The Economic Collapse of America, Why It's Inevitable, and the Build Up of World War III

Triangle UFO's All Over Michigan Skies

Inglewood Police Chase Jan 13, 2013 - Front Row Seat - Inglewood Raceway

GOP congressman threatens impeachment if Obama uses executive action for gun control

Texas Republican Rep. Steve Stockman threatened Monday afternoon that he would file articles of impeachment against President Barack Obama if he institutes gun control measures with an executive order.

Stockman warned that such executive orders would be “unconstitutional” and “infringe on our constitutionally-protected right to keep and bear arms.” (RELATED: Levin: If Obama sidesteps Congress on debt ceiling, ‘no choice’ but impeachment)

“I will seek to thwart this action by any means necessary, including but not limited to eliminating funding for implementation, defunding the White House, and even filing articles of impeachment,” Stockman said in a statement.

http://dailycaller.com/2013/01/14/gop-congressman-threatens-impeachment-if-obama-uses-executive-action-for-gun-control/

Canada sending C-17 transport plane to help allies in Mali (as it enters into another foolish war against a faux-enemy)

Canada will provide one RCAF C-17 transport aircraft in a non-combat role to support the operations of its allies in Mali for a week, the Harper government has announced.

"We are responding to a request from our French friends for logistical assistance in the form of heavy-lift [aircraft]. I have, in consultation with the minister of national defence and the minister of foreign affairs, granted that assistance for a period of one week," Prime Minister Stephen Harper told reporters at an announcement Monday afternoon in Montreal.

"We will obviously, after a few days, analyze how that is going and talk with our allies, but this is intended to be of a short duration," the prime minister said.

"We think that is an appropriate role for Canada, given our relative capacities and interests," he said.

http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/story/2013/01/14/pol-mali-canada-logistical-support.html

Millionaire Cleans Streets to Set Example for Her Children

In the 1980s, Yu Youzhen was merely an ordinary vegetable farmer in Wuhan City Hongshan District Donghu Village Huojiawa who, after years of building and additions, came to possess three 5-storey private buildings, most of which were rented out. In 2008, Yu Youzhen chanced upon [government policies for] the requisition, demolition, and redevelopment of land [mostly takes place in rural areas, where when a peasant’s land is expropriated by the government and the peasant is compensated for it with new houses or apartments in other locations] and was successively given 21 apartments [for her previous property]. Yu Youzhen personally witnessed some of her fellow villagers not engaging themselves in decent activities after being compensated with multiple apartments, falling into gambling, and even drug use. In order to set a good example for her children, from 1998 onwards, the now landless Yu Youzhen went to Wuchang District Chengguan Bureau to work as a sanitation worker, with a 1,420 yuan monthly salary, only one day off each week, and having to arrive for work 3 every morning.

[Above] Yu Youzhen is a contract worker for the Wuchang District Chengguan Bureau Cleaning Team, with a 1,420 yuan monthly wage. Her household had 21 apartments in total but later successively sold 4 of them, with 17 left. Calculated according to market prices, she is literally a “millionaire woman”. This picture is of January 2, in Wuhan, of “rich woman” sanitation worker Mrs. Yu cleaning the street.

http://www.chinasmack.com/2013/stories/millionaire-cleans-streets-to-set-example-for-her-children.html

Underground Gambling on When Cancer Patients Will Die Exposed: Taiwan

Gambling nature is hard to change, to the point where even one’s basic humanity can disappear, betting even on when late-stage cancer patients will die, with even doctors and family members being involved in “death gambling”!

In a report published today in Next Magazine, an unhealthy gambling trend has appeared on Shijia East Street of Taichung’s East District, where over a hundred businesses under the guise of being elderly associations， and with the agreement of family members, used when the terminally ill would die for gambling, involving over 1 billion yuan. On one street just a short 200 metres long, there were 10 fronts participating in the ‘death gambling’ business, making it ‘death gambling street’!

The article noted that poor family member could because of this forgo emergency treatment [to dying family members] and immoral doctors could place bets to win money, both becoming participants in the gambling. Housewives, local gang leaders, insurance agents, etc. even fought to become group leaders [of the gambling racket].

http://www.chinasmack.com/2013/stories/underground-gambling-on-when-cancer-patients-will-die-exposed.html

Matt's thoughts:
Don't be fooled. This is likely not a creation unique to Taiwan. My favourite comment on the article (on the linked page) is this: "Don't life insurance companies do the same?" Yes they do. And we let them.

Reality in Corporatism #2: Migrant Workers Children Spend Childhood Scavenging Landfill

Guiyang Gaoyan Garbage Landfill, is Guizhou province’s first and largest municipal landfill. Around it live over a hundred migrant worker households who scavenge the garbage for a living. It is on these garbage heaps that the children of these migrant workers spend their childhood.

