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_Clare_
BRONZE Member since Oct 2002

_Clare_
Still wiggling
Location: Belfast, Northern Ireland (UK)

Total posts: 5967
Posted:Hi there everyone,

After a couple of requests, some consideration and my own rather curvaceous tangent on the thread for the Russian families of the school massacre I decided to start a thread dedicated to interesting issues in the daily news (or even the daily news itself, anything news-related really you get the idea).

Ive done a search and while theres hundreds of threads for individual news stories, I couldnt find one for an ongoing discussion of whats happening in the world around us.

I know lots of people dont follow the news, but many do, and my opinion is that discussion on current events gives people a better understanding of nations, races and humanity, for want of a better word.

HoP is in the enviable position of having a really global audience there cant be many websites with regular posting members from right across the world, covering such a wide spectrum of cultures, ideas and beliefs. We have the ability to look at events from many different viewpoints, so I thought we should use it.

Anyways, I was thinking we could post, or draw attention to, some of the main stories that affect us on a daily basis

Btw, I really dont want this to become an America-bashing thread (or any other type of bashing). I think most of us share the view that the American government are fairly appalling at the minute, and while criticism will definitely happen, I dont want any Americans on the site to feel victimised or that pro-Bush types feel their views arent valid. Try to keep all the views considered and, if possible, sourced.

So anyways, let me know what you think

A couple of interesting stories I picked up on today were:

Indonesia has become the latest nation to join the war on terrorism following the car bomb at the Australian embassy which killed 9 people and injured 180 I heard an Indonesian government official (I think it was the spokesman for the Indonesian foreign ministry) say they are 'now ready to join the war on terror', after it was alleged the militant Islamic group Jemaah Islamiah were responsible. (sorry, am about to leave work and couldn't find a source... will try to get it tomorrow).

Also, US secretary of state Colin Powell has declared the situation in Sudan a genocide:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/africa/3641820.stm
br>
It seems the countries are busy arguing over the term genocide as opposed to actually getting out there with aid and peacekeeping forces.

Anyways, Id be interested to hear anyones opinions on these stories as well as anything else youd like to bring up

Thanks
take care
Clare xox

Getting to the other side smile

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_Clare_
BRONZE Member since Oct 2002

_Clare_
Still wiggling
Location: Belfast, Northern Ireland (UK)

Total posts: 5967
Posted:Marvellous biggrin Was just going to post that one myself - thanks smile

Getting to the other side smile

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Skulduggery
GOLD Member since Aug 2004

Skulduggery
Pirate Pixie Crew Captain
Location: Wales

Total posts: 8428
Posted:I just heard that on the radio at work.. I was completely gobsmacked that anyone, let alone adults, could be that damn stupid. See, being a sci-fi fan obviously makes you dumb ubblol I knew it!

Feed me Chocolate!!! Feed me NOW!

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ado-p
GOLD Member since May 2004

ado-p
Pirate Ninja
Location: Galway/Ireland

Total posts: 3882
Posted:spank

Love is the law.

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Skulduggery
GOLD Member since Aug 2004

Skulduggery
Pirate Pixie Crew Captain
Location: Wales

Total posts: 8428
Posted:ok sorry! Yes that was a bit flippant of me. I hope they get better soon.

Feed me Chocolate!!! Feed me NOW!

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hexagonic


hexagonic
Clubbles Jugs
Location: Manchester

Total posts: 1687
Posted:bloody idiots! some people are soooo stupid...mad2

ah wah wah wah a wah wah

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_Clare_
BRONZE Member since Oct 2002

_Clare_
Still wiggling
Location: Belfast, Northern Ireland (UK)

Total posts: 5967
Posted:"See, being a sci-fi fan obviously makes you dumb"

ubblol

Getting to the other side smile

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_Clare_
BRONZE Member since Oct 2002

_Clare_
Still wiggling
Location: Belfast, Northern Ireland (UK)

Total posts: 5967
Posted:Yeush.



