China Rattles Sabers in East China Sea with military exercises

Chinese Workers the Most Stressed in the World: Regus Research

Obama-Khamenei summit for peace in the works?

Interesting.
http://www.debka.com/article/22457/Obama-Khamenei-summit-would-cap-long-back-channel-dialogue

"Death and Deceit in Benghazi": A breakdown of what happened

International monitors at US polling places draw criticism

It's unfortunate that many Americans aren't patriotic enough themselves to ensure their own elections are fair and that those elected heed the will of the citizenry.
http://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/263141-international-monitors-at-polling-places-draw-criticism-from-voter-fraud-group

Drones were circling above U.S. consulate during Libya attack but officials decided NOT to mount a rescue mission

Defense department officials considered sending troops in to rescue the ambassador and staff, according to CBS News, but ultimately decided not to.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2220153/Christopher-Stevens-Ambassador-pleaded-extra-security-Libya-hours-killed.html

Lebanon on Knife-Edge: Anti-Syrian tensions rise over deadly blast

US Freedom Free Fall

'Govt of billionaires in UK forces 99% to suffer unjust austerity'

Lebanon reeling after deadly Syria-linked blast

Whitney Heichel's Body Found, Man Arrested

United States has one of the worst human rights records in the world, according to a report by Russia's Foreign Ministry

White House Immediately Calls Bombing in Beirut 'Terrorist Attack'

The BBC reports that earlier today "A huge car bomb has killed at least eight people and injured 78 in central Beirut, Lebanese officials say."

Hours later, the White House released a statement condemning the "terrorist attack."

The White House's quick decision to call this bombing a "terrorist attack" shows a marked change after it took the White House weeks to call the 9/11 attack in Benghazi that killed four Americans a "terrorist attack."

http://www.weeklystandard.com/blogs/wh-immediately-calls-bombing-beirut-terrorist-attack_655020.html

New poll: Egyptians turning toward Iran, want nuclear weapons

A poll of Egyptians conducted last month shows that they have increasingly positive views of Iran, believe that both Iran and Egypt should obtain nuclear weapons, and still trust their own military more than any other institution in Egypt.

http://thecable.foreignpolicy.com/posts/2012/10/19/new_poll_egyptians_turning_toward_iran_want_nuclear_weapons?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+foreignpolicy%2Fthecable+%28The+Cable%29

Obama Campaign Borrows $15M from Bank of America...

Obama For America took out a $15 million loan from Bank of America last month, according to the campaign’s October monthly FEC report. The loan was incurred on September 4 and is due November 14, eight days after the election. OFA received an interest rate of 2.5% plus the current Libor rate.

Warren Buffett, Obama donor and namesake of the infamous “Buffett Rule,” invested $5 billion in Bank of America last year in an effort to help the ailing financial institution. Last month, two weeks after OFA took out the loan, Bank of America announced a plan that would lay off 16,000 workers by the end of the year.

http://freebeacon.com/obama-campaign-borrows-15m-from-bank-of-america/

Flicks restaurant E. coli outbreak: 49 cases are confirmed by PHA

The Public Health Agency (PHA) has said there are now 49 confirmed cases of E. coli following an outbreak linked to a north Belfast restaurant.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-20018485

Fawkes Security: WE took down HSBC

UK-based Fawkes Security claimed responsibility for the digital sit-in via a post to Pastebin.

As some of you may be aware HSBC bank suffered several DDoS attacks on the named sites in the past hours us.hsbc.com hsbc.co.uk hsbc.com hsbc.ca they were all brought down by #FawkesSecurity. Before any claim fags attempt to take ownership of this attack, the proof is all in our Twitter account, Targets, time and date :) @FawkesSecurity

http://www.theregister.co.uk/2012/10/19/anon_group_hsbc_ddos/

HSBC cyber attack: Millions affected

HSBC’s websites across the world have been hit by one of the largest cyber attacks to strike a bank in an attack that left millions of customers without access to online services.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/newsbysector/banksandfinance/9621883/Millions-affected-after-cyber-attack-on-HSBC.html

U.S. says death toll rises to 23 in meningitis outbreak

The U.S. death toll from fungal meningitis linked to potentially contaminated steroid injections has risen by two to 23, with North Carolina reporting its first death, health officials said on Saturday.

http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/10/20/us-usa-health-meningitis-idUSBRE89I0UB20121020

Chris Kirkland Attacked: Suspect Identified

Police say they know who allegedly hit Sheffield Wednesday's Chris Kirkland - FA also investigates crowd trouble at Hillsborough.

http://news.sky.com/story/1000099/goalkeeper-attacked-suspect-identified

Lee-Anna Shiers, 20, Skye Allen, 2, and Bailey Allen, 4 Killed in House Fire - police continue questioning two neighbours on suspicion of murder