A three-member family that lives here, who spend 8 hours every day scavenging from the garbage, their income only 700-800 yuan every month, only enough to maintain the lowest standard of living. So the children here, as small as six to seven years old, all spend their time outside of school following the adults in scavenging on the garbage piles for “treasures” that can be recycled or sold, to reduce the financial burden in their households.

http://www.chinasmack.com/2011/pictures/migrant-workers-children-spend-childhood-scavenging-landfill.html

Reality in Corporatism #1: Children On Leashes Tied To The Walls While Their Parents Work in China

2010 April 20, at a certain brick/tile factory in Dingqiao of Haining in Zhejiang province, many kiln workers’ sons and daughters have been tied to the workshop windows with rope by their parents. The reason the parents have done this is because they do not have time to look after their children yet are afraid of their children running around and getting into an accident. As it is understood, these children are tied to the windows for nearly 10 hours every day.

http://www.chinasmack.com/2010/pictures/chinese-children-tied-up-while-parents-work-zhejiang.html

Matt's thoughts:
In reality, corporatism (perfumed by the term "free enterprise") has not brought any benefit whatsoever to mankind as a whole. All it has actually done is create a gang of kings, Westerners like you and I, and billions of serfs who maintain our way of life. We perceive it as "uplifting the world" simply because we transplant our culture onto theirs, and for every person purportedly uplifted, a dozen more are ground into the mud. It is shameful. Every time one purchases something made in China, they not only hurt their fellow man in their own country, but are a willing slave driver. Would someone agree to having a slave living in their shed at the back of their yard? Does slavery suddenly become alright when it occurs on the other side of the world?

Obama refuses to negotiate over raising debt ceiling

President Barack Obama on Monday rejected any negotiation with Republicans over the most pressing U.S. fiscal issue, refusing to trade cuts in government spending in exchange for raising the borrowing limit.

"If the goal is to make sure that we are being responsible about our debt and our deficit - if that's the conversation we're having, I'm happy to have that conversation," Obama said. "What I will not do is to have that negotiation with a gun at the head of the American people," he told a news conference.

http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/01/14/us-usa-obama-debt-idUSBRE90D0UK20130114

Acid Found On Train Sparks Manhunt

Police have released CCTV images of a man wanted in connection with the discovery of hydrochloric acid on a train.

Middlesbrough station was evacuated and closed after a passenger reported a burning smell on board a Northern Rail train to Darlington at around 7.16pm on Sunday.

The hazardous liquid was left in a drinks bottle in the middle of the train.

http://news.sky.com/story/1037958/acid-found-on-train-sparks-manhunt

Obama warns Republicans if debt ceiling isn't raised, then American troops and Social Security checks won't be paid

President Obama warned Republicans on Monday against failing to raise the debt ceiling, saying the move would withhold money from American troops and Social Security recipients.

'They will not collect ransom in exchange for not crashing the American economy,' Obama said of House Republicans, many of whom have vowed to delay raising the debt ceiling until Obama commits to steep spending cuts.

'America cannot afford another debate with this Congress about whether or not they should pay the bills they have already racked up,' Obama continued.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2262291/Obama-warns-Republicans-debt-ceiling-isnt-raised-American-troops-Social-Security-checks-wont-paid.html

Hundreds of families sign up to live in the Citadel - an armed, 'defensible' fortress community planned for Idaho

Hundreds of families have signed up to join a new community dubbed the Citadel, an armed and 'defensible' fortress city where their freedoms and liberty will be fiercely protected.

Organisers have outlined plans for a community of 3,500 to 7,000 families of 'patriotic' Americans in western Idaho and more than 200 have already signed up through their website.

The group has already purchased 20 acres in the area where they intend to build an arms factory which will be used to fund the project.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2262100/Hundreds-sign-live-Citadel--armed-defensible-fortress-community-planned-Idaho.html

The Chinese village that's being swallowed by sinkholes after 20 cave-ins in just five months

The land in a Chinese village is quite literally disappearing before the residents' eyes with large sinkholes swallowing up vast spaces.

In the past five months villagers from Lianyuan in southern China's Hunan Province have been left alarmed after seeing over 20 holes suddenly open up in the ground.

From last September the cave-ins, which range in size, have seen houses collapse and rivers dry and left villagers terrified about where the next will be.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2262219/That-sinking-feeling-Villagers-shocked-vast-spaces-land-swallowed-20-huge-sinkholes-months.html

Amateur astronomers find 42 new planets - including a Jupiter-sized world that could hold life

A team of amateur astronomers from around the world has discovered evidence for 42 alien planets, including a Jupiter-size world that could potentially be habitable, it was revealed today.

The team, organised online via the planethunters website, analysed data from Nasa's Kepler Space telescope.

Moons like the one depicted in the film Avatar may be among the most common places to find alien life, scientists believe.

Astronomers came to the conclusion after identifying up to 15 new planets orbiting the life-friendly 'habitable zones' of stars.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2262094/Amateur-astronomers-42-new-planets--including-Jupiter-sized-world-hold-life.html

Grim image shows how Beijing pollution has rocketed as 1,000 babies are hospitalised with breathing problemsGrim image shows how Beijing pollution has rocketed as 1,000 babies are hospitalised with breathing problems

The severity of Beijing’s pollutuion crisis becomes clear in these photographs of the city skyline taken 12 months apart, as officials confirm that hundreds of young children are hospitalised as a result of the smog.

Air quality in Beijing was the 'worst on record' over the weekend, according to environmentalists, as pollution in the city rose to 30 to 45 times above recommended safety levels.

