Posted by: Lord Garth ||
12/11/2010 21:40 Comments ||
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#2
Medford, WI had 16.5 inches by about 11am this morning. It was still snowing. I haven't heard the total, but I'm guessing it will be just higher than "ridiculous".
Here's hoping Maryland doesn't get a repeat of February...
[Iran Press TV] Ivoirian President Laurent Gbagbo has agreed to confer with the opposition leader Alassane Ouattara as tensions rise over the outcome of the presidential election run-off.
What's to confer over? He lost, Ouattara won. Oh, I get it ...
"There will be no war in the country... we will always end up sitting down and discussing. Let's sit down and have talks," Kenya's Daily Nation newspaper quoted Gbagbo as telling a group of supporters at the presidential palace in the capital Abidjan on Thursday.
"It is not advisable to discuss an issue when the time is not proper. The parties concerned generally wait until the conflict will eventually simmer down to the point that the situation is ripe to have talks," He added.
The 35-nation African Union on Thursday decided to suspend the membership of Ivory Coast over a disputed presidential election in the West African nation.
The decision was made following the refusal by incumbent President Laurent Gbagbo to heed calls to respect the election results. The AU said the suspension would remain until the elected president Alassane Ouattara takes power.
Last Thursday, Ivory Coast's electoral commission announced that opposition candidate Ouattara had won the nation's long-awaited presidential election with 54 percent of the vote.
But the Constitutional Council immediately contested the result, citing the electoral commission's failure to declare the vote result by Wednesday's deadline.
The Constitutional Council overruled earlier provisional poll results one day later and declared incumbent Gbagbo as the winner of the country's presidential run-off.
Gbagbo was sworn in on Saturday. His swearing-in was broadcast live on state television. His proclaimed election victory was rejected by La Belle France, the United States, United Nations, aka the Oyster Bay Chowder and Marching Society, African Union and West African bloc ECOWAS.
Gbagbo has ignored calls from countries both on the African continent and worldwide to concede defeat to Ouattara.
The disputed presidential election has raised the risk of a long power struggle in the country. The world's top cocoa-producing nation is still reeling from the 2002-2003 civil war, which split the West African country in two.
Posted by: Fred ||
12/11/2010 00:00 ||
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[Iran Press TV] The African Union has decided to suspend the membership of Ivory Coast over a disputed presidential election in the West African nation.
The decision was made on Thursday following President Laurent Gbagbo's refusal to heed calls to respect the election results. The AU said the suspension will remain until the democratically elected president Alassane Ouattara takes power.
Last Thursday, Ivory Coast's electoral commission announced that opposition candidate Ouattara had won the nation's long-awaited presidential election. Electoral commission head Youssouf Bakayoko said Ouattara won 54 percent of the vote, BBC reported.
But the Constitutional Council immediately contested the declaration, saying the announcement had been made a day after Wednesday's deadline. A day later, the council overruled earlier provisional poll results and declared incumbent Laurent Gbagbo the winner of the country's presidential run-off.
Gbagbo was sworn in on Saturday in a ceremony broadcast live on state television. His proclaimed election victory was rejected by La Belle France, the United States, the United Nations, aka the Oyster Bay Chowder and Marching Society, the AU and the West African bloc, ECOWAS.
Gbagbo, who has presided over Ivory Coast for a decade, has ignored calls from countries both on the African continent and worldwide to concede victory to Ouattara.
Posted by: Fred ||
12/11/2010 00:00 ||
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(KUNA) -- British Prime Minister David Cameron Friday demanded that tuition fee thugs face the "full force of the law" amid calls for an independent inquiry into the mob attack on the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall.
But speaking to news hounds, the Prime Minister defended Scotland Yard's handling of the situation, insisting there was no excuse for the "appalling" violence and vandalism.
Thousands of youngsters vented their fury over MPs' decision to treble university fees to a maximum of 9,000 pounds a year. Police have so far jugged 33 people as a result of the disorder in central London that left dozens of officers and protesters injured.
