Scottish & Southern Energy made £397.5m in the six months to the end of September, up 38 per cent or some £110m on the same period last year. It is the latest power giant to record an enormous income rise (see graph) after saddling customers with crippling price increases. A few weeks ago SEE hit its 9.6million customers with a 9 per cent increase. Its tariffs are now some 24 per cent higher than they were in January 2011 - adding more than £260 to the typical annual energy bill.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2233109/Power-firms-profits-surge-38-goes-QUARTER.html
Wednesday, November 14, 2012
Unidentified Bird flu strain hits New South Wales farm, Australia
An unidentified strain of bird flu has been detected at a hen farm near Maitland in the Hunter Valley, prompting authorities to quarantine about 50,000 chickens.
The suspected virus is not thought to be the deadly H5N1 strain of bird flu that has killed 359 people worldwide in sporadic outbreaks since 2003.
Nonetheless, the 50,000 hens may have to be destroyed, the NSW Department of Primary Industries said.
A "first response team" of specialists from the department is on site to enforce the quarantine, while the CSIRO runs lab tests on samples of the virus, with results expected this afternoon.
http://www.smh.com.au/environment/animals/bird-flu-strain-hits-nsw-farm-20121115-29e12.html
The suspected virus is not thought to be the deadly H5N1 strain of bird flu that has killed 359 people worldwide in sporadic outbreaks since 2003.
Nonetheless, the 50,000 hens may have to be destroyed, the NSW Department of Primary Industries said.
A "first response team" of specialists from the department is on site to enforce the quarantine, while the CSIRO runs lab tests on samples of the virus, with results expected this afternoon.
http://www.smh.com.au/environment/animals/bird-flu-strain-hits-nsw-farm-20121115-29e12.html
3 Died in Chlorine Leak in Central Russia
Three people died and nine were hospitalized in a chlorine leak at a chemical plant in Russia's central Perm Region, local emergency department said Wednesday.
"Three people died on the spot as a result of a chlorine leak and nine others were hospitalized due to gas contamination," the department was quoted by local media as saying.
In addition, 38 more people were admitted to the hospitals for non-life-threatening treatment, the authorities added.
http://english.cri.cn/6966/2012/11/14/2702s732719.htm
"Three people died on the spot as a result of a chlorine leak and nine others were hospitalized due to gas contamination," the department was quoted by local media as saying.
In addition, 38 more people were admitted to the hospitals for non-life-threatening treatment, the authorities added.
http://english.cri.cn/6966/2012/11/14/2702s732719.htm
Deadly Ebola hemorrhagic fever breaks out in Uganda
The deadly Ebola hemorrhagic fever has broken out in the central Ugandan district of Luwero about one month after the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the East African country free of the disease.
Joaquim Saweka, the WHO country representative told Xinhua by telephone on Wednesday that the outbreak was confirmed on Tuesday following laboratory tests that turned out positive for the disease.
"Yes that is true, we have dispatched one team to make preliminary assessment and also set up an isolation unit," he said.
http://www.globaltimes.cn/content/744473.shtml
Joaquim Saweka, the WHO country representative told Xinhua by telephone on Wednesday that the outbreak was confirmed on Tuesday following laboratory tests that turned out positive for the disease.
"Yes that is true, we have dispatched one team to make preliminary assessment and also set up an isolation unit," he said.
http://www.globaltimes.cn/content/744473.shtml
James Holmes hospitalized
The suspect in the Aurora movie theater mass slaying has been hospitalized with an undisclosed illness or injury serious enough that his defense team asked that a scheduled pre-trial hearing be postponed.
Defense attorneys for James Holmes asked for an emergency hearing late Wednesday afternoon saying their client’s condition made it impossible for him to appear in court Thursday.
Public defender Tamara Brady offered no details, citing Holmes’ medical and psychiatric privilege.
http://www.latimes.com/news/nation/nationnow/la-na-nn-james-holmes-massacre-hospital-20121114,0,4287193.story
Defense attorneys for James Holmes asked for an emergency hearing late Wednesday afternoon saying their client’s condition made it impossible for him to appear in court Thursday.
Public defender Tamara Brady offered no details, citing Holmes’ medical and psychiatric privilege.
http://www.latimes.com/news/nation/nationnow/la-na-nn-james-holmes-massacre-hospital-20121114,0,4287193.story
UN Security Council holds emergency session on Israel raids
The U.N. Security Council met in a closed emergency meeting on Wednesday night to discuss Israeli strikes against the Gaza Strip as Israel threatened a wider offensive in the Palestinian enclave to stem rocket salvoes by Hamas militants.Diplomats said U.N. political affairs chief Jeffrey Feltman was briefing the 15-nation council. Israeli and Palestinians envoys will also have a chance to speak.
http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/11/15/us-israel-palestinians-un-council-idUSBRE8AD1SI20121115
Europe Gripped By Anti-Austerity Action
Millions of workers have been taking part in the dozens of co-ordinated protests in a so-called European Day of Action and Solidarity against spending cuts and tax hikes.
In Portugal, violent clashes took place between activists and police officers in Lisbon, and one woman was seen being repeatedly struck with a baton.
http://news.sky.com/story/1011176/anti-austerity-strikes-protests-grip-europe
Petraeus To Testify On Libya Attack
Former CIA Director David Petraeus has agreed to testify before a House of Representatives Intelligence Committee tasked with investigating the deadly attack on the US Consulate in Libya.
General Petraeus, who vacated his post as the nation's top spy last week after admitting he had an extramarital affair with his biographer, will testify at a session held in private on Friday.
He had been originally been scheduled to appear before the committee, but that had been scrapped after he resigned from the CIA last week.
http://news.sky.com/story/1011510/ex-cia-boss-petraeus-to-testify-on-libya-attack
General Petraeus, who vacated his post as the nation's top spy last week after admitting he had an extramarital affair with his biographer, will testify at a session held in private on Friday.
He had been originally been scheduled to appear before the committee, but that had been scrapped after he resigned from the CIA last week.
http://news.sky.com/story/1011510/ex-cia-boss-petraeus-to-testify-on-libya-attack
Rat Massacre: Galapagos Islands To Kill Millions
Ecuador is preparing to massacre more than 180 million rats as it seeks to eradicate them from the Galapagos Islands.
A helicopter will drop nearly 22 tons of specially designed poisonous bait on Pinzon Island, an uninhabited island in the archipelago 600 miles off the coast of Ecuador and the nearby Plaza Sur islet.
It is the second stage in an offensive that aims to kill all non-native rodents across the 19 islands that helped inspire Charles Darwin's theory of evolution by 2020.
http://news.sky.com/story/1011658/rat-massacre-galapagos-islands-to-kill-millions
A helicopter will drop nearly 22 tons of specially designed poisonous bait on Pinzon Island, an uninhabited island in the archipelago 600 miles off the coast of Ecuador and the nearby Plaza Sur islet.
It is the second stage in an offensive that aims to kill all non-native rodents across the 19 islands that helped inspire Charles Darwin's theory of evolution by 2020.
http://news.sky.com/story/1011658/rat-massacre-galapagos-islands-to-kill-millions
Israel Warns Of More Gaza Attacks
US President Barack Obama and UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon both telephoned Mr Netanyahu ahead of an urgent UN Security Council meeting on the deteriorating situation.
