KBR, the former Haliburton subsidiary, is being sued for human trafficking of Nepali workers in Iraq. 13 Nepali men, between the ages of 18 and 27, were recruited in Nepal to work as kitchen staff in hotels and restaurants in Amman, Jordan. But once the men arrived in Jordan, their passports were seized and they were told they were being sent to a military facility in Iraq, said Agnieszka Fryszman of Cohen, Milstein, Hausfeld & Toll, the law firm that has brought the action against KBR.
KBR split from Haliburton in 2006 with all ties between the two companies completely severed in 2007. Vice President of the United States Dick Cheney was the CEO and Chairman of Haliburton from 1995 to 2000, when he resigned to run as George W. Bush's VP nominee. He recieved a severence package worth some $34 million.
This is far from the first time that Haliburton or KBR have come under fire, KBR have been accused of inflating prices when importing oil into Iraq and installing faulty wiring that led to the death of a US soldier by electrucution in a shower.
Full Story Here.
Thursday 28 August 2008
Wednesday 27 August 2008
Biden Wipes the Floor with John McCain in DNC speech
Senator Joe Biden gave what was easily the best speech of the night. The newly elected (by acclimation) Democratic VP nominee attacked John McCain saying that, "I profoundly disagree with the direction that John McCain wants to take this country in".
He acknowledged that McCain was his friend and had served his country well, but he said that McCain equals "not change [but] more of the same". He spoke of America's standing in the world, "the world used to trust us, and looked to us for leadership... Barack will restore that". Biden claimed that the "American Dream is slowly slipping away" and that it is "our responsibility to embrace change".
Biden said that "Barack Obama is the American story". Biden's wife brought out Barack Obama who appeared as a 'surprise' (the Huffington Post reported that he would hours ago). Obama said that he is "proud to have Biden family on this journey with me". Obama also said that President Clinton "reminds us of when a President puts people first".
Biden's speech ticked all the boxes, and then some. It was possibly the first to attack McCain and the Republicans in such an impassioned way, while still being respectfull and not turning to dirty politics. Our verdict: speech of the week (so far).
Biden Speech Reaction
Check out the reaction of MSNBC's Chris Matthews and Keith Olberman below. Matthews was very impressed by what Biden brings to the Obama campaign.
Bill Clinton "Join me, Hillary & Chelsea in voting for Obama"
Bill Clinton gave a speech that ticked all the boxes and put his full support behind Barack Obama. However, in my opinion, it was a fairly mediocre speech at best and John Kerry, who followed him, was much much better. Then again, Keith Olbermann says the speech was superbly delivered.
Barack Obama Claims Historic Nomination
Barack Obama is now officially the Democratic Presidential nominee. Hillary Clinton made the motion to stop the roll call and accept his nomination by acclimation.
Will Bill Back Barack?
So, we heard Hilary Clinton's endorsement of Barack Obama last night. Tonight, however, it's her husband President Bill Clinton's turn to take to the stage at the Democratic National Convention; and the Obama camp is likely shaking with anticipation.
President Clinton has was consistently accused of overstepping the line when attacking Obama during the primaries and is widely believed to still be pouting over Hilary's loss even now.
Speaking at a PUMA (People United Means Action, a political action committee) appearance he asked, "[what if] you have two candidates, candidate X and candidate Y, candidate X agrees with you on everything but you don't think that person can deliver on anything, candidate Y disagrees with you on half the issues, but you believe that on the other half the candidate will be able to deliver."
The question then is, what will Bill say when he reaches the podium. Barack Obama's VP nominee Joe Biden is the other principle speaker at the third night at the DNC.
Picture: dbking at Flikr
Tuesday 26 August 2008
Hilary Clinton: Send Obama to the White House
Hilary Clinton pulled off a tremendous speech at the Democratic National Convention today. With her husband Bill in the audience sat with Michelle Obama, Clinton said that, "McCain would squander the promise of a country that fulfils the dreams of its people... Barack Obama is my candidate and he must be our President".
She thanked her supporters and repeatedly spoke of women's rights. She asked her supporters "were you in it for me, or were you in it for the cancer sufferer, the single working mum, the marine?". She said that "after 8 years of George W. Bush people are hurting". Clinton suggested that Obama stood for the same things that she did, "there is not a moment to loose or vote to spare... this is why I ran for President and this is why I support Barack Obama".
The speech was pretty brilliant, you can see the (almost) line by line text of the speech at our Twitter page as we covered her speech live on Twitter.
The Political Analysts Verdict on Clinton's Speech
MSNBC Contributor and host of Radio Air America Rachel Maddow, soon to start her own show on MSNBC, said that by adding the third part of the speech, the 'why' she supports him, Senator Hilary Clinton suceeded in bringing most supporters over to Obama. Video below.
MSNBC stable-mate and Countdown host Keith Olberman agreed, whilst Chris Matthews called the performance "powerful as hell" Video below.
CBS News Political Correspondent Bob Schieffer said she made a"very effective attack" on the Republicans. Video below.
Also from MSNBC, Governor Bill Richardson who endorsed Barack Obama in March, (video below)...
...and Tom Brokaw. Video below.
MSNBC stable-mate and Countdown host Keith Olberman agreed, whilst Chris Matthews called the performance "powerful as hell" Video below.
CBS News Political Correspondent Bob Schieffer said she made a"very effective attack" on the Republicans. Video below.
Also from MSNBC, Governor Bill Richardson who endorsed Barack Obama in March, (video below)...
...and Tom Brokaw. Video below.
DNC Tribute to Senator Hilary Clinton
The warm tribute to Senator Hilary Clinton at the DNC before she spoke
The Convention: What's It All About?
Veteran US news correspondent Ted Coppel, of ABC News fame and currently managing editor of the Discovery Channel and contributing analyst to BBC World News America, takes a humorous look at what the Democratic Convention is really about.
Tonight at the Podium: Hillary Clinton
Hilary Clinton is to take to the stage tonight as Tuesday's principal speaker at the Democratic National Convention. The Obama team will be hoping that she says enough (and makes it believable) to bring her flock of die-hard HC supporters over the Obama.Some have suggested that Hilary may not be the problem, enter Bill. Bill Clinton will be one of the principal speakers on Wednesday, with Senator Joe Biden. The Obama campaign is likely to be biting their nails in anticipation of that one. Only a few days ago Bill Clinton was heard complimenting McCain's environmental credentials.
Tuesday's keynote speaker will be Mark Warner (right), former Governor of Virginia. However, he may be trouble for the Obama campaign himself. Warner is fighting for the seat of retiring Republican Senator John Warner and is doing so by painting himself as a centrist. In trying to woo independents, his words tonight may not go down to well with ordinary Democrats.
Pictures: Hilary Clinton in New Hampshire: Marc Nozell - http://commons.wikimedia.org; Mark Warner in Philadelphia: Forward Together PAC - http://commons.wikimedia.org
Russia Recognises Breakaway Georgian Regions
Russia's relations with the west plunged to their most critical point in a generation today when the Kremlin built on its military rout of Georgia by recognising the breakaway provinces of South Ossetia and Abkhazia as independent states.
Declaring that if his decision meant a new cold war, then so be it, President Dmitri Medvedev signed a decree conferring Russian recognition on Georgia's two secessionist regions. The move flouted UN Security Council resolutions and dismissed western insistence during the crisis of the past three weeks on respecting Georgia's territorial integrity and international borders.
Tonight, Medvedev accused Washington of shipping arms to Georgia under the guise of humanitarian aid.
Monday 25 August 2008
"Our children will tell their children how this time we listened to our hopes instead of our fears" - Michelle Obama at the DNC
Michelle Obama speaks at the DNC.
The first night at the Democratic Convention has ended, Dreaming of Simplicity will have live coverage of the second night tomorrow.
