Displaying 2,071 To 2,100 Of 18,974 Comments Hello kes. Our rain actually cleared up in the early morning which was nice, but I can feel the dreaded humidity starting. Not a good omen for me and this cranky body of mine. Sorry to hear about your power cuts and hope you didn’t have to wait in the dark for too long? I can absolutely see the fighting between the poor and the disabled as a government plan. Remember that Ian Duncan Smith is in the mix, hating both the poor and the disabled. Moochers and scroungers the lot of ’em. Plus of course these unfortunate people have never, and will never vote for the Tories so it’s a perfect plan engineered to keep the most needy from thinking about the cause of their troubles. Close your eyes and you can see Cameron, Osborne and IDS discussing it over taxpayer bought vintage wine at Number 10, while laughing their heads off. I think that this was the second townhouse meeting I linked to recently where people were protesting about why there was no extension to Medicaid. It won’t be the last as people begin to realise how badly they been cheated and lied to by their RW governors and Reps. I think the shit has hit the fan for the Kochs and their groupies. Should be quite a show. SP is no Christian, she is a soulless user. Her message the other day to protests from religious groups about her verbal diarrhoea concerning water boarding and baptism, was answered on her Facebook page with, “Anyone offended by this are overly sensitive wusses.” No Sarah, they are actually real Christians who say that you don’t speak for us and want you to stop hijacking our faith to benefit yourself. The photos of the kids with real guns gave me the shivers and goosebumps. I pity those kids with parents like those. Your trivia answer is correct in both the word and the spelling. Well done again kes. Off to feed the zoo. Take care and I wish you a peaceful day. See you soon. » Posted By Kalima On May 1, 2014 @ 12:02 am Thanks for dropping by, Nirek. Yes, isn’t Ricky something? Like the rest of the Teapublicans, he gives with one hand and takes it back with the other. As for the oil companies and their handouts to the murderous NRA, they are enablers in the killing of many innocent Americans. Then again, without a conscience between them, it’s business as usual and no one mentions it in their boardrooms as they discuss profits. You might be interested in another not covered angle to the greedy oil industry, human trafficking, a subject I’m very passionate about ending. I posted Part 1 and Part 2 near the bottom of my updates. Well worth watching. —- Watch parts one and two of Christof Putzel’s report, and catch more from our “Dirty Power” series on air and online all this week. Human trafficking follows oil boom in North Dakota Part 1. Part 2. My pleasure, and hope to see you here again soon. Peace. » Posted By Kalima On April 30, 2014 @ 3:09 pm Good Morning Everyone! Rain from last night to Friday is what the weather guys said and they are not kidding. Good job we are not having a garden party. 😉 Have a good day wherever you may be. Take care, be safe, stay warm and comfy or cool and dry. Sayonara from my wet corner of Tokyo. Mata ne. A few stories and opinions from around the globe. Almost half of evacuated Fukushima households split up by disasters still divided: poll http://mainichi.jp/english/english/newsselect/news/20140429p2a00m0na009000c.html —- Russia vows to hit back at Japan over travel ban —- Checklist for ‘black hospitals’ to be avoided http://www.japantoday.com/category/kuchikomi/view/checklist-for-black-hospitals-to-be-avoided —- PICTURE OF THE DAY Search efforts http://www.japantoday.com/category/picture-of-the-day/view/search-efforts INTERNATIONAL NEWS Benefits crackdown leads to divide and rule within poor communities The coalition’s skivers v strivers message is inflaming resentments between those affected by the economic slump —- Ukip is an endless magnet for racists and crackpots while Farage protests that they are not a racist party. Pull the other leg Nigel, it’s got bells on. Ukip in racism row after candidate describes Mo Farah as ‘African’ David Wycherley takes to social media site to ask ‘how Mo Farah, an African … has won a Gold medal for Great Britain’ http://www.theguardian.com/politics/2014/apr/29/ukip-wycherley-mo-farah-racism-row-facebook —- The rent racket: tenants are trapped in a game of Monopoly that won’t end Private landlords enjoy an absurd level of power over tenants. Yet they reject even minimal regulation http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2014/apr/29/rent-tenants-private-landlords-power-regulation —- Very sad news. Bob Hoskins died at 71 http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/film/film-news/10798551/Bob-Hoskins-dies-at-71.html —- Ukraine crisis: Targeted sanctions are a blow to Russia For all the bravado from Moscow, the chances are that Russia’s already troubled economy will be damaged —- Ukraine Crisis: Pro-Russia activists seize Luhansk headquarters —- GOP Lawmakers Confronted By Constituents Demanding To Know Why They Won’t Expand Medicaid http://thinkprogress.org/health/2014/04/29/3432249/gop-lawmakers-virginia-medicaid/ —- Federal Judge Strikes Down Wisconsin Law Requiring Photo ID at Polls The judge found that the 2011 law, which required voters to produce state-approved photo identification cards at polling places, violated the 14th Amendment and the Voting Rights Act. —- Botched execution leaves inmate ‘writhing’ before suffering heart attack Clayton Lockett was seen breathing heavily, writhing on the gurney, clenching his teeth and straining to lift his head off the pillow after ‘vein failure’ —- Rick Santorum Rebrands Himself As Working Class Populist, Promptly Announces Opposition To Minimum Wage Hike http://thinkprogress.org/economy/2014/04/29/3432020/rick-santorum-against-minimum-wage/ —- Gun control groups raising more cash than NRA since Newtown, figures show FEC data in 16 months since Sandy Hook shooting suggests gun control advocates are building thriving grassroots campaign http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/apr/28/gun-control-groups-nra-cash-newtown-shootings —- Why Is The Oil Industry Giving Millions To The NRA? http://thinkprogress.org/climate/2014/04/29/3431955/oil-money-nra-sportsmen/ —- Are conservatives deserting Sarah Palin? http://www.bbc.com/news/blogs-echochambers-27211768 —- Syria chemical weapons: the proof that Assad regime launching chlorine attacks on children Exclusive: Scientific analysis of samples from multiple gas attacks in Syria shows Assad regime still launching chemical weapons attacks on children, The Telegraph can reveal —- Syria car bomb attack leaves dozens dead Thirty-six killed in Homs day after bloody attack in Damascus and Assad announcing candidacy for presidential elections http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/apr/29/syria-car-bomb-attack-homs-dozens-dead —- The other side of the Syrian crisis: Stunning photos from inside Syria’s largest refugee camp —- US senator to block sending foreign aid to Egyptian military over ‘sham trial’ Patrick Leahy of Vermont called Egypt court decision to sentence 683 to death an ‘appalling abuse of justice system’ http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/apr/29/us-aid-egypt-patrick-leahy-sham-trial —- Gunmen storm Libyan parliament http://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-27209843 —- ‘Million-woman march’ over Nigerian kidnappings Mass abduction of schoolgirls by Boko Haram prompts furious protests accusing government of failing to act http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/apr/30/million-woman-march-over-nigerian-kidnappings —- Nigeria: kidnapped schoolgirls ‘sold as wives to Islamist fighters’ The attack was one of the most shocking in Boko Haram’s five-year uprising, which has claimed thousands of lives across northern and central Nigeria —- Iraq elections: Security-obsessed Prime Minister, Nouri al-Maliki, could be saved by the growing threat of Sunni insurrection —- Tiananmen Square: Chinese police try to silence 25th anniversary Six weeks before the most sensitive date in China’s calendar, a campaign to make sure the 25th anniversary of the Tiananmen protests passes unmarked is in full swing —- North Korea warns of live-fire drills Regime tells South it will conduct military exercises near sea boundary as tensions simmer over possible fourth nuclear test http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/apr/29/north-korea-warns-of-live-fire-drills —- Philippine military clashes with rebels leave 15 dead http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-27208186 —- Malaysia Airlines MH370: searchers dismiss claims of wreckage found in Bay of Bengal Agency coordinating the search says it still believes plane came down in southern Indian Ocean http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/australiaandthepacific/australia/10797476/Malaysia-Airlines-MH370-searchers-dismiss-claims-of-wreckage-found-in-Bay-of-Bengal.html TRIVIA QUIZ The answer to Sunday’s question, “What fruit gives Earl Grey tea its distinctive flavour and aroma?” is, an orange, specifically the bergamot orange from the southern coast of Italy. Which four letter word beginning with ‘H’ means to promote or publicise a product or idea intensively, often exaggerating its benefits? — Watch parts one and two of Christof Putzel’s report, and catch more from our “Dirty Power” series on air and online all this week. Human trafficking follows oil boom in North Dakota Part 1. Part 2. —- A History of the First World War in 100 Moments: Bloodbath at Anzac Cove —- Man’s bravest friends: a roll call of non-human heroes —- South Sudan: crisis looms for people displaced by conflict – in pictures Fighting in Unity State has driven 10,000 people from their homes to the relative safety of Ganyiel, a small town in the south of the Greater Upper Nile region. But river routes have been disrupted by the conflict, reducing the availability of food, and many people have been forced to eat water lilies to survive. Photographs by Jacob Zocherman —- Insanity! Armed to the milk teeth: America’s gun-toting kids Available in bright blues and hot pinks, rifles for kids sell in their thousands in America. They look like toys – but they’re lethal. An-Sofie Kesteleyn travelled to photograph this juvenile army http://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2014/apr/29/armed-to-the-milk-teeth-america-gun-toting-kids —- Pictures of the day: 29 April 2014 —- Day in pictures: 29 April 2014 http://www.bbc.com/news/in-pictures-27205063 —- 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/apr/29/photo-highlights-of-the-day » Posted By Kalima On April 30, 2014 @ 1:57 am My pleasure Nirek, happy you found something of interest. The Kochs are like the plague but we eliminated that once too. Have a good Sunday and take care. Peace. » Posted By Kalima On April 27, 2014 @ 4:50 am Good Morning Everyone! A beautiful day here today and a very quiet neighborhood as many start their Golden Week holiday. Peace. Have a good Sunday wherever you may be. Take care, be safe, stay warm and comfy or cool and dry. Sayonara from my late afternoon corner of Tokyo. Mata ne. Sunday’s Bits & Bobs 4 crippled Fukushima reactors dogged with 3.4 quadrillion becquerels of tritium http://mainichi.jp/english/english/newsselect/news/20140425p2a00m0na006000c.html —- Restart of two reactors at Oi nuclear plant to be delayed —- Residents gather for cherry blossom party in area released from radiation evacuation order http://mainichi.jp/english/english/newsselect/news/20140426p2a00m0na013000c.html —- Abe says Obama just wanted to talk trade at sushi dinner —- PICTURE OF THE DAY Flower festival http://www.japantoday.com/category/picture-of-the-day/view/flower-festival-2 Oh Lord, the British TP. European elections: Ukip under repeated fire – but it’s not putting off the voters, say the polls —- They want to vote for this? 😯 Lenny Henry, born and bred in the U.K. Ukip in new racism row after Lenny Henry insult More UK Independence Party election candidates make prejudiced comments on the internet, including one who said Lenny Henry, the comedian, should leave Britain to live in a “black country” —- Well we read about those U.S. consulting firms years ago. NHS could be ‘carved open’ by US healthcare profiteers, warns Shadow Health Secretary Andy Burnham —- Tory energy policy is designed for the few, not the many Onshore wind power is cheaper and fairer than the alternatives. It is vote-chasing of the worst kind to abandon it now —- This is a low-pay ‘recovery’ built on the back of the working poor Recent economic data is looking rosy for the coalition. But the growth of underemployment and zero-hours contracts are combining to create a toxic and intractable social problem http://www.theguardian.com/business/2014/apr/27/low-pay-recovery-working-poor —- Friends: The One with Boris’s Cojones The Prime Minister and the Mayor of London meet for a secret summit in our political sitcom —- Thousands disrupt far-right march in Berlin Police officers injured and arrests made as about 2,000 people block National Democratic Party march in German capital. —- What a creep! Berlusconi comments on WW2 death camps spark German anger http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-27172045 —- Popes set for historic Vatican saints ceremony http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-27172118 —- Ukraine crisis: Death toll rises in a nation fearful of more bloodshed —- Ukraine crisis: Separatists of Slavyansk mourn the ‘boys trying to be heroes’ Father talks of losing his son, who was killed after joining the ‘self-defence’ groups fighting the Ukraine administration —- In Poorest States, Political Stigma Is Depressing Participation in Health Law Officials say the health care law has been stigmatized for many it could help, especially in states that are medically underserved but hostile to President Obama. —- The Koch Attack on Solar Energy The Koch brothers and other big polluters are spending heavily to block state incentives for renewable energy. http://www.nytimes.com/2014/04/27/opinion/sunday/the-koch-attack-on-solar-energy.html —- Sounds like the TP voters are being led up the garden path. Tea party PACs are spending big, but not very much on their candidates Some of the groups pay big salaries and consulting fees, even a luxury interior decorator. But just a tiny fraction of their money goes to boosting the candidates they’ve endorsed.. —- Texas: When fracking comes to town http://america.aljazeera.com/features/2014/4/texas-when-frackingcomestotown.html —- The NRA Plan To Impose America’s Weakest Gun Laws On Every State In The Union —- Of Fox and the Cattle We have got to do something, people, to protect the word “freedom.” Did you hear how Crazy Rancher Guy used it in his defense? http://www.nytimes.com/2014/04/26/opinion/collins-of-fox-and-the-cattle.html —- Syria: the children killed by Assad’s chlorine gas bombs Syrian civilians die slow, painful death from chemical weapons used in violation of convention regime signed in September —- Egypt court jails Morsi supporters http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-27176608 —- Gaza wants back in from the darkness as Hamas feels the isolation Toppling of Egypt’s Muslim Brotherhood has left territory out in cold as residents consider life under Palestine unity government http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/apr/25/gaza-back-in-hamas-isolation-egypt-unity-palestinian —- Syria’s bloodshed spills into Iraq as al-Qaeda bombs Shia militant rally Al-Qaeda has attacked a Shia militant group in Iraq that has sent fighters to support Syria’s President Bashar al-Assad —- Door-to-door brutality in the Central African Republic’s civil war —- British troops killed in helicopter crash in Afghanistan Five British service personnel have been killed in a helicopter crash in Afghanistan, the Ministry of Defence discloses —- Afghan elections head to second round after no candidate gains an absolute majority Afghans will choose between two candidates in a run-off election on June 7, in Afghanistan’s first democratic transfer of power —- North Korea ‘detains US tourist’ at immigration http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-27162992 —- Because he doesn’t know how to write? Why is Kim Jong-un always surrounded by people taking notes? A newly released batch of photos of the North Korean leader show him surrounded by note-takers – who are they? http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/blogs-magazine-monitor-27116092 —- South Korean prime minister resigns over deadly ferry sinking The Sewol, a large passenger ferry, capsized with 476 people – many of them schoolchildren – on board —- Malaysia Airlines MH370: submarine to extend search area So far, underwater searches have discovered no sign of the missing plane http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/australiaandthepacific/australia/10790848/Malaysia-Airlines-MH370-submarine-to-extend-search-area.html TRIVIA QUIZ Today’s question. What fruit gives Earl Grey tea its distinctive flavour and aroma? —- A History of the First World War in 100 Moments: Terror from the sky marked the start of total war —- A US soldier searches for his Vietnamese son http://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-27159697 —- Who was Father Frans? A Dutch Catholic priest was shot dead in the Syrian city of Homs earlier this month, but who was he, and what was he doing there? http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-27155474 —- Now is the summer of my discontent: it’s just too sunny to write this column As British expats have been finding out, a holiday shouldn’t be for life. It should be just for Christmas, or a fortnight in the sun at most —- Our 10 best avocado recipes Glorious with bacon and tacos, yes: but adaptable avocado can also cakes moreishly moist, turn ice-cream smooth as silk – and is irresistible rolled in cornflakes http://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2014/apr/26/avocado-recipes-10-best —- Animal photos of the week: 25 April 2014 http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/picturegalleries/earth/10787324/Animal-photos-of-the-week.html —- The week in pictures: 25 April 2014 —- The 20 photographs of the week Death on Everest, a ferry disaster in South Korea, Anzac Day in Australia and growing tension in Ukraine – the best photography in news, culture and sport from around the world this week » Posted By Kalima On April 27, 2014 @ 1:58 am Actually kes, I was so shattered by having to be on my best behaviour, always hard to do, that I crashed right after they left. Vince Cable has had quite a few common sense ideas over the years, the problem is getting them implemented by Cameron and Osborne who are the bankers BFF. Yes, refusing to see the Bishop on matters of feeding the needy, and then having your staff call the police to remove him, certainly put a spoke in Cameron’s faux Christian values, doesn’t it? A Putin coin, just what’s been missing in the world. I can imagine him decorating a whole wall with them in his palace and then sitting in front of it half naked embracing himself like Charles Aznavour as he chants “Mine, all mine. My Precious”! Seriously, it’s hilarious this God complex of his, because out in the streets of Russia and the streets of the world, he is a brutal dictator making up his own rules. The respect he so desired has been lost globally. It’s an out and out lie to say that racism is finished in America when anyone with eyes and ears saw it increase when President Obama was elected in 08′, and has mushroomed into blatant public racial attacks from RW politicians down to TP groupies. It’s a lie and they know it. EW doesn’t look a day over 54, and has more passion, compassion, integrity and energy than HC can ever hope to acquire. If she doesn’t want to run in 2016, it’s because she doesn’t feel she is ready to run yet, but we can hope. I agree, a terribly low class ad to run against an opponent. They scraped the bottom of the sewer for that one. Trivia answer. You are correct kes, it was indeed LBJ after Kennedy’s assassination. Well done! Thanks for stopping by and see you again soon. Take care. » Posted By Kalima On April 23, 2014 @ 7:55 pm They did offer to wash up but I wouldn’t hear of it. Had them feeding the evening meal for the tribes instead. Great fun!! » Posted By Kalima On April 23, 2014 @ 6:16 pm Between you, me and the gate post kes, the sushi business was a photo op. He snuck back here later, so enjoyed the meal, played with the tribe calling them “Bo 1”, “Bo 2” and so on. Complimented us on our olive trees, and strolled down the street to hail a taxi. Not one SS guy in sight because I gave them pocket money to spend at the local sake drinking joint. They seem to do that the world over anyway. 😉 There is nothing to beat home cooking kes, nothing at all. 😀 » Posted By Kalima On April 23, 2014 @ 3:09 pm Good Morning Everyone! Well, President Obama will be arriving in Tokyo soon so I had better rush to finish the chicken casserole I’m cooking for him for dinner tonight Have a good day wherever you may be. Take care, be safe, stay warm and comfy or cool and dry. Sayonara from my busy corner of Tokyo. Mata ne. A few stories and opinions from around the globe. Abe, Obama to pledge Japan-U.S. role in leading regional prosperity —- Lost codes spark Haneda scramble —- 60% feel consumption tax hike ‘burdensome’: Mainichi poll http://mainichi.jp/english/english/newsselect/news/20140421p2a00m0na007000c.html —- Ok, this is just too weird. Advice from Japanese women on dealing with boyfriend’s anime girlfriend —- PICTURE OF THE DAY No trash http://www.japantoday.com/category/picture-of-the-day/view/no-trash INTERNATIONAL NEWS Vince Cable tells top UK firms: crack down on bonuses or face new laws Business secretary urges companies to rethink pay deals to regain public trust and move focus off short-term success —- Such a lying hypocrite! Ukip leader Nigel Farage defends employing German wife, at launch of anti-immigration poster campaign —- Another lying hypocrite. David Cameron’s constituency office calls police on food bank campaigners Bishop of Oxford and Reverend Keith Hebden —- How out of whack is this? Same sex marriage law has just been passed but you shouldn’t talk about it. Section 28-style bans on promoting homosexuality on the rise in UK schools, teachers say —- Let’s make industrial action bigger than striking teachers Parents sympathise with teachers’ grievances, so they need to work out a way to take complementary action —- Russia risks further US sanctions over Ukraine, says Kerry http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-27121679 —- Get ready for the ermine cape and crown. 😆 Russia: Special Putin coins mark Crimea annexation http://www.bbc.com/news/blogs-news-from-elsewhere-27117241 —- —- Ukraine crisis: Two bodies found ‘brutally tortured by pro-Russian militants’ in Slaviansk, says interim President Oleksander Turchinov —- Ukraine’s acting president calls for action against pro-Russian separatists Oleksandr Turchynov makes call after ‘brutally tortured’ bodies of two men – one a politician from his party – found near Slavyansk —- US court rules against ‘affirmative’ action at US universities The ruling was the latest to chip away at a practice used to promote racial and ethnic diversity of university student bodies while countering the effects of racial discrimination —- No-fly list used by FBI to coerce Muslims into informing, lawsuit claims Case highlights plight of people wrongfully added to database who face lengthy, secretive process to clear their names http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/apr/23/no-fly-list-fbi-coerce-muslims —- The Fix: This Democrat L-O-V-E-S Obamacare and wants the world to know it Rep. Allyson Schwartz (D-Pa.) doubles down on the health-care law.. —- ‘Hillary’s nightmare’ could derail Clinton’s election bid after all Elizabeth Warren’s autobiography seen as a ‘campaign call to arms’ —- Incumbent Southern Democrats Are Less Vulnerable Than You Might Think The surest way to win a Senate seat is to have one, which may be enough for Mary Landrieu, Kay Hagan and Mark Pryor in tough re-election battles. —- This May Be The Most Atrocious Political Ad Of 2014 —- Huh?? KKK Forms Neighborhood Watch To Complement Police In Pennsylvania Town —- The Gun Report: April 22, 2014 A day in the life of armed America. http://nocera.blogs.nytimes.com/2014/04/22/the-gun-report-april-22-2014/ —- One-third of Canadians ‘have experienced child abuse’ The researchers looked over data from 23,395 Canadians who participated in a 2012 mental health survey —- Boy dies as Syrian regime carries out ‘gas attack’ on rebels Syria gas attacks raise fears Assad regime is continuing to rely on chemical weapons against rebels despite UN disarmament —- Syria: Bashar al-Assad ‘launching chemical weapons attacks with chlorine’ Syria’s Bashar al-Assad continues to launch chemical attacks, Western officials believe, using lethal chlorine gas first used during the First World War —- Al Jazeera journalists’ trial adjourned again Correspondent Peter Greste, and producers Mohammed Fahmy and Baher Mohamed have already spent 115 days in Egyptian jail. —- Israeli army to start calling up Christians Military service will remain voluntary for Israel’s 130,000 Christian Arabs as it is for its more than 1.3 million Muslim Arabs but only Christians will receive the call-up papers —- Qatar criticised for domestic workers’ abuse Rights group condemns forced labour and exploitation, citing “shocking testimonies” in 2022 World Cup host nation. —- Search called off for 230 abducted Nigerian schoolgirls Lack of police back-up causes parents to call off search for schoolgirls believed to have been kidnapped by al-Qaeda-linked group Boko Haram —- Iran nuclear talks: Quiet optimism over deal between Islamic State and the West on weapons programme —- Iranian prisoners allegedly forced to run gauntlet of armed guards Political prisoners describe being severely beaten by guards armed with batons at notorious Evin jail in Tehran —- Indians say criminal justice system cannot cope with rape cases Survey finds nine in 10 say the crime is a ‘very big problem’, while three in four say laws too lax and police not strict enough http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/apr/22/india-criminal-justice-system-rape-cases-survey —- Hilarious coming from the biggest “bully” of them all. Obama Asia tour: China ‘the elephant in the room’ http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-china-27107664 —- North Korea: the new generation losing faith in the regime After decades of absolute control, Pyongyang’s iron grip on the lives of ordinary citizens is finally slipping. Tania Branigan meets the people who no longer believe the propaganda http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/apr/22/north-koreans-turning-against-the-regime —- Inside North Korea – in pictures Although photography is tightly controlled, the images that do emerge are often compelling. Here’s a glimpse of daily life http://www.theguardian.com/world/gallery/2014/apr/22/inside-north-korea-in-pictures —- South Korea ferry disaster: first distress call came from young boy The first distress call from a capsized South Korean ferry came from a student on board to a fire station, three minutes after the vessel made its final turn —- MH370: more powerful sonar needed in plane search, says Australia Defence minister says system that found Titanic may be brought in as robot mini-sub finds no sign of wreckage so far http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/apr/23/mh370-more-powerful-sonar-needed-in-plane-search-says-australia TRIVIA QUIZ The answer to Sunday’s question “How many countries are there in the world?” is. There Are 196 Countries in the World. Today’s question. The first inauguration of which US President took place aboard a plane? —- A History of the First World War in 100 moments: The mutiny that sent a ripple of fear through the Empire —- North Korean health system crumbling as shortages and sanctions bite Patients said to be taking methamphetamine as medicine because drugs are too expensive despite promise of universal healthcare http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/apr/23/north-korean-health-system-crumbling-sanctions —- The Lives of Emma Edmonds The amazing story of a woman who went undercover as a man to spy for the Union. http://opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com/2014/04/21/the-lives-of-emma-edmonds/ —- Why St George is a Palestinian hero http://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-27048219 —- Rome’s international community of the dead http://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-27065278 —- The world’s best animal architecture – in pictures Tree ants forming chain gangs, love nests built by bowerbirds and a whole graveyard of termite mounds … here are the most amazing homes animals can build —- Pictures of the day: 22 April 2014 —- Day in pictures: 22 April 2014 http://www.bbc.com/news/in-pictures-27109844 —- 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/apr/22/photo-highlights-of-the-day » Posted By Kalima On April 23, 2014 @ 2:00 am Good Morning Everyone! Happy Easter and Happy Passover to all who are celebrating. Hubby and I are celebrating something too, and when this is posted I can finally take that glass of champagne he’s been offering since lunchtime. Had to refuse because I didn’t want to attempt these updates while being sloshed. Have a good Sunday wherever you may be. Take care, be safe, stay warm and comfy or cool and dry. Sayonara from my dull and rainy corner of Tokyo. Mata ne. Sunday’s Bits & Bobs Komeito fears defense drive http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2014/04/19/national/komeito-fears-defense-drive/#.U1NlZlyVsfE —- Zero tolerance for forcibly altering status quo to top Abe-Obama rendezvous —- Rural community near Fukushima nuke plant left in lurch during local election http://mainichi.jp/english/english/newsselect/news/20140419p2a00m0na007000c.html —- 91% of respondents in S.E. Asia say Japan is “reliable friend”: poll http://mainichi.jp/english/english/newsselect/news/20140418p2g00m0dm081000c.html —- Officials vague on rumor Japanese support was refused for S Korean ferry —- PICTURE OF THE DAY Colorful carp http://www.japantoday.com/category/picture-of-the-day/view/colorful-carp Ukip? Oh boy. European elections: Conservatives face poll humiliation as one in three Tory voters defect to Ukip Telegraph/ICM poll finds David Cameron faces a grim third-place finish behind Ukip in the European elections, as up to half of Tory voters abandon the party —- Christian charity hits back over Tory attacks on food banks Praise from David Cameron for Trussell Trust at odds with Iain Duncan Smith attack http://www.theguardian.com/society/2014/apr/19/david-cameron-food-banks-trussell-trust-tory-split —- “demented Darlek”. 