News Headlines (151) 10 February 2013

ONLINE TODAY

► Ancestor of All Placental Mammals Revealed - by Sid Perkins on 7 February 2013   ||  Similar topic : My older post on 8 February 2013 - BBC division


► What Causes Lou Gehrig's Sticky Masses? / Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) - by Emily Underwood on 7 February 2013 


► Top Stories: Talking Ants, Diamond Sperm, and the Ancestor of All Placental Mammals - by Science News Staff on 8 February 2013


► Shhh, the Ants Are Talking - by Carrie Arnold on 7 February 2013


► Paralyzed Man Uses Thoughts Alone to Control Robot Arm, Touch Friend's Hand, After Seven Years - Feb. 8, 2013 — Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and UPMC describe in PLoS ONE how an electrode array sitting on top of the brain enabled a 30-year-old paralyzed man to control the movement of a character on a computer screen in three dimensions with just his thoughts. 


► Article:  Why the Snowstorm Is Named 'Nemo' - by Douglas Main, OurAmazingPlanet Staff Writer | Date: 08 February 2013 ||  ► Article:  What's Causing All This Snow? - by Becky Oskin, OurAmazingPlanet Staff Writer | Date: 08 February 2013 


► Image Album:  In Photos: Beautiful Pyramids of Sudan- by Owen Jarus, LiveScience Contributor | Date: 06 February 2013 ( Similar Photos : My older post on 8 February 2013)

Isis and Osiris. Credit: Photo copyright A. Chen/SEDAU. Archaeologist Vincent Francigny shown with a stela discovered at the site. The name of the deceased is lost, but the text has an invocation to Isis and Osiris.

► Isis and Osiris (Plutarch reading - Part 1)  ||  ► Isis and Osiris (Plutarch reading - Part 2)

► Cut Your Valentine Some Slack: Partner's Efforts at Improving Your Relationship Should Not Be Ignored - Feb. 13, 2012 — If the one you love usually forgets Valentine's Day, but this year makes a romantic effort, you should give him credit for trying. ||   ► Expert Suggests Tried-And-True Strategies to Strengthen Your Relationship -  Jan. 9, 2013 — What are you doing to keep your relationship alive? A University of Illinois study highlights the importance of five relationship maintenance strategies that couples can use to preserve or improve the quality of an intimate relationship.


► Love in the Lab - By Vivienne Raper | February 08, 2013

'When you're at work, you work. You don't make love, you don't kiss each other, you don't whisper sweet words: You talk about neurons."— Vittorio Gallese

► Vittorio Gallese, "The Body in Aesthetic Experience: A Neuroscientific Perspective".  Uploaded on Feb 23, 2012 by CSTMS Berkeley : This event was held at the Center for Science, Technology, Medicine & Society at the University of California, Berkeley.



► The male Eurasian jay :: Sensitive Males Provide Clues to Mind Reading in Birds - by Virginia Morell on 4 February 2013 ||  ► Jays pick the right gift for their valentine. Experiment suggests jays can imagine themselves in another bird's place - CBC News. Posted: Feb 8, 2013  ||  ► Gift-Giving Birds May Think Much Like People -By Brandon Keim 02.04.13




► Cupid's Arrow: Light Shed On Laws of Attraction -  Feb. 8, 2013 — We've heard the clichés: "It was love at first sight," "It's inner beauty that truly matters," and "Opposites attract." But what's really at work in selecting a romantic or sexual partner?




► Year of Snake sees serpent sales soar in Hong Kong. Published on Feb 9, 2013 :: In Hong Kong, where snake soup is considered a delicacy, an increasing number of serpents are slithering their way into local households, with sales of the uncuddly pet rocketing as the Year of the Snake approaches.

► Millions of Indians bathe on Kumbh's holiest day.  Published on Feb 9, 2013 :: Tens of millions of Hindu pilgrims cleanse their sins with a plunge into the sacred river Ganges at the world's largest religious festival.




► Raw: Snowballs, Sledding in Central Park Snow. Published on Feb 8, 2013 ::  New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo declared a state of emergency as snow fell heavily Friday afternoon. In Central Park, locals and tourists went sledding, had snowball fights, and even got a workout in. (Feb. 8)

► Raw: Snowy Roads Near Conn. Border. Published on Feb 8, 2013 ::  Connecticut Gov. Dannel P. Malloy imposed a travel ban Friday on the state's highways and deployed National Guard troops around the state for rescues or other emergencies. (Feb. 8)

► Raw: Near Whiteout Conditions on Conn. Roads.  Published on Feb 8, 2013 ::  A winter storm forecasters warn could be a blizzard for the history books with a potential for up to 3 feet of snow is clobbering the New York-to-Boston corridor. More than 13 inches cover parts of northeastern Connecticut. (Feb. 8)

► Raw: Boston Digs Out From Storm.  Published on Feb 9, 2013 ::  Airlines have scratched more than 5,300 flights through Saturday, and the three major airports serving New York City as well as Boston's Logan Airport closed. (Feb. 9)

► Bloomberg: NYC Streets Are Clear.  Published on Feb 9, 2013 :: In New York, hundreds of cars got stuck on the Long Island Expressway on Friday, and dozens remained disabled early Saturday as police worked to free them. ( Feb. 9 )

► Conn. Struggles to Dig Out of Behemoth Storm. Published on Feb 9, 2013 ::  Connecticut residents awoke Saturday to more than two feet of snow following a massive snowstorm that left hundreds of thousands without power across New England. One Southington, Conn. man struggled to dig out of the knee-deep snow. (Feb. 9)

► Northeast Besieged by Monster Snowstorm.  Published on Feb 9, 2013 ::  A howling storm across the Northeast left the New York-to-Boston corridor shrouded in 1 to 3 feet of snow Saturday. More than 650,000 homes and businesses were left without electricity. At least six deaths were blamed on the storm (Feb. 9)

► Blizzard Paralyzes Connecticut. Published on Feb 9, 2013 :: The storm dumped at least 2 feet of snow throughout Connecticut, paralyzing much of the state. The governor ordered all roads closed Saturday until further notice, and even emergency responders were stuck on highways. (Feb. 9)

► Raw: Two Million Attend Rio Street Carnival. Published on Feb 9, 2013 :: Organizers of the "Cordao do Bola Preta" street party in Rio de Janeiro said some two million people joined Saturday's festivities. Created in 1918, the Bola Preta party is the oldest street Carnival parade in Rio. (Feb. 9)

► LAPD to reopen probe into fugitive ex-cop's firing - By TAMI ABDOLLAH | Associated Press

► Northeast digs out from blizzard, storm brewing in Plains - By Tim McLaughlin and Edith Honan ||  PHOTOS - Northeast braces for blizzard. A major winter storm is heading toward the U.S. Northeast with up to 2 feet of snow expected for a Boston-area region that has seen mostly bare ground this winter.


