Displaying 2,101 To 2,130 Of 18,974 Comments Good morning everyone and welcome to another Sunday. A warm and lazy Sunday here and the tribes slept away most of it while I was awake and busy. đ 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. Sunday’s Bits & Bobs Last evacuation shelter cleaned http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2014/03/21/national/last-evacuation-shelter-cleaned/ —- Consumers cheated out of „6 trillion in 2013, agency reports —- Japan to provide 100 billion yen in assistance to Ukraine http://mainichi.jp/english/english/newsselect/news/20140322p2g00m0in033000c.html —- PICTURE OF THE DAY No laughing matter http://www.japantoday.com/category/picture-of-the-day/view/anti-abe Schools to shut as teachers prepare for national strike action Members of the National Union of Teachers will take part in a one day strike next week in a move that threatens to close or partially shut thousands of state schools —- Tories can’t do the maths, they never could. Tory failure to tackle financial squeeze on families is pushing up welfare costs Rachel Reeves: while the Conservatives claim they are on top of welfare spending, in fact it is continuing to rise http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2014/mar/23/tory-failure-financial-squeeze-welfare-costs —- Sir Peter Tapsell: ‘My biggest mistake in politics was to listen to Mrs Thatcher’ Politicians like Sir Peter Tapsell are a dying breed. As he stands down, Britainâs longest-serving MP tells Peter Oborne how the Tories lost their way —- Friends: The One With the Forty Percenters George introduces Lynton to his friend Phyllis http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/politics/10715800/Friends-The-One-With-the-Forty-Percenters.html —- Europe scrambles to break gas dependence on Russia, offers Ukraine military tie South Stream pipeline intended to link the EU to Russia through the Black Sea by 2018 is now âdeadâ —- Spanish riot police arrest 12 in clashes with anti-austerity protesters Tens of thousands ‘marching for dignity’ in Madrid against Mariano Rajoy’s tax increases and budget cuts http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/mar/22/spain-austerity-march-riot-police-clash —- Golden Dawn: courage of two women stems the rise of Greece’s neo-Nazis Under armed guard, the judges investigating the far-right party’s criminal activities have brought it down: but it is far from out http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/mar/23/golden-dawn-women-greece-neo-nazis —- Ukraine crisis: Shots fired as Crimean base stormed by Russian armour —- Barack Obama set for Europe trip dominated by Crimea crisis Mr Obama has called a G7 summit in The Hague to deepen his effort to isolate Russia and present it with “costs” over its incursion into the Ukrainian region —- Three killed by a landslide in US state of Washington http://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-26703994 —- Democrats Plan Ads in Challenge to Koch Brothers The Senate Majority PAC is buying $3 million in ads in five states in an attempt to counter the big spending of two powerful Republican donors. —- Black Preschoolers Face An Epidemic Of Suspensions http://thinkprogress.org/justice/2014/03/21/3417424/black-preschooler-suspension/ —- The Catholic Roots of Obamaâs Activism In an often-overlooked period of President Obamaâs life, he had a small office in a South Side parish and became steeped in the social justice wing of the Catholic Church. http://www.nytimes.com/2014/03/23/us/the-catholic-roots-of-obamas-activism.html —- Three more killed in Venezuela protests Shootings in Caracas, Valencia and San Cristobal amid clashes between demonstrators, security forces and armed gangs http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/mar/23/three-more-killed-in-venezuela-protests —- How Bashar al-Assad created the feared shabiha militia: an insider speaks Former member of Syrian ruling family’s inner circle gives first direct account of how shabiha paramilitaries were ordered to kill and torture opponents of the regime —- ‘My childhood friend now revels in the sound of his victims’ bones cracking’ When Salwa Amor first heard the rumours her friend had become part of Syria’s feared shabiha militia, she didn’t believe them. Then the stories began to come out. —- Turkey downs Syrian military jet Turkey shoots down a Syrian military jet it says violated its airspace, but Damascus condemns what it calls “blatant aggression”. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-26706417 —- Erdogan’s shabby attempts to stifle his critics are doomed Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s attempted ban on Twitter was a foolish mis-step http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2014/mar/23/turkey-twitter-erdogan-ban-a-blunder —- Egypt’s spring 2014: is the counter-revolution now complete? The joy of the January revolution of 2011 has given way to the return of a form of authoritarian rule. How much power does the country’s new strongman, Abdel Fatah al-Sisi, intend to wield? http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/mar/23/egypt-spring-2014-counter-revolution —- Al-Jazeera journalist jailed in Egypt loses full use of arm Mohamed Fahmy, one of four imprisoned journalists, reveals injury has worsened after being denied treatment since arrest http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/mar/22/al-jazeera-journalist-arm-egypt-mohamed-fahmy-hospital —- Israeli forces kill four Palestinians in West Bank shootout Fugitive Hamas fighter among the dead after raid on Jenin house amid growing tensions over faltering peace talks http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/mar/22/israeli-kill-palestinians-west-bank-hamas-jenin —- Bloodbath in prospect in the Central African Republic More UN peace-keeping troops are needed urgently to prevent the country descending into all-out war between Christians and Muslims —- Eight pregnant women arrested in Nigerian ‘baby factory’ —- Afghan hotel attackers were searched twice Video from Kabul’s Serena hotel shows men passing through metal detector before going on to kill nine with hidden guns. —- Al-Qai’da aid project shows the way in Afghanistan World View: Corruption has blighted the torrent of dollars poured into the country by America since 2001 —- Australia plane crash: Skydivers killed in Queensland http://www.bbc.com/news/26695850 —- Missing Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370: China reports new image of debris in the Indian Ocean —- North Korea test fires 16 missiles for second day running About 70 short-range rockets have been fired into the sea this month, including 30 on Saturday —- MH370: Investigators focus probe on ‘deliberate act’ by pilots Inquiries are becoming increasingly centred on the two pilots of the missing Malaysia Airlines flight http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/malaysia/10716630/MH370-Investigators-focus-probe-on-deliberate-act-by-pilots.html TRIVIA QUIZ Today’s question. What makes Mexican jumping beans jump? —- George Stinney was executed at 14. Can his family now clear his name? Accused of killing two white girls in South Carolina, George Stinney Jr was tried and electrocuted in just 83 days. As a judge ponders whether to quash the verdict, Karen McVeigh speaks to the families involved http://www.theguardian.com/theobserver/2014/mar/22/george-stinney-execution-verdict-innocent —- Message for my daughter In Argentina, one woman works to revive the history of the Mapuche people in a society that has eroded their identity. —- Chicago heroin addict’s descent into hell http://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-26658558 —- What medieval Europe did with its teenagers http://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-26289459 —- Global warming to hit Asia hardest, warns new report on climate change Flooding, famine and rising sea levels will put hundreds of millions at risk in one of the world’s most vulnerable regions http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2014/mar/22/global-warming-hit-asia-hardest —- Exclusive: Renewable energy from rivers and lakes could replace gas in homes —- AUDIO SLIDESHOW Underwater archaeology: Digging gold cufflinks from the watery depths Scotland’s west coast – with its islands and inlets – has hidden secrets. Beneath the crashing waves lie shipwrecks, where final voyages ended on jagged rocks. More than 40 years ago, Colin Martin – a pioneer of underwater archaeology – started to look for these lost vessels. Now, after numerous expeditions and discoveries, he has given his collection of images to the Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Scotland. Here, with Colin, explore some of the wrecks he tracked down – and see what he found hidden there. http://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-26545418 —- Our 10 best chickpea recipes Chickpeas have been used for millennia across the Med and Middle East. The little garbanzo bean is packed with protein and as happy at the snack table as it is in a stew. It’s even a magic cake ingredient⊠http://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2014/mar/22/chickpea-recipes-10-best —- Animal photos of the week: 21 March 2014 http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/picturegalleries/earth/10714154/Animal-photos-of-the-week.html —- In pictures: The finalists in the Velux Lovers of Light photographic competition —- The week in pictures: 21 March 2014 —- Week in pictures: 15-21 March 2014 http://www.bbc.com/news/in-pictures-26680336 —- The 20 photographs of the week The best photography in news, culture and sport from around the world this week » Posted By Kalima On March 23, 2014 @ 1:44 am Good Morning everyone. Something came up and I won’t be doing the updates today, but I did promise AB that I would provide the answer to the last trivia question about the number of digits in the serial numbers on all U.S. paper currency now in circulation, so here it is. Eight. đ Have a good day wherever you may be. Take care, be safe, stay warm and comfy or cool and dry. Sayonara from my cool evening corner of Tokyo. Mata ne. » Posted By Kalima On March 21, 2014 @ 2:33 am I commend you on your honesty in not peeping. Did you bring all those tiaras with you when you moved, because I have so many things still missing after our move back here last August. You just never know when those wrist supporters, back corsets and tiaras might come in handy. Odd socks are now being worn as mismatched pairs. Makes the neighbours stare but who cares? Be back with the answer tomorrow morning. Take care and hope to see you soon. Hugs in MB mugs. » Posted By Kalima On March 20, 2014 @ 1:42 am Hello kes, you can never be too late here, I’m always happy to see you. Yes that article about one of the biggest hospitals in England was as sickening as it was unforgivable. They pick on the weakest, the children and the elderly, and what I would like to do to them is not appropriate here, but Im sure you can guess. The article about Ryan was wonderful and summed him up in a nutshell. The man is a monster. Never mind, I have plenty tiaras to go around. Take care and have a peaceful day. See you soon. » Posted By Kalima On March 19, 2014 @ 5:36 am I don’t know how I missed this but I did. You did indeed win the tiara but I think you girls are confused. On MB you get to keep what you win so you had both better clear out the closet to find those old ones and keep them shiny. Yes Karzai is losing it. What a terrible way to run a country with millions of beautiful and innocent people waiting for change to come. Breaks my heart. Take care, thanks for popping in, and see you soon. Tokyo hugs to all. » Posted By Kalima On March 19, 2014 @ 4:54 am Good morning everyone. In a bit of a rush to get this posted so a quick hello and goodbye today. Have a good day wherever you may be. Take care, be safe, stay warm and comfy or cool and dry. Sayonara from my evening corner of Tokyo. Mata ne. A few stories and opinions from around the globe. Tepco halts ALPS water cleanup system at Fukushima nuke plant —- Freighter collision near Tokyo leaves one dead, eight missing —- Japanese group leader seeks return of all abductees from N. Korea http://mainichi.jp/english/english/newsselect/news/20140318p2g00m0dm053000c.html —- Yokotaâs parents, child meet —- PICTURE OF THE DAY Wedding walk http://www.japantoday.com/category/picture-of-the-day/view/wedding-walk INTERNATIONAL NEWS Living standards have fallen across the board since 2010, says report http://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2014/mar/18/household-income-fall-general-election —- The budget: look out for even more of George Osborne’s sham pledges The chancellor likes to appear committed to shrinking the deficit with cuts â but it’s a fraud, just as his budget will be http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2014/mar/18/budget-more-osborne-sham-pledges —- Dying forced to wait eight weeks instead of eight days for help amid âdireâ benefits overhaul â MPs MPs criticise âdire situationâ as terminally ill forced to negotiate call centres and endure long waits as disability benefits are replaced with new system —- Hacking trial: Andy Coulson âknew of special project to monitor royal aides,â Clive Goodman tells Old Bailey —- Italian high court confirms Silvio Berlusconi’s ban from public office former Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi’s hopes of running in May’s European Parliament elections dashed after two-year ban over tax fraud upheld by highest Italian appeals court —- Seven Syrian migrants drown off Greek coast Four-year-old girl among the dead after fibreglass boat took on water as it approached island of Lesbos http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/mar/18/syrian-migrants-drown-greece —- Ukraine crisis: Russia warns West over Crimea sanctions http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-26641217 —- Why Putin Did It The Russian presidentâs speech about annexing Crimea is really about winning back the pride lost when the Berlin Wall fell. —- Ukraine navy’s Black Sea HQ stormed by pro-Russian troops http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/mar/19/ukraine-navy-black-sea-hq-crimea-pro-russian-troops —- Crimea crisis: Fears of war grow after Ukrainian officer is killed at military base in Simferopol —- Barack Obama awards Medal of Honor to 24 veterans denied by discrimination At the end of congressionally mandated review to ensure eligible recipients were not denied by prejudice, 24 servicemen awarded US’s highest military honour, 21 of them posthumously —- Parts Of The GOPâs Obamacare Alternative Just Rip Off Obamacare —- US closes Syrian embassy and orders diplomatic staff back to Damascus âą Washington embassy and two honorary consulates close http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/mar/18/syrian-embassy-closes-diplomatic-staff —- Fourteen men arrested for operating child-abuse site through Tor Secret members-only child abuse website involved 251 children, mostly boys, in the US and five other countries http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/mar/18/fourteen-arrested-operating-child-porn-site-tor —- Budding Liberal Protest Movements Begin to Take Root in South More than a dozen members of Moral Monday Georgia, a liberal activist group that has held weekly protests at the Capitol since January, were arrested. —- A Campaign Inquiry in Utah Is the Watchdogsâ Worst Case Documents show that a former Utah attorney general sought to transform his office into a defender of payday loan companies that had helped bankroll his election. —- The Gun Report: March 18, 2014 A day in the life of armed America. http://nocera.blogs.nytimes.com/2014/03/18/the-gun-report-march-17-2014/ —- Canadian soldiers return home from Afghanistan http://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-26634629 —- Syria conflict: UN reports mass executions by ISIS http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-26626363 —- Qatar pays Syrian rebels ÂŁ40m ransom to free nuns – or did it? It depends what rumours you believe —- Lebanon protests flare over Syria spillover Demonstrators clash with the army and block roads to protest siege on Syria border town. —- Egypt police convicted over detainee tear-gas deaths http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-26626367 —- Egypt demolishes homes along Gaza border Army destroys homes along the border with Gaza strip to create security buffer zone. —- Cairo University chief blames woman’s dress for sexual harassment Stance of Dr Gaber Nasser toward campus incident that was filmed by bystanders sparks fury among women’s rights activists http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/mar/18/cairo-university-blames-sexual-harassment-victim —- Israel bombs Syrian posts in response to Golan attack in its troops Syrian military headquarters, training facility and artillery batteries targeted by Israel, in retaliation for roadside bombing in the Golan Heights, according to Israeli military —- How very encouraging and it’s no secret why? Israel’s defence minister: ‘there’ll be no peace agreement in my lifetime’ Moshe Ya’alon, the hardline Israeli defence minister, says there will be no peace agreement with the Palestinians in his lifetime —- Remember how they forced her to confess on national tv? Iranian woman spared stoning for adultery A sentence of death by stoning handed down against an Iranian woman convicted of adultery in 2006 will not be carried out —- Australia imposes sanctions on Russia after it ‘steals’ Crimea from Ukraine Julie Bishop disputes legitimacy of referendum and condemns the use of violence against citizens —- MH370: China says no evidence its nationals caused disappearance http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/mar/17/mh370-missing-plane-co-pilot-verbal-communication —- China: Two dead in Xinjiang violence http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-china-26641546 —- Protesters occupy Taiwan parliament over China trade deal http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-26641525 —- MH370: Maldives Islanders claim to have spotted ‘low flying jetâ Missing Malaysia Airlines plane may have been spotted over the Maldive Islands, it has emerged —- Missing Malaysia Airlines flight MH370: Hunt for missing jet hampered by lack of international cooperation http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/asia/missing-malaysia-airlines-flight-mh370-relatives-of-chinese-passengers-threaten-hunger-strike-9198826.html TRIVIA QUIZ The answer to the last question were indeed Virginia and Kentucky, so well done to AB and her shiny tiara. đ Today’s question. How many digits are there in the serial numbers on all U.S. currency now in circulation? An easy one today. —- How Minor Offenses Keep Young Women Of Color Out Of A Job —- The vanishing sea tribe Thailand’s Moken tribe foresaw and survived the 2004 tsunami, but are the traditions that saved them being abandoned? http://www.aljazeera.com/programmes/101east/2014/03/vanishing-sea-tribe-201431191014701721.html —- A Blunder From Beginning to End How the Union lost the ill-fated Red River Campaign. http://opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com/2014/03/18/a-blunder-from-beginning-to-end/ —- Do 85 rich people have same wealth as half the world? http://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-26613682 —- Ancient skeleton is the earliest case of cancer yet detected http://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-26627941 —- In pictures: 2014 Sony World Photography Awards winners —- ‘Mischievous Pets’ photography competition —- Pictures of the day: 18 March 2014 —- Day in pictures: 18 March 2014 http://www.bbc.com/news/in-pictures-26628449 —- Photo highlights of the day The Guardianâs picture editors bring you a selection of the best photographs from around the world http://www.theguardian.com/news/gallery/2014/mar/18/photo-highlights-of-the-day » Posted By Kalima On March 19, 2014 @ 2:19 am My pleasure Fergie, and a “1000 good things for you” too. đ When it comes to people like Ryan, I feel quiet sick. The whole package turns my stomach. He has no integrity, compassion or sense of duty to the American people, and should spend his days strapped into a confession box to atone for his sins against the very people Jesus told us to help. Disgusting excuse for a human being. » Posted By Kalima On March 18, 2014 @ 5:42 pm Dear kes, I meant to come back but my afternoon and evening suddenly became very busy and I ran out of time. Sorry, and I’ll be back soon. Have a peaceful day and take care. » Posted By Kalima On March 16, 2014 @ 5:42 am Good morning everyone. It was 17C here today and the tribes were overjoyed. Have a good Sunday wherever you may be. Take care, be safe, stay warm and comfy or cool and dry. Sayonara from my cooling down corner of Tokyo. Mata ne. To all of our Irish friends celebrating St. Patricks”s Day on Monday. Beannacht LĂĄ FhĂ©ile PĂĄdraig! “May the Irish hills caress you; “Go muirnĂ cnoic na hĂireann thĂș. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Sunday’s Bits & Bobs Over 5,000 rally in Tokyo against nuclear reactor restarts —- Disaster supplies on shaky ground http://www.japantimes.co.jp/opinion/2014/03/15/editorials/disaster-supplies-on-shaky-ground/ —- The Fukushima tragedy justifies nuclear skepticism —- Helped by many, evacuee from Fukushima aspires to become a nurse to give back http://mainichi.jp/english/english/newsselect/news/20140316p2a00m0na001000c.html —- Panasonic to give employees sent to China ‘pollution pay’ —- PICTURE OF THE DAY Searching for Malaysia Airlines MH370 http://www.japantoday.com/category/picture-of-the-day/view/searching-for-malaysia-airlines-mh370 “Green crap” George? Profits before a healthy planet? How very clueless Tory of you. The Budget: George Osborne to put growth ahead of âgreen crapâ —- Inequality ‘costs Britain ÂŁ39bn a year’ Thinktank puts a figure on the annual cost of the gap between rich and poor and calls for politicians to act http://www.theguardian.com/society/2014/mar/16/inequality-costs-uk-billions —- New claims of patients ‘locked up’ at NHS hospital Claims that patients at Dudley hospitals are being restrained against their will resurface after second manager forced out —- This is perverse. Now Co-op pays official ÂŁ2,000 a day to examine why it is in debt Revelation over Sir Christopher Kelly’s pay raises fresh concern in cash crisis http://www.theguardian.com/business/2014/mar/16/christopher-kelly-co-op-group-pay —- Friends: The One with The Other Woman Dave’s advisers suggest that a well-chosen affair could do wonders for his electoral prospects —- Ruling Progressive Party tipped to win Serbia elections http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-26598829 —- Crimea referendum: polls open – live Voting has begun in the Crimean referendum to decide if the region leaves the Ukraine to become part of Russia. The referendum has already been dismissed as illegitimate by president Obama http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/mar/16/crimea-referendum-polls-open-live —- Ukraine’s president fears Russia could invade after Crimea referendum Acting leader claims Kremlin is behind turmoil in eastern Ukraine and there is ‘real danger’ Moscow could seize more territor http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/mar/15/ukraine-russia-invade-crimea-referendum —- Russian troops ‘in mainland Ukraine’ ahead of Crimea vote Russia “invades” gas facility on Ukraine mainland as Crimea tense ahead of referendum vote —- Outside Political Groups Are Spending Record Amounts Of Money To Deny Poor People Health Care http://thinkprogress.org/health/2014/03/14/3406241/outside-political-groups-obamacare-ads/ —- Industry Behind Anti-Wage-Hike Letter The Obama administrationâs proposal to increase the minimum wage to $10.10 an hour would prompt price increases or force layoffs, a restaurant association said. http://www.nytimes.com/2014/03/16/us/industry-tied-to-letter-against-new-wage.html —- Paul Ryanâs Irish Amnesia Talking the familiar, heartless language of hunger economics. http://www.nytimes.com/2014/03/16/opinion/sunday/paul-ryans-irish-amnesia.html —- PHOTOS: Thousands Turn Up For Californiaâs Largest-Ever Rally To Ban Fracking http://thinkprogress.org/climate/2014/03/15/3410011/dont-frack-ca/ —- Violent protests in Venezuela claim three more lives A University student and National Guard captain among three more people shot dead during ongoing violent protests in the central Venezuelan city of Valencia, with several more injured —- Syria conflict anniversary: Aleppo a ghost town as regime blasts ancient city to oblivion Hundreds of crude barrel bombs have laid waste to large tracts of Aleppo, killing thousands. Richard Spencer meets survivors —- Syria conflict anniversary: My friends stayed in Syria, now most of them are dead Julia*, 14, tells her story of how she left everything behind to escape the daily bombing of her village near Damascus —- Israeli doctor treating Syrians says snipers deliberately shoot children in the spine Doctor makes claim after UN report shows child casualty rates in Syria are the highest recorded in any recent conflict in the region —- Berkin Elvan: Turkish PM accuses dead boy of terror links http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-26594922 —- Islamists kill six Egyptian soldiers Militants shoot dead six soldiers at a checkpoint in northern Cairo, then hide bombs to target first responders —- Three years after Gaddafi, Libya is imploding into chaos and violence World View: Its government has no real power; militias are ever more entrenched, and now the state itself is under threat —- Nigeria: Stampede in Abuja’s stadium kills jobseekers http://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-26596192 —- Delhi gang rape: Death penalty for two men put on hold http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-26593587 —- As Nato quits Afghanistan, new violence threatens the country’s presidential election —- Can this man ever make up his mind? Stop with the drugs Hamid. Hamid Karzai insists he will not let US troops stay on in Afghanistan âą Afghan president has refused to sign security deal with US http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/mar/15/hamid-karzai-afghanistan-us-troops —- If MH370 crashed in southern Indian Ocean it wouldn’t be seen or heard The huge ocean is deep and wide and one of the most remote places in the world —- Malaysia Airline MH370: 9/11-style terror allegations resurface in case of lost plane Possible plot investigated after Al-Qaeda supergrass told court that four or five Malaysian men planned a passenger airliner hijack —- Missing Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370 Q&A by Simon Calder: How far could it have travelled? Who was responsible and what would their plans be? And how can a plane just vanish? http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/asia/missing-malaysia-airlines-flight-mh370-qa-how-far-could-it-have-travelled-who-was-responsible-and-what-would-their-plans-be-and-how-can-a-plane-just-vanish-9194501.html TRIVIA QUIZ The answer to Friday’s question is, their initials.. Kes answered with their last name. Not quite but I think she deserves half a tiara for coming close and of course for the effort of having a go. Well done kes. đ Today’s question. Which two states, both of which call themselves Commonwealths, once were a single state? Hint: Start with the letters “V” and “K”. —- Submerged: the Jewish woman who hid from Nazis in Berlin Marie Jalowicz Simon was one of 1,700 ‘U-boats’, German Jews who survived the war submerged below the surface of daily life. Now she has told all in a book http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/mar/16/submerged-jewish-woman-hid-nazis-berlin —- The Afghan madrassa accused of radicalising women http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-26418558 —- From #Crimea, the night before the vote http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-26596648 —- US Navy veteran in iconic WW2 kissing photo dies http://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-26588030 —- Rich will live life to the full 20 years longer than poor, official figures show Stark divide in life chances between rich and poor laid bare in official study showing most well-off have 20 years more of productive lifespan than most deprived —- State of the Future report: Humans are doing OK, but nature suffers as a result â and weâll pay for it —- Animal photos of the week: 14 March 2014 http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/picturegalleries/earth/10697425/Animal-photos-of-the-week.html —- The week in pictures: 14 March 2014 —- Week in pictures: 8-14 March 2014 http://www.bbc.com/news/in-pictures-26575501 —- 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/mar/15/observer-20-photographs » Posted By Kalima On March 16, 2014 @ 1:50 am Good morning everyone. I hear people saying that Spring is just around the corner but so far it’s not around any corner I’ve turned yet. I’ll keep looking and let you know if I find it. Have a good day wherever you may be. Take care, be safe, stay warm and comfy or cool and dry. Sayonara from my evening corner of Tokyo. Mata ne. Quote of the Day Victor Hugo “When grace is joined with wrinkles, it is adorable. There is an unspeakable dawn in happy old age”. A few stories and opinions from around the globe. Sendai reactors at front of safety review line —- M6.2 quake hits western Japan, injures 14, atomic plant said safe http://mainichi.jp/english/english/newsselect/news/20140314p2g00m0dm001000c.html —- Japan to name, shame firms that refuse to hike pay —- China waging psychological warfare in the East China Sea —- Gargling to prevent colds â just a Japanese old wivesâ tale? —- PICTURE OF THE DAY White Day http://www.japantoday.com/category/picture-of-the-day/view/white-day-2 INTERNATIONAL NEWS This is where the people’s money is truly being wasted. Government accused of deliberate attempt to cover up fraudulent, incompetent and embarrassing outsourcing contracts —- This is scandalous! It’s time for GM crops, adviser tells David Cameron There is no evidence genetically modified crops are dangerous and they may even be more beneficial to health than natural produce, says government’s top science adviser —- Dmitry Firtash: Ukrainian energy magnate with close links to senior Tories arrested in Austria after FBI investigation —- Russia deploys 10,000 troops near Ukraine border Ukraine prime minister accuses Russia of carrying out a ‘military aggression’ as Crimea crisis deepens http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/mar/13/russia-troops-ukraine-border —- Russia counts cost as West tightens sanctions noose The West has threatened visa bans and an asset freeze on individuals unless Russia steps back from the brink on the annexation of Crimea —- Ukrainians warn against Russian invasion With Crimea breakaway vote expected on Sunday, Ukraine bolsters its defences with the emergency call-up of a 60,000-strong national guard force, as deadly clashes break out in Donetsk —- Ukraine crisis: angry clashes from both sides in Donetsk Fresh clashes break out between pro-unity demonstrators and pro-Russia protesters in the eastern town of Donetsk, Ukraine —- Kiev’s protesters: Ukraine uprising was no neo-Nazi power-grab As life returns to normal in Kiev, Luke Harding encounters frustration over Russian claims of a fascist coup http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/mar/13/ukraine-uprising-fascist-coup-grassroots-movement —- Obama directs Labor Department to rule on increasing overtime pay âą President seeks to make more workers eligible http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/mar/13/obama-directs-labor-department-overtime-pay —- Fear of Wages by Paul Krugman The troubling crusade against full employment raises the question: Whatâs wrong with rising wages, anyway? http://www.nytimes.com/2014/03/14/opinion/krugman-fear-of-wages.html —- Senators strike deal on extending long-term unemployment benefits âą Jack Reed (D-RI) and Dean Heller (R-NV) reach deal —- Death toll in New York City gas explosion climbs to eight Search and rescue effort continues at site of explosion that destroyed two five-story apartment buildings in Harlem, as an eighth body is discovered in the rubble —- Philadelphia plane emergency as nose gear on Airbus collapses Pilot forced to abort takeoff as blown tyre leads to mechanical failure but no serious injuries, authorities say —- Clinton adviser sought funds for illegal campaign, court papers allege Documents describe alleged role of Minyon Moore in off-the-books efforts to boost Hillary Clinton in 2008.. —- Supreme Court Ruled In Favor Of The Nationâs Top Corporate Interest Group In 7 Of 8 Cases This Term —- He said it. He owns it. Paul Ryan clarifies ‘inarticulate’ remarks on inner cities http://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-26564949 —- Huh? Isn’t that what Facebook does every day? Mark Zuckerberg ‘confused and frustrated’ by US spying http://www.bbc.com/news/technology-26571018 —- The turds keep floating to the top. Congressional Candidate: Entitlements Are Like Slave Owners That âTook Pretty Good Care Of Their Slavesâ http://thinkprogress.org/election/2014/03/13/3402081/arizona-candidate-entitlements-slavery/ —- Syria’s war, 3 years on: ‘a horror film’, in faces of the dead and voices of revolt For the anniversary of a civil war no side can win, painting a history, with the Western left failing at every stroke http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2014/mar/14/syria-war-3-years-dead-faces-activist-voices —- Syria conflict anniversary: the worst refugee crisis in recent history In three short years the country has seen a third of its population flee or become displaced in what aid agencies say is the worst humanitarian disaster in modern times —- Turkey protests: two more deaths feed growing discontent Police officer has heart attack and young man allegedly shot in head during clashes following funeral of teenage boy http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/mar/13/turkey-protest-two-deaths-growing-discontent —- Ousting of Libyan PM Ali Zeidan brings threat of civil war Rebels in the east of the country want a larger share of the income generated from Africa’s largest oil reserves http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/mar/13/libya-ali-zeiden-threat-civil-war —- Gaza militants and Israel exchange strikes despite ‘truce’ http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-26566454 —- Gunmen on motorbikes in north Nigeria kill over 100 villagers Gunmen on motorbikes return to villages in Katsina where residents were still burying their dead from an earlier attack slaughter more people in ongoing conflict over land —- Delhi gang rape: Death penalty for four men upheld http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-26557288 —- Knife attack in Chinese market leaves three dead In echoes of the recent Kunming train station attack that the Chinese government blamed on Xinjiang militants, three people are killed at a market in Changsha by knife wielding assailants, one of whom is shot dead —- China’s Li Keqiang warns investors to prepare for wave of bankruptcies World’s second largest economy is facing ‘serious challenges’ and many companies with high debts are being forced to the wall http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/mar/13/china-li-keqiang-wans-investors-bankruptcies —- North Korea disowns Libya oil tanker http://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-26558959 —- Missing Malaysia Airlines flight MH370 search area widened to Indian Ocean Authorities admit they have not discounted any possibilities almost seven days after the airliner vanished http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/mar/13/missing-malaysia-airlines-flight-mh370-search-indian-ocean TRIVIA QUIZ The answer to the question “The title of what 2001 film was taken from the Dr. Seuss book “Green Eggs and Ham” is, “I am Sam”, starring Sean Penn, Dakota Fanning and Michelle Pfeiffer. We have a winner and well done to AB. đ Today’s question. What were car owners required to put on their homemade license plates when New York became the first state to mandate them in 1901? —- Giving a voice to marginalised women in Tanzania â animated video —- Surviving Beijing’s pollution while pregnant: ‘I feel like a lab-rat’ Living in Beijingâs âairpocalypseâ, expectant mother Xiaoxia Liu swears by her respirator â and is keeping her windows shut —- Standing by Her Story The documentary âAnitaâ tells the story of Anita Hill, who challenged Justice Clarence Thomasâs nomination and brought sexual harassment into public awareness. http://www.nytimes.com/2014/03/16/movies/anita-hill-is-celebrated-in-the-documentary-anita.html —- The Black Press During the Civil War Throughout the conflict, African-American journalists led a robust debate over the warâs