Rebels have captured Syria's biggest hydro-electric dam and battled army tank units near the center of Damascus, activists said as the opposition renewed an offer on Monday to negotiate the departure of President Bashar al-Assad.
On the Turkish border, nine people were killed when a car arriving from rebel-held territory in northwestern Syria blew up at the Reyhanli frontier crossing; Turkish officials said it was unclear whether the blast was a suicide attack or an accident.
http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/02/11/us-syria-crisis-idUSBRE91A0MU20130211
Monday, February 11, 2013
Obama may issue order Wednesday on defense against cyber attacks: sources
U.S. President Barack Obama plans to release a long-awaited executive order aimed at improving the nation's defenses against cyber attacks as early as Wednesday, according to sources familiar with the matter.
The order, drawn up after Congress failed to pass cyber defense legislation last year, is meant to improve the protection of critical industries and infrastructure from cyber intrusions.
http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/02/12/us-obama-cybersecurity-idUSBRE91A15U20130212
The order, drawn up after Congress failed to pass cyber defense legislation last year, is meant to improve the protection of critical industries and infrastructure from cyber intrusions.
http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/02/12/us-obama-cybersecurity-idUSBRE91A15U20130212
5.1 Magnitude Earthquake NORTH KOREA - 12th February 2013
5.1
Date-Time
Tuesday, February 12, 2013 at 02:57:51 UTC
Tuesday, February 12, 2013 at 11:57:51 AM at epicenter
Time of Earthquake in other Time Zones
Location
41.299°N, 129.081°E
Depth
1 km (~0.6 mile) (poorly constrained)
Region
NORTH KOREA
Distances
24 km (14 miles) ENE of Sungjibaegam, North Korea
North Korea conducts nuclear test - South Korea defense ministry
North Korea conducted a nuclear test on Tuesday, South Korea's defense ministry said, after seismic activity measuring 4.9 magnitude was registered by the U.S. Geological Survey.
The epicenter of the seismic activity, which was only one km below the Earth's surface, was close to the North's known nuclear test site.
"We've been informed by the South Koreans that there's been a (North Korean) nuclear test," a U.N. Security Council diplomat told Reuters on condition of anonymity.
An international nuclear test monitoring agency said the location of the seismic event was "roughly congruent with" 2006 and 2008 tests carried out by the reclusive state and had "clear explosion-like characteristics".
http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/02/12/us-korea-north-idUSBRE91B04820130212
The epicenter of the seismic activity, which was only one km below the Earth's surface, was close to the North's known nuclear test site.
"We've been informed by the South Koreans that there's been a (North Korean) nuclear test," a U.N. Security Council diplomat told Reuters on condition of anonymity.
An international nuclear test monitoring agency said the location of the seismic event was "roughly congruent with" 2006 and 2008 tests carried out by the reclusive state and had "clear explosion-like characteristics".
http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/02/12/us-korea-north-idUSBRE91B04820130212
Syria's Assad says not to abandon principles despite intensifying pressures
Syrian President Bashar al-Assad stressed Monday that his country would never give up its principles "no matter how pressures are building up," the state- run SANA news agency reported.
The embattled leader made the remarks during his meeting Monday with a delegation of Jordanian lawyers, activists and engineers, said SANA. Assad stressed that the conspiracy his country is subject to targets not just Syria but all the Arabs, according to SANA.
SANA said the talks have touched upon the situation in the region and particularly in Syria.
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/world/2013-02/12/c_124342682.htm
The embattled leader made the remarks during his meeting Monday with a delegation of Jordanian lawyers, activists and engineers, said SANA. Assad stressed that the conspiracy his country is subject to targets not just Syria but all the Arabs, according to SANA.
SANA said the talks have touched upon the situation in the region and particularly in Syria.
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/world/2013-02/12/c_124342682.htm
Egyptian Protesters, Police Clash on Mubarak Ouster Anniversary
Egyptian protesters frustrated with President Mohamed Morsi's government clashed with police in Cairo Monday, during rallies marking the second anniversary of former leader Hosni Mubarak's resignation.
Police used water cannon and volleys of tear gas to disperse stone-throwing demonstrators outside the presidential palace, where several hundred protesters had gathered.
Several carried banners calling for a revolution, while others chanted for the end of the Muslim Brotherhood.
http://www.voanews.com/content/egyptian-protesters-police-clash-on-mubarak-ouster-anniversary/1601701.html
Police used water cannon and volleys of tear gas to disperse stone-throwing demonstrators outside the presidential palace, where several hundred protesters had gathered.
Several carried banners calling for a revolution, while others chanted for the end of the Muslim Brotherhood.
http://www.voanews.com/content/egyptian-protesters-police-clash-on-mubarak-ouster-anniversary/1601701.html
You'll Never Know the Outcome of the Vote on the EU Budget
Democracy is alive and kicking in Brussels. Well, that's before they really put the boot in and stamp it out once and for all with the ultimate vote on the EU budget being held by secret ballot.
Then we have a silly Lib Dem MEP objecting to the use of the word ' indigenous'. Both of these stories are unbelievable. But sadly, they are true.
As our political leaders strut their stuff on their home turf about how successful they were in Brussels last week, you'll never know the truth on who voted to increase, stagnate or decrease the EU's decision on plans to cut the EU budget because it will never be published.
In a staggering move by the President of the European Parliament, MEPs will be given a secret ballot on the newly negotiated EU budget.
http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/janice-atkinson/eu-budget-vote-mep-rebecca-taylor-is-silly_b_2662836.html
Then we have a silly Lib Dem MEP objecting to the use of the word ' indigenous'. Both of these stories are unbelievable. But sadly, they are true.
As our political leaders strut their stuff on their home turf about how successful they were in Brussels last week, you'll never know the truth on who voted to increase, stagnate or decrease the EU's decision on plans to cut the EU budget because it will never be published.
In a staggering move by the President of the European Parliament, MEPs will be given a secret ballot on the newly negotiated EU budget.
http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/janice-atkinson/eu-budget-vote-mep-rebecca-taylor-is-silly_b_2662836.html
David Cameron admits Britain's EU position stronger thanks to defiant MPs.....Cameron has Secured Nothing
Eurosceptic Tory MPs and the Labour party strengthened Britain's position at last week's European summit after they defied the government to vote in favour of a real terms cut in the EU budget last year, David Cameron said.
As Tory MPs unanimously welcomed the prime minister's success in securing a cut in the budget, the prime minister told a veteran eurosceptic that he was "absolutely right" to suggest that the outcome of the summit marked a good day for parliament.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/2013/feb/12/david-cameron-eu-budget-statement
While the Prime Minister is undoubtedly to be congratulated on his recent achievement in Brussels in negotiating a reduction in the EU budget for the next seven years, it should not be forgotten that the European Court of Auditors has stated that the 2010 accounts are “still affected by material error” and that the annual accounts have not been approved for some 18 years.
This is a disgraceful record for any organisation.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/comment/letters/9861185/Sloppy-EU-accounting-could-undermine-David-Camerons-budget-success.html
As Tory MPs unanimously welcomed the prime minister's success in securing a cut in the budget, the prime minister told a veteran eurosceptic that he was "absolutely right" to suggest that the outcome of the summit marked a good day for parliament.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/2013/feb/12/david-cameron-eu-budget-statement
While the Prime Minister is undoubtedly to be congratulated on his recent achievement in Brussels in negotiating a reduction in the EU budget for the next seven years, it should not be forgotten that the European Court of Auditors has stated that the 2010 accounts are “still affected by material error” and that the annual accounts have not been approved for some 18 years.
This is a disgraceful record for any organisation.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/comment/letters/9861185/Sloppy-EU-accounting-could-undermine-David-Camerons-budget-success.html
SOUTH KOREA CONVENES EMERGENCY MEETING OVER NORTH KOREAN NUCLEAR TEST
South Korean President Lee Myung-bak convened an emergency meeting of the National Security Council, an official said, as an artificial tremor in North Korea suggests that the communist nation went ahead with a threatened nuclear test.
