Displaying 1,891 To 1,920 Of 18,974 Comments BREAKING Hostage ‘death video’ investigated The Foreign Office says it is “working urgently to verify” video purporting to show beheading of British hostage David Haines. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-29195872 —- Isis video claims to show beheading of British hostage David Haines Haines, captured in Syria in 2013, was apparently beheaded in a video released by Isis http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/sep/13/isis-video-david-haines-beheading » Posted By Kalima On September 13, 2014 @ 4:02 pm Good Morning monicaangela. I sounded grumpy and I was, but not with you. Reading too much negativity has it’s consequences, and doing what I do here, I read a lot. I share your fear about the next administration if this situation isn’t resolved to where it can be controlled. My heart went out to Mrs. Foley, no mother should ever have to go through what she went through. Reports stated that an earlier mission to free her son failed. That she was told of possible prosecution for trying to raise the ransom money is outrageous. Where did this threat come from? I’ve heard of the director, still, to call the President a liar and lump him with the Bush administration is shortsighted and dishonest. Again, the President’s speech was to tell the American people of a decision he had already been forced to make, that is why his mention of Foley in his speech was not an insult to his memory but rather that an American citizen had been brutally murdered by a terrorist group. I find it quite noteworthy that many foreigners, including myself, have more trust and respect for your President than many Americans do. Have a peaceful day and see you later. » Posted By Kalima On September 13, 2014 @ 6:31 am I’m sorry, but I disagree with the premise that your President besmirched the memory of James Foley by mentioning him in his speech. James Foley was an American citizen who was brutally murdered by ISIS, and not someone whose name was mentioned as an excuse for “war” which is NOT a war at all. The President had already approved and started the air strikes to aid the Iraqi troops and Kurdish fighters on the ground and help those stuck on the mountain before Foley was murdered. To continue the support with further air strikes to weaken the terrorists, so that the Iraqis and Kurds can reclaim their cities and towns, is not an act of war, to call it that is ridiculous in my opinion. The Iraqis asked for America’s help to defeat ISIS, I posted the story here at the time, so it wasn’t a sudden invasion or a quest to bring them democracy and steal their oil. What lies has Obama told the American people? Name one is what I would ask the man getting angry on the TV. Show me where and when he has lied and offer actual facts that can be verified as the truth. This terrorist group is a threat, a huge threat. Are we going to wait for the next attack by returning fighters while saying it’s none of our business? It took a very long time and a lot of thought before your President committed to this, at least give this man the benefit of the doubt to see what can be achieved, and thank our lucky stars that there is a caring and thoughtful man in the WH. I’m weary of the second guessing in everything he tries to do. This is the last thing he ever wanted to be involved in I’m sure, but now he has no other choice. Had this been a Republican president, your troops would have already landed in Iraq. Now that’s a war. » Posted By Kalima On September 12, 2014 @ 11:53 pm Hello kes, so glad you found it. Didn’t want the last two parts to be lost in all the other stories, so posted them all at the beginning. You just know from the first few paragraphs that this is enormous, and that it sounds highly illegal. Then you realise it’s the police who are doing it, and as you say, it’s scary and could happen to anyone. Kudos to those who exposed it. » Posted By Kalima On September 11, 2014 @ 11:24 pm Thanks so much, monicaangela, it will be a great help, and just for the record, quite a few people have done it, and the scrolling up and down is always a bit of a problem when I try to focus. Much appreciated. 🙂 » Posted By Kalima On September 11, 2014 @ 11:17 pm I don’t ask for much but have one urgent request due to the state of the one eye left that I can read with. If you could please reply to my updates under them, it would help a great deal for me to read them and answer them. I also suffer from Meniere’s syndrome, so have trouble with right and left and up and down. Hope you will understand and thank you in advance. Replying has become a tad complicated lately. » Posted By Kalima On September 11, 2014 @ 7:19 am Nirek, it’s not a war, it’s support for the Iraqi and Kurdish forces on the ground. I wish that the difference were more obvious to everyone. » Posted By Kalima On September 11, 2014 @ 6:18 am See you later, Nirek. Take care and peace to you and your. So much fun finding you here when I post, and thank you. » Posted By Kalima On September 11, 2014 @ 6:14 am Hello monicaangela. It’s a shame that not too many people are aware of the danger that ISIS poses in the U.K., the U.S., and Europe. In the U.K. there has been a continuing debate about what to do with the British citizens who went to Syria and Iraq to fight for ISIS. When you realise that one quarter of the fighters are foreign, the problem has to be what to do with them when they want to return. Here is a story I posted on Sunday, multiply that by hundreds, from many countries all over the globe, including America, and I see no alternative to the plan that the President put forward yesterday in his speech. We might not like it, but I don’t think we have a choice. —- Jewish Museum gun suspect ‘was captor in Syria’ http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-29095044 » Posted By Kalima On September 11, 2014 @ 6:12 am Good Morning Everyone. Have a good day wherever you may be. Take acre, be safe, stay cool and dry. Sayonara from my rainy corner of Tokyo. Mata ne. For those of you who might have missed it, here again is Part 1 of The Washington Post’s investigation exposing millions of dollars taken from motorists not charged with a crime. It is shocking and needed to be told. Part 2 and Part 3 are also now published and below. I recommend it. —- Part 1. Stop and seize Aggressive police take hundreds of millions of dollars from motorists not charged with crimes http://www.washingtonpost.com/sf/investigative/2014/09/06/stop-and-seize/ —- Part 2, Police training firm’s teaching helps fuel rise in cash seizures on U.S. highways Police intelligence targets cash Reports on drivers, training by firm fueled law enforcement aggressiveness http://www.washingtonpost.com/sf/investigative/2014/09/07/police-intelligence-targets-cash/ —- Part 3. They fought the law. Who won? They fought the law. Who won? Many drivers faced a long ordeal in court to try to get their money back from police http://www.washingtonpost.com/sf/investigative/2014/09/08/they-fought-the-law-who-won/?wpisrc=nl%5fmost A few stories and opinions from around the globe. Tokyo lodged protest over March 2011 U.N. report saying Fukushima plant not under control —- More than 90,000 still living in makeshift housing as buildings deteriorate —- Japan nuclear plant gets safety OK, moves closer to resumption http://mainichi.jp/english/english/newsselect/news/20140910p2g00m0dm037000c.html —- N. Korean diplomat says ready to give Japan new info on abductions http://mainichi.jp/english/english/newsselect/news/20140911p2g00m0dm028000c.html —- More than half of Chinese see war with Japan: poll http://www.japantoday.com/category/national/view/more-than-half-of-chinese-see-war-with-japan-poll —- PICTURE OF THE DAY Good balance http://www.japantoday.com/category/picture-of-the-day/view/good-balance INTERNATIONAL NEWS Black and Asian Britons ‘scarcely represented at top of Civil Service’ —- Healthcare funds distribution unfair, audit finds Report says some areas are struggling because of an unfair Whitehall system to allocate £79n in resources http://www.theguardian.com/society/2014/sep/11/healthcare-funds-distribution-unfair-audit-finds —- Scottish independence: Mixed success for party leaders’ trip to save the Union —- Former French trade minister failed to pay rent or taxes Thomas Thévenoud blames ‘administration phobia’ and reportedly neglected