meaning for Black America. http://opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com/2014/03/13/the-black-press-during-the-civil-war/ —- Nine new Dead Sea Scrolls discovered in Israel after lying unopened in storeroom for 60 years —- In pictures: The battle to save Scott of the Antarctic’s ‘lost’ photographs —- Pictures of the day: 13 March 2014 —- Day in pictures: 13 March 2014 http://www.bbc.com/news/in-pictures-26561632 —- Photo highlights of the day The Guardianâs picture editors bring you a selection of the best photographs from around the world http://www.theguardian.com/news/gallery/2014/mar/13/photo-highlights-of-the-day » Posted By Kalima On March 14, 2014 @ 2:14 am Thanks ppo, sorry about the delay but I think that everyone who comes here will have seen it by now. » Posted By Kalima On March 13, 2014 @ 8:13 pm Hello stranger, great to see you here again. Kes has been winning all the tiaras since your last visit. Don’t forget to pop by in your morning for the answer, and hope to be seeing more of you soon. You have been missed and I think I speak for all of us. Hugs and take care. » Posted By Kalima On March 13, 2014 @ 8:11 pm Hello kes. Yes the news never stops even when we do, and it never fails to amaze me when I see how much has been going on since I went to sleep. The Japanese do tend to keep silent on many things, especially when the government is so slow to help them, but at least the call for the end to nuclear power is growing and more and more people are taking to the streets. The euthanasia debate is pretty scary for the reason you give, and yes, I agree that it would be authorized murder in some cases. What are they thinking? Well knowing how this government operates I think I can answer that myself, they want the money and don’t care how they get it, even if it means killing off those bothersome elderly. Another uKip story today and I’m relieved they are being investigated just in case the voters are crazy enough by 2015 to vote for them as an alternative. Talking about Rand Paul, his solution to the Ukraine crisis is straight out of The Onion. How can this idiot be in Congress? Kim won! I had to laugh because his name was the only name on the ballot. Maybe we should rename him Kim Saddam un? đ It is great that the WW1 letters and diaries will now be online, I find it quite fascinating, but in today’s updates there is a story about a company willing to profit from this. Some people have no shame. Have a good day, take care and see you soon. Thanks for dropping by. » Posted By Kalima On March 11, 2014 @ 2:39 am Good morning everyone. Today is the 3rd anniversary of our triple crisis, and from what I’ve been reading, the world now only focuses, when they do focus, on the the nuclear meltdown and radiation fallout in Fukushima as if that was all that happened that day. A September 2012 report confirmed that there were 15,870 deaths, 6,114 injured, and 2,814 people missing from the 9.0 magnitude earthquake and the tsunami that followed. The sensationalizing of the events of the 3rd of March 2011 by the media is dishonest and insensitive to the victims and their loved ones. Today when I lit my incense at 2:46 pm this afternoon, those were the people I thought of and not about what happened later at the Daiichi plant in Fukushima, and I’m sure that for the rest of Japan, the feeling was mutual. Have a good day wherever you may be. Take care, be safe, stay warm and comfy or cool and dry. Sayonara from my cold afternoon corner of Tokyo. Mata ne. A few stories and opinions from around the globe. 267,000 still evacuees three years on Disaster-hit communities struggle to rebuild but progress slow-going http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2014/03/10/national/267000-still-evacuees-three-years-on/ —- Tohoku kids stressed, haunted by trauma Anxieties bottled up amid life in shelters with parents living under duress http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2014/03/10/national/tohoku-kids-stressed-haunted-by-trauma/ —- Kin sue over tsunami deaths of 23 kids at Miyagi school —- Rebuilding shattered lives http://www.japantimes.co.jp/opinion/2014/03/10/editorials/rebuilding-shattered-lives/ —- 2,100 lanterns lit up in memory of tsunami victims http://mainichi.jp/english/english/newsselect/news/20140310p2a00m0na011000c.html —- Around 20 percent of local journalists involved with 3.11 disaster coverage could have PTSD http://mainichi.jp/english/english/newsselect/news/20140310p2a00m0na013000c.html —- PICTIRE OF THE DAY Moment of silence http://www.japantoday.com/category/picture-of-the-day/view/moment-of-silence-2 INTERNATIONAL NEWS. Unbelievable!! Councils spend millions on controversial ‘pseudo-science’ lie-detector tests to help catch benefit frauds —- Cull of the matrons: thousands of senior nursing posts axed —- MPs, support the care bill and it will come back to bite you Even when a hospital is solvent, Jeremy Hunt’s clause 119 would let administrators cannibalise it to fix failing institutions elsewhere —- Don’t forget the Far Right in the U.K. Ukip faces questions about its far-right friends in Europe Party belongs to Europe for Freedom and Democracy grouping, which has MEPs with extreme views and uses anti-Islam rhetoric —- Nigel Evans sex abuse trial: Tories âknew about senior MPâs gay sex assault â but kept it quiet before electionâ —- In RebeKah’s world of lies, nothing is illegal. đ Rebekah Brooks: I never thought ÂŁ80k for ‘military contact’ might be illegal Phone-hacking trial hears former Sun editor challenged to explain series of emails on her 11th day in the witness box http://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2014/mar/10/rebekah-brooks-military-contact-phone-hacking —- NATO aircraft to monitor Ukraine crisis Alliance to deploy reconnaissance aircraft over Poland and Romania to monitor situation in neighbouring country. http://www.aljazeera.com/news/europe/2014/03/nato-ukraine-crisis-201431019297530325.html —- Pope says Catholic Church should not dismiss gay marriage The Catholic Church should not dismiss out of hand civil unions, but should study them, says Pope Francis, in latest softening of stance on thorny social issues —- Ukraine crisis: Russia preparing counter-offer to US demands Kremlin says Washingtonâs stance on negotiations unacceptable because it accepts ouster of Yanukovych as fait accompli —- Russia’s oligarchs throw their weight behind Kiev’s revolutionary rulers Billionaire businessmen accept positions from Ukraine’s new pro-West government in a slight against Russian president —- Russians nationalists enter Crimea to boost support for referendum The hardliners are preparing the ground in the Ukrainian peninsula for Sunday’s referendum that will decide whether Crimea secedes to Russia —- Uninsurance Rate Falls As Millions Sign Up For Obamacare, Survey Finds http://thinkprogress.org/health/2014/03/10/3381991/uninsurance-hits-another-five-year-low/ —- The Democrats Stand Up to the Kochs Democrats canât match the Koch brothers unlimited money, but they can use their political pulpits to fight for a few basic principles. http://www.nytimes.com/2014/03/11/opinion/the-democrats-stand-up-to-the-kochs.html?_r=0 —- Colorado made $3.5 million in taxes and fees in first month of marijuana sales In the first month of legal marijuana sales for recreational use in the US state of Colorado $2.9 million of tax and $600,000 more in licensing fees was generated —- Tea Party Activists Arenât Gearing Up For 2016 â They Want To Refight 1964 —- Huh? Huh? Is Rand off his meds? Rand Paul Says He Would Respond To Ukrainian Crisis By âDrilling In Every Possible Conceivable Placeâ http://thinkprogress.org/climate/2014/03/09/3381381/rand-paul-gas-exports/ —- Student leader shot dead in Venezuela Unclear who killed student during street clashes in San Cristobal, where anti-government protests have been fiercest. —- Syrian forces ‘committing war crimes by starving Palestinian camp’ Amnesty International has accused government forces of starving the population and targeting doctors in Damascus’ Yarmouk refugee camp —- Greek Orthodox nuns arrive in Syrian capital after release by rebel captors Nuns say they were not forced to remove crosses during captivity which ended in prisoner exchange brokered by Qatar and Lebanon —- Syrian health system relying on ‘brutal medical practices’ to save lives Save the Children report says Syrian health system is on the brink of collapse with the absence of basic medical necessities and many doctors having fled the country to avoid harassment from waring factions —- Syria rebel recounts his time in an ISIL jail Rebel commander says uprising against Syria’s government has stalled because of clashes with al-Qaeda-linked group. —- My advice to Netanyahu, “Drop your illusions about how much power your words wield”. Israel’s prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu tells West: ‘Drop your illusions about Iran’ Benjamin Netanyahu criticises the international community for failing to condemn a deadly weapons shipment he says was organised by Iran and bound for Palestinian militants —- Israeli troops shoot dead a Palestinian-Jordanian judge at border crossing Palestinian Authority and Amman demand investigation over incident at crossing between West Bank and Jordan —- South Sudan protest against UN over arms cache http://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-26520091 —- Well done! EU’s Catherine Ashton criticised for meeting Iranian women activists EU foreign policy chief sparks fury by meeting six leading campaigners during landmark Tehran trip —- Lockerbie bombing ‘was work of Iran, not Libya’ says former spy Iranian defector Abolghassem Mesbahi says Pan Am 103 attack was revenge for US Navy strike on Iranian passenger jet —- Wasn’t his name the only name on the ballot?? đŻ North Korea’s Kim Jong-un in ‘unanimous poll win’ http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-26483940 —- How Thailand’s trade in fake passports fuels crime gangs around the world Have you ever lost your passport on holiday? The illegal trade in forged and doctored travel documents props up criminal activity all around the world: from human trafficking to terrorism http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/mar/10/thailand-trade-fake-passports-crime- —- Italian’s passport used to board flight MH370 was stolen in Phuket Hundreds of passports are believed to be lost or stolen every year in a black-market racket on tourist island of Phuket —- Missing airliner ‘changed course’ Military radar suggests the missing Malaysian airliner turned west, away from its planned route, before disappearing, Malaysia’s air force says. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-26527439 —- Malaysia Airlines MH370: Stolen passport ‘no terror link’ http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-26525281 —- Malaysia Airlines live: ‘Unprecedented mystery’ of disappearing jet, says civil aviation chief Malaysian authorities expand the search for the missing jet, as they confirm that an oil slick off the coast of Vietnam is not related to the missing jet. All the latest here http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/malaysia/10687223/Malaysia-Airlines-live.html TRIVIA QUIZ Today’s question. The title of what 2001 film was taken from the Dr. Seuss book “Green Eggs and Ham”? Hint: It starred Sean Penn. —- Heartwarming and inspiring. âMy Brother, Teddyâ This short film captures a young girlâs love for her brother, who has cerebral palsy. http://www.nytimes.com/2014/03/11/opinion/my-brother-teddy.html —- Should we really be making money out of the First World War anniversary? —- The confinement of four Saudi princesses is a reminder that the Gulf states are evil empires, especially if you are a woman In the country where Islamâs most precious shrine is located, there is no equality, no dignity, no basic humanity extended to daughters, sisters, or mothers —- For sale: one Spanish village, free to the right owner A Barca, a 15th-century hamlet in northern Spain, is being offered free of charge to anyone willing to restore it. And it is far from the only village for sale in Spain ⊠http://www.theguardian.com/world/shortcuts/2014/mar/10/for-sale-spanish-village-free-right-owner —- How climate change helped Genghis Khan: Scientists believe a sudden period of warmer weather allowed the Mongols to invade with such success —- Pictures of the day: 10 March 2014 —- Day in pictures: 10 March 2014 http://www.bbc.com/news/in-pictures-26512935 —- Photo highlights of the day The Guardianâs picture editors bring you a selection of the best photographs from around the world http://www.theguardian.com/news/gallery/2014/mar/10/photo-highlights-of-the-day . » Posted By Kalima On March 11, 2014 @ 2:07 am Good morning everyone and welcome to another Sunday. On Tuesday the 11th it will be 3 years since our huge earthquake, tsunami and nuclear crisis. Today I’ve included a few stories to show how little progress has occured and the silent desperation of those still suffering while a court ruling has said that despite proof of human error, no one will be held responsible. It is so shameful. Have a good Sunday wherever you may be. Take care, be safe, stay warm and comfy or cool and dry. Sayonara from my cold evening corner of Tokyo where we can expect snow from 2 am. Mata ne. Sunday’s Bits & Bobs Nuclear society says inadequate safety steps led to Fukushima crisis http://mainichi.jp/english/english/newsselect/news/20140308p2g00m0dm037000c.html —- Illegal nuclear dumping in Shiga raises alarms —- Solving Fukushima water problem a long, hard slog —- Tepco haunted by mismanagement http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2014/03/06/national/tepco-haunted-by-mismanagement/ —- Tsunami survivors suffer in silence three years after disaster —- PICTURE OF THE DAY International Women’s Day http://www.japantoday.com/category/picture-of-the-day/view/international-womens-day Jeremy Hunt needs to go. Jeremy Hunt’s ‘hospital closure’ clause prompts cross-party revolt Tory rebels expected to join effort to veto health secretary’s plans to fast track cuts in healthcare —- Recession has heightened euthanasia ‘danger’ to disabled and elderly, claims peer Hostility towards disabled and elderly in wake of recession means it would be a âdangerous timeâ to consider changing law no assisted suicide, says Baroness Campbell —- Friends: The One With Passion And Putin Nick Clegg gets a lesson in how real men treat their women, and Dave can only dream —- How Vladimir Putin’s cheerleaders enjoy the good life in Britain Calls for sanctions against Russia’s political elite grow after disclosure that many who backed the Ukraine invasion own properties in Europe —- The 40-year Tory obsession with services has served no one Thatcherism has left customers doing firms’ work for them, and an economy that even the Tories now see is too unbalanced http://www.theguardian.com/business/2014/mar/09/tory-obsession-services-40-years-thatcherism —- Co-op executive pay reveals the depths that business has sunk to Extravagant payments are claimed to drive companies forward. The evidence suggests the opposite http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2014/mar/09/executive-pay-coop-business-economy —- No surprises here. Senior Ukip members ‘backed pact with BNP’ Proposal was canvassed among party’s National Executive Committee in 2008 according to a new book http://www.theguardian.com/politics/2014/mar/08/senior-ukip-members-backed-pact-bnp —- A vision of life under The Ukip’s steel-capped Hush Puppies How will the artist fare when The Ukip take over? The messages from HQ are far from clear —- Samantha Cameron’s role in Nepalese nanny’s passport Samantha Cameron, the wife of the Prime Minister, was involved in the familyâs foreign-born nanny securing British citizenship while she was working at 10 Downing Street —- Spaniards take to the streets in protest over new abortion laws —- Russia may end nuclear checks in response to Ukraine sanction â as it happened Defence official says Russia might stop honouring arms treaty commitments. —- Ukraine crisis: Barack Obama calls EU leaders in show of solidarity against Russia Tensions continue to mount as Barack Obama calls Balkan and Western leaders, while warning shots turn back European observers trying to enter Crimea —- Ukraine crisis: warning shots at border confirm new Europe’s new frontier Warning shots fired at an observation plane on patrol over Crimea, as Russia rejects calls for talks —- Ukraine: Protesters in Crimea greet army with flowers… as shots are fired at European monitoring team —- Ukraine crisis: impossible choice for village caught between Ukraine and Russia If Crimea becomes part of Russia, many will find themselves unwelcome on foreign territory, writes Roland Oliphant from a village caught between two masters —- CPAC Presidential Straw Poll Picks Guy Who Thinks Whites-Only Lunch Counters Should Be Legal —- Can the US gun lobby be made to misfire through social media? Three campaigning groups tell SXSW how theyâre using social media to take on the NRA and others http://www.theguardian.com/media/2014/mar/08/us-gun-lobby-social-media-nra —- Venezuela divisions deepen as protest over food shortages is halted National Guardsmen prevent âempty potsâ march from reaching food ministry as Maduro government denounces US http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/mar/09/venezuela-protest-food-shortages —- Syrian forces take strategic town from rebels Assad troops capture Zara, one of two last strongholds for rebels along the Lebanese border leading to the city of Homs. —- Assad taking advantage of U.S.-Russia split over Ukraine, observers say Assad taking advantage of U.S.