I recently stumbled across this. Millions of people going hungry and homeless every day. Plenty of money to develop silencer pieces... for giant mobile artillery, however.
Wednesday, December 5, 2012
Artillery Silencer: The Definition of Madness
I recently stumbled across this. Millions of people going hungry and homeless every day. Plenty of money to develop silencer pieces... for giant mobile artillery, however.
William Peake: Pennsylvania Trooper Claims He Was Fired Over Filing Reports "In Ebonics"
http://pittsburgh.cbslocal.com/2012/12/05/ex-pa-trooper-claims-he-was-fired-over-ebonics/
Added thoughts:
The trooper may have been a dunce, and this may have happened. The trooper's boss may be an unabashed racist, and it may not have happened. However, this brings up something really interesting: children throughout the world (and especially in Australia and New Zealand according to reports, surprisingly, where some children are actually allowed to use cell-phone speak at their schools) are increasingly using "text speak" or other mangled forms of English to communicate and conduct their work. 9 out of 10 Americans are now functionally illiterate. That's right, 9 out of 10. They are incapable of communicating or absorbing complex thoughts through reading and writing. Many more are even unable to decipher something as simple as a bill in the mail, despite having somehow made it through the public education system. Canada, the UK and many other Western countries are no different. What does this ultimately mean for society in 10, 20 years when these young people need to take over?
Added thoughts:
The trooper may have been a dunce, and this may have happened. The trooper's boss may be an unabashed racist, and it may not have happened. However, this brings up something really interesting: children throughout the world (and especially in Australia and New Zealand according to reports, surprisingly, where some children are actually allowed to use cell-phone speak at their schools) are increasingly using "text speak" or other mangled forms of English to communicate and conduct their work. 9 out of 10 Americans are now functionally illiterate. That's right, 9 out of 10. They are incapable of communicating or absorbing complex thoughts through reading and writing. Many more are even unable to decipher something as simple as a bill in the mail, despite having somehow made it through the public education system. Canada, the UK and many other Western countries are no different. What does this ultimately mean for society in 10, 20 years when these young people need to take over?
Egypt erupts despite proposal to end crisis
Islamists fought protesters outside the Egyptian president's palace on Wednesday, while inside the building his deputy proposed a way to end a crisis over a draft constitution that has split the most populous Arab nation.
Stones and petrol bombs flew between opposition protesters and supporters of President Mohamed Mursi who had flocked to the palace in response to a call from the Muslim Brotherhood.
http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/12/05/us-egypt-politics-idUSBRE8B30GP20121205
Stones and petrol bombs flew between opposition protesters and supporters of President Mohamed Mursi who had flocked to the palace in response to a call from the Muslim Brotherhood.
http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/12/05/us-egypt-politics-idUSBRE8B30GP20121205
Ireland Budget: More Austerity Measures
Irish finance minister Michael Noonan has introduced new austerity measures while saying there are signs his country is emerging from the worst of the crisis.
Delivering Ireland's budget for 2013, Mr Noonan said the country must get back to a level which would fulfil the conditions of the EU/IMF bail-out package, so that it could return to borrowing money from the international lenders.
He introduced tax increases and spending cuts worth up to 3.5bn euros (£2.8bn).
http://news.sky.com/story/1021182/ireland-budget-more-austerity-measures
Delivering Ireland's budget for 2013, Mr Noonan said the country must get back to a level which would fulfil the conditions of the EU/IMF bail-out package, so that it could return to borrowing money from the international lenders.
He introduced tax increases and spending cuts worth up to 3.5bn euros (£2.8bn).
http://news.sky.com/story/1021182/ireland-budget-more-austerity-measures
Cannibal Fears Over Lost Russian Fishermen
A murder investigation has been launched following the men's rescue by the River Sutam, 155 miles from the nearest town of Neryungri in the federal republic of Yakutia.