to pay rent on apartment for three years —- Russia stokes tensions with the west by cutting gas exports to Poland Gazprom claims maintenance is behind the shortfall, as it is accused of penalising Poland over supplying gas to Ukraine http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/sep/10/poland-russia-gas-supply-cut-gazprom-tensions-ukraine —- Majority of Russian troops have left Ukraine, says Petro Poroshenko Ukraine ceasefire has “good prospect” of peace as president Petro Poroshenko says 70 per cent of Russian troops have left country —- Images Show the Buk that Downed Flight MH17, Inside Russia, Controlled by Russian Troops —- Islamic State: Barack Obama unveils ‘degrade and ultimately destroy’ strategy against Isis, ahead of 9/11 anniversary —- Reluctantly, Obama opens new front against jihadist threat After a year of mixed signals, Barack Obama last night finally outlined his strategy for defeating Isil, setting a clear course to an uncertain future. —- Barack Obama’s speech on US response to Islamic State in Iraq and Syria Read the full transcript of US President Barack Obama’s address to Americans outlining his and his government’s plans to “degrade and ultimately destroy the terrorist group known as Isil” “My fellow Americans – tonight, I want to speak to you about what the United States will do with our friends and allies to degrade and ultimately destroy the terrorist group known as ISIL. —- Dick Cheney and Other Republicans Throw Stones at Obama From Glass House The former vice president has made a second career of criticizing the president. —- Stop the Anti-Obamacare Shenanigans The courts should reject a perverse new challenge to the law’s health insurance subsidies. http://www.nytimes.com/2014/09/11/opinion/stop-the-anti-obamacare-shenanigans.html —- When moderates fight back by E.J. Dionne —- How Hillary Clinton’s State Department sold fracking to the world A trove of secret documents details the US government’s global push for shale gas, reports Mother Jones —- People Who Live Near Fracking More Likely To Become Sick, Study Finds http://thinkprogress.org/climate/2014/09/10/3565610/fracking-health-study-yale/ —- What?? Georgia State Senator Complains That Voting Is Too Convenient For Black People (Updated) http://thinkprogress.org/justice/2014/09/09/3565073/georgia-senator-early-voting-suppression/ —- Urban Shield: after Ferguson, police and suppliers consider fate of military-grade tactical gear Giant black armoured vehicles, assault rifles, gas masks and drones: the modern face of policing in America is on display at a four-day police trade show in Oakland, held mere weeks after a fatal police shooting in Ferguson, Missouri http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/sep/08/-sp-urban-shield-police-militarization-ferguson-oakland —- Michael Brown death: Ferguson highway protest blocked http://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-29146632 —- Five million Google account details ‘leaked’ on Russian Bitcoin Forum —- Volkswagen works council backs fresh UAW efforts at Tennessee plant Global works council supports United Auto Workers to represent its workers at German carmaker’s Chattanooga, Tennessee plant http://www.theguardian.com/business/2014/sep/10/volkswagen-backs-efforts-tennessee-plant —- Syria chemical weapons: watchdog confirms Telegraph analysis of chlorine gas attacks on civilians Bashar al-Assad’s regime made “systematic” use of chemical weapons against Syrian civilians, finds OPCW, confirming investigation by this newspaper —- Barack Obama to authorise US air strikes against Isil in Syria US president set to authorise US air strikes in Syria as part of mission to “degrade and destroy” Isil “wherever they exist”, according advanced excerpts of his address to the nation —- Syria conflict: Blast kills leader of Ahrar al-Sham rebels http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-29135922 —- Israeli policeman charged over violent arrest of US teenager Officer charged with assault causing bodily harm after he allegedly used excessive force against 15-year-old American of Palestinian heritage Tariq Khdeir, during protests over killing of teen’s cousin —- Israeli military orders criminal investigations into Gaza attacks Deadly strike on port and shelling of UN school among five cases being investigated for potential misconduct http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/sep/10/israeli-military-criminal-investigations-gaza-attacks —- Millions more at risk in Ebola outbreak, British study finds Research by the University of Oxford reveals how 15 more countries across Africa could be hit by the Ebola virus —- Nigeria schoolgirls now missing for 150 days Families wait in agony as little is known about the whereabouts of more than 200 abducted girls. —- 😯 British-Iranian woman Ghonche Ghavami imprisoned for two months for trying to watch men’s volleyball game in Tehran —- Islamic State: Can its savagery be explained? http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-29123528 —- Anger grows amid flood disaster in Kashmir and Pakistan http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-29152972 —- At least 11 Afghan civilians ‘killed by Nato airstrike’ http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-29145750 —- Australia would consider joining US air strikes in Iraq, says Tony Abbott PM says ‘a specific request for military assistance hasn’t yet come’ but that if it does it would be considered —- Trial of key Chinese activist is ‘political persecution’ Beijing’s ongoing assault on government critics continues as one of the most influential and respected activists in southern China is put on trial for ‘assembling a crowd to disrupt public order’ —- Thai coup leaders ‘must end repression’ – Amnesty http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-29074471 The Forsaken: A Rising Number of Homeless Gay Teens Are Being Cast Out by Religious Families —- How The ACA Is Changing Us The simple ways health insurance can change your life —- Gay marriage at the supreme court: a matter of when, not if Legal experts say the constitutionality of gay marriage will inevitably return to the docket, as appeals courts strike down state laws —- Good Lord! Woman locked in toilet for three years in dowry dispute Gunja Devi’s three-year-old daughter did not recognise her after police rescue from dark toilet after dowry dispute —- Ozone layer shows signs of recovery after 1987 ban on damaging gases Continued rises in other greenhouse gases, as well as illicit usage of carbon tetrachloride, still has potential to undo gains http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2014/sep/10/ozone-layer-recovery-report-shows —- Gold ‘posy’ ring found in County Antrim field http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-northern-ireland-29144449 —- Counter culture: shopkeepers from around the world – in pictures Vladimir Antaki has been documenting shopkeepers all over the world. His project was born from his desire to document and pay tribute to these ‘guardians of urban temples’ that we meet everyday without really noticing —- Harvest supermoon: Photos from around the world of the full moon —- Pictures of the day: 10 September 2014 —- Day in pictures: 10 September 2014 http://www.bbc.com/news/in-pictures-29140304 —- Photo highlights of the day The Guardian’s picture editors bring you a selection of the best photographs from around the world, including the Scottish referendum campaign trail, surfing, and a horse whisperer in Argentina http://www.theguardian.com/news/gallery/2014/sep/10/photo-highlights-of-the-day » Posted By Kalima On September 11, 2014 @ 1:50 am Good Morning Nirek. Wishing you and yours a peaceful Sunday. Thanks for stopping by and see you soon. » Posted By Kalima On September 7, 2014 @ 5:39 am Good Morning Everyone, and welcome to another Sunday. Have a good day wherever you may be. Take care, be safe, stay cool and dry. Sayonara from my rainy Sunday afternoon corner of Tokyo. Today’s Moment of Zen. THE SAGAN SERIES – The Pale Blue Dot https://youtube.com/watch?v=923jxZY2NPI Sunday’s Bits & Bobs LDP star Obuchi to lead nuclear debate —- Radioactive plumes spread cesium a week after Fukushima disaster http://mainichi.jp/english/english/newsselect/news/20140905p2a00m0na012000c.html —- Events at Tokyo parks canceled after dengue virus detected in mosquitoes