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► You should find that you reach a milestone today after quite a lot of hard work. Relax and enjoy the moment -- it's not all that often that you get such concrete rewards. Spread them around! The heavens are primed for new beginnings -- and lately you've been champing at the bit for one yourself, haven't you? Well, now's your opportunity. If a financial arrangement is in the cards, don't worry about it fizzling out before it has a chance to bear fruit. You have an astrological safety net in place, guaranteeing that whatever you devote your time and energy to will turn out to be a solid investment.
► DAILY MAIL 14 November 2013 : FIRST LOOK: Noah trailer reveals epic new take on biblical tale starring Russell Crowe in the title role
► IDC 12 November 2013 : Android Pushes Past 80% Market Share While Windows Phone Shipments Leap 156.0% Year Over Year in the Third Quarter
► ABS CBN NEWS 15 November 2013 : Vision of hell in Tacloban's 'Divine' hospital
► TODAY in HISTORY : 16 November
■ 1940 : The Germans closed the Warsaw Ghetto
■ 1945 : The Constitution of UNESCO was signed in London
► SLASH DOT 15 November 2013 : Global Warming Since 1997 Underestimated By Half
► FOXNEWS 15 November 201 : Congressman: Benghazi attackers knew location of ambassador's safe room
► NASA : 'Murray Ridge' on Mars
► GUARDIAN 15 november 2013 : Slovakian Roma in Sheffield: 'This is a boiling pot ready to explode'
► KSAT 15 November 2013 : 3 hurdles health care fix must overcome
► ABC NEWS 15 November 2013 : King Tut's Sister Stolen in Massive Museum Heist
► AUTOS & VEHICLES : The Epic Split feat. Van Damme (Live Test 6). Watch Jean-Claude Van Damme carry out his famous split between two reversing trucks. Never done before, JCVD says it's the most epic of splits -- what do you think? Please share & comment! This live test was set up to demonstrate the precision and directional stability of Volvo Dynamic Steering -- a world first technology that makes the new Volvo FM easier to drive. Filmed in Spain on a closed-off landing field at sunrise in one take.Directed by Andreas Nilsson. Soundtrack by Enya: Only Time. || ► Teaser Live Test 6. What happens when you bring together a martial arts action hero with the engineer behind Volvo's new steering? Watch them prepare for a coming spectacular product test - premiere Nov 14. This is a teaser for the new film from Volvo Trucks, demonstrating the precision and directional stability of Volvo Dynamic Steering. Don't miss the premiere on YouTube the 14th of November 2013. Published on Nov 13, 2013 by Volvo Trucks
► America's Dead Sea. Deep in the desert of southern California sits one of the worst environmental sites in America—a former tourist destination that has turned into a toxic soup: the Salton Sea.The sea was born by accident 100 years ago, when the Colorado River breached an irrigation canal; for the next two years the entire volume of the river flowed into the Salton Sink, one of the lowest places on Earth. The new lake became a major tourist attraction, with resort towns springing up along its shores. Yet with no outflow, and with agricultural runoff serving as its only inflow, the sea’s waters grew increasingly toxic. Farm chemicals and ever-increasing salinity caused massive fish and bird die-offs. Use of the sea for recreational activities plummeted, and by the 1980s its tourist towns were all but abandoned. The skeletons of these structures are still there; ghost towns encrusted in salt. California officials acknowledge that if billions of dollars are not spent to save it, the sea could shrink another 60 percent in the next 20 years, exposing soil contaminated with arsenic and other cancerous chemicals to strong winds. Should that dust become airborne, it would blow across much of southern California, creating an environmental calamity.