"Hope Rises Again and the Dream Lives On" - Senator Edward Kennedy at DNC
Senator Ted Kennedy speaks at the DNC. LIVE Coverage of DNC.
Keep up with DNC with Dreaming of Simplicity Twitter channel.
DNC Kicks Off
The Democratic National Convention has kicked off in Denver. Meanwhile, police have reportedly disrupted an Obama assassination plot and are to hold a press conference tomorrow. Full coverage of DNC at Dreaming of Simplicity.
Saturday 23 August 2008
Obama-Biden '08!
Remember that 3.am call? Well at 3.am this morning, Barack Obama supporters got the text that they had been waiting for.
"Barack has chosen Senator Joe Biden to be our VP nominee. Watch the first Obama-Biden rally live at 3pm ET on www.BarackObama.com. Spread the word!"
So, there it is, Delaware Senator Joe Biden will be Democratic Presidential candidate Obama's running mate.
So where does he stand on the issues? Let us have a look.
On...
- Crime - he supports rehabilitation and community policing
- Education - he supports teachers unions but also supports abstinence education. He is against student voucher systems and voluntary prayers in schools. He also supported the abolition of an education grant fro prisoners.
- Energy - he opposes drilling in the Arctic, supports the creation 0f a new treaty on climate change and supports the idea of a cap and trade scheme.
- Environment - he called for the US to be a part of UN climate change negotiations
- Gun control - he is pro-gun control scoring a healthy 'F' on the NRA's rankings.
- Immigration - he supports giving illegal immigrants a path to citizenship.
- Security - voted for the PATRIOT Act but voted to limit wire tapping. Supports restoration of habeas corpus for Gitmo detainees. 60% approval rating by ACLU indicating a mixed record.
- Economics - he is against Bush's tax cuts for the rich and supports a balanced budget. He is scored 100% by the AFL-CIO (American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations) indicating a pro-union record. One of the few Democrats that supported NAFTA. Supports funding for healthcare for all.
- Foreign policy - voted in favour of wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, has since withdrawn support for Iraq war. Supports repositioning troops to Sudan to end the Darfur genocide. Opposes abstinence only HIV-AIDS prevention programs. Strongly supports Israel and a two state solution. Supports sanctions on Iran but also proposes a sort of 'promise tree' (my words) that would show Iran what it could look forward to if it complied with American demands.
- Abortion - he has voted against parental notification, scored 100% by the NARAL Pro-Choice America but scored just 36% in 2003. Supports federal funding for stem-cell research.
- Drugs - he supports removing drug users from the prison system into specialist facilities and opposes stronger drug laws.
- LGBT rights - voted in favour of the Defence of Marriage Act but against the Federal Marriage Ammendment. Supports civil unions and adding sexual orientation to hate crime laws.
Friday 22 August 2008
Bayh, Kaine Not to be VP
It is being reported that both Indiana Senator Evan Bayh and Virginia Governor Tim Kaine have been told by Barack Obama that they are no longer in the running to be his VP. Fox News has reported that the text messages to Obama's supporters informing them of his choice will go out some time after 10.am Eastern Stand Time (14.00 GMT; 15.00 London Time - differs from GMT at the moment due to daylight saving).
Wednesday 20 August 2008
Georgia: Russia Rejects UN Resolution
Russia has rejected yet another United Nations resolution, while downgrading the death toll in South Ossetia. The Kremlin claims that 133 civilians are dead in South Ossetia, down from the 1,600 figure it originally gave.
George Bush has reiterated his call for Russia to respect Georgian territorial integrity and said, "The world has come together to condemn this assault".
George Bush has reiterated his call for Russia to respect Georgian territorial integrity and said, "The world has come together to condemn this assault".
140+ People Dead in Madrid Plane Accident
A Spanair plane carrying 172 people has crashed soon after take off at the Madrid airport Barajas. Reports suggest that the plane's left engine caught fire during or immediately after take-off. Flight JK 5022, bound for the Canary Islands, was a McDonnell Douglas MD-82 with 175 on board, including 6 crew and two children.
Spanair is a subsidiary of Scandinavian Airlines System (SAS). SAS attempted to sell its shares in Spanair in 2007 but cancelled the sale two months ago when bids failed to match expectations. McDonnell Douglas was the junior partner in the 1997 merger with Beoing to create the Boeing Company.
Currently, the death toll is believed to be over 140 with 26 survivors.
CORRECTION: Article incorrectly stated there were 175 passengers, there were actually 172 passengers on board the plane.
Spanair is a subsidiary of Scandinavian Airlines System (SAS). SAS attempted to sell its shares in Spanair in 2007 but cancelled the sale two months ago when bids failed to match expectations. McDonnell Douglas was the junior partner in the 1997 merger with Beoing to create the Boeing Company.
Currently, the death toll is believed to be over 140 with 26 survivors.
CORRECTION: Article incorrectly stated there were 175 passengers, there were actually 172 passengers on board the plane.
4,645 litres a day
The Guardian today leads with a fascinating story on the true rate of water consumption in Britain today. By calculating how much water is used to grow our food, as well as how much we consume otherwise, the report by the WWF reveals that the average person in Britain uses 4,645 litres of water A DAY! The report is released ahead of a water summit in Stockholm.
Full story here.
Full story here.
Tuesday 19 August 2008
British Foreign Secretary Expresses Solidarity with Georgia
British Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs David Miliband is in the Georgian capital Tbilisi where he has just given a joint press conference with Georgian President Mikhail Saakashvili.Miliband said that he was in Tbilisi for three reasons, so that the "Georgian people... know that British people and British government stand in solidarity with them"; to report and consult with Saakashvili on the developments from the NATO meeting in Brussels today, and because of "real concern about the humanitarian situation".
At the press confernce Saakasvili said that "the only thing that I can promise to the Russians, is that we will not fall, Georgia will not fall". He also thanked Miliband for "your pledges to rebuild my country".
Saakashvili also said that Senator Joe Biden, head of the delegation sent to the area by Democartic US Presidential candidate Barack Obama, had came up with a "$1-billion plan, for Georgian economic reconstruction".
Doctors Must Treat All Regardless of Beliefs says US Calif. Court
A Californian court has ruled that doctors must provide treatment to all regardless of their personal beliefs. The case was brought by a lesbian women who was refused fertility treatment because of the religious beliefs of the clinics doctors.
Justice Joyce Kennard said that the two Christian doctors could not refuse treatment on grounds of free speech and had no religious exemption. The plaintiff, Guadalupe Benitez, 36, said that the two doctors treated her with fertility drugs and told her how to inseminate herself at home but said that their beliefs prevented them from inseminating her themselves. One of the doctors refered her to another fertility doctors who had no objections to treating her.
Benitez and her lawyers used a law originally intended to prevent hoteliers and restaurateurs that had since been extended to include sexual orientation.
Robert Tyler, a lawyer for the clinic accused the court of furthering the supreme court's "radical agenda"
Justice Joyce Kennard said that the two Christian doctors could not refuse treatment on grounds of free speech and had no religious exemption. The plaintiff, Guadalupe Benitez, 36, said that the two doctors treated her with fertility drugs and told her how to inseminate herself at home but said that their beliefs prevented them from inseminating her themselves. One of the doctors refered her to another fertility doctors who had no objections to treating her.
Benitez and her lawyers used a law originally intended to prevent hoteliers and restaurateurs that had since been extended to include sexual orientation.
Robert Tyler, a lawyer for the clinic accused the court of furthering the supreme court's "radical agenda"
NATO on Russia: "we cannot continue with business as usual"
NATO members today said that they could not continue with "business as usual" with Russia and again called for the immediate withdrawal of Russian troops from Georgian territory.