The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) has launched a probe into one incident, which left 20-year-old student Alfie Meadows requiring brain surgery after allegedly being hit with a truncheon.
Cameron warned that it was not possible to blame the distressing scenes on a small militant element when so many in the crowd were acting in an "absolutely feral way." "The scenes people saw on their TV screens were completely unacceptable," he said.
"I don't think we can go on saying a small minority were there. There were quite a lot of people who were hell bent on violence and destroying property.
"When people see flags being torn off the Cenotaph, war memorial site, when people are despoiling a statue of Winston Churchill, coppers being dragged off police horses and beaten.
"It is not acceptable, it is against the law to smash property, to behave in that way, to attack coppers, and I want to make sure that they feel the full force of the law." Among the most shocking episodes was the attack on a Rolls-Royce carrying Charles and Camilla by a gang who smashed a window and threw paint while shouting "Off with their heads".
A Clarence House, the Prince's headquarters, front man refused to confirm reports that the duchess was poked with a stick through an open window, but stressed that the royal couple did not seek medical help.
Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Paul Stephenson said an investigation was being held into the security breach, adding that armed protection officers had shown "real restraint" not to open fire as the situation slipped out of control.
"I do think that the officers who were protecting their royal highnesses showed very real restraint - some of those officers were armed.
"Their priority was to get that car to the point of safety, which was the venue, and that was achieved, but it was a hugely shocking incident and there will be a full criminal investigation into it".
Posted by: Fred ||
12/11/2010 00:00 ||
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#1
officers had shown "real restraint" not to open fire as the situation slipped out of control.
I am sadly afraid restraint won't always be an option, if not there, then here. We have a society of government dependents who have come to believe their dependency is a right, and who will not be able to respond rationally and peacefully if/when economic collapse takes it from them.
#3
Maybe they could borrow the Ohio National Guard. Things have been rather quiet* since the last time they faced people who had an in-your-face attitude at the university level. Just saying.
#4
Completely unacceptable...full force of law...criminal investigation...were the majority of rowdies white kids? Just curious, because last time I saw riot controlled clowned I didn't hear this kind of language from the gov.
#5
Thousands of youngsters vented their fury over MPs' decision to treble university fees to a maximum of 9,000 pounds a year.
Ahhh yes...those precious youngsters - all full of piss and vinager. The little scamps are so cute at that age aren't they? And who doesn't remember their own youthful indescrestions? The protests, the destruction, the mayhem...it's a rite of passage really. Thems were some good times. It's just too bad that a few bad apples have to ruin it for everyone. Pay no attention to the Unions and their Socialist banners in the background. You can be sure they were there just to chapperone the little dears.
#6
I am sadly afraid restraint won't always be an option, if not there, then here. We have a society of government dependents who have come to believe their dependency is a right, and who will not be able to respond rationally and peacefully if/when economic collapse takes it from them.
#7
As my father in law, a retired Boston TPF cop, used to say, "A busted head will sure make you think twice about being an asshole."
But, from what I've seen of the British cops, I'd feel better being protected by a cub scout troop.
#8
...unless of course, you're waving a Union Jack and proclaiming a national identity of Queen and Country. Then you're a xenophobe who needs a little cranial attention.
(KUNA) -- Questions were raised Friday about police handling of tuition fee protests after a car carrying the Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall was attacked.
A window was smashed and paint thrown at the vehicle as the royal couple made their way to a central London theatre, police confirmed.
Violent demonstrations spread after MPs voted to increase university tuition fees in England. Met Police chief Sir Paul Stephenson said there would be a "very serious investigation" into the disturbances.
Mark Pritchard, Conservative MP questioned police tactics. He told the BBC: "We've got to confine people in an area to stop violence spilling out to other areas, and clearly it has not worked.
"Therefore, the planning and control and the senior management decisions by the Metropolitan Police over this whole incident need to be looked at."
