Displaying 1,921 To 1,950 Of 18,974 Comments Hello monicaangela, did you catch this about the ICC? What is wrong with these people? Israel has been breaking international laws and committing what amounts to war crimes for decades. The ship they attacked in 2010 was full of international activists bringing supplies needed by the people in Gaza. Not only did they murder unarmed foreigners, they got away with it too. When will they be held responsible if not now after killing close to 2,000 Palestinians, many of them women and children? Has the world gone mad? » Posted By Kalima On August 19, 2014 @ 5:11 pm Hey, I almost missed this, AB. You/they did him proud, and “felonium” would have been a wonderful addition to his table. Well done whoever!! The avi is not new, just a revival, and what gal doesn’t like to return to better times? Finger wave at age 22, wearing a Mickey Mouse T-shirt. Might go back to the bob soon after being asked what the most painful thing in my week was. Answer: Washing my long hair. *sigh* Take care. Hug the kids, and a big chin rub for Schneeker. See you soon?? What about the cheeky marmot? » Posted By Kalima On August 19, 2014 @ 6:18 am I can no longer hear his beautiful voice or send him amusing cards, so this was all I could think of to do. 🙁 Considering we talk about the evils of corporations at length here, the “Quote of the Day” was inspirational. Maybe the great minds haunt the corridors of The Planet, hoping we will find them. 😀 » Posted By Kalima On August 19, 2014 @ 6:10 am In my heart right now, all I wish for is that the government of Israel is held responsible for crimes against humanity, breaking international laws while taking financial support from many gullible countries afraid of being branded as anti-Semiotic, the oppression of a people who have more right to this land than they do. To the West; grow a pair. To America; be ashamed. Good night, and have a peaceful day. » Posted By Kalima On August 19, 2014 @ 5:57 am Hello monicaangela, thanks for posting the interview video, I had meant to do it but forgot. During the interview I found myself nodding my head in agreement more often than not. The only thing I disagree with, although I fully understand the anger behind it, is the firing of rockets into Israel that gives them an excuse to kill civilians. If the truth were told I believe that the majority of Palestinians feel the same way. The world has spent decades feeling sorry for the Israelis and is now turning the tables to feel sorry for the oppressed Palestinians. About time too. —- 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 @ 12:06 am That is a good memory to have, Nirek. They were both exceptional people and I think of them each time I come to The Planet. Have a good what is left of your Sundat, and see you soon. » Posted By Kalima On August 17, 2014 @ 5:23 pm Hello monicaangela, and thank you for your kind words. Hope that you found something of interest? Thought that the AlJazeera interview with the Hamas political leader was very informative. It’s quite long but worth watching. Khaled Meshaal: ‘Not a war of choice’ Hamas’ political leader discusses the latest outbreak of fighting in the Gaza Strip and the issues behind the conflict. Take care and have a peaceful Sunday, I’ll try to do the same with my Monday. Hope to see you soon. » Posted By Kalima On August 17, 2014 @ 5:02 pm Hello Nirek. Bear with me for a while, I changed back to this avatar to honour my friend KQ. It is his birthday soon and this was his favourite. The details emerging from the shooting of Michael Brown are mind boggling, and I hope for the sake of his family and the town, that justice will prevail. Mop-hair in jail? Wouldn’t that be something? I don’t know how strong the case is, but it would certainly send a strong message to the rest of the corrupt lawmakers that they could be next. Further down I wrote that the wife of Robin Williams had stated that he was in the early stages of Parkinsin’s disease, so that could have escalated his depression too. Thanks for stopping by, and glad you enjoyed the pictures. Peace to you and yours. » Posted By Kalima On August 17, 2014 @ 4:52 pm Good Morning Everyone, and welcome to your Sunday. Another hot day almost finished and I dream of Autumn. Have a good day wherever you may be. Take care, be safe, stay cool and dry. Sayonara from my early evening corner of Tokyo. Our Moment of Zen Marmot licks GoPro https://youtube.com/watch?v=3O05nyS6hwQ Sunday’s Bits & Bobs Kepco: the monstrous 500-pound gorilla of Kansai —- Power play: the debate over renewable energy Two years after a new feed-in tariff system for alternative energy went into effect, we discover that the promised power revolution looks more like an evolution —- 40% of Tokyo homeless say they have been attacked: survey http://mainichi.jp/english/english/newsselect/news/20140815p2a00m0na005000c.html —- The awakening of a nation permanently at peace —- China wraps up anti-Japan propaganda campaign http://www.japantoday.com/category/politics/view/china-wraps-up-anti-japan-propaganda-campaign —- PICTURE OF THE DAY Whatever rocks your boat. Bubbleheads http://www.japantoday.com/category/picture-of-the-day/view/bubbleheads No mystery here. The Tories’ future is threatened by their lack of minority appeal Baroness Warsi was right – the Tories do have a problem with the ethnic vote, a problem that could crush them http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2014/aug/17/david-cameron-tories-ethnic-minority-appeal —- Church launches bitter attack on PM’s ‘incoherent’ Middle East policy Bishop of Leeds slams failure over Islamist extremism in scathing letter backed by the archbishop of Canterbury —- Friends: The One with Ed’s Holiday Plans Ed Miliband tries to address his image problem, in the latest episode of our political sitcom —- What’s ailing Hungary? Hungary condemns sanctions on Russia Hungary’s PM Orban says the EU is harming itself with sanctions against Russia, echoing a complaint by Slovakia’s leader. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-28801353 —- Ukraine rebel says he has 1,200 fighters ‘trained in Russia’ under his command Prime minister of the self-declared Donetsk People’s Republic posts speech to YouTube saying they have 30 tanks http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/aug/16/ukraine-fighters-russia-top-rebel-leader —- Ukraine president claims Russian vehicles that crossed border have been destroyed President Petro Poroshenko tells David Cameron that forces have destroyed part of military convoy seen entering territory —- Chaos erupts in Ferguson, Mo., after curfew takes effect —- Dramatic pictures emerge of Michael Brown shooting in Ferguson, Missouri Singer Emanuel Freeman, aka Thee Pharoah, apparently “live tweeted” the shooting of Michael Brown by police officer Darren Wilson which has prompted anger and rioting in Ferguson, Missouri —- In Ferguson, three minutes — and two lives forever changed —- ‘GO AHEAD AND SHOOT ME’: THE VETERAN WHO DEFIED FERGUSON’S COPS —- Our selective outrage —- What You Need To Know About The Indictment Naming Texas Governor Rick Perry —- 😯 Mirth Control?? Candidate Can’t Explain His Position On Women’s Health, Forgets What Birth Control Is http://thinkprogress.org/health/2014/08/15/3471777/candidate-colorado-birth-control/ —- Sick bastards! Extremist American fringe church announces intention to picket Robin Williams’s funeral to protest gay tolerance Fundamentalist Westboro Baptist Church says it hopes to stage demonstration as the late actor is laid to rest – because he played a gay man in film The Birdcage —- ‘Water war’ in Brazil as Rio’s supply threatened São Paulo and Rio authorities battle over scarce water resources as reservoirs run dry —- Islamic State group ‘executes 700’ in Syria Activists say the killings of Sheitat tribesmen, many by beheading, happened over the last two weeks. —- Fear brings the enemies of Isis together at last World View: But belated attempts to unite will be to no avail if the Sunni caliphate remains strong in Syria —- Isis: a portrait of the menace that is sweeping my homeland The rise of Isis is rooted in a mix of politics, a Sunni sense of isolation and a shakeup in Salafist doctrine. Here, an analyst whose Syrian home has seen some of its bloodiest excesses, explains its dramatic surge http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/aug/16/isis-salafi-menace-jihadist-homeland-syria —- Israel-Gaza conflict: ‘Israel must stop punishing Gaza’s people,’ pleads UN commissioner —- Gazans take shelter in UN-run schools Thousands displaced by Israel’s offensive have taken refuge in schools, delaying the start of the academic year. —- Khaled Meshaal: ‘Not a war of choice’ Hamas’ political leader discusses the latest outbreak of fighting in the Gaza Strip and the issues behind the conflict. —- Palestinian farmers lose land for failed economic zones Industrial zones are stripping farmers of their food sovereignty and increasing Palestinian dependency on Israel. —- Boko Haram kidnaps scores in Nigeria Boko Haram militants kidnap 100 young men in Nigeria’s north-east, witnesses state —- One patient in a 200-bed hospital: how Ebola has devastated Liberia’s health system Patients with other illnesses now dying due to lack of medical care amid Ebola outbreak in Liberia —- Kurdish and US forces attempt to recapture dam from Islamic State after Yazidi ‘massacre’ Latest US-led military strikes on Islamic State at Mosul dam follow reports Islamic State insurgents “massacred” 80 Yazidis minority in a village in northern Iraq —- Iraq crisis: Iraqi minority says massacre of civilians not over yet —- Mount Sinjar dispatch: ‘The pilot was afraid for my safety. Within days he would be dead’ Efforts to save tens of thousands of Yazidi refugees from Iraqi mountain are painstaking – and highly dangerous – writes Jonathan Krohn, the first Western journalist to spend a night on peak —- Iraq voices anger as US air force defends Irbil – but not Baghdad Resentment grows in capital over perceived American preference to fight for Kurds rather than ousted Maliki —- Flood death toll mounts in India and Nepal At least 109 people are known to have died as landslides and floods hit Nepal and northern India following heavy rains. —- Pakistan’s Imran Khan and Tahirul Qadri in Islamabad rally http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-28817311 —- NSW police try to stop pro-Palestinian protest at Israeli Film Festival Supreme court summons says police want to use the Summary Offences Act 1988 to ‘prohibit the holding of a public assembly’ —- Australia reserves 2,200 places for Syrian refugees Scott Morrison helps people ‘in the midst of a terrible conflict’ while trying to return Syrians held in offshore detention http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/aug/17/australia-reserves-2200-places-for-syrian-refugees —- Australian PM comments ‘offensive’ Scotland’s first minister says the Australian prime minister’s negative comments on Scottish independence were “foolish and hypocritical”. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-scotland-politics-28814936 —- Chinese human rights lawyer starved in solitary confinement, his wife says Gao Zhisheng was released last week, but his wife says he can barely talk or eat because his teeth are wrecked —- Outrageous! China children ‘made to give blood’ Police in China have arrested seven people thought to be behind a scheme that forced schoolchildren to give blood, state media says. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-china-28819628 —- China’s million-migrant march into Africa —- 800,000 South Koreans flock to Pope Francis mass in Seoul The Pope urges 800,000 crowd in South Korea to listen to the “cry of the poor” as he beatifies 124 early Korean martyrs in centrepiece visit of five-day visit http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/southkorea/11038588/800000-South-Koreans-flock-to-Pope-Francis-mass-in-Seoul.html The cave dwellers of Bamiyan Ayoub Arwin and Daud Qarizadah report on the people who live inside the Bamiyan Buddha caves because they cannot afford their own homes. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-28583933 —- What future for Gaza’s children? Kevin Connolly tries to imagine what the future may hold for the children of Gaza, many of which have already lived through three conflicts. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-28803447 —- Man returns Israel medal over Gaza A Dutchman honoured by Israel for saving a Jewish child in WWII returns his medal after six of his relatives die in an Israeli air strike on Gaza. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-28814555 —- Slavery and the Qatar 2022 World Cup https://youtube.com/watch?v=uczFcBeAB0A&list=UU-3ey3Fi_MP1gvltUsujsGA —- Chido Govera: transforming lives in rural Africa by growing mushrooms Orphaned at the age of seven, Chido Govera escaped a life of poverty and abuse in rural Zimbabwe. Now she’s an activist, travelling the world to help others change their lives http://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2014/aug/16/chido-govera-mushrooms-zimbabwe-changing-lives —- My SMS relationship with al-Shabab http://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-28790771 —- A country where toilet paper is rarer than partridge Anyone travelling to Cuba has to remember that the shops may be empty – and to pack accordingly. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-28785420 —- Nigel Slater’s soup recipes A rich soup brimming with flavour is more than a meal in itself. From a vivid carrot soup to a purée of chicken and butter beans, here are three super bowls to try http://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2014/aug/17/nigel-slater-soup-recipes —- Viewfinder: 33 beautiful, inspiring photographs —- Animal photos of the week: 15 August 2014 http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/picturegalleries/earth/11036952/Animal-photos-of-the-week.html —- The week in pictures: 15 August 2014 —- The 20 photographs of the week The continuing crisis in Iraq, the aftermath of the Israeli offensive in Gaza, the European Athletics Championships – the best photography in news, culture and sport from around the world this week http://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/gallery/2014/aug/16/photography-gaza-ebola-athletics » Posted By Kalima On August 17, 2014 @ 1:58 am Hello kes. I’ll be back to answer this wonderful comment as soon as I can. Have a peaceful day and take care. » Posted By Kalima On August 15, 2014 @ 12:52 am Hello KT. Yes he does really nail it. I’m pained to hear of all you have been through but happy that you are still around and being helped by the right medication. That you have found a purpose in life through your study of the Tao is a wonderful thing to hear, and I admire your strength in battling on. My favourite German uncle hung himself in the basement of his house while my aunt was out shopping. It happened almost 20 years ago but the shock of it is still very much with us. As you say, with Robin Williams the depression won in the end. Very sad. Take care and be well. » Posted By Kalima On August 15, 2014 @ 12:45 am Hello kes, he didn’t miss much did he? On the subject of depression, I read that Robin Williams was in the early stages of Parkinson’s disease too according to his wife. That explains a few things. » Posted By Kalima On August 14, 2014 @ 10:39 pm Thanks for stopping by and reading, Nirek. Before I go to sleep, here is a video that really explains a lot about depression, and I find much of myself in his words although I have never really stopped long enough to wonder why. Probably more to do with my state of health than with my state of mind anyway. Goodnight. Have a good day, and peace to you and yours. A Message to the Depressed.
» Posted By Kalima On August 14, 2014 @ 6:30 am Good Morning Everyone. Being as all I seem able to do is complain about the heat lately, I’ll stay quiet to let you read the news in peace. Have a good day wherever you may be. Take care, be safe, stay cool and dry. Sayonara from my rainy and sticky corner of Tokyo. Mata ne QUOTE OF THE DAY Ambrose Bierce Corporation: an ingenious device for obtaining individual profit without individual responsibility. A few stories and opinions from around the globe. Japan protests Russia’s military drills on disputed islands http://mainichi.jp/english/english/newsselect/news/20140813p2g00m0dm041000c.html —- U.S. recognizes Japan’s sovereignty over Russian-held isles: official —- Fireworks, seaweed, and sake -The unique regional aspects of visiting a grave in Japan —- PICTURE OF THE DAY Prayers for ancestors http://www.japantoday.com/category/picture-of-the-day/view/prayers-for-ancestors INTERNATIONAL NEWS Oh Ukip, you really are the curse in British politics. Bugger off and take the lying, thieving Tories with you. Ukip MEP marks fiftieth anniversary of the death penalty abolition with campaign to bring it back Louise Bours, North West MEP and Ukip health spokesman, says death is ‘natural justice’ for killers such as Dale Cregan and the killers of Lee Rigby —- Shocking and sad doesn’t seem to cover it. 900,000 elderly needing care left to fend for themselves Age UK estimates that one in three older people in England and Wales who struggle with tasks as basic as washing and dressing get no care —- This moron doesn’t even know how to spell austerity or what it means to millions. Sack him! How taxpayers helped fund £1m home of minister who can’t live on MP’s pay Foreign Office minister bought seven-bedroom 17th century abbey set in 15 acres of land after selling his taxpayer-funded home in London for £1.2 million —- The Tory idea of renewable energy. Build lots of wind farms just for show, then bribe them so that the top energy firms can overcharge its customers to make pots of profits. Wind farms paid record sum not to produce electricity Windy weather and low demand for electricity led to wind farm owners being paid a record amount to switch off turbines on Monday —- 11 injured after Swiss passenger train derailed by mountain landslide A Swiss passenger train carrying 140 people has derailed after a landslide hit a mountain train in the Swiss Alps —- Spain sees surge of migrants by sea from Morocco http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-28770346 —- Ukraine crisis: Humanitarian aid mission stalls over fears it will be used as pretext for Russian invasion —- UN identifies escalation of violence in Ukraine as death toll doubles Objective of Russian ‘aid convoy’ remains unclear as UN observers say death toll has doubled in two weeks http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/aug/13/un-escalating-trend-violence-aid-convoy-death-toll —- The Guardian view on Russia’s Ukrainian aid convoy: mission indecipherable There can be no doubt that those who have ordered the convoy south have more than succour in mind http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2014/aug/13/guardian-view-russia-motives-aid-convoy-ukraine —- On Immigration, G.O.P. Starts to Embrace Tea Party A legislative year in which Speaker John A. Boehner set out to marginalize more vocal right-wing Republicans ended with them buoyed, and with some in the party ready to bring them back into the fold. http://www.nytimes.com/2014/08/13/us/politics/immigration-house-republicans-tea-party.html —- Michael Brown shooting: Angry parents demand justice for teenage son gunned down by police —- Michael Brown’s Ferguson: ‘This is a war and we are soldiers on the frontline’ Raw fury over Brown’s killing may slowly fade, but the underlying resentment among Ferguson’s young black residents about their treatment by a white police force will likely continue to simmer —- #BBCtrending: From Ferguson to Fergustan http://www.bbc.com/news/blogs-trending-28782308 —- Michael Brown and Black Men The killing is a wrenching reminder of the criminalization of black and brown bodies from the moment they are introduced to society. http://www.nytimes.com/2014/08/14/opinion/charles-blow-michael-brown-and-black-men.html?