Displaying 2,191 To 2,220 Of 18,974 Comments Hello kes, glad to see that you can still type and your fingers are not yet popsicles. Take care and please stay warm. Yes, the patients are dying from lack of care but please collect your art, and complain about how there are not enough funds. As you know very well kes, privatization of healthcare means that it’s gone to the dogs as shareholders scramble for profits by cuts and the people running the trusts commit cold blooded murder by letting your loved one die through neglect. I can’t explain in appropriate words how I really feel about this, I would end up having to censor myself, but you know how I feel after losing a loved one in the hospital through what I now believe was years of misdiagnosis, and I worry because my sister has been going through the same thing. I agree that Kristof, Krugman and Tomasky keep their fingers on the truth, and it’s so rewarding to read it. Syria has been heartbreaking for years, now it’s even more so and not a time to turn our heads away. These people need all the help they can get. Never mind kes, there will always be another trivia question. 🙂 Have a peaceful day and don’t go out unless you have to. Stay safe. See you soon. » Posted By Kalima On December 17, 2013 @ 2:55 am Good Morning everyone. It’s been a bit of a mad rush today because I was trying to catch up with lost sleep from last night and managed to sleep through an awful noise outside for three hours this afternoon. Must have been tired as I slept like a log through ear shattering, house shaking road construction, and when I woke up, it was already dark outside. The nice NHK weatherman has just given snow for tomorrow. Snow? In Tokyo? In December? A month ago I was walking around with a towel tied to my forehead because it was so bloody hot. Have a good day wherever you may be. Take care, be safe, stay warm and comfy or cool and dry. Sayonara from my cold evening corner of Tokyo. Mata ne. A few stories and opinions from around the globe. Fukushima nuclear evacuation-related deaths surpass prefecture’s quake, tsunami toll http://mainichi.jp/english/english/newsselect/news/20131217p2a00m0na010000c.html —- Agency eyes studying fault under Tsuruga reactor already judged active http://mainichi.jp/english/english/newsselect/news/20131217p2g00m0dm039000c.html —- Japan adopts new security strategy to counter assertive China —- PICTURE OF THE DAY Sagamiko Illumillion http://www.japantoday.com/category/picture-of-the-day/view/sagamiko-illumillion INTERNATIONAL NEWS Poorer than your parents – post-war pensions boom ‘is coming to an end’ Only people who receive a large inheritance will be able to enjoy a more comfortable old-age than previous generations, Institute for Fiscal Studies report finds —- Two-thirds of single parents skipping meals to feed children, study finds Gingerbread says fifth of lone parents are at least £100 a month worse off since benefit reforms were introduced in April 2013 http://www.theguardian.com/society/2013/dec/17/single-parents-skipping-meals-welfare-cuts —- What the welfare cuts mean for us: ‘The feeling of dread never goes away’ The government is three years into a savage programmme of welfare cuts. Coalition ministers say they aim to save billions on benefits and help ‘hard-working people’ while ending a culture of dependency. But what does this mean for people who need support? http://www.theguardian.com/society/2013/dec/16/welfare-cuts-government-coalition-benefits —- Britons should be able to sue Google for privacy breaches, court hears British internet users whose privacy has been breached by Google collecting information on their browsing habits have the right to sue the company for damages in the UK, the High Court has heard —- German parliament confirms Angel Merkel for new term http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-25413519 —- France on edge of return to recession, increasing pressure on Hollande French business sentiment sags, with manufacturing output down and jobs lost, as German economy continues to grow —- Europe fears over Russian nuclear-capable missiles on border of EU Russia deploys missiles on its border with Poland as prospects of an EU trade deal with Ukraine recede further —- Analysis: Russia’s carrot-and-stick battle for Ukraine http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-25401179 —- NSA phone surveillance program likely unconstitutional, federal judge rules • Dragnet ‘likely’ in breach of fourth amendment http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/dec/16/nsa-phone-surveillance-likely-unconstitutional-judge —- Church Leaders Shame Catholic University For Accepting Koch Dollars —- Sheriffs Refuse to Enforce Laws on Gun Control The resistance of sheriffs in Colorado to enforcing certain gun laws is raising questions about whether tougher rules passed since Newtown have a muted effect in parts of the nation where gun ownership is common. —- Why Inequality Matters by Paul Krugman The economic populists have it right. —- Waiting for the 8th: D.C. family adjusts to food stamp cuts Raphael Richmond calls it her “hunger games,” keeping her family fed until the monthly aid arrives.. —- Canada minister apologises for child hunger remarks http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-25410515 —- Syrian army bombing ‘kills scores in Aleppo’ Human rights group says rebels have warned civilians to stay away from government buildings as they plan retaliation —- Starving in Syria: The biggest emergency in the UN’s history —- Israeli troops shoot two Lebanese soldiers in border skirmish Shooting took place hours after Israeli soldier was killed by Lebanese sniper on Sunday http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/dec/16/israeli-troops-shoot-two-lebanese-soldiers-border —- Lebanon car bomb targets Hezbollah Vehicle blows up at checkpoint near village of Sbouba amid opposition to militant group’s support for Assad regime http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/dec/17/lebanon-car-bomb-targets-hezbollah —- South Sudan: Gunfire continues in tense capital, Juba http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-25412709 —– CAR chaos escalates far beyond capital Child soldiers and razed villages mark the latest violence across the Central African Republic. —- Xinjiang violence: China arrests six over deadly clash http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-china-25412364 —- North Korea marks Kim Jong-il death amid purge tensions http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-25411490 TRIVIA QUIZ The answer to the trivia question was, dolls. Today’s question. What large strategic island did the U.S. propose buying for $100 million in 1946? HINT: Begins with the letter “G”. —- Last chance: Germany poised to charge ‘Auschwitz SS guards’ —- How life has changed for Delhi rape victim’s family http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-india-25344403 —- Mandela death: Who next as the world’s elder statesman? http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-22389954 —- Peter O’Toole: Raise a glass to those beloved hellraisers Today’s actors can’t hold a candle to Peter O’Toole & Co, the charming, hard-living, hard-drinking legends of yesteryear —- Pictures of the day: 15 December 2013 —- Day in pictures: 16 December 2013 http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/in-pictures-25399364 —- 10 photo highlights The Guardian’s picture editor brings you a selection of top photographs from around the world http://www.theguardian.com/news/gallery/2013/dec/16/10-photo-hig » Posted By Kalima On December 17, 2013 @ 2:39 am Good Morning everyone. A rather nippy day here today, but compared to some places like Ohio at -13C, we are really lucky. Have a good day wherever you may be. Take care, be safe, stay warm and comfy or cool and dry. Sayonara from my corner of Tokyo. Mata ne. Sunday”s Bits & Bobs. Ministry unveils plan to buy 19 sq. km of land around Fukushima No. 1 for waste storage —- Water from fire trucks didn’t reach Fukushima No. 1 reactor cores: Tepco —- Mitsui Mining & Smelting to pay residents with kidney dysfunction from cadmium poisoning http://mainichi.jp/english/english/newsselect/news/20131214p2a00m0na012000c.html —- Japan, ASEAN call for freedom of the skies http://www.japantoday.com/category/politics/view/japan-asean-call-for-freedom-of-the-skies —- Survey shows Japanese workers least likely to take vacation time http://www.japantoday.com/category/national/view/survey-shows-japanese-workers-least-likely-to-take-vacation-time And yet they blame it on everyone else, even the sick. Disgusting! Cash-poor NHS spends millions on art – despite cuts that led to thousands of job losses —- The Tories and the Lib Dems plot their coalition endgames With the next general election only 18 months away, their relationship is becoming more belligerent http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2013/dec/15/tories-lib-dems-coalition-endgames —- Government cuts: politicians driven by ideology are the bane of our society Osborne’s approach typifies the tendency of modern politicians to see no merit in anyone else’s point of view http://www.theguardian.com/theobserver/2013/dec/15/the-big-issue-government-cuts-ideology —- Germany’s Social Democrats vote to form ‘grand coalition’ with Angela Merkel Vote ends three months of political wrangling and clears way for Mrs Merkel’s third term as chancellor —- Syria crisis: French ‘pessimism’ over Geneva II talks http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-25386495 —- Ukraine braced for rival sets of protests Government busses in thousands of supporters of President Viktor Yanukovych to Kiev for a rally as opposition calls for their own renewed protests over rejection of trade deal with EU —- Colorado school shooting: teenage gunman planned to harm ‘large number of individuals’ Karl Pierson, the 18-year-old student of Arapahoe High School who shot fellow students before turning his weapon on himself, was armed with many rounds of ammunition, a machete and three Molotov cocktails, authorities say —- The Year In Guns: What Has Happened — And What Has Not — Since Newtown http://thinkprogress.org/justice/2013/12/13/3026681/newtown-year-anniversary/ —- The Killer Who Supports Gun Control by Nicholas Kristof Guns kill people. Take it from a convicted killer whose weapon of choice was an assault rifle. He asks, “Shouldn’t we tighten measures to keep guns out of the hands of people like me?” —- Huh? Kim just shot his uncle, what”s democratic about that? Congressman Botches Attempt To Compare Sebelius To North Korean Dictator — And Then Really Freaks Out http://thinkprogress.org/health/2013/12/11/3049681/shimkus-north-korea-sebelius/ —- Venezuela grounds Air France plane over suspected terror threat Minister says French authorities passed on intelligence that terrorist group was planning to put bomb on flight http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/dec/15/venezuela-air-france-plane-suspected-terror-threat —- Syria’s child refugees face death and disease in winter storms, aid agencies warn The worst storm to hit the Middle East in decades has devastating consequences for the millions of displaced Syrians living in makeshift shelters —- Gaza in chaos as rising flood waters add to misery caused by storm Aid agencies warn of crisis for refugees living in tents and makeshift shelters as flood waters rise http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/dec/15/gaza-chaos-rising-flood-waters —- Nelson Mandela to be laid to rest at family home Guests arrive for Nelson Mandela’s funeral in the rural village of Qunu, where he spent his early childhood, bringing to an end 10 days of national mourning for South Africa’s first back president —- Comrade Nelson Mandela is taken home to Qunu for the final time —- At least four killed in suspected bomb attack in Nairobi Police say device exploded in a crowded minibus as it headed towards the city centre http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/dec/14/four-killed-bomb-attack-nairobi —- Iraq’s battle to save its Christian souls: ‘Christians are finished here’ Ten years after the fall of Saddam Hussein, Christians have dwindled from more than a million to as little as 200,000. Colin Freeman reports on attempts to stem the exodus from Iraq’s churches —- Hamid Karzai hits out at US ‘threats’ over Afghanistan A senior American diplomat warned Afghanistan faces civil war unless it signs a deal for US bases to remain in the country, Hamid Karzai, the Afghan president said on Saturday —- North Korea ‘summons business people from China’ http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-25380168 —- John Everard: I doubt that Kim Jong-un’s uncle Jang Song-thaek will be the last person to die in North Korea purge —- Thai premier to hold reform talks Dialogue follows a blow to protesters, as a top military general refuses to back the opposition. http://www.aljazeera.com/news/asia-pacific/2013/12/thai-premier-hold-reform-talks-2013121421279240117.html TRIVIA QUIZ Today’s question. What does a plangonolist collect? —- My daughter died from taking drugs Martha Fernback was 15 when she died after taking what she thought was ecstasy. Next day, her mother – Anne-Marie Cockburn – began a raw and intimate diary, a unique chronicle of a mother’s grief. By Joanna Moorhead http://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2013/dec/14/my-daughter-died-taking-drugs-ecstasy —- The women behind the throne in North Korea’s ’empire of horror’ Kim Jong-un’s execution of his uncle has been seen as a brutal demonstration of who is in power. But behind the scenes, are Kim Kyung-hui and Ri Sol-ju, Kim Jong-un’s aunt and wife, pulling the strings in North Korea? —- Fracking in Ponder, Texas: the real cost – video http://www.theguardian.com/environment/video/2013/dec/14/fracking-ponder-texas-video —- Eliot Elisofon’s photos changed US perception of Africa http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-25339846 —- 😆 Still doesn’t make him palatable. Altered Images: Russian PM in bunny ears http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/blogs-news-from-elsewhere-25365896 —- Grim forecast for e-waste as technology trash to top 65m tons by 2017 —- Animal photos of the week: 13 December 2013 http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/picturegalleries/earth/10516227/Animal-photos-of-the-week.html —- The week in pictures: 13 December 2013 —- Week in pictures: 7-13 December 2013 http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/in-pictures-25347555 —- 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 December 15, 2013 @ 12:11 am Just try not to lose too much of yourself, it’s a heck of a way trying to climb back up. Good luck. 