Lee will convene the meeting at 1 p.m., the official said.
A magnitude 5.1 tremor occurred at 11:58 a.m. and was centered in Kilju County in North Korea's northeast, where the country's Punggye-ri nuclear test site is located, officials said. The government is analyzing earthquake waves, they said.
http://nwww.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20130212000617
North Korea Quake Is Suspected 'Nuclear Test' -- Rocket tests may soon follow, stay tuned
North Korea may have carried out a threatened nuclear test as monitoring agencies report an "unusual seismic event". 5.x Magnitude quake detected by South Korea and worldwide agencies.
http://news.sky.com/story/1050894/north-korea-quake-is-suspected-nuclear-test
NORTH KOREA POSSIBLY DETONATES NUCLEAR WEAPON IN UNDERGROUND TEST; SOUTH KOREA DETECTS "ARTIFICIAL EARTHQUAKE"
South Korea has detected an "artificial earthquake" at North Korea's nuclear test site, Yonhap news agency reported on Tuesday, suggesting Pyongyang had gone ahead with a threatened atomic test.
Yonhap said an "artificial earthquake of 5.1 magnitude" had been detected in Kilju county, where the Punggye-ri test site is located.
The US Geological Survey measured it as a 4.9-magnitude quake at a very shallow depth of just one kilometre (0.6 miles).
The South Korean defence ministry and the presidential Blue House both said they were trying to verify whether a nuclear detonation had taken place.
http://au.news.yahoo.com/world/a/-/world/16121637/artificial-quake-detected-in-n-korea-yonhap/
Zombie Alert Goes To Air On US Television
The Montana Television Network has confirmed that hackers broke into the Emergency Alert System of KRTV on Monday.
The hackers broadcast that "dead bodies are rising from their graves" in several Montana counties, KRTV said on its website.
http://news.sky.com/story/1050880/zombie-alert-goes-to-air-on-us-television
4.9 Magnitude Earthquake SANTA CRUZ ISLANDS - 12th February 2013
4.9
Date-Time
Tuesday, February 12, 2013 at 03:12:26 UTC
Tuesday, February 12, 2013 at 02:12:26 PM at epicenter
Location
11.189°S, 165.659°E
Depth
1 km (~0.6 mile) (poorly constrained)
Region
SANTA CRUZ ISLANDS
Distances
415 km (258 miles) ESE (102°) from Kira Kira, Solomon Islands
4.6 Magnitude Earthquake XIZANG-QINGHAI BORDER REGION - 12th February 2013
4.6
Date-Time
Tuesday, February 12, 2013 at 02:55:17 UTC
Tuesday, February 12, 2013 at 10:55:17 AM at epicenter
Time of Earthquake in other Time Zones
Location
32.759°N, 94.394°E
Depth
38.1 km (23.7 miles)
Region
XIZANG-QINGHAI BORDER REGION
Distances
98 km (60 miles) NNE of Dartang, China
4.6 Magnitude Earthquake SANTA CRUZ ISLANDS - 12th February 2013
4.6
Date-Time
Tuesday, February 12, 2013 at 02:37:31 UTC
Tuesday, February 12, 2013 at 01:37:31 PM at epicenter
Time of Earthquake in other Time Zones
Location
11.066°S, 165.618°E
Depth
34.9 km (21.7 miles)
Region
SANTA CRUZ ISLANDS
Distances
45 km (27 miles) SSW of Lata, Solomon Islands
5.2 Magnitude Earthquake FIJI REGION - 12th February 2013
5.2
Date-Time
Tuesday, February 12, 2013 at 01:23:56 UTC
Tuesday, February 12, 2013 at 01:23:56 PM at epicenter
Time of Earthquake in other Time Zones
Location
18.163°S, 177.929°W
Depth
526 km (326.9 miles)
Region
FIJI REGION
Distances
420 km (261 miles) W (277°) from Neiafu, Tonga
4.5 Magnitude Earthquake JAVA, INDONESIA - 11th February 2013
4.5
Date-Time
Monday, February 11, 2013 at 23:03:18 UTC
Tuesday, February 12, 2013 at 06:03:18 AM at epicenter
Location
7.083°S, 105.109°E
Depth
44.3 km (27.5 miles)
Region
JAVA, INDONESIA
Distances
181 km (112 miles) S (186°) from T.-Telukbetung, Sumatra, Indonesia
US MULLING MILITARY RESPONSE TO NORTH KOREAN NUCLEAR TEST, POSSIBLY CONSISTING OF A PREEMPTIVE STRIKE AND/OR NAVAL BLOCKADE
The U.S. is still considering a military response if North Korea conducts another nuclear test.
In a press briefing last Thursday, U.S. State Department spokeswoman Victoria Nuland answered a question about a possible pre-emptive strike on the North by saying, "Well, obviously we don't take anything off the table. We never do."
One military response could be a massive show of force like a joint South Korea-U.S. military exercise, pundits speculate.
The U.S. is also reportedly considering a maritime blockade. An expert with a government-funded think tank said, "A wholesale maritime blockade could lead to an armed conflict, so it's more likely to be partial and symbolic, taking the form of intensified searches and interdictions of North Korean ships suspected of carrying contraband such as weapons."
http://english.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2013/02/12/2013021200600.html
Dorner Hunt: Leads Pour In After Reward
Dorner, who is suspected of killing three people and wounding two others last week, has declared "war" on his former colleagues in a threatening online manifesto.
A spokesman for the Los Angeles police says they are currently investigating more than 600 new clues resulting from tips from members of the public.
http://news.sky.com/story/1050816/ex-lapd-cop-hunt-leads-pour-in-after-reward
5.8 Magnitude Earthquake SANTA CRUZ ISLANDS - 11th February 2013
5.8
Date-Time
Monday, February 11, 2013 at 20:09:54 UTC
Tuesday, February 12, 2013 at 07:09:54 AM at epicenter
Location
11.044°S, 165.495°E
Depth
2.2 km (1.4 miles) (poorly constrained)
Region
SANTA CRUZ ISLANDS
Distances
395 km (245 miles) E (100°) from Kira Kira, Solomon Islands
5.3 Magnitude Earthquake NORTHERN QINGHAI, CHINA - 11th February 2013
5.3
Date-Time
Monday, February 11, 2013 at 19:13:01 UTC
Tuesday, February 12, 2013 at 03:13:01 AM at epicenter
Location
38.500°N, 92.369°E
Depth
14.1 km (8.8 miles)
Region
NORTHERN QINGHAI, CHINA
Distances
265 km (164 miles) WNW of Da Qaidam Hu, China
'They're an embarrassment to the human race': Steven Seagal attacks critics of his 'ludicrous' scheme to train 'armed posses' to defend schools
The On Deadly Ground actor has come under fire in recent days after he teamed up with firebrand Arizona sheriff Joe Arpaio to teach teams of civilians how to guard schoolchildren with guns and martial arts.
The exercise on Saturday at a closed school site outside Phoenix saw sheriff's SWAT members act as shooters and 25 teenagers playing the part of students during mock scenarios involving up to three gunmen.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2276963/Steven-Seagal-hits-critics-ludicrous-scheme-train-armed-posses-defend-schools.html#axzz2Kc6ywta3
Delaware Courthouse Shooting: Gunman kills two women including wife and wounds two officers in courthouse before being shot dead by police
The man, thought to be in his late 20s or early 30s, was shot dead by Capitol Police after the rampage in the New Castle Courthouse in Wilmington, Delaware.
Two police officers who were guarding the entrance to the courthouse were wounded. Their injuries are not life-threatening.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2276988/Delaware-courthouse-shooting-Gunman-killed-wife-1-wounds-2-police-officers-shot-dead.html#axzz2Kc6ywta3
Syria: Deaths After Turkish Border Blast
The mayor of Reyhanli, the nearest town to the border checkpoint, told CNN Turk that four of those killed were Turkish and that the car which exploded had Syrian licence plates.
