Saturday, November 17, 2012
A State Of Mind (2004 North Korea documentary)
Two young gymnast girls train for the Mass Games, North Korea's choreography spectacular. Provides an intriguing inside look into life in Pyongyang, North Korea.
ANONYMOUS POSTS EMERGENCY INFORMATION TO ALLOW GAZANS ACCESS TO THE INTERNET SHOULD ISRAEL CUT OFF COMMUNICATIONS TO OUTSIDE WORLD
Emergency dial-up numbers that can be used in Gaza, in Arabic:
http://www.alwatanvoice.com/arabic/news/2012/11/15/334424.html
Anonymous "care package" to Gazans:
http://www.mediafire.com/?hpnne29xvx1ceuv
Contains:
-- Instructions on how to reconnect to Internet
-- Instructions on how to avoid Israeli surveillance
-- First Aid guide
-- Anonymous press release
The Coming Crisis is FIRMLY against the restriction of information, and therefore provides these links to ensure objective and fully reported news on both sides reaches all people. Pass this information on to those in need.
Israeli Interior Mininster, E. Yishai: "The goal of the operation is to send Gaza back to the Middle Ages. Only then will Israel be calm for 40 yrs", via Haaretz
Matt's confusion:
Since Gaza has been living in the Middle Ages for the better part of the last 60 years, mostly due to embargo and perpetual bombing, does that mean the mission is finally complete?
SPORADIC SILENCE OVER GAZA AND ISRAEL: RUMOURS OF IMMINENT CEASEFIRE, US PRESSURE NOT TO LAUNCH GROUND INVASION
Update:
Literally 3 seconds after I posted this, I heard two massive explosions in Gaza. Guess not.
Update 2:
Ceasefire negotiations are apparently underway during the bombing.
4.4 Magnitude Earthquake OFFSHORE GUATEMALA - 17th November 2012
4.4
Date-Time
Saturday, November 17, 2012 at 21:19:27 UTC
Saturday, November 17, 2012 at 03:19:27 PM at epicenter
Location
13.704°N, 92.314°W
Depth
29.3 km (18.2 miles)
Region
OFFSHORE GUATEMALA
Distances
78 km (48 miles) SSW of Champerico, Guatemala
British Airways 'Twitter Account Hacked'
The official BA Twitter account seemingly retweeted an offensive and racist message on Saturday afternoon.
http://news.sky.com/story/1012877/british-airways-twitter-account-hacked
4.8 Magnitude Earthquake NEW BRITAIN REGION, PAPUA NEW GUINEA - 17th November 2012
4.8
Date-Time
Saturday, November 17, 2012 at 21:12:00 UTC
Sunday, November 18, 2012 at 07:12:00 AM at epicenter
Time of Earthquake in other Time Zones
Location
5.940°S, 151.970°E
Depth
29.9 km (18.6 miles)
Region
NEW BRITAIN REGION, PAPUA NEW GUINEA
Distances
178 km (110 miles) S of Kokopo, Papua New Guinea
4.9 Magnitude Earthquake NEW BRITAIN REGION, PAPUA NEW GUINEA - 17th November 2012
4.9
Date-Time
Saturday, November 17, 2012 at 21:02:55 UTC
Sunday, November 18, 2012 at 07:02:55 AM at epicenter
Time of Earthquake in other Time Zones
Location
5.884°S, 151.867°E
Depth
57.2 km (35.5 miles)
Region
NEW BRITAIN REGION, PAPUA NEW GUINEA
Distances
174 km (108 miles) SSW of Kokopo, Papua New Guinea
4.5 Magnitude Earthquake OFFSHORE GUATEMALA - 17th November 2012
4.5
Date-Time
Saturday, November 17, 2012 at 20:44:04 UTC
Saturday, November 17, 2012 at 02:44:04 PM at epicenter
Time of Earthquake in other Time Zones
Location
13.766°N, 91.624°W
Depth
38.2 km (23.7 miles)
Region
OFFSHORE GUATEMALA
Distances
58 km (36 miles) SW of Nueva Concepcion, Guatemala
Monti repeats Italy does not need euro zone aid......Ireland, Greece, Spain and Portugal also kept saying this
Prime Minister Mario Monti rejected suggestions on Saturday that Italy should seek aid from its euro zone partners to bind a new government to strict reform conditions after elections likely to be held in March.
Monti's comments, in a panel discussion at Milan's Bocconi University, follow growing speculation that he might try to use an aid program to guarantee that his broad economic agenda is continued once his term in office ends.
http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/11/17/us-italy-monti-idUSBRE8AG0H120121117
Monti's comments, in a panel discussion at Milan's Bocconi University, follow growing speculation that he might try to use an aid program to guarantee that his broad economic agenda is continued once his term in office ends.
http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/11/17/us-italy-monti-idUSBRE8AG0H120121117
IMF'S Lagarde says Greek deal should be "rooted in reality"
An agreement among Greece's international creditors on reducing its large debt pile should be "rooted in reality and not in wishful thinking," the head of the International Monetary Fund said ahead of a tense meeting with European leaders.
Cutting short a visit to Asia to attend a Eurogroup meeting on Tuesday in Brussels, Christine Lagarde, the IMF's managing director, told Reuters it was important that an agreement provide a lasting solution to Greece's debt to avoid prolonged uncertainty and further damage to the Greek economy.
http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/11/17/us-imf-europe-idUSBRE8AG0C720121117
Cutting short a visit to Asia to attend a Eurogroup meeting on Tuesday in Brussels, Christine Lagarde, the IMF's managing director, told Reuters it was important that an agreement provide a lasting solution to Greece's debt to avoid prolonged uncertainty and further damage to the Greek economy.
http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/11/17/us-imf-europe-idUSBRE8AG0C720121117
Greeks march to mark 1973 student revolt against junta
The annual protest often becomes a focal point for groups protesting against government policies and comes against a backdrop of rising public anger at a new round of wage and pension cuts approved by parliament this month.
http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/11/17/us-greece-march-idUSBRE8AG0B120121117
U.S. denies visas to Iran officials for U.N. meeting: report
The United States has denied visas to Iranian officials hoping to attend a U.N. meeting in New York, Iran's state news agency reported on Saturday.
