Displaying 2,131 To 2,160 Of 18,974 Comments Good morning everyone and welcome to your Mumbly Monday. What I thought to be about 6 inches of snow was actually 10 inches of snow and the first such dump in 45 years here in the city. Yesterday the house rattled with echoes, and it was quite eerie as the heavy snow was falling from our neighbour’s roof top against our house. Things are slowly getting back to normal on the main streets, but smaller side streets are still impossible to drive through. The sparrows had to be fed and I managed to keep the gates and area to the tribe shelters clear enough for them to get in and out. I believe though that there was more in than out for that day. By this morning, loud complaints assured me that everyone was safe and accounted for. Have a good day wherever you may be. Take care, be safe, stay warm and comfy or cool and dry. Sayonara from my now sunny but cold corner of Tokyo. Mata ne. A few stories and opinions from around the globe. Nuclear plant restarts bogged down in safety checks and paperwork —- JAEA uses ceramic film to easily strain, collect lithium from seawater —- Worst blizzard in 45 years claims 11; 1,200 hurt —- Is baby post saving lives or simply making it easy for irresponsible parents to dump their babies? —- PICTURE OF THE DAY Night of demons http://www.japantoday.com/category/picture-of-the-day/view/night-of-demons INTERNATIONAL NEWS How horrendous. Working poor trapped in unbreakable cycle of poverty turn to food banks in their lunch breaks —- TaxPayers’ Alliance warns of £120billion government ‘waste’ David Cameron could wipe out the Budget deficit at a stroke if he cut government waste, TaxPayers’ Alliance warns in report to mark 10 years of the campaign —- Oh right, look at what a great job they have done ruining everything else. IDS is a tyrant, a failed one at that. State pension service could be privatised under DWP plans Department for Work and Pensions considers privatisation as part of search for savings as budget shrinks by a third http://www.theguardian.com/politics/2014/feb/09/state-pension-service-privatisation-dwp-plans —- As he should, they are a bunch of profiteering thieves. Ed Davey calls for investigation into energy companies’ gas profits Energy secretary urges Ofgem to look at profits up to five times those of supplying household electricity http://www.theguardian.com/money/2014/feb/10/ed-davey-investigation-energy-companies-gas-profits —- UK floods: Thames reaches record water levels http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-26111598 —- DR Congo’s Bosco Ntaganda to appear at Hague court http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-26114895 —- Barbaric!! Copenhagen zoo sparks outrage by killing healthy giraffe named Marius Thousands signed petition to save Marius, who was put down to avoid inbreeding and then fed to lions http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/feb/09/danish-zoo-outrage-giraffe-marius —- Switzerland votes to limit numbers of EU migrants —- Bosnian riots: ‘We will clean up this mess, as we will clean up politicians’ —- Bosnia-Herzegovina fire feared to have destroyed Ottoman archives Archive director Adamir Jerkovic condems blaze at state archives in Sarajevo as an “act of vandalism” http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/feb/09/bosnia-herzegovina-fire-ottoman-archives —- Winter Olympics 2014: Business as usual in Sochi – Russia’s gay capital —- Democrats say Obamacare will lead to better work-life balance • Reduction in work hours predicted by CBO is ‘a good thing’ http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/feb/09/democrats-obamacare-work-life-balance-cbo —- Top Democrat Calls John Boehner’s Bluff On Immigration Reform http://thinkprogress.org/immigration/2014/02/09/3268681/schumer-immigration-compromise/ —- Fight Over Minimum Wage Illustrates Web of Industry Ties The Employment Policies Institute, an economic research center that has warned of increasing the minimum wage, is run by a public relations firm that represents the restaurant industry. —- Writing Off the Unemployed by Paul Krugman Fuzzy thinking meets lack of compassion as Republicans try to rationalize their refusal to extend benefits. http://www.nytimes.com/2014/02/10/opinion/krugman-writing-off-the-unemployed.html —- In Inquiry, It’s Christie Against Prosecutor As United States attorney for New Jersey, Paul J. Fishman has been thrust into the awkward role of investigating his predecessor, Chris Christie. http://www.nytimes.com/2014/02/10/nyregion/in-inquiry-its-christie-against-prosecutor.html —- 15 Photos From The Massive Progressive Protest You Didn’t Hear About This Weekend http://thinkprogress.org/justice/2014/02/09/3268901/moral-monday-north-carolina-gop/ —- The Complete Guide To Everything That’s Happened Since The Massive Chemical Spill In West Virginia http://thinkprogress.org/climate/2014/02/09/3196981/chemical-spill-timeline/ —- The Dust Bowl Returns What happens when America’s fruit basket becomes a desert? http://www.nytimes.com/2014/02/10/opinion/the-dust-bowl-returns.html —- Syria crisis: New round of peace talks to begin in Geneva http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-26114068 —- Syria conflict: Aid workers restart Homs mission after mortar attack —- Turkish police caught in middle of war between Erdoğan and former ally Gülen Some officers welcome crackdown on shadowy network around exiled cleric but stress it should not serve to legitimise corruption http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/feb/09/turkish-police-fethullah-gulen-network —- Egyptian leftwinger becomes first to officially enter presidential race Hamdeen Sabbahi’s candidacy ensures army chief Abdel Fatah al-Sisi will not run unopposed http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/feb/09/egyptian-leftwinger-presidential-race-hamdeen-sabbahi —- At least 15 pilgrims killed in Saudi Arabia hotel fire http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-26105944 —- I went to jail for posting a comedy skit on YouTube. Is this the modern UAE? Dubaians are a dynamic, international group with a lot of talent. The government should not silence them completely http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2014/feb/09/shezanne-cassim-jail-uae-youtube-video —- Central African Republic: deadly clashes erupt in captial The former French colony has been engulfed in violence for nearly a year since the Seleka rebel group installed Michel Djotodia as the country’s first Muslim leader —- UN accused of ‘dragging heels’ on South Sudan human rights abuses report Human Rights Watch urges UN to make public its findings on abuses in South Sudan as security council awaits dossier —- Iran agrees to explain nuclear detonators to IAEA Development marks a step forward in international efforts to settle decade-old dispute over Iran’s nuclear programme http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/feb/09/iran-explain-nulcear-detonators-iaea —- So where is this change? Iranian poet executed for ‘waging war on God’ Death sentence carried out on ethnic Arab Hashem Shaabani, accused of being an “enemy of God” and a threat to security. —- Pakistan Punjab gas supply hit as pipelines bombed http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-26114947 —- Bush fires destroy dozens of houses in Australia’s south east Firefighters in Australia battle “horrendous” wildfires including a blaze with a 24-mile front on the outskirts of Melbourne —- You can’t trust anything they say because by the next day, they have changed their tiny minds. North Korea rescinds invite to US to discuss release of Kenneth Bae Comes as the United States and South Korea prepare to hold their annual joint military drills from Feb. 24 to April 18 —- South Korea-US exercises announced as Kenneth Bae visit blocked http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-26080072 —- Philippine marines kill Abu Sayyaf fighters http://www.aljazeera.com/news/asia-pacific/2014/02/philippine-marines-kill-abu-sayyaf-fighters-201421045542171979.html TRIVIA QUIZ The answer to the question “When it comes to pizza, what is the “cornicione”? was, the crust. I liked kes’s answer much better and maybe we should think up a name for those bits of cheese left in the middle of the box. Any suggestions? 🙂 Todays question. When it comes to modern slang, what is a trout pout? —- Robert Fisk: The number of women sentenced to death across the Middle East has very little to do with justice Young women who have been killed in their thousands across the Middle Eastern region should be listed, at least in the afterworld, on some roll of martyrdom —- The Holocaust whitewashed? Hungary’s Jews step back from memorial year they say has been hijacked for political gain —- Inside the hellhole of Yarmouk, the refugee camp that shames the world Tens of thousands of Palestinian refugees trapped in a Syrian camp by the war are enduring appalling conditions that ought to concern all of us. Christopher Gunness, spokesman for the UN relief effort, says humanitarian aid must be stepped up http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/feb/09/syria-yarmouk-hellhole-palestinians —- Uranium mine troubles Native American groups The project would be built on a mountain considered sacred by Navajos and Pueblos in New Mexico. —- AUDIO SLIDESHOW Freedom2014: ‘I Wish I Knew How It Would Feel To Be Free’ Human emotions can profoundly shape a musical performance – and in the mid 1960s, when Nina Simone recorded jazz pianist Billy Taylor’s ‘I Wish I Knew How It Would Feel To Be Free’, she helped to secure the song’s place at the heart of the American civil rights movement. But a decade later, in a live performance at Montreux in Switzerland, she redefined her interpretation of the anthem. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-25834460 —- US children learn ‘lockdown drill’ http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-26085368 —- You can never have enough warm socks Friends and family thought I was having a midlife crisis when I sold my house and traveled the US giving socks to the homeless http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2014/feb/08/sockman-retired-teacher-gives-socks-to-homeless —- Old people are reactionary. Get over it Why do young people act shocked when some grumpy old conservative spouts intolerance? http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2014/feb/07/old-people-reactionary-get-over-it —- Why aren’t middle-aged women the face of angry protest? Women over 50 face deep injustices, yet tend to stay silent in public. Let’s hijack the news cycle with an act of wit and daring http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2014/feb/09/middle-aged-women-injustice-angry-protest —- I totally agree. Too often when I update, familiar things go missing and many others go haywire never to return to normal. STOP IT!!! Those pesky software updates that ruin your fun Just when you find the perfect gadget, along comes a software update to spoil everything —- Michelangelo’s fame built on forgery, says author —- Medieval knights, catapults and golden toilets – Ukraine’s innovative protesters – in pictures The pro-democracy movement fighting Viktor Yanukovych’s government is organised and inventive – replacing Lenin’s statue with a toilet and wearing suits of armour on the streets —- Hashima island and other abandoned places – in pictures From decaying Detroit to an eerily empty island in Japan, we seem fascinated by abandoned and derelict sites —- Week in pictures: 1-7 February 2014 http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/in-pictures-26081508 —- The weekend in pictures The Sochi Winter Olympics and New York fashion week are in full swing in a selection of the best images from around the world this weekend http://www.theguardian.com/news/gallery/2014/feb/09/the-weekend-in-pictures » Posted By Kalima On February 10, 2014 @ 1:53 am Hi Nirek, yes it was interesting but didn’t help me to like him more. He was a bad “B” movie actor on the screen, and a bad “B” movie actor in the White House. He was also BFF with Thatcher. Unforgivable. Nice to find you here. 🙂 » Posted By Kalima On February 9, 2014 @ 1:58 pm Hello kes. It hasn’t stopped snowing all day here and I’ve been on an hourly vigil to keep paths to the tribe’s food bowls clear. It’s like fighting a losing battle, the minute I clear it away, it’s back but at least they have access. Hopefully in another 4 hours it will turn to rain. Our front gate had frozen shut so out there with bottles of boiling water and came back in looking like a snowman/woman. I hope that lot outside appreciate what I’m doing for them because I have no doubt that the neighbours think I’m insane. Last year someone at a zoo was dressed as a lion, it was the first time that I had seen a lion wave and carry his own tail. 😆 The time before that I believe it was a sorry looking zebra. I think that the Japanese are just too fond of costumes. Don’t take it to heart about the electric throw, they were probably taking about the thicker electric blankets you sleep with. If you feel warm and comfy and can sleep better, then they are wrong. 🙂 Yes Krugman’s was spot on but I had posted this on TOOT on the 4th of Feb where fact checkers had already torn the GOP’s whining to pieces. Here it is again. —- Fact Checker: No, the CBO did not say Obamacare is killing 2 million jobs Many people appear to misunderstand what the nonpartisan agency is reporting.. —- Of course the rich never get it when we want them to pay their fair share of taxes, they are so very special you know, and of course vote conservative because they want to pay even less than they do now, so the GOPTP and the Tories in the U.K. are their friends. It was funny about the woman diplomat but she should have known better. More than half of the citizens in the Ukraine want to join Europe in the EU and not go back to Putin’s Russia and that is what started the protests, so saying “F–k the EU” is hardly productive considering the will of the people there. Putin dreams of a United Russia again, his ultimate power trip no matter at what cost, but few share his dream and many people never want to see another U.S.S.R. and who can blame them. I had to laugh about Iran wanting to copy Obamacare, can you imagine the GOP’s exploding heads when that little gem sinks in. 😆 Will be back with the trivia answer on Sunday but your answer made me laugh out loud. Take care from one snow covered corner of the world to another. Have a peaceful Saturday and see you on Sunday maybe. I’m off to clear a yellow brick road for the outside tribe again. » Posted By Kalima On February 7, 2014 @ 11:20 pm Good morning everyone. We are in for some wicked weather this weekend starting from tonight. Wellies standing to attention in the hallway and silent prayers that if it does snow and settle, I won’t come a cropper when I venture outside the front door. Have a good day wherever you may be. Take care, be safe and stay warm and comfy or cool and dry. Sayonara from my cold and windy corner of Tokyo. Mata ne. A few stories and opinions from around the globe. Record strontium-90 level in Fukushima groundwater sample last July —- 3/11 study stresses liquefaction risk —- New evacuation plan for Mount Fuji eruption calls for 1.2 million to flee —- Heavy snow likely over wide areas of mainland Japan http://mainichi.jp/english/english/newsselect/news/20140207p2a00m0na001000c.html —- Good Lord, people like these belong in a museum of relics. NHK governors reveal rightist views Praise of nationalist ‘martyr,’ denial of Nanjing Massacre roil broadcaster —- Electric blankets no help for good night’s sleep in winter —- PICTURE OF THE DAY This always makes me laugh. Escape plan http://www.japantoday.com/category/picture-of-the-day/view/escape-plan INTERNATIONAL NEWS Labour must not sign up to George Osborne’s destructive cuts The chancellor himself won’t dare deliver his own planned cuts. Ed Miliband would be mad to say he will match them http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2014/feb/07/labour-must-not-sign-up-to-osbornes-cuts —- Coalition all-male front bench an ‘own goal’ for Tories, says deselected MP Anne McIntosh, female MP deselected by Tories in favour of male Old Etonian, says decision to only have men on government front bench at PMQs was “unfortunate” —- Police will have ‘backdoor’ access to health records despite opt-out, says MP David Davis says police would be able to approach central NHS database without a warrant as critics warn of catastrophic breach of trust http://www.theguardian.com/society/2014/feb/06/police-backdoor-access-nhs-health-records —- Tube strike: Millions face second day of disruption and chaos as all sides agree to Friday talks to resolve dispute —- François Hollande attacks US tech firms’ tax schemes French president to press Barack Obama on tax avoidance by Silicon Valley firms including Google and Facebook during US trip http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/feb/06/francois-hollande-us-tech-firms-tax-schemes —- More than 1,100 migrants rescued off Italy in one day http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-26064697 —- Vladimir Putin’s grandstanding is costing Russia dear Russians are entitled to question the wisdom of spending 12 per cent of the federal budget on hosting winter sports in Sochi —- Putin’s hopes to burnish Russia’s image with Sochi 2014 http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-26062757 —- Ukraine protest leader says he was tortured into saying he was a US spy Anti-government activist Dmytro Bulatov calls for guarantee he will not be prosecuted after fleeing to Lithuania http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/feb/06/ukraine-protest-leader-tortured-spy-dmytro-bulatov —- US official caught on tape cursing EU for handling of Ukraine crisis The US suggests the leaked recording of Assistant Secretary of State for European Affairs Victoria Nuland may have been leaked by Russia —- Such a disgrace. Bid to restore benefits for long-term jobless falls one vote short in Senate Fifty-nine senators voted in favor of measure to bring back the program, just short of 60 needed to defeat a filibuster http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/feb/06/unemployment-benefits-bid-falls-short-senate —- Health, Work, Lies by Paul Krugman From all the brouhaha over this week’s C.B.O. report, it seems as if job losses are the new death panels when it comes to attacking health reform. http://www.nytimes.com/2014/02/07/opinion/krugman-health-work-lies.html —- Know-Nothings, Meet the Do-Nothings John Boehner cast doubt on the possibility of passing an immigration bill this year. http://takingnote.blogs.nytimes.com/2014/02/06/know-nothings-meet-the-do-nothings/ —- I laughed out loud. Ethics Panel to Review Lawmaker’s Spending At issue is how Representative Cathy McMorris Rodgers of Washington paid for her campaign to become chairwoman of the Republican Conference. —- Wow, what a jerk. AOL Chairman Slashes 401K Benefits, Blames Two Women Who Gave Birth To Sick Babies http://thinkprogress.org/health/2014/02/06/3262101/aol-chairman-benefits-baby/ —- 7 Things Republicans Would Be Shocked To Learn About Ronald Reagan http://thinkprogress.org/politics/2014/02/06/3258121/reasons-tea-party-hated-ronald-reagan/ —- Blue-chip hacking scandal: FBI will be asked to investigate corporations accused of illegally accessing data on private individuals —- More absolute rubbish. No Zell, that is not the reason for the criticism at all. Billionaire says critics of wealthy are simply jealous Another billionaire defends Tom Perkins, who came under attack for comparing attacks on the wealthiest one per cent in America to anti-Semitism —- How Private Companies Are Profiting From Threats To Jail The Poor —- Mexico police find mass grave and severed heads in Michoacan http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-26077380 —- Brazil: Rio protest over transport fare rise ends in violence http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-26077374 —- Syria crisis: UN poised for Homs humanitarian operation http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-26078328 —- Syria: deal struck to evacuate civilians from Homs After 18 months of failed talks, the Assad regime has agreed a deal with the UN which would allow non-combartants free passage out —- Syrian rebels break hundreds of inmates out of Aleppo prison Activists say rebel forces freed more than 300 prisoners in bloody firefight with regime troops who have been using prison as a military base —- Twin explosions rock Cairo Blasts took place on Giza Bridge close to where Central Security Forces vehicles were parked. http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2014/02/twin-explosions-rock-cario-20142782258671716.html —- Really? The military certainly had no intention of giving up their power. Egypt army chief Sisi says he will run for president: report —- Hearts of gold those guys. Red Cross suspends emergency tents to Palestinians Swiss-based charity says it has stopped delivering tents to Palestinians left homeless in the Jordan Valley because they are seized by the Israeli army —- Yemen’s dream of a civil society suffocated by religion and tribalism A national dialogue was supposed to help Yemen find a new way but instead it has been dominated by the traditional powers http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/feb/06/yemen-civil-society-religion-tribalism —- South Sudan officials charged with treason Seven opposition leaders are accused of plotting a coup to overthrow President Salva Kiir’s government. —- Oops! Rouhanicare: Iran’s president promises healthcare for all by 2018 Five million vulnerable Iranians the first to be protected under plan apparently inspired by Obamacare —- Thousands of Iraqi women arrested and tortured, says Human Rights Watch Campaigners say women may be held for years without seeing a judge, and urges Iraq to acknowledge prevalence of abuse http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/feb/06/iraqi-women-arrested-tortured-human-rights-watch —- India officials charged with Ishrat Jahan ‘staged’ killing http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-india-26079070 —- A year after deadly factory collapse, Bangladesh’s garment workers ‘still suffer abuses’ Two investigations have revealed Dhaka’s clothes factories are still using violence, intimidation and child labour to keep fashion cheap —- Well good luck with that. First formal talks between Taliban and Pakistani government ‘under way’ Critics warn that negotiations will fail, delaying military action against militants, as government team demands end to violence as precondition for further meetings —- Drought-hit Australian town faces evacuation Outback town draws up plans to evacuate entire population after two years of drought —- Good Lord, more looney tunes from N. Korea and the madman in charge. North Korea says US B-52 sortie was ‘rehearsal for nuclear strike’ Pyongyang says US’s nuclear strike practice runs over Korea’s west sea jeopardise reunions between North and South families http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/feb/06/north-korea-asia-pacific —- Philippines bus crash kills 13 http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-26078951 —- Resentment grows in southern Thailand Lack of financial support has forced locals and farmers in the south to join anti-government protests. http://www.aljazeera.com/video/asia-pacific/2014/02/resentment-grows-southern-thailand-20142753548484770.html TRIVIA QUIZ When it comes to pizza, what is the “cornicione”? HINT: My favourite part. 