Witnesses said they saw it drive up to the border post, one of the main crossing points for Syrian refugees into Turkey, shortly before the explosion.
http://news.sky.com/story/1050690/syria-deaths-after-turkish-border-blast
Obama to Israel: why now?
The US president sprung a surprise last week by announcing he would pick the turmoil-laced Middle East for the first trip since re-election.
The twisted personal chemistry between Obama and Prime Minister Netanyahu is no secret, and was not helped by the Israeli leader rooting for Republican Mitt Romney in November's election.
http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5jpJWZmh9VcTN3eyBYx5XBsfjcHfA?docId=CNG.32cfcf95e73fc9d450b1ceba2eb958ed.f1
Romania hits back over horsemeat scandal
Romania on Monday hit back at French allegations over horsemeat in ready meals, saying his country was not prepared to take the role of “usual suspect”.Victor Ponta, prime minister, said food safety officials had found “no violation of rules or standards” at two Romanian abattoirs alleged by the French to be the source of the horsemeat. All paperwork and records were in order, he said.
http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/6b4c75ce-7465-11e2-b323-00144feabdc0.html
David Cameron urges MEPs to back EU budget cut
David Cameron has urged British Euro MPs to back the EU budget deal, which will see its first ever real-terms cut.
Leaders agreed on a 908bn euros (£768bn) budget limit for 2014 to 2020 - about 3% lower than the current seven-year period.
The deal still needs to be approved by the European Parliament, which critics have warned could block the package.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-21414834
Leaders agreed on a 908bn euros (£768bn) budget limit for 2014 to 2020 - about 3% lower than the current seven-year period.
The deal still needs to be approved by the European Parliament, which critics have warned could block the package.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-21414834
Obama Said Near Issuing Executive Order on Cybersecurity (CISPA)
President Barack Obama will issue an executive order aimed at bolstering U.S. cybersecurity as soon as next week, according to two former White House officials briefed on the administration’s plans.
The executive order, expected to be released after Obama’s Feb. 12 State of the Union address, sets up a voluntary program of cybersecurity standards for companies operating vital U.S. infrastructure, according to the former officials, who asked to not be named because the order hasn’t been issued yet.
The administration has been drafting an executive order on computer security since at least last fall, before the Senate failed in its second attempt to pass Obama-backed legislation to create cyber standards for companies. Obama has said critical assets such as water-treatment plants and railway systems serving millions of people are vulnerable to hackers and need greater protection.
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2013-02-08/obama-said-near-issuing-executive-order-on-cybersecurity.html
The executive order, expected to be released after Obama’s Feb. 12 State of the Union address, sets up a voluntary program of cybersecurity standards for companies operating vital U.S. infrastructure, according to the former officials, who asked to not be named because the order hasn’t been issued yet.
The administration has been drafting an executive order on computer security since at least last fall, before the Senate failed in its second attempt to pass Obama-backed legislation to create cyber standards for companies. Obama has said critical assets such as water-treatment plants and railway systems serving millions of people are vulnerable to hackers and need greater protection.
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2013-02-08/obama-said-near-issuing-executive-order-on-cybersecurity.html
Rebels fight army for control of Damascus
Residents and activists said the army of President Bashar al-Assad sent armored reinforcements to Jobar, a Sunni Muslim district adjacent to the city's landmark Abbasid Square after rebels took over a loyalist position in the area, the third since fighters pushed into Jobar last week, they said.
http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/02/11/us-syria-crisis-damascus-idUSBRE91A0DH20130211
4.6 Magnitude Earthquake SANTA CRUZ ISLANDS - 11th February 2013
4.6
Date-Time
Monday, February 11, 2013 at 14:09:35 UTC
Tuesday, February 12, 2013 at 01:09:35 AM at epicenter
Time of Earthquake in other Time Zones
Location
10.940°S, 165.032°E
Depth
10 km (6.2 miles) set by location program
Region
SANTA CRUZ ISLANDS
Distances
91 km (56 miles) WSW of Lata, Solomon Islands
'Sars-Like' Virus Contracted By UK Resident
The man, who is critically ill with breathing problems, has been isolated in a Manchester hospital while he receives treatment for "novel coronavirus". Half of the people known to have been infected with the bug so far have died.
The Health Protection Agency (HPA) believes he picked up the lung virus while travelling to the Middle East and Pakistan.
http://news.sky.com/story/1050646/sars-like-virus-contracted-by-uk-resident
Venezuelan currency devaluation sparks panic: Get ready, America
Domestic appliances such as fridges and cookers were in particularly
high demand as Venezuelans snapped up goods imported at the now defunct
exchange rate of 4.3 bolÃvars per dollar. From now on they will be
imported at 6.3 bolÃvars per dollar.
http://www.ft.com/intl/cms/s/0/12e9f32e-739e-11e2-9e92-00144feabdc0.html#axzz2KbeWuAp4
http://www.ft.com/intl/cms/s/0/12e9f32e-739e-11e2-9e92-00144feabdc0.html#axzz2KbeWuAp4
'Deteriorating' Pope Benedict XVI Resigns
http://news.sky.com/story/1050513/pope-benedict-resigns-vatican-confirms
Jamie Foxx: 'black people are the most talented people in the world'
Actor Jamie Foxx is again facing a backlash for making a controversial, racially charged remark, this time for making a statement about black superiority during an NAACP awards ceremony.
Foxx declared that black people are the 'most talented people in the world' at the 44th annual NAACP Image Awards, drawing the ire of conservative critics who took offense to what they considered a racist remark.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2276809/Jamie-Foxx-draws-ire-declaring-black-people-talented-people-world-awards-show.html#axzz2Kb8iu1Po
Foxx declared that black people are the 'most talented people in the world' at the 44th annual NAACP Image Awards, drawing the ire of conservative critics who took offense to what they considered a racist remark.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2276809/Jamie-Foxx-draws-ire-declaring-black-people-talented-people-world-awards-show.html#axzz2Kb8iu1Po
'Google for spies' software mines social networks to track users' movements and could even predict what you'll do next
New software which mines data from social networks to track people's movements and even predict future behaviour poses a 'very real threat to personal freedom', civil rights groups warned today.
Multinational defence contractor Raytheon has developed the 'extreme-scale analytics' software which can sift through vast quantities of data from services like Facebook, Twitter and Google.
Critics have already dubbed it a 'Google for spies' and say it is likely to be used by governments as a means of monitoring and tracking people online to detect signs of dissent.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2276862/Google-spies-software-mines-social-networks-track-users-movements-predict-youll-next.html#axzz2Kb8iu1Po
Multinational defence contractor Raytheon has developed the 'extreme-scale analytics' software which can sift through vast quantities of data from services like Facebook, Twitter and Google.
Critics have already dubbed it a 'Google for spies' and say it is likely to be used by governments as a means of monitoring and tracking people online to detect signs of dissent.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2276862/Google-spies-software-mines-social-networks-track-users-movements-predict-youll-next.html#axzz2Kb8iu1Po
Britain must relax visa rules to attract more 'rich immigrants', warns Vince Cable....If they were anymore relaxed we wouldn't need any Borders!
Britain needs to attract rich immigrants who are being put off by ‘unfriendly and inflexible’ visa rules, Vince Cable warned last night.
The future of the British economy depends on attracting trade and visitors from powerful economies such as China - who are being deterred by red tape, the Business Secretary said.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2276907/Britain-relax-visa-rules-attract-rich-immigrants-warns-Vince-Cable.html#axzz2Kb8iu1Po
The future of the British economy depends on attracting trade and visitors from powerful economies such as China - who are being deterred by red tape, the Business Secretary said.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2276907/Britain-relax-visa-rules-attract-rich-immigrants-warns-Vince-Cable.html#axzz2Kb8iu1Po
4.7 Magnitude Earthquake SANTA CRUZ ISLANDS - 11th February 2013
Region SANTA CRUZ ISLANDS
Date time 2013-02-11 12:51:01.3 UTC
Location 10.80 S ; 165.83 E
Depth 10 km
Distances 10 km S Lata, Solomon Islands
4.4 Magnitude Earthquake OFF W COAST OF NORTHERN SUMATRA - 11th February 2013
Region OFF W COAST OF NORTHERN SUMATRA
Date time 2013-02-11 12:18:13.9 UTC
Location 2.17 N ; 92.89 E
Depth 10 km
Distances 420 km SW Meulaboh, Indonesia
Police warning on potent drugs 'bath salts' causing psychotic and naked rampages (November 2012)
Police fear Schoolies Week teens will risk their lives taking new batches of the potent drugs known as "bath salts" and other potentially killer substances sold online and over the counter.
