Tuesday, January 22, 2013
Texas Lone Star College Shooting: At Least Two Injured During "Shoot Out", Other Gunmen Possibly at Large
At least two people have been wounded after gunfire erupted at a college campus in Texas.
A law enforcement official says authorities have at least one person in custody in connection to the Lone Star College campus shooting in north Houston, and local authorities think there could potentially be a second shooter.
The official spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorised to discuss an ongoing case. The official says multiple injuries have been reported.
US media reports have indicated the suspect in custody is also wounded, and may have been in a shootout with a second gunman.
http://news.sky.com/story/1041514/texas-college-shooting-at-least-two-injured
Chinese workers revolt over 2-minute toilet breaks
Hundreds of Chinese factory workers angry about strictly timed bathroom breaks and fines for starting work late held their Japanese and Chinese managers hostage for a day and a half before police broke up the strike.
About 1,000 workers at Shanghai Shinmei Electric Company held the 10 Japanese nationals and eight Chinese managers inside the factory in Shanghai starting Friday morning until 11.50 p.m. Saturday, said a statement from the parent company, Shinmei Electric Co., released Monday. It said the managers were released uninjured after 300 police officers were called to the factory.
A security guard at the Shanghai plant said Tuesday that workers had gone on strike to protest the company's issuing of new work rules, including time limits on bathroom breaks and fines for being late.
"The workers demanded the scrapping of the ridiculously strict requirements stipulating that workers only have two minutes to go to the toilet and workers will be fined 50 yuan ($8) if they are late once and fired if they are late twice," said the security guard, surnamed Feng. "The managers were later freed when police intervened and when they agreed to reconsider the rules."
http://news.yahoo.com/chinese-workers-revolt-over-2-minute-toilet-breaks-081615186--finance.html
Matt's thoughts:
Rest assured, if Western bosses could get away with this, they would, without even batting an eyelash. Not just corporations, but small businesses, too. This is the reality of capitalism: money first, people second.
About 1,000 workers at Shanghai Shinmei Electric Company held the 10 Japanese nationals and eight Chinese managers inside the factory in Shanghai starting Friday morning until 11.50 p.m. Saturday, said a statement from the parent company, Shinmei Electric Co., released Monday. It said the managers were released uninjured after 300 police officers were called to the factory.
A security guard at the Shanghai plant said Tuesday that workers had gone on strike to protest the company's issuing of new work rules, including time limits on bathroom breaks and fines for being late.
"The workers demanded the scrapping of the ridiculously strict requirements stipulating that workers only have two minutes to go to the toilet and workers will be fined 50 yuan ($8) if they are late once and fired if they are late twice," said the security guard, surnamed Feng. "The managers were later freed when police intervened and when they agreed to reconsider the rules."
http://news.yahoo.com/chinese-workers-revolt-over-2-minute-toilet-breaks-081615186--finance.html
Matt's thoughts:
Rest assured, if Western bosses could get away with this, they would, without even batting an eyelash. Not just corporations, but small businesses, too. This is the reality of capitalism: money first, people second.
Contaminated Ecstasy Deaths: 2 Arrested
Two people have been arrested as police investigate the deaths of three men suspected of taking contaminated drugs.
Greater Manchester Police said the men, aged 33 and 34 were being questioned on suspicion of supplying a controlled drug.
http://news.sky.com/story/1041248/two-arrests-in-contaminated-drugs-inquiry
Greater Manchester Police said the men, aged 33 and 34 were being questioned on suspicion of supplying a controlled drug.
http://news.sky.com/story/1041248/two-arrests-in-contaminated-drugs-inquiry
4.2 Magnitude Earthquake FOX ISLANDS, ALEUTIAN ISLANDS, ALASKA - 22nd January 2013
4.2
Date-Time
Tuesday, January 22, 2013 at 19:05:53 UTC
Tuesday, January 22, 2013 at 10:05:53 AM at epicenter
Location
52.792°N, 169.302°W
Depth
27.6 km (17.2 miles)
Region
FOX ISLANDS, ALEUTIAN ISLANDS, ALASKA
Distances
34 km (21 miles) WSW (241°) from Nikolski, AK
Lone Star College: Multiple People Shot
A shooting on the campus of Lone Star College in Houston, Texas, this afternoon caused the school to call for a lockdown and then to evacuate it students while police searched for suspects.
The college said today that shots were fired on the campus and at least two people were shot. Two individuals with multiple gunshot wounds are in serious condition at Ben Taub Hospital, according to authorities.
Police are searching for a man about 6-foot-2 wearing an Atlanta Falcons hat.
Emergency reponders are currently on campus.
http://abcnews.go.com/US/lone-star-college-campus-locked-shooting/story?id=18287086
The college said today that shots were fired on the campus and at least two people were shot. Two individuals with multiple gunshot wounds are in serious condition at Ben Taub Hospital, according to authorities.
Police are searching for a man about 6-foot-2 wearing an Atlanta Falcons hat.
Emergency reponders are currently on campus.
http://abcnews.go.com/US/lone-star-college-campus-locked-shooting/story?id=18287086
Shots Fired At Lone Star College Texas
Emergency personnel responded to reports of several shots being fired at a Lone Star College campus in north Houston.
A spokesman for the college system, Jed Young, says a shelter-in-place order was issued amid reports of a shooter on campus.
http://news.sky.com/story/1041514/shots-fired-at-small-texas-college
Texas, Lone Star College Shooting: Suspect Detained....Possible other suspects
Officials in Houston, Texas say that several people have been shot at a local community college.
Police are on the scene of a Texas community college where shots were fired shortly after 12 this afternoon.
Authorities have detained at least one person and are searching for possible other suspects after at least one gunman opened fire at Lone Star College's North Harris campus Tuesday afternoon.
http://rt.com/usa/news/shot-texas-college-officials-529/
Police are on the scene of a Texas community college where shots were fired shortly after 12 this afternoon.
Authorities have detained at least one person and are searching for possible other suspects after at least one gunman opened fire at Lone Star College's North Harris campus Tuesday afternoon.
http://rt.com/usa/news/shot-texas-college-officials-529/
4.7 Magnitude Earthquake OFFSHORE NAYARIT, MEXICO - 22nd January 2013
4.7
Date-Time
Tuesday, January 22, 2013 at 18:29:57 UTC
Tuesday, January 22, 2013 at 11:29:57 AM at epicenter
Time of Earthquake in other Time Zones
Location
20.979°N, 106.108°W
Depth
56.3 km (35.0 miles)
Region
OFFSHORE NAYARIT, MEXICO
Distances
84 km (52 miles) WNW of Bucerias, Mexico
Lone Star College Campus Being evacuated
At least two people have reportedly been shot but few other details are available at this stage.
Television footage showed people lying on the ground and at least one person being loaded into an ambulance on the campus of Lone Star College near Houston.
The college posted a warning to students on its Facebook page to "SHELTER IN PLACE if you are on campus. IF YOU ARE NOT ON CAMPUS DON'T GO TO CAMPUS."'
http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/world/shots-fired-at-texas-college/story-fnd12peo-1226559688715
Lone Star College Shooting: at least 3 People Shot, 2nd Suspect on the Loose
Dozens of law enforcement officers are searching for a second suspect on the loose. They are searching a wooded area north of the campus.
http://www.kvue.com/news/Reports-of-shooting-at-Lone-Star-College-in-Houston-187913361.html
Suspected Islamist gunmen kill 18 in northeast Nigeria
Suspected Islamist gunmen fired on residents of a market town in northeast Nigeria, killing 18 in one of their deadliest attacks for several weeks, a local government official said on Tuesday.
The attack late on Monday apparently targeted local hunters in Damboa who sell bush meat from animals such as monkeys and pigs, which strict Muslims are forbidden to eat, the local government leader told journalists.
http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/01/22/us-nigeria-violence-idUSBRE90L0P020130122
The attack late on Monday apparently targeted local hunters in Damboa who sell bush meat from animals such as monkeys and pigs, which strict Muslims are forbidden to eat, the local government leader told journalists.
http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/01/22/us-nigeria-violence-idUSBRE90L0P020130122
Not planning full Syria evacuation: Russia
Russia said on Tuesday it had started evacuating scores of citizens who wanted to leave Syria but denied the move was the start of a mass exodus.