-Russia split over Ukraine, observers say —- Lebanon protesters march over domestic violence bill http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-26502445 —- Egypt’s military cements its power Ahead of elections, the country’s de facto rulers are determined not to cede any political or economic influence. —- Libya threatens to bomb N Korean tanker over oil export Libya threatens to bomb a North Korean-flagged tanker at an oil terminal in the restive east if it does not leave, saying it was loading illegally —- Nigeria falls into ‘a state of war’ as Islamist insurgency rages More than 1,300 people have died in the past two months as an insurgent Islamist group, Boko Haram, wages a rebellion rooted in poverty, corruption, religion and geography http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/mar/08/nigeria-state-war-islamist-insurgency —- EU’s Catherine Ashton begins landmark talks in Iran http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-26500572 —- PM Maliki says Saudi Arabia and Qatar ‘destabilise’ Iraq http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-26501610 —- Taliban bomb kills Afghan district leader in latest attack on senior officials Nazian district head dies and six wounded in Nangarhar province, scene of recent operations against militant group http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/mar/08/taliban-bomb-afghan-attack-militant —- Signs of unrest ahead of North Korea elections Damage to election notices, troops patrolling polling stations indicate ‘tensions’ in a democracy with a single name on ballot papers —- Hijacking?? Malaysia Airlines crash: terror fear over four mystery passengers on missing plane MH370 Air safety experts investigate whether terrorism was behind the disappearance of the Malaysia Airlines flight which vanished over the South China Sea http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/malaysia/10685413/Malaysia-Airlines-crash-terror-fears-over-stolen-passports-used-on-missing-plane-MH370.html Easy prey: The sexual exploitation of Syria’s female refugees —- Afghanistan still one of the worst places to be a woman, says EU ambassador Franz-Michael Mellbin criticises prosecution of ‘moral crimes’ and says Hamid Karzai’s government has failed Afghan women http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/mar/07/hamid-karzai-afghanistan-women-eu-mellbin —- International Women’s Day: Where do we go next on the road to global equality? —- The Syrian refugee children of Zaatari camp â in pictures This week, it will be three years since civil war broke out in Syria. To mark the event, Save the Children commissioned Giles Duley to photograph those Syrian children living in Zaatari (a refugee camp located in the north of Jordan) and born since the conflict started, who have never known anything other than wartime. Duley lost both legs and his left arm after stepping on a landmine while photographing in Afghanistan in 2011 and feels that, thanks to the excellent medical care he received, “my injuries are almost irrelevant now, because I’m back working. All I want is the same opportunity for these people. They’re not there, begging, asking to be looked after â they just want to rebuild their lives.” Here is a selection of his remarkable portraits for the project. Names have been changed to protect identities —- Russia’s banker thieves remain above the law In most other countries, you are complicit if you observe a crime and don’t report it. But the witnesses to the theft of trillions of roubles remain silent —- World War One: Family stories uncovered http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-25824947 —- Old faithfuls: Angela Hartnett’s recipes for two quick pasta dishes and an easy fish supper There isn’t always time to make a pasta sauce that needs to bubble away for hours http://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2014/mar/07/pasta-fish-recipes-angela-hartnett —- Animal photos of the week: 7 March 2014 http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/picturegalleries/earth/10683394/Animal-photos-of-the-week.html —- The week in pictures: 7 March 2014 —- Week in pictures: 1-7 March 2014 http://www.bbc.com/news/in-pictures-26448027 —- The 20 photographs of the week The best photography in news, culture and sport from around the world this week » Posted By Kalima On March 9, 2014 @ 12:38 am Good morning everyone. We have returned to our much colder weather here for the last few days, and I hear the cold wind rattling past our house thinking how lucky we are that it’s not snowing here like other parts of Japan. Have a good day wherever you may be. Take care, be safe, stay warm and comfy or cool and dry. Sayonara from my cool evening corner of Tokyo. Mata ne, Quote of the Day Niccolo Machiavelli One who deceives will always find those who allow themselves to be deceived. A few stories and opinions from around the globe. Nuclear fuel recovery work underway at Fukushima plant strewn with massive debris http://mainichi.jp/english/english/newsselect/news/20140305p2a00m0na013000c.html —- 70% of tsunami-hit farmland to be restored in disaster areas —- Tohoku finding real recovery hard to come by —- Man arrested over fatal stabbing, assaults in Kashiwa —- Longevity advice from worldâs oldest woman: âEat a good meal and relaxâ —- PICTURE OF THE DAY Life’s a lottery http://www.japantoday.com/category/picture-of-the-day/view/lifes-a-lottery INTERNATIONAL NEWS Fend for themselves? How do they do that if they are sick and not fully mobile? A disgrace. Catastrophe looms as cuts force elderly to fend for themselves —- About time. Stephen Lawrence murder investigation: inquiry into alleged police corruption to be published Theresa May, the Home Secretary, publishes a report into allegations of police corruption in the original investigation into the murder of black teenager Stephen Lawrence —- Already bought and paid for Nasty Little Nigel? Farage lobbies for ‘remarkable’ e-cigarettes in video after donation from maker Ukip leader appears in 90-second film attacking EU plans to ban the devices after his party received tens of thousands from a British e-cigarette manufacturer —- Oops Nigel, don’t think much about your “Spring Cleaning” of the nuts in your party. Better luck next time., or maybe not. Did this guy live in Arizona? Ukip councillor: let businesses turn away women or gay people if they want Party rebukes Donna Edmunds, an MEP candidate for South East, for comment and says it will be investigated http://www.theguardian.com/politics/2014/mar/05/ukip-councillor-donna-edmunds-women-gay-people —- Hacking trial: Rebekah Brooks challenged over her role in company âcover-upâ —- Sweden suspends Uganda aid over anti-gay law Freezing some of its aid, Stockholm says in a statement its support is “not unconditional”. —- Ukraine crisis: EU and UN hold emergency talks over Russia in Crimea â live LIVE http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/mar/06/ukraine-crisis-russia-crimea-eu-un-live —- Ukraine: EU freezes assets of Yanukovych’s former hierarchy Ousted president, his son, closest aides and the ex-PM on list of 18 blamed for embezzling state funds http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/mar/06/ukraine-eu-freezes-assets-yanukovych —- Ukraine crisis: Urgent talks, angry words, but there’s still no coherent plan to end Crimeaâs stand-off —- Russia opens talks as UN envoy is chased from Crimea Robert Serry was accosted by a group of armed men outside the naval headquarters in Simferopol who shouted ‘Crimea is Russian! Putin! Putin!’ —- Ukrainian Navy enraged by Moscow’s denial that is has troops in Crimea Ukrainian Navy crews don’t find being blockaded by Russian troops and ships half as irritating as Moscow’s refusal to admit what is happening —- Why Much Of What Youâve Read About Ukraine Isnât Quite Right, As Explained By Ukrainians http://thinkprogress.org/world/2014/03/04/3356621/ukraine-russia-invasion/ —- Obama announces further two-year reprieve for old health insurance plans Decision to grant extension helps defuse a political problem for Democrats in tough re-election battles this fall http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/mar/05/obama-extension-insurance-plans-health —- Meet The 7 Democrats Who Just Voted Down A Civil Rights Nominee For Supporting Civil Rights —- Hillary Clinton says Vladimir Putinâs Crimea occupation echoes Hitler Former US secretary of state says Russian presidentâs argument that he is protecting his people was used by Nazis in 1930s —- The Massive Policy Failure That Paul Ryan Wants To Emulate http://thinkprogress.org/economy/2014/03/05/3366601/welfare-reform-fail/ —- Democratic Strategy Goes After Koch Brothers Democrats are embarking on a broad effort that aims to unmask Charles G. and David H. Koch, the billionaire brothers who are perhaps the best-known patrons of conservative Republican politics. http://www.nytimes.com/2014/03/06/us/politics/new-democratic-strategy-goes-after-koch-brothers.html —- Osama bin Laden son-in-law agreed to help terror campaign, court hears New York prosecutors accuse Suleiman Abu Ghaith of acting as al-Qaidaâs mouthpiece in propaganda videos and speeches http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/mar/05/osama-bin-laden-suleiman-abu-ghaith-trial-terrorism —- Why Neocons Love the Strongman This is just the crisis to make themselves seem relevant again within the GOPâeven if theyâre undermining the commander in chief at a pivotal moment. http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2014/03/05/why-neocons-love-the-strongman.html —- Whoâs the Villain Here? Nicholas Kristof When Republicans slam President Obama for Ukraineâs crisis and demand that something be done, itâs childish and dangerous. http://www.nytimes.com/2014/03/06/opinion/kristof-whos-the-villain-here.html —- Republicans Place the Wrong Bet Conservatives, grasping at straws and straining credulity, paint a picture of a president who is domestically dictatorial but internationally anemic. http://www.nytimes.com/2014/03/06/opinion/blow-republicans-place-the-wrong-bet.html —- The Gun Report: March 5, 2014 A day in the life of armed America. http://nocera.blogs.nytimes.com/2014/03/05/the-gun-report-march-5-2014/ —- What???? NRA Campaigns Against The Plan To Save The Worldâs Elephants http://thinkprogress.org/world/2014/03/05/3362801/nra-ivory-elephants-guns/ —- Venezuela’s Maduro breaks diplomatic links with Panama http://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-26461530 —- Al-Nusra siege of Yarmouk camp blocks aid to thousands of Syrians The Damascus camp, whose residents were dying of starvation until a deal between the government and rebel groups to open an aid corridor, is now cut off again —- Ridiculous! Al-Jazeera trial: prosecution presents contents of journalists’ hotel rooms Trial in Egypt descends into farce on day two as everything from journalists’ hotel rooms is presented as evidence by prosecution http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/mar/05/al-jazeera-journalists-trial-egypt —- Brutality, torture, rape: Egypt’s crisis will continue until military rule is dismantled Ibrahim Mahlab’s new cabinet confirms that the country is falling apart under a corrupt and authoritarian police state. The world must help us http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2014/mar/06/brutality-torture-rape-egypt-military-rule —- They just never seem to understand the meaning of the word “illegal”. Israel issues figures on huge settlement expansion The Israeli Bureau of Statistics revealed a 123 percent increase on construction of the illegal settlements moments before Netanyahu met Obama at the White House —- Israel halts ‘weapons shipment from Iran’ http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-26451421#” —- Children injured ‘planting bomb’ in Bahrain Interior ministry says children hurt in same village where policemen were killed by a bomb earlier this week. —- Gulf ambassadors pulled from Qatar over ‘interference’ http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-26447914 —- Saadi Gaddafi extradited to Libya Libya had been seeking the extradition of Saadi from Niger since 2011 —- Narendra Modi: India’s saviour or its worst nightmare? India goes to the polls next month to elect a new prime minister. The BJP candidate, and frontrunner, is seen by supporters as a dynamic man of the people. Opponents say he is little more than a rabid nationalist. What would his victory mean? http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/mar/06/narendra-modi-india-bjp-leader-elections —- đŻ It’s a sport guys. Indian Kashmiri cricket fans to be charged for cheering Pakistan Group of Kashmiri students in India have been suspended and face police charges for âanti-nationalâ celebrations of Pakistanâs victory —- Pakistan Hangu soldiers killed as talks due to resume http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-26442507 —- Nato attack kills five Afghan troops Eight more injured in air strike that will inflame tensions between foreign military alliance and Hamid Karzai http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/mar/06/nato-attack-kills-five-afghan-troops —- Hamid Karzai’s brother quits Afghan poll race http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-26462701 —- Australian navy rescues 13 Iranians shipwrecked off Pakistan Crew of HMAS Darwin find men clinging to wreckage after their boat was hit by an unknown vessel —- Military orchestration: Chinaâs economic growth may have slowed, but its spending on the military is to rise again —- Is it possible that they are getting much worse at it? North Korea missile launch ‘narrowly missed’ civilian flight South Korean officials believe the recent series of launches were in part an effort to test 300-mm multiple rocket launchers http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/northkorea/10679581/North-Korea-missile-launch-narrowly-missed-civilian-flight.html TRIVA QUIZ Today’s question. What prefix when added to the following makes five new words: Shave, Shock; Sun; Thought, Wards? —- Sudan: a country ensnared by poverty, inequality and underdevelopment Part two of an edited extract from A Poisonous Thorn in Our Hearts: Sudan and South Sudan’s Bitter and Incomplete Divorce —- Sick in Iran A family in Tehran grapples with a fatherâs cancer http://www.theguardian.com/world/iran-blog/2014/mar/05/iran-fathers-cancer-father-sick —- Kiruna: How to move a town two miles east http://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-26447507 —- Pope Francis says: ‘Don’t call me Superman’ Approaching the first anniversary of his election, Pope Francis says the papacy should not be a personality cult —- Help! I’m being stalked by an online supermarket that wants a ‘relationship’ I only wanted to order some groceries, but now I discover that I have forgotten our ‘anniversary’. Does this kind of harrassment-marketing really work? —- Now we can’t eat protein. What can we eat? This week a new report said that a diet high in animal protein could increase our chances of dying from cancer or diabetes fourfold. So if protein has joined sugar, fat and carbohydrate in being bad for us, what’s left for dinner? —- One in 10 Americans think HTML is a sexually-transmitted disease, study finds —- Saturated fat is not bad for health, says heart expert Diets that are low in saturated fat do not lower cholesterol, prevent heart disease or help people live longer, a cardiac scientist claims —- How to cook the perfect osso buco Have you tracked down English rose veal shin, where do you stand on the great tomato debate and is risotto alla milanese the best accompaniment? http://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/wordofmouth/2014/mar/06/how-to-cook-perfect-osso-buco —- Pictures of the day: 5 March 2014 —- Day in pictures: 5 March 2014 http://www.bbc.com/news/in-pictures-26448024 —- Photo highlights of the day The Guardianâs picture editors bring you a selection of the best photographs from around the world http://www.theguardian.com/news/gallery/2014/mar/05/photo-highlights-of-the-day » Posted By Kalima On March 6, 2014 @ 1:51 am My dear kes, I’ll be back to reply to this in my morning, I promise. However I thought that you should know that your trivia answer is correct. It is indeed symbolic, so keep that tiara polished. đ Take care in that awful weather and hope to see you again soon. » Posted By Kalima On March 4, 2014 @ 3:11 am Good morning everyone. Have a good Sunday wherever you may be. Take care, be safe, stay warm and comfy or cool and dry. Sayonara from my rainy evening corner of Tokyo. Mata ne. Sunday’s Bits & Bobs Hundreds rally in Tokyo against dropped Fukushima crisis charges —- On eve of 3/11 anniversary, Japanese victims of Bikini Atoll commemorated —- Majority of S. Koreans favor summit with Japan: survey http://mainichi.jp/english/english/newsselect/news/20140301p2g00m0dm020000c.html —- Why marry, or worry, when we can be alone together in ohitorisama Japan? —- Good Lord! Why marry a man you don’t love? For some women, husband’s death like a breath of fresh air —- PICTURE OF THE DAY Praying for success in exams http://www.japantoday.com/category/picture-of-the-day/view/praying-for-success-in-exams Scandalous! Duncan-Smith needs to be fired. Thousands of young people forced to go without food after benefits wrongly stopped under ‘draconian’ new sanctions regime —- Poorest families to miss out on ÂŁ1,000 a year for help with childcare under voucher system —- They never have money for this or that, yet are giving themselves pay raises. Local councils breaking childcare laws as working parents forced to rely on charity of friends and family —- How can this man have any convictions if he doesn’t know what he is doing? Cameronâs lack of conviction is his undoing The Tory rank-and-file believe that anything David Cameron says is purely for effect and will be abandoned at any moment —- Leveson inquiry: The spy, the judge and the âcover-upâ —- Russian parliament approves troop deployment in Ukraine Vladimir Putin’s proposal given go-ahead as fear of new cold war grows and UN security council holds emergency talks —- Ukraine crisis: Russia cannot risk open conflict with the West Any precipitate action on the part of the Russians in Ukraine would put Moscow on a collision course with the West, one which, given the current poor state of the Russian economy, it can ill afford —- Russia: Could these protests topple Putin? Russiaâs anti-government movement has been inspired by last weekâs extraordinary events in Ukraine â but it still has much work to do —- Ukraine puts forces on full combat alert Kiev warns Russia that any military intervention will lead to war, as NATO says it will hold meeting later on Sunday. —- Ukraine latest: Kiev vows to fight after Russian show of force as way cleared for Crimea invasion —- Exclusive: Russian âBlackwaterâ Takes Over Ukraine Airport The troops who have taken over two airports in Crimea are not Russian military, but they could be security contractors working for the Russian military, and they are there to stay. —- The Dying Art of Legislating Many distinguished lawmakers are walking away in disgust from a very unproductive Congress. http://www.nytimes.com/2014/03/02/opinion/sunday/the-dying-art-of-legislating.html —- Pennsylvania Lawmaker Invites Predatory Payday Loans