According to the White House, Mr Obama reiterated US support for Israel's right to self-defence against rocket attacks from the Gaza Strip but urged Israel to avoid civilian casualties in the Palestinian territory.
http://news.sky.com/story/1011672/gaza-airstrikes-obama-urges-calm-from-israel
China Unveils Xi Jinping As New Leader
Xi Jinping has been unveiled as the new general secretary of the Communist Party in China during an official ceremony.
He will formally take over as Chinese president from Hu Jintao in March - leading the world's second largest economy and newest diplomatic and military power amid increasingly vocal calls for economic and political reform.
Xi is the son of a party elder and has served as vice president for the past five years.
http://news.sky.com/story/1011683/china-unveils-xi-jinping-as-new-leader
He will formally take over as Chinese president from Hu Jintao in March - leading the world's second largest economy and newest diplomatic and military power amid increasingly vocal calls for economic and political reform.
Xi is the son of a party elder and has served as vice president for the past five years.
http://news.sky.com/story/1011683/china-unveils-xi-jinping-as-new-leader
4.3 Magnitude Earthquake CRETE, GREECE - 15th November 2012
Region CRETE, GREECE
Date time 2012-11-15 03:07:24.0 UTC
Location 35.08 N ; 23.36 E
Depth 2 km
Distances 32 km SW Yialós, Crete, Greece
4.1 Magnitude Earthquake CAUCASUS REGION, RUSSIA - 15th November 2012
4.1
Date-Time
Thursday, November 15, 2012 at 01:36:38 UTC
Thursday, November 15, 2012 at 04:36:38 AM at epicenter
Time of Earthquake in other Time Zones
Location
43.971°N, 39.108°E
Depth
18 km (11.2 miles)
Region
CAUCASUS REGION, RUSSIA
Distances
7 km (4 miles) SSW of Shepsi, Russia
4.4 Magnitude Earthquake BONIN ISLANDS, JAPAN REGION - 15th November 2012
4.4
Date-Time
Thursday, November 15, 2012 at 01:30:39 UTC
Thursday, November 15, 2012 at 11:30:39 AM at epicenter
Time of Earthquake in other Time Zones
Location
27.491°N, 140.081°E
Depth
485.1 km (301.4 miles)
Region
BONIN ISLANDS, JAPAN REGION
Distances
216 km (134 miles) WNW of Chichi-shima, Japan
4.2 Magnitude Earthquake KYRGYZSTAN - 15th November 2012
4.2
Date-Time
Thursday, November 15, 2012 at 00:25:52 UTC
Thursday, November 15, 2012 at 06:25:52 AM at epicenter
Time of Earthquake in other Time Zones
Location
39.627°N, 73.523°E
Depth
52.6 km (32.7 miles)
Region
KYRGYZSTAN
Distances
25 km (15 miles) ESE of Sary-Tash, Kyrgyzstan
4.0 Magnitude Earthquake XIZANG-QINGHAI BORDER REGION - 15th November 2012
4.0
Date-Time
Thursday, November 15, 2012 at 00:00:28 UTC
Thursday, November 15, 2012 at 08:00:28 AM at epicenter
Time of Earthquake in other Time Zones
Location
32.877°N, 92.318°E
Depth
10 km (6.2 miles) set by location program
Region
XIZANG-QINGHAI BORDER REGION
Distances
63 km (39 miles) NNE of Segong, China
4.8 Magnitude Earthquake NEW BRITAIN REGION, PAPUA NEW GUINEA - 15th November 2012
4.8
Date-Time
Thursday, November 15, 2012 at 00:00:06 UTC
Thursday, November 15, 2012 at 10:00:06 AM at epicenter
Time of Earthquake in other Time Zones
Location
5.802°S, 151.723°E
Depth
8.8 km (5.5 miles)
Region
NEW BRITAIN REGION, PAPUA NEW GUINEA
Distances
171 km (106 miles) SSW of Kokopo, Papua New Guinea
5.4 Magnitude Earthquake NEW BRITAIN REGION, PAPUA NEW GUINEA - 14th November 2012
5.4
Date-Time
Wednesday, November 14, 2012 at 23:41:53 UTC
Thursday, November 15, 2012 at 09:41:53 AM at epicenter
Time of Earthquake in other Time Zones
Location
5.743°S, 151.557°E
Depth
6 km (3.7 miles) (poorly constrained)
Region
NEW BRITAIN REGION, PAPUA NEW GUINEA
Distances
158 km (98 miles) E of Kimbe, Papua New Guinea
COMING CRISIS ALERT: Israeli full blown war with Gaza, and possibly Egypt, imminent - November 14, 2012
UPDATE: November 24, 2012
Ceasefire holding. Alert lifted. Will reinstate should conflict flare back up.
UPDATE: November 21, 2012
Ceasefire reached! While tenuous, the guns have silenced. We'll continue monitoring the situation over the next 48 hours and update / lift the alert when necessary.
UPDATE: November 20, 2012
A potential ceasefire has been reached between Israel and Hamas. Details of the ceasefire are emerging, and there is uncertainly regarding whether or not it will hold.
UPDATE: November 16, 2012
Israeli media has issued a statement telling citizens to prepare for a seven week war. Whether this means that the bombing campaign will last seven weeks, or that there will be a ground operation lasting seven weeks, remains uncertain. The Al Quds Brigade has captured Israeli communications equipment and has issued warnings to the IDF not to enter Gaza if they wish not to incur casualties. The IDF's beach landings using marines has been postponed, although there has been intermittent fighting between Palestinian resistance fighters and the IDF along the Gazan periphery. Information is also coming in that there exists a disagreement between the IDF and the Israeli government regarding a full blown invasion, explaining why operations are starting and stopping and seem generally disorganized aside from an incessant bombing campaign of Gazan cities. World media continues to avoid publishing the massive Gazan casualties being incurred as a result of Israeli airstrikes, and even alternative news outlets such as Drudge have been spotted failing in their journalistic duty to report both sides of the story. The CC is glad to carry that torch. Stay tuned.
UPDATE: November 16, 2012
While the mainstream media has decided not to report Israel's activities, or outright deny them, the CC can verify from multiple ground sources that Israel has entered into the Palestinian territories, both Gaza and the West Bank. However, it seems they have halted at the periphery for reasons unknown. Stay tuned.
UPDATE: November 15, 2012
Israeli troops and Palestinian fighters have begun to engage one another in the streets of Gaza as Israeli forces commence their invasion.
Israel and the Gaza strip have begun fierce exchanges of rocket, mortar, artillery fire and airstrikes, and Israeli troops have massed at the border in preparation for a ground invasion. Meanwhile, Egypt has hinted at its own involvement after condemning Israeli counter strikes against the Palestinian people.
Due to current tensions in the Middle East, a massive conflict could erupt at any time between the various factions. The possibility of Arab intervention against Israel exists, mainly due to an extended alliance between Hamas, Iran, and various Arab allies.
Hamas' unwillingness to cease harassment of Israeli's southern population via incessant bombardments, and Israel's disproportionate and body tallying responses guarantee the circuit of violence will not break any time soon. Where this conflict will end, and to what extent it will expand, remains unknown.