► 7 stories to ruin your childhood love of Disneyland -  By Lauren Hansen | The Week – Fri, Feb 8, 2013 

► What Horse Meat Tastes Like - By Alexander Abad-Santos | The Atlantic Wire – Fri, Feb 8, 2013 ::

► 9 Beautiful Pics of New York City Covered in Snow - By Emily Banks | Mashable

► 12 historic photos of the world's most formidable snowstorms - By Elena Scotti | The Week – Fri, Feb 8, 2013

► Oscar Predictions 2013: Who Will Win/Who Should Win (MovieMantz) - Access Hollywood – Fri, Feb 8, 2013

► The results are in: Our dogs are Best in Show. So what if our dogs don't have the measured gait, glossy coat and full set of teeth that their Westminster Dog Show brethren boast? No offense to our furry friends who compete at the Kennel Club—you're quite fetching and cute and all. But it's the everyday dogs who capture our hearts. (PHOTOS)

► 9 February 2013 -  Tunisian PM pledges new government

Tunisia's PM says he will quit if a technocratic government is rejected next week, amid a crisis triggered by the killing of an opposition leader.
* In pictures: Belaid funeral
* Analysis: Resurgence of revolt
* Viewpoint: Ennahda's 'double-dealing'
* Clashes as Tunisia mourns

► Holiest day at India's Kumbh Mela.
The most auspicious day of bathing takes place at India's Kumbh Mela pilgrimage, with more than 30 million people expected to take a dip. || PICTURES

* Millions prepare to bathe - VIDEO
* Counting the Kumbh Mela -19 January 2013
* Nuns get their own space - 27 January 2013 :: Kumbh Mela: India's Hindu Naga nuns get their own space
* Preparing for millions - 13 January 2013

► Chinese New Year, Beijing-style. 9 February 2013 - Hundreds of millions of Chinese are marking the Lunar New Year. In the Chinese zodiac, this will be the year of the snake, taking over from the dragon of 2012. This year the authorities in Beijing are asking people to limit the number of fireworks they set off. ||  ► Millions welcome Year of the Snake - 10 February 2013 :: Chinese Year of Snake celebrations in Asia  ||   ►10 February 2013  - In pictures: Political spoofs at Hong Kong New Year fair


► 10 February 2013  - Chocolate fans in Japan have been creating Valentine's Day gifts with a difference. Their faces are scanned and then turned into a chocolate mould, using 3D printing technology. Participants at the event in Tokyo said they were surprised at how lifelike the miniature sculptures turned out to be. Tim Allman reports.


► 'Penguin-cam' gets up close and personal.  9 February 2013 - Wildlife producer John Downer demonstrates how he and his team went about making a documentary about penguins. In order to get close to them he deployed 50 special cameras disguised as rocks, eggs and penguins.


► 8 February 2013  - Nigerian music (Cobhams Asuquo) producer on the advantages of being blind 

  ► Ndani TV: Cobhams Asuquo performs on Ndani Sessions. Published on Sep 12, 2012 :: Award wining and uber talented songwriter and music producer, Cobhams Asuquo, features on Ndani Sessions performing his song, 'New Beginning'.




► 9 February 2013  - The funeral of a teenage girl who was shot dead a week after performing at President Obama's inauguration has been held in Chicago. Michelle Obama was among the mourners. Hadiya Pendleton, 15, was killed in a park in Chicago in what police believe was a case of mistaken identity. Her killing has attracted a lot of attention amid the nation-wide debate about gun violence. Steve Kingstone reports.  ||   ► 'We hope her death is not in vain' say shooting victim's parents. 8 February 2013 - The parents of a teenage girl shot dead days after appearing in President Obama's inauguration celebrations have told the BBC that US gun laws have to change. Hadiya Pendleton, 15, was killed in a park in Chicago in what police believe was a case of mistaken identity. Despite the soul-searching in the US following the Sandy Hook school massacre, January was the deadliest month for gun crime in Chicago for a decade. Steve Kingstone reports.   ||   ► 31 January 2013 - Giffords implores Congress for gun control 


► 10 February 2013 - Curiosity Mars rover takes historic drill sample |  By Jonathan Amos - Science correspondent  

► 8 February 2013  - In pictures: Exotic orchids 

► Warrior or Threat? Cop-killer on the run declares war on LAPD. Published on Feb 8, 2013 :: The largest manhunt in the history of the Los Angeles Police Department continues with teams combing the hillsides of a ski resort, where the suspect is believed to be hiding. Thousands of police officers are searching for Christopher Dorner, who is accused of having allegedly murdered two civilians and one police officer. In a rambling Internet manifesto Dorner had declared war on law enforcement officers and their families accusing the LAPD of "internal corruption, racism and concealment of excessive force." For more analysis RT talks to Michael Ruppert, investigative journalist and a former LAPD officer.

► Bra-less Bravado: Ready to strip for your cause? Published on Feb 9, 2013 ::  The radical feminist group, Femen are at it again, and this time they've gone topless at the Berlin film festival to protest against female circumcision. The demonstrators jumped over barriers before being caught by security guards, attracting a lot of attention along the way. So if you've got it, should you flaunt it for a cause? The Resident's Lori Harfenist hit the streets of New York to find out what you think.  ||  PHOTOS


► Female Genital Mutilation - UK. Uploaded on Aug 31, 2010 by journeymanpictures :: August 2010 - The controversial tradition at the heart of African culture has now reached the shores of Europe. Today, over 500 British girls are estimated to have undergone the procedure of female genital cutting. Many young girls would get excited at the prospect of going on holiday but Jamelia knew that the plane she boarded was taking her to be 'circumcised'. Jamelia was cut in an empty mansion by an old woman, strangers held her down and a clean razor was only used when more money exchanged hands. "I remember the blood everywhere", Jamelia says, "one of the maids actually saw her pick up the bit of flesh they cut out." Miriam's womb was accidentally sealed when she was cut and now she cannot have children. "It will stay with me until the day I die." Now, the NHS confirms that cutters are flown over to the UK to cut girls in batches - a cheap alternative. The UK has more girls at risk of bring cut than any other European country and as yet no-one has been prosecuted for the crime. 




► CISPA's back: Hacking, online espionage resurrect cybersecurity bill

► Four people shot, one critically injured at New Orleans Mardi Gras celebration 

► US missile defense shield flawed – classified studies

► Erdogan vs Army: '15% of Turkish top brass on trial, hundreds resign'

► New Russian citizens to get call-up for military service

► 'Liberty Leading the People': Delacroix masterpiece vandalized in Louvre-Lens

► Talk to Al Jazeera - Moncef Marzouki: The price of a revolution. Published on Feb 9, 2013 :: Tunisia's president talks to Mike Hanna aabout his concerns that divisions in the country might get out of hand, causing unrest and even civil war.

► US First Lady mourns slain Chicago teenager. Published on Feb 9, 2013 :: America's First Lady Michelle Obama has attended the funeral of a 15 year old girl killed after performing in President Obama's inauguration  celebration. The high school student was the 46th person to be shot dead in the Obamas' hometown of Chicago this year alone. Her death has intensified a national debate on gun control. Al Jazeera's John Hendren reports from Chicago.

► Refighting the Last Wars  || ► John McCain To Chuck Hagel: I Told You So

► In the Fast Food World, Is Fish the New Chicken? 