Lee-Anna Shiers, 20, was killed with niece Skye Allen, two, and nephew Bailey Allen, four, when their first floor flat in Prestatyn, North Wales, was engulfed in flames.

http://news.sky.com/story/1000384/fatal-fire-woman-and-two-children-named

4.7 Magnitude Earthquake TAJIKISTAN - 20th October

Magnitude
4.7
Date-Time
Saturday, October 20, 2012 at 17:31:57 UTC
Saturday, October 20, 2012 at 10:31:57 PM at epicenter
Time of Earthquake in other Time Zones
Location
37.471°N, 69.174°E
Depth
10.4 km (6.5 miles)
Region
TAJIKISTAN
Distances
20 km (12 miles) W of Farkhor, Tajikistan

California feels the bite of austerity Europe

British protesters demand end to "failing" austerity

Tens of thousands of British protesters marched through London on Saturday calling for an end to public spending cuts and tax rises launched by a government they accuse of elitism and ignorance about the plight of recession-hit voters.

http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/10/20/us-britain-unions-march-idUSBRE89J0C220121020

Italian workers rally against job losses, spending cuts

Thousands of Italian trade unionists rallied in central Rome on Saturday to protest against public spending cuts, job losses and factory closures, urging Mario Monti's government to do more to help workers hit by recession.

http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/10/20/us-italy-protest-idUSBRE89J0C020121020

Al Qaeda warns Hollande against French hostage rescue

A leader of al Qaeda's north African wing warned France on Saturday that any attempt to forcibly rescue six French citizens held hostage by the militant group could lead to their death.

http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/10/20/us-france-qaeda-hostages-idUSBRE89J09Z20121020

Twin Iraq blasts kill eight in Baghdad Shi'ite district

Two bombs killed at least eight people and wounded 38 more in a busy market in Baghdad's Kadhimiya District on Saturday, police and hospital sources said, breaking weeks of relative calm.

http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/10/20/us-iraq-violence-bombs-idUSBRE89J0B920121020

Moussa Ibrahim Captured in the town of Tarhouna, 40 miles south of Tripoli.

They are taking him to Tripoli to begin interrogation, Phone call, Lawyer and Fair Trial Excluded

http://news.sky.com/story/1000338/gaddafis-ex-spokesman-moussa-ibrahim-captured

Mass Demonstration in London Against Spending Cuts

Over 100,000 protesters take to the streets in London - as Labour leader Ed Miliband is booed by a small section of the crowd.

http://news.sky.com/story/1000171/mass-demonstration-against-spending-cuts

4.9 Magnitude Earthquake KEPULAUAN MENTAWAI REGION, INDONESIA - 20th October

Magnitude
4.9
Date-Time
Saturday, October 20, 2012 at 16:29:50 UTC
Saturday, October 20, 2012 at 11:29:50 PM at epicenter
Time of Earthquake in other Time Zones
Location
3.546°S, 100.573°E
Depth
35.8 km (22.2 miles)
Region
KEPULAUAN MENTAWAI REGION, INDONESIA
Distances
185 km (114 miles) SSW of Sungaipenuh, Indonesia

4.8 Magnitude Earthquake SOUTH OF PANAMA - 20th October

Magnitude
4.8
Date-Time
Saturday, October 20, 2012 at 10:56:41 UTC
Saturday, October 20, 2012 at 05:56:41 AM at epicenter
Time of Earthquake in other Time Zones
Location
2.649°N, 79.765°W
Depth
10.1 km (6.3 miles)
Region
SOUTH OF PANAMA
Distances
130 km (80 miles) WNW of Francisco Pizarro, Colombia

4.5 Magnitude Earthquake NICOBAR ISLANDS, INDIA REGION - 20th October

Magnitude
4.5
Date-Time
Saturday, October 20, 2012 at 10:38:20 UTC
Saturday, October 20, 2012 at 04:38:20 PM at epicenter
Time of Earthquake in other Time Zones
Location
7.378°N, 91.870°E
Depth
30.3 km (18.8 miles)
Region
NICOBAR ISLANDS, INDIA REGION
Distances
172 km (106 miles) WSW of Mohean, India

Wissam al-Hasan: War in Syria expands into Lebanon as car bomb takes out anti-Syrian intelligence officer

http://www.debka.com/article/22455/Syria-Iran-Hizballah-attack-while-US-and-Israel-play-computerized-war-games

Israel seizes pro-Palestinian activist ship off Gaza

The Israeli navy seized an international pro-Palestinian activist ship in the Mediterranean sea on Saturday to prevent it breaching its blockade of the Gaza Strip, a military spokeswoman said.

