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by Bernard Sun Oct 4th, 2020 at 08:57:23 AM EST
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Sunday's vote could lay the foundations for the birth of a new nation in the Pacific after surprising support emerged in 2018 referendum It's the final week of campaigning and two flags fly above the competing rallies, concerts, and campaign meetings: the French tricolour and the multi-coloured flag of Kanaky. On Sunday, voters in New Caledonia will go to the polls for a second referendum on the political future of the French Pacific dependency. More than 180,000 long-term residents of New Caledonia are registered to vote "Yes" for independence or "No" to remain within the French Republic. Voting is not compulsory, so turnout will be crucial. Supporters and opponents of independence are on the streets this week in a final effort to mobilise their bases and convince uncertain citizens to participate on referendum day.
It's the final week of campaigning and two flags fly above the competing rallies, concerts, and campaign meetings: the French tricolour and the multi-coloured flag of Kanaky.
On Sunday, voters in New Caledonia will go to the polls for a second referendum on the political future of the French Pacific dependency.
More than 180,000 long-term residents of New Caledonia are registered to vote "Yes" for independence or "No" to remain within the French Republic.
Voting is not compulsory, so turnout will be crucial. Supporters and opponents of independence are on the streets this week in a final effort to mobilise their bases and convince uncertain citizens to participate on referendum day.
The Nouméa Accord signed in 1998, provided for up to three referendums to be held in the archipelago: in 2018, 2020 and 2022.
Polls have closed and counting has begun (New Caledonia is UTC+11, one hour ahead of Sydney and one hour behind Auckland). Turnout was 79.63%, six points above from the first referendum two years ago.
NOUMEA, New Caledonia (AP) -- A majority of voters in New Caledonia, an archipelago in in the South Pacific, chose to remain part of France instead of backing independence Sunday, in a referendum that marked a milestone moment in a three-decade long decolonization effort. In a televised address from Paris, French President Emmanuel Macron welcomed "an expression of confidence in the Republic with a deep feeling of gratitude ... and modesty." Macron promised pro-independence supporters "this is with you, all together, that we will build New Caledonia tomorrow." He praised the "success" of the vote and called on New Caledonia residents to "look to the future." The overseas ministry said results show 53.3% of the voters who participated in the referendum on Sunday have chosen to maintain ties with France, while 46.7% supported independence. The vote has been marked by a very high turnout. More than 85% of voters had cast their ballots one hour before poll stations closed, according to the overseas ministry.
In a televised address from Paris, French President Emmanuel Macron welcomed "an expression of confidence in the Republic with a deep feeling of gratitude ... and modesty."
Macron promised pro-independence supporters "this is with you, all together, that we will build New Caledonia tomorrow."
He praised the "success" of the vote and called on New Caledonia residents to "look to the future."
The overseas ministry said results show 53.3% of the voters who participated in the referendum on Sunday have chosen to maintain ties with France, while 46.7% supported independence.
The vote has been marked by a very high turnout. More than 85% of voters had cast their ballots one hour before poll stations closed, according to the overseas ministry.
Despite being the "First Nation" of New Caledonia (the name comes from James Cook), the Kanak people represent 39% of the total population; Europeans account for 27%, Polynesians (Tahiti, Vanuatu, Wallis & Futuna) about 11% and the rest (about 20%) come from various countries, mostly South-East Asian, like Indonesia, Vietnam, Laos etc...
As mentioned in the previous comment, per the Nouméa Accord, the local elected assembly (Congress of New Caledonia) can ask for a third referendum that could take place in 2022.
The EU has bought 15 surveillance drones for Belarusian authorities, prompting alarm they could be used against pro-democracy protesters. Lithuanian police handed over the equipment to the Belarusian State Committee for Forensic Science on 16 September - in the middle of a brutal police crackdown, which has seen thousands of people snatched off the streets, beaten, and tortured. And the EU foreign service paid for them out of an 850,000 neighbourhood project being handled by Latvia and Lithuania. The security cooperation appeared to go against the EU's vocal support for the pro-democracy movement.
Lithuanian police handed over the equipment to the Belarusian State Committee for Forensic Science on 16 September - in the middle of a brutal police crackdown, which has seen thousands of people snatched off the streets, beaten, and tortured.
And the EU foreign service paid for them out of an 850,000 neighbourhood project being handled by Latvia and Lithuania.
The security cooperation appeared to go against the EU's vocal support for the pro-democracy movement.
For its part, Lithuania said the drones were delivered in September due to "contract procedures". But Vilnius "suspended all payments to the Belarusian side related to joint EU-Belarus projects as of 9 August", when the protests broke out. The drones had not been used for anything yet, the EU foreign service added.
But Vilnius "suspended all payments to the Belarusian side related to joint EU-Belarus projects as of 9 August", when the protests broke out.
The drones had not been used for anything yet, the EU foreign service added.
Business interests have long shaped Germany's relationship with China, to the detriment of human rights concerns and even national security. Details: The highly sensitive report, completed in 2018, examined the Chinese government's attempts to influence every level of German government, society and business, according to two former U.S. intelligence officials. It cast a particularly harsh light on the intimate ties between German business and the Chinese government. But before it could be widely disseminated within the German government, as had been intended, a high-ranking official intervened. German Chancellor Angela Merkel also saw the report, but few others did, said one official.
Details: The highly sensitive report, completed in 2018, examined the Chinese government's attempts to influence every level of German government, society and business, according to two former U.S. intelligence officials.
Wilders can shake hands with Trump, Orban, LePen and UK's Farage.
Minorities are hardest hit by the SARS Covid-2 pandemic, so Wilders puts the blame of delayed hart and cancer operation for White citizens on immigrants. So tiresome ...
Gatver, Walgelijke van Wilders. Terwijl Nederlanders vechten voor hun leven cirkelt Wilders als een aasgier rond de lijken om zijn zieke ideologie te delen. Dieper kun je niet zakken in het moeras van racistische drek en xenofobie. #corona pic.twitter.com/vUjvb1NZNZ— Farid Azarkan (@F_azarkan) October 11, 2020
Gatver, Walgelijke van Wilders. Terwijl Nederlanders vechten voor hun leven cirkelt Wilders als een aasgier rond de lijken om zijn zieke ideologie te delen. Dieper kun je niet zakken in het moeras van racistische drek en xenofobie. #corona pic.twitter.com/vUjvb1NZNZ
Macron Wants to Start an Islamic Revolution
Losing in the polls and the corona war? 'Sapere aude'
Glad to see Macron is waking up.
President Erdoğan slams Macron, says he needs 'mental checks' | Hurriyet Daily News | Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan on Oct. 24 slammed his French counterpart, Emmanuel Macron, over his policies toward Muslims, saying that he needed "mental checks." "What can one say about a head of state who treats millions of members from different faith groups this way: first of all, have mental checks," Erdoğan said in a televised address. Macron this month described Islam as a religion "in crisis" worldwide and said the government would present a bill in December to strengthen a 1905 law that officially separated church and state in France. He announced stricter oversight of schooling and control over foreign funding of mosques.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan on Oct. 24 slammed his French counterpart, Emmanuel Macron, over his policies toward Muslims, saying that he needed "mental checks."
"What can one say about a head of state who treats millions of members from different faith groups this way: first of all, have mental checks," Erdoğan said in a televised address.
Macron this month described Islam as a religion "in crisis" worldwide and said the government would present a bill in December to strengthen a 1905 law that officially separated church and state in France.
He announced stricter oversight of schooling and control over foreign funding of mosques.
France recalls ambassador to Turkey after Erdoğan questions Macron's mental state https://t.co/t7o9Jzw6tU— The Guardian (@guardian) October 25, 2020
France recalls ambassador to Turkey after Erdoğan questions Macron's mental state https://t.co/t7o9Jzw6tU
Fight against separatism - the Republic in action: speech by Emmanuel Macron, President of the Republic, on the fight against separatism (Les Mureaux, 2 Oct. 20)
... a dog whistle
Defending Judeo-Christian civilization and our liberties ... a poorly researched paper - here.
As things stand, both Macron and the far-right Marine Le Pen are polling at 25 percent for the presidential election set for 2022. As Le Pen's platform is almost entirely defined by her anti-Islam platform, observers believe Macron is trying to boost his credentials among those who hold anti-Muslim views. 'Sapere aude'
As Le Pen's platform is almost entirely defined by her anti-Islam platform, observers believe Macron is trying to boost his credentials among those who hold anti-Muslim views.
Terrorist. pic.twitter.com/jxdnDhk9ti— Geert Wilders (@geertwilderspvv) October 24, 2020
Terrorist. pic.twitter.com/jxdnDhk9ti
France urges Arab nations to prevent boycotts over Macron's cartoons defence | BBC News | France has urged Middle Eastern countries to end calls for a boycott of its goods in protest at President Emmanuel Macron's defence of the right to show cartoons of the Prophet Muhammad. On Sunday, Mr Macron doubled down on his defence of French values in a tweet that read: "We will not give in, ever." We will not give in, ever.We respect all differences in a spirit of peace. We do not accept hate speech and defend reasonable debate. We will always be on the side of human dignity and universal values.— Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) October 25, 2020 Some supermarket shelves had been stripped of French products in Jordan, Qatar and Kuwait by Sunday. French-made hair and beauty items, for example, were not on display. In Kuwait, a major retail union has ordered a boycott of French goods.
France has urged Middle Eastern countries to end calls for a boycott of its goods in protest at President Emmanuel Macron's defence of the right to show cartoons of the Prophet Muhammad.
On Sunday, Mr Macron doubled down on his defence of French values in a tweet that read: "We will not give in, ever."
We will not give in, ever.We respect all differences in a spirit of peace. We do not accept hate speech and defend reasonable debate. We will always be on the side of human dignity and universal values.— Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) October 25, 2020
We will not give in, ever.We respect all differences in a spirit of peace. We do not accept hate speech and defend reasonable debate. We will always be on the side of human dignity and universal values.
Some supermarket shelves had been stripped of French products in Jordan, Qatar and Kuwait by Sunday. French-made hair and beauty items, for example, were not on display.