Following talks in Brussels at an emergency meeting of NATO foreign ministers called by Secretary of State Condeleezza Rice, NATO Secretary General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer said that "The future of our relations with Russia will depend on the concrete actions Russia will take to abide by the words of President Dmitry Medvedev [regarding the peace plan], which is not happening at the moment".
In response, Russian officials accused NATO of trying to save a criminal regime. In the last hour or so, Russia's Ambassador to NATO (the North Atlantic Treaty Alliance) has warned the West against allowing Georgia to enter the Alliance. "I would like to ask you whether you are ready to risk your prosperity, to risk your lives and the lives of your children just for (Georgian President Mikheil) Saakashvili," Ambassador Dmitry Rogozin said.
Rogozin proceeded, "My proposal is to accept Hitler in NATO, then Saddam, after that, Saakashvili. That's the order that I propose for NATO accession".
The Full Statement Issued by NATO is here.
Picture: NATO Secretary General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer speaking at a press conference earlier today; courtesy NATO
Georgia: Press Conference by US Secretary of State Condi Rice
US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice gives a press conference after the emergency NATO summit in Brussels.
Tuesday Newswrap
Top story today, NATO has said that it will cool relations with Moscow in response to its actions in Georgia. NATO Secretary-General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer said, "The future of our relations with Russia will depend on the concrete actions Russia will take to abide by the words of President Dmitry Medvedev [regarding the peace plan], which is not happening at the moment," he continued "and finally... we also all agree, as you can see in the statement, that there can be no business as usual in our relations to and with the Russian Federation". Russian President Dmitry Medvedev has promised that the Russian withdrawal will be complete by Friday.
An Associated Press crew today saw Russian soldiers kidnapping Georgian troops and holding them prisoner at gunpoint. They also commandeered US Humvees awaiting transport back to the United States. Both Russia and Georgia have now accepted observers from Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) going in to the area to monitor developments. British Foreign Minister David Miliband accused Russia of breaching international law in its operations in Georgia. In another development in Georgia today, Russia and Georgia have successfully completed a prisoner swap.
In California, a court has ruled that doctors are not allowed to opt-out of treating people because they have a religious objection. The case was brought by a lesbian woman who was refused fertility treatment because of her sexuality. In the US Presidential election race, Obama looks ready to announce his Vice-Presidential running mate (requires free registration). Zambian President Levy Mwanawasa has died in a Parisian hospital. He was taken ill some time ago, it is widely expected that the Vice-President will succeed him.
In business, world markets sunk today after reports that Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac may be nationalised, which would leave their shareholders with virtually nothing. The former head of the IMF has warned that the current economic difficulties could destroy a string of US banks. US inflation has soared causing many jittery householders.
In Afghanistan, suicide bombers have attacked a US base killing 10 civilians and injuring 13 others. There were no US causalities. 10 French soldiers were also killed today in another attack in Afghanistan. In the US, tropical storm Fay has hit land in Florida. As power-sharing talks continue in Zimbabwe, inflation in the counrty has reached 11.2million percent. The rate is up from 2.2million in May. In February, the price of a loaf of bread in the country was less than 200,000 Zimbabwe dollars. On Monday, that same loaf of bread cost 1.6 trillion Zimbabwe dollars.
On the Olympics, Britain's medal count has broken a 100-year record. Odd news for today, Malaysia has cancelled an Avril Lavigne concert because she is too 'sexy' for an Islamic culture; Britain's domestic intelligence service, MI5, is seeking gay recruits and a trial collapses after a juror turns private investigator. In-depth, NPR looks at how rising food prices are threatening progress in developing nations.
Current Olympic rankings:
An Associated Press crew today saw Russian soldiers kidnapping Georgian troops and holding them prisoner at gunpoint. They also commandeered US Humvees awaiting transport back to the United States. Both Russia and Georgia have now accepted observers from Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) going in to the area to monitor developments. British Foreign Minister David Miliband accused Russia of breaching international law in its operations in Georgia. In another development in Georgia today, Russia and Georgia have successfully completed a prisoner swap.
In California, a court has ruled that doctors are not allowed to opt-out of treating people because they have a religious objection. The case was brought by a lesbian woman who was refused fertility treatment because of her sexuality. In the US Presidential election race, Obama looks ready to announce his Vice-Presidential running mate (requires free registration). Zambian President Levy Mwanawasa has died in a Parisian hospital. He was taken ill some time ago, it is widely expected that the Vice-President will succeed him.
In business, world markets sunk today after reports that Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac may be nationalised, which would leave their shareholders with virtually nothing. The former head of the IMF has warned that the current economic difficulties could destroy a string of US banks. US inflation has soared causing many jittery householders.
In Afghanistan, suicide bombers have attacked a US base killing 10 civilians and injuring 13 others. There were no US causalities. 10 French soldiers were also killed today in another attack in Afghanistan. In the US, tropical storm Fay has hit land in Florida. As power-sharing talks continue in Zimbabwe, inflation in the counrty has reached 11.2million percent. The rate is up from 2.2million in May. In February, the price of a loaf of bread in the country was less than 200,000 Zimbabwe dollars. On Monday, that same loaf of bread cost 1.6 trillion Zimbabwe dollars.
On the Olympics, Britain's medal count has broken a 100-year record. Odd news for today, Malaysia has cancelled an Avril Lavigne concert because she is too 'sexy' for an Islamic culture; Britain's domestic intelligence service, MI5, is seeking gay recruits and a trial collapses after a juror turns private investigator. In-depth, NPR looks at how rising food prices are threatening progress in developing nations.
Current Olympic rankings:
Monday 18 August 2008
Georgia: NATO To Hold Emergency Meeting
NATO is to meet for an emergency summit to discuss the situation in Georgia. Despite Russia signing the ceasefire and withdrawal agreement, Russian forces are still believed to be in non-disputed Georgian territories. Also, AFP has reported that the Russian military are moving missile launchers into the area. Both the Russian military and the Kremlin deny the report. A BBC News correspondent in Georgia saw a Russian convoy of around 60 men on vehicles heading deeper into Georgia yesterday.
According to CNN, Russian President Dmitry Medvedev hit out at Georgia once again yesterday. Speaking near the Russian-Georgian border, Medvedev said "The world has seen that even today, there are political morons who are ready to kill innocent and defenceless people in order to satisfy their self-serving interests, while compensating for their own inability to resolve complicated issues by using the most terrible solution -- by exterminating an entire people. I think that there should be no mercy for that. We will do our best not to let this crime go unpunished."
In response, Georgia's Ambassador to Washington said that the Russian invasion had been long in the making "You just don't move more than 1,200 tanks and 15,000 soldiers into a country within 12 hours without previous planning," Ambassador Vasil Sikharulidze said.
Speaking on the eve of the meeting of NATO's foreign ministers in Brussels, US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said the West must deprive Russia of any strategic victory from its assault on Georgia. The meeting was called by Secretary Rice who, on entry to Belgium, said "We are going to send the message that we are not going to allow Russia to draw a new line at those states that are not yet integrated into the transatlantic structures like Georgia and Ukraine".
It is thought that there will be two camps in the NATO talks. In one camp, Britain, Canada, the US with most Eastern European member states will seek a tough stance on Russia. The other camp, consisting of most of Western Europe, led by France and Germany, is expected to be more cautious of harming ties with Moscow.
Picture: [Demonstration in Tbilisi for a free and undivided Georgia. The sign says "Imperial Appetites"] by Håkan Henriksson - http://commons.wikimedia.org
Korean Mass Grave Discovered
Evidence of a massacre that took place during the Korean War has been found in an abandoned near the South Korean city of Daegu. However, it appears that the massacre may have been perpetrated by the American backed South Korea rather than the communist North Korea (Democratic Republic of Korea).
It is thought that the mine is a tomb for up to 3000 people, whose dead bodies had been thrown down the mine shaft. Intriguingly, it would appear that senior US officials were aware of the executions. Pictures taken by American soldiers were classified an filled in Washington for years.