I've been terrible at keeping this thread going... but I was looking through it today and thought it was appropriate to bump it up.



On the very first page I posted a link to Iraq Body Count... http://www.iraqbodycount.net/.


At that time there were thirteen thousand innocent Iraqi deaths/murders.



Today, there are over twenty-five thousand.



Add to this the 1,700 US deaths since the invasion.



And Bush claims these 'sacrifices' are all 'vital'

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/middle_east/4631339.stm
br>


The UN have also heard rumours (which must be fairly strong if they are announcing it, I would have thought), that the US military are keeping prisoners onboard ships in foreign waters (where they are conveniently free from any conventions or rights)

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/4632087.stm
br>


'Just making the world a safer place, y'all'



In case anyone has lost the point of the G8 protests amid all the hype - this story shows that despite the pledges, hard cash is STILL needed to provide adequate drugs for the treatment of AIDS:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/4629933.stm
br>


And police in Edinburgh are hopeful and optimistic they can deal with the crowds.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/4627479.stm
br>


Following the appaling bulldozing and destruction of thousands of homes in an effort to 'clean-up' the country, a Robert Mugabe state-owned Zimbabwean paper has blamed the country's drought on a US/UK conspiracy. More evidence, if more were needed, of a despotic ruler who really does need to be removed.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/africa/4630443.stm
br>




Meanwhile, good news in Canada as MPs approve a bill to allow gay marriage:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/4632229.stm
br>


while a gay rights march has finally been given the go ahead in Jerusalem:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/middle_east/4624843.stm
br>




Six months on from the Boxing Day Tsunami... it seems not much has been done to rebuild in Indonesia

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/asia-pacific/4623345.stm
br>




With a poll showing 80% of female respondents had suffered sexual harrasment at some point, China finally makes it a crime

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/4625913.stm
br>




And check this out... a rather funky, easy-to-understand guide to a NASA 'deep impact' mission. They plan to fly a device into the path of a comet to find out what it is made of. Impact is on July 4th.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sci/tech/4088316.stm
br>




And in local news:



A teenager who killed his parents and then went on holiday with their credit cards has been jailed for life.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/merseyside/4633339.stm1
br>


The only man to be so far convicted of involvement in the Omagh bombing (the last bomb in Northern Ireland in which 29 people, including a mother of unborn twins was killed) has been freed on a technicality.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/northern_ireland/4633921.stm
br>




Ok then. That should be enough for now biggrin



Sorry it's all from the BBC, I'll try to source some other stuff later



If you've seen any interesting stories from the news sites that you check, please post them here.



Take care

Clare x

Getting to the other side smile

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tainted


tainted
addict
Location: London

Total posts: 422
Posted:Heard a few days ago that there tring to ban the Gay rights march in Belfast, and the police agree that it causes violence. Apparently it might be going before a parades commission.They should arrest the narrow minded people who start the fights not the people taking part. I have took part the past 3 years and everyones there gay or straight in support of the parade having fun and anyway I hardley think that the GP causes the amount of violence that the july marches cos.

There are no stupid questions, only stupid answers...

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Jhinge
BRONZE Member since Apr 2005

member
Location: my own little planet of ginger...

Total posts: 110
Posted:saddam hussain is trying to sue the sun newspaper for showing him in his cell in his undies. he rekons that they were infringing his human rights by publishing this what the hell does he know about human rights

i dont get paid to belive i get paid to destroy things

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Stone
GOLD Member since Jun 2001

Stream Entrant
Location: Melbourne, Australia

Total posts: 2830
Posted:Thanks Firepoise. The first thing I though of was In The News when I heard this radio interview yesterday.

Re: Mugabe Zimbabwe genocide

The Mugabe 'clean-up' in Zimbabwe has occurred in all provinces. Many millions of people will die trying to survive a freezing winter in mountain caves. This is the message I heard on JJJ. It was phone link to a senior member of the opposition.