The Iranian judiciary's Human Rights Headquarters said in a statement that the United States denied visas to members of an Iranian delegation that planned to travel to a meeting of the United Nations' Third Committee, which focuses on social issues and human rights, state news agency IRNA said.
http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/11/17/us-iran-usa-idUSBRE8AG0F320121117
The Iranian judiciary's Human Rights Headquarters said in a statement that the United States denied visas to members of an Iranian delegation that planned to travel to a meeting of the United Nations' Third Committee, which focuses on social issues and human rights, state news agency IRNA said.
http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/11/17/us-iran-usa-idUSBRE8AG0F320121117
JFK worker Renel Rene Richardson arrested over $1.9m iPad theft at site of GoodFellas heist
A cargo worker has been arrested over the brazen theft of $1.9 million in iPad minis from JFK Airport, according to authorities.
Federal agents arrested Renel Rene Richardson earlier this week because he allegedly made too many inquiries to co-workers about the incoming shipment of sought-after iPads, the NY Post reported.
Richardson also asked about where forklifts might be found, according to court papers obtained by the NY Post.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2234404/JFK-worker-arrested-1-9m-iPad-theft-site-GoodFellas-heist.html
Federal agents arrested Renel Rene Richardson earlier this week because he allegedly made too many inquiries to co-workers about the incoming shipment of sought-after iPads, the NY Post reported.
Richardson also asked about where forklifts might be found, according to court papers obtained by the NY Post.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2234404/JFK-worker-arrested-1-9m-iPad-theft-site-GoodFellas-heist.html
John Michael Young Charged with the Murders of Andrea Mitchell and Tony McGinnis
wistv.com - Columbia, South Carolina |
Police have captured the man who they say killed two people more than a month ago and stuffed their bodies in barrels before dumping them into a South Carolina lake.
Authorities arrested John Michael Young Saturday afternoon in Anderson, the same town where the bodies were found.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2234393/Police-capture-men-dismembered-couple-machete-chainsaw-stuffing-bodies-barrels-dumping-lake.html
Police have captured the man who they say killed two people more than a month ago and stuffed their bodies in barrels before dumping them into a South Carolina lake.
Authorities arrested John Michael Young Saturday afternoon in Anderson, the same town where the bodies were found.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2234393/Police-capture-men-dismembered-couple-machete-chainsaw-stuffing-bodies-barrels-dumping-lake.html
5.3 Magnitude Earthquake WEST CHILE RISE - 17th November 2012
5.3
Date-Time
Saturday, November 17, 2012 at 18:43:52 UTC
Saturday, November 17, 2012 at 12:43:52 PM at epicenter
Time of Earthquake in other Time Zones
Location
37.020°S, 94.967°W
Depth
10.8 km (6.7 miles)
Region
WEST CHILE RISE
Distances
1513 km (940 miles) WSW of San Juan Bautista, Chile
Elmo Puppeteer Kevin Clash agrees to pay his accuser £79,000 to publicly retract his underage sex claim
Elmo puppeteer Kevin Clash recently accused of engaging in underage sex with male model Sheldon Stephens who says he was 16 at the time, agreed to pay his accuser $125,000, around £79,000, to recant his story.
5.4 Magnitude Earthquake WEST CHILE RISE - 17th November 2012
5.4
Date-Time
Saturday, November 17, 2012 at 18:12:21 UTC
Saturday, November 17, 2012 at 12:12:21 PM at epicenter
Location
37.160°S, 94.968°W
Depth
10.1 km (6.3 miles)
Region
WEST CHILE RISE
Distances
1910 km (1187 miles) W (272°) from Valdivia, Chile
Hundreds queue for ATM bonanza after hole-in-the-wall starts pumping out thousands of pounds in extra notes
A crowd gathered at a cashpoint in Glasgow, Scotland today after the machine started spewing out extra notes to customers making withdrawals. The Bank of Scotland ATM in the Burnside area of Rutherglen was reported to be issuing double the amount of cash requested. Police eventually stood guard at the machine until the bank was able to shut it down after being alerted to what was going on.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2234440/Cashback-Hundreds-queue-ATM-bonanza-Bank-Scotland-machine-Glasgow-starts-pumping-extra-notes.html
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2234440/Cashback-Hundreds-queue-ATM-bonanza-Bank-Scotland-machine-Glasgow-starts-pumping-extra-notes.html
Pro-Palestinian rally taking place in Edinburgh
Hundreds of people have taken part in a march and rally in Edinburgh in support of the Palestinian people.Marchers urged the Scottish government to call for an end to what they described as an "ongoing massacre" in Gaza.
At least 40 Palestinians and three Israelis have died since Israel killed Hamas's military chief on Wednesday.
UK Foreign Secretary William Hague has urged both Israel and the Palestinians to make efforts to halt the violence
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-edinburgh-east-fife-20376594
Israel Readies Forces For Gaza Border Assault
The government has given the go-ahead for 75,000 reservists to be put on stand by for call-up for any ground incursion into Gaza.
Israel knows that the eyes of the world are on it and that a ground war brings not only military dangers, but international and diplomatic ones too.
http://news.sky.com/story/1012810/israel-readies-forces-for-gaza-border-assault
Hadleigh Fuel Tankers Fire 'Is Suspicious'
Ten fire vehicles attended the "major incident" at Lady Lane Industrial Estate in Hadleigh, Suffolk, at about 6.45pm on Friday.
Firefighters managed to extinguish the blaze before midnight and no injuries were reported.
http://news.sky.com/story/1012787/hadleigh-fuel-tankers-fire-is-suspicious
White House says did not heavily edit talking points on Benghazi.......So they edited it a little?
The White House did not heavily alter talking points about the attacks on a U.S. diplomatic mission in Libya, an official said on Saturday.