► Obama to focus on pocketbook issues in coming address
► State of the Union guests include people touched by gun violence
► Sen. Rand Paul to deliver tea party State of the Union response
► Democrats finish retreat with eye on reclaiming House majority

3 PICTURES TODAY

South Korea and U.S. Marines take aim as they ski down a hill during a joint winter drill in Pyeongchang, some 180 kilometers east of Seoul, on February 7, 2013. Marines from South Korea and the United States took part in a military winter drills, which began on February 4 and run through February 22, to test their limits in extreme conditions. (AFP PHOTO/JUNG YEON-JE)

Avery Fridge, 2, checks out a one month old barn owl (Tito Alba) bred from the Alberta Birds of Prey Centre at the 2013 Calgary Boat and Sportsman's Show on Thursday Feb 7, 2013. The show runs until Sunday at the BMO Centre, Stampede Park. (Darren Makowichuk/QMI AGENCY) - ( Read also - BBC Wales Barn Owl page ||   BBC - Barn Owl  || ► Article: What Male Owls Want: Big Spots - Clara Moskowitz. Date: 19 November 2010

A demonstrator dressed in a giraffe costume holds a banner during a protest in front of IMF headquarters in Lisbon Feb. 9, 2013. The protesters, who travelled from Torres Vedras to Lisbon on Saturday, were demonstrating against the government’s decision not to declare the Torres Vedras carnival a national holiday. The carnival, in which participants make political satirical statements, will be held this year on February 12. The banner reads, "Let me work." REUTERS/Rafael Marchante

News Headlines (150) 9 February 2013

ONLINE TODAY

►
Funniest Super Bowl Commercials of 2013 (Top 10 Super Bowl Ads) Best 2013. Published on Feb 3, 2013 by CodByNight



► Eat to Dream: Study Shows Dietary Nutrients Associated With Certain Sleep Patterns. Feb. 6, 2013 — "You are what you eat," the saying goes, but is what you eat playing a role in how much you sleep? Sleep, like nutrition and physical activity, is a critical determinant of health and well-being. With the increasing prevalence of obesity and its consequences, sleep researchers have begun to explore the factors that predispose individuals to weight gain and ultimately obesity.


► Tel Aviv woman's car painted into handicapped parking spot and towed. Hila Ben Baruch posts video evidence on Facebook of Tel Aviv municipal workers repainting her legal spot, and wins apology and cancellation of unjust ticket. - By Ilan Lior | Feb.05, 2013




► Whitney Houston's hit voted best love song in U.S. poll. Thu Feb 7, 2013


► John Mayer calls himself a 'jerk'. In an upcoming television interview the singer details the backlash of being candid in past interviews and living without a voice. - By Zayda Rivera / NEW YORK DAILY NEWS. Thursday, February 7, 2013  || ► John Mayer Admits 'I Was Just a Jerk' - By Sarah Michaud - 02/07/2013


► Japan may release data proving Chinese radar incident: media -Fri Feb 8, 2013  ||  ► China, Japan engage in new invective over disputed isles -Tue Feb 5, 2013  ||  ► Japan protests to China after radar pointed at vessel -Tue Feb 5, 2013


► Prioritise diplomacy, not military. - Samuel J. Locklear


► Beware Year of the black snake - February 7, 2013




► Family love awaits weary New Year traveller.  Published on Feb 8, 2013 :: AFPTV follows one migrant worker as she travels 1,000 miles across China to spend the Lunar New Year holiday with her family.

► North Korea's nuclear programme. Published on Feb 8, 2013 ::  Key dates and facts on North Korea's nuclear and missile programmes. VIDEOGRAPHIC ||  ► Underground nuclear tests. Published on Feb 8, 2013 ::  North Korea has vowed to carry out a third nuclear test, but scientists and concerned foreign governments may have a tough time verifying the actions of the reclusive state. After foreign detection of its 2006 test, Pyongyang carried out its 2009 explosion deep underground, which gave scientists far less information. Most observers expect North Korea to be even more careful this time.VIDEOGRAPHIC.


► France funded Mali foes with ransom payments: US envoy.  Published on Feb 8, 2013 :: France channelled millions of dollars in ransom payments to the Al-Qaeda-linked militants its troops are currently fighting in Mali, according to a former US ambassador in the region who was citing rumours. ||  ► First EU military trainers arrive in Mali: French army. Published on Feb 8, 2013 :: The first group of 70 EU military instructors, deployed to train Mali's deeply divided and underfunded army to take on Islamist rebels, arrived Friday in the capital, a French officer said.

As I joke, I asked my boyfriend, "Dahling, the soldiers assume the task this time is a holiday to Africa ... or what?"

He did not answer but instead he laughed harder. "What did you say? Holidays? While carrying a gun? ahahaha ... "

I did not answer him but instead looked at him with a quizzical expression, as I feel he has addressed two issues in one of my questions.  Perhaps because he felt awkward for laughing alone, then he stopped laughing and stared back at me. I tried to wink, but you know ... I can not do it. What happens was my eyes blink both.  Felt so idiot. Finally, I laughed. I laughed because he stopped laughing.

If you come from the military, then you have a gun is like having your lover when you are away from your wife. There is no awkwardness if you enjoy the atmosphere of a vacation in your military duty. But if you are not a member of the military and you go on vacation while you carry a gun, ... ehehehhee .... What did you say? Vacation? Do you really want to vacation? Want to really relax? Do you know that what's in your hands can make your holiday mood will be not be relaxed but scary? By always carry a gun with you, you make your holiday mood into the atmosphere on the battlefield.

► Colombia ships 500 mln flowers to US for Valentine's Day.  Published on Feb 8, 2013 :: In Colombia, Valentine's Day is a serious business -- the country exports 500 million flowers to the United States alone every year. The trade is estimated to create ten thousand seasonal jobs at this time of year, mostly in Cundinamarca, where 70 percent of export flowers are grown.

► Olympics: Russia marks one year to Sochi. Published on Feb 8, 2013 :: President Vladimir Putin vowed Russia would justify expectations when it hosts the Winter Olympic Games in Sochi in one year, after ruthlessly firing an official blamed for delays in building infrastructure. 

► Berlusconi the showman fires up Rome election rally.  Published on Feb 8, 2013 :: Italy's Silvio Berlusconi showed off his famous stage skills at a lively election rally in Rome, where star-struck supporters spoke admiringly of the scandal-tainted former premier.





► Debate: Legal Device Mimics Machine Guns. Published on Feb 8, 2013 ::  In the gun control debate, perception is everything. If something fires like a machine gun, does that make it one? "Bump" stocks, designed for the disabled who enjoy shooting sports, are being used by anyone looking for a rapid-fire thrill. (Feb. 8)

► Dolphins Are Dying, Race on to Protect Them. Published on Feb 8, 2013 :: Someone is killing and mutilating dolphins along the Gulf Coast, leading wildlife groups, business owners and beachcombers in one Florida tourist enclave to band together to protect the animals from attacks. (Feb. 8)

► Rogue Former Officer Manhunt Focused on Big Bear. Published on Feb 8, 2013 :: Southern California authorities are focusing on the Big Bear area, as they search for a rogue former police officer suspected of killing three people. (Feb. 8) ||   ► Sheriff: No Sign of Calif. Shooter. Published on Feb 8, 2013 :: Law enforcement officers are continuing to search a snow-covered mountain near a Southern California ski area for fired Los Angeles police officer Christopher Dorner suspected of three murders. So far, there is no sign of him. (Feb. 8)  ||  ► Raw: Police Search Calif. Ski Resort for Suspect.  Published on Feb 8, 2013 ::  More than 100 police officers have been searching for Christopher Dorner in the Big Bear Lake area of the mountains east of Los Angeles. Dorner has threatened his former colleagues on the police force and is already suspected in 3 deaths. (Feb. 8)   ||   ► Dorner 'One of the Most Dangerous Fugitives'. Published on Feb 8, 2013 :: Officers from various agencies were searching for Christopher Dorner, an LA police officer accused of carrying out a killing spree. Clint Van Zandt, Former Supervisor in FBI's Profiling Unit, says he could be one of the most dangerous fugitives. (Feb. 8)

► Raw: Asia Prepares for Lunar New Year. Published on Feb 8, 2013 :: Final preparations are underway across Asia for lunar New Year beginning Saturday. This year will be the year of the snake, or little dragon, which is believed to bring good fortune. (Feb. 8)