EMERGENCY INSTRUCTIONS:
1. If you currently reside in Israel, Lebanon, or Egypt, consider leaving. Today.
2. If you cannot leave, make sure you have gas masks, food, medicine, water, and a radio on hand to receive further instructions. Also make sure your bomb shelter, if you possess one, functions in a clean and ready manner.
3. If you live in Israel or any of the affected areas, consider taking footage (safely) and uploading it to Youtube, then sending the link to the Coming Crisis so we can provide on-the-ground updates of events.
Ceasefire holding. Alert lifted. Will reinstate should conflict flare back up.
UPDATE: November 21, 2012
Ceasefire reached! While tenuous, the guns have silenced. We'll continue monitoring the situation over the next 48 hours and update / lift the alert when necessary.
UPDATE: November 20, 2012
A potential ceasefire has been reached between Israel and Hamas. Details of the ceasefire are emerging, and there is uncertainly regarding whether or not it will hold.
UPDATE: November 16, 2012
Israeli media has issued a statement telling citizens to prepare for a seven week war. Whether this means that the bombing campaign will last seven weeks, or that there will be a ground operation lasting seven weeks, remains uncertain. The Al Quds Brigade has captured Israeli communications equipment and has issued warnings to the IDF not to enter Gaza if they wish not to incur casualties. The IDF's beach landings using marines has been postponed, although there has been intermittent fighting between Palestinian resistance fighters and the IDF along the Gazan periphery. Information is also coming in that there exists a disagreement between the IDF and the Israeli government regarding a full blown invasion, explaining why operations are starting and stopping and seem generally disorganized aside from an incessant bombing campaign of Gazan cities. World media continues to avoid publishing the massive Gazan casualties being incurred as a result of Israeli airstrikes, and even alternative news outlets such as Drudge have been spotted failing in their journalistic duty to report both sides of the story. The CC is glad to carry that torch. Stay tuned.
UPDATE: November 16, 2012
While the mainstream media has decided not to report Israel's activities, or outright deny them, the CC can verify from multiple ground sources that Israel has entered into the Palestinian territories, both Gaza and the West Bank. However, it seems they have halted at the periphery for reasons unknown. Stay tuned.
UPDATE: November 15, 2012
Israeli troops and Palestinian fighters have begun to engage one another in the streets of Gaza as Israeli forces commence their invasion.
Israel and the Gaza strip have begun fierce exchanges of rocket, mortar, artillery fire and airstrikes, and Israeli troops have massed at the border in preparation for a ground invasion. Meanwhile, Egypt has hinted at its own involvement after condemning Israeli counter strikes against the Palestinian people.
Due to current tensions in the Middle East, a massive conflict could erupt at any time between the various factions. The possibility of Arab intervention against Israel exists, mainly due to an extended alliance between Hamas, Iran, and various Arab allies.
Hamas' unwillingness to cease harassment of Israeli's southern population via incessant bombardments, and Israel's disproportionate and body tallying responses guarantee the circuit of violence will not break any time soon. Where this conflict will end, and to what extent it will expand, remains unknown.
EMERGENCY INSTRUCTIONS:
1. If you currently reside in Israel, Lebanon, or Egypt, consider leaving. Today.
2. If you cannot leave, make sure you have gas masks, food, medicine, water, and a radio on hand to receive further instructions. Also make sure your bomb shelter, if you possess one, functions in a clean and ready manner.
3. If you live in Israel or any of the affected areas, consider taking footage (safely) and uploading it to Youtube, then sending the link to the Coming Crisis so we can provide on-the-ground updates of events.
Ghost city shows cracks in China's urban planning (and perhaps the country at large)
http://www.cbc.ca/news/world/story/2012/11/13/f-arsenault-ordos-china.html
Matt's thoughts:
It never ceases to amaze me that 900 million Chinese live in poverty, many of which are homeless, and yet these vast ghost cities exist solely to fuel GDP and speculation. Mao would not be impressed in the least.
Matt's thoughts:
It never ceases to amaze me that 900 million Chinese live in poverty, many of which are homeless, and yet these vast ghost cities exist solely to fuel GDP and speculation. Mao would not be impressed in the least.
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Skype warned in August of email flaws
Skype was warned in August by a Russian programmer about a vulnerability closely linked to the one the company admits has been exploited to hijack peoples' accounts using just their email address.
Dmitry Chestnykh, the founder of the software company Coding Robots, has shown the Guardian a dated transcript of a conversation he had on 7 August with Skype support in which he pointed out that anyone could create a new Skype account using a email address – even if they didn't control it. He has also published the transcript, without the date, on Hacker News.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/2012/nov/14/skye-warned-august-vulnerability
Dmitry Chestnykh, the founder of the software company Coding Robots, has shown the Guardian a dated transcript of a conversation he had on 7 August with Skype support in which he pointed out that anyone could create a new Skype account using a email address – even if they didn't control it. He has also published the transcript, without the date, on Hacker News.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/2012/nov/14/skye-warned-august-vulnerability
Massed Israeli troops poised for invasion into Gaza
Israeli troops massed on the Gaza border last night, poised for a possible ground invasion as Israel launched a major military operation it said was designed “to severely impair the command and control chain of the Hamas leadership, as well as its terrorist infrastructure.”
Military sources told The Independent that a ground invasion is “a distinct possibility,” with the army deploying extra infantry units near the Gaza border, halted major exercises, cancelled soldiers’ leave and mobilised some reserve forces.
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/massed-israeli-troops-poised-for-gaza-invasion-following-death-of-senior-hamas-commander-ahmed-aljabari-8316615.html
Military sources told The Independent that a ground invasion is “a distinct possibility,” with the army deploying extra infantry units near the Gaza border, halted major exercises, cancelled soldiers’ leave and mobilised some reserve forces.
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/massed-israeli-troops-poised-for-gaza-invasion-following-death-of-senior-hamas-commander-ahmed-aljabari-8316615.html
Egyptian president condemns deadly Israeli attacks on Gaza
Egypt has demanded an immediate end to Israeli airstrikes, saying it is considering recalling its ambassador to Tel Aviv.
Egypt's Islamist Freedom and Justice Party, the political arm of Egypt’s Muslim Brotherhood, also slammed the airstrikes against Gaza, saying Cairo would no longer tolerate such attacks on Palestinians.
The FJP has urged the Egyptian president to review all ties with Israel, adding that the attacks by Israel required “swift Arab and international action to stop the massacres.”
The Egyptian Health Ministry also called on Morsi to annul all pacts with Israel.
http://presstv.com/detail/2012/11/14/272256/morsi-condemns-israel-attacks-on-gaza/
Egypt's Islamist Freedom and Justice Party, the political arm of Egypt’s Muslim Brotherhood, also slammed the airstrikes against Gaza, saying Cairo would no longer tolerate such attacks on Palestinians.
The FJP has urged the Egyptian president to review all ties with Israel, adding that the attacks by Israel required “swift Arab and international action to stop the massacres.”
