https://www.facebook.com/CrisisActors
Matt's thoughts:
Check it out, people. One couldn't make this stuff up. They are saying that anyone who asks questions about Sandy Hook is a "terrorist", "exposing America to danger", towing the line for Al Jazeera and Iran, and other nonsense, all to deflect their potential involvement in the entire Sandy Hook "shooting" scenario. If this group isn't a mechanism of the police state developing in the the US, I'll eat my hat. It's also starting to seem that the entire website and group is run by a single individual, and that other individuals have been hired on to enter the conversation on behalf of their defense. Just check out that page, you'll see it all for yourself.
Friday, January 18, 2013
U.S., China in deal on U.N. North Korea rebuke; Russia to back it
The resolution would not impose new sanctions, but would call for expanding existing U.N. sanctions measures against Pyongyang, the envoys said on condition of anonymity. They added that China's support for the move would be a significant diplomatic blow to Pyongyang.
The 15-nation council could adopt the compromise resolution next week, they said.
http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/01/18/us-korea-north-un-idUSBRE90H16W20130118
Panetta calls for more agile NATO with wider strategic focus
Defense Secretary Leon Panetta called on Friday for NATO to reinvent itself as a more agile alliance with a broader outlook embracing the Asia-Pacific and able to respond to new threats from Islamic militancy.
Panetta said as the alliance winds down the Afghanistan war and cuts defense spending to fit shrinking budgets, it would still face challenges from Islamist militants as well as countries like Iran and North Korea.
"NATO can no longer be an alliance focused on a single type of mission, whether deterring the aggression of another superpower or conducting stability operations like Afghanistan," Panetta told a group at King's College in London, in one of his last major speeches as defense secretary.
http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/01/18/us-usa-nato-panetta-idUSBRE90H14M20130118
Panetta said as the alliance winds down the Afghanistan war and cuts defense spending to fit shrinking budgets, it would still face challenges from Islamist militants as well as countries like Iran and North Korea.
"NATO can no longer be an alliance focused on a single type of mission, whether deterring the aggression of another superpower or conducting stability operations like Afghanistan," Panetta told a group at King's College in London, in one of his last major speeches as defense secretary.
http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/01/18/us-usa-nato-panetta-idUSBRE90H14M20130118
Twenty foreigners still caught in hostage crisis
More than 20 foreigners were still being held hostage or missing inside a gas plant on Friday after Algerian forces stormed the desert complex to free hundreds of captives taken by Islamist militants, who threatened to attack other energy installations.
Thirty hostages, including at least seven Westerners, were killed during Thursday's assault, along with at least 18 of their captors, said an Algerian security source.
http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/01/18/us-sahara-crisis-idUSBRE90F1JJ20130118
Thirty hostages, including at least seven Westerners, were killed during Thursday's assault, along with at least 18 of their captors, said an Algerian security source.
http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/01/18/us-sahara-crisis-idUSBRE90F1JJ20130118
Baileigh Karam vanishes the same day shocking video of her being brutally attacked at school is posted online
Baileigh Karam, 14, of Carlsbad, California, disappeared last Friday when the cell phone video was posted on Facebook.
In the video, a female student strikes her as a crowd of fellow students watch and cheer. Karam is heard begging her attacker to stop.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2264535/Baileigh-Karam-missing-Bullied-girl-14-disappears-video-attacked-posted-Facebook.html
No donkeys were harmed in the making of Street View: Google denies killing animal after accusations of hit-and-run in Africa
Google said the animal was 'perhaps enjoying a dust bath'
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2264462/Google-donkey-Google-forced-deny-killing-donkey-Street-View-car-Botswana.html
Obama warns Cameron Britain must stay in a 'strong EU' hours before Algerian hostage crisis forces PM to abandon Big Speech
Barack Obama last night warned Britain must remain part of a 'strong European Union' as David Cameron raised the prospect of 'drifting towards the exit'.
The US President used a call to London to stress the EU's role in spreading 'peace, prosperity, and security' around the world. Downing Street was forced to deny a rift, insisting the call was 'friendly'.
But the warning from the White House against Britain severing ties with Brussels came hours before Mr Cameron dramatically called off his long-awaited Europe speech to deal with the Algeria hostage crisis. Government sources suggested the speech will be given next week instead.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2264365/Obama-warns-Cameron-Britain-stay-strong-EU-hours-Algerian-hostage-crisis-forces-PM-abandon-Big-Speech.html
The US President used a call to London to stress the EU's role in spreading 'peace, prosperity, and security' around the world. Downing Street was forced to deny a rift, insisting the call was 'friendly'.