► Analysis: Hero to zero? Philippine president feels typhoon backlash
► U.S. administration plans Obamacare website upgrade this weekend
► House passes Republican health bill with 39 Democratic votes
► Patchy aid reaches typhoon survivors as Philippines struggles to rebuild
► FBI warns of government hacks by Anonymous - By Jim Finkle and Joseph Menn
BOSTON/SAN FRANCISCO - Activist hackers linked to the collective known as Anonymous have secretly accessed government computers in multiple agencies and stolen sensitive information in a campaign that began almost a year ago, the FBI warned this week.
* Chicago hacker tied to Anonymous given 10 years in prison
* Spy scandal weighs on U.S. tech firms in China, Cisco takes hit
* Love, money and power in Britain's phone hacking drama
► VIDEOS
■ Albanian 'no' deals blow to Syria chemical weapons plan
■ Violence and despair in typhoon-hit Philippines.
■ NASA's MAVEN set for Mars mission launch
► Camel breeders count losses in Rajasthan. For Rajasthan's camel herders the Pushkar fair is the one time of the year for them to sell off their young camels. But with demand for the animals in steady decline, many are returning home out of pocket and with unsold camels.
► Try the impossible - Guinness World Records Day. Hula-hoops, backflips and basketball - participants try the impossible on Guinness World Records Day.
► Bob Dylan's visual art showed in London exhibition. Bob Dylan is one of the world's most renowned musicians but in recent years he's also been making waves in the visual art world.
► Destroying chemical weapons. The world's chemical weapons watchdog was meeting Friday to approve a tight timetable for ridding Syria of its entire arsenal by mid-2014. The Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) is to agree "destruction milestones" for the more than 1,000 tonnes of dangerous chemicals in Syria, according to the terms of a US-Russian deal that headed off US military strikes on President Bashar al-Assad's regime. VIDEOGRAPHIC
► John F. Kennedy's assassination. Americans are marking the 50th anniversary of the assassination of President John Fitzgerald Kennedy. The iconic leader was shot dead on November 22, 1963, as he travelled with his wife Jacqueline in a motorcade through downtown Dallas, Texas. His presumed killer, Lee Harvey Oswald, was himself shot dead before being tried, leaving many questions surrounding the president's death unanswered. A videographic detailing the final moments of Kennedy's life and a crime that shocked the world. VIDEOGRAPHIC
► US Gamers line up to be the first to buy Playstation 4
► Foreign relief operations bring aid to Philippines || ► Vision of hell in Tacloban's 'Divine' hospital || ► US carrier spearheads relief effort in Philippines
► Swedish opera diva brings new verve to French chanson. Swedish mezzo-soprano Anne-Sofie von Otter is bringing a new collection of classical French songs and chansons to the stage in Paris, after having a go at a Kurt Weill opera.
► Struggles in Typhoon Ruins As Aid Slow to Arrive || ► Raw: Philippines Residents Rebuild City, Lives
► NEWS
■ Assad's forces advance in northern Syria towards Aleppo
■ U.S. quietly offered $10 million reward for Benghazi attackers
■ Albania refuses to host destruction of Syria's chemical weapons; watchdog agency undaunted
■ 'Quite possible' Iran, powers can reach nuclear deal next week: U.S. official
■ Netanyahu urges France not to weaken on Iran talks
■ OP-ED : Got Science? Nebraska Scientists Stand Up Against Political Interference
■ Democrats vote for House bill diluting 'Obamacare'
■ 39 Dems Defect as House OKs 'Keep Your Health Plan' Bill
■ Oprah Winfrey says Obama victim of racism
■ Trick for Safer, Easier-to-Remember Passwords
■ JFK's last day - The assassination of an American President
■ After JFK, a Secret Service transformed
■ President Obama thanks 'Batkid'
► SHINE : Couple gives back adopted son after 9 years
► OMG! : Sarah Silverman Brings Ex Jimmy Kimmel a Box of His Old Stuff on 'Jimmy Kimmel Live!'
► SPORTS : Woman successfully trades wedding ring for Chiefs-Broncos tickets on Craigslist
► FEATURES : Les Miserables - Is it true that men hate watching musicals?