🙂 —- Female genital mutilation: I watched my sister die in childbirth – video —- What is female genital mutilation and where does it happen? FGM is thought to affect up to 140 million women and girls, and is recognised as a violation of human rights http://www.theguardian.com/society/2014/feb/06/what-is-female-genital-mutilation-where-happen —- The Catholic church isn’t the only institution to close ranks in a scandal The police, the NHS, the army – all suffer from a culture of denial. Yet for democracy’s sake, they must reform and revive http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2014/feb/06/catholic-church-scandal-army-nhs-police —- Teens who consume energy drinks more likely to use alcohol and drugs Widespread adolescent energy drink/shot use strongly associated with substance use, says study in Journal of Addiction Medicine http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2014-02/wkh-twc020414.php —- Animal photos of the week: 31 January 2014 http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/picturegalleries/earth/10609609/Animal-photos-of-the-week.html —- Pictures of the day: 6 February 2014 —- Original Observer photography: January Kwame Kwei-Armah and St Vincent in the States, Steve Coogan and Rob Brydon in Italy and Hanif Kureishi and Vicky McClure in London. They all feature here in our monthly showcase of the best photography commissioned by the Observer in January http://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/gallery/2014/feb/06/photography-original-observer » Posted By Kalima On February 7, 2014 @ 2:08 am Hello kes, I had been planning a long reply to all of your wonderful observations but as I’m typing with one hand still, it’s not to be, so please forgive me. 🙁 I will tell you that your trivia answer is correct though, it was indeed “The Thinker ” so well done. Stay safe in your continuing awful weather. Have a peaceful day and I hope I will be able to write much more the next time. See you soon. » Posted By Kalima On February 6, 2014 @ 12:46 am Good morning everyone. Was out by 9:30 this morning and although raining, it wasn’t very cold. One hour later when I came out of the supermarket, the temps had plunged and snow was falling with the rain. Amazing. Have a good day wherever you may be. Take care, be safe, stay warm and comfy or cool and dry. Sayonara from my now cold corner of Tokyo. Mata ne. A few stories and opinions from around the globe. METI asks Fukushima fisherman for groundwater diversion OK —- National or not, nuclear issue ranks high with Tokyo voters —- PICTURE OF THE DAY Beans please http://www.japantoday.com/category/picture-of-the-day/view/beans-please-2 INTERNATIONAL NEWS Unforgivable. Revealed: Thousands of rape cases thrown out – as charges fall following new CPS guidelines —- Another bright Tory idea. Cameron should stick with his “Angry Birds”. Thousands of visitors the the NHS Choices site bombarded with malware after a coding error let a Czech hacker in by the back door —- Ridiculous. Schools encouraged to take 2-year-olds to tackle childcare crisis Two year olds could spend entire days in primary school nurseries under government plans to help tackle the childcare crisis —- Lisa Jardine is the latest woman gone in the Tory bonfire of the quangos Putting (male, Tory donor) stooges in charge of regulatory bodies is a corruption of government. It must stop http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2014/feb/04/lisa-jardine-woman-tory-bonfire-quangos —- It’s Tory propaganda. Benefits Street is excuse for viewers to judge and sneer, says Clare Short Former Labour MP, who grew up in area where Channel 4 series was made, claims it is totally unrepresentative http://www.theguardian.com/society/2014/feb/04/benefits-street-channel-four-clare-short —- Exactly Mr.Cable. Vince Cable: shale gas won’t be a reality in UK for at least a decade Business secretary calls for energy policies to focus on renewables, describing fracking as a long-term option http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2014/feb/04/vince-cable-shale-gas-uk-fracking —- Ha, ha! Former UKIP spokesman was kidnapping gang ‘boss’ http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-26019668 —- This made me want to throw up. Sick bastards! Missing ‘Amy Hamilton’ poster circulating on social media revealed as racist right-wing propaganda hoax —- Three Anglo Irish executives blamed for Irish banking crisis go on trial Trial of Sean FitzPatrick, Pat Whelan and William McAteer will be one of most complex in history of European financial crime http://www.theguardian.com/business/2014/feb/03/anglo-irish-executives-irish-banking-crisis —- France to open Rwanda genocide trial Former Rwandan intelligence chief to face charges of complicity in genocide before a court in Paris. —- Spain urged to confront Franco-era abuses UN issues appeal for investigation into disappearance or deaths of 100,000 opponents of dictator whose died in 1975. —- Greece’s factory sector returns to growth for first time in four years Evidence of manufacturing recovery in much of eurozone comes as ISM survey shows sector suffering in US http://www.theguardian.com/business/2014/feb/04/greece-factory-manufacturing-growth-ism —- Police diffuse Moscow school hostage-situation on eve of Sochi Olympics Days before the Sochi Winter Olympics, Russian police have detained an armed hostage-taker who held a grudge against his late geography teacher —- Ukraine crisis: Opposition MPs seek to curb president’s powers http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-26026592 —- Sochi killing stray dogs in preparation for the Winter Olympics —- Elizabeth Warren Proposes Replacing Payday Lenders With The Post Office http://thinkprogress.org/economy/2014/02/03/3239261/elizabeth-warren-post-office-financial-services/ —- Demography and Employment (Wonkish) by Paul Krugman What demographic adjustment does and doesn’t show. http://krugman.blogs.nytimes.com/2014/02/03/demography-and-employment-wonkish/ —- Huh?? A Bridge Too Far? Chris Christie concedes he may have heard about bridge congestion The New Jersey governor reiterated that he did not know about the planning or execution of the lane closings near the bridge in Fort Lee —- Trick Websites Dupe Democrats Into Donating To Republicans —- Potent Pro-Israel Group Finds Its Momentum Blunted A Senate bill to impose new sanctions on Iran, a top priority for the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, has stalled after stiff resistance from President Obama. —- Idaho police arrest 43 gay rights activists at state capitol in Boise Demonstrators petitioning for a bill to give protections to LGBT people are arrested for blocking access to state legislature http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/feb/03/gay-rights-arrest-boise-idaho-protest —- Philip Seymour Hoffman’s death coincides with spike in heroin traffiking from Mexico The amount of heroin seized annually along America’s Southwestern border has increased nearly four-fold between 2008 and 2012 —- Weekend Gun Report: January 31-February 2, 2014 A weekend in the life of armed America. http://nocera.blogs.nytimes.com/2014/02/03/weekend-gun-report-january-31-february-2-2014/ —- One hopes it’s karma. BP’s Deepwater Horizon bill rises $200m as profits fall Latest update on the continuing costs of the Macondo blowout comes as the oil company reports a fall in quarterly and yearly profits http://www.theguardian.com/business/2014/feb/04/bp-deepwater-horizon-bill-rises-profits-fall —- Syrian forces kill 83 in barrel bomb attacks in Aleppo, say activists Dozens have been killed in barrel bomb attacks by the Syrian regime, reports say —- Syria chemical weapons handed over by March, says Russia Regime will dispatch large shipment this month, says Russian deputy foreign minister, blaming security concerns for delays http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/feb/04/syria-chemical-weapons-handed-over-by-march-says-russia —- Syria conflict: Clashes between rebels and army edge near to iconic Crusader castle Krak des Chevaliers —- Lebanon suicide bomber blows himself up on Beirut mini-bus One dead and at least six injured in evening rush-hour attack on bus heading towards Shia area of Lebanese capital http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/feb/03/lebanon-suicide-bomber-beirut-mini-bus —- Same old scratched record. Say something Israel doesn’t like and you are labeled an anti semite. It doesn’t work anymore so spare us the eye rolls please. John Kerry labelled ‘anti Semite’ for warning of possible boycott of Israel US Secretary of State has been labelled an ‘anti Semite’ for warning of a possible economic boycott if Israel fails to reach a peace accord with the Palestinians —- Iran opposition leader Mehdi Karroubi remains under house arrest Former presidential candidate transferred from safe house to own home in Tehran but restrictions stay in place http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/feb/03/iran-opposition-leader-mehdi-karroubi-house-arrest —- Nelson Mandela’s will leaves money for family and staff but nothing for Winnie Widow Graça Machel likely to waive share of inheritance but feuds over anti-apartheid leader’s trusts could still go to court http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/feb/03/nelson-mandela-will-nothing-winnie-madikizela —- Central African Republic clashes ‘kill 75’ in Boda town http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-26021850 —- Karzai Arranged Secret Contacts With the Taliban Peace talks with the Taliban could explain why the Afghan president has held up a security deal, straining his relationship with the United States. http://www.nytimes.com/2014/02/04/world/asia/karzai-has-held-secret-contacts-with-the-taliban.html —- Australia announces inquiry into asylum child detainees http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-26012468 —- Man held after six shot dead in southern China http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-china-26028289 —- Yes if people are stopped from voting. Election officials: Thailand voting to take time http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-26012474 TRIVIA QUIZ Today’s question. Which sculpture by Auguste Rodin was originally named ‘The Poet’? —- Afghan village built on a Soviet dream collapsing into deadly power vacuum Ambitious project to build country’s largest hydroelectric plant which led to the creation of Shahrak promised a new way of life http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/feb/03/afghan-village-soviet-dream-shahrak-hydroelectric-plant —- Afghanistan: where a woman has more freedom in jail – video http://www.theguardian.com/world/video/2014/feb/03/afghanistan-woman-more-freedom-jail-video —- Philip Seymour Hoffman: death of a master Philip Seymour Hoffman has died aged 46 and a unique talent lost. We have scores of indelible performances, but there would have been such riches to come http://www.theguardian.com/film/filmblog/2014/feb/02/philip-seymour-hoffman-dies —- Dylan Farrow and Woody Allen: There’s no justice in it, but if someone’s a big enough idol, we simply refuse to believe it when bad things are said The fact that no dark cloud of concern or shame follows Allen is not down to his financial pull —- OECD ‘debunks myth’ that poor will fail at school http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/education-26015532 —- Alcohol, smoking and obesity fuel ‘alarming’ global cancer surge World Health Organisation experts issue timebomb warning and say key is prevention, possibly including tax on sugared drinks http://www.theguardian.com/society/2014/feb/03/alcohol-sugar-smoking-fuel-cancer-surge —- Three fizzy drinks per day could triple chance of heart disease Strong association between the proportion of daily calories from sugar-laden foods and death rates from cardiovascular disease, report finds —- Philip Seymour Hoffman’s best film roles: in pictures —- Capa in Colour http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/picturegalleries/worldnews/10610947/Capa-in-Colour.html —- In pictures: The 2014 Sony World Photography Awards finalists —- Pictures of the day: 3 February 2014 —- Day in pictures: 3 February 2014 http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/in-pictures-26015199 —- Photo highlights of the day The Guardian’s picture editors bring you a selection of the best photographs from around the world http://www.theguardian.com/news/gallery/2014/feb/03/photo-highlights-of-the-day » Posted By Kalima On February 4, 2014 @ 1:59 am Hello kes, I’d better reply to this while I still have some natural light in our LR. So glad you went to visit your Warlord and that you found him in good spirits. The story about the toxins left behind in Okinawa has been dragging on for many years and was brought to light by a U.S. soldier who was stationed there when they were dumped. The last few years have seen the U.S. denying it, but now there is too much proof to deny it any further. The sooner it’s cleared up, the better. I have read many stories about the persecution of Christians in early Japan, and like you, am fascinated to read it. Remember that what is happening in the Ukraine has the full backing of the Putin government, and I’m sure his hired thugs are somewhere in the mix causing chaos. The Tories won the 2010 election with only 36.1% of the votes. Conservatives: 306 seats (gain of 98 seats) ; 36.1 percent of vote Labour: 258 seats (loss of 91 seats) ; 29.0 percent of vote Liberal Democrats: (loss of 5 seats); 23 percent of vote Other Parties: 28 seats (loss of 1 seat); 11.9 percent of vote None of the parties achieved the 326 seats needed for an overall majority, so they brainwashed a few LibDems like Clegg, who after 3 years is now tired of being treated like the family pet. It’s still a long way off before the next GE, but when you read that over 40% of voter trust the Tories on the economy, you have to wonder if they have been drinking contaminated ground water. 😯 Exactly, only the GOPTP would repeat a government shutdown putting their chances of ever winning another GE at 0.01%. I seriously believe those saying it are suffering with permanent brain damage from too much BS. I have never liked Woody Allen, I couldn’t watch the man when he starred in his own films, and after the disgraceful behavior with the young Previn girl, nothing would surprise me about him. There is a big stink now about those vacant houses in Bishop’s Avenue. They are pushing to put up the tax on them so that the owners either repair them or sell them. To see those huge houses left in such an awful condition by people who have more money than sense, was disgraceful. Let the homeless have them. Your trivia quiz answer was correct. It was indeed the lamb. Well done. Have a peaceful day and I’ll keep my fingers tightly crossed that there will be no more snow for you this week. Take care and see you soon. Thanks for dropping in. 🙂 » Posted By Kalima On February 2, 2014 @ 11:48 pm Good morning everyone. A quiet Sunday here so far and I hope the same for all of you. 