But the warning from the White House against Britain severing ties with Brussels came hours before Mr Cameron dramatically called off his long-awaited Europe speech to deal with the Algeria hostage crisis. Government sources suggested the speech will be given next week instead.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2264365/Obama-warns-Cameron-Britain-stay-strong-EU-hours-Algerian-hostage-crisis-forces-PM-abandon-Big-Speech.html
Germany's federal police carry out 18-month surveillance operation complete with an assigned officer... to capture a TOILET PAPER thief
A department of Germany’s equivalent of the FBI installed surveillance cameras and assigned a surveillance officer to capture a suspected toilet roll thief on their premises.
The Landeskriminalamt, which track white collar criminals, organised gangs and terrorists, spent thousands on the investigation after cleaners reported an ‘unusally high’ usage of toilet paper.
A secret camera was installed in the stairwell of House 5 in Waltersleben, Thuringian and a detective who used to listen to covert telephone recordings of crooks was assigned to overall command of ‘Operation Bog Roll,’ as the media have dubbed it.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2264614/Operation-bog-roll-Germanys-federal-police-carry-18-month-surveillance-operation-complete-assigned-officer--capture-TOILET-PAPER-thief.html
The Landeskriminalamt, which track white collar criminals, organised gangs and terrorists, spent thousands on the investigation after cleaners reported an ‘unusally high’ usage of toilet paper.
A secret camera was installed in the stairwell of House 5 in Waltersleben, Thuringian and a detective who used to listen to covert telephone recordings of crooks was assigned to overall command of ‘Operation Bog Roll,’ as the media have dubbed it.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2264614/Operation-bog-roll-Germanys-federal-police-carry-18-month-surveillance-operation-complete-assigned-officer--capture-TOILET-PAPER-thief.html
Taxi Driver Ichhpal Bhamra who killed Tom Ridgway and carried his body on car bonnet for 90 metres before smashing into a tree is fined just £35
The family of student Tom Ridgway hit out at the 'insulting' fine, insisting the punishment did not do justice to the 'enormous tragedy' of his death.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2264400/Taxi-driver-Ichhpal-Bhamra-killed-cyclist-Tom-Ridgway-fined-just-35.html
Deborah Farley Arrested After 7 year old Son Takes Gun To School
Deborah Farley was arrested on Friday on several charges including criminal possession of a weapon and endangering the welfare of a child.
Police say the 53-year-old's son had taken the handgun to his Queens elementary school on Thursday.
http://news.sky.com/story/1039940/mother-arrested-after-son-takes-gun-to-school
Freed British Hostages Praise Algerian Army
Speaking to state television, one unnamed man said: "I think they did a fantastic job, I was very impressed with the Algerian army.
"I feel sorry for anybody who has been hurt."
Another, Darren Matthews, said: "I feel safe at the moment but I won't feel 100% happy until I'm back in the UK, until I see my family."
http://news.sky.com/story/1039636/freed-british-hostages-praise-algerian-army
West Point center cites dangers of ‘far right’ in U.S.
A West Point think tank has issued a paper warning America about “far right” groups such as the “anti-federalist” movement, which supports “civil activism, individual freedoms and self-government.”
The report issued this week by the Combating Terrorism Center at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, N.Y., is titled “Challengers from the Sidelines: Understanding America’s Violent Far-Right.”
The center — part of the institution where men and women are molded into Army officers — posted the report Tuesday. It lumps limited government activists with three movements it identifies as “a racist/white supremacy movement, an anti-federalist movement and a fundamentalist movement.”
The West Point center typically focuses reports on al Qaeda and other Islamic extremists attempting to gain power in Asia, the Middle East and Africa through violence.
But its latest study turns inward and paints a broad brush of people it considers “far right.”
It says anti-federalists “espouse strong convictions regarding the federal government, believing it to be corrupt and tyrannical, with a natural tendency to intrude on individuals’ civil and constitutional rights. Finally, they support civil activism, individual freedoms, and self government. Extremists in the anti-federalist movement direct most their violence against the federal government and its proxies in law enforcement.”
http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2013/jan/17/west-point-center-cites-dangers-far-right-us/
Matt's thoughts:
I predict zero Americans will react as they should, and I don't mean posting on a website about "just how gosh darn angry I am about this!", to this development. Gun control at this point is moot, because most Americans appear too afraid to actually use them anyway, and are all talk about defending the constitution, so they might as well just hand them over and get it over with.
The report issued this week by the Combating Terrorism Center at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, N.Y., is titled “Challengers from the Sidelines: Understanding America’s Violent Far-Right.”