😆 Gove branded ‘demented Dalek’ as NUT calls for strike Michael Gove was branded a “demented Dalek” today as the National Union of Teachers raised the prospect of major strike action later in the summer term —- CCTV in classrooms turning teachers into lab rats, union warns Some 55% of teachers in CCTV classrooms say they’re viewed by heads, while 41% say they’re used to judge performance http://www.theguardian.com/education/2014/apr/20/cctv-classroom-teachers-school-lab-rats —- Friends: The One with God George tries to persuade Dave to say ‘Yes!’ to Mammon and ‘No!’ to Christianity at Easter http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/politics/david-cameron/10775645/Friends-The-One-with-God.html —- French hostages home from Syria http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-27093273 —- Ukraine crisis: stalemate in east of country Authorities suspend ‘anti-terrorist’ operation and radicals stay inside government buildings as Geneva agreement makes no difference on ground —- Deadly Ukraine gunbattle threatens fragile Easter truce At least four reported dead in clash near Slavyansk, which is controlled by pro-Russian forces http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/apr/20/deadly-ukraine-gunbattle-threatens-fragile-easter-truce —- The new people’s republic of east Ukraine http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/the-new-peoples-republic-of-east-ukraine-9271398.html —- They look like a bunch of terrorists. Inside the ‘Donetsk People’s Republic’: balaclavas, Stalin flags and razorwire Pro-Russian militants say they have no intention of leaving their eastern Ukraine base, and insist Moscow is with them http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/apr/19/ukraine-donetsk-pro-russia-militants —- Jews in East Ukraine Are Being Threatened, But By Whom? The grand rabbi of Donetsk talks to The Daily Beast about fliers ordering Jews to register or be deported from the pro-Russian “republic” proclaimed there. —- US government delays Keystone XL pipeline decision http://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-27083042 —- Oops. Expect more of this. Florida Voter Confronts GOP Representative On His Repeated Efforts To Repeal Obamacare http://thinkprogress.org/health/2014/04/17/3427871/dennis-ross-obamacare/ —- The Truth About The Desperate Attempt To Unskew Obamacare Enrollment Numbers http://thinkprogress.org/health/2014/04/16/3427418/census-obamacare/ —- Obamacare Versus The Wusses by Paul Krugman What ever happened to being tough-minded? http://krugman.blogs.nytimes.com/2014/04/19/obamacare-versus-the-wusses/ —- Is Barack Obama ‘black’? A majority of Americans say no. http://m.washingtonpost.com/blogs/the-fix/wp/2014/04/14/is-barack-obama-black/ —- Wall Street deregulation pushed by Clinton advisers, documents reveal Previously restricted papers reveal attempts to rush president to support act, later blamed for deepening banking crisis http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/apr/19/wall-street-deregulation-clinton-advisers-obama —- Rubbish! Nevada’s armed militia proclaims victory in range showdown Armed supporters of Cliven Bundy, orchestrator of standoff against Bureau of Land Management, still guarding his farm —- More than 100 hate-crime murders linked to single website, report finds • Southern Poverty Law Center singles out Stormfront.org http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/apr/18/hate-crime-murders-website-stormfront-report —- Easter deaths spark Brazil protests near Rio http://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-27092318 —- UN warns 20,000 could starve in Syria’s blockaded camp —- Syrian activists allege new gas attack Government forces accused of using chlorine gas in village near Hama, the third alleged gas attack in the past week. —- New militant group claims responsibility for bomb in Egyptian capital Ajnad Misr claim to have been monitoring police checkpoint before detonating bomb in Cairo’s Lebanon Square that killed a police officer and wounded another —- Good for him. Egypt election: Hamdeen Sabahi to run against Sisi http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-27089657 —- UN envoy and Israel in Easter ritual access row http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-27090580 —- Christian pilgrims in Jerusalem find their path to the Via Dolorosa is an ever harder road Palestinians from Gaza and the West Bank say police restrictions on access to the Old City to stop overcrowding are destroying their traditional freedom of worship in Holy Week http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/apr/20/palestinian-christians-pilgrims-via-dolorosa-jersualem —- Deadly attack on South Sudan base may be considered a ‘war crime’ UN security Council expresses outrage over attack on one of their bases in South Sudan where civilians were sheltering which saw at least 58 people killed —- Islamists in Nigeria ‘still holding 85 schoolgirls hostage’ Nigerian government reports that Boko Haram, the militant Islamist group responsible for a mass abduction of school girls aged 15 to 18, is still holding 85 children —- Atrocious! Iran rape victim bound for gallows unless she changes story Death row accusations that an Iranian intelligent agent was a rapist could condemn his victim to hangman’s noose —- Dozens killed in series of blasts in Iraq At least 25 people killed in wave of explosions across Iraq, including strikes on busy commercial districts in Baghdad. —- Apology? He was one of the first off the boat. South Korea ferry disaster: ‘I bow my head in apology to the families’, says captain —- South Korea ferry disaster: third mate at wheel was navigating route for first time Captain of capsized South Korean ferry was in his bedroom just before the accident, leaving a novice 25-year-old to steer through the difficult waters around the south of the Korean peninsula for the first time —- Missing Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370: Wreckage could be found within a week as search reaches ‘very critical juncture’, says minister http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/asia/missing-malaysia-airlines-flight-mh370-search-at-very-critical-juncture-and-wreckage-could-be-found-within-a-week-9270873.htm TRIVIA QUIZ Today’s question. How many sovereign countries are there in the world? —- Despair of the Syrian beggar boy Khaled is one of countless child refugees in Beirut whose parents, unable to make ends meet, have turned their children to work on the streets —- Rana Plaza a year on: did fast-fashion brands learn any lessons at all? Some 1,133 garment workers died yet profits from cheap clothes have soared http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/apr/20/rana-plaza-bangladesh-disaster-anniversary —- Female in Gaza Growing up in Gaza isn’t easy. Surveillance defines your existence. http://www.nytimes.com/2014/04/20/opinion/sunday/female-in-gaza.html —- A History of the First World War in 100 Moments: When the guns fell silent for Christmas —- Capt Mbaye Diagne: A good man in Rwanda http://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-26793157 —- Who tried to kill the man who protects the Congo gorillas? —- Myanmar’s Rohingya face a humanitarian crisis Displaced Muslim Rohingya do not have adequate access to healthcare or clean water. —- China on course to become ‘world’s most Christian nation’ within 15 years The number of Christians in Communist China is growing so steadily that it by 2030 it could have more churchgoers than America —- What I’m really thinking: the mother of a stillborn baby ‘I’ve joined an invisible club that gains, on average, 17 new members a day in the UK – the highest stillbirth rate for any country in Europe’ http://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2014/apr/19/what-really-thinking-mother-stillborn-baby —- Nigel Slater’s recipes for an Easter treat A glorious pudding made from hot cross buns and melted toffee is perfect for sharing, but you’ll want to keep the tasty little fish pies all to yourself http://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2014/apr/20/nigel-slater-recipes-for-easter-treats —- Animal photos of the week: 18 April 2014 http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/picturegalleries/earth/10774989/Animal-photos-of-the-week.html —- The week in pictures: 18 April 2014 —- Week in pictures: 12-18 April 2014 http://www.bbc.com/news/in-pictures-27032334 —- The 20 photographs of the week The best photography in news, culture and sport from around the world this week http://www.theguardian.com/theobserver/gallery/2014/apr/19/photographs-gareth-bale-ukraine » Posted By Kalima On April 20, 2014 @ 1:30 am Hello kes, no need to apologise for having a busy life, we all do. Marine Le Pen is a flaming racist just like her awful father before her. She thought that because her racist party had gained ground, she could spew her hate again publicly, and it looks as if she miscalculated the number of haters in France. I hope it cost her more than the egg on her face with voters. The spying on the Muslim community in NY was atrocious, and should have been stopped many years ago. Berlusconi doing community service in care homes is certainly thigh-slapping funny but the punishment really doesn’t fit the crime. “I think Maggie Thatcher and Ronnie Reagan must have had a love child in their youth and named her Phyllis”. 😆 I think you are right about her, and the name sounds familiar for saying the most outrageous things. Like you, I was surprised about the hate crime percentage, I don’t hear that many involving those of the Jewish faith. Loved the article by Tomasky on de Mint tearing him a new one. Is there some secret competition in the GOPTP to see who can say the most stupid thing before the Nov elections? They seem to be falling over each other to win the first prize. Have been reading a lot about the longterm effects of cannabis use lately as I’m sure you have seen a few of the articles on it that I have linked to here over the months. Yes and as a nurse you would have seen it up close so I trust your judgment. Ok, now for the trivia answer, don’t want you to have to wait. The answer is 94% on taxable income over $200,000, in 1944 and 1945 during WW2. $200,000 would be about $2.6 million in today’s dollars. You were very close so I’m going to give it to you. Well done kes! Have a good day and come back safe and whole. Take care. See you soon. » Posted By Kalima On April 17, 2014 @ 2:12 am Good Morning Everyone! Have good day wherever you may be. Take care, be safe, stay warm and comfy or cool and dry. Sayonara from my late afternoon corner of Tokyo. Mata ne. A few stories and opinions from around the globe. Hyogo blocks release of nuke crisis study data —- Ex-PMs to set up anti-nuke forum http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2014/04/15/national/ex-pms-to-set-up-anti-nuke-forum/#.U04iJFyVsfE —- Gov’t official heads to Seoul for ‘comfort women’ talks —- Japan’s main working population falls below 80 mil. http://mainichi.jp/english/english/newsselect/news/20140416p2g00m0dm034000c.html —- PICTURE OF THE DAY Partial lunar eclipse http://www.japantoday.com/category/picture-of-the-day/view/partial-lunar-eclipse INTERNATIONAL NEWS “benefit reforms may be to blame”? The food poverty scandal that shames Britain: Nearly 1m people rely on handouts to eat – and benefit reforms may be to blame —- GPs braced for shutdown after ‘toxic mix’ of loss of funds and high demand At one of 98 GP surgeries in England under threat of closure there is despair that NHS reforms could kill off good care http://www.theguardian.com/society/2014/apr/16/gps-surgeries-shutdown-loss-funds-high-demand-nhs —- Farage could face investigation into EU expenses A former senior Ukip official has filed a formal complaint about Mr Farage to the EU anti-fraud office OLAF —- What the Birmingham schools probe can tell us about bog-standard comps Whatever the results of the education department’s investigation, pupils’ education has been disrupted by the academy agenda —- Right Andy, and the moon is made of blue cheese. Hacking trial: Andy Coulson denies role in hacking Milly Dowler’s phone —- Paris police order ‘systematic eviction’ of Roma gypsies Row erupts over leaked note ordering police in Paris’ chic sixth arrondissement to ‘systematically evict’ Roma gypsies —- Pork is the latest front in Europe’s culture wars The far right is fixated on pork and is using it as an excuse to target yet another aspect of Muslim life http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2014/apr/15/le-pen-pig-whistle-politics —- This is just too funny. Then again, he should be in jail. Berlusconi to do community service Italian ex-PM Silvio Berlusconi must perform community service in a home for the elderly, following his conviction for tax fraud. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-27033315 —- Spain tops list of EU’s 10 worst employment blackspots Statistics reveal top five worst hit areas for joblessness are in Spain where almost 6 million people are without a job http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/apr/15/spain-unemployment-eu-list-worst-hit —- Ratko Mladic trial blocks move to drop genocide charges http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-27032446 —- Ukraine crisis could hit Russian GDP http://www.bbc.com/news/business-27031630 —- Pro-Russian separatists seize Ukrainian armoured vehicles About 100 armed men ride on top of seized vehicles in central Kramatorsk as Ukrainian military helicopters hover above —- Ukraine crisis: Helicopter gunships take country closer to all-out war —- Boston marks first anniversary of Marathon bombing with day of tributes Bells tolled across city at 2.49pm to mark the moment of the first blast, while ceremonies were attended by survivors and victims’ families http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/apr/15/boston-first-anniversary-marathon-bombing-tributes —- Very Bad News For Obamacare Opponents In The Government’s Latest Report http://thinkprogress.org/health/2014/04/14/3426408/cbo-obamacare-cheaper/ —- NYPD disbands controversial Muslim surveillance unit ‘Dragnet policing’ by demographics unit had damaged police relations with community http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/apr/16/muslim-surveillance-unit-disbanded-nypd —- WTF!! Prominent Republican: Women Need To Be Paid Less So They Can Find Husbands —- Speechless! WATCH: Congressman Tells Black Constituent He’s Not Sure The Civil Rights Act Is Constitutional http://thinkprogress.org/justice/2014/04/15/3426672/ted-yoho-civil-rights-act/ —- Kansas City suspect to be charged with hate crime in Jewish centre shooting • Frazier Glenn Cross, 73, charged after three people killed http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/apr/14/kansas-city-suspect-kkk-hate-crime-jewish-shooting —- What Plantation Is Jim DeMint Living On? The Heritage Foundation chief’s ludicrous claim about who ended slavery in America is just his latest effort to destroy the federal government—past or present. http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2014/04/11/what-plantation-is-jim-demint-living-on.html —- Five dead after stabbing at house party in Calgary Son of local police officer in custody after attack, which local police chief calls worst mass murder in city’s history http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/apr/16/five-stabbed-death-calgary —- Syria war: Maaloula’s monastery destroyed after Assad forces drive rebels out The Syrian regime shows off its latest conquest – a scarred monastery where the language of Christ is still spoken —- Syria government fighter jet appears to drop bomb An amateur video uploaded on a social media website purports to show a government fighter jet dropping a bomb on outskirts of Damascus —- Syria crisis: ‘Torture’ photos shown to UN Security Council http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-27044203 —- Israel accused over new Hebron settlement move A new Israeli settlement development in a tense West Bank city has drawn allegations that Benjamin Netnayahu’s government is trying to sink already floundering peace talks —- Boko Haram abduct more than 100 schoolgirls in northeast Nigeria Islamic extremists have abducted about 100 female students from a school in northeast Nigeria —- Iran cuts enriched uranium stockpile: report Diplomats tell news agency that UN report will say Iran has diluted half of material it held that could be used in bomb. —- Iran considers ban on vasectomies in drive to boost birthrate Supreme leader sees family planning policy as an imitation of western lifestyle and aims to double Iran’s population http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/apr/15/iran-ban-vasectomies-birthrate —- Iraq closes Abu Ghraib prison amid security concerns Justice ministry announces ‘precautionary’ closure of prison which became notorious torture centre under Saddam Hussain http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/apr/15/iraq-closes-abu-ghraib-prison-security-concerns —- Southern India bus fire kills six in Karnataka http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-27045672 —- India court recognises transgender people as third gender http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-27031180 —- Afghan minister kidnapped in Kabul Gunmen run Ahmad Shah Wahid’s car off the road before dragging him into vehicle and driving off http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/apr/15/afghan-minister-kidnapped-kabul-ahmad-shah-wahid —- South Korea ferry: Scores missing as ship sinks http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-27045512 —- Safety plan after Thai war relic explodes New safety measures planned after World War II bomb detonates, killing scrap metal workers in Bangkok. —- MH370: submersible begins second mission as 14 planes continue search US navy Bluefin craft will hover at a depth of 4,500m to collect data on the seabed where team believes plane crashed http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/apr/16/mh370-submersible-second-mission TRIVIA QUIZ The answer to the question “General Benedict Arnold switched allegiance to the British side during which war”? American War of Independence Today’s question. What was the highest income tax rate ever set in the U.S.? Hint: It was in 1944/45 during WW2. —- Who are the 55 bodies buried at the Dozier school? http://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-26980611 —- In Pictures: Palestinians recall Deir Yassin Palestinians were met with Israeli indifference during march to commemorate 66th anniversary of Deir Yassin massacre. —- A History of the First World War in 100 Moments: When the world’s biggest shed took over Regent’s Park —- The Oldest Hatred, Forever Young by Frank Bruni Well beyond Kansas, anti-Semitism persists. http://www.nytimes.com/2014/04/15/opinion/the-oldest-hatred-forever-young.html —- A Barca: The Spanish hamlet being given away for free http://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-27034535 —- 😆 Margaret Thatcher Way? Residents refuse to name road after former Prime Minister Barnet council has been asking for volunteers willing to rename their road after Margaret Thatcher for a year, but no one has come forward amid fears for house prices —- 😯 North Korean officials ‘threaten’ London hairdresser who used shop window picture of Kim Jong-un —- Smoking cannabis could change the part of the brain dealing with motivation, according to one new study —- ‘Blood moon’ lunar eclipse – in pictures The moon turns red and orange during a total lunar eclipse due to a perfect alignment of the sun, Earth and the moon, otherwise known as a syzygy http://www.theguardian.com/science/gallery/2014/apr/15/blood-moon-lunar-eclipse-in-pictures —- Pictures of the day: 15 April 2014 —- Day in pictures: 15 April 2014 http://www.bbc.com/news/in-pictures-27032335 —- 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/apr/15/photo-highlights-of-the-day » Posted By Kalima On April 16, 2014 @ 2:13 am Good Morning Everyone! My favourite time of the day is here. Twilight. I love the dawn too, but these bright sunny days play havoc with my vision so I try to keep in the shade. Cherry blossom time came and went, and I did manage to see one tree in full bloom from our second floor window. Have a good Sunday wherever you may be. Take care, be safe, stay warm and comfy or cool and dry. Sayonara from my my darkening corner of Tokyo. Mata ne. Sunday’s Bits & Bobs Cabinet OKs new energy policy, kills no-nuclear goal —- Pro-nuclear energy policy angers residents hit by Fukushima disaster http://mainichi.jp/english/english/newsselect/news/20140412p2a00m0na013000c.html —- Energy plan looks to the past http://www.japantimes.co.jp/opinion/2014/04/11/editorials/energy-plan-looks-to-the-past/ —- Cherry blossom ‘tunnel’ blooms in evacuated town http://mainichi.jp/english/english/newsselect/news/20140412p2a00m0na006000c.html —- Gov’t orders 112,000 chickens culled after bird flu outbreak in Kumamoto —- If China grabs Senkakus, U.S. military would snatch them back: top marine commander —- —- The curious tale of the man who slapped Tojo http://www.japantimes.co.jp/culture/2014/04/12/books/the-curious-tale-of-the-man-who-slapped-tojo/ —- PICTURE OF THE DAy National:Cherry blossom ‘tunnel’ blooms in evacuated town http://mainichi.jp/graph/2014/04/12/20140412p2a00m0na006000c/001.html Cameron accused of using public funds for Tory spin Top officials and the election watchdog set to investigate whether David Cameron’s letter to businesses promoting the new employment allowance amounts to taxpayer funded “Tory propaganda” —- The People review – how the working class got screwed Selina Todd’s compelling history of the British working class is a tragedy that needed telling http://www.theguardian.com/books/2014/apr/13/the-people-review-working-class-got-screwed-todd —- From food banks to property bubbles – the moral decay that blights Britain Social historians will have no difficulty in giving an accurate portrait of the decline of today’s Britain —- As if teaching wasn’t enough. Teachers ‘denied pay rises for not volunteering to do school clubs’ Union says heads are basing salaries on willingness to dig the school garden or run activities after lessons http://www.theguardian.com/education/2014/apr/12/teachers-denied-pay-rises-for-not-volunteering —- Friends: The One Where Dave Gets Drunk Sam and Cam look forward to an upmarket holiday, but Tory strategist Lynton Crosby thinks a package hotel is more voter-friendly —- Berlusconi associate Dell’Utri arrested in Lebanon http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-27005786 —- Anti-austerity protest in Italy turns violent Police fire tear gas and make arrests as protesters clash with police over new prime minister’s labour reforms. —- Those pro Russians are trouble makers sent by Putin’s Kremlin, just as they were sent to Kiev when the protests started. Putin is despicable and there has been another chemical attack in Syria. That’s how he takes care of things he vetoes. He does nothing. Ukraine crisis: Pro-Russians step up attacks in the east —- Ukrainian forces launch ‘anti-terrorist’ operation in Slavyansk Pro-Russian activists carrying automatic weapons seized government buildings in the town about 90 miles from the Russian border on Saturday —- Barack Obama says voting rights face greatest threat in half a century • President addresses racial issues for second time in two days http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/apr/12/barack-obama-voting-rights-threat-race —- America stands accused of retreat from its global duties. Nonsense Naysayers allege that American influence is waning and cite Barack Obama’s inaction on Syria and Ukraine as proof that its foreign policy has been reduced to watching the ‘bad guys’ do what they like. That is a complete fantasy —- Unequal Lot by Frank Bruni The 77-cent figure so loosely tossed around misrepresents the pay gap and its roots. —- So according to this nincompoop, if you change your mind about something you are lying. That might be the norm for Repubs, but for the rest of us it;s called examining our conscience. Mike Huckabee Says Obama May Be Lying About His Support For Gay Marriage —- 😆 It’s been over for a long time guys. The Right Criticizes Conservative Pundit For Saying Benghazi Is Over http://thinkprogress.org/world/2014/04/11/3425935/right-krauthammer-benghazi/ —- The right to bear arms – even in the supermarket The shootings at Sandy Hook school claimed the lives of 20 children and shocked the world. So why do a growing number of Americans want gun controls relaxed? Alex Hannaford meets the fiery ‘Open Carry’ activists —- Fire destroys 500 homes in Valparaiso Ambulance crews have treated residents for smoke inhalation but so far there have been no deaths —- Hey Putin!!! Syrian poison gas attack ‘kills two and wounds up to 100’ Syrian government and opposition forces blame the other for alleged gas attack in village of Kfar Zeita http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/apr/12/syrian-poison-gas-attack-claim —- Exclusive: Nations fail to honour their financial pledges to Syrian refugees with only a fifth of the $6.5bn requested by the UN being delivered —- Egyptian police ‘using rape as a weapon’ against dissident groups Claim comes amid widespread anger at crackdown that has seen 16,000 arrested http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/apr/12/egypt-police-rape-dissidents-crackdown-16000-arrested —- Israel’s seizure of EU-funded aid projects prompts compensation calls The demolition of three humanitarian aid shelters near a settlement zone could lead to demands for reimbursement —- Nigerian senator: ‘135 civilians killed’ in attacks http://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-27006876 —- Iran’s UN ambassador nominee denied entry to US over hostage crisis link White House follows through on promise to deny visa to Hamid Abutalebi over his role in the 1979 Iran hostage crisis http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/apr/11/iran-un-ambassador-nominee-denied-entry —- Indian election: Bomb blasts kill 12 in Chhattisgarh http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-27001888 —- With people like this dish rag running for political office, it’s no wonder that India has such a huge problem with justice for women. Hope he chokes on his words. Women who have sex before marriage should be hanged, says senior politician in India’s Socialist Party Abu Azmi, the Socialist Party’s Maharashtra unit chief, says that women who have sex before marriage should be hanged, while the Party’s leader says he will scrap a law giving the death penalty to rapists if he’s elected prime minister —- Dozens ‘abducted’ by Pakistan Taliban At least 40 tribesmen suspected to be involved in drug trade reportedly kidnapped in Tirah valley. http://www.aljazeera.com/news/asia/2014/04/dozens-abducted-pakistan-taliban-2014412172846565736.html —- Afghan elections: Violence season comes early Despite reports describing Afghanistan’s elections as ‘peaceful’, casualties in the rural areas were widespread. —- Earthquake hits near Solomon Islands http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-27006985 —- Drinking water in China’s Lanzhou city unsafe to drink, say authorities Water in city found to contain levels of benzene, a cancer-inducing chemical, at 20 times above safety levels http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/apr/11/drinking-water-lanzhou-china-unsafe —- Missing plane MH370: HMS Echo in ‘black box’ search http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-27001998 TRIVIA QUIZ Today’s question. General Benedict Arnold switched allegiance to the British side during which war? —- The mystery of Lebanon’s missing thousands —- Tiananmen 25 years on: the ‘event’ that no one dares remember As the rest of the world remembers the Tiananmen Square massacre, China forbids its citizens from mentioning the atrocity —- Sue Townsend: how the welfare state left me and my kids scouring the streets for pennies The writer, who died on Thursday, created her teen diarist Adrian Mole while she was a struggling single mother of three. In this Observer article from 1989, she described how the state had left her destitute http://www.theguardian.com/books/2014/apr/13/adrian-mole-sue-townsend-welfare —- Capitalism simply isn’t working and here are the reasons why Economist Thomas Piketty’s message is bleak: the gap between rich and poor threatens to destroy us http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2014/apr/12/capitalism-isnt-working-thomas-piketty —- The storyteller of Marrakech http://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-26988777 —- Leaked climate change report: Scientific body warns of ‘devastating rise of 4-5C if we carry on as we are’ —- In pictures: Small Town Noir – 20th century arrests in small town America —- Animal photos of the week: 11 April 2014 http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/picturegalleries/earth/10760394/Animal-photos-of-the-week.html —- The week in pictures: 11 April 2014 —- Week in pictures: 5-11 April 2014 http://www.bbc.com/news/in-pictures-26935631 —- The 20 photographs of the week The best photography in news, culture and sport from around the world this week » Posted By Kalima On April 13, 2014 @ 1:52 am Hello kes. Being able to open windows again make me feel like a bear waking up from hibernation to stick my face outside for the first time in many months. Glorious feeling. Now where is my food, I’m ravenous? 