and Morning Blog, I would like to wish all of our members and readers HAPPY HOLIDAYS and a MERRY CHRISTMAS! Have a good day wherever you may be. Take care, be safe, stay warm and comfy, Sayonara from my Christmas Day afternoon corner of Tokyo. Mata ne. A few stories and opinions from around the globe. Japan, wary of North Korea, works to secure infrastructure after Sony attack —- Miyagi town settles over toddler’s tsunami death —- *sigh* Replacing old reactors with new ones may be option for Japan: report http://mainichi.jp/english/english/newsselect/news/20141225p2g00m0dm029000c.html —- KEPCO applies for 10.23% rate hike http://www.japantoday.com/category/national/view/kepco-applies-for-10-23-rate-hike —- PICTURE OF THE DAY Merry Christmas http://www.japantoday.com/category/picture-of-the-day/view/merry-christmas-7 INTERNATIONAL NEWS George Osborne planning ‘wilful destruction’ of public services, says Danny Alexander In his fiercest criticisms yet of his Treasury boss, Danny Alexander, Liberal Democrat chief secretary, says the chancellor has “ideological” plans to “shrink the state” —- Some will never get to those nursing homes I’m sure. Infections in hospitals will see to that. Shameful way to treat human beings. Elderly stuck in hospital beds for eight months waiting for a nursing home Scale of the ‘bed-blocking’ crisis in NHS revealed as figures show another patient remained in hospital for a year after they had recovered —- Not only just highly offensive but homophobic and downright racist. Find the words ‘poofter’ and ‘Chinky’ inoffensive? You’re probably an elderly, male, Northern, Ukip voter Female 20 and 30-something Scottish Liberal Democrats most likely to disagree with Nigel Farage about acceptability of certain words —- That’s not saying much as the others are a bunch of crazy racists too. New Year’s Eve party tips: Don’t invite Nigel Farage Poll shows that the Ukip leader is the least popular politician to party with at a NYE bash —- Northern Ireland parties agree £2bn deal to secure power-sharing First minister calls deal ‘monumental’ with cash to ease welfare reforms that could create 60,000 jobs and save peace process —- Man ‘armed to the teeth’ arrested in Cannes market as France deploys 300 more soldiers —- French jobless total at new record high http://www.bbc.com/news/business-30597756 —- Pope Francis conducts Christmas Eve Mass, hours after comparing Iraqi refugees to Jesus —- It only took Russia 5 months to find them. Right!! 🙄 MH17: Russia claims to have airfield witness who blames Ukrainian pilot Russian investigators announce anonymous testimony of Ukrainian warplane taking off with air-to-air missiles and returning without them on 17 July —- Russia on the verge of junk rating over weak economy —- Ukraine conflict: Minsk peace talks close http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-30595892 —- Federal officials may use little-known civil rights statute in police shooting cases Department of Justice and FBI have for weeks been examining the deaths of Michael Brown, Eric Garner, John Crawford III and now Dontre Hamilton —- Antonio Martin shooting: police say teenager made ‘bad choices’ and pulled gun on officer —- THE NY POLICE UNION’S VILE WAR WITH MAYOR DE BLASIO —- So Far, 6.4 Million Obtain Health Care Coverage for 2015 in Federal Marketplace The Obama administration said new customers accounted for 30 percent of the total in what it sees as a promising start. —- 9 Travesties Of Justice In 2014 That Would Be Totally Unbelievable If They Weren’t True http://thinkprogress.org/justice/2014/12/19/3604671/travesties-of-justice/ —- Hillary Clinton *drops* to a 49-point lead for the Democrats’ 2016 nomination —- Bill Clinton needs some social media help. So we asked an expert. —- WATCH: Fox News’ Great Flip Flop On Police Brutality Protests http://thinkprogress.org/home/2014/12/23/3606611/fox-protests/ —- Syrian rebels prepare to defend ruined Aleppo as troops and militias close in Whoever wins the coming battle for northern Syria will go a long way towards victory in a war now driven by regional agendas http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/dec/23/syria-battle-for-aleppo —- Isis: the inside story One of the Islamic State’s senior commanders reveals exclusive details of the terror group’s origins inside an Iraqi prison – right under the noses of their American jailers. Report by Martin Chulov http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/dec/11/-sp-isis-the-inside-story —- Kobane: ‘Our children never come back’ The threat posed by ISIL has prompted thousands of young Kurds to join the PKK. —- He gets even weirder. President Erdogan at couple’s wedding: ‘Birth control is treason to growth of Turkey’ —- Isis ‘did not shoot down coalition-led warplane’ before capturing Jordanian pilot, says US —- Major corruption investigation launched in Israel The homes of over 30 public officials raided in major corruption scandal that could affect Avigdor Lieberman, the country’s hardline foreign minister —- Israeli