In Kuwait, a major retail union has ordered a boycott of French goods.
Of course, it is on both sides a call to tribalism and conflict to get the population to rally behind the leader.
After all, if there was a will to ban certain cartoons all that needs to be done is hire young artists to paint enough variations of the theme, create a foundation that buys the paintings, place the paintings in a vault, hire lawyers to defend against copyright intrusions and make that intention clear. Images of Muhammed - or whatever icon would be selected by such a foundation - could then join the hallowed ranks of Mickey Mouse and Tintin that may not be defamed without consequence. Even corporsations beware, for copyright intrusions are after all the only crime where the EU has joined together to impose punitive damages.
French football star Paul Pogba quits France national team as a protest against President Macron's anti-ISLAM comments.✊#MacronTheDevil#IslamophobiainFrance#BoycottFrenchProducts pic.twitter.com/cQ2LCyHiwR— 🌹Rayaan 🌹 (@Rayaan41) October 26, 2020
French football star Paul Pogba quits France national team as a protest against President Macron's anti-ISLAM comments.✊#MacronTheDevil#IslamophobiainFrance#BoycottFrenchProducts pic.twitter.com/cQ2LCyHiwR
pic.twitter.com/k6caKkUzid— Paul Pogba (@paulpogba) October 26, 2020
pic.twitter.com/k6caKkUzid
Pogba is reportedly planning to sue The Scum, although I don't know what this would accomplish (in Britain, the tabloids seem to enjoy greater protection than even the Royal Family)
❤️ @PaulPogba#MUFC— Manchester United (@ManUtd) October 26, 2020
❤️ @PaulPogba#MUFC
'Boycott French products' launched over Macron's Islam comments | Al-Jazeera | Hashtags such as the #BoycottFrenchProducts in English and the Arabic #NeverTheProphet trended across countries including Kuwait, Qatar, Palestine, Egypt, Algeria, Jordan, Saudi Arabia and Turkey. Another protests rally at Gazipur, #Bangladesh. Thousands protests against mocking #ProphetMuhammad (ﷺ) and defaming Islam in #France.Tomorrow French Embassy will be Cordon Off (by an Islamic Party). Nationwide protests declared for Friday.#Islamophobia #ShameOnYouMacron pic.twitter.com/bGYZoWgJ3N— Sakibul Hoque 🇧🇩 (@SakibulHoque8) October 26, 2020 In Kuwait, the chairman and members of the board of directors of the Al-Naeem Cooperative Society decided to boycott all French products and to remove them from supermarket shelves.
Hashtags such as the #BoycottFrenchProducts in English and the Arabic #NeverTheProphet trended across countries including Kuwait, Qatar, Palestine, Egypt, Algeria, Jordan, Saudi Arabia and Turkey.
Another protests rally at Gazipur, #Bangladesh. Thousands protests against mocking #ProphetMuhammad (ﷺ) and defaming Islam in #France.Tomorrow French Embassy will be Cordon Off (by an Islamic Party). Nationwide protests declared for Friday.#Islamophobia #ShameOnYouMacron pic.twitter.com/bGYZoWgJ3N— Sakibul Hoque 🇧🇩 (@SakibulHoque8) October 26, 2020
Another protests rally at Gazipur, #Bangladesh. Thousands protests against mocking #ProphetMuhammad (ﷺ) and defaming Islam in #France.Tomorrow French Embassy will be Cordon Off (by an Islamic Party). Nationwide protests declared for Friday.#Islamophobia #ShameOnYouMacron pic.twitter.com/bGYZoWgJ3N
In Kuwait, the chairman and members of the board of directors of the Al-Naeem Cooperative Society decided to boycott all French products and to remove them from supermarket shelves.
Anger towards Emmanuel Macron grows in Muslim world | The Guardian | On the front page of a hardline Iranian newspaper, he was the "Demon of Paris". In the streets of Dhaka he was decried as a leader who "worships Satan". Outside Baghdad's French embassy, a likeness of Emmanuel Macron was burned along with France's flag. Rage is growing across the Muslim world at the French president and his perceived attacks on Islam and the prophet Muhammad, leading to calls for boycotts of the French products and security warnings for France's citizens in majority-Muslim states. The backlash has cut across an extraordinarily diverse Muslim world with a myriad of cultures, sects, political systems and levels of economic development. It has stoked historical and present-day grievances from the markets of Herat in Afghanistan to the upmarket neighbourhoods of Amman and the universities of Islamabad.
On the front page of a hardline Iranian newspaper, he was the "Demon of Paris". In the streets of Dhaka he was decried as a leader who "worships Satan". Outside Baghdad's French embassy, a likeness of Emmanuel Macron was burned along with France's flag.
Rage is growing across the Muslim world at the French president and his perceived attacks on Islam and the prophet Muhammad, leading to calls for boycotts of the French products and security warnings for France's citizens in majority-Muslim states.
The backlash has cut across an extraordinarily diverse Muslim world with a myriad of cultures, sects, political systems and levels of economic development. It has stoked historical and present-day grievances from the markets of Herat in Afghanistan to the upmarket neighbourhoods of Amman and the universities of Islamabad.
"It is widely accepted that laïcité in France today is no longer about secularism and neutrality, rather it a normative mode for the exclusion and targeting of Muslimness in France" [_link]— Middle East Eye (@MiddleEastEye) October 28, 2020
"It is widely accepted that laïcité in France today is no longer about secularism and neutrality, rather it a normative mode for the exclusion and targeting of Muslimness in France" [_link]
The author Amina Easat-Daas 'Sapere aude'
Mali's interim prime minister said he was open to talks with Islamist militants whose insurgency has made vast swathes of the country ungovernable, but former colonial power France signaled opposition to the idea https://t.co/0dxu6boRxK pic.twitter.com/233SyRTp6p— Reuters (@Reuters) October 26, 2020
Mali's interim prime minister said he was open to talks with Islamist militants whose insurgency has made vast swathes of the country ungovernable, but former colonial power France signaled opposition to the idea https://t.co/0dxu6boRxK pic.twitter.com/233SyRTp6p
Member States may take unilateral protective measures if they have previously raised concerns about an active substance with the Commission and the Commission does not adopt protective measures. [...] As regards whether the implementing regulations can be regarded as measures taken by the Commission in response to France's communication, the Court notes that EU legislature thus established a specific emergency procedure that is closely linked to the emergency procedures laid down in the harmonisation regulation. The implementing regulations were not adopted on the basis of the emergency procedures of the harmonisation regulation, but on the basis of other provisions of that regulation. The Court therefore takes the view that those implementing regulations cannot be regarded as measures taken by the Commission in response to France's communication.
Moral of the story : any pro-environment progress is easily overturned by constituted economic interests. And there is no hope for the planet. It is rightly acknowledged that people of faith have no monopoly of virtue - Queen Elizabeth II
The Netherlands goes into partial lockdown; face masks will be compulsory https://t.co/bvT5tzAV8X— DutchNews.NL (@DutchNewsNL) October 13, 2020
The Netherlands goes into partial lockdown; face masks will be compulsory https://t.co/bvT5tzAV8X
Meanwhile in France: this right-wing MP explains that teaching Arabic at school "is a mistake" because "school has to be neutral". Again in this country, Arabic is so sidérée to be some sort of dangerous threat to the Republic 🤷🏻♀️ https://t.co/4mkXW77b8o— Rim-Sarah Alouane (@RimSarah) October 15, 2020
Meanwhile in France: this right-wing MP explains that teaching Arabic at school "is a mistake" because "school has to be neutral". Again in this country, Arabic is so sidérée to be some sort of dangerous threat to the Republic 🤷🏻♀️ https://t.co/4mkXW77b8o
Der erhobene #Mittelfinger für alle ohne #Maske verschwindet, aber die Kampagne von Senatswirtschaftsverwaltung und @visitberlin zum Tragen von Masken in der Öffentlichkeit wird fortgesetzt. https://t.co/RdL9bjQYj8— Tagesspiegel (@Tagesspiegel) October 14, 2020
Der erhobene #Mittelfinger für alle ohne #Maske verschwindet, aber die Kampagne von Senatswirtschaftsverwaltung und @visitberlin zum Tragen von Masken in der Öffentlichkeit wird fortgesetzt. https://t.co/RdL9bjQYj8
The German capital's tourism authority has withdrawn a controversial advertisement in which an elderly lady gives the middle finger to individuals who do not wear masks. Visit Berlin and the Berlin Senate on Tuesday launched the advert, entitled "We obey the corona rules," aiming to prevent further spread of the coronavirus and to highlight the importance of safeguarding the health of the elderly. Above the image of the woman wearing a floral-patterned mask and giving onlookers the finger. The poster reads: "A finger-wag for all those without a mask."
Visit Berlin and the Berlin Senate on Tuesday launched the advert, entitled "We obey the corona rules," aiming to prevent further spread of the coronavirus and to highlight the importance of safeguarding the health of the elderly.
Above the image of the woman wearing a floral-patterned mask and giving onlookers the finger. The poster reads: "A finger-wag for all those without a mask."
Two EU institutions are using technology produced by China's Hikvision, a firm that has been accused of providing surveillance equipment to Muslim internment camps in the country's northwest Xinjiang province. Hikvision describes itself as "the world's leading video surveillance products supplier." The Chinese tech giant has its European base in the Netherlands and has not been subject to any EU sanctions or blacklist measures. Officials at the European Parliament and the European Commission acquired the company's thermal imaging cameras as part of the fight against the spread of the new coronavirus. The gadgets can detect a high temperature or fever, which is a common symptom of COVID-19. Anyone with a temperature of more than 37.7°C (99.86°F) is denied entry.
Hikvision describes itself as "the world's leading video surveillance products supplier."
The Chinese tech giant has its European base in the Netherlands and has not been subject to any EU sanctions or blacklist measures.
Officials at the European Parliament and the European Commission acquired the company's thermal imaging cameras as part of the fight against the spread of the new coronavirus.
The gadgets can detect a high temperature or fever, which is a common symptom of COVID-19.
Anyone with a temperature of more than 37.7°C (99.86°F) is denied entry.