► Kerry: Iran Must Be Serious at Nuclear Talks. Published on Feb 8, 2013 :: Secretary of State John Kerry is warning Iran to come to upcoming nuclear talks prepared to talk seriously with world powers about addressing concerns over its nuclear program. (Feb. 8)

► 'Ice, slush and all kinds of yuck': Residents' stories from the storm - By Tim Skillern 

► Hunt for ex-officer goes on amid Calif. snowstorm - By GREG RISLING and TAMI ABDOLLAH | Associated Press 

► Islamic summit backs Syria dialogue - By HAMZA HENDAWI and ZEINA KARAM | Associated Press – Thu, Feb 7, 2013

► Syria says 'no truth' Israel targeted convoy - By EDITH M. LEDERER | Associated Press – Thu, Feb 7, 2013

► Palestinian officials: Obama must pressure Israel - By MOHAMMED DARAGHMEH | Associated Press – Thu, Feb 7, 2013 

► Iran's Ahmadenijad entices Egypt into alliance - By HAMZA HENDAWI | Associated Press – Thu, Feb 7, 2013

► Did politics prevent President Obama from arming Syria's rebels? - By Ryu Spaeth | The Week

► Hacker gains access to Bush family emails, photos - By MICHAEL GRACZYK | Associated Press

► After Myanmar violence, almost 6,000 Rohingyas arrive in Thailand - By Amy Sawitta Lefevre | Reuters – Thu, Feb 7, 2013

► China, Japan engage in new invective over disputed isles - By Michael Martina | Reuters

► 7th-grader's Hello Kitty figure journeys to outer space

► Rare white tiger cubs make their debut - Adorable eight-week-old white tiger cubs were in playful spirits after their vet check-ups at Bratislava Zoo. Three rare white tigers, a male named Adzaj and two females Adisa and Asira were presented to the media for the first time on Feb. 8. (PHOTOS)

► Avoid These 10 Common Tax-Filing Mistakes
► To Add Variety and Control Cost, Fast Foods Go Small - By Venessa Wong



► Toucing Photos Show The Meaning of Love






► Kelly McGillis recalls 'Top Gun' love scene and 'a lot of partying' while filming - By Meriah Doty





► Jones Quintuplets Reunited at Home After 5 Months

► 8 February 2013 - 1984: George Orwell's road to dystopia

► Orwell Rolls in his Grave (Full 3HR Documentary). Uploaded on Dec 25, 2010 by WarCrime911 :: 3 Hour Documentary explaining a portion of the information about media censorship, consolidation and propaganda. 



► Police on beach in Acapulco - Acapulco horror : The beach house gang rape that has left Mexico in shock 

► 8 February 2013 - Viewpoint: Pakistan civil society under threat

► Cameron touches raw nerve - by Mark Urban

► 9 February 2013  - Italy youth unemployment becomes major election issue  | By Alan Johnston BBC News, Rome :

► Chile poet Pablo Neruda's body to be exhumed. 9 February 2013  - A judge in Chile judge has ordered the remains of the poet and Nobel Laureate Pablo Neruda to be exhumed as part of an investigation into the cause of his death. Pablo Neruda died in 1973, twelve days after the military coup that brought General Augusto Pinochet to power. The poet's family has always maintained that he died in a Santiago clinic of advanced prostate cancer, aged 69. In 2011 Chile started investigating allegations that he may have been poisoned. The BBC's Gideon Long reports from Santiago.    ||  ► NEWS - 8 February 2013 - Chile judge orders exhumation of Pablo Neruda's remains

► 9 February 2013 - Chinese New Year: Quirky gadgets ease getaway pain |  By Celia Hatton BBC News, Beijing 

► 8 February 2013 - The cost of Obama's secret drone war | By PJ Crowley Former US Assistant Secretary of State 

► Will we ever… simulate the human brain?

► Cycling the high-altitude Himalayan highway

► Can cheap Caribbean air travel take off?

► UK vets have 'repeatedly raised concerns' over bute in food  

► 8 February 2013 - Best science and technology pictures of the week

► PODCAST

► Trainee cosmonauts stage forest crash for first test. 8 February 2013 - In 2012 Russia's space agency announced its first ever competition where anyone could apply to become a professional cosmonaut. Now the successful candidates have been given their first real endurance test at the specialist cosmonaut training centre just outside Moscow. | Oleg Boldyrev reports from Star City near Moscow. 

► Turbo trouble 

► Ford's new 3 cylinder Ecoboost engine.  Published on Mar 30, 2012 by fordofeurope :: Details of Ford's innovative new three cylinder 1.0 liter Ecoboost engine. Small, efficient, powerful. Awarded "International Engine of the Year" 2012.

► Farage: PR against online critics makes EU no better than a banana republic. Published on Feb 7, 2013 :: "The words 'legal' and 'European Union' don't fit together. Nothing matters here, there are no rules" - says the UK Independence Party's Nigel Farage of the European Parliament's plan to spend huge sums of taxpayer money on social network smear campaigns against those who speak out against it.  ||  NEWS

►
The Truthseeker: You're Being Watched Now (E8). Published on Feb 8, 2013 :: You, not terrorists, are the target for American spooks; Obama's Adventures in Murderland; and why the Police State makes a pedophile's paradise. Seek truth from facts with Endthelie.com editor Madison Ruppert, Truthout lead investigative reporter Jason Leopold, Law Professor Neil Richards, cyber security expert Rich Mogull, Kade Crockford of the American Civil Liberties Union and web multimillionaire Kim Dotcom.

Ah yaa .....after I tried hard to remember, I finally saw that Daniel Bushell's profile reminded me of Mr. Spock in Star Trek.

► Cop-killer on the run: Largest manhunt in LAPD history spreads to three US states and Mexico 

► CIA was lying about torture even to its own staff - CIA veteran John Kiriakou 


by RT America

►
CIA whistleblower John Kiriakou: Torture was official US policy. Published on Jan 31, 2013 :: Former CIA agent John Kiriakou was sentenced to 30 months in prison for revealing the identity of a covert officer to a reporter. But originally he was pending charges on the violating the espionage act. Kiriakou is the first CIA official to publicly confirm the use of waterboarding and other tactics he describes as torture under the Bush administration. His supporters believe he has been unfairly targeted and punished. John Kiriakou and his attorney Jesselyn Radack join us for the details.  ||  ► Whistleblower John Kiriakou sentenced for exposing CIA torture. Published on Jan 25, 2013  :: On Friday, former CIA official John Kiriakou was sentenced to two and a half years in federal prison for his involvement in exposing the CIA's interrogation techniques such as waterboarding. Kiriakou was persecuted by the Obama administration for violating the Espionage Act of 1917. RT's Meghan Lopez has more.



►
'CIA lies even to those inside agency' - ex-spy John Kiriakou. Published on Feb 8, 2013 :: RT talks to John Kiriakou - former CIA official who blew the whistle on the agency's torture practices. After 9/11 John Kiriakou served as chief of counter-terrorist operations in Pakistan. And now, years later, John Kiriakou is heading to prison. He was just sentenced to two and a half years in jail.

I wonder. If the answerer answers the questions from the interviewer, then the answerer sentenced. Meanwhile, the questioner was not sentenced. ... ehehehhe ... and they proclaim that the person who has been questioned has been sentenced. Dang! .... Without the plea of the asker at all? He answered their questions because he was asked, didn't he? Why they ask in such a way as to make him get caught? eheheh.... can you feel that sometimes the question has provided its own answer before you ask it to others?