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. Sunday’s Bits & Bobs Tepco retires two surviving reactors at Fukushima No. 1 —- Roughly 50 ruling LDP lawmakers call for end to nuclear power http://mainichi.jp/english/english/newsselect/news/20140201p2g00m0dm048000c.html —- Fears widen over Kadena toxins http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2014/02/01/national/fears-widen-over-kadena-toxins/#.Uu3kuP1MIfE —- Vatican trove shows Catholic persecution in samurai-era Japan —- PICTURE OF THE DAY I miss them, there hasn’t been one for quite a few years in our neighbourhood. Mobile market http://www.japantoday.com/category/picture-of-the-day/view/mobile-market ‘Poll tax mark II’ pushes Britain’s poorest into debt —- Labour lead hits seven points as Tories slip to 29% and Ukip holds steady Miliband keeps party at 36% as plan to force developers to build wins strong support and Cameron’s rating dips to -14% http://www.theguardian.com/politics/2014/feb/01/labour-lead-up-one-point-observer-opinium-poll —- Thousands of pro-abortion protesters gather in Spain Anger mounts in Madrid at bill that will end woman’s right to termination except in cases of rape or medical need http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/feb/01/thousands-pro-abortion-protesters-spain-madrid —- Greek riot police clash with anti-fascists Street battles triggered by leftist groups’ demonstration against the extreme-right party, Golden Dawn. —- Russian anti-gay gang violence seen for the first time on camera Forthcoming C4 documentary reveals disturbing methods used by homophobic groups as Olympics near http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/feb/01/russia-anti-gay-gang-violence-homophobic-olympics —- Ukraine and the growing number of disappeared As Ukraine’s protest movement enters its third month, the opposition say that 36 activists have gone missing. David Blair talks to the families of the disappeared —- GOP Prepares To Take Economy Hostage Unless Democrats Vote To Raise Obamacare Premiums http://thinkprogress.org/health/2014/01/31/3234491/house-gop-economy-hostage-risk-corridors/ —- Chuck Hagel stresses US foreign policy shift from military might to diplomacy • Defence secretary says US is moving off ‘a 13-year war footing’ http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/feb/01/chuck-hagel-us-foreign-policy-military-diplomacy —- Report Opens Way to Approval for Keystone Pipeline Secretary of State John Kerry, who has never publicly offered his personal views on the Keystone XL oil pipeline, now must make a recommendation on the international project to President Obama. —- 7 Facts That Weren’t In The New State Department Report On Keystone XL http://thinkprogress.org/climate/2014/01/31/3231991/keystone-national/ —- Democrats and Republicans raise nearly $500m in ‘quiet’ political year • Almost all money spent in year of few elections http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/feb/01/democrats-republicans-raise-nearly-half-billion —- Charles and David Koch: The billionaire brothers ‘trying to buy America’ —- Absolutely inhuman. Starving Syrians told: ‘Give up the rebels, and you will have food’ Residents of Moadamiya, a rebel-held suburb of Damascus, have been told that no more food will be allowed to reach them unless they give up the key opposition activists and rebel leaders living among them —- Barrel bombs dropped from Syrian military helicopters kill at least 13 Car carrying family of eight among those hit when barrels full of explosives were dropped in Aleppo, reports say http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/feb/01/barrel-bombs-syrian-military-helicopters-kill —- Nearly 1,900 killed in Syria since Geneva talks began UN mediator says there has been no progress to speak of at negotiations, with each side blaming the other for impasse http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/jan/31/syria-death-toll-geneva-talks —- Stalemate on Syria’s frontlines, but the hatred and horror stories grow by the day World View: The rebels fight among themselves, government advances slow down, and the hard cores grow ever more intransigent —- Syria chemical weapons: Kerry asks Russia to hasten removal http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-25996135 —- Lebanon simmers by Syria’s side: Terror attacks drag Lebanese communities into neighbour’s civil war —- Jabhat al-Nusra claims deadly Lebanon bombing Sunni group named after al-Qaeda’s Syrian branch says blast in Hermel was response to Hezbollah’s involvement in Syria. —- South Sudan conflict: 3.7m in ‘need of food’, says UN http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-26004268 —- Why Ayatollah Ali Khamenei could still scupper the nuclear talks Khamenei’s silence over the nuclear talks between Iran and the west speaks volumes – the political costs may be too high for the supreme leader —- Afghan election workers for Abdullah Abdullah shot dead http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-26001993 —- Thousands protest over shark cull in Australia Thousands of people gathered on beaches across Australia to protest against the shark cull policy implemented in the state of Western Australia —- Currency crisis at Chinese banks ‘could trigger global meltdown’ A rise in foreign funding at China’s banks poses a threat for international lenders —- Explosions and gunfire rings out in Bangkok on eve of election People wounded as anti-government protesters marched in Bangkok on the final day of demonstrations denouncing Thailand’s election —- At least 14 killed as Mount Sinabung volcano erupts in Indonesia http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/asia/at-least-14-killed-as-mount-sinabung-volcano-erupts-in-indonesia-9101442.html TRIVIA QUIZ The answer to the question “If something is ‘aestival’ it belongs to or appears in which season of the year”? Summer. Today’s question. Agnus Dei is a figure of which creature as an emblem of Christ? —- Jarawa tribe now face sexual abuse by outsiders on Andaman Islands Human rights groups call for protection as ‘human safari’ tribe face new incursions by other islanders and poachers http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/feb/01/andaman-islands-jarawa-sex-abuse-outsiders —- Dylan Farrow’s Story by Nicholas Kristof Now that Hollywood has told the story of Woody Allen’s long career in film, Dylan Farrow, his adopted daughter, is ready to have her say. http://www.nytimes.com/2014/02/02/opinion/sunday/kristof-dylan-farrows-story.html —- Singalonga Dyson and brush your teeth with chocolate. I dare you… Life must never be boring, not even for a second. So here are some cunning ideas to combat daily tedium —- The more we learn about nuclear past, the more an ‘accident’ seems likely As more countries develop nuclear arsenals, an ever larger group of people must be trusted with power to trigger catastrophe http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2014/feb/01/are-we-ready-for-nuclear-consequences —- Inside the derelict mansions of London’s ‘Billionaires Row’ – video —- How an ageing population will change the world http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-25968269 —- Nigel Slater’s tart recipes Based on traditional alpine dishes, Nigel’s artichoke tartiflette and raclette tart will keep the winter chill at bay – and remind you just how good simple food can be —- The week in pictures: 31 January 2014 —- Week in pictures: 25-31 January 2014 http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/in-pictures-25977750 —- The Observer’s 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/01/observer-20-photos-syria-femen-ukraine » Posted By Kalima On February 2, 2014 @ 1:30 am Good morning everyone. Rain expected here any minute now and it might help in bird messages removal or rather the remainder that I didn’t have the energy to tackle this morning. Caring has consequences sometimes. Have a good day wherever you may be. Take care, be safe, stay warm and comfy or cool and dry. Sayonara from my rather dull afternoon corner of Tokyo. Mata ne. A few stories and opinions from around the globe. Wholeheartedly agree NATIONAL http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2014/01/29/national/womens-rights-ngo-says-momii-must-resign/ —- EDITORIALS http://www.japantimes.co.jp/opinion/2014/01/29/editorials/momii-unfit-to-lead-nhk/ —- EDITORIALS http://www.japantimes.co.jp/opinion/2014/01/29/editorials/wage-hikes-can-help-end-deflation/ —- Simple, new method for reprogramming body cells discovered http://mainichi.jp/english/english/newsselect/news/20140130p2g00m0dm018000c.html —- So very sad. 578 dementia sufferers died or remained unaccounted for in 2012 after going missing: survey http://mainichi.jp/english/english/newsselect/news/20140129p2a00m0na012000c.html —- Foreign men share their reasons for divorcing Japanese wives http://www.japantoday.com/category/lifestyle/view/foreign-men-share-their-reasons-for-divorcing-japanese-wives INTERNATIONAL NEWS Such charming people. Tory backbenchers hit out at David Cameron for U-turn on Syrian refugees —- Of course he won’t rule it out, that was never the plan anyway. David Cameron refuses to rule out another cut in top rate of income tax Ed Miliband’s questions to prime minister about reducing top rate of tax to 40p for those earning more than £150k go unanswered —- This is immoral. More than 270,000 poorest households in England face £80 council tax rise Dozens more local authorities say they are reducing protection for vulnerable residents, research finds http://www.theguardian.com/money/2014/jan/30/poorest-households-england-council-tax-rise —- So is this. Local government cuts hitting poorest areas hardest, figures show Cuts average 25.3% in 10 most deprived areas of England, and 2.54% in 10 least deprived areas http://www.theguardian.com/society/2014/jan/30/local-government-cuts-poorest-areas —- Just another profit raking scam. Free schools narrowly escaped their first strike action – but there’s still much to protest about Free schools were meant to give power to parents. Instead it seems that cost-cutting and profit will soon reign supreme http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2014/jan/29/free-schools-strike-action —- The way they turned a blind eye to the Murdoch hacking scandal? Metropolitan police accused of acting on behalf of big business Lord chief justice voices fears after Virgin Media offered Met a 25% share of compensation recovered from fraudsters http://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2014/jan/29/metropolitan-police-virgin-media-lord-chief-justice —- Phone-hacker Evans says he was caught up in News of the World conspiracy Andy Coulson’s lawyer questions journalist about bid to secure immunity from prosecution in exchange for giving evidence http://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2014/jan/29/phone-hacking-dan-evans-old-bailey —- Russian cable news channel TV Rain under threat after ‘political attack’ Backlash over online poll on Leningrad siege leads to channel being axed from networks amid claims of Kremlin interference http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/jan/29/russia-news-channel-tv-rain-under-threat —- 😯 Russian poetry-lover ‘stabs’ prose champion http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-25942003 —- Ukraine parliament passes measure offering protest amnesty deal Opposition parties did not support offer of amnesty to arrested protesters in exchange for end of Kiev occupations http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/jan/29/ukraine-parliament-protest-amnesty-offer —- In Ukraine, fascists, oligarchs and western expansion are at the heart of the crisis The story we’re told about the protests gripping Kiev bears only the sketchiest relationship with reality http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2014/jan/29/ukraine-fascists-oligarchs-eu-nato-expansion —- US preparing financial sanctions against Ukraine Final details of the package have not been worked out, but it could be put in place quickly —- President Obama tours to call for minimum wage rise http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-25949797 —- America’s middle classes let down by Congress, says Barack Obama US president reaches out to workers after State of the Union call for opposition to back increase to minimum wage —- Obama Orders Creation of ‘MyRA’ Savings Accounts The accounts, which are intended for people who do not now have employer-sponsored savings plans, will operate much like Roth I.R.A.’s, according to Treasury officials. http://www.nytimes.com/2014/01/30/your-money/obama-orders-creation-of-myRA-accounts.htmlTRIVIA —- The 6 Craziest Reactions To President Obama’s State Of the Union http://thinkprogress.org/politics/2014/01/28/3219181/sotu-reactions/ —- How Pressure Mounted for a New Jersey Project Emails and interviews make clear that the development-wary mayor of Hoboken, N.J., Dawn Zimmer, was under pressure from the Christie administration and lawyers working for a developer. http://www.nytimes.com/2014/01/30/nyregion/powerful-allies-pushed-a-project-in-new-jersey.html?_r=0 —- Are Hillary Clinton’s presidential ambitions clouding her morals? Whether or not Clinton has formally announced her candidacy, her silence on Iran speaks louder than words http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2014/jan/29/hillary-clinton-silent-on-iran —- States Have Lost $1.76 Billion After Long-Term Unemployment Benefits Lapsed http://thinkprogress.org/economy/2014/01/29/3219951/unemployment-benefits-states-billions/ —- Federal Reserve tapers its stimulus package by another $10bn – as it happened Federal Reserve : cuts QE to $65bn/month —- US congressman Michael Grimm defends threatening to ‘break’ a reporter and throw him from a balcony after State of the Union address —- So Rand Paul is off his meds again. The anti-abortion party now wants to punish low income women who become pregnant? How does that work, punishment for having sex too? Smaller government and liberty indeed. Senator Floats Idea To Penalize Low-Income Women Who Have Children http://thinkprogress.org/economy/2014/01/29/3220881/rand-paul-welfare-cap-children/ —- Kansas supreme court questions appeal of man who killed abortion provider Justices interrogated attorney over argument that Scott Roeder believed he saved lives by shooting Dr George Tiller http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/jan/29/abortion-trial-kansas-supreme-court-tiller —- They should ask their governor if he is drinking it. West Virginia Water Contains Formaldehyde, Official Says http://thinkprogress.org/climate/2014/01/29/3222571/west-virginia-formaldehyde/ —- Al-Qaida faction in Syria contemplating US attack, intelligence officials warn Senate hears Nusra Front has ‘aspirations for attacks on the homeland’ amid concern over civil war’s terrorism implications http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/jan/29/al-qaida-syria-nusra-front-intelligence-threat —- ‘Nothing substantive’ from Syria talks – Brahimi http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-25953278 —- Starving to death in Syria’s Yarmouk camp Fighting has cut off food and medical supplies to 18,000 desperate refugees. —- Egypt to charge al-Jazeera journalists with damaging country’s reputation Rights groups says move to indict 20 employees of news channel marks escalation in state’s campaign against foreign media —- Israeli troops kill Palestinian in West Bank http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-25947618 —- Libya deputy PM escapes assassination attempt Sadiq Abdulkarim survives unhurt after unidentified gunmen fire “barrage of bullets” into his car in Tripoli. —- ‘Nobody thinks I’d dare show my face here’ – inside a Nigerian sharia court New legislation has increased homophobia – and in the state of Bauchi, led to a court being mobbed by anti-gay protesters http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/jan/29/anti-gay-violence-nigeria-sharia —- South Sudan coup plot charges baseless, says Machar http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-25954280 —- She should be ashamed of herself for repeating the demeaning nonsense spouted by men as an excuse for rape. There is no excuse for rape. Ever. Female Indian politician says rape happens ‘because of a woman’s clothes’ Asha Mirje, a female Indian politician, has sparked controversy by stating rape victims may have invited attacks by their clothes and behaviour —- The Taliban’s last chance? Pakistan is giving the militant group one final chance to come to the negotiating table – despite growing demands for a military offensive —- Second Chinese village destroyed by fire in two weeks A fire has destroyed more than 100 homes in a Chinese village built three centuries ago, it is the second blaze to ravage a cultural site in weeks —- New York Times journalist forced to leave China after visa row Austin Ramzy is third of newspaper’s staff not to get journalist visa since it ran story on wealth of former premier’s family http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/jan/29/new-york-times-journalist-leave-china-visa —- Thai army deploys 10,000 troops ahead of vote Thousands of army troops are being deployed in Bangkok ahead of Sunday’s election which the opposition plans to disrupt. —- Philippines military offensive ‘kills 37 rebels’ http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-25943091 TRIVIA QUIZ Tuesday’s answer, Cherries, and well done to kes. 😉 Today’s question. If something is ‘aestival’ it belongs to or appears in which season of the year? —- What is it with African nations and their need to mutilate the human genitalia? South African traditional leaders attack graphic male circumcision website Dr Dingeman Rijken, who set up website with detailed images to reveal dangers of ritual, accused of breaking cultural taboo —- Female genital mutilation affects a fifth of young girls in sub-Saharan Africa Problems such as violence, child marriage and FGM are widespread across some of the poorest countries, Unicef says —- You say lateral frontal pole, I say that little devil/angel that whispers in my ear Without recognising it, Oxford scientists appear to have located the consience —- The royal family need a new boiler and the right want us to pay for it Nothing symbolises stagnation, immovable social barriers and hierarchy quite like the royal family. No wonder George Osborne is leaping to their defence http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2014/jan/29/royals-want-new-boiler-we-pay-for-it —- I’d like to say to the author that reaching 40 was the most liberating thing in my my life because I knew exactly who I was on that day, and I liked myself as I was. Women, it’s time to age disgracefully The value society places on women’s age has led us to feel shame about the most human of things – getting old http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2014/jan/30/women-its-time-to-age-disgracefully —- Fifth of Neanderthals’ genetic code lives on in modern humans Traces are lasting legacy of sexual encounters between our direct ancestors and Neanderthals from 65,000 years ago http://www.theguardian.com/science/2014/jan/29/fifth-neanderthals-genetic-code-lives-on-humans —- Very interesting. AUDIO SLIDESHOW The Fab Four and other famous faces – snapped by Harry Benson He persuaded the Reagans to dance, got the Beatles to have a pillow fight, and sat in the back of a car photographing Jack Nicholson pulling faces. In a career spanning more than half a century, Harry Benson has snapped many famous figures. Now, to celebrate 50 years of his work, the Glasgow-born photographer is showcasing nearly 100 of his images at Mallett in central London. From the US civil rights era, to Hollywood stars on show, take a look with him at some of the photos. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-25920808 —- Just had to include this, and I thought that I was an adult. 😆 Flatulent Cows Detonate Dairy Farm High concentration of methane gas http://www.outsideonline.com/news-from-the-field/Flatulent-Cows-Detonate-German-Dairy-Farm.html —- Pictures of the day: 29 January 2014 —- Day in pictures: 29 January 2014 http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/in-pictures-25942840 —- Photo highlights of the day The Guardian’s picture editors bring you a selection of the best photographs from around the world http://www.theguardian.com/news/gallery/2014/jan/29/photo-highlights-of-the-d » Posted By Kalima On January 30, 2014 @ 1:55 am Hello kes. You never need an excuse about arriving late here, in fact I give you a standing ovation each time you come to MB. Yes the ignorance of Godfrey Bloom and members of the audience left me almost speechless too. The fact that he is from Ukip though, didn’t, and the British Tea Party has an abundance of these kind of people and no matter how much “Nasty Little Nigel” tries to distance himself from these awful people, the damage has already been done. Sorry that you hit a paywall again kes, annoying because I already pay these people, but email me when it happens and I can forward you the article. I don’t think that digging under the homes of people without permission will go over well in the U.K. and I can already see years and years of lawsuits against the Tory government. Remember how whole towns fought against new homes and roads in their quiet country neighborhoods and won. Then recently one big energy firm cancelled their fracking program because of the huge protest by the people living there, so it’s not a given that they can succeed with that idiotic plan. No there is no surprise about how the Sochi games were planned, or the huge dumps of garbage where cameras can’t see them but the people living there have declared a health hazard. The treatment of the workers who are being treated as slave labour, and the Russian mafia being involved is a given for Putin as he has used them for years for his dirty work and politically motivated assassinations. He is a thug and hangs out with thugs no matter how the media might try to white wash him. There is also a mafia connection now inside the recent trouble in the Ukraine. Putin can not be trusted and anyone who does is a fool. Perfect recent example was Bush. 😆 Put on your skates kes, and glide down the Maumee. 🙂 Herbie Hancock and Corinne Bailey Rae – River Live on Abbey Road https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=PIuHKxjlamQ Take care and stay warm. See you soon. » Posted By Kalima On January 30, 2014 @ 1:32 am Good Morning everyone. The big cat is off today and will be waking from his afternoon nap soon. Have to dash. 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. A few stories and opinions from around the globe. Typical Japanese conservative idiot! He should resign for making the whole country look bad. New NHK boss ignites a firestorm http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2014/01/27/national/new-nhk-boss-ignites-a-firestorm/ —- Tsunami left mental scars on 1 in 4 kids —- And there you have it. Over 70% say they don’t feel any benefit from Abenomics: poll —- 3 Chinese ships enter Japanese waters around Senkaku Islands http://mainichi.jp/english/english/newsselect/news/20140127p2g00m0dm028000c.html —- PICTURE OF THE DAY Sundown http://www.japantoday.com/category/picture-of-the-day/view/sundown-2 INTERNATIONAL NEWS Almost 4 years in, this is rather amusing as they have shown no balls since they sold out and joined forces with the Right. Exclusive: Lib Dems declare war on the rich with raids on pensions and property in 2015 manifesto —- Leave it to Vince to ruffle some feathers. Well done. Vince Cable undermines chancellor with ‘wrong sort of recovery’ message Liberal Democrats might vote against £30m austerity package as Tories warned against ‘slashing for its own sake’ http://www.theguardian.com/business/2014/jan/27/vince-cable-george-osborne-economic-recovery —- Ed Balls’s 50p tax rate won’t harm business – but these kleptocrats will The only thing a higher taxation rate will stifle is growing inequality. No wonder the captains of industry are yowling —- Hey, “Nasty Little Nigel”, look down, just found another one with “Foot-in-Mouth” disease. The picture of him looks like he is entering a beauty contest for minors. 