Nearly 1,000 babies and toddlers have been treated for breathing difficulties as Beijing's pollution crisis entered a fourth day today, Chinese officials have confirmed.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2261968/Smog-Beijing-Babies-hospitalised-air-quality-hits-worst-record.html

Facebook massive exodus

Over 600,000 British Facebook visitors failed to visit the site in December, new figures have claimed.

The UK saw the biggest loss of any major territory, the figures from monitoring firm SocialBakers show.

Experts today said confusion over the firm's privacy policies and 'Facebook fatigue' from having too many friends could be behind the fall - although Facebook has disputed the figures.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2262183/Is-Britain-bored-Facebook-600-000-users-QUIT-social-network-December.html

Cameron rushes forward his Big Speech on Europe to this Friday to avoid upsetting the French and Germans

David Cameron has rushed his landmark speech forward to avoid a diplomatic spat with the French and Germans.

The Prime Minister will now deliver his definitive account on how he wants to shake up Britain's relationship with the European Union this Friday in the Netherlands, four days earlier than planned.

Today Mr Cameron claimed the ‘beating heart’ of the British people wants to remain in the EU, but he attacked the 'bossiness' of Brussels and insisted he was ‘not happy’ with every aspect of the UK’s relationship with the rest of Europe.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2262061/Its-date-Cameron-rushes-forward-Big-Speech-Europe-Friday-avoid-upsetting-French-Germans.html

Anger as rail firm cancels dozens of trains after less than an inch of snow falls while commuters face freezing conditions on way home

Rail company Greater Anglia was today branded an ‘embarrassment’ by train campaigners for cancelling services and imposing speed restrictions - after less than an inch of snow had fallen.

It cancelled 24 trains and passengers endured 30-minute delays as speeds were cut to 60mph on some services between London and Cambridge, Southend, Colchester, Ipswich and Norwich.

The disruption came as it was revealed overnight temperatures could drop to as low as -8C in the countryside - and -3C in urban areas - while more snow is expected for eastern parts of England.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2261619/UK-weather-London-wakes-snow-forecast-warns-big-freeze-week.html

Joseph Hall, 12, convicted of murder for shooting his abusive neo-Nazi father in the head while he slept

Joseph Hall, now 12, was convicted of killing Jeff Hall, 32, despite arguments from defense lawyers that the child was beaten and kicked by his abusive father and that he was too young to understand what he was doing.

Riverside Superior Court Judge Jean Leonard found that Joseph was legally responsible for the death, but opted for a lesser charge of second-degree murder - indicating that the killing was not premeditated as prosecutors had argued.

Prosecutors say the boy has a history of violent behavior - choking his teacher, stabbing his sister and clubbing his uncle - and that he planned the killing because he didn't like his father.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2262180/Jeff-Hall-Boy-10-convicted-murdering-neo-Nazi-father.html

'Red October' has been spying on WORLD LEADERS for 5 years - researchers

Security watchers have discovered a malware-based cyber-espionage campaign targeting diplomats, governments and scientific research institutions worldwide.

Operation Red October has targeted Eastern Europe, former Soviet republics, and countries in Central Asia for the past five years, according to Kaspersky Lab. The attack has also claimed a smaller number of victims in Western Europe and North America. The firm said attackers are using the malware to slurp data and geopolitical intelligence from the targeted victims' computer systems, mobile phones and enterprise networks.

The malware behind the attack is also designed to steal login credentials, said the researchers, adding that these are sometimes used to gain access to more sensitive systems from compromised machines and networks using stepping-stone tactics.

http://www.theregister.co.uk/2013/01/14/red_october_cyber_espionage/

Islamists pose threat to French interests in Africa

France's intervention in Mali is driven by the fear of a future threat. But will it increase the danger for Paris in the short term?

Islamists have already vowed revenge.

"France has attacked Islam. We will strike at the heart of France," said Abou Dardar, a leader of the Movement for Oneness and Jihad in West Africa (Mujao), an offshoot of al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM).

French President Francois Hollande has also said that "all necessary precautions" would be adopted.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-21018675

Mali Mess: France drags US & UK into intervention quagmire

War, Not Welfare: Israel-US drill drowns out austerity activism

'US strikes China nuclear match in Asia-Pacific powderkeg'

Mission Updated? US troops feared to stay in Afghanistan after 2014 pullout

Elephants slaughtered by poachers in Kenya

'Russia defies US-led West over Syria'

Syria's parliament supports Assad's plan for ending unrest

Lawyers in India gang rape accuse police of corruption

Obama signals no compromise on debt ceiling

Obama says refusal to lift debt ceiling would hurt economy

President Barack Obama warned Congress on Monday that a refusal to raise the U.S. debt ceiling next month would trigger economic chaos.

Obama, at a news conference, said the U.S. economy was poised for a good year as long as Washington politics did not interfere.

He said a Republican refusal to lift the debt ceiling could lead the United States into a debt default, which would prevent the U.S. government from being able to provide Social Security benefits to some seniors and possibly tip the economy into recession.