► Secret Service on the hunt after Bush presidents hacked

► Video: Whale hits canoe, nearly capsizes it off Maui Island. Published on Feb 8, 2013. A couple was whale watching near the Hawaiian island of Maui in the Pacific Ocean when a humpback whale breached, hitting the bow of their canoe. Laurent Lebihan from Arizona caught the astounding moment on camera. Luckily no one was hurt as a result of the incident.  || Video Courtesy: Laurent Lebihan

►
Brennan Blueprint: US drones people for what they haven't done?. Published on Feb 9, 2013 :: President Obama's choice to become the next chief of the CIA went through a tough confirmation hearing at the US Senate. But it wasn't the lawmakers who put John Brennan under the spotlight over his role in the controversial US drone program. The session was interrupted several times by protesters who put up signs with slogans such as 'Stop CIA Murder'. They were addressing the issue of US drone use for targeted strikes against suspected terrorists. John Brennan defended the program which he helped develop, saying it is "ethical and just" and claiming the strikes are carefully vetted. However human rights groups claim the program has in fact led to a large number of civilian deaths. So did US lawmakers hold Brennan accountable for his counter terrorism policies? RT's Gayane Chichakyan has the details.



► 'You have to put your pride aside' – Vincent Perez 

►
Inside Story - Tunisia in turmoil. Published on Feb 7, 2013 :: Tunisia has been thrown back into turmoil following the assassination of a leading opposition politician. The murder has brought violence back to the birthplace of the Arab Spring. There is also growing anger over the slow pace of reform. It is dividing political leaders, and fuelling calls for yet more change. Tunisia's revolt was hailed as a blueprint for the Arab uprisings; the removing of a long time dictator and the transition to democratic parliamentary elections. But Tunisia's journey along the road to reform is unravelling. What does the assassination mean for the birthplace of the Arab Spring? And is the country's transition towards democracy in danger of being derailed?



► 101 East - Down and Under. Published on Feb 7, 2013 ::  Australia is one of the richest nations in the world. Yet there is a growing poverty gap which can be seen in suburbs like Claymore. The New South Wales government built this public housing estate in the 1970s and filled it with people from Sydney's poorest families, creating a welfare ghetto. Today, Claymore is one of the most disadvantaged suburbs in Australia with the highest proportion of young children anywhere in the country. But poverty in wealthy Australia is not limited to Claymore. According to surveys and reports, 2.2 million Australians live below the poverty line, while more than 600,000 children under 15 live in households where no one has a job. 101 East hears the heart-wrenching stories of the economically disadvantaged children from modern Australia and asks why the cycle of poverty has not been cracked in this rich nation.

► Inside Story Americas - Will 'charter cities' help or hurt Honduras?. Published on Feb 8, 2013 :: Honduras revives the idea of the charter city - free-market enclaves where corporations can operate virtually under their own rules. The idea is to create at least two so-called super-cities that, although on Honduran land, would be planned and run by private companies and free to make up their own laws. Can charter cities bring investors to Honduras? Will charter cities change the image of Honduras? And is it a bold economic opportunity or 21st century colonialism?

► South 2 North - The technology transforming Africa. Published on Feb 8, 2013 ::  How do we use technology to change our lives? Does it just make things easier and more efficient, or can we use it to change the way we interact with the world around us? On this episode of South2North, Redi tackles her technophobia as she welcomes Google Africa's policy manager and cyber-activist Ory Okolloh. Redi is also joined by technology writer and editor of the South African edition of Stuff magazine, Toby Shapshak. Joining the two guests are four young techies - Dominik Obojkovitz, Raymond Rampolokeng, Evan Robinson and Dinesh Balliah - who challenge Ory and Toby on the various technology problems they are facing in their fields of tourism, tax, gaming and journalism.

►
Counting the Cost - Gunning for business. Published on Feb 8, 2013 ::  The gun control debate is nothing new. And, sadly, it finds new life every time there is an unnecessary death caused by someone with a gun. This week on Counting the Cost, we take a look at gun control, focusing on the money trail; the way money moves in and out of the system, at both a corporate and political level, and the influence it has.



► Listening Post - News media: The new frontline. Published on Feb 9, 2013 ::  Hacking is nothing new. Some do it for profit, others for secrets. Self-styled "hacktivist" groups such as Anonymous do it for causes they believe in. But what if the target is a newspaper and the hackers have a grudge? On January 30, the New York Times revealed that hackers based in China had waged a four-month-long cyber onslaught against the paper soon after it published an article exposing the fortune amassed by the family of outgoing premier Wen Jiabao, a fortune that for the Chinese Communist Party has turned out to be -- quite literally -- an embarrassment of riches. Soon after the Times, the Wall Street Journal and the Washington Post admitted that they too had been attacked. Bloomberg News and Associated Press are also on the list of media outlets targeted by China-based hackers, raising the spectre of a new front in the global cyber war -- one that puts journalists and their sources in the firing line.

►
Inside Story Americas - US and Iran: Can talks take place? Published on Feb 9, 2013 :: Just days after US Vice President Joe Biden said his country was willing to have direct talks with Iranian officials, Washington imposed more sanctions on Iran. The economic penalties have left the country with a depreciated currency, rising unemployment, and a shortage in medicine. Despite the impact of the sanctions on their lives, a recent Gallup poll found that 63 percent of Iranians surveyed want their country's nuclear programme to continue. And nearly half say responsibility for the sanctions lies with the US. In a statement released this week, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei called on the US to explain "what it means to offer talks while simultaneously continuing pressure and threats".

So, can direct talks be successful amidst sanctions and "all options" remaining on the table? To discuss this, Inside Story Americas with presenter Shihab Rattansi is joined by guests: Flynt Leverett, a professor of international affairs at Penn State University, and the co- author of the book, Going to Tehran: Why the United States Must Come to Terms with the Islamic Republic of Iran; Ali Reza Eshraghi, a media and communication consultant at the Institute for War and Peace Reporting; and Ambassador John Limbert, the former US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Iran.

► Viewpoint: Chris Christie's Weight Isn't A Big Issue 

► Pictures of the Week: February 1 – February 8

► LIFE in the Snow: Photos From the Great Blizzard of 1947

► Oscars 2013: Great Performances

► Reviving the Yurok language -  Posted On February 6, 2013 | By: Marc Martin 

Youtube videos I watched today 001. A-10 Tankbuster 002. Modern Slavery - Czech Republic 003. Children For Sale - Brazil

This Week's News Title is Still the Same as Yesterday

P A K I S T A N

Pakistan Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani was found not guilty by Pakistan's Supreme Court. However, he had to submit to the pressure and asked Switzerland to reopen the corruption cases against the President of Pakistan, Asif Ali Zardari.

The assurance was given by Gilani lawyer, Aitzaz Ahsan indicated Yousuf Raza Gilani off from further confrontation with the courts when previously he agreed to come to court on Next Thursday. (01/26)

Pakistan's SupremeCourt has previously asked Gilani to open Ali Zardari's corruption cases. However, Gilani was ignoring it. Thus, the Supreme Court considers it was the contempt of court. "Asif Ali Zardari has complete immunity as president. There is no harm in writing a letter to the Swiss government. "He enjoys the immunity in Pakistan and abroad as long as he is president," said Ahsan told reporters on Wednesday (01/18).