► MAGAZINE : 10 things - 'Huh?' means the same in every language and nine more nugget
How about, "Ahhhh? Ahahahaa ..."
Mmm ... I actually really want him to fondle me in French language. And we orgasm together in French language, ... mmmmm ....do not ask me what it's like, and how its pronunciation.
(... Ehhhehehe...... No one will ask you, Cisca. Emotional language is universal and means the same in all languages. Meow... )
► TECHNOLOGY : 'He is my friend' - Can robots really provide companionship to the elderly?
► HEALTH : Cancer diversity has 'huge implications'
► CULTURE : Temples of books: The world;s most beautiful libraries
► FUTURE : Parks 2050: Growing food, curbing floods, cleaning air
► AUTOS: When Van Damme met Volvo
► NEWS : Growing sickness - Climate clues as dengue fever spreads in US
► Today's African Proverb : "While the dogs are barking the camel will continue its way" - Sent by Dominic Anei Lual, Kuajok in South Sudan and Musonera Jean Maurice in Nairobi, Kenya
► Clashes between residents and militia leave dozens dead, hundreds injured in Libyan capital
► CIA monitors Americans' financial activities
► Muslim Brotherhood activists storm London university
► Unique 'direct kill' air defense complex unveiled in Russia
► Asteroids should be colonized or used as transport to planets, Russian scientists say
► Putin to officials: Keep discussions in-house or quit govt.
► VIDEOS
■ Syria chemical arms destruction 'in full swing' despite civil war
■ Iranian Uranium: Rouhani froze nuclear expansion at start of presidency
■ Toxic Baggage: Albania refuses to host Syria's chem weapon destruction
► Al Jazeera Correspondent : Not Yet Kenyan
► 101 East : Assassination Capital
► Inside Story : Water under pressure
► South2North : The dark side of diamonds
► Listening Post : China's balancing act with the foreign media
► Talk to Al Jazeera : Prabowo Subianto: 'The people are fed up'
I wonder, "Why is this controversial figure championed as a presidential candidate by a handful of people?" Our respondents have an inventory of his black records, including his temperamental behavior and emotional. Until this moment, Prabowo does not have the slightest intention to provide better information about the location of bodies of 13 activists who may have been killed in 1997-1998. Prabowo was also dishonorably discharged from the Indonesian National Armed Forces. He was the only general who had dishonorably discharged by the military throughout the history of Indonesia.
Prabowo is also the main alleged perpetrator in May 1998, Trisakti shootings, Semanggi tragedy and so on. Many of the results leads to Prabowo. He is also the main actor in the corruption, collusion and nepotism in order to master the new forest concessions, plantations and mines (coal and oil) 3 million acres from Sabang to Merauke. He's an expert in deceiving the people with populist economic jargon, but he never once showed any real concern for the fate of farmers and fishermen in Indonesia, especially to migrant workers, do not expect the defense or even the slightest bit of empathy from Prabowo.
(Will be continued. I will contact our sources and find out more things about Prabowo.)
Prabowo is also the main alleged perpetrator in May 1998, Trisakti shootings, Semanggi tragedy and so on. Many of the results leads to Prabowo. He is also the main actor in the corruption, collusion and nepotism in order to master the new forest concessions, plantations and mines (coal and oil) 3 million acres from Sabang to Merauke. He's an expert in deceiving the people with populist economic jargon, but he never once showed any real concern for the fate of farmers and fishermen in Indonesia, especially to migrant workers, do not expect the defense or even the slightest bit of empathy from Prabowo.
(Will be continued. I will contact our sources and find out more things about Prabowo.)