🙂 » Posted By Kalima On December 14, 2013 @ 2:14 am Fergie1, thank you so much for the kind words, I’m so glad you found it and enjoyed it. I wrote it a few years ago after I came to the realisation that women who give so much of themselves looking after the needs of others, suddenly find ourselves questioning who we are now, what we need and how to start to do things for ourselves. After a certain age, I’m sure that most women start to feel this way. Thank you so much for finding it, reading it, and most of all, for understanding it. Cheers! » Posted By Kalima On December 13, 2013 @ 6:19 pm Hello kes, and no it’s not your imagination, we indeed have many new members with brand new names to get used to, and a fear of saying “Welcome to The Planet” to the same person more than once, and looking like a complete ninny. What fun!! Well of course those saying that rubbish about mothers are wimpy conservative politicians who probably had a nanny while their mothers were out spending Daddy’s money. Hard work spending money you know. I hope the unemployed get their benefits sooner than later as the holidays are coming up and their children, who already have very little, will have even less. Yes the world ‘s jails are full of men and women who could make a huge difference in the daily lives of their people, but that’s exactly why they are in jail, the powers want everything for themselves and not enough people really care. The Far Right in Hungary and of course France and Greece, are really frightening because their parties won enough seats to be in their government. No it’s easier to forget the past than to learn from it for many people. Pope Francis is the man to bring back the faith and the faith in mankind for many of us. Take care and see you soon. Sayonara ugly pole soon. Yay!! » Posted By Kalima On December 12, 2013 @ 6:33 pm Good Morning everyone. The days of the extra utility pole outside our living room window are numbered. They will finally dig it up and take it away on the 17th and as it has been blocking quite a bit of light, I’m elated. Yay!! The year end gifts are coming fast and furious, and someone has just sent us more ham. Did I mention that because they know I’m German, they send only sausages and ham thinking that it’s all I eat? I’ll just have to make quiche more often until the end of this year. *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 afternoon corner of Tokyo. Mata ne. A few stories and opinions from around the globe. ¥100 billion to be allocated for storage of radioactive waste —- Water woe solution: pave over No.1 land? http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2013/12/11/national/water-woe-solution-pave-over-no-1-land/ —- Japan to bolster warning system to defy China http://mainichi.jp/english/english/newsselect/news/20131212p2g00m0dm045000c.html —- PICTURE OF THE DAY 😆 Gives new meaning to “swimming with the fishes”. Swimming Santa http://www.japantoday.com/category/picture-of-the-day/view/swimming-santa-2 INTERNATIONAL NEWS I can can vouch for this through experience with losing both parents through misdiagnosis. Patients put at risk by ‘years of basic GP failures’ —- Mothers in paid jobs ‘still wrongly depicted as scatty clock-watchers’ Shadow childcare minister Powell calls for strong family policies saying ‘unfocused’ myth denies women their real productivity http://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2013/dec/12/mothers-paid-jobs-myth-scatty-powell-labour —- ONS figures show squeeze on household budgets Families spending more on heating and maintaining homes, with those on lower incomes cutting spending on food http://www.theguardian.com/money/2013/dec/11/ons-figures-squeeze-household-budgets —- So hacking into people’s privacy was just a joke to them. Figures. Rebekah Brooks and Piers Morgan ‘accused each other of hacking at party’ Ambi Sitham tells court tabloid editors exchanged ‘back-and-forth bantering’ at birthday dinner for Andy Coulson http://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2013/dec/11/rebekah-brooks-piers-morgan-party-phone-hacking-trial —- French officials can monitor internet users in real time under new law Clause lets police and other agencies spy without authorisation, weeks after France expressed outrage at NSA revelations http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/dec/11/french-officials-internet-users-real-time-law —- That is good news! Buyer to return Hopi artefacts to Native Americans http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-25331975 —- Blackmail, and is it worth it? No. Ukraine asks EU for €20bn in return for signing Association Agreement —- Ukraine protesters rebuild barricades after police assault Co-ordinated attack by officers reinvigorates flagging demonstration and brings siege atmosphere to Kiev square http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/dec/11/ukraine-protesters-rebuild-barricades-police-assault —- Fragile US budget deal under fire from both Republicans and Democrats Democrats seek to negotiate further deal on unemployment benefits while GOP fends off attacks from conservative groups http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/dec/11/us-budget-deal-under-fire-republicans-democrats —- What You Need To Know About The Budget Deal http://thinkprogress.org/economy/2013/12/11/3047471/murray-ryan-budget-deal/ —- For all those not living in a bubble this praise comes as no surprise. Barack Obama lights up damp Nelson Mandela memorial In a peculiarly rambling, rain-soaked event bogged down in domestic politics, it felt at times like Mandela’s soul was absent http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/dec/10/nelson-mandela-memorial-service-barack-obama —- Republican hypocrisy at it’s finest after the years of dirty politics and illegal moves from the GOP. Their shutdown was legal?? “There’s a price that has to be paid when people abuse the rules,” said Senator Orrin G. Hatch, Republican of Utah. “And let’s face it. These guys have completely obliterated the rules.”
With Filibuster Threat Gone, Senate Confirms Two Presidential Nominees But Republicans vowed to keep making the confirmation process as time-consuming and painful as possible for Democrats. —- The Appalling Stance of Rand Paul We have gone from a war on poverty in this country to a war on the poor, and conservatives have led the charge. —- How to Truly Honor Mandela by Nicholas Kristof A meaningful way to honor Nelson Mandela’s spirit would be to speak out for human rights advocates and political prisoners worldwide. —- Whaaat?? Fox News: It’s ‘The Death Of Free Enterprise’ If Bakery Can’t Discriminate Against Gay Couples http://thinkprogress.org/lgbt/2013/12/10/3042471/fox-colorado-bakery/ —- West suspends aid for Islamist rebels in Syria, underlining their disillusionment with those forces opposed to President Bashar al-Assad —- Syrian refugees surviving harsh winter without aid http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-25342054 —- Brotherhood trial halted in Egypt for second time http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-25338190 —- Saudi Arabia migrant expulsions: ‘They beat us. I want to warn others not to go’ More than 100,000 Ethiopian men, women and children have been expelled from the kingdom as labour rules tighten http://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2013/dec/11/saudi-arabia-migrant-expulsion-ethiopia —- Nelson Mandela’s lying in state draws queue of thousands to say goodbye Officials estimate 2,000 people per hour passed Mandela’s body at Union Buildings, where he was sworn in as president in 1994 http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/dec/11/nelson-mandela-lying-in-state-thousands-say-goodbye —- Iran’s Revolutionary Guard head hits out at Hassan Rouhani’s government Comments published in the Iranian media give biggest indication yet of the splits between the regime’s main pillars caused by the election of the moderate Hassan Rouhani as president and the subsequent Geneva nuclear deal. —- Iran frees Slovak paragliders held for spying Last two of eight paragliders who were arrested in May for spying handed over to embassy, IRNA news agency reports. —- India’s top court upholds law criminalising gay sex India’s Supreme Court has struck down a 2009 ruling which legalised homosexuality 148 years after it was banned during British colonial rule —- Bangladesh court upholds Abdul Kader Mullah execution http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-25344886 —- Afghanistan: Kabul blast ‘an accident’ at arms depot http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-25344539 —- Australia’s top court overrules gay marriage in capital The decision means that the 27 couples who have wed since the ACT laws came into effect a month ago will have their marriages annulled as unconstitutional —- Horrifying! Australia incest case: Filthy and severely deformed children found in remote farming community after generations of inbreeding —- New York Times warns China is subjecting foreign journalists to serious harassment China-based journalists, mostly from the New York Times and Bloomberg, are currently facing the prospect of being forced to leave mainland China by the end of the year —- China’s coal emissions responsible for ‘quarter of a million premature deaths’ Hundreds of thousands of children still at risk from dangerous levels of air pollution as poisonous smog fills cities, study says http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2013/dec/12/china-coal-emissions-smog-deaths —- Former Thai PM indicted for murder Oxford-educated Abhisit Vejjajiva insists he is innocent and has described the accusations against him as politically motivated. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/thailand/10512614/Former-Thai-PM-indicted-for-murder.html Hungarians must face their Nazi past, not venerate it A new statue of Admiral Horthy – Hungary’s war-time ruler and Hitler’s ally – symbolises a refusal to face up to the country’s darkest history http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2013/dec/11/hungarians-must-face-nazi-past-not-venerate-it —- ‘I saw my Mandela… and all I could do was cry’ http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-25337800 —- Columbite Tantalite: a short film by Chiwetel Ejiofor – video —- Pope Francis ‘scores goals’ for image of Catholic Church http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-25339027 —- Unicef: 230m young children ‘do not officially exist’ http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-25341965 —- In pictures: Kashmir’s ‘half-widows’ http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-india-24530201 —- Reclassifying ketamine is more fiddling while the crack pipe burns Why can’t we have an honest conversation about drugs? —- Japan’s newest island ‘triples in size’ Officials at Japan’s Meteorological Agency say island created by volcanic explosion is growing and could be fixture on landscape for years to come —- Jack Monroe’s chicken casserole recipe Make this casserole the day before to allow the flavours to develop – if you can stop yourself scoffing it straight away http://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2013/dec/11/jack-monroe-chicken-casserole-recipe —- Poor babies. 🙁 Victorian photographer Harry Whittier Frees pioneered Lolcats a century ago —- Pictures of the day: 11 December 2013 —- Day in pictures: 11 December 2013 http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/in-pictures-25331792 —- 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/2013/dec/11/best-pictures-of-the-day-live » Posted By Kalima On December 12, 2013 @ 1:20 am Good Morning everyone. A miserable and cold day here today, I wanted to go back to sleep as soon as I woke up, but ringing phones and year end gift deliveries prevailed while the tribe slept through most of the day. Have a good day wherever you may be. Take care, be safe, stay warm and comfy or cool and dry. Sayonara from my cold evening corner of Tokyo. Mata ne. A few stories and opinions from around the globe. Secrets law bruises Abe’s ratings http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2013/12/09/national/secrets-law-bruises-abes-ratings/#.UqbBqKVMIfE —- Japan gov’t to seek consent for Fukushima waste storage facilities http://mainichi.jp/english/english/newsselect/news/20131210p2g00m0dm040000c.html —- 😯 12 urban legends about Tokyo Disneyland http://www.japantoday.com/category/lifestyle/view/12-urban-legends-about-tokyo-disneyland —- PICTURE OF THE DAY Tree of life http://www.japantoday.com/category/picture-of-the-day/view/tree-of-life INTERNATIONAL NEWS Oh great, those firms who have been overcharging ordinary people for decades so that some go without heat rather than starve to death. Some charity!! The price of charity: Save the Children exposed after seeking approval of energy firms —- 2.5m people will have to take out a loan just to afford central heating this Christmas —- Housing double whammy: A whole generation ‘won’t be able to buy or rent a home’ —- British workers spend a week a year working just to pay the interest on the national debt Alarming figures come from new calculations by the Telegraph using HMRC and Treasury figures released in the Autumn Statement —- Most Britons have felt no benefits from economic recovery, opinion poll finds Tories creep up on Labour by two points, despite 70% of voters polled by