"It would be a self-inflicted wound on the economy," Obama said.

http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/01/14/us-usa-obama-debt-idUSBRE90D0UK20130114

4.5 Magnitude Earthquake NEAR THE WEST COAST OF HONSHU, JAPAN - 14th January 2013

Magnitude
4.5
Date-Time
Monday, January 14, 2013 at 16:20:04 UTC
Tuesday, January 15, 2013 at 01:20:04 AM at epicenter
Location
36.122°N, 136.996°E
Depth
266.9 km (165.9 miles)
Region
NEAR THE WEST COAST OF HONSHU, JAPAN
Distances
61 km (38 miles) SSE (147°) from Kanazawa, Honshu, Japan

Obama: "I control America's guns"

"My understanding is the vice president's going to provide a range of steps that we can take to reduce gun violence," said Obama. "Some of them will require legislation, some of them I can accomplish through executive action. And so I will be reviewing those today, and as I said, I will speak in more detail to what we're going to go ahead and propose later in the week. But I'm confident that there are some steps that we can take that don't require legislation and that are within my authority as president, and where you get a step that, has the opportunity to reduce the possibility of gun violence, then i want to go ahead and take it."

http://www.weeklystandard.com/blogs/obama-some-gun-control-measures-i-can-accomplish-through-executive-action_695381.html

European Parliament costs £1.8 million for each politician compared to £590,000 for every member of the Commons.

MEPs in Brussels cost three times more than MPs in Westminster, shocking new figures reveal.

The annual bill for a member of the European Parliament is almost £1.8million, compared to £590,000 for politicians in the House of Commons.

Critics condemned the ‘eye watering’ sum, and blamed the insistence of the European Parliament on having three different homes. Eurocrats said it was like ‘like comparing apples and oranges’.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2260745/Every-MEP-Brussels-costs-eye-watering-THREE-times-MPs-Westminster.html

Israel advances plan to invest in sensitive West Bank sites as its 'national heritage'

The Israeli government says it is moving forward on a plan to invest in places it considers part of Israel's national heritage, including nine West Bank sites.

Israeli Cabinet Secretary Tzvi Hauser says Israel is adding handicapped access to the Tomb of the Patriarchs, a site in the West Bank city of Hebron sacred to both Jews and Muslims. The announcement comes a week before Israeli elections and could appeal to hard-line voters.

Hauser said Monday that Israel has an obligation to renovate the sites, and it is not related to politics.

http://www.foxnews.com/world/2013/01/14/israel-advances-plan-to-invest-in-sensitive-west-bank-sites-as-its-national/

Iraq frees prisoners in gesture to end Sunni protests

Iraq's government has released more than 300 prisoners held under anti-terrorism laws as a goodwill gesture to try to appease Sunni Muslim demonstrators who are staging protests against Shi'ite Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki.

Three weeks of demonstrations, mainly in Sunni-dominated Anbar province, have evolved into a tough challenge for the Shi'ite premier, increasing worries that Iraq could slide back into the sectarian confrontation of its recent past.

Officials said a ministerial committee had freed 335 detainees whose jail terms had ended or whose cases had been dismissed for lack of evidence. Sunni leaders say security forces use terrorism laws to unfairly target their sect.

http://uk.reuters.com/article/2013/01/14/uk-iraq-protests-idUKBRE90D0PG20130114

Hundreds hospitalized in Japan after sudden snow

Syrian Regime 'Using Banned Cluster Bombs'

The Syrian regime has used rocket launchers to fire banned cluster bombs on least two occasions in the last two months, according to a new report.

An investigation published by Human Rights Watch (HRW) claims to have evidence of Syrian forces using BM-21 Grad multi-barrel rocket launchers to fire the Egyptian-made munitions near the city of Idlib in December and at Latamneh, a town just northwest of Hama, earlier this month.

http://news.sky.com/story/1037768/syrian-regime-using-banned-cluster-bombs

5.4 Magnitude Earthquake SOUTHEASTERN ALASKA - 14th January 2013

Magnitude
5.4
Date-Time
Monday, January 14, 2013 at 14:55:53 UTC
Monday, January 14, 2013 at 05:55:53 AM at epicenter
Time of Earthquake in other Time Zones
Location
55.081°N, 134.560°W
Depth
10 km (6.2 miles)
Region
SOUTHEASTERN ALASKA
Distances
99 km (61 miles) WSW of Craig, Alaska

North Korea 'preparing for new nuclear test'

North Korea vowed on Monday to strengthen its defences amid concerns the country may conduct a nuclear test as a follow-up to last month's long-range rocket launch.

Citing US hostility, Pyongyang's foreign ministry said in a memorandum that North Korea will "continue to strengthen its deterrence against all forms of war".

The memorandum carried by state media did not say what action North Korea would take to defend itself. However, North Korea has claimed the right to build atomic weapons to protect itself from the United States, which stations more than 28,000 troops in South Korea.

It came as reports said North Korea has informed China that it is planning to conduct the nuclear test this week.

Quoting South Korean intelligence sources, local media said Pyongyang warned its main political ally that the underground test would be carried out before January 20.

Since North Korea successfully launched a ballistic missile in December, there has been growing concern that the regime of Kim Jong-un would follow that triumph up with its third nuclear test.

Read more here

China's space activities raising US satellite security concerns

The United States is concerned about China's expanding ability to disrupt the most sensitive U.S. military and intelligence satellites, as Beijing pursues its expanded ambitions in space, according to multiple sources in the U.S. government and outside space experts.