Two senior diplomats played down the significance of decision, announced on Monday, to send aircraft to bring Russians home almost two years after the start of the revolt against Syria's President Bashar al-Assad.
"We are not talking about a full evacuation ... It is not planned that everyone will leave," Russia's Deputy Foreign Minister Andrei Denisov said, according to state-run news agency Itar-Tass.
http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/01/22/us-syria-crisis-russia-idUSBRE90L0SM20130122
Two senior diplomats played down the significance of decision, announced on Monday, to send aircraft to bring Russians home almost two years after the start of the revolt against Syria's President Bashar al-Assad.
"We are not talking about a full evacuation ... It is not planned that everyone will leave," Russia's Deputy Foreign Minister Andrei Denisov said, according to state-run news agency Itar-Tass.
http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/01/22/us-syria-crisis-russia-idUSBRE90L0SM20130122
Syrian rebels clash with Kurds in northeast: activists
At least 56 people have been killed in a week of fighting in northeast Syria between anti-government rebels and members of the long-oppressed Kurdish minority who have seized on the civil war to try to secure self-rule, activists said on Tuesday.
The British-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, which collates reports on Syria's violence from local activists, said on Tuesday that the anti-Damascus rebels were using tanks and mortars on Tuesday against Kurdish forces.
http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/01/22/us-syria-crisis-idUSBRE90L0DJ20130122
The British-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, which collates reports on Syria's violence from local activists, said on Tuesday that the anti-Damascus rebels were using tanks and mortars on Tuesday against Kurdish forces.
http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/01/22/us-syria-crisis-idUSBRE90L0DJ20130122
4.6 Magnitude Earthquake TARAPACA, CHILE - 22nd January 2013
4.6
Date-Time
Tuesday, January 22, 2013 at 17:07:17 UTC
Tuesday, January 22, 2013 at 02:07:17 PM at epicenter
Location
20.083°S, 69.344°W
Depth
86.1 km (53.5 miles)
Region
TARAPACA, CHILE
Distances
84 km (52 miles) ENE (77°) from Iquique, Chile
Thieves Cut Hole In Side Of Bank To Rob ATM
Enterprising thieves have cut a hole in the side of a West Midlands bank and made off with tens of thousands of pounds.
The thieves got inside the branch of Lloyds TSB on Hagley Road West, Warley, and raided its cash machine.
They cut a hole in the masonry just big enough for one person to squeeze through, covering their activities from view with a tarpaulin, West Midlands Police said.
http://news.sky.com/story/1041440/thieves-cut-hole-in-side-of-bank-to-rob-atm
The thieves got inside the branch of Lloyds TSB on Hagley Road West, Warley, and raided its cash machine.
They cut a hole in the masonry just big enough for one person to squeeze through, covering their activities from view with a tarpaulin, West Midlands Police said.
http://news.sky.com/story/1041440/thieves-cut-hole-in-side-of-bank-to-rob-atm
Rolls-Royce To Cut Nearly 400 Jobs
The company is consulting on shedding the jobs at the Ansty plant near Coventry in the Midlands, according to trade union Unite.
Rolls-Royce would neither confirm nor deny the story to Sky News.
http://news.sky.com/story/1041472/rolls-royce-to-cut-nearly-400-jobs-union-says
4.0 Magnitude Earthquake WESTERN XIZANG - 22nd January 2013
4.0
Date-Time
Tuesday, January 22, 2013 at 15:49:24 UTC
Tuesday, January 22, 2013 at 11:49:24 PM at epicenter
Time of Earthquake in other Time Zones
Location
34.138°N, 80.179°E
Depth
47 km (29.2 miles)
Region
WESTERN XIZANG
Distances
94 km (58 miles) NNE of Rutog, China
Shun US 'tiger' and Japanese 'wolf', Chinese colonel warns as he states, "World would hail another nuclear strike on Japan"
Senior Colonel Liu Mingfu, of the National Defence University, blamed America’s ‘‘orchestration’’ and Japan’s ‘‘militarism’’ for rising tensions over disputed islands known as the Senkaku in Japan and the Diaoyu in China.
‘‘America is the global tiger and Japan is Asia’s wolf and both are now madly biting China,’’ Colonel Liu said. ‘‘Of all the animals, Chinese people hate the wolf the most.’’
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China was a peaceful nation but it would fight to the death if seriously attacked, he said.
Both sides and the US have in recent days traded strident warnings over alleged territorial incursions, while holding out hopes of a diplomatic breakthrough. Diplomats privately warn of a growing risk of accident or miscalculation.
Asked about the People’s Liberation Army fighting capability, Colonel Liu referred to the PLA department that houses China’s strategic missile and nuclear arsenal. He raised a hypothetical scenario that he said would justify a nuclear attack, while clarifying that he was not calling upon China to take such measures.
‘‘If this Japanese wolf again attacks America’s Pearl Harbour or Australia’s Darwin, how do you know it wouldn’t receive another nuclear bomb?’’ Colonel Liu said. ‘‘The world would hail if Japan receives such a blow.
http://www.smh.com.au/world/shun-us-tiger-and-japanese-wolf-chinese-colonel-warns-20130122-2d52d.html
‘‘America is the global tiger and Japan is Asia’s wolf and both are now madly biting China,’’ Colonel Liu said. ‘‘Of all the animals, Chinese people hate the wolf the most.’’
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China was a peaceful nation but it would fight to the death if seriously attacked, he said.
Both sides and the US have in recent days traded strident warnings over alleged territorial incursions, while holding out hopes of a diplomatic breakthrough. Diplomats privately warn of a growing risk of accident or miscalculation.
Asked about the People’s Liberation Army fighting capability, Colonel Liu referred to the PLA department that houses China’s strategic missile and nuclear arsenal. He raised a hypothetical scenario that he said would justify a nuclear attack, while clarifying that he was not calling upon China to take such measures.
‘‘If this Japanese wolf again attacks America’s Pearl Harbour or Australia’s Darwin, how do you know it wouldn’t receive another nuclear bomb?’’ Colonel Liu said. ‘‘The world would hail if Japan receives such a blow.
http://www.smh.com.au/world/shun-us-tiger-and-japanese-wolf-chinese-colonel-warns-20130122-2d52d.html
Al Qaeda bomb plot gangs were handed £30million in legal aid to fund their defence
Two gangs of Al Qaeda terrorists who plotted to inflict mass murder on the British public shared more than £30million in legal aid, it emerged last night.
Figures released by the Ministry of Justice show the astonishing sums being paid out by taxpayers to fund defence in criminal cases.
Recipients of huge amounts include the July 21 bombers, a group of Islamist fanatics behind the 2006 airline liquid bomb plot and a string of fraud cases.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2266198/Al-Qaeda-bomb-plot-gangs-handed-30m-legal-aid-fund-defence.html
Figures released by the Ministry of Justice show the astonishing sums being paid out by taxpayers to fund defence in criminal cases.
Recipients of huge amounts include the July 21 bombers, a group of Islamist fanatics behind the 2006 airline liquid bomb plot and a string of fraud cases.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2266198/Al-Qaeda-bomb-plot-gangs-handed-30m-legal-aid-fund-defence.html
David Attenborough - Humans are plague on Earth
Humans are a plague on the Earth that need to be controlled by limiting population growth, according to Sir David Attenborough.
The television presenter said that humans are threatening their own existence and that of other species by using up the world’s resources.
He said the only way to save the planet from famine and species extinction is to limit human population growth.
“We are a plague on the Earth. It’s coming home to roost over the next 50 years or so. It’s not just climate change; it’s sheer space, places to grow food for this enormous horde. Either we limit our population growth or the natural world will do it for us, and the natural world is doing it for us right now,” he told the Radio Times.