ICM/Guardian saying they have not seen any gains —- This man is an idiot! Universal credit failed IT system write-off increased by £6m But Iain Duncan Smith’s department says cost of more software over next five years will be revised downwar http://www.theguardian.com/politics/2013/dec/09/universal-credit-it-writeoff-iain-duncan-smith —- Native American artefacts sold for £1m in France Auction of Hopi masks and other contested items goes ahead despite US embassy’s request for delay http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/dec/09/native-american-hopi-artefacts-sold-france —- Putin’s RIA Novosti revamp prompts propaganda fears http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-25309139 —- Ukraine protests: Riot police storm offices of opposition party in Kiev —- Health Care Exchange Is Vastly Improved, Users Say Interviews with consumers and navigators in several states found the technical errors that had bedeviled visitors to the site for weeks seemed to have been tamed, and applicants were finally selecting health care plans under the Affordable Care Act. —- Parties in California Squabble Over Another Website Democrats in California are accusing the state’s Republicans of trying to sabotage the new state-run health insurance exchange by putting up their own website that Democrats call misleading. Republicans say they’re just trying to help consumers confused by the new law. —- Of course they will. Senate Republicans expected to block effort to close 3D-gun law loophole Latest setback to gun control efforts in Congress comes just days before first anniversary of Newtown school shooting http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/dec/09/republicans-block-senate-3d-gun —- Sandy Hook families ask for privacy as Newtown anniversary looms Families call on people to mark the upcoming anniversary by performing acts of kindness or volunteering with charities http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/dec/09/newtown-families-ask-privacy-anniversary —- Let’s get this straight: AIG execs got bailout bonuses, but pensioners get cuts No one has accused city workers in Chicago or Detroit of bringing down the economy, but they could face pension cuts http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2013/dec/09/chicago-detroit-pensions-might-be-cut —- Extending Long-Term Unemployment Benefits Would Save 240,000 Jobs http://thinkprogress.org/economy/2013/12/09/3038531/unemployment-benefits-jobs/ —- Huh?? Cheney: The Iran Deal Is Bad Because Of Obamacare http://thinkprogress.org/security/2013/12/09/3037061/cheney-iran-obamacare/ —- OMG! How insane is this?? There’s Now A Coloring Book To Teach Your Children To Love Ted Cruz —- Sorry guys, it already belongs to Santa Claus! Canada to claim north pole as its own UN submission will seek to redefine Canada’s continental shelf to capture more Arctic oil and gas resources http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/dec/10/canada-north-pole-claim —- Syrian army secures Damascus-Homs motorway http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-25299816 —- Syrian phones and internet cut, while chemical weapons removal faces delays As Syria is hit by outages, chemical weapons watchdog says it is still set to meet removal deadline despite hold-ups —- Muslim Brotherhood leader appears in Cairo court for the first time Mohamed Badie faces charges of inciting violence during July protests against army’s overthrow of Islamist president http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/dec/09/muslim-brotherhood-leader-appears-cairo-court-badie —- UN inspectors to assess Libya’s uranium stockpiles http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-25309559 —- UK warns investors against doing business with Israeli settlements Britain has issued its most explicit warning yet against investing in Jewish settlements in the West Bank in a drastic toughening up of official criticism of Israeli policy in the Palestinian territories —- Nelson Mandela’s memorial service: live updates LIVE• Start of service delayed as mourners fill FNB stadium http://www.theguardian.com/world/blog/2013/dec/10/nelson-mandelas-memorial-service-live-updates —- Mandela memorial: Thousands gather in Johannesburg http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-25311513 — Nelson Mandela: the long goodbye As more than 90 world leaders descend on Johannesburg, the public farewell to the former South Africa president will rival any such event we have seen —- French soldiers killed in Central African Republic http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-25313817 —- Unbelievable!! Somali woman who reported rape sentenced Nineteen-year-old will be confined to home for six months and journalists who reported the story are to go to jail. —- Terrifying! India-Pakistan nuclear war could ‘end human civilisation’ Even limited nuclear exchange would devastate food production around the world, accordingt to International Physicians for the Prevention of Nuclear War —- Rare images show Kim Jong-un’s uncle being dragged away Images emerge showing Jang Song-thaek, Kim Jong-un’s uncle, being dragged away by North Korean guards as he is purged —- South Korea warns of North Korea’s ‘reign of terror’ http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-25312983 —- Thai snap election fails to halt protests Thai Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra dissolves parliament and announces elections for early next year, after 150,000 anti-government protesters converge in Bangkok —- Singapore’s prime minister urges calm after city-state’s worst riots since 1964 Lee Hsien Loong calls for citizens not to show animosity towards migrant workers as police arrest 24 Indian citizens over riots http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/dec/09/singapore-prime-minister-riots-calm-migrant-workers TRIVIA QUIZ Today’s question. Which former US President was said for a time to be an FBI informant with the code name T-10? —- Gillian Slovo on Nelson Mandela: ‘He had enormous personal dignity’ – video http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/video/2013/dec/07/gillian-slovo-nelson-mandela-video —- Nelson Mandela in pictures: Memorial service for former South African leader —- The roots of Mandela’s service —- As a black feminist, I see how the wider movement fails women like my mother Fighting Page 3 and online misogyny, while praiseworthy, overshadows the work of black and minority-ethnic groups. Feminism must become feminisms —- Girl in the Shadows: Dasani’s Homeless Life http://www.nytimes.com/projects/2013/invisible-child/ —- Coldest temperature ever recorded on Earth in Antarctica: -94.7C (-135.8F) The reading won’t be featured in the Guinness Book of World Records because it was satellite measured —- Pictures of the day: 9 December 2013 —- Day in pictures: 9 December 2013 http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/in-pictures-25298692 —- 10 photo highlights today We bring you a selection of top photographs from around the world http://www.theguardian.com/news/gallery/2013/dec/09/10-photo-highlights-today » Posted By Kalima On December 10, 2013 @ 1:48 am Hello kes. Just reading about your weather made me shiver and I hope you are staying close to home today. Yes reading about the lack of referrals from GP’s for possible cancer patients made me think that it’s not such a recent thing as my mother was never sent for any tests and was told by her useless doctor that all of her symptoms were related to the start of her menopause. After she died six months later, I swore I would never accept the same from any doctor, and I didn’t. Yes, David Simon’s speech was incredible, and from what the Guardian stated, only a portion of it. The little Syrian girl shot in the head is a walking miracle and the love in this family even through their hardships is a shining example to all of us. It’s not that cold yet here and I can’t remember the last time we had snow for Christmas in Tokyo, but believe it’s over 15 years ago. Take care of yourself and stay warm and cozy. See you soon. » Posted By Kalima On December 9, 2013 @ 1:11 am Good Morning everyone. Have a good Sunday wherever you may be. Take care, be safe, stay warm and comfy or cool and dry. Sayonara from my cold evening corner of Tokyo. Mata ne. Sunday’s Bits & Bobs Team starts probing fault lines under Mihama nuclear plant http://mainichi.jp/english/english/newsselect/news/20131207p2a00m0na012000c.html —- Passage of contentious secrets law ends extra Diet session —- I found this enlightening. Emperor’s apparent liberal leanings jar with Japan’s right wing —- When it encroaches on Japanese airspace, I think they certainly do. China’s parliament: Japan has no right to criticize air defense zone —- Project to age sake on ocean floor gets under way http://mainichi.jp/english/english/newsselect/news/20131208p2a00m0na003000c.html —- PICTURE OF THE DAY Omohara Christmas http://www.japantoday.com/category/picture-of-the-day/view/omohara-christmas Do not let Osborne tell you our troubles have been solved The economy is improving, yes, but our current stability rests on interest rates that cannot last —- Osborne wants to take us back to 1948. Time to look forward instead Plans in the Treasury’s autumn statement to return state spending to 1948 levels will do permanent damage to Britain http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2013/dec/08/george-osborne-spending-cuts —- What good’s a job-rich recovery if the workers stay poor? George Osborne’s answer to the weakness of British wages is to deny that the problem exists http://www.theguardian.com/politics/2013/dec/08/autumn-statement-cost-of-living-crisis-wages —- Iain Duncan Smith’s catalogue of waste and poverty Sneaking out an admission of yet more delays to his grandiose universal credit system comes as no surprise given Iain Duncan Smith’s past record http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2013/dec/07/iain-duncan-smith-waste-poverty —- Shocking!! Half of GPs don’t refer cancer patients urgently, first league tables show Family doctors accused of failing cancer sufferers after first ever GP league tables found more than half not referring such patients to specialists quickly enough —- Disgraceful! MPs’ 11% pay rise set to embarrass party leaders Independent body will announce increase to £74,000 from 2015 despite opposition from Cameron and Miliband http://www.theguardian.com/politics/2013/dec/08/mps-pay-rise-embarrass-party-leaders —- Vive la black market! One in three French people say they have earned undeclared income this year —- Ukraine’s capital braced for fresh wave of protests Sunday is set to be crucial day for president whose closeness to Kremlin has sparked unrest, as huge protest is expected in Kiev http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/dec/07/ukraine-kiev-protest-rally-yanukovych —- Wonkblog: Republicans have Medicaid’s cost problem completely wrong More “skin in the game” won’t make Medicaid better — and will probably make care worse.. —- The Right Wing’s Campaign To Discredit And Undermine Mandela, In One Timeline http://thinkprogress.org/home/2013/12/06/3029871/wing-timeline-mandela/ —- Congressman: ‘I Would Vote To Repeal The Minimum Wage’ http://thinkprogress.org/economy/2013/12/06/3028321/barton-minimum-wage/ —- David Simon: ‘There are now two Americas. My country is a horror show’ The creator of The Wire, David Simon, delivered a coruscating speech about the divide between rich and poor in America, and how capitalism has lost sight of its social compact. This is an edited extract http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/dec/08/david-simon-capitalism-marx-two-americas-wire —- Shameful Profiling of the Mentally Ill America turned back a Canadian who was traveling for a vacation cruise because she had been hospitalized for depression the previous year. —- Mexico: six men suspected of stealing radioactive cargo hospitalised The men are showing signs of ‘critical, close contact’ with radioactive material —- Syrian air strikes ‘kill at least 12’ in rebel-held city of Raqqa Five children and four women reportedly among the dead as seven air strikes hit city in north-east of country http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/dec/07/syrian-air-strikes-city-raqqa —- Syria conflict: Foreign jihadists ‘use Turkey safe houses’ http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-25274886 —- Egyptian judge frees women jailed over protest Egypt court frees 21 women jailed for lengthy terms over a small Islamist protest in Alexandria after an international outcry —- Palestinian boy dies from gunshot, president and family blame Israel President Mahmoud Abbas blames Israel for the ‘cold-blooded assassination’ http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/dec/08/palestinian-dies-president-blame-israel-mahmoud-abbas —- Fishing under fire off the Gaza coast Harassed by Israeli gunboats, Palestinian fishermen are chasing dwindling shoals in the heavily guarded six-mile fishing limit off the Gaza coast. Alex Renton goes aboard to see what it’s like to be a fisherman in some of the world’s most contested waters http://www.theguardian.com/theobserver/2013/dec/08/fishing-under-fire-in-gaza —- Fishing under fire off the Gaza coast – in pictures Dwindling stocks, an exclusion zone and patrolling Israeli gunboats all make life difficult for the fishermen of Gaza. Photographer Gianluca Panella goes aboard for a terrifying experience http://www.theguardian.com/world/gallery/2013/dec/08/gaza-palestinian-territories —- Mass murder in the Middle East is funded by our friends the Saudis World View: Everyone knows where al-Qa’ida gets its money, but while the violence is sectarian, the West does nothing —- Mandela family speak of sadness ahead of ‘unprecedented’ memorial Family vow to uphold values Nelson Mandela was “prepared to die for” while preparations get under way for arrival of heads of state at his rural childhood village of Qunu —- Nelson Mandela funeral: mourners to line Pretoria streets Details of funeral cortege route