🙂 The elderly are being targeted almost daily here in Japan, and I can’t help wishing for very severe sentences for the criminals as the victims are robbed of their life savings. 2013 showed a record haul by these shysters. The NHS is failing hugely in those hospitals that have already seen privatisation which is not surprising in the least. So far everything that has been contracted out since the Tory takeover, is in a shambles with millions being funnelled in to help to support government failures. The list continues to grow as the government shamefully wastes the taxpayers money while making their lives unbearable. “No-brain” Freud should meet “Looking-for-a-brain” Ryan, they have a lot in common. Neither has a clue what they are talking about and just don’t know when to stfu. The story out of Iraq just stunned me. Instead of moving forward, they return to the barbaric forced child marriages. We should always thank Bush and Cheney for the chaos they have caused this country. About the loss of Russian lives in WW1, it just goes to show that countries fail to learn anything from their mistakes and their history. How amazing was that message in a bottle story? Things like that happen so rarely. On the trivia answer, open those windows wide, your tiara is on the way. The answer was 10 years and well done. Have a peaceful day today if possible, and take care. See you soon. » Posted By Kalima On April 11, 2014 @ 1:03 am Good Morning Everyone. A beautiful Spring day in Tokyo today, it was nice to finally be able to open the windows again. Have a good day wherever you may be. Take care, be safe, stay warm and comfy or cool and dry. Sayonara from my late afternoon corner of Tokyo. Mata ne. A few stories and opinions from around the globe. Climate that values safety tops: NRA chief —- Nuclear emergency evacuation plans lagging in 11 prefectures: survey —- Nearly 75% of schools used as tsunami evacuation sites ‘unsafe’ —- Fraudsters took advantage of victims’ goodwill to help Fukushima recovery efforts http://mainichi.jp/english/english/newsselect/news/20140407p2a00m0na015000c.html —- Pacifists rally as poll shows Japan is uneasy over Abe’s military aims —- PICTURE OF THE DAY Happy birthday Buddha http://www.japantoday.com/category/picture-of-the-day/view/happy-birthday-buddha INTERNATIONAL NEWS NHS blunders put millions of records at risk NHS chiefs admit major breaches saw security of millions of patient records compromised —- This greedy government should fund them. Need for food banks is caused by welfare cuts, research shows Report warns that as social security safety nets become weaker, charity provision could replace state-funded schemes http://www.theguardian.com/society/2014/apr/08/food-banks-welfare-cuts-research —- Windfarms BAD! Dangerous nuclear power plants and digging holes in the earth by fracking, GOOD and VERY “environmentally friendly”. Right!!! Wind turbines are no longer ‘environmentally friendly’, says Tory chairman Grant Shapps suggests the Tories will pledge to curb obshore wind powerin their manifesto as he says “giant” turbines are no longer “environmentally friendly” —- Let’s face it, neither MPs nor the press are fit to regulate themselves Maria Miller should have been sacked. But the papers now baying for her blood are motivated by their hatred of oversight http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2014/apr/07/mps-press-regulate-themselves-maria-miller —- House of Commons’ champagne bill goes up and up despite austerity —- Adore this man Irish president celebrates ‘warm friendship’ in British parliamentary address – video —- Austria poll blow for racism row MEP Andreas Moelzer http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-26930289 —- Spain’s parliament rejects Catalan independence bid Conservative Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy says independence vote by Catalans is prohibited by the constitution as parliament emphatically votes down bid —- Moscow may be planning intervention in eastern Ukraine, US warns John Kerry fears potential Crimea-style action after pro-Russian forces cement control of government building in Donetsk http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/apr/08/us-moscow-crimea-style-intervention-eastern-ukraine —- Ukraine: dangerous games If Russia intervenes again in Ukraine, and war is avoided, the world will still become a shrunken, soured place http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2014/apr/08/ukraine-dangerous-games —- Ukraine crisis leaves animals in Kharkiv zoo fighting for life Ukrainian zoo that survived both World Wars struggling for funds amid political crisis leaving its six thousand animals “on the verge of starvation”. —- US marine guard shoots another dead at North Carolina base Incident at Camp Lejeune follows deaths of four personnel including the shooter at Fort Hood base in Texas —- Bill to restore US unemployment insurance likely to deadlock in Congress • House speaker says he may not allow vote on measure http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/apr/08/unemployment-insurance-bill-deadlock-congress —- Sliver of Medicare Doctors Get Big Share of Payouts The data provides an unprecedented look at the practice of medicine across the country, shedding fresh light on the treatment decisions made every day. http://www.nytimes.com/2014/04/09/business/sliver-of-medicare-doctors-get-big-share-of-payouts.html —- GOP Spokesperson Asked What Republicans Are Willing To Do To Close Gender Pay Gap, Comes Up Empty —- Welcome To Shawnee, Oklahoma: The Worst City In America To Be Homeless http://thinkprogress.org/economy/2014/04/08/3418314/shawnee-homeless/ —- U.S. PRISONS HOME TO TEN TIMES MORE MENTALLY ILL THAN STATE HOSPITALS —- The Gun Report: April 8, 2014 A day in the life of armed America. http://nocera.blogs.nytimes.com/2014/04/08/the-gun-report-april-8-2014/ —- Right, of course internal unrest is Obama’s fault. This man is worse than Chavez in the “screws loose” department. Venezuela protests are sign that US wants our oil, says Nicolás Maduro In an exclusive interview with the Guardian, Venezuela’s president claims the Obama administration is fomenting unrest with the aim of provoking a Ukraine-style ‘slow-motion’ coup —- Dutch priest murdered in his church in the besieged Syrian city of Homs Father Francis Van der Lugt had insisted on remaining in Homs during more than three years of war as he worked to keep international attention on the plight of starving residents —- UN: Syria drought to deepen food crisis UN says unusual lack of rain during this year’s winter could hit crop production and push millions more into hunger. —- Egypt jails four men for gay acts http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-26934432 —- Ebola outbreak ‘most challenging’ as Guinea deaths pass 100 http://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-26941698 —- Iran’s choice for UN ambassador threatens to derail nuclear talks Tehran defends nomination as senior US lawmakers accuse Hamid Aboutalebi of involvement in 1979 hostage crisis http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/apr/08/iran-ambassador-nuclear-talks-us-hostage-crisis —- Unforgivable, the country is sliding backwards. So much for Bush and Cheney’s faux “democracy”. Iraq ready to legalise childhood marriage Children under nine years old could be legally married and wives forced to comply with sexual demands under newly tabled legislation described by critics as a setback for women’s rights —- Bomb kills 23 in Pakistan’s capital Attack on outskirts of Islamabad is the latest blow to faltering hopes of a deal to end years of bloodshed —- Afghanistan’s voters needed patience more than protection When polling day finally dawned in Afghanistan, it was mostly peaceful – even a flawed election is better than none http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2014/apr/08/afghanistan-voters-polling-day-election —- Ouch! 😯 North Korean official ‘executed by flamethrower’ in renewed purge of supporters for Kim Jong-un’s dead uncle Jang Song-thaek —- Philippine top court defies church to back birth control http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-26938667 —- MH370 missing plane: two more ‘pings’ detected in search for Malaysia Airlines black box Head of Australian agency coordinating the search for missing Malaysia Airlines flight MH370 says two ‘ping’ signals, consistent with black box locator beacons, have been recorded, one lasting for seven minutes —- Polls open in Indonesian elections Indonesians begin voting for national and regional parliamentary representatives ahead of presidential elections later this year http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/indonesia/10753938/Polls-open-in-Indonesian-elections.html TRIVIA QUIZ Today’s question. A decennial event occurs every how many years? —- The leaps of faith that saved a brave few from Auschwitz’s horrors: New study reveals how hundreds of Jews used desperate means to jump from Nazi trains —- A History of the First World War in 100 Moments: Russia loses an army at the Battle of Tannenberg —- 101-year-old bottle message: Baltic find reveals my roots, says granddaughter Berlin resident Angela Erdmann speaks of unknown grandfather who threw bottle but died six years before she was born http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/apr/08/101-years-message-bottle-baltic-roots-erdmann —- Good for him. It’s about time. US soldier and Afghan interpreter campaign for US visas http://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-26858086 —- In pictures: Delhi’s homeless get voting rights http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-26921831 —- Monty Python: 10 best sketches From dead parrots to upper class twits: as Monty Python announce plans to reunite, we present their 10 best sketches and quotes —- HA! Even his bloody paintings are a big fraud. George Bush’s paintings bear uncanny resemblance … to Google images Art critics point out that 30 portraits of world leaders appear to have been based on photos thrown up by search engine —- Adorable! Baby meerkats in Botswana – in pictures Photographer Will Burrard-Lucas got more help than he bargained for when he went to shoot a young family of meerkats in the Makgadikgadi region of Botswana. The new arrivals used the photographer as a look out post before trying their hand at taking pictures. http://www.theguardian.com/environment/gallery/2014/apr/08/baby-meerkats-in-botswana-in-pictures —- Pictures of the day: 8 April 2014 —- Day in pictures: 8 April 2014 http://www.bbc.com/news/in-pictures-26935630 —- 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/apr/08/photo-highlights-of-the-day » Posted By Kalima On April 9, 2014 @ 2:01 am Hello kes. Thanks for popping in on what I know was a busy day for you. Hang in there, your forecast for Thursday is windy but a heady 19C. Yay!! The 8% consumption tax is already making itself felt. People we know are giving up buying things they have bought for years instead of paying the extra tax, and I believe that is happening with the majority of people. The few rich won’t even notice the change, but they don’t make a big percentage of consumers here. From my own experience, some prices are already coming down on some things, so how will that boost Abe’s economy?? The European Far Right is a dangerous animal, and I’m hoping they will overstep and go haywire like The Golden Dawn did in Greece. Sooner or later these racist fanatics go too far, that will be the beginning of the end for them. The sooner the better. I’m sure the Russians could be persuaded to take Florida, the TP and Rick (crook ) Scott if you throw in free rides in Disney World for life. Yes the story of the Irish soldier fighting for Britain was heartbreaking. This hate of people from other countries lasting for generations is nothing new to me either as you know from my childhood. What happened to him was a tragedy. A man made tragedy. I was delighted to be able to post links to so many tributes to Anja Niederinghaus. Her wonderful photos showed her strength, her conviction, and her compassion for her subjects. Great work, and a great loss to journalism. Your answer to the trivia question is correct. It was indeed the colour purple. Take care and a peaceful day to you. See you again soon. » Posted By Kalima On April 7, 2014 @ 12:36 am Hello monicaangela, sorry to have missed you. I’m glad to hear that I’m bringing something of interest and that you are enjoying it. I post updates once or twice during the week too in case you ever have the time. For the trivia question answer, if I go with your first answer purple, then you are correct, so that’s what I’ll do. Well done. 