Sir David, who is a patron of the Optimum Population Trust, has spoken out before about the “frightening explosion in human numbers” and the need for investment in sex education and other voluntary means of limiting population in developing countries.
“We keep putting on programmes about famine in Ethiopia; that’s what’s happening. Too many people there. They can’t support themselves — and it’s not an inhuman thing to say. It’s the case. Until humanity manages to sort itself out and get a coordinated view about the planet it’s going to get worse and worse.”
More here
The television presenter said that humans are threatening their own existence and that of other species by using up the world’s resources.
He said the only way to save the planet from famine and species extinction is to limit human population growth.
“We are a plague on the Earth. It’s coming home to roost over the next 50 years or so. It’s not just climate change; it’s sheer space, places to grow food for this enormous horde. Either we limit our population growth or the natural world will do it for us, and the natural world is doing it for us right now,” he told the Radio Times.
Sir David, who is a patron of the Optimum Population Trust, has spoken out before about the “frightening explosion in human numbers” and the need for investment in sex education and other voluntary means of limiting population in developing countries.
“We keep putting on programmes about famine in Ethiopia; that’s what’s happening. Too many people there. They can’t support themselves — and it’s not an inhuman thing to say. It’s the case. Until humanity manages to sort itself out and get a coordinated view about the planet it’s going to get worse and worse.”
More here
Dr Death': Five young people die and nine more are in hospital after 'taking ecstasy tablet known as Dr Death'
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2266402/Five-young-people-die-hospital-taking-ecstasy-tablet-known-Dr-Death.html
Sarkozy's plans 'to dodge new 75% French tax rate by moving to London with wife Carla and setting up £1bn private equity fund'
Nicolas Sarkozy is preparing to move to London to set up a billion pounds plus investment fund, it was claimed today.
If the move goes ahead, the controversial Frenchman will become the latest to escape a potential top tax rate of 75 per cent in his home country.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2266331/Nicolas-Sarkozy-Carla-Bruni-dodge-new-French-tax-hike-moving-London-setting-1billion-fund.html
If the move goes ahead, the controversial Frenchman will become the latest to escape a potential top tax rate of 75 per cent in his home country.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2266331/Nicolas-Sarkozy-Carla-Bruni-dodge-new-French-tax-hike-moving-London-setting-1billion-fund.html
'Build a bunker and stockpile food': Officials warn people in Kashmir to prepare for nuclear war
People in the Indian-controlled part of Kashmir have been told to build bomb-proof basements and gather food and water for a possible nuclear war.
A series of deadly skirmishes along the cease-fire line in recent weeks has heightened tensions between India and Pakistan - both of which have nuclear weapons.
However officials will not confirm why they are now ordering people in the region to pack two-weeks' worth of essentials.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2266476/Indian-Kashmir-told-prepare-nuclear-war-Build-bunker-stockpile-food.html
French gas cloud causes stink across the South East
Residents in parts of Kent, Sussex, Surrey and Hampshire awoke to the sulphurous smell of rotten eggs prompting dozens of calls to emergency services.
The accidental discharge of mercaptan from a factory in Rouen has caused headaches, nausea and a political panic in France.
By this morning the pungent cloud had arrived on English shores and was even drifting as far north as south east London.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/earth/earthnews/9818749/French-gas-cloud-causes-stink-across-the-South-East.html
Despite fears of 'mission creep,' Canada to deepen role in Mali
The Canadian government will extend the tour of the heavy-lift transport plane shuttling equipment from France to Mali for a military mission.
Initially, Prime Minister Stephen Harper offered the massive C-17 plane for a one-week mission. But France has asked Canada and other nations to provide more air-transport help, including assistance to carry a West African force of 3,300 into Mali.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/world/despite-fears-of-mission-creep-canada-to-deepen-role-in-mali/article7616574/
Initially, Prime Minister Stephen Harper offered the massive C-17 plane for a one-week mission. But France has asked Canada and other nations to provide more air-transport help, including assistance to carry a West African force of 3,300 into Mali.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/world/despite-fears-of-mission-creep-canada-to-deepen-role-in-mali/article7616574/
Cameron's Europe speech will gun for workers' rights – they must be defended
A principal target for the prime minister in his speech on Europe will be to wrench the UK away from the social and employment policies of the EU. Millions of people in Britain will suffer if he is successful. He must not be.
The Conservative party has never liked the European Union social dimension. New Labour signed up to the social chapter, but it was subsequently lukewarm about it. But it did enact new EU-based laws on agency workers' and consultation rights.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2013/jan/22/cameron-europe-speech-workers-rights
The Conservative party has never liked the European Union social dimension. New Labour signed up to the social chapter, but it was subsequently lukewarm about it. But it did enact new EU-based laws on agency workers' and consultation rights.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2013/jan/22/cameron-europe-speech-workers-rights
Germany, France to present joint euro reform proposals
The leaders of Germany and France promised to put forward common proposals to deepen Europe's economic and monetary union by May, as they put on a show of unity on the 50th anniversary of the pact that sealed their post-war reconciliation.
Angela Merkel, a conservative, and Francois Hollande, a socialist, have had an uneasy relationship since the French president swept into office eight months ago vowing to reverse German-backed austerity policies aimed at shoring up the euro.
http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/01/22/us-germany-france-idUSBRE90L0JD20130122
Angela Merkel, a conservative, and Francois Hollande, a socialist, have had an uneasy relationship since the French president swept into office eight months ago vowing to reverse German-backed austerity policies aimed at shoring up the euro.
http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/01/22/us-germany-france-idUSBRE90L0JD20130122
U.S. begins transporting French troops, equipment to Mali
The United States has started transporting French soldiers and equipment to Mali as part of its logistical aid to French forces fighting Islamist militants in the north of the country, a U.S. official said on Tuesday.
Paris has launched a military campaign against Islamist fighters in Mali at the request of the Malian government, amid fears the vast desert country could become a launchpad for international attacks.
"We have started air lifting French army personnel and equipment to Bamako from Istres," said Benjamin Benson, a spokesman for U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM).
http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/01/22/us-mali-usa-idUSBRE90L0DR20130122
Paris has launched a military campaign against Islamist fighters in Mali at the request of the Malian government, amid fears the vast desert country could become a launchpad for international attacks.
"We have started air lifting French army personnel and equipment to Bamako from Istres," said Benjamin Benson, a spokesman for U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM).
http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/01/22/us-mali-usa-idUSBRE90L0DR20130122
The Swiss turn on the super-rich
In February 2008, Thomas Minder, a Swiss businessman whose family-owned company is best known for its old-fashioned herbal toothpaste, attacked his banker, UBS Chairman Marcel Ospel, as if he were a form of stubborn plaque. At a shareholders' meeting in Basel, he stormed the podium as Ospel addressed the crowd. Ospel's bodyguards grappled with Minder and wrestled him away before he could land his symbolic blow — he was trying to hand the embattled head of Switzerland's largest bank a bound copy of Swiss company law, which codifies corporate temperance.
"Gentlemen, you are responsible for the biggest write-downs in Swiss corporate history," Minder had railed just a few minutes before, referring to UBS's loss of $50 billion during the subprime meltdown that prompted it to seek a government bailout. "Put an end to the Americanization of UBS corporate philosophy!"
http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/01/21/us-reutersmagazine-davos-swiss-rich-idUSBRE90K0F420130121
"Gentlemen, you are responsible for the biggest write-downs in Swiss corporate history," Minder had railed just a few minutes before, referring to UBS's loss of $50 billion during the subprime meltdown that prompted it to seek a government bailout. "Put an end to the Americanization of UBS corporate philosophy!"
http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/01/21/us-reutersmagazine-davos-swiss-rich-idUSBRE90K0F420130121
5.3 Magnitude Earthquake HINDU KUSH REGION, AFGHANISTAN - 22nd January 2013
5.3
Date-Time
Tuesday, January 22, 2013 at 15:09:22 UTC
Tuesday, January 22, 2013 at 07:39:22 PM at epicenter
Time of Earthquake in other Time Zones
Location
36.330°N, 68.830°E
Depth
45.6 km (28.3 miles)
Region
HINDU KUSH REGION, AFGHANISTAN
Distances
24 km (14 miles) NNE of Baghlan, Afghanistan
Russia lifts nationals out of Syria as Moscow, Iran arm Assad for major armored push
The Russian emergency ministry said Monday, Jan. 21 that it is sending two planes to Beirut to evacuate 100 Russians from Syria - the first such effort since the uprising against Bashar Assad began in March 2011. Moscow also announced contingency plans to lift 30,000 Russian nationals from the embattled country.