The illegal drugs are incorrectly claimed to be safe, but have been linked to the leg amputation of a Mackay adult shop employee.
He reportedly went into a violent fit of rage, stripping off his clothes and trashing the store.
"We've had incidents where people have injured themselves severely, stripped naked, trashed premises, ended up with broken legs," drug squad Detective Superintendent Steve Holahan told The Sunday Mail.
http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/drugs-turning-people-into-animals/story-e6freoof-1226518787957
Iranian Official: Iran Not to Accept Talks with US under Pressure
TEHRAN (FNA)- Head of Iran's General Inspectorate Organization Mostafa Pourmohammadi said the country will never succumb to the pressures imposed by the US, and stressed that Tehran will not accept talks with Washington under pressure.
Addressing a conference in Iran's Southwestern city of Abadan on Monday, Pourmohammadi deplored Washington's dual-track policy of pressure and talks on Iran.
"They (the US officials) want to enter negotiation by resorting to lies and deceit, and the Islamic Republic of Iran will never accept such humiliation and will never enter such negotiations," Pourmohammadi stated.
http://english.farsnews.com/newstext.php?nn=9107143656
Addressing a conference in Iran's Southwestern city of Abadan on Monday, Pourmohammadi deplored Washington's dual-track policy of pressure and talks on Iran.
"They (the US officials) want to enter negotiation by resorting to lies and deceit, and the Islamic Republic of Iran will never accept such humiliation and will never enter such negotiations," Pourmohammadi stated.
http://english.farsnews.com/newstext.php?nn=9107143656
Tunisia's Moncef Marzouki's CPR 'stays in government'
Tunisian President Moncef Marzouki's party has reversed its decision to withdraw from the Islamist-led government, an official has said.The secular CPR party said it would stay in the coalition for another week to give talks a chance, he said.
The CPR had earlier threatened to quit the government if two Islamist ministers were not replaced.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-21412343
3 killed in anti-hanging protests in curfewed Kashmir
SRINAGAR: Two days after execution when the postman delivered the Tihar jail intimation letter to Afzal Guru's widow, Kashmir's divisional Commissioner had already distributed a compensation of one lakh rupees each to the three boys killed during anti-hanging protests. Many more are recuperating in hospitals.
Entire Kashmir is under curfew since Saturday morning. While Srinagar is calm, protests have continuously been taking place in Baramulla, parts of Rafiabad, Kupwara besides south Kashmir townships of Kulgam and Pulwama. Most of the injured are being treated locally but in six cases, the bullet hit were admitted to SKIMS in Srinagar.
http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/afzal-guru-hanging-3-killed-in-anti-hanging-protests-in-curfewed-kashmir/articleshow/18447323.cms
Entire Kashmir is under curfew since Saturday morning. While Srinagar is calm, protests have continuously been taking place in Baramulla, parts of Rafiabad, Kupwara besides south Kashmir townships of Kulgam and Pulwama. Most of the injured are being treated locally but in six cases, the bullet hit were admitted to SKIMS in Srinagar.
http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/afzal-guru-hanging-3-killed-in-anti-hanging-protests-in-curfewed-kashmir/articleshow/18447323.cms
BBC Journalists To Strike Over Redundancies
Journalists at the BBC are to stage a one-day strike unless the corporation agrees to end compulsory redundancies, it was warned today.
The National Union of Journalists (NUJ) said its members at the BBC will walk out on March 18 and launch a work-to-rule from Friday.
The action will go ahead unless talks between the two sides next week resolve a dispute over jobs.
http://news.sky.com/story/1050594/bbc-journalists-to-strike-over-redundancies
The National Union of Journalists (NUJ) said its members at the BBC will walk out on March 18 and launch a work-to-rule from Friday.
The action will go ahead unless talks between the two sides next week resolve a dispute over jobs.
http://news.sky.com/story/1050594/bbc-journalists-to-strike-over-redundancies
4.9 Magnitude Earthquake SANTA CRUZ ISLANDS - 11th February 2013
4.9
Date-Time
Monday, February 11, 2013 at 11:38:19 UTC
Monday, February 11, 2013 at 10:38:19 PM at epicenter
Location
12.089°S, 165.879°E
Depth
35.1 km (21.8 miles)
Region
SANTA CRUZ ISLANDS
Distances
406 km (252 miles) NNW (340°) from Santo (Luganville), Vanuatu
4.9 Magnitude Earthquake WEST CHILE RISE - 11th February 2013
4.9
Date-Time
Monday, February 11, 2013 at 11:10:53 UTC
Monday, February 11, 2013 at 06:10:53 AM at epicenter
Location
44.868°S, 81.458°W
Depth
10 km (6.2 miles)
Region
WEST CHILE RISE
Distances
786 km (489 miles) WSW (238°) from Puerto Montt, Chile
Bomb blasts, street battles in Mali city following French declaration of success
Blasts and street violence continue in Mali’s largest northern city after Islamist insurgent guerrilla raids. France has responded with an air strike, according to AFP. The violence throws into question claims of stability after the city’s recapture.
A large explosion hit Gao early on Monday morning, near a city checkpoint which has also been the subject of two previous attacks over the past three days, reported AFP. A French helicopter bombed the area following the blast, said the agency, citing witnesses at the scene.
The police station, which had been the setting of Sunday's gunfire, was destroyed and body parts were left lying in the debris, according to an AFP reporter.
http://rt.com/news/france-mali-gao-insurgency-883/
A large explosion hit Gao early on Monday morning, near a city checkpoint which has also been the subject of two previous attacks over the past three days, reported AFP. A French helicopter bombed the area following the blast, said the agency, citing witnesses at the scene.
The police station, which had been the setting of Sunday's gunfire, was destroyed and body parts were left lying in the debris, according to an AFP reporter.
http://rt.com/news/france-mali-gao-insurgency-883/
European Central Bank's Asmussen sees Cyprus bailout by end-March
European Central Bank executive board member Joerg Asmussen believes an aid package for Cyprus will be ready by the end of next month, he told the German business daily Handelsblatt in an interview published on Monday.
"I expect the aid program for Cyprus will be in place by the end of March," he said, adding that politicians in his native Germany should not try to delay a controversial decision on Cyprus until after a German federal election in September.
"There must be no doubt about this: if Cyprus gets no external help, it will slide into default," said Asmussen.
http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/02/11/us-cyprus-ecb-idUSBRE91A05320130211
"I expect the aid program for Cyprus will be in place by the end of March," he said, adding that politicians in his native Germany should not try to delay a controversial decision on Cyprus until after a German federal election in September.
"There must be no doubt about this: if Cyprus gets no external help, it will slide into default," said Asmussen.
http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/02/11/us-cyprus-ecb-idUSBRE91A05320130211
Business Optimism At All-Time Low Says Survey
An index which predicts British business optimism has fallen to its lowest level since the it began 21 years ago, prompting fears of a 'triple-dip' recession occurring.