The Egyptian Health Ministry also called on Morsi to annul all pacts with Israel.
http://presstv.com/detail/2012/11/14/272256/morsi-condemns-israel-attacks-on-gaza/
6.1 Magnitude Earthquake COQUIMBO, CHILE - 14th November 2012
Magnitude6.1
Date-Time
Wednesday, November 14, 2012 at 19:02:05 UTC
Wednesday, November 14, 2012 at 04:02:05 PM at epicenter
Location
29.157°S, 71.272°W
Depth
61.8 km (38.4 miles)
Region
COQUIMBO, CHILE
Distances
88 km (55 miles) N (3°) from Coquimbo, Chile
5.1 Magnitude Earthquake NORTH PACIFIC OCEAN - 14th November 2012
Region NORTH PACIFIC OCEAN
Date time 2012-11-14 18:28:51.3 UTC
Location 38.08 N ; 153.40 E
Depth 400 km
Distances 880 km SE Nemuro
Millions go on strike in Europe, violence flares
Police and protesters clashed in Spain and Italy on Wednesday as millions of workers went on strike in organized labor's biggest Europe-wide challenge to austerity policies since the euro zone debt crisis erupted three years ago.
Hundreds of flights were cancelled, schools were shut, factories were at a standstill and trains barely ran in Spain and Portugal where unions held their first joint general strike. Stoppages in Belgium interrupted international rail services.
http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/11/14/us-eurozone-idUSBRE8AD0UK20121114
Hundreds of flights were cancelled, schools were shut, factories were at a standstill and trains barely ran in Spain and Portugal where unions held their first joint general strike. Stoppages in Belgium interrupted international rail services.
http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/11/14/us-eurozone-idUSBRE8AD0UK20121114
Obama calls for rich to pay more, keep middle-class cuts
President Barack Obama on Wednesday pushed for his proposal to have the wealthy pay more in taxes as a way to tame the federal deficit, taking a hard line in his opening bid before he begins fiscal talks with U.S. lawmakers later in the week.
"We should not hold the middle class hostage while we debate tax cuts for the wealthy," Obama said in his first press conference since winning re-election on November 6.
http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/11/14/us-usa-obama-idUSBRE8AD1E920121114
"We should not hold the middle class hostage while we debate tax cuts for the wealthy," Obama said in his first press conference since winning re-election on November 6.
http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/11/14/us-usa-obama-idUSBRE8AD1E920121114
5.2 Magnitude Earthquake FIJI REGION - 14th November 2012
5.2
Date-Time
Wednesday, November 14, 2012 at 18:22:31 UTC
Thursday, November 15, 2012 at 06:22:31 AM at epicenter
Location
14.450°S, 173.718°E
Depth
599.7 km (372.7 miles)
Region
FIJI REGION
Distances
647 km (402 miles) NW (309°) from SUVA, Fiji
Ashkar Brothers scammed winning ticket from customer FIVE YEARS ago
Two brothers from central New York who claimed a $5million lottery ticket sold at their family's store have been accused of scamming the winning ticket from a customer.
Andy Ashkar, 34, and 36-year-old Nayel Ashkar have been charged with attempted grand larceny and conspiracy, authorities said Wednesday. Andy Ashkar also was charged with criminal possession of stolen property.
Their lawyer says the brothers will plead not guilty. They maintain they legitimately received the ticket.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2232891/Lottery-win-Andy-Ashkar-Nayel-Ashkar-accused-scamming-5million-win-customer.html
Andy Ashkar, 34, and 36-year-old Nayel Ashkar have been charged with attempted grand larceny and conspiracy, authorities said Wednesday. Andy Ashkar also was charged with criminal possession of stolen property.
Their lawyer says the brothers will plead not guilty. They maintain they legitimately received the ticket.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2232891/Lottery-win-Andy-Ashkar-Nayel-Ashkar-accused-scamming-5million-win-customer.html
Tweet what you like... as long as you don't have many followers: New guidelines could mean only popular Twitter users are prosecuted for offensive comments
It might be the one of the few occasions in life when it's better to be unpopular than have lots of friends.
Twitter users who make 'grossly offensive' comments online could escape prosecution if they have barely any followers on the social media site, the Director of Public Prosecutions has suggested.
But those who are followed by thousands could face the full force of the law if they publish offensive remarks as more people will see them, Keir Starmer said in a conference speech earlier this week.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2232759/New-guidelines-mean-popular-Twitter-users-prosecuted-offensive-comments.html
Twitter users who make 'grossly offensive' comments online could escape prosecution if they have barely any followers on the social media site, the Director of Public Prosecutions has suggested.
But those who are followed by thousands could face the full force of the law if they publish offensive remarks as more people will see them, Keir Starmer said in a conference speech earlier this week.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2232759/New-guidelines-mean-popular-Twitter-users-prosecuted-offensive-comments.html
Justice Bolivian style: Thieves will have hands cut off and rapists will be castrated under controversial new justice system
Trained doctors will be paid to operate on convicted criminals in the city of El Alto after they are sentenced by a newly created court.
And if medical professionals refuse to perform the surgery, lesser-trained indigenous doctors from the rural, highland provinces will be paid to take on the work.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2232901/Rapists-Bolivia-chemically-castrated-thieves-hands-cut-controversial-new-laws.html
And if medical professionals refuse to perform the surgery, lesser-trained indigenous doctors from the rural, highland provinces will be paid to take on the work.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2232901/Rapists-Bolivia-chemically-castrated-thieves-hands-cut-controversial-new-laws.html
Petraeus's mistress spotted in brother's home as it's revealed she took 'significant amounts' of classified military documents - so will she now be charged?
Paula Broadwell has taken refuge at her brother's Washington D.C. house as she hides away from the fall out of her scandalous affair with shamed former CIA boss David Petraeus. And in another dramatic twist in the growing sex scandal it emerged that the commander of U.S. Forces in Afghanistan General John Allen exchanged email's likened to 'phone sex' with Broadwell's 37-year-old 'rival' Jill Kelley at her home in Tampa. Kelley was pictured outside her home earlier yesterday.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2232634/Paula-Broadwell-photos-David-Petraeus-mistress-discovered-lying-low-DC.html
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2232634/Paula-Broadwell-photos-David-Petraeus-mistress-discovered-lying-low-DC.html
Sick thieves butcher the hind legs off ten LIVE sheep and leave them to die in agony
Raiders have struck William and Joan Perkins'farm four times in the past fortnight, killing ten sheep. The farmer said the thieves, who targetted rare breeds and young animals, are 'inhuman'. The animals' - including pregnant ewes and rare breeds - had their back legs removed at the hip and were then left to die.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2232698/Thieves-butcher-pregnant-sheep-alive-Cheadle-Hulme-farm-raids.html
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2232698/Thieves-butcher-pregnant-sheep-alive-Cheadle-Hulme-farm-raids.html
'Government surveillance is on the rise' says Google as report shows it has been asked to reveal more user data than ever
The latest edition of the search giant's Transparency Report shows governments around the world made nearly 21,000 requests to access its data in the first six months of 2012.
THE SNOOPERS' LEAGUE TABLE
COUNTRY REQUESTS COMPLIANCE
U.S. 7,969 90%
India 2,319 64%
Brazil 1,566 76%
France 1,546 42%
Germany 1,533 39%
UK 1,425 64%
Italy 841 34%
Spain 531 52%
Australia 523 64%
South Korea 423 35%
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2232753/Government-surveillance-rise-says-Google-report-shows-asked-reveal-user-data-ever.html
THE SNOOPERS' LEAGUE TABLE
COUNTRY REQUESTS COMPLIANCE
U.S. 7,969 90%
India 2,319 64%
Brazil 1,566 76%
France 1,546 42%
Germany 1,533 39%
UK 1,425 64%
Italy 841 34%
Spain 531 52%
Australia 523 64%
South Korea 423 35%
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2232753/Government-surveillance-rise-says-Google-report-shows-asked-reveal-user-data-ever.html
Brussels abandons bid to snatch back Britain’s rebate ahead of crucial budget meeting
The European Union would maintain Britain's £3billion rebate and make further cuts in overall spending in its next seven-year EU budget, according to its latest draft compromise drawn up ahead of a vital summit later this month.