_r=0 —- Hillary Clinton backs down in foreign policy scuffle with President Obama http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/the-fix/wp/2014/08/12/hillary-clinton-vs-barack-obama-part-2/ —- Likely Congressman Opposes MLK Day, Supports ‘Don’t Say Gay,’ Thinks Women Don’t Want Equal Pay http://thinkprogress.org/election/2014/08/13/3470728/glenn-grothman-controversial/ —- Florida Replaces Gerrymandered Congressional Maps With Nearly Identical Gerrymandered Maps http://thinkprogress.org/election/2014/08/08/3469129/new-florida-maps-gerrymander/ —- Eduardo Campos plane crash: Brazilian presidential candidate killed —- What they handed over. What about the sarin and other chemical weapons they have hidden? Syria conflict: Sarin gas chemicals destroyed http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-28770793 —- Syria crisis: Islamic State fighters seize Aleppo towns http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-28770786 —- Israel-Gaza crisis: Gaza ceasefire extended despite three rockets being fired at Israel —- ‘My wife thinks I will come home in a box’ – and three days later Gaza bomb disposal expert was dead http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/aug/13/-sp-gaza-bomb-disposal-expert-bomb-dead —- Gaza’s medics struggle after Israeli attacks Fifteen of Gaza’s 32 hospitals were damaged by the Israeli army, leaving doctors short on supplies and resources. —- Israel’s mowing of Gaza’s lawn is an unjust war A Just War must have a reasonable prospect of success. But Israel is locked into failure —- I didn’t join the Gaza march because I didn’t want to be called an anti-Semite Too often, that accusation is used to silence criticism —- Living with loss in Gaza – in pictures Guardian photographer Sean Smith documents bereaved and wounded Palestinians trying to rebuild their lives in the aftermath of the conflict with Israel http://www.theguardian.com/world/gallery/2014/aug/12/living-with-loss-in-gaza-in-pictures —- Ebola outbreak: Guinea declares health emergency The Ebola virus has killed nearly 400 people in the country as more flights from hard-hit west African countries have been cancelled —- Iraq crisis: US says it has broken Isis seige of Mount Sinjar – live updates Rescue of Yazidis on hold after US assessment —- Europe and US increase humanitarian aid as support grows for new Iraqi PM White House tells Nouri al-Maliki to respect due process as Kurdish government warns the UK must arm Kurds as the Islamic State is a threat to them —- Iraq crisis: British forces on their way ‘to play role’ – but officials rule out military action —- Yazidis scramble to be evacuated by Iraqi helicopter from Mount Sinjar The Iraqi Ministry of defence release footage showing dozens of Yazidis being evacuated from mountains near Sinjar in northern Iraq —- International help for Yazidis trapped by Islamic State on Mount Sinjar The US, UK and other states have pledged aid and humanitarian assistance to help rescue refugees fleeing Isis in northern Iraq —- Islamabad on lockdown as Pakistan opposition leaders plan huge march Party leaders Imran Khan and Tahir ul-Qadri call for rally over electoral reform on Independence Day, amid nationwide protests —- Huh? Australia says Iraqi minorities can apply for visas, as it tries to send Syrians back Scott Morrison’s office says Iraq’s Christians and Yazidis can try for visas, but asylum seekers have been urged to return to Syria —- North Korea fires rockets as Pope arrives in South Korea Five short-range rockets were fired into the sea as Pope Francis arrived in South Korea for a five-day visit —- About time too. Thailand to ban commercial surrogacy in wake of Gammy scandal Military government approve draft law that will effectively stop foreign couples paying for pregnancies in the country http://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2014/aug/13/thailand-ban-surrogacy-gammy The New Arabs: How the Millennial Generation Is Changing the Middle East by Juan Cole – review Was Facebook responsible for the Arab spring? Lawrence Rosen on the transformative power of the young generation —- The Chinese cult that kills ‘demons’ http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-china-28641008 —- North Korea today. ‘I went to a Soviet holiday camp’ http://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-28740193 —- The Mysteries of My Father’s Mind The one thing that brings him back from the confusion of Alzheimer’s is beauty — the yellow rose bush and the bleeding heart. http://opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com/2014/08/13/the-mysteries-of-my-fathers-mind/ —- Really shocking. Two-thirds of Britons with depression get no treatment If these figures related to cancer patients the nation would be in uproar, says new president of Royal College of Psychiatrists http://www.theguardian.com/society/2014/aug/13/two-thirds-britons-not-treated-depression —- Expanding waistlines will cause 3,500 more cancers each year, study finds Scientists hope that linking 12,000 cancers each year to people being overweight will spark more action against obesity http://www.theguardian.com/society/2014/aug/14/excess-weight-linked-cancer-uk-obesity-researchers —- Can you die from a broken heart? http://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-28756374 —- Robin Williams death: How should the media report a suicide? http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-28772923 —- US army releases footage of Robin Williams entertaining troops – video http://www.theguardian.com/film/video/2014/aug/12/us-army-robin-williams-troops-video —- Iraq: The plight of the Yazidi’s photographed by Sam Tarling for The Telegraph —- Lauren Bacall: life and career in pictures —- Pictures of the day: 13 August 2014 —- Day in pictures: 13 August 2014 http://www.bbc.com/news/in-pictures-28770073 —- Photo highlights of the day The Guardian’s picture editors bring you a selection of the best photographs from around the world, including Iraq, Gaza, Indian preparations for Independence Day, a dramatic view of last night’s storm in London, and a beach for dogs near Rome http://www.theguardian.com/news/gallery/2014/aug/13/photo-highlights-of-the-day » Posted By Kalima On August 14, 2014 @ 1:55 am Hello Nirek. If they had had a leader willing to include every faction in the government, the growing unrest and forming of insurgent groups could have been greatly reduced. Maliki was/is a bush