http://mainichi.jp/english/english/newsselect/news/20140906p2a00m0na016000c.html —- Social media damps debate http://www.japantimes.co.jp/opinion/2014/09/06/editorials/social-media-damps-debate/ —- PICTURE OF THE DAY Color Run http://www.japantoday.com/category/picture-of-the-day/view/color-run Sellafield nuclear clean-up bill will soar by billions —- Thousands join new ‘Jarrow March’ in protest at NHS cuts —- Fall in living standards can no longer be justified as ‘an unfortunate necessity,’ says TUC’s Frances O’Grady —- The self-destructive discontent in a Tory party that has lost its way With the election only months away, the Conservatives have lost their grip on the issues that matter to voters —- Another good reason not to vote for “Nasty Little Nigel”. Nigel Farage in talks with Rupert Murdoch Ukip leader has ‘good chat’ with News Corp boss about Tory MP Douglas Carswell’s defection http://www.theguardian.com/politics/2014/sep/07/nigel-farage-talks-rupert-murdoch-ukip —- Poll: Majority back military action against Islamic State The survey, by Opinium Research, found 60 per cent of people were in favour of taking action to deal with the threat from the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (Isil). —- The final push for Alex Salmond’s land of fantasy With 10 days to go before Scotland decides whether to leave the UK, the Nationalists are promising voters the world without mentioning who will pay the bills —- Friends: The One With George, Lynton and tricking the Scots George Osborne and Lynton Crosby raise their Scotches to the Yes vote —- French booksellers refuse to stock Valerie Trierweiler’s ‘dirty laundry’ memoirs “This bookshop isn’t planning on becoming an outlet for Ms Trierweiler’s dirty laundry” complains one French bookseller, despite Valerie Trierweiler’s memoirs topping the French bestseller lists —- Jewish Museum gun suspect ‘was captor in Syria’ http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-29095044 —- Ukraine crisis: artillery attack challenges ceasefire in Mariupol Despite Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Ukrainian counterpart Petro Poroshenko insisting ceasefire is largely holding, prolonged artillary fire and movement of land vehicles suggests it is at the point of breaking —- Obama Enlists 9 Allies to Help in the Battle Against ISIS President Obama escalated the response to the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria on Friday, recruiting allies to help crush the group and outlining a strategy that echoes the war on terror. —- Trial of four Blackwater security guards hinges on belief, not reality, of a threat Jury in Washington DC is expected to deliver a verdict on 2007 killing of 17 Iraqi civilians as early as next week http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/sep/06/trial-blackwater-security-guards-iraq-belief-threat —- Insecurity State: The Politics Behind the Drama in Ferguson —- Stop and seize Aggressive police take hundreds of millions of dollars from motorists not charged with crimes http://www.washingtonpost.com/sf/investigative/2014/09/06/stop-and-seize/ —- Why they still hate us, 13 years later —- The Amazing Shrinking Benghazi Scandal http://thinkprogress.org/world/2014/09/05/3563759/benghazi/ —- How North Carolinians Are Bracing For The Nation’s Worst Voter Suppression Law http://thinkprogress.org/election/2014/09/05/3563726/north-carolina-voter-registration/ —- CASINO TYCOON SHELDON ADELSON TAKES $100 MILLION GAMBLE ON GOP SENATE —- Al-Qaeda closes in on Syrian Christian stronghold Jabhat al-Nusra encircle historic town of Mhardeh – one of Syria’s remaining Christian strongholds —- Barrel bombs spell disaster for Aleppo The government’s use of crude munition has destroyed large parts of the historic city and left hundreds dead. —- Stalemate in Lebanon over soldiers taken by Islamists —- Egypt to try Morsi for giving Qatar security papers No date yet set for new trial for Egypt’s deposed president Mohamed Morsi, suspected of providing sensitive documents to Qatar during his single year of turbulent rule. —- Who are Israel’s Palestinian informants? Israel relies on information provided by a network of Palestinian collaborators. But how does the system really work? —- Ebola outbreak: ‘Big Pharma’ failed victims. Why? —- Iranian nuclear R&D centre ‘visited by UN inspectors’ IAEA inspectors gained rare access to plant where centrifuges for enriching uranium are developed as part of transparency deal, reports say http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/sep/06/iranian-nuclear-centre-iaea-inspectors —- Kurds retake key Iraqi mountain Kurdish forces in northern Iraq recapture a strategically important mountain from Islamic State (IS) militants, helped by US air strikes. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-29098099 —- US strikes Islamic State militants near Iraq dam http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-29098791 —- The children with AK-47s who defied IS Families separated by the fighting in Amerli in northern Iraq have been holding emotional reunions after the end of a siege by Islamic State. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-29077551 —- Monsoon rains kill over 100 people in both Pakistan and India More rain and devastation expected after a torrential monsoon leads to the deaths of at least 128 people in Pakistan and 108 in India —- North Korea to put US citizen Matthew Miller on trial Matthew Miller, who was arrested in April after Pyongyang said he ripped up his visa at immigration and demanded asylum, is one of three US nationals being held in North Korea http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/northkorea/11079867/North-Korea-to-put-US-citizen-Matthew-Miller-on-trial.html One man’s hellish journey from Eritrea terror to UK sanctuary Thousands of Eritreans risk their lives each year trying to reach the United Kingdom and one man’s successful journey meant suffering privations for three years World’s most dangerous journey? Eritreans risk life and limb to get to UK – interactive Every month, up to 4,000 Eritreans flee the country in search of a new home, travelling along routes notorious for human trafficking. Here, we follow the journey of a refugee as he makes the three-year trek —- One in 10 girls sexually abused, says UN report http://www.bbc.com/news/world-29071073 —- In Pictures: Water still a luxury in Ethiopia While 52 percent of Ethiopia’s people have access to improved water, only 10 percent have water piped into their homes. —- We’re Jewish? That’s news to me … When Henry Jeffreys’ grandmother told him the family was Jewish and originally from Poland, he was shocked. But they were all so keen on golf, tweeds and G&T – how much more English could you get? http://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2014/sep/06/were-jewish-thats-news-to-me- —- Japan’s institutionalised children The BBC looks at why such a high proportion of children living in care in Japan are in government institutions rather than foster care. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-28636008 —- DNA overturns 30-year US convictions Two US men who spent three decades in prison for rape and murder, one on death row, are released after new DNA evidence proves their innocence. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-29039964 —- The elephant that flew http://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-29060814 —- Animal photos of the week: 5 September 2014 http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/picturegalleries/earth/11077064/Animal-photos-of-the-week.html —- A lost Lebanon – in pictures When artist Ania Dabrowska started working with Diab Alkarssifi, a homeless Lebanese man in London, she made a startling discovery. He was a compulsive photographer with a hoard of unseen pictures from his homeland http://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/gallery/2014/sep/06/a-lost-lebanon-in-pictures —- The week in pictures: 5 September 2014 —- Week in pictures: 30 August – 5 September 2014 http://www.bbc.com/news/in-pictures-29059374 —- Original Observer photography: August 2014 From actress Liv Tyler in New York, to artists Gilbert and George in London’s east end, to the grim fight against the Ebola virus in the streets of Monrovia, we showcase the best photography commissioned by the Observer in August —- The 20 photographs of the week The war against Islamic State, the ongoing crisis in Ukraine, the Burning Man festival – the best photography in news, culture and sport from around the world this week » Posted By Kalima On September 7, 2014 @ 1:20 am Hello kes. It’s always a pleasure to see you, and I always blame everything on the humidity. Yes, poor Masao Yoshida and the fact that he died of esophageal cancer didn’t escape me either. The drinking problem was quite amazing because of the high number of women, many of them housewives who must share in the stress of the long hours that their husbands have to work and drown their loneliness in a bottle. It’s not such a recent discovery as it was reported on almost a decade ago. As for the disturbed man who ended up in Iraq, well he’s the second one to be captured, the first one was beheaded, thought that in the middle of the conflict that it was a good place to visit. Now the Japanese government is involved and will of course pay ransom for his release encouraging more kidnapping by militants. The U.K. is no place for the sick, the elderly or the children hoping for a good education even if they are poor. Gove has messed up the education system so badly with the Charter schools and his cockeyed ideas on what should be taught and what shouldn’t, it’s a darned mess. Then there is Duncan Smith who made a right balls up with benefit and pension reform that will take years to untangle, and a country being run by two spoilt brats, Cameron and Osborne, who don’t know their arse from their elbow. What an awful state to be in, and I’m grateful I don’t live there anymore, but have family and friends who still do. The child daycare scandal in Virginia was/is really shocking. Are the authorities insane not to regulate the care of children? I don’t get it. They scream out against abortion and yet let non professionals take care of babies and toddlers unregulated. Today I read that leaders of NATO countries are coming together to talk about how best to eliminate ISIS. Below are two stories about investigations by the UN, and a U.K. funded group that has been investigating them for a year inside Syria and Iraq. Their plans it seem is to go after the highest level of leadership. For the poor people of Iraq and Syria, it can’t come soon enough. All they have known is suffering and death for years, and they deserve to have peace. —- Barack Obama and David Cameron seek coalition against Isis http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/sep/03/obama-david-cameron-nato-coalition —- UK-funded probe into IS against Islamic State fighters. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-29052475 —- IS accused of Iraq ethnic cleansing Amnesty International says it has proof Islamic State militants have launched a campaign of ethnic cleansing against minorities in northern Iraq. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-29026491 Couldn’t manage updates today, plan to be back on Sunday though. Take care and see you soon. » Posted By Kalima On September 4, 2014 @ 12:58 am Good Morning Everyone, and welcome to your Sunday. To all of our American members and readers, Happy Labour Day Weekend. Have a good day wherever you may be. Take care, be safe, stay cool and dry. Sayonara from my late afternoon corner of Tokyo. Mata ne. Sundays’s Bits & Bobs Fukushima nuclear plant chief feared catastrophe for eastern Japan http://mainichi.jp/english/english/newsselect/news/20140831p2g00m0dm007000c.html —- Fukushima declares acceptance of storage for contaminated soil http://mainichi.jp/english/english/newsselect/news/20140831p2g00m0dm005000c.html —- Nuclear disaster evacuee compensation halved across board: internal document http://mainichi.jp/english/english/newsselect/news/20140830p2a00m0na004000c.html —- Richard Katz on the failures of ‘Voodoo Abenomics’ —- Tokyo’s robotic eyes are everywhere —- Dealing with addiction: Japan’s drinking problem Should more be done to change the country’s attitude toward alcohol? —- ‘I blacked out from drinking. … I wasn’t a good parent’ —- He sounds sick. A broken man living on dreams pulls Japan into Syria hostage drama —- Crazy!! 😯 U.S. gun tourism grows in popularity http://www.japantoday.com/category/lifestyle/view/u-s-gun-tourism-grows-in-popularity —- Also in the news. {{{{ 😯 😯 }}}} Boob Aid: Japan porn queens take part in 24-hour ‘squeeze-a-thon’ for AIDS charity —- PICTURE OF THE DAY New life for old VW http://www.japantoday.com/category/picture-of-the-day/view/new-life-for-old-vw Care reform: there is no ‘do nothing’ option The post-war settlement establishing the NHS and a separate social care system has become confusing by deeply unfair, says Chris Ham http://www.telegraph.co.uk/comment/11064019/Care-reform-there-is-no-do-nothing-option.html —- Only one in four have faith in system to care for them in old age Major polling shows care a top priority for voters and concern as high among middle aged voters as the older generation —- Right, let’s take it all back from the poor. It’s their fault that we made this mistake. Exclusive: We know tax credits were overpaid. Now it’s revealed the figure is £5.6bn —- Britain facing ‘greatest terrorist threat’ in history David Cameron warns that Isil have made ‘specific’ threats against Britain as the terror threat level is raised —- Friends: The One With Dave And An Ice Bucket Dave ponders the good PR of being thoroughly humiliated http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/politics/11064372/Friends-The-One-With-Dave-And-An-Ice-Bucket.html —- France’s economics ills worsen but all remedies appear unpalatable Beset from right and left, president François Hollande could do with some good economic news. But he is at the mercy of Germany’s eurozone austerity drive – and Merkel is unlikely to cut him much slack http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/aug/31/france-economy-malaise-unpalatable-remedy —- EU gives Russia new sanctions ultimatum European Union tells Vladimir Putin – one week to scale back intervention in Ukraine or face further sanctions —- A very good question. Ukraine crisis: Russian mothers of killed and captured soldiers ask ‘why are our sons fighting in Ukraine?’ —- European leaders warn Russian invasion of east Ukraine is ‘a point of no return’ Russia’s invasion of east Ukraine is a ‘point of no return’ and risks a ‘state of war’ with Europe, European Union leaders warn —- On the borders of ‘New Russia’, pro-Putin forces point their tanks towards central Ukraine The arrival of troops in the town of Novoazovsk has triggered fears of a Russian invasion —- NYPD under investigation over second restraint-related death Medical examiner concludes restraint caused death http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/aug/30/nypd-second-death-restraint-ronald-singleton —- Texas to appeal after federal judge strikes down abortion restrictions Ruling halted closure of a dozen abortion clinics across the state, threatened under restrictive measures passed in 2013 http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/aug/30/texas-appeal-abortion-ruling-unconstitutional —- In Virginia, thousands of day-care providers receive no oversight The Post found there were at least 43 child deaths in such settings in the past decade in the commonwealth. —- Getting Ferguson Majority to Show Its Clout at Polls In the wake of the Michael Brown killing, there is a new focus on turnout in a suburb that is majority black but has mostly white elected leaders. http://www.nytimes.com/2014/08/31/us/getting-ferguson-majority-to-show-its-clout-at-polls.html?