A classified U.S. intelligence assessment completed late last year analyzed China's increasing activities in space and mapped out the growing vulnerability of U.S. satellites that provide secure military communications, warn about enemy missile launches and provide precise targeting coordinates, said the sources, who were not authorized to speak publicly.

"It was a very credible and sobering assessment that is now provoking a lot of activities in different quarters," said one former government official who is familiar with U.S. national security satellite programs.

http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/01/14/china-usa-satellites-idUSL2N0AJ10620130114

Mali Islamists counter attack, promise France long war

Al Qaeda-linked Islamist rebels launched a counter-offensive on Monday in central Mali after four days of air strikes by French warplanes on their strongholds in the desert north, promising to drag France into a long and brutal Afghanistan-style ground war.

France intensified its air raids on Sunday using Rafale aircraft and Gazelle attack helicopters to pummel training camps at the heart of the vast area seized by rebels in April, while pouring hundreds of troops into the capital Bamako.

http://uk.reuters.com/article/2013/01/14/uk-mali-rebels-idUKBRE90B0H120130114

Netanyahu government doubled budget deficit to buy votes

The Finance Ministry's announcement on Sunday that Israel's budget deficit for 2012 was more than double the government target makes it impossible for Israel's leaders to cover up their irresponsible behavior any longer.

No longer will Finance Minister Yuval Steinitz be able to compare Israel favorably to Europe, not after the announcement that the 2012 deficit was 4.2 percent of the gross domestic product, far exceeding the government's target of 2 percent. No longer can Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu engage in wordplay about growth and employment. The fact is that the two of them failed miserably in their primary task: protecting the public coffers.

http://www.haaretz.com/news/national/netanyahu-government-doubled-budget-deficit-to-buy-votes.premium-1.493788

David Cameron: Britain would not collapse outside EU......But does not want to leave

Britain would not collapse if it was forced to leave the European Union, David Cameron said as he denied his strategy of seeking to renegotiate the country's relationship with the EU was dangerous or risky.

The prime minister restated his belief that it was in the national interest to remain, and said he was "confident and optimistic" he could secure a successful renegotiation of Britain's relationship with the rest of Europe that could be put to the public.

He said he did not expect to stage that referendum shortly, saying he wanted to put renegotiated terms to the British people. An immediate referendum would represent a false choice, he said.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/2013/jan/14/david-cameron-britain-collapse-eu

4.4 Magnitude Earthquake CENTRAL MEDITERRANEAN SEA - 14th January 2013

Magnitude M 4.4
Region CENTRAL MEDITERRANEAN SEA
Date time 2013-01-14 11:50:58.0 UTC
Location 35.71 N ; 21.71 E
Depth 2 km
Distances 152 km S Kalamáta

Kurds on March: Syria mayhem ramps up insurgency in Turkey

Aaron Swartz commits suicide in midst of controversial trial

Stuck with Flag: Union Jack fury sparks worst violence in years

Hollande: Mali intervention has 'stopped' Islamists

Demonstrators outside CIA HQ protest assassination drone attacks

Flu Vaccine Shortages in Some States

Opponents of gay marriage flood Paris streets in protest

Beijing haze prompts emergency action

Schoolchildren were ordered to halt outdoor sports activities until Tuesday this week, as a dirty cloud of smog continued to shroud China's capital.

This was among a series of emergency response measures adopted in Beijing Sunday when the city's Air Quality Index exceeded 500 micrograms, the highest level. Anything above this is regarded as "beyond index."

Reports of respiratory problems -- as well as the sale of masks -- have skyrocketed, according to state media, and over the weekend, streets appeared emptier, as a sun was barely visible amid a hazy blanket.

http://edition.cnn.com/2013/01/14/world/asia/china-smog-blanket/index.html?hpt=hp_t3

France vows to eradicate Mali terrorism

As a new round of French military strikes targeted Islamist rebels in Mali on Sunday, both sides of the fight said they were determined to win.

French fighter jets bombed rebel training camps and other targets in northern Mali, France's Defense Ministry said in a statement.

"France's goal is to lead a relentless struggle against terrorist groups," the ministry said, "preventing any new offensive of these groups to the south of Mali."

http://edition.cnn.com/2013/01/13/world/africa/mali-military-offensive/index.html?hpt=hp_t2

Training hackers to fight cyber crime

Picture the scene: dozens of computer hackers poring over their keyboards in a room filled with powerful computers, feverishly typing in code most of us could never comprehend.

Their mission? To "break in" to virtual servers in a simulated world.

Yet these particular hackers are not breaking the law, they are actually reinforcing it.

They are taking part in a six-month program organized by the South Korean government to train some of the brightest code-breaking minds to become the nation's first line of defense in the war against cyber crime.

http://edition.cnn.com/2013/01/14/world/asia/south-korea-hackers/index.html?hpt=hp_c5

Rangers dying with elephants in Kenya

France bombs Islamist stronghold in north Mali

Australia bushfires threaten space observatory

Deaf twin brothers in Belgium who discovered they were going blind and would never see each other again are euthanised in hospital

Deaf 45-year-old identical twin brothers, from the Antwerp region, Belgium, have been euthanised by doctors at Brussels University Hospital after finding out they would also soon go blind. The brothers spent their entire lives together and were unable to bear the thought of never seeing each other again, according to reports. Euthanasia is legal in Belgium if those making the decision can make their wishes clear and are suffering unbearable pain.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2261985/Belgian-twin-brothers-killed-doctors-choosing-euthanasia-able-again.html

More than 700 patients possibly exposed to HIV, hepatitis B and C when veterans hospital mistakenly re-uses insulin pens to deliver medication

More than 700 patients at the Buffalo Veterans Administration Center may have been exposed to HIV, hepatitis B or hepatitis C because of accidental reuse of insulin pens, according to a hospital statement and published reports.