appointed puppet who is responsible for much that has happened in the last few years. This situation was inevitable when many were not given a voice. Still, the biggest share of the blame lies with bush and his henchmen, who should be spending their remaining time on earth behind bars instead of still being allowed airtime to spout their delusions and hate against your President. This is what is so sickening about these criminals, they are writing books filled with lies and getting payed for it. How disgusting is that?? » Posted By Kalima On August 10, 2014 @ 6:55 pm Hello kes. Amazing isn’t it, that after 5 years, President Obama is still cleaning up the disgusting mess left by bush and the last administration, and there is no sign of shame from any of them. No, there really was no other choice to avert this encroaching genocide. Maybe if countries had acted more quickly, Rwanda, Dafur and Syria could have avoided such a massive loss of civilian lives. The President deserves only praise for his quick action to save lives rather than take them. The criticism I’m reading is meaningless. I think people hear the word “Iraq” and form a knee-jerk opinion without actually knowing what has been going on there since the U.S. pullout. After that many didn’t care what happened to the country bush, cheney and rumsfeld turned into chaos and religious killings. It’s shameful. » Posted By Kalima On August 10, 2014 @ 6:44 pm I agree, monicaangela, each person and their stories of trying to cross the border is heartbreaking, and more often than not, before I post these accounts here, I’ve shed many tears imagining myself or a family member going through the horrors so many have endured and are still willing to endure. Each time some GOP airhead talks against immigration reform, I want to scream. Something needs to be done to fix this soon, the prejudice and suffering has gone on too long. I hope to be back on Thursday with regular updates. Until then, take care and see you soon. » Posted By Kalima On August 10, 2014 @ 6:28 pm The latest. Iraqi president names Haider al-Abadi new prime minister, defying Maliki — Islamic State killed 500 Yazidis and buried some victims alive, Iraq minister says —- Iraqi Kurds ask for arms to fight IS The leader of Iraq’s Kurds, Massoud Barzani, appeals for weapons to help fight IS militants, who are threatening Kurdish areas in northern Iraq. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-28730618 —- Three-day ceasefire begins in Gaza A three-day truce comes into effect between Israel and the Palestinians in Gaza, after a day of intense diplomacy in Egypt. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-28732928 » Posted By Kalima On August 10, 2014 @ 6:13 pm I believe this is the right thing to do. Those who mumble about being finished with Iraq, have to remember the vacuum we caused there for terrorist groups to flourish. You can’t just invade a country, leave and forget about the people and the damage caused to millions. The humanitarian response by the President, the UN, the U.K. and France is commendable. If the puppet Maliki had included all factions in his government, the situation wouldn’t have had the chance to fester like this. Hope to see you soon. —- 20,000 Iraqis besieged by Isis escape from mountain after US air strikes Yazidi minority surrounded by Islamist militants on Mount Sinjar escorted back to Iraqi Kurdistan after fleeing via Syria http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/aug/10/iraq-yazidi-isis-jihadists-islamic-state-kurds » Posted By Kalima On August 10, 2014 @ 6:33 am Good Morning Everyone. Another very hot day and another typhoon on the way. Have a good day wherever you may be. Take care, be safe, stay warm and comfy or cool and dry. Sayonara from my still hot corner of Tokyo. Mata ne. A few stories and opinions from around the globe. Tell us something that we don’t already know. 🙄 Fukushima reactor 3 meltdown was worse than estimated: Tepco —- Japan’s nuclear restart may be delayed until 2015 http://www.japantoday.com/category/national/view/japans-nuclear-restart-may-be-delayed-until-2015 —- After all the lies and deception over the years, who will believe them? North Korea to release report on abduction probe in September, official says —- And China would never lie, right? China says no evidence that spoiled meat made it to Japan http://mainichi.jp/english/english/newsselect/news/20140807p2g00m0dm023000c.html —- A-bomb survivor determined to pass on father’s message of peace, openness http://mainichi.jp/english/english/newsselect/news/20140806p2a00m0na022000c.html —- Typhoon heads toward southern Japan http://www.japantoday.com/category/national/view/typhoon-heads-toward-southern-japan —- PICTURE OF TH DAY Misty relief http://www.japantoday.com/category/picture-of-the-day/view/misty-relief INTERNATIONAL NEWS Internet will isolate 700,000 elderly people by 2030, study warns Campaign launched by Friends of the Elderly charity warns that the number of older people feeling lonely is set to rise by 40 per cent by 2030 —- Oh not to worry, they still get more than enough from the U.S. to kill every last Palestinian. Government to announce tougher arms export measures to Israel Crackdown comes as the former international development secretary Andrew Mitchell warns level of misery and carnage in Gaza likely to poison remaining goodwill in the region for generations —- Deadly floods return to Serbia and Bosnia http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-28683199 —- Risk of Russian military deployment in Ukraine has risen, says Polish PM Donald Tusk’s warning about troop buildup comes as Kiev government forces advance on rebel strongholds in the east —- Ukraine crisis: Putin orders retaliatory sanctions http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-28680656 —- Ukraine crisis: Nato fears invasion as Russian troops ‘mass on Ukraine’s borders’ —- This is a disgrace! MH17 search for bodies suspended over security concerns Increased tensions in eastern Ukraine has made it too dangerous for international experts to recover remaining body parts —- The mystery of a missing Crimean Tatar http://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-28680977 —- Thanks To Obamacare, More Young People Are Getting Mental Health Treatment http://thinkprogress.org/health/2014/08/06/3468351/young-people-obamacare-mental-health/ —- US VA official: more employees to be disciplined over veterans care scandal Deputy Veterans Affairs secretary told a convention of wounded combat veterans that failed leadership to blame http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/aug/06/us-veterans-affairs-scandal-more-employees-discipline —- Theodore Wafer trial: Prosecutors give closing statements http://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-28683496 —- Hamas says no Gaza truce extension agreed Israel reportedly offers unconditional ceasefire renewal but Hamas says no deal can be reached unless demands met. —- How can this man show his face to a world that no longer believes a word he utters? Netanyahu says deaths in Gaza ‘justified’ as he offers to extend truce with Hamas militants —- Murder trial begins for three Israelis accused of killing Palestinian teenager Joseph Haim Ben-David, 29, and two unnamed minors, have gone on trial for the death of Mohammed Abu Khdeir http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/aug/06/murder-trial-three-israelis-palestinian-teenager —- Against the war: the movement that dare not speak its name in Israel Vocal opposition to the war in Gaza can be hard to express in Israel, where campaigner Gideon Levy says people ‘leave their liberalism’ at the 1967 border http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/aug/06/gaza-israel-movement-that-dare-not-speak-its-name —- Barack Obama: Gazans cannot remain closed off from world US President says residents of Gaza Strip need to be given ‘some sense of hope’ for future as he expressed concern over civilian deaths —- I admire her for speaking out and telling the truth about her country. Despite claims that anti-Semitism is on the rise in the UK, it’s Israel’s critics who need protection Those who dare speak out against the massacre in Gaza face real danger —- Gaza conflict: Withdrawal of Israeli soldiers reveals the shell-strewn detritus of humanity —- Gaza is a crime made in Washington as well as Jerusalem The carnage unleashed on the Palestinians is part of a decades-old routine that depends on western support —- Gazans watch peace negotiations closely as they try to rebuild their lives Talks in Cairo between Israel and Palestinian groups continue, amid reports the temporary ceasefire will be extended http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/aug/06/gaza-negotiations-cairo-hamas-israel-continue-ceasefire —- Liberia declares state of emergency over Ebola virus http://www.bbc.com/news/world-28684561 —- Thousands of minority Yazidi Iraqis marooned on Mount Sinjar face the choice of dying of thirst or surrendering to the Isis fighters —- Iraq crisis: Mosul air strike ‘kills 60’ http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-28677283 —- That is good news although they still have a long way to go. India bill to try minors as adults after Delhi gang rape http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-28684744 —- Absolutely awful story. A child is not a toy. Baby Gammy: Australian surrogacy couple ‘vanish’ —- Find them quickly. Surrogacy case: the history of sex offences of the Australian accused of leaving surrogate baby in Thailand Exclusive: Court documents reveal David Farnell, Australian father alleged to have abandoned child with Down’s Syndrome, has a string of previous convictions for sexual offences against girls as young as five ““ China earthquake death toll rises Officials put number of people killed in Sunday’s 6.1-magnitude quake in south-western Yunnan province at nearly 600 http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/aug/06/china-earthquake-death-toll-rises —- Vast coal field expands into protected Chinese grasslands Chinese government pledges to halt the country’s ecological catastrophe count for little 1,200 miles away, as a large coal field expands into protected grasslands —- By the look of them they won’t be in prison for long. Khmer Rouge leaders sentenced to life in prison for war crimes Nuon Chea, right-hand man to Pol Pot and Khieu Samphan, Khmer Rouge head of state are found guilty of war crimes in Cambodia http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/cambodia/11017930/Khmer-Rouge-leaders-sentenced-to-life-in-prison-for-war-crimes.html Helmand’s Golden Age http://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-28660217 —- Beyond the border A partnership between The Texas Observer and the Guardian —- Grandmother’s campaign reunites her with grandson taken by Argentinian junta —- After Oak Creek Temple shooting, Sikhs stand up to bias http://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-28615701 —- The Solomon Islanders who saved JFK http://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-28644830 —- Shed a few tears. Couple married for 62 years die together http://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-28677585 —- Mindfulness is all about self-help. It does nothing to change an unjust world Why are we trying to think less when we need to think more? The neutered, apolitical approach of mindfulness ignores the structural difficulties we live with —- Study: sunshine ‘could help to stave off dementia’ Low levels of vitamin D appear to increase the risk of conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease, major study finds —- ‘We are here!’ Spacecraft Rosetta meets 67P comet 10 years after leaving Earth The spacecraft Rosetta is trying to catch a comet. Today, after a decade long journey, it finally reached caught up with 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko —- In pictures: The daily life of China’s ethnic Uighur population —- Pictures of the day: 6 August 2014 —- Day in pictures: 6 August 2014 http://www.bbc.com/news/in-pictures-28672507 —- Photo highlights of the day The Guardian’s picture editors bring you a selection of the best photographs from around the world including the aftermath of the earthquake in China, One Direction and an elephant with an itch http://www.theguardian.com/news/gallery/2014/aug/06/photo-highlights-of-the-day » Posted By Kalima On August 7, 2014 @ 3:33 am Great video, monicaangela, hear, hear for the sentiment. Thanks for posting it here. » Posted By Kalima On August 5, 2014 @ 2:34 pm Israeli troops ‘withdraw from Gaza’ http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-28654229#%22 » Posted By Kalima On August 5, 2014 @ 2:13 am Hello kes, it’s quite amazing to me that firms and businesses are not held responsible for polluting the water supply. Here they are very strict about that and yet are not truthful about the extent of the radiation contamination because the government wants nothing better than to restart the nuclear reactors. I hope that the extent of the damage will be made public knowledge soon, you have every right to know how dangerous drinking the tap water would be. Why Japan still imports food stuff from China is beyond me. We have had people actually