The center — part of the institution where men and women are molded into Army officers — posted the report Tuesday. It lumps limited government activists with three movements it identifies as “a racist/white supremacy movement, an anti-federalist movement and a fundamentalist movement.”
The West Point center typically focuses reports on al Qaeda and other Islamic extremists attempting to gain power in Asia, the Middle East and Africa through violence.
But its latest study turns inward and paints a broad brush of people it considers “far right.”
It says anti-federalists “espouse strong convictions regarding the federal government, believing it to be corrupt and tyrannical, with a natural tendency to intrude on individuals’ civil and constitutional rights. Finally, they support civil activism, individual freedoms, and self government. Extremists in the anti-federalist movement direct most their violence against the federal government and its proxies in law enforcement.”
http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2013/jan/17/west-point-center-cites-dangers-far-right-us/
Matt's thoughts:
I predict zero Americans will react as they should, and I don't mean posting on a website about "just how gosh darn angry I am about this!", to this development. Gun control at this point is moot, because most Americans appear too afraid to actually use them anyway, and are all talk about defending the constitution, so they might as well just hand them over and get it over with.
4.8 Magnitude Earthquake OAXACA, MEXICO - 18th January 2013
4.8
Date-Time
Friday, January 18, 2013 at 15:31:43 UTC
Friday, January 18, 2013 at 09:31:43 AM at epicenter
Time of Earthquake in other Time Zones
Location
15.908°N, 96.588°W
Depth
31.3 km (19.4 miles)
Region
OAXACA, MEXICO
Distances
23 km (14 miles) NW of San Pedro Pochutla, Mexico
4.6 Magnitude Earthquake UNIMAK ISLAND REGION, ALASKA - 18th January 2013
4.6
Date-Time
Friday, January 18, 2013 at 14:05:53 UTC
Friday, January 18, 2013 at 05:05:53 AM at epicenter
Time of Earthquake in other Time Zones
Location
53.930°N, 163.235°W
Depth
11.6 km (7.2 miles)
Region
UNIMAK ISLAND REGION, ALASKA
Distances
103 km (64 miles) S of False Pass, Alaska
Philadelphia Subway Attack: Suspect Held By US Police
Police investigating a horrific attack on a woman on the Philadelphia subway have arrested a man.Surveillance video shows the 23-year-old woman being viciously punched and then dragged across the platform.
She is then pushed onto the railway track at the station in the city's Chinatown neighbourhood.
The attack happened around 3.30pm on Tuesday, after the suspect initially approached the victim and asked for a light.
http://news.sky.com/story/1039842/subway-attack-suspect-held-by-us-police
Bolshoi Ballet Boss Has Acid Thrown In Face
Sergei Filin, 43, was attacked as he got out of his car outside his home, according to Arkady Bashirov, a spokesperson for the city police.
http://news.sky.com/story/1039790/bolshoi-ballet-boss-has-acid-thrown-in-face
5.4 Magnitude Earthquake WESTERN SICHUAN, CHINA - 18th January 2013
5.4
Date-Time
Friday, January 18, 2013 at 12:42:54 UTC
Friday, January 18, 2013 at 08:42:54 PM at epicenter
Time of Earthquake in other Time Zones
Location
31.046°N, 99.556°E
Depth
31.2 km (19.4 miles)
Region
WESTERN SICHUAN, CHINA
Distances
72 km (44 miles) W of Rulong, China
4.7 Magnitude Earthquake NIAS REGION, INDONESIA - 18th January 2013
4.7
Date-Time
Friday, January 18, 2013 at 12:25:44 UTC
Friday, January 18, 2013 at 07:25:44 PM at epicenter
Location
0.266°N, 97.703°E
Depth
21.8 km (13.5 miles)
Region
NIAS REGION, INDONESIA
Distances
202 km (125 miles) SW of Sibolga, Indonesia
David Cameron: Don't put Ukip in TV debate....Scared of Losing More Votes?
The PM said only parties “that are going to form the government” should take part. The Lib-Dems and Ukip are both on about 10 per cent in the polls, but many experts predict Ukip will peak at the Euro elections in 2014.
http://www.standard.co.uk/news/politics/david-cameron-dont-put-ukip-in-tv-debate-8457116.html
4.7 Magnitude Earthquake NIAS REGION, INDONESIA - 18th January 2013
4.7
Date-Time
Friday, January 18, 2013 at 12:25:44 UTC
Friday, January 18, 2013 at 07:25:44 PM at epicenter
Time of Earthquake in other Time Zones
Location
0.266°N, 97.703°E
Depth
21.8 km (13.5 miles)
Region
NIAS REGION, INDONESIA
Distances
202 km (125 miles) SW of Sibolga, Indonesia
Sahara hostage holders make new threat as 22 hostages are unaccounted for
With Western leaders clamoring for details of the assault they said Algeria had launched on Thursday without consulting them, a local source said the gas base was still surrounded by Algerian special forces and some hostages remained inside.
http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/01/18/us-sahara-crisis-idUSBRE90F1JJ20130118
Syrian Rebels fire Rocket at Aleppo neighbourhood
A large blast hit a neighbourhood of the Syrian city of Aleppo on Friday and caused several casualties, state television said.
