Displaying 1,981 To 2,010 Of 18,974 Comments Hello monicaangela, yes, he has a lot to answer for while he sits oblivious thinking he has never made a mistake, painting his childish art as if he didn’t have a care in the world while so many are still suffering because of him. » Posted By Kalima On July 14, 2014 @ 2:15 am Hello Nirek, so glad that you found something of interest, and I so agree that corporations who can take people’s property is akin to stealing, and should never be allowed. I think our Rainy Season will be over soon as the heat and humidity is already oppressive. My least favourite time here has arrived, and I watch our electricity bills skyrocket from now until the end of September. Take care. Peace. » Posted By Kalima On July 14, 2014 @ 2:08 am Good Morning Everyone. Hot and humid days and night after the typhoon past through on Friday morning, with many more to come. Have a good Sunday wherever you may be. Take care, be safe, stay warm and comfy or cool and dry. Sayonara from my early evening corner of Tokyo. Mata ne. Sunday’s Bits & Bobs Gov’t moves to allow preemptive strikes if Japan in ‘imminent’ threat of attack http://mainichi.jp/english/english/newsselect/news/20140712p2a00m0na005000c.html —- Minor tsunami hit Fukushima coast after strong quake —- Fukushima farmer takes on TEPCO over wife’s suicide http://www.japantoday.com/category/national/view/fukushima-farmer-takes-on-tepco-over-wifes-suicide —- 😯 40% of Japanese want wives kept out of workforce, survey finds —- Society’s shut-ins are getting older http://www.japantoday.com/category/kuchikomi/view/societys-shut-ins-are-getting-older —- PICTURE OF THE DAY Super moon http://www.japantoday.com/category/picture-of-the-day/view/super-moon Newly qualified doctors failing elderly patients due to a lack of skills or training in their treatment —- Friends: The One Before The Big Match Dave talks to Nick about the important Cabinet reshuffle in the latest episode of our political sitcom http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/politics/10963918/Friends-The-One-Before-The-Big-Match.html —- Lucy Mangan: never mind Scottish independence, let’s balkanise the whole island ‘Come Scottish independence, there will be puffins on the Isle of Noss who have more say in what goes on at Holyrood than anyone in England does in Westminster, up to and including Nick Clegg’ http://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2014/jul/12/scottish-independence-across-uk —- Northern Ireland marching season: One man stabbed in clashes before Orange Order parades —- Ukraine promises ‘retribution’ as at least 19 soldiers killed in rebel rocket attack President Petro Poroshenko promises to wipe out “tens and hundreds” of pro-Russian insurgents in retribution for Grad missile attack near Russian border —- Rio Grande border to US sees 57,000 young migrants in nine months Surge in number of unaccompanied children crossing border from Central America poses a humanitarian challenge http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/jul/12/rio-grande-border-us-united-states-children-migrants —- A Congressman Questioned A Woman Living In Poverty And Revealed A Lot About Himself http://thinkprogress.org/economy/2014/07/11/3459154/poverty-hearing-dependent/ —- Congressman Goes On Diatribe Against Migrant Children, Urges Texas To Unilaterally Declare War http://thinkprogress.org/immigration/2014/07/11/3459331/gohmert-unaccompanied-children-dday/ —- Column: Where does the buck stop? An attempt to clarify what GOP obstinacy has prevented.. —- Utah man arrested over plot to blow up police station John Huggins, 47, believed that the plan, once carried out, would spark an anti-government uprising, court documents show http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/jul/12/utah-man-arrested-plot-police-station —- Vladimir Putin meets Fidel Castro in Cuba Vladimir Putin, Russian president, meets Fidel Castro, the retired Communist leader, in Cuba —- UN Security Council calls for immediate ceasefire in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict Un Security Council President calls for “the reinstitution of the November 2012 ceasefire” brokered by Egypt —- Israeli troops clash with Hamas as Gaza death toll continues to spiral Commandos sent in to destroy rocket site, says army, while Palestinians count more than 150 dead and UN seeks ceasefire —- Israel-Gaza conflict: Israeli air strike demolishes home for the disabled killing two women residents —- Mombasa: Muslim businessman accused of terror links killed http://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-28278606 —- Iraq crisis: How Saudi Arabia helped Isis take over the north of the country World View: A speech by an ex-MI6 boss hints at a plan going back over a decade. In some areas, being Shia is akin to being a Jew in Nazi Germany —- Gunmen kill 25 women in Baghdad prostitution raid Writing left on the door of one of the buildings read: ‘this is the fate of any prostitution’ —- Full audit of Afghanistan vote eases standoff in presidential election John Kerry presides over breakthrough that guarantees ‘every single ballot cast, all eight million’ will be counted again —- What?? Australia judge probed for saying incest ‘may be accepted’ Australian judge to be investigated after he reportedly said sex between siblings was gaining social acceptance just like homosexuality —- North Korea fires missiles into sea North Korea fires two short-range missiles ahead of joint US-South Korea military exercises. http://www.aljazeera.com/news/asia-pacific/2014/07/north-korea-fires-missiles-into-sea-201471315537677499.html Punished by axe: Bonded labour in India’s brick kilns http://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-27486450 —- Children risk dangerous journey to US Many jump onto trains in Mexico to cross border, lured by law allowing them to stay in US until courts hear their cases. —- Why female war reporters are important They have as tough a time as their male counterparts, but also bring a fresh perspective away from tactics and weaponry —- A Pipeline Threatens Our Family Land Gas companies can claim the right of eminent domain to seize private property. http://www.nytimes.com/2014/07/13/opinion/sunday/a-pipeline-threatens-our-family-land.html —- Do people choose pain over boredom? http://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-28130690 —- God is not vindictive – He’s just giving His verdict on our vanity and bad taste As a recent house fire suggests, the Lord has no time for vulgar interior decor – and He has a particular thing about crystal… —- The eerie Americana of photographer Ed Freeman – in pictures After a 25-year career in the music industry, during which he produced Don McLean’s American Pie, Ed Freeman returned to his original love of photography. While driving around southern Californian deserts to photograph landscapes, he was struck by the beauty of the desolate buildings he passed on the way. “I wanted to appreciate these old, falling-apart buildings that no one pays any attention to. So I photographed them as if they were the most important thing on Earth,” he says. “I really love the desert: it’s a place of independence and freedom, and during the winter the weather is beautiful. It’s incredibly peaceful and quiet: you can drive a hundred miles and not see a single person —- Animal photos of the week: 11 July 2014 http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/picturegalleries/earth/10961718/Animal-photos-of-the-week.html —- The week in pictures: 11 July 2014 —- Week in pictures: 5-11 July 2014 http://www.bbc.com/news/in-pictures-28261657 » Posted By Kalima On July 13, 2014 @ 2:00 am Thanks Nirek. It’s our turn now as the typhoon is moving up to our Kanto region between now, 9pm and our morning. It’s a bit weaker but we are expecting very strong winds and torrential rain. Everyone is home and safe here. See you soon I hope. Peace. » Posted By Kalima On July 10, 2014 @ 5:05 am Good Morning Everyone. I have always tried and mostly succeeded in keeping the promises I make. However I have a family emergency that will keep me from posting any updates this morning. I ask for your patience and hope to be back on Sunday. Have a good day wherever you may be. Take care, be safe, stay warm and comfy or cool and dry. Sayonara from my already windy corner of Tokyo. Mata ne. » Posted By Kalima On July 10, 2014 @ 1:19 am Hey AB, my travelling friend, nice to know that you are ok. I didn’t say that I wanted to land on his lap, I said it would be the worst thing that could happen if I were blown over to N. Korea. Not enough money or cat nip in the world to ever make me want to sit on the flabby lap of that lunatic. Have fun, take care and don’t forget us. We miss you. Hugs to you and the family. » Posted By Kalima On July 8, 2014 @ 6:42 pm Thank you Sally, we will be ok I hope, our new house seems very sturdy. Not used to having a day off, so I’ll have to think about it because the tribes keep me pretty busy with their demands. Never a dull moment here. 🙂 Thanks for popping by and you take it easy too. » Posted By Kalima On July 8, 2014 @ 6:35 pm Thanks kes, not much will be happening until Friday, but we do expect more rain and strong winds from early morning tomorrow. See you in the morning maybe. Take care . » Posted By Kalima On July 8, 2014 @ 6:30 pm Thank you Nirek, I plan to stay indoors until it has passed the Kanto region on Friday. Today is Wednesday so there is still some time to wait. I’ll be back on Thursday with more stories and hope to see you then. Peace. » Posted By Kalima On July 8, 2014 @ 6:17 pm Many thanks, slm. Earthquakes, typhoons and rude Japanese geezers, I’ve survived them all. 