It is believed that the bodies belonged to South Koreans perceived as communist sympathisers by their own government.
Full story from the BBC here.
It is thought that the mine is a tomb for up to 3000 people, whose dead bodies had been thrown down the mine shaft. Intriguingly, it would appear that senior US officials were aware of the executions. Pictures taken by American soldiers were classified an filled in Washington for years.
It is believed that the bodies belonged to South Koreans perceived as communist sympathisers by their own government.
Full story from the BBC here.
Chavez Takes Control of Venezuelan Cement Industry
Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez is to nationalise the cement industry in a bid to speed up building in order to address a crippling housing shortage. The Venezuelan state has spent $819-million buying controlling stakes in two of the largest cement companies in the country.
Despite reaching a deal to buy the Venezuelan subsidiaries of Swiss company Lafarge and French company Holcim, the Vice-President said that the government was unable to reach an agreement with Mexian company Cemax to buy its local subsidiary and will instead seize its offices and assets.
The move is part of Chavez's nationalisation drive that is expected to extend to the banking and telecommunication industries.
Full story here.
Despite reaching a deal to buy the Venezuelan subsidiaries of Swiss company Lafarge and French company Holcim, the Vice-President said that the government was unable to reach an agreement with Mexian company Cemax to buy its local subsidiary and will instead seize its offices and assets.
The move is part of Chavez's nationalisation drive that is expected to extend to the banking and telecommunication industries.
Full story here.
New Poll Data Makes Grim Viewing for Labour
The latest polling from the Guardian/ICM series will serve as an unwelcome interruption to Labour MP's holidays. Labour is 15-points behind the opposition Conservatives compared to 5-points ahead at the same time last year. The Guardian also shows that Gordon Brown had better be worried:
However, those clever people at our favourite newspaper also did some polling on how David Miliband, Brown's heir-apparent since he threw his hat into the ring, the results:
While I am not overly optimistic that Labour have a chance of winning the next election, I would add a cautionary note that most outside of the political class do not know much, if anything, about Miliband and, therefore, polling is unreliable for the most part when trying to predict how his approval ratings now would translate to a general election. Even so, it does not look good for Labour, not good at all.
Many Labour MPs are panicking. Another August poll, that of 2006, offers some clue as to why. At that time, Labour under Tony Blair was a mere nine points behind, on 31% to the Tories' 40%. Yet those ratings, seen as damaging for Labour, encouraged supporters of Brown to pursue the September "coup" which forced Blair to announce his intention to stand down within a year. Now that Conservative lead is six points greater - incentive to a new group of plotters to challenge Brown.
However, those clever people at our favourite newspaper also did some polling on how David Miliband, Brown's heir-apparent since he threw his hat into the ring, the results:
And yet, as it stands, many more voters would prefer Cameron to be prime minister, even if Miliband was the alternative, the ICM poll suggests... In May 2006 the Guardian/ICM poll asked voters to compare Brown and Blair on the same traits as today's poll. Brown came out favourably on nine of the 11 categories.
Today Miliband wins on five... in so far as voters have formed a view of the 43-year-old foreign secretary, much of their opinion of him is positive. For all Brown's concentration on the challenges ahead, voters believe Miliband looks to the future more and is more in tune with them, particularly among the young... Among 18- to 24-year-olds, only 4% say Brown is on their wavelength, compared with 19% for Miliband.
Here again, however, more than three-quarters of voters say "neither" or "don't know". In a head-to-head with Cameron, 18- to 24-year-olds are the only category to believe that Miliband would make a better prime minister.
While I am not overly optimistic that Labour have a chance of winning the next election, I would add a cautionary note that most outside of the political class do not know much, if anything, about Miliband and, therefore, polling is unreliable for the most part when trying to predict how his approval ratings now would translate to a general election. Even so, it does not look good for Labour, not good at all.
Muslim Forces Teenagers to Beat Themselves
A Muslim man has been accused of forcing two teenage boys to whip themselves until they bleed.
44 year old Syed Mustafa Zaidi is accused of demanding that the teenage boys, one 15 the other just 13, beat themselves in the middle of a community centre in a barbaric religious ceremony. Zaidi also beat himself with a whip made of knives and chains. The practice is part of a Shia Muslim ceremony called Ashura.
Zaidi has been charged with two counts of child cruelty. Andrew Nuttall, prosecuting, said that Zaidi took the arm of the 13-year-old boy, took off his T-shirt so he was bare-chested and put the zanjeer zani (whip) in his hand and told him to flog himself.
Full story here.
44 year old Syed Mustafa Zaidi is accused of demanding that the teenage boys, one 15 the other just 13, beat themselves in the middle of a community centre in a barbaric religious ceremony. Zaidi also beat himself with a whip made of knives and chains. The practice is part of a Shia Muslim ceremony called Ashura.
Zaidi has been charged with two counts of child cruelty. Andrew Nuttall, prosecuting, said that Zaidi took the arm of the 13-year-old boy, took off his T-shirt so he was bare-chested and put the zanjeer zani (whip) in his hand and told him to flog himself.
Full story here.
Monday Newswrap
Top story today is the resignation of Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf. Musharraf announced that he would resign earlier today after impeachment papers were filled against him earlier in the month. It marks an end to a political career that began when, in 1999, he lead a bloodless coup. As a key US ally in fighting terrorism, it will be interesting to see what effect the resignation will have on relations between Washington and Islamabad.
Also today, Russia has started to pullback from Georgian territory. However, a BBC News correspondent saw a convoy of Russian vehicles carrying around 60 soldiers heading deeper into Georgia. Also, Georgian television has video footage of Russian tanks literally crashing through a roadblock made up of Georgian police vehicles. The New York Times is even reporting that Russia is bringing missile launchers into the area. Meanwhile, Swiss newspaper Tages Anzeiger reports that Russian forces have control of a Georgian power plant. The Times of London reports of tough new rhetoric from Dmitry Medvedv.
In Japan, warrants have been issued for US and British anti-whaling activists. The three, two Americans and one Briton, are from the Sea Shepard Conservation Society. In Israel, Ministers have okayed the release of 200 Palestinian prisoners back to the West Bank. A ministerial press release said that the release would be a gesture to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas ahead of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.
In Zimbabwe, opposition leader Morgan Tsvangari is to seek the help of regional leaders to solve the dealockm over a power sharing agreement. Tsvangari, of the Movement for Democratic Change, will head to Botswana today in a ten day tour of the region where he will seek support for a resolution in the talks with 'President' Robert Mugabe and his Zanu-PF party.
The Iranian rocket test at the weekend "did not successfully launch" according to US Department of Defence officials. The DoD said that although the first stage of the launch may of been successful, the send stage was "was erratic and out of control," according to US intelligence. The rocket test was meant to show that Iran had the capability to put satellites into orbit.
The Independent has the story of Afghan women who have been jailed for being victims of rape. The social situation in both Iraq and Afghanistan has become grave since the coalition invasions. Earlier in the year, the Observer had a case study of the rise in so-called 'honour killings'. The newspaper reported that a 17-year old girl was murdered by her father for falling in love with a Christian British soldier. Her father defended his actions, and the girls mother was gunned down after she left her husband.
In US Presidential election news, Barack Obama raised $8-million in one night as speculation about his choice of running mate reaches fever pitch.
Tropical storm Fay is headed for Florida after claiming up to 35 lives in the Caribbean. The storm is expected to bring 4-10 inches of rain with it, raising fears of flooding. Also in the US, the Grand Canyon Dam has burst leading to several people being airlifted to safety.
In business, Anglo-Australian mining giant BHP Billiton has posted record profits of $15.4-billion, boosted by second-half profits of $9.37-billion. The company has, however, warned of weaker economic growth in the short term. BHP Billiton's London shares closed up 0.52% at £15.37.