It was unclear who was behind the attack.
Syria TV said the explosion had been caused by a rocket fired by a "terrorist group" - a term it frequently uses to describe rebels in the 22-month-old uprising against President Bashar al-Assad.
But opposition groups said Assad's forces were behind the blast, which hit the Muhafaza Sakaniya neighbourhood in a western district of the city.
http://uk.reuters.com/article/2013/01/18/uk-syria-crisis-blast-idUKBRE90H0KC20130118
It was unclear who was behind the attack.
Syria TV said the explosion had been caused by a rocket fired by a "terrorist group" - a term it frequently uses to describe rebels in the 22-month-old uprising against President Bashar al-Assad.
But opposition groups said Assad's forces were behind the blast, which hit the Muhafaza Sakaniya neighbourhood in a western district of the city.
http://uk.reuters.com/article/2013/01/18/uk-syria-crisis-blast-idUKBRE90H0KC20130118
Berlin Bank Heist Tunnel Pictures Released
Police have also issued a composite sketch of a man suspected of involvement in the digging of the tunnel.
The audacious criminals spent weeks digging the tunnel into a vault of the Berliner Volksbank and, earlier in the week, escaped with the contents of several hundred safety deposit boxes.
They set fire to the tunnel as they left to destroy any evidence.
Police were alerted to the break-in early on Monday when a security guard noticed smoke coming from the deposit room
http://news.sky.com/story/1039725/berlin-bank-heist-tunnel-pictures-released
Jonathan Thompson 'on the run' after beating his girlfriend's four-year-old godson to death in Amityville
Detectives on Long Island, New York are investigating the death of Adonis Reed who was found unconscious in his pyjamas at 4pm Wednesday and was pronounced dead in hospital shortly before 6pm.
The suspect, Jonathan Thompson, was identified by live-in-girlfriend Lakisha Pitt, who has primary care of Adonis and his six-year-old sister after their mother ran into financial troubles.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2264373/Amityville-killer-run-beating-girlfriends-year-old-godson-death.html
Michael Van Hise denied bail after judge learns of his 'depraved' talk about what he wanted to 'do to a newborn.'
Michael Van Hise, 22, told an unidentified person he met online that he wanted to ‘do the newborn,’ Manhattan federal prosecutor Randall Jackson said.
Federal Judge William Pauley III said the allegations against Van Hise represented ‘really shocking, depraved and violent conduct.’
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2264255/Cannibal-Cops-partner-denied-bail-judge-learns-depraved-talk-raping-infant.html
Gabriela Osorio sentenced to 24 years for stabbing a new mom and kidnapping her week-old daughter
Gabriela Osorio was sentenced to 24 years in prison over the brutal attack and kidnapping in Santa Ana, California, in May 2010, the Orange County Register reports.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2263977/Gabriela-Osorio-sentenced-24-years-stabbing-new-mom-kidnapping-week-old-daughter.html
Mary Hansen survived botched suicide pact after shooting her daughter, 18, dead
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2264145/Utah-mother-shot-daughter-18-dead-botched-suicide-plot-agrees-plea-deal.html
Rainer Klaus Reinscheid 'who Fantasized about Shooting 200 students with a Machine Gun, set fire to bullied son's school' slapped with new arson charge
The Orange County District Attorney's has announced that prosecutors will file a new charge against Rainer Klaus Reinscheid Thursday.
In July, Reinscheid, 49, pleaded to multiple counts of arson for allegedly setting nine separates fires to University High School in Irvine, a local park and a school administrator’s home.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2263749/UC-Irvine-professor-Rainer-Reinscheid-plotted-machine-gun-200-students-set-bullied-sons-school-slapped-new-arson-charge.html
Rafael Robb set to be released after serving FIVE YEARS for brutally beating wife to death as she wrapped Christmas presents
Rafael Robb, 62, admitted to bludgeoning his wife Ellen with a metal pull-up bar until she was 'unrecognizable' as she wrapped Christmas presents at their home in suburban Philadelphia in December 2006.