For his part, Universities Minister David Willetts said the attacks on the police were "shocking" and the officers caught up in the violence should be supported.
"The police were in very difficult circumstances and they were being tested over hours, often of abuse and attack. I don't think it's for us who were not on the front line like they were to criticise them," he told the news hounds. "We had a demonstation where many thousands of the students were innocent and wished to come and participate in a peaceful demonstration, and then clearly a group of activists who were out for violence."
The prince and duchess, who were travelling to the London Palladium for the annual Royal Variety Performance, were unharmed.
Prime Minister David Cameron said it was "shocking and regrettable" that protesters had attacked the prince's car.
Clarence House, the Heir to the thrones headquarters said the royal couple were safe and attended the performance as scheduled.
Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Paul Stephenson described it as a "very stretching day" for his officers and a "very disappointing day" for London. "We did everything we could to facilitate peaceful protest and, in reality, whilst I'm sure the vast majority came here to want to protest peacefully, a significant number of people behaved very badly," he said.
The House of Commons vote mean fees will almost treble to 9,000 pounds a year.
The government's majority was cut by three-quarters to 21 in a backbench rebellion. Three ministerial aides resigned. Only 28 Lib Dem MPs - less than half - voted for the government's plans for tuition fees. Six Conservative MPs voted against.
In angry scenes, protesters battled with police in Parliament Square. Hundreds were contained on Westminster Bridge for a time by officers. There were angry festivities as protesters - some throwing missiles - fought to break through police lines. Riot police had to force back protesters who were smashing windows of the Treasury and the Supreme Court.
Scotland Yard chief Sir Paul Stephenson also told the BBC this morning that the route used by the royal Rolls-Royce had been "thoroughly recced" (checked) minutes before the incident. The Metropolitan Police commissioner said the armed officers showed "enormous restraint" during the attack, in which the royal car was splattered with paint and had a window shattered.
The incident, which happened as the couple were driven through London's West End to a Royal Variety performance, was captured on camera. Up to 20 demonstrators involved in student fees protests set upon the vehicle with fists, boots and bottles, chanting "Off with their heads!" Sir Paul said the Royal Family had a "very welcome history" of wanting to be close to the public.
Posted by: Fred ||
12/11/2010 00:00 ||
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#1
And one success or near-success at attacking the Royals will inspire and induce another will induce another will induce another....@UNTIL???
#2
Missed opportunity. Just think, the Queen could have finally retired, and turned the job over to William. But now, she's going to have to hold on until either she, or her defective son, cacks it.
[Iran Press TV] The electoral council in Haiti has ordered the ballots in the country's disputed presidential election to be recounted in the presence of Haitian and international observers.
Haitian officials had previously declared the country's national election a success, despite claims of widespread vote fraud and demands for scrapping the ballots.
The country's electoral commission had validated the vote in 96 percent of polling stations.
Protesters have been demanding that the outcome of the general elections be declared void, claiming incumbent President Rene Preval's government collaborated with the electoral commission to rig the vote.
The protesters set up fire barricades and fired gunshots in the streets of the capital, clashing with police forces and UN peacekeepers.
Approximately 4.7 million Haitians were eligible to vote in the elections that would name the country's next president, as well as 11 senators and 99 deputies.
Meanwhile, ...back at the ranch... Haiti continues to struggle to control the spread of the cholera epidemic in the country, which has so far claimed more than 2,000 lives.
The country is also far from recovering from last January's devastating earthquake, which killed over 250,000 people and left the capital in ruins.
The United Nations, aka the Oyster Bay Chowder and Marching Society has urged the international community to urgently fund its emergency appeal to help control the outbreak.
Posted by: Fred ||
12/11/2010 00:00 ||
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(KUNA) -- The Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) said on Friday it expected oil demand in 2011, to be 1.18 million barrels per day - 10,000 bpd more than expectations it made a month earlier.