"If there were adjustments made to them within the intelligence community, that's common, and that's something they would have done themselves," Ben Rhodes, deputy national security adviser, told reporters. "The only edit ... made by the White House was the factual edit as to how to refer to the facility."
http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/11/17/us-usa-benghazi-whitehouse-idUSBRE8AG0D120121117
"If there were adjustments made to them within the intelligence community, that's common, and that's something they would have done themselves," Ben Rhodes, deputy national security adviser, told reporters. "The only edit ... made by the White House was the factual edit as to how to refer to the facility."
http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/11/17/us-usa-benghazi-whitehouse-idUSBRE8AG0D120121117
Fighting continues in Gaza
Palestinian militants in Gaza kept up cross-border salvoes, firing a rocket at Israel's biggest city Tel Aviv for the third straight day. Police said it was destroyed in mid-air by an Iron Dome anti-missile battery deployed hours earlier, and no one was injured.
http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/11/17/us-palestinians-israel-hamas-idUSBRE8AD0WP20121117
4.9 Magnitude Earthquake KURIL ISLANDS - 17th November 2012
4.9
Date-Time
Saturday, November 17, 2012 at 16:37:40 UTC
Sunday, November 18, 2012 at 03:37:40 AM at epicenter
Time of Earthquake in other Time Zones
Location
45.337°N, 151.466°E
Depth
47.4 km (29.5 miles)
Region
KURIL ISLANDS
Distances
281 km (174 miles) E of Kuril'sk, Russia
Explosion In Tel Aviv After Gaza Pounded
The sirens sent people running for cover as TV images showed the Iron Dome anti-missile system firing on an incoming rocket, hitting it in mid-air according to the Israeli military.
The Israeli ambulance service said there were no casualties.
http://news.sky.com/story/1012641/explosion-in-tel-aviv-after-gaza-pounded
FACEBOOK BEGINS CENSORING ANTI-ISRAEL PROFILES, SHUTS DOWN PROFILE OF HARRY FEAR
More info:
Harry Fear is currently holed up in a hotel in Gaza City, providing essentially pieces of the information to the world about the war situation.
IRON DOME SHOOTS DOWN ROCKETS HURLED AT TEL AVIV
More info:
http://www.timesofisrael.com/palestinians-turn-to-egypt-as-idf-steps-up-airstrikes/
Israeli military personnel: "Invasion of Gaza would be entirely unsuccessful"
Contradictions and questions:
1. Skirmishes have already taken place at the periphery, if not deeper.
2. Bethlehem has been occupied by tanks, indicating willingness.
3. Why suddenly draft 75,000 reservists? For what purpose?
Eurogroup's Juncker says euro zone threats do not help Greece
Eurogroup President Jean-Claude Juncker took aim at Austria, Germany and the southern German state of Bavaria on Saturday for suggesting that a Greek exit from the euro zone was looming.
"Threats in the Austrian, German or Bavarian language that Greece will soon leave the euro zone do not do Greece any good," he said in a speech in the north-western town of Bielefeld.
"We must show solidarity with Greece and watch our words."
http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/11/17/us-eurozone-juncker-idUSBRE8AG05T20121117
"Threats in the Austrian, German or Bavarian language that Greece will soon leave the euro zone do not do Greece any good," he said in a speech in the north-western town of Bielefeld.
"We must show solidarity with Greece and watch our words."
http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/11/17/us-eurozone-juncker-idUSBRE8AG05T20121117
Wall Street Week Ahead: Going off "cliff" with a bungee cord
The 1987 crash. The Y2K bug. The debt ceiling debacle of 2011.
All these events, in the end, turned out to be buying opportunities for stocks. So will the "fiscal cliff," some investors say as they watch favorite stocks tumble during the political give-and-take happening in Washington.
The first round of talks aimed at avoiding the "fiscal cliff" caused a temporary rise in equities on Friday, signaling Wall Street's recent declines could be a buying opportunity. The gains were small and sentiment remains weak, but it suggests hope for market bulls.
Though shares ended moderately higher on Friday, it was not enough to offset losses for the week. The S&P was down 1.5 percent, while both the Dow and the Nasdaq fell 1.8 percent.
http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/11/16/us-usa-stocks-weekahead-idUSBRE8AF1M320121116
All these events, in the end, turned out to be buying opportunities for stocks. So will the "fiscal cliff," some investors say as they watch favorite stocks tumble during the political give-and-take happening in Washington.
The first round of talks aimed at avoiding the "fiscal cliff" caused a temporary rise in equities on Friday, signaling Wall Street's recent declines could be a buying opportunity. The gains were small and sentiment remains weak, but it suggests hope for market bulls.
Though shares ended moderately higher on Friday, it was not enough to offset losses for the week. The S&P was down 1.5 percent, while both the Dow and the Nasdaq fell 1.8 percent.
http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/11/16/us-usa-stocks-weekahead-idUSBRE8AF1M320121116
Syria rebels seize airport near Iraqi border: activists
Rebels captured an airport used by Syria's military near the Iraqi border on Saturday, activists said, a move which they said would allow them to maintain their hold on the recently seized border town of Albu Kamal.
President Bashar al-Assad's forces have retaliated by bombing the airport with fighter jets, said Ziad al-Amir, a local activist.
Video published by rebel groups showed fighters patrolling a dusty desert air base in Syria's Deir al-Zor province. Plumes of grey smoke rose from some low concrete buildings as fighters examined several abandoned tanks.
http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/11/17/us-syria-crisis-airport-idUSBRE8AG08Z20121117
President Bashar al-Assad's forces have retaliated by bombing the airport with fighter jets, said Ziad al-Amir, a local activist.
Video published by rebel groups showed fighters patrolling a dusty desert air base in Syria's Deir al-Zor province. Plumes of grey smoke rose from some low concrete buildings as fighters examined several abandoned tanks.
http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/11/17/us-syria-crisis-airport-idUSBRE8AG08Z20121117
UN launches aerial bombardment in eastern Congo
A local official says the U.N.'s mission in Congo has launched an aerial attack on the M23 rebel group after fighting resumed following a months long lull in violence.