Into His State —- When âReligious Libertyâ Was Used To Justify Racism Instead Of Homophobia http://thinkprogress.org/justice/2014/02/26/3333161/religious-liberty-racist-anti-gay/ —- How an ordinary street became the defining image of Syria’s war A photograph released this week showed thousands of ‘ghostlike’ Syrians queuing for food, this is the story of their year under siege —- Syria’s most hardline jihadist outfit retreats from parts of north Al-Qaeda affiliated Al-Nusra Front issued ISIS an ultimatum to go before an Islamic court for mediation or face being forced from Syria altogether —- First woman to head a political party in Egypt says it proves the revolution has changed attitudes Hala Shukrallah, a Christian who now leads the liberal Dostour party, say her election marks a huge social shift in a land wedded to strongmen http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/mar/02/egypt-christian-woman-leads-dostour-party —- Israelis shoot dead ‘mentally ill’ woman near Gaza barrier http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-26397750 —- ‘Many dead’ in twin Nigeria blasts http://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-26403225 —- Iran says border guards freed in Pakistan The five Iranians were among 11 foreigners abducted by armed men last month in the restive Sistan-Baluchestan province. —- Polio vaccination teams attacked by Pakistani militants Militants ambush convoy of health workers with roadside bomb, killing 12 of their security team and wounding dozens more —- ‘Violent terror attack’ at Chinese train station by knife-wielding men leaves 28 dead, 113 injured —- China’s human rights situation ‘worst in decades’ First year under president Xi Jinping sees the most severe campaign against dissidents for decades —- North Korean defectors escape to Thailand Growing number of defectors cross illegally to Thailand to fast-track asylum to South Korea. —- Thailand protest leader promises to clear streets, moving campaign to park Suthep Thaugsuban maintains call for government to resign but says âwe are returning Bangkok to its ownersâ http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/mar/01/thailand-protest-leader-promises-to-clear-streets-moving-campaign-to-park TRIVIA QUIZ Today’s question. If something is allegorical it is: Old; Symbolic; Untrue; or Religious? —- The tea pickers sold into slavery One day Somila was living on an Assam plantation. The next, she had been sold into slavery hundreds of miles from home. Gethin Chamberlain joins the race to save her â and uncovers a flourishing slave trade that begins with the cost of tea http://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2014/mar/02/tea-workers-sold-into-slavery —- Assam’s modern slaves: the real price of a cup of Tetley tea – video —- Bikini Atoll nuclear test: 60 years later and islands still unliveable Marshall Islanders unable or unwilling to return to traditional home, scene of huge US hydrogen bomb test in 1954 http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/mar/02/bikini-atoll-nuclear-test-60-years —- Sex in men’s prisons: ‘The US system cultivates rape. If you treat people like animals, they behave like it’ —- There are signs the Tea Party may be over Five years of arch-conservative revolution has left the party exhausted by infighting http://www.independent.co.uk/voices/comment/there-are-signs-the-tea-party-may-be-over-9162724.html —- A bit off putting. âBe careful to be realâ: Confidential memos reveal how Hillary Clintonâs image has been carefully nurtured —- Ralph Ellison: the man who made Black America visible One hundred years after Ralph Ellison was born, Sameer Rahim pays tribute to the author of Invisible Man —- AUDIO SLIDESHOW Broadmoor Hospital: Inside a Victorian ‘lunatic asylum’ It is 150 years since Broadmoor Hospital opened its doors to patients of both sexes who were deemed mentally unfit to be tried in criminal courts. Now a new hospital is being built next door, with plans to redevelop some of the original Victorian buildings. Take a look back at what life in the Berkshire hospital used to be like – and see what the future holds – with archivist Mark Stevens the author of Broadmoor Revealed, and Broadmoor’s clinical director Dr Kevin Murray. http://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-26335033 —- Love leeks but very expensive over here. The 10 best leek recipes for Saint David’s Day The most versatile member of the onion family, the humble leek can be both a sturdy base or the star of the show, with a robust flavour and great texture http://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2014/mar/01/leek-recipes-10-best —- Animal photos of the week: 28 February 2014 http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/picturegalleries/earth/10666898/Animal-photos-of-the-week.html —- The week in pictures: 28 February 2014 —- Week in pictures: 22-28 February 2014 http://www.bbc.com/news/in-pictures-26382720 —- 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/mar/01/20-photographs-angelina-jolie-ukraine » Posted By Kalima On March 2, 2014 @ 1:28 am BREAKING Just as predicted. Putin’s thugs. Russia forces ‘block Crimea airport’ The Russian military is blockading Sevastopol airport in the Ukrainian region of Crimea, Ukraine’s interior minister says, in an “armed invasion” http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-26379722 » Posted By Kalima On February 27, 2014 @ 11:38 pm Hello kes, I almost fell through the floor when I checked your weather and saw your low temps at -26C. Be careful with those pipes and please stay home. The government here has no intension of pulling back from its nuclear power, finding a safer solution is too much bother and too expensive, but the number of Japanese against it growing. I hope that it means we will be rid of PM Abe in the next election. People in his Cabinet are too extreme RW and loose-mouthed, they never think of the consequences. Will it take another nuclear disaster to finally change things here? I sincerely hope not. Yes, the U.K. is going to the dogs, there is little to be proud of anymore, the Cameron government have seen to that. Maggie Thatcher is alive and well in the steaming bowels of Parliament. If Rebekah Brooks gets a pass with that statement then there is something seriously wrong with the justice system. She ran a successful tabloid for goodness sake, knew everything, and now the haggard witch has amnesia? Everyone who can read or owns a tv set has at some time seen a news story about the consequences of phone hacking. It is a punishable crime in most countries and that includes the U.K. When it comes to wrongdoing, the top brass all have the same excuse, “We don’t know nufink”. Get real. Yes the stories coming out of states with Republican governors is very disturbing and I’m wondering when the shit will hit the fan on these cretins, and hope it’s soon. The answer to the trivia question was nine.Here they are. So again I’ll say keep warm and if possible stay home. Have a peaceful day and see you soon. We are in for four days of rain. I don’t mind because it will give me a break from cleaning the bird poo off the street in front of our house. đ » Posted By Kalima On February 27, 2014 @ 12:52 am Good morning everyone. In just a few more days we will be heading into March and hopefully the first winds of Spring, although looking at the weather forecast, that is doubtful. Spring and Autumn were my favourite seasons in Europe. Now after years of noticeable climate change here in the city, if you close your eyes for a second too long, Spring has passed and the humidity leading to the rainy season and the long hot summer begins. What I wouldn’t give for those crisp, fresh Spring mornings and the first blossoms on the trees, the fresh green grass under my feet, and the renewal of nature that I so loved in my youth. Have a good day wherever you may be. Take care, be safe, stay warm and comfy or cool and dry. Sayonara from my evening corner of Tokyo. Mata ne. A few stories and opinions from around the globe Fukushima No. 4 spent fuel pool cooling system temporarily halts http://mainichi.jp/english/english/newsselect/news/20140225p2g00m0dm062000c.html —- Energy policy will retain reactors but ease nuclear dependency —- Fukushima kidsâ cancer risk raised Exposure study: 1-year-old girls face slight hike over lifetime —- COMMENTARY Time to shutter Monju http://www.japantimes.co.jp/opinion/2014/02/25/commentary/time-to-shutter-monju/ —- Dogs ripped kids to pieces in N Korean camp: ex-guard http://www.japantoday.com/category/world/view/dogs-ripped-kids-to-pieces-in-n-korean-camp-ex-guard —- PICTURE OF THE DAY Blessing for a blast-off http://www.japantoday.com/category/picture-of-the-day/view/blessing-for-a-blast-off INTERNATIONAL NEWS LETTERS The immoral maze of Britain’s benefits system http://www.theguardian.com/society/2014/feb/25/immoral-maze-britain-benefits-system —- Homeless living in shocking, rat-infested conditions, report says Many suffer breathing problems because of damp conditions, say Shelter and Crisis, after survey in three areas of England http://www.theguardian.com/society/2014/feb/26/homeless-shocking-rat-infested-conditions —- Floods budget has been cut by ÂŁ250m, says statistics watchdog —- Down and out in austerity Britain: Number of rough sleepers soars by 37 per cent —- I thought I had heard everything but this beats the biscuit. Rebekah Brooks: I did not know hacking was illegal Ex-editor denies she knew of Milly Dowler message interception, saying ‘I can’t see it would have been a useful thing to do’ http://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2014/feb/25/rebekah-brooks-hacking-dowler-illegal —- Reaction to Renzi’s cabinet shows fight for equality has long way to go in Italy Media seem more obsessed with appearance of ministers in gender-balanced cabinet than employment struggle women face http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/feb/25/reaction-matteo-renzi-cabinet-equality-women-italy —- From beyond the grave, Larsson names his suspect in murder of Swedish PM Swedish novelist Stieg Larsson left 15 boxes of documents in Olof Palme case for police. But did he name the right man? http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/feb/25/stieg-larsson-papers-olof-palme-murder-south-africa —- Ukraine crisis: Russia’s options http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-26336032 —- Ukraine leader warns of separatism threat amid fears over Crimea Comments come after Russian official says Moscow will act in event of heightened tensions and military movements at port http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/feb/25/ukraine-separatism-threat-crimea-russia-naval-port —- Ukraine crisis: âIf these new Nazis come here from the Maidan, we will fight them as wellâ – Crimea has no love for Yanukovych, but the alternative is much worse to locals —- GOPâs Own Health Care Bill Will Lead 1 Million To Lose Employer-Sponsored Insurance —- How One Governor Is Trying To Avoid Responsibility For Denying Health Care To 600,000 Poor People http://thinkprogress.org/health/2014/02/24/3322621/nathan-deal-medicaid-expansion/ —- Arizona uses religion as a shield for bigotry —- Credit Suisse helped Americans hide $10bn from taxman, government claim Operation allegedly included secret, remote-controlled lifts and bank statements hidden in Sports Illustrated magazines —- What can I say. There seems to be a lot of this recently. Man shoots himself in the head and dies while demonstrating gun safety —- Child Labor, Impeachment, Legitimate Rape: Bizarre Positions In The Georgia Senate Race http://thinkprogress.org/election/2014/02/25/3322251/georgia-senate/ —- Ohio Cuts Early Voting Hours That Are Key To Black Turnout —- El Chapo capture: Mexico says no plan to extradite Joaquin GuzmĂĄn to US Mexican government says drug lord faces multiple prosecutions at home before any sort of trial across border —- US expels three Venezuelan officials in diplomatic row http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-26346982 —- Syrians to replace Afghans as largest refugee population Some 9.3 million Syrians – almost half the population – need help, according to the United Nations —- Syria crisis: A Palestinian plea from Yarmouk refugee camp http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-26333533 —- Leaked tapes prompt calls for Turkish PM to resign Recordings appear to capture Recep Tayyip Erdogan instructing son to dispose of hidden funds amid corruption investigation http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/feb/25/leaked-tapes-calls-erdogan-resign-turkish-pm —- Egypt names Ibrahim Mahlab as new prime minister Former housing minister and Mubarak party member pledges to ‘crush terrorism’ and crack down on rise in violence http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/feb/25/egypt-new-prime-minister-ibrahim-mahlab —- Israel bombs Hezbollah target on Lebanon-Syria border It is not known if the strikes hit inside Lebanese or Syrian territory but residents of Nabi Chit, on the Lebanese side of the border, said they saw flare bombs light up the sky —- Confidential papers raise fears over conflict gold Papers show firm accepted gold from customers walking in off the street with no paperwork http://www.theguardian.com/business/2014/feb/25/conflict-gold-global-market-trading-kaloti —- Nigeria: dozens of students shot and burned alive in Islamist attack on school Most of the victims appeared to be between 15 and 20 years old and all of them were male —- Disgraceful! Ugandan newspaper Red Pepper publishes ‘top 200’ homosexuals list —- Uganda donors cut aid after president passes anti-gay law Norway and Denmark cut aid, while others including US review budgets over law imposing harsh penalties for homosexuality http://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2014/feb/25/uganda-donors-cut-aid-anti-gay-law —- Iranian activist Mohammad Nurizad attacked and arrested, but not silenced Journalists and film-maker beaten then detained by security forces as he protested outside intelligence ministry in Tehran —- Indian sailors missing after fire on submarine off Mumbai Seven navy sailors hospitalisted and two unaccounted for after incident during firefighting exercise on diesel submarine http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/feb/26/indian-sailors-missing-fire-submarine-mumbai —- Obama warns of reduced US presence in Afghanistan if security deal not signed soon US frustrations with the out-going administration shine through as Barack Obama warns his Afghan counterpart Hamid Karzai that failure to ratify security agreement could lead to “smaller” US presence, or total withdrawal —- China charges Uighur academic with separatism Professor at Beijing’s Minzu University had challenged official version of several attacks allegedly involving Uighurs. —- Chinese man sues government over smog Li Guixin is demanding the Chinese government compensate him for his smog-stained lungs and provides free masks for the citizens it has failed to protect —- Hong Kong: Ex-Ming Pao editor Kevin Lau stabbed http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-china-26349266 —- North Korea ‘violates’ sea border with South amid drills http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-26333574 TRIVIA QUIZ Today’s question. How many U.S. state capitals have two or more words in their names? —- Photo gallery: Healthcare challenges in Afghanistan http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-26335411 —- Understanding the politics of Chinese smog http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/blogs-china-blog-26333744 —- OMG!! Pun intended. By George, Dr Careyâs right! All those poor people need food banks because their feckless parents never taught them to cook This bishop holds quite different views to his clerical brethren —- Breathtakingly beautiful Northern lights captured in spectacular footage â timelapse video http://www.theguardian.com/travel/video/2014/feb/25/northern-lights-timelapse-video —- Pictures of the day: 25 February 2014 —- Day in pictures: 25 February 2014 http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/in-pictures-26336524 —- Photo highlights of the day The Guardianâs picture editors bring you a selection of the best photographs from around the world http://www.theguardian.com/news/gallery/2014/feb/25/photo-highlights-of-the-day » Posted By Kalima On February 26, 2014 @ 2:00 am Hello kes, I hope you had a pleasant Sunday despite the drop in your temps again. The problem with TEPCO is that they are downright dishonest and can no longer be trusted as they try to cover up mistake after mistake. Why Japan doesn’t ask experts from all over the world to come together in Fukushima and find a solution, is beyond me. This is not a case for national pride, this is a dangerous life or death situation for all of us living on the island. Now the NRA, who are often slow and working far too closely with this RW government, have finally admitted that TEPCO’s problems are due to incompetence. Welcome to the real world NRA! NRA official says Fukushima problems raising questions over TEPCOâs competence http://mainichi.jp/english/english/newsselect/news/20140222p2a00m0na002000c.html How the food was so beautifully arranged on the plates was the first thing I noticed when eating out here, and yes, it’s an art. Unfortunately you don’t see much of it anymore in your average Japanese household, and I don’t really blame them, it takes too much time. The Church of England and a few other religious leaders, have been taking on Cameron and the Tories about payday lenders and welfare cuts for quite some time now, and this is Cameron’s reply I posted here a few days ago. —- He might as well be speaking in Mandarin Chinese for all the sense he makes with that stupid and offensive statement. Cutting benefits part of a âmoral missionâ, Cameron tells new Cardinal David Cameron describes benefits cuts as part of a âmoral missionâ after Archbishop of Westminster warned of the âdisgraceâ of people left âdestituteâ —- Rebekah Brooks, the ultimate, whiny drama queen. They invade people’s privacy and expect sympathy for their private lives?? She and that dweeb Coulson planned it together. He being personal advisor to Cameron and all. Den of thieves who will backstab each other too to shift the blame. Hey Rebekah (with that snooty “k”), what about the little murdered girl whose phone you hacked when she was already dead?? I hope to see the lot of these buggers going to jail. Had to laugh