Gilani's decision to appoint Ahsan as his lawyer had been seen as a gesture of reconciliation to the judiciary. Ahsan is a senior leader of Zardari's Pakistan People's Party (PPP) and a prominent lawyer respected by the judiciary for its role in forcing the government to reinstate the independent judges in March 2009.

Ahsan said he did not believe Gilani would be punished. "I do not think the prime minister has been in contempt of court by not writing a letter. I will try to convince the court that the prime minister is not guilty" he said.
*****

ALGERIA : Snow

■ Weirdo Weather: 7 Rare Weather Events

POLAR BEAR

In addition to prey for seals, the polar bears also sometimes preyed their own cubs. The behavior was not much has been found previously. However, based on the latest report from Jenny Ross, a photographer in the journal Arctic in December last year, the behavior was increasingly common.

Ross explained that during the climate at the poles became warmer, some ice in the Svalbard archipelago was melted and broken. For polar bears, at the time was difficult times because it was difficult for them to hunt the seals.

"So, then, the young polar bears are the possible food source for the adult polar bears. As the climate continues to warm in the Arctic and the ice melts earlier in the summer, the frequency of predation in one species is increasing," said Ross as quoted by the Daily Mail, Thursday (December 8, 2011).

Ross added that the polar bear began to look for other food alternatives. "On the land, polar bears find the garbage and human food. They also began to eat the seabirds and their eggs. None of the alternatives could support them," she said.

One moment of a polar bear mother that took her cub was photographed by Ross while on an expedition to the archipelago of Svalbard. She saw how the polar bear mother was biting her cub with her teeth and her jaw strength, threw it to the ice surface and finally it was eaten.

While there are many conditions that accelerate the melting of ice at the poles, such as climate change, polar bears are become seriously threatened. Now it's not just about their adaptability at higher temperatures, but about the food crisis which can spur the cannibalism and can lead to extinction. There must be an action to address this.
*****

BBC's HARD TALK

Steve McQueen: Sex addiction destroys lives

Some of the celebrity world was rumored to have an addiction to sex. Sex addiction is described as a progressive disorder characterized by the compulsive sexual thoughts and actions. Some experts call this disorder is a type of mental disorder, while others dub it as an aberration of personality. Those who are classifies as the sex addicts are very prone to have sex with dangerous sexual dating, despite knowing its bad effect.

Here are some signs of sex addiction, as quoted by the Times of India.

1. Double standards: Most of the times without realizing, the person starts living a secret sex life. You become a compulsive cheater, go to strip clubs and watch loads of pornography.

2. Personal relations getting strained: The person just cannot manage his major relationships with ease. There are loads of lies and another side to the person.

3. Risks are fun: Taking risks like trying to be overtly intimate at public places or in fact trying to have sex where you could end up in legal issues. It gives you a high.

4. Feeling guilty: Even though living their double life is fun for them, but when guilt sets in they go in a complete reclusive mode and blame themselves often bordering depression.

5. Constant look-out for sex toys: So kinky is the way they always think like. Something new, something weird gets them going. But hold on, your partner might not approve with a lot of sex toys you want to use during your act. Your mind might always be preoccupied with these thoughts.

6. Keep law at bay: You can get into serious trouble with the law because of your risky behavior. Getting caught in compromising positions at the wrong places is not only embarrassing but will also tarnish your reputation.

7. Intrusive sex: This is one of the most visible signs of a sex addict. Intrusive sex is touching people here and there in a sexual manner where there is no physical intercourse and the other person is completely unwilling or at times not even aware.

8. Fantasizing someone: While fantasizing someone is common, obsessing about someone is not. This will surely affect your daily functioning and other activities putting you in a tight spot.

9. Irresponsible sex: When involved with multiple partners, there should be some responsibility with respect to the protection that is used. With STDs spreading at an alarming rate, the least you can do is be truthful to the person.

Expert talk

Sexologist, Dr Dhananjay Gambhire feels that it is acceptance by the person which is the first step to the get out of this situation, "A person will keep indulging in these pleasurable activities till the time they are caught. They will just not change their behaviour till the time they come under the scanner. His/her partner's support and motivation are definitely required in such a situation. More than often experts are required in such situations. There are medicines that are given to control your sexual behaviour and they do help a lot."
*****
(Tanya Datta Aug 25, 2011 - Telltale signs of a sex addict)

I swear, I was just looking for the name of a type of mammal, but instead I saw this creature.

I just wonder. Why, when Lucy Pender was wearing a black bikini, smiling mysteriously (Q:Are you also a Mona Lisa, Lucy?...) for the pleasure of playing with foam (Q: Are you in the present losing some of your childhood with a game of bubbles in your childhood? ), and everyone loved it and repeated this video many times, but if I did it I was even arrested?

But to be honest, if I am enrolled in a prospective buyer of the product, I would ask its producer, "Sorry,... actually what are you selling? Do you sell the soap foam product, bikini, or figures of these women?"
*****

SAMANTHA GARVEY

■ Samantha Garvey, Homeless Teen Up For Prestigious Intel Science Prize, Gets A House

Samantha Garvey

Photo credit: James Carbone | Samantha Garvey with her father, Leo, in West Babylon after she was named an Intel science semifinalist (Jan. 12, 2012)

So, if you have a brain then you are determining your living standards. I personally salute the discovery of this kind. Go to my domestic sphere as a woman, I am proud of ourselves on using our brains than our bodies to live our survival and to meet the standard of living needs, including our self-actualization. (Samantha, congratulations to you. Scientific spirit is incarnating in you! )

A F R I C A

■ In pictures: Combating drought in the Horn of Africa

■ ONE DAY, THE POOR WILL HAVE NOTHING TO EAT BUT THE RICH



■ S U D A N
Flat breasted women
Suckle babies at milkless breasts.
Pot bellied black people walk
Skeletally on stiltlike legs -
Bowls clutched tightly in swollen hands.
A clean shaven, overweight newsman
Walks past the barely living and the very dead.
Corpses are carried in sackcloth coffins
To their final resting places
In red, dry earth.
Bodies waste thinner,
Flies grow fatter,
Eating decaying flesh
Seen by visionless eyes.
I sit shaken, unable to assist
Whilst I finish off my take-away Korma,
Rounded off with a Wall's Cornetto!
*****
(Joe Hughes - The Sudan Famine)

■ FAMINE IN SUDAN

■ Côte-d'Ivoire : Slavery in cocoa fields

D A V O S

Founder and organizer of the World Economic Forum (WEF) Klaus Schwab said, capitalism now requires a complete overhaul.

According to Schwabm, the annual meeting in Davos, Switzerland, which will be held on 25 January next should result in the development of a new model of capitalism to revive the style of social responsibility. "Right now the capitalism has no place in the world around us," he said as reported by AFP (Jan 18, 2012)



He admitted, WEF has failed to learn from past financial crises in 2008-2009, so a global transformation was needed to be done as soon as possible and had to begin by restoring the form of social responsibility. WEF annual meeting of the 42 next week would be opened by German Chancellor Angela Merkel.

Schwab said the WEF would discuss about the German which has lowered the projected growth in Europe in the middle of the eurozone debt crisis. He also mentioned that the problem of capital was not a determining factor in driving the economy forward. He also believed in the existence of free trade. "Currently we are in danger and actually lost the trust of future generations," he explained.

The leaders who will attend the WEF meeting are the British Prime Minister David Cameron, the President of Nigeria Goodluck Jonathan, the U.S. Secretary of the Treasury Timothy Geithner, Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund Christine Lagarde, European Central Bank Governor Mario Draghi, and Director-General of the World Trade Organization Pascal Lamy.