🙂 Will be back here with updates on Thursday. Until then, be well and take care. Thanks again. » Posted By Kalima On July 8, 2014 @ 5:28 am Thank you monicaangela. I’ll be doing just that before I sleep tonight. Take care. » Posted By Kalima On July 8, 2014 @ 5:23 am Hello choicelady, have been out since my morning and just found this. Thank you so much for your kind words and your concern about this island. The typhoon is huge and now lashing Okinawa. We will be hit some time around Friday. I feel safe in our new house so please don’t worry. The worst thing that could happen is if I went outside to feed the tribe, flew off like Mary Poppins, and ended up in N. Korea, sitting on Kim Jung un’s lap. I’ll stay in and safe. Take care and thank you for taking the time out of your busy day to pop in. See you soon. » Posted By Kalima On July 8, 2014 @ 5:20 am Good Afternoon/Evening everyone. Just wanted to wish all of our American members and readers a HAPPY 4th OF JULY. [img]https://planetpov.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/happy-4th-of-july-2012-fireworks-flag-usa-e1404436968440.jpg[/img] Have a good day wherever you may be. Take care, be safe, stay warm and comfy or cool and dry. Sayonara from my humid, rainy corner of Tokyo. Mata ne. A few stories and opinions from around the globe. As usual premature because N. Korea won’t keep it’s promise. Japan outlines sanctions reward for N. Korea’s action on abductions —- Mixed picture for the economy http://www.japantimes.co.jp/opinion/2014/07/03/editorials/mixed-picture-economy/ —- Pacific War veteran concerned with gov’t’s hasty decision on reinterpreting Constitution http://mainichi.jp/english/english/newsselect/news/20140703p2a00m0na016000c.html —- 30 color photos of Nagasaki after A-bombing discovered at U.S. National Archives http://mainichi.jp/english/english/newsselect/news/20140703p2a00m0na009000c.html —- Saudi Arabian TV tempts would-be thieves in Tokyo to test Japan’s honesty —- PICTURE OF THE DAY That’s the only thing our toilet doesn’t do. 😆 Singing toilets http://www.japantoday.com/category/picture-of-the-day/view/singing-toilets INTERNATIONAL NEWS Unfortunately not all he misrepresents. David Cameron accused of misrepresenting A&E waiting times to Parliament —- Good Lord! I wonder how many die while waiting? NHS patients waiting longer for routine operations under coalition Hospitals report surgery delays of up to 215 days despite pledge from Cameron to keep waiting times down, NHS figures show —- Exclusive: Tories under fire for links to pro-Russia lobbyists —- The Party of waste and economically challenged deadbeats. £340,000 taxpayer bill for hotel rooms booked for London Olympics and never used Theresa May’s department block-booked 3,455 rooms at a cost of up to £139 a night, which were then left empty —- HA!! See, Conservatives can’t do the maths, no wonder we are in such a bloody mess. George Osborne stalls over 7×8 times table question from a seven-year-old Young boy helps the Chancellor out with the answer to a simple arithmetic question as Mr Osborne is quizzed on his music taste and pocket money —- Germany introduces minimum wage Germany has introduced a minimum wage of €8.50 (£6.80) an hour – leaving only six countries in the EU without the legal requirement —- Well Nic, it could also mean that you are corrupt. 🙄 Sarkozy: Case against me ‘political’ Ex-President Nicolas Sarkozy says the French judiciary is “being used for political ends”, as he is formally investigated for influence peddling. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-28137825 —- Costa Concordia: Video footage shows inside of sunken ship —- Of course this coward will still be hiding in the embassy. Swedish court sets date for Julian Assange rape case hearing 16 July hearing is first legal battle in the case since WikiLeaks founder sought asylum in the Ecuadorean embassy in London http://www.theguardian.com/media/2014/jul/03/swedish-court-date-julian-assange-rape-case-hearing —- Ukraine crisis: President Petro Poroshenko starts to build an ‘army that can fight and win’ Kiev has struggled to supply the armed forces and re-assert control over the industrial east of the country —- Going Without Water in Detroit Residents’ taps are dry while stadiums and golf courses have service. http://www.nytimes.com/2014/07/04/opinion/going-without-water-in-detroit.html —- The Great Disinvestment by Paul Krugman Build we won’t. http://krugman.blogs.nytimes.com/2014/07/03/the-great-disinvestment/ —- If Only Thomas Jefferson Could Settle the Issue The official transcript of the Declaration of Independence may contain an errant period that contributes to what one scholar calls a “routine but serious misunderstanding” of the document. —- Clergy Protest Supreme Court By Handing Out Condoms At Hobby Lobby —- 3 Lies About Birth Control That Were Just Reinforced By The Hobby Lobby Ruling http://thinkprogress.org/health/2014/06/30/3454815/birth-control-lies-hobby-lobby-ruling/ —- The Most Partisan Supreme Court Justice Of All http://thinkprogress.org/justice/2014/07/02/3455366/the-most-partisan-justice/ —- Goldman Sachs lawsuit: Wall Street giant is a ‘boys club where drinking, strip clubs and sexism tolerated’ —- At time of austerity, 8 universities spent top dollar on Hillary Rodham Clinton speeches —- At least two dead as overpass collapses in Brazilian World Cup host city Belo Horizonte —- Fifa wasn’t going to let favelas ruin a wonderful World Cup — it just bulldozed them instead Why should such a great spectacle be ruined by the sight of common people? —- Peru’s interior minister Daniel Urresti accused of journalist’s 1988 murder My hands are not ‘stained with blood’ says politician after allegations surrounding death of Hugo Bustios http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/jul/03/peru-interior-minister-daniel-urresti-murder-charge —- Islamic State seizes key oil fields after defections from al-Qaeda ally Syria’s largest oilfield has fallen under control of Islamic State as the Jihadist group attracts support from al-Qaeda backed rivals —- Egyptians uncertain about future under President Sisi One year after saluting him for overthrowing Islamist President Mohammed Morsi, Egyptians are questioning how President Abdul Fattah al-Sisi now plans to solve the country’s problems. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-28126198 —- 😯 120 Libyan rebels charter plane to Sarajevo to watch a movie French director Florent Marcie showcases new documentary Tomorrow, Tripoli at Sarajevo’s Warm festival http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/jul/03/sarajevo-libyan-rebels-premiere-marcie-film-warm —- Violent clashes as Palestinian rage over murder of teenage boy spreads to Gaza Strip —- Although the kidnapping and murder of the three Israeli teenagers is horrific , this Palestinian boy had nothing to do with it. Revealed: CCTV shows moment Palestinian boy is kidnapped before being killed Video obtained by The Telegraph shows the moment 16-year-old Mohammed Abu Khdeir was bundled into a car in Jerusalem – only to be found dead hours later —- Report: Saudi troops deployed to Iraq border Saudi-owned TV station says 30,000 troops move to border after Iraqis withdraw, while evidence of Iranian aid emerges. —- Would someone please stuff and mount this man? Imagine how rich he must be now that the Chines have invested in his country. I/m sure that the population has benefitted nothing from it. Mugabe calls for an end to white farmers in Zimbabwe The president ratchets up his anti-white rhetoric after discovering some of his ministers were leasing back land to farmers that had been revoked in 2000 —- Uganda warned about ‘specific’ terrorist threat to international airport America has warned that Uganda’s international airport, in the city of Entebbe, should be alert to a terrorist attack on Thursday evening —- Ebola ‘out of control’ in West Africa as health workers rush to trace 1,500 possible victims Fear, mistrust of Western medicine and difficulties reaching remote areas mean hundreds of potentially infected people have not yet been found —- Kurds push for independence vote amid Iraq chaos Massoud Barzani, president of autonomous Kurdish region, calls on Iraqi MPs to plan for independence referendum http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/jul/03/kurds-independence-referendum-iraq-massoud-barzani —- Iraq crisis: Isis rebels ‘hunt opponents’, say refugees http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-28155663 —- Greenpeace India fears charity crackdown under Narendra Modi Foreign-funded charities accuse PM of scare tactics as national intelligence agency submits anti-NGO report to government —- Secretive agency leads most intense anti-corruption effort in modern Chinese history —- China and South Korea oppose North Korea nuclear tests http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-28139972 —- New voting power of Chinese Indonesians As Chinese Indonesians head to the polls, many reflect on the days of discrimination and on what has changed, writes Christine Franciska. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-27991754 Horrifying as it is fascinating. These women can hardly walk. CHINA’S LAST FOOT-BINDING SURVIVORS http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2014/07/02/china-s-last-foot-binding-survivors.html https://youtube.com/watch?v=6vVb2V9xt0o —- A fatal clash of civilisations? ‘Lost’ Amazonian tribe under threat from illegal loggers operating in their traditional territories —- Pakistan’s polio-busters try to contain disease despite terrorist opposition Mass vaccinations for children to help stem spread from those fleeing hostilities in North Waziristan http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/jul/03/pakistan-polio-busters-disease-terrorist-opposition —- A History of the First World War in 100 Moments: When corpses fell from the Nottinghamshire sky —- Should gay men and lesbians be bracketed together? Lesbians and gay men campaign together – but should they be bracketed together? http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-28130472 —- Oklahoma drought kindles spectre of 1930s ‘Dust Bowl’ Oklahoma is facing a drought that raises the spectre of a return to the dust bowl conditions of the 1930s. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-27986425 —- Hey, Kendall Jones: hunting animals does not ‘help’ them Killing animals for kicks and a blog post is simply revolting —- 5 Dangers of Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers http://www.care2.com/greenliving/5-dangers-of-over-the-counter-pain-relievers.html —- Early humans were less primative than previously thought Researchers at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History discovered that early hominids had already started making tools, evolving long limbs and diversifying their diets to cope with climate change —- Scientists discover fragment of ‘missing link’ asteroid that led to explosion of life on Earth —- Astronomy Photographer of the Year 2014: shortlist —- South Sudan in pictures: Threat of famine http://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-28038731 —- In pictures: Urban explorer visits abandoned asylum in Maryland —- I have five, wonder how that would work out?? In pictures: Photoshop artist digitally transplants cats’ faces onto owners’ bodies —- Pictures of the day: 2 July 2014 —- Day in pictures: 3 July 2014 http://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-28145101 —- Photo highlights of the day The Guardian’s picture editors bring you a selection of the best photographs from around the world http://www.theguardian.com/news/gallery/2014/jul/03/photo-highlights-of-the-day » Posted By Kalima On July 3, 2014 @ 6:35 pm Hello Nirek, I was thinking of you when I read the story about the cell cars, and that’s why I included it. Thank you for your kind words of concern about my health, but there might be some good news after recent tests, and I could start a new kind of IV treatment to bring down both the inflammation and the fever as early as the 8th of July. It’s not a cure but should make me feel better than I have felt for many months. I’m not a quiter, so I intend to carry on here as before when I can. Thanks again, you are too kind. Peace. » Posted By Kalima On June 29, 2014 @ 3:06 pm Good Morning Everyone and welcome to your Sunday. We just had an hour of incredible storms. Thunder, lightning and torrential rain. Half way through it I heard the most unusual sounds, the downstairs toilet and kitchen sink were making gurgling noises like hot springs. So the first thing on Monday morning, a phone call to the company that built our new house with assurances that it would withstand a strong earthquake. Well that’s reassuring, but what on earth is wrong with our plumbing? 😯 Have a good day wherever you may be. Take care, be safe, stay warm and comfy or cool and dry. Sayonara from our wet evening corner of Tokyo. Mata ne. Sunday’s Bits & Bobs Impact of Fukushima groundwater bypass eludes Tepco —- Abe’s nuclear renaissance ignores stiff opposition —- Gov’t says Japan can use force in collective security ops if attacked http://mainichi.jp/english/english/newsselect/news/20140628p2a00m0na010000c.html —- ‘Unacceptable outrage’: 139 local councils adopt statements against collective defense http://mainichi.jp/english/english/newsselect/news/20140628p2a00m0na009000c.html —- Japan bets big on making fuel-cell cars a reality http://www.japantoday.com/category/business/view/japan-bets-big-on-making-fuel-cell-cars-a-reality —- PICTURE OF THE DAY Better luck next time, guys. The boys from Brazil http://www.japantoday.com/category/picture-of-the-day/view/the-boys-from-brazil Behold the perks of privatisation. Hospital dangerously short of nurses pays out six-figure sums to managers Failing hospital hired dozens of interim managers on six-figure packages, with one being paid up to £540,000 a year —- Hospitals told to stop profiteering from parking Norman Lamb, the health minister, said he was prepared to insert a clause in the standard NHS contract to stop executives repeatedly hitting patients with high parking fees —- Why stubborn Iain Duncan Smith is no statesman The minister’s reluctance to abandon his disastrous Work Programme is further proof of his pig-headedness http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2014/jun/28/iain-duncan-smith-stubborn-fool-not-statesman —- Shameful. Lonely Britain: Tens of thousands of elderly men and women are left home and alone —- Cameron sure knows how to pick them. Cameron aide Patrick Rock charged over child abuse images Patrick Rock, one of David Cameron’s closest aides, has been charged with child pornography offences —- The power of friendship is what did for Andy Coulson David Cameron was utterly dependent on his spin doctor’s insights – and was remarkably incurious about the precise details of his past —- Phone hacking exclusive: The News of the World, the army’s IRA mole and more questions for Rupert Murdoch —- Iraq War inquiry delays cost tens of thousands of pounds a week New figures show that the cost of running Sir John Chilcot’s inquiry was £1.54 million over the past year – £30,000 a week – taking the total cost past £9million for the first time. —- Friends: The One With Dave’s Bad Week After Andy Coulson is found guilty, and Jean-Claude Juncker wins the EU presidency, Dave feels like the Roy Hodgson of politics http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/politics/10931934/Friends-The-One-With-Daves-Bad-Week.html —- Sarajevo: city commemorates end to ‘a century of conflict’, but divisions still run deep On a street corner by the river, the shots that sparked the first world war were fired. Finally, residents are hoping to lay to rest the ghosts of past conflicts http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/jun/28/sarajevo-franz-ferdinand-first-world-war —- Serbs boycott Archduke Franz Ferdinand assassination centenary Serbian leaders and Bosnian Serbs stay away from Sarajevo ceremony to mark 100th anniversary of first world war spark —- Good Lord! No vanity there. 😯 Vladimir Putin’s face engraved on £2,500 gold iPhone for ‘patriotic Russians’ A gold-plated iPhone engraved with an image of Vladimir Putin and tributes to him has gone on sale in Russia —- Ukraine signs historic EU trade pact sparking Russia ire Putin advisor labels Petro Poroshenko, the president of Ukraine, a ‘Nazi’ for signing the deal despite the ceasefire between pro-Russia rebels and Ukraine being extended by three days for more talks —- Obama uses embassies to push for LGBT rights abroad American efforts launched out of embassies at administration’s direction have met support and criticism for gay rights activism http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/jun/28/obama-gay-rights-abroad-embassies-activism —- Benghazi suspect pleads not guilty in US court Ahmed Abu Khattala, the Libyan charged in the 2012 Benghazi attacks that killed four Americans, pleaded not guilty to conspiracy in his initial appearance in US federal court —- Mississippi, the Tea Party, and the tale of two Deep Souths From picking cotton to picking senators, Mississippi’s African-Americans have come a long way, writes Matt Lewis. They saved the political life of a white Republican septuagenarian named Thad Cochran —- Voter-Fraud Claims and Activist’s Suicide Add to Turmoil in Mississippi The primary fight between Senator Thad Cochran and his Tea Party challenger descended into voter fraud accusations, and a tragic note was introduced when a Tea Party leader committed suicide. —- Is she a Christian I wonder? Can’t be. Colorado Official Wants To ‘Get Rid Of The Homeless’ By Giving Them A One-Way Bus Ticket Out Of Town http://thinkprogress.org/economy/2014/06/27/3454029/colorado-bus-homeless/ —- BP seeks to wrest back Gulf of Mexico compensation http://www.bbc.com/news/business-28069583 —- Argentina’s vice president charged with corruption Argentina’s vice president Amado Boudou has been charged with bribery in a case which has brought into question the leadership of President Cristina Kirchner —- Syria charity blames red tape for closure of Aleppo hospital Staff at much-needed hospital given a month’s notice because charity needs established funding partner to keep facility open —- Jordan may be next in line for the Isis extremists Diplomats and Jordanian government officials fear terror group may be gaining ground in kingdom —- Deadly blasts hit Cairo outskirts A mother and daughter are killed as two bombs explode at a telephone exchange in the outskirts of Egyptian capital. —- Egyptian military backtracks on Aids cure claims Devices purported to identify and cure hepatitis and HIV set to be put to use have been delayed citing ‘further testing’ http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/jun/28/egypt-military-aids-cure-device-backtrack —- Nigeria violence: Several dead in Bauchi blast http://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-28071027 —- Beatings, rape and mass Congo deportation More than 130,000 DRC citizens have been kicked out of Congo-Brazzaville as claims of physical and sexual abuse continue —- Iraqi government in fierce battle to retake Tikrit Iraq’s government has begun an offensive against Isis in Tikrit, using helicopters to fight back against the jihadists that now control Saddam Hussein’s birthplace —- Iraq: What it feels like to be on the receiving end of Isis’s pickup truck killing party A man who hid from Isis for eight hours in a stack of straw tells Richard Spencer of the horrific day when the Iraqi jihadists came to his village, murdering his son, brother, nephew and sister-in-law —- Death squads, Isis and a new generation of fighters – why Iraq is facing break-up More than a decade on from his first visits to Iraq, former Baghdad correspondent Colin Freeman finds the country in its worst crisis since Saddam’s fall —- Building collapses in India kill at least 20 and trap dozens more Attempts to find survivors on the rumble continues after a 12-story apartment block workers were building collapsed in stormy weather in Chennai, on the same day another block toppled in an area of New Delhi —- Indian forest villagers rise up to halt UK firm’s bid to clear land for mining British firm Essar Energy’s plans for open cast mine in Mahan forest plans could destroy villages and 5m trees. http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/jun/28/india-controversial-forest-coalmine-essar-energy —- Communist party chief in Guangzhou investigated for corruption The most senior Communist party official in the southern city of Guangzhou is under investigation for corruption —- Meet the Chinese women standing up to inequality Activists have ‘occupied’ men’s toilets, donned wedding dresses splashed with red and shaved heads to raise awareness http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/jun/25/china-young-feminists-stunts-highlight-challenges-women —- Final day of Hong Kong democracy ‘referendum’ http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-china-28076566 —- South Korea report two missiles fired in to its waters by North Korea North Korea fired without designating no-sail zones, an act viewed as highly provocative by the South Korean military, as local media report the projectiles appeared to be Scud missiles —- Thai army promises elections in October 2015 http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-28069578 TRIVIA QUIZ Today’s question. US author Truman Strekfus Persons is better known by what name? —- Child divorcees of Nigeria face a bleak future after fleeing abusive marriages —- If King Canute had a roads policy… North Carolina’s Highway 12 is at the centre of a ferocious and politically charged dispute Out of America: One of the US’s most scenic roads is under threat, but the chorus of climate-change deniers prevents action —- When Civil-Rights Unity Fractured Black activists saw Freedom Summer differently. http://www.nytimes.com/2014/06/29/opinion/sunday/when-civil-rights-unity-fractured.html —- Speaking to My Father in a Dead Dialect The language he spoke is leaving me now. And he is leaving me, too. http://opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com/2014/06/25/speaking-to-my-father-in-a-dead-dialect/ —- How the Clintons went from ‘dead broke’ to rich: Bill earned $104.9 million for speeches —- Women more vulnerable to Islamophobia: Traditional dress makes wearer ‘visibly Muslim’ and a soft target for abuse, say researchers —- India’s long, dark and dangerous walk to the toilet http://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-28039513 —- The man who carried out one of the world’s earliest hijackings http://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-28014394 —- A History of the First World War in 100 Moments: The officer who fought prejudice with valour —- 100 years since the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand: How did shot spark the First World War? —- Mexico’s citizen militias infected by the rot they hoped to cut out —- Animal photos of the week: 27 June 2014 http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/picturegalleries/earth/10930421/Animal-photos-of-the-week.html —- The week in pictures: 27 June 2014 —- Week in pictures: 21-27 June 2014 http://www.bbc.com/news/in-pictures-28054347 —- The 20 photographs of the week Luis Suárez, the violence in Iraq, the Glastonbury festival – the best photography in news, culture and sport from around the world this week http://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/gallery/2014/jun/28/photography-uruguay-luis-suarez » Posted By Kalima On June 29, 2014 @ 1:53 am Thank you kes, I will. 🙂 » Posted By Kalima On June 26, 2014 @ 6:00 pm Sorry about not posting any updates when so much is happening around the world, but circumstances here prevented me from doing them. I won’t go into details because they are as boring as watching paint dry, however I do promise to be back on Sunday. Thank you for your understanding and hope to see you again soon. Take care. » Posted By Kalima On June 26, 2014 @ 4:39 pm Hello kes. Thunder and lightning here now for two days, putting both indoor and outside tribes in a bad mood, and encouraging hiding under anything that isn’t fastened down or even things I am wearing. Try making a cuppa with one hiding with it’s head stuck in the sleeve of your cardigan. I agree 100% about those waiting for six months for appointments to see a doctor from personal experience as my mother died just six months after her diagnosis of cancer because her doctors hadn’t recommended any tests or scans, telling her her symptoms were pre menopausal. If she had been diagnosed earlier, she could still have been with us today instead of going through an agonising death at 49 years of age. I’m not a fan of Brand for stupidly telling young people not to vote in in any elections. That is both dangerous and selfish because not voting or voting against a party because of their name and for their Party’s involvement in the Iraq war just because the last leader did, is what led the Tory government to win and to do exactly what all these people were out there protesting about. How come they missed the irony of that? As if any Tory worth his weigh in bribes would ever admit that privatisation is bad and capitalism doesn’t work. 😆 I laughed out loud at the Angela Merkel skit too because it was actually true. All the red faced blustering by Cameron just won’t work in Europe. Yes, love how Pope Francis is taking on all the bad guys even though it paints a bullseye on his back and puts him in danger. First the rapes and murders all over India and now the murder of a girlfriend because she refused to have sex with him? Pakistan where you are executed for blasphemy, honour killings and women are not allowed outside without an escort? The sheer hypocrisy is sickening. I’m so tired of reading about crimes against women in countries where men beat their chest like primates declaring their superiority. There is nothing superior about abusing women, it is the act of cowardice and weakness. Yes, it is so hard being rich that less well off people should be feeling sorry for them. Right!! 😯 The trivia answer, ah ha! You were close, so you get a “ti” today. The answer was, for electrical insulation in 1913. Thanks for having a go. 🙂 » Posted By Kalima On June 25, 2014 @ 12:15 am As always, thanks for stopping by, Nirek. Glad you enjoyed the pictures. Peace to you and yours. » Posted By Kalima On June 22, 2014 @ 4:29 pm Good Morning Everyone, and welcome to your Sunday. Our rain is back as it should be in the Rainy Season, so I really don’t have anything I should complain about. Have a good Sunday wherever you may be. Take care, be safe, stay warm and comfy or cool and dry. Sayonara from my late Sunday afternoon corner of Tokyo. Mata ne. Sunday’s Bits and Bobs 15 injured as sightseeing train derails in Kagoshima —- Full-scale inspection begins at Hamaoka nuclear plant —- Defense Ministry to study new missile defense system —- Abe hijacks democracy, undermines Constitution —- Matsumoto: Aum’s sarin guinea pig Residents of this picturesque city in Nagano Prefecture recall the day 20 years ago when members of a religious cult released a deadly nerve gas in what was to become a dry run for a subsequent attack on the Tokyo subway system http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2014/06/21/national/history/matsumoto-aums-sarin-guinea-pig/ —- The man accused of poisoning Matsumoto’s civilians —- Fukushima cattle farmer brings cow for protest at farm ministry http://mainichi.jp/english/english/newsselect/news/20140621p2g00m0dm051000c.html —- PICTURE OF THE DAY Bon dance http://www.japantoday.com/category/picture-of-the-day/view/bon-dance Well said. At last the truth about the incompetence of Ian Duncan Smith, and the Tory boasting of success. Margaret Hodge: Personal Independence Payment welfare scheme as a ‘fiasco’ Margaret Hodge, who chairs the Public Accounts Committee, says the implementation of the Personal Independence Payment (PIP) has been a “shambles”, and asks why nobody thought of piloting the flagship welfare scheme before its introduction —- Tens of thousands march in London against coalition’s austerity measures An estimated 50,000 people in London addressed by speakers, including Russell Brand, after People’s Assembly march —- David Cameron looks powerless on Europe. Can he salvage anything from Juncker-gate? The stand-off has presented Britain, not for the first time, against almost everyone