BDO's Optimism Index, which predicts business performance two quarters ahead, fell to 88.9 in January from a reading of 90.3 in December.
http://news.sky.com/story/1050396/business-optimism-at-all-time-low-says-survey
BDO's Optimism Index, which predicts business performance two quarters ahead, fell to 88.9 in January from a reading of 90.3 in December.
http://news.sky.com/story/1050396/business-optimism-at-all-time-low-says-survey
Sixteen Killed In Russia Coal Mine Explosion
Rescue teams are attempting to reach the men at the Vorkutinskaya mine in Vorkuta, Komi region, around 1,160 miles northeast of Moscow.
http://news.sky.com/story/1050463/sixteen-killed-in-russia-coal-mine-explosion
Pope Benedict Resigns, Vatican Confirms
He will be the first head of the Catholic Church to resign in almost 600 years. The Vatican said his departure would leave the post temporarily vacant.
http://news.sky.com/story/1050513/pope-benedict-resigns-vatican-confirms
4.7 Magnitude Earthquake UTTARANCHAL, INDIA - 11th February 2013
4.7
Date-Time
Monday, February 11, 2013 at 10:48:51 UTC
Monday, February 11, 2013 at 04:18:51 PM at epicenter
Location
30.986°N, 78.319°E
Depth
9.7 km (6.0 miles)
Region
UTTARANCHAL, INDIA
Distances
79 km (49 miles) NNE (19°) from Dehra Dun, Uttaranchal, India
5.7 Magnitude Earthquake SANTA CRUZ ISLANDS REGION - 11th February 2013
5.7
Date-Time
Monday, February 11, 2013 at 09:40:23 UTC
Monday, February 11, 2013 at 08:40:23 PM at epicenter
Time of Earthquake in other Time Zones
Location
11.058°S, 166.736°E
Depth
34.3 km (21.3 miles)
Region
SANTA CRUZ ISLANDS
Distances
106 km (65 miles) ESE of Lata, Solomon Islands
Horsemeat Legal Action Starts In Europe
Britain is to hold crisis talks with other countries over the horsemeat scandal today as the first court cases related to the scare begin.Environment Secretary Owen Paterson told Sky News he would be talking to ministers in Europe about how to tackle the "sickening" contamination.
An unprecedented product screening has already been launched in the UK after some products on sale were found to be 100% horsemeat.
http://news.sky.com/story/1050378/horsemeat-legal-action-starts-in-europe
Illegal Alien to Testify in Senate -- With Immigration Agent Who Cannot Arrest Him!
Breitbart News has learned that one of the witnesses at the Senate Judiciary Committee hearings on immigration next week will be outspoken illegal immigrant Jose Antonio Vargas--who will be seated at the same table as Chris Crane, leader of the Immigrations and Customs Enforcement employees’ union that is suing the government over Obama administration rules that make it very difficult for ICE agents to arrest illegal immigrants.
Vargas, who works as a journalist, arrived in the U.S. from the Philippines at the age of 12, but is not eligible for the administration’s new guidelines because of his age. He will be speaking for his advocacy organization, Define American. Other witnesses include Janet MurguÃa, president of the National Council of La Raza (“The Race”); high-tech pioneer Steve Case; and Jessica Vaughn of the Center for Immigration Studies.
http://www.breitbart.com/Big-Government/2013/02/08/Exclusive-Illegal-Immigrant-to-Testify-in-Senate-Next-Week--Alongisde-ICE-Employees-Leader
Vargas, who works as a journalist, arrived in the U.S. from the Philippines at the age of 12, but is not eligible for the administration’s new guidelines because of his age. He will be speaking for his advocacy organization, Define American. Other witnesses include Janet MurguÃa, president of the National Council of La Raza (“The Race”); high-tech pioneer Steve Case; and Jessica Vaughn of the Center for Immigration Studies.
http://www.breitbart.com/Big-Government/2013/02/08/Exclusive-Illegal-Immigrant-to-Testify-in-Senate-Next-Week--Alongisde-ICE-Employees-Leader
Cops shoot homeless man on school property
A person being described by police as homeless was shot by FAU officers at the Florida Atlantic University Boca Raton campus Friday morning, according to a police spokesperson.
FAU Police Chief Charles Lowe said officers received a non-emergency call at 10:01 a.m. of a homeless man on the roof of Building 3 in the Research Park area of FAU.
Two FAU officers went to the roof to remove the man, said to be between the age of 20 and 30.
"Preliminarily, it appears the suspect produced a knife and shots were fired," Lowe said. "The suspect was struck. He was transported in serious condition to Delray Medical Center."
http://www.wptv.com/dpp/news/national/fau-shooting-homeless-man-shot-at-florida-atlantic-university-boca-campus-watch-news-conference
FAU Police Chief Charles Lowe said officers received a non-emergency call at 10:01 a.m. of a homeless man on the roof of Building 3 in the Research Park area of FAU.
Two FAU officers went to the roof to remove the man, said to be between the age of 20 and 30.
"Preliminarily, it appears the suspect produced a knife and shots were fired," Lowe said. "The suspect was struck. He was transported in serious condition to Delray Medical Center."
http://www.wptv.com/dpp/news/national/fau-shooting-homeless-man-shot-at-florida-atlantic-university-boca-campus-watch-news-conference
Weather Channel's 'Nemo' creating storm among meteorologists
But that's what the Weather Channel decided to call it, part of a policy announced in the fall in which the TV station gives names to winter storms so that people can more easily follow them.
The name decision angered a few meteorologists and spurred a Facebook page, "STOP the Weather Channel from naming winter storms."
http://www.mcclatchydc.com/2013/02/09/182543/weather-channel-finding-nemo-is.html
Putin Turns Black Gold Into Bullion as Russia Out-Buys World
When Vladimir Putin says the U.S. is endangering the global economy by abusing its dollar monopoly, he’s not just talking. He’s betting on it.
Not only has Putin made Russia the world’s largest oil producer, he’s also made it the biggest gold buyer. His central bank has added 570 metric tons of the metal in the past decade, a quarter more than runner-up China, according to IMF data compiled by Bloomberg. The added gold is also almost triple the weight of the Statue of Liberty.
“The more gold a country has, the more sovereignty it will have if there’s a cataclysm with the dollar, the euro, the pound or any other reserve currency,” Evgeny Fedorov, a lawmaker for Putin’s United Russia party in the lower house of parliament, said in a telephone interview in Moscow.
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2013-02-10/putin-turns-black-gold-into-bullion-as-russia-out-buys-world.html
Not only has Putin made Russia the world’s largest oil producer, he’s also made it the biggest gold buyer. His central bank has added 570 metric tons of the metal in the past decade, a quarter more than runner-up China, according to IMF data compiled by Bloomberg. The added gold is also almost triple the weight of the Statue of Liberty.
“The more gold a country has, the more sovereignty it will have if there’s a cataclysm with the dollar, the euro, the pound or any other reserve currency,” Evgeny Fedorov, a lawmaker for Putin’s United Russia party in the lower house of parliament, said in a telephone interview in Moscow.
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2013-02-10/putin-turns-black-gold-into-bullion-as-russia-out-buys-world.html
California lacks doctors to meet demand of Obamacare
Some lawmakers want to fill the gap by redefining who can provide healthcare.
They are working on proposals that would allow physician assistants to treat more patients and nurse practitioners to set up independent practices. Pharmacists and optometrists could act as primary care providers, diagnosing and managing some chronic illnesses, such as diabetes and high-blood pressure.
http://www.latimes.com/health/la-me-doctors-20130210,0,1509396.story
Fed’s Holdings of U.S. Gov't Debt Hit Record $1,696,691,000,000; Up 257% Under Obama
The Fed's holdings of U.S. government debt have increased by 257 percent since President Barack Obama was first inaugurated on Jan. 20, 2009, and the Fed is currently the single largest holder of U.S. government debt.
As of the end of November, according to the U.S. Treasury, entities in Mainland China owned about $1,170,100,000,000 in U.S. government debt, making China the largest foreign holder of U.S. government debt.
http://cnsnews.com/news/article/fed-s-holdings-us-govt-debt-hit-record-1696691000000-257-under-obama
Christopher Dorner: Support Growing For Former L.A. Officer Accused Of Killing Spree
The ex-cop accused of three revenge killings left behind a long manifesto outlining all of his grievances and observations.
That manifesto has given investigators some clues, but they still don’t know where is Christopher Dorner.
Law enforcement spent four hours searching his mom’s Orange County home. They took out 10 grocery bags filled with evidence.