The pair were among four fishermen who disappeared during an August river-fishing expedition in one of the world's most remote and inhospitable locations.
http://news.sky.com/story/1021180/cannibal-fears-over-lost-russian-fishermen
3.4 Magnitude Earthquake OFFSHORE NORTHERN CALIFORNIA - 5th December 2012
3.4
Date-Time
Wednesday, December 05, 2012 at 19:00:20 UTC
Wednesday, December 05, 2012 at 11:00:20 AM at epicenter
Time of Earthquake in other Time Zones
Location
40.311°N, 124.566°W
Depth
18.6 km (11.6 miles)
Region
OFFSHORE NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
Distances
24 km (15 miles) W (266°) from Petrolia, CA
Israel pushes settlements, EU summons envoy
Israel moved ahead with plans to build 3,000 settler homes in one of the most sensitive areas of the West Bank, as the European Union summoned Israel's envoy to add its voice to a storm of international protest.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Wednesday the global condemnation, some of it from the Jewish state's closest traditional allies, would not deter it from defending its "vital interests".
http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/12/05/us-palestinians-israel-netanyahu-idUSBRE8B40NS20121205
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Wednesday the global condemnation, some of it from the Jewish state's closest traditional allies, would not deter it from defending its "vital interests".
http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/12/05/us-palestinians-israel-netanyahu-idUSBRE8B40NS20121205
NATO calls on North Korea to cancel rocket launch
NATO on Wednesday called on North Korea to cancel plans for its second rocket launch of 2012, saying it would violate U.N. resolutions and could further destabilize the Korean peninsula.
NATO ambassadors expressed "grave concern at North Korea's declared intent to launch a rocket using ballistic missile technology this month", an alliance statement said.
http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/12/05/us-korea-north-nato-idUSBRE8B412120121205
NATO ambassadors expressed "grave concern at North Korea's declared intent to launch a rocket using ballistic missile technology this month", an alliance statement said.
http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/12/05/us-korea-north-nato-idUSBRE8B412120121205
5.6 Magnitude Earthquake EASTERN IRAN - 5th December 2012
5.6
Date-Time
Wednesday, December 05, 2012 at 17:08:12 UTC
Wednesday, December 05, 2012 at 08:38:12 PM at epicenter
Time of Earthquake in other Time Zones
Location
33.520°N, 59.570°E
Depth
5.4 km (3.4 miles) (poorly constrained)
Region
EASTERN IRAN
Distances
42 km (26 miles) ESE of Qayen, Iran
4.6 Magnitude Earthquake ATACAMA, CHILE - 5th December 2012
4.6
Date-Time
Wednesday, December 05, 2012 at 16:25:31 UTC
Wednesday, December 05, 2012 at 01:25:31 PM at epicenter
Time of Earthquake in other Time Zones
Location
28.629°S, 70.037°W
Depth
71.5 km (44.4 miles)
Region
ATACAMA, CHILE
Distances
70 km (43 miles) E of Vallenar, Chile
Clinton says "desperate" Assad could use chemical arms
Washington fears a "desperate" Syrian President Bashar al-Assad could use chemical weapons as rebels bear down on Damascus, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said on Wednesday, repeating a vow to take swift action if he does.
Rebels fighting to overthrow Assad said they had surrounded an air base near Damascus, a fresh sign that battle is closing in on the Syrian capital, a day after NATO agreed to send air defense missiles to Turkey.
http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/12/05/us-syria-crisis-idUSBRE8AJ1FK20121205
Rebels fighting to overthrow Assad said they had surrounded an air base near Damascus, a fresh sign that battle is closing in on the Syrian capital, a day after NATO agreed to send air defense missiles to Turkey.
http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/12/05/us-syria-crisis-idUSBRE8AJ1FK20121205
4.5 Magnitude Earthquake SOUTHERN YUKON TERRITORY, CANADA - 5th December 2012
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| Add caption |
4.5
Date-Time
Wednesday, December 05, 2012 at 14:35:00 UTC
Wednesday, December 05, 2012 at 06:35:00 AM at epicenter
Time of Earthquake in other Time Zones
Location
64.886°N, 133.990°W
Depth
5 km (3.1 miles) set by location program
Region
SOUTHERN YUKON TERRITORY, CANADA
Distances
171 km (106 miles) NNE of Mayo, Canada
4.9 Magnitude Earthquake SAMOA ISLANDS REGION - 5th December 2012
4.9
Date-Time
Wednesday, December 05, 2012 at 13:48:46 UTC
Thursday, December 06, 2012 at 01:48:46 AM at epicenter
Time of Earthquake in other Time Zones
Location
14.970°S, 173.237°W
Depth
35.8 km (22.2 miles)
Region
SAMOA ISLANDS REGION
Distances
121 km (75 miles) NNE of Hihifo, Tonga
Stuart Hall 'Arrested Over Rape Claim'
Lancashire Police detained the man at his home in Wilmslow, Cheshire, earlier today, the force said.