The proposals, made by European Council President Herman Van Rompuy, could help appease Britain and other austerity-minded governments keen to limit their contributions to the union's finances, as the bloc tries to reach a deal ahead of a budget meeting on November 22 and 23.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2232822/Brussels-abandons-bid-snatch-Britains-rebate-ahead-crucial-budget-meeting.html
The proposals, made by European Council President Herman Van Rompuy, could help appease Britain and other austerity-minded governments keen to limit their contributions to the union's finances, as the bloc tries to reach a deal ahead of a budget meeting on November 22 and 23.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2232822/Brussels-abandons-bid-snatch-Britains-rebate-ahead-crucial-budget-meeting.html
Russia's Putin signs new treason law
Russia introduced a new law broadening the definition of treason on Wednesday, alarming opponents who say Vladimir Putin will use it to silence his critics and that almost anyone in contact with foreigners will be at risk.
The legislation allows Russians representing international organisations to be charged with treason, as well as those working for foreign states and bodies, and expands the range of actions that can be considered treasonous.
http://www.euronews.com/newswires/1726026-russia-expands-definition-of-treason-under-new-law/
The legislation allows Russians representing international organisations to be charged with treason, as well as those working for foreign states and bodies, and expands the range of actions that can be considered treasonous.
http://www.euronews.com/newswires/1726026-russia-expands-definition-of-treason-under-new-law/
Skype disables password reset to block account hijack by email
Skype has disabled its password reset capability after hackers discovered a serious security hole that could let anyone take control of an account by knowing its email address.
The hack has reportedly been known for some months among Russian underground forums, but became more widely public on Wednesday.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/2012/nov/14/skype-password-account-hack-reset
The hack has reportedly been known for some months among Russian underground forums, but became more widely public on Wednesday.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/2012/nov/14/skype-password-account-hack-reset
4.2 Magnitude Earthquake MYANMAR - 14th November 2012
Region MYANMAR
Date time 2012-11-14 14:04:35.6 UTC
Location 22.84 N ; 96.06 E
Depth 2 km
Distances 47 km W Mogok, Myanmar
4.6 Magnitude Earthquake VANUATU - 14th November 2012
Region VANUATU
Date time 2012-11-14 13:33:14.4 UTC
Location 18.98 S ; 169.52 E
Depth 265 km
Distances 66 km N Isangel, Vanuatu
The closest rogue planet to Earth has been spotted by astronomers.
It's the closest one to Earth that's been found - but it's still 100 light years away from us. That's a long way!
Astronomers think the rogue planet - given the catchy name of CFBDSIR2149-0403 - is about 50-120 million years old.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/newsround/20324541
Astronomers think the rogue planet - given the catchy name of CFBDSIR2149-0403 - is about 50-120 million years old.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/newsround/20324541
Ordering More Airstrikes, Syria Calls French Recognition of Rebels 'Immoral'
Syrian authorities ordered airstrikes for a third consecutive day close to the tense Turkish border on Wednesday, and said a French decision to recognize and consider arming a newly formed Syrian rebel coalition was an “immoral” act “encouraging the destruction of Syria.”
U.S. commander says Benghazi attacks linked to al Qaeda in Maghreb
The head of the U.S. military command in Africa said on Wednesday that some of the militants involved in the attack in Benghazi that killed the U.S. ambassador to Libya were linked to al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM).
"There is a growing network of violent extremist organizations and it appears to me very likely that some of the terrorists who participated in the attack in Benghazi have at least some linkages to AQIM," General Carter Ham, head of Africa Command, told reporters in Paris.
http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/11/14/us-mali-usa-idUSBRE8AD0WF20121114
"There is a growing network of violent extremist organizations and it appears to me very likely that some of the terrorists who participated in the attack in Benghazi have at least some linkages to AQIM," General Carter Ham, head of Africa Command, told reporters in Paris.
http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/11/14/us-mali-usa-idUSBRE8AD0WF20121114
Washington playing with dynamite, CEOs warn
Corporate America is raising the volume of its plea that the government avert a year-end "fiscal cliff" that could send the nation back into recession, but chief executives aren't pushing the panic button just yet.
Top Hamas commander killed in Israeli airstrike
Israel killed the military commander of Hamas in an airstrike on the Gaza Strip Wednesday, bringing the two sides to the brink of a possible new war.
The attack came despite signs that Egypt had managed to broker a truce between Israel and Palestinian militants after a five day surge of violence which saw more than 100 missiles fired out of Gaza and repeated Israeli strikes on the enclave.
http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/11/14/us-palestinians-israel-hamas-idUSBRE8AD0WP20121114
The attack came despite signs that Egypt had managed to broker a truce between Israel and Palestinian militants after a five day surge of violence which saw more than 100 missiles fired out of Gaza and repeated Israeli strikes on the enclave.
http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/11/14/us-palestinians-israel-hamas-idUSBRE8AD0WP20121114
22 Signs That Voter Fraud Is Wildly Out Of Control And The Election Was A Sham
After what we have seen this November, how is any American ever supposed to trust the integrity of our elections ever again? There were over 70,000 reports of voting problems on election day, and there are numerous eyewitnesses that claim that they saw voting machines change votes for one candidate to another candidate right in front of their eyes. In several of the swing states there were counties where the number of registered voters exceeded the total voting age population by a very wide margin. How in the world does that happen? Some of the vote totals that were reported in some of the most important swing states were completely and totally absurd, and yet we are just supposed to accept them on blind faith without ever being able to ask any questions.
Stocks Tumble as Congressman Predicts Economic Riots in America
Stocks tumbled again on fears of the rapidly approaching fiscal cliff in the United States and a failure by eurozone finance ministers and the IMF to decide how Greece will resolve its sovereign debt and pay off the banksters at Société Générale, Deutsche Bank, Eurobank, and other loan sharking institutions.
“This morning the reasons du jour started out with Europe and the kerfuffle over Greece and then you have the fiscal cliff,” Michael Holland, chairman of New York-based Holland & Co., told Bloomberg News.
http://www.pakalertpress.com/2012/11/14/stocks-tumble-as-congressman-predicts-economic-riots-in-america/
“This morning the reasons du jour started out with Europe and the kerfuffle over Greece and then you have the fiscal cliff,” Michael Holland, chairman of New York-based Holland & Co., told Bloomberg News.
http://www.pakalertpress.com/2012/11/14/stocks-tumble-as-congressman-predicts-economic-riots-in-america/
Taser Death: Police Branded 'Thuggish'
Police who tackled and tasered a Brazilian student on LSD could face further action after a damning report on the man's death.
An Australian coroner said officers acted like schoolboys in "Lord Of The Flies" when they crash-tackled Roberto Laudisio Curti and shocked him with 50,000 volts.