through capital emerge as world leaders including Barack Obama and Dilma Rousseff prepare to travel to South Africa to pay homage —- ‘Mandela looked his enemy in the eye and held him close’ Mandela’s real contribution to humanity was that he chose peace over war and forgiveness over vengeance, writes South African journalist and author Justice Malala —- Seleka: the militia terrorising Central African Republic’s Christian population As France sends peacekeeping troops into the Central African Republic, no one knows how many have died due to the bullets and machetes of the brutal Seleka militia —- India ruling party faces state election loss Exit polls predict humiliation for Congress, giving nationalist opposition momentum ahead of general elections in May. —- ‘Secret’ Pakistani prisoners appear before Supreme Court http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-25287078 —- Australia celebrates its first gay marriages The Australian Capital Territory passed legislation in October which made it the only jurisdiction in the country to permit gay marriage —- China pulls out of UN process over territorial dispute with Philippines • Move underscores China’s tough geopolitical stance in region http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/dec/06/china-territorial-dispute-philippines —- N Korea film ‘edits out dismissed uncle Jang Song-thaek’ http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-25278734 —- South Korea declares expanded air identification zone in disputed area China last month unilaterally declared an Air Defence Identification Zone (ADIZ) in the East China Sea —- Filipinos struggle to recover from Haiyan Despite millions of dollars in aid, experts say it would take at least three years for typhoon-hit areas to recover. http://www.aljazeera.com/news/asia-pacific/2013/12/filipinos-struggle-recover-from-haiyan-2013128436505160.html Nelson Mandela: Timeline http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-20713377 —- Mandela death: How a prisoner became a legend http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-25256818 —- Nelson Mandela dies: World reacts to death of former South Africa leader —- Nelson Mandela: in his own words The most memorable quotations from former South African president and anti-apartheid hero Nelson Mandela, who has died aged 95 —- What Mandela meant to me: five South African voices From across the rainbow nation, differing attitudes to Nelson Mandela, his legacy and the state of the country he has left behind http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/dec/07/what-nelson-mandela-meant-to-me —- The Syrian girl who cheated death Miraculous story of ten-year-old shot by sniper inspires hope in refugee camp, writes Ruth Sherlock —- Animal photos of the week: 6 December 2013 http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/picturegalleries/earth/10500560/Animal-photos-of-the-week.html —- The week in pictures: 6 December 2013 —- 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 December 8, 2013 @ 1:30 am Hello kes. You are absolutely right of course, no pole dancing or pole vaulting for me or the felines who spend most of the day sleeping anyway. The guys came again and rang my bell to say they were working on it today, so imagine my surprise when 8 hours later I look out of the window and it’s still there. I’ve seen more active protest here since the big earthquake almost three years ago than I have in my whole time living here. People don’t want nuclear power and they don’t want this RW government changing the constitution or signing this secrecy bill in to law. I’m glad to finally see some pushback. I had to read that article about the MI “rape insurance” twice to understand that these crazy buggers were serious. Could they throw even more insult to injury? Well yes, it appears that they want to. Insane! Who are the msm talking about, themselves? They never seem to understand much of anything anyway, and their dulling hypnosis of lies, only works on some of their viewers and thankfully not all of them. I linked to a story about the difference between the “wiring” of male and female brains, and had read somewhere else that the study could not explain exactly where we differed, so a lot of that story was made up stuff, and probably by a man. Grrrr! Well, your trivia answer of “goad” is correct, so well done kes. I see that you might be having snow up there in Ohio, so wrap up warm and stay indoors if you can. Take care, have a peaceful day, and see you soon. » Posted By Kalima On December 5, 2013 @ 11:19 pm Good Morning everyone. The fate of the spare utility post outside of our living room window is unclear. Today the thick cables weighing it down and the eyesore it brings to our sunsets is unchanged, and we now have two poles until they decide to dig up the other one. I’m hoping is will be gone and transported to the lamppost cemetery by Christmas, but who knows. Have a good day wherever you may be. Take care, be safe, stay warm and comfy or cool and dry. Sayonara from my soon to be quiet corner of Tokyo. Mata ne. A few stories and opinions from around the globe. IAEA says Tepco should consider water release —- Japan enacts bill to extend nuclear calamity damages claim period —- Many evacuees still in temp housing —- Thousands form human chain around Diet building to protest state secrets bill http://mainichi.jp/english/english/newsselect/news/20131205p2a00m0na002000c.html —- Biden says China must take steps to reduce tension in region —- 😯 Woman arrested for calling police over 15,000 times in six months —- PICTURE OF THE DAY Bright nights http://www.japantoday.com/category/picture-of-the-day/view/bright-nights INTERNATIONAL NEWS You first Osborne. Work until you’re 70: Chancellor accused of ‘living in fantasy land’ over Autumn Statement pension reforms —- The autumn statement is a political ritual without economic relevance As George Osborne takes centre stage, we should understand his forecast is 1% about the economy and 99% about election politics —- Germany says hundreds of unsolved killings may be linked to neo-Nazi group Authorities to reexamine hundreds of cases over the past two decades they believe may have been committed by a secretive far right organisation —- Three post-Soviet Ukrainian presidents support protests Leonid Kravchuk, Leonid Kuchma and Viktor Yushchenko all come out in support for protests which have hit Ukraine capital Kiev —- Obama throws support to minimum wage movement in economy speech • President: income inequality the ‘defining challenge of our time’ http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/dec/04/obama-support-minimum-wage-inequality-speech —- How President Obama’s Speech Today Explains His Presidency http://thinkprogress.org/politics/2013/12/04/3021611/obama-cap-speech-presidency/ —- The Fake Obamacare Site That Is Trying To Trick Californians —- Democrats’ Latest Campaign for Health Care Law Begins Building on better news about the Affordable Care Act’s website, President Obama and congressional Democrats have put a new strategy into effect, spreading the word about the law’s benefits. —- Usborne in the USA: Raising the minimum wage is the easiest way to help workers Tea Party purists equate the minimum wage with outright socialism —- OMG!! Michigan Lawmakers Considering Abortion Bill That Would Force Women To Buy ‘Rape Insurance’ http://thinkprogress.org/health/2013/12/04/3018691/michigan-lawmakers-rape-insurance-abortion/ —- US cities reversing poverty trend Cities across the Midwest and northeastern region of the US are bucking the trend of growing poverty and crime. —- The Gun Report: December 4, 2013 A day in the life of armed America. —- Former Clinton Aide Joins News Corp. as Communications Chief The aide, Jim Kennedy, worked for both Bill and Hillary Rodham Clinton and for their foundation. —- Mexico: police find radioactive material from stolen truck The truck was stolen on Monday while it was taking cobalt-60 from a hospital in the northern city of Tijuana to a radioactive waste-storage centre —- Britain holds first face-to-face talks with Islamists fighting Assad As secular groups lose control of opposition, western allies reach out to hardliners in hope they can find common cause —- The road from Iraq to Damascus: Iraqis fight to the death to defend Shia shrines – they show less zeal for Assad’s regime —- Hezbollah suffers heaviest blow in years as commander is shot dead in Beirut Shia militia blames Israel for killing Hassan Howlo al-Laqqis, but responsibility is claimed by previously unknown Sunni group http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/dec/04/hezbollah-commander-shot-dead-beirut-shia-israel-sunni —- Constitution referendum gives Egyptians a feeling of deja vu Last year Egyptians were preparing to vote on constitution whose drafting was dominated by Muslim Brotherhood http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/dec/04/constitution-referendum-egyptians-deja-vu —- Egypt police brutality ‘unchecked’ http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-25121936 —- Thousands of Eritreans ‘abducted to Sinai for ransom’ http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-25222336 —- Deadly car bomb at Yemen defence ministry in Sanaa http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-25228729 —- Assad should face war crimes trial, not peace conference, says Qatar A key supporter of Syrian rebels has warned that Assad regime has lost interest in a political solution to civil war —- Shots heard in CAR capital Bangui ahead of UN vote http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-25229061 —- Iran names big oil companies it wants to welcome back Oil minister says contract terms will be offered next year for firms to work in Iran, which has world’s fourth-largest oil reserves http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/dec/04/iran-names-oil-companies-welcome-back —- Hostages freed after daring raid on Iraq mall Brazen attack on Kirkuk mall by gunmen and suicide bombers leaves many dead as violence escalates in Iraq. —- India exit polls predict BJP win Setback for Congress in polls to five states, with BJP and newly formed Aam Admi Party capturing popular imagination. http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2013/12/india-exit-polls-predict-bjp-wins-201312544845193991.html —- Why would North Korea powerbroker fall? http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-25197602 —- Thai king urges mutual support in birthday speech http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-25221607 TRIVIA QUIZ The answer to Tuesday’s question is, George. Nowhere else in the U.S. can there be a city known as George, Washington. 🙂 Today’s question. Which four letter word beginning with G means to make a person react or do something by continuously annoying or upsetting them? —- The day we left Hitler behind: Survivors of the Kindertransport tell their stories —- Chinese mother who defied one-child policy sues over rights for her son Boy is unable to access basic rights like schooling and healthcare because he is not officially registered —- Syria’s refugee children forced into work by poverty and family breakdown – interactive The Syrian refugee crisis is taking a huge toll on children. Of the 2.2 million people who have left Syria since the war began, more than a million of them are under 18. In Jordan, children can be found working in cafes or selling drinks or flowers by the side of the road. Many of them are their family’s sole breadwinner. Photographer Lee Harper travelled to Jordan to speak to some of the children in the capital Amman and border town Irbid —- Marooned at an airport… then what? http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/blogs-magazine-monitor-25183330 —- So my mushy head is ‘hardwired’ for girly things, is it? If this is science, I am Richard Dawkins Why do studies reinforce stereotypes about the male versus female brain, when the truth is that we are not so very different? http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2013/dec/04/richard-dawkins-stereotypes-male-female-brain —- Nicky Crane: The secret double life of a gay neo-Nazi http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-25142557 —- Monthly injection to prevent Alzheimer’s in five years Scientists are hopeful of a breakthrough in dementia within five years – with drugs that could be given to prevent disease —- Scientists sequence oldest human DNA from fossilised leg bone found in Spain —- Pictures of the day: 4 December 2013 —- Day in pictures: 4 December 2013 http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/in-pictures-25216723 —- A lighter look – in pictures A sideways glance, or two, at some of the week’s more entertaining pictures http://www.theguardian.com/world/gallery/2013/dec/04/a-lighter-look-in-pictures —- 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/2013/dec/04/best-pictures-of-the-day-live » Posted By Kalima On December 5, 2013 @ 12:53 am Good Morning everyone. Today is hubby’s day off so I’m rushing this as he wants to watch a film later. Not that we got much rest with all the banging and drilling from the Frankenhaus next door. Amazingly the tribe sleep right through it these days. Have a good day 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. A few stories and opinions from around the globe. Terrorists?? Ishiba softens criticism of bill protesters —- Service marks first anniversary of tunnel collapse —- U.S. deploys newest surveillance aircraft to Japan amid China tensions —- Biden to meet Japan’s leaders amid China tensions http://www.japantoday.com/category/politics/view/biden-to-meet-japans-leaders-amid-china-tensions —- Elderly people’s manners increasingly deplorable http://www.japantoday.com/category/kuchikomi/view/elderly-peoples-manners-increasingly-deplorable —- PICTURE OF THE DAY Colorful dome http://www.japantoday.com/category/picture-of-the-day/view/colorful-dome INTERNATIONAL NEWS The real cost of the economic downturn to Britain’s ‘squeezed middle’ revealed —- Biggest drop in savings for 40 years, Bank