🙂 Look forward to seeing you here again. Take care. » Posted By Kalima On April 6, 2014 @ 11:50 pm Good Morning Everyone. Welcome to your first Sunday in April. I’m typing this in semi darkness as a storm rolls in, and have turned off all the lights. Have a good day wherever you may be. Take care, be safe, stay warm and comfy or cool and dry. Sayonara from my dull corner of Tokyo. Mata ne. Sunday’s Bits & Bobs Fallout from the tax rise may hit in surprising ways —- MSDF vessel to strike new North missiles http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2014/04/05/national/msdf-vessel-to-strike-new-north-missiles/ —- U.S. to deploy 2 more destroyers to Japan by 2017 http://mainichi.jp/english/english/newsselect/news/20140406p2g00m0in004000c.html —- The top overpriced products in Japan http://www.japantoday.com/category/lifestyle/view/the-top-overpriced-products-in-japan —- PICTURE OF THE DAY Full bloom http://www.japantoday.com/category/picture-of-the-day/view/full-bloom-3 Michael Gove’s bid to limit fallout from failing free schools – revealed Secret document for academies minister Lord Nash outlines strategy to ‘step in fast to cut political damage’ http://www.theguardian.com/education/2014/apr/06/michael-gove-failing-free-schools —- As politicians spend, we all pay the price Britain’s leaders escape any punishment for adding to the nation’s debt – but different rules apply to ordinary taxpayers http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/politics/10746501/As-politicians-spend-we-all-pay-the-price.html —- Wasting public money is so much fun. Parenting scheme a ‘flop’ – Labour Labour dubs a government parenting class scheme a “flop” after just 4% of eligible parents in the pilot areas sign up to it. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/education-26875470 —- Margaret Thatcher began Britain’s obsession with property. It’s time to end it Right to buy helped to turn the UK into a nation that saw houses as something to make money from, not to live in. Now we are at crisis point – and the government must step in —- France pulls out of Rwanda genocide commemorations http://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-26904627 —- This racist abomination is gaining votes in France? Be afraid, be very afraid. France’s Le Pen: ban non-pork meals in schools Leader of France’s far-Right party says schools should not pander to Jewish and Muslim children by offering non-Pork alternatives for lunch —- Hungary election: PM Viktor Orban tipped to win again http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-26908404 —- Is Hungary heading for another Viktatorship? http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-26871728 —- New Evidence: Russian Spies Backed Kiev’s Killers Following on a Daily Beast report, Ukrainian authorities say that Russian advisers and ex-President Yanukovych played a direct role in the slaughter of protesters on February 20. —- Russian ambassadors: ‘next we’ll take Catalonia, Venice, Scotland and Alaska’ Unauthenticated, expletive-laden recording of pair joking about which countries to annex after Crimea is leaked online —- Kiev threatens to sue Moscow over gas price Dispute could imperil gas deliveries to Western Europe but Ukraine says it will not siphon other countries’ gas. —- US finally regains the jobs lost in the recession http://www.theguardian.com/world/feedarticle/11281398 —- Paul Ryan Accidentally Reveals The Truth About The GOP’s Obamacare Replacement —- To Strike at Kochs, Democrats Revive Tactic That Hurt Romney Democrats are seeking to make villains of the billionaire brothers, whose political organizations have spent more than $30 million on ads so far to help Republicans win control of the Senate. —- New Hampshire opponents of death penalty urge repeal with proposed law Law would make state, one of nine where repeal efforts are active, the 19th state to abolish capital punishment http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/apr/05/new-hampshire-death-penalty-proposed-law —- Caracas chaos: Venezuelan general on the run Death in the streets, rationing by fingerprints and a general on the run: how oil-rich Venezuela has descended into chaos —- Syria crisis: Clashes in Jordan’s Zaatari camp http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-26908587 —- Syrian opposition accuses Assad of new poison attack The footage of a man laying on a bed and being treated by medics follows an alleged attack took place in Jobar, Damascus —- Syria’s grim milestone: the one millionth refugee An 18-year-old called Yahya is refugee number 1,000,000 fleeing from war torn Syria —- Tribal clashes kill 23 in Egypt http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-26901835 —- ‘We are prisoners here’, say migrants at Israel’s desert detention camp Human rights activists say Israel should be ashamed of its treatment of asylum seekers at Holot, a holding facility for ‘infiltrators’ deep in the Negev desert —- Panic as deadly Ebola virus spreads across West Africa —- Peacekeepers in Central African Republic ‘overwhelmed’ says Ban Ki-moon Central African Republic is in a ‘state of anarchy’ according to UN Secretary General, with French and African peacekeeping soldiers in need of further assistance —- Rahul Gandhi faces poll disaster as India is set for historic vote Hindu nationalist Narendra Modi given scent of outright victory by opinion polls on eve of India’s general election http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/apr/05/india-general-election-polls-favour-modi —- Pakistani couple get death sentences for blasphemy http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-26901433 —- Defiant Afghans take to the polls despite Taliban threat Afghan voters are at the polls in a landmark election held as US-led forces wind down their long intervention in the country —- Dozens missing in Solomon Islands flash floods http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-26899336 —- Thailand crisis: ‘Red shirts’ warn of civil war threat http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-26904622 —- Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370: Signals heard in Indian Ocean could be missing aircraft’s black box http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/asia/malaysia-airlines-flight-mh370-signals-heard-in-indian-ocean-could-be-missing-aircrafts-black-box-9241172.html TRIVIA QUIZ Today’s question. What colour ink was traditionally used by Roman emperors to sign important documents? —- The 1915 Armenian genocide: Finding a fit testament to a timeless crime —- India elections: A better future for Indian children lies under the railway arches —- The sadness behind the Central African Republic’s mango trees http://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-26817382 —- The forgotten Irish soldiers who fought for Britain in the first world war Ireland was on the cusp of the Easter Rising when thousands of Irish men joined up to serve with the British army in the first world war. They returned to an utterly changed country; they were officially forgotten. This is one man’s story http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/apr/05/irish-soldiers-who-fought-for-britain —- Anja Niedringhaus 1965 – 2014 http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/10746997/Anja-Niedringhaus-1965-2014.html —- In pictures: Anja Niedringhaus’ works http://www.bbc.com/news/in-pictures-26890982 —- Newsha Tavakolian’s portraits of Iran’s middle-class youth – in pictures “When I shot these images, it was a dark time in Iran’s history,” says Newsha Tavakolian. “It was a time of extreme pressure on the public, especially on the youth, who were all struggling under the imposed restrictions.” Curious about the isolated lives of the middle-class youth in Tehran, Tavakolian staged images based on the real stories of her friends and neighbours to depict a society that the photographer believes is often reduced to exaggerated stereotypes in western media, and to give a more accurate portrayal of “normal people” in Iran —- Hilarious! ‘Get your arse out, mate’: we turn the tables on everyday sexism – video http://www.theguardian.com/world/video/2014/apr/04/everyday-sexism-turn-tables-women-men-video —- Animal photos of the week: 4 April 2014 http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/picturegalleries/earth/10744432/Animal-photos-of-the-week.html —- The week in pictures: 4 April 2014 —- Week in pictures: 29 March – 4 April http://www.bbc.com/news/in-pictures-26856514 The 20 photographs of the week In this week’s gallery of the best photojournalism from the week, we pay tribute to regular contributor Anja Niedringhaus. The Pulitzer Prize-winning photographer was killed this week covering the presidential election in Afghanistan. She worked in the conflict areas of the Middle East, Afghanistan, Pakistan and Libya from where she always displayed compassionate and courageous photojournalism http://www.theguardian.com/theobserver/gallery/2014/apr/05/observer-20-photographs-anja-niedringhaus » Posted By Kalima On April 6, 2014 @ 1:55 am Hello kes, you must have a sore ear from all those phone calls you get. As soon as Cameron proclaimed that his idol was Thatcher, we knew what we were in for, and he hasn’t disappointed. The bottom is falling out of the U.K. and we are sinking. They planned to finish what Thatcher had started with the NHS, destroy it by withholding funds, and give know nothing private companies the chance to finish the job for them. No more wind farms because they produce too much power. So what happens to those poor oil corporations and those nuclear energy giants? I had to laugh out loud at your Monty Python comparison to Nasty Little Nigel. That ridiculous dopey smile on his face reminds me of a drooling infant who has just dumped a load in his nappy. If he wasn’t such a weirdo leading an even weirder party, I would laugh every time I see him. Yesterday a former leader of Ukip wrote that Farage doesn’t have what it takes to lead a party. We already know that, the man has more than a few screws loose. The rich Du Pont heir not going to jail for raping his three year old daughter just shows how justice is not served. Glenn Beck having to pay out millions in damages? How absolutely wonderful and fitting. Fingers crossed. The trivia answer is actually 12 years, but because we both know just how short one year can be, I’m going to give it to you. 🙂 Have a peaceful day and I’ll see you soon. Take care. » Posted By Kalima On April 3, 2014 @ 2:27 am Good Morning Everyone. Bright and sunny day here in Tokyo today which is good as it turns into rain for tomorrow and Friday. Spring is here it seems but with the high windows in our living room you can never tell because you would need a stool to look out of them. Have a good day wherever you may be. Take care, be safe, stay warm and comfy or cool and dry. Sayonara from my late afternoon corner of Tokyo. Mata ne. A few stories and opinions from around the globe. Only one-third of nation’s nuclear reactors may be restarted: analysis —- Kyushu Electric becomes 2nd nuclear operator to seek gov’t aid —- Some Fukushima residents returning home as gov’t lifts evacuation order http://mainichi.jp/english/english/newsselect/news/20140401p2a00m0na012000c.html —- Spring in Japan: beautiful blossoms and hay fever misery —- PICTURE OF THE DAY No-go zone http://www.japantoday.com/category/picture-of-the-day/view/no-go-zone INTERNATIONAL NEWS Privatisation. The Tories “wet dream”. New NHS chief angers unions with praise for private sector innovation Unite says Simon Stevens’s comments demonstrate his and government’s shared agenda to draw in private providers http://www.theguardian.com/society/2014/apr/01/nhs-chief-simon-stevens-private-innovation —- LETTERS NHS fees plan is a turning point in privatisation http://www.theguardian.com/society/2014/apr/01/nhs-fees-plan-turning-point-privatisation —- The reason being that he wants to build more even uglier and dangerous nuclear reactor plants. David Cameron could make manifesto pledge to get ‘rid’ of wind farms A senior source close to the Prime Minister has said the Conservative leader wants to go into the next election pledging to curb the number of wind turbines across the countryside. —- Let’s be honest, Nigel is a buffoon about everything. Don’t believe me? Just look at the picture. Nigel Farage is a buffoon for admiring Vladimir Putin The Ukip leader – the Kremlin’s favourite British politician – is becoming increasingly ridiculous and offensive —- Italian troops sent into Naples’ ‘Triangle of Death’ to stop mafia wars over illegal waste disposal —- Ukraine crisis: Poland asks Nato to station 10,000 troops on its territory Nato is divided over demands from Poland and the Baltic states for a permanent deployment of the Alliance’s troops to defend them from Russia —- Ukraine crisis: No sign Russian troops are withdrawing from border, says Nato chief —- Obama touts high healthcare enrolment after deadline http://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-26839631 —- Yawn!! Paul Ryan’s Budget Makes Wild New Claims About Obamacare http://thinkprogress.org/health/2014/04/01/3421405/paul-ryan-health-care-omg/ —- Mr. Ryan’s Faith-Based Budget The budget resolution for 2015 will probably get full support from House Republicans, but voters should look closely at the details. http://www.nytimes.com/2014/04/02/opinion/mr-ryans-faith-based-budget.html —- Good Lord, get the straightjacket!! After 7 Million Americans Sign Up For Obamacare, Fox News Insists ‘No One’ Opposed Some Of Its Provisions http://thinkprogress.org/health/2014/04/01/3421871/obama-fox/ —- Koch Brothers Quietly Seek To Ban New Mass Transit In Tennessee http://thinkprogress.org/climate/2014/04/01/3421088/koch-brothers-tennessee/ —- Who cares about the value of work? —- Outrageous!!! Send him to jail where he belongs. DuPont heir Robert H Richards dodges prison after raping three-year old daughter because he wouldn’t ‘fare well’ in jail —- Far-Right Texas Terrorist Planned Murder And Robbery Spree in the Name of ‘Liberty’ Recruiting militants via Facebook is an amateur move, but the arrest of a right-wing extremist is a reminder that most terror plots in the U.S. have nothing to do with al Qaeda. —- About time someone sued this lying creep. Glenn Beck sued by man he wrongly accused of being the ‘money man’ behind the Boston Marathon bombings —- Chile earthquake: rush to evacuate coast after tsunami warning – live The powerful 8.2-magnitude earthquake has sparked a tsunami warning for Peru and Ecuador and evacuations in Chile. All the latest updates —- Syria civil war ‘kills over 150,000 people’ in three years Syria death toll ‘passes 150,000’ three years after start of devastating conflict – including 8,000 children —- Turkish police use water cannon in Ankara as voters demand recount Thousands protest over results of local elections in which Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s AK party kept control of capital and Istanbul http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/apr/01/turkey-water-cannon-protests-ankara-erdogan —- Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas’s moves to join UN-affiliated international organisations threatens to destroy Middle East peace process —- Huh?? 