Odd news, a disabled turtle has been given its own skateboard to get around; a baby whale thinks that a yacht is its mother and the Norwegian Royal family's boat sinks. In-depth, PRI's The World takes a closer look at Musharraf's resignation. Finally, an Australian mayor has come under fire for asking 'ugly girls' to come to his town, or in his words the "beauty disadvantaged".
Current Olympic rankings:
Also today, Russia has started to pullback from Georgian territory. However, a BBC News correspondent saw a convoy of Russian vehicles carrying around 60 soldiers heading deeper into Georgia. Also, Georgian television has video footage of Russian tanks literally crashing through a roadblock made up of Georgian police vehicles. The New York Times is even reporting that Russia is bringing missile launchers into the area. Meanwhile, Swiss newspaper Tages Anzeiger reports that Russian forces have control of a Georgian power plant. The Times of London reports of tough new rhetoric from Dmitry Medvedv.
In Japan, warrants have been issued for US and British anti-whaling activists. The three, two Americans and one Briton, are from the Sea Shepard Conservation Society. In Israel, Ministers have okayed the release of 200 Palestinian prisoners back to the West Bank. A ministerial press release said that the release would be a gesture to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas ahead of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.
In Zimbabwe, opposition leader Morgan Tsvangari is to seek the help of regional leaders to solve the dealockm over a power sharing agreement. Tsvangari, of the Movement for Democratic Change, will head to Botswana today in a ten day tour of the region where he will seek support for a resolution in the talks with 'President' Robert Mugabe and his Zanu-PF party.
The Iranian rocket test at the weekend "did not successfully launch" according to US Department of Defence officials. The DoD said that although the first stage of the launch may of been successful, the send stage was "was erratic and out of control," according to US intelligence. The rocket test was meant to show that Iran had the capability to put satellites into orbit.
The Independent has the story of Afghan women who have been jailed for being victims of rape. The social situation in both Iraq and Afghanistan has become grave since the coalition invasions. Earlier in the year, the Observer had a case study of the rise in so-called 'honour killings'. The newspaper reported that a 17-year old girl was murdered by her father for falling in love with a Christian British soldier. Her father defended his actions, and the girls mother was gunned down after she left her husband.
In US Presidential election news, Barack Obama raised $8-million in one night as speculation about his choice of running mate reaches fever pitch.
Tropical storm Fay is headed for Florida after claiming up to 35 lives in the Caribbean. The storm is expected to bring 4-10 inches of rain with it, raising fears of flooding. Also in the US, the Grand Canyon Dam has burst leading to several people being airlifted to safety.
In business, Anglo-Australian mining giant BHP Billiton has posted record profits of $15.4-billion, boosted by second-half profits of $9.37-billion. The company has, however, warned of weaker economic growth in the short term. BHP Billiton's London shares closed up 0.52% at £15.37.
Odd news, a disabled turtle has been given its own skateboard to get around; a baby whale thinks that a yacht is its mother and the Norwegian Royal family's boat sinks. In-depth, PRI's The World takes a closer look at Musharraf's resignation. Finally, an Australian mayor has come under fire for asking 'ugly girls' to come to his town, or in his words the "beauty disadvantaged".
Current Olympic rankings:
Musharraf Resigns To Avoid Impeachment
Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf today announced in a national television address that he will resign. Musharraf has been under fire recently and in the address he gave a veiled attack on his political rivals say that some considered themselves more important than Pakistan and were trying to betray the country.
Musharraf has been a key US ally in fighting terrorism. However, even Washington is believed to have read him the riot act as his own intelligence service has been infiltrated by al Qaeda.
Musharraf became appointed himself President 20 June 2001 after deposing Pakistani Prime Minister in a bloodless coup 20 October 1999. At the end of November 2007 he stepped down from his role as head of the military to become a civilian President. Earlier this month, impeachment papers were filled against him in the Pakistani Parliament.
Musharraf has been a key US ally in fighting terrorism. However, even Washington is believed to have read him the riot act as his own intelligence service has been infiltrated by al Qaeda.
Musharraf became appointed himself President 20 June 2001 after deposing Pakistani Prime Minister in a bloodless coup 20 October 1999. At the end of November 2007 he stepped down from his role as head of the military to become a civilian President. Earlier this month, impeachment papers were filled against him in the Pakistani Parliament.
Sunday 17 August 2008
Georgia: Sarkozy says "withdrawal must be carried out without delay, this point is not negotiable"
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Europe is stepping up the verbal offensive against Russia. In an article in Le Figaro, French President Nicholas Sarkozy says that:
This withdrawal must be carried out without delay. This point is not negotiable in my eyes. It must involve all Russian forces that entered in[to] Georgia since August 7. If this clause of the cease-fire [is] not applied quickly and completely, I would be obliged to convene an extraordinary European Council to decide on the consequences to be drawn.
Previously, Sarkozy had been accused of taking a somewhat soft stance towards Russia. It follows Angela Merkel's statement that Georgia should be able to enter into NATO. France and Germany were two of the NATO members that were rather cool towards the idea of giving Georgia a blueprint for NATO membership.
The tone in Sarkozy's article, however, is clear:
We must also determine whether the intervention of Russia against its neighbour Georgia was a response brutal and excessive, in this unique case, or if it opens a new hardening of Moscow vis-à-vis its neighbours and the international community [as a] whole.
The use of such stong words will no doubt anger Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin and President Dmitry Medvedev. Whilst talking about Europe's role in the crisis, Sarkozy says something that no other leader has dared to say, he talks of a new cold war:
That is what [Europe has] done by making every effort to reduce this new conflict whose consequences could be catastrophic if it proved to be harbinger of a new cold war.
If Russian troops do not begin withdrawing today, there could be a lot of diplomatic trouble.
The Full Article is here.
Images: Nicholas Sarkozy by א (Aleph), http://commons.wikimedia.org; Dmitry Mevedev by Zscout370, http//commons.wikimedia.org; Georgia map from BBC News
Georgia: Merkel Promises NATO Membership
German Chancellor Angela Merkel has said that Georgia should be able to join NATO (dodgy translation) if it so desired. Speaking after meeting with Georgian President Mikhail Saakashvili in Tbilisi, Merkel said that "Georgia will, if it wants, and it does want to, become a member of NATO". This a change of tone from Germany who, in April, prevented NATO from offering a membership timetable to Georgia because it feared angering Russia. Russia is a major gas supplier to Europe, the European market accounts for two thirds of Russian natural-gas company Gazprom's profits. Gazprom's profits make up 25% of the Russian Federal budget.
Meanwhile, according to French President Nicholas Sarkozy, Russian President Dmitry Medvedev has pledged to finally begin withdrawing Russian troops on Monday. However, it is expected that this will be a pull-back from Georgian non-contested territory, not South Ossetia. Moreover, Russia troops are expected to stay in Abkhazia, a region that had been relatively stable until Russian troops moved in.
Washington, Brussels, London and Berlin are all agreed that South Ossetia and Abkhazia will not be allowed to be assimilated into the Russian Federation. It does, however, seem that Prime Minister Putin and his puppet Medvedev may disagree.
Meanwhile, according to French President Nicholas Sarkozy, Russian President Dmitry Medvedev has pledged to finally begin withdrawing Russian troops on Monday. However, it is expected that this will be a pull-back from Georgian non-contested territory, not South Ossetia. Moreover, Russia troops are expected to stay in Abkhazia, a region that had been relatively stable until Russian troops moved in.
Washington, Brussels, London and Berlin are all agreed that South Ossetia and Abkhazia will not be allowed to be assimilated into the Russian Federation. It does, however, seem that Prime Minister Putin and his puppet Medvedev may disagree.
Welcome (Again!)