He was taken to a police station for questioning on the allegations, described as "historic".
http://news.sky.com/story/1021192/presenter-stuart-hall-held-over-rape-claim
USS Eisenhower aircraft carrier arrives off Syrian shore
More here:
http://www.debka.com/article/22586/USS-Eisenhower-aircraft-carrier-arrives-off-Syrian-shore
Germany puts brake on bank union plan
Plans to create a eurozone banking union hit a brick wall on Tuesday after Germany's influential finance minister cautioned over moving too quickly, casting doubts over whether the EU would seal a deal by the end of the year.
The objections from Wolfgang Schäuble come just a week before a summit of EU leaders and raise the prospect of a significant delay to establishing a single eurozone banking supervisor, a reform billed as critical to rebuilding confidence in the bloc's shaky financial sector.
http://edition.cnn.com/2012/12/04/business/eu-bank-union-plan/index.html?hpt=hp_t3
Rising seas swallowing island nation
Kieren Keke remembers growing up on the Pacific island of Nauru, the world's smallest independent republic.
"The weather patterns were predictable," he says. "There was a wet season and a dry season, an annual cycle. When there was drought, it was limited."
"Now it's different," he tells CNN. "There's no predictability -- periods of drought can last seven or eight years, and when we get storms they are more intense. The coastline is being eroded. Now the sea is right up to people's doorsteps."
http://edition.cnn.com/2012/12/04/world/asia/nauru-ocean-danger/index.html?hpt=hp_c3
"The weather patterns were predictable," he says. "There was a wet season and a dry season, an annual cycle. When there was drought, it was limited."
"Now it's different," he tells CNN. "There's no predictability -- periods of drought can last seven or eight years, and when we get storms they are more intense. The coastline is being eroded. Now the sea is right up to people's doorsteps."
http://edition.cnn.com/2012/12/04/world/asia/nauru-ocean-danger/index.html?hpt=hp_c3
Egypt: Confrontation between rival protesters looms
Egypt's Muslim Brotherhood called for a rally backing President Mohamed Mursi outside his palace on Wednesday and leftists planned a counter-demonstration, raising fears of clashes in a crisis over a disputed push for a new constitution.
Mursi returned to work at his compound a day after it came under siege from opposition protesters furious at his drive to ratify a new constitution in a snap referendum set for December 15 after temporarily expanding his powers by decree.
http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/12/05/us-egypt-politics-idUSBRE8B30GP20121205
Mursi returned to work at his compound a day after it came under siege from opposition protesters furious at his drive to ratify a new constitution in a snap referendum set for December 15 after temporarily expanding his powers by decree.
http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/12/05/us-egypt-politics-idUSBRE8B30GP20121205
Death Star Petition On White House Website....Haven't they destroyed enough yet?
Thousands of Americans have signed a petition calling on the White House to build a Death Star.
The founder of the campaign says construction of the moon-sized space station and inter-stellar weapon from the Star Wars film series will strengthen national security and create jobs.
And US officials will be forced to consider replicating the Death Star - complete with a laser capable of destroying a planet - if the petition gains more than 25,000 digital signatures by December 14.
http://news.sky.com/story/1021026/death-star-petition-on-white-house-website
The founder of the campaign says construction of the moon-sized space station and inter-stellar weapon from the Star Wars film series will strengthen national security and create jobs.
And US officials will be forced to consider replicating the Death Star - complete with a laser capable of destroying a planet - if the petition gains more than 25,000 digital signatures by December 14.
http://news.sky.com/story/1021026/death-star-petition-on-white-house-website
'Major Incident' As Toxic Gas Escapes from a ship docked in a Northern Irish harbour
The toxic gas is aluminium phosphide, a pesticide used to kill small mammals such as moles and rodents, which escaped after cargo on the vessel became wet and unstable.