The Berlin-Brandenburg Airport (BER) was slated to open on June 3, 2012. It wasn't the first time the project missed its deadline, but it was the most memorable. So great was the anticipation, public broadcaster rbb planned to go live for 24 hours covering it. So great was the disaster thereafter, the German satire site, The Postillon, proposed a new grammatical form for discussing the airport's conditional opening -- an event repeatedly kicked down the tarmac never to actually happen. Just before the opening date, inspectors reported some 120,000 defects, including fire safety issues, automatic doors that didn't open and sagging roofs. Around 170,000 kilometers (106,000 miles) of cable installed in and around the airport were found to be dangerously wired. Some lights couldn't turn on; others couldn't turn off. It has taken more than nine years, and a series of well-paid airport company managers, to sort out the problems at Berlin's new international airport -- also called Willy Brandt Airport, after the late leader of West Berlin and then West Germany. And now that airport officials say it is ready for takeoff, few airplanes are likely to do so. The coronavirus pandemic has thrown the airline and travel industries into disarray.
So great was the anticipation, public broadcaster rbb planned to go live for 24 hours covering it. So great was the disaster thereafter, the German satire site, The Postillon, proposed a new grammatical form for discussing the airport's conditional opening -- an event repeatedly kicked down the tarmac never to actually happen.
Just before the opening date, inspectors reported some 120,000 defects, including fire safety issues, automatic doors that didn't open and sagging roofs. Around 170,000 kilometers (106,000 miles) of cable installed in and around the airport were found to be dangerously wired. Some lights couldn't turn on; others couldn't turn off.
It has taken more than nine years, and a series of well-paid airport company managers, to sort out the problems at Berlin's new international airport -- also called Willy Brandt Airport, after the late leader of West Berlin and then West Germany. And now that airport officials say it is ready for takeoff, few airplanes are likely to do so. The coronavirus pandemic has thrown the airline and travel industries into disarray.
Germany's rail company, Deutsche Bahn, has no immediate plans to offer a high-speed rail connection, as other major German airports enjoy.
Why the plural "airports"? Are there any German airports other than Frankfurt with an ICE connection?
Full & effective implementation of Withdrawal Agreement will always be an absolute priority for 🇪🇺 It is the result of long EU-UK negotiations & the only way to protect Good Friday (Belfast) Agreement, guaranteeing peace and stability on island of Ireland. #InternalMarketBill https://t.co/92cq1tY6Nj— Michel Barnier (@MichelBarnier) October 1, 2020
Full & effective implementation of Withdrawal Agreement will always be an absolute priority for 🇪🇺 It is the result of long EU-UK negotiations & the only way to protect Good Friday (Belfast) Agreement, guaranteeing peace and stability on island of Ireland. #InternalMarketBill https://t.co/92cq1tY6Nj
Belgium's Ambassador to the EU Willem Van de Voorde quoted a 354-year-old treaty during discussions on Wednesday between member states' ambassadors to the EU on the future access of European fishing fleets to UK waters ones the Brexit transitional period comes to an end at midnight on 31 December. To the confusion of the some of those at the meeting and the delight of others Mr Van de Voorde quoted a treaty signed in 1666 by the then King of England Charles II. The treaty granted 50 Flemish fishermen from Bruges (West Flanders) "eternal rights" to fish in English waters. Mr Van de Voorde suggested that this was an important historical footnote that emphasised the long relationship between Flemish fishermen and British waters. The treaty entitled "Privilegie der Visscherie" (Privilege of fisheries) was signed in 1666 when Bruges was part of the Southern Netherlands and under Spanish control. It was a show a gratitude on the part of Charles II for the hospitality that he was given when he stayed in Bruges during the interregnum that followed the decapitation of King Charles I and his own restoration to the English throne.
To the confusion of the some of those at the meeting and the delight of others Mr Van de Voorde quoted a treaty signed in 1666 by the then King of England Charles II. The treaty granted 50 Flemish fishermen from Bruges (West Flanders) "eternal rights" to fish in English waters. Mr Van de Voorde suggested that this was an important historical footnote that emphasised the long relationship between Flemish fishermen and British waters.
The treaty entitled "Privilegie der Visscherie" (Privilege of fisheries) was signed in 1666 when Bruges was part of the Southern Netherlands and under Spanish control. It was a show a gratitude on the part of Charles II for the hospitality that he was given when he stayed in Bruges during the interregnum that followed the decapitation of King Charles I and his own restoration to the English throne.
Speaking as a celebrity I think this number is too low. To maintain celebrity standards it should be at least double that🤨 https://t.co/jZEBaqKhEh— Jim Spence (@JimSpenceDundee) October 10, 2020
Speaking as a celebrity I think this number is too low. To maintain celebrity standards it should be at least double that🤨 https://t.co/jZEBaqKhEh
"Identity cards are among the least secure documents seen at the border and ending their use will strengthen our security as the UK takes back control of its borders at the end of the transition period," stated a UK government press release. Under the scheme, Hauliers will need a Kent Access Permit to proceed to the border. Richard Burnett, the chief executive of the Road Haulage Association, warned that "firms moving goods across borders will have to undertake customs processes whether there's a deal or no deal."
Under the scheme, Hauliers will need a Kent Access Permit to proceed to the border.
Richard Burnett, the chief executive of the Road Haulage Association, warned that "firms moving goods across borders will have to undertake customs processes whether there's a deal or no deal."
Hospital bosses urge NHS England to drop 'unfair' fines as Covid admissions rise The number of people waiting more than a year to start hospital treatment is at its highest since 2008 and almost 90 times higher than at the same time last year. In August, there were 111,026 people who had waited more than 52 weeks to start hospital treatment, up from 1,236 in August 2019.
The number of people waiting more than a year to start hospital treatment is at its highest since 2008 and almost 90 times higher than at the same time last year. In August, there were 111,026 people who had waited more than 52 weeks to start hospital treatment, up from 1,236 in August 2019.
The trial's UK arm, which is being run from Exeter, southwest England, is seeking to recruit 1,000 people who work in care homes and community healthcare nearby.
https:
Brexit: Trade talks with the EU are over, says No 10
A historic gamble on a Trump win or worst case an impasse in election result ...
US election: what a Biden or Trump victory could mean for Britain | The Guardian | 'Sapere aude'
1/3 Disappointed by the #EUCO conclusions on UK/EU negotiations. Surprised EU is no longer committed to working "intensively" to reach a future partnership as agreed with @vonderleyen on 3 October.— David Frost (@DavidGHFrost) October 15, 2020
1/3 Disappointed by the #EUCO conclusions on UK/EU negotiations. Surprised EU is no longer committed to working "intensively" to reach a future partnership as agreed with @vonderleyen on 3 October.
EU agrees to `intensify' Brexit talks
The EU has agreed to "intensify" Brexit talks with the U.K. and start negotiations based on legal texts as required by London, following a phone call between the chief negotiators. Michel Barnier spoke with his British counterpart David Frost by phone on Monday afternoon to agree on the structure for subsequent talks about the future relationship between the U.K. and the EU. With both sides apparently still keen to put pressure on the other side, Barnier said in a tweet issued after the call that "the EU remains available to intensify talks in London this week, on all subjects, and based on legal texts."
Michel Barnier spoke with his British counterpart David Frost by phone on Monday afternoon to agree on the structure for subsequent talks about the future relationship between the U.K. and the EU.
With both sides apparently still keen to put pressure on the other side, Barnier said in a tweet issued after the call that "the EU remains available to intensify talks in London this week, on all subjects, and based on legal texts."
🇪🇺🇬🇧 I just spoke to @DavidGHFrost. As stated by President @vonderleyen on Friday, I confirmed that the EU remains available to intensify talks in London this week, on all subjects, and based on legal texts.We now wait for the UK's reaction.— Michel Barnier (@MichelBarnier) October 19, 2020
🇪🇺🇬🇧 I just spoke to @DavidGHFrost. As stated by President @vonderleyen on Friday, I confirmed that the EU remains available to intensify talks in London this week, on all subjects, and based on legal texts.We now wait for the UK's reaction.
I voted against the Boris Johnson govt's Internal Market Bill which breaks the law & the EU Withdrawal agreement that it already signed. Govt defeated in the House of Lords by 395 votes to 169. No doubt, the govt will use House of Commons vote to overturn.https://t.co/kc0dTUHXtH— Prem Sikka (@premnsikka) October 20, 2020
I voted against the Boris Johnson govt's Internal Market Bill which breaks the law & the EU Withdrawal agreement that it already signed. Govt defeated in the House of Lords by 395 votes to 169. No doubt, the govt will use House of Commons vote to overturn.https://t.co/kc0dTUHXtH
Appeal court quashes UK policy of removing migrants with little warning [_link]— The Guardian (@guardian) October 21, 2020
Appeal court quashes UK policy of removing migrants with little warning [_link]
The Faculty feared that decision makers could be given impunity, and the public would be stuck with bad decisions without any legal way of having them reconsidered. "There is no question of it being appropriate for a government to seek to hamstring the judiciary's powers, in an attempt to make decision making easier...There is no case for any decisions being made immune from judicial review, since no power conferred on Government is unlimited. Any such suggestion is chilling. "The simple issue is this: in a constitutional democracy, all power is limited. The location of the boundaries of power is a matter of law and, therefore, the task of the courts to explain."
"There is no question of it being appropriate for a government to seek to hamstring the judiciary's powers, in an attempt to make decision making easier...There is no case for any decisions being made immune from judicial review, since no power conferred on Government is unlimited. Any such suggestion is chilling.
"The simple issue is this: in a constitutional democracy, all power is limited. The location of the boundaries of power is a matter of law and, therefore, the task of the courts to explain."