Dorner lost his job with the Los Angeles Police Department in 2008. His manifesto vows revenge for that; and, surprisingly, thousands of people actually support him.
http://sacramento.cbslocal.com/2013/02/08/support-growing-for-former-l-a-officer-accused-of-killing-spree/
Dorner: $1 MILLION REWARD... CHASED BY DRONE... TRAIL GOES COLD...
The burnt-out shell of his pick-up truck was discovered in the nearby resort of Big Bear, where residents and tourists have been warned to stay indoors as the search continues.
Yesterday, as a task force of 125 officers, some riding Snowcats in the rugged terrain, continued their search, it was revealed that Dorner has become the first human target for remotely-controlled airborne drones on US soil.
http://www.express.co.uk/news/world/376732/Man-hunt-for-ex-soldier-who-shot-police-chief-s-daughter-and-killed-policeman
Russia Mine Explosion: 9 Killed
Nine people have been killed and eight are feared trapped after a mine explosion in northern Russia.
The Russian Interior Ministry said the blast, at a mine owned by a division of one of the country's largest steel producers Severstal, was caused by a buildup of methane gas.
http://news.sky.com/story/1050463/nine-killed-in-northern-russia-mine-explosion
The Russian Interior Ministry said the blast, at a mine owned by a division of one of the country's largest steel producers Severstal, was caused by a buildup of methane gas.
http://news.sky.com/story/1050463/nine-killed-in-northern-russia-mine-explosion
'Eurozone breakup might end EU'
The EU has a future despite being in the grips of crisis, Robert Mundell, the Noble Prize winning economist told RT, adding that the struggling eurozone is key to the political union, which will rise or fall on the basis of major economic reforms.
RT: When you talk about debt I think there are two points to make. First of all Europe has always been plagued with debt. Greece rigged its budget deficit in order to qualify. So maybe it is not the debt but maybe that the Euro was too good or maybe too utopian for Europe?
RM: What it did to the creation of the Euro when those countries came in, like Italy, before the euro interest rates were around 12%-14%, that had a devaluation premium, when they joined the euro, suddenly [they all went down] to 4%. And this encouraged countries now with low debt you can add more to it gave the wrong message because what they should have realized is that these debts now are now euro debts, they’re no longer drachma or lira debts. You can’t devalue them away, you’re stuck with this and maybe in retrospect it might have been wise for countries with high debt not to lock themselves into that fixed debt or to have had devaluation and inflation before. But nobody wanted to do that, and if they had done it they might have risked not being able to make that deadline of 1999, of getting all those countries into the Eurozone. The political moment might have been missed, and it may not have ever come up again.
http://rt.com/news/eurozone-political-union-mundell-873/
RT: When you talk about debt I think there are two points to make. First of all Europe has always been plagued with debt. Greece rigged its budget deficit in order to qualify. So maybe it is not the debt but maybe that the Euro was too good or maybe too utopian for Europe?
RM: What it did to the creation of the Euro when those countries came in, like Italy, before the euro interest rates were around 12%-14%, that had a devaluation premium, when they joined the euro, suddenly [they all went down] to 4%. And this encouraged countries now with low debt you can add more to it gave the wrong message because what they should have realized is that these debts now are now euro debts, they’re no longer drachma or lira debts. You can’t devalue them away, you’re stuck with this and maybe in retrospect it might have been wise for countries with high debt not to lock themselves into that fixed debt or to have had devaluation and inflation before. But nobody wanted to do that, and if they had done it they might have risked not being able to make that deadline of 1999, of getting all those countries into the Eurozone. The political moment might have been missed, and it may not have ever come up again.
http://rt.com/news/eurozone-political-union-mundell-873/
European Commissioners say they regret the cuts in the 2014-2020 EU budget
Several European Commissioners say they regret the cuts in the 2014-2020 EU budget, agreed on Friday (8 February) after a marathon 24-hour summit. However, the Commissioners expressed hope that the European Parliament would approve the deal.
“I am obviously disappointed that the European Council settled for such reduced amounts," said EU budget Commissioner Janusz Lewandowski, recalling that the same leaders had previously agreed to give the Union more duties.
But he continued: “A deal between member states is better than no deal at all for all those across Europe who rely on EU funds."
http://www.euractiv.com/priorities/commissioners-eu-budget-deal-bet-news-517708
“I am obviously disappointed that the European Council settled for such reduced amounts," said EU budget Commissioner Janusz Lewandowski, recalling that the same leaders had previously agreed to give the Union more duties.
But he continued: “A deal between member states is better than no deal at all for all those across Europe who rely on EU funds."
http://www.euractiv.com/priorities/commissioners-eu-budget-deal-bet-news-517708
Europe's austerity hawks are celebrating a triumph over peanuts
The compromise on the next long-term EU budget for 2014 to 2020, achieved last Friday in Brussels, has invariably been hailed as a victory for Europe's austerity hawks, led by Britain and Germany, over its austerity doves, led by France. This it undoubtedly is. The new budget plan – which is what it remains for now: an executive plan to be put to parliament – has also been praised as a victory for the European Union on the grounds that any agreement was better than a repeat of the negotiation failure last November. This may be true in the short term, but it is much less clear beyond the shallow euphoria of next-day celebrations.
Economically speaking, the night-long standoff between pro- and anti-austerity factions, with Germany conveniently playing the role of master broker, was a storm in a teacup. The EU budget is pocket money, granted by member states to a supranational rump agency, currently involved in firefighting an existential crisis of its most ambitious project, European monetary union (EMU). And it still must be agreed in advance how that pocket money will be re-distributed to member states.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2013/feb/11/europe-austerity-hawks-triumph-peanuts
Economically speaking, the night-long standoff between pro- and anti-austerity factions, with Germany conveniently playing the role of master broker, was a storm in a teacup. The EU budget is pocket money, granted by member states to a supranational rump agency, currently involved in firefighting an existential crisis of its most ambitious project, European monetary union (EMU). And it still must be agreed in advance how that pocket money will be re-distributed to member states.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2013/feb/11/europe-austerity-hawks-triumph-peanuts
Two stricken with bird flu in Guizhou, China
The mainland authorities say two people have been infected with the H5N1 bird flu virus in Guizhou.
Hong Kong's Centre for Health Protection said it was notified of the cases by the Ministry of Health.
The two patients, a 21-year-old woman and a 31-year-old man are said to be in critical condition.
http://rthk.hk/rthk/news/englishnews/20130210/news_20130210_56_901595.htm
Hong Kong's Centre for Health Protection said it was notified of the cases by the Ministry of Health.
The two patients, a 21-year-old woman and a 31-year-old man are said to be in critical condition.
http://rthk.hk/rthk/news/englishnews/20130210/news_20130210_56_901595.htm
Swine flu kills one in Western Sahara
A fisherman has died of swine flu in the Western Sahara region, where 11 others have been tested H1N1 positive, the Moroccan health ministry said on Sunday.
The victim, a 40-year-old, had been suffering from a "chronic disease" but the other 11 fishermen are not in serious condition, the ministry said in a statement.
http://www.globalpost.com/dispatch/news/afp/130210/swine-flu-kills-one-western-sahara
The victim, a 40-year-old, had been suffering from a "chronic disease" but the other 11 fishermen are not in serious condition, the ministry said in a statement.
http://www.globalpost.com/dispatch/news/afp/130210/swine-flu-kills-one-western-sahara
550 without power after explosion near Pfister Hotel
An explosion created a 15-foot hole around a manhole cover that exploded Sunday night near the Pfister Hotel.
Officials from We Energies were trying to figure out the cause of the explosion. About 550 customers were still without power late Sunday night.
http://www.jsonline.com/newswatch/190617301.html
Officials from We Energies were trying to figure out the cause of the explosion. About 550 customers were still without power late Sunday night.
http://www.jsonline.com/newswatch/190617301.html
Police: N. Korean docs killed in Nigeria
Three North Korean doctors serving at a hospital in Nigeria's northern Yobe state were killed early Sunday morning, police said.