at the article about Christie. How the deceitful, lying almighty have fallen. Serves him right. The RR not being as powerful as they think they are, was music to ears, and if this in turn loses seats for the crazy GOPTP this year, I’ll be hearing a glorious symphony. đ Well, being as I won’t be in for work this morning, I will tell you that your tiara is safe and your trivia answer is correct. Good job, kes! Hope your Monday will be peaceful and that there is no reason for you to venture out into your freezing temps today. Take care and see you soon. » Posted By Kalima On February 24, 2014 @ 12:30 am Good morning everyone, and welcome to another Sunday. Sorry that my updates have been sparse this week, but I’ve been a little indisposed. Have a good day wherever you may be. Take care, be safe, stay warm and comfy or cool and dry. Sayonara from my cold evening corner of Tokyo. Mata ne. Quote of the Day All men are by nature equal, made all of the same earth by one Workman; and however we deceive ourselves, as dear unto God is the poor peasant as the mighty prince. Plato Sunday’s Bits & Bobs Human error, not equipment, may have caused water leak: Tepco —- NRA official says Fukushima problems raising questions over TEPCO’s competence http://mainichi.jp/english/english/newsselect/news/20140222p2a00m0na002000c.html —- Nuclear disaster victims look to dispute resolution system for compensation http://mainichi.jp/english/english/newsselect/news/20140222p2a00m0na011000c.html —- Wartime labor case brews in South Korea http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2014/02/22/national/wartime-labor-case-brews-in-south-korea/ —- Centuries-old Japanese cookbooks give a peek at dinner tables of samurai —- PICTURE OF THE DAY And they’re off http://www.japantoday.com/category/picture-of-the-day/view/and-theyre-off-4 So if you survive AIDS, the Tory government will kill you instead. Exclusive: Thousands of HIV patients go hungry as benefit cuts hit —- ‘Unprecedented’ cuts see GPs warn half of Britain will be unable to get appointments —- Kudos to them. Church of England launches credit union network in payday loans fight Sir Hector Sants deploys UK’s ‘best branch network’ in archbishop of Canterbury’s fight against payday lenders http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/feb/23/church-credit-unions-parishes —- Friends: The One With Kate, Sam and Sally The Duchess of Cambridge, Mrs Cameron and Mrs Bercow reach a settlement —- What the hell has this to do with phone hacking ??? Rebekah Brooks on verge of tears as she tells court about personal life Ex-tabloid editor was near to tears when she was questioned about the possibility of having children with ex-husband Ross Kemp and asked for a break as the subject was raised —- Can new prime minister Matteo Renzi fulfil the hopes of Italy’s youth? Soaring youth unemployment leaves many with no option but to migrate to countries with better economies and more jobs http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/feb/22/matteo-renzi-italy —- Putin’s Russia. A place of power on the world stage? Maybe, but not for the reasons he dreams about. Anti-gay, beating up women in daylight in front of cameras. Letting Syria burn and delay the removal of chemical weapons. Interferring in the politics of the Ukraine. Threatening and bullying like a true dictator. Way to go Puti! Russia dismisses Pussy Riot assault Russian deputy prime minister Dmitry Kozak says protest group Pussy Riot provoked an attack on them by a Cossack security patrol in Sochi. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-26303859 —- Why a new Ukraine is the Kremlin’s worst nightmare The domino effect of democracy on Russia’s border threatens the entire system Putin has built since 2000 – and he will not let it go lightly —- Ukraine’s former PM rallies protesters after Yanukovych flees Kiev Yulia Tymoshenko addresses crowd in Kiev after release from prison, as MPs vote to impeach Viktor Yanukovych http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/feb/22/ukraine-president-yanukovych-flees-kiev —- Typical dictator. Ukraine uprising: The private zoo, the galleon moored on a private lake, the fleet of vintage cars – Ukrainians left open-mouthed at the opulence of President Yanukovych’s country estate —- The Ukrainian oligarchs living it large in London Britain may prove no place to hide for the Ukrainian billionaires with close ties to Viktor Yanukovychâs regime —- Arizona ‘anti-gay’ bill sparks protests in two cities http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-26299559 —- A Program That Provides Health Care For More Than 8 Million Kids Will Expire Unless Congress Acts http://thinkprogress.org/health/2014/02/21/3318361/chip-expiring-year/ —- Guns To Surpass Car Accidents As Leading Cause Of Deaths Among Young People —- A Cold Welcome for Christie in a Setting He Once Ruled Gov. Chris Christieâs first town-hall-style meeting since controversy enveloped his administration showed how difficult it will be for him to recreate political magic. —- The American right focuses on poverty, not inequality, to avoid blame When Barack Obama calls inequality the ‘defining challenge of the era’, conservatives change the subject http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/feb/23/american-right-inequality-robert-reich-obama —- Age of Austerity by Paul Krugman And how. —- SeaTac: the small US town that sparked a new movement against low wages Chronic low pay is emerging as a crucial political issue in the United States as middle and lower-income workers struggle while executive pay soars. The town of SeaTac is at the centre of the storm after the local council set a minimum wage of $15 an hour. Many cities are now following suit http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/feb/22/seatac-minimum-wage-increase-washington —- Captured: Joaqin “El Chapo” GuzmĂĄn, Mexico’s No 1 drug lord US officials say the billionaire kingpin at the head of the Sinaloa Cartel has been captured in a Mexican beach resort —- Venezuelans protest en masse in rival rallies Competing mass rallies in the capital laid bare a chasm between those who support Nicolas Maduro and those who oppose him —- Syria crisis: UN Security Council agrees aid resolution http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-26311212 —- ‘No one cares’: The tragic truth of Syria’s 500,000 refuge children —- Making them enablers of mass murder. Iran boosts support to Syria Analyst says that without military support from the Islamic Republic, the Syrian army “would have collapsed” http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/iran/10654144/Iran-boosts-support-to-Syria.html —- Police fire tear gas at Istanbul protesters Thousands gather in Turkish city to denounce new laws increasing government control over the courts and the Internet. —- How did 37 prisoners come to die at Cairo prison Abu Zaabal? Last August, outside Abu Zaabal, 37 prisoners trapped in the back of a van were allegedly gassed to death having been held for six hours in temperatures close to 40C. Patrick Kingsley talks to the survivors and, for the first time, reveals their side of the story http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/feb/22/cairo-prison-abu-zabaal-deaths-37-prisoners —- Uganda’s Yoweri Museveni puts anti-gay legislation on hold Yoweri Museveni challenges US scientists to advise on whether homosexuality is caused by nature or nurture http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/feb/23/uganda-museveni-anti-gay-bill-hold —- India’s gay community scrambling after court decision recriminalises homosexuality —- Taliban attack kills dozens of soldiers in eastern Afghanistan At least 19 dead after attack by âhundredsâ, as Taliban says it is calling off negotiations over possible prisoner swap http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/feb/23/taliban-attack-soldiers-eastern-afghanistan —- Sometimes it’s hard to distinguish between China and N. Korea. Maybe because they care more about their image in the West, China has a more controlled insanity than it’s neighbour, but it’s close. China training for ‘short, sharp war’ against Japan US military analyst says Beijing’s military exercises designed to invade and gain control of the disputed Senkaku islands —- Ha!! Beijing’s spy chief falls in corruption probe Beijing’s spy chief has reportedly been detained by investigators looking into his former boss —- Hey Kim, the West has seen actual video proof smuggled out by fleeing citizens. North Korea rejects UN report on crimes against humanity as ‘lies’ Foreign ministry says report accusing it of crimes as bad as the Nazis was âdeliberately cooked up by hostile forcesâ http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/feb/22/north-korea-rejects-un-report-crimes-against-humanity —- Gunmen attack anti-government rally in Thailand Supporters of Thai Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra have promised to get tough with anti-government protesters http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/thailand/10656255/Gunmen-attack-anti-government-rally-in-Thailand.html TRIVIA QUIZ The answer to the question “In the world of mythological creatures, what is a sea dog”? is, a hunting dog that is covered with scales and has webbed feet, a scalloped dorsal fin down its back, and a beaverlike tail. Today’s question. Which four letter word beginning with ‘H’ is a humorous or malicious deception? —- The Lost Boys We explore the plight of thousands of children working in the dangerous coal mines of Indiaâs Meghalaya state. http://www.aljazeera.com/programmes/101east/2014/02/lost-boys-2014219887251994.html —- The last breaths of America’s machinery of death Few states still have capital punishment, and even those that do are finding it difficult to find the drugs needed for lethal injections —- Focus on Religious Right hides dwindling number of US churchgoers As research suggests just 25 per cent of Americans now attend church weekly, Republicans must cater for increasingly secular mainstream without alienating evangelical base —- Quest for the sunken slave ship which claimed 664 lives Experts believe they are close to locating the final resting place of a slave ship which sank in what has been described as the biggest single tragedy of the Atlantic slave trade —- The Apollo of Gaza: One fisherman’s amazing catch http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-26275578 —- How dare chefs make such a meal out of people photographing their food French cooks are whingeing about customers taking cameraphone pictures of their dishes. They should suck it up http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2014/feb/23/how-dare-chefs-meal-photographing-food —- Animal photos of the week: 21 February 2014 http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/picturegalleries/earth/10654022/Animal-photos-of-the-week.html —- The week in pictures: 21 February 2014 —- Week in pictures: 15-21 February 2014 http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/in-pictures-26270746 —- 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/feb/22/20-photographs-pussy-riot-sochi » Posted By Kalima On February 23, 2014 @ 1:53 am Good morning everyone. One of those days when no matter what you do, you can’t get those feet warmed up. Hope it’s not a harbinger of more snow in the metropolis. Have a good day wherever you may be. Take care, be safe, stay warm and comfy or cool and dry. Sayonara from my cold afternoon corner of Tokyo. Mata ne. A few stories and opinions from around the globe. Snow-clogged roads trigger food shortages, send vegetable prices surging —- High levels of arsenic found at Okinawa chopper crash site —- Body found off Bali identified as one of 2 missing Japanese http://mainichi.jp/english/english/newsselect/news/20140219p2g00m0dm001000c.html —- 325,000 cancer patients still work http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2014/02/18/national/325000-cancer-patients-still-work/#.UwRKmP2VsfE —- North Korea atrocities exposed, but what next? http://www.japantoday.com/category/opinions/view/north-korea-atrocities-exposed-but-what-next —- PICTURE OF THE DAY Snowed in http://www.japantoday.com/category/picture-of-the-day/view/snowed-in-3 INTERNATIONAL NEWS This is good news. Victory for privacy as NHS database is delayed —- This useless entity has been a disorganised mess for about two years and yet the government kept using them and paying them for their incompetence. This wasteful spending is to blame for a large part of the deficit and the damaging cuts. Economy and the Tories are like oil and water. Atos itself not fit for work? Disability benefit test provider may finally have contract terminated —- He might as well be speaking in Mandarin Chinese for all the sense he makes with that stupid and offensive statement. Cutting benefits part of a ‘moral mission’, Cameron tells new Cardinal David Cameron describes benefits cuts as part of a âmoral missionâ after Archbishop of Westminster warned of the âdisgraceâ of people left âdestituteâ —- It’s the cumulative impact of benefit cuts that is shocking Disabled people are the worst hit of any group by myriad welfare changes that relentlessly reduce already meagre incomes http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2014/feb/19/benefits-disability-cuts-welfare-changes —- LETTERS Kite-flying for the bankers and the 1% http://www.theguardian.com/business/2014/feb/18/kite-flying-bankers —- Quite ironic when thousands have already been built and no one can live in them. Councils must show ‘zero tolerance’ to houses built on flood plains Insurers urge councils to block developers seeking top make a ‘quick buck’ by building on flood plains —- As guilty as sin that one. Rebekah Brooks to begin her defence at phone-hacking trial Ex-News International chief, Andy Coulson and other defendants due to present their cases in coming weeks at the Old Bailey —- Rwanda genocide: German court jails ex-mayor Rwabukombe http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-26242630 —- Iran nuclear talks open in Vienna The push to reach a final settlement of the nuclear issue starts in Vienna —- How bizarre. Does he have a brain tumour? Panty riot: Eurasian women draw a visible line against lingerie law Outcry in Kazakhstan, Russia and Belarus as Putin-led trade bloc moves to ban lacy underwear —- A brief primer on Vladimir Putin’s Eurasian dream The Russian leader wants to create a trade bloc to rival China, the EU and the US â others think the idea is a load of old pants —- Ukraine police storm Kiev protest camp â live updates http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/feb/18/ukraine-police-storm-kiev-protest-camp-live-updates —- This is what happens when Putin meddles in the politics of another country. Next step; he will invade. Ukraine crisis: Viktor Yanukovych unrepentant as ‘warâ erupts in Kiev At least 18 people are dead and Kievâs occupied Independence Square is burning after police storm protester stronghold —- Change the Rules on Secret Money The I.R.S. should ignore protests on the right and left and crack down on abuse of the tax code. —- The Minimum Minimum Wage $7.25 an hour is indefensibly low. But $10.10 an hour by 2016 is still inadequate. —- Disgusting! FBI aids investigation of noose and flag on Ole Miss James Meredith statue âą Noose and pre-2003 Georgia state flag found on Sunday http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/feb/18/fbi-noose-flag-ole-miss-james-meredith-statue —- Meet The Family The Tar Sands Industry Wants To Keep Quiet http://thinkprogress.org/climate/2014/02/18/3217921/tar-sands-refugees/ —- Arkansas Lawmaker Admits He Just Wants Fewer Uninsured People To Sign Up For Health Care http://thinkprogress.org/health/2014/02/18/3303871/arkansas-lawmaker-medicaid/ —- Venezuela faces chaos as opposition leader Leopoldo Lopez surrenders to authorities —- ‘There’s no hope left’: the Syrian refugee camp that is becoming a township Six months ago, Atmeh camp on the Turkish border consisted almost entirely of tents. Now, worryingly, proper buildings are springing up ⊠and nobody is talking about going home http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/feb/18/syrian-refugee-camp-township-atmeh —- Deaths in blast in southern Beirut Explosion near Iran’s cultural centre in southern suburbs of Lebanon’s capital kills two people, security sources say. http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2014/02/deaths-blast-southern-beirut-20142198538467372.html —- Egypt taking ‘ultimatum against tourists’ seriously http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-26248702 —- More absolute rubbish talk from Netanyahu. Everyone is moving forward and it’s people like him who are stuck in the past. Netanyahu compares Israel boycott movement to old-style anti-Semitism Calls for a boycott on the Jewish state are simply old-style anti-Semitism in new clothes, says Israel’s prime minister —- Living in fear in Hebron Thousands of Palestinian homes have been emptied in recent years, some through evictions and others over restrictions. http://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/features/2014/02/living-fear-hebron-2014218114052729956.html —- Human rights of Palestinian children http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/feb/18/human-rights-palestinian-children —- Doha forced to break silence on Qatar’s migrant worker deaths Up to now, information on how many of Qatar’s migrant workers are dying has been limited to the Nepalese. But Qatar’s campaign to host the 2022 World Cup has made it a focal point http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/feb/18/doha-forced-break-silence-qatar-migrant-worker-deaths —- The hellish descent of the Central African Republic An escalating cycle of bloodshed has left tens of thousands dead and entire communities displaced in the Central African Republic. Peacekeeping forces have so far failed to stop the terror —- âtolerantâ?? Good Lord, what dictionary is he reading? Ugandan minister claims nation is ‘tolerant’ as gays ‘not slaughtered’ —- Iran won’t discuss military programme, say officials Iran’s foreign minister and senior negotiator say only nuclear issues will be discussed as next round of talks begins in Vienna —- Iraq violence: Almost 50 killed in car bomb wave http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-26241613 —- Some justice. All seven convicted of Rajiv Gandhi assassination to be freed State of Tamil Nadu had been expected to release three whose death