Governor Julien Paluku says the Congolese army retreated from Kibumba after thousands of Rwandans, who he says were backing the rebels, attacked early Saturday. He says the U.N.'s mission, known as MONUSCO, then used helicopters to launch an attack on M23 in Kibumba.
Two army officers and 151 rebels were killed Thursday in a battle that the U.N. called the worst clash between the M23 group and the military since July.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/huff-wires/20121117/af-congo-fighting/?utm_hp_ref=green&ir=green
Governor Julien Paluku says the Congolese army retreated from Kibumba after thousands of Rwandans, who he says were backing the rebels, attacked early Saturday. He says the U.N.'s mission, known as MONUSCO, then used helicopters to launch an attack on M23 in Kibumba.
Two army officers and 151 rebels were killed Thursday in a battle that the U.N. called the worst clash between the M23 group and the military since July.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/huff-wires/20121117/af-congo-fighting/?utm_hp_ref=green&ir=green
Syrian opposition leaders meet French president
Syria's new opposition coalition signalled Saturday that it intends to move quickly to establish a broad-based alternative government to the regime of President Bashar al-Assad.
After talks with French President Francois Hollande, coalition leader Ahmed Moaz al-Khatib assured the international community that the transitional government will be composed of technocrats rather than politicians, and include representatives of all the war-torn country's ethnic and religious groups.
But Khatib appeared to have made little progress on his call for the West to arm the rebels with Hollande indicating that the major powers remain cautious about such a step.
http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5j3QWm6PwBovTzYq3B7i634UTOU1g?docId=CNG.c6c18744bcf573f19c587e59b6e4fd3d.1b1
After talks with French President Francois Hollande, coalition leader Ahmed Moaz al-Khatib assured the international community that the transitional government will be composed of technocrats rather than politicians, and include representatives of all the war-torn country's ethnic and religious groups.
But Khatib appeared to have made little progress on his call for the West to arm the rebels with Hollande indicating that the major powers remain cautious about such a step.
http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5j3QWm6PwBovTzYq3B7i634UTOU1g?docId=CNG.c6c18744bcf573f19c587e59b6e4fd3d.1b1
Geoffrey McGann arrested at Calif. airport for Wearing Weird Watch
Geoffrey McGann, 49, of Rancho Palos Verdes was taken into custody Thursday night after he tried to pass through airport security with an ornate watch that had switches, wires and fuses, according to Sgt. J.D. Nelson, a spokesman for the Alameda County Sheriff's Department.
McGann told Transportation Security Administration officers that he's an artist and the watch is art, Nelson said.
http://www.foxnews.com/us/2012/11/16/ca-man-with-weird-watch-arrested-at-oakland-airport-charged-with-having-bomb/
McGann told Transportation Security Administration officers that he's an artist and the watch is art, Nelson said.
http://www.foxnews.com/us/2012/11/16/ca-man-with-weird-watch-arrested-at-oakland-airport-charged-with-having-bomb/
4.6 Magnitude Earthquake NEAR THE SOUTH COAST OF PAPUA, INDONESIA - 17th November 2012
4.6
Date-Time
Saturday, November 17, 2012 at 12:22:11 UTC
Saturday, November 17, 2012 at 09:22:11 PM at epicenter
Time of Earthquake in other Time Zones
Location
4.854°S, 134.029°E
Depth
19.4 km (12.1 miles)
Region
NEAR THE SOUTH COAST OF PAPUA, INDONESIA
Distances
103 km (64 miles) NNW of Dobo, Indonesia
Gaza Conflict: Rockets Hit Israeli City
There have been no reports of causalities in the rocket attack, which was confirmed by the Israel Defence Forces.
The latest airstrikes on Gaza City targeted the Hamas government headquarters, a police compound and a vast network of smuggling tunnels.
http://news.sky.com/story/1012641/gaza-conflict-rockets-hit-israeli-city
FEMA and the National Security Police State
''Executive Orders have been on the books for a half century now, empowering the Federal Emergency Management Agency to take control of everything from public and private communications, energy and transportation to housing and more. Most disturbing is that these presidential decrees encompass the registration and seizure of people, including the separation of family members, should the government find it necessary.''
http://www.newswithviews.com/Weeks/darren114.htm
http://www.newswithviews.com/Weeks/darren114.htm
America Begins Nation-Building at Home (Provided Your Home is the Middle East)
''A billion dollars from the federal government: that kind of money could go a long way toward revitalizing a country’s aging infrastructure. It could provide housing or better water and sewer systems. It could enhance a transportation network or develop an urban waterfront. It could provide local jobs. It could do any or all of these things. And, in fact, it did. It just happened to be in the Middle East, not the United States.
The Pentagon awarded $667.2 million in contracts in 2012, and more than $1 billion during Barack Obama’s first term in office for construction projects in largely autocratic Middle Eastern nations, according to figures provided to TomDispatch by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Middle East District (USACE-MED). More than $178 million in similar funding is already anticipated for 2013.''
http://www.tomdispatch.com/blog/175617/tomgram%3A_nick_turse%2C_the_secret_building_boom_of_the_obama_years/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+tomdispatch%2FesUU+%28TomDispatch%3A+The+latest+Tomgram%29&utm_content=Google+Reader
The Pentagon awarded $667.2 million in contracts in 2012, and more than $1 billion during Barack Obama’s first term in office for construction projects in largely autocratic Middle Eastern nations, according to figures provided to TomDispatch by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Middle East District (USACE-MED). More than $178 million in similar funding is already anticipated for 2013.''
http://www.tomdispatch.com/blog/175617/tomgram%3A_nick_turse%2C_the_secret_building_boom_of_the_obama_years/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+tomdispatch%2FesUU+%28TomDispatch%3A+The+latest+Tomgram%29&utm_content=Google+Reader
Europe’s separatists gaining ground, adding to continent's strains
''As debt-burdened European governments struggle to overcome the disparities in their still-imperfect union, old demons of regional separatism have surged anew in recent months, raising another unwelcome challenge to the continent's traditional nation-states.