This evacuation of Russian nationals starting Tuesday was decided after the Syrian high command received orders from President Assad to organize mobile armored strike groups with massive fire power for a big push to run the rebel forces out of the towns, villages and areas they have captured, mostly in the north and southeast.
debkafile’s military sources report that, because they are in a hurry, the Syrian army chiefs decided to use only seasoned officers and men with experience in active service against the rebels, rather than new recruits who would need weeks of combat training. The divisions or brigades holding the line in such trouble spots as Aleppo, Homs and Deraa, are being depleted, some of their units detached for service in the new armored strike groups.
http://www.debka.com/article/22701/Russia-lifts-nationals-out-of-Syria-Moscow-Iran-arm-Assad-for-major-armored-push
Prince Harry has 'mental problem': Taliban (Wait a minute, did they just say something we can all agree with?)
Britain's Prince Harry, who compared shooting insurgents in Afghanistan to playing video games, "has probably developed a mental problem", the Taliban said Tuesday.
"There are 49 countries with their powerful military failing in the fight against the mujahideen, and now this prince comes and compares this war with his games, PlayStation or whatever he calls it," Taliban spokesman Zabiullah Mujahid told AFP.
http://www.france24.com/en/20130122-prince-harry-has-mental-problem-taliban
Matt's thoughts:
Sadly, the "Prince" isn't the only one guilty of killing Arabs/Muslims/Asians (and now Africans, Level 2?) as if it were a video game, even those who have never even picked up a weapon. Such mental illness appears an epidemic in the western world.
"There are 49 countries with their powerful military failing in the fight against the mujahideen, and now this prince comes and compares this war with his games, PlayStation or whatever he calls it," Taliban spokesman Zabiullah Mujahid told AFP.
http://www.france24.com/en/20130122-prince-harry-has-mental-problem-taliban
Matt's thoughts:
Sadly, the "Prince" isn't the only one guilty of killing Arabs/Muslims/Asians (and now Africans, Level 2?) as if it were a video game, even those who have never even picked up a weapon. Such mental illness appears an epidemic in the western world.
Mali: why western intervention is destined to fail
Britain is on standby and the US is already transporting French troops into Mali. But a new paper says the west is "betting on the wrong horse" by intervening in the region.
Now well over a decade after the beginning of the so-called war on terror, yet again, another western nation is leading a military intervention against Islamist paramilitaries based in a largely ungoverned region of a state in the Global South, write Anna Alissa Hitzemann and Ben Zala for the Oxford Research Group.
The hostage situation in Algeria that developed late last week is just the latest in a series of western hostage takings in recent years, demonstrating the increasing radicalisation of elements in the region.
The French-led intervention in Mali is only one of many in a growing list of attempts to control outbreaks of political violence and terrorism with military means.
http://www.channel4.com/news/mali-why-western-intervention-is-destined-to-fail
Now well over a decade after the beginning of the so-called war on terror, yet again, another western nation is leading a military intervention against Islamist paramilitaries based in a largely ungoverned region of a state in the Global South, write Anna Alissa Hitzemann and Ben Zala for the Oxford Research Group.
The hostage situation in Algeria that developed late last week is just the latest in a series of western hostage takings in recent years, demonstrating the increasing radicalisation of elements in the region.
The French-led intervention in Mali is only one of many in a growing list of attempts to control outbreaks of political violence and terrorism with military means.
http://www.channel4.com/news/mali-why-western-intervention-is-destined-to-fail
John Pope Kills Two In Philippine Court
John Pope, 66, pulled out a gun and fired at the complainant and prosecuting lawyer in his case minutes before the hearing began in Cebu city.
Pope quickly fled the court and was shot in the arm by police after ignoring orders to surrender, said regional police director Marcelo Garbo.
http://news.sky.com/story/1041305/canadian-man-kills-two-in-philippine-court
Jordan Chambers Ecstasy Death: Police Warning After Third Death
"It is possible that they are linked and this is something we are exploring as part of the investigation.
"Our main concern is that there may be a contaminated quantity of illegal drugs and if this goes unchecked it could result in further deaths.
"If you are suffering adverse effects after taking one of these tablets I would advise you to go to hospital for a check up.
http://news.sky.com/story/1041248/ecstasy-police-warning-after-third-death
5.0 Magnitude Earthquake EASTERN SEA OF JAPAN - 22nd January 2013
5.0
Date-Time
Tuesday, January 22, 2013 at 13:29:23 UTC
Tuesday, January 22, 2013 at 10:29:23 PM at epicenter
Location
44.529°N, 140.920°E
Depth
230.6 km (143.3 miles)
Region
EASTERN SEA OF JAPAN
Distances
73 km (45 miles) SSW of Rishiri Town, Japan
4.5 Magnitude Earthquake NEAR THE EAST COAST OF HONSHU, JAPAN - 22nd January 2013
4.5
Date-Time
Tuesday, January 22, 2013 at 12:54:04 UTC
Tuesday, January 22, 2013 at 09:54:04 PM at epicenter
Time of Earthquake in other Time Zones
Location
39.665°N, 142.945°E
Depth
33 km (20.5 miles)
Region
NEAR THE EAST COAST OF HONSHU, JAPAN
Distances
84 km (52 miles) E of Miyako, Japan
EU states get blessing for financial trading tax
Germany, France and nine other euro zone countries got a go-ahead on Tuesday to implement a tax on trading, despite the reservations of financial centers such as London and Luxembourg that are worried it could drive business out of Europe.
EU finance ministers gave their approval at a meeting in Brussels, allowing 11 states to pursue a financial transactions tax. The 11 are: Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Austria, Portugal, Belgium, Estonia, Greece, Slovakia and Slovenia.
http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/01/22/us-eu-transactionstax-idUSBRE90K0WX20130122
EU finance ministers gave their approval at a meeting in Brussels, allowing 11 states to pursue a financial transactions tax. The 11 are: Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Austria, Portugal, Belgium, Estonia, Greece, Slovakia and Slovenia.
http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/01/22/us-eu-transactionstax-idUSBRE90K0WX20130122
Suicide attacks kill 17 in Baghdad
Three blasts, including a suicide bomber attack near an army base, killed least 17 people across Baghdad on Tuesday, the latest violence as Shi'ite Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki faces increasing pressure from a political crisis.
The most deadly explosions took place in Taji, 20 km (12 miles) north of Baghdad, where a suicide bomber driving a car packed with explosives detonated his bomb near an army base, killing at least seven people and wounding 24.
http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/01/22/us-iraq-violence-idUSBRE90L0BQ20130122
The most deadly explosions took place in Taji, 20 km (12 miles) north of Baghdad, where a suicide bomber driving a car packed with explosives detonated his bomb near an army base, killing at least seven people and wounding 24.
http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/01/22/us-iraq-violence-idUSBRE90L0BQ20130122
4.8 Magnitude Earthquake WESTERN IRAN - 22nd January 2013
4.8
Date-Time
Tuesday, January 22, 2013 at 11:12:22 UTC
Tuesday, January 22, 2013 at 02:42:22 PM at epicenter
Time of Earthquake in other Time Zones
Location
33.366°N, 48.525°E
Depth
49.8 km (30.9 miles)
Region
WESTERN IRAN
Distances
21 km (13 miles) SE (129°) from Khorramabad, Iran
4.7 Magnitude Earthquake KYRGYZSTAN - 22nd January 2013
4.7
Date-Time
Tuesday, January 22, 2013 at 10:43:11 UTC
Tuesday, January 22, 2013 at 04:43:11 PM at epicenter
Time of Earthquake in other Time Zones
Location
39.477°N, 73.042°E
Depth
56.6 km (35.2 miles)
Region
KYRGYZSTAN
Distances
32 km (19 miles) SSW of Sary-Tash, Kyrgyzstan
4.4 Magnitude Earthquake ATACAMA, CHILE - 22nd January 2013
4.4
Date-Time
Tuesday, January 22, 2013 at 10:24:23 UTC
Tuesday, January 22, 2013 at 07:24:23 AM at epicenter
Time of Earthquake in other Time Zones
Location
25.469°S, 68.824°W
Depth
99.9 km (62.1 miles)
Region
ATACAMA, CHILE
Distances
156 km (96 miles) WNW of Antofagasta de la Sierra, Argentina
Contaminated Ecstasy: Police Warning After Third Death
It comes after two men died in Greater Manchester and another collapsed and died in Liverpool.