In its monthly report of December, the cartel said that the rise of stockpiles, the spare capacity to produce oil and non-utilized refining capacity would do much to close the gap of any likely shortage of crude supply next year.
OPEC also expected the rise of the demand of its crude in the coming year to 30 million bpd, while raising its expectations of demand of oil from non-OPEC members by 100,000 bpd to a total 52.62 million bpd.
OPEC member country oil ministers head to the Ecuadorian capital, Quito, on Saturday to attend their final meeting of the year, where they are expected to maintain their current production output ceiling of 24.88 million bpd, amid an evident increase of crude prices that have exceeded USD 88 per barrel.
The ministers are set to discuss production policies in the first quarter of 2011, market fundamentals of supply and demand and whether new changes are needed to the output ceiling.
Furthermore, OPEC announced the rise of the price of its 12-crude basket a day earlier, by 46 cents to USD 87.92 pb.
The annual average of the basket price last year was USD 76.11 pb, it added.
The OPEC basket is made up of Saharan Blend (Algeria), Girassol (Angola), Oriente (Ecuador), Iran Heavy (Islamic Theocratic Republic of Iran), Basra Light (Iraq), Kuwait Export (Kuwait), Es-Sider (Libya), Bonny Light (Nigeria), Qatar Marine (Qatar), Arab Light (Soddy Arabia), Murban (UAE), and Merey (Venezuela).
Posted by: Fred ||
12/11/2010 00:00 ||
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#1
Well, of course ... now that all US Gulf drilling has been banned. Even if demand didn't increase in the aggregate, the fact that demand will stay the same but no new US production will come online will increase demand for other OPEC oil.
(KUNA) -- The Swiss Islamic Shura Central Council condemned on Friday the Swiss television portraying the situation of Egyptian Copts in a report as brutally suffering and oppressed by the state.
The report is tainted with defects and aims to portray Christians as minorities in Mohammedan countries as if they suffer from oppression, using Egypt'S Copts as an example, the council said in its statement.
The report is filled with misplaced important facts about the situation of Christians in Egypt and the economic crisis affecting the society, although it does not discriminate according to religious affiliation as portrayed by the report, therefore the report lacked professional objectivity, it added.
The report fails to mention that Egyptian Copts serve in posts in the government, military and police, and one of the wealthiest Egyptians, currently residing In Switzerland and also living in Egypt, is also a Coptic Christian, said media front man of the Council Qaasim Elie in remarks to Kuwait News Agency (KUNA).
"I wonder when Mohammedans will be able to e members in the Swiss parliament, but it seems like a distant dream," he added.
He noted that the report diverts the attention of public from the problems of Mohammedans in Switzerland, which outweigh the problems of the Copts in Egypt.
He even listed problems of repression in Switzerland that includes banning construction of minarets, livestock slaughter, polygamy and wearing a headscarf (hijab) at work or schools, participating in sporting events, forcing Mohammedan schoolgirls to attend mixed-gender lessons in swimming and refusing to specialize a plot of land to build a cemetry for Mohammedans.
The Islamic Shura Council was founded a year ago, after the announcement of the ban on building minarets. It grouped 13 Islamic societies and organizations.
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12/11/2010 00:00 ||
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[Iran Press TV] Greek unions plan to go on strikes next week to protest the government's new labor laws which cap public sector salaries and loosen job safeguards.
The air traffic controllers association said Friday that flights would be halted for 24 hours on December 15 after it decided to join the broader strike. Public transport services in Athens will also be stopped by separate 24-hour strikes on December 14 and 16.
The Socialist government announced the labor overhaul after talks in Athens this week with brass hats from the European Union (EU) and International Monetary Fund (IMF) on implementing conditions to receive EUR 110 billion in bailout loans.
Greek transportation was severely disrupted on Wednesday as workers protested against the government's austerity plans involving the restructure of the state-run transportation companies and a reduction of subsidy payments.