There were mixed reports initially on where the victims were from, but the police chief of Yobe told CNN they were North Korean physicians assisting at Potiskum General Hospital as part of a government agreement.
The government in Pyongyang has not confirmed that the victims were North Korean nationals.
http://edition.cnn.com/2013/02/10/world/africa/nigeria-doctors-killed/index.html?hpt=hp_t3
There were mixed reports initially on where the victims were from, but the police chief of Yobe told CNN they were North Korean physicians assisting at Potiskum General Hospital as part of a government agreement.
The government in Pyongyang has not confirmed that the victims were North Korean nationals.
http://edition.cnn.com/2013/02/10/world/africa/nigeria-doctors-killed/index.html?hpt=hp_t3
Europe blame spreads over horse meat
High-stakes lawsuits, overlapping investigations and a bitter battle over blame are spreading across Europe in the wake of a scandal that has rocked the meat industry.
Horse meat was discovered in products that are supposed to be 100% beef, sold in Sweden, the United Kingdom and France.
http://edition.cnn.com/2013/02/10/world/europe/uk-horsemeat-probe/index.html?hpt=hp_t3
Horse meat was discovered in products that are supposed to be 100% beef, sold in Sweden, the United Kingdom and France.
http://edition.cnn.com/2013/02/10/world/europe/uk-horsemeat-probe/index.html?hpt=hp_t3
Dozens dead in South Sudan raid
A heavily armed militia attacked tribesmen during a weekend cattle drive in strife-wracked South Sudan, a government official reported Sunday, leaving behind dozens of dead and possibly kidnapping hundreds of others.
Unarmed civilians "were murdered in cold blood" while herding their livestock to camps along the Sobat River, near the Ethiopian border, Akobo County Commissioner Goi Jooyul said in a statement on the attack. He identified the assailants as members of the Murle ethnic group and the victims as the Lou Nuer, two factions that have been battling over grazing lands and water rights in the world's newest nation.
The attackers overwhelmed government troops who were guarding the herders, killing 14 of them, Jooyul said. In all, 103 bodies had been found and hundreds of families were missing, he said.
http://edition.cnn.com/2013/02/10/world/africa/south-sudan-violence/index.html?hpt=hp_t3
Unarmed civilians "were murdered in cold blood" while herding their livestock to camps along the Sobat River, near the Ethiopian border, Akobo County Commissioner Goi Jooyul said in a statement on the attack. He identified the assailants as members of the Murle ethnic group and the victims as the Lou Nuer, two factions that have been battling over grazing lands and water rights in the world's newest nation.
The attackers overwhelmed government troops who were guarding the herders, killing 14 of them, Jooyul said. In all, 103 bodies had been found and hundreds of families were missing, he said.
http://edition.cnn.com/2013/02/10/world/africa/south-sudan-violence/index.html?hpt=hp_t3
5.0 Magnitude Earthquake SANTA CRUZ ISLANDS REGION - 11th February 2013
5.0
Date-Time
Monday, February 11, 2013 at 07:51:17 UTC
Monday, February 11, 2013 at 06:51:17 PM at epicenter
Time of Earthquake in other Time Zones
Location
10.948°S, 165.792°E
Depth
10.1 km (6.3 miles)
Region
SANTA CRUZ ISLANDS
Distances
26 km (16 miles) S of Lata, Solomon Islands
Carnival cruise ship adrift off Mexican coast after fire
The Carnival Triumph, a cruise ship owned by Carnival Corp under its Carnival Cruise Lines brand, was adrift 150 miles off southern Mexico's Yucatan peninsula on Sunday after a fire that caused no injuries, the company said in a statement.
The engine room fire, which took place in the morning, had been extinguished and the ship was without propulsion, and operating on emergency generator power, the company said.
http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/02/11/us-mexico-carnival-idUSBRE91A03020130211
The engine room fire, which took place in the morning, had been extinguished and the ship was without propulsion, and operating on emergency generator power, the company said.
http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/02/11/us-mexico-carnival-idUSBRE91A03020130211
France runs into German wall on growth drive
French efforts to divert Europe from economic austerity have foundered twice in a week due to German resistance, underlining a growing policy divide that is hobbling the core partnership.
Berlin rejected President Francois Hollande's call on Tuesday to set a mid-term target for the euro, a move he hoped would bring the single currency down to a level that would make it easier for French industry to sell its goods abroad.
http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/02/10/us-eu-france-idUSBRE91903J20130210
Berlin rejected President Francois Hollande's call on Tuesday to set a mid-term target for the euro, a move he hoped would bring the single currency down to a level that would make it easier for French industry to sell its goods abroad.
http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/02/10/us-eu-france-idUSBRE91903J20130210
Eighteen miners feared trapped after Russian pit blast
Eighteen miners were feared trapped under rubble after an explosion on Monday in a coal mine in the Komi region of northern Russia, the Emergencies Ministry said.
The blast at 10:28 a.m. local time (0628 GMT) caused the mine to collapse on a team of 22 people, four of whom escaped, the ministry said in a statement. Paramilitary rescue units were working to free the remaining victims.
The mine belongs to a division of Severstal, one of Russia's largest steel producers.
http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/02/11/us-russia-mine-idUSBRE91A05G20130211
The blast at 10:28 a.m. local time (0628 GMT) caused the mine to collapse on a team of 22 people, four of whom escaped, the ministry said in a statement. Paramilitary rescue units were working to free the remaining victims.
The mine belongs to a division of Severstal, one of Russia's largest steel producers.
http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/02/11/us-russia-mine-idUSBRE91A05G20130211
3D portraits created using DNA found on cigarette butts and old gum discarded on the streets of New York
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2276737/Face-Incredible-3D-portraits-strangers-created-DNA-cigarette-butts-chewing-gum-hairs-snatched-streets-New-York.html#axzz2KZkhU4lE
4.8 Magnitude Earthquake SANTA CRUZ ISLANDS REGION - 11th February 2013
4.8
Date-Time
Monday, February 11, 2013 at 05:56:22 UTC
Monday, February 11, 2013 at 04:56:22 PM at epicenter
Location
11.569°S, 165.067°E
Depth
10.1 km (6.3 miles)
Region
SANTA CRUZ ISLANDS
Distances
125 km (77 miles) SW of Lata, Solomon Islands
Israeli football club targeted by 'arsonists' after signing two Muslim players
An apparent arson attack on the offices of leading Israeli football club Beitar Jerusalem has highlighted long-standing concerns over growing anti-Arab racism among fans.
The fire destroyed historic trophies and mementos and came after the team broke with its unofficial tradition and signed two Muslim players from Chechnya, enraging part of its fanbase which has a history of chanting anti-Islam slurs at games.
The incident drew immediate rebukes and promises of a crackdown by authorities ahead of a home game against an Arab team that will likely be the debut match for one of the new Muslim players.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2276537/Israeli-football-club-Beitar-Jerusalem-targeted-arsonists-signing-Muslim-players-sparking-fears-anti-Arab-racism.html#axzz2KZ3sCWy7
The fire destroyed historic trophies and mementos and came after the team broke with its unofficial tradition and signed two Muslim players from Chechnya, enraging part of its fanbase which has a history of chanting anti-Islam slurs at games.
The incident drew immediate rebukes and promises of a crackdown by authorities ahead of a home game against an Arab team that will likely be the debut match for one of the new Muslim players.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2276537/Israeli-football-club-Beitar-Jerusalem-targeted-arsonists-signing-Muslim-players-sparking-fears-anti-Arab-racism.html#axzz2KZ3sCWy7
The £48m handed out in foreign aid the Government KNEW would be wasted
Millions of pounds of taxpayers’ money are being funnelled through international aid agencies identified by the Government as hugely wasteful.
MPs found the Department for International Development spent £48million last year with four organisations ranked poor for value for money in its own internal audit.
It means vast sums are being sent directly to agencies even though officials know much of it will be squandered.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2276744/The-48m-handed-foreign-aid-Government-KNEW-wasted.html#axzz2KZ3sCWy7
MPs found the Department for International Development spent £48million last year with four organisations ranked poor for value for money in its own internal audit.