She went on to say it was retaliation for voting against him, she feared for her life and it was an International situation. She had hoped the UN envoy would do something.

Today 30 June, Anna Tibaijuka the UN envoy met with Mr Mugabe and said they had "very good discussions".

If we as members of the human race practice meditation, we can transcend our fear, despair, and forgetfulness. Meditation is not an escape. It is the courage to look at reality with mindfulness and concentration. Thich Nhat Hanh

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_Clare_
BRONZE Member since Oct 2002

_Clare_
Still wiggling
Location: Belfast, Northern Ireland (UK)

Total posts: 5967
Posted:Thanks Stone smile

The BBC report of the UN meeting:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/africa/4634875.stm
br>
WorldNet report on Robert Mugabe:
http://worldnetdaily.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=45010
br>
And for your amusement/horror... the (not really) official Robert Mugabe homepage:
http://mugabe.netfirms.com/
br>
Also:
Pirates attack a ship laden with tsunami aid:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/africa/4636695.stm
br>
Will Spain be next to approve gay marriages? smile
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/4636133.stm
br>

Will post more tomorrow... I shouldn't be online here smile

Take care x

Getting to the other side smile

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_Clare_
BRONZE Member since Oct 2002

_Clare_
Still wiggling
Location: Belfast, Northern Ireland (UK)

Total posts: 5967
Posted:I'm sure some of you will already be getting the Make Poverty History group mails, but for those that don't... this is why the protests are so important:

This is the Make Poverty History checklist for when the G8 leaders meet.

Across trade, debt and aid

* Commit to stop imposing economic policy conditions. Conditions imposed through aid and debt relief include trade liberalisation, deregulation, privatisation and fiscal austerity. Developing countries must be free to determine their own economic policies while remaining accountable to their own people for delivering poverty eradication.

Trade Justice

* Stop forced liberalisation at the World Trade Organisation (WTO); allow developing countries to protect key sectors important for their development interests; and support binding Special and Differential Treatment for all developing countries.
* Commit not to negotiate bilateral and regional trade agreements that require developing countries to go beyond commitments made in the WTO.
* Eliminate agricultural export support and all trade distorting support to agriculture by 2010; and ensure that no agricultural exports are dumped on the markets of developing countries.
* Commit to ensure that global trade policies and practices do not undercut internationally agreed environmental and social standards, in particular, core labour standards.
* Pledge to work with other UN members to establish binding internationally agreed rules for corporate accountability.

Drop the Debt

* An immediate cancellation of all multilateral and bilateral debt for all countries needing it to achieve the MDGs.
* Agree all debt relief must be fully funded and not reduce aid flows.
* Adopt a fair and transparent arbitration process where the issue of sovereign debts can be resolved.

More and Better Aid

* Commit to contribute the G8's share of the US$50 billion MDG funding gap, starting in 2005/2006; and outline a timetable to reach 0.7% of G8 GNI by 2010.
* Commit to agreeing with OECD DAC partners a set of ambitious targets for improving aid effectiveness that can be monitored, are time-bound and quantifiable. This must include a commitment to fully untie all aid to all developing countries and ensuring aid is focused on poverty eradication.

Action on HIV/AIDS

* Commit to, and pledge new funding for, HIV treatment for everyone who needs it by 2010.



Check out www.makepovertyhistory.org for other ways to help

grouphug

Getting to the other side smile

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mtbeer
GOLD Member since Aug 2004

mtbeer
ARRRR!
Location: Charlotte, NC, USA

Total posts: 529
Posted:646-Pound Catfish Netted in Thailand

Non-Https Image Link

Let's go to Thailand for a fish cookout\fire party!

"My skin is singed but it heals my heart and with glowing pride I'll wear my scars." -Davey Havok

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_Clare_
BRONZE Member since Oct 2002

_Clare_
Still wiggling
Location: Belfast, Northern Ireland (UK)

Total posts: 5967
Posted:Awww frown

What a pity to land such a monster.