WEF committee has also invited some of the latest world leader, the PM Tunisia Hamadi Jebali and Thai PM Yingluck Shinawatra who have tried to bridge the gap between generations. Meanwhile, representatives from the Myanmar government will also attend the meeting for the first time.

However, the committee doesn't invite the representatives from groups such as the anti-capitalist activists Cccupy Wall Street even though the group never said willing to get involved with pro capitalist.

L I B Y A

■ January 2012 : Inside story of the UK's secret mission to beat Gaddafi
By Mark Urban
Diplomatic and defence editor, Newsnight

■ Mali army clashes with ex-Gaddafi Tuareg fighters

■ 7 Dozens of Tuareg rebels dead in Mali clash, says army

CHILDREN in SCHOOL

MISRATA



Saif Gaddafi

A Y E - A Y E

■ Aye! Are You Classified as Primates or Rodents?



■ Madagascar Photography Tour led by Simone Sbaraglia

■ Photograph by Dani Jeske/Animals Animals-Earth Scenes



Aye-Aye captain!

■ Sud de l’Équateur, dans l’océan Indien

U.S.A : Mr & Mrs OBAMA

R U S S I A

■ Listening Post - A Russian winter

The story of British secret service agent James Bond is only one in the film that inspires the novel by Ian Fleming. However, the advanced tooling of this flamboyant man is not a figment.

In 2006, a program that aired on Russian television showed the footage of a man who attempted to take the stone from snowy street in Moscow. A moment later he went to bring the stones. The man,  according to Russian intelligence agency FSB was a British spy. Similar objects such as rocks was saving the high-tech communication devices.

Russian Intelligence Agency said the equipment maker were four spies posing as diplomats at the British Embassy in Moscow. When the report was aired six years ago, the UK government was denying it. But, the adage of "time will tell" applied in this case.

Jonathan Powell, the first Downing Street Chief of Staff under British Prime Minister Tony Blair provided the confirmation of the truth of this Bond-style action in Russia on Thursday (January 19, 2012).

"They (Russia) really cornered us at that time. Obviously, they already knew about it for some time and has kept it for political purposes," Powell told the BBC on Thursday (1/19). Tony Brenton, British ambassador to Moscow in 2006, agreed with Powell. "Russians choose the time carefully and politically it is very damaging."

On the other hand, Blair declined to comment on the scandal, while he quoted the old policy of the state which was reluctant to comment on intelligence issues. Blair confirmed the British government never confirmed the Russian allegations. Similarly, the British Foreign Office which is responsible for the existence of the MI6 spy agency in another country, declined to comment on Powell's statement.

Espionage scandal was the subject of the conflict Britain and Russia during the Cold War. Espionage scandal is the subject of the conflict Britain and Russia during the Cold War. Although the intensity is now reduced, but the relationship between the two countries remain strained in recent years due to allegations of covert operations.

Even Russia was furious because Britain refused to extradite the former KGB intelligence agency that became the main suspect of Alexander Litvinenko's murder in 2006. Litvinenko was the Kremlin's opposition who was poisoned in London.

In addition to exposing the fake stone tactics, Russia also revealed that Britain secretly fundes the state's opposition groups. The British government also recognized that they were openly in support of the Russian's NGO which active in fighting for human rights and civil society issues.
*****

I R A N

■ EU Iran sanctions: Ministers adopt Iran oil imports ban




The European Union has scheduled a new economic sanctions on Iran, on Monday afternoon (23 January 2012) European time. Sanctions against Iran was a response to a nuclear program, including measures to embargo oil products from Iran. The sanction is following the financial measures issued by U.S. President Barack Obama in recent years. Sanctions will be about 90 percent of Iran's oil exports to Europe.

Western countries believe the Iran's nuclear program is to create a nuclear bomb, whereas Iran insists it is only for electricity generation. In addition to plans for an embargo on Iranian oil, the European Union is also preparing measures to impose sanctions against the Central Bank of Iran, also prohibits the trade in gold with the Iranian government.

However, it seems imposing sanctions by the EU is difficult to apply quickly. In the meeting of 27 EU member states, Greece and the countries in southern Europe want the extra time. Greece for example is very dependent on Iranian oil, with about 25 percent of oil needs from Iran. So Greeks needs time to find the new oil sources. However, EU diplomats said the extra time wouldn't exceed the July 1, 2012.

If the Iranian oil's out of the Western countries, then there's an opportunity for the rising in world oil prices.
*****

ISRAEL - IRAN

■ Israel says decision on attack on Iran is not close
By Kevin Flower, CNN January 18, 2012

■ Panetta: U.S. willing to pursue diplomacy with Iran but ready for 'any contingency'
By Adam Levine, CNN

Earlier, the top leader of the main opposition party Kadima claimed the Israeli's attack on Iran "will occur more quickly."

Paul Craig Roberts warned if the Iran war occured then the life of mankind on earth could end. Craig Roberts said the U.S. would blame Israel if Iran War occurred. According to him, warning brought by the U.S. to Israel not to attack Iran was a U.S. attempt to avoid responsibility. "If the war broke out, Russia and China would intervene, and the nuclear began to fly. Washington wanted to blame Israeel and Israel seemed willing to be blamed," said Robert Craig.

Last week, The Wall Street Journal reported that the U.S. has sought to convince the leaders of Israel not to take military action to invade Iran. However, the request was responded to by the Isarel leaders flatly. "If Washington really does not want war with Iran, it will not provide the necessary weapons required by Israel and it will not be deployed thousands of its troops to Israel," said Craig Roberts. According to him, if Washington does not want war with Iran, it will not build a missile defense system for Israel and will not conduct military exercises with Israel, but recently the U.S. plans for the war exercises with Israel.
*****



■
US mainstream media: Beating war drums?
America's mainstream media is being accused of playing with fire and hyping-up global tension, while trying to steer public opinion to please their sponsors.

ISRAEL- PALESTINE

T I M E

■ Time experts debate whether to abolish the leap second
By Rebecca Morelle Science reporter, BBC News

Ouch,... this gentleman. I was quite familiar with his ​​face because of its characteristics, but I kinda forgot his name.

U.  S. A

RON PAUL

■ Ron Paul's Golden Rule




ELECTION 2012

• Romney lowers expectations in South Carolina
• Gingrich wins South Carolina Republican primary
• Romney rips into Gingrich (without uttering his name) in speech
• Spokesman: Paterno in serious condition
• Gingrich upsets Paul in home state of Comments Section
• Conservatives, economy fuel Gingrich's S.C. win
• Analysis: Gingrich forces GOP into grueling debate
• Romney’s Mormonism more of a negative in S.C.?

S O L D I E R
■ U.S.A : SOLDIER Suicides down among US soldiers but violent crimes rise

M U S I C : Blues - Dr. GB Burt

A young man promised me the world and gave me nothing. And that's the blues.

Cisca Zarmansyah : Ever since the day we met, our love is nothing but the blues...!

Cisca Zarmansyah : Il fut un temps où je croyais que vous étiez pour moi. Je n'ai pas vu les défauts dans mon choix, je suppose que je n'ai pas vu.

Valentino Vie : Les sanglots longs de l'automne blessent mon cœur d'une langueur monotone.Tout suffocant et blême, quand sonne l'heure, je me souviens des jours anciens et je pleure. Et je m'en vais au vent mauvais qui m’emporte deçà, delà, pareil à la feuille morte.