Welcome to the new and improved Dreaming of Simplicity. Firstly, we had noticed the striking resemblance to the New York Times website, but we promise that we only choose this template because it was the most professional one we could find that fitted our needs.
We have changed the look and feel of the blog because at first it was too basic looking, and then with the proceeding template it looked too scruffy.
Well, this is our new look. Now, it's not quite completed yet. We still have a few tweaks and modifications to do. You may also notice that the Google search bar is to big for the sidebar frame when using Internet Explorer, we are working on fixing that.
Hopefully, we will have a video bar a few other new features soon. However, with a lack of coding knowledge, 'soon' could be a long time away!
To coincide with the site redesign, we will be adding new categorisations of our posts which will be available on the menu bar (above the site header); and we will be posting much more regularly.
Any suggestions are welcome, just hit Contact on the menu bar.
We have changed the look and feel of the blog because at first it was too basic looking, and then with the proceeding template it looked too scruffy.
Well, this is our new look. Now, it's not quite completed yet. We still have a few tweaks and modifications to do. You may also notice that the Google search bar is to big for the sidebar frame when using Internet Explorer, we are working on fixing that.
Hopefully, we will have a video bar a few other new features soon. However, with a lack of coding knowledge, 'soon' could be a long time away!
To coincide with the site redesign, we will be adding new categorisations of our posts which will be available on the menu bar (above the site header); and we will be posting much more regularly.
Any suggestions are welcome, just hit Contact on the menu bar.
Health: Not So NICE Drug Companies
The Chief of the British health watchdog NICE (National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence) has hit out at pharmaceutical companies in an interview with the Observer. He attacked drug companies, which include GSK (GlaxoSmithKline); Astra Zeneca; and Pfizer, for making huge profits on the back of high prices in order to meet 'perverse incentive' targets.
NICE has come under fire recently for refusing access to kidney drugs on the NHS, despite their availability elsewhere in Europe. He did, however, agree that pharmaceutical companies do invest hugely in new drugs.
A recent report by the Office of Fair trading has called in to question whether drug companies price treatments correctly.
Full interview here.
Share prices were driven by profits, he said. 'Pharmaceutical companies have enjoyed double-digit growth year on year and they are out to sustain that, not least because their senior management's earnings are related to the share price. It's not in their interests to take less profit, personally as well as from the point of view of the business. All these perverse incentives drive the price up.
NICE has come under fire recently for refusing access to kidney drugs on the NHS, despite their availability elsewhere in Europe. He did, however, agree that pharmaceutical companies do invest hugely in new drugs.
'Of course, pharmaceutical companies make a huge investment into public health when they develop a new medicine: it costs on average £550m, and takes more than 10 years, to bring each new treatment to patients,' she said. 'Naturally companies will look to recoup such costs through the final price.'
A recent report by the Office of Fair trading has called in to question whether drug companies price treatments correctly.
Full interview here.
Olympic Update: UK Leaps to Third
It's been an impressive weekend for the UK, Team GB has leaped from 7th to 3rd in the medal rankings. Over the course of the weekend, Team GB has gained 8 Golds, 4 Silvers, and 6 Bronze. Well done Team GB!
Elsewhere, US Swimming prodigy Michael Phelps has finished the 2008 Olympics with a record 8 Gold medals. That puts him level with Australia, Korea and Japan in terms of number of Golds. Well done, Mr Phelps!
Elsewhere, US Swimming prodigy Michael Phelps has finished the 2008 Olympics with a record 8 Gold medals. That puts him level with Australia, Korea and Japan in terms of number of Golds. Well done, Mr Phelps!
Friday 15 August 2008
Friday's Newswrap
President Bush has condemned Russia's "bullying". Speaking earlier today, G.W. said that "bullying and intimidation are not acceptable ways of conducting foreign policy in the 21st Century". In a press conference earlier in the day with Angela Merkel, Russian President Dmitry Medvedev said that it the breakaway Georgian regions of South Ossetia and Abkhazia were "unlikely to live together with Georgia". For her part, German Chancellor Merkel said that she felt that Russia's actions had been "disproportionate". Georgian
President Mikheil Saakashvili has now signed the cease-fire agreement after 5 hours of talks with Secretary of State Condi Rice. Related, Russia has threatened to "punish" Poland for finally agreeing to host the US missile shield in Eastern Europe. Human Rights Watch has claimed that Russia is using cluster bombs, which were outlawed by 106 countries in a deal, lead by British PM Gordon Borwn, endorsed in May to be formally signed in December. Russia was not among the 107 countries to endorse the deal, nor was Georgia or the United States, both of which, in addition to Russia, are known to have cluster munitions. One Dutch news organisation is reporting that the slain Dutch cameraman was the victim of a clusterbomb (dodgy translation).
Nepal has elected a new leader after it's monarchy was deposed months ago. Pushpa Kamal Dahal, known simply as Prachanda, will become the new Nepalese Republic's first Prime Minister. Echoing Britsh security lapses, a sensitive government document was found lying in a puddle before being handed into CBC News. In Canada, Prime Minister Stephen Harper is threatening to call an election whilst his party attempts to obstruct an investigation into his parties finances. In Africa, Botswana is to boycott the Southern African Develpment Community (SADC) meeting this weekend over Zimbabwe. Botswana has said that Zimbabwe should not be represented at the meeting be members of the Zanu-PF regime.
In business, crude oil has fallen to a three-month low of just under $112 a barrel. Falling demand and a stronger dollar has lead the fall from record highs reached earlier this year. One of the many stories about impending recession from Europe, this one from France's Liberation. Bad news for Red Bull GmbH: Red Bull gives yo heart trouble!
In the US Presidential campaign, Barack Obama is hitting back against the smear campaign book by publishing a rebuttal entitled 'Unfit for Publication'. Unfit for Publication can be found here (PDF). Washington Post columnist Eugene Robinson takes issue with the smear book itself. In the UK, the two murdered Chinese students have been linked to an internet betting scam. In California, continuing its record on green power, the state is to install two large solar plants.
Odd news for today: Californian police have arrested Cinderella, Snow White, Tinkerbell, and other Disney characters for a misdemeanor count of failure to obey a police officer and two traffic infractions at Disneyland Park; and twin baby panda's have been born in China. Finally in odd news, Nils Olav, the honorary colonal-in-chief of the Norwegain King's Guard has been knighted. The odd bit is that he is a 3-foot tall penguin. Friday's in-depth story, again from PRI's The World, is about circumcision in Uganda.
Every news website, in every country, in ever language today has a feature on Madonna turning 50. I've choosen the Guardian's 50 facts about Madonna at 50. It also has a picture gallery of Madonna through the ages. Finally, more fakery in China: the ethnically diverse children at the opening ceremony, were not from different ethnicities.
Current Olympic rankings:
President Mikheil Saakashvili has now signed the cease-fire agreement after 5 hours of talks with Secretary of State Condi Rice. Related, Russia has threatened to "punish" Poland for finally agreeing to host the US missile shield in Eastern Europe. Human Rights Watch has claimed that Russia is using cluster bombs, which were outlawed by 106 countries in a deal, lead by British PM Gordon Borwn, endorsed in May to be formally signed in December. Russia was not among the 107 countries to endorse the deal, nor was Georgia or the United States, both of which, in addition to Russia, are known to have cluster munitions. One Dutch news organisation is reporting that the slain Dutch cameraman was the victim of a clusterbomb (dodgy translation).
Nepal has elected a new leader after it's monarchy was deposed months ago. Pushpa Kamal Dahal, known simply as Prachanda, will become the new Nepalese Republic's first Prime Minister. Echoing Britsh security lapses, a sensitive government document was found lying in a puddle before being handed into CBC News. In Canada, Prime Minister Stephen Harper is threatening to call an election whilst his party attempts to obstruct an investigation into his parties finances. In Africa, Botswana is to boycott the Southern African Develpment Community (SADC) meeting this weekend over Zimbabwe. Botswana has said that Zimbabwe should not be represented at the meeting be members of the Zanu-PF regime.