of England figures reveal Bank figures show £23 billion taken out of long-term savings in past 12 months, equivalent to £900 for every UK household —- Refuges ‘turn away more than 150 women a day because of budget cuts’ —- 🙄 How about the butcher, the baker and the candlestick maker?? David Cameron takes his ‘cronies’ to China The father-in-law, the neighbour and the footballer: The delegation of more than 100 business leaders accompanying David Cameron to China has led to accusations of cronyism —- Stephen Hawking: NHS is Britain’s finest public service and must be preserved from commercial interests —- A follow up to this horror story. Caesarean case mother denied chance to keep baby in hospital Doctors’ suggestion that baby forcibly removed from mother’s womb by court order should stay in hospital with her was rejected by court —- 30 years on, leader of anti-racism march says France still has work to do As France commemorates the 1983 Marche des Beurs, the country is engaged in a national bout of soul-searching about racism —- Officers kill gunman in Iceland’s first fatal police shooting Unprecedented actions by police shock nation where gun crime is low and most officers don’t carry weapons —- Ukraine protests: it is time to go, opposition leaders tell president Viktor Yanukovych called on to resign by opponents – including Vitali Klitschko – as protesters continue to control parts of Kiev http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/dec/02/ukraine-protests-opposition-president —- New York train travelled 82mph into 30mph curve before derailment • Investigators say it’s too soon to tell if human error to blame http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/dec/02/new-york-train-82mph-into-30mph-curve-derailment —- Cost of Health Care Law Is Seen as Decreasing A slowing trend in health care spending has lowered the law’s price by billions, and future cost controls may save billions more. —- Fast Recovery for Health Care Website But a lot more repair work is needed before victory can be declared. —- Hey Scrooge. grow a pair. Governor Tells Supporters To Forgo Buying Children Presents, Give Money To His Campaign Instead http://thinkprogress.org/politics/2013/12/02/3010341/scott-walker-christmas-present/ —- HA!! GOP Credits Rosa Parks For ‘Ending Racism’ http://thinkprogress.org/justice/2013/12/01/3007041/gop-credits-rosa-parks-ending-racism/ —- How Texas’ Voter ID Law Could Lead To Six Hour Delays On Election Day http://thinkprogress.org/justice/2013/12/02/3007211/texas-voter-law-lead-hour-voting-lines-2016/ —- Underachieving Congress Appears in No Hurry to Change Things Now The House straggled back to the Capitol on Monday night with just two weeks left before its likely entry into the Congressional record book for underachievement. Underachieving Congress Appears in No Hurry to Change Things Now —- Gangs in US capital pushing prostitution The latest business endeavour of Washington DC’s gangs is prostituting girls from impoverished neighbourhoods. —- Huge power cut blacks out much of Venezuela http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-25196223 —- ‘Massive evidence’ implicates Bashar al-Assad in war crimes says UN —- Nearly a century after the Armenian genocide, these people are still being slaughtered in Syria And now, almost unmentioned in the media, their holy places are also being desecrated —- Lebanon army to take control of Tripoli after clashes http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-25195409 —- Egypt unites against jailing of female ‘terrorists’ The sentencing of 21 young women including two 15-year-olds over a Muslim Brotherhood protest has caused alarm even among supporters of the military-backed regime —- Israeli army accused of targeting journalists Foreign Press Association claims troops directly targeted photographers covering unrest at crossing between Jerusalem and Ramallah —- Binyamin Netanyahu’s £1,000 candles add to whiff of extravagance Further details of Israeli prime minister’s spending on luxuries revealed as country suffers under harsh austerity measures http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/dec/02/binyamin-netanyahu-candles-spending-extravagance-israel —- Gaza’s economic misery forces Hamas to abandon celebrations The mounting economic crisis in Gaza has driven the territory’s Hamas rulers to cancel this week’s planned anniversary celebrations —- Central African Republic crisis: Another French intervention? http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-25183377 —- Nigeria crisis: Boko Haram attack Maiduguri airbase http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-25187142 —- Iran sees dramatic rise in HIV infections Health minister says taboo surrounding disease is preventing effective treatment, and 70% do not know they are infected http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/dec/02/iran-rise-hiv —- Oh come on. Taliban urge Afghan president Hamid Karzai to reject US security deal Taliban offer Karzai rare support but say ‘the decision of Afghan nation is clear: they don’t want any occupier in our homeland’ http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/dec/02/taliban-hamid-karzai-us-security-deal —- US calls on China to rescind air defence zone to avoid Japan confrontation • Request made hours after US vice-president arrives in Tokyo http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/dec/02/us-china-rescind-air-defence-zone-confrontation-japan —- Hong Kong confirms first case of H7N9 bird flu http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-china-25181387 —- North Korea powerbroker ‘dismissed’ http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-25197281#%22 —- Thailand: government orders police to stand down Clashes between the two sides have left at least three people dead and more than 220 people injured http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/thailand/10490226/Thailand-government-orders-police-to-stand-down.html TRIVIA QUIZ Today’s question. What unique name honouring America’s first president was given to a tiny city in Washington State? —- Why does the world ignore violence against Arab women in public spaces? Anti-violence 16-day campaign overlooks lax security that leaves women at risk from militias and police unable to protect them —- Tibetan immolations: Desperation as world looks away http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-china-25195006 —- Why many Afghans opt for Taliban justice http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-24628136 —- What was on Obama’s mind as he sat on the Rosa Parks bus? The US president was accused of narcissism when he posted this photograph on Twitter to mark the 58th anniversary of Parks’s protest. But was he meditating on her example – and, perhaps, on enduring racial inequalities in the US? —- The heart of Pope Francis’s mission by E.J. Dionne —- The hardwired difference between male and female brains could explain why men are ‘better at map reading’ —- New York mugger apologises to victim 35 years later after stumbling upon his name on Facebook —- 600 words!. 😆 Good Tidings and Great Joy: Protecting the Heart of Christmas by Sarah Palin – digested read John Crace reduces the trigger-happy former Alaskan governor’s Christmas musings to a rootin’-tootin’ 600 words http://www.theguardian.com/books/2013/dec/02/good-tidings-sarah-palin-digested —- Why are we more scared of raw egg than reheated rice? http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-25154046 —- Pictures of the day: 2 December 2013 —- Day in pictures: 2 December 2013 http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/in-pictures-25187399 —- 10 photo highlights today The Guardian’s picture editor brings you a selection of top photographs from around the world http://www.theguardian.com/news/gallery/2013/dec/02/10-photo-highlights-today » Posted By Kalima On December 3, 2013 @ 12:36 am Hi kes, thanks for popping in as I know you have been busy. My jaw dropped on the floor reading about the poor Italian woman being robbed of her baby straight from the womb, it’s something you are not prepared to read about. The family absolutely should push for criminal charges, and the court’s decision needs to be questioned and investigated fully. Horrific! “Botox” Putin certainly does have a “Czar” complex, he’s been building castles for himself with Russian taxpayers money, but the problem is that only he and a handful of other thugs see it that way, and your average Russian can’t stand him. He’s a typical bully, just what you expect from a fraudulent election; a dictatorship. His continuing midlife crisis is on the world stage for everyone to see, and no Putin, bad manners does not maketh the man or add to his power cache. Yes, I let out a loud yelp on reading that many of the glitches at the Healthcare.gov site have been fixed. Now what will the Repubs have to complain about? Benghazi? Have a good day and take care. See you soon. » Posted By Kalima On December 2, 2013 @ 12:06 am Good Morning everyone and welcome to the 1st of December. Hope most of you are well on the way to recovery after your Thanksgiving celebrations by now, and if not, you have another whole day to try to get back to normal. Have a good Sunday wherever you may be. Take care, be safe, stay warm and comfy or cool and dry. Sayonara from my cold evening corner of Tokyo. I’m a bit early today as I have a date with my sister on Skype tonight. Mata ne. Sunday’s Bits & Bobs It’s a good job that the Chinese are so trustworthy. 🙄 No Chinese jets scrambled: Japan http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2013/11/30/national/no-chinese-jets-scrambled-japan/#.UprNTaVMIfE —- Newspapers across Japan blast state secrecy bill in editorials http://mainichi.jp/english/english/newsselect/news/20131130p2g00m0dm023000c.html —- Autumn escape in the home of the Heike clan —- PICTURE OF THE DAY Autumn blaze http://www.japantoday.com/category/picture-of-the-day/view/autumn-blaze Good Lord! Woman has child taken from her womb by social services Exclusive: Essex social services have obtained a court order against a woman that allowed her to be forcibly sedated and for her child to be taken from her womb by caesarean section —- Benefits overhaul: the system is unfair and cruel Iain Duncan Smith is fooling himself if he thinks companies will choose to employ sick and disabled people http://www.theguardian.com/theobserver/2013/dec/01/the-big-issue-sickness-benefits —- Let no one be fooled: this is not the triumph of austerity, Mr Osborne He won’t admit it in his autumn statement, but the lift in the economy owes little to his avowed strategy http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2013/nov/30/george-osborne-autumn-statement-economy —- The U-turning Tories are making their lack of conviction obvious Not knowing what they believe on payday loans and plain cigarette packaging makes for messy messaging from the Conservative Party —- Blair tells Murdoch: God told me to visit Wendi But Rupey’s having none of it, while this week in politics David Cameron is revisited by Raisa the ex-police horse and George Osborne worries about why no one noticed the problems with Paul Flowers http://www.theguardian.com/politics/2013/nov/27/blair-murdoch-god-visit-wendi —- Glasgow helicopter crash: search for survivors amid the rubble continues Emergency services hunt for survivors inside Glasgow pub after helicopter crash leaves eight dead and scores injured —- Republicans in Northern Ireland look to Taliban for weapons —- French MPs back bill to outlaw the buying of sex French parliament adopts new provision that would make the buying of sex acts punishable by heavy fines in a move opponents claim may drive the sex trade underground and place vulnerable women in greater danger —- Croatia holds referendum on same-sex marriage ban http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-25172778 —- Locals count toxic cost of Sochi Games: Builders are dumping waste, polluting rivers and cutting off villages ahead of Winter Olympics —- Ukrainian riot police break-up pro-EU protest in Kiev Ukrainian leaders have pleaded for an end to violence after riot police in the capital, Kiev, forcefully dispersed hundreds of protesters using truncheons and baton rounds —- Metro train derails in New York City A Metro-North passenger train derails in New York City, and a number of injuries are reported. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-25176496 —- Iran deal: salute the power of patient diplomacy The engagement with Iran confirms a seriousness about negotiation long absent that could furnish a key for Syrian peace talks http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2013/dec/01/observer-editorial-iran-deal-diplomatic-triumph —- Obamas hand out meals at food bank for Thanksgiving – video http://www.theguardian.com/world/video/2013/nov/28/obamas-food-bank-thanksgiving-video —- Science Textbooks Across the Country Will Teach Real Science Because of A Decision In Texas http://thinkprogress.org/climate/2013/11/29/2986031/texas-textbooks-science-approved/ —- Ohio Is Trying To ‘Suppress The Voting Rights Of African Americans,’ Congresswoman Claims —- Voter ID Gets Another Day in Court Plaintiffs challenging a Wisconsin law offer strong evidence of racially discriminatory effects. —- Syria dispatch: from band of brothers to princes of war The Free Syrian Army began as a simple group of fighters battling Assad. But Ruth Sherlock, in Antakya, finds their mission is now making millions from bribery and extortion —- In pictures: Arriving at Zaatari refugee camp With more than 120,000 people, Zaatari is the biggest camp for Syrian refugees fleeing civil war. —- Leading Egypt opposition activist ‘hands himself in’ Ahmad Maher, a symbol of the popular uprising that ousted autocrat Hosni Mubarak in 2011, has turned himself in to the authorities after an order was issued for his arrest for defying a new law restricting demonstrations —- Protests outside Qatari embassy in Cairo Qatari and Turkish flags burned in first demonstration apparently permitted after introduction of strict protest law. —- Protests rage over Bedouin resettlement plans in Israel Bedouin Arabs in Isreal’s southern Negev desert protest against bill that would see them moved in to government-recognised villages, with injuries and arrests in clashes —- Mozambique Airlines plane crash kills all on board Plane carrying 33 people crashes in remote Namibian national park near border with Angola http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/nov/30/mozambique-airlines-plane-crash-kills-all-namibia —- Iran’s president says hardliners blocking release of political prisoners Iran’s new president, Hassan Rouhani, has accused hardliners of blocking the release of key opposition leaders jailed after the country’s crackdown on anti-regime protests in 2009 —- 11 killed, 34 injured in Nepal bus accident http://www.theguardian.com/world/feedarticle/11090366 —- Militants kill 3 security troops in NW Pakistan http://www.theguardian.com/world/feedarticle/11090363 —- US calls for ‘immediate release’ of 85-year-old tourist held in North Korea US government urges Pyongyang to grant Merrill Newman ‘amnesty’ so he can return to his family after he was detained for what the North Koreans termed ‘hostile acts’ —- Thai troops deployed amid Bangkok protests http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-25173348 World Aids Day 2013: The war on the epidemic is being won, but discrimination against sufferers is still rife —- In pictures: Early years of Palestinian refugees http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-25152983 —- Not any different from Iran and their “fashion police”. Demeaning women and their rights as human beings is a shared religious malfunction it seems. Inside Jerusalem’s ‘secret’ ultra-Orthodox beauty salon http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-25121103 —- Russia: Why is Putin always late? Vladimir Putin’s legendary lateness is back in the spotlight after he kept the Pope waiting. What lies behind his tardiness? http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/blogs-news-from-elsewhere-25136476 —- Rosie Holtom’s portraits of homeless people Photographs of homeless people often paint a familiar, gritty picture, but these portraits by Rosie Holtom break that mould. An animator by day, Holtom has volunteered at Shelter from the Storm, a night shelter in north London, for four years and photographs the residents to challenge preconceptions of homelessness. “There is a huge disconnect between the interesting people at the shelter and the ‘misery’ photography I constantly see depicting homelessness,” she explains. “It’s time more positive imagery mobilised people to help.” Certainly, in asking the subjects in her photos to pose and dress “exactly as they would want to be seen,” it emphasises that homelessness could happen to any of us. “People assume all homeless people are drunks or addicts but the reality is very different,” says Holtom, and residents’ stories of being kicked out by unscrupulous landlords illustrate this point —- Do elephants grieve like people do? http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-25112110 —- Animal photos of the week: 29 November 2013 http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/picturegalleries/earth/10483700/Animal-photos-of-the-week.html —- The week in pictures: 29 November 2013 —- Week in pictures: 23-29 November 2013 http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/in-pictures-25151613 —- 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/2013/nov/30/observer-20-photographs-of-the-week » Posted By Kalima On November 30, 2013 @ 11:53 pm Hello kes. I can only hope that your car is fixed soon, I know how much you depend on it. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving with your family and I’ll be back here with updates on Friday. Take care and don’t forget to take a break to put your feet up after all the preparations. The answer to the trivia question is, up to 140. In 1902, renovations were made and a staircase was removed, as before that the room could only seat 40. I’m going to give you this one because it says “up to 140”, and who is to say that it’s always a full house? 😉 See you soon. » Posted By Kalima On November 27, 2013 @ 1:42 am Good Morning everyone. I know that most of you in the U.S. are preparing for your Thanksgiving Day, so in case I don’t see you before Thursday, Happy Thanksgiving and have a wonderful day with family and friends. 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. IAEA starts review at Fukushima http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2013/11/25/national/iaea-starts-review-at-fukushima-2/#.UpREtaVMIfE —- Tokyo cries foul over China’s declaration of air defense zone —- Japan gov’t presses airlines to defy Chinese flight rules http://mainichi.jp/english/english/newsselect/news/20131126p2g00m0dm065000c.html —- Scientist says he can end Japan’s energy woes by turning algae into fuel —- PICTURE OF THE DAY Pine tree visitor http://www.japantoday.com/category/picture-of-the-day/view/pine-tree-visitor INTERNATIONAL NEWS London Underground strike threat looms Union leaders discuss moves for ballot on industrial action on the tube after Boris Johnson unveils plans for 750 job losses http://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2013/nov/26/london-underground-tube-strike-threat-boris-johnson —- In praise of … paying bills by post Charging for paper bills unfairly punishes the elderly. It’s a piece of discrimination that George Osborne should outlaw http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2013/nov/25/in-praise-paper-bills —- LETTERS Older people’s troubles forgotten as focus stays on woes of youth http://www.theguardian.com/society/2013/nov/25/older-people-troubles-forgotten —- Shameful! Energy firm RWE npower axes £4bn UK windfarm amid political uncertainty UK’s green plans dealt blow by shelving of Atlantic Array, which would have powered 1m homes and created thousands of jobs http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2013/nov/26/renewable-energy-rwe-drops-uk-turbine-project —- German Amazon workers strike in long-running dispute over pay Employees at two distribution centres stop work in latest in series of strikes co-ordinated by Verdi union —- Throw him out please. Silvio Berlusconi pleads with Senate not to expel him —- Ukraine police clash with protesters Teargas fired at pro-EU demonstrators, while authorities seek to isolate jailed opposition leader who has declared hunger strike http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/nov/26/ukraine-police-clash-with-protesters —- Obama Signals a Shift From Military Might to Diplomacy The announcements of an interim nuclear deal with Iran and a conference on Syria’s civil war were vivid statements that diplomacy has again become the centerpiece of American foreign policy. —- The last thing the world needs is Congress thwarting historic US-Iran nuclear deal It would be foolish for Congress to jeopardize a good deal with Iran that addresses the most urgent proliferation concerns http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2013/nov/25/us-iran-historic-nuclear-deal-congress —- What You Should Know About The Iran Nuclear Deal : The Two-Way : NPR —- No, Obama’s Iran Deal Was Not a Munich-Style Surrender U.S. and Israeli hawks are rushing to call the interim nuclear agreement a capitulation and Obama another Chamberlain. It’s another sign the doomsayers don’t know their history. —- Obama Crushes the Neocons The agreement signed with Iran on Sunday is a momentous step forward. Yet Republicans will try to subvert the success by playing to their Obama-hating base. http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2013/11/25/obama-crushes-the-neocons.html —- Don’t Dare Call the Health Law ‘Redistribution’ Redistribution is a toxic term at the White House, where it has become a target for Republicans, who have long accused Democrats of seeking “socialized medicine.” —- How Would Boehner Fare Under The GOP’s Obamacare Alternative? http://thinkprogress.org/health/2013/11/25/2992631/boehner-denied-coverage-gop-replacement/ —- Despite Voting Against It, Top Republican Claims He ‘Worked His Entire Career’ For Pay Equity http://thinkprogress.org/economy/2013/11/25/2989681/mcconnell-equal-pay/ —- Syrian foes to attend Geneva peace talks in January Government and opposition representatives will meet for first time to discuss peaceful transition, UN announces http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/nov/25/syria-geneva-peace-talks-january-un —- Syria’s children bear brunt of violence A new report shows that more than 11,000 children have been killed in the Syrian conflict. —- Suicide attack in Beirut: Tragedy is spreading from Iran’s western border to the Mediterranean The suicide attack in Beirut last week was unusual in several respects, not least that the target was the Iranian embassy —- Big mistake. Egypt’s interim president issues strict law restricting protests In regulations even more restrictive than under the rule of Hosni Mubarak, Egypt’s interim president issues a law requiring notice for any gathering of more than 10 people —- Jihadists attack Libyan forces in Benghazi Gun-battles rage on the streets of Libya’s second city Benghazi as the government’s security forces continued attempts to drive back the militias that dominate much of the country —- Central African Republic ‘descending into chaos’ – UN http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-25095471 —- Iran nuclear deal changes Middle East alliances as Saudi Arabia rebels against US Saudi Arabia threatens to reappraise its entire foreign policy after America’s nuclear deal with Iran —- Iran’s oil industry receives lifeline from nuclear agreement Iran’s oil industry to benefit from the nuclear agreement, despite US insisting ‘core sanctions’ will stay ‘firmly in place’ —- IRANBLOG Geneva was hardly a ‘win’ for Tehran Comment: Tehran did not get the upper hand in Geneva and it is hard to detect the ‘win- win’ situation President Rouhani has spoken of on so many occasions http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/nov/25/geneva-hardly-win-win-for-iran —- Iraq violence: Deadly blasts hit Baghdad and Mosul http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-25095796 —- Mumbai 26/11: five years on, city still feels scars of devastating terrorist attack 26/11 attack on Mumbai has left its mark on the city – not only with armoured vehicles patrolling tourist hot spots – but also on the psyche of India’s “city of dreams” —- Pakistan protesters block Nato supply route http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-25099473 —- This would be outrageous, and Karzai has done little to change any laws concerning women’s rights. This can’t be allowed to happen. Afghanistan ‘plans to reintroduce public stoning as punishment for adultery’ Human Rights Watch calls on international donors to withhold funds if government presses ahead with controversial new law to bring back stoning —- Why China air zone raises risk http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-25086345 —- Arrests over China oil explosion Nine detained after Sinopec pipeline leak and blast in Qingdao city killed at least 55 people and injured many more http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/nov/26/arrests-over-china-oil-explosion —- Thailand: Long shadow of the ‘Thaksin regime’ prompts new protests and crackdowns in Bangkok http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/asia/thailand-long-shadow-of-the-thaksin-regime-prompts-new-protests-and-crackdowns-in-bangkok-8963145.html TRIVIA QUIZ Today’s question. How many guests can be served in the White House’s state dining room? HINT: More than 120 and less than 150. —- Very raw and touching. Heartbreak in Mongolia: a mother’s story When Ariel Levy, a writer for the New Yorker, published this hugely affecting story about her journey to Mongolia while five months pregnant, it caused a sensation online. Here we publish it again… http://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2013/nov/24/heartbreak-in-mongolia-mother-birth-ariel-levy —- Roger Casement: How did a hero come to be considered a traitor? http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-25017936 —- Secret diary from a labour camp http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/blogs-china-blog-25084094 —- Here’s why Wall Street has a hard time being ethical A new report finds 53% of financial services executives say that adhering to ethical standards inhibits career progression at their firm. A former Wall Street trader describes why http://www.theguardian.com/business/2013/nov/25/wall-street-hard-time-ethical —- Fox News Chastises People For Giving To The Homeless: ‘You’re An Enabler’ http://thinkprogress.org/economy/2013/11/21/2977711/john-stossel-poor-people/ —- Strange Fruit: A protest song with enduring relevance http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-25034438 —- Crowdsourcing dreams: Are they the same around the world? http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-25061657 —- I hate zoos but the pictures are as beautiful as they are sad. Out of the Wild: Zoo Portraits by Boza Ivanovic —- Pictures of the day: 25 November 2013 —- Day in pictures: 25 November 2013 http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/in-pictures-25087283 —- 10 photo highlights today The picture editor of the Guardian brings you a selection of top photographs from around the world http://www.theguardian.com/news/gallery/2013/nov/25/10-photo-highlights-today » Posted By Kalima On November 26, 2013 @ 1:57 am Hi kes. Happy that you are happy and you can never have too many mugs. I’ve had to reorder twice since I started using them years ago. One cracked during our 2011 earthquake when I went flying against the fridge door during the first few days of powerful aftershocks, and the other flew out of my hand into the sink of my too small kitchen before we built our new house. Both times it was only the handles that were damaged. Put your broomstick in the cupboard, when you come over here for tea, you will travel on a plane like everyone else. 