😆 Nigel Farage vows to crack down on UKIP’s ‘Walter Mitty’ candidates following embarrassment of David Silvester comments —- The most popular Party? The British Tea Party” In my opinion people like this and the sicko in the article below, should be charged for the air they breathe. Ukip’s Godfrey Bloom mocks disability at Oxford Union, asks student David Browne: ‘Are you Richard III?’ —- What goes around, comes around. Anton Casey fired and flees Singapore in economy class over “poor people” comments —- As if this government possessed any worthy moral standards and we should be surprised? British government criticised for hosting businessmen linked to Mugabe regime —- Are they stark raving bonkers?? Fracking could be allowed under homes without owners’ permission Ministers admit they are looking at overhauling trespass laws to make it easier for energy companies to explore for shale gas —- Phone-hacking journalist told Coulson about list of targets, court hears Dan Evans tells Old Bailey about ‘ker-ching moment’ when he said he could bring ‘big, exclusive stories’ to NoW http://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2014/jan/28/phone-hacking-trial-journalist-coulson —- Germany: loss of trust in EU is ‘great danger’ Frank-Walter Steinmeier says nationalist rhetoric must be resisted and warns of dangers of loss of trust in European Union http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/jan/27/first-world-war-eu-german-minister —- Migrants saved in Greek boat accident mourn relatives – and dispute claims Survivors say coastguards refused to help them as vessel sank and stamped on hands of those clinging to Greek boat —- Radovan Karadzic and Ratko Mladic to appear together in war crimes tribunal The pair are both accused of masterminding the slaughter in the Bosnian town of Srebrenica —- Putin’s Criminal Olympics In a blockbuster report released today, Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny details the waste, fraud, and mismanagement behind the most expensive Olympics ever. http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2014/01/27/putin-s-olympic-shame.html —- Ukraine’s PM submits resignation before talks Parliament holds special session to scrap laws banning protests as Mykola Azarov offers to stand down. —- Ukraine: president agrees to scrap anti-protest laws Eliminating the laws is a substantial concession to the opposition, who are also demading Mr Yanukovych stand down —- White House warns Obama ready to ‘bypass’ Congress on 2014 agenda • Confrontational state of the union address expected http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/jan/26/obama-state-union-address-bypass-congress —- The Five Worst Things About The New Republican Proposal To Replace Obamacare http://thinkprogress.org/health/2014/01/27/3210091/worst-gop-obamacare-alternative/ —- New US farm bill proposal expected to contain $9bn cut to food stamps • Cut to programme could affect nearly a million households http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/jan/27/farm-bill-9bn-cut-food-stamps —- Just follow that obnoxious stink, and there’s Darrel. Congressmen Go To Bat For Abusive Payday Lending Industry, Attack Justice Department Investigation http://thinkprogress.org/economy/2014/01/27/3209121/issa-payday-lenders/ —- Ridiculous!! Missouri Lawmakers May Force Women To Wait 3 Days Before Having An Abortion http://thinkprogress.org/health/2014/01/27/3207871/missouri-waiting-period-abortion/ —- What a load of insulting rubbish? Silicon Valley billionaire stands by remarks likening protests against wealthiest Americans to Nazi pogrom Tom Perkins reiterates Kristallnacht comparison while bemoaning ‘class demonisation’ of the super-rich —- There should be a law against this. Congressman’s U.S. Senate Campaign Is Giving Away An Assault Rifle —- Syria talks break down over future role of Bashar al-Assad Opposition says the ‘time has come to start talking about the transition to democracy’ —- ‘Eating grass to survive’ in besieged Homs http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-25916804 —- Yes but which rebels? The lazy press seems to always lump them together, and someone working for Assad is going to tell the truth? Syria conflict: Innocent civilians caught in the crossfire of the siege of Adra as Islamist rebels are accused of massacre —- Mohamed Morsi due back in court on jailbreak charges Ousted Egyptian president accused of breaking out of jail in one of several prosecutions launched under military rule http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/jan/28/mohamed-morsi-trial-day-arrives —- What revolution? What Arab Spring? Egypt’s generals ‘give Sisi green light to run for president’ Military strongman who led overthrow Mohammed Morsi given the title of field marshall in move thought likely to presage his candidacy —- Israeli jets suspected of attacking Syrian missile store A raid on a Syrian stock of Russian-made missiles is being blamed on Israel —- Paralysed in Qatar: Nepalese workers trapped in Kafkaesque Gulf nightmare As building site falls at the World Cup venue reach 1,000 a year, the kafala system is denying medical care to migrant workers —- Bhutto son urges Pakistan military action on Taliban http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-25923279 —- Illiteracy persists among Afghan troops despite US education drive Watchdog says $200m project to teach basic reading and writing has reached only about half of the police and army http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/jan/28/illiteracy-afghan-troops-us-education —- H7N9 bird flu virus: Hong Kong culls 20,000 chickens http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-china-25923508 —- Philippine police condemned over ‘torture wheel’ http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-25923683 —- Thai protesters gather outside cabinet meeting in Bangkok Anti-government demonstrators assemble outside army club as PM Yingluck Shinawatra meets ministers in state of emergency http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/jan/28/thai-protesters-cabinet-meeting-bangkok-yingluck-shinanwatra TRIVIA QUIZ The answer to the question, “How many time zones does Russia have”? was nine. Today’s question. Bada, Bing, Lambert and Tartarian are all varieties of which fruit? —- ‘Submit or starve: the choice facing Syrian families like mine’ As diplomats talk in Geneva, Rania Bani al-Marjeh – who has lived in Britain for 10 years – reveals the horrors endured by her family in the Damascus suburb where she was raised —- From Your Friends at the N.R.A. Membership has its perks. http://www.nytimes.com/2014/01/28/opinion/nocera-from-your-friends-at-the-nra.html —- Heinrich Himmler’s love letters to his ‘bunny’ David Irving, the controversial historian, says he has unearthed love letters that Heinrich Himmler wrote to his mistress. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/10599718/Heinrich-Himmlers-love-letters-to-his-bunny.html —- Why are blue eyes so fascinating? Blue eyes are associated with both beauty and coldness. Now it turns out that early dark-haired European hunter-gatherers had them too —- Looks of early European revealed Genetic tests reveal that a hunter-gatherer who lived 7,000 years ago had the unusual combination of dark skin and hair and blue eyes. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-25885519 —- Frost fair: When an elephant walked on the frozen River Thames http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-25862141 —- Scientists shed light on origins of 1,500-year-old plague – video http://www.theguardian.com/science/video/2014/jan/28/scientists-shed-light-plague-video —- Lewis Carroll – a life in pictures Today marks the birthday of Charles Lutwidge Dodgson, better known as Lewis Carroll, beloved author of Alice in Wonderland. Here are some fascinating photographs from his lifetime http://www.theguardian.com/books/gallery/2014/jan/27/lewis-carroll-a-life-in-pictures —- In pictures: Stunning photographs of African wildlife by David Gulden —- Pictures of the day: 27 January 2014 —- Day in pictures: 27 January 2014 http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/in-pictures-25910147 —- Photo highlights of the day The Guardian’s picture editors bring you a selection of the best photographs from around the world http://www.theguardian.com/news/gallery/2014/jan/27/photo-highlights-of-the-day » Posted By Kalima On January 28, 2014 @ 2:17 am Hello kes, well being blown down the street is not as challenging as keeping warm and well stocked in your awful weather. Stay safe. I have always disliked this drinking with the boss idea over here. Just how much can you get done if you are all drunk when talking about work? 😯 Seems very pointless to me when most Japanese men can’t hold their drink. My hubby changed many things by taking me along to business meetings, and it was fun to watch the surprised faces and the fact that even though I had had as much as they had had, I could still walk a straight line and remember every word of the conversations the next day. About the proposal for a minimum pay raise in the U.K., I wouldn’t get too excited about that yet considering where the proposal is coming from: Osborne. It is like fool’s gold and early campaign promises from the RW hoping to be reelected next year. There are too many people already being cheated out of an average wage as it is, and the Tories have done nothing to correct or punish the businesses that are responsible. So what will happen is that some might see a slight increase, then later, because the government won’t go after the rich to pay their fair share, the taxes on the rest of the population will increase and it will be another case of robbing Peter to pay Paul. Look at the money the Tories have already stolen from the poor and what is left of the middle class. Raising the minimum wage will look great on paper, but in reality it will smoke and mirrors, and the poor will stay poor with their benefits cut just the same. The rise of the Far Right is disturbing but on average they don’t have enough people to vote for them, and even in Greece where The Golden Dawn had a foothold in politics, the people saw what they were and they were stripped of all power to make any political decisions. Thankfully there are always more sane people than insane, and more moderates than outright racists and haters. I read an introduction to Himmler’s letters and he sounds like you typical sociopath signing his letter yo his mistress with “Love Heini” while systematically killing millions. Scary. Don’t worry or feel guilty about the choco habit, you need something to cheer you up and make you feel good in the kind of arctic weather you have been having lately. I’m sure that you never imagined that you would be living in the North Pole for all these weeks. Eat your chocolate and stay strong. » Posted By Kalima On January 27, 2014 @ 10:44 pm Good Morning everyone. Strong winds from this afternoon, so afraid that I might be blown away to places that might require a visa, I stayed indoors. Have a good day wherever you may be. Take care, be safe, stay warm and comfy or cool and dry. Sayonara from my late Sunday afternoon corner of Tokyo. Mata ne. Sunday’s Bits & Bobs Nuke issue could restore power to the regions —- Suspect arrested in food poisonings http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2014/01/25/national/suspect-arrested-in-food-poisonings/ —- Does Japan really need company drinking parties? http://www.japantoday.com/category/opinions/view/does-japan-really-need-company-drinking-parties —- PICTURE OF THE DAY Feeding time http://www.japantoday.com/category/picture-of-the-day/view/feeding-time-2 . George Osborne’s economic ‘recovery’ is built on sand Half the UK jobs growth was driven by self-employment – redundant workers making an uncertain living as sole traders —- Inequality: politicians have to engage openly with the income gap Voters of all persuasions want the issue of economic inequality addressed http://www.theguardian.com/theobserver/2014/jan/26/the-big-issue-inequality-in-uk-society —- Oh absolutely, just look at the old fogies and rich crooks that are in it. Is Britain’s parliament hopelessly out of date? With Tory women MPs quitting Westminster over its old-fashioned ways, Lib Dem reforms failing and the young being urged not to vote, parliament could be called unfit for purpose http://www.theguardian.com/politics/2014/jan/26/parliament-out-of-date-old-fashioned —- Irish president urged to free ailing peace activist Margaretta D’Arcy Pardon sought for elderly playwright jailed for refusing to stop protests over US military flights at Shannon airport http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/jan/25/irish-president-free-margaretta-darcy —- And the sky is falling? Valérie Trierweiler loses First Lady status as President Hollande confirms separation —- These protests happen every year. Vienna ‘far-right’ ball condemned in mass protests http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-25890188 —- Escaped Marxist guerrilla Christodoulos Xiros alarms Greece with pledge to return to arms A video threat by a member of the disbanded 17 November terror group creates a new crisis for a weakened state —- Hungarian far-right leader Gabor Vona vows to address rally in London Anti-fascist protesters to attend speech of Vona whose Jobbik party is accused of fuelling hatred against Roma and Jews —- Ukraine crisis: Opposition rejects offer of PM post http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-25900267 —- Ukraine: President Viktor Yanukovich offers top government posts to opposition leaders including Arseniy Yatsenyuk and Vitali Klitschko —- Three dead in mall shooting near Washington DC Police confirm three people dead following shooting at a mall popular with weekend shoppers, one of them believed to be gunman —- We May Finally Find Out Who Is Funding One Of The Nation’s Shadiest Dark Money Groups —- This is just awful. Texas hospital acknowledges brain-dead status of pregnant woman Fort Worth hospital keeping Marlise Munoz alive despite family’s wishes heads to court but admits fetus is no longer viable http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/jan/24/texas-hospital-acknowledges-brain-dead-pregnant-woman —- San Francisco’s guerrilla protest at Google buses swells into revolt Campaign against tech giant pricing ordinary citizens out of the housing market becomes increasingly disruptive and forces city to act http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/jan/25/google-bus-protest-swells-to-revolt-san-francisco —- At Least Five Homeless People Froze To Death Last Week http://thinkprogress.org/economy/2014/01/24/3200211/homeless-deaths/ —- Iowa Republican Party Posts Graphic Mocking Racism http://thinkprogress.org/justice/2014/01/25/3205601/iowa-gop-racism/ —- Quebec fire home search: Many people still missing http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-25897304 —- Syria Geneva II talks: Breakthrough in sight with humanitarian corridor that could see aid convoy heading to Homs within 48 hours —- Al-Qaeda group says Lebanese Shia are targets Jabhat al-Nusra in Lebanon says “all bastions” of Hezbollah are legitimate attack sites and tells Sunnis to stay away. —- Scores killed on Egypt uprising anniversary At least 49 killed and more than 1,000 arrested in violence between army-backed government supporters and opponents. —- Egypt violence: Army general al-Sisi turns anniversary of Tahrir Square uprising into presidential rally —- Egyptian abuses denounced in open letter from Tora prison Passionate plea for freedom emerges in letter from Egyptian prison written by Al Jazeera journalist Peter Greste —- Five Egyptian embassy staff kidnapped in Libya Abductions in Tripoli follow threat of retaliation from militia group whose leader was arrested in Cairo —- Many dead in DR Congo blast caused by lightning – UN http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-25900120 —- And yet terrorists killing women and children are ok. British man sentenced to death for blasphemy in Pakistan A Pakistani court has passed the death sentence on a British national with mental health problems —- Deadly suicide bombing hits Kabul http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-25900737 —- That was a very speedy trial. China jails prominent rights activist for four years Xu Zhiyong’s jailing will send a stark warning to activists that the Chinese Communist Party will crush any challenge to its rule —- Fresh clashes kill 12 in China’s Xinjiang region Six die in explosions and another six shot dead by police in Xinjiang, home to ethnic minority Uighurs http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/jan/25/fresh-clashes-kill-12-china-xinjiang-uighurs —- Wait a sec, didn’t I just link to a story about N.Korea offering an olive branch to the South? North Korean troops practice assault on South Korean airport Kim Jong-un oversees assault by special forces trained to infiltrate behind enemy lines, South Korea claims —- Thai opposition blockade polling stations in latest blow to PM Protesters prevent hundreds of thousands from voting in advance of next week’s controversial general election http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/jan/26/thai-opposition-blockade-polling-stations Goodbye Gaza: our correspondent reflects on her time in the Middle East After three years reporting on the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, our Middle East correspondent is coming home to the UK. With heavy heart she pays a farewell visit to Gaza and pays tribute to the resilience, creativity and humour of its people http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/jan/25/goodbye-gaza-harriet-sherwood-palestine-israel —- Heinrich Himmler’s letters to be published Nazi SS leader Heinrich Himmler’s letters are to be published by Germany’s Die Welt —- The divine Michelangelo http://www.bbc.com/culture/story/20140123-the-divine-michelangelo —- 😆 If Nigel Farage turns nice, who do all the nasty people vote for? Will Ukip’s disavowal of its fruitcake element create a new ‘squeezed middle’ for politics – or is it business as usual? http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2014/jan/26/david-mitchell-nigel-farage-turns-nice-ukip —- Lucy Mangan: My name is Lucy. I am an addict ‘How did this happen? How did I let something come to have such a hold on me?’ http://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2014/jan/25/lucy-mangan-sugar-addict —- All women tend to feel as if they are invisible at some stages in their lives. Anonymous Women: Draped – photographs by Patty Carroll You could be forgiven for assuming that Patty Carroll’s unusual photography series, Anonymous Women: Draped, with its female figures shrouded in opulent fabrics, explores how domesticity oppresses women. For Carroll, however, the series is not just about issues of women and the home. “My work references how women are seen in the world,” she says. “I grew up with nuns as teachers, and unlike priests they were always encased in their habits, so you never knew who they were as individuals.” In what is an ongoing project, Carroll finds the fabrics in thrift shops in her native Chicago, but was originally inspired by the “heavy drapery” she spotted in 90s Britain —- 25 Cats in Films http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/culturepicturegalleries/10573892/25-Cats-in-Films.html —- Animal photos of the week: 24 January 2014 http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/picturegalleries/earth/10594420/Animal-photos-of-the-week.html —- The week in pictures: 24 January 2014 —- Week in pictures: 18-24 January 2014 http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/in-pictures-25876484 —- The Observer’s 20 photographs of the week The best photography in news, culture and sport from around the world this week » Posted By Kalima On January 26, 2014 @ 12:32 am Good Morning everyone. Many loose ends to tie up here and there since I lost my father in 2012. Learning that being a homeowner when the home is over 5.000 miles away can be a very difficult and often confusing thing unless you are completely in control