die over here from contaminated frozen food from China, some of which was even deliberately poisoned. What with that and the lead in children’s toys, contaminated baby formula and things that fall to pieces in about a week, I’m surprised that we are still buying anything from over there. When a scandal becomes international news, they make a great show of arresting and even executing someone, then it starts all over again just because it’s cheap to buy. Disgraceful. Personally, rather than send Vlad the Invader toxic water from Lake Erie, I’d rather take him out on a boat in the Atlantic, smash the engine, and leave him there. Now he is threatening Europe about not showing any aggression. The man is insane!! As of writing this, Israel is giving a 7 hour truce so that Palestinians who fled from their homes can return. My question, what homes if it was anything like the time lapse video from The Telegraph I posted here last week? There is a video of the third bombing of a UN school in some updates I just posted. Sickening to watch when the UN says that Israel is well aware of where those schools are located. So what are the KKK giving away free to draw new members in? Free white hoods and guns? The Victorians certainly had an active imagination for entertainment, but then again, it was many years before reality tv. 😉 I loved those b&w photos too. Yes they could do just about any job when needed, and now we are fighting about equal pay. Hope you have enough water to last you through this crisis, and that it can be resolved sooner than later. Take care, have a peaceful day, and see you soon. » Posted By Kalima On August 4, 2014 @ 1:13 am GAZA CRISIS: UPDATES Israel plans limited Gaza ceasefire Israel announces a seven-hour “humanitarian window” for parts of Gaza, a day after an Israeli attack near a UN-run school killed 10. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-28635031 —- Israel-Gaza conflict – live Reports an eight-year-old girl was killed and 30 wounded after a strike hit a house in the beachfront Shati refugee camp just minutes into the unilateral ceasefire announced by Israel, follow the latest developments http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/gaza/11006087/Israel-Gaza-conflict-live.html —- Gaza conflict: bloody aftermath of airstrike at UN school A United Nations school sheltering displaced people in the southern Gaza Strip is hit by what an UN official said appeared to be an Israeli airstrike. Warning: this video contains distressing scenes —- Israel spied on John Kerry during failed peace talks – report *Der Spiegel says Israelis eavesdropped on phone calls *State Department offers no comment *UN chief: Gaza school strike a ‘criminal act’ http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/aug/03/israel-spied-kerry-peace-effort-report » Posted By Kalima On August 4, 2014 @ 12:00 am Hello monicaangela and thanks for stopping by. There is never any pressure to reply, I’m just happy when people find something of interest here. That video was wonderful, and yes, if only more people wouldn’t have to think twice about helping others, this world would be a much better place to live in. It costs nothing to be kind. I’m keeping cool by mostly staying indoors, but worry about my outside tribe of four, and constantly give them fresh cold water. Thanks again and see you soon. Take care. » Posted By Kalima On August 3, 2014 @ 5:45 pm Good Morning, Nirek. It’s after 9pm here, and the outside temperature is still 29C. Praying for rain. Sorry about the sad/bad news, but the world never stops and there wasn’t much good news to link to. Hope at least you liked the pictures, and that cute bear saving the drowning crow. God hears our prayers, but he must be very disappointed in what too many are doing with the free will he gave us. Take care. Have a good Sunday, and as always, peace to you and yours. » Posted By Kalima On August 3, 2014 @ 5:19 am Good Morning Everyone. Sweltering hot Sunday here today, and it’s still 30C after 6 pm. Think I’ll spend the rest of this summer camping in our fridge. Have a good day wherever you may be. Take care, be safe, stay warm and comfy or cool and dry. Sayonara from my sauna-like corner of Tokyo. Mata ne. Sunday’s Bits & Bobs Plan to complete radioactive water purification at Fukushima plant hits snag http://mainichi.jp/english/english/newsselect/news/20140802p2a00m0na009000c.html —- Fast-food follies have media in a frenzy —- PICTURE OF THE DAY Crowded beach http://www.japantoday.com/category/picture-of-the-day/view/crowded-beach Ed Miliband accuses David Cameron of ‘inexplicable silence’ in row over Gaza Labour leader criticised by Downing Street for ‘playing politics’, as Palestinian death toll from Israel’s offensive exceeds 1,650 http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/aug/02/ed-miliband-david-cameron-inexplicable-silence-gaza —- Friends: The One With Dave in Speedos The PM adopts a hip, ironic vibe in the latest episode of our political sitcom —- French and German leaders mark WW1 anniversary http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-28628335 —- Ukraine conflict: US and EU widen sanctions on Russia http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-28551391#%22 —- Italy flash flood: Four people killed at festival near Venice http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-28628679 —- Putinism’, a new creed for Europe’s tough men —- Ukraine’s rebels prepare to defend Donetsk to the death Government troops close to surrounding rebel capital and cutting it off from its supply lines to the east —- MH17: second day of search reveals more human remains Mortar fire forces some OSCE investigators to leave a village where debris lies http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/aug/02/mh17-second-day-investigation-more-remains —- US city warned not to drink toxin-fouled water Residents of old rust-belt town of Toledo, Ohio, panic-buy bottled water after drinking supply contaminated by reported algae bloom. —- Florida Judge Says He May Delay Congressional Elections Due To Illegally Gerrymandered Maps —- Activists want NYPD officer charged as Eric Garner death is ruled a homicide • Medical examiner says Eric Garner died in illegal chokehold http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/aug/02/campaigners-nypd-officer-charges-eric-garner-homicide —- What Is Chris Christie Doing in Iowa? The same thing as Rick Perry, Scott Walker and Bobby Jindal: Talking about how much he loves Iowa! http://www.nytimes.com/2014/08/03/magazine/what-is-chris-christie-doing-in-iowa.html —- Syria’s dispossessed speak out: What does “home” mean now