Eighteen people are being treated and a 50m cordon has been set up.
http://news.sky.com/story/1021065/ni-major-incident-as-toxic-gas-escapes
Obama to stress need to raise debt limit "without drama"
The president is embarked on an aggressive campaign to pressure congressional Republicans to compromise on steps to avoid the so-called fiscal cliff. He will argue to corporate executives that it would hurt the nation's economy to have another protracted political fight over raising the debt limit, the official said.
http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/12/05/us-usa-fiscal-obama-idUSBRE8B30W920121205
After Hurricane Sandy, Discovery Channel Reveals Government’s Preparations For Doomsday Scenario
On the heels of super storm Sandy, the Discovery Channel aired a documentary delving into the government’s top-secret plans and facilities set up for a Doomsday scenario.
At one time, these plans almost singularly existed with the possibility of a nuclear attack by the Soviet Union in mind. Today, the threat of a terror attack like 9/11, a cyber attack from abroad, an attack on the power grid or an extraordinary natural disaster have all been added to the list.
http://www.pakalertpress.com/2012/12/05/after-hurricane-sandy-discovery-channel-reveals-governments-preparations-for-doomsday-scenario/
At one time, these plans almost singularly existed with the possibility of a nuclear attack by the Soviet Union in mind. Today, the threat of a terror attack like 9/11, a cyber attack from abroad, an attack on the power grid or an extraordinary natural disaster have all been added to the list.
http://www.pakalertpress.com/2012/12/05/after-hurricane-sandy-discovery-channel-reveals-governments-preparations-for-doomsday-scenario/
Australia: SHOCKING CLAIMS OF POLICE BRUTALITY
7News filmed an officer beating two men with his baton, and the incident will now be investigated by the police complaints authority.
Witnesses described it as a sickening attack. With baton drawn, the officer hits one man twice then strikes the other three times.
http://au.news.yahoo.com/sa/latest/a/-/article/15563592/claims-of-police-brutality//
Clegg gets the Nobel Peace Prize! Deputy PM to help collect award when it is awarded to the EU
The Deputy Prime Minister will fly to Oslo on Monday to represent Britain at the Nobel ceremony, after David Cameron made it clear he was not willing to attend.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2243076/Clegg-gets-Nobel-Peace-Prize-Deputy-PM-help-collect-award-awarded-EU.html
Norovirus hits 700,000 people as early onset of virus catches NHS 'unawares'
Hundreds of thousands have been struck down with the winter vomiting bug, according to figures.
The number of confirmed cases of norovirus is already up two-thirds compared to this time last year and experts warn they will only rise further over the next few weeks.
In the last week there have been a further 40 outbreaks of the illness at hospitals and nearly all were forced to close wards or bays to prevent its spread.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-2243167/Winter-vomiting-bug-hits-700-000-people-early-onset-virus-catches-NHS-unawares.html
The number of confirmed cases of norovirus is already up two-thirds compared to this time last year and experts warn they will only rise further over the next few weeks.
In the last week there have been a further 40 outbreaks of the illness at hospitals and nearly all were forced to close wards or bays to prevent its spread.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-2243167/Winter-vomiting-bug-hits-700-000-people-early-onset-virus-catches-NHS-unawares.html
Ki Suk Han Killed: Why didn't anyone help him? Commuters 'stood back' as man died after he was pushed into path of subway train - and a photographer even took a picture of him on the track
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2242963/Subway-death-Man-killed-pushed-New-York-train-Times-Square.html
A million migrants from East Europe now live in Britain (... that's 1.5% of the population of eight EU nations)
The number of Eastern Europeans living in Britain is equal to 1.5 per cent of the population of their homelands, MPs were told yesterday.
The astonishing revelation effectively means that one in every 67 citizens of eight former communist nations has moved here.
Poland, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Slovakia, Lithuania, Latvia, Slovenia and Estonia all joined the EU in 2004 – giving them unrestricted access to the UK’s labour market.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2242841/A-million-migrants-East-Europe-live-Britain-Thats-1-5-population-EU-nations.html
The astonishing revelation effectively means that one in every 67 citizens of eight former communist nations has moved here.