of the situation. Took the bull by the horns and am finally getting somewhere, yet still have a long way to go, I’m ruffling quite a few feathers on the way. On the actual home front here, someone, and they know who they are, attacked hubby’s sashimi, wrapped in cling wrap and had scoffed down a huge chunk of it plus the cling wrap by the time I found it 5 minutes later on the kitchen counter. Have been waiting patiently for two days now to find it in their deposits. Nothing yet. *sigh* Have a good day wherever you may be. Take care, be safe, stay warm and comfy or cool and dry. Sayonara from my cool corner of Tokyo. Mata ne. A few stories and opinions from around the globe. Can’t bury the nuclear issue http://www.japantimes.co.jp/opinion/2014/01/23/editorials/cant-bury-the-nuclear-issue/ —- Cosmic rays peer into reactor cores http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2014/01/23/national/cosmic-rays-peer-into-reactor-cores/ —- Good Lord, because he likes the way a candidate smiles? Wake up Japan, especially the younger ones who seem to have little interest in what is going on. Olympics more important than saving us all from another nuclear disaster??? Huh? Tokyo voters unhappy with nuclear focus http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2014/01/23/national/tokyo-voters-unhappy-with-nuclear-focus/ —- N Korea’s de facto embassy in Japan may go under hammer again —- Deciding whether or not to help a crying child is complicated in Japan —- PICTURE OF THE DAY She could be looking at a map for all we know. Selfie http://www.japantoday.com/category/picture-of-the-day/view/selfie INTERNATIONAL NEWS Exclusive: Treasury to warn British public of economic risks of leaving EU – and Tory Eurosceptics are furious —- What on earth is he smoking?? David Cameron hails the start of ‘recovery for all’ Prime Minister says there are “positive signs” that families are seeing their living standards rise as the economy emerges from the downturn —- This destructive and useless pos needs to be gagged. He is seriously demented. Iain Duncan Smith compares being on benefits to slavery and suggests he is acting in tradition of abolitionist —- Mr. Stupid strikes again.. His plan for welfare reform has been proven to be a total failure btw. The word on the street: welfare reform is working, says happy Iain Duncan Smith British are now seeking jobs, not handouts, claims the former Tory leader still sticking to his own script (despite Julian Fellowes) —- One in seven over 65s consider renting spare room as they struggle to live off pensions One in seven over 65s say they are prepared to become landlords as they struggle to live off their pensions —- Steve Webb’s pensions U-turn is a dead duck on the dust heap of disasters The government’s bold assault on the industry has failed to materialise, and the grand theft mis-selling continues http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2014/jan/24/steve-webb-pension-u-turn-dead-duck —- ‘Outrageous’ pay-offs help to mask public sector failings Commons public accounts committee highlights evidence that gagging clauses were used to cover up serious failures in the health service —- Keep up the great work with the protests. No fracking at Balcombe, says energy company Cuadrilla —- LETTERS Opposing fracking is not extremism – it’s our duty http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2014/jan/23/opposing-fracking-extremism-our-duty —- Best news I’ve heard for a while. Awful woman running a Far Right racist party. France’s National Front: After a series of political setbacks, it seems Marine Le Pen is not so mighty as all that —- Just when you thought you had seen the last of him, up he pops again. How can we say good riddance if you won’t go away Silvio? Berlusconi ‘witness tampering’ inquiry in Ruby trial http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-25859738 —- Owen Jones: A visit by the leader of Hungary’s poisonous Jobbik party reminds us that we can’t just wish away anti-Semitism This bigotry has clothed itself both as anti-capitalism and as anti-Communism —- US hints at Edward Snowden plea bargain to allow return from Russia Attorney general prepared to ‘engage in conversation’ with NSA whistleblower but says full clemency is ‘going too far’ http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/jan/23/edward-snowden-nsa-plea-bargain-russia —- Well Vlad needs the money so he can continue to build those palaces for himself, no wonder he defended Saddam Hussein. Russia considering 30% import tax on foreign online retailers Moscow examining levy on purchases above 7,000 roubles and restrictions on number of parcels imported http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/jan/23/russia-30-percent-import-tax-foreign-online-retailers —- Ukraine: protesters in Kiev urged to keep truce after talks end in stalemate Government’s failure to grant key concessions met with anger in the capital, with protests spreading to other parts of country http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/jan/23/ukraine-protests-uneasy-truce-kiev —- Ukraine protests: Vitali Klitschko has emerged as a real contender in the fight for a political solution to the crisis —- Hope this starts a trend. Pennsylvania Man Confronts His Governor For Refusing To Expand Medicaid: ‘How Many People Have To Die?’ http://thinkprogress.org/health/2014/01/23/3198591/pennsylvania-governor-medicaid/ —- Missouri Obstructing Health Law, Judge Rules A federal court found that the state imposed onerous restrictions on people helping consumers navigate the Affordable Care Act. —- There Has Been An Average Of One School Shooting Every Other School Day So Far This Year http://thinkprogress.org/justice/2014/01/23/3192911/normal-school-shootings/ —- US charges security check firm that vetted Edward Snowden with fraud Company that screened NSA leaker Edward Snowden accused of submitting 665,000 incomplete background checks —- Spoken like a true alcoholic. John Boehner: wine and cigarettes more important than running in 2016 Republican House speaker says he wouldn’t make sacrifices for White House – including cutting the grass —- Isn’t this the creep who made money writing books lying about the President? What goes around come around. Dinesh D’Souza indicted for excessive Senate campaign contributions • Conservative commentator charged on two counts —- Get rid of one nutter and the next one emerges from the woodwork. Congressman: ‘The Wife Is To Voluntarily Submit’ To Her Husband http://thinkprogress.org/justice/2014/01/23/3193811/gop-congressman-wife-voluntarily-submit/ —- The Populist Imperative by Paul Krugman This is why we’re likely to hear a lot about inequality and social justice from President Obama next week. —- Canada elderly care home blaze kills ‘more than 30’ Fire chief describes ‘night from hell’ after ‘ball of fire’ engulfs Quebec old people’s home, leaving more than 30 residents feared dead —- Syria peace talks: little sign of deal as Assad government and rebels meet Talk of political progress ‘premature’, says regime, as mediator at Geneva conference faces uphill task to find common ground http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/jan/23/syria-peace-talks-bashar-al-assad-rebels —- Syrian rebels seek new US arms supplies as Geneva talks resume Free Syrian Army prepares diplomatic push with senators in Washington next month for direct US arms supplies as Geneva 2 peace talks expected to fail —- Turkey faces a ‘war’ within its borders as Prime Minister Erdogan cracks down on opponents Turkey’s Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan is firing judges, sacking policemen and raising concerns about the fragility of the country’s democracy according to diplomats and academics —- Huge bomb rocks centre of Cairo Blast was at security directorate and witnesses said gunmen afterwards opened fire on buildings http://www.theguardian.com/global/2014/jan/24/huge-explosion-rocks-centre-of-cairo —- Egypt extends detention of Australian al-Jazeera journalist Peter Greste Jailed reporter, who has not been charged, to remain in solitary confinement for at least another 15 days, say parents http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/jan/24/egypt-extends-detention-journalist-peter-greste —- Israel arrests three-man ‘al-Qaeda cell’ in East Jerusalem http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-25852704 —- Morocco amends controversial rape marriage law http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-25855025 —- South Sudan government and rebels sign ceasefire Both sides in the five-week-old conflict sign a deal to end hostilities, as rebel forces continue to lose territory —- South African platinum workers strike over pay http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-25854482 —- Rouhani reaches out to Western countries Iranian President tells World Economic Forum meeting that the will for a final deal is strong. —- The sickness continues to overwhelm India. Indian village elders arrested for ‘ordering’ gang-rape Police have arrested 13 men after a 20-year-old woman was allegedly raped as a punishment for having an affair —- Kyrgyzstan troops in deadly gunfight near China border http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-25872528 —- Ha, don’t you just love them there reforms?? China blocks foreign news sites that revealed elite’s offshore holdings • Guardian among sites blocked over reports http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/jan/23/china-foreign-news-sites-offshore-holdings —- I’ve lost count of the times I’ve heard this since living here. Every couple of years? North Korea in ‘reconciliation’ call to the South http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-25873269 —- This weirdo tried to come to Tokyo once because he wanted to have fun in Disneyland. North Korea: Kim Jong-un’s half-brother and rival spotted in Malaysia After hiding out in Macau, Kim Jong-nam may have found a new place to shelter —- Forced to fish: Slavery on Thailand’s trawlers http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-25814718 —- Burma violence: UN calls for Rohingya deaths inquiry http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-25866350 TRIVIA QUIZ Today’s question. How many time zones does Russia have? Nine HINT: More than 5 but less than 10. —- Why the tribal rape scandal is so unexpected http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-india-25855719 —- Davos 2014: The refugee experience for the wealthy http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-25859803 —- Inside the hidden world of North Korea —- Sounds like inhuman punishment to me. The Minnesota starvation experiment http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-25782294 —- In Pictures: ‘Circus Behind the Wall’ Palestinian circus attempts to inform and entertain local and international audiences with stories of struggle. —- Keep your hands off our food. Fish oil could soon come from GM crop Oils could provide feed for farmed fish and ultimately be used as a health supplement in human foods such as margarine http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2014/jan/24/fish-oil-from-gm-crop —- Unforgivable! Older cancer patients being written off instead of treated, says charity Macmillan Cancer Support says some patients deemed too old for treatment and are not assessed on their overall fitness http://www.theguardian.com/society/2014/jan/24/older-cancer-patients-not-treated —- Final: The Rapture – the horror movie ‘winning people to Christ’ Low-budget horror film Final: The Rapture, about the end times foretold in the Bible, is aiming to convert cinemagoers to God – through terrible dialogue and cheap effects http://www.theguardian.com/film/2014/jan/23/final-the-rapture-horror-movie-christ —- I wonder why?? 😆 Rick Santorum’s Christmas movie proves flop The Christmas Candle, which was produced by the Christian-themed studio that Santorum heads, fails to fly http://www.theguardian.com/film/2013/nov/25/christmas-candle-movie-flop-rick-santorum —- Pictures of the day: 23 January 2014 —- Day in pictures: 23 January 2014 http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/in-pictures-25858266 —- Photo highlights of the day The Guardian’s picture editors bring you a selection of the best photographs from around the world http://www.theguardian.com/news/gallery/2014/jan/23/photo-highlights-of-the-day » Posted By Kalima On January 24, 2014 @ 2:00 am Sorry, my finger hit the thumbs down button on my tiny iPod screen. Would never dream of doing that to you. 😳 » Posted By Kalima On January 24, 2014 @ 12:20 am Hi AdLib. Kes and I were discussing this very tv program, “Benefits Street” a few weeks back, and the very name seems almost indecent. To think that someone is out there visibly making a profit from the downfall and ensuing poverty of others is about as low as one can get, and no doubt the “brainless child” of some rich Tory. Many people complain openly about it, and many more are being brainwashed to hate the poor. It is truly dispicable but people will watch it just as they will come to look at the carnage after a major accident. Disgustingly bad taste and not an ounce of moral judgement. It’s just willful lies because the majority of people use their benefits to survive from day to day. They are the ones who should be starring on a tv program as they go without food so that their children can eat, and have to decide on food or heat during the long winter months. Do you know that some people have to eat their food cold because they can’t afford to pay for the gas? I had a story here about a month ago about this. Shocking! » Posted By Kalima On January 23, 2014 @ 7:08 pm Hello kes, finally here. Yes just over a week and we will be back to evening opera singing and loud car door slamming late at night, oh and I forgot about the little dog who hates motorcycles. 🙂 TEPCO lies and hides data on a regular basis since the crisis. Why, because they want to reopen their other plants and it looks as if this government will approve it. Of course there are many more people exposed and sick from radiation, but they, with the help of the conservative government, keep a lid on it. You are right, Cameron and Osborne have done a great job of creating millions of new poor to add to the millions that were already struggling to live a decent life, even if it meant that they couldn’t pay the rent and feed their children at the same time. Cutting whatever benefits might keep them off the streets, the government did just that while lowing the tax rates for corporations and the rich. We know this is what the Tories do, so who the hell was stupid enough to vote them in. First time young voters still angry at Blair for the Iraq war. Talk about cutting off your nose to spite your face. Just look at the mess now. When the RW attack women like Wendy Davis, it should be obvious that nothing has changed in their party because nothing did. They are back to their old sickening behaviour as if the losses and humiliations they engineered for themselves have never happened. W.Virgina governor gets “The Turd of The Year” award. What a jerk! Well done kes, the answer was indeed, Greece. Stay warm and hope you have a peaceful day. See you soon and thank you for your constant support. » Posted By Kalima On January 23, 2014 @ 12:55 am Good Morning everyone. The day has flown by today and I’m grateful for the quiet the evening brings to our neighbourhood. Last night I saw the first snowflakes of the year falling with an icy rain. By morning there was no trace of it except for the cold wind. My house building neighbour stopped by today with news that she will be moving in on the 31st. Not much longer. 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 began stalling on evacuation compensation for staff in 2011 http://mainichi.jp/english/english/newsselect/news/20140121p2a00m0na010000c.html —- Man suffers internal radiation exposure at Fukushima nuclear plant http://mainichi.jp/english/english/newsselect/news/20140121p2a00m0na001000c.html —- Three Miyagi sites eyed for fallout waste disposal —- ASDF scrambled jets against Chinese planes 287 times from April to December —- PICTURE OF THE DAY Monkey business http://www.japantoday.com/category/picture-of-the-day/view/monkey-business-2 INTERNATIONAL NEWS Cost of living? What about the cost of being dead? The spiralling price of funerals is a symptom of the triumph of the market and the accompanying poverty of civic life —- 😆 He’s been chased out of a pub in Scotland, pelted with tomatoes in another city, and now knocked over the head with a “Nasty Little Nigel” sign? Sorry but that’s just hilarious. Still laughing! It’s so Monty Python. Ukip’s Nigel Farage hit over the head with ‘Nasty Little Nigel’ placard in Kent —- He should have gone on from there to 10 Downing Street to arrest David Cameron for the suffering caused to too many British people and the destruction of the country. Tony Blair: bar worker attempts citizen’s arrest on former PM at trendy Tramshed restaurant A bar worker attempted a citizen’s arrest on Tony Blair while the former Prime Minister was enjoying a meal at a trendy London restaurant —- The politics of hate and the Conservative Party Nicky Morgan’s comments that her party needs to focus less on the language of “hate” will resonate will people who still associate the word with the Conservatives. —- French poll shows majority think their country is in decline A new survey shows that a majority of French people think their country is in decline and that globalisation as a “threat” —- Syria peace conference Geneva II begins in Switzerland http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-25836827 —- Russia hunts suspected female Sochi suicide bomber http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-25839176 —- Text messages warn Ukraine protesters they are ‘participants in mass riot’ Mobile phone-users near scene of violent clashes in Kiev receive texts in apparent attempt by authorities to quell protests http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/jan/21/ukraine-unrest-text-messages-protesters-mass-riot —- Ex-Virginia governor Bob McDonnell charged with corruption Republican and wife allegedly accepted Rolex, designer clothes and loan of Ferrari, jet and cash from tobacco company http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/jan/22/ex-virginia-governor-charged-gifts-political-favours —- The nerve of this man. Chris Christie sidesteps scandals in second inaugural address • New Jersey’s embattled governor sworn in for second term http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/jan/21/chris-christie-bridgegate-second-inaugural-new-jersey —- How Gov. Christie Moves Forward It will take more than talk of political harmony to wipe away the mounting evidence of bullying by his administration. —- Is anyone surprised? Attacks On Wendy Davis’ Life Story Follow Classic Sexist Playbook http://thinkprogress.org/politics/2014/01/21/3184391/sexist-wendy-davis-attacks/ —- Rape Insurance, Drug Mules And Other Reasons Why The GOP Rebranding Effort Isn’t Going So Well —- Charming man. West Virginia Governor On Safety Of Water Supply: ‘It’s Your Decision… I’m Not A Scientist’ http://thinkprogress.org/climate/2014/01/21/3184161/westi-virginia-governor-water/ —- States Cutting Weeks of Aid to the Jobless The rest of the country is following North Carolina’s lead by sharply cutting the maximum number of weeks of unemployment benefits available. —- Living on $2.13 an hour and tips: the harsh inequality of the service industry In most US states, ‘tipped-minimum wage’ can be shockingly low even before taxes, and women most often pay the price http://www.theguardian.com/money/2014/jan/19/restaurants-tips-minimum-wage-service-industry —- US secretly backs rebels to fight al Qaeda in Syria Sources tell Telegraph that America is backing ‘friendly’ rebels with millions in cash and non lethal aid to take on extremists in Syria —- As attention turns to Geneva, Assad is starving millions of Syrians 6.3 million people are now in critical need of food —- Syrian regime document trove shows evidence of ‘industrial scale’ killing of detainees Senior war crimes prosecutors say photographs and documents provide ‘clear evidence’ of systematic killing of 11,000 detainees http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/jan/20/evidence-industrial-scale-killing-syria-war-crimes —- A report into the credibility of certain evidence with regard to torture and execution of persons incarcerated by the current Syrian regime Warning graphic content: Some people may find the images in this report disturbing —- Systematic killing evidence in Syria just tip of iceberg – aid agencies International bodies say evidence of execution of 11,000 detainees in regime jails comes from just one