Separatist movements have dramatically reinforced their positions here in Belgium's prosperous Flanders region, where the independence-minded New Flemish Alliance captured Antwerp's 16th-century City Hall on Oct. 14 and, under its populist leader Bart De Wever, is heading into national elections in 2014 with new wind in its sails.'
http://www.balkanchronicle.com/index.php/world/world-news/europe/2662-europe-s-separatists-gaining-ground-adding-to-continent-s-strains
Separatist movements have dramatically reinforced their positions here in Belgium's prosperous Flanders region, where the independence-minded New Flemish Alliance captured Antwerp's 16th-century City Hall on Oct. 14 and, under its populist leader Bart De Wever, is heading into national elections in 2014 with new wind in its sails.'
http://www.balkanchronicle.com/index.php/world/world-news/europe/2662-europe-s-separatists-gaining-ground-adding-to-continent-s-strains
Why Bankers Rule the World
Professor Margrit Kennedy writes that a stunning 35% to 40% of everything we buy goes to interest. This interest goes to bankers, financiers, and bondholders, who take a 35% to 40% cut of our gross domestic product.
That helps explain how wealth is systematically transferred from Main Street to Wall Street. The rich get progressively richer at the expense of the poor, not just because of “Wall Street greed” but because of the inexorable mathematics of our private banking system.''
http://www.globalresearch.ca/why-bankers-rule-the-world/5311833
That helps explain how wealth is systematically transferred from Main Street to Wall Street. The rich get progressively richer at the expense of the poor, not just because of “Wall Street greed” but because of the inexorable mathematics of our private banking system.''
http://www.globalresearch.ca/why-bankers-rule-the-world/5311833
Libya Fiasco Exposes Chain of Incompetent Generals In Charge At the Pentagon
The extramarital affair cited for the resignation of CIA chief Gen Petraeus is insignificant by far compared to his belonging to a section of US military and intelligence elite pursuing a complex right-wing global agenda.
Carter Ham has been removed as head of the US Africa Command (AFRICOM). General Petraeus resigned from the CIA on November 9. Rear Adm. Charles M. Gaouette was reassigned on October 26 as the commander of the USS John C. Stennis strike group. These three changes at the top of the US military establishment are all related to the failed NATO intervention in North Africa and the subsequent war and killings that have been unleashed by militias in Libya, especially in Benghazi.
These changes exposed the new autonomy and war fighting capabilities that were being experimented where the CIA and the leaders of the military command structures such as AFRICOM and Central Command (CENTCOM) made policy independent of the executive branch and civilian leadership. This experiment shattered with devastating consequences for the entire military apparatus ensnaring generals, financial speculators, media specialists on the military and politicians.
http://therearenosunglasses.wordpress.com/2012/11/16/libya-fiasco-exposes-chain-of-incompetent-generals-in-charge-at-the-pentagon/
Carter Ham has been removed as head of the US Africa Command (AFRICOM). General Petraeus resigned from the CIA on November 9. Rear Adm. Charles M. Gaouette was reassigned on October 26 as the commander of the USS John C. Stennis strike group. These three changes at the top of the US military establishment are all related to the failed NATO intervention in North Africa and the subsequent war and killings that have been unleashed by militias in Libya, especially in Benghazi.
These changes exposed the new autonomy and war fighting capabilities that were being experimented where the CIA and the leaders of the military command structures such as AFRICOM and Central Command (CENTCOM) made policy independent of the executive branch and civilian leadership. This experiment shattered with devastating consequences for the entire military apparatus ensnaring generals, financial speculators, media specialists on the military and politicians.
http://therearenosunglasses.wordpress.com/2012/11/16/libya-fiasco-exposes-chain-of-incompetent-generals-in-charge-at-the-pentagon/
Why The States Must Secede To Save America
The call for Americans to rally behind a restoration of the Republic and the bill of rights comes on the back of a burgeoning secessionist movement that has swept the country with residents from all 50 states submitting petitions to the White House calling for states to withdraw from the union and form their own independent governments. The petitions have received a combined number of signatures totaling over a million.
http://www.infowars.com/why-the-states-must-secede-to-save-america/
Petraeus case shows ease of government email snooping
The scandal surrounding the sudden resignation of an adulterous CIA director has stunned the American public not just for its prominent cast of characters, but also because of the ease with which authorities appeared to have traipsed through personal email accounts.
New Yorker Jailed For Role In Failed Bomb Plot
A Bosnia-born US citizen has been sentenced to life in prison for his role in a foiled suicide-bomb plot on New York City subways in 2009.
Adis Medunjanin, 28, was convicted this year of conspiracy to use weapons of mass destruction, attempting to commit an act of terrorism and other terrorism charges in a plot authorities called one of the closest calls since the 9/11 attacks.
Prosecutors had argued for a life term for Medunjanin, saying he "committed a host of heinous crimes aimed at killing and maiming his fellow American citizens in order to alter and take revenge for American foreign policy".
http://news.sky.com/story/1012588/new-yorker-jailed-for-role-in-failed-bomb-plot
Adis Medunjanin, 28, was convicted this year of conspiracy to use weapons of mass destruction, attempting to commit an act of terrorism and other terrorism charges in a plot authorities called one of the closest calls since the 9/11 attacks.
Prosecutors had argued for a life term for Medunjanin, saying he "committed a host of heinous crimes aimed at killing and maiming his fellow American citizens in order to alter and take revenge for American foreign policy".
http://news.sky.com/story/1012588/new-yorker-jailed-for-role-in-failed-bomb-plot
Australian Missing Girl: Remains Found In Croc's Stomach
Australian authorities searching for a seven-year-old girl have found what appears to be human remains inside a 3m crocodile.
An extensive search began at first light for the girl who was last seen swimming at the natural pool at an outstation about 210 miles (340km) east of the city of Darwin on Friday afternoon.
The girl was swimming with other children and an adult at the time.