FDA has vaccination trial on hold, UK and Oxford plough ahead. 'Sapere aude'
Voluntário brasileiro que participava dos testes da vacina de Oxford e morreu com a Covid-19 era ex-aluno da UFRJ [_link] #G1 pic.twitter.com/1kwkmQMtTz— G1 (@g1) October 21, 2020
Voluntário brasileiro que participava dos testes da vacina de Oxford e morreu com a Covid-19 era ex-aluno da UFRJ [_link] #G1 pic.twitter.com/1kwkmQMtTz
UK presses for use of faster passport gates at EU airports post-Brexit https://t.co/TZqNWVcSQi— The Guardian (@guardian) October 23, 2020
UK presses for use of faster passport gates at EU airports post-Brexit https://t.co/TZqNWVcSQi
England's schools to receive fewer laptops for distance learning [_link]— The Guardian (@guardian) October 24, 2020
England's schools to receive fewer laptops for distance learning [_link]
Secrets and lies: untangling the UK 'spy cops' scandal Those duped into having relationships with undercover police are hoping for answers from the inquiry. The existence of a squad of police officers sent deep undercover in political groups was so top secret that many of the UK's most senior officers were completely oblivious until they began reading reports in the Guardian 10 years ago. When Lisa Jones - who uses a pseudonym - and her friends established that Kennedy was a police officer who had been spying on climate change activists, the story caused a firestorm, collapsing a major trial and quashing the convictions of environmental activists who had been prosecuted for conspiring to shut down one of the UK's biggest power stations. Senior officers tried to quell the outcry, insisting Kennedy was merely a rogue officer. In fact, the opposite was true. Kennedy was just the latest foot soldier in a very long line of undercover police who had been routinely infiltrating political groups, mostly on the left, since as far back as 1968.
Those duped into having relationships with undercover police are hoping for answers from the inquiry.
The existence of a squad of police officers sent deep undercover in political groups was so top secret that many of the UK's most senior officers were completely oblivious until they began reading reports in the Guardian 10 years ago.
When Lisa Jones - who uses a pseudonym - and her friends established that Kennedy was a police officer who had been spying on climate change activists, the story caused a firestorm, collapsing a major trial and quashing the convictions of environmental activists who had been prosecuted for conspiring to shut down one of the UK's biggest power stations.
Senior officers tried to quell the outcry, insisting Kennedy was merely a rogue officer. In fact, the opposite was true. Kennedy was just the latest foot soldier in a very long line of undercover police who had been routinely infiltrating political groups, mostly on the left, since as far back as 1968.
Police spying inquiry to examine targeting of UK black justice groups [_link]— The Guardian (@guardian) October 28, 2020
Police spying inquiry to examine targeting of UK black justice groups [_link]
(CNN) - Marine One was idling on the South Lawn Friday as President Donald Trump's advisers were inside the White House making a last-minute push to get him to board the helicopter. The President, who had recently tested positive for coronavirus, was reluctant to go to the hospital, multiple sources familiar with what happened later told CNN. Though Trump had developed symptoms and was now on experimental drugs, he didn't want to be "hospitalized," he said. Aware of his hesitancy to appear seriously ill or convey the serious nature of his condition, Trump's aides now appear to be scrambling to provide a portrait of a mildly ill commander-in-chief. But on Friday, medical officials were concerned about his vitals and thought it would be better to monitor his response with the vast resources that Walter Reed National Military Medical Center provided. Trump was told the facility was a more prudent place for him to be in case his condition deteriorated. "The White House is fully committed to providing transparent and regular updates on the President's condition and recovery," Judd Deere, a White House spokesman, said in a statement. A decision was made by senior officials to schedule his departure after markets closed to avoid an inevitable tumble, two people familiar with the matter said.
Aware of his hesitancy to appear seriously ill or convey the serious nature of his condition, Trump's aides now appear to be scrambling to provide a portrait of a mildly ill commander-in-chief. But on Friday, medical officials were concerned about his vitals and thought it would be better to monitor his response with the vast resources that Walter Reed National Military Medical Center provided. Trump was told the facility was a more prudent place for him to be in case his condition deteriorated.
"The White House is fully committed to providing transparent and regular updates on the President's condition and recovery," Judd Deere, a White House spokesman, said in a statement. A decision was made by senior officials to schedule his departure after markets closed to avoid an inevitable tumble, two people familiar with the matter said.
It's possible Trump is absolutely fine and will be discharged tomorrow. But considering his age and the fact that he's morbidly obese, it's not particularly likely - not even with the best health care on the planet.
It's more plausible he's bored and petulant and wants to go home and get back to presidentin' - and the doctors will accommodate his whims until he needs medical attention again towards the end of the week.
It takes real talent to nuke your own health, the health of your support staff, and of your party leaders, and your campaign staff in the critical month right before an election.
The mini movie the president made to mark his discharge from the hospital is already out. https://t.co/CWpj6sMgZF— Kelly O'Donnell (@KellyO) October 6, 2020
The mini movie the president made to mark his discharge from the hospital is already out. https://t.co/CWpj6sMgZF
They never managed to beat the two-party system: what makes you think you can pic.twitter.com/aAHnkcbr6j— Edmund Griffiths (@EdmundGriffiths) October 4, 2020
They never managed to beat the two-party system: what makes you think you can pic.twitter.com/aAHnkcbr6j
< wipes tears >
I had been idly perplexed as to who agreed to this formula and how insidiously, "commonly" that message came to connote ahh "disturbing" broadcast images, but not linear ICONOGRAPHY even the written word.
Thanks for this insight.
Pitch in $5 to help this campaign fly. https://t.co/CqHAId0j8t pic.twitter.com/NbkPl0a8HV— Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) October 8, 2020
Pitch in $5 to help this campaign fly. https://t.co/CqHAId0j8t pic.twitter.com/NbkPl0a8HV
Article written in anticipation of Pence testing positive for Coronavirus.https://t.co/kQVOf5bMo0— Gaardus (@Gaardus) October 8, 2020
Article written in anticipation of Pence testing positive for Coronavirus.https://t.co/kQVOf5bMo0
Vatican court hears graphic description of sexual abuse https://t.co/4jBJp2TtOe pic.twitter.com/lR1qnkavhu— Reuters (@Reuters) October 14, 2020
Vatican court hears graphic description of sexual abuse https://t.co/4jBJp2TtOe pic.twitter.com/lR1qnkavhu
WATCH: Should employers pay for the extra costs of working from home, covering not just coffee and toilet paper but also home heating and electricity? https://t.co/mGeUUPkkq0 pic.twitter.com/l1TL61sEfR— Reuters (@Reuters) October 17, 2020
WATCH: Should employers pay for the extra costs of working from home, covering not just coffee and toilet paper but also home heating and electricity? https://t.co/mGeUUPkkq0 pic.twitter.com/l1TL61sEfR
Wait, not terrorists, that was way back when.
Greta? Brexit? Covid?
NBER's (@nberpubs) website has leapt forward 20+ years with its new redesign:https://t.co/t6K7lxgFdM— Joshua Goodman (@JoshuaSGoodman) October 20, 2020
NBER's (@nberpubs) website has leapt forward 20+ years with its new redesign:https://t.co/t6K7lxgFdM
pic.twitter.com/A1sAfxmeGy— El infame Sergacabra (@FantomasSerg) October 21, 2020
pic.twitter.com/A1sAfxmeGy
Covid-19 makes us think about our mortality. Our brains aren't designed for that. https://t.co/ofFrHjt6gL— The Washington Post (@washingtonpost) October 4, 2020
Covid-19 makes us think about our mortality. Our brains aren't designed for that. https://t.co/ofFrHjt6gL
The entirety of art and literature is gonna be so surprised to hear this. https://t.co/rsru86BAiw— Lauren Hough (@laurenthehough) October 4, 2020
The entirety of art and literature is gonna be so surprised to hear this. https://t.co/rsru86BAiw
The most successful theoretical mechanism for extending the Big Bang has been cosmic inflation
The dispute about Penrose's idea is just a typical scientific dispute. It will be a footnote--at best--in textbooks a couple of decades from now.
The U.S. Supreme Court on Tuesday has, for now, stopped the once-a-decade head count of every U.S. resident from continuing through the end of October >> https://t.co/hrorevr4t2— Tramon (@Tramon_WBAL) October 13, 2020
The U.S. Supreme Court on Tuesday has, for now, stopped the once-a-decade head count of every U.S. resident from continuing through the end of October >> https://t.co/hrorevr4t2
Now, hold on to your hats for RE-DRAW LITIGATION2021!
Whoever did not want to be found most certainly will not be counted. They will be estimated as is the custom. Bank on it.
The court's announcement teed up oral arguments in the case for Nov. 30, an ACCELERATED timeline that paves the way for a potential decision before the Census Bureau is set to deliver the population counts to Trump's desk at the end of the year.
Trump v New York
WHAT WAS THE QUESTION? (1) Whether a group of states and local governments have standing under Article III of the Constitution to challenge a July 21, 2020, memorandum by President Donald Trump instructing the secretary of commerce to include in his report on the 2020 census information enabling the president to exclude ["]noncitizens["] from the base population number for purposes of apportioning seats in the House of Representatives; and (2) whether the memorandum is a permissible exercise of the president's discretion under the provisions of law governing congressional apportionment.
NO, NO, LOL. btw, For all the agita forthcoming the 9th associate justice, don't expect an opinion before 2 Jan 2021 or even 30 Jan--allowing a new admin DOJ to moot the petition and decision.
Back From the Supreme Court, House Pushes DC Circuit for Trump [TAXES]
For U.S. Circuit Judge David Tatel, however, the more prudent move would be to wait until after the next Congress convenes on Jan. 3.
BULLETIN
"The policy which the presidential memorandum attempts to enact has already been rejected by the Constitution, the applicable statutes and 230 years of history," the panel wrote in a 93-page summary judgment
There are also concerns about the quality of the data obtained. [...] Census Bureau director Steven Dillingham said Monday that a first look at the data collection operation indicates "an extremely successful execution." He noted that the 67% self-response rate this year was higher than the 66.5% reached during the [NO CITIZENSHIP Q] 2010 census. [...] Civil rights groups and others are pushing [BWAH!] Congress to extend the bureau's deadline for turning in apportionment numbers for congressional seats from Dec. 31 to the end of next April.