area of Syria http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/jan/21/syrian-detainee-execution-evidence-aid-agencies —- Deadly bomb strikes Shia suburb of Beirut http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-25825225 —- Lebanon drawn into Syria’s sectarian conflict – analysis Sunni regimes try to push back Iran, viewing even its detente with the US as an opportunity for the Islamic republic to expand its regional influence —- Parents of Al Jazeera journalist detained in Egypt appeal for his release Peter Greste’s parents have issued a plea for his release after the Al Jazeera journalist was arrested last month —- Islamist party quits Libya’s government http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-25832818 —- Imagine the world like Israel where there is no arrest or trial but authorities can just gun you down and kill you. Imagine. Two Palestinians killed in Israeli raid on Gaza Two Palestinian militants targeted over recent rocket attacks against Israel killed by an Israeli air strike in the Gaza strip —- South Sudan failed by misjudgment of international community, says UN chief State-building efforts in South Sudan ignored the legacy of conflict, says head of the UN Development Programme http://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2014/jan/22/south-sudan-failed-international-community —- That’s the Tali. Pakistan bomb kills six police polio guards in Charsadda http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-25839588 —- Bus bombing kills 24 Shiites in southwest Pakistan Bus carrying Shiite pilgrims on way back from Iran hit by bomb in south west Pakistan, killing at least 24 passengers and injuring scores more —- Sydney introduces alcohol law to curb violence New South Wales launches “tough” measures to prevent alcohol-fuelled violence, including nightclub lockouts and 10pm closures for liquor stores —- China activist lawyer Xu Zhiyong on trial http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-china-25823953 —- Offshore companies ‘shroud’ riches of China’s Red Nobility The brother-in-law of Xi Jinping, China’s president, is among those named in investigation into how the country’s political, military and business elites are using secretive offshore companies —- Thai ‘red-shirt’ leader shot as emergency rule begins http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-25827976 TRIVIA QUIZ Sunday’s answer and sorry for the delay kes. Driving 30 mph in a 25 mph zone that usually resulted in a citation rather than an arrest. Four days after the arrest, his first ever, King’s house was bombed. The bus boycott was organised to protest segregation on the city’s buses. Today’s question. Hellophobia is the fear of which country and its culture? Hint: Begins with the letter “G” and has had many problems recently. —- The Brazilian ranch where Nazis kept slaves http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-25815796 —- The boomerang generation: Forced back to the nest by lack of jobs and high cost of living —- For Chinese women, unmarried motherhood remains the final taboo Sex outside marriage was illegal in China until 1997 but the bigotry that led mothers to abandon children is finally shifting http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/jan/20/china-unmarried-motherhood-remains-final-taboo —- US judge hears appeal on teen executed in 1940s http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-25831553 —- Coldest city in the world – in pictures While the US recovers from the recent ‘polar vortex’, in the city of Yakutsk, locals continue daily life in -45C. Located on the permanently frozen tundra of Russia’s far east, Yakutsk is generally considered the coldest city in the world. Photographs: Amos Chapple http://www.theguardian.com/world/gallery/2014/jan/22/coldest-city-in-the-world-in-pictures —- I’ve seen this often standing on a train platform after leaving my parents place to go back to London. The sky was black with them and the patterns they made were both scary and beautiful.The noise was unbelievable. Starling murmuration season – in pictures From October to March thousands of starlings flock together to perform extraordinary displays across the UK. This gallery captures the murmurations of starlings as they swirl in the sky above reed beds where they roost at night. Some of the pictures were sent to us by our readers via GuardianWitness and via Guardian Environment desk’s Flickr group Green Shoots http://www.theguardian.com/environment/gallery/2014/jan/21/starling-mumuration-season-in-pictures —- Pictures of the day: 21 January 2014 —- Day in pictures: 21 January 2014 http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/in-pictures-25827123 —- Photo highlights of the day The Guardian’s picture editors bring you a selection of the best photographs from around the world http://www.theguardian.com/news/gallery/2014/jan/21/photo-highlights-of-the-day » Posted By Kalima On January 22, 2014 @ 1:59 am Hello kes. Just had a long reply ready and left the page for a second for my email, and puff, when I returned it was gone. These iPods are so sneaky. Will try again. It must have been really awful weather for you to miss a visit with your Warlord. Hope the Fave arrived safely? There is no hope in hell that the 95 year old woman can repay the 600,000 quid bill from that care home. Had she had that money, she would have been living her final years at home. I suggest that the mainly useless MPs angling for a pay raise, get together and pay it for her. Cameron can set a good example by going first. That picture of David Vitter just shows how absolutely clueless the man is. He has no more sense than the day he was born and wore his first Pampas. Republican through to the bone. Yes, Harry Reid is correct about Gates being after the money, aren’t they all? I also think that it’s about future job opportunity, as the more they knock the President, the higher the pay check. Releasing TB patients into the general public should be a criminal offence. Willful Public Endangerment. Israel still doesn’t get it do they? The majority of countries now root for the Palestinians and the cruel and brutal treatment of them is Israel’s fault alone. The story about the absent black fathers is still on every nasty RWingers lips and the fact that it’s been proven false makes no difference to them or that the majority of bum, non-paying child allowance fathers are actually white. Today on Yahoo I caught a story about an AA mother stabbing two of of her four children to death, the RW was out in force and typically, the first comment after the end of the story was this, and unfortunately I caught it. “Sad , kids brought into the world into a group that has 75 % of their children out of wedlock .Of course the father is never around . They are raised in poverty , slums , drugs with very little chance to survive and enjoy a decent life .Rather than try to correct their life style and improve themselves its blamed on whitey and the slave barons . Some one needs to get this message across in Feb ,. Black history monty”
*sigh* I’ll be back with the trivia answer on your Tuesday as I have the big cat home and it will be Sunday again today and tomorrow, 🙂 Stay warm and safe, and have a peaceful day. See you soon. » Posted By Kalima On January 19, 2014 @ 11:05 pm Good Morning everyone. Colder than a witch’s broomstick over here today, with the wind howling around the house since the early morning. Have a good Sunday wherever you may be. Take care, be safe, stay warm and comfy or cool and dry. Sayonara from my cozy corner of Tokyo. Mata ne. Sunday’s Bits & Bobs. Lawyers probe TEPCO’s snubbing of out-of-court settlement proposals http://mainichi.jp/english/english/newsselect/news/20140118p2a00m0na014000c.html —- Fukushima No. 1 engineer’s warning to Taiwan: Nuclear power unstable —- Hosokawa eyes no nukes by 2020 Tokyo gubernatorial candidate, wielding Koizumi’s clout, has LDP on defensive, probing for weaknesses —- China, Japan slug it out in the press —- PICTURE OF THE DAY Ice man http://www.japantoday.com/category/picture-of-the-day/view/ice-man-3 ‘Nursing home billed me £600,000 – for what?’ One 95 year-old nursing home resident has seen her fees rise 129pc, with barely any explanation —- So where does that money go every year? Benefits claimants are shortchanged by £5bn a year, says thinktank One million people a year do not receive full housing benefit, rebutting argument that they are being overindulged http://www.theguardian.com/society/2014/jan/18/benefits-claimants-shortchanged-5bn-housing —- The British Tea Party nuts, and they are the most popular Party in the U.K. today. Lord help us!!! Ukip councillor blames floods on gay marriage David Silvester, a UK Independence Party (Ukip) councillor, is criticised for suggesting that severe weather hitting Britain is down to the introduction of same-sex marriage —- Belgium’s Afghan asylum seekers fear being sent home http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-25782030 —- Golden Dawn photos shock Greece Thousands of pictures and video clips allegedly show party members posing with weapons and giving Nazi salutes http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/jan/17/greece-golden-dawn-mock-execution-nazi-salute-claims —- Ukraine crisis: Defiant protesters plan large rally http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-25798320 —- Hoboken mayor accuses Chris Christie of holding Sandy aid hostage • Mayor: state aid tied to support for redevelopment project —- Maybe this Senator needs to show some ID to certify that he is in fact human. Senator Wants To Force Low-Income Americans To Show ID For Their Food http://thinkprogress.org/economy/2014/01/16/3174021/vitter-photo-food-stamps/ —- British woman, her two children and mother shot dead by American husband Joshua Boren, a Utah police officer, believed to have killed family before turning gun on himself —- Gun Industry Already Looking Forward To 2016 Election Paranoia For Even Bigger Profit —- Company blamed for West Virginia chemical spill files for bankruptcy Freedom Industries puts a temporary halt to lawsuits against it following role in chemical spill that left 300,000 West Viginians without clean drinking water by filing for bankruptcy —- Reid: Gates is attacking people to make money The Senate majority leader is the first big-name lawmaker to question Gates’s intentions.. —- The Cruelest Pregnancy by Frank Bruni A Texas law has turned a brain-dead woman into an incubator. How does that honor life? —- ‘Neglected Topic’ Winner: Climate Change by Nicholas Kristof The winner of my neglected topic contest is climate change. And there is a lot to discuss! —- Syria’s opposition agrees to attend peace talks The exiled Coalition voted by 58 votes to 14 with two abstentions and one blank vote at a meeting in Istanbul to attend the so-called Geneva II talks —- ‘Aid enters’ besieged Damascus camp of Yarmouk http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-25793480 —- Peace possible in Syria as political landscape changes The terrible butchery could end now that the US and Russia both want to finish the war —- Saad Hariri: culture of impunity in Lebanon must end before I return Former prime minister, whose father was assassinated, says Lebanon is better served by him staying alive http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/jan/17/saad-hariri-will-not-return-lebanon-assassination-fear —- For a country that fought so hard and lost so many lives to rid itself of Mubarak and military rule, that 98% of the population are now happy to settle again for possible military rule is totally mind boggling to me. Egypt constitution approved by 98.1 percent Election body says that 38.6 percent of country’s more than 53 million eligible voters took part in two-day polls. —- Egyptian editor backtracks after saying ‘Americans will be killed in streets’ Mostafa Bakry issues clarification, saying: ‘I am opposed to any violence, including any violence against US citizens’ http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/jan/18/egyptians-kill-americans-in-streets-editor-threatens —- Ha! I suppose they have absolutely no idea why Europe should be pro- Palestinian of course. 🙄 Israel berates ‘pro-Palestinian EU’ http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-25778361 —- ‘Living suicide bomb’ rejoins al-Qaida after Saudi deprogramming Ahmed al-Shayea’s return to arms along with other jihadis raises questions over Saudi Arabia’s de-radicalisation initiative http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/jan/18/suicide-bomb-al-qaida-saudi-ahmed-al-shayea —- South Sudan army recaptures key state capital The army seizes Bor and inflicts the biggest defeat on rebel forces since civil war began —- Child soldiers fighting in South Sudan conflict, says UN Top human rights envoy says UN has received reports of ‘quite a number’ of children fighting in White Army militia, as it details abuses on both sides of conflict, including mass killings —- Mumbai stampede kills dozens mourning Indian spiritual leader At least 18 killed and many more injured as crowds gathered before dawn at the home of Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin http://www.theguardian.com/global/2014/jan/18/mumbai-stampede-spiritual-leader —- Sri Lanka mass grave yields more skeletons http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-25782902 —- Pakistan Taliban: Deadly blast rips through convoy http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-25799199 —- Foreigners targeted in Afghanistan blast as Labour MEP candidate Del Singh one of two Britons killed in Kabul attack which killed 21 —- China breaks up sex-selective abortion gang The gang ran illegal business enabling women to identify the sex of unborn children and abort those they did not want. —- Rohingya Muslims feared killed in new Burma Rakhine violence http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-25778464 TRIVIA QUIZ Today’s question. For what alleged minor offence was Martin Luther King Jr. arrested jailed in January 1956 while he was leading the Montgomery Alabama bus boycott? —- Allah vs atheism: ‘Leaving Islam was the hardest thing I’ve done’ —- South Africa risks spreading totally drug-resistant TB – study http://in.mobile.reuters.com/article/idINL5N0KQ26F20140117?irpc=932 —- The Nigerians who dare to speak of love as a tide of anti-gay hatred rises A new crackdown on gender minorities has led to arrests and fears of mob violence. But a brave few are still fighting for sexual freedom http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/jan/18/nigerians-gay-hatred-sexual-freedom —- Where religious hostility is on the rise http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-25632388 —- The Myth Of The Absent Black Father http://thinkprogress.org/health/2014/01/16/3175831/myth-absent-black-father/ —- Great and Fake: The Wild Absurdity Of Iranian And Russian State Media Did you know North Korea has schools that rival Eton? That Nazi space aliens are running D.C.? Propaganda peddled by Russian and Iranian state media is shocking—and absurd. —- Why comedians will raise a glass to the anniversary of horsegate Last year’s horsemeat scandal is one of those stories that is capable of keeping the nation amused for years —- Hannibal Lecter isn’t a psychopath, but you might be http://qz.com/167267/hannibal-lecter-isnt-a-psychopath-but-you-might-be/ —- Animal photos of the week: 17 January 2014 http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/picturegalleries/earth/10579117/Animal-photos-of-the-week.html —- The week in pictures: 17 January 2014 —- Week in pictures: 11-17 January 2014 http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/in-pictures-25775917 —- The Observer’s 20 photographs of the week The best photography in news, culture and sport from around the world this week » Posted By Kalima On January 19, 2014 @ 12:59 am Hello kes, I think that snow toddled off back your way, at least that is what your weather forecast suggests for your Thursday. 😯 Enough already! Yes that again Dems gave in to the whims of the GOP terminators is appalling. Wasn’t 2008 and the long climb out of a recession enough of a warning sign about what Wall Street does when left to the crazy idea of their own policing. We know they will never regulate themselves, and to cut funding for regulators is the GOP’s wet dream. That’s not compromise, it’s political suicide by once again supporting the rich over the ordinary Americans. Speechless was how I felt when I read it. That abominable talk show guy is what has become of gun nuts and he speaks for them and no one else. Despicable POS. I agree that it wasn’t an apology to Kerry at all, and how many times do we hear that from Republicans and other Conservatives? All the time, it must be in the “International Conservative Handbook for Bad Manners and Bad Diplomacy”, because they all do it. India, beautiful India is what they say in advertisements promoting tourism. I think they have it backwards. I was just telling AdLib below about the story I linked to about the rape and confinement of a 5 year old girl who later died, by two men. I also wrote about the head of police who said that when being raped, women should just lay back and enjoy it. Do you remember that story? Nothing will change in India until attitudes change, and the best way to do that is to forcefully prosecute all men who either rape or physically abuse women. Loved the article on treasures in Timbuktu too. Find this stuff fascinating, and yes as we know from the Buddhas in Bamiyan, Al Qaeda and the Taliban think nothing of destroying ancient monuments or books. Ok, I will give the answer to yesterday’s trivia question because my next updates will be over the weekend. The answer was, in Baltimore, Maryland, in 1792, on the 300th anniversary of his historic voyage. Actually kes, I much preferred your answer, it made more sense. 😀 Stay warm and hope the snow will be brief. Have a peaceful day and see you soon. » Posted By Kalima On January 15, 2014 @ 11:20 pm Hello AdLib, as always it’s a delight to find you here and to know that you had time to read through some of the stories. Well those who have been hard at work trying to promote Cameron as some kind of a moderate, should be eating their words by now because he is in the mold of his idol Thatcher and makes no bones about it. I think that the only reason he pushed for same sex marriage is because he thought they would be so grateful to him that they would vote for him. Here is hoping they won’t. The bedroom tax is atrocious because low income people don’t get a chance to choose where they live, they just accept what is allotted to them. What possible sense is there in charging someone for extra space in a council flat or home except to carry on the Tory tradition of bleeding out the poor instead of their rich friends. Those people are barely able to make ends meet and now they are being robbed all over again. If you have a conscience, never vote for a Conservative, sooner or later they will all show their true colors and mow you down. His fracking statement tells you all you need to know about this ignorant man. The latest on TEPCO, and it comes as no surprise with the hawkish Abe in the saddle, is this. Tepco business plan, including July reactor restart, gets official OK I was happy to read that they have actual video evidence in the hacking scandal and hope they are locked up soon. Miss Burgundy Hair and Andy Coulson especially. The rape of another foreign woman may put an end the tourism by foreigners even further. I have linked to about 10 or more gang rapes since the first one caused the outrage not only in the West but in India too especially after the 23 year old woman died from her injuries. The one that made me sick for several days was the abduction of a 5 year old girl last year who was kept locked up by two neighborhood men and repeatedly raped. Not at all unusual that the poor child died from extensive internal injuries. How can attitudes change in this country when the head of police says that when women are being raped, they shouldn’t fight it but rather just lay back and enjoy it. There is something so basically wrong with a country that views women as lesser citizens and does not follow up or severely prosecute rapists and abusers of women. Until the justice system there starts a gigantic overhaul, women will never be safe in India. The government should be ashamed of themselves. Such a beautiful country too. This story about the so-called diplomat breaking laws in the U.S. and getting diplomatic immunity was appalling. The fuss India made of it was even worse. Again, thanks for popping in and for your much appreciated kind words of support. » Posted By Kalima On January 15, 2014 @ 10:49 pm Hello kes, still hanging about for that snow. With the Conservative party in power since the end of WW2, the history books used to teach in schools, have been doctored for over 50 odd years, and now that they are back in power, they are at it again writing their own history and not facing responsibility for what happened during the last war. Pathetic cowards! Just loved this kes, you have remembered every rotten thing they have done to our NHS since they were elected, including the raiding of funds. Well done! 