Prosecutors say the University of Pennsylvania economics professor was hoping to avoid a costly divorce. He claims he snapped in a 'moment of madness.'
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2263995/Rafael-Robb-University-Pennsylvania-professor-convicted-murder-released-years-prison.html
Whole Foods threatened with boycott by liberal customers after CEO compares Obamacare to fascism
In an interview to promote his new book, Mackey was quizzed about an article he had written in The Wall Street Journal in 2009 that liken Obamacare to socialism.
‘Technically speaking, it's more like fascism,’ Mackey told NPR. ‘Socialism is where the government owns the means of production. In fascism, the government doesn't own the means of production but they do control it. And that's what's happening with our health care program with these reforms.’
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2264307/Whole-Foods-threatened-boycott-liberal-customers-CEO-compares-Obamacare-fascism.html
Seattle-bound flight Escorted by Fighter Jets after caller reports sleeping passenger as a hijacker
Two military jets escorted an Alaska Airlines flight into Seattle last night after a caller told the FBI that a possible hijacker was aboard the flight from Hawaii, officials said.
After the jet landed safely, authorities took the male passenger off the plane and questioned him for about two hours.
FBI Seattle spokeswoman Ayn Dietrich said late Thursday night that the agency was 'not anticipating an arrest.' The man was not identified.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2264345/Seattle-bound-flight-escorted-fighter-jets-caller-reports-sleeping-passenger-hijacker.html
After the jet landed safely, authorities took the male passenger off the plane and questioned him for about two hours.
FBI Seattle spokeswoman Ayn Dietrich said late Thursday night that the agency was 'not anticipating an arrest.' The man was not identified.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2264345/Seattle-bound-flight-escorted-fighter-jets-caller-reports-sleeping-passenger-hijacker.html
Deadly message from jihadist Mokhtar Belmokhtar behind the heavily-armed 'Signed-In-Blood-Battalion'
Belmokhtar is also an arms smuggler who specialises in death. He is behind the heavily-armed Islamist group called the 'Signed-In-Blood Battalion' which stormed BP's and Norwegian Statoil's In Amenas gas facility in eastern Algeria, taking 40 American, British, Norwegian and Japanese hostages.
He was not at the gas facility himself. But his jihadist henchmen mined huts where they were holding the hostages and then strapped explosives on to the terrified Westerners on his instructions.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2264250/Algerian-jihadist-Mokhtar-Belmokhtar-eyed-master-terror-Signed-In-Blood-Battalion.html
5.1 Magnitude Earthquake SOUTH OF MARIANA ISLANDS - 18th January 2013
5.1
Date-Time
Friday, January 18, 2013 at 09:32:33 UTC
Friday, January 18, 2013 at 07:32:33 PM at epicenter
Location
11.709°N, 143.309°E
Depth
24.7 km (15.3 miles)
Region
SOUTH OF THE MARIANA ISLANDS
Distances
250 km (156 miles) SW (219°) from HAGATNA, Guam
129 DAYS LATER: FBI DIRECTOR IN LIBYA TO REVIEW BENGHAZI PROBE
The FBI director met with top Libyan officials on Thursday to discuss the probe into last year's killing of the U.S. ambassador in Benghazi where authorities are planning a curfew following an upsurge in violence, Libyan officials said.
Ambassador Chris Stevens and three other Americans were killed on Sept. 11, 2012 in an attack that Washington officials suspect was carried out by militants linked to the al-Qaida terrorist group. There has been little news of progress in the investigation, and U.S. officials have complained about poor cooperation with governments in the region.
http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/M/ML_LIBYA_FBI?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT&CTIME=2013-01-17-08-23-42
Ambassador Chris Stevens and three other Americans were killed on Sept. 11, 2012 in an attack that Washington officials suspect was carried out by militants linked to the al-Qaida terrorist group. There has been little news of progress in the investigation, and U.S. officials have complained about poor cooperation with governments in the region.
http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/M/ML_LIBYA_FBI?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT&CTIME=2013-01-17-08-23-42
Y'all come to Texas, state official tells New York gun owners
Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott has a message for New York gun owners: Come to Texas, and bring your guns with you.
"Texas is better than New York, and New York just gave us another excuse to say that," Abbott, a Republican, said on Thursday, after ads extolling Texas appeared on several media websites.
New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, a Democrat, signed sweeping gun-control legislation earlier this week expanding the state's ban on assault weapons and putting limits on ammunition capacity in the wake of last month's school shootings in Connecticut.
http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/01/17/us-usa-guns-texas-idUSBRE90G1DA20130117
"Texas is better than New York, and New York just gave us another excuse to say that," Abbott, a Republican, said on Thursday, after ads extolling Texas appeared on several media websites.