Poland, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Slovakia, Lithuania, Latvia, Slovenia and Estonia all joined the EU in 2004 – giving them unrestricted access to the UK’s labour market.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2242841/A-million-migrants-East-Europe-live-Britain-Thats-1-5-population-EU-nations.html
South Korea uncovers new fake documents at nuclear plants
South Korean officials said on Wednesday they had uncovered new instances of fake certificates being supplied for parts operating in nuclear power plants, but a source indicated that the revelations would cause no further reactor shutdowns.
Authorities shut two of the country's 23 reactors last month after a nuclear safety commission found fake certificates supplied by eight firms. With nuclear power providing a third of electricity, that raised the prospect of winter shortages.
http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/12/05/us-nuclear-korea-idUSBRE8B40BV20121205
Authorities shut two of the country's 23 reactors last month after a nuclear safety commission found fake certificates supplied by eight firms. With nuclear power providing a third of electricity, that raised the prospect of winter shortages.
http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/12/05/us-nuclear-korea-idUSBRE8B40BV20121205
Serbia's Ambassador Branislav Milinkovic Leaps To His Death ahead of Nato talks in Brussels
Serbia's ambassador to Nato has committed suicide by leaping from a multi-storey car park at Brussels airport, officials say.
A Serbian government statement said that 52-year-old envoy Branislav Milinkovic died instantly on Tuesday night.
http://news.sky.com/story/1020926/serbias-ambassador-to-nato-leaps-to-his-death
A Serbian government statement said that 52-year-old envoy Branislav Milinkovic died instantly on Tuesday night.
http://news.sky.com/story/1020926/serbias-ambassador-to-nato-leaps-to-his-death
Emily Bracamontes Safer In Mexico, Say Parents
Her disappearance triggered an urgent search, amid fears the cardiac device could become infected and lead to serious complications.However her parents, Norma and Luis Bracamontes, have told Mexican TV that they simply wanted to protect their 11-year-old daughter from what they called bad medical treatment.
Emily's father, who was detained as he crossed back into the US on Monday, alleged her arm became infected and was partially amputated because of hospital negligence.
http://news.sky.com/story/1020886/cancer-girl-safer-in-mexico-say-parents
4.0 Magnitude Earthquake TAIWAN - 5th December 2012
Region TAIWAN
Date time 2012-12-05 08:45:41.6 UTC
Location 23.79 N ; 121.46 E
Depth 18 km
Distances 5 km NE Fenglin, Taiwan
4.1 Magnitude Earthquake MYANMAR - 5th December 2012
Region MYANMAR
Date time 2012-12-05 08:05:04.9 UTC
Location 25.13 N ; 95.50 E
Depth 116 km
Distances 117 km SE Phek, Myanmar
Rhode Island Explosion remains a mystery
Rhode Island and Coast Guard officials say they haven’t found anything after receiving reports about an explosion in Narragansett Bay.
People on both sides of the bay in Barrington and Warwick and as far away as Somerset, Mass., reported hearing what sounded like an explosion at about 11:30 p.m. Monday. Some also reported seeing a light.
Area police and firefighters tried to find the source of the noise and light during land and water searches, but officials say nothing was found.
http://www.boston.com/news/local/rhode-island/2012/12/04/reported-explosion-remains-mystery/MQFziksVGU4iiW9UQo6rIJ/story.html
People on both sides of the bay in Barrington and Warwick and as far away as Somerset, Mass., reported hearing what sounded like an explosion at about 11:30 p.m. Monday. Some also reported seeing a light.
Area police and firefighters tried to find the source of the noise and light during land and water searches, but officials say nothing was found.
http://www.boston.com/news/local/rhode-island/2012/12/04/reported-explosion-remains-mystery/MQFziksVGU4iiW9UQo6rIJ/story.html
George Osborne goes for growth (by firing 10.000 civil servants)....Merry Christmas!
More than 13,000 civil service jobs could be axed as a result of an extra £5bn of spending cuts to be announced tomorrow by George Osborne in his autumn statement.
The Chancellor told cabinet ministers today that his squeeze on their departmental budgets would be tightened so he can switch money from day-to-day spending to building projects to help secure economic growth. They include up to 100 new free schools and academies, providing an extra 50,000 places where they are most needed at a cost of £1bn; science, skills and transport projects.