forces shoot dead Hamas militant after Gaza border firefight Israeli military says routine patrol came under attack from snipers in Gaza, injuring soldier, prompting them to respond with air strikes —- Ebola epidemic death toll passes 7,500 as virus spreads in Sierra Leone On first anniversary of outbreak World Health Organisation reports 315 new cases in former British colony in a week http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/dec/24/ebola-epidemic-death-toll-virus —- Exclusive: Senior Kurdish rebel leader warns Iraq must stay united to defeat ‘savage’ Isis Cemil Bayik, co-founder of the PKK, hopes cooperation with US-led coalition against Isis would result in group being de-listed as a terrorist organization http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/dec/24/pkk-kurdish-leader-cemil-bayik-iraq-syria-isis —- Assam rebels kill scores on night of brutal attacks in Indian state Separatist group blamed for deaths of 56 people, including 12 children, dragged from homes and shot at point-blank range http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/dec/24/assam-rebels-kills-scores-india-bodoland —- Pakistan school attack: Military courts to try terror suspects http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-30598835 —- Afghanistan faces resurgence of al-Qaeda Group re-establishing training camps in tandem with escalation in Taliban attacks as US military presence shrinks. —- Anti-terror police arrest two in Australia Prime Minister Tony Abbott had earlier cautioned that ‘an attack is likely’ —- Love the T-shirt slogan! Australian Prime Minister Says Repealing The Carbon Tax Was Best Thing He Did For Women This Year —- Hong Kong police arrest democracy protesters after clashes Pro-democracy demonstrators re-group after camp was disbanded —- Arrest warrant sought for South Korea ‘nut rage’ heiress Daughter of Korean Air chief executive faces charges including violation of the aviation safety law http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/southkorea/11311945/Arrest-warrant-sought-for-South-Korea-nut-rage-heiress.html Death toll among Qatar’s 2022 World Cup workers revealed Despite Qatar’s promises to improve conditions, Nepalese migrants have died at a rate of one every two days in 2014 http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/dec/23/qatar-nepal-workers-world-cup-2022-death-toll-doha —- Benefit cuts are already being blamed for the deaths of many vulnerable people, but there could be 60 more that we never hear about The Government are still weighing up whether their reviews into benefits-related deaths are in the “public interest” —- 90-Year-Old Vet Arrested For Feeding Homeless Will Hand Out Christmas Eve Dinner http://thinkprogress.org/economy/2014/12/24/3606751/homeless-feeding-xmas-eve/ —- The Interview cancelled: From supporting the Ku Klux Klan to appeasing the Nazis, Hollywood has a rich history of caving in Stars like Rob Lowe condemning Sony for cowardice need to look into their industry’s past —- Meeting a wild wolf pack http://www.bbc.com/news/in-pictures-30575589 —- Joe Cocker – obituary Joe Cocker was a Sheffield soul singer who electrified Woodstock with his rasping voice and convulsive mannerisms http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/obituaries/11309189/Joe-Cocker-obituary.html —- The family with 34 children – and counting http://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-30386348 —- Pictures of the day: 24 December 2014 —- Pictures of the year 2014: World news- part 1 —- Pictures of the year 2014: World news- part 2 —- Day in pictures: 24 December 2014 http://www.bbc.com/news/in-pictures-30597394 —- Christmas lights around the world – in pictures People around the world adorn their houses in hundreds of Christmas lights to get the yuletide festivities going http://www.theguardian.com/news/gallery/2014/dec/24/christmas-lights-around-the-world-in-pictures » Posted By Kalima On December 25, 2014 @ 1:30 am Hello kes, sorry for only just getting back to you. One Christmas event is now completed, and my mother-in-law was delighted with her early present, so that was a good job done. It’s beyond outrageous that the people of Fukushima have had to wait so long to rebuild their lives. The money was there but two governments used it for very stupid things that could have waited. Meanwhile sick people got sicker and depressed people gave up hope and took their own lives. It is and continues to be a stain on the government of this country. Obviously there is a connection between violent terrorists and mental illness, but who on earth is going to be able to assess all these people and stop them before they become violent? As it is there are millions of undiagnosed and non medicated people all over the world. The story of the two men dying after their benefits were cut was so shocking in this government when I read about MPs demanding pay raises and find out that Osborne’s assistant/advisor had an increase of 18% in salary. Yes, Osborne, the man responsible for the suffering