New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, a Democrat, signed sweeping gun-control legislation earlier this week expanding the state's ban on assault weapons and putting limits on ammunition capacity in the wake of last month's school shootings in Connecticut.
http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/01/17/us-usa-guns-texas-idUSBRE90G1DA20130117
Thirty hostages reported killed in Algeria assault
Details remained scant - including for Western governments, some of which did little to disguise irritation at being kept in the dark by Algeria before the raid and its bloody outcome.
Two Japanese, two Britons and a French national were among at least seven foreigners killed, the source told Reuters. Eight of the dead hostages were Algerian. The nationalities of the rest, as well as of perhaps dozens more who escaped, were unclear.
http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/01/17/us-sahara-crisis-idUSBRE90F1JJ20130117
Cruz: Obama 'High on His Own Power'
"He is feeling right now high on his own power, and he is pushing on every front, on guns," Cruz said. "And I think it's really sad to see the president of the United States exploiting the murder of children and using it to push his own extreme, anti-gun agenda. I think what the president is proposing and the gun control proposals that are coming from Democrats in the Senate are, number one, unconstitutional, and number two, they don't work. They're bad policy."
https://www.weeklystandard.com/blogs/cruz-obama-high-his-own-power_696232.html
Flats collapse sparks protests in Egypt
The collapse of an eight-storey block of flats in the Egyptian city of Alexandria, which killed at least 25 people, has sparked protests over safety.
The cause of the collapse, which happened early yesterday when most tenants were at home, was not clear but it came a day after 19 recruits were killed when a military train derailed south of the capital, Cairo.
http://www.standard.co.uk/news/world/flats-collapse-sparks-protests-in-egypt-8455874.html
The cause of the collapse, which happened early yesterday when most tenants were at home, was not clear but it came a day after 19 recruits were killed when a military train derailed south of the capital, Cairo.
http://www.standard.co.uk/news/world/flats-collapse-sparks-protests-in-egypt-8455874.html
Questions On EU Mali Mission
European foreign ministers are making much of having accelerated their training mission for Mail troops. But it’s not clear what exactly the initiative will accomplish, given that Mali’s army is already getting the most useful training it can, intense fighting alongside French troops against Islamist militants.
European foreign ministers met Thursday in special session to approve a contingent of several hundred troops to train Mali’s armed forces. Afterward, French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius said foreign ministers offered unanimous praise for his country’s week-old intervention to push back Islamist militants tied to al-Qaeda who had surged south from their strongholds in the north.
EU foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton said the EU was now mobilizing for action. “Military action was necessary.
http://blogs.wsj.com/brussels/2013/01/18/questions-linger-on-europes-mali-action/
European foreign ministers met Thursday in special session to approve a contingent of several hundred troops to train Mali’s armed forces. Afterward, French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius said foreign ministers offered unanimous praise for his country’s week-old intervention to push back Islamist militants tied to al-Qaeda who had surged south from their strongholds in the north.
EU foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton said the EU was now mobilizing for action. “Military action was necessary.
http://blogs.wsj.com/brussels/2013/01/18/questions-linger-on-europes-mali-action/
11 dead as floods swamp Jakarta
The capital’s worst floods in five years have forced 18,000 people from their homes, the nation’s disaster agency said, with many ferried to temporary shelters on rafts.
“Floods are occurring still and since January 15, 11 people have died, five of which from electrocution,” said National Disaster Mitigation Agency spokesman Sutopo Purwo Nugroho.
http://gulfnews.com/news/world/other-world/11-dead-as-floods-swamp-jakarta-1.1134013
Mali Islamists tougher than France anticipated: envoys
French troops' initial clashes with Islamist militants in Mali have shown that the desert fighters are better trained and equipped than France had anticipated before last week's military intervention, French and other U.N. diplomats said.
The realization that the fighting could be bloodier than anticipated in the weeks -- or months -- ahead might make Western countries even more reluctant to get involved alongside France. French officials, however, hope it will rally their allies behind them, diplomats say.
http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/01/18/us-mali-rebels-un-idUSBRE90H08920130118
The realization that the fighting could be bloodier than anticipated in the weeks -- or months -- ahead might make Western countries even more reluctant to get involved alongside France. French officials, however, hope it will rally their allies behind them, diplomats say.
http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/01/18/us-mali-rebels-un-idUSBRE90H08920130118
Algeria attack planned before French strike in Mali: officials
Algerian militants planned their hostage-taking attack on a remote desert gas plant well before a French military operation against militants in neighboring Mali, European and U.S. national security officials said on Thursday.