Getting to the other side smile

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_Clare_
BRONZE Member since Oct 2002

_Clare_
Still wiggling
Location: Belfast, Northern Ireland (UK)

Total posts: 5967
Posted:NASA's comet collision a success:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sci/tech/4648437.stm
br>
More warnings about a possible bird-flu pandemic are virtually ignored:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/asia-pacific/4647485.stm
br>
Anarchists and the media make G8 protests look like a riot zone:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/4646491.stm
br>
Third shark attack:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/4643361.stm
br>
General Pinochet is still alive:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/4650399.stm
br>

That's all for today...

smile

Getting to the other side smile

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_Clare_
BRONZE Member since Oct 2002

_Clare_
Still wiggling
Location: Belfast, Northern Ireland (UK)

Total posts: 5967
Posted:Hmpf. frown

On Saturday, the most frightening couple in Britain (David and Victoria) were seen bobbing their perfectly coiffeured hair in time to the music - supporting Live 8 and Make Poverty History. Today, they are supporting this farcical, money-grabbing Olympic bid.

umm eek

Yes indeedy folks... instead of concentrating on one of the most crucial news stories taking place this year, the broadcast media have been seduced by 'celebrities' calling for the Olympics to be held in London.

I have a few problems with this.

1. The Beckhams hypocrisy (it's not the worst problem, just the first one).
Quite apart from the fact David Beckham has nothing to do with the British Olympic campaign, their publicity-whoring is distracting from the issue they supported at the weekend... but shrug, it's hardly surprising. Just a sign of what makes the news these days.

2. Much more important is that the millions being spent by Paris, London, NY, Madrid and Moscow in their 'bids' could be much better spent in Africa. And the millions which will be squandered by the host Olympic city could be much better spent in Africa.

3. This money-hungry 'global' enterprise is drawing attention away from Edinburgh and Gleneagles - where world leaders are supposed to be discussing an End to world poverty - can you see the contradiction there?!!

Instead, as a second-place news story, cameras are focusing on the small handful of troublemakers, rather than the hundreds of thousands of peaceful demonstrators.

mad

So then:
Full coverage of the G8 protests from Indymedia:
http://www.indymedia.org.uk/
br>
BBC G8 coverage:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/in_depth/uk/2005/g8_gleneagles/default.stm
br>


After a stunning Live 8 show, Pink Floyd's guitarist calls for all Live 8 profit to be donated:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/music/4651309.stm
br>

In an unbelievable show of strength, Lance Armstrong looks on his way to take a SEVENTH tour:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/other_sports/cycling/default.stm


Getting to the other side smile

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.:star:.
SILVER Member since Jan 2005

.:star:.
Pooh-Bah
Location: Bristol, United Kingdom

Total posts: 1785
Posted:So by now everyone has heard about the london bombings, I was just wondering if people thought that this would have any effect on the G8 meetings.

I can just imagine Bush and Blair saying 'screw the environment and africa, its time to declare war on someone'

Lets hope that Africa doesn't get forgotten in all this

any thoughts?

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_Clare_
BRONZE Member since Oct 2002

_Clare_
Still wiggling
Location: Belfast, Northern Ireland (UK)

Total posts: 5967
Posted:To be honest, I think this G8 meeting will be the culmination of policies and discussions that have been going on for months among civil servants across the world.

It will certainly draw attention back to the 'war on terror' and away from Africa... in a rather similar (but much more devastating) way that the Olympic bid drew attention away yesterday.

Sigh. If today has shown anything, it is that AGAIN it has been proven that violence and terrorism (of any variety) does not solve anything.


By contrast, it was the Dalai Lama's 70th birthday yesterday. So happy returns of the day to him.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/asia-pacific/4652391.stm


Getting to the other side smile

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_Clare_
BRONZE Member since Oct 2002

_Clare_
Still wiggling
Location: Belfast, Northern Ireland (UK)

Total posts: 5967
Posted:And while there's much already happening today... this story could have far-reaching implications.