INDONESIA: No justice for victims of Semanggi I tragedy 13 years on
An interview with Maria Katarina Sumarsih published by the Asian Human Rights Commission
BACKGROUND: After the fall of Soeharto in May 1998, Indonesia has seen little improvement in its political and human rights situation. A large-scale student demonstration demanding total governmental reform and better handling of the country’s financial crisis on 12 May 1998 resulted in four students being shot dead by the military. The demonstration continued on 8-14 November 1998, when the students rejected the Special Session of People's Consultative Assembly (Sidang Istimewa Majelis Permusyawaratan Rakyat/MPR) for its unconstitutional nature, and demanded the president address the financial crisis. This saw the death of 18 students, with hundreds more injured.
Maria Katarina Sumarsih is the mother of BR. Norma Irmawan (also known as Wawan), a student of Atmajaya Catholic University, Jakarta, who was one of the students shot dead by the military on 13 November 1998. The House of Representative (DPR RI) rejected this case to be taken up by the ad hoc human rights court since Semanggi I is not categorized as a gross human rights violation. This interview was conducted to commemorate 13 years since the tragedy.
1. Could you tell us about the incident that happened to you?
On 13 November 1998, my child Wawan, a student of Atmajaya Catholic University, active in campus and society, took part in a peaceful protest demanding the rejection of the special assembly of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR), since the MPR needed to be reformed first. Before the protest, the students had held public discussions and other activities in order to open space for dialogue and prevent a recurrence of the Trisakti tragedy. According to the Human Rights Violations Investigation Commission (KPP HAM) Report by the National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM), at 10am local time, in front of Atmajaya Catholic University, Wawan and his six friends were trying to neutralize the air from tear gas by spraying water hydrant. When one of his friends was shot, Wawan asked permission from one military officer to help his friend. After permission was given, Wawan raised a white flag as a sign to help his friend. However, when Wawan went to lift his friend, he was shot. According to the autopsy result, Wawan was shot with a standard military bullet.
2. How did this incident impact you?
At that time, I cried and prayed. The atmosphere at the house was quiet. I just cried and prayed. My husband read and wrote. My other child, Irma, studied. Everybody just did their own business. Housework was not done by me, but my husband. Every time I smiled, there was a sense of sadness. However, after a long process and many people’s support, I can live as usual; I can even speak out regarding human rights violations now.
3. Could you tell us what you have done to fight for this case?
For the first three months, I just sat in silence and read the newspaper at Wawan's grave. Then, I wished to get a copy of Wawan's autopsy result and met the military police. The chief of the investigation section (Kasidik) stated that the political pressure was very strong. Even though Wawan and I were right, we would be considered as wrong. He also asked me to bring witnesses regarding this case. I had proposed five witnesses, but the military police never called them.
I also met KontraS, Tim Relawan Kemanusiaan (TRK), students and others. After I heard a sermon at church about Wawan, I decided to fight. When I heard there was to be a peaceful protest at Hotel Indonesia traffic circle (Bundaran HI) held by women activists, I joined it, and met many activists. I also then became active in many human rights activities, such as dialogues, seminars, gatherings and others.
Together with NGO's and other victims, I also did lobbying and took part in hearings with relevant institutions. The House of Representative then established a special committee (Pansus) to investigate this case. The result was that three factions agreed that Semanggi I was a gross human rights violation, while seven disagreed.
After Law No. 26/2000 concerning the Human Rights court was enacted, the Supreme Court asked us to urge Komnas HAM to investigate this case.
Two years later, Komnas HAM conducted an investigation into the tragedies of Trisakti and Semanggi I & II. Komnas HAM declared the tragedies to be gross human rights violations. However, the result of the report went back and forth from the attorney general. Once, the attorney general even stated that the result was lost. As of now, the report is still with the attorney general, and he still rejects to investigate and submit the case to the ad hoc human rights court for baseless reasons, such as nebis in idem (the principle that no legal action can be constituted twice for the same cause), when in fact there has been no previous trial for Semanggi I.
In 2008, we met Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono. He promised that he would establish the ad hoc human rights court and punished all perpetrators. In 2011, we also met the Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs, Djoko Suyanto. He made the same promises as the president. Until now however, there is no action at all from the government. The case still has to wait for action from the attorney general.