Support for Barrett has risen eighteen points among Democrats, a clear sign that the hearings were a failure and a net gain for Barrett, McConnell and Republicans. Democrats signaled business as usual and lent legitimacy to an illegitimate process. https://t.co/aiRIs16yOZ— Adam Jentleson 🎈 (@AJentleson) October 21, 2020
Support for Barrett has risen eighteen points among Democrats, a clear sign that the hearings were a failure and a net gain for Barrett, McConnell and Republicans. Democrats signaled business as usual and lent legitimacy to an illegitimate process. https://t.co/aiRIs16yOZ
Seit den 80er-Jahren haben Gerichte sechsmal Nachbarschaftszoff rund um Gartenzwerge entschieden. Im Februar 2018 gab es nun einen siebten Fall. Das Amtsgericht München hatte zu klären, ob ein Wohnungseigentümer in seinem Garten einen Fan-Zwerg des Fußballvereins TSV 1860 München aufstellen darf. Ja, sagte das Gericht. In der Vergangenheit gab es aber auch Fälle, in denen Gerichte das Aufstellen einer Figur im Garten untersagt haben.
But it was Republicans who reached for the so-called nuclear option four years ago in response to a Democratic filibusterer [sic] of then-Judge Neil Gorsuch's nomination
A New York court has upheld a trial judge's ruling tossing out state fraud charges against former Trump campaign chairman Paul Manaforthttps://t.co/NmK8SzhAUo— POLITICO (@politico) October 22, 2020
A New York court has upheld a trial judge's ruling tossing out state fraud charges against former Trump campaign chairman Paul Manaforthttps://t.co/NmK8SzhAUo
Some lawyers and analysts said the state charges appeared to be a kind of insurance policy against a potential Trump pardon of Manafort. The New York case could not prevent Trump from granting clemency, but the new prosecution would have kept the pressure on Manafort to explain any knowledge he had of wrongdoing by Trump.
archived Mann Act revival
His efforts revealed to him that voter suppression exists not just in red states but in ["]blue["] states like New York, as well, he said.
"Jeez. The reason I was able to stay sequestered in my home is because some Black woman was able to stack the grocery shelf." -Joe "a lil racism is fine" Biden pic.twitter.com/LMqu7zE9g3— Nate's Liver - Commentary (@SilERabbit) October 5, 2020
"Jeez. The reason I was able to stay sequestered in my home is because some Black woman was able to stack the grocery shelf." -Joe "a lil racism is fine" Biden pic.twitter.com/LMqu7zE9g3
Microsoft denies U.S. suggestion that diversity commitments may be illegal https://t.co/1L46HaIP4Z pic.twitter.com/ZrXi8Hb8I6— Reuters (@Reuters) October 6, 2020
Microsoft denies U.S. suggestion that diversity commitments may be illegal https://t.co/1L46HaIP4Z pic.twitter.com/ZrXi8Hb8I6
When asked for comment, a spokesperson for the Biden transition said only that the team is not making any personnel decisions before the Nov. 3 election, but stressed that "diversity of ideology and background is a core value of the transition."
The president wants to help black people succeed President Obama's Commencement Address at Morehouse College
meanwhile 30 Philadelphia officers injured, one run over by truck, in protests after police fatally shoot Black man
"Third World" refugee here. I have a PhD in English and I won a Pulitzer Prize in Fiction. What have you done? @LaurenWitzkeDE https://t.co/QLS8pRToKq— viet thanh nguyen (@viet_t_nguyen) October 10, 2020
"Third World" refugee here. I have a PhD in English and I won a Pulitzer Prize in Fiction. What have you done? @LaurenWitzkeDE https://t.co/QLS8pRToKq
Let the debate of the dueling morons commence!
Popcorn all around!
Almost the whole country is in the "Uncontrolled Spread" category https:/t.co/BuuW28dyJl 1 pic.twitter.com/sVPx8Tncp5— Eric Topol (@EricTopol) October 18, 2020
Almost the whole country is in the "Uncontrolled Spread" category https:/t.co/BuuW28dyJl 1 pic.twitter.com/sVPx8Tncp5
RED WAVE!— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 8, 2018
RED WAVE!
Deaths, hospitalizations and at least 68 COVID-19 cases after weeklong church event At least two people are dead, four hospitalized and at least 68 positive cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed following a weeklong convocation event at a church in North Carolina. The week of events took place at the United House of Prayer for All People in Charlotte, North Carolina.
At least two people are dead, four hospitalized and at least 68 positive cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed following a weeklong convocation event at a church in North Carolina.
The week of events took place at the United House of Prayer for All People in Charlotte, North Carolina.
North Carolina church ordered to close temporarily in wake of deadly COVID-19 outbreak | ABC News | Health officials said they temporarily shut down a North Carolina church after it was connected to massive coronavirus outbreak that resulted in at least three deaths and more than 100 infections. The Mecklenburg County Health Department ordered United House of Prayer for All People in Charlotte to close for two weeks, halting in-person gatherings. The church's week-long convocation led to an estimated 121 COVID-19 infections across three counties, according to a department statement.
Health officials said they temporarily shut down a North Carolina church after it was connected to massive coronavirus outbreak that resulted in at least three deaths and more than 100 infections.
The Mecklenburg County Health Department ordered United House of Prayer for All People in Charlotte to close for two weeks, halting in-person gatherings. The church's week-long convocation led to an estimated 121 COVID-19 infections across three counties, according to a department statement.
US signs anti-abortion declaration with group of largely authoritarian governments | The Guardian | The US has today signed an anti-abortion declaration with a group of about 30 largely illiberal or authoritarian governments, after the failure of an effort to expand the conservative coalition. ... The "core supporters" of the declaration are Brazil, Egypt, Hungary, Indonesia and Uganda, and the 27 other signatories include Belarus (where security forces are currently trying to suppress a women-led protest movement), Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, Iraq, Sudan, South Sudan, Libya.
The US has today signed an anti-abortion declaration with a group of about 30 largely illiberal or authoritarian governments, after the failure of an effort to expand the conservative coalition.
... The "core supporters" of the declaration are Brazil, Egypt, Hungary, Indonesia and Uganda, and the 27 other signatories include Belarus (where security forces are currently trying to suppress a women-led protest movement), Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, Iraq, Sudan, South Sudan, Libya.
Secretary Pompeo said in his remarks, "Under President Trump's leadership, the United States has defended the dignity of human life everywhere and always. He's done it like no other President in history. We've also mounted an unprecedented defense of the unborn abroad. ... Today, we're taking the next step, as we sign the Geneva Consensus Declaration. At its very core, the Declaration protects women's health, defends the unborn, and reiterates the vital importance of the family as the foundation of society."
So Trump and his Cabinet are pro-life? 😖
An estimated 299,028 excess deaths occurred from late Jan through Oct 3, 2020, with 198,081 (66%) excess deaths attributed to COVID-19. The largest percentage increases were seen among adults aged 25-44 years and among Hispanic or Latino persons. [_link]— Athalia Christie (@AthaliaChristie) October 20, 2020
An estimated 299,028 excess deaths occurred from late Jan through Oct 3, 2020, with 198,081 (66%) excess deaths attributed to COVID-19. The largest percentage increases were seen among adults aged 25-44 years and among Hispanic or Latino persons. [_link]
Azerbaijan's second-largest city, Ganja, has been shelled by Armenian forces, as heavy clashes continue over the disputed Nagorno-Karabakh region. The enclave is officially part of Azerbaijan but run by ethnic Armenians. The self-proclaimed authorities there say they hit Ganja's military airport after Azerbaijani forces shelled the region's capital, Stepanakert. Azerbaijan says no Ganja military sites were hit. More than 220 people have died since clashes began a week ago. Armenia and Azerbaijan went to war over Nagorno-Karabakh in 1988-94, eventually declaring a ceasefire. However, they have never reached a settlement over the dispute.
The enclave is officially part of Azerbaijan but run by ethnic Armenians.
The self-proclaimed authorities there say they hit Ganja's military airport after Azerbaijani forces shelled the region's capital, Stepanakert.
Azerbaijan says no Ganja military sites were hit. More than 220 people have died since clashes began a week ago.
Armenia and Azerbaijan went to war over Nagorno-Karabakh in 1988-94, eventually declaring a ceasefire. However, they have never reached a settlement over the dispute.
Pope says free market, 'trickle-down' policies fail society https://t.co/SXspIzdoJJ pic.twitter.com/aTkVPygG3w— Reuters (@Reuters) October 4, 2020
Pope says free market, 'trickle-down' policies fail society https://t.co/SXspIzdoJJ pic.twitter.com/aTkVPygG3w
In China there are a lot of problems, but at the moment, the Chinese, the party state, has proven an extraordinary ability to change. I mean, I make the joke: In America you can change political parties, but you can't change the policies; in China you cannot change the party, but you can change policies. So in the sixty-five or sixty-six years China's been run by one single party. Yet the political changes that have taken place in China, in this past sixty-six years have been wider and broader and greater probably than any other major country in modern memory. China is a market economy, and it's a vibrant market economy, but it is not a capitalist country. Here's why: There's no way a group of billionaires can control the Politburo as billionaires control American policy-making. So in China you have a vibrant market economy, but capital does not rise above political authority. Capital does not have enshrined rights. In America capital, the interests of capital and capital itself, has risen above the American nation. The political authority cannot check the power of capital. And that's why America is a capitalist country, but China is not.
The Court of Appeal granted the Nicolas Maduro-backed Banco Central de Venezuela's (BCV) appeal and set aside July's High Court judgement [...] Monday's decision means the case now goes back to the High Court for it to determine more definitively which of the two rival leaders is in charge.