😯 Saudi Arabia declares all atheists are terrorists in new law to crack down on political dissidents —- Nigeria suicide attack ‘kills 21’ near Maiduguri http://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-26846272 —- Guinea’s Ebola outbreak: what is the virus and what’s being done? Guinea faces an epidemic of a ‘magnitude never before seen’, with nearly 80 deaths so far. So what’s being done to stop its spread? http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/apr/01/guinea-ebola-outbreak-whats-being-done-explained —- Afghanistan election candidates raise fears over widespread fraud Concerns there will be a repeat of the cheating that marred the 2009 poll, when more than 1m votes were disqualified http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/apr/01/afghanistan-election-candidates-predict-fraud —- He starts the aggression and blames everyone else. Kim Jong-un warns of ‘very grave’ situation on Korean peninsula Kim blamed Washington and Seoul for the current frictions, saying they had trampled on peace overtures from Pyongyang —- Seoul examines ‘North Korea drone’ http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-26835228 —- MH370: UK submarine joins search for missing plane http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-26845118 —- Missing Malaysia Airlines flight MH370: Transcript shows last words from cockpit were not ‘all right, good night’ http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/asia/missing-malaysia-flight-mh370-last-words-from-cockpit-were-not-all-right-good-night-9227367.html TRIVIA QUIZ Today’s Question. How many years did it take the world’s population to grow from six billion to seven billion people? Hint: More than 9 and less than 13. —- Inside America’s $2bn immigrant detention industry http://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-26843600 —- The man who went looking for freedom http://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-26838177 —- Veiled Truths http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2014/03/29/opinion/sunday/exposures-veiled-truths-essay.html —- Stop forcing veg down our throats Despite the failure of the five-a-day message, policymakers are determined to pursue an individual remedy for a collective ill http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2014/apr/02/forcing-veg-throat-five-a-day —- US student Kwasi Enin is first to successfully apply for places at all eight Ivy League universities —- Christina Broom, Britain’s first female press photographer http://www.bbc.com/news/in-pictures-26837357 —- Pictures of the day: 1 April 2014 —- Day in pictures: 1 April 2014 http://www.bbc.com/news/in-pictures-26832647 —- 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/apr/01/photo-highlights-of-the-day » Posted By Kalima On April 2, 2014 @ 2:00 am Hello monicaangela. Firstly thank you for your kind offer but I couldn’t accept it. I’ve been doing MB since November 2009, and consider it my responsibility, so when my few remaining news sources start to block access, and enough people are still reading here, I would be prepared to pay for the subscriptions to keep bringing world news to The Planet. In the meantime, I will carry on doing updates about three times a week. Again thank you so much for your generous offer, that was very kind of you. Take care and look forward to seeing you again soon. » Posted By Kalima On March 31, 2014 @ 5:25 pm Hello kes, remember if you really want to read something and they block you, let me know and I’ll send it to you. The council tax for those rich buggers in London is obscene. I pay that for a small house in the country, so how is this fair when I’m not even living there? The article about “Nasty Little Nigel” and that awful woman Le Pen was funny but considering that the story underneath pointed to increasing power to the FR National Front in France, and the nuts who believe the British TP Ukip to be an alternative to vote for next year, it was darned scary too. Well the Repubs are amazingly clueless about what the American people want, they are wrong about everything they put their stinking hands on. Yes Krugman’s got it right once again and the other side call him a socialist not knowing what it means of course, and just because to them it sound insulting. Idiots!! Those “meths photos” were just hard to look at, as were those old photos of America during the early Klan era. Sometimes it seems that the South never grew out of it. Shameful!! The trivia answer was actually 17 which I still I believe is still far too young. Hope you have some warmer weather coming soon, and that you have a peaceful day today. Thanks for stopping by and see you soon. » Posted By Kalima On March 31, 2014 @ 2:14 am Hello monicaangela, what a treat to find you here. Glad that you found stories of interest and that you enjoyed them. We do discuss certain articles here, especially with kes who drops by daily, and if there is something that catches your eye, feel free to give your opinion in your comment. If you check down the page you will see that kes does it most of the time. I think I need to explain things about MB. I update now at least three times a week, and it’s always at the top of the thread. Only the actual date on my post does not change until I write a new one because I’ve reached my comment level limit. The paywall business will only get worse. At the moment I’m already paying monthly for three. When you have read the monthly limit of 20 articles, they block you from reading more unless you pay their monthly subscription fee, and I am not prepared yet to pay for more. That’s why I can’t do it every day. Please drop in whenever you have time and I’ll try my best to post as often as I can. Great to find you here, and even better to know that you share my interest in what is happening around the globe. 🙂 I don’t have any direct contact with Andy for some time now, but was glad to hear about his new book. Take care and look forward to seeing you here again. » Posted By Kalima On March 30, 2014 @ 3:28 pm Good Morning Everyone! Miserable old rainy day here in Tokyo. The tribes had the right idea and have slept most of the day while I cooked Sunday lunch and cleaned up their messes. Have a good Sunday wherever you may be. Take care, be safe, stay warm and comfy or cool and dry. Sayonara from my dull, dark afternoon corner of Tokyo. Mata ne. Sunday’s Bits & Bobs Shimane assembly rejects citizens’ call to phase out nuclear power —- Japan Fukushima nuclear worker dies in mudslide http://mainichi.jp/english/english/newsselect/news/20140329p2g00m0dm025000c.html —- Thanks, raising the consumption tax just wasn’t enough? Utility rates to reach record highs in May —- ‘MacArthur Road’ opens in Tokyo http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2014/03/29/national/macarthur-road-opens-in-tokyo/#.Uze34lyVsfE —- Samurai grooming tips that kept Japan’s warriors looking their bushido best —- PICTURE OF THE DAY Early start http://www.japantoday.com/category/picture-of-the-day/view/early-start David Cameron welcomes first gay marriages Prime Minister says change to the law on same-sex marriage is in keeping with Britain’s proudest traditions – but poll suggests it will cost Tories votes http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/politics/10730806/David-Cameron-welcomes-first-gay-marriages.html —- And people who have lived there all their lives for generations have to look at this instead of the beautiful views from their windows. Awful!! Builders ‘churning out same old boxes’, says Kevin McCloud Builders are using relaxed planning rules to build “enormous slabs of thousands of box-like” homes in towns and villages as though they were “dropped out of a C130 Hercules”, according to the presenter of television programme Grand Designs —- Good question because mine could go up as high as another 100% more any time the council wants to do it. Why do we pay more council tax than oligarchs in Knightsbridge palaces? The unwillingness to charge appropriate amounts of council tax on the properties of the super-wealthy is inexplicable. Some London boroughs could multiply their top rate by more than 100 —- Friends: The One With The Rapping Cabinet Inspired by Michael Gove’s recent performance, Dave and friends take it in turns to see who’s got the most electorally appealing rhymes http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/politics/10730754/Friends-The-One-With-The-Rapping-Cabinet.html —- A child’s guide to Nigel Farage and Marine Le Pen and why they scare me Out of Europe: Both Nigel and Marine had good weeks. But are their parties the stuff of nightmare, or will they fade in an economic dawn? —- French refuse to join backers of EU reform France repeats doubts as David Cameron celebrates securing German support for ‘two-speed’ Europe —- Are those voters nuts or just racists like the leader? French Front National eyes real power after startling gains in local elections The FN already has a new mayor and could end up in control of five towns or cities after a strong showing at the polls, with Marine Le Pen declaring 2014 ‘year zero’ for French politics http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/mar/30/front-national-marine-le-pen-french-local-elections —- Ukraine crisis: Kerry and Lavrov in push for solution http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-26803688 —- Ukraine: Vitali Klitschko pulls out of presidential race Opposition politician Vitali Klitschko has thrown his weight behind chocolate magnate Petro Poroshenko, in bid to avoid splitting vote in favour of Yulia Tymoshenko —- 12 Times Republicans Claimed Nobody Would Sign Up For Obamacare —- Washington mudslide: America’s under-reported tragedy A community has been wiped out and dozens have died, but coverage of the disaster in Washington state has been curiously quiet, reports Raf Sanchez —- Earthquake shakes Los Angeles suburbs – video report http://www.theguardian.com/world/video/2014/mar/29/earthquake-shakes-los-angeles-suburbs-video —- New G.O.P. Bid to Limit Voting in Swing States Already, nine states, under Republican control, have passed measures making it harder to vote since the beginning of 2013. http://www.nytimes.com/2014/03/30/us/new-gop-bid-to-limit-voting-in-swing-states.html —- Florida Botches Lastest Effort To Purge Voter Rolls —- The Skills Zombie by Paul Krugman Another serious-sounding wrong idea. http://krugman.blogs.nytimes.com/2014/03/29/the-skills-zombie/ —- Venezuela death toll rises amid new protests Two more deaths linked to demonstrations, according to government, taking total during weeks of protests to 39. —- Syria: the jihadi town where ‘brides’ are snatched from schools Once liberal bastion Raqqa was over-run by al-Qaeda group before secular rebels launched a fight back —- Syria: Inside an Al Qaeda prison Former prisoner shows The Telegraph around the jihadi-run prison in northern Syria where he was held and tortured —- Soldiers killed by Lebanon car bomb http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-26805050 —- Erdogan’s name and face dominate as Turkey heads to the polls The prime minister is not even standing in Sunday’s local elections, but in the divided capital the talk is of no one else http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/mar/29/erdogan-dominate-turkey-polls-local-elections —- Egypt: History repeating itself? What attracts Egyptians to military leaders – even at the expense of democratic freedoms? —- Libya poised to retake oil ports from rebels in move that could split country Rebels blockading ports in the eastern province of Cyrenaica say they will form a breakaway state if government forces attack http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/mar/28/libya-poised-retake-oil-ports-rebels-split-country —- UN: Over one million displaced by South Sudan conflict http://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-26798721 —- The US is paying the cost of supporting the House of Saud as cracks begin to appear World View: It has helped to restore authoritarian rule in the Middle East, but the costs are becoming clear —- Taliban launch attack on Afghanistan’s electoral commission building Afghanistan’s electoral commission building has been attacked by suicide bombers, as part of an increasingly violent campaign to thwart the presidential election – with one week to go until the vote —- Malaysia flight MH370: Chinese families ‘seek answers’ http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-26806791 —- My main concern since I read about the spotting of debris was what if this was the missing one mile island of debris from our 2011 triple disaster? Search for missing Malaysia Airlines plane: is this the wreckage of flight MH370? Terrorist theories grow as it is confirmed that international security services are involved in the search for missing flight MH370 —- Burma census bans people registering as Rohingya http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-26807239 TRIVIA QUIZ Today’s question. What is the minimum age a person can legally get married in the US state of Oregon? HINT: Far too young. —- African women making progress in battle for equal rights Though sexual discrimination remains widespread in Africa, a study of 34 countries reveals growing support for women’s rights —- Afghan notebook: A voice silenced http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-26754382 —- Antique photographs show the history of race in black and white From a white man in ‘blackface’ to a black Union soldier and an am-dram society dressed as a lynch mob, Mirror of Race’s collection reveals a forgotten world of US race relations —- Shocking images from America’s race war – in pictures A new project uses vintage photography to explore race in US history. From mock lynch mobs to Ku Klux Klan members and people in ‘blackface’, here are some of the most astonishing – and disturbing – images from America in the 1800s —- Concern as Brunei brings in system of Islamic law with punishments that include the dismemberment of limbs and stoning to death —- Man Who Raised Money For Organ Donation Dies, Is Rejected As Donor Because He Was Gay http://thinkprogress.org/lgbt/2014/03/28/3420274/gay-organ-donor/ —- Good Lord!! Pun intended. Eight-year-old girl Sunnie Kahle pulled out of a Christian school ‘for being too much like a boy’ —- Audio Slideshow The lost pictures