🙂 See you soon MB mug winner! » Posted By Kalima On November 25, 2013 @ 4:12 pm Good Morning everyone. As promised the results of the MB mug quiz. The answer to the question “What has to happen before you can paint in the other eye”? was; when you reach your goal. We have a winner, kes, and because she was the only one to answer, I give her one mug for effort, and one mug for getting the question right. Well done kes, we will be in touch about your choice of colours and size. Thanks for giving it a go and congratulations! Will be back in the morning with some updates. Hope to see you all then. » Posted By Kalima On November 25, 2013 @ 1:57 am Good Morning everyone. Today, maybe we should all give thanks that clearer heads are taking the first steps to world peace rather than its destruction, and for all those jaded, has-been warmongers, who think that the Geneva pact is no big deal, it is a “f@#$ing big deal”. Wars are too easy to plan for those who don’t have to fight in them, but striving for peace is courageous and meaningful when swimming upstream in the path of the noisy naysayers. Hats off to all involved, and jeers for those who won’t be satisfied until more young people die for abject causes that bring no victors or reasoning. Six months to see if Iran complies with the conditions is a small price to pay for world peace. No more wars! Have a good Sunday wherever you may be. Take care, be safe, stay warm and comfy or cool and dry. Sayonara from my cool evening corner of Tokyo. See you tomorrow with the answer to the MB Mug Quiz. Mata ashita ne. THE IRAN INTERIM PACT-A WORLD VIEW Iran nuclear deal: President Barack Obama’s statement in full President Barack Obama’s statement on the interim nuclear deal reached with Iran, as provided by the White House —- A Step, if Modest, Toward Slowing Iran’s Weapons Capability The interim deal brings the Obama administration a step closer to its ultimate goal: lengthening the time it takes Iran to build a weapon. —- Iran nuclear deal complete after days of talks, ministers confirm European Union and Iran announce deal has been done in the early hours of the morning in Geneva http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/nov/24/iran-nuclear-deal-completed-foreign-ministers —- Iran nuclear deal http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-25075776 —- Iran nuclear deal agreed at Geneva talks Iran and six world powers reach agreement on curbing Iranian nuclear programme in exchange for limited sanctions relief after talks stretch past midnight and in to fifth day of negotiations —- Diplomats strike deal in Iran talks Diplomats say an interim agreement has been reached in Geneva regarding Iran’s nuclear programme. —- 🙄 Iran nuclear deal: Israel labels agreement Teran’s ‘greatest diplomatic victory’ Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office claims nuclear deal between world powers and Iran is a victory for Teran and a bad agreement for the region http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/israel/10470760/Iran-nuclear-deal-Israel-labels-agreement-Terans-greatest-diplomatic-victory.html Gettysburg: How Lincoln’s speech lived on http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-25038046 —- Uganda: no country for gay men Briton Bernard Randall and his partner Albert Cheptoyek could be jailed for being homosexual, the latest victims of church-encouraged homophobia http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/nov/23/uganda-no-country-gay-men —- Yes, we do need to change the age of consent. To 35. Only then are people ready to have sex The first pleasure of bodily love isn’t penetration – it’s disobedience —- No Phones on My Plane, Please If flying weren’t uncomfortable enough, the F.C.C. is re-examining the ban on cellphone use. —- The pie life: Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall’s pie recipes The key to a great pie is to lavish a bit of love on the filling; the crust is a crowning glory, not a place to hide http://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2013/nov/22/pie-recipes-steak-fish-apple —- Animal photos of the week: 22 November 2013 http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/picturegalleries/earth/10467624/Animal-photos-of-the-week.html —- The week in pictures: 22 November 2013 —- Week in pictures: 16-22 November 2013 http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/in-pictures-25049680 —- 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/2013/nov/23/photography-philippines » Posted By Kalima On November 24, 2013 @ 1:14 am As promised, here is the question for the MB mug quiz, and you have until the end of the weekend to leave your answer. Morning Blog mugs to the first three correct answers. Good Luck and no peeking. 🙂 [img]https://planetpov.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/IMG_0770.jpg[/img] Japanese traditional Daruma dolls are a centuries-old tradition. Question. You paint in the first eye to signify commitment to something. What has to happen before you can paint in the other eye? » Posted By Kalima On November 21, 2013 @ 11:15 pm Hello kes and thank you for sticking with me here through thick and thin, disasters, personal loss, house building and your own personal struggle this year. I think your msm were only reporting when they thought a non existing island of debris was heading your way over the Pacific. It was established recently that there isn’t one but they had to cause a panic, it’s part of their job description. What is happening now is “a big f#$%-ing deal”, one mistake could put us all in danger on this island. There is an alarming story today about taxpayers paying more for aid but charities getting less. To steal from aid money going to people in need is unforgivable. The Tories won’t admit to any problems with their policies, and I imagine that half the time, Cameron is out of the loop and gets his news about things happening in the government from the tv. He always seems so flustered and detached about everything and it looks as if he doesn’t care enough to check the obvious facts. Useless! McDonald’s and Walmart are a disgrace and should time travel back to the era of Dickens, they would fit right in. That was a great story about the engineer wasn’t it, and that his idea helped to save others was the bonus. Yes, Kim Il-sung and his son must be shoveling coal in that hot place, and the rate his grandson is going, he’s going there too. A family reunion couldn’t happen to a more worthy family. Take care, have a peaceful day, and see you soon. » Posted By Kalima On November 21, 2013 @ 2:12 am Good Morning everyone. Rat-tat-tat. Bang! Bang! Bang! Clonk! Clonk! Clonk! No I’m not composing a symphony in my LR, that is the noise of the construction next door from 8 in the morning until 6 at night. I’ve tried ear stoppers but at some point they fly out like rubber bullets. I’ve tried ear muffs but don’t hear the bell or the phone, so my only option is to sneak in an hour’s rest when they have their lunch break. Hubby was over there this morning asking them to please construct the walls facing our house first so that the noise will be muffled. I haven’t heard back yet. Grrrr! I’ll leave the MB mug question here on your Friday and give you the weekend to think about it. Good luck! Have a good day wherever you may be. Take care, be safe, stay warm and comfy or cool and dry. Sayonara from crazy corner of Tokyo. Mata ne. A few stories and opinions from around the globe. TEPCO transfers 1st batch of fuel rods from Fukushima No. 4 spent fuel pool http://mainichi.jp/english/english/newsselect/news/20131121p2g00m0dm078000c.html —- No volunteers so government looks to pick, push radioactive waste disposal sites —- Reactors 5, 6 to be test units for scrapping plant —- Top court says 2012 election unconstitutional, but not invalid —- Scary after all of the earthquakes we have experienced lately. Volcanic eruption occurs around uninhabited island south of Tokyo http://mainichi.jp/english/english/newsselect/news/20131121p2g00m0dm030000c.html —- PICTURE OF THE DAY NO THANKS!! 😯 Jump in my car http://www.japantoday.com/category/picture-of-the-day/view/jump-in-my-car-5 INTERNATIONAL NEWS Gift Aid giveaway is costing the taxpayer £940m —- “Green crap”? Saving the planet for future generations is “green crap” to this moron? No 10 pours cold water on claim David Cameron wants to ‘get rid of green crap’ Downing Street says it does not recognise phrase attributed to PM, and says he is not ditching commitment to environment http://www.theguardian.com/politics/2013/nov/21/no-10-cold-water-david-cameron-green-crap —- Busy wasting taxpayers money again while making profits for investors with sub-standard education for the children, Gove? Michael Gove to appoint new regulators to oversee free schools and academies ‘Chancellors’ to run eight English education regions in system which echoes model of school governance in US http://www.theguardian.com/politics/2013/nov/20/michael-gove-regulators-free-schools —- Phone-hacking trial told of secrecy at News of the World Executive PA describes how reporters from investigative unit would leave the room or go to roof to hold conversations http://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2013/nov/20/phone-hacking-trial-secrecy-news-of-the-world —- Medicalisation of misery to blame for soaring use of antidepressants, say GPs Doctors across Europe warn limited time and resources leads many to prescribe pills for less-urgent cases of depression http://www.theguardian.com/society/2013/nov/21/prescribing-culture-blame-rise-antidepressants —- Paris gunman: French police match arrested suspect’s DNA to crime scenes DNA of shooting suspect Abdelhakim Dekhar matched with genetic prints found on the shotgun cartridges the gunman used in critically injuring a photographer in Paris as police manhunt comes to an end —- Malala Yousafzai gets EU’s Sakharov human rights prize http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-25014916 —- The President and First Lady look so young and vibrant standing next to the Clintons. Obama and Clinton families lay wreath at JFK gravesite Day-long tribute to JFK began at White House, where Obama bestowed the Presidential Medal of Freedom on prominent Americans http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/nov/20/obama-clinton-jfk-wreath-grave —- Texas Women and Abortion Rights In an alarming ruling, the Supreme Court turned away an emergency application to block a new law that impedes access to safe and legal abortion care in the state. —- A History Of Republican Excuses For Procrastinating On Immigration Reform —- Scott Walker’s Plan For Replacing Obamacare: Listen To The Group That Developed It —- Lord these people are stupid and boring. G.O.P. Maps Out Waves of Attacks Over Health Law Republican strategists say they intend to keep Democrats on their heels through a multilayered, sequenced assault on President Obama’s signature legislation. —- Why Gus Deeds Wasn’t Hospitalized Why couldn’t they find a psych bed anywhere in southwestern Virginia for Gus Deeds? http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2013/11/20/why-gus-deeds-wasn-t-hospitalized.html —- Giving thanks for what, exactly? As America celebrates with turkey and pumpkin pie, Walmart employees donate food to colleagues who cannot afford a Thanksgiving dinner —- How Bush Let Iran Go Nuclear It is George W. Bush, not President Obama, who is to blame for our dire situation with Iran. —- Syria rebels launch string of suicide attacks Four bombings in Qalamoun area kill at least seven Syrian army soldiers, day after regime took nearby strategic village. —- Poor fish and marine life. Syria’s chemical weapons could be destroyed at sea Reluctance of countries to host destruction of Syrian chemical weapons stockpile has lead to an unusual suggestion of destroying it on a floating rig or a boat —- Doomed before they started. After a monster like Assad, who would support a barbaric and murderous terrorist group? Al-Qaeda’s battle for hearts and minds in Syria Al-Qaeda spreads its gospel in market places and mosques in Syria as it steps up bid to turn country into new caliphate —- Paranoid racists much? Israel to stop issuing birth certificates to babies born to foreigners Israel says it is not obliged to issue documentation and wants to stop foreigners using birth certificates to stay in country http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/nov/20/israel-birth-certificates-foreigners —- CAR president ‘has negotiated with Joseph Kony’ Joseph Kony, leader of the Lord’s Resistance Army, has been in contact with Michel Djotodia of the Central African Republic, says UN envoy —- So wrong on every level. Somalia arrests woman over rape allegations Woman who says she was raped is held along with journalist who interviewed her, according to a government official. —- Omens good for Iran nuclear deal at second bite Foreign ministers ready to fly to Geneva as diplomats make further progress on draft agreement over uranium enrichment http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/nov/21/iran-nuclear-talks-geneva-progress —- Afghan refugees in Iran face harassment, report finds Families split up, children abused and adults forced to work without pay, says Human Rights Watch http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/nov/20/afghan-refugees-iran-face-harassment-report —- US drone strike kills six people outside Pakistan’s tribal region At least two Afghan militants among those killed, according to Pakistani officials, as missiles from suspected US drone strike hit an Islamic seminary in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province —- Loya Jirga debates US-Afghan security deal http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-25028267 —- Poor air quality costs Chinese province dear Reliance on coal energy blamed by many for Shanxi’s high congenital-defects rate, which is six times national average. —- Who visits N. Korea as a tourist? No word from captive as North Korea detain 85-year-old American tourist Family of Korean War veteran have heard nothing from Merrill Newman in the three weeks since he was held in North Korea http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/northkorea/10464229/No-word-from-captive-as-North-Korea-detain-85-year-old-American-tourist.html JFK in art: all the president’s pictures The night before he died, President Kennedy and his wife slept in a suite that had been turned into their own private art show. Fifty years on, the exhibition has been recreated. Charles Darwent on how America is reliving the assassination through art http://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2013/nov/20/jfk-art-president-pictures —- Where I was when JFK was shot http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-24915258 —- Just 90 companies caused two-thirds of man-made global warming emissions Chevron, Exxon and BP among companies most responsible for climate change since dawn of industrial age, figures show —- When will we acknowledge that asylum seekers are human beings? Isa Muazu is dying on hunger strike. A court’s ruling that he must stay in custody is part of a grotesque, hardening political approach —- The British are actively hostile towards young people Politicians worry about the youth vote, but the catastrophe is that we have disempowered a whole generation http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2013/nov/20/british-hostile-young-people-politicians-vote —- Does doing yoga make you a Hindu? http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-25006926 —- Rome ancient frescoes reignite debate over women priests http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-25021623 —- Must be Republicans because they thought no one would notice. 