Authorities told The Buffalo News there is a 'very small risk' for the diabetic patients who may have been exposed to the reused insulin pens - but not the needles - between October 19, 2010 and November 2012.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2262021/More-700-vets-possibly-exposed-HIV-hepatitis-B-C-veterans-hospital-mistakenly-uses-insulin-pens-them.html

Stun Gun Attack On Bouncer: Image Of Suspect

Police searching for a "violent man" who gave a bouncer an electric shock with a stun gun have released a CCTV image of the suspect as they made an appeal.

The offender tried to get into a Manchester nightclub and when refused entry he became abusive with door staff, said Greater Manchester officers.

http://news.sky.com/story/1037676/stun-gun-attack-on-bouncer-image-of-suspect

Devon Tugboat Crash Sparks Pollution Fears

A tugboat carrying 200 tons of diesel is at risk of sinking off the Devon coast after a collision with a vessel it was towing.

Eight people had to be rescued from Christos 22, which was travelling from Germany to Turkey, and was damaged as it tried to anchor a mile off Hope's Nose in Torbay.

The master in chief of the tug and the engineer later boarded two Royal Navy ships, which are conducting a salvage operation to stop the boat from sinking.

http://news.sky.com/story/1037683/devon-tugboat-crash-sparks-pollution-fears

Ivan Esack Jailed for 28 Years for the murder of his estranged wife

A "controlling" former policeman who stabbed his estranged wife to death at her hair salon has been jailed for life - with a minimum 28-year term.

Ivan Esack planned the killing "to the minute" before he knifed Natalie Esack, up to 11 times because he could not cope with her being with someone else, said the judge at Maidstone Crown Court.

Friends and relatives of Mrs Esack broke into applause after Judge Charles Byers handed down the sentence.

http://news.sky.com/story/1037734/hairdresser-murder-ex-cop-jailed-for-life

April Jones: Mark Bridger Pleads Not Guilty

The man accused of the abduction and murder of April Jones has entered a plea of not guilty, at Mold Crown Court.

As well as facing charges of abducting and murdering April, Bridger is also accused of unlawfully disposing of and concealing her body with intent to pervert the course of justice.

http://news.sky.com/story/1037666/april-jones-mark-bridger-pleads-not-guilty

4.8 Magnitude Earthquake LUZON, PHILIPPINES - 14th January 2013

Magnitude
4.8
Date-Time
Monday, January 14, 2013 at 11:03:29 UTC
Monday, January 14, 2013 at 07:03:29 PM at epicenter
Location
14.844°N, 119.953°E
Depth
48.7 km (30.3 miles)
Region
LUZON, PHILIPPINES
Distances
18 km (11 miles) SW of San Nicolas, Philippines

Families face £17billion bill after Miliband's offshore wind farm blunders

Basic mistakes in the design of Ed Miliband’s original scheme to encourage a new generation of offshore wind farms will cost households £17billion, MPs warn today.

In a devastating report, the Commons public accounts committee (PAC) said millions of families faced years of higher electricity bills as a result of a poorly designed scheme to link wind farms out at sea to the national grid.

The scheme was drawn up under the Labour leader during his time as Climate Change Secretary in the last government. It was then implemented by his Lib Dem successor Chris Huhne.

The report comes just days after the Daily Mail revealed Mr Miliband’s controversial scheme to encourage people to put solar panels and windmills on their roofs is set to cost families an extra £1billion in higher bills by 2015.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2261954/Families-face-17billion-Milibands-offshore-wind-farm-blunders.html

Cameron accused of putting Britain at risk of terror attack after agreeing to help French fight Al-Qaeda militants in Mali

David Cameron today defended being the 'first out of the blocks' to offer help to France in fighting Al Qaeda-linked militants in Mali amid claims it puts Britain at risk of a terror strike.

The Prime Minister insisted it was in Britain's interests to provide two RAF C-17 Globemaster cargo planes to the French forces.

He has been warned that the decision to transport foreign troops and equipment to the war zone could provoke reprisals on UK streets. Mr Cameron insisted that British combat troops would not join the military mission to the west African nation.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2261795/Cameron-accused-putting-Britain-risk-terror-attack-agreeing-help-French-fight-Al-Qaeda-militants-Mali.html

Cameron plays down prospect of in-out EU referendum

British Prime Minister David Cameron on Monday played down the prospect of a near-term referendum on Britain's membership of the European Union, ahead of a long-awaited speech on the issue he is expected to deliver next week.

Cameron says he wants Britain to remain in the EU - a major trading partner - but is under intense pressure from his own party and an increasingly eurosceptic public to repatriate powers from Brussels or leave the 27-member bloc altogether.