A journalist in America has been jailed for not revealing her sources in court:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/4655957.stm
br>
It seems to have stirred up debate on the issue of the US media (at last!). Particularly, the Bush administrations negative impact on the media.

Getting to the other side smile

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_Clare_
BRONZE Member since Oct 2002

_Clare_
Still wiggling
Location: Belfast, Northern Ireland (UK)

Total posts: 5967
Posted:Yeep...

Haven't posted on this in a while redface

But I found an amusing cartoon and thought I'd post it

From Al Jazeera:
Go here, then follow link to Cartoon

Tis quite funny smile

Getting to the other side smile

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Pink...?
BRONZE Member since Apr 2002

Pink...?
Mistress of Pink...Multicoloured
Location: Over There, United Kingdom

Total posts: 6140
Posted:ubblol Great cartoon!!

I was just thinking about this thread earlier on when I saw this http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/beds/bucks/herts/4599524.stm


Makes me sick. What people can even think of doing that?

Never pick up a duck in a dungeon...

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_Clare_
BRONZE Member since Oct 2002

_Clare_
Still wiggling
Location: Belfast, Northern Ireland (UK)

Total posts: 5967
Posted:ubbcrying

Getting to the other side smile

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Stone
GOLD Member since Jun 2001

Stream Entrant
Location: Melbourne, Australia

Total posts: 2830
Posted:Hoffy turns 100

ALBERT Hofmann, the Swiss chemist who discovered the mind-bending drug LSD, celebrated his 100th birthday overnight, still sprightly some 60 years after taking his first trip.

If we as members of the human race practice meditation, we can transcend our fear, despair, and forgetfulness. Meditation is not an escape. It is the courage to look at reality with mindfulness and concentration. Thich Nhat Hanh

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Pink...?
BRONZE Member since Apr 2002

Pink...?
Mistress of Pink...Multicoloured
Location: Over There, United Kingdom

Total posts: 6140
Posted:Columbian Teenagers forced to carry condoms

Kudos for the effort...

But then, just because they're being forced to carry them, doesn't mean they'll use them!!

Never pick up a duck in a dungeon...

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Pink...?
BRONZE Member since Apr 2002

Pink...?
Mistress of Pink...Multicoloured
Location: Over There, United Kingdom

Total posts: 6140
Posted:Hundreds Die in Hajj Stampede

Never pick up a duck in a dungeon...

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_khan_
SILVER Member since Nov 2004

_khan_
old hand
Location: San Francisco, California, USA

Total posts: 768
Posted:This one just makes me sick. And sad.



Iran's anti-gay pogrom



alert:

there's a rather disturbing photo in this article, right at the top
EDITED_BY: blueboy (1137098520)

taken out of context i must seem so strange
~ ani di franco

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_Clare_
BRONZE Member since Oct 2002

_Clare_
Still wiggling
Location: Belfast, Northern Ireland (UK)

Total posts: 5967
Posted:Hmmm. Tis not working frown

Getting to the other side smile

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_khan_
SILVER Member since Nov 2004

_khan_
old hand
Location: San Francisco, California, USA

Total posts: 768
Posted:i just edited the post, maybe that's why? it works for me, but is a little slow.

taken out of context i must seem so strange
~ ani di franco

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Pink...?
BRONZE Member since Apr 2002

Pink...?
Mistress of Pink...Multicoloured
Location: Over There, United Kingdom

Total posts: 6140
Posted:That's awful blueboy!!

And the photo - shocking!!

So sad to see such things going on in the world we live in today frown

Never pick up a duck in a dungeon...

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_Clare_
BRONZE Member since Oct 2002

_Clare_
Still wiggling
Location: Belfast, Northern Ireland (UK)

Total posts: 5967
Posted:frown

indeed.

Getting to the other side smile

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