🙂 Wikipedia names Texas PR firm over false manipulation of site entries —- I’ve always been quite nutty (don’t be cheeky), and have them in the house throughout the year. Wouldn’t be Christmas without unshelled nuts on the table. Nuts linked to lower death risk A handful of nuts every day could reduce the risk of dying from conditions including heart disease and cancer http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/healthnews/10463318/Nuts-linked-to-lower-death-risk.html —- Jack Monroe’s chickpea and chorizo burger recipe Splash out on some chorizo to make these smoky, spicy burgers – a little goes a long way http://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2013/nov/20/jack-monroe-chickpea-chorizo-burger-recipe —- Pictures of the day: 20 November 2013 —- Day in pictures: 20 November 2013 http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/in-pictures-25015149 —- 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/2013/nov/20/best-pictures-of-the-day-live » Posted By Kalima On November 21, 2013 @ 1:49 am Hi AdLib. Now that’s what I call an MB cake, did you spend the whole morning in the kitchen? Thank you also for your kind words of support, I will try my very best to continue with pay walls and all. Where there’s a will, there’s way. Now I had better make a mug of something, get a plate, knife and dessert fork, and get stuck into that fancy cake of your’s. Care to join me? » Posted By Kalima On November 20, 2013 @ 4:00 pm No, thank you kes for always being here and finding the good bits even after your own frightening health crisis this year. You are my rock and I aim to continue what I started. Hugs in Morning Blog mugs. Love the balloons by the way. 🙂 » Posted By Kalima On November 20, 2013 @ 3:52 pm Good Morning everyone and thank you to everyone who has read and commented here in the last four years since I started it on the 20th November 2009. I couldn’t have done it without you! Usually I have a question and the members with the right answer get a MB mug, but due to a bit of mad rushing about, I don’t have one handy right now and will promise to post one before the weekend. I’ve tried to explain my dilemma since last year when the NYT blocked me from reading any further articles unless I subscribed to their digital package. I usually do my updates on my Mac but had no other choice than to subscribe monthly. Then it was the British Telegraph, The Washington Post, and the list just grew bigger, so I had to take a step back to see where I was going and if I could sustain it. I can, but just not every day. I ask for your understanding and will try my best to bring you the news and the human interest stories that some of you have told me you like. Let’s see how this goes, and thank you once again. Have a good day wherever you may be. Take care, be safe, stay warm and comfy or cool and dry. Sayonara from my late afternoon corner of Tokyo. Mata ne. A few stories and opinions from around the globe. Tepco gives first glimpse of Fukushima fuel rod removal —- Fukushima job feared too perilous for Tepco —- TEPCO to ‘scrap’ 2 Fukushima reactors that avoided meltdowns http://mainichi.jp/english/english/newsselect/news/20131120p2g00m0dm074000c.html —- In Pictures: U.S. Ambassador Caroline Kennedy’s visit to the Imperial Palace http://mainichi.jp/english/english/newsselect/news/20131120p2a00m0na015000c.html —- PICTURE OF THE DAY Festival of light http://www.japantoday.com/category/picture-of-the-day/view/festival-of-light INTERNATIONAL NEWS Britain’s homelessness crisis evident in record number of calls to Shelter —- It’s not their money it’s ours, that’s why. Blackwater anyone? £24m G4S fraud claims won’t stop government from outsourcing lucrative new public sector work to company —- 😆 Good luck with that mate.You are the party of the rich tax evaders and couldn’t-care-less politicians. Tory minister Nick Boles: we are still seen as party of rich MP says party must convince potential voters that Conservatives ‘are not aliens from another planet’ http://www.theguardian.com/politics/2013/nov/19/tory-nick-boles-party-of-rich —- Are women more leftwing than men? – video debate http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/video/2013/nov/19/women-more-leftwing-than-men-video-debate —- Paris police continue hunt for gunman who attacked newspaper offices Detectives issue new picture of man suspected of shooting Libération staff member before firing at Société Générale bank http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/nov/19/police-paris-gunman-shooting-liberation —- Huh? Spanish ships could be mistaken for terrorists and shot at, Gibraltar minister warns Gibraltar’s chief minister suggests that shots could be fired if a Spanish ship entering the British territory’s waters is mistaken for ‘terrorists’ —- Norway denies NSA collaboration – but admits to snooping on phone calls Military intelligence chief responds to claims that 33 million Norwegian phone calls had been monitored by the NSA http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/nov/19/norway-nsa-snooping-on-phone-calls —- Russia bails more Greenpeace activists Hopes raised for British detainees as Russian courts continue to grant bail to Greenpeace Activists —- Russia plane crash: Pilot error suspected http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-25005211 —- Obama urges against fresh Iran sanctions http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-25012651 —- Reid Preparing to Move for Limits on Filibuster Fed up with Senate Republicans’ refusal to confirm many of President Obama’s nominees, Harry Reid, the Senate majority leader, has been gauging if there is any support among fellow Democrats to change filibuster rules. —- My jaw just dropped to the floor when I read this. McDonald’s Advice To Underpaid Employees: Sell Your Christmas Presents For Cash —- The Obamacare Cancellation Notices You Haven’t Heard About http://thinkprogress.org/health/2013/11/18/2958401/cancelled-obamacare-policies-talking/ —- Missouri to execute inmate using drugs from secret supplier Lawyers worry unregulated drugs could cause ‘excrutiating pain’ as state moves to circumvent EU boycott on execution drugs http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/nov/19/missouri-execute-inmate-death-penalty-boycott —- White supremacist Craig Cobb arrested White supremacist Craig Cobb is arrested and charged with terrorising the tiny town of Leith, North Dakota —- Time to get this “ticking time bomb” off the streets before he murders someone else. Zimmerman tried to choke girlfriend a week before latest arrest, court hears George Zimmerman, 30, released on bail after being arrested Monday on charges of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/nov/19/george-zimmerman-choke-girlfriend-court —- Dangerous and what is the difference between this and a dictatorship? Not much. Venezuela’s Congress grants Nicolas Maduro power to rule by decree Decree powers will strengthen the embattled leader’s hand as he goes after businesses the government accuses of sabotaging Latin America’s biggest oil economy —- Beirut bomb blasts kill 23: Iranian Embassy is the target in a widening war between Shia and Sunni —- Egyptian troops killed in car bomb attack on bus At least 10 off-duty soldiers killed and 20 injured in blast near northern Sinai city of el-Arish http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/nov/20/egyptian-troops-killed-car-bomb-attack —- Egypt unrest: Rival groups mark anniversary of clashes http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-25001073 —- Bahrain opposition leadership ‘systematically targeted’ http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-24999699 —- South Africa building collapse: rescue workers pull survivors from the rubble Rescue workers search for survivors after a building collapses in South Africa, killing one person and injuring dozens more —- Iran minister optimistic over nuclear deal Cameron telephones Iranian president on the eve of talks in Geneva as Iran minister says a deal is possible. —- Iraq violence: Baghdad struck by deadly bomb blasts http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-25013535 —- India ‘missing’ 37 million lavatories, campaigners claim The Indian government claims it has installed 37 million lavatories to improve sanitation, but campaigners say they exist only on paper —- Pakistan bomb: Seven Taliban killed in North Waziristan http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-25009696 —- US and Afghanistan closing in on security deal Agreement would allow US forces to raid Afghan homes in “exceptional circumstances” —- Afghan refugees in Iran face abuse, says HRW http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-25007379 —- Good Lord!! Man in Australia ‘burned friend to death for drinking last four beers’ Darwin man put friend in car boot and doused it in petrol before setting it alight after drinking session row, court told —- And when they couldn’t, he had them shot I suppose. 😯 Kim Il-sung ordered doctors to make him live to 120 Outlandish medical treatments that were concocted for the North Korean leader had a limited effect —- Post-Haiyan rebuilding could cost billions, says Philippine minister Typhoon relief efforts gathering pace with nearly 25,000 personnel deployed, but remote villages still desperate for aid http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/nov/19/typhoon-haiyan-rebuilding-cost-philippines TRIVIA QUIZ The answer was eyes and kes got it right. Well done kes! —- Why are we building new walls to divide us? Using satellite imagery, users’ pictures, video and first-hand testimony, Guardian reporters across the world chart the new walls being built to divide people from their neighbours http://www.theguardian.com/world/ng-interactive/2013/nov/walls#intro —- The engineer who fixed his own heart and others too http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-24524027 —- Inside Scientology’s super power building: welcome to the smell wall The Church of Scientology has unveiled its new ‘super power building’, the first dedicated space for believers to improve their ‘perceptics’. Here’s a quick tour, from the motion quadrant, past the time machine, to the smell wall —- In pictures: The Hidden Mother http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/in-pictures-25000664 —- Pictures of the day: 19 November 2013 —- Day in pictures: 19 November 2013 http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/in-pictures-25000665 —- 10 photo highlights today Each day the picture editor of the Guardian brings you a selection of top photographs from around the world http://www.theguardian.com/news/gallery/2013/nov/19/10-photo-highlights-today » Posted By Kalima On November 20, 2013 @ 2:38 am Funny how they conveniently forget about those 30 million others, isn’t it? Obviously they are not one of them, in fact they probably have their healthcare plans and just enjoy complaining about anything and everything to feel complete. Silly buggers. » Posted By Kalima On November 21, 2013 @ 1:30 am Ok. A whisk broom. 😆 » Posted By Kalima On November 21, 2013 @ 1:24 am I have many spare umbrellas, I could send you some, but you are right, it would be mainly foul smelling hot air and question marks. » Posted By Kalima On November 20, 2013 @ 6:43 pm Good morning agrippa, what I wouldn’t give to be a fly on the wall when the brown stuff hits the fan and they fail again to minimise the man who has kept his word and brought “change” to America. Privately heads will explode. 😀 » Posted By Kalima On November 20, 2013 @ 4:57 amComments Posted By Kalima
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• Judge describes scope of program as ‘Orwellian’
• Ruling relates to collection of Americans’ metadata
• Read the full ruling here
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• Reform push falls victim to secrecy
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• Territorial claims continue to dominate visit by Joe Biden
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1,000 days on, occupancy rate at 85% in three prefectures
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• Jon Henley: an illusion of security from Berlin to the West Bank
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