In business, crude oil has fallen to a three-month low of just under $112 a barrel. Falling demand and a stronger dollar has lead the fall from record highs reached earlier this year. One of the many stories about impending recession from Europe, this one from France's Liberation. Bad news for Red Bull GmbH: Red Bull gives yo heart trouble!
In the US Presidential campaign, Barack Obama is hitting back against the smear campaign book by publishing a rebuttal entitled 'Unfit for Publication'. Unfit for Publication can be found here (PDF). Washington Post columnist Eugene Robinson takes issue with the smear book itself. In the UK, the two murdered Chinese students have been linked to an internet betting scam. In California, continuing its record on green power, the state is to install two large solar plants.
Odd news for today: Californian police have arrested Cinderella, Snow White, Tinkerbell, and other Disney characters for a misdemeanor count of failure to obey a police officer and two traffic infractions at Disneyland Park; and twin baby panda's have been born in China. Finally in odd news, Nils Olav, the honorary colonal-in-chief of the Norwegain King's Guard has been knighted. The odd bit is that he is a 3-foot tall penguin. Friday's in-depth story, again from PRI's The World, is about circumcision in Uganda.
Every news website, in every country, in ever language today has a feature on Madonna turning 50. I've choosen the Guardian's 50 facts about Madonna at 50. It also has a picture gallery of Madonna through the ages. Finally, more fakery in China: the ethnically diverse children at the opening ceremony, were not from different ethnicities.
Current Olympic rankings:
- China - 25 Gold, 9 Silver, 6 Bronze, 40 total
- USA - 14 Gold, 12 Silver, 18 Bronze, 44 total
- Germany - 8 Gold, 2 Silver, 4 Bronze, 14 total
- Korea (South) - 6 Gold, 8 Silver, 3 Bronze, 17 total
- Italy - 6 Gold, 4 Silver, 4 Bronze, 14 total
- Japan - 6 Gold, 4 Silver, 3 Bronze, 13 total
- Australia - 5 Gold, 7 Silver, 8 Bronze, 20 total
- Russia - 3 Gold, 8 Silver, 8 Bronze, 19 total
- France - 3 Gold, 8 Silver, 7 Bronze, 18 total
- Great Britain - 3 Gold, 2 Silver, 3 Bronze, 8 total
Thursday 14 August 2008
Thursday's Newswrap
Today's top story is still the situation in Georgia. Varying accounts out of Gori today, the BBC is reporting that Russia is preparing to withdraw, the Guardian says it is sending more troops into the city, and Al Jazeera reports that explosions have been heard on the edge of Gori. Reports of looting and robberies in Russian controlled Georgia continue to grow with two Israeli journalists being robbed by armed Russian soldiers. Russia has answered G.W.'s demand for it to "respect Georgia's terretorial integrety" with a resounding 'no'.
In Africa, the Southern African Development Community (SADC) is preparing to meet, with much of its agenda dominated by Zimbabwe. This comes as Morgan Tsvangirai has his passport revoked to prevent him from travelling to South Africa. In Canada, Bush clone Stephen Harper (Canada's Prime Minister), has warned against carbon taxes that would "kill prosperity", apparently preventing the planet from being killed does not rank highly among Harper's priorities. In the US Presidential election, a Conservative author intends to destroy Barack Obama in the same way he tried to destroy John Kerry in 2004. Also in America, the chair of the Arkansas Democratic party has tragically been killed by a gunman. Reports suggest that the shooter had recently lost his job, although it is unknown if this factored into his motive.
In business, BA and AA are planning a merger that's not. British Airways and American Airlines are planning to tie up many of their operations. Currently, two thirds of passengers flying between the US and the UK fly with either BA or American. BA is also in discussions to merge with Spanish airline Iberia. On the same day, Scandanavian airline SAS has announced yet more job cuts. On the economic front, the Eurozone has seen a net decline in growth of 0.2%. More worryingly, Europe's biggest economy, Germany, has seen its economy decline by 0.5%. Also in business, Wal-Mart's profits have increased 17% in the last three months from $2.95-billion for the same quarter last year, to $3.45-billion this year.
In Pakistan, Pervez Musharraf is expected to resign in the next few days according to the New York Times. It comes after the new Prime Minister effectively refussed to reconcile. In odd news today, the US census bureau has today revealed that white Americans will be a minority by 2042 and Norway's souvenier market makes for interesting reading.. In depth, PRI's The World looks at China's urbanisation. Also in China, the Beijing Olympic organising committee deputy had a spectacular outburst during a press conference according to the Sydney Morning Herald.
Sad news, three coalition troops have been killed in Afghanistan. Details of their nationalities have not yet been released. USA Today says that 6 US Navy saloirs have been accused of abusing detainees in Iraq. The artist that created the controversial cartoons that depictied the Prophet Muhammad in various questionnable situations, says he is ready to face trial in Jordan, but fears he will not get a free trial.
Finally, in the UK A-level results are published today, good luck to all. And the UN says that British libel laws breach human rights.
Current Olympic rankings:
In Africa, the Southern African Development Community (SADC) is preparing to meet, with much of its agenda dominated by Zimbabwe. This comes as Morgan Tsvangirai has his passport revoked to prevent him from travelling to South Africa. In Canada, Bush clone Stephen Harper (Canada's Prime Minister), has warned against carbon taxes that would "kill prosperity", apparently preventing the planet from being killed does not rank highly among Harper's priorities. In the US Presidential election, a Conservative author intends to destroy Barack Obama in the same way he tried to destroy John Kerry in 2004. Also in America, the chair of the Arkansas Democratic party has tragically been killed by a gunman. Reports suggest that the shooter had recently lost his job, although it is unknown if this factored into his motive.
In business, BA and AA are planning a merger that's not. British Airways and American Airlines are planning to tie up many of their operations. Currently, two thirds of passengers flying between the US and the UK fly with either BA or American. BA is also in discussions to merge with Spanish airline Iberia. On the same day, Scandanavian airline SAS has announced yet more job cuts. On the economic front, the Eurozone has seen a net decline in growth of 0.2%. More worryingly, Europe's biggest economy, Germany, has seen its economy decline by 0.5%. Also in business, Wal-Mart's profits have increased 17% in the last three months from $2.95-billion for the same quarter last year, to $3.45-billion this year.
In Pakistan, Pervez Musharraf is expected to resign in the next few days according to the New York Times. It comes after the new Prime Minister effectively refussed to reconcile. In odd news today, the US census bureau has today revealed that white Americans will be a minority by 2042 and Norway's souvenier market makes for interesting reading.. In depth, PRI's The World looks at China's urbanisation. Also in China, the Beijing Olympic organising committee deputy had a spectacular outburst during a press conference according to the Sydney Morning Herald.
Sad news, three coalition troops have been killed in Afghanistan. Details of their nationalities have not yet been released. USA Today says that 6 US Navy saloirs have been accused of abusing detainees in Iraq. The artist that created the controversial cartoons that depictied the Prophet Muhammad in various questionnable situations, says he is ready to face trial in Jordan, but fears he will not get a free trial.
Finally, in the UK A-level results are published today, good luck to all. And the UN says that British libel laws breach human rights.