😀 “I’m so sorry that our hospital unit is so extremely understaffed and underfunded that your bed linens haven’t been changed in three days, and you have to wait an hour and a half for pain medication. I’m sorry that the Tories have fired nurses, cut funding, and used NHS money for purposes other than health care. I’m sorry that the metal statue of a giraffe there in the atrium was a higher priority in the budget than the wages of some nursing assistants so that you could have a bath.” How’s that for an apology, Mr. Cameron? The situation in CAR is horrific, the rebels, a government that has no balls or inclination to stop the killings and the rapes, and revenge is not the way to go. If African nations had responsible leaders who are not corrupt and busy lining their pockets then maybe there would be a road to peace. I loved the article on being alone, and quite honestly can picture myself living that way, her way, if I wasn’t married and had no other responsibilities. Have always relished someone calling me “The Crazy Cat Lady”, would wear it like a badge of honor. There is nothing odd, crazy or mad about wanting some peace and quiet believe me. Try living in a noisy city like Tokyo for more than 30 years and they might change their minds about those labels. Yes it was great to read Charlie again, and of course he is right. I’ll bet the producer of this insultingly named show is a Conservative. Well, off to feed the outside tribe, and then stay right here in the warm until the morning. Take care and have a peaceful day kes. See you soon. » Posted By Kalima On January 15, 2014 @ 2:39 am Good Morning everyone. We are still waiting for our snow, Lord knows it’s been cold enough today. Maybe tonight. Have a good day wherever you may be. Take care, be safe, stay warm and comfy or cool and dry. Sayonara from my expectant corner of Tokyo. Mata ne. A few stories and opinions from around the globe. 12 hours needed for people within 30-km radius of nuclear plants to evacuate: study http://mainichi.jp/english/english/newsselect/news/20140114p2a00m0na010000c.html —- Why? We already know that they can’t be trusted. Gov’t to approve TEPCO’s revival plan http://www.japantoday.com/category/national/view/govt-to-approve-tepcos-revival-plan —- MSDF vessel hits fishing boat; two in critical condition —- A Constitution that Abe and his minions are trying hard to reform. Japan rejects U.N. request to transport troops in S. Sudan http://mainichi.jp/english/english/newsselect/news/20140114p2g00m0dm060000c.html —- PICTURE OF THE DAY Have an ice day INTERNATIONAL NEWS Shameful! Thousands in court for council tax arrears as benefit cuts hit home Many people who were formerly exempt from paying now face court, as the bedroom tax adds to spiralling debt burden —- No Cameron, they’ve read the facts about the dangers of fracking while you have your head stuck up your pompous, lying behind. They are neither “irrational” nor “religiously opposed”. It’s you and your Tory buddies who don’t give a damn about the people or the environment, and are “religiously opposed” to renewable energy. Fracking opponents are ‘irrational’, says David Cameron David Cameron calls many opponents of fracking “irrational” and says they are “religiously opposed” to the controversial technique. —- Hacking trial: Jury sees CCTV footage of a “complicated and risky plan” to keep evidence out of police hands —- French President François Hollande rebuffs media on alleged affair with Julie Gayet: ‘These are painful moments, but private matters should be dealt with privately’ —- 😆 Sketch: Francois Hollande et son alleged bit sur le side The French president gives a press conference in Paris as rumours continue to circulate about his alleged affair with Julie Gayet, an actress —- Disgraceful! What is wrong with these people? Have they already forgotten 2008? Democrats concede to curb funds for Wall Street regulators in spending bill • GOP drops demands for cuts to food stamp programme http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/jan/14/republicans-curb-regulator-funding-bipartisan-budget —- He can hardly refuse and I bet the office shredders are burning up a storm, Chris Christie vows to co-operate with scandal inquiries http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-25734919 —- Such a generous man, to himself of course. Christie Allegedly Diverted Millions In Hurricane Sandy Relief Funds To Pay For TV Ads Starring Himself —- The Christie Way Democrats who endorsed Gov. Chris Christie of New Jersey received big financial payouts for their towns; Democrats who did not suffered reprisals. —- Ads Attacking on Health Law Stagger Outspent Democrats A group financed in part by the Koch brothers is spending millions on ads aimed at vulnerable Democrats who supported the Affordable Care Act. —- One very sick person. Unfortunately, one of too many. New York Post Columnist Calls Sandy Hook A ‘Little Convenient Massacre’ http://thinkprogress.org/justice/2014/01/14/3158791/fred-dicker-newtown-massacre/ —- Federal court deals blow to open Internet access http://thinkprogress.org/justice/2014/01/14/3160231/federal-court-deals-blow-open-internet-access/ —- Do the users know? Facebook to share data with Russia’s Yandex http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-25740293 —- Republican gay rights campaigner announces he’s quitting the GOP Co-founder of political campaign group GOProud says he’s fed up with the ‘tolerance of bigotry’ in Republican party http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/jan/14/republican-gay-rights-campaigner-announces-quitting-gop —- Syria says West talks to Damascus about Islamist rebels http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-25738178 —- Syria conflict: dozens die of starvation in besieged Damascus refugee camp Palestinian and Syrian residents of Yarmouk camp cut off from food and water as soldiers surround parts of capital http://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2014/jan/14/syria-dozens-die-starvation-damascus-camp —- Donor fatigue numbers among the enemies of the Syrian people A one-day conference in Kuwait City on Wednesday has the aim of raising £4bn for the 9 million Syrians displaced by war http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/jan/15/donor-fatigue-syria-united-nations-kuwait-city —- I can see more bloodshed. Egypt turns the clock back with military-backed referendum Overwhelming ‘Yes’ vote but low turn-out expected as voters back stability over revolution —- Tunisia’s Arab Spring: Three years on The country is preparing to adopt a new constitution, but its economy remains weak and its political situation unstable. —- With “friends” like Israel, the U.S. doesn’t need to look for enemies. Israeli defence minister apologises for John Kerry ‘Nobel prize’ jibe Washington forces Moshe Yaalon into apology after mocking US secretary of state —- Britons told they cannot sue Saudi Arabia in torture case European court rules against claim for compensation by four men who say they were beaten and tortured http://www.theguardian.com/law/2014/jan/14/saudi-arabia-torture-human-rights-britons —- Over 200 people fleeing violence in South Sudan drown on the White Nile Boat capsizes in one of the largest fatal incidents during South Sudana’s civil conflict —- How sad and unjust and started mostly by “extremists” from the West. Nigeria begins arrests after anti-gay law passed Nigeria’s parliament and president quietly approved the legislation, making the country the 38th in Africa to have laws persecuting gay people —- Danish tourist is gang raped in Delhi Police say 51-year-old was attacked after asking for directions as sexual violence against women in India gets more attention http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/jan/15/danish-tourist-gang-raped-delhi-india —- Extreme heat fans hundreds of fires across Australia Parts of the country have in recent days sweltered under temperatures reaching 46 degrees Celsius (115 Fahrenheit) —- China shoe factory fire kills 16 http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-china-25729500 —- Shots fired in Bangkok protests Two wounded and explosives thrown at former prime minister’s residence as ‘shutdown’ of Thailand’s capital continues http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/jan/15/shots-fired-in-bangkok-protests —- Burma military ‘using rape as weapon’ http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-25730758 TRIVIA QUIZ Answer to Monday’s question, His grandnephew, Charles Bonaparte, founded the government agency that became the FBI in 1909 and named it Bureau of Investigation. In 1935 it was renamed the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Today’s Question. Where in the U.S. was the first monument to Christopher Columbus erected? —- The refugee challenge: can you break into Fortress Europe? – interactive As EU governments have made it harder to seek refuge in Europe, the flow of refugees fleeing the world’s most desperate conflicts is increasing. We invite you to make the choices real refugees have to make and find out what it’s really like to look for safety in Fortress Europe http://www.theguardian.com/global-development/ng-interactive/2014/jan/refugee-choices-interactive —- Religious freedom: who has it worldwide? To measure religious restrictions around the world, the Pew Research Center has attempted to look at government policies and social hostilities. Their findings suggest that religious hostilities are at their highest level since 2007. http://www.theguardian.com/news/datablog/interactive/2014/jan/14/religious-freedom-who-has-it-map —- I’m pro-choice but very much against gender based abortions. The lost girls: Illegal abortion widely used by some UK ethnic groups to avoid daughters ‘has reduced female population by between 1,500 and 4,700’ —- Shocking! Brain-dead pregnant woman being kept alive for her baby – against her wishes. Welcome to Texas Last November a pregnant American woman collapsed on her kitchen floor and was later declared brain dead. She is still being kept alive by authorities to save her unborn child, against her own living wishes. But how can this be legal or ethical, asks Dr Brooke Magnanti —- The North Dakota town that thwarted a neo-Nazi takeover http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-25646954 —- FACTS SO ROMANTIC ON BIOLOGY The Crumbling Ancient Texts That May Hold Life-Saving Cures http://nautil.us/blog/the-crumbling-ancient-texts-that-may-hold-life_saving-cures —- In pictures: India’s runaway boy http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-india-25665665 —- Hillary Clinton has a hitlist: do you? Revelations that the Clintons keep a spreadsheet updated with everyone who has ever wronged them led us to ask writers and politicians whether they hold a grudge with the same conviction – and impressive organisational skills http://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2014/jan/14/hillary-clinton-hitlist-spreadsheet-grudge —- Gladiators or Roman battle trophies? State-of-the-art forensic techniques solve mystery of 39 skulls discovered in the City of London over a quarter of a century ago —- Pictures of the day: 14 January 2014 —- Day in pictures: 14 January 2014 http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/25726600 —- 10 photo highlights of the day The Guardian’s picture editors bring you a selection of top photographs from around the world http://www.theguardian.com/news/gallery/2014/jan/14/10-photo-highlights-of-the-day » Posted By Kalima On January 15, 2014 @ 2:15 am Hello Nirek, I agree that anything that concerns public safety whether it be the environment, transportation, food and water supplies, new drugs and having their hard earned savings from being stolen by unscrupulous bankers and Wall Street, needs regulations because these people will never “police” their own companies. Fracking will decimate the U.K. if the Conservatives/Tories, stay in power after the 2015 General Election. More people have to wake up to continue to protest it. We can’t just sit and watch it happen in regions where the government thinks that the people living there don’t matter. We have some beautiful countryside over there that attracts many tourists each year, and this government wants to destroy it. » Posted By Kalima On January 13, 2014 @ 5:50 pm Good Morning everyone and welcome to another Mumbly Monday. Today is “Coming of Age Day” here in Japan, when 20 year olds dress up in their festive clothes to visit the local shrines in order to celebrate becoming adults. I didn’t have a thing to wear so I stayed home. 😉 It is also a National Holiday, so our neighbourhood was pleasantly peaceful. The wind was bitterly cold and hats were donned. Have a good day wherever you may be. Take care, be safe, stay warm and comfy or cool and dry. Sayonara from my quiet, cold corner of Tokyo. Mata ne. A few stories and opinions from around the globe. TEPCO urged to address rising radiation level at Fukushima plant http://mainichi.jp/english/english/newsselect/news/20140111p2g00m0dm018000c.html —- EDITORIALS http://www.japantimes.co.jp/opinion/2014/01/12/editorials/nuclear-plant-restarts-on-the-table/ —- Japan goes back to the future to affirm energy ‘foundation’ —- Traces of many pesticides found on work shoes at tainted food factory http://mainichi.jp/english/english/newsselect/news/20140110p2a00m0na013000c.html —- EDITORIALS http://www.japantimes.co.jp/opinion/2014/01/12/editorials/teaching-or-brainwashing/ —- U.S. Army tested biological weapons in Okinawa Rice fungus released in at least two sites in early 1960s, documents show —- PICTURE OF THE DAY Splish splash http://www.japantoday.com/category/picture-of-the-day/view/splish-splash-4 INTERNATIONAL NEWS Utter nonsense as usual from Hunt. The people who need to apologise are the money grabbing people who run the hospitals and fire their staff expecting the few left over to do the work of five, and all for the shareholders profits. The Tory government should be right up there with them for trying to destroy healthcare for all it’s citizens. Jeremy Hunt says NHS doctors and nurses must apologise for care failings Jeremy Hunt, the Health Secretary, says that doctors and nurses must ‘say sorry’ when things go wrong to end the ‘culture of defensiveness’ which developed under Labour —- Hence the enthusiasm for privately run schools by Gove, the so-called Education Secretary. Academies paying millions to businesses linked to their directors The figures, obtained under the Freedom of Information Act, have led to calls for greater scrutiny by the Government —- There goes the U.K. ‘We’re going all out for shale,’ admits David Cameron Environmentalists say prime minister’s plan to grant councils 100% of business rates from fracking amounts to a bribe http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2014/jan/13/shale-gas-fracking-cameron-all-out —- We should all be so lucky that we could book ourselves into a hospital if our lovers, partners or husbands were caught having an affair. Hospital?? Good Lord woman, get a grip, he’s French. French First Lady Valérie Trierweiler treated in hospital as François Hollande tries to silence affair claims —- Chemical Leak Into West Virginia River Far Larger Than Previously Estimated http://thinkprogress.org/climate/2014/01/12/3151421/fourth-day-water-west-virginia/ —- Families with sick children flock to Colorado to try cannabis treatments New treatments using cannabis may help children suffering from seizure-related conditions like epilepsy but there is concern over other effects —- Well so much for those who defended him and swore that he didn’t say that. He certainly did. My initial reaction on Time Out on the 7th of Jan after the Woodward piece in WaPo, stands. 01/07/2014 at 5:29 PM (Edit) Two things stood out as I was reading this, one is that the President inherited these wars, and that Robert Gates is a Republican through and through. Is there any mention in this bitter book about Bush neglecting Afghanistan for years while he pursued a personal vendetta against Saddam Hussein? Or did he quote the number of dead and injured on both sides as Bush and his cronies continued with this illegal war and torture. Did he speak up? No. The President stated from day one that his goal was to withdraw troops from Iraq and wind down the war in Afghanistan, so Gates is being very obtuse in his criticism, and like all “good” Republicans went against the wishes of the majority of the American people by not finding a quicker way of withdrawal to end the war. I’m quite sure that the President’s so-called lack of interest in Afghanistan was actually annoyance and obvious frustration that the proposals laid out by the top military brass were inadequate and did little to further the President’s agenda. Maybe he’s planning some political career advancement by going against a sitting President, but from where I’m sitting, it sounds like deep rooted Republican resentment that Obama would dare to reject such a profitable war for the Military Complex Machine. Rather than Obama failing Afghanistan, Gates failed not only the people of Afghanistan, but also the President and the American people. Must have been such a hardship for this man working with a democratic President that he just couldn’t contain his hate for a second longer. Former defence secretary Robert Gates defends book as ‘an honest account’ • ‘Blunt and candid’ memoir criticises Obama administration http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/jan/12/defence-secretary-robert-gates-defends-book —- Adding to Christie’s Troubles, a Rift With a Former Mentor Widens Former Gov. Thomas H. Kean of New Jersey, who previously compared Gov. Chris Christie to Reagan, has begun calling his governing style dangerous. —- A Bridge to Scandal: Behind the Fort Lee Ruse The lane closings on the George Washington Bridge that caused colossal gridlock have shaken Gov. Chris Christie’s office. —- Hypocrites supporting a lying bully? That figures. John and Rudy who?? Senior Republicans rally round embattled NJ governor Chris Christie • RNC chairman: ‘Americans are forgiving people’ http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/jan/12/republicans-rally-round-chris-christie —- Benghazi equals New Jersey’s Washington Bridge fiasco?? Huh?? Huh?? Republicans Defend Christie By Invoking Benghazi http://thinkprogress.org/home/2014/01/12/3151261/christie-republicans-benghazi/ —- Racism, Sexism, And The 50-Year Campaign To Undermine The War On Poverty http://thinkprogress.org/economy/2014/01/08/3122111/war-poverty-race-sexism/ —- Enemies of the Poor by Paul Krugman The reverse Robin-Hoodism of the Republicans runs deep. —- Texas Vote-Buying Case Casts Glare on Tradition of Election Day Goads The arrests of three politiqueras, or campaign runners, who are often hired to gather votes in contested races, have become a tricky issue for elected officials in the Rio Grande Valley. —- US bank results set to reignite controversy over City bonuses Week of data released from banks including JP Morgan and Goldman Sachs will clear way for staff to be told size of bonuses http://www.theguardian.com/business/2014/jan/12/us-bank-results-reignite-city-bonuses-controversy —- Syrian opposition under pressure to attend Geneva peace talks John Kerry leading call for Syrian National Council to attend talks with Assad government representatives http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/jan/12/syrian-opposition-pressure-geneva-peace-talks —- Syria’s civil war being fought with fighters high on drugs As thousands are slaughtered investigation by the Reuters reveals manufacture, use and export of amphetamines is soaring —- Syrian refugees no longer know who is fighting let alone who is winning As opposition factions battle to oust al-Qaida jihadists the refugees at Bab al-Hawa border crossing recount the chaos http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/jan/12/syria-refugees-bab-al-hawa-turkey —- Freedom seems elusive in Egypt. Egyptian army chief Abdel Fatah al-Sisi hints he will run for president General who ousted Mohamed Morsi says he will take yes vote in constitutional referendum as mandate to run for office http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/jan/12/egyptian-army-chief-sisi-run-president —- Libyan government minister shot dead Killing of Hassan al-Droui, deputy industry minister, is first assassination of a member of post-Gaddafi government http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/jan/12/libyan-government-minister-shot-dead —- Israelis queue to pay last respects to Ariel Sharon Shimon Peres among hundreds visiting former prime minister’s coffin in front of Israeli parliament building the day before funeral http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/jan/12/ariel-sharon-coffin-isrealis-queue-pay-last-respects —- Robert Fisk: The ‘flowers’ of the Arab Spring are so distracting that Ariel Sharon’s death has barely raised a whimper For years, Iraqis have been telling me that they prefer ‘security’ to ‘anarchy’ —- Shooting in Central African Republic capital leaves 13 dead Red Cross confirms casualties from second night of gunfire in Bangui since President Michel Djotodia announced resignation —- CAR act of cannibalism dark sign of things to come? http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-25708024 —- Iran to begin dismantling nuclear stockpile ‘next week’ Iran to start dismantling its disputed stockpile of enriched uranium next Monday after details of nuclear deal finalised —- Landmark moment as India to be declared ‘polio-free’ After three years during which no one has been infected with polio, the country will be officially declared rid of the disease —- Afghan ‘suicide vest girl’ reveals family ordeal http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-25708023 —- Fire ravages ancient Tibetan town http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-25694902 —- Thai protesters occupy key roads in Bangkok Anti-government demonstrators arrive at major intersections as part of a planned ‘shutdown’ of the Thai capital —- Indonesia’s hotly-contested mineral ban takes effect http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-25708346 TRIVIA QUIZ Friday’s answer. Two bags of golden coins, a hen that lays golden eggs, and a golden harp that plays on command. Kudos to kes for being hpnest. 