to the million refugees forced to flee across the border to Turkey? —- Lebanese soldiers die as Syria rebels raid border town http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-28628747 —- That makes it three schools. What does Israel have against children? Gaza crisis: Deadly strike ‘on UN school in Rafah’ http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-28628682 —- Israel-Gaza conflict – August 2 as it happened Israeli troops pull back for the first time during the three week conflict as missing soldier is confirmed as dead —- Gaza: Nearly 300 Palestinian children killed, says UN Toll expected to rise as investigators continue to check reports of child deaths, makeing up almost a third of all civilian casualties —- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ACgwr2Nj_GQ —- A weakened Hamas clings on to the people’s support in Gaza Palestinians may question the armed struggle but they won’t speak out against Hamas in the middle of a conflict http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/aug/02/weakened-hamas-support-gaza —- In Pictures: Gaza Devastation Displaced Palestinians returned to inspect the damage of their homes during Friday’s brief ceasefire. http://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/inpictures/2014/08/pictures-gaza-devastation-20148292923446538.html —- They want to make us dependent on aid’ – Gaza’s economy ruined by Israeli shelling The Gaza Strip’s few working factories fall victim to the ever-widening wrath of Operation Protective Edge —- Israel-Gaza conflict: What has Israel achieved in 26 bloody days? World View: Hamas is stronger, the Jewish state looks shifty and heartless – and the world’s eyes are on Gaza —- Gaza: where a howl of pain and outrage is the only point of view For journalists covering the horror in Gaza, it must feel obscene to stick to the old routine of ‘fairness and balance’ http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/aug/03/gaza-howl-pain-outrage-only-point-of-view —- Israel-Gaza conflict: Young Americans judge Israel’s actions in Gaza differently —- Hammond condemns ‘intolerable suffering’ in Gaza The public is deeply disturbed by events in the Middle East, says Foreign Secretary —- Libya violence escalates with 22 killed in battle for Tripoli airport Royal Navy reported to be preparing evacuation of Britons as heavily armed rebels shell ‘civilian targets’ http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/aug/03/libya-violence-escalates-22-killed-tripoli-airport —- Ebola outbreak: Western drugs firms have not tried to find vaccine ‘because virus only affects Africans’, says UK’s top public health doctor —- Iraqis fear food crisis under Islamic State The Islamic State group’s control of a trade route linking Baghdad to Turkey has cut supplies and caused prices to soar. —- Afghan election recount stalls again http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-28621142 —- Israel and Palestine supporters take their anger onto Sydney’s streets Thousands attend separate rallies in CBD and Dover Heights to show support for both sides of Gaza conflict —- Australia sends asylum group to Nauru detention centre http://www.bbc.com/news/world-Asia-28627369 —- South-west China quake ‘kills 150’ At least 150 people are killed and scores more injured after a magnitude 6.1 earthquake strikes in south-west China, state media say. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-china-28630110 —- Factory explosion in China kills at least 65 Explosion rips through workshop in industrial city of Kunshan killing dozens and injuring over 100 as rescue work continues —- Xinjiang unrest leaves nearly 100 dead, including 37 civilians, China says Fresh details emerge of a week of violence in the western province which saw militants rampage through two towns with knives http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/aug/03/xinjiang-100-dead-37-civilians-china Ku Klux Klan recruitment drive raises old fears in South Carolina http://america.aljazeera.com/articles/2014/8/1/ku-klux-klan.html —- Sri Lanka minorities hit by economic hardship Sri Lanka’s sectarian divisions are having an economic impact on its minority citizens. http://www.aljazeera.com/video/asia/2014/08/3710164928001-2014836375233397.html —- When presidents lie to make a war Fifty years on we know the trigger for war with Vietnam was a fiction. Will it be another 50 before we know the truth about Iraq? http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2014/aug/02/vietnam-presidents-lie-to-wage-war-iraq —- America’s convicted juveniles: The stories of those growing up behind the razor wire —- Victorian Strangeness: Seven singular sports from the Victorian era http://www.bbc.com/news/blogs-magazine-monitor-28546844 —- Amazing! Bear filmed saving crow from drowning at Budapest Zoo A bear becomes a hero when it rescues a drowning crow from its pond at Budapest Zoo —- WW1 women at work: In pictures http://www.telegraph.co.uk/women/womens-life/11006588/WW1-women-at-work-In-pictures.html —- Animal photos of the week: 1 August 2014 http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/picturegalleries/earth/11005936/Animal-photos-of-the-week.html —- The week in pictures: 1 August 2014 —- The 20 photographs of the week The conflict in Gaza and Israel, daily life in North Korea the Commonwealth Games in Scotland and a human tower in Spain – the best photography in news, culture, nature and sport from around the world this week http://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/gallery/2014/aug/02/photography-gaza » Posted By Kalima On August 3, 2014 @ 2:38 am Over 100 people dead after breaking the ceasefire presuming Hamas had captured him. Where is the statement and the apology for that? Netanyahu’s statement is ridiculous as he continues to play the victim card. Who is attacking whom, and how many Israelis have died from Hamas’s recent rocket attacks? Almost 2,000? None? Israel says missing soldier is dead The Israeli military says soldier Hadar Goldin, reported missing in Gaza on Friday, is dead, as PM Netanyahu says Israel’s operation there will continue. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-28627888 » Posted By Kalima On August 2, 2014 @ 5:20 pm Yes,yes and yes. Thank you for understanding. Will be back in your morning with regular Sunday updates hopefully. One day at a time. 🙂 Take care and thanks again. » Posted By Kalima On August 2, 2014 @ 7:30 am I’m glad, it’s about time somebody did. Wrong is wrong, no matter who’s doing it. » Posted By Kalima On August 2, 2014 @ 3:46 amComments Posted By Kalima
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