in the U.K. Makes you want to scream and smack someone. Here is the link. WARNING: It’s sickening!! George Osborne’s top adviser receives 18% pay rise Like you, and reading more stories about Iraq and Syria when I research for the updates, I wish we could get all the women and children out of those countries too. Heartbreaking stories almost every day that leave you feeling so helpless. What a disgrace that the President and First Lady could be mistaken for the “help”. What world are these ignorant people living in, and who pays their rent? The GOP racists? Yes, big, fat Kim carrying on the worthy tradition of “looking at things”. Where would we all be without his mindless expertise? I thought it was appropriate to make fun of this waste of space being as his henchmen black mailed the film industry and they crumbled like a cheap suit. Take care and see you soon. » Posted By Kalima On December 20, 2014 @ 5:17 pm Good Morning Nirek. I’m off to sleep now but just wanted to say a quick hello and thank you for stopping by. Have a good Thursday and take care. Peace. » Posted By Kalima On December 18, 2014 @ 6:10 am Good Morning Everyone! Cold enough to freeze the you-know-whats off a brass monkey here, and rumours of snow at Christmas. A white Christmas? Haven’t seen one of those in a very long time and don’t mind if I do as long as it’s after the 23rd when I have to shop for our Christmas Eve dinner and things we need to see us through the New Year’s celebrations here. Have a good day wherever you may be. Take care, be safe, stay warm and comfy. Sayonara from my cold and windy corner of Tokyo. Mata ne. A few stories and opinions from around the globe. Low voter turnout mars Abe’s claim of election triumph —- Debris clearing starts in Futaba, more than 3½ years after tsunami —- Rocky road ahead for MOX fuel Oma plant to undergo safety checks http://mainichi.jp/english/english/newsselect/news/20141217p2a00m0na009000c.html —- Heavy snow kills 3, disrupts travel in northern Japan —- Can identifying mental illness stop terror attacks? http://www.japantoday.com/category/opinions/view/can-identifying-mental-illness-stop-terror-attacks —- PICTURE OF THE DAY Golden afternoon http://www.japantoday.com/category/picture-of-the-day/view/golden-afternoon INTERNATIONAL NEWS Senior Conservatives in spotlight over speeches to ‘vile’ rightwing fringe group Paterson and Fox spoke at London Swinton Circle, despite it discussing mass deportation and linking rape to immigration —- Deficit mania and balanced budgets are a political fraud George Osborne’s cuts-without-end plan has backfired, but the political class is in thrall to economic nonsense —- Britain’s benefits sanctions: ‘My brother’s gone. We can’t bring him back, but we can’t let this go on’ Vulnerable and hungry, two men died earlier this year after their benefits were stopped. Now their sisters are campaigning for a fairer system —- MI6 and MI5 to be grilled to see if they had CIA torture report redacted to ‘avoid embarrassment’ Downing Street confirmed last week that MI6 had requested redactions on US Senate report which revealed CIA waterboarding but only on grounds of national security. —- Huh?? Swedish far-right leader: Jews must abandon religious identity to be Swedes Jewish community leader condemns remarks by Sweden Democrats politician as ‘good old rightwing antisemitism’ http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/dec/17/swedish-far-right-leader-jews-swedes —- Greece president vote inconclusive after first round http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-30515780 —- Russians rush to buy cars and computers as rouble tumbles Currency gains ground after a ‘Black Tuesday’ but many still fear another slide —- The Sochi Olympics legacy: ‘The city now feels like a ghost town’ The Russian winter games passed off successfully enough. But with Russia in political and economic turmoil, what next for the Black Sea resort – and its unfinished white elephants? http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2014/dec/17/sochi-olympics-legacy-city-feels-like-a-ghost-town —- Mr. Obama’s Historic Move on Cuba The president’s bold decision ushers in a transformational era for millions of Cubans who have suffered long enough. http://www.nytimes.com/2014/12/18/opinion/a-new-beginning-with-cuba.html —- OBAMA REALIZES WHAT 10 PRESIDENTS DIDN’T: ISOLATING CUBA DOESN’T WORK http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2014/12/17/obama-ends-failed-policy-towards-cuba.html —- Cuba-US relations: Obama ends half a century of hostility and restores ties with Havana —- From diplomatic relations to the internet: What the US-Cuba shake-up means —- The Hypocrisy At The Center Of The GOP’s Response To New Cuba Policy http://thinkprogress.org/world/2014/12/17/3604778/republicans-freak-out-over-obamas-new-cuba-policy/ —- Why the trickle of Hillary Clinton endorsements is bad for Hillary Clinton —- Why it matters that Dick Cheney still can’t define torture —- Elizabeth Warren was right: The links between Citigroup