"Witnesses have told police that a crocodile attacked the male adult before pulling the girl under water," Senior Sergeant Shaun Gill said.
http://news.sky.com/story/1012624/crocodile-attack-human-remains-found
An extensive search began at first light for the girl who was last seen swimming at the natural pool at an outstation about 210 miles (340km) east of the city of Darwin on Friday afternoon.
The girl was swimming with other children and an adult at the time.
"Witnesses have told police that a crocodile attacked the male adult before pulling the girl under water," Senior Sergeant Shaun Gill said.
http://news.sky.com/story/1012624/crocodile-attack-human-remains-found
4.4 Magnitude Earthquake OFF THE COAST OF GUATEMALA - 17th November 201
4.4
Date-Time
Saturday, November 17, 2012 at 10:13:48 UTC
Saturday, November 17, 2012 at 04:13:48 AM at epicenter
Location
13.192°N, 92.007°W
Depth
35 km (21.7 miles)
Region
OFF THE COAST OF GUATEMALA
Distances
123 km (76 miles) S of Champerico, Guatemala
Report: Rockets Fired from Egypt Hit Israel
"Terrorists in the Sinai Peninsula launched rockets into Israel Friday night," reports the Jerusalem Post. "The rockets fell near an Israeli village on the southern border, causing some damage, but no injuries."
The Israeli daily Haaretz reports, "Rockets fired from direction of Egypt toward Eshkol Regional Council."
It appears no damage was reported in connection with the rocket fire from Egypt. Earlier today, the Egyptian prime minister visited Gaza to express solidarity with the Palestinians there.
http://www.weeklystandard.com/blogs/report-rockets-fired-egypt-hit-israel_663502.html
Iran delays planned start-up of Arak nuclear reactor
Iran has postponed until 2014 the planned start-up of a research reactor which Western experts say could potentially offer the Islamic Republic a second route to produce material for a nuclear bomb, a U.N. report showed.
Tehran has continued to install cooling and moderator circuit piping in the heavy water plant near the town of Arak. Nuclear analysts say this type of reactor could yield plutonium for nuclear arms if the spent fuel is reprocessed, something Iran has said it has no intention of doing.
http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/11/17/us-nuclear-iran-reactor-idUSBRE8AG05C20121117
Tehran has continued to install cooling and moderator circuit piping in the heavy water plant near the town of Arak. Nuclear analysts say this type of reactor could yield plutonium for nuclear arms if the spent fuel is reprocessed, something Iran has said it has no intention of doing.
http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/11/17/us-nuclear-iran-reactor-idUSBRE8AG05C20121117
Gilberto Valle indicted in detailed plot to 'rape, cook, kill and eat 100 women' facing him with life in prison
Six year police veteran Gilberto Valle, 28, was indicted on charges of conspiracy to commit kidnapping on Friday, facing him with life in prison if convicted in what his defence has argued was only a 'fantasy.'
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2234316/Gilberto-Valle-NYPD-cannibal-cop-indicted-plot-rape-cook-kill-eat-100-women.html
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2234316/Gilberto-Valle-NYPD-cannibal-cop-indicted-plot-rape-cook-kill-eat-100-women.html
Petraeus tells Congress that 'Obama administration altered CIA talking points' on Benghazi
David Petraeus, former CIA director, has testified on Capitol Hill that 'talking points' on Benghazi initially prepared by the CIA were subsequently altered before being given to Ambassador Susan Rice.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2233975/Petraeus-tells-Congress-Obama-administration-altered-CIA-talking-points-Benghazi.html
Costas Vaxevanis who published list of 2,000 'tax dodgers' is made to stand trial AGAIN
There was fury across Greece today after it was announced that a journalist who published the names of more than 2,000 Greeks with Swiss bank accounts is to stand trial again.
Costas Vaxevanis has been told that his acquital earlier this month for breaking data privacy laws after publishing the so-called ‘Lagarde List’ was 'faulty.'
The Athens Public Prosecutor’s office said that Mr Vaxevanis must now be tried again by a higher court on the same charges.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2234040/Greek-journalist-published-list-2-000-tax-dodgers-stand-trial-breaking-privacy-laws-again.html
Costas Vaxevanis has been told that his acquital earlier this month for breaking data privacy laws after publishing the so-called ‘Lagarde List’ was 'faulty.'
The Athens Public Prosecutor’s office said that Mr Vaxevanis must now be tried again by a higher court on the same charges.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2234040/Greek-journalist-published-list-2-000-tax-dodgers-stand-trial-breaking-privacy-laws-again.html
Sex gangs report 'will play down threat of Pakistani men targeting white girls'
An official inquiry into child sex gangs will fail to highlight the targeting of white girls by Pakistani men.
Instead the year-long Government-backed investigation will say that child sex abuse is a problem caused by men of all backgrounds in towns and cities across the country.
The findings of the inquiry by Sue Berelowitz, the Deputy Children's Commissioner for England, are likely to anger ministers and provoke disbelief among those who have observed and investigated cases of abuse of teenage girls in towns in Lancashire and Yorkshire.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2234004/Sex-gangs-report-play-threat-Pakistani-men-targeting-white-girls.html
Instead the year-long Government-backed investigation will say that child sex abuse is a problem caused by men of all backgrounds in towns and cities across the country.
The findings of the inquiry by Sue Berelowitz, the Deputy Children's Commissioner for England, are likely to anger ministers and provoke disbelief among those who have observed and investigated cases of abuse of teenage girls in towns in Lancashire and Yorkshire.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2234004/Sex-gangs-report-play-threat-Pakistani-men-targeting-white-girls.html
France 'not sick man of Europe'
France's socialist government seized on better than expected economic growth figures to reject concern that France could become the next focus of the eurozone crisis, insisting it is acting to reform the flagging economy.