Intelligence indicates that the hostage takers, believed to be members of a breakaway faction of al Qaeda's North African affiliate, Al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM), had planned to capture the hostages and take them to a hideout where it would be harder to mount a rescue attempt, a European security official said.
http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/01/17/us-saharah-crisis-planning-idUSBRE90G18T20130117
Intelligence indicates that the hostage takers, believed to be members of a breakaway faction of al Qaeda's North African affiliate, Al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM), had planned to capture the hostages and take them to a hideout where it would be harder to mount a rescue attempt, a European security official said.
http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/01/17/us-saharah-crisis-planning-idUSBRE90G18T20130117
Several injured during avalanche in New Hampshire
An avalanche was reported late Thursday evening at Tuckerman Ravine in North Conway, NH. Between six and nine people were said to be on the mountain at the time of the incident, several of whom were injured transported to Androscoggin Valley Hospital, according to a spokesman from Berlin Fire Department.
“It seems like they are all off the mountain,” said firefighter Jonathan Larin. “I noticed that about three or four ambulances from both Gorham and Jackson were utilized.”
The condition of those injured was not immediately available.
http://bostonglobe.com/metro/2013/01/17/several-injured-during-avalanche/5ch6EhzGdgw3YeSRwSadyL/story.html
“It seems like they are all off the mountain,” said firefighter Jonathan Larin. “I noticed that about three or four ambulances from both Gorham and Jackson were utilized.”
The condition of those injured was not immediately available.
http://bostonglobe.com/metro/2013/01/17/several-injured-during-avalanche/5ch6EhzGdgw3YeSRwSadyL/story.html
Earthquake Near Loughborough, East Midlands
The tremor was reported across Leicestershire, Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire.
Julian Bukits, of the BGS, said the earthquake happened at 5.20am and was "average" for the UK.
http://news.sky.com/story/1039681/earthquake-near-loughborough-east-midlands
Algeria Hostage Crisis: '10 Brits Unaccounted For'
It follows an Algerian attempt to rescue gas workers taken hostage by al Qaeda-linked militants which ended in a number of deaths.
Prime Minister David Cameron warned of "further bad news" as he put off a high-profile speech on Europe to stay in London and oversee developments.
http://news.sky.com/story/1039636/algeria-crisis-10-brits-unaccounted-for
Surprise Fall In Retail Sales In December.......I like to know who was Surprised by this
Retail sales disappoint in December, falling by 0.3% when compared to November, according to official figures.
TThe news comes days after high street stalwarts electricals retailer HMV and DVD rental chain Blockbuster called in administrators.
http://news.sky.com/story/1039739/surprise-fall-in-retail-sales-in-december
TThe news comes days after high street stalwarts electricals retailer HMV and DVD rental chain Blockbuster called in administrators.
http://news.sky.com/story/1039739/surprise-fall-in-retail-sales-in-december
Snow: Travel Chaos Fears In Freezing Weather
Temperatures are expected to remain below zero in most parts, making it bitterly cold, while blizzards and strong winds are set to make conditions treacherous on the roads.
http://news.sky.com/story/1039631/snow-travel-chaos-fears-in-freezing-weather
4.8 Magnitude Earthquake KEPULAUAN TANIMBAR REGION, INDONESIA - 18th January 2013
4.8
Date-Time
Friday, January 18, 2013 at 05:16:15 UTC
Friday, January 18, 2013 at 02:16:15 PM at epicenter
Time of Earthquake in other Time Zones
Location
7.316°S, 130.331°E
Depth
89.4 km (55.6 miles)
Region
KEPULAUAN TANIMBAR REGION, INDONESIA
Distances
129 km (80 miles) WNW of Saumlaki, Indonesia
Dreamliner in meltdown as hi-tech Boeing jets are grounded in Europe and U.S. amid fears its electric 'car batteries' can trigger fires
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2263126/Dreamliner-meltdown-hi-tech-Boeing-jets-grounded-Europe-U-S-amid-fears-electric-car-batteries-trigger-fires.html
Mysterious 'smiley face' symbol sparks internet debate after appearing on hundreds of sheep across UK
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2264281/Just-grin-baaaa-Mysterious-smiley-face-symbol-sparks-internet-debate-appearing-hundreds-sheep-country.html
'Right to family life' keeps 200 foreign convicts in Britain: Nine in ten use laws to cheat deportation
Almost every foreign criminal who cheated deportation last year did so by claiming a human right to a 'family life' in Britain.