else —- NHS is out of control, says Tory health minister Jane Ellison tells private meeting that coalition reforms ‘pretty much gave away control of NHS’ http://www.theguardian.com/society/2014/jun/21/nhs-control-given-away-tory-minister —- The NHS is loved and efficient, so why the obsession with reform? The cheapest but best health care system in the world can only suffer when profits come first —- Friends: Merkel gives Cameron a lesson in realpolitik The Prime Minister discovers that in politics as in football, the Germans always win —- Broken camp, broken lives, as vigilante attack makes itself felt on Roma A brutal assault on a teenager near Paris has highlighted ethnic tensions in France. But one town hall is trying to break the racist mould http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/jun/22/broken-lives-vigilante-justice-roma —- Pope Francis attacks ‘evil’ mafia in ‘Ndrangheta base http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-27956554 —- Ukraine crisis: Poroshenko’s ceasefire lasts only hours as peace plan crumbles —- Vladimir Putin orders Russian troops onto ‘combat alert’ as Ukraine fighting spills across border Tensions between Moscow and Kiev continue to mount with Vladimir Putin’s latest show of force as Russia dismisses Petro Poroshenko’s “peace plan” as an ultimatum —- Obama: US military action futile without Iraq political consensus President told CNN ‘no amount of American firepower’ would be able to hold Iraq together if leaders don’t rise above sectarianism http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/jun/21/obama-us-military-action-futile-maliki-sectarian —- ‘Huge’ settlement in New York Central Park jogger case http://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-27947989 —- No, Obama Didn’t Create The Migrant Children Crisis http://thinkprogress.org/immigration/2014/06/20/3450988/republicans-unaccompanied-children-crisis/ —- California Prisons Illegally Sterilized Dozens Of Women, Audit Finds http://thinkprogress.org/justice/2014/06/21/3451634/audit-confirms-illegal-sterilizations/ —- 4 Key Takeaways About Scott Walker’s Alleged “Criminal Scheme” Here’s what you need to know about the probe targeting the Wisconsin governor and two of his aides. —- Mass graves with remains of migrants uncovered in Texas Scientists have spent days exhuming the remains of unidentified migrants from a cemetery in Falfurrias, Texas http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/jun/21/texas-mass-graves-undocumented-migrants-uncovered —- Presbyterian Church votes to divest holdings to sanction Israel Most prominent US religious group voted to sell church stock in companies whose products Israel uses in Palestinian territories —- Syrian jets bomb ISIL-held eastern towns Dozens killed and injured in stepped-up raids against armed group after its Iraqi offshoot made rapid gains in Iraq. —- Meet the new boss, a chip off the block of the old boss. Egyptian court confirms death sentence on Muslim Brotherhood leader and 182 ‘supporters’ Mohamed Badie, leader of the outlawed Muslim Brotherhood, and at least 182 supporters have death sentences confir —- Israel arrests more Palestinians in hunt for missing teenagers Israel continues efforts to recover three teenagers they believe have been kidnapped with 10 more arrests bringing total since the operation began to 340 —- Gaza family traumatised by Israel airstrikes Bombings, which Israel says are in response to rockets launched from Gaza, hit Palestinian territory for third day. —- Israeli troops kill Palestinian in West Bank clashes http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-27961927 —- Ebola outbreak: Virus is ‘totally out of control’ warns Doctors Without Borders medic —- Shell in preliminary Nigeria oil spill judgement http://www.bbc.com/news/business-27937879 —- Rebranded insurgents gain whip hand on streets of Baghdad The Mahdi army, now renamed the Peace Brigades, parades its power in the Iraqi capital as it prepares to do battle with Sunni rebels in the north http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/jun/22/iraq-shia-insurgents-whip-hand-baghdad-isis —- Iraq crisis: As the Sunni terror spreads, its fighters look for wives —- Iraq’s beleaguered Christians make final stand on the Mosul frontline Some Christian families from Mosul have sought refuge in St Matthew’s Monastery, writes Richard Spencer. Others vow to take a stand against the Islamists – whatever the cost —- PM who led the Isis fightback to blame for extremists’ rise Nouri al-Maliki’s appointment of generals because of their loyalty to him, rather than their skills, allowed Isis to advance on Baghdad http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2014/jun/22/nouri-al-maliki-iraq-isis —- Pakistan woman, 20, ‘raped and hanged from tree by boyfriend’ Woman’s boyfriend, named as Muhammad Saqib, confessed to raping and murdering 21 year-old after she refused to have sex with two of his friends, say police —- Afghanistan elections: Kabul protests under way as Abdullah Abdullah boycotts vote count Fears grow of unrest erupting over alleged fraud in Afghanistan’s election one week ago as supporters of presidential candidate Abdullah Abdullah take to Kabul streets —- How insulting. Australia offers asylum-seekers £5,500 to return home Refugees attempting to reach Australia from Pacific immigraton camps offered cash payments to return home according to their country of origin, with Lebanese migrants offered the most, report claims —- Australians want renewable energy target retained by big margin Polling shows 72% of Australians want to keep or expand RET, as Abbott government considers abolishing it —- China Xinjiang: Police kill 13 attackers http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-china-27953164 —- South Korean soldier shoots dead five comrades near North Korean border http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/asia/south-korean-soldier-shoots-dead-five-comrades-near-north-korean-border-9553950.html TRIVIA QUIZ Thursday’s answer. South Korea, and AdLib got right, later so did kes. Was it my huge hint? 😉 Today;s question. For what use was Formica originally developed? Hint: To make something safer by insulating it. —- Gerry Conlon: Tormented in life, remembered in death Gerry Conlon, wrongfully sentenced to prison as one of the Guildford Four, has died in Belfast aged 60 —- A History of the First World War in 100 Moments: A conqueror shows his respect for the holy city —- The Second Amendment Doesn’t Say What You Think It Does Michael Waldman pokes holes in claims that the Constitution protects an unlimited right to guns. http://www.motherjones.com/politics/2014/06/second-amendment-guns-michael-waldman —- The day trip that devastated New York’s Little Germany http://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-27930055 —- Health experts attack ketamine plan to tackle depression Group of experts calls for treatment combining electroconvulsive therapy and the recreational drug ketamine to be abandoned http://www.theguardian.com/society/2014/jun/22/critics-attack-ect-ketamine-therapy-depression —- Yawn. Considering that many don’t have a good relationship with their children anyway, it’s rather ironic. Revealed: the biggest fears of the super-rich Rich fear their wealth could be depriving their children of drive and ambition, study finds —- Baron Wolman’s Woodstock – in pictures From a cow’s eye view of the action to life on Groovy Way, Baron Wolman’s revealing photos of the revellers at Woodstock http://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/gallery/2014/jun/22/baron-wolman-woodstock-in-pictures —- Animal photos of the week: 20 June 2014 http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/picturegalleries/earth/10914339/Animal-photos-of-the-week.html —- The week in pictures: 20 June 2014 —- Week in pictures: 14-20 June 2014 http://www.bbc.com/news/in-pictures-27938712 —- The 20 photographs of the week Luis Suárez, protests and Costa Rica at the World Cup in Brazil, the increasing violence in Iraq, London fashion – the best photography in news, culture and sport from around the world this week http://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/gallery/2014/jun/21/photography-world-cup-brazil-mexico » Posted By Kalima On June 22, 2014 @ 1:47 am Nirek, AdLib and kes. Sorry for the delay in replying, and will do that as soon as my silly fingers start to behave . See you soon. » Posted By Kalima On June 20, 2014 @ 1:26 am Good Morning Everyone! One very sunny and humid day here today in our Rainy Season. I’ll be happy when we reach the end of September and I can feel human again. Have a good day wherever you may be. Take care, be safe, stay warm and comfy or cool and dry. Sayonara from my darkening evening corner of Tokyo. Mata ne. A few stories and opinions from around the globe. Tepco’s ice wall runs into glitch at Fukushima No. 1 —- And yet………. Operator of Hamaoka nuclear plant says no active faults below site —- Nuclear regulator to begin safety review on Higashidori plant http://mainichi.jp/english/english/newsselect/news/20140618p2g00m0dm067000c.html —- BOJ now Japan’s biggest creditor http://www.japantoday.com/category/business/view/boj-now-japans-biggest-creditor —- PICTURE OF THE DAY Korean protest http://www.japantoday.com/category/picture-of-the-day/view/korean-protest INTERNATIONAL NEWS Any wonder? Deprivation Britain: Poverty is getting worse – even among working families, according to major new study —- Well he and Cameron have had no trouble following in her evil