Up to six other people were admitted to hospital with symptoms including shaking, shivering and complaints of a fever.
http://news.sky.com/story/1041248/ecstasy-police-warning-after-third-death
U.S. Navy minesweeper crashes onto underwater Coral Reef (but shouldn't its state-of-the-art sonar have seen it coming?)
But apparently the USS Guardian isn't quite so efficient at spotting coral reefs, as it proved while minesweeping in the Sulu Sea, 400 miles southwest of Manila, in the Philippines.
The state-of-the-art minesweeper crashed onto the Tubbataha Reef, a World Heritage Site, during a training run on Thursday where it has become stubbornly wedged.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2265965/Good-reef-weve-run-aground-US-Navy-minesweeper-crashes-underwater-beauty-spot-shouldnt-state-art-sonar-seen-coming.html
Cold snap causes chaos as Midwest shivers in -50F temperatures, 12-year-old girl dies in Ohio crash and New England braces for snow
The coldest air of the winter so far is tearing through the Midwest and is now on its way to New England.
Fast moving 'Alberta clipper' systems usually begin in the lee of the Canadian Rockies, then move swiftly across the northern U.S.
This one, christened Winter Storm Jove, has brought icy weather and ferocious winds to the Midwest, caused multiple car accidents in Ohio and is now threatening to bring a foot of snow to New England.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2266199/Midwest-shivers-wind-chill-50-zero-Minnesota-pile-86-cars-Ohio-New-England-braces-foot-snow.html
Deanna Stires's Body Found by Hunter in Woods
Ending weeks of searching, Stires' body was discovered Friday when a hunter stumbled across her remains in the woods east of Otter Creek.
Stires, 18, from Hernando County was reported missing shortly after New Year's Day but until now no clues to her whereabouts had been found, said Denise Moloney with the Hernando County Sheriff's Office.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2265951/Deanna-Stires-Hunter-discovers-body-girl-18-missing-New-Years-Day-decomposing-woods.html
TweetDeck: Twitter Bosses Sent Closure Letter
Cardiff-based Companies House sent the letter to the two American directors of TweetDeck, at their registered London address.
The letter, dated January 22, stated: "The Registrar of Companies gives notice that, unless cause is shown to the contrary, at the expiration of 3 months from the above date the name of TweetDeck Ltd will be struck off the register and the company will be dissolved."
http://news.sky.com/story/1041208/tweetdeck-twitter-bosses-sent-closure-letter
Still Trust Osborne?: Public Sector Net Borrowing Up By £600m
Public sector net borrowing has risen to £15.4bn in December - £600m higher than in the same month in 2011.
The Office for National Statistics' data, which excludes financial interventions like bank bailouts, were slightly higher than the £15.2bn expected by economists - putting the UK's AAA rating under pressure.
"Again, as we've seen all the way through this age of austerity, the one thing that has really been growing in line with GDP has been public sector spending, and that appears to be continuing.
http://news.sky.com/story/1041234/public-sector-net-borrowing-up-by-600m
The Office for National Statistics' data, which excludes financial interventions like bank bailouts, were slightly higher than the £15.2bn expected by economists - putting the UK's AAA rating under pressure.
"Again, as we've seen all the way through this age of austerity, the one thing that has really been growing in line with GDP has been public sector spending, and that appears to be continuing.
http://news.sky.com/story/1041234/public-sector-net-borrowing-up-by-600m
Police lieutenant Hans Walters Suspected of 'murdering wife and son before setting his house on fire and committing suicide'
Hans Walters, a 20-year veteran of the department, stepped outside his burning house with a handgun and confronted officers before walking back inside and killing himself, according to reports.
A neighbor heard Walters yell, 'I did not do this,' to the armed officers who were closing in on his home in Boulder City, Nevada, 20 miles outside Las Vegas.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2266213/Police-lieutenant-murdered-wife-son-setting-house-committing-suicide.html
Inside the dark and dangerous sewer homes made by vagrants in the drainage tunnels beneath the glitz of Las Vegas
Las Vegas attracts high-rollings gamblers, big spending tourists and the biggest names in music and Hollywood - but it also has the highest foreclosure rate in the nation and fourth-highest rate of homelessness.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2266225/Las-Vegas-sewer-homes-Homeless-live-tunnels-beneath-Sin-City.html
Russia to outlaw 'homosexual propaganda' and ban public events that promote gay rights
A public kiss between two men could be defined as illegal 'homosexual propaganda' and bring a fine of up to £10,000 if a bill that comes up for a first vote this month becomes law in Russia.
The legislation being pushed by the Kremlin and the Russian Orthodox Church would make it illegal to tell minors information that is defined as ‘propaganda of sodomy, lesbianism, bisexuality and transgenderism.’
It includes a ban on holding public events that promote gay rights.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2266059/Russia-outlaw-homosexual-propaganda-ban-public-events-promote-gay-rights.html
The legislation being pushed by the Kremlin and the Russian Orthodox Church would make it illegal to tell minors information that is defined as ‘propaganda of sodomy, lesbianism, bisexuality and transgenderism.’
It includes a ban on holding public events that promote gay rights.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2266059/Russia-outlaw-homosexual-propaganda-ban-public-events-promote-gay-rights.html
Uncovered, the 'toxic' gene hiding in GM crops: Revelation throws new doubt over safety of foods
GM crops such as corn and soya, which are being grown around the world for both human and farm animal consumption, include the gene.
A new study by the EU's official food watchdog, the European Food Safety Authority(EFSA), has revealed that the international approval process for GM crops failed to identify the gene.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2266143/Uncovered-toxic-gene-hiding-GM-crops-Revelation-throws-new-doubt-safety-foods.html
SAS and spy planes set for Mali as Britain offer more support in battle against 'terrorist scourge' of Al Qaeda
Britain is to send spy planes, unmanned drones and special forces to Mali to ‘find and dismantle’ the Al Qaeda network behind the slaughter in Algeria.
In an escalation of the UK’s support for French forces fighting the militants in the African country, David Cameron said he would commit ‘intelligence and counter terrorism assets’.
The Prime Minister said the UK must ‘act with an iron resolve’ to tackle what he called a ‘generational struggle’ against the ‘scourge of terrorism’ after the Algerian attack.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2265950/SAS-spy-planes-set-Mali-Britain-offer-support-battle-terrorist-scourge-Al-Qaeda.html
In an escalation of the UK’s support for French forces fighting the militants in the African country, David Cameron said he would commit ‘intelligence and counter terrorism assets’.
The Prime Minister said the UK must ‘act with an iron resolve’ to tackle what he called a ‘generational struggle’ against the ‘scourge of terrorism’ after the Algerian attack.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2265950/SAS-spy-planes-set-Mali-Britain-offer-support-battle-terrorist-scourge-Al-Qaeda.html
More people now want to STAY in the EU, reveals shock poll ahead of Cameron's Big Speech on Wednesday
Downing Street today announced Mr Cameron will deliver his long-awaited and much-trailed speech on Britain’s’ EU membership on Wednesday. He is expected to promise a referendum on severing ties with Brussels.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2265867/More-people-want-STAY-Europe-leave-says-shock-poll-PM-reveals-big-EU-speech-Wednesday.html
Who Voted in this Poll?......you will notice from the thousands of comments, you will find it difficult to find one person which agrees with this article.