and government run deep WONKBLOG | Elizabeth Warren said Citigroup dominated government in Washington. See how right she was. —- So what???? They threaten a 9/11 type of attack on movie theaters and Sony crumbles? I thought there was no negotiating with terrorists? Sony Pictures cancels Christmas release of North Korea comedy ‘The Interview’ as intelligence officials link recent cyber-attacks to the communist state —- SONY EMAILS SAY STATE DEPARTMENT BLESSED KIM JONG-UN ASSASSINATION IN ‘THE INTERVIEW’ —- Who Police Killed In 2014 http://thinkprogress.org/justice/2014/12/12/3601771/people-police-killed-in-2014/ —- Syria conflict: 230 bodies ‘found in mass grave’ in Deir al-Zour http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-30515483 —- U.S. Penalizes Companies for Providing Fuel to Syrian Forces The Obama administration, seeking to cut off oil to the government of President Bashar al-Assad, imposed penalties on five people and six companies. —- Kurdish peshmerga forces launch offensive to retake Isis held areas Two-pronged push was launched from Rabia, on the border with Syria, and Zumar, on the shores of Mosul dam lake http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/dec/17/kurds-peshmerga-offensive-isis-sinjar-territory-mosul —- Netanyahu slams European “hypocrisy” as court orders removal of Hamas from terror blacklist Decision to remove group from list on “technical” grounds comes as European parliament votes in faour of Palestinian statehood —- Palestinians open door to negotiation after submitting draft UN resolution Draft resolution sets 12-month deadline on negotiations and calls for Israeli withdrawal by end of 2017 —- After the devastation of Gaza: ‘My son asked me: when will the next war be?’ All eyes were on Gaza in the summer, as Israel subjected the Palestinian people to 51 days of siege and bombardment. What is life like there now that the war is over and the world is no longer watching? —- Gaza starts ‘slowly’ rebuilding UN says reconstruction materials such as cement are slowly entering the Gaza strip, nearly four months after conflict. —- Nigeria sentences soldiers to death for refusing to fight Islamists Nigeria sentences 54 soldiers to death for mutiny, assault, cowardice and refusing to combat Boko Haram —- Child soldiers in Central African Republic more than doubled, says charity Up to 10,000 boys and girls are now fighting in sectarian conflict, according to Save the Children http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/dec/18/-sp-child-soldiers-central-african-republic-doubled —- Senior cleric: Iran has knowledge to build a nuclear bomb The Islamic republic has reached the expertise to enrich uranium not just to the 5% and 20% levels required for civilian uses but to higher levels required for a bomb, says Ayatollah Ahmad Khatami —- Isis ‘executes 150 women for refusing to marry militants’ and buries them in mass graves —- Peshawar school attack: ‘Mullah Radio’ grew to be a cult figure and was also behind Malala Yousafzai assassination attempt —- Peshawar school attack: Will the most horrific attack in Pakistan’s recent history finally unite its squabbling politicians? More than 140 pupils and teachers have been killed by the Taliban —- Sydney siege: ‘Lone wolf’ attackers like Man Haron Monis will always remain a security nightmare It’s not unusual for terror suspects to have been noticed by the police for previous crimes —- Sydney gunman was ‘wanted in Iran’ http://www.bbc.com/news/world-australia-30502094 —- Tibetan burns himself to death in China Man set himself alight in protest over China’s rule —- Shame in China as village votes to expel HIV-positive boy Boy, 8, forced to leave Sichuan home after villagers, including his own grandfather, vote him out —- Kim Jong-un’s eventful three years in power In just three years, Kim Jong-un has launched ambitious projects to shore up the North Korean economy, executed his uncle, had a son and snapped his ankles after putting on too much weight —- Myanmar trial begins over ‘Buddha insult’ http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-30527443 The strange normality of life in the middle of Syria’s war http://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-30494989 —- Two years after infamous Delhi gang rape, India isn’t any safer Indian authorities made ambitious announcements after the gruesome fatal gang rape of a young student. Unfortunately, they have largely remained on paper. —- More than 200 journalists in prison worldwide for third consecutive year The arrests of journalists in Turkey last week are just a small part of the overall numbers worldwide —- In the past 50 years, Wall Street has become a drain on the economy LIFTOFF AND LETDOWN, PART 4 | The financial sector is expanding, and the economy and the middle class are worse off for it. http://www.washingtonpost.com/sf/business/2014/12/16/a-black-hole-for-our-best-and-brightest/ —- 😯 The Obamas say that they’ve been mistaken for ‘the help’ (again). That’s telling. —- Questions for My Grandfather’s