"France is not the sick man of Europe. France remains the world's fifth largest economic power that has all its resources but which needs to recover its competitiveness," Pierre Moscovici, the finance minister told the FT.
http://edition.cnn.com/2012/11/17/business/france-sick-man/index.html?hpt=hp_t3
"France is not the sick man of Europe. France remains the world's fifth largest economic power that has all its resources but which needs to recover its competitiveness," Pierre Moscovici, the finance minister told the FT.
http://edition.cnn.com/2012/11/17/business/france-sick-man/index.html?hpt=hp_t3
4.7 Magnitude Earthquake TARAPACA, CHILE - 17th November 2012
4.7
Date-Time
Saturday, November 17, 2012 at 09:09:35 UTC
Saturday, November 17, 2012 at 06:09:35 AM at epicenter
Location
18.890°S, 68.993°W
Depth
115.7 km (71.9 miles)
Region
TARAPACA, CHILE
Distances
148 km (92 miles) ESE (107°) from Arica, Chile
5.1 Magnitude Earthquake SOUTHEAST OF THE LOYALTY ISLANDS - 17th November 2012
5.1
Date-Time
Saturday, November 17, 2012 at 09:06:26 UTC
Saturday, November 17, 2012 at 08:06:26 PM at epicenter
Location
22.235°S, 171.643°E
Depth
115.1 km (71.5 miles)
Region
SOUTHEAST OF THE LOYALTY ISLANDS
Distances
389 km (242 miles) SE (141°) from Isangel, Vanuatu
Ethnic Cleansing or WAR?
Convoys carrying tens of thousands of Israeli soldiers rolled toward the Gaza border Saturday, raising the specter of an imminent ground invasion after Palestinian militants appeared to raise the stakes by firing rockets at the holy city of Jerusalem.
The mobilization of troops along the Israel-Gaza border follows news Friday that the Israeli government authorized the call up of 75,000 reservists, the latest move by Israel in its days-old military campaign to stop rockets attacks from Gaza.
"We are in the process of expanding the campaign," Brig. Gen. Yoav Mordechai, an Israel Defense Forces (IDF) spokesman, told Israel's Channel 2.
http://edition.cnn.com/2012/11/17/world/meast/gaza-israel-strike/index.html?hpt=hp_t1
Anonymous hacker group attacks Israeli websites
Data bombardments briefly knocked some sites offline and led to others being defaced with pro-Palestinian messages.
The OpIsrael campaign was launched by the hacking collective in retaliation for attacks on Gaza.
The cyber attacks come as the Israeli army updates its web campaign adding "achievements" and "badges" for regular visitors.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-20356757
Malaysia, Egypt call for help to end Gaza violence
Malaysia and Egypt have agreed to ask “international power brokers” to help stop escalating violence in the Middle East, the Muslim-majority Southeast Asian country said.
Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak said in a statement from his office that Egyptian President Mohamed Morsi called him late Friday to discuss the latest Israeli air strikes on Hamas-controlled Gaza.
“Both countries agreed to ask international power brokers to influence Israel to stop its military aggression towards the Palestinian people,” said the statement issued after the 15-minute call.
http://news.asiaone.com/News/AsiaOne%2BNews/Malaysia/Story/A1Story20121117-384014.html
Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak said in a statement from his office that Egyptian President Mohamed Morsi called him late Friday to discuss the latest Israeli air strikes on Hamas-controlled Gaza.
“Both countries agreed to ask international power brokers to influence Israel to stop its military aggression towards the Palestinian people,” said the statement issued after the 15-minute call.
http://news.asiaone.com/News/AsiaOne%2BNews/Malaysia/Story/A1Story20121117-384014.html
UK pulls plug on £11m Uganda aid: Minister acts over fears YOUR cash is being stolen
Justine Greening, the International Development Secretary, halted the transfer of the final £11million of £27million routed to the office of prime minister Patrick Amama Mbabazi.
The money was intended to fund poverty alleviation programmes, such as an education and training scheme for young people in the north of the country.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2234236/UK-pulls-plug-11m-Uganda-aid-Minister-acts-fears-YOUR-cash-stolen.html
Vladimir Putin reacts angrily to Angela Merkel's Pussy Riot comments
Vladimir Putin reacted angrily to the German chancellor Angela Merkel's questioning of the two-year jail sentence for the anti-Kremlin punk band Pussy Riot on Friday, telling her that a member the group had once committed an anti-Semitic act.
"I don't know whether the two women should have been sent to a prison," Merkel said during public talks with the Russian president before the two retreated for closed-door talks. "I don't know whether the same would have happened to them in Germany.
"It would have generated a debate about whether that should go on in a church, no question. But should you really have to spend two years in a labour camp for it?"
Putin retorted sharply by saying: "We hear what our partners say. But do they, being so far away, hear about what's going on?"
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2012/nov/16/vladimir-putin-angela-merkel-pussy-riot
"I don't know whether the two women should have been sent to a prison," Merkel said during public talks with the Russian president before the two retreated for closed-door talks. "I don't know whether the same would have happened to them in Germany.
"It would have generated a debate about whether that should go on in a church, no question. But should you really have to spend two years in a labour camp for it?"
Putin retorted sharply by saying: "We hear what our partners say. But do they, being so far away, hear about what's going on?"
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2012/nov/16/vladimir-putin-angela-merkel-pussy-riot
Jill Kelley Asked for $80M, Bragged of Petraeus Connection
A New York businessman who discussed a multi-billion-dollar Korean business deal with Jill Kelley said the Tampa woman at the center of the Petraeus scandal told him Gen. Petraeus had arranged for her to become an honorary consul for South Korea and promote free trade, and then asked him for $80 million to complete the deal.
"Ms. Kelley made it clear to me that General Petraeus put her in this position, and that's why she was able to have access to such senior levels [of the Korean government]," said Adam Victor, president and CEO of TransGas Development Systems, "that they were essentially doing a favor for General Petraeus, and that she had access solely because of her relationship with General Petraeus."
http://news.yahoo.com/businessman-jill-kelley-asked-80m-bragged-petraeus-connection-234313690--abc-news-topstories.html
"Ms. Kelley made it clear to me that General Petraeus put her in this position, and that's why she was able to have access to such senior levels [of the Korean government]," said Adam Victor, president and CEO of TransGas Development Systems, "that they were essentially doing a favor for General Petraeus, and that she had access solely because of her relationship with General Petraeus."
http://news.yahoo.com/businessman-jill-kelley-asked-80m-bragged-petraeus-connection-234313690--abc-news-topstories.html
Wal-Mart files U.S. labor charge against union
Wal-Mart Stores Inc is taking its first legal step to stop months of protests and rallies outside Walmart stores, targeting the union that it says is behind such actions.