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/george-osborne-goes-for-growth-by-firing-10000-civil-servants-8381741.html
The Chancellor told cabinet ministers today that his squeeze on their departmental budgets would be tightened so he can switch money from day-to-day spending to building projects to help secure economic growth. They include up to 100 new free schools and academies, providing an extra 50,000 places where they are most needed at a cost of £1bn; science, skills and transport projects.
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/george-osborne-goes-for-growth-by-firing-10000-civil-servants-8381741.html
Flights Delayed After Snow In London
The thin blanket of snow fell in the early hours, causing the temporary closure of Stansted Airport from 6am. It re-opened just over two hours later.
Meanwhile Network Rail reported delays across southern England, while London Overground were also affected.
http://news.sky.com/story/1020867/weather-flights-delayed-after-snow-in-london
The US and Israel: a short quiz on 'rogue nation' status
A series of events just from this week makes clear who is actually violating the consensus of the international community
The phrase "rogue nation" is one of the terms that get tossed around often in political discourse without much effort devoted to its actual meaning. Let's try to apply this term to a series of events just from the last week, beginning with this one:
"The 193-nation UN General Assembly on Thursday overwhelmingly approved the de facto recognition of a sovereign Palestinian state . . . . There were 138 votes in favor, nine against and 41 abstentions. . . . .The assembly approved the upgrade despite threats by the United States and Israel to punish the Palestinians by withholding funds for the West Bank government.. . . .The Czech Republic was unique in Europe, joining the United States, Israel, Canada, Panama and tiny Pacific Island states likes Nauru, Palau and Micronesia in voting against the move."
In response, Israel announced it would "punish" the Palestinians for the UN vote by approving more settlements (which virtually the entire world deems illegal) and withholding tax revenue that was to pay employees of the Palestinian Authority
http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2012/dec/04/israel-nukes-palestine-un-vote-rogue
The phrase "rogue nation" is one of the terms that get tossed around often in political discourse without much effort devoted to its actual meaning. Let's try to apply this term to a series of events just from the last week, beginning with this one:
"The 193-nation UN General Assembly on Thursday overwhelmingly approved the de facto recognition of a sovereign Palestinian state . . . . There were 138 votes in favor, nine against and 41 abstentions. . . . .The assembly approved the upgrade despite threats by the United States and Israel to punish the Palestinians by withholding funds for the West Bank government.. . . .The Czech Republic was unique in Europe, joining the United States, Israel, Canada, Panama and tiny Pacific Island states likes Nauru, Palau and Micronesia in voting against the move."
In response, Israel announced it would "punish" the Palestinians for the UN vote by approving more settlements (which virtually the entire world deems illegal) and withholding tax revenue that was to pay employees of the Palestinian Authority
http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2012/dec/04/israel-nukes-palestine-un-vote-rogue
'Israel has the right to respond to provocative PA moves'....Is PA allowed to respond to Israel's provocative Moves?
Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu departed for Germany Wednesday morning, where he was expected to push the message that if the Europeans want to prevent Israel from responding further to the recent Palestinian victory at the UN, they should “encourage a positive Palestinian dynamic” and keep the PA from “further provocative actions,” diplomatic officials said on Tuesday.
Netanyahu is scheduled to dine with German Chancellor Angela Merkel and hear sharp criticism of plans to build 3,000 housing units in the settlement blocs and east Jerusalem, as well as push forward the planning of E1 in Ma’aleh Adumin.
http://www.jpost.com/DiplomacyAndPolitics/Article.aspx?id=294677
Netanyahu is scheduled to dine with German Chancellor Angela Merkel and hear sharp criticism of plans to build 3,000 housing units in the settlement blocs and east Jerusalem, as well as push forward the planning of E1 in Ma’aleh Adumin.
http://www.jpost.com/DiplomacyAndPolitics/Article.aspx?id=294677
Egypt slips in corruption index despite Arab Spring
Egypt has slid in a global league table of perceived official corruption in the past year, and the "Arab Spring" revolutions have yet to produce serious anti-graft action across the region, Transparency International said on Wednesday.