Current Olympic rankings:
- China - 22 Gold, 8 Silver, 5 Bronze, 35 total
- USA - 10 Gold, 9 Silver, 15 bronze, 34 total
- Korea (South) - 6 Gold, 7 Silver, 3 Bronze, 16 total
- Italy - 6 Gold, 4 Silver, 3 Bronze, 13 total
- Germany - 6 Gold, 2 Silver, 3 Bronze, 11 total
- Australia - 5 Gold, 4 Silver, 7 Bronze, 16 total
- Japan - 5 Gold, 3 Silver, 3 Bronze, 11 total
- Russia - 3 Gold, 8 Silver, 3 Bronze, 14 total
- France - 2 Gold, 7 Silver, 6 Bronze, 15 total
- Great Britain - 2 Gold, 2 Silver, 3 Bronze, 7 total
Wednesday 13 August 2008
Wednesday Newswrap
Top story today is still the Georgian crisis. Despite a ceasefire agreement, violence is said to be flaring up inside Georgia. Earlier in the day, the wires were reporting that Russian tanks were heading towards Tbilisi on the main highway. The tanks apparently turned off and did not proceed towards the Georgian capital. News breaking as I write this is that Russia has shot down 2 Georgian spy drones. Georgia has said it will leave the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) of which Russia is a member. As I'm late posting today, G.W. has just made a strong statement against Russia in the White House rose garden, adding that he will send Secretary of State Condi Rice to France and then onto Georgia where she will "express America's solidarity with the democratic Georgian government". He also said that the US military will lead a humanitarian mission to Georgia. That's somewhat surprising that the military will be leading it rather than the Agency for International Development (USAID). The West are considering expelling Russia from the G-8 according to some reports.
Michael Phelps has won his tenth Gold medal in the Olympics making him the 'greatest ever' Olympian in the modern Olympics 112 year history. Also at the Olympics, China has detained pro-Tibet protesters from Students for a Free Tibet. Other news today, the US has increased sanctions on Iran; 17 have been killed in an explosion in Lebanon; and aid workers have been killed in an attack in Afghanistan.
Sad news, a US army deserter is to be deported from Canada back to the United States. In the US, polls suggest that the Presidential election will be very tight. The New York Times has the story of yet another detainee dying in US hands. Also, how the right plans to use the same tactics to attack Obama as it did Kerry. The World, from PRI and the BBC, has an in-depth article about life in Ukraine. In the UK, the head of the Bank of England has warned of difficult times ahead. The Dalai Lama has wished the Chinese good luck in the Olympics whilst in France.
There have been various rumours about deals being reached in Zimbabwe flying around the internet over the last 24 hours, Le Monde reports. Liberation tells of how Russia is waging a cyber-war against Georgia. Finally, odd news for the day: the Pope has been criticised for a blatant lack of a conscience as he continues to wear fur.
Current Olympic rankings:
Michael Phelps has won his tenth Gold medal in the Olympics making him the 'greatest ever' Olympian in the modern Olympics 112 year history. Also at the Olympics, China has detained pro-Tibet protesters from Students for a Free Tibet. Other news today, the US has increased sanctions on Iran; 17 have been killed in an explosion in Lebanon; and aid workers have been killed in an attack in Afghanistan.
Sad news, a US army deserter is to be deported from Canada back to the United States. In the US, polls suggest that the Presidential election will be very tight. The New York Times has the story of yet another detainee dying in US hands. Also, how the right plans to use the same tactics to attack Obama as it did Kerry. The World, from PRI and the BBC, has an in-depth article about life in Ukraine. In the UK, the head of the Bank of England has warned of difficult times ahead. The Dalai Lama has wished the Chinese good luck in the Olympics whilst in France.
There have been various rumours about deals being reached in Zimbabwe flying around the internet over the last 24 hours, Le Monde reports. Liberation tells of how Russia is waging a cyber-war against Georgia. Finally, odd news for the day: the Pope has been criticised for a blatant lack of a conscience as he continues to wear fur.
Current Olympic rankings:
- China - 17 Gold, 5 Silver, 5 Bronze, 27 total
- USA - 10 Gold, 8 Silver, 11 Bronze, 29 total
- Korea (South) - 6 Gold, 6 Silver, 1 Bronze, 13 total
- Germany - 6 Gold, 1 Silver, 2 Bronze, 9 total
- Italy - 4 Gold, 4 Silver, 3 Bronze, 11 total
- Australia - 4 Gold, 2 Silver, 6 Bronze, 12 total
- Japan - 4 Gold, 2 Silver, 3 Bronze, 9 total
- Russia - 2 Gold, 7 Silver, 3 Bronze, 12 total
- Great Britain - 2 Gold, 2 Silver, 3 Bronze, 7 total
- Georgia - 2 Gold, 0 Silver, 1 Bronze, 3 total
Tuesday 12 August 2008
Tuesday's Daily Newswrap
Top story today, of course, is the news that Russia has said it will end its operations in Georgia. In a pathetically over-orchestrated conference shown live on Russian television, Vladimir Putin's puppet Dmitry Medvedev announced the suspension of hostilities not that the "aggressor has been punished". However, the Guardian is reporting that the fighting is still on going despite the words of the Russian President. Meanwhile the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) believes that 100,000 people have been displaced by the South Ossetia conflict. The New York Times has a haunting set of pictures of the conflict that show its human cost.
In China, three security personell have been killed in attack in Xinjiang region. Putin's not the only tyrant in the news today, Iran's President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has said that Iran will never give up its nuclear program despite the threat of sanctions. Outgoing Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert has said that Israel will leave the West Bank if-and-when the Palestinian Authority retakes Gazza. Twelve people have been killed in the Indian Kashmir region. G.W. has taken aim at polar bears, panthers and other species who get in the way of oil exploration. Bush is planning to weaken the Endangered Species Act, in a move that does not need to be approved by Congress.
In Canada, a new study has found that half of all overweight people may be healthy. The Sidney Morning Herald has spotted a trademark Microsoft glitch during the Beijing opening ceremony. Also during the opening ceremony, the sweet little girl who sang did not. Apparently she mimmed the song because the girl who was really singing was not sweet enough. Finally, odd news for the day: a thief who tried to rob a store in a Winnie-the-Pooh costume has been arressted!
The Olympic current rankings:
1. USA - 7 Gold, 21 total
2. China - 13 Gold, 20 total
3. Korea (South) - 5 Gold, 12 total
4. *JOINT* with 9 total: Italy (3 Gold), Australia (3 Gold), Russia (2 Gold), France (0 Gold)
8. DPR Korea (North) - 1 Gold, 7 total
9. Japan - 3 Gold, 6 total
10. *JOINT* with 4 total: Great Britain (2 Gold), Germany (2 Gold), the Netherlands (1 Gold)
In China, three security personell have been killed in attack in Xinjiang region. Putin's not the only tyrant in the news today, Iran's President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has said that Iran will never give up its nuclear program despite the threat of sanctions. Outgoing Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert has said that Israel will leave the West Bank if-and-when the Palestinian Authority retakes Gazza. Twelve people have been killed in the Indian Kashmir region. G.W. has taken aim at polar bears, panthers and other species who get in the way of oil exploration. Bush is planning to weaken the Endangered Species Act, in a move that does not need to be approved by Congress.
In Canada, a new study has found that half of all overweight people may be healthy. The Sidney Morning Herald has spotted a trademark Microsoft glitch during the Beijing opening ceremony. Also during the opening ceremony, the sweet little girl who sang did not. Apparently she mimmed the song because the girl who was really singing was not sweet enough. Finally, odd news for the day: a thief who tried to rob a store in a Winnie-the-Pooh costume has been arressted!
The Olympic current rankings:
1. USA - 7 Gold, 21 total
2. China - 13 Gold, 20 total
3. Korea (South) - 5 Gold, 12 total
4. *JOINT* with 9 total: Italy (3 Gold), Australia (3 Gold), Russia (2 Gold), France (0 Gold)
8. DPR Korea (North) - 1 Gold, 7 total
9. Japan - 3 Gold, 6 total
10. *JOINT* with 4 total: Great Britain (2 Gold), Germany (2 Gold), the Netherlands (1 Gold)
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