Maybe also good to remember that the polls were conducted by Yougov...and who is the boss of Yougov?......... Peter Kellner (labour party) and he is Married to Catherine Ashton, Baroness Ashton of Upholland...who happens to be Vice President of the European Commission and High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy
Poland president says no euro entry decision before 2015 ballots
Poland should not decide whether to adopt the euro until after elections in 2015, President Bronislaw Komorowski said, signaling the country's current government should not set a deadline for membership.
Poland, which joined the European Union in 2004, is obliged to adopt the euro at some point in the future.
http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/01/22/us-poland-euro-idUSBRE90L0A320130122
Poland, which joined the European Union in 2004, is obliged to adopt the euro at some point in the future.
http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/01/22/us-poland-euro-idUSBRE90L0A320130122
Dangerous imbalances persist in euro zone
The euro zone crisis is entering a new, treacherous phase for governments, which can only cross their fingers that slow-burn reforms will pay off before voters get fed up with austerity and high unemployment.On the face of it, 2013 should be a much less traumatic year than 2012 for the 17-nation single-currency area.
http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/01/22/us-eurozone-economy-rebalancing-idUSBRE90L09B20130122
Evidence of narcolepsy link to swine flu shot
Credit: Reuters/Ints Kalnins
Emelie is plagued by hallucinations and nightmares. When she wakes up, she's often paralyzed, unable to breathe properly or call for help. During the day she can barely stay awake, and often misses school or having fun with friends. She is only 14, but at times she has wondered if her life is worth living.
Emelie is one of around 800 children in Sweden and elsewhere in Europe who developed narcolepsy, an incurable sleep disorder, after being immunized with the Pandemrix H1N1 swine flu vaccine made by British drugmaker GlaxoSmithKline in 2009.
Finland, Norway, Ireland and France have seen spikes in narcolepsy cases, too, and people familiar with the results of a soon-to-be-published study in Britain have told Reuters it will show a similar pattern in children there.
http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/01/22/us-narcolepsy-vaccine-pandemrix-idUSBRE90L07H20130122
Shun US 'tiger' and Japanese 'wolf', Chinese colonel warns
A Chinese military officer has raised the spectre of nuclear weapons and warned Australia not to side with the United States and Japan as a territorial dispute in the East China Sea continues to escalate.
Senior Colonel Liu Mingfu, of the National Defence University, blamed America’s ‘‘orchestration’’ and Japan’s ‘‘militarism’’ for rising tensions over disputed islands known as the Senkaku in Japan and the Diaoyu in China.
‘‘America is the global tiger and Japan is Asia’s wolf and both are now madly biting China,’’ Colonel Liu said. ‘‘Of all the animals, Chinese people hate the wolf the most.’’
http://www.smh.com.au/world/shun-us-tiger-and-japanese-wolf-chinese-colonel-warns-20130122-2d52d.html
Senior Colonel Liu Mingfu, of the National Defence University, blamed America’s ‘‘orchestration’’ and Japan’s ‘‘militarism’’ for rising tensions over disputed islands known as the Senkaku in Japan and the Diaoyu in China.
‘‘America is the global tiger and Japan is Asia’s wolf and both are now madly biting China,’’ Colonel Liu said. ‘‘Of all the animals, Chinese people hate the wolf the most.’’
http://www.smh.com.au/world/shun-us-tiger-and-japanese-wolf-chinese-colonel-warns-20130122-2d52d.html
Terror in North Africa: are Westerners pulling the strings?
Canada is investigating an allegation by the Algerian Prime Minister that one of its citizens co-ordinated the terror raid at the Saharan gas plant in which dozens of hostages were killed.
Westerners, including a man with blond hair and blue eyes, are believed to have been among the Islamist militants who launched last week’s attack on the Tigantourine complex near Algeria’s border with Libya.
A French jihadist, previously unknown to authorities, and two Canadians are suspected to have been involved in the hostage-taking, and reports also claim that a man with a Western accent was among the extremists who lured terrified gas workers from their rooms during the hostage crisis.
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/africa/terror-in-north-africa-are-westerners-pulling-the-strings-8460832.html
Westerners, including a man with blond hair and blue eyes, are believed to have been among the Islamist militants who launched last week’s attack on the Tigantourine complex near Algeria’s border with Libya.
A French jihadist, previously unknown to authorities, and two Canadians are suspected to have been involved in the hostage-taking, and reports also claim that a man with a Western accent was among the extremists who lured terrified gas workers from their rooms during the hostage crisis.
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/africa/terror-in-north-africa-are-westerners-pulling-the-strings-8460832.html
Canadian Man opens fire in Philippine court building, killing 2
A man believed to be a Canadian citizen opened fire in a court building in the Philippines on Tuesday, killing two people and wounding himself and one other person, authorities said.
The incident is likely to add to the debate over stricter controls on firearms in the country, which has been rattled by a series of recent shootings.
The latest incident took place Tuesday morning at a building that houses trial courts in the city of Cebu, according to a statement by the Philippine Supreme Court.
Facing a criminal case in the courts, the gunman shot the complainant in the case, who was believed to be a doctor, and the doctor's lawyer, the statement said, citing initial police reports.
http://edition.cnn.com/2013/01/22/world/asia/philippines-court-shooting/
The incident is likely to add to the debate over stricter controls on firearms in the country, which has been rattled by a series of recent shootings.
The latest incident took place Tuesday morning at a building that houses trial courts in the city of Cebu, according to a statement by the Philippine Supreme Court.
Facing a criminal case in the courts, the gunman shot the complainant in the case, who was believed to be a doctor, and the doctor's lawyer, the statement said, citing initial police reports.
http://edition.cnn.com/2013/01/22/world/asia/philippines-court-shooting/
Lupe Fiasco booted off stage after anti-Obama rant at inauguration bash
The Grammy-nominated rapper was headlining the event in Washington D.C, but his performance was cut short.
Attendees at the venue reported that Fiasco, well known for his outspoken political comments, launched into a 30-minute anti-war rant, directed partly President Barack Obama.
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/entertainment/music/lupe-fiasco-booted-off-stage-after-anti-obama-rant-at-inauguration-bash/story-e6frf9hf-1226558874335
UN to sanction N. Korea space agency: diplomat
The UN Security Council will order sanctions against North Korea's space agency in a resolution to be passed this week condemning the secretive state's ballistic launch, a diplomat said.
The resolution, which also targets other government entities and individuals linked to North Korea's nuclear weapons program, could be passed by the 15-member council as early as tomorrow.
http://www.ptinews.com/news/3319231_UN-to-sanction-N--Korea-space-agency--diplomat-
The resolution, which also targets other government entities and individuals linked to North Korea's nuclear weapons program, could be passed by the 15-member council as early as tomorrow.
http://www.ptinews.com/news/3319231_UN-to-sanction-N--Korea-space-agency--diplomat-
Defeat in German regional elections dents poll hopes of Merkel and heir
From outside Germany, Angela Merkel has long looked invincible. She has come to symbolise Germany's political scene as Margaret Thatcher once did Britain's.
But on Monday morning she saw her centre-right coalition narrowly ousted by the opposition centre-left in a regional election that shifts the balance of power in Germany and could have profound implications for her chances of re-election in September.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2013/jan/21/german-regional-elections-analysis
But on Monday morning she saw her centre-right coalition narrowly ousted by the opposition centre-left in a regional election that shifts the balance of power in Germany and could have profound implications for her chances of re-election in September.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2013/jan/21/german-regional-elections-analysis
Man Charged in Deaths of 3 Kurds in Paris
A man who had served as an occasional driver for a prominent Kurdish separatist was charged Monday with killing her and two other Kurdish activists in a Paris office almost two weeks ago.
The Paris prosecutor’s office gave the driver’s name as Omer Guney, 30, and said he had been born in Turkey. It said that he was under investigation over whether he had carried out the killings as part of a terrorist group, and that he was likely to be detained pending trial.