BREAKING: England's Appeals Court rules in FAVOUR of the Venezuelan Bolivarian government of Nicolas Maduro and the consideration of the return of $1 billion in gold de facto stolen by Andrew Bailey's Bank of England after Boris Johnson backed coup leader Juan Guaido. pic.twitter.com/bPX11TocdN— Afshin Rattansi (@afshinrattansi) October 5, 2020
BREAKING: England's Appeals Court rules in FAVOUR of the Venezuelan Bolivarian government of Nicolas Maduro and the consideration of the return of $1 billion in gold de facto stolen by Andrew Bailey's Bank of England after Boris Johnson backed coup leader Juan Guaido. pic.twitter.com/bPX11TocdN
Inexplicably the WTO decides NOT to be run by someone who campaigned hard to take his country out of the world's most successful single trade market 😀https://t.co/KyCxgJC6vK— Alex Taylor (@AlexTaylorNews) October 8, 2020
Inexplicably the WTO decides NOT to be run by someone who campaigned hard to take his country out of the world's most successful single trade market 😀https://t.co/KyCxgJC6vK
EU backs Nigerian candidate for WTO leadership, EU official says https://t.co/fNXZqXt3ts pic.twitter.com/oGwdl5AU7u— Reuters (@Reuters) October 26, 2020
EU backs Nigerian candidate for WTO leadership, EU official says https://t.co/fNXZqXt3ts pic.twitter.com/oGwdl5AU7u
The leadership race for the World Trade Organization PLUNGED to uncertainty after the United States opposed the appointment of former Nigerian finance minister Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala as its head https://t.co/eJqptDkfnS pic.twitter.com/58bjf2EHKk— Reuters (@Reuters) October 29, 2020
The leadership race for the World Trade Organization PLUNGED to uncertainty after the United States opposed the appointment of former Nigerian finance minister Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala as its head https://t.co/eJqptDkfnS pic.twitter.com/58bjf2EHKk
Deepest thanks @NobelPrize for honouring the World Food Programme with the 2020 #NobelPeacePrize.This is a powerful reminder to the world that peace and #ZeroHunger go hand-in-hand. [_link]— World Food Programme (@WFP) October 9, 2020
Deepest thanks @NobelPrize for honouring the World Food Programme with the 2020 #NobelPeacePrize.This is a powerful reminder to the world that peace and #ZeroHunger go hand-in-hand. [_link]
1. Big news out of Canada: Abu Huzayfah has been arresten on a terrorist "hoax" charge. The narrative tension of our podcast "Caliphate" is the question of whether his account is true. In Chapter 6 we explain the conflicting strands of his story, and what we can and can't confirm [_link]— Rukmini Callimachi (@rcallimachi) September 25, 2020
1. Big news out of Canada: Abu Huzayfah has been arresten on a terrorist "hoax" charge. The narrative tension of our podcast "Caliphate" is the question of whether his account is true. In Chapter 6 we explain the conflicting strands of his story, and what we can and can't confirm [_link]
Story in Gray Zone ...
Fake news hoax exposed: NY Times podcast star lied about joining ISIS The real Abu Huzayfah al-Kanadi has been identified as a 25-year-old man living in Toronto named Shehroze Chaudhry. He was arrested by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) on September 25, and faces up to five years in prison under Canada's terrorism hoax laws. Callimachi has earned fame by marketing herself as a journalistic expert on ISIS and violent Islamist extremism.
The real Abu Huzayfah al-Kanadi has been identified as a 25-year-old man living in Toronto named Shehroze Chaudhry. He was arrested by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) on September 25, and faces up to five years in prison under Canada's terrorism hoax laws.
Callimachi has earned fame by marketing herself as a journalistic expert on ISIS and violent Islamist extremism.
FREE UNLOCKED new Radio @TheWarNerd--we talked to Nagorno-Karabakh journalist @LikaZakaryan about life under bombardment in Stepanakert, the capital of Artsakh. This ep is open to all, courtesy of our great RWN subscribers.https://t.co/Zw2W4S1cYx— Mark Ames (@MarkAmesExiled) October 13, 2020
FREE UNLOCKED new Radio @TheWarNerd--we talked to Nagorno-Karabakh journalist @LikaZakaryan about life under bombardment in Stepanakert, the capital of Artsakh. This ep is open to all, courtesy of our great RWN subscribers.https://t.co/Zw2W4S1cYx
Yazidi mothers of ISIS children face impossible choices | Arab Weekly |
After Isis, Yazidi women forced to leave their children behind | The Guardian |
The Middle-East wars and unseen suffering after Western war parties abandoned the region.
Non-lethal Assistance and the Syrian Conflict: Lessons from the Netherlands
Obama authorizes secret support for Syrian rebels | Reuter- August 2012 |
Netherlands puts Syria on notice for human rights abuses | DW - Sept. 19, 2020 |
After assistence and funding of Jihadist rebel groups to overthrow Bashir Assad ...
Dutch minister refuses US offer to help repatriate ISIS women and their children in Syria | Kurdistan24 |
My earlier diary about the Yazidi religion ...
Bombing The Iraqi Minorities Back to the Stone Age 'Sapere aude'
Thank you to all of our incredible supporters who gave us their votes. We couldn't have done it without you. Now, let's keep moving ⏩ pic.twitter.com/2hXTSsaKYe— New Zealand Labour (@nzlabour) October 17, 2020
Thank you to all of our incredible supporters who gave us their votes. We couldn't have done it without you. Now, let's keep moving ⏩ pic.twitter.com/2hXTSsaKYe
Election 2020: 'Back to work,' says Ardern 'Sapere aude'
With 50% of vote counted Jacinda Ardern's Labour is on track to win the first outright majority of any party since New Zealand adopted its current electoral system in 1996 #NZElection2020 pic.twitter.com/CE7RmqHQaw— Helen Sullivan (@helenrsullivan) October 17, 2020
With 50% of vote counted Jacinda Ardern's Labour is on track to win the first outright majority of any party since New Zealand adopted its current electoral system in 1996 #NZElection2020 pic.twitter.com/CE7RmqHQaw
A Consensus Builder In South Pacific
Jacinda Ardern considers coalition despite New Zealand election landslide | The Guardian | Ardern's party won the highest percentage of the vote in more than five decades, claiming 64 seats in parliament, with her handling of the Covid-19 crisis regarded as decisive in her win. Ardern said new talent coming into the Labour caucus included GPs, a midwife and an infectious disease expert, which would inform her decision on who would take over the crucial health portfolio. ... Green party co-leaders James Shaw and Marama Davidson have confirmed they spoke to Ardern. The party won 10 seats in parliament - two more than the previous election - and is hoping to be invited to join her government - pushing it further to the left.
Ardern's party won the highest percentage of the vote in more than five decades, claiming 64 seats in parliament, with her handling of the Covid-19 crisis regarded as decisive in her win.
Ardern said new talent coming into the Labour caucus included GPs, a midwife and an infectious disease expert, which would inform her decision on who would take over the crucial health portfolio.
... Green party co-leaders James Shaw and Marama Davidson have confirmed they spoke to Ardern. The party won 10 seats in parliament - two more than the previous election - and is hoping to be invited to join her government - pushing it further to the left.
70 maps that explain America
America has become a gerontocracy. We must change that 'Sapere aude'
Jami-Lee Ross is out of Parliament after Saturday's election results [_link] The Advance NZ co-leader joined @TovaOBrien on @NewshubNationNZ and was asked if he has any regrets - see the full interview unfold. #Decision20 pic.twitter.com/jIkSnFeWyz— Newshub (@NewshubNZ) October 17, 2020
Jami-Lee Ross is out of Parliament after Saturday's election results [_link] The Advance NZ co-leader joined @TovaOBrien on @NewshubNationNZ and was asked if he has any regrets - see the full interview unfold. #Decision20 pic.twitter.com/jIkSnFeWyz
National had an annus horribilus with several scandals and three leaders in quick succession, and collapsed to a level I can confidently say without looking it up, is their lowest since the party was formed nearly a century ago : 27% and 35 seats.
The ACT party, NZ's hard right, went from 1 to 10 MPs (on 8% of the vote). A natural reaction to National's hopelessness, but a danger for the future. Socially conservative, not overtly racist but extreme neolibs.
The Greens were very junior coalition partners in the outgoing government, and I feared they might get eliminated by the 5% threshold; but it seems that some voters of the left realised that Labour was heading for a landslide and voted to keep them in the game : 7.5% and 10 MPs, up two. This is the first time a minor party has survived coalition without being punished, and bodes well for the future. Also, smart young queer Chloe Swarbrick won my electorate of central Auckland (a crucial insurance policy agains the 5% electoral threshold for the party), and the world is a better place for it.
New Zealand First, not so much a centrist party as a wild-card party, has been wiped out. As its charismatic leader, who has been deputy Prime Minister with both left and right, is 75 and in poor health, this looks like the end, and good riddance.
Ardern is not commiting to a new coalition with the Greens; she's got the numbers to govern alone, and they would be foolish to accept whatever very poor offer she might eventually make. They need to be in opposition. Ardern's actual record is actually pretty poor, and not discernably progressive; her program for the next three years is not going to be any better.
A good wrap-up It is rightly acknowledged that people of faith have no monopoly of virtue - Queen Elizabeth II
My own political consciousness starts in 1972 with a big Labour win; that government was progressive but short-lived. I participated in the biggish win of 1984, but that ended very badly indeed, as the rudderless Labour government was hijacked by the free-market loonies who subsequently formed the ACT party. Hence my low expectations for the next few years. It is rightly acknowledged that people of faith have no monopoly of virtue - Queen Elizabeth II
New Zealanders rank climate change above Covid this election
It wasn't Maori lucky charm ...
How Science Helped Jacinda Ardern, Labor Party Dominate New Zealand Election, Control Covid-19 Coronavirus | Forbes |
COVID-19 in New Zealand and the impact of the national response: a descriptive epidemiological study | The Lancet |
Jacinda Ardern has shown inspiring leadership. 'Sapere aude'
Green Party delegates will vote on whether to accept a proposed deal with Labour at 4pm today. Several rounds of talks on potential areas of cooperation between the two parties concluded on Thursday. Neither side has said what exactly was on the table, but RNZ understands Greens co-leader James Shaw has been offered the climate-change portfolio.
Several rounds of talks on potential areas of cooperation between the two parties concluded on Thursday.
Neither side has said what exactly was on the table, but RNZ understands Greens co-leader James Shaw has been offered the climate-change portfolio.
Waiting for the details to leak.
Delegates have voted to accept a deal with Labour which will give it two ministerial portfolios outside of cabinet.