http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/10/20/us-palestinians-israel-gaza-ship-idUSBRE89J05W20121020

Six Afghan police killed in insider attack, officials say

The Taliban took responsibility for the attack, saying they had despatched a "mujahid who had infiltrated and penetrated the police ranks", spokesman Qari Yousuf Ahmadi said.

http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/10/20/us-afghanistan-attack-idUSBRE89J06420121020

Canada blocks Petronas' $5.2 billion bid for Progress Energy

Canada has blocked Malaysian state oil firm Petronas' C$5.17 billion ($5.22 billion) bid for gas producer Progress Energy Resources Corp, a surprise move that could signal problems for a much bigger offer by China's CNOOC Ltd for oil producer Nexen Inc.

http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/10/20/us-progress-petronas-idUSBRE89J02X20121020

Panama Canal Riots: 10-year-old boy killed during violent protests

Police and protesters in Panama clash over a new law selling off previously rented land in a duty-free zone by the Panama Canal.

http://news.sky.com/story/1000234/panama-canal-protests-over-land-sell-off

Planet discovery reignites search for alien life

It remains in the realm of science fiction for now but the discovery of a new planet just four light years away will reignite a race to find a twin of planet Earth that may host extraterrestrial life.

http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/10/18/us-science-newplanet-aliens-idUSBRE89H16H20121018

4.9 Magnitude Earthquake TAIWAN REGION - 20th October

Magnitude
4.9
Date-Time
Saturday, October 20, 2012 at 08:49:38 UTC
Saturday, October 20, 2012 at 04:49:38 PM at epicenter
Time of Earthquake in other Time Zones
Location
24.447°N, 122.525°E
Depth
78.8 km (49.0 miles)
Region
TAIWAN REGION
Distances
48 km (29 miles) W of Yonakuni, Japan

Bucyrus, North Dakota town destroyed overnight in devastating wildfire whipped up by 70mph winds

By Thursday morning, the 27 residents of Bucyrus had been forced to abandon their homes and take refuge in surrounding communities. Miraculously, no one was hurt in the blaze, but Adams County state's attorney Aaron Roseland described the town as 'pretty much completely lost'. The county commission chairman said the fire destroyed four homes and two abandoned farms in the town about 60 miles south of Dickinson.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2220384/Bucyrus-North-Dakota-destroyed-overnight-devastating-wildfire.html

George Zimmerman: judge allows Trayvon's school discipline records in trial

Nelson ruled that the defence can subpoena the Twitter and Facebook accounts of Martin under case law: Because Zimmerman is making a self-defence claim, any evidence that supports possible aggressive tendencies by Martin is valid.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2220498/George-Zimmerman-looks-fat-latest-court-appearance--judge-allows-Trayvon-Martins-school-discipline-records-trial.html

Geoffrey Counsell charged with seven counts of manslaughter a year after horrific M5 crash

• Geoffrey Counsell, 50, from Somerset, will appear at Bristol Magistrates Court next month accused of seven counts of manslaughter
• Counsell was operating fireworks display at Taunton Rugby Club at the time of the smash on the M5 last November
• Collision described as one of the worst British motorway crashes in memory

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2220532/Fireworks-organiser-charged-manslaughter-M5-motorway-deaths.html

Brussels paying thousands of young jobless Europeans to come and work in Britain

• The European Commission will pay £250 towards the cost of crossing the continent for an interview and £830 in moving expenses if they get a job
• Critics will ask why Brussels is offering to subsidise unemployed Europeans to travel to the UK when nearly a million young Britons are without work

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2220417/Brussels-paying-thousands-young-jobless-Europeans-come-work-Britain.html

Karina Menzies dies after 'hit-and-run' white van driver 'mows down' TWELVE people in just 30 minutes

A driver of a white van allegedly smashed into vehicles on at least five different roads as he tried to escape from the scene of an accident in Leckwith, Cardiff. The victims were injured within a three-mile radius before police stopped the van. There were then soon reports of hit-and-run collisions in several locations in the west of the city, including Grand Avenue, Cowbridge Road West and the Leckwith Retail Park.