footsteps. Dreadful man. We must follow Thatcher the optimist, says George Osborne Chancellor says Britain needs to talk itself up and draw on the inspiration of Margaret Thatcher —- Kudos to them. Nurses reject plans to make patients pay £10 for a GP appointment —- Do those who blindly vote for Ukip know what the Far Right in Europe consist of? When interviewed some said they didn’t know who he was, but still voted for him. Scary! Nigel Farage joins forces with far-right Swedish and French MEPs Ukip leader’s group in European parliament includes party founded by white supremacists and ex-FN member http://www.theguardian.com/politics/2014/jun/18/nigel-farage-far-right-european-parliament —- Poland’s PM Tusk warns of snap election over scandal http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-27919039 —- Nato leaves Russia frozen out in Baltic Sea exercise Amid increasing East-West tensions, Nato conducts a large scale military exercise in the Baltic Sea but how will Russia react to 30 ships so close to home? —- PUTIN IS JUST GETTING STARTED IN UKRAINE —- Putin is afraid of any real opposition – just like he was afraid of Pussy Riot He just conquered Crimea. He has proclaimed himself a unifier. But Vladimir Putin’s meddling in elections is another sign that his power is not as unconditional as he would have you believe http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2014/jun/18/putin-pussy-riot-moscow-city-duma-elections —- Ukraine separatists vow to fight on as president unveils ceasefire plan Petro Poroshenko, the president, hopes to win Vladimir Putin’s backing for peace plan as fighting continues in east of country http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/jun/18/ukraine-president-ceasefire-plan-vladimir-putin —- US border patrol struggles to shelter thousands of unaccompanied children Texas and Arizona stations prove unprepared for processing more than 47,000 children who entered the country without papers http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/jun/18/us-border-patrol-children-detained-texas-arizona —- Auschwitz guard, 89, arrested in US http://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-27915040 —- Amazing! After making such a bloody mess in Iraq, most people would slink back under their bridge. The man has no shame, no heart, no integrity and no excuses. Cheneys: Obama is ‘so wrong’ on Iraq http://www.bbc.com/news/blogs-echochambers-27911385 — Why Everyone Should Immediately Stop Listening To Dick Cheney http://thinkprogress.org/world/2014/06/18/3450243/cheney-iraq-wsj/ —- GOP IRAQ HYPOCRISY HITS OVERDRIVE by Michael Tomasky http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2014/06/16/gop-iraq-hypocrisy-hits-overdrive.html —- The Gall of Dick Cheney Bush may have been a disastrous president, but at least he isn’t chiding the current administration as it tries to right his wrong in Iraq. http://www.nytimes.com/2014/06/19/opinion/charles-blow-the-gall-of-dick-cheney.html —- Koch-Funded Group Won’t Back Kansas Republicans Who Supported Clean Energy http://thinkprogress.org/climate/2014/06/17/3449826/rps-gop-support-kansas-koch/ —- No, The Poor Aren’t Poor Because They Refuse To Work http://thinkprogress.org/economy/2014/06/17/3449910/poor-work/ —- Texas county unwittingly votes in favour of reparations for African Americans Dallas county commissioners, most of whom admit not reading the resolution, unanimously vote in support of slavery reparations http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/jun/18/texas-reparations-resolution-african-americans-read —- Mitt! Again! What? Mitt Romney may not officially be running for anything, but he is still making waves. What can we say? Everything old is old again. http://www.nytimes.com/2014/06/19/opinion/gail-collins-romney-and-the-2016-contenders-huddle.html —- More Looney Toones. 😆 Fox News Suggests Obama Captured Benghazi Suspect To Boost Hillary’s Book Tour —- Brazilian police criticised over raid on protest camp Several people injured in eviction of tent community at site of proposed construction project in World Cup host city Recife http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/jun/18/brazil-police-raid-protest-camp-recife —- Chemical weapons including chlorine still being used in Syria says UN Conclusion by Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons follows Telegraph investigation into fatal attacks —- LETTERS Iraq, Syria and the rise of the Islamic militants http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/jun/18/iraq-syria-islamic-militants —- Leaders of 1980 military coup in Turkey are jailed for life after showcase trial Last two surviving coup leaders guilty of crimes against the state in trial aimed at ending military interference in Turkish politics http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/jun/19/turkey-coup-leaders-trial-jailed —- Ministers set to condemn decision to call East Jerusalem ‘disputed’ Foreign ministers of Organisation of Islamic Co-operation to call on their governments to ‘take necessary action’ in response —- Nelson Mandela’s former PA hits out at ‘disgraceful’ government handling of his death Zelda la Grange, who worked for the revered former president for 19 years before his death in December, said close friends and major celebrities were shut out of events because of red tape —- The Chinese multinational making millions out of vulnerable Ugandans In the west, Tiens markets its products as food supplements and ‘wellness equipment’. In Uganda, they are sold as treatments for everything from HIV to cancer. James Wan reports from Kampala for Think Africa Press http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/jun/19/tiens-chinese-multinational-making-millions-uganda —- Iran begins drafting nuclear deal Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif admits “many differences” still exist but work has begun on nuclear agreement between Tehran and world powers —- How ridiculous! Iranian film-maker jailed for five years for ‘collaborating with the BBC’ Mahnaz Mohammadi, charged with collusion against Iran’s national security, maintains innocence and fears sentence could be due to women’s rights work —- Iran’s Qasem Soleimani wields power behind the scenes in Iraq http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-27883162 —- Iraq crisis: US ‘urging Maliki to resign’ – live updates US reported to have told Iraqi PM to step down http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/jun/19/iraq-crisis-us-urging-maliki-to-resign-live-updates —- Iraq formally asks US to launch air strikes against rebels http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-27905849#%22 —- How has Isis grown so powerful and who will stop it? – Q&A The Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant, too hardline even for al-Qaida, is believed to control about $2bn and 10,000 men http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/jun/16/isis-islamic-state-iraq-levant-q-and-a —- Iraq crisis exclusive: US rules out military action until Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki stands down —- Iraq crisis: Fears grow that Baghdad could be engulfed in sectarian violence Both sides are using well-publicised massacres to encourage the changes they want —- Tens of thousands flee Pakistan offensive About 100,000 people driven out of northwestern areas where military operations are under way against armed groups. —- Afghanistan faces election crisis as Abdullah Abdullah demands a halt to counting Fraud claims over rival’s one million vote lead are rejected by Ashraf Ghani —- Chinese rights lawyers warn of crackdown after arrest of Pu Zhiqiang Detentions of artist Ai Weiwei’s lawyer and numerous others reveal Beijing’s fear about growth in rights activism, says expert —- That all depends if the can launch them and that they fly straight without dropping into the sea like a limp noodle. North Korea releases video of ‘new’ and ‘destabilising’ cruise missile Recently released propaganda film offers brief glimpse of what experts believe is either a Russian-made Kh-35 anti-shipping missile or a North Korean version of the weapon being fired from a ship —- Inmarsat confident on MH370 ‘hotspot’ The UK satellite company Inmarsat tells the BBC that the search for the missing Malaysia Airlines jet has yet to go to the area its scientists think is the plane’s most likely crash site. Read more: —- Second Indonesian boat capsizes off in Malaysian waters http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-27917253 —- Cambodia blames Thailand as 220,000 migrant labourers cross border Exodus follows fears of crackdown on illegal labour, with Thai army saying anyone without papers will be deported http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/jun/18/cambodia-thailand-migrant-labourers-border TRIVIA QUIZ Today’s question. In what country is the president’s office and official residence known as The Blue House? Hint: SK —- Absolutely fascinating reading. Gertrude of Arabia, the Woman Who Invented Iraq The story of the British intelligence agent who rigged an election, installed a king loyal to the British, drew new borders—and gave us today’s ungovernable country. http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2014/06/17/gertrude-of-arabia-the-woman-who-invented-iraq.html —- The Christian family refusing to give up its Bethlehem hill farm http://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-27883685 —- Nepal’s living goddess who still has to do homework http://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-27885141 —- A History of the First World War in 100 Moments: Guerrilla in the mist – a great German military maverick outwits the British again —- Iceland’s DNA: The world’s most precious genes? http://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-27903831 —- Why some people want facial scars The number of people practising facial scarring appears to be falling but some still believe it is important to wear the marks of their ancestors. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-27412311 —- Politicians may slug it out, but their distance from the electorate is widening We need a bigger gene pool of real people in politics, with local knowledge, openness, and good communication http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2014/jun/18/politicians-slug-distance-gene-pool-labour —- Las Vegas ‘good guy with a gun’ – victim or martyr? http://www.bbc.com/news/blogs-echochambers-27892820 —- Are charities too political? One chief executive believes high-profile campaigns, like Oxfam’s recent Perfect Storm on UK poverty, are not effective • Is the latest Oxfam advertisement too political? —- Scientists say weakness in ‘superbug’ bacteria could herald new treatments Barrier around infectious cells can be defeated, say British researchers, potentially overcoming their resistance to antibiotics —- Pictures of the day: 18 June 2014 —- Day in pictures: 18 June 2014 http://www.bbc.com/news/in-pictures-27903651 —- Photo highlights of the day The Guardian’s picture editors bring you a selection of the best photographs from around the world http://www.theguardian.com/news/gallery/2014/jun/18/photo-highlights-of-the-day » Posted By Kalima On June 19, 2014 @ 2:37 am Hello kes and thank you. So glad you enjoyed so many of the picks. Only have CNN and BBC World here, and haven’t watched the former since they became the voice of the TP. Yes, Tony is living on the planet Delusion, just right of the sun, and the heat she gives out has scrambled his brain. As you say, what is happening in Iraq now is the direct result of the invasion, the putting in power of Maliki, a vengeful Shiite , who has not given the Sunnis much representation in the government, so they have revolted. In fact Blair and Bush gave birth to the insurgent groups, who have now joined ranks to take back power. It ‘s so obvious that even a child could figure it out, but let’s deny it and put the blame on Obama to see how much sticks to the walls. People without shame are bereft of a human conscience, ask Bush who sleeps like a baby at night with so much blood on his hands. Shame, Blair did a lot of good for the U.K. Turned around the crumbling economy trashed once again by the former Tory government. Engineered the Northern Ireland Peace Treaty, “The Good Friday Agreement”, and changed a lot of Constitutional Acts for the better. Then he met Bush. I agree, the thought of huge amounts of water inside the earth was both fascinating and for some reason also comforting. There are a lot of programs here at the moment about the stress of families caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s, and the limited options if you don’t have money for a care home. It was sad and distressing to watch sons and daughters put their own lives on hold to care for mothers and fathers at home because they couldn’t afford professional care. A cure or discovery to greatly delay the process would be a new life for so many people around the world. It wasn’t that hot today but the murderous humidity is in the. 90’s. Not compatible with what ails me. Take care and hope you get some relaxing “feet up” time soon. See you later. » Posted By Kalima On June 18, 2014 @ 1:05 am Thanks Murph, and I don’t think it makes any difference how mild or severe we are as it’s plainly obvious that discussion and exchanging points of view is not the motive for coming to The Planet. As I said there, our patience only stretches so far. There was a wonderful reply from choicelady they choose to ignore, and the same yesterday on AdLib’s Baghdad post when members including myself proved that they were wrong. If you don’t like heights, don’t ride on a roller coaster. » Posted By Kalima On June 17, 2014 @ 11:48 pm Sorry Nirek, I hope you didn’t think I was treating dementia lightly as my favourite German aunt who looked so much like her younger sister, my mother, had dementia and passed at the end of 2011. Peace. » Posted By Kalima On June 16, 2014 @ 7:42 pm Thanks CAdawn, glad I’m not alone. Now you will have to excuse me while I search for my glasses. 😉 » Posted By Kalima On June 16, 2014 @ 7:32 pm Good Morning Nirek. Well I am glad that you read something uplifting to put your mind at ease, but with all you remember, dementia is not in the cards for you. I’m not so sure about myself though as I spend most of my day looking for things. Today I put the tomatoes in the the garbage bin, and a tea towel in the fridge. The problem is that my thoughts fly through my head so fast that I can’t keep pace with them, and this house is always so busy with people coming and going and the phone. Tokyo is a fast paced city, you tend to get mixed up with the days because a week passes so quickly. Have a good Monday, thanks for stopping by, and see you soon. Peace to you and yours. » Posted By Kalima On June 16, 2014 @ 5:13 am Hello Fergie, how sweet of you to look it up, that touched me because many people don’t know the difference between arthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis, and why should they if they don’t have it or know someone who does. That taking of blood so regularly sounds awful. I hate blood tests because it’s such a job for them here to find a vein, and they end up taking it from my hand which stays painful and swollen for a couple of days. Well we will see about the specialist, I’m not holding my breath, but have a little hope at least. I think you have a slight misconception about what is accepted in an article here at The Planet and our readers. No, it is not only Americans who come to read here, we have people from over 150 countries, so if you ever feel like writing about your experience living in Australia, you should think about writing it. I know that our members would enjoy reading it too. Think about it. 🙂 Our humidity will continue until the end of September, and yes, it zaps your energy and makes you feel like a walking fungus. I get prickly heat rashes everywhere every year. People tend to give you funny looks when you are scratching all the time, yet our felines do it constantly even if they don’t have fleas. Maybe I should come back as a cat, and save myself this embarrassment year in and year out? 😉 Glad you had the chance to visit Tokyo, it really is nice here around cherry blossom time before it gets too hot and sticky. Anyway, it was lovely to have this chance to chat with you again. Stay warm and comfy. See you soon. » Posted By Kalima On June 16, 2014 @ 2:12 am Hello Fergie, no my two weekly visits were to aspirate my knees so that I could get around the house. Then they found a hole in the synovial sac that covers the joint, and the water would drain slowly into the surrounding muscles and tissue. Not pleasant but better than the huge needle they used all the time. So now I put up with it for several months at a time before I go again. RA is aggressive and progressive. Some people are helped by medication but unfortunately I’m not one of them. Yes staying mobile is my main goal, the alternative is unthinkable for me, so I plod on. If the next specialist I see in a week’s time can reduce this two month long fever which is sapping my energy, I will be more than grateful just for that. Everyone needs someone to share their fears with and I’m lucky enough to have one, so I disagree with what your friend said. We can’t always go it alone. My friend keeps me sane, she keeps me grounded and honest. I don’t know how I would get through this without her. Again, thank you kindly for your concern, and don’t worry too much because I will beat it. I’m here because I love what I do with people I have come to respect and care for. When I can’t do it, I will let you all know. Take care of yourself and be well soon. Goodnight from a very humid Tokyo night » Posted By Kalima On June 15, 2014 @ 5:13 am Good Morning Everyone! Happy Fathers Day to all you dads and I hope the kids will spoil you silly. Have a good Sunday wherever you may be. Take care, be safe, stay warm and comfy or cool and dry. Sayonara from my sunny afternoon corner of Tokyo. Mata ne. Sunday’s Bits & Bobs NRA reveals cesium readings for seabed off Fukushima No. 1 —- Photog returns home to chronicle Fukushima —- Oh great! Most 18 year olds act like 12 year olds here. Diet enacts bill lowering referendum voting age to 18 —- Japanese carbon fiber bound for Iran seized: U.N. report —- China warns of taking ‘additional steps’ over fighter plane encounter http://mainichi.jp/english/english/newsselect/news/20140614p2g00m0in043000c.html —- PICTURE OF THE DAY Personally I’d like to see an end of this. Monkey break http://www.japantoday.com/category/picture-of-the-day/view/monkey-break With the Tories denying climate change, what else can we expect? Coalition accused of ‘sleepwalking into an energy crisis’ —- Once they are defeated next year, there might be less need to strike anyway. Tories plan new anti-strike laws for 2015 election Sweeping measures being considered for inclusion in next year’s Tory manifesto would put an end to rolling strike campaigns by forcing union bosses to re-ballot their members every three months —- Agreed. Taxpayers’ cash should not be used to fund faith schools, say voters Labour wants talks on teaching of religion as poll shows 58% of the public urge abolition or axing of state funds http://www.theguardian.com/education/2014/jun/14/taxpayers-should-not-fund-faith-schools —- Dream on Tony. Tony Blair: ‘We didn’t cause Iraq crisis’ http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-27852832 —- The One With The World Cup As William basks in his hobnobbing with Hollywood stars, Ffion resorts to the football http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/politics/10899885/The-One-With-The-World-Cup.html —- Most expensive rescue in German history as man begins second week trapped 3000 feet underground in cave Johann Westhauser has lain in the icy dark beneath the Bavarian Alps while doctors struggle to reach him and treat him for brain injury after accident —- Ukraine crisis: Putin is playing mind games with the West Commentary: The Russian president continues to bamboozle as his tanks are sent to Ukraine and the rebels he supports shoot a plane from the sky —- Bloodiest day in Ukraine conflict as rebel missiles bring down military jet Il-76 transport plane destroyed at Luhansk airport, killing 40 paratroopers and nine crew —- Ukraine crisis: Kiev pledges to punish ‘terrorism’ that threatens the stability of the nation —- Barack Obama: climate change deniers are ignoring science US President says not believing in climate change is like saying moon made of cheese as he issued a call for action on global warming —- US sends aircraft carrier to Persian Gulf as Obama considers air strikes in Iraq • Defence secretary deploys three ships and missiles http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/jun/14/aircraft-carrier-iraq-isis-strike-persian-gulf —- Gun control groups march across Brooklyn Bridge to demand action • Spokesman: ‘not one more person needs to die’ http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/jun/14/gun-control-march-new-york-shootings-us —- Land of the free be damned! Florida enacts abortion law requiring doctors to evaluate foetus survival Governor Rick Scott signs law prohibiting women from abortions if the foetus is deemed able to survive outside the womb http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/jun/14/florida-abortion-law-rick-scott-fetus-survival —- Must have been having instructions from Issa and Bachmann. Arizona Governor Exploits Border Crisis To Solicit Donations http://thinkprogress.org/immigration/2014/06/13/3448726/brewer-pac-solicits-donations-border-crisis/ —- Hilarious! Probably the last place to go when looking for focus. 😆 Republicans at Romney Retreat Search for Focus Mitt Romney’s third annual conference in Utah serves to help find a focus for the divided, and largely leaderless, party. —- Huh??? The GOP’s New Reason For Refusing To Pass Immigration Reform: Bowe Bergdahl —- CNN Decides Not To Count 80 Percent Of School Shootings —- World Cup video shows police ‘pepper spray’ protester in the face at point blank range —- YouTube refuses Egypt’s request to remove footage of Tahrir Square sexual assault —- Israeli army arrests 80 over missing teenagers http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-27855994 —- Fears grow for missing Israeli teenagers Three boys believed to have been kidnapped by Palestinian militants from hitch-hiking spot near West Bank settlement http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/jun/14/fears-grow-missing-israeli-teenagers-settlers-west-bank —- Iraq crisis: West must take up Tehran’s offer to block an Isis victory World View: Extremists have a grip on the country as Sunni Muslims decide that the jihadists are preferable to persecution by the official Iraqi army —- Iraq army begins fightback against ISIS Military officers say they have halted insurgents’ advance towards Baghdad —- Iraq crisis: despite decapitations and deaths thousands return willingly to city held by ISIS terrorists Many residents of Mosul say they prefer life under ISIS to that under Iraqi army control —- Iraq: how much is the divisive approach of Maliki responsible for the turmoil? Nouri al-Maliki has turned himself into a strongman but this may have created fertile ground for insurgents linked to Syria to extend their military grip http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2014/jun/15/nouri-al-maliki-is-he-the-man-to-blame-in-iraq —- Iraq: The real battle is to persuade Sunnis they can be truly equal citizens A non-sectarian Iraq is possible, even now – in spite of what Isis wants Iraqis to believe —- Airstrikes kill about 100 militants in Pakistan —- UK aid money used to campaign against Pakistan’s prime minister Nawaz Sharif British taxpayers’ money has been spent on newspaper adverts in Pakistan accusing the government of failing to tackle the country’s education problems —- Violence mars Afghan presidential vote Taliban fire rockets at Kabul airport as voters choose successor to President Hamid Karzai after months of campaigning —- Afghanistan’s economic boom could turn to bust when US troops pull out —- Plans for five ‘megaports’ along Queensland coast threatens Great Barrier Reef —- Hey Tony, how about “stolen”? Tony Abbott: ‘disputed’ East Jerusalem merely a clarification Prime minister seeks to play downinternational backlash over Australia’s decision to stop referring to ‘occupied’ territory —- Cambodian migrants flee Thailand amid crackdown fears http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-27849646 The pioneering woman the world forgot http://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-27702630 —- City and Country: The school where it all began for me http://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-27813929 A History of the First World War in 100 Moments: Blood and gutsy fortitude on the factory floor —- Revealed: the night America very nearly nuked itself —- The next billionaires in numbers http://www.bbc.com/news/business-27786338 —- Rupert Murdoch and the Qatar World Cup conspiracy theory http://www.theguardian.com/media/greenslade/2014/jun/12/rupert-murdoch-21st-century-fox —- Scientists find evidence of ‘oceans’ at Earth’s centre In a discovery that could explain why water covers so much of our planet’s surface, scientists find evidence of vast underground “oceans” trapped hundreds of miles beneath the Earth’s surface —- Supermarkets care nothing for our health. That’s our job —- Secret behind why Alzheimer’s patients cannot make new memories discovered Scientists discover molecule that stops new memories forming in people with Alzheimer’s disease, raising hopes of new drugs to treat dementia —- In pictures: India’s ancient city of Varanasi http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-26727261 —- The week in wildlife – in pictures Endangered armadillos – the World Cup mascot – majestic manta rays and blue-naped parrots are among the pick of this week’s images from the natural world —- Animal photos of the week: 13 June 2014 http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/picturegalleries/earth/10898335/Animal-photos-of-the-week.html —- The week in pictures: 13 June 2014 —- The 20 photographs of the week The World Cup in Brazil, the taking of Mosul in Iraq, protests in Athens and Barcelona – the best photography in news, culture and sport from around the world this week http://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/gallery/2014/jun/14/photography-angelinajolie » Posted By Kalima On June 15, 2014 @ 1:24 amComments Posted By Kalima
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
————
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
————
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
”
http://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/gallery/2014/jul/13/eerie-americana-photographer-ed-freeman-in-pictures
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
————
————
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
————
————
————
————
————
————
————
————
————
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
————
————
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
————
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
————
————
————
————
————
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
————
————
————
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
————
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
————
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
————
————
————
————
————
————
————
LIVE
Iraq formally requests US air strikes
Chinese oil firms prepare evacuation from Iraq
————
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-27870467
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
————
• Charities like Oxfam will not be bullied into silence
• How to make sure your charity is lobbying for world change
• Lobbying bill: keep calm and carry on campaigning
You never have to feel bad about having a life that keeps you busy or apologising for it . I miss you but then am always delighted to find your reply, and I do have an “Open Door” policy here because as you know, many articles are opinion pieces and human interest stories that never age .
«« Back To Stats Page
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
————
————
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
————
————
————
————
• US weighs options as Iran bolsters Baghdad a
• Protest follows string of deadly shootings
————
————
————
————
Pakistani jets pound militants in North Waziristan in the second strike since Karachi airport seizure
————
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Home Stats