Wal-Mart filed an unfair labor practice charge against the United Food and Commercial Workers International Union, or UFCW, asking the National Labor Relations Board to halt what the retailer says are unlawful attempts to disrupt its business.
http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/11/17/us-walmart-union-idUSBRE8AF1DB20121117
Wal-Mart filed an unfair labor practice charge against the United Food and Commercial Workers International Union, or UFCW, asking the National Labor Relations Board to halt what the retailer says are unlawful attempts to disrupt its business.
http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/11/17/us-walmart-union-idUSBRE8AF1DB20121117
Israel hits Hamas government buildings as reservists mobilized
Israeli aircraft pounded Hamas government buildings in Gaza on Saturday, including the prime minister's office, after Israel's cabinet authorized the mobilization of up to 75,000 reservists, preparing for a possible ground invasion.
Hamas, the Islamist group that runs the Gaza Strip, said Israeli planes bombed the office building of Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh - where he had met on Friday with the Egyptian prime minister - and struck a police headquarters.
Despite the violence, Tunisia's foreign minister arrived in the coastal enclave early Saturday in a show of Arab solidarity, heading to a hospital to visit the wounded.
http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/11/17/us-palestinians-israel-hamas-idUSBRE8AD0WP20121117
Hamas, the Islamist group that runs the Gaza Strip, said Israeli planes bombed the office building of Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh - where he had met on Friday with the Egyptian prime minister - and struck a police headquarters.
Despite the violence, Tunisia's foreign minister arrived in the coastal enclave early Saturday in a show of Arab solidarity, heading to a hospital to visit the wounded.
http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/11/17/us-palestinians-israel-hamas-idUSBRE8AD0WP20121117
Hague War Court Frees Croatian Generals
Two Croatian generals have returned home to a hero's welcome after a UN court overturned their convictions for war crimes during the bloody 1990s breakup of Yugoslavia.
The acquittal of Ante Gotovina and Mladen Markac by the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia was met with tears of joy in Croatia - and outrage in Serbia.
Within hours, the two men returned home from The Hague and were being cheered by tens of thousands of people waving Croatian flags and singing nationalist songs in Zagreb's main square.
In Serbia, the decision was condemned as politically motivated - critics claiming it will allow Croatia to enter the EU with a clean slate.
http://news.sky.com/story/1012579/hague-war-court-frees-croatian-generals
The acquittal of Ante Gotovina and Mladen Markac by the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia was met with tears of joy in Croatia - and outrage in Serbia.
Within hours, the two men returned home from The Hague and were being cheered by tens of thousands of people waving Croatian flags and singing nationalist songs in Zagreb's main square.
In Serbia, the decision was condemned as politically motivated - critics claiming it will allow Croatia to enter the EU with a clean slate.
http://news.sky.com/story/1012579/hague-war-court-frees-croatian-generals
Australia: Search For Girl Feared Taken By Crocodile
Australian police are searching for a seven-year-old girl feared taken by a crocodile while swimming with her family in a remote part of the country's Northern Territory.
The child was reported to have been taken at a waterhole in Gumarrirnbang, situated 210 miles east of the city of Darwin.
A search by police and volunteers on Friday failed to find the girl and extra police and wildlife rangers have been flown to the remote area.
http://news.sky.com/story/1012624/search-for-girl-feared-taken-by-crocodile
The child was reported to have been taken at a waterhole in Gumarrirnbang, situated 210 miles east of the city of Darwin.
A search by police and volunteers on Friday failed to find the girl and extra police and wildlife rangers have been flown to the remote area.
http://news.sky.com/story/1012624/search-for-girl-feared-taken-by-crocodile
Blaec Lammers Arrested: Twilight Shooting Plot Foiled In Missouri
Blaec Lammers, 23, has been charged with first-degree assault, making a terrorist threat and armed criminal action.
His mother alerted police after fearing her son had purchased weapons similar to those used in a cinema shooting earlier this year in Aurora, Colorado, during a midnight screening of The Dark Knight Rises.
Bolivar Police Chief Steve Hamilton said: "Thankfully we had a responsible family member or we might have had a different outcome."
http://news.sky.com/story/1012613/twilight-shooting-plot-foiled-in-missouri
Egypt School Bus Crash: At least 40 Children Killed
Up to 40 school children have been killed after a train collided with a bus in a city south of the Egyptian capital Cairo.Egypt's official news agency said 40 children died, however a doctor at a hospital in Assiut, near the crash site, said the death toll was 38, among them 37 children.
The children were reportedly aged between four and six years.
http://news.sky.com/story/1012686/dozens-killed-in-egypt-school-bus-crash
Israeli airstrikes kill eight and pound Hamas government buildings in Gaza
Medics have told AFP that the eight people died in central and southern Gaza and 30 were injured in the latest strikes.
An aerial attack on Rafah in southern Gaza killed four people on Saturday, Palestinian medics said, while other strikes elsewhere in the city killed another four people.
http://news.sky.com/story/1012641/eight-people-reported-dead-in-gaza-airstrikes
SEVERE QUEENSLAND STORM LEAVES 6000 WITHOUT POWER
Meanwhile, another severe thunderstorm warning has been issued for other parts of the state.
The Queensland State Emergency Service (SES) was busy cleaning up the Brisbane CBD on Saturday afternoon after wild weather ripped through the city at about 11am (AEST) on Saturday.
http://au.news.yahoo.com/queensland/a/-/latest/15407448/severe-qld-storm-leaves-6000-without-power/