_r=0 —- The Koch Brothers And Republican Party Have Just Joined Forces To Track Voters http://thinkprogress.org/justice/2014/08/28/3476810/koch-brothers-rnc-data/ —- Blackwater mercenaries face justice for bloodbath in Baghdad that caused 14 civilian deaths —- Jewish sect expelled from Guatemalan village after clashes with Mayan villagers 230 members of Lev Tahor forced to leave lakeside refuge for Guatemala City —- Syria conflict: UN says more than 3m have fled war http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-28977117 —- An Iraqi father arrived at a Syrian hospital just hours after his disabled son died Aziz had been left dying and alone on the mountainside in the blistering heat when he was found by rescue workers but his father located his son too late with the young boy dying just hours before —- Egypt Brotherhood chief Badie sees death sentence cut http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-28995681 —- All Filipino peacekeepers in Golan Heights now safe More than 70 UN peacekeepers have managed to escape after Golan Heights came under attack from Syrian rebels —- Gaza war destruction ‘will take 20 years to rebuild’ An NGO report indicates it could take two decades to completely reconstruct Gaza following the recent conflict —- Gaza doctors warn of looming health crisis Doctors say damage to territory’s infrastructure has left it vulnerable to outbreaks of deadly illnesses. —- In Pictures: Gaza celebrates long-term truce Palestinians welcomed a long-term ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas, which put a stop to seven weeks of bombings. —- Tunisia recovers 41 bodies from sea near Libya Authorities find bodies of migrants who died on board ship sailing to Italy —- Bahrain arrests top human rights activist Maryam al-Khawaja, who campaigns against abuse in Gulf state, charged with insulting king and assault on arrival. —- Islamic State: Arab leaders reluctant to heed US call for ‘allies against Isis’ Saudi Arabia, UAE and Jordan know dangers of Isis but tribal ties and fears of boosting Syria’s Assad are prompting caution —- The other Mugabe who is lining up for the Zimbabwean presidency —- Ebola breakthrough as new drug cures all monkeys in trial The experimental drug ZMapp has cured all monkeys infected with Ebola in a new clinical trial, leading to hope that a treatment for the disease has finally been found —- Iran President Rouhani hits out at US sanctions http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-28997452 —- Iraqi forces ‘reach besieged Amerli’ Iraqi forces reach the besieged town of Amerli, where thousands of people have been trapped by jihadists, military officials say. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-29003321 —- US drops humanitarian aid in besieged Iraq town Amerli Amerli, home to Shia Turkmen, has been surrounded by Isil militants for more than two months and residents have been left without food —- Lost daughters and orphaned children: Iraq has become a tragedy everywhere you turn An eyewitness to the country’s misery describes seeing the shattered families and broken homes created by a spiral of death and despair —- Hundreds injured as police clash with protesters in Islamabad Police fire rubber bullets at protesters, who are led by cricketer-turned-politician Imran Khan and are demanding Pakistan’s PM quit —- Australian planes to deliver weapons for Kurds fighting Islamic State Tony Abbott agrees to help US transporting arms and munitions while participating in further humanitarian air drops —- China rules out open Hong Kong poll http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-china-29002162 China struggles with mental health problems of ‘left-behind’ children Youngsters have been isolated by government one-child policy and parents moving to find work http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/aug/30/china-left-behind-children-mental-health —- The untold story of how a culture of shame perpetuates abuse. I know, I was a victim http://www.theguardian.com/society/2014/aug/29/-sp-untold-story-culture-of-shame-ruzwana-bashir —- Why I took off my headscarf… only to put it back on again http://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-28967146 —- Will Brazil elect Marina Silva as the world’s first Green president? Born into a poor, mixed-race Amazon family, Marina Silva is on the verge of a stunning election win after taking over her party —- Letter From St. Louis After Ferguson St. Louis’ decaying black suburbs are about to be forgotten. Again. http://www.politico.com/magazine/story/2014/08/ferguson-st-louis-suburbs-poverty-110363.html —- In America, some children come to guns early http://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-28958364 —- Designing food packaging is child’s play – so be afraid, brand managers If a six-year-old boy can get Waitrose to rethink their brown sauce branding, imagine the possibilities for further PR victories —- Weary? In need of some sun? Relax and unwind with a trip to… Iraqi Kurdistan —- A Queen’s Forbidden Love Victoria’s relationship with her servant had a flirtatious side. http://www.nytimes.com/2014/09/01/opinion/a-queens-forbidden-love.html —- Treating mental illness is a global task, say experts —- Animal photos of the week: 29 August 2014 http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/picturegalleries/earth/11063459/Animal-photos-of-the-week.html —- The week in pictures: 29 August 2014 —- The 20 photographs of the week The crisis in Ukraine, the funeral of Michael Brown, the US Open in New York – the best photography in news, culture and sport from around the world this week » Posted By Kalima On August 31, 2014 @ 1:56 am Sad that so many think Netanyahu is the best that they can get. Personally I would never vote for a known liar. » Posted By Kalima On August 29, 2014 @ 12:01 am My pleasure, monicaangela, I thought they were amazing too. I could have quite happily watched it for hours. » Posted By Kalima On August 28, 2014 @ 11:58 pm Oops!! Liar, liar, pants on fire!! Netanyahu declares ‘victory’ in Gaza Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says the seven-week conflict in Gaza ended in “victory”, a day after a ceasefire came into effect. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-28955615 —- Poll: Israel didn’t win Gaza war, Netanyahu still best choice for PM http://www.haaretz.com/mobile/news/.premium-1.612819 —- So much for Allah. Did he demand rape? RAPE AND SEXUAL SLAVERY INSIDE AN ISIS PRISON http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2014/08/28/rape-and-sexual-slavery-inside-an-isis-prison.html —- A year-long fight against the forces of darkness —- Wow! LIL’ BUCK & PRIME TYME Lincoln Center Ronald Jenkees | YAK FILMS https://youtube.com/watch?v=83lQ03zYjbY » Posted By Kalima On August 28, 2014 @ 1:06 am Hello kes, and thank you as always for taking the time to read. Our weather is a bit cooler but with the continuing high humidity, it’s hard to tell the difference. We will have another month of this before autumn finally comes. I think to be “well off” here you would have to be very rich, and I’m not really sure what the author means by “well off” though, if they are talking about a country as expensive as Japan. The forming of ISIS seems like the remnants of Al Qaida in Iraq after most of the leaders there had been targeted and killed, and the West believed that they no longer posed a threat because they were weakened and scattered. You know what they say about an injured, cornered wild animal. I do believe that the West dropped the ball. I don’t understand those foreign wives either unless they enjoy losing their freedom in that marriage after how hard the rest of us have fought for equality. Could also be brainwashing I suppose, but if all they want is to “fight” for a cause, I can think of hundreds of other ways that would actually help people that doesn’t include blowing them up. You have to wonder about their mental state and gullibility. Privatisation, Thatcher’s wet dream, the doom of the economy and the middle class being repeated by Cameron and Osborne. Amazing isn’t it how conservatives all over continue to push failed, and then failed again, policies. Trying to get a square peg into a round hole. The day we need Facebook to tell us how to recognise satire, we need to take a trip to see that nice doctor who hands out the Prozac pills as if they were candy. How absurd. Have a peaceful day, hope it gets cooler for you soon, and see you on the weekend. Take care and thanks again for reading, kes. » Posted By Kalima On August 27, 2014 @ 11:19 pm Hello choiclady. That is a wonderful story of family bonds, love and understanding. Monicaangela was replyiny to this article I posted here on Sunday, and my reply was based on this. —- “The well-off families who are feeling unwell” It’s really good to see you again, we have missed you. Take care and be well. » Posted By Kalima On August 25, 2014 @ 2:46 pm Sorry I’m late, Nirek. Glad you enjoyed the pictures and sometimes return to read. There are some very powerful stories and opinions to be found at times, and I learn a lot when I read before posting them here for everyone. Take care and peace to you and yours. » Posted By Kalima On August 25, 2014 @ 12:50 am That picture and the gesture, touched me deeply. It is a rare sight here with a people who don’t often show their feelings in public The world should hang their heads in shame for allowing this to go on and allowing Israel to go unpunished. » Posted By Kalima On August 25, 2014 @ 12:45 am If the “well off” are complaining, imagine how awful it must be for the poor with the high price on everything they and their children need to actually live and not just survive. When our consumption tax increased this April on everything we buy, this conservative government gave the poorer population ¥10,000, that’s just over $100. What the hell were they supposed to do with that? » Posted By Kalima On August 25, 2014 @ 12:36 am Good Morning Everyone, and welcome to another Sunday. Have a good day wherever you may be. Take care, be safe, stay cool and dry. Sayonara from my still hot late afternoon corner of Tokyo. Mata ne. Quote of the Day Charles Darwin “The highest possible stage in moral culture is when we recognize that we ought to control our thoughts.” ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Sunday’s Bits & Bobs Hiroshima rescuers resume search as death toll hits 49 —- Late Fukushima nuclear plant chief’s testimony may be made public —- The well-off families who are feeling unwell —- 4 Chinese gov’t ships intrude into Japanese waters near Senkakus http://mainichi.jp/english/english/newsselect/news/20140824p2g00m0dm017000c.html —- PICTURE OF THE DAY Prayers for Gaza http://www.japantoday.com/category/picture-of-the-day/view/prayers-for-gaza £11m for the wind farm that was not working Ten wind farms have each been paid more than £3 million over the past three years to shut down their turbines, with one alone receiving £11 million —- Friends: The One When Dave Has a Middle Eastern Briefing The Prime Minister gets in a muddle sorting out his Sunni and Shi’ite friends and foes —- Sale of the century: the privatisation scam Privatisation promised to turn the UK into an island of small shareholders. It failed: the faceless state bureaucrats have been replaced by faceless (better-paid) private bureaucrats – and big foreign corporations. How did we get to this point? http://www.theguardian.com/politics/2014/aug/22/sale-of-century-privatisation-scam —- Exclusive: We share blame for creating ‘jihad generation’, says Muslim strategist —- James Foley beheading: London rapper turned jihadist believed to be under investigation for murder of American journalist in Syria —- Angela Merkel calls for Ukraine truce and urges strict controls on Russia’s border As rebels in Luhansk hand out tinned food and relief convoy returns to Russia, German chancellor holds crisis talks with Ukraine’s president —- France’s François Hollande returns to mutiny and mistrust within party ranks The French president faces rebellion from his own Socialist party as he sees his leftwing coalition start to unravel http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/aug/23/francois-hollande-france-returns-unity-mistrust —- Iraqi Christians reach France after fleeing Islamists http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-28893596 —- Ukraine rebels struggle to reach aid as Russian convoy returns home Angela Merkel arrives in Ukraine to push diplomatic peace agenda, as Vladimir Putin insists Kiev forced his hand over aid http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/aug/23/donetsk-ukraine-russia-vladimir-putin —- Barack Obama orders probe of police use of military hardware In the wake of the protests in Ferguson, the US President demands investigation into whether local police forces should be allowed to use military gear —- Thousands march in New York over Garner and Brown police deaths Crowds gather in Staten Island near site of Eric Garner death http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/aug/23/new-york-eric-garner-rally-michael-brown —- Ferguson riots: St Louis officer Dan Page suspended over video calling black people ‘little perverts’ —- FERGUSON FEEDS OFF THE POOR: THREE WARRANTS A YEAR PER HOUSEHOLD —- Kajieme Powell: St Louis police shooting video stirs debate http://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-28891180 —- Before Killing James Foley, ISIS Demanded Ransom From U.S. —- Aerial view: giant fissure opens up in Mexico A crack stretching over a kilometre has opened up in near the town of Hermosilla in northwest Mexico, severing a highway —- Syria death toll ‘more than 191,000’ http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-28892552 —- US ‘set to launch air strikes’ on senior Isis terror chiefs in Syria White House will ‘take action’ against threats as Turkey comes under pressure to halt flow of jihadists across its border http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/aug/23/us-air-strikes-isis-commanders-syria-considered —- Inside an Isil town: ‘Raqqa is being slaughtered silently’ With almost no journalists – local or foreign – allowed to operate inside the Isil-controlled Syrian town of Raqqa, informants give a grim account of life under the jihadists’ rule —- The world’s failure to address the root causes of al-Qaida led to Isis Isis thrive on inconsistencies and injustices. The battle against them has to be far-reaching and consistent http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2014/aug/24/isis-al-qaida-failure-to-address-extremism —- How Isil is funded, trained and operating in Iraq and Syria Islamic State and the Levant is a growing terrorist organisation, but just who are they and where does their money come from? —- Who there weeps for the almost 600 (latest figure is 577, a quarter of the total of over 2,100 killed in Gaza) children murdered in Gaza? Israel-Gaza conflict: Child’s death unleashes new Israeli attacks —- Who will they blame next? Israeli military retracts claim that fatal mortar bomb was fired from UN school IDF spokesman says shell that killed four-year-old boy was launched from shelter maintained by Hamas authorities http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/aug/23/israel-admits-mortar-bomb-not-fired-un-school —- Despite what their critics say, Israel is using precision targeting to kill its enemies But its enemies just happen to include innocent civilians. Why? WARNING! GRAPHIC CONTENT. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sBakqLUBWP0 —- Gaza strikes destroy highrises Apartment building that Israeli military said housed a Hamas operations room is one of two multi-storey complexes destroyed http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/aug/24/gaza-strikes-destroy-highrises —- Hamas declares support for Palestinian bid to join international criminal court Hamas says it will support proposal that could expose both the Islamist group and Israel to war crimes investigations http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/aug/23/hamas-back-palestinian-bid-international-criminal-court —- Mossad spy who saved Hamas leader’s life calls for him to seek peace Khaled Meshaal’s life was saved by former Mossad agent Mishka Ben David, who handed over an antidote to a poison intended to kill him. Now Mr Ben David tells Inna Lazareva why Mr Meshaal must return the favour – and telll his Hamas forces to stop the war —- Libya Islamist militias ‘seize Tripoli airport’ Islamist coalition take control of airport in Libyan capital —- Qatar denies backing Islamic State group Foreign minister says Gulf state is repelled by armed group’s views, their violent methods and their ambitions. —- Ebola crisis: Sierra Leone law makes hiding patients illegal http://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-28914791 —- Too late, the sponsors of ideology find they have made a monster Having spent billions, the Wahhabists of Saudi Arabia and Qatar are finding that money can’t buy loyalty —- Saudi Arabia: Surge in Executions http://m.hrw.org/news/2014/08/21/saudi-arabia-surge-executions —- Iraq crisis: The Yazidi – a persecuted people driven to the edge —- HANIFA’S STORY: HER FIVE SISTERS TAKEN BY ISIS TO BE SOLD OR WORSE —- Suicide attacks kill at least 17 in Iraq after mosque shooting Two suicide bombers in Iraq kill at least 17 people and comes after an attack on a Sunni mosque —- Indira Gandhi assassination: Controversial film blocked http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-28892001 —- China