Psychiatrist There was no suicide note. Maybe the doctor could explain. http://opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com/2014/12/15/qusetions-for-my-grandfathers-psychiatrist/ —- Student raises over £21,000 for homeless man who offered her change so she could get home safely at night —- Volume of world’s oldest water estimated http://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-30527357 —- Freedom Journey 1965: Selma to Montgomery March in pictures http://www.theguardian.com/film/gallery/2014/dec/17/1965-selma-montgomery-march-stephen-somerstein —- Monk cocktails and a blitzed Santa: Christmas in the 40s and 50s – in pictures —- Kim Jong-un: A pun-filled photo scrapbook featuring North Korea’s leader —- Pictures of the day: 17 December 2014 —- Photo highlights of the day The Guardian’s picture editors bring you a selection of the best photographs from around the world, including the school massacre in Peshawar, campaigners for equal pay for women in London, and the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem http://www.theguardian.com/news/gallery/2014/dec/16/photo-highlights-of-the-day —- Photo highlights of the day The Guardian’s picture editors bring you a selection of the best photographs from around the world, including mourning the victims of the Peshawar school attack, tango for the pope’s birthday in Vatican city, and a very cold soldier’s face in China http://www.theguardian.com/news/gallery/2014/dec/17/photo-highlights-of-the-day » Posted By Kalima On December 18, 2014 @ 2:00 am Hello Nirek, so nice to have you back. I believe that it’s not only if they went to Europe, but any country that has an extradition treaty with them. They could hurry through an arrest warrant, and have them deported to the Netherlands to face the ICC like most war criminals do. Not so long ago a guy tried to make a citizen’s arrest of Tony Blair in a restaurant, but it wasn’t the ideal place because he was a regular there. So the torture clan are ok as long as they stay in the U.S. and remain virtual prisoners there. Don’t think that it bothers Bush that much as what he knows about the world at large could be written on a grain of rice. As long as the world keeps talking about what was in that horrendous report, they will never have any peace. » Posted By Kalima On December 13, 2014 @ 4:19 pm Thank you so much for making the effort when things are so difficult for you, Nirek. Hope everything is back to normal soon. Take care. Peace. » Posted By Kalima On December 11, 2014 @ 4:57 am Good Morning Everyone! Well here we are barreling our way into another holiday season and the end of another year, faster than an express train. It’s a time to reflect and never give up hope that the new year will be better for all of us. Have a good day wherever you may be. take care, be safe, stay warm and comfy. Sayonara from my cool and rainy corner of Tokyo. Mata ne. Thoughts For The Day HOMELESS MAN TEARS UP: “I’M NOT A BUM, I’M A HUMAN BEING https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=q-j36_9xPGY Status Anxiety. The School Of Life https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Iipn6yM43sM ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ A few stories and opinions from around the globe. Meet the new guy who looks just like the old guy. *sigh* Diet session likely to open Dec. 24 to pick new prime minister: LDP lawmaker —- Secrecy law takes effect amid concern about public’s right to know http://mainichi.jp/english/english/newsselect/news/20141210p2g00m0dm039000c.html —- Japan’s looming benefit cuts an unspoken, unsettling election theme —- Top court finalizes ruling against anti-Korean group’s hate speech http://mainichi.jp/english/english/newsselect/news/20141211p2g00m0dm040000c.html —- Terrible man. Never knows when to shut up. Japan has a problem – but it isn’t young women who don’t give birth Japan’s deputy prime minister, Taro Aso, has caused outrage and embarrassment by blaming the country’s economic decline on childless women – just as the prime minister has pledged to focus on ‘womeconomics’. Julian Ryall reports —- No more geopolitical risks please http://www.japantoday.com/category/opinions/view/no-more-geopolitical-risks-please —- PICTURE OF THE DAY Winter wonderland http://www.japantoday.com/category/picture-of-the-day/view/winter-wonderland-2 INTERNATIONAL NEWS Britain is not at all full up insists senior civil servant —– It’s official — benefits and high taxes make us all richer, while inequality takes a hammer to a country’s growth One of the most destructive Tory myths has finally been debunked —- Shame on Iain Duncan Smith — he has presided over a system which has led to widespread hunger His neglect of his duties has contributed to a scandal —- Inequality hurts growth, warns OECD Income inequality has a “statistically significant impact” on economic growth, says the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-30390232 —- Once you have been poor, you always fear it. Austerity will only create more hungry