New South Wales coroner Mary Jerram said she could not determine what caused the 21-year-old's death but added that it was "impossible to believe that he would have died but for the actions of police".
http://news.sky.com/story/1011336/taser-death-police-branded-thuggish
An Australian coroner said officers acted like schoolboys in "Lord Of The Flies" when they crash-tackled Roberto Laudisio Curti and shocked him with 50,000 volts.
New South Wales coroner Mary Jerram said she could not determine what caused the 21-year-old's death but added that it was "impossible to believe that he would have died but for the actions of police".
http://news.sky.com/story/1011336/taser-death-police-branded-thuggish
Woman 'Refused' Abortion In Ireland Dies
Investigations have been launched after a pregnant woman died in hospital in Ireland after allegedly being refused an abortion.
Savita Halappanavar, 31, suffered a miscarriage and septicaemia. Her husband Praveen claims doctors refused to carry out a termination for religious reasons.
http://news.sky.com/story/1011344/woman-refused-abortion-in-ireland-dies
Savita Halappanavar, 31, suffered a miscarriage and septicaemia. Her husband Praveen claims doctors refused to carry out a termination for religious reasons.
http://news.sky.com/story/1011344/woman-refused-abortion-in-ireland-dies
4.7 Magnitude Earthquake SICHUAN-YUNNAN BORDER REGION, CHINA - 14th November 2012
4.7
Date-Time
Wednesday, November 14, 2012 at 11:43:01 UTC
Wednesday, November 14, 2012 at 07:43:01 PM at epicenter
Time of Earthquake in other Time Zones
Location
26.672°N, 102.510°E
Depth
46 km (28.6 miles)
Region
SICHUAN-YUNNAN BORDER REGION, CHINA
Distances
7 km (4 miles) WNW of Huidong, China
4.5 Magnitude Earthquake TONGA - 14th November 2012
4.5
Date-Time
Wednesday, November 14, 2012 at 11:40:59 UTC
Thursday, November 15, 2012 at 01:40:59 AM at epicenter
Time of Earthquake in other Time Zones
Location
20.919°S, 173.876°W
Depth
46 km (28.6 miles)
Region
TONGA
Distances
120 km (74 miles) ENE of `Ohonua, Tonga
Europe Gripped By Anti-Austerity Action
Millions of workers are taking part in the dozens of co-ordinated protests in a so-called European Day of Action and Solidarity against spending cuts and tax hikes.
http://news.sky.com/story/1011176/anti-austerity-strikes-protests-grip-europe
Abu Qatada release: Cameron 'fed up'.....But does Nothing!
Prime Minister David Cameron says he is "completely fed up" about the release on bail of Abu Qatada after the Muslim cleric won his deportation appeal.
Abu Qatada was earlier freed from prison after a UK court ruled he might not get a fair trial if deported to Jordan to face bomb plot charges.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-20315479
Why don't they start by taking away his benefits? Why should we be paying for the weak justice system which gives criminals more rights than us?
Abu Qatada was earlier freed from prison after a UK court ruled he might not get a fair trial if deported to Jordan to face bomb plot charges.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-20315479
Why don't they start by taking away his benefits? Why should we be paying for the weak justice system which gives criminals more rights than us?
US promises $US30m as Syria battles rage
SYRIAN army tanks have shelled a refugee camp and two nearby districts in southern Damascus as battles raged and warplanes bombarded a rebel-held northwestern town, a watchdog says, as the US promised an extra $US30 million in humanitarian aid for those affected by the conflict.
Heathrow and Gatwick cancel flights as Europe strikes over austerity measures
Travellers flying into and out of the UK were facing disruption today as workers across Europe prepared to stage a series of strikes against rising unemployment and austerity measures.
EasyJet cancelled some UK-Spanish services as well as more than 20 within-Europe flights.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/9676682/Heathrow-and-Gatwick-cancel-flights-as-Europe-strikes-over-austerity-measures.html
EasyJet cancelled some UK-Spanish services as well as more than 20 within-Europe flights.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/9676682/Heathrow-and-Gatwick-cancel-flights-as-Europe-strikes-over-austerity-measures.html
4.8 Magnitude Earthquake KERMADEC ISLANDS REGION - 14th November 2012
4.8
Date-Time
Wednesday, November 14, 2012 at 09:15:51 UTC
Wednesday, November 14, 2012 at 09:15:51 PM at epicenter
Location
30.071°S, 174.541°W
Depth
32.5 km (20.2 miles)
Region
KERMADEC ISLANDS REGION
Distances
334 km (208 miles) ESE (107°) from Raoul Island, Kermadec Islands
France, U.S. back Syria opposition bloc
France and the United States put their support behind a new coalition of Syrian dissidents Tuesday, but Damascus slammed the group, saying any effort to topple President Bashar al-Assad will be futile.
China Holiday Inn used as 'black jail'?
The only souvenir that Xie Jinghua has from her stay at a Holiday Inn Express located in a vast tourism park alongside the East China Sea is a room key.
The 52-year-old said she was not able to buy any of the beach toys in the lobby, walk around a lake nearby, or enjoy the ocean just outside of her window. Xie was there, she said, because she was forced to be - held in a hotel room for eight days after she and her 56-year-old husband, Ma Haiming, traveled to Beijing in March to protest the compensation they were given for the demolition of the family's farmhouse to make way for the expansion of Shanghai's Pudong International Airport in 2005. When the couple arrived in Beijing, Xie said they were picked up by plain clothes police and forced to travel hundreds of miles back to Shanghai, then held separately at the hotel.
http://edition.cnn.com/2012/11/14/business/china-hotel-black-jail/index.html?hpt=hp_c1
The 52-year-old said she was not able to buy any of the beach toys in the lobby, walk around a lake nearby, or enjoy the ocean just outside of her window. Xie was there, she said, because she was forced to be - held in a hotel room for eight days after she and her 56-year-old husband, Ma Haiming, traveled to Beijing in March to protest the compensation they were given for the demolition of the family's farmhouse to make way for the expansion of Shanghai's Pudong International Airport in 2005. When the couple arrived in Beijing, Xie said they were picked up by plain clothes police and forced to travel hundreds of miles back to Shanghai, then held separately at the hotel.
http://edition.cnn.com/2012/11/14/business/china-hotel-black-jail/index.html?hpt=hp_c1
John Applewhite Attack: Sandy volunteer suffers broken jaw and cheek bone after he is attacked by home-owner angry at still having no power
A lineman from central Florida who was volunteering in Long Island to help restore power in the storm-ravaged area was viciously attacked by a stranger who was apparently furious that there was still no power in the region.
John Applewhite, 34, had travelled to East Hempstead, Long Island from his home in Lakeland with 24 other electrical workers, and had just finished a 16-hour shift when a man yelled at him from across a parking lot.
Mr Applewhite said that the suspect got out of his black BMW, walked toward him, and punched him once in the face, breaking his jaw and fracturing several other bones in his face.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2232363/Superstorm-Sandy-volunteer-John-Applewhite-suffers-broken-jaw-cheek-bone-brutal-random-attack.html
John Applewhite, 34, had travelled to East Hempstead, Long Island from his home in Lakeland with 24 other electrical workers, and had just finished a 16-hour shift when a man yelled at him from across a parking lot.