"If we had an in-out referendum tomorrow, or very shortly, I don't think that would be the right answer for the simple reason that I think we would be giving people a false choice," he told BBC radio. (SO WE DON'T GET A CHOICE!)

http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/01/14/us-britain-europe-cameron-idUSBRE90D0BJ20130114

Syria: Dozens injured in latest bombing

China's space activities raise U.S. concerns

The United States is concerned about China's expanding ability to disrupt the most sensitive U.S. military and intelligence satellites, as Beijing pursues its expanded ambitions in space, according to multiple sources in the U.S. government and outside space experts.

A classified U.S. intelligence assessment completed late last year analyzed China's increasing activities in space and mapped out the growing vulnerability of U.S. satellites that provide secure military communications, warn about enemy missile launches and provide precise targeting coordinates, said the sources, who were not authorized to speak publicly.

http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/01/14/us-china-usa-satellites-idUSBRE90D08620130114

UPS to withdraw TNT Express bid after European Commission veto (still people out there that believe the EC do not have any power?)

United Parcel Service Inc (UPS) (UPS.N) said it will withdraw its 5.2 billion euro ($7 billion) bid for TNT Express (TNTE.AS) because it expects the European Commission (EC) to block the deal.

UPS, the world's No. 1 package delivery company, was seeking to buy Dutch peer and European market leader TNT Express to gain access to its network in the fast-growing Asian and Latin American markets.

The EC has informed UPS and TNT Express that it is working on a decision to prohibit the proposed acquisition, the two companies said in separate statements.

http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/01/14/us-ups-ec-idUSBRE90D09W20130114

India's army chief turns up heat on Pakistan, says can retaliate

India's army chief accused Pakistan on Monday of detailed planning of an attack along Kashmir's de factor border last week in which two soldiers were killed and said India reserved the right to retaliate.

The comments, which came as public anger mounts over the decapitation of one of the slain soldiers, appear certain to further inflame tensions between the nuclear-armed enemies.

http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/01/14/us-india-pakistan-idUSBRE90D08T20130114

Second French commando dies after failed rescue bid - Somali rebels

A second French soldier has died from gunshot wounds after an attempt to rescue a French agent failed on Saturday, Somalia's al Shabaab rebel group said on Monday.

"The second commando died from his bullet wounds. We shall display the bodies of the two French men," Sheikh Abdiasis Abu Musab, spokesman for al Shabaab's military operations, told Reuters by telephone.

http://uk.reuters.com/article/2013/01/14/uk-somalia-hostage-idUKBRE90D0AX20130114

Anonymous Hacks MIT, Leaves Farewell Message for Aaron Swartz

The Anonymous hacktivist group appears to have hacked MIT's website, leaving a tribute for Aaron Swartz, the online activist who recently committed suicide.

Swartz was a the co-founder of Demand Progress and founder of Infogami, a service later merged with Reddit. He committed suicide in New York City on Jan. 11.

MIT's website was defaced with a message claiming the prosecution of Swartz, who was arrested in 2011 for allegedly harvesting academic papers from the JSTOR online journal archive, was a "a grotesque miscarriage of justice".

http://mashable.com/2013/01/14/anonymous-hacks-mit/

David Cameron: beating heart of Britain wants less EU interference

A desire to rein in what is seen as "too much bossiness from Brussels" is now a mainstream aspiration among voters and not just the concern of a Ukip-supporting fringe, David Cameron said on Monday morning, as he began to prepare the public ground for his long-awaited speech this month on relations with Europe.

In an appearance on ITV's Daybreak programme, the first of a series of media interviews, the prime minister argued that while Britain should remain in the EU there was a groundswell of public support for a fundamental renegotiation of the country's relationship within the bloc.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/2013/jan/14/david-cameron-britain-eu-interference

British plane to fly to Mali to support French effort against al-Qaeda

Britain has thrown its support behind French efforts to halt an advance by al-Qaeda affiliated rebels in Mali.

The C-17 was the first of two planes to be deployed to the west African country where insurgents had been pushing south from their northern base against the Mali government.

Downing Street has stressed no UK troops would engage in combat operations in Mali, but the transport planes would provide logistical assistance.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/africaandindianocean/mali/9799813/British-plane-to-fly-to-Mali-to-support-French-effort-against-al-Qaeda.html

Imani Green: Eight Held Over Brit Girl's Death

Eight people have been arrested over the fatal shooting of eight-year-old British schoolgirl Imani Green in Jamaica.

http://news.sky.com/story/1037670/imani-green-eight-held-over-brit-girls-death

4.7 Magnitude Earthquake SOUTH OF JAVA, INDONESIA - 14th January 2013

Magnitude
4.7
Date-Time
Monday, January 14, 2013 at 07:36:12 UTC
Monday, January 14, 2013 at 03:36:12 PM at epicenter
Time of Earthquake in other Time Zones
Location
9.439°S, 112.853°E
Depth
55.5 km (34.5 miles)
Region
SOUTH OF JAVA, INDONESIA
Distances
115 km (71 miles) S of Krajan Tambakrejo, Indonesia