children The Tories have sanctioned cruelty in the name of competence – it should be easy to challenge them, but the Labour Party is just standing by —- Abortion protests: Can’t we all just agree harassment of women is wrong? Anti-abortion campaigners should be allowed to express their views but it’s downright wrong to block women’s entrance to clinics, film them or intimidate healthcare staff. This is why David Cameron must back buffer zones, argues Luciana Berger MP —- LETTERS The US comes clean on torture. Now it is Britain’s turn http://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2014/dec/10/us-comes-clean-torture-now-britain-turn1 —- Thousands of demonstrators surround Irish Dáil in protest over water charges Missiles thrown at police lines as up to 100,000 protesters bring Dublin to a standstill over imposition of water charges —- France economy: Valls announces reforms amid protests http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-30417475 —- Malala Yousafzai accepts Nobel peace prize – video http://www.theguardian.com/world/video/2014/dec/10/malala-yousafzai-accepts-nobel-peace-prize-video —- Polish president admits Poland agreed to host secret CIA ‘black site’ Alexander Kwasniewski, Poland’s president from 1995-2005, admits for the first time that Poland agreed to host a secret CIA ‘black site’ —- Ukraine president pleads for troop withdrawal Poroshenko makes appeal to Moscow a day after an official Russian presence in eastern Ukraine was confirmed by the OSCE. —- Russia’s burgeoning ISIL problem As many as 2,500 people from Russia’s restive North Caucasus region have become fighters in Syria and Iraq. —- White House under pressure as calls for CIA accountability grow stronger Democratic senator calls for purge of top officials in the CIA http://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2014/dec/10/white-house-cia-torture-report —- Here Come the Torture Apologists Dick Cheney and Mike Rogers defended the intelligence community and criticized the torture report. http://takingnote.blogs.nytimes.com/2014/12/09/here-come-the-torture-apologists/ —- Well so much for that lie!! Bush ‘fully informed’ of CIA methods President George W Bush knew all about CIA interrogation methods, says his vice-president, dismissing a Senate report as “full of crap”. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-30427211 —- Senate report on CIA torture could lead to prosecutions of Americans abroad Human rights groups say actions on foreign soil could fall under legal jurisdictions of those countries or the ICC in The Hague http://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2014/dec/10/cia-report-prosecutions-international-law-icc —- Americans Involved in Torture Can Be Prosecuted Abroad, Analysts Say Calls for international prosecution, legal experts say, are likely to grow so long as the United States chooses not to prosecute its own. —- National Security Senate report disputes CIA account of Osama bin Laden search —- The Senate Intelligence Committee’s report on the CIA’s detention and interrogation program The Senate released a 528-page executive summary of its study on the CIA’s detention program, more than eight years after the secret overseas prisons were shut down. The report rejected many of the agency’s claims on the effectiveness of harsh interrogation techniques. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/special/national/cia-interrogation-report/document/ —- Torture and Responsibility What can be done to ensure that the U.S. no longer tortures detainees, or that those who approved it are held to account? http://www.nytimes.com/roomfordebate/2014/12/09/a-tortured-accounting —- Bravo Senator Warren!! Elizabeth Warren, fellow liberals rail against bank provision in spending bill —- 8 Things To Know About The ‘Cromnibus’ Budget Deal Congress Just Unveiled http://thinkprogress.org/economy/2014/12/10/3601742/cromnibus-lowlights/ —- LOST CAUSE DEMS, IT’S TIME TO DUMP DIXIE by Michael Tomasky http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2014/12/08/dems-it-s-time-to-dump-dixie.html —- Jessica Chambers: 19-year-old woman ‘doused with lighter fluid and burned alive’ in the US —- Brazil president weeps as she unveils report on military dictatorship’s abuses Dilma Rousseff was herself tortured; 191 people killed; 243 ‘disappeared’ —- It is our indignation, not that of the Arab world, that torturers fear. We are the bad guys too The Muslim world has been enraged about these crimes for years —- Syria conflict: Journalists killed in missile attack http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-30411516 —- Is IS on an inevitable path to destruction? http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-30409764 —- Isis: the inside story One of the Islamic State’s senior commanders reveals exclusive details of the terror group’s origins inside an Iraqi prison – right under the noses of their American jailers. Report by Martin Chulov http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/dec/11/-sp-isis-the-inside-story —- Benjamin Netanyahu’s grip on power in Israel looking increasingly precariou Polling shows new Israeli centre-Left grouping could beat Benjamin Netanyahu in forthcoming general election —- ‘Truth commission’ to begin in Israel Israelis who served in the 1948 war and Palestinians uprooted from their homes will testify before an expert panel. http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2014/12/commission-begin-israel-20141298810502750.html —- One more step to total isolation by the increasing number of people no longer ready to support Israel for their escalation of illegal land grabs. Israeli defence minister: Obama administration ‘won’t be around forever’ Moshe Yaalon says US criticism has slowed settlement building —- Palestinian minister dies after West Bank confrontation with Israeli soldiers Abbas announces three days of mourning after Ziad Abu Ain was reportedly shoved by Israeli troops while planting olive trees —- Ebola dead piled up in hospital Health officials in Sierra Leone discover scores of bodies in a remote diamond-mining area, raising fears that the scale of the Ebola outbreak may be underreported. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-30429360 —- Jihadi attacks killed more than 5,000 people in November, the vast majority of them Muslims Islamic State and Boko Haram behind most deaths, suggesting jihadism is moving from terrorism to more conventional fighting forces that try to gain or hold territory, report finds —- INSIDE KENYA’S DEATH SQUADS http://interactive.aljazeera.com/aje/KenyaDeathSquads/ —- Isis releases ‘abhorrent’ sex slaves pamphlet with 27 tips for militants on taking, punishing and raping female captives —- Isil terrorists throw man off roof ‘for being gay’ Pictures of the murder posted on jihadist website provide further evidence of Islamic State’s reign of terror in Syria and northern Iraq —- India: Attacks ongoing 2 years after bus rape Chilling reminder after alleged sex assault of woman by a taxi driver, days before anniversary of shocking gang rape. —- US closes last prison in Afghanistan America has pulled out of all prisons in Afghanistan and no longer holds any detainees in the country, after 10 years of war —- Six Afghan soldiers killed in Kabul suicide bombing http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-30426602 —- ‘The aboriginals have moved out’: property promotion sparks outrage in Australia Australian property developer accused of racism after promoting new luxury apartments by saying Aborigines no longer lived in the area —- Indigenous imprisonment rates still rising, figures show The number of Indigenous Australians in prison has grown by more than 80% in 10 years and the overall imprisonment rate is rising, figures show —- China police investigate ‘vanished’ Vietnamese brides http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-china-30426764 —- Hong Kong bailiffs begin clearing main pro-democracy protest camp The largest pro-democracy demonstrations seen in China for decades enter their final hours as hundreds of police and officials sweep into Hong Kong’s main protest camp —- North Korea ‘to have 20 nuclear warheads by 2016’ Analysts warn that Pyongyang is stepping up its development of nuclear weapons, training of its conventional forces —- South Koreans seek halt to North balloon launches Injunction request claims sending propaganda balloons into North Korea is a threat to their safety http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/northkorea/11286823/South-Koreans-seek-halt-to-North-balloon-launches.html How can India end this tide of violence against women? Despite rising levels of education, gender awareness and stringent pro-women laws, change has been slow and violence against women is increasing —- The most lethal route in the world: 3,419 migrants died crossing Mediterranean this year —- My fight against an invisible enemy http://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-30418759 —- The price of a life in Cambodia Can Cambodia put a stop to its culture of impunity? Kevin Doyle reports from Phnom Penh. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-30324424 —- Viewpoint: Black victims unfairly blamed In the wake of several high-profile cases involving black Americans killed after encounters with the police, writers Stacey Patton and David J Leonard examine why blame is often shifted to the deceased. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-30340632 —- Over five trillion pieces of plastic are floating in the world’s oceans, say scientists —- Photographer of the year – 2014 shortlist: child wrestlers, uprisings and performing poodles They may not be names you recognise, but the Guardian’s agency photographersprovide some of our most amazing images every day. From world conflict and repressive regimes to erupting volcanoes, chugging trains and children’s camps in North Korea, their pictures deserve to be celebrated. Here is this year’s shortlist – the winner will be announced on 29 December http://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/gallery/2014/dec/08/photographer-of-the-year-2014-shortlist —- The UK’s first female press photographer Christina Broom, in pictures —- Pictures of the day: 10 December 2014 —- Day in pictures: 10 December 2014 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-30409795 —- Photo highlights of the day The Guardian’s picture editors bring you a selection of the best photographs from around the world including baby pandas and extreme weather http://www.theguardian.com/news/gallery/2014/dec/10/photo-highlights-of-the-day » Posted By Kalima On December 11, 2014 @ 2:00 am Hi ppo, can’t say that it’s surprising and happens all over. Don’t know why they are bringing it up again now as if it were shocking news. Hope you are doing ok? Take care and thanks for popping in on my corner of the world. Bloody freezing here!! Time for fluffy socks, long johns and endless mugs of tea. P.S. Got your message and will have to leave that for AdLib to check out. Don’t want to blow up The Planet. » Posted By Kalima On December 6, 2014 @ 4:23 pmComments Posted By Kalima
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Charlie Hebdo Attacks: Paris rally as it happened 11 January.
Syrian TV and observers report new killings of Isis activists
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Nigerian town following on-going raids by militant Islamists, officials tells the BBC.
irony, sarcasm”
Most of America’s rich think the poor have it easy
Booker Prize-winning author Ian McEwan has suggested that children be taught freedom of speech in schools. Writing on his website in the wake of the Paris attack, he argues that what he calls “murderous and self-sanctifying, radical Islam” has become a global attractor for psychopaths.
Charlie Hebdo’s former editor Philippe Val: “Do you know what threatens democracy the most? Silence. To reduce ourselves to silence means that we will lose all we have gained of liberty, freedom for women, for homosexuals, the freedom to come and go as we please, moral freedom.
Gillet Franck: We should not forget that Charlie not only laughed at Muslims but also at every known religion. These are not “attacks” against believers, there is no hate against individuals, this is humour. You can say you don’t appreciate it. But you can’t force people to shut up because you don’t like what they are drawing.
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As it happened: Charlie Hebdo attack
This page automatically updates
Charlie Hedbo attack LIVE BLOG
No one has a right to be protected from ideas they don’t like
Key lieutenant of Joseph Kony’s Lord’s Resistance Army surrenders, says Ugandan army
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Stay till the good old year,
So long companion of our way,
Shakes hands, and leaves us here.
Oh stay, oh stay,
One little hour, and then away.
Has now no hopes to wake;
Yet one hour more of jest and song
For his familiar sake.
Oh stay, oh stay,
One mirthful hour, and then away.
Have lavished all his store.
And shall we turn from where he stands,
Because he gives no more?
Oh stay, oh stay,
One grateful hour, and then away.
While yet he was our guest;
How cheerfully the week was spent!
How sweet the seventh day’s rest!
Oh stay, oh stay,
One golden hour, and then away.
Beneath the coffin-lid:
What pleasant memories we keep
Of all they said and did!
Oh stay, oh stay,
One tender hour, and then away.
And leaves our sphere behind.
The good old year is with the past;
Oh be the new as kind!
Oh stay, oh stay,
One parting strain, and then away.
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http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/the-fix/wp/2014/12/21/hillary-clinton-drops-to-a-49-point-lead-for-the-democrats-2016-nomination/?wpisrc=nl_fix&wpmm=1
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Records show salary of Rupert Harrison, a chief architect of public sector pay freezes, rose to £95,000 over the last year
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WORLDVIEWS
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Stephen Somerstein’s photographs chronicled the 1965 Selma-to-Montgomery civil rights march, which provides the backdrop for the Golden Globe-nominated film Selma. Here Somerstein captions some of the works that will be displayed at the New York Historical Society from 16 January through 19 April 2015
How director Ava DuVernay struck a chord with Selma
Santa on a bomb site, smokes on Christmas Street, and the RAF pulling a cracker … every year, the Picture Post kicked off the festive season with a yuletide photoessay. Here are some classics from their vaults
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White House rejects claims agency misled President Bush
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US and UK trained interrogators in torture during 1964-85 military rule
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‘We are very, very careful not to push the envelope too much’
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