D O G

N I G E R I A

■ What is behind religious tensions in Nigeria



A spokesman for Nigeria's Islamic group, Boko Haram, issued an ultimatum to the Christian in the north of the country and threatened to fight the army after the President of Nigeria announced a state of emergency in areas affected by the Boko Haram attacks.

Abul Qaqa, a Boko Haram figures who had been blamed for attacks in Africa that killed many people in the past, stating that he have given an ultimatum to residents in the northern region. Within three days they were required to go from the territory.

"We think this has something to do with the government, that the soldiers will just kill the innocent Muslims in these areas declared as an emergency," he said on Sunday (January 1, 2012). "We will confront them directly to protect our brothers," he said in Hausa which commonly used in northern Nigeria.

Previously reported, the President of Nigeria Goodluck Jonathan declared a state of emergency in areas hit by unrest, and ordered the closure of part of the country's borders.

He announced the actions after the group called Boko Haram as "cancer" that sought to destroy the body's most populous country in Africa, and he vowed to crush the group which was accused of the bloody attacks.

"Though the efforts are being made to find a final solution, it's important to do some bold measures to restore the situation in the country, particularly in communities affected by it," said Jonathan in a national speech on Saturday at December 31, 2011. "Therefore, I declare a state of emergency in several regions of this country," he said, calling the parts of the states of Borno --Boko Haram's base-- Yobe, Niger, and Plateau.
*****

■ Boko Haram - Author: Toni Johnson, Senior Editor/Senior Staff Writer Update: December 27, 2011

Boko Haram People Committed to the Propagation of the Prophet's Teachings and Jihad
Participant in the Nigerian Sharia conflict
Active	2002–
Ideology	Islamism
Leaders	Mohammed Yusuf  † Mallam Sanni Umaru?Abu Darda Abu Zaid - Spokesman
Headquarters	Kanamma, Nigeria
Area of operations	Northern Nigeria
Opponents	Nigerian State
Battles/wars	Nigerian Sharia conflict 2009 Nigerian sectarian violence

Timeline
7 September, 2010	Bauchi prison break
31 December, 2010	December 2010 Abuja attack
22 April, 2011	Boko Haram frees 14 prisoners during a jailbreak in Yola, Adamawa State
29 May, 2011	May 2011 northern Nigeria bombings
17 June, 2011	The group claims responsibility for the 2011 Abuja police headquarters bombing
26 June, 2011	Bombing attack on a beer garden in Maiduguri
10 July, 2011	Bombing at the All Christian Fellowship Church in Suleja, Niger State
11 July, 2011	The University of Maiduguri temperory closes down its campus citing security concerns
12 August, 2011	Prominent Muslim Cleric Liman Bana is shot dead by Boko Haram
26 August, 2011	2011 Abuja bombing
5 November, 2011	2011 Damaturu attacks
25 December, 2011	December 2011 Nigeria bombings
5-6 January, 2012	January 2012 Nigeria attacks
20 January, 2012	January 2012 Kano bombings

Readings

• More information on Boko Haram
• Who are Boko Haram?
• Analysis of Boko Haram on IRIN News
• Former U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria arguing that Boko Haram is not a formal terrorist group
• Books versus bullets in north-east Nigeria

C H I N A : NEW YEAR 2012

UN Secretary-General's (Ban Ki-moon) Video Message for Chinese New Year - 19  January 2012

(23 January 2012) Happy Lunar New Year!
Gong He Xin Xi

I send my warmest congratulations on this auspicious celebration! The New Year is a time for families and friends to come together. It is a season of renewal. The Year of the Dragon reminds us of our dynamism … our energy … our power to make a difference. Let us, in that spirit, work throughout this year to help those who are suffering … to advance peace … and to build the future we want. Happy New Year to all of you. I send my best wishes for a vibrant Year of the Dragon. And for the good health, prosperity and happiness of each and every one of you. Thank you.
*****

■ In pictures: Chinese New Year

■ Food symbolism: Why do we give food meaning? By Anna-Louise Taylor BBC News

■ The Elements of Feng Shui for Barack Obama Birth Date and Time : August 04, 1961 7:00 PM

This year, Chinese New Year coincided with the date January 23, 2012 AD. The Feast of 2563 can be called special because it symbolized by the dragon. Dragon zodiac replaces the Rabbit zodiac in the previous year in the calculation of the Lunar calendar (Chinese Lunar Calendar). Year of the Dragon's this time is the water dragon's year because the sky's stem with positive water element (ren) and branches of earth with positive earth elements (Chen), academic term in the science of feng shui is called Ren Chen's year.

The dragon is believed by the Chinese as the king of the animals. The dragon is a symbol of strength, power, and bravery. In addition, the dragon also ensures the safety of Chinese citizens. That way, Chinese New Year 2563 is considered to have a strong meaning for Chinese citizens.

In this year there are some things which, according to the calculations of experts needs to be done or avoided. The positive stem of the sky (positive) with positive branch of the earth (positive) has a destructive relationship because the soil to stem the water, so this year gives an overview of disharmony in the life on earth. However, this disharmony is better if compared with the year of the Metal Rabbit in 2011.

According to feng shui practitioners, there are some predictions that will happen this year. Among these are the natural hazards such as earthquakes and floods. That's because Chen (dragon) also symbolizes the water warehouse. In 2012 the rainfall is also expected to still be high until the end of April or early May. It is estimated, very heavy rain occurred in November and December up to January and February 2013. The earthquake need to be aware in July and October 2012. This year will be marked by a series of surprises and great natural reaction. Starting from the floods, tsunamis, landslides, volcanic eruption, earthquake, to a variety of transportation accidents. Such disasters is a symbol of the dragon rampage in 2012.

The number of disasters is the way of the earth react to what is done by the inhabitants, especially the human. Because of this, the human must maintain the preservation of the earth with a simple way of life, that is not to excessively exploit the earth. Maintain and utilize our earth wisely will make our lives more optimal.

Although there is the threat of a disaster, still there is also an excitement in this Water Dragon year. Even this year promises much excitement and hope, especially for couples who are getting married, have children, or open a new company. Because the dragon is a powerful and helpful will bring luck and happiness for many people.

Predictions about the fortunes and fate of human in the Water Dragon's year is dependent on the personality of each individual, because the blessing will come for those who want to try, regardless of any religion or nation.

Gong Xi Fa Cai!

Congratulations, and may we all have a lot of sustenance.
*****
(CZ-lacalifusa012212)

This is May Hua flower. Its color is beautiful, pink with a little whitish. Usually Chinese families decorate May Hua tree with Hangbao, small lanterns and golden accessories. May Hua tree symbolizes the hope, happiness and prosperity. (And to you dahling, thanks for treating me like a hungry tigress. Happiness comes in double, that's our Yusheng! I want to learn to cook this dish for us. Thanks also for the jade bracelet. I do not know how do I look now. I-am-among-the-jade-bracelet-on-my-left-wrist-with-anklet-of-Kashmir-in-my-right-ankle. Haaa! It's just like the China - India, yeah yeah I hope they will be more cooperative this year, such as the cooperation and coordination of my hands and feet. Amen. Especially when I'm hugging you. Amen. May God bless us. Amen. Oops, Lok Cha tea! Dahling,... Lok Cha tea. I want it again, please? .... Ahooyy, Ciscaa why do when the Chinese people celebrate their new year you have been satisfied before it arrives? )

MARK FONSECA RENDEIRO

This is a face that has nothing to do with all of the above topics, but takes part in my eyeballs today.