of Lewis, Scotland – audio slideshow A look at the recently rediscovered photograph plates by Norman Morrison that give a unique insight into the lives of Edwardians living in the Hebrides. The photographs are reproduced courtesy of Comann Eachdraidh an Taobh Siar (The West Side of the Isle of Lewis Historical Society), based in Shawbost’s Old School, and can be seen in the community museum http://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/audioslideshow/2014/feb/23/photography-scotland-hebrides —- Medieval graffiti – in pictures Thousands of examples of medieval graffiti have been found to survive in more than 65% of East Anglia’s old churches – everything from prayers and ships to architectural plans, demons and ritual protection marks http://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/gallery/2014/mar/29/medieval-graffiti-pictures-lydgate —- In pictures: ‘More than Meth’- the shocking physical effects of drug abuse —- Animal photos of the week: 28 March 2014 http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/picturegalleries/earth/10729441/Animal-photos-of-the-week.html —- The week in pictures: 28 March 2014 —- Week in pictures: 22-28 March 2014 http://www.bbc.com/news/in-pictures-26783490 » Posted By Kalima On March 30, 2014 @ 2:03 am Exactly Nirek, just as I wrote above the article. Like the GOP, the conservative government in the U.K. thinks only about profits and nothing about it’s people unless they are rich. Peace. » Posted By Kalima On March 27, 2014 @ 12:57 am Hello kes, no apology needed. Ok, the trivia answer was indeed “blanching” so grab your tiara and run with it while you can. Well done and see you soon. Have a peaceful day and stay warm. » Posted By Kalima On March 27, 2014 @ 12:53 am Good Morning everyone. Well I suppose that Spring is here although in my neighbourhood it’s hard to tell because all of the trees I used to love have gone. Gathering from the photo I posted of a cherry tree in bloom in Tokyo, it must be. It used to be so much fun. Have a good day wherever you may be. Take care, be safe, stay warm and comfy or cool and dry. Sayonara from my late afternoon corner in Tokyo. Mata ne. A few stories and opinions from around the globe. 142 workers’ radiation exposure higher than reported by TEPCO http://mainichi.jp/english/english/newsselect/news/20140326p2g00m0dm051000c.html —- Fukushima fishermen OK water discharge http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2014/03/25/national/fukushima-fishermen-ok-water-discharge/ —- Huh? Isn’t that for family members to decide? Government plans to cut number of elderly kept alive on feeding tubes —- EDITORIAL ‘Abenomics’ after the tax hike http://www.japantimes.co.jp/opinion/2014/03/25/editorials/abenomics-after-the-tax-hike/ —- Fukushima nuclear workers’ life gets recorded as manga —- PICTURE OF THE DAY Spring time http://www.japantoday.com/category/picture-of-the-day/view/spring-time INTERNATIONAL NEWS Cuts have left 250,000 older people without state care, report says Report warns there is no way of assessing the true impact that social care cuts are having on vulnerable older people —- The NHS fraud story would be terrible, if it were true The evidence of fraud is weak but the damage is done: the health service is made to look like an impossible dream http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2014/mar/25/nhs-fraud-story-terrible-if-true —- Tea Party Mike. Damning Ofsted reports into academy chain schools heap pressure on Michael Gove —- Sound familiar? Tories make ethnic minority voters feel like they are a mistake, MP says Conservative MP Mark Field calls on party to drop migration target and soften rhetoric, as growing numbers of ethnic minority voters shun Tories —- Let me finish his sentence. “Fracking is good for the U.K. and the greedy buggers, but deadly for the public, the water supply, and the environment”. Fracking ‘good for the UK’, says David Cameron Prime minister claims that people’s concerns about shale gas will abate once a few wells are up and running http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2014/mar/26/fracking-good-for-uk-cameron —- Dutch far-right fall out of favour Anti-Moroccan comments made by Dutch far-right politician Geert Wilders spark defections, outrage and mass protests. —- They should have their licence for running a zoo revoked. Copenhagen Zoo that killed Marius the giraffe puts down four healthy lions —- Right! If you are anti-Putin you must be insane. 😯 Russian protester’s sentence of indefinite psychiatric treatment upheld Mikhail Kosenko was convicted in October on charges of rioting and assaulting a police officer at anti-Putin protest in 2012 —- Russian-majority areas watch Moscow’s post-Crimea moves http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-26713975 —- Ukraine’s defence chief resigns as troops leave Crimea Country’s defence minister says ‘I will not cling to my post’ after coming under criticism for failing to order Ukrainian forces to withdraw —- Barack Obama: Russia is a regional power showing weakness over Ukraine President rejects claims Russia is a principal foe, saying actions in Ukraine an expression of vulnerability rather than strength http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/mar/25/barack-obama-russia-regional-power-ukraine-weakness —- US mudslide: death toll rises to 24 Rescue teams recover two bodies and locate another eight in the debris —- BP refinery leaks oil into Lake Michigan near Chicago http://www.bbc.com/news/business-26744117 —- Koch Brothers Invade Tiny Iron County, Wisconsin A mining town of 6,000 people isn’t too small for billionaires to mess with to get their way. Inside the race bringing in big money. —- There are no words. The US state that’s decided it’s alright to bring your gun to church —- Kansas can strip Planned Parenthood of federal funding, court rules Federal appeals court has ruled that state can strip Planned Parenthood clinics of federal family planning money http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/mar/25/kansas-planned-parenthood-federal-funding-court —- Don’t Believe the Rand Paul Hipster Hype The likely GOP presidential candidate has anti-surveillance state libertarianism in common with Millennials. But that’s about all. http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2014/03/24/rand-paul-for-hipsters.html —- What America Isn’t, Or Anyway Wasn’t by Paul Krugman Guess who pioneered “confiscatory” taxation? http://krugman.blogs.nytimes.com/2014/03/25/what-america-isnt-or-anyway-wasnt/ —- Read This One Document To Understand What The Christian Right Hopes To Gain From Hobby Lobby http://thinkprogress.org/justice/2014/03/24/3416549/hobby-lobby-they-have-a-plan/ —- PHOTOS: Thousands Brave The Snow To Protest Hobby Lobby’s Supreme Court Case http://thinkprogress.org/health/2014/03/25/3418582/photos-obamacare-hobby-lobby-scotus-protests/ —- Is it possible he has even more screws loose than Chavez? Venezuela President Maduro arrests ‘three plotting generals’ http://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-26739767 —- Bashar al-Assad’s home village under threat from Syrian opposition forces Second sustained attack mounted on area around Qardaha, as government troops protect Syrian leader’s ancestral village. http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/mar/25/bashar-al-assad-home-village-syrian-opposition-attack —- Mass Egypt death sentences ‘breach international law’ http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-26726901 —- Egyptian policeman’s wife casts doubt on death sentences handed out to 529 Magda Abbas says she believes only two may be responsible for the murder of her husband http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/mar/25/egypt-lawyers-boycott-mass-trial —- What state?? Plan to transfer Arab-Israelis to new Palestinian state seeks legal approval Israel’s hardline foreign minister Avigdor Lieberman who suggested the controversial idea is seeking secret legal advice http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/mar/25/transfer-arab-israeli-citizens-palestinian-state —- Qatar report into migrant death toll due European parliament delegation told to expect significant changes to labour laws in wake of international criticism http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/mar/25/qatar-migrant-death-toll-report —- Kenya orders all refugees back into camps Move is a bid by government to stop attacks in retaliation for the presence of Kenyan troops in neighbouring Somalia. —- India’s Congress party set to unveil election manifesto http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-26743975 —- Indian engineer dies in honour killing Software engineer murdered by parents after marrying lower caste man —- Taliban launch series of deadly attacks in runup to Afghanistan elections Dozens killed and many more injured as election commission office and bank targeted in bloody day of violence —- Afghanistan abandoned without hope as international aid for the war-ravaged nation plunges by 40 per cent —- Chinese protest leader seeks asylum in US, say reports Zhuang Liehong led 2011 popular uprising over local leadership’s land deals in Wukan, Guangdong province http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/mar/26/chinese-wukan-protest-zhuang-liehong-asylum-us —- North Korea test-fires ballistic missiles as Barack Obama holds Japan-South Korea summit Over the past four weeks, North Korea has conducted multiple launches of short-range Scud missiles and rockets to coincide with the annual joint military drills South Korea is conducting with the United States —- Missing plane search for 122 objects A further 122 objects potentially from missing Malaysia Airlines flight MH370 have been identified by a satellite, a Malaysian minister says. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-26748146 —- Missing Malaysian Flight MH370 Q&A: Has Malaysia been keeping information secret? Will they ever stop looking? And are the pilots involved or not? http://www.independent.co.uk/travel/news-and-advice/your-flight-mh370-questions-answered-has-malaysia-been-keeping-information-secret-9214930.html TRIVIA QUIZ Today’s question. In cooking, what is the term for plunging vegetables into boiling water for a short time, and then plunging them into cold water until they are cold? —- By the Italian Down syndrome advocacy group Coor Down. DEAR FUTURE MOM | March 21 – World Down Syndrome Day | #DearFutureMom http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Ju-q4OnBtNU —- Mental health and race – the blight of dual discrimination Black and minority ethnic people living with mental illness face a double dose of prejudice, says a new report from the anti-stigma organisation Time to Change —- Mix master: Yotam Ottolenghi’s recipes with spice blends Homemade spice blends always beat bought ones. They’re also incredibly easy to make, and take next to no time, too http://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2014/mar/21/spice-mix-recipes-yotam-ottolenghi —- Up close and personal: Frida Kahlo’s photo album Dinner parties at Frida and Diego’s, rigging up a contraption so she can paint in bed after an accident, recuperating at home with her tiny dog … here are the most personal moments of Frida Kahlo’s extraordinary life, taken by her father and her friends http://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/gallery/2014/mar/26/frida-kahlo-personal-photo-album —- Pictures of the day: 25 March 2014 —- Day in pictures: 25 March 2014 http://www.bbc.com/news/in-pictures-26730066 —- 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/mar/25/photo-highlights-of-the-day » Posted By Kalima On March 26, 2014 @ 1:50 am Hello kes, hope your feet were up for the rest of the evening? Well I would like to know where Abe thinks he will find the money for that aid, and the economy hasn’t exactly blossomed under his hawkish leadership, but wait, maybe it’s from the extra consumption tax on everything we will be paying from the 1st of April on groceries and luxury good alike. Don’t forget how expensive everything is already over here. I don’t blame those teachers either. What with that idiot Gove hiring people without qualifications to teach and then reading last week about the drastic increase in students leaving school early without basic skills or education. Having TP Gove trying to change History lessons by cutting out any reference to black people who achieved so much and contributed so much for the country. The Education Secretary pushing for more religious based charter schools while ignoring the needs of the poor, well, I would be going on strike too after being treated like replaceable garbage. Absolutely awful what happened in Washington State after there had been so many warnings about this possibility. Those poor people and their families. Tragic . I didn’t know that the President had worked so closely with the Catholic Church, but then remembering his work in the beginning it all made sense. Yes kes, the good old days, and can we have them back please? Down with the Kochs, no one should have that much buying power with the government and shaping the level of democracy of any country. Well done kes. The answer was; tiny moth larvae inside them. Jumping bean moths lay their eggs in the flowers of a desert shrub called “Sebastiana pavoniana”. When the eggs hatch, the larvae eat their way into the seedpods. When the larvae moves around in the beans spilled on the ground, they cause the beans to jump. Here is your tiara. 🙂 Wishing you a quiet and pleasant Tuesday. Take care and see you soon. » Posted By Kalima On March 25, 2014 @ 12:08 am Families told missing plane lost Malaysian Airlines says it now has to assume “beyond any reasonable doubt” that missing flight MH370 has been lost and there are no survivors. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-26716572 —- Missing plane: China spots ‘objects’ A Chinese plane spots possible debris as more nations join the search for the missing Malaysian plane in the southern Indian Ocean. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-26678492 —- LIVE: Hunt for flight MH370 Latest updates from the multinational search in the southern Indian Ocean for the missing Malaysia Airlines flight MH370. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-26711298 » Posted By Kalima On March 24, 2014 @ 3:03 am Sorry, eleventeen just won’t do it, although you do look cute in that DC hat. What comes up has been sorted out with no real side effects except for a bit of hurt pride. All better now thanks. 🙂 MB mug hugs for all of you. » Posted By Kalima On March 23, 2014 @ 1:52 amComments Posted By Kalima
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