executes eight for terrorist activities including Tiananmen attack Government continues crackdown over violent incidents blamed on Uighur separatists from Xinjiang region http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/aug/24/china-executes-eight-for-terrorist-activities-including-tiananmen-attack Canada’s ‘femicide epidemic’ brings new calls for inquiry —- Iraq crisis: ‘How I survived Islamic State massacre’ http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-28900054 —- Isis: a contrived ideology justifying barbarism and sexual control The appeal of the Middle East wars to some young British Muslim men can’t be reduced to an ‘Islam and the west’ debate —- Malala Yousafzai: ‘People are listening to me. But I know that might change’ Malala has travelled the world campaigning for education rights for girls – but she’s also studying for her GCSEs in Birmingham. Inez Sarkodee-Adoo, student, political activist and star of the Observer’s Social Mobility Programme, met her to discuss what it is to be young and politically active in Britain today —- In Pictures: Pakistan’s street children An estimated 1.5 million children living on streets are vulnerable to sexual abuse and drugs on daily basis. —- The last prisoner on Brazil’s Big Island http://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-28883518 —- ‘Incredible’ rate of polar ice loss alarms scientists A European satellite has shown ice sheets shrinking at 120 cubic miles a year in Antarctica and Greenland —- Trust us, say the online giants – we won’t make you think for yourself Are eBay and Facebook trying to protect users from their own stupidity with their nannying tactics? It’s more sinister than that… http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2014/aug/24/trust-us-online-giants-ebay-facebook-satire-tag —- The drunken monkey that smashed up a bar Author Jeremy Clay tells the story of a monkey that went on a drunken rampage. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/blogs-magazine-monitor-28888684 —- 😯 Landlord rents room that can only be accessed by crawling The room in North London was being rented to a couple for £420 a month despite having a staircase that measured as little as two feet and three inches in places. —- 10 things we didn’t know last week The music that makes you spend online, and other nuggets. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/blogs-magazine-monitor-28894855 —- Animal photos of the week: 22 August 2014 http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/picturegalleries/earth/11050681/Animal-photos-of-the-week.html —- The week in pictures: 22 August 2014 —- The 20 photographs of the week The protests over the shooting of Michael Brown, the aftermath of the Israeli offensive in Gaza, the Arctic Race – the best photography in news, culture and sport from around the world this week » Posted By Kalima On August 24, 2014 @ 1:42 am Hello kes, as promised I’m back. The bribing of government officials by the nuclear power companies is still going on, and that is why Abe is so set on restarting the reactors. His latest move was that no anti-nuclear person could serve on the NRA, the Nuclear Regulatory Agency, the head of which used to work for a nuclear energy company. So corrupt! About the attacks on the homeless, it is just for “sport” kes. They have probably heard complaints about the homeless being “lazy drunks” and therefore without an ounce of conscience, beat some to death or pour gasoline on them while they are sleeping and burn them alive. There is sick youth all over the world, look at the rapes in India, and Japan is no exception. The main problem with those who vote for the Tories is that they never bother to research the history of this party. I see no difference between them and the racist arseholes in UKip, except for the fact that very few of them voice their hate in public like Nasty Little Nigel’s lot do. There is another story in today’s updates about another one, and she did it on the BBC. Yes, Robinson made a very valid point in his article about the death of the 3 year old. Very tragic. Too many guns and too many in the hands of people who should never be allowed to own them. Hassan Hassan’s article was good but a bit perplexing as imaging a peaceful Syria with that monster Assad in power is almost impossible for me. I suppose that if you were not politically active or opposing him, you were safe, but after seeing those pictures of torture and starvation, have to wonder what happened to those who opposed him in the past. The story of the Dutchman returning his medal from Israel, was truly a just and noble thing to do. Sorry it took me so long, but a promise is a promise after all. I’ll try to do better next time, and as always, thank you so much for reading the articles I post here. Take care. » Posted By Kalima On August 21, 2014 @ 7:55 pm Thanks Nirek but I skipped dinner and have just posted them. Peace to you and yours. » Posted By Kalima On August 21, 2014 @ 5:29 am Hello kes. Having to do my updates twice, TIF is now a bit grumpy so I’ll answer this in my morning. Have a peaceful day and see you soon. » Posted By Kalima On August 21, 2014 @ 5:26 am Good Morning Everyone. Second try. Fingers crossed. Have a good day wherever you may be. Take care, be safe, stay cool and dry. Sayonara from my evening corner of Tokyo. Mata ne. A few stories and opinions from around the globe. Hiroshima slide alert said tardy; toll hits 39 as search for missing seven continues —- Tepco to finish removal of Fukushima fuel rods ahead of schedule: president —- TEPCO to review ‘ice wall’ scheme to stop flow of contaminated water from reactor http://mainichi.jp/english/english/newsselect/news/20140820p2a00m0na019000c.html —- Lawyer of Japanese man killed by N.Y. police car alleges evidence cover-up —- How very stupid to go there in the first place. Japan seeks help from Syrian rebels to help free suspected captive —- There is never an excuse for shooting unarmed suspects —- PICTURE OF THE DAY Landslide http://www.japantoday.com/category/picture-of-the-day/view/landslide INTERNATIONAL NEWS What a peach! Ukip must be really proud of their too numerous to mention racists. UKIP race row: These revolting slurs show a darkness at the heart of UKIP UKIP MEP Janice Atkinson has been forced to issue an apology, after calling a Thai woman a ‘ting tong’ live on the BBC. But, says Alice Arnold, the truth is much worse – she’s only sorry she was caught —- James Foley beheading: Hunt on for ‘British’ jihadist http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-28876994 —- Islamic State: British fighters make up a quarter of foreign jihadists —- The Ferguson riots may seem similar to those in UK in 2011 – but there are stark contrasts As Mark Duggan’s death proved in 2011, distrust of police easily sparks rioting but there are also key differences with US policing —- Huh? Couldn’t be corruption or bad leadership, right? Spanish senator blame €1 trillion national debt on homosexuals Luz Elena Sanín, a senator from Spain’s ruling conservative party, blames Spain’s national debt on “subsidies offered to homosexuals” —- The rebel leaders dropping out of the fight in eastern Ukraine As Ukraine’s forces surround the last pro-Russian separatist strongholds in Donetsk and Luhansk, several of the rebellion’s most prominent faces have been replaced. RFE/RL reports http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/aug/20/rebel-leaders-replaced-eastern-ukraine —- Ukraine conflict: Red Cross instructs Russian aid convoy http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-28870974 —- James Foley beheading: President Obama to continue fight against Isis – as US reveals botched attempt to rescue journalist —- Ferguson protests: Attorney General arrives in St Louis vowing to carry out ‘thorough’ investigation into shooting of Michael Brown —- Kajieme Powell: St Louis police release video of fatal shooting Authorities release recordings of death that came amid extreme tension in nearby Ferguson over Michael Brown killing —- Ferguson: a blue collar town made desperate by years on the edge The community, already struggling as America’s rustbelt decays, risks falling into abject poverty in the wake of clashes with police http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/aug/21/ferguson-community-suffers-clashes-jobs-equality —- Disgraceful. Thousands pledged