4. In your opinion, what are the current possibilities for you to get justice? What obstacles do you face?
While I am waiting for the settlement of the case at the attorney general’s side, I always participate in the silent protest every Thursday in front of the Presidential Palace. I also cooperate with the Indonesian History Teacher Association (Asosiasi Guru Sejarah Indonesia/AGSI) to tell the truth about the Semanggi tragedy to students. I also made a book based on victim testimonies. I want to say that we cannot be silent even though the government neglects our case for years. I always participate in the silent protest, yet I will never be silenced. I and other victims even sent a letter to the president, without caring whether our letter will be read or not. We will do everything that we can. Regarding our letter, some of our letters were replied, yet the answer is normative; just stating that our case should be settled in accordance with the law.
The obstacle I face is impunity--the law enforcement not performing their function, and political obstacles. While the House of Representative passed a law regarding the human rights court, some articles did not give justice to the victims, such as provisions regarding amnesty for the perpetrators and so on. The government also did not implement the law; for instance it did not establish the ad hoc human rights court. Moreover, while the president promised us to prevent the recurrence of such tragedies, he appointed people allegedly responsible for human rights violations as state officials.
5. The Semanggi I case has been going on for 13 years. In your opinion, how is the condition of the other victims? Are they still fighting?
Some of them are in despair, such as Yap Yun Hap's mother. She stated that she felt like screaming in her room, “The one and only person to hear me is myself. The government is not listening.” The other victims have died or are sick, so they cannot participate in the fight. I think that must be understood, since every person has their own limits. Fortunately, I have to thank God because until this day, God has given me good health.
6. Have you ever felt tired and thought about quitting?
I feel tired actually. However, like a candle which is never suppressed and a narrow alley which has no dead-end, my spirit won't go in difficult times. I will not stop fighting. As long as Wawan is in my soul, I won't stop.
7. What is your motivation to keep fighting?
My motivation is my love for Wawan. He always supports me. My sorrow has been transformed into love for humans, whether they are victims or not.
8. In your opinion, who is the most responsible in your case?
The president at that time, B.J. Habibie and the top person of the army, Wiranto, are the most responsible persons in my son’s case because the command system in the military is very disciplined. Nothing is done without orders from superiors.
9. What is your hope and demand?
I hope the government urges the attorney general to investigate all human rights violations, such as the tragedies of Semanggi I and II and other cases. The right or wrong must be declared in court. The House of Representative must make the recommendation to the President to establish the ad hoc human rights court. If there is an argument that this case cannot be brought to the court because there is no proof, that is absolutely a mistake.
10. What is your message to the international community?
I hope that the international community urges the Indonesian government to solve the human rights violations in the country. I am aware that without any support from the international community, our case will never be heard by the government, like the Munir case. Even though the main perpetrator was not found, Munir's case would never have been submitted to the court without international support. I also hope that the international community voices its concern for all cases of human rights violations in Indonesia.
***
The views shared in this article do not necessarily reflect those of the AHRC, and the AHRC takes no responsibility for them.
# # #
About AHRC: The Asian Human Rights Commission is a regional non-governmental organisation that monitors human rights in Asia, documents violations and advocates for justice and institutional reform to ensure the protection and promotion of these rights. The Hong Kong-based group was founded in 1984.
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► NATION : Obama facing Democratic dissent on healthcare law
Worried about Obamacare's flawed rollout with the 2014 midterm election looming, some Democrats distance themselves from the president. Dozens vote for a GOP bill.
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► Garcetti to move family to Getty House, mayor's official residence
Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti has decided to move his family out of their Silver Lake home and into Getty House, the official residence...
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A family is reflected in a tide pool as they search for hermit crabs amid warm weather and clear skies in Laguna Beach. PHOTOGRAPH BY: Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times
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