sentences were lifted but government goes further —- I wonder how many were bribed to reach this decision? It’s a farce. General Musharraf leaves court without being charged at treason hearing Pakistanâs former dictator finally appeared before judges amid speculation that he may soon be allowed to leave the country —- Manus Island: One dead, 77 injured and person shot in buttock at Australian asylum centre Australian immigration minister confirms 77 people were treated for injuries and one person died of a head injury —- Just as I predicted here on Monday. China rejects UN criticism on North Korea China says it is right to send North Korean defectors back home to face prison camps or possible execution, saying they are not refugees but “illegal migrants” —- Four dead as Thai police raid protest site Deaths and injuries reported as Thai police arrest dozens of opposition protesters in Bangkok http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/thailand/10645285/Four-dead-as-Thai-police-raid-protest-site.html TRIVIA QUIZ Today’s question. In the world of mythological creatures, what is a sea dog —- North Korea atrocities: Sometimes a polite letter can be a pistol shot It has taken a retired Australian judge to show us how to deal with Kim Jong-un over the country’s crimes against humanity —- Why it’s a good time to be a dictator like Kim Jong-un Horrors like those detailed in the UN report into North Korea aren’t enough to get the world to do something. The response is shock, but then a collective shrug http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2014/feb/18/north-korea-good-time-to-be-dictator —- Jack Monroe: poverty can happen to anyone The rhetoric of ‘work hard and get on’ can fall apart very quickly and you can find yourself in a pit of joblessness, benefit delays and depression http://www.theguardian.com/society/2014/feb/18/jack-monroe-poverty-can-happen-to-anyone —- Shocking. She should be receiving a medal. Elderly nun sentenced to 3 years in prison for break-in at US nuclear plant The break-in raised questions about security at the complex, which holds the nation’s primary supply of bomb-grade uranium —- California drought: Why some farmers are ‘exporting water’ to China http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-26124989 —- China’s growing soldiers struggle to fit in tanks The People’s Liberation Army is also having trouble with its rifles as a result of average Chinese being bigger http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/feb/18/china-soldiers-bigger-30-years-peoples-liberation-army —- In pictures: sinkholes, craters and collapsed roads around the world —- Pictures of the day: 18 February 2014 —- Day in pictures: 18 February 2014 http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/in-pictures-26239354 —- Photo highlights of the day The Guardianâs picture editors bring you a selection of the best photographs from around the world http://www.theguardian.com/news/gallery/2014/feb/18/photo-highlights-of-the-day » Posted By Kalima On February 19, 2014 @ 1:50 am Hello kes, more snow, that must be maddening? Yesterday, going out for the first time since our two weekends of 10 inches of snow each time, I expected most of it to be gone by now, but no. piled in huge drifts along the sides of main streets, it was no longer white and will take weeks to melt. Although there have been threats of more, I don’t feel it’s cold enough, but I could be wrong. Yes, the situation in Kiev has suddenly gone downhill, with the Russian “puppet” Yanukovych, blaming the opposition and the storming of protest camps. Stirring up trouble right in the middle is Putin and his thugs and an invasion wouldn’t surprise me in the least. I agree about the merger between ComCast and TW, customer service will go down the drain and no one should be that powerful. Assad is a murderer and one day I hope to see him at the ICC. He is also stalling on the promise about the chemical weapons, we knew that he would. The man is an obstacle for peace and should be removed one way or another. That was very forward thinking of your mother kes. Fortunately my house over there is not that big, but the stuff inside it is, and my return will be a roller coaster I will have to face and conquer. Bitter sweet at best. I was also rather surprised at the percentage of Russian men dying from vodka consumption, it had always been a cultural thing and I had once read that the younger generation didn’t drink so much. Seems that is not the case. Very disturbing. You can of course keep your tiara and AdLib will look nifty in his leotard too. Take care, have a peaceful day if possible, and keep warm. Hope to see you again soon. » Posted By Kalima On February 19, 2014 @ 1:09 am Hi AdLib, excuse my tardiness for being late in answering, I was in and out yesterday, but mostly out. Yes it has been an awful winter here, and when it stopped snowing in Tokyo, it continued in many other places. Some recorded a record fall of 2 meters and are still digging out. The climate change deniers need their heads examined. Looks like many of the local councils are becoming as corrupt as the central government. Cuts to their funding hasn’t stopped a few from giving themselves pay raises from our tax money while services like healthcare are falling by the roadside. In my own case now owning property over there, my monthly council tax has shot up to over 50% extra, and it could go as high as 100% if they feel like it. Hearing the constant drone from the Tories about this housing shortage, it’s unforgivable that over 400, 000 houses that were either built willy-nilly on flood plains, or no one can afford to buy, have been standing empty for almost two years. Could a government be more disorganized and deliberately useless than this one? Shameful. The story about the new laws creeping in to aid the abuse of women and child brides, made me feel sick and helpless, and I agree, what are we still doing there, and what the hell have we done to help change the lives of the ordinary people of Afghanistan? Your trivia answer is correct and well done. Where should I send the spandex leotard? Thanks for the kind words, I felt like an advertisement for your latter day postal service, and I’m darned proud of my record. đ » Posted By Kalima On February 18, 2014 @ 4:49 pm Good Morning everyone for another Mumbly Monday. Huge drifts of snow are still piled up by the sides of the small streets here in our neighbourhood, with promise of more snow to come from Wednesday. To say that this is unusual for Tokyo would be a vast understatement, and I am not looking forward to it. Have a good day wherever you may be. Take care, be safe, stay warm and comfy or cool and dry. Sayonara from my darkening corner of Tokyo. Mata ne. A few stories and opinions from around the globe. No clues found on 3rd day of search for missing Japanese divers off Bali http://mainichi.jp/english/english/newsselect/news/20140217p2g00m0dm038000c.html —- AEA backs controlled discharge of tainted water into sea from Fukushima plant —- Chubu Electric applies to restart risk-laden Hamaoka nuclear plant —- Lawyer group charges Abe with constitutional ignorance —- Latest snowstorm in Japan claims two lives, injures over 550 —- PICTURE OF THE DAY Long climb http://www.japantoday.com/category/picture-of-the-day/view/long-climb INTERNATIONAL NEWS Benefit reforms are hiding the true number of unemployed —- No wonder there is not enough housing for low income families. Council houses go to professionals earning ÂŁ100,000 An estimated 5,000 wealthy professional households are benefiting from subsidised council house rents, worth ÂŁ4,200 a year each, according to figures from Eric Pickles —- Who needs him? Nick Clegg hints at possible coalition deal with Labour in 2015 Deputy PM praises Labour for embracing the possibility of sharing power and accuses Tories of becoming more ideological http://www.theguardian.com/politics/2014/feb/17/nick-clegg-hint-coalition-labour —- Well done! đ Flood area defences put on hold by government funding cuts Protections for parts of Somerset, Kent and Devon worth millions of pounds were planned but not delivered http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2014/feb/16/flood-area-defences-funding-cuts —- UK weather: Floods could have devastating environmental impact —- France faces up to scandal of RĂ©union’s stolen children Hundreds of children were taken from island territory in official scheme to boost French rural population in 1960s and 70s http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/feb/16/france-reunion-stolen-children —- Ethiopian Airlines flight reportedly hijacked and flown to Geneva Reports say flight ET702 from Addis Ababa to Rome was flying over Sudan when it signalled a hijacking http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/feb/17/ethiopian-airlines-hijacked-geneva —- Italian president set to ask Matteo Renzi to form new government New Centre Right says Democratic party chief must listen to its demands if they are to work together in parliament http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/feb/16/italy-matteo-renzi-government —- Spanish women protest against new laws limiting the availability of abortions —- Sochi 2014: Vladimir Luxuria arrested for holding ‘Gay is OK’ banner Europe’s first openly transgender parliamentarian detained at Winter Olympics amid controversy surrounding gay rights http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2014/feb/17/sochi-vladimir-luxuria-gay-rights-banner —- Ukraine protesters evacuate Kiev city hall as tensions defused Protesters evacuate Kiev city hall as part of amnesty deal with the government in sign that Ukraine tensions may be easing —- Hung jury for Michael Dunn, white killer of unarmed black teenager Jordan Davis —- Congressman Slams Obama For Medicare Cuts That He Voted For Three Times http://thinkprogress.org/health/2014/02/15/3297301/gop-congressman-slams-obama-medicare-cuts-voted/ —- OMG! đ Fox News Discusses Climate Change. Insanity Ensues. —- Barons of Broadband by Paul Krugman Why did we stop worrying about monopoly power? http://www.nytimes.com/2014/02/17/opinion/krugman-barons-of-broadband.html —- Venezuela President Nicolas Maduro expels three US officials Venezuela’s president orders the US Embassy officials to leave the country after the Obama administration defends opposition leader, Leopoldo Lopez, accused of leading a “fascist” plot to oust the socialist government —- Free Syrian Army fires military chief over leadership ‘paralysis’ Brigadier General Abdel al-Ilah al-Bachir replaces Salim Idris as leader of the Free Syrian Army after the latter is criticised for failures on the battlefield —- Syria crisis: John Kerry calls on Russia to stop ‘enabling’ Assad regime Russian support for Assad regime causing ‘enormous problem’, says US Secretary of State John Kerry, after second round of talks on Syrian conflict ended in acrimony and no progress —- Haunted survivors of Homs emerge from hiding as fragile truce holds Lyse Doucet, the BBC’s chief international correspondent, has covered the operation to free starving Syrians from the besieged city. Here she describes one dramatic day in a terrifying week http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/feb/16/haunted-survivors-of-homs-emerge —- Egypt terror attack targets Christian pilgrims in Sinai Bombing of bus threatens a return to campaign targeting foreign tourists at Red Sea resorts —- Mohamed Morsi trial in chaos as lawyers for deposed Egyptian leader stage walk-out —- The death toll in Qatar brings international shame on Fifa It is in the best interests of Qatar and Fifa to improve the appalling working and living conditions of labourers http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2014/feb/16/qatar-world-cup-football-death-toll Boko Haram kill over 100 in village massacre Members of Islamist group Boko Haram believed to be behind brutal attack on village in north east Nigeria that saw the slaughtering of scores of civilians —- Barack Obama says Uganda’s anti-gay bill ‘will complicate valued relationship’ US President warns Ugandan counterpart Yoweri Museveni signing bill that will further criminalise homosexuality would be a “step backward” for all Ugandans and reflect poorly on the country’s commitment to human rights —- South Africa’s trapped miners being rescued – and arrested A dozen of the estimated 200 miners trapped in an illegal gold mine near Johannesburg have been brought blinking to the surface and given water, before being handed over to police for questioning —- Radical Iraqi cleric Moqtada Sadr ‘to retire from politics’ http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-26214140 —- Nepalese police find wreckage of missing plane Police confirm they have located the wreckage of the Nepal Airways plane that went missing on Sunday, with none of the 18 people on board surviving the crash —- Pakistani polio strain threatens global campaign http://www.theguardian.com/world/feedarticle/11204301 —- Good Lord!! Why?? Rupert Murdoch’s empire receives $882m tax rebate from Australia Payment revealed by News Corp in US likely to reignite debate over how much tax is paid by international corporations http://www.theguardian.com/media/2014/feb/17/rupert-murdoch-receives-882m-tax-rebate —- Chinese military port approved in Hong Kong Chinese military port in Hong Kong’s historic Victoria Harbour fuels concerns over Beijing’s role in the former colony —- Good luck with that then. China will veto it in a flash. UN ‘wants North Korean regime crimes punished’ http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-26220304 —- Protesters surround Thai Government House Thousands of protesters have surrounded government headquarters in Bangkok, threatening to block the entrances. —- UK warned that aid to Vietnam inadvertently supports death penalty Charities link British funding for UN anti-heroin initiatives with executions for drug-smuggling in the country http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/feb/16/uk-aid-vietnam-death-penalty TRIVIA QUIZ Today’s question. Who was the last U.S. president born in a log cabin? Hint: Initials, JG. —- Olympics divide Sochiâs indigenous tribes http://www.salon.com/2014/02/16/olympics_divide_sochis_indigenous_tribes/ —- Shocking! Legalized Spousal Abuse Is Coming to Afghanistan A proposed law would ban relatives of accused child abusers, rapists and murderers from testifying against them in courtâand womenâs rights advocates are terrified that it spells a return to Taliban-era repression. http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2014/02/13/afghanistan-s-insane-new-anti-women-bill.html —- Passion for vodka kills Russian men in their thousands http://mobile.reuters.com/article/idUSL5N0L23YN20140131?irpc=932 —- Something similar on the horizon for me this year or the next, and over 5000 miles away. Scenes of Confusion The first attempts at clearing out a family home after a parentâs death. http://opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com/2014/02/16/scenes-of-confusion/ —- Vitamin C ‘gives chemotherapy a boost http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-26038460 —- Zaatari and Madani: Guns, flared trousers and same-sex kisses http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-26146004 —- In pictures: London lovers http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/in-pictures-26177415 —- In pictures: World Press Photo Awards 2014 http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/in-pictures-26193380 —- 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/feb/15/twenty-photographs-shia-labeouf-sochi » Posted By Kalima On February 17, 2014 @ 12:29 am Hello kes and thank you for traipsing through all that snow to get here. This morning there were drifts as far as the eye could see, and unfortunately one of them was in front of out front door. With the stick end of a mop, I managed to clear enough to squeeze out. So just before 5 am, when sane people were still in their warm beds, I was shoveling snow for the tribe and a spot in the middle of our street to feed those hungry sparrows. What a din. Falling snow from the lamppost hit me twice on my head, and I was soaked twice. Love conquers all. đ I was just as appalled by the statement by that headmaster. You would think that he was running an army training camp rather than a school. Fear is good? The man is insane. I remember each and every scary experience I have ever had as a child, and some of them have never quite left me in adulthood. Like you, I’m not at all sure about the euthanasia for children in Belgium. I never want to see anyone suffer, but who gets to decide, certainly not a young child. I can’t understand this business in Denmark at all, especially the part where they have to advertise it as if it was such a humane thing to do. As far as I’m concerned, those animals shouldn’t even be in a zoo, they belong in their natural environment. Yes, fancy the President actually doing things that he promised to do for the people. Have you ever heard anything as shocking in your whole life? I hope the BP of the GOPTP goes sky high whenever he does things to improve the lives of millions. They can then enroll in the ACA and get their medication much cheaper. đ Clarence Thomas has more than a few screws loose, he should step down from the SC. His stupid words are an insult to anyone who has ever experienced racism in their lives. That ski resort was more than likely a birthday present to himself, because who in their right mind would try to get a visa to ski in bloody N. Korea with that crackpot running the carnival? Well done kes! The trivia answer was indeed colour blindness. I’ll be back with another question on your Sunday or Monday. Have a peaceful weekend, take care and see you soon. » Posted By Kalima On February 15, 2014 @ 1:09 am Good morning everyone. Our forecast for tomorrow still says snow, but I’m praying to the weather god to change it to rain. Will let you know how that works out Have a good day wherever you may be. Take care, be safe, stay warm and comfy or cool and dry. Sayonara from my cold corner of Tokyo. Mata ne. A few stories and opinions from around the globe. Good news, but sooner or later they will be back up. In March it will be three years since our disaster, more than enough time to have started dozens of renewable energy plants across the island. No reactor safety reviews to be completed by end of March: NRA chief —- Fukushima urges gov’t to revise decontamination waste storage plan