See my earlier expression of hope and trust in PM Jacinda Ardern on this thread. 😊 🌿 'Sapere aude'
Election glitch in 2019 'Sapere aude'
At the grand strategic level, evidence suggests there is no trade off: Countries that were unable to control their corona outbreaks have tended to suffer the most economic painhttps://t.co/8eeCfPQsxl pic.twitter.com/R3wHF66n2t— Adam Tooze (@adam_tooze) October 19, 2020
At the grand strategic level, evidence suggests there is no trade off: Countries that were unable to control their corona outbreaks have tended to suffer the most economic painhttps://t.co/8eeCfPQsxl pic.twitter.com/R3wHF66n2t
Abdullakh Anzorov, Paty's killer 'was in contact with jihadist in Syria | The Guardian | Le Parisien newspaper reported that Anzorov had contact with an as yet unidentified Russian-speaking jihadist in Syria who was located through an IP address that had been traced back to Idlib, a jihadist holdout in north-western Syria (Idlib). FranceInfoTV said the killer, who arrived in France aged six with his Chechen parents and had been granted asylum and a residence permit until 2030.
Le Parisien newspaper reported that Anzorov had contact with an as yet unidentified Russian-speaking jihadist in Syria who was located through an IP address that had been traced back to Idlib, a jihadist holdout in north-western Syria (Idlib).
FranceInfoTV said the killer, who arrived in France aged six with his Chechen parents and had been granted asylum and a residence permit until 2030.
A Western alliance making war against the Soviets Russians at their frontier ... a set policy of NATO.
Omar the Chechen: The notorious, red-bearded IS commander | MEE | A fierce, battle-hardened warlord with roots in Georgia and a thick red beard, Omar al-Shishani is one of the most notorious faces of the Islamic State group. Shishani comes from the Pankisi Gorge region that is populated mainly by ethnic Chechens. He fought as a Chechen rebel against Russian forces before joining the Georgian military in 2006, and fought Russian forces again in Georgia in 2008. He resurfaced in northern Syria in 2012 as the leader of a battalion of foreign fighters, said Aymenn Jawad Al-Tamimi, research fellow at the Middle East Forum, a US think-tank.
A fierce, battle-hardened warlord with roots in Georgia and a thick red beard, Omar al-Shishani is one of the most notorious faces of the Islamic State group.
Shishani comes from the Pankisi Gorge region that is populated mainly by ethnic Chechens.
He fought as a Chechen rebel against Russian forces before joining the Georgian military in 2006, and fought Russian forces again in Georgia in 2008.
He resurfaced in northern Syria in 2012 as the leader of a battalion of foreign fighters, said Aymenn Jawad Al-Tamimi, research fellow at the Middle East Forum, a US think-tank.
Boston bombers: retribution for US wars
Dutch fund Syrian Jihadist spokesperson because these terror groups were allied with the West to remove Bashir Assad as president of Syria.
Dutch Gov't Admits Support for Salafist Jihadists in Syria 'Sapere aude'
According to Goldman's admissions and court documents, between approximately 2009 and 2014, Goldman conspired with others to violate the FCPA by engaging in a scheme to pay more than $1.6 billion in bribes, directly and indirectly, to foreign officials in Malaysia and Abu Dhabi in order to obtain and retain business for Goldman from 1MDB, a Malaysian state-owned and state-controlled fund created to pursue investment and development projects for the economic benefit of Malaysia and its people.
Libya's rival forces sign permanent ceasefire at UN-sponsored talks | The Guardian | Rival forces in Libya have agreed a permanent nationwide ceasefire including the departure of all foreign fighters and mercenaries from the country for a minimum of three months. "The parties have signed a complete countrywide permanent agreement with immediate effect. The parties agreed to the departure of all mercenaries and foreign fighters from Libyan territory, air, land and seas for three months." Military trainers will also leave. The main frontline is between Sirte on the coast and Al Jufrah in central Libya. The ceasefire includes the full opening of land and air routes, efforts to curb hate speech, an exchange of prisoners and plans to reconstruct the Petroleum Facilities Guard, an oil company and militia body linked to the eastern warlord General Khalifa Haftar that is seen as a threat to the stable flow of oil from Libya. ... The surprisingly high level of progress in Geneva means the focus now shifts to whether the external actors will end the supply of arms to the warring factions, and agree to withdraw their troops. Turkey has sent as many as 4,000 Syrian mercenaries [Jihadists from Idlib] to support the UN-recognised government in Tripoli headed by the prime minister, Fayez al-Sarraj. Mercenaries from the Wagner Group, a Russian paramilitary organisation, have supported general Haftar, and a steady flow of weaponry has been sent by the United Arab Emirates in blatant breach of the UN arms embargo.
Rival forces in Libya have agreed a permanent nationwide ceasefire including the departure of all foreign fighters and mercenaries from the country for a minimum of three months.
"The parties have signed a complete countrywide permanent agreement with immediate effect. The parties agreed to the departure of all mercenaries and foreign fighters from Libyan territory, air, land and seas for three months." Military trainers will also leave.
The main frontline is between Sirte on the coast and Al Jufrah in central Libya.
The ceasefire includes the full opening of land and air routes, efforts to curb hate speech, an exchange of prisoners and plans to reconstruct the Petroleum Facilities Guard, an oil company and militia body linked to the eastern warlord General Khalifa Haftar that is seen as a threat to the stable flow of oil from Libya.
... The surprisingly high level of progress in Geneva means the focus now shifts to whether the external actors will end the supply of arms to the warring factions, and agree to withdraw their troops.
Turkey has sent as many as 4,000 Syrian mercenaries [Jihadists from Idlib] to support the UN-recognised government in Tripoli headed by the prime minister, Fayez al-Sarraj. Mercenaries from the Wagner Group, a Russian paramilitary organisation, have supported general Haftar, and a steady flow of weaponry has been sent by the United Arab Emirates in blatant breach of the UN arms embargo.
The world of military arms sales is crashing in on itself. The current war that's raging in the Caucus involves: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Turkey, America, Russia, and Israel. pic.twitter.com/Es5hbu95gz— Ettie 🇵🇸🕊 (@BengxlChai) October 5, 2020
The world of military arms sales is crashing in on itself. The current war that's raging in the Caucus involves: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Turkey, America, Russia, and Israel. pic.twitter.com/Es5hbu95gz
Arms, oil and Iran - Israel's role in Nagorno-Karabakh | Mondoweiss | 'Sapere aude'
Turkey and Qatar's brotherhood of the boycotted | The National | Turkish contractors in the Middle East have lost an estimated $3 billion in the past year, the head of the Turkish Contractors Union noted last week. Fashion retailers Mango and Zara are looking to move production out of Turkey because Saudis and other Gulf citizens are refusing to buy clothes made there. ... When Turkey faced a sharp economic downturn in 2018, Qatar fast-tracked a $3bn currency swap and $15bn in investment. Trade between the two leapt 85 per cent that year. More recently, Turkey has expanded its military footprint, opening a new base outside Doha last year that hosts 5,000 Turkish troops. "The Turkish military presence in the Arab Gulf is an emergency," the UAE's Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Dr Anwar Gargash, said last week. Sheikh Tamim says he views Erdogan as a father In Libya, where Turkey and Qatar back the Tripoli-based Government of National Accord, Mr Erdogan last week questioned the credibility of the latest ceasefire, suggesting that the civil war there is set to continue for some time. Sudan's allies in the Gulf have sought to counter any Turkish influence there for years, and the recent decision of the transitional military council in Khartoum to normalise relations with Israel suggests that those efforts are proving successful. We applaud Sudan's decision to normalize relations with the state of Israel. President @realDonaldTrump's vision of peace, security, and prosperity in this region, and in the world is coming to fruition. pic.twitter.com/Bb3USiaF90— Secretary Pompeo (@SecPompeo) October 24, 2020
Turkish contractors in the Middle East have lost an estimated $3 billion in the past year, the head of the Turkish Contractors Union noted last week. Fashion retailers Mango and Zara are looking to move production out of Turkey because Saudis and other Gulf citizens are refusing to buy clothes made there.
... When Turkey faced a sharp economic downturn in 2018, Qatar fast-tracked a $3bn currency swap and $15bn in investment. Trade between the two leapt 85 per cent that year. More recently, Turkey has expanded its military footprint, opening a new base outside Doha last year that hosts 5,000 Turkish troops.
"The Turkish military presence in the Arab Gulf is an emergency," the UAE's Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Dr Anwar Gargash, said last week.
Sheikh Tamim says he views Erdogan as a father
In Libya, where Turkey and Qatar back the Tripoli-based Government of National Accord, Mr Erdogan last week questioned the credibility of the latest ceasefire, suggesting that the civil war there is set to continue for some time. Sudan's allies in the Gulf have sought to counter any Turkish influence there for years, and the recent decision of the transitional military council in Khartoum to normalise relations with Israel suggests that those efforts are proving successful.
We applaud Sudan's decision to normalize relations with the state of Israel. President @realDonaldTrump's vision of peace, security, and prosperity in this region, and in the world is coming to fruition. pic.twitter.com/Bb3USiaF90— Secretary Pompeo (@SecPompeo) October 24, 2020
We applaud Sudan's decision to normalize relations with the state of Israel. President @realDonaldTrump's vision of peace, security, and prosperity in this region, and in the world is coming to fruition. pic.twitter.com/Bb3USiaF90
* Updated result (22:58) With 90% of the votes counted, Apruebo has 78.24% while Rechazo has 21.76%.
* President Maduro reacts to preliminary results (22:30) The president of Venezuela, Nicolás Maduro, reacted to the preliminary results on the referendum. "The great avenues are now open to build a better society. Long live Chile! Long live Allende!"
Thousands of people celebrate the victory of Apruebo in Plaza Italia/Dignidad.#ChileDespertó[_link] pic.twitter.com/Ha3vzFzdsq— Chile Today News (@ChileTodayNews) October 26, 2020
Thousands of people celebrate the victory of Apruebo in Plaza Italia/Dignidad.#ChileDespertó[_link] pic.twitter.com/Ha3vzFzdsq
Celebrations as Chile votes by huge majority to scrap Pinochet-era constitution | The Guardian | 'Sapere aude'
A new constitution will not automatically resolve the many problems that prompted the recent crisis. But it should make the political process more legitimate in the eyes of many Chileans, force political elites to be more inclusive and accountable, as well as enabling politicians legislators to negotiate and implement necessary reforms of civil codes.