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/01/22/world/europe/driver-is-charged-in-killing-of-kurdish-separatist-in-paris.html?_r=0
The Paris prosecutor’s office gave the driver’s name as Omer Guney, 30, and said he had been born in Turkey. It said that he was under investigation over whether he had carried out the killings as part of a terrorist group, and that he was likely to be detained pending trial.
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/01/22/world/europe/driver-is-charged-in-killing-of-kurdish-separatist-in-paris.html?_r=0
Russia to evacuate citizens from Syria
Giving only the barest details, the Russian emergency situations ministry said it was responding to a request from the country’s leaders.
The evacuees are likely to include staff from the embassy in Damascus, where fighting between government forces and the rebels was yesterday reported half a mile from the old city. Others are likely to be staff from Russian companies that have a presence in Syria.
Rising prices for basic commodities and fuel shortages have made life harder for residents of the capital. Though power cuts have become frequent, the entire city of 2.5 million was without power for the first time on Sunday night.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/syria/9816680/Russia-to-evacuate-citizens-from-Syria.html
The evacuees are likely to include staff from the embassy in Damascus, where fighting between government forces and the rebels was yesterday reported half a mile from the old city. Others are likely to be staff from Russian companies that have a presence in Syria.
Rising prices for basic commodities and fuel shortages have made life harder for residents of the capital. Though power cuts have become frequent, the entire city of 2.5 million was without power for the first time on Sunday night.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/syria/9816680/Russia-to-evacuate-citizens-from-Syria.html
Gamma-ray burst 'hit Earth in 8th Century'
In 2012 researchers found evidence that our planet had been struck by a blast of radiation during the Middle Ages, but there was debate over what kind of cosmic event could have caused this.
Now a study suggests it was the result of two black holes or neutron stars merging in our galaxy.
This collision would have hurled out vast amounts of energy.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-21082617
Rise of social networks in Britain 'risks fueling social unrest'
Commissioned by the government’s chief scientist, the report said Britons who refuse to participate in social networks such as Facebook and Twitter could find themselves marginalised as the majority increasingly express their identity online.
Within 10 years “maintaining an online presence could become normalised to the point where refusing to participate in online media could appear unusual or even suspicious", it warned.
Prof Sir John Beddington’s report concluded that over the next decade, a person’s traditional “identity” would undergo “increasingly dynamic or volatile” changes.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/social-media/9815389/Rise-of-social-networks-in-Britain-risks-fuelling-social-unrest.html
Within 10 years “maintaining an online presence could become normalised to the point where refusing to participate in online media could appear unusual or even suspicious", it warned.
Prof Sir John Beddington’s report concluded that over the next decade, a person’s traditional “identity” would undergo “increasingly dynamic or volatile” changes.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/social-media/9815389/Rise-of-social-networks-in-Britain-risks-fuelling-social-unrest.html
Old Fashioned Con Artistry Makes A Comeback
Traditional con artistry is making a comeback with cheque and procurement fraud as well as Ponzi scams on the rise.
While the spotlight has been on rogue traders and 'super' fraud cases in recent years, KPMG has found a surge in the number of individuals swindling employers, banks and the government.
The latest bi-annual Fraud Barometer reports that insider fraud is hitting corporates hard while more individuals are over-claiming benefits and evading tax.
http://news.sky.com/story/1041052/old-fashioned-con-artistry-makes-a-comeback
While the spotlight has been on rogue traders and 'super' fraud cases in recent years, KPMG has found a surge in the number of individuals swindling employers, banks and the government.
The latest bi-annual Fraud Barometer reports that insider fraud is hitting corporates hard while more individuals are over-claiming benefits and evading tax.
http://news.sky.com/story/1041052/old-fashioned-con-artistry-makes-a-comeback
Mali, French Forces Take Second Town in Insurgents' Fight
French and Malian forces took control of the town of Diabaly and Douentza as soldiers from neighboring African countries continued to arrive to join the fight against rebels that control two-thirds of the nation.
Malian soldiers entered Diabaly “with the support of French troops” today, army spokesman Colonel Diarran Kone said by phone from the capital, Bamako. Diabaly is 400 kilometers (250 miles) from the city, and was the southern-most point held by militants who overran the town earlier this month.
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2013-01-21/mali-french-forces-take-second-town-in-insurgents-fight.html
Malian soldiers entered Diabaly “with the support of French troops” today, army spokesman Colonel Diarran Kone said by phone from the capital, Bamako. Diabaly is 400 kilometers (250 miles) from the city, and was the southern-most point held by militants who overran the town earlier this month.
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2013-01-21/mali-french-forces-take-second-town-in-insurgents-fight.html
5.3 Magnitude Earthquake BALLENY ISLANDS REGION - 22nd January 2013
5.3
Date-Time
Tuesday, January 22, 2013 at 08:40:51 UTC
Tuesday, January 22, 2013 at 06:40:51 PM at epicenter
Location
61.300°S, 154.061°E
Depth
10 km (6.2 miles)
Region
BALLENY ISLANDS REGION
Distances
2018 km (1254 miles) SSW (206°) from Dunedin, New Zealand
London House Fire: Two Die In North Finchley
The fire started in Fallow Court Avenue, North Finchley, just before 6.30am.
http://news.sky.com/story/1041193/london-house-fire-two-die-in-north-finchley
Bus falls into river in Bolivia, killing at least 10
A passenger bus plummeted from a height of 300 meters into a river in the Yungas region of Bolivia, killing at least ten people, with another 26 injured.
According to rescuers, many people could have been carried off by the strong current, so that the final death toll may increase.
Already there is unconfirmed information of 18 victims of the tragedy. The causes of the accident are not yet known; rescuers and investigators are on site.
http://english.ruvr.ru/2013_01_22/Bus-falls-into-river-in-Bolivia-killing-at-least-10/
Indonesia 5.9 earthquake: 1 dead, 7 injured
The 5.9-magnitude earthquake struck 37 kilometers (23 miles) under Aceh province, and a 4.7-magnitude aftershock followed 26 minutes later, the U.S. Geological Survey said.
The casualties occurred in an area where several homes were damaged, said Sutopo Purwo Nugroho, spokesman for Indonesia's National Disaster Management Agency.
http://www.panorama.am/en/society/2013/01/22/indonesia-quake/
White Island activity could lead to large eruption- GNS, New Zealand
The volcano, off the Bay of Plenty coast, is the country's most active and showed heightened signs of unrest last year.
But it is the increased hydrothermal activity in the last three weeks which is of "significant concern", GNS vulcanologist Brad Scott says.
http://tvnz.co.nz/national-news/white-island-activity-could-lead-large-eruption-gns-5323727
Giant waves cause boat to capsize in Caubian island, Philippines
Fishermen in two boats rescued at least 15 persons off the seas of Caubian Island in Lapu-Lapu City after big waves in the area caused the boat they were riding on to capsize.
Those rescued include four government employees from the Department of Social Welfare and Development in Region 7, five police officers, and a mother and her daughter.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/344815/big-waves-cause-boat-to-capsize-in-caubian-island
Those rescued include four government employees from the Department of Social Welfare and Development in Region 7, five police officers, and a mother and her daughter.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/344815/big-waves-cause-boat-to-capsize-in-caubian-island
Massachusetts: Valve leak at Pilgrim nuclear plant forces shutdown; no safety threat ...
Pilgrim Station technicians are investigating what caused a leak in a safety relief valve, prompting operators to shut down the Plymouth nuclear plant early Monday morning, plant officials said.
Operators investigated a “minor leak associated with a pilot valve on one of the plant’s four safety relief valves,” officials from Energy Nuclear, which owns and operates the nuclear plant, said in a statement.
The plant is currently “in a safe, stable condition and there is no threat to public safety,” the statement said.
http://www.boston.com/metrodesk/2013/01/21/valve-leak-pilgrim-nuclear-plant-forces-shutdown-safety-threat-officials-say/2b5Xz14O6j0qkJ9FlFZrYO/story.html
Operators investigated a “minor leak associated with a pilot valve on one of the plant’s four safety relief valves,” officials from Energy Nuclear, which owns and operates the nuclear plant, said in a statement.