http://mainichi.jp/english/english/newsselect/news/20140213p2g00m0dm052000c.html —- Nagoya: What do you think about the April sales tax increase and how will it affect you personally? —- JAXA develops energy controller for homes using Hayabusa technology http://mainichi.jp/english/english/newsselect/news/20140212p2a00m0na004000c.html —- Sex slavery an âindescribableâ wrong: Murayama http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2014/02/12/national/sex-slavery-an-indescribable-wrong-murayama/ —- China criticises JapanâŠâŠâŠ… Fill in the blanks———. China criticizes Japan’s move to seek compensation over 2010 ship collision —- PICTURE OF THE DAY Cirque du Soleil http://www.japantoday.com/category/picture-of-the-day/view/cirque-du-soleil INTERNATIONAL NEWS The usual “smoke and mirrors” from the Tories. David Cameron using flood crisis to ‘drown embarrassing news http://www.theguardian.com/politics/2014/feb/13/davidcameron-eu —- Welcome same-sex couples or be damned as bigots, Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby tells Church of England —- Another crackpot. Tea anyone?? ‘Fear is good’ says head of independent school —- UK weather: Nature shows no mercy to flooded Britain —- Georgie Porgie too much pudding and pie, George Osborne accused of ‘bullying’ Scottish people into ‘No’ vote for independence —- ‘Abused workers toil for Tetley tea’ A report by Columbia Law School has found workers who pick tea for Tetley are living in inhuman conditions —- Comcast in $45bn Time Warner Cable takeover; Lloyds returns to profit â live Huge pay TV deal —- Love Parade deaths: 10 charged over crush at festival http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-26152045 —- Oh, very mature and endearing. đ Israeli rightwingers walk out during president of EU parliament’s speech Martin Schulz tells Knesset EU will always support Israel but highlights Palestinian suffering and ‘siege’ of Gaza Strip http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/feb/12/israel-walkout-knesset-german-mep-speech —- Belgium to legalise euthanasia for children Belgium accused of “too much haste and too little fundamental debate” over controversial law extending euthanasia to children —- Not again? Italian PM Enrico Letta’s government in danger of collapse Embattled leader challenges rivals including Matteo Renzi to ‘lay their cards on the table’ http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/feb/12/italian-pm-enrico-letta-government-danger-collapse —- What is wrong with these people, and why do it in public? Second Danish zoo poised to put down a healthy giraffe named Marius Zoo keeper at Jyllands Park Zoo in western Denmark tells news agency that second giraffe named Marius in the country’s zoo system is unsuitable for breeding and may face the same fate as his namesake in Copenhagen and be put down —- Bosnians aren’t arguing about national identity now: this is an economic war The Tuzla protests are a product of the anger of the poor against the political elites â they want to know where their money is http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2014/feb/12/bosnians-economic-war-tuzla-protests —– Storm affecting US east coast as havoc persists in South http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-26165335 —- Obama: ‘Nobody who works full-time should have to live in poverty’ President Obama used his executive authority to raise the minimum wage for federal contract workers on Wednesday http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/feb/12/obama-minmum-wage-federal-workers-poverty —- Congress approves debt limit increase after dramatic Senate vote Congress bows to President Barack Obama’s demand for an extension to federal borrowing authority without conditions, approving an increase to the US debt limit for the next 12 months —- âVote No, Hope Yesâ Defines Dysfunction in Congress After the shutdown, the filibusters and years of stalled bills, it was the actual passage of legislation this week that revealed the true depth of congressional dysfunction. —- The GOP has a hot air problem on climate change If US conservatives are truly worried about debt for future generations, they can start by acknowledging climate change http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2014/feb/12/republican-house-debt-ceiling-climate-change —- Is Hillary Ditching Senate Dems? A super PAC is giving up on midterm elections to focus its fundraising efforts on Clinton in 2016, which is causing confusion and outrage in Washington. http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2014/02/10/is-hillary-ditching-senate-dems.html —- Trade Dispute Centers on Ukrainian Executive With Ties to Clintons Victor Pinchuk had meetings arranged with Hillary Rodham Clintonâs State Department by a Clinton political operative turned lobbyist. —- NRA Lobbies To Expand Floridaâs âStand Your Groundâ Law, As Shooter Stands Trial For Killing Jordan Davis —- Shocking. These SC judges need to be replaced. Black Supreme Court judge says he is treated âworseâ by northern liberals than southern segregationists Clarence Thomas, the most conservative Supreme Court justice, says that America is too sensitive about race —- Thomas Speaks … Blindly About Race You canât individually achieve your way out of racism. The remedy is collective. —- New Orleans mayor during Hurricane Katrina, Ray Nagin, convicted of taking bribes Federal jury finds former mayor of New Orleans Ray Nagin guilty on 20 out of 21 charges against connected to bribes taken from businessmen in exchange for securing lucrative city contracts —- Payback is on the way gov, hope you enjoy the fall. Chris Christie mocks Democrats for advocating income inequality Conservative Republicans reacted coolly to his attempts to relaunch himself on the national political stage after Bridgegate http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/feb/12/chris-christie-democrats-income-inequality-bridgegate —- This Is What It Looks Like When 100,000 Gallons Of Coal Waste Spill Into A West Virginia Stream http://thinkprogress.org/climate/2014/02/12/3281881/photos-west-virginia-coal-spill/ —- Yanukovych’s Friends On The Hill As Kiev burns, associates of the Ukrainian president have paid large sums of money to two prominent American lobbying firms. http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2014/02/10/yanukovych-s-friends-on-the-hill.html —- Huh? Always has to be a conservative, right? ‘Michael Sam is selfish’: Conservative radio host blasts NFL draft prospect after coming out as gay —- Comcast to buy Time Warner Cable Deal worth US$45.2bn marries biggest two US providers and kills off takeover attempt by Charter Communications http://www.theguardian.com/media/2014/feb/13/comcast-to-buy-time-warner-cable —- Two dead as Venezuela protests turn violent Armed gang on motorcycles opens fire at anti-government protesters in Venezuelan capital Caracas, setting off a panicked stampeded and leaving two people dead —- Syria conflict: ‘Surge’ in fighting death toll http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-26166834 —- Russia vetoes, where have we heard that before? Russia tables alternative Syria aid resolution at UN security council Kremlin threatens to veto earlier proposal because it foreshadows sanctions if relief efforts are blocked —- Syrian forces bombard opposition stronghold of Yabroud Long-threatened offensive is aimed at crushing insurgency in mountainous region near border with Lebanon —- Egypt’s Morsi says protests are ‘useless’ and warns Sisi could face a coup In leaked tape, the former Egyptian president tells his laywer that dialogue, not protests, is the only solution to Egypt’s problems and âwhoever leads a coup must face a coup,â refering to Field Marshal Abdel Fattah el Sisi —- Algeria mourns dozens killed in military plane crash http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-26148125 —- Ariel Sharon ‘ordered the expulson of 3,000 Bedouins’ The late Israeli premier issued an order expelling two Bedouin tribes so the army could carry out an exercise in occupied Sinai, a new book says. —- UN warns of “unspeakable” horror as mass grave found in Central African Republic âShocking barbarity, brutality and inhumanity have characterised this violence,â says Antonio Guterres, the head of the UNâs refugee agency —- Nigeria militants kill dozens in Borno state attack http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-26152049 —- Iran issues upbeat assessment of prospects for nuclear programme deal Senior Iranian diplomat Hamid Babaei suggests comprehensive agreement could be reached within six months http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/feb/12/iran-upbeat-assessment-nuclear-programme-deal —- Violence in Iraq’s Anbar province ‘displaces 300,000’ http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-26150727 —- Bomb attack in Pakistan kills at least 11 policemen Bus carrying more than 50 police officers struck by a targeted explosion in Karachi, leaving at least 11 policemen dead and more than 30 injured, a number of whom remain critical —- Afghanistan releases 65 prisoners against objections from US Group let out of Bagram detention centre by Hamid Karzai are accused by US military of killing Afghan and Nato forces —- Two US troops killed in apparent insider attack in Afghanistan Gunmen wearing Afghan security uniforms kill two and injure four US troops before being killed themselves in an ensuing gun battle —- Horrific! Australian man shot after killing son http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-26152352 —- World asleep as China tightens deflationary vice We keep our fingers crossed as we glimpse the first foam of a deflationary Ch’ient’ang’kian coming our way from China. The world’s central banks have no margin for error —- For kes. đ What is it like to ski in North Korea? http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-26148891 —- Bystanders killed as Buddhist monk shot dead A child and at least two women also killed in Thailand in second attack targeting a monk in three weeks. http://www.aljazeera.com/video/asia-pacific/2014/02/bystanders-killed-as-buddhist-monk-shot-dead-201421351312990305.html TRIVIA QUIZ The answer to Monday’s trivia question is; lips that are excessively plump as a result of collagen injections. Today’s question. In humans, Daltonism is better known by what name? Hint: The sky is blue. No, it’s green. —- Iranâs dead poets society: The execution of Hashem Shabaani shows the pen can be mightier than the sword —- The Deported: America’s Immigration Battle Fault Lines investigates what happens to families torn apart by a broken immigration system in the United States. —- Israeli-Palestinian cancer support group knocks down walls http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-26140985 —- Dirty Games: How Sochi Abandoned Promises, Jailed Activists And Devastated The Environment http://thinkprogress.org/climate/2014/02/12/3264881/sochi-dirty-games/ —- Why did Penguin recall a book on Hindus? http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-india-26148875 —- Stuart Hall was a voice for misfits everywhere. That’s his real legacy The ‘godfather of multiculturalism’ provided a vital intellectual home for those of us who just didn’t fit in http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2014/feb/12/stuart-hall-voice-for-misfits-legacy —- I always rode the bus to work in London, and you know what, I enjoyed it. The road to happiness? Donât catch the bus to work —- Hemingway’s favourite burger recipe http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/blogs-magazine-monitor-26160596 —- Bamiyan Buddha work halted over ‘secret rebuilding project’ Any attempt to rebuild statues destroyed by Taliban could lead to the site losing its World Heritage status http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/feb/12/bamiyan-buddha-halted-secret-rebuilding —- Ancient Viking code deciphered for the first time Runologist cracks the mysterious jötunvillur code â and discovers medieval ‘text messages’ http://www.theguardian.com/books/2014/feb/12/ancient-viking-code-deciphered-runologist-jotunvillur —- Nuclear fusion breakthrough raises hopes for ultimate green energy source Scientists have moved a step closer to achieving sustainable nuclear fusion and almost limitless clean energy http://www.theguardian.com/science/2014/feb/12/nuclear-fusion-breakthrough-green-energy-source —- Shirley Temple: in pictures http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/culturepicturegalleries/10630733/Shirley-Temple-in-pictures.html —- Deja vu: Thames floods of 1947 http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/picturegalleries/uknews/10631218/Deja-vu-Thames-floods-of-1947.html —- Pictures of the day: 12 February 2014 —- Day in pictures: 12 February 2014 http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/in-pictures-26152341 —- Photo highlights of the day The Guardianâs picture editors bring you a selection of the best photographs from around the world http://www.theguardian.com/news/gallery/2014/feb/12/photo-highlights-of-the-day » Posted By Kalima On February 13, 2014 @ 1:57 am Hello kes, yes our snow stopped falling on Sunday and I think that !0 inches of it in one go was quite enough for me. It’s supposed to snow again on Friday, and I’ll be hoping it won’t. The problem in Japan is the infrequent use of contraceptives, either through ignorance or disinterest in using them. Abortions are not as frequent as in the West, and many young couples are forced into a marriage where there is no love. The divorce rate in the 20’s is quite high. I think the biggest government waste in the U.K. is the overpaid, useless politicians and bureaucrats littering the halls of Whitehall. The next is stupid ideas by David Cameron that never work but spend millions of taxpayers money. There have been enough warnings about the effects global warming will have on rivers like the Thames, but Tories think that renewable energy is a dirty word and look what they have to show for it. It was horrifying to read about the killing of that young giraffe in Denmark, but to do it in front of impressionable children was unforgivable. Their excuse was worthless when so many people in other zoos had offered to take him. How baffling that there was no coverage of the NC moral protests, I thought it was wonderful, and yet they interrupt the news for some idiot of a pop idol. Mind boggling really. Yes, Krugman gets it every time. Good for him. I found this article by Tomasky about the Debt Ceiling being passed by the House without any ridiculous demands, and just like I said earlier in another comment, the President won big time. The Era of Republican Hostage-Taking Is Over Standing firm works: In huge Obama win, GOP caves on debt limit. http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2014/02/11/ha-gop-caves-on-debt-ceiling.html It was a rather busy afternoon so I didn’t get to do my updates for today, but I’ll be back with the answer to the trivia question tomorrow morning. Hope you don’t mind waiting. Have a peaceful day. Take care and hope to see you soon. » Posted By Kalima On February 12, 2014 @ 1:34 amComments Posted By Kalima
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Abductee’s 26-year-old daughter sees family for first time in Mongolia
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Households at top and bottom of the income scale worst affected, according to data from Institute for Fiscal Studies
by Christopher DickeyMar 18
Russian flag flies above Sevastopol after Putin hails Crimea annexation and Ukraine accuses Moscow of war crime
âą Embassy announced last week it would end all services
http://www.nytimes.com/2014/03/19/us/protest-disrupts-georgia-senate-session-on-bill-to-block-medicaid-expansion.html
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Beijing says search extended to Chinese mainland as part of huge effort stretching north and south of equator
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may her lakes and rivers bless you;
may the luck of the Irish enfold you;
may the blessings of Saint Patrick, behold you”.
Go mbeannaĂ a lochanna agus a haibhneacha thĂș.
Go dtimpeallaĂ an ĂĄdh Eireannach thĂș.
Go bhfĂ©acha tĂș beannachtaĂ LĂĄ FhĂ©ile PhĂĄdraig”.
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âą Karzai will stand down after elections on 5 April
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âą Proposed ruling not expected until fall
âą Republican-controlled House still an obstacle
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Culprits not ID’d; 8,700 tons of cesium-tainted chips missing
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Russian troops take border post and maintain pressure on Ukrainian army.
Ukrainian foreign minister says it can do without Russian gas.
Demonstrations take place in Crimea and other parts of Ukraine.
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âą EU leaders in Brussels to meet Ukraineâs new prime minister
âą EU freezes assets of 18 Ukrainians accused of embezzlement
âą Paris talks between John Kerry and Sergei Lavrov break up
âą Russia says action âdoes not create atmosphere for dialogueâ
âą UN security council to discuss Ukraine later in New York
by Michael Tomasky
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Part one: South Sudan: new country, same old mistakes?
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Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Carson City, Nevada. Des Moines, Iowa. Jefferson City, Missouri. Little Rock, Arkansas. Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. St. Paul, Minnesota. Salt Lake City, Utah, and Santa Fe, New Mexico. Thank you for trying. đ
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At least 22 killed and more than 200 seriously injured in clashes in Ukrainian capital
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âą Mississippi NAACP president: âItâs a racial hate crimeâ
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Accusation comes after government announces a raft of reports on Britain’s relationship with the EU
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Stole lunch money from the girls and made them cry
When the big boys came out to start a fray,
Georgie Porgie ran away.
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US cable TV merger to be announced, as Lloyds finally posts profit and hands out ÂŁ400m of bonuses â with its CEO cashing in
Lloyds back in the black
CEO in the money
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