4.8 Magnitude Earthquake NIAS REGION, INDONESIA - 14th January 2013

Magnitude
4.8
Date-Time
Monday, January 14, 2013 at 07:05:54 UTC
Monday, January 14, 2013 at 02:05:54 PM at epicenter
Time of Earthquake in other Time Zones
Location
1.929°N, 97.007°E
Depth
23.2 km (14.4 miles)
Region
NIAS REGION, INDONESIA
Distances
92 km (57 miles) SE of Sinabang, Indonesia

4.6 Magnitude Earthquake NEAR THE EAST COAST OF HONSHU, JAPAN - 14th January 2013

Magnitude
4.6
Date-Time
Monday, January 14, 2013 at 06:53:51 UTC
Monday, January 14, 2013 at 03:53:51 PM at epicenter
Time of Earthquake in other Time Zones
Location
37.167°N, 141.518°E
Depth
56.6 km (35.2 miles)
Region
NEAR THE EAST COAST OF HONSHU, JAPAN
Distances
57 km (35 miles) SE of Namie, Japan

4.0 Magnitude Earthquake NORTHEASTERN IRAN - 14th January 2013

Magnitude ML 4.0
Region NORTHEASTERN IRAN
Date time 2013-01-14 06:04:44.0 UTC
Location 36.98 N ; 56.26 E
Depth 60 km
Distances 81 km SE Kalaleh, Iran

4.9 Magnitude Earthquake EAST OF NORTH ISLAND, NEW ZEALAND - 14th January 2013

Magnitude M 4.9
Region EAST OF NORTH ISLAND, N.Z.
Date time 2013-01-14 05:37:25.7 UTC
Location 35.06 S ; 177.47 W
Depth 10 km
Distances 567 km NE Gisborne, New Zealand

4.2 Magnitude Earthquake CENTRAL IRAN - 14th January 2013

Magnitude mb 4.2
Region CENTRAL IRAN
Date time 2013-01-14 02:26:27.0 UTC
Location 31.93 N ; 51.04 E
Depth 10 km
Distances 24 km W Borujan, Iran

Twitter's UK company risks closure over failures to file financial accounts

One of Twitter's UK companies is at risk of being struck off over repeated failure to file accounts with the business regulator, Sky News can reveal.

The firm under scrutiny, TweetDeck Ltd, has been fined for a second time after missing deadlines in September and December last year.

http://news.sky.com/story/1036914/tweetdeck-twitters-uk-firm-risks-closure

Protests at new West Bank village

Brush fires die down in Australia

India shocked by rape repeat

Robert Kennedy speaks out about JFK's assassination 50 years ago: 'I'm convinced a second gunman was involved in killing my uncle'

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is convinced that a lone gunman wasn't solely responsible for the assassination of his uncle, President John F. Kennedy, and said his father believed the Warren Commission report was a 'shoddy piece of craftsmanship.'

Kennedy and his sister, Rory, spoke about their family Friday night while being interviewed in front of an audience by Charlie Rose at the Winspear Opera House in Dallas. The event comes as a year of observances begins for the 50th anniversary of the president's death.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2261263/JFK-assassination-Robert-Kennedy-speaks-death-uncle.html

Gun groups predict assault weapons ban will fail in Congress

Gun rights groups on Sunday forecast that bids to ban assault weapons and high-capacity ammunition clips would fail in Congress, as Vice President Joe Biden prepares this week to give President Barack Obama proposals to curb gun violence.

Even some congressional Democrats indicated that a bill to revive the U.S. assault weapons ban that expired in 2004 would have a difficult time winning passage in the Republican-controlled House of Representatives and Democratic-led Senate.

http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/01/14/us-usa-guns-congress-idUSBRE90C0DK20130114

US supported France's failed hostage rescue in Somalia

U.S. troops lent "limited technical support" in France's bloody and unsuccessful bid in Somalia to rescue an intelligence agent who'd been held hostage for years, President Barack Obama said Sunday.

Obama detailed the U.S. military involvement in the Friday night mission in a letter sent to the leaders of the nation's two legislative chambers. The letter was released publicly as well.

While U.S. forces "provided limited technical support," they "took no direct part in the assault on the compound where it was believed the French citizen was being held hostage," the president explained.

http://edition.cnn.com/2013/01/13/world/africa/somalia-us-france-raid/index.html

Cameron WILL give us 'in-or-out' on EU, says Pickles as Labour rules out vote on the issue.........(what year will this be? 2018, 2025.....Never?)

David Cameron will promise a referendum on ‘whether or not it’s in Britain’s interests to remain in the EU’, a Cabinet Minister said last night – as Labour ruled out any public vote on the issue.

Communities Secretary Eric Pickles suggested the Prime Minister would use his long-awaited speech on Europe next week to offer the public a vote.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2261955/Cameron-WILL-EU-says-Pickles-Labour-rules-vote-issue.html?ito=feeds-newsxml

China air pollution angers state media

Authorities have warned residents against venturing outside as smog continues to choke Beijing. Source: AAP

ANGER has mounted in China over pollution which reached hazardous levels in recent days, with state media questioning the nation's breakneck development and government transparency over air quality.

State media joined internet users in calling for a re-evaluation of China's modernisation process, which has seen rapid urbanisation and economic development achieved at the expense of the environment.

http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/breaking-news/beijing-choked-by-third-day-of-smog/story-fn3dxix6-1226553188147