The plant is currently “in a safe, stable condition and there is no threat to public safety,” the statement said.
http://www.boston.com/metrodesk/2013/01/21/valve-leak-pilgrim-nuclear-plant-forces-shutdown-safety-threat-officials-say/2b5Xz14O6j0qkJ9FlFZrYO/story.html
Radioactive incident at Chatelherault Country Park in Hamilton
Firefighters have sealed off a section of Chatelherault Country Park in Hamilton after a container marked as holding radioactive material was found.
The five inch diameter black drum was found in the South Lanarkshire park at about 13:30 on Monday.
Strathclyde Fire and Rescue has sent an environmental protection unit.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-glasgow-west-21130545
The five inch diameter black drum was found in the South Lanarkshire park at about 13:30 on Monday.
Strathclyde Fire and Rescue has sent an environmental protection unit.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-glasgow-west-21130545
38 children hospitalised after meningitis Vaccine in Chad
Thirty-eight children from northern Chad have been hospitalised after being vaccinated for meningitis in a government campaign, the health minister said Monday.
"During the last phase of the vaccination campaign organised at Gouro (near the Libyan border) on December 11 to 15, 2012, unusual reactions were noted," Health Minister Mamouth Nahor NGawara told AFP.
http://medicalxpress.com/news/2013-01-children-hospitalised-meningitis-shot-chad.html
"During the last phase of the vaccination campaign organised at Gouro (near the Libyan border) on December 11 to 15, 2012, unusual reactions were noted," Health Minister Mamouth Nahor NGawara told AFP.
http://medicalxpress.com/news/2013-01-children-hospitalised-meningitis-shot-chad.html
Sao Paulo Helicopter Crash: Pilot Killed
Three passengers were injured after the aircraft came down, but authorities said no one was hurt on the ground.
The cause of Monday's crash is not clear. It happened during light rain rather than the heavy downpours typical of a South American summer.
http://news.sky.com/story/1041044/sao-paulo-helicopter-crash-pilot-killed
Israel's Extremist Right Set For Cabinet Posts
While Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is predicted to win the most seats, opinion polls have suggested support for his Likud Beitenu party has been steadily eroded by a surge in the popularity of smaller right wing parties.
Analysts have observed that a weak performance by his party at the ballot box could leave Mr Netanyahu having to accept demands from more extremist groups in order to form a coalition government.
http://news.sky.com/story/1041063/israels-extremist-right-set-for-cabinet-posts
Madrid Metro: Woman faints and falls on Madrid's Metro rail track
CCTV has been released showing how an off-duty police officer rescued a woman who fainted and fell onto the rails at a Madrid underground station.
The unnamed 38-year-old policeman heard the impact of the body hitting the rails and immediately sprung into action.
An incoming train managed to stop before reaching the platform because the driver realised there was problem when people waved signalling him to stop.
http://news.sky.com/story/1041117/madrid-metro-woman-rescued-from-track
Nehemiah Griego Killed his Family because he was "annoyed" with his mother
A probable cause statement said Nehemiah Griego had been having homicidal and suicidal thoughts before allegedly killing his family with an assault weapon.
The 15-year-old remains in custody on charges of murder and child abuse resulting in death following the shootings on Saturday night in the rural area southwest of Albuquerque.
http://news.sky.com/story/1041103/us-shooting-teen-suspect-speaks-to-police
Gareth Ashton Death: Two Deaths Linked To Contaminated ecstasy tablets
Two people have died in two days and several others are in hospital after possibly taking contaminated ecstasy tablets.
Greater Manchester Police said it is investigating whether a batch of the illegal drugs circulating in the area could have led to the deaths of the two "apparently fit young men".
Gareth Ashton, 28, died at Wigan Infirmary on Monday, police have confirmed.
A 19-year-old died at Oldham Hospital on Sunday.
http://news.sky.com/story/1041108/ecstasy-two-deaths-linked-to-tainted-pills
Greater Manchester Police said it is investigating whether a batch of the illegal drugs circulating in the area could have led to the deaths of the two "apparently fit young men".
Gareth Ashton, 28, died at Wigan Infirmary on Monday, police have confirmed.
A 19-year-old died at Oldham Hospital on Sunday.
http://news.sky.com/story/1041108/ecstasy-two-deaths-linked-to-tainted-pills
Lindsay Sandiford sentenced to death for drug smuggling in Bali
The 56-year-old grandmother had been found guilty of violating the country's strict drug laws.
Sandiford was arrested in May 2012 at Bali airport when customs officers found 3.8kg of cocaine worth £1.6m in her luggage. She claimed she had been forced to smuggle the drugs into Bali from Thailand by a criminal gang.
http://news.sky.com/story/1041142/briton-sentenced-to-death-for-drug-smuggling
4.8 Magnitude Earthquake TONGA - 22nd January 2013
4.8
Date-Time
Tuesday, January 22, 2013 at 07:29:30 UTC
Tuesday, January 22, 2013 at 09:29:30 PM at epicenter
Time of Earthquake in other Time Zones
Location
16.498°S, 173.914°W
Depth
101.8 km (63.3 miles)
Region
TONGA
Distances
63 km (39 miles) SSW of Hihifo, Tonga
4.7 Magnitude Earthquake NORTHERN SUMATRA, INDONESIA - 21st January 2013
4.7
Date-Time
Monday, January 21, 2013 at 22:48:07 UTC
Tuesday, January 22, 2013 at 05:48:07 AM at epicenter
Time of Earthquake in other Time Zones
Location
5.009°N, 96.039°E
Depth
14.4 km (8.9 miles)
Region
NORTHERN SUMATRA, INDONESIA
Distances
35 km (21 miles) SW of Reuleuet, Indonesia
5.8 Magnitude Earthquake SOUTH ATLANTIC OCEAN - 21st January 2013
5.8
Date-Time
Monday, January 21, 2013 at 22:34:58 UTC
Monday, January 21, 2013 at 08:34:58 PM at epicenter
Time of Earthquake in other Time Zones
Location
7.647°S, 33.976°W
Depth
15.1 km (9.4 miles)
Region
SOUTH ATLANTIC OCEAN
Distances
112 km (70 miles) ENE (63°) from Recife, Brazil
5.9 Magnitude Earthquake NORTHERN SUMATRA, INDONESIA - 21st January 2013
5.9
Date-Time
Monday, January 21, 2013 at 22:22:54 UTC
Tuesday, January 22, 2013 at 05:22:54 AM at epicenter
Time of Earthquake in other Time Zones
Location
4.961°N, 96.083°E
Depth
16.6 km (10.3 miles)
Region
NORTHERN SUMATRA, INDONESIA
Distances
34 km (21 miles) SSW of Reuleuet, Indonesia
Terror in North Africa: are Westerners pulling the strings?
Canada is today investigating an allegation by the Algerian Prime Minister that one of its citizens co-ordinated the terror raid at the Saharan gas plant in which dozens of hostages were killed.
Westerners, including a man with blond hair and blue eyes, are believed to have been among the Islamist militants who launched last week’s attack on the Tigantourine complex near Algeria’s border with Libya.
A French jihadist, previously unknown to authorities, and two Canadians are suspected to have been involved in the hostage-taking, and reports also claim that a man with a Western accent was among the extremists who lured terrified gas workers from their rooms during the hostage crisis.
Prime Minister Abdelmalek Sellal told reporters that a man, judged “by his English accent” to have been Canadian, was among the 32 Islamists whose raid on the Algerian refinery prompted a global crisis. One of the Canadians, identified only as “Shaddad”, is alleged to have played a leading role in the attack which left 58 hostages – including 37 Westerners - dead after a four-day battle with Algerian forces. Five further Western workers are still unaccounted for. “A Canadian was among the militants,” Mr Sellal said. “He was co-ordinating the attack.”
Matt's thoughts:
I wasn't in Africa lately. Promise.