At least two people have died and at least 25 are missing after a powerful storm hit southern France and north-western Italy. Named Alex, it brought fierce winds and torrential rains causing severe floods. A number of villages suffered serious damage around the southern city of Nice. Its mayor described it as the worst flooding in living memory. In northern Italy, roads and bridges were swept away by floodwater, while several rivers overflowed their banks.
Named Alex, it brought fierce winds and torrential rains causing severe floods.
A number of villages suffered serious damage around the southern city of Nice. Its mayor described it as the worst flooding in living memory.
In northern Italy, roads and bridges were swept away by floodwater, while several rivers overflowed their banks.
The once "temperate" climate of Western Europe is becoming increasingly brutal.
Stenogrammitis myosuroides 'Sapere aude'
In 27 letters to national governments, EU Health and Food Safety Commissioner Stella Kyriakides demanded that EU countries "ensure immediate and full compliance with EU requirements" linked to the Farm to Fork strategy, which aims to make the food system more sustainable by 2030 as part of the Commission's flagship European Green Deal. "I would like to confirm our determination to take decisive legal action in case of systematic non-compliance," Kyriakides wrote in letters she sent to EU agriculture ministers in May, on the same day that the Commission unveiled its Farm to Fork strategy, which pegged lofty targets to reduce the risk and use of pesticides by 50 percent and revamp the EU's animal welfare legislation.
"I would like to confirm our determination to take decisive legal action in case of systematic non-compliance," Kyriakides wrote in letters she sent to EU agriculture ministers in May, on the same day that the Commission unveiled its Farm to Fork strategy, which pegged lofty targets to reduce the risk and use of pesticides by 50 percent and revamp the EU's animal welfare legislation.
Data is not available for all 27 EU countries, however. The letters the Commission sent to France, Croatia, Portugal and Romania were redacted of the parts containing specific warnings, when received by POLITICO. In an explanatory document accompanying the redacted letters, the Commission said it agreed to expunge key parts of these four letters at the countries' requests because revealing their content could "be detrimental to the serenity of the ongoing discussions" between Brussels and EU capitals. It could also "constitute a source of misperception in public opinion," the Commission wrote.
In an explanatory document accompanying the redacted letters, the Commission said it agreed to expunge key parts of these four letters at the countries' requests because revealing their content could "be detrimental to the serenity of the ongoing discussions" between Brussels and EU capitals. It could also "constitute a source of misperception in public opinion," the Commission wrote.
"detrimental to the serenity of the ongoing discussions", heh? Could it be related to Macron's government plan to re-introduce the once banned neonicotinoid pesticides?
French National Assembly to debate controversial neonicotinoid bill - Euractiv
MPs will debate today and tomorrow (5-6 October) the temporary re-authorisation of `bee-killer' insecticide neonicotinoid for the beet crop industry, a key sector of the French economy which has been in crisis for several months. Neonicotinoids were banned in 2018. France's former Environment Minister Nicolas Hulot declared in an interview with the Journal du Dimanche that the reintroduction of neonicotinoids was "not a solution [...] My foundation has estimated the losses for this year at 77 million for beet growers. Let's compensate them in exchange for the implementation of practices: longer rotations, reintroduction of hedges...".
Neonicotinoids were banned in 2018.
France's former Environment Minister Nicolas Hulot declared in an interview with the Journal du Dimanche that the reintroduction of neonicotinoids was "not a solution [...] My foundation has estimated the losses for this year at 77 million for beet growers. Let's compensate them in exchange for the implementation of practices: longer rotations, reintroduction of hedges...".
The 96-year-old Zilli Schmidt has made it her mission to tell the world what was done to the Romani people by the Nazi regime. She warns of contemporary parallels -- and strikes a chord with many of her listeners.It is September 2020 when Zilli Schmidt walks into Kulturhaus RomnoKher in the western German city of Mannheim, to attend a reading of her book about her memories as a survivor of the Auschwitz death camp. "Your visit is a gift," is a common expression of gratitude among the many people who turn out to greet her. The book is entitled God had plans for me: To keep alive the memory of the German Sinti and it tells of happy childhood days, as well as her incarceration, hunger, guards shooting at small children and mass murder. In an interview with DW, she explains that it is her mission to say what the Nazis did to the Sinti, one of Europe's Romani tribes. "They were all gassed, my entire family, all my people." She says all the talk after the war was about the Shoah: "The Jews were all sent to the gas chambers. And all the Sinti are still alive?" She pauses: "Nobody was still alive."
It is September 2020 when Zilli Schmidt walks into Kulturhaus RomnoKher in the western German city of Mannheim, to attend a reading of her book about her memories as a survivor of the Auschwitz death camp. "Your visit is a gift," is a common expression of gratitude among the many people who turn out to greet her.
The book is entitled God had plans for me: To keep alive the memory of the German Sinti and it tells of happy childhood days, as well as her incarceration, hunger, guards shooting at small children and mass murder.
In an interview with DW, she explains that it is her mission to say what the Nazis did to the Sinti, one of Europe's Romani tribes. "They were all gassed, my entire family, all my people." She says all the talk after the war was about the Shoah: "The Jews were all sent to the gas chambers. And all the Sinti are still alive?" She pauses: "Nobody was still alive."
The Cellmate, produced by Chinese firm Qiui, is a cover that clamps on the base of the male genitals with a hardened steel ring, and does not have a physical key or manual override. The locking mechanism is controlled with a smartphone app via Bluetooth -- marketed as both an anti-cheating and a submission sex play device -- but security researchers have found multiple flaws that leave it vulnerable to hacking. "We discovered that remote attackers could prevent the Bluetooth lock from being opened, permanently locking the user in the device. There is no physical unlock," British security firm Pen Test Partners said Tuesday.
The locking mechanism is controlled with a smartphone app via Bluetooth -- marketed as both an anti-cheating and a submission sex play device -- but security researchers have found multiple flaws that leave it vulnerable to hacking.
"We discovered that remote attackers could prevent the Bluetooth lock from being opened, permanently locking the user in the device. There is no physical unlock," British security firm Pen Test Partners said Tuesday.
"Jacinda-mania has taken hold on the Left, but New Zealand's Prime Minister has pursued a disastrous Covid policy," writes @RossjournoClark https://t.co/bftD8m4Q95— The Telegraph (@Telegraph) October 17, 2020
"Jacinda-mania has taken hold on the Left, but New Zealand's Prime Minister has pursued a disastrous Covid policy," writes @RossjournoClark https://t.co/bftD8m4Q95
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Denial-satirical-novel-climate-change-ebook/dp/B08BWR1R9C 'Sapere aude'
Sputnik 1 ("Elementary Satellite 1") was the first artificial Earth satellite. The Soviet Union launched it into an elliptical low Earth orbit on 4 October 1957. It orbited for three weeks before its batteries died and then orbited silently for two months before it fell back into the atmosphere. It was 58 cm (23 in) in diameter and a polished metal sphere with four external radio antennas to broadcast radio pulses. Its radio signal was easily detectable by radio amateurs, and the 65° inclination and duration of its orbit made its flight path cover virtually the entire inhabited Earth. The satellite's unanticipated success precipitated the American Sputnik crisis and triggered the Space Race, part of the Cold War. The launch was the beginning of a new era of political, military, technological and scientific developments. The name "Sputnik" is Russian for spouse/traveling companion or satellite when interpreted in an astronomical context.
Indian fan who revered Trump as a God dies of cardiac arrest | The Hindu | An ardent fan of US President Donald J. Trump died of a massive cardiac arrest at Toopran in Medak district on Sunday. Bussa Krishna (32), a native of Konne village in Bacchannapet mandal of Jangaon district, was worried over Trump's health as soon as he heard that the US President tested COVID positive.
An ardent fan of US President Donald J. Trump died of a massive cardiac arrest at Toopran in Medak district on Sunday.
Bussa Krishna (32), a native of Konne village in Bacchannapet mandal of Jangaon district, was worried over Trump's health as soon as he heard that the US President tested COVID positive.
A friend shared this on fb and I can't stop laughing. This one's for you, fellow math nerds. pic.twitter.com/6DKINl2kg0— Michael Baym (@baym) October 21, 2020
A friend shared this on fb and I can't stop laughing. This one's for you, fellow math nerds. pic.twitter.com/6DKINl2kg0
Calling famous classical music composers just by their last names can be "harmful" nowadays, according to an article published in US liberal magazine Slate. The piece was instantly mocked online. [...] "What silliness at Slate!" one tweet read. "Dede isn't the musical equal of Beethoven. Fame not racism allows us to identify the composer by surname alone. That goes for Dante, Chaucer, Shakespeare, too. And artists and scientists like Picasso and Einstein, also."
[...]
"What silliness at Slate!" one tweet read. "Dede isn't the musical equal of Beethoven. Fame not racism allows us to identify the composer by surname alone. That goes for Dante, Chaucer, Shakespeare, too. And artists and scientists like Picasso and Einstein, also."
My Resignation From The InterceptThe same trends of repression, censorship and ideological homogeneity plaguing the national press generally have engulfed the media outlet I co-founded, culminating in censorship of my own articles.https://t.co/dZrlYGfEBf— Glenn Greenwald (@ggreenwald) October 29, 2020
My Resignation From The InterceptThe same trends of repression, censorship and ideological homogeneity plaguing the national press generally have engulfed the media outlet I co-founded, culminating in censorship of my own articles.https://t.co/dZrlYGfEBf
But the glaring irony that I'm being censored for the first time in my career -- and that it's being done by the news outlet that I created with the specific and explicit purpose of ensuring that journalists are never censored by their editors -- is disturbing to me in the extreme. What a healthy and confident news organization would do -- as the New York Times recently did with its own Pulitzer-winning 1619 Project -- is air the different views that journalists have about the evidence and let readers decide what they find convincing, not force everyone to adhere to a top-down editorial line and explicitly declare that any story that raises questions about Biden's conduct is barred from being published now that he's the Democratic nominee.
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