Mr Applewhite said that the suspect got out of his black BMW, walked toward him, and punched him once in the face, breaking his jaw and fracturing several other bones in his face.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2232363/Superstorm-Sandy-volunteer-John-Applewhite-suffers-broken-jaw-cheek-bone-brutal-random-attack.html
Holly Solomon 'ran over husband in Jeep' - because he didn't vote against Obama
A pregnant woman ran over her husband with her Jeep because he didn't vote in the election last week, police say.
Holly Solomon, 28, believes her family, and her unborn child, have a difficult life ahead of them over the four years because of the re-election of President Barack Obama.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2232152/Holly-Solomon-Pregnant-woman-ran-husband-Jeep-didnt-vote.html
Holly Solomon, 28, believes her family, and her unborn child, have a difficult life ahead of them over the four years because of the re-election of President Barack Obama.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2232152/Holly-Solomon-Pregnant-woman-ran-husband-Jeep-didnt-vote.html
Bad week for U.S. generals... Four-star chief who headed Africa Command is demoted over lavish spending and ordered to repay $82,000
General William 'Kip' Ward must retire as a three-star lieutenant general and will lose as much as $1 million from his pension due to his excessive spending.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2232447/Bad-week-U-S-generals--Four-star-chief-headed-Africa-Command-demoted-lavish-spending-ordered-repay-82-000.html
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2232447/Bad-week-U-S-generals--Four-star-chief-headed-Africa-Command-demoted-lavish-spending-ordered-repay-82-000.html
Three killed as small plane crashes into a suburban Mississippi home and catches fire
A small plane carrying three people crashed into a suburban home in Mississippi on Tuesday, killing all three passengers.
A local county coroner confirmed said dental records or DNA would be needed to confirm their identities.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2232631/Plane-crashes-neighborhood-Mississippi-killing-3-passengers.html
A local county coroner confirmed said dental records or DNA would be needed to confirm their identities.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2232631/Plane-crashes-neighborhood-Mississippi-killing-3-passengers.html
Karolina Obrycka who was brutally beaten by off-duty cops she wins $850,000 three years after police confronted her with wall of silence
Karolina Obrycka a female bartender who was brutally beaten by a drunken off-duty cop twice her size was awarded $850,000 in damages on Tuesday. Karolina Obrycka of Chicago was attacked by Anthony Abbate, a Chicago police officer, in February 2007, while his friends watched.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2232643/Female-bartender-brutally-beaten-duty-cop-finds-justice.html
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2232643/Female-bartender-brutally-beaten-duty-cop-finds-justice.html
Jacob Nolan attacks psychiatrist with sledgehammer and knife in his luxury Manhattan office
Dr Michael Weiss says he invited Jacob Nolan, 20, into his home office in an upscale highrise on West 57th Street near New York's Columbus Circle on Monday, only to be viciously attacked.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2232616/Dr-Michael-Weiss-New-York-psychiatrist-attacked-sledgehammer.html
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2232616/Dr-Michael-Weiss-New-York-psychiatrist-attacked-sledgehammer.html
Hollande begs for more time to drag France out of decline after troubled first six months in charge
French President Francois Hollande held a press conference in Paris to mark his troubled first six months at the helm as he begged the French public to continue to back him.
The return of THIRD class carriages: Rail companies draw up controversial plans to reintroduce budget tier of service
The Government has come under attack after a Tory peer admitted plans for a 'third class' travel option on British trains. Earl Attlee is the grandson of Prime Minister Clement Attlee, who nationalised the railways after he was elected in 1945. This is the first time the controversial plans have been discussed since being ditched in 1956.
Red Cross stumbles in Sandy's wake
The Red Cross was hampered by the sheer magnitude of the disaster, its decision to position supplies and staff well outside the areas likely to be hardest hit, and misperceptions about what kinds of relief it would provide.
Noreen Ellis begged the American Red Cross for help a few days after Superstorm Sandy slammed into the U.S. East Coast.
A 90-year-old bedbound woman living on Ellis's block needed to be moved from the Rockaways, an eight-mile long, narrow spit of land in New York City, to a shelter with heat and electricity.
"I said, 'This woman needs to be transported. Can you help?' And the Red Cross said, 'We don't do that,'" Ellis said.
She shot back: "What does the Red Cross do?"
http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/11/14/us-storm-sandy-redcross-idUSBRE8AD08E20121114
Noreen Ellis begged the American Red Cross for help a few days after Superstorm Sandy slammed into the U.S. East Coast.
A 90-year-old bedbound woman living on Ellis's block needed to be moved from the Rockaways, an eight-mile long, narrow spit of land in New York City, to a shelter with heat and electricity.
"I said, 'This woman needs to be transported. Can you help?' And the Red Cross said, 'We don't do that,'" Ellis said.
She shot back: "What does the Red Cross do?"
http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/11/14/us-storm-sandy-redcross-idUSBRE8AD08E20121114
Car bomb blasts kill at least 14 across Iraq
A series of car bombs killed at least 14 people across Iraq early on Wednesday, the eve of a Muslim festival to mark the start of the Islamic year, police and hospital sources said.
The holy month of Muharram is of special significance to Shi'ite Muslims, who are a prime target of al Qaeda's Iraqi affiliate and other Sunni Islamist insurgents seeking to re-ignite the kind of sectarian violence that gripped the country in 2006-2007.
http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/11/14/us-iraq-violence-idUSBRE8AD0DH20121114
The holy month of Muharram is of special significance to Shi'ite Muslims, who are a prime target of al Qaeda's Iraqi affiliate and other Sunni Islamist insurgents seeking to re-ignite the kind of sectarian violence that gripped the country in 2006-2007.
http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/11/14/us-iraq-violence-idUSBRE8AD0DH20121114
Friend or foe: South Sudan's Chinese oil puzzle
As South Sudan's leaders shift from waging war to running a state, the country’s oil is proving one of the trickiest puzzles. How South Sudan uses this resource, which accounts for almost all of the country's income, will largely determine whether or not it prospers.
SMITH SAYS AGREEMENT REACHED ON SPACE JUNK
The United States military will station a powerful radar and a space telescope in Australia as part of a major refocusing of priorities towards Asia.
The deal calls for the first deployment of a US Air Force C-band radar in the southern hemisphere, allowing the Americans to better track space debris.
Good a story as anything I suppose.
http://au.news.yahoo.com/a/-/latest/15382780/smith-says-agreement-reached-on-space-junk/
The deal calls for the first deployment of a US Air Force C-band radar in the southern hemisphere, allowing the Americans to better track space debris.
Good a story as anything I suppose.
http://au.news.yahoo.com/a/-/latest/15382780/smith-says-agreement-reached-on-space-junk/
Europe Gripped By Anti-Austerity Protests.
Transport systems are expected to grind to a halt as anti-austerity strikes and other protests take place in over 20 countries.
Meanwhile Brussels is still hiding in their fantasy Bubble arguing about who will collect the Nobel Peace Prize
http://news.sky.com/story/1011176/anti-austerity-strikes-protests-grip-europe
Meanwhile Brussels is still hiding in their fantasy Bubble arguing about who will collect the Nobel Peace Prize
http://news.sky.com/story/1011176/anti-austerity-strikes-protests-grip-europe
Energy Firm's Profits Rise 38% As Bills Go Up 9%
The energy firm SSE has defended a 38% rise in half year profits at a time when its gas and electricity bills are rising by 9% on average.