It means vast sums are being sent directly to agencies even though officials know much of it will be squandered.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2276744/The-48m-handed-foreign-aid-Government-KNEW-wasted.html#axzz2KZ3sCWy7
Muslim fanatics spouting on British TV: Extremists use fringe stations to call for terror, murder and the torture of gay people
Hardline Islamic extremists are using fringe British TV channels to call for terrorism, murder and the torture of homosexuals.
A series of little-known channels have been severely criticised for allowing ‘inflammatory’ material to be broadcast.
Among the cases is an Islamic scholar who told viewers that it is their ‘duty’ to ‘kill those who insult Prophet Mohammed’.
In another a woman presenter said homosexuals should be beaten and tortured for the ‘evil, shameful act.’
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2276753/Muslim-fanatics-spouting-British-TV-Extremists-use-fringe-stations-terror-murder-torture-gay-people.html#axzz2KZ3sCWy7
A series of little-known channels have been severely criticised for allowing ‘inflammatory’ material to be broadcast.
Among the cases is an Islamic scholar who told viewers that it is their ‘duty’ to ‘kill those who insult Prophet Mohammed’.
In another a woman presenter said homosexuals should be beaten and tortured for the ‘evil, shameful act.’
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2276753/Muslim-fanatics-spouting-British-TV-Extremists-use-fringe-stations-terror-murder-torture-gay-people.html#axzz2KZ3sCWy7
Anger as MPs quietly water down safeguards on secret justice while focus was on gay marriage debate
Safeguards against Government plans for a major extension of ‘secret justice’ have been quietly swept away by ministers, campaigners warned last night.
They said that as MPs were focusing on last week’s gay marriage vote, the Ministry of Justice made key changes to legislation that will make it easier for ministers to hold potentially embarrassing cases behind closed doors.
Amendments made to the controversial Justice and Security Bill in response to civil liberties concerns expressed in the House of Lords were torn up in a Commons committee finalising the legislation. They included a measure which would have meant judges having to grant a secret hearing only if other alternatives – such as the existing system of public interest immunity – had been considered.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2276775/Anger-MPs-quietly-water-safeguards-secret-justice-focus-gay-marriage-debate.html#axzz2KZ3sCWy7
They said that as MPs were focusing on last week’s gay marriage vote, the Ministry of Justice made key changes to legislation that will make it easier for ministers to hold potentially embarrassing cases behind closed doors.
Amendments made to the controversial Justice and Security Bill in response to civil liberties concerns expressed in the House of Lords were torn up in a Commons committee finalising the legislation. They included a measure which would have meant judges having to grant a secret hearing only if other alternatives – such as the existing system of public interest immunity – had been considered.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2276775/Anger-MPs-quietly-water-safeguards-secret-justice-focus-gay-marriage-debate.html#axzz2KZ3sCWy7
The rioters we can't kick out: 18 months after mayhem that shocked Britain, just 15 out of 200 convicted foreigners have been deported
Ministers had promised to get tough after violence and mayhem tore apart English cities, but the vast majority of overseas nationals who joined in the destruction are still here.
A combination of EU law and human rights rules is thought to be blocking efforts to deport them and could lead to large numbers being granted the right to stay.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2276686/The-rioters-kick-18-months-mayhem-shocked-Britain-just-15-200-convicted-foreigners-deported.html#axzz2KZ3sCWy7
EU's Rehn wants closer currency coordination: report
The European Union's top monetary official wants closer coordination on currencies to avoid potentially damaging disruptions to world trade, he told an Austrian magazine.
The remarks by Economic and Monetary Affairs Commissioner Olli Rehn come amid a standoff between France and Germany over whether a strengthening euro needs an official European response or whether markets should be left to set exchange rates.
http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/02/09/us-europe-currency-rehn-idUSBRE91803820130209
The remarks by Economic and Monetary Affairs Commissioner Olli Rehn come amid a standoff between France and Germany over whether a strengthening euro needs an official European response or whether markets should be left to set exchange rates.
http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/02/09/us-europe-currency-rehn-idUSBRE91803820130209
Greeks forgo heating after jump in fuel tax
Greek cleaner Eleni Daneel's family spends evenings in their Athens home bundled up in coats after a steep rise in fuel prices made heating their apartment an unaffordable luxury this winter.
Daneel is one of a growing number struggling to keep warm after a fuel tax hike aimed at curbing smuggling and boosting revenues for the cash-strapped state sent heating oil prices up 40 percent.
http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/02/07/us-greece-fuel-idUSBRE9160R220130207
Daneel is one of a growing number struggling to keep warm after a fuel tax hike aimed at curbing smuggling and boosting revenues for the cash-strapped state sent heating oil prices up 40 percent.
http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/02/07/us-greece-fuel-idUSBRE9160R220130207
Tornado rakes southern Mississippi, damages university
The Forrest County seat of Hattiesburg, Mississippi, and the adjacent town of Petal, both about 100 miles southeast of Jackson, the state capital, bore the brunt of storms that struck less than an hour before dark.
http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/02/11/us-usa-tornado-mississippi-idUSBRE91A00M20130211
Full Focus Photos of the week Our best photos from the last week. Slideshow Images of January Best photos of the year 2012 Download our Wider Image iPad app Follow Reuters Facebook Twitter RSS YouTube RECOMMENDED VIDEO The king in the car park - scientists identify Richard… China bridge collapse kills at least five (0:58) Anne Hathaway's Oscar hopes lampooned in viral video… [?] READ Northeast digs out from blizzard; new storm brews in Plains| 10 Feb 20131Authorities post $1 million reward for ex-Los Angeles policeman| 10 Feb 20132Five crew killed in Canaries cruise ship safety drill| 10 Feb 20133U.S. trains for mass migration in Caribbean security drill 10 Feb 20134Insight: Apple and Samsung, frenemies for life 10 Feb 20135 DISCUSSED 108 Obama takes guns rules campaign to Midwest 101 S&P says U.S. to file civil lawsuit over ratings 89 Obama to propose short term package to put off spending cuts PICTURES Reuters Photojournalism Our day's top images, in-depth photo essays and offbeat slices of life. See the best of Reuters photography. See more | Photo caption Snake soup shop Snake soup is a traditional Hong Kong dish, thought to speed up the body's blood flow and keep it strong during the winter months. Slideshow NY Fashion Week Backstage and collection highlights from NY Fashion Week. Slideshow SPONSORED LINKS Gunbattle rocks Gao after rebels surprise French, Malians
Islamist insurgents launched a surprise raid in the heart of the Malian town of Gao on Sunday, battling French and local troops in a blow to efforts to secure Mali's recaptured north.
Local residents hid in their homes or crouched behind walls as the crackle of gunfire from running street battles resounded through the sandy streets and mud-brick houses of the ancient Niger River town, retaken from Islamist rebels last month by a French-led offensive.
http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/02/11/us-mali-rebels-idUSBRE91902V20130211
Local residents hid in their homes or crouched behind walls as the crackle of gunfire from running street battles resounded through the sandy streets and mud-brick houses of the ancient Niger River town, retaken from Islamist rebels last month by a French-led offensive.
http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/02/11/us-mali-rebels-idUSBRE91902V20130211
U.S. Northeast digs out from blizzard, tornado strikes in South
The U.S. Northeast was digging out on Sunday after a blizzard dumped up to 40 inches (one meter) of snow with hurricane force winds, killing at least nine people and leaving hundreds of thousands without power.
As the Northeast cleared roads and shoveled out, another storm bore down on the Northern Plains and tornadoes threatened the Southeast in a weekend of extreme weather across the United States.
http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/02/11/us-usa-weather-idUSBRE91611P20130211
As the Northeast cleared roads and shoveled out, another storm bore down on the Northern Plains and tornadoes threatened the Southeast in a weekend of extreme weather across the United States.
http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/02/11/us-usa-weather-idUSBRE91611P20130211