😀 Today’s question. What connection , relatively speaking, does Napoleon Bonaparte have to the FBI? HINT: The answer lies in the word “relatively” and the prototype of the FBI in 1909. —- Tragedy in Uganda: Joseph Kony massacre survivors tell their stories Few warlords are more unpitying than Joseph Kony of the Lord’s Resistance Army, as the wider world discovered through the film Kony 2012. Now some of the survivors are taking the opportunity to record their horrifying experiences. Will Storr travels to Uganda to listen http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/jan/12/joseph-kony-uganda-massacres-survivors-stories —- Vladimir Putin’s attack on homosexuality is shattering the lives of Russians —- Digging for their lives: Russia’s volunteer body hunters http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-25589709 —- A Point of View: See no evil http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-25680144 —- Is the United States a ‘Racial Democracy’? The disparities in our criminal justice system threaten our core political values. —- Village digs deep into its mining past: Zinc deposits could return a once-thriving Pennine community to its glory days —- Why do we have such a problem with being alone? Personal freedom has never been more celebrated, yet we are terrified of being alone, and regard those who choose to be so with suspicion. Sara Maitland on the joy of solitude http://www.theguardian.com/books/2014/jan/11/why-society-problem-being-alone —- CHARLIE BROOKER Benefits Street – poverty porn, or just the latest target for pent-up British fury? Society seems to need a regular supply of hate figures to keep it tutting and sighing and drinking http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2014/jan/12/benefits-street-poverty-porn-british-fury —- Rich men’s insanity! Big-game hunters in Texas bid for licence to kill one of Africa’s rare black rhinos —- Mystery of Alexander the Great’s death solved? Ruler was ‘killed by toxic wine’ claim scientists —- Colorado officials replace ‘420’ mile marker with 419.99 to deter marijuana-minded thieves —- Week in pictures: 4-10 January 2014 http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/in-pictures-25666212 —- The weekend in pictures From dead whales to the No Pants Subway Ride, here’s a selection of the best images from around the world this weekend http://www.theguardian.com/news/gallery/2014/jan/12/news-photography-the-weekend-in-pictures » Posted By Kalima On January 13, 2014 @ 1:30 am Hello kes, didn’t expect you to drop in today but so happy that you did. Good news that your Warlord was in a social mood today, we both know how it can turn out sometimes. The poisoning incident here is now focusing on a variety of pesticides found under some of the workers shoes, so the plot thickens. That no one died is a miracle. Krugman has another article in today’s updates about the hypocrisy of the Republicans suddenly jumping on the bandwagon about tackling poverty. You know that it’s all smoke and mirrors and they don’t mean a word of it. Had to roll my eyes at the story that McCain and Rudy 9/11 were throwing their support behind Christie. Birds of a feather and all that. No problem about the trivia question, should just go ahead and give you some brownie points for your honesty. 🙂 Oh btw, our Charlie Brooker is back and I realized just how much I had missed his funny and raw honesty. Welcome back Charlie. Well feeding time at the K menagerie, loud howls coming from the direction of the other side of our front door. Take care, stay warm. and see you soon. » Posted By Kalima On January 13, 2014 @ 1:13 am Good Morning everyone. Not much to share today as I’ve been spending most of my day trying to keep warm. It is nowhere near what those of you on the U.S. East Coast have experienced, but still, the wind was wicked today. Since a heavy fall on my head in 2010 that resulted in extensive nerve damage, I should always wear a hat outside in the cold, but try telling that to the loud and demanding tribe outside who just have to be fed that very second. Who has time to look for a hat?? 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. A few stories and opinions from around the globe. Fuel meltdown experiment eyed to learn more about Fukushima crisis —- EDITORIALS Tepco’s flawed turnaround plan —- Crime rate in Japan falls for the 11th straight year —- 1,400 reportedly fall sick from eating tainted frozen food products —- Japan plans to register 280 remote islands as national assets —- PICTURE OF THE DAY Chilly morning http://www.japantoday.com/category/picture-of-the-day/view/chilly-morning INTERNATIONAL NEWS Well yes, we know that. David Cameron is ‘so out of touch it’s untrue’, says BBC Radio Merseyside presenter Roger Phillips —- The incompetence of this government is mind boggling as is the amount of money wasted by them, and yet the cuts persist. Bedroom tax loophole could exempt 40,000 wrongly identified as liable Housing benefit experts condemn ‘shambles’ as it emerges that DWP oversight could mean some actually profit from blunder http://www.theguardian.com/society/2014/jan/09/bedroom-tax-loophole-exempt-liable-housing-benefit —- Benefits Street: A healthy media would stand up to the powerful and wealthy. Ours targets the poor and voiceless – Owen Jones A long, slow handclap for TV executives turning communities against each other —- These useless scroungers are demanding a pay raise?? Hey Duncan Smith, just found you the real scroungers! MPs claim tens of thousands of pounds in accountants’ fees to help them fill in tax forms MPs are charging the taxpayer tens of thousands of pounds every year to help them fill in tax forms, according to official figures. —- . Coalition’s legacy could be ‘harm to countryside’, No 10 adviser warns Number 10 adviser criticises Government planning reforms and warns that the damage being done to the countryside could end up being the Coalition’s biggest legacy. —- Why is outsourcing shrouded in secrecy? Billions in spending are at stake, and ministers should come clean about the grisly details http://www.telegraph.co.uk/comment/10558912/Why-is-outsourcing-shrouded-in-secrecy.html —- Exclusive: Children are still held in adult detention centres despite Coalition pledges to end the practice —- Phone-hacking trial told of Rebekah Brooks’s last days at News International Court hears that Brooks’s resignation followed a chain of events that followed disclosure NoW had hacked Milly Dowler’s phone —- France’s Hollande attacks report of affair with actress http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-25679146 —- French appeal court upholds ban on ‘antisemitic’ comic Dieudonné’s show Top French judges overturn lower court’s verdict hours before Dieudonné M’bala M’bala takes stage at start of national tour http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/jan/09/france-court-upholds-ban-antisemitic-dieudonne-show —- I can believe that. They are both racist morons, and both totally insane. Marine Le Pen says Front National and Ukip ‘closer than they would like to admit’ French far-Right party leader Marine Le Pen says Ukip and Front National could join forces to bring down EU —- Russia on alert after five bodies found with gunshot wounds Victims found in Stavropol, gateway to region where Islamist militants have threatened to disrupt Winter Olympics in Sochi http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/jan/09/russia-five-bodies-found-sochi-winter-olympics —- Cost of the cold: ‘polar vortex’ spell cost US economy $5bn • Water pipe damage and loss to workforce included in estimate http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/jan/09/polar-vortex-cost-us-economy-5bn —- Obama promises ‘year of action’ on poverty in White House speech • Five ‘promise zones’ named including Philadelphia and LA http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/jan/09/obama-promises-year-action-poverty-promise-zones —- The War Over Poverty by Paul Krugman On its 50th birthday, the movement to aid the poor has a lot of progress to celebrate. —- Chemical spill in West Virginia leads to tap water ban for 300,000 people State of emergency declared in nine counties of West Virginia after 4-Methylcyclohexane Methanol spill along Elk River in Charleston, shutting bars and restaurants and forcing residents to queue for bottle water supplies —- Here’s Proof That Governor Christie Is Still Misleading The Public On Bridge Scandal http://thinkprogress.org/home/2014/01/09/3141121/christie/ —- Chris Christie’s most confrontational moments – video round-up The governor has insisted he’s no bully, but he’s certainly known for a governing style ranging from blunt to downright callous http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/jan/09/chris-christies-most-confrontational-moments —- After Chris Christie’s Performance If the governor wants to regain any credibility, he will have to admit that he set a tone of vindictiveness. —- Very much the way I saw it too. Eugene Robinson: Christie is not the victim He seems more concerned by his staff’s “betrayal.”. —- Governor’s Attempt To Find Massive Welfare Fraud Turns Up Next To Nothing http://thinkprogress.org/economy/2014/01/08/3136631/lepage-welfare/ —- Deadly car bombing hits central Syria At least 18 people killed in Hama as fighting between rebels and al-Qaeda-linked fighters rages on in northern towns. —- Homs: Syria rebels ‘die trying to break siege’ http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-25678312 —- Syrian Al-Qaeda group ISIS expelled from second city Aleppo A militant al-Qaeda group has been driven out of the northern Syrian city of Aleppo by an alliance of other rebels, according to activists —- Syria crisis: Russia blocks UN statement on Aleppo attacks http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-25663616 —- Wow, I’m sure that makes the people of Egypt really happy. Hosni Mubarak’s last prime minister will run for Egyptian presidency Ahmed Shafik, the last prime minister of ousted Egyptian leader Hosni Mubarak, confirms he will bid to run the country should army chief General Abdel Fattah al-Sisi decline to run for election —- I’m no traitor, says Wael Ghonim as Egypt regime targets secular activists Figurehead of 2011 uprising, now in exile, defends himself as pro-regime TV channel claims he used revolution for own gain http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/jan/09/wael-ghonim-egypt-regime-targets-secular-activists —- Peace deal is best Israel will get, says Lieberman Interview: Israel’s hardline foreign minister shows signs of a shift to the centre as he settles into a second stint in office —- Somalia’s al-Shabab militants issue internet ban http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-25666470 —- South Sudan: thousands flee city as government troops launch offensive Oil-rich state capital Bentiu is left a ghost town as soldiers loyal to President Salva Kir try to recapture it from rival Riek Machar http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/jan/09/south-sudan-thousands-flee-rebel-stronghold-bentiu —- Iraq: ‘Abuse by all sides’ in Anbar province says HRW http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-25664351 —- Tributes for Pakistani teenager who died tackling school suicide bomber Aitzaz Hassan, aged around 15, has been crediting with saving the lives of hundreds of children —- Afghanistan to free prisoners viewed by US as a threat After President Hmid Karzai’s refusal to sign a security deal with the US, relations between the nations to be strained further by the proposed release of 72 inmates US considers a security threat —- Asylum policy: ‘No comment’ http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-25649085 —- China abolishes its labour camps and releases prisoners China’s leaders address Chairman Mao’s ‘re-education through labour’ by closing labour camps across country and releasing tens of thousands of prisoners —- US condemns ‘provocative’ Chinese edict over South China Sea fisheries Latest territorial assertion by Beijing requires foreign crews operating in disputed waters to notify Chinese authorities http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/jan/10/us-condemns-chinese-south-china-sea-fishing TRIVIA QUIZ Today’s question. What are the three things that Jack steals on his visits to the giant’s castle in the “Jack and the Beanstalk” fairy tale? —- Day in the life of a Chinese labour camp inmate Jiang Chengfen, a 40-year-old farmer from Sichuan, was sent to a labour camp for women in Zizhong county, Neijiang, on July 30, 2012 for repeatedly complaining to Beijing about her local government —- Georgia’s disabled ‘locked in a box’ http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-25575094 —- Before they pass away: Jimmy Nelson’s photos of at-risk tribes http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-25501322 —- Kudos to them. Why women are sending tampons to the Australian immigration minister Australian women are sending Scott Morrison unused tampons and sanitary towels in the post. Louisa Peacock explores what the hell’s going on —- Symbol of oppression or expression of faith? How viewpoints on the veil vary —- Pope Francis lambasts the rich and reminds the world of what matters most The head of the Church makes a simple point: Modern society is putty in the hands of the wealthy —- Italy police decipher coded ‘Mafia initiation text’ http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-25669349 —- Map of Universe accurate to 1% offers insight into dark energy and the curvature of spacetime —- Pictures of the day: 9 January 2014 —- Day in pictures: 9 January 2014 http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/in-pictures-25666213 —- Amazing pictures! Niagara falls freezes over – in pictures The polar vortex created a winter wonderland at one of the world’s most iconic locations when extreme temperatures froze parts of the famous Niagara falls on the US and Canadian border http://www.theguardian.com/world/gallery/2014/jan/09/niagara-falls-freezes-over-in-pictures —- 10 photo highlights of the day The Guardian’s picture editors bring you a selection of top photographs from around the world http://www.theguardian.com/news/gallery/2014/jan/09/10-photo-highlights-of-the-day —- Picture Desk Live Best pictures of the day – live The Guardian’s photo team brings you a daily round up from the world of photography http://www.theguardian.com/news/2014/jan/09/best-pictures-of-the-day-live » Posted By Kalima On January 10, 2014 @ 1:51 am Oh I will, I will! 😆 » Posted By Kalima On January 9, 2014 @ 5:22 pm You are welcome kes. I must have the dirtiest glasses in Tokyo, we always have bubbles galore. 😆 » Posted By Kalima On January 9, 2014 @ 3:24 pmComments Posted By Kalima
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
————
————
————
————
• Republicans say Affordable Care Act is disincentive to work
————
————
Troops and local village allies launch assault, killing six rebels and capturing one of their jungle bases
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
————
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
———-
————
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
————
————
————
————
————
————
————
————
————
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
————
————
————
————
————
————
————
————
————
————
————
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
————
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
• Obama earlier vowed to use troops only when ‘truly necessary’
• Figure does not include nominally independent PACs
————
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
————
Women’s rights NGO says Momii must resign
Momii unfit to lead NHK
Wage hikes can help end deflation
————
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
————
————
————
————
————
————
————
Fed says “Hasta la vista, baby” to emerging markets
Fed more upbeat about US economy
Earlier – stocks and emerging currencies fell
————
————
————
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
————
————
————
—-
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
————
Momii’s debut speech puts sex slave row back in spotlight
————
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
————
————
————
————
————
————
————
• Senator Rand Paul: ‘It sounds vaguely like a threat’
• Bill could go to House vote as soon as Wednesday
————
————
————
————
————
————
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Considering that Osborne himself is made up of hot air and lies, it’s a very explosive situation. Let’s hope he will be thrown out on his rear next year.
————
————
————
————
————
————
————
————
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
————
————
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
————
————
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
————
————
————
————
————
————
————
————
————
————
• Senate candidate in question not named in indictment
————
————
————
• China Digital Times publishes details of directive
————
————
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
————
————
———–
————
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
————
————
————
• ‘Bridgegate’ blows plans for 2016-focused speech off course
————
————
————
————
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
————
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2014/01/18/national/hosokawa-eyes-no-nukes-by-2020/
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
————
————
• NJ governor’s office denies claims by Democrat Dawn Zimmer
————
————
————
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
————
————
http://www.japantoday.com/category/picture-of-the-day/view/have-an-ice-day
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
————
————
————
————
• House to vote on bipartisan bill on Wednesday
———-
————
————
————
————
————
————
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
————
————
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Nuclear plant restarts on the table
Teaching or brainwashing?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
————
————
————
————
————
• Waiting until after 2017 election did not ‘make any sense’
————
• John McCain and Rudy Giuliani also offer support
————
————
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
————
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
———–
————
————
With Cameron”s crazy idea of 40% of the country for fracking, there won’t be much of the countryside left. Let’s throw out the Tories next year.
————
————
• Most airlines lost between $50m to $100m from cancellations
• White House officials acknowledge support of GOP ‘vital’
————
————
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
————
————
For more from the Guardian picture desk today see our live blog
«« Back To Stats Page
Home Stats