The company, formerly known as Scottish & Southern Energy, made an adjusted profit before tax of £397.5m in the six months to September 30.
http://news.sky.com/story/1011215/energy-firm-sse-defends-38-percent-profits-rise
The company, formerly known as Scottish & Southern Energy, made an adjusted profit before tax of £397.5m in the six months to September 30.
http://news.sky.com/story/1011215/energy-firm-sse-defends-38-percent-profits-rise
5.1 Magnitude Earthquake TONGA - 14th November 2012
5.1
Date-Time
Wednesday, November 14, 2012 at 07:41:58 UTC
Wednesday, November 14, 2012 at 09:41:58 PM at epicenter
Time of Earthquake in other Time Zones
Location
20.666°S, 174.046°W
Depth
39.6 km (24.6 miles)
Region
TONGA
Distances
101 km (62 miles) SSE of Pangai, Tonga
4.7 Magnitude Earthquake EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN SEA - 14th November 2012
4.7
Date-Time
Wednesday, November 14, 2012 at 07:24:28 UTC
Wednesday, November 14, 2012 at 09:24:28 AM at epicenter
Time of Earthquake in other Time Zones
Location
35.672°N, 29.927°E
Depth
10.1 km (6.3 miles)
Region
EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN SEA
Distances
63 km (39 miles) S of Demre, Turkey
5.6 Magnitude Earthquake NEGROS, PHILIPPINES - 14th November 2012
5.6
Date-Time
Wednesday, November 14, 2012 at 05:21:43 UTC
Wednesday, November 14, 2012 at 01:21:43 PM at epicenter
Time of Earthquake in other Time Zones
Location
9.991°N, 122.430°E
Depth
46.4 km (28.8 miles)
Region
NEGROS, PHILIPPINES
Distances
4 km (2 miles) NNW of Linaon, Philippines
He can't touch Google and Starbucks but the taxman's gone to war with pensioners
While big business exploits loopholes, thousands of OAPs like criminals and face losing £150 a month - because HMRC couldn’t get their tax bills right.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/money/news/article-2232501/The-taxmans-gone-war-pensioners.html
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/money/news/article-2232501/The-taxmans-gone-war-pensioners.html
Illegal immigrant and failed asylum seeker handed £24,000 by Human Rights judges after ‘British law failed to protect her from slavery’
The Ugandan woman came to Britain on a false passport, became a care worker, and was free to leave the house where she worked and use public transport, the European Court of Human Rights heard.
An investigation by police officers found she was NOT a victim of slavery and was a criminal
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2232483/Illegal-immigrant-failed-asylum-seeker-handed-24-000-Human-Rights-judges-British-law-failed-protect-slavery.html
An investigation by police officers found she was NOT a victim of slavery and was a criminal
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2232483/Illegal-immigrant-failed-asylum-seeker-handed-24-000-Human-Rights-judges-British-law-failed-protect-slavery.html
Anti-austerity strikes sweep southern Europe
Spanish and Portuguese workers will stage the first coordinated general strike across the Iberian Peninsula on Wednesday, shutting transport, grounding flights and closing schools to protest against spending cuts and tax hikes.
Unions in Greece and Italy also planned work stoppages and demonstrations on a "European Day of Action and Solidarity" against austerity policies, which labor leaders blame for prolonging and worsening the continent's economic crisis.
http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/11/14/us-spain-portugal-strike-idUSBRE8AD00020121114
Unions in Greece and Italy also planned work stoppages and demonstrations on a "European Day of Action and Solidarity" against austerity policies, which labor leaders blame for prolonging and worsening the continent's economic crisis.
http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/11/14/us-spain-portugal-strike-idUSBRE8AD00020121114
Geithner warns against delaying solution to fiscal crisis
Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner on Tuesday warned against extending all the U.S. tax breaks to give Washington additional time to broker a deficit reduction deal, saying it would create more uncertainty in the markets.
The Obama administration and Congress have seven weeks to deal with the so-called "fiscal cliff," a scenario in which hundreds of billions of dollars in tax hikes and spending cuts start to take effect next year, driving the economy into recession.
http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/11/14/us-usa-fiscal-geithner-idUSBRE8AC17120121114
The Obama administration and Congress have seven weeks to deal with the so-called "fiscal cliff," a scenario in which hundreds of billions of dollars in tax hikes and spending cuts start to take effect next year, driving the economy into recession.
http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/11/14/us-usa-fiscal-geithner-idUSBRE8AC17120121114
Long Island Power Authority CEO resigns in storm's aftermath
Michael Hervey, the embattled chief executive officer of the Long Island Power Authority, has resigned, according to a statement issued on Tuesday by Chairman Howard Steinberg.
Hervey's resignation comes on the same day that New York Governor Andrew Cuomo launched an investigation by a special commission into the state's utilities and their response to Superstorm Sandy.
More than two weeks after the storm struck the region, about 45,000 LIPA customers still have no electricity.
http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/11/14/us-storm-sandy-lipa-ceo-idUSBRE8AD05920121114
Hervey's resignation comes on the same day that New York Governor Andrew Cuomo launched an investigation by a special commission into the state's utilities and their response to Superstorm Sandy.
More than two weeks after the storm struck the region, about 45,000 LIPA customers still have no electricity.
http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/11/14/us-storm-sandy-lipa-ceo-idUSBRE8AD05920121114
Suspected North Korea missile parts seized en route to Syria in May
A shipment of graphite cylinders usable in a missile program and suspected to have come from North Korea were found in May aboard a Chinese ship en route to Syria in what appears to have been a violation of U.N. sanctions, diplomats said on Tuesday.
South Korean officials seized the shipment of 445 graphite cylinders, which had been declared as lead piping, from a Chinese vessel called the Xin Yan Tai, U.N. Security Council diplomats told Reuters on condition of anonymity.
http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/11/14/us-korea-north-syria-un-idUSBRE8AD07820121114
South Korean officials seized the shipment of 445 graphite cylinders, which had been declared as lead piping, from a Chinese vessel called the Xin Yan Tai, U.N. Security Council diplomats told Reuters on condition of anonymity.
http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/11/14/us-korea-north-syria-un-idUSBRE8AD07820121114
Iranian army members prepare missiles to be launched
Iran said Tuesday it successfully tested a new air defense system modeled after the US Hawk system during a drill in the country's east. A senior Iranian official called the six-day air defense drill over almost the entire eastern half of the country a 'slap' to America and Israel. The exercise has been said to include Iranian jet fighters, drones and more than 8,000 troops.
http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/articleshowpics/17212303.cms
http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/articleshowpics/17212303.cms
Moscow to seek Syria progress, bigger Middle East role in Riyadh
Russia is expected to urge Saudi Arabia to allow its regional rival Iran to join moves to end the conflict in Syria in a rare high-level meeting on Wednesday between the world's top two oil producers, diplomatic sources said.
Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov is hoping to raise Moscow's profile in a region where its influence is at risk after blocking three U.N. resolutions meant to put pressure on Syrian President Bashar al-Assad to end the bloodshed.
http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/11/14/russia-saudi-idUSL5E8MD36U20121114
Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov is hoping to raise Moscow's profile in a region where its influence is at risk after blocking three U.N. resolutions meant to put pressure on Syrian President Bashar al-Assad to end the bloodshed.
http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/11/14/russia-saudi-idUSL5E8MD36U20121114