to support officer who shot Michael Brown —- Uber’s New Delivery Service Only Caters To D.C’s White Neighborhoods —- Such a coward! Ex-Governor Points the Finger at His Wife in a Virginia Trial —- After Promising The End Of Government Shutdowns, Mitch McConnell Threatens Another Government Shutdown —- Three relatives of Pope killed in Argentina traffic accident Two great-nephews of Pope Francis, a baby of eight months and a two-year-old toddler, killed with their mother in car crash —- Five Children Murdered After They Were Deported Back To Honduras —- Islamic State militants seize four more foreign hostages in Syria Jihadists flush with arms and relying on shock tactics abduct Europeans and Japanese national as US strikes continue http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/aug/20/islamic-state-isis-foreign-hostages-syria-aleppo —- Diaspora dissent against Israel’s occupation is vital – and risky In the global Jewish diaspora, dissent against Israel is a relatively new phenomenon. Because links to family, religion and community are so strong, criticism can be costly —- Air strikes again batter Gaza as peace negotiations collapse Binyamin Netanyahu compares Hamas to Isis, following a strike which killed the wife and son of Hamas’s military wing chief http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/aug/20/hamas-gaza-israel-binyamin-netanyahu-isis-compares —- Israel-Gaza conflict: Hamas leaders do their best to stay hidden – but still expect to die —- Hamas threatens to strike Tel Aviv airport as military leader declared alive following Israel strike Mohammed Deif, the leader of the al-Qassam Brigades, not killed in Israeli strike on his house which killed his wife and child, according to Hamas —- Ebola crisis: This is why ‘75%’ of victims are women —- Liberians trapped in Ebola slum as security forces ‘seal off’ Monrovia district Four injured as Liberian security forces quarantine West Point slum and impose night-time curfew —- Iraqi forces battle Sunni rebels for Ramadi More than 700 people have died in the city since January, where many Sunnis feel marginalised by the Iraqi government. —- These are the other atrocities committed by Isis —- India’s ‘Iron Lady’ released after 14 years Irom Sharmila says she will continue her hunger strike over alleged atrocities by the Indian army in Manipur state. —- Pakistan talks over protests begin http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-28875420 —- Afghanistan presidential elections: Nervous citizens fear return to violence amid ballot deadlock —- Beijing arrests nearly 1,000 members of Christian sect accused of brainwashing China crackdown on Church of Almighty God over three months precedes ‘cult’ members’ trial for woman’s murder at McDonald’s —- Thailand’s coup leader nominated as next PM Gen. Prayuth Chan-ocha, who seized control of Thailand in a coup last month, has been chosen by assembly to run in election —- Indonesia president says Islamic State ’embarrassing’ Muslims Leader of world’s most populous Muslim-majority country urges Islamic leaders to unite in tackling extremism http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/indonesia/11047487/Indonesia-president-says-Islamic-State-embarrassing-Muslims.html TRIVIA QUIZ The name of what U.S. state capital ends with the two letters that also serve as the state’s postal abbreviation? HINT: The East Coast. —- What’s the most meaningful response we could have to the murder of James Foley? We should neither look at nor share the images of his death, but remember the pictures he took of others —- Syrian conflict: Untold misery of child brides http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-28250471 —- Hope fades for Syrians one year after chemical attack http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-28870611 —- Last Tango in Kabul http://www.rollingstone.com/politics/news/last-tango-in-kabul-20140818 —- Is there a ‘rising tide’ of anti-Semitism in the West? http://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-28853221 —- The Irish island that children learn to leave http://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-28690534 —- This is simply wonderful! Well worth the time to watch. ‘Who Speaks Wukchumni?’ http://www.nytimes.com/2014/08/19/opinion/who-speaks-wukchumni.html —- Barber spends his Sundays cutting the hair of the homeless for free, because ‘every human life is worth the same’ —- Neanderthals walked among us – study Species now thought to have held out alongside modern humans in Europe for thousands of years but extent of mixing is unclear http://www.theguardian.com/science/2014/aug/21/neanderthals-lived-among-us-study —- Pictures of the day: 21 August 2014 —- Day in pictures: 20 August 2014 http://www.bbc.com/news/in-pictures-28867369 —- Photo highlights of the day The Guardian’s picture editors bring you a selection of the best photographs from around the world including scenes from Ferguson, a landslide in Hiroshima and a baby gorilla http://www.theguardian.com/news/gallery/2014/aug/20/photo-highlights-of-the-day » Posted By Kalima On August 21, 2014 @ 5:14 am Good Morning Everyone. I have just accidentally deleted 3 hours of work on today’s updates, and it will take too long to have them ready on time. I will try piecing them together from my history tonight but don’t think I’ll be ready to post before my morning. Devastated. 🙁 I hope my screams and all those swear words didn’t wake you up? Sorry. » Posted By Kalima On August 21, 2014 @ 2:20 am A bit of both. Blushing and hot. I do it when I’m interrupted. First the little dog next door, and then one of my indoor monsters chasing a ball under the rug. I’ve straightened it five times since I woke up. Yes we are on the same page about this frustrating issue and criminal acts that are never prosecuted. » Posted By Kalima On August 19, 2014 @ 5:43 pm Oops, must be the heat, I forgot to post the link below and yes, that was it. Sorry. 😳 —- Hague court under western pressure not to open Gaza war crimes inquiry Potential ICC investigation into actions of both the IDF and Hamas in Gaza has become a fraught political battlefield http://www.theguardian.com/law/2014/aug/18/hague-court-western-pressure-gaza-inquiry » Posted By Kalima On August 19, 2014 @ 5:22 pmComments Posted By Kalima
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As Commander-in-Chief, my highest priority is the security of the American people. Over the last several years, we have consistently taken the fight to terrorists who threaten our country. We took out Osama bin Laden and much of al-Qaida’s leadership in Afghanistan and Pakistan. We’ve targeted al-Qaida’s affiliate in Yemen, and recently eliminated the top commander of its affiliate in Somalia. We’ve done so while bringing more than 140,000 American troops home from Iraq, and drawing down our forces in Afghanistan, where our combat mission will end later this year. Thanks to our military and counterterrorism professionals, America is safer.
Still, we continue to face a terrorist threat. We cannot erase every trace of evil from the world, and small groups of killers have the capacity to do great harm. That was the case before 9/11, and that remains true today. That’s why we must remain vigilant as threats emerge. At this moment, the greatest threats come from the Middle East and North Africa, where radical groups exploit grievances for their own gain. And one of those groups is ISIL – which calls itself the “Islamic State.”
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The Affordable Care Act has been controversial — but it’s changing the many small health decisions that make up everyday life.
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Western leaders plan to use Nato summit to build military coalition amid outrage over Isis killing of hostages
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Union leader claims man’s death from drugs not restraint
Ronald Singleton died four days before Eric Garner
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Protesters echo Ferguson’s ‘Hands up, don’t shoot’
Supporters of Ferguson officer rally in St Louis
Ferguson police officer relieved of duty over video
Blame poverty not race, say Ferguson white minority
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Israeli sniper killing wounded civilian
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