Figures released by the Home Office show the notorious Article 8 of Labour's Human Rights Act is now responsible for nine out of every ten victories for overseas rapists, muggers and other convicts.
Last year, an estimated 200 criminals were granted permission to remain in the UK in this 'spurious' way.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2264275/Right-family-life-keeps-200-foreign-convicts-Britain-Nine-use-laws-cheat-deportation.html
Figures released by the Home Office show the notorious Article 8 of Labour's Human Rights Act is now responsible for nine out of every ten victories for overseas rapists, muggers and other convicts.
Last year, an estimated 200 criminals were granted permission to remain in the UK in this 'spurious' way.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2264275/Right-family-life-keeps-200-foreign-convicts-Britain-Nine-use-laws-cheat-deportation.html
5.3 Magnitude Earthquake SOUTH OF MARIANA ISLANDS - 18th January 2013
5.3
Date-Time
Friday, January 18, 2013 at 04:57:05 UTC
Friday, January 18, 2013 at 02:57:05 PM at epicenter
Location
11.797°N, 143.322°E
Depth
23.7 km (14.7 miles)
Region
SOUTH OF THE MARIANA ISLANDS
Distances
218 km (135 miles) SW of Merizo Village, Guam
Panic buyers strip shelves across country as Met Office warns almost whole of UK will see snow and Wales will be hit by blizzards
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2263837/Panic-buyers-strip-shelves-Met-Office-issues-blizzard-alert-Wales-Britain-braces-blanket-12in-snow-today.html
Massacre at School Sways Public in Way Earlier Shootings Didn't
The massacre of children at an elementary school in Newtown, Conn., appears to be profoundly swaying Americans’ views on guns, galvanizing the broadest support for stricter gun laws in about a decade, according to a New York Times/CBS News poll.
As President Obama tries to persuade a reluctant Congress to pass new gun laws, the poll found that a majority of Americans — 54 percent — think gun control laws should be tightened, up markedly from a CBS News poll last April that found that only 39 percent backed stricter laws.
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/01/18/us/poll-shows-school-shooting-sways-views-on-guns.html?_r=0
As President Obama tries to persuade a reluctant Congress to pass new gun laws, the poll found that a majority of Americans — 54 percent — think gun control laws should be tightened, up markedly from a CBS News poll last April that found that only 39 percent backed stricter laws.
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/01/18/us/poll-shows-school-shooting-sways-views-on-guns.html?_r=0
Leprosy bacteria use 'biological alchemy'
The study, in the journal Cell, showed leprosy-causing bacteria turning nerves into stem cells and muscle.
The authors said the "clever and sophisticated" technique could further therapies and stem-cell research.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-21056644
Why Europe could spell the end for David Cameron
David Cameron was meant to be in the Netherlands today, drumming up Dutch courage to deliver his big speech on Europe.
He put his plans on hold when it became clear that the Algerian army’s deadly assault to free Brit hostages in the Saharan desert was under way.
It was the right decision, of course.
But this speech, supposedly the most important of his political career, was jinxed from the start.
He was due to make it last summer, but put it off to the autumn Tory conference.
Then it was “before Christmas” and finally January.
Even then, the schedule was decided by German Chancellor Angela Merkel, not by our PM.
http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/paul-routledge-on-why-europe-could-spell-1542568
He put his plans on hold when it became clear that the Algerian army’s deadly assault to free Brit hostages in the Saharan desert was under way.
It was the right decision, of course.
But this speech, supposedly the most important of his political career, was jinxed from the start.
He was due to make it last summer, but put it off to the autumn Tory conference.
Then it was “before Christmas” and finally January.
Even then, the schedule was decided by German Chancellor Angela Merkel, not by our PM.
http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/paul-routledge-on-why-europe-could-spell-1542568
Iran strengthened cyber capabilities after Stuxnet: U.S. general
Iran responded to a 2010 cyber attack on its nuclear facilities by beefing up its own cyber capabilities, and will be a "force to be reckoned with" in the future, a senior U.S. Air Force official told reporters on Thursday.
General William Shelton, who heads Air Force Space Command and oversees the Air Force's cyber operations, declined to comment about Iran's ability to disrupt U.S. government computer networks, but said Tehran had clearly increased its efforts in that arena after the 2010 incident.
http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/01/18/us-iran-usa-cyber-idUSBRE90G1C420130118
General William Shelton, who heads Air Force Space Command and oversees the Air Force's cyber operations, declined to comment about Iran's ability to disrupt U.S. government computer networks, but said Tehran had clearly increased its efforts in that arena after the 2010 incident.
http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/01/18/us-iran-usa-cyber-idUSBRE90G1C420130118