In its annual Corruption Perceptions Index, the anti-graft organization said Egypt had fallen six places to 118th out of 176 countries as levels of bribery, abuse of power and secret dealings remain high in the Arab world's most populous nation.
http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/12/05/us-corruption-transparency-egypt-idUSBRE8B406Q20121205
In its annual Corruption Perceptions Index, the anti-graft organization said Egypt had fallen six places to 118th out of 176 countries as levels of bribery, abuse of power and secret dealings remain high in the Arab world's most populous nation.
http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/12/05/us-corruption-transparency-egypt-idUSBRE8B406Q20121205
EU considers response to Israeli settlement building plans
European Union states struggled to agree on Tuesday on a common response to Israel's plans to expand settlements in the West Bank, highlighting the divisions within the bloc over how to tackle the Palestinian-Israeli conflict.
At a meeting in Brussels, ambassadors responsible for security issues discussed the possibility of all 27 EU states writing to Tel Aviv to express their displeasure or calling in Israeli ambassadors for consultations, as five EU countries have already done.
http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/12/04/us-israel-settlements-eu-idUSBRE8B31AD20121204
At a meeting in Brussels, ambassadors responsible for security issues discussed the possibility of all 27 EU states writing to Tel Aviv to express their displeasure or calling in Israeli ambassadors for consultations, as five EU countries have already done.
http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/12/04/us-israel-settlements-eu-idUSBRE8B31AD20121204
Greek debt casualty: hospital hygiene controls
Greek hospitals are in such dire straits that staff are failing to keep up basic disease controls such as using gloves and gowns, threatening a rise in multidrug-resistant infections, according to Europe's top health official.
Greece already has one of the worst problems in Europe with hospital-acquired infections, and disease experts fear this is being made worse by an economic crisis that has cut health care staffing levels and hurt standards of care.
http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/12/04/us-greece-austerity-disease-idUSBRE8B30NR20121204
Greece already has one of the worst problems in Europe with hospital-acquired infections, and disease experts fear this is being made worse by an economic crisis that has cut health care staffing levels and hurt standards of care.
http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/12/04/us-greece-austerity-disease-idUSBRE8B30NR20121204
After a year of protests, no Russian revolution
Seething with anger over suspected fraud in a parliamentary election, the 39-year-old businessman ignored his wife's pleas to stay at home on Dec 5 last year and joined a rally in Moscow's Chistiye Prudy area where people chanted "Revolution!"
http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/12/04/us-russia-opposition-idUSBRE8B30O220121204
Philippines typhoon death toll rises to around 230, hundreds missing
The death toll from the Philippines' strongest typhoon this year rose to around 230, with hundreds missing, local government officials said on Wednesday.
Typhoon Bopha, with central winds of 120 kph (75 mph) and gusts of up to 160 kph (93 mph), hit beach resorts and dive spots in northern Palawan on Wednesday, a day after slamming into a southern island, destroying homes, causing landslides and killing hundreds.
http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/12/05/us-philippines-typhoon-idUSBRE8B306420121205
Typhoon Bopha, with central winds of 120 kph (75 mph) and gusts of up to 160 kph (93 mph), hit beach resorts and dive spots in northern Palawan on Wednesday, a day after slamming into a southern island, destroying homes, causing landslides and killing hundreds.
http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/12/05/us-philippines-typhoon-idUSBRE8B306420121205
NY Subway Push: Suspect Questioned Over Death
Ki Suk Han of Queens was killed on Monday after allegedly being shoved at the Times Square subway station.
He tried to get back onto the platform, but was trapped between a train and the platform. He died at a nearby hospital shortly after.
http://news.sky.com/story/1020680/ny-subway-push-suspect-questioned-over-death
Turkey Storms: Cargo Ship's Crew Missing
Turkish rescue workers are also involved in an operation to save 14 sailors from another cargo vessel after it suffered a mechanical failure.
http://news.sky.com/story/1020824/turkey-storms-cargo-ships-crew-missing
Hunter Christian School Grenade Alert, Newcastle, New South Wales
Students at the Hunter Christian School in Newcastle, New South Wales, were evacuated when the 11-year-old produced the grenade at a show-and-tell lesson. She thought it was a money box.
The device reportedly resembled a World War Two "pineapple" type grenade.
http://news.sky.com/story/1020837/school-evacuated-as-girl-shows-class-grenade
Eamon Kelly Killed, IRA Member Held
Eamon Kelly was shot dead after being chased down the road near his home in north Dublin, just two years after he escaped a similar attempt on his life when the attacker's gun jammed.