• Driver accused of tearing through Cardiff streets 'after knocking down pedestrian and fleeing scene'
• Karina Menzies, 32, was among seven children and four adults hit by van
• Two-year-old Amelia-May was flung from her pram and left covered in blood
• Hospital unit was so overwhelmed it had to shut to any other patients
• 31-year-old man arrested on suspicion of murder following rampage
• Driver 'reversed over some victims after hitting them' during school run

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2220276/It-miracle-Toddler-catapulted-air-caught-father-hit-run-van-driver-mows-TWELVE-innocent-people-just-30-minutes.html

Syrian Crisis Inflames Lebanon-Syria Tensions

Crisis strains Hollande and Merkel's unity

When François Hollande and Angela Merkel marched shoulder to shoulder into the EU summit on Thursday night, their public show of unity was undermined by the German chancellor, with a stern look on her face, vigorously shaking her head.

http://www.ft.com/intl/cms/s/0/ad222a9a-19ff-11e2-a379-00144feabdc0.html#axzz29pPwgPFW

UK: Union leaders call for national strike over Government's austerity measures

PROTESTS against the Coalition Government's austerity measures are set to be held in Glasgow, London and Belfast.

http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/politics/union-leaders-call-for-national-strike-1388303

Protesters Block Roads in Lebanon After Car Bomb

Protesters burned tires and set up roadblocks around Lebanon on Saturday in a sign of boiling anger over a massive car bomb that killed a top security official and seven other people a day earlier — a devastating attack that threatened to bring Syria's civil war to Lebanon.

http://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/blast-rattles-beirut-black-smoke-rising-sky-17515981#.UIJngG_R4Qo

4.4 Magnitude Earthquake NEAR THE NORTH COAST OF COLOMBIA - 20th October

Magnitude
4.4
Date-Time
Saturday, October 20, 2012 at 03:42:05 UTC
Friday, October 19, 2012 at 10:42:05 PM at epicenter
Time of Earthquake in other Time Zones
Location
10.936°N, 74.136°W
Depth
49.7 km (30.9 miles)
Region
NEAR THE NORTH COAST OF COLOMBIA
Distances
13 km (8 miles) ESE of Cienaga, Colombia

4.7 Magnitude Earthquake KYUSHU, JAPAN - 20th October

Magnitude
4.7
Date-Time
Saturday, October 20, 2012 at 02:49:15 UTC
Saturday, October 20, 2012 at 11:49:15 AM at epicenter
Time of Earthquake in other Time Zones
Location
30.113°N, 130.983°E
Depth
24.9 km (15.5 miles)
Region
KYUSHU, JAPAN
Distances
69 km (42 miles) S of Nishinoomote, Japan

4.3 Magnitude Earthquake OFFSHORE VALPARAISO, CHILE - 20th October

Magnitude
4.3
Date-Time
Saturday, October 20, 2012 at 00:25:51 UTC
Friday, October 19, 2012 at 09:25:51 PM at epicenter
Time of Earthquake in other Time Zones
Location
32.208°S, 71.931°W
Depth
21.4 km (13.3 miles)
Region
OFFSHORE VALPARAISO, CHILE
Distances
100 km (62 miles) NNW (346°) from Valparaiso, Chile

4.6 Magnitude Earthquake OFFSHORE COQUIMBO, CHILE - 19th October

Magnitude
4.6
Date-Time
Friday, October 19, 2012 at 22:48:19 UTC
Friday, October 19, 2012 at 07:48:19 PM at epicenter
Time of Earthquake in other Time Zones
Location
31.772°S, 71.959°W
Depth
17.3 km (10.8 miles)
Region
OFFSHORE COQUIMBO, CHILE
Distances
76 km (47 miles) WSW of Illapel, Chile

4.5 Magnitude Earthquake SOUTHERN IRAN - 19th October

Magnitude
4.5
Date-Time
Friday, October 19, 2012 at 22:10:52 UTC
Saturday, October 20, 2012 at 01:40:52 AM at epicenter
Time of Earthquake in other Time Zones
Location
29.175°N, 52.581°E
Depth
10 km (6.2 miles)
Region
SOUTHERN IRAN
Distances
20 km (12 miles) WSW of Akbarabad, Iran

4.3 Magnitude Earthquake SOUTHERN IRAN - 19th October

Magnitude
4.3
Date-Time
Friday, October 19, 2012 at 21:27:29 UTC
Saturday, October 20, 2012 at 12:57:29 AM at epicenter
Time of Earthquake in other Time Zones
Location
29.402°N, 51.289°E
Depth
10 km (6.2 miles)
Region
SOUTHERN IRAN
Distances
64 km (40 miles) NE (43°) from Bushehr, Iran

Ari Misha Ligget Accused Of Killing And Dismembering His Mum

A Colorado man found with what turned out to be the body of his mother in his vehicle has been accused of her murder.

http://news.sky.com/story/1000029/man-accused-of-killing-and-dismembering-his-mum

Chief Constable Gordon Fraser Found Dead On Railway

The officer faced allegations of gross misconduct and fraud, and was due in court next week in relation to a separate Probe.

http://news.sky.com/story/1000118/suspended-police-chief-found-dead-on-railway