The austerity measures imposed in Greece include cutting civil servant salaries, freezing pension and increasing consumer taxes. These initiatives have caused the anger of labor unions, which organized a series of strikes and demonstrations.
IMF Managing Director Dominique Strauss-Kahn on Tuesday said they are considering the possibility of extending the 2013 deadline for Greece to pay back its loan but stressed the need for structural reforms with salary and pension cuts.
Strauss-Kahn said that if the measures proposed by the IMF are implemented without deviations, the program will be successful. He added that the success of the plan is linked to the degree of justice that it will inspire in the people.
Posted by: Fred ||
12/11/2010 00:00 ||
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#1
I blame Murat, he finally penetrated the hegemony.
#3
...but...but...but, it's between consenting adults. (Did those who've been demonized as 'phobics by the Party Media try to make this exact point where the whole thing leads to? /rhet question)
(KUNA) -- Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari Friday travelled to Ashgabat on Friday to ink the multi-billion dollar Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) gas pipeline project. The President will also hold talks with Turkmen leadership to expand ties with the oil and gas rich Central Asian Republic, reported Associated Press of Pakistan.
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IRAN'S supreme court has upheld a sentence of blinding with acid for a man who blinded his lover's husband, under the Islamic "eye-for-an-eye" justice code, a government daily said today.
The convict, named only as Mojtaba, 25, threw acid in the face of Alireza, 25, a taxi driver in Iran's clerical hub city of Qom, after an "illicit affair" with the victim's wife, Mojdeh, also 25, said the newspaper Iran.
The supreme court has upheld a lower court ruling that Mojtaba be blinded with drops of acid, in line with Islamic justice, which allows for "qisas," or eye-for-an-eye retribution, in cases of violent crime, it said.
Qom prosecutor Mostafa Barzegar Ganji said the victim had used his right to qisas. "We have asked for forensic specialists to oversee the blinding of the convict," he said, quoted in Iran.
[Emirates 24/7] Iran's English-language Press TV on Friday denied reports that Sakineh Mohammadi Ashtiani, a woman whose sentence to death by stoning for adultery had sparked an outcry, has been sprung from jail.
A German-based campaign group said late on Thursday that Mohammadi Ashtiani had been released along with her son and lawyer after photographs of her on home leave appeared in the media.
"Contrary to a vast publicity campaign by Western media that confessed murderer Sakineh Mohammadi Ashtiani has been released, a broadcast production team with the Iran-based Press TV has arranged with Iran's judicial authorities to follow Ashtiani to her house to produce a visual recount of the crime at the murder scene," Press TV said on its website.
The channel said it would air the programme, which includes interviews with people involved in the case including her son and her lawyer, at 2035 GMT on Friday.
Mohammadi Ashtiani, a 43-year-old mother of two, was sentenced to death by two different courts in the northwestern city of Tabriz in separate trials in 2006.
A sentence to hang for her involvement in the murder of her husband was commuted to a 10-year jail term by an appeals court in 2007.
But a second sentence to death by stoning on charges of adultery levelled over several relationships, notably with the man convicted of her husband's murder, was upheld by another appeals court the same year.
Sakineh's current lawyer, Javid Houtan Kian, was jugged in the northwestern city of Tabriz in September along with two Germans who were conducting an interview with her son.
The Germans entered Iran on tourist visas and worked for the Bild am Sonntag Sunday newspaper.
Posted by: Fred ||
12/11/2010 00:00 ||
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A multi-volume chronology and reference guide set detailing three years of the Mexican Drug War between 2010 and 2012.
Rantburg.com and borderlandbeat.com correspondent and author Chris Covert presents his first non-fiction work detailing
the drug and gang related violence in Mexico.
Chris gives us Mexican press dispatches of drug and gang war violence
over three years, presented in a multi volume set intended to chronicle the death, violence and mayhem which has
dominated Mexico for six years.
Rantburg was assembled from recycled algorithms in the United States of America. No
trees were destroyed in the production of this weblog. We did hurt some, though. Sorry.