Dubbed "The Godfather" by Dublin's tabloid press, the 65-year-old was shot up to six times as he attempted to flee the gunman, according to police.
He was found injured on a footpath and died later in Beaumont Hospital.
http://news.sky.com/story/1020761/gang-boss-shot-dead-real-ira-member-held
4.3 Magnitude Earthquake ANTOFAGASTA, CHILE - 5th December 2012
4.3
Date-Time
Wednesday, December 05, 2012 at 06:32:56 UTC
Wednesday, December 05, 2012 at 03:32:56 AM at epicenter
Time of Earthquake in other Time Zones
Location
22.023°S, 68.264°W
Depth
116.6 km (72.5 miles)
Region
ANTOFAGASTA, CHILE
Distances
85 km (52 miles) NE of Calama, Chile
4.0 Magnitude Earthquake CENTRAL ITALY - 5th December 2012
Region CENTRAL ITALY
Date time 2012-12-05 01:18:19.0 UTC
Location 42.91 N ; 13.66 E
Depth 27 km
Distances 1 km NW Appignano del tronto. Italy
4.7 Magnitude Earthquake KURIL ISLANDS - 5th December 2012
4.7
Date-Time
Wednesday, December 05, 2012 at 01:10:47 UTC
Wednesday, December 05, 2012 at 12:10:47 PM at epicenter
Time of Earthquake in other Time Zones
Location
44.332°N, 147.733°E
Depth
89.2 km (55.4 miles)
Region
KURIL ISLANDS
Distances
99 km (61 miles) NE of Shikotan, Russia
4.5 Magnitude Earthquake BERING SEA - 5th December 2012
4.5
Date-Time
Wednesday, December 05, 2012 at 00:33:35 UTC
Tuesday, December 04, 2012 at 03:33:35 PM at epicenter
Time of Earthquake in other Time Zones
Location
60.510°N, 177.832°W
Depth
14.5 km (9.0 miles)
Region
BERING SEA
Distances
320 km (198 miles) SSE of Beringovskiy, Russia
4.7 Magnitude Earthquake SOUTH OF THE KERMADEC ISLANDS - 4th December 2012
4.7
Date-Time
Tuesday, December 04, 2012 at 23:12:25 UTC
Wednesday, December 05, 2012 at 11:12:25 AM at epicenter
Time of Earthquake in other Time Zones
Location
34.227°S, 178.890°W
Depth
73.1 km (45.4 miles)
Region
SOUTH OF THE KERMADEC ISLANDS
Distances
310 km (192 miles) S of L'Esperance Rock, New Zealand
4.6 Magnitude Earthquake HOKKAIDO, JAPAN REGION - 4th December 2012
4.6
Date-Time
Tuesday, December 04, 2012 at 21:52:06 UTC
Wednesday, December 05, 2012 at 06:52:06 AM at epicenter
Time of Earthquake in other Time Zones
Location
41.932°N, 142.317°E
Depth
56.7 km (35.2 miles)
Region
HOKKAIDO, JAPAN REGION
Distances
132 km (82 miles) E (82°) from Hakodate, Hokkaido, Japan
4.9 Magnitude Earthquake SOUTHERN GREECE - 4th December 2012
4.9
Date-Time
Tuesday, December 04, 2012 at 18:59:43 UTC
Tuesday, December 04, 2012 at 08:59:43 PM at epicenter
Time of Earthquake in other Time Zones
Location
36.935°N, 23.090°E
Depth
12.8 km (8.0 miles)
Region
SOUTHERN GREECE
Distances
22 km (13 miles) NE of Sykea, Greece
4.3 Magnitude Earthquake NEAR SOUTH COAST OF NEW GUINEA, P.N.G. - 4th December 2012
4.3
Date-Time
Tuesday, December 04, 2012 at 18:48:35 UTC
Wednesday, December 05, 2012 at 04:48:35 AM at epicenter
Time of Earthquake in other Time Zones
Location
7.209°S, 144.275°E
Depth
34.7 km (21.6 miles)
Region
NEAR SOUTH COAST OF NEW GUINEA, P.N.G.
Distances
107 km (66 miles) SSE of Ialibu, Papua New Guinea
