Michael Lambert: Boris Johnson: Sue Gray Report and Boris Johnson's Catalogue of Failures

May 28, 2022 • The Sue Gray Report was published last week after a very long delay and after the publication of the Metropolitan Police report into the 'Partygate' scandal in Downing Street.

The report was damning and severely criticised the culture at No 10 at the time when the entire country was under the severest lockdown.

A procession of ministers has appeared before the media to praise and defend Boris Johnson who mysteriously escaped any further fines. These ministers claimed continuously that Boris had 'got Brexit done' and that he had masterminded the skilful response to the Covid pandemic.

Brexit is a disaster, resulting in much-reduced exports to the EU since the UK opted for the hardest of borders. The Northern Ireland Protocol is a problem without a solution given that there can be no border on the Island of Ireland and given Boris Johnson's insistence that there be no checks on goods travelling from GB to NI.

Whilst exports to the EU are subject to thorough checks and controls, goods flowing the other way are able to enter the UK without any checks whatsoever – an invitation to smugglers. It has been announced that the UK will impose no checks until at least the end of 2023.

Boris Johnson has been a disastrous leader. Almost every decision he has made has been wrong. He is dishonest, lazy, self-obsessed and incompetent.

Elton John : I Guess That's Why They Call It the Blues | Remastered

Oct 30, 2018 • Provided to YouTube by Universal Music Group

The Beach Boys: God Only Knows | Remastered

Mar 2, 2017 • Provided to YouTube by Universal Music Group | ‘Views’ on YouTube: 1,967,299

America, How Long Will You Sacrifice Your Children on the Altar of Gun Worship?

THE GUARDIAN: This devotion to the right to bear arms is horrifyingly outdated. It brought terror to Texas – and it will happen again and again

There have been more mass shootings in the US in 2022 than days of the year.’ People mourn victims of the Robb elementary school mass shooting, in Uvalde, Texas, 26 May 2022. Photograph: Veronica Cardenas/Reuters
America’s great appeal to the world was its promise of possibility. It presented itself as virgin territory, a tabula rasa where a society could form anew, free of the past, and where individuals might do the same, reinventing themselves, renewing themselves, starting over. It was a myth, of course: it took no account of those people who were already there, and whose lives and lands were taken, or of those who had been brought to America in shackles. But it was a powerful myth all the same, one whose grip on the global imagination lives on: witness the success of the stage show Hamilton in seducing yet another generation into the romance of a new world and its revolutionary creation.

But now we see something else: a country uniquely burdened with the dead weight of its past, and therefore powerless either to deal with a danger in its present or to make a better future. The land of possibility stands paralysed, apparently unable to make even the smallest change that might save the lives of its young.

The evidence came again this week in the Texan town of Uvalde, where an 18-year-old walked into an elementary school and killed 19 children, aged between eight and 10, and two of their teachers. It was the 27th school shooting in the US this year, and it’s not yet June. » | Jonathan Freedland | Friday, May 27, 2022

This school shooting, like all others before it, is a national disgrace. Apparently, as nothing is ever done about such barbarity, one would be perfectly justified in concluding that it is more important for Americans to retain access to their guns and assault weapons than it is to keep their innocent, helpless children safe! What an appalling state of affairs! – © Mark

This, my comment, also appears here.

Run Away

May 27, 2022 • When all eyes are on the GOP following a national tragedy, what do they do? They run away.

They also say they pray for the victims. As if that's going to help when you've lost a child! What a load of BS! – Mark

Ricetta di Casa Mia: Baked Eggplant (Aubergine) – Quick and Easy

Ingredients:

2 Eggplants
Olive oil
Oregano
Salt
Chilli pepper
200g cherry tomatoes
125g mozzarella
2 tbsp breadcrumbs
1 tbsp capers

Method:

As shown in video.

Serbia, Russia and the War in Ukraine | DW Documentary

May 24, 2022 • Serbia has refused to impose sanctions on Russia up to now. The majority of Serbs support Putin’s war in Ukraine. Many have traumatic memories of NATO bombing during the Kosovo War and mistrust the West.

This documentary shows how the war in Ukraine has actually strengthened many Serbs’ feelings for Russia and upped President Vladimir Putin’s popularity. At demonstrations, protesters chant "Serbia and Russia: brothers forever” and "Putin, Putin”. Construction worker Sreten Mijovic regards Ukrainians as antichrists. For him, the most important things in life are Russia, Serbia and the Serbian soccer club Red Star Belgrade. The Grbovic family remembers the frightening weeks that they spent in the cellar during the NATO bombing campaign in 1999 — when Russia was the only country that took Serbia’s side.

Serbia would like to join the European Union, but it feels strong ties to Russia because of a shared culture and the Christian orthodox faith.

'An Absolute Disaster': Southern Baptist Sex Abuse Report Rattles Community

May 24, 2022 • Theologian Dr. Russell Moore joins Morning Joe to discuss a new report detailing decades of sexual abuse allegations and cover up from the Southern Baptist Convention, and he discusses calling for an investigation into abuse allegations while working at the SBC.

Frankreich 1939-40 Ein seltsamer Krieg | Doku | ARTE

Mar 3, 2021 • Als Sitzkrieg, früher auch 'seltsamer Krieg' oder 'komischer Krieg'. Französisch: drôle de guerre. Englisch: phoney war.

Democracy Now! Top US News & World Headlines – May 27, 2022

Boris Johnson Changes Ministerial Code to Remove Need to Resign over Breaches

THE GUARDIAN: New rules say ministers can apologise or temporarily lose pay for breaking code, which PM is accused of doing

Boris Johnson is accused of misleading parliament, which remains a resignation matter under the new rules. Photograph: Reuters
Boris Johnson is changing the rules to let ministers avoid resigning if they break the ministerial code, allowing them to apologise or temporarily lose their pay instead.

The prime minister, who is himself facing claims of breaching the code, published a policy statement on Friday saying it is “disproportionate to expect that any breach, however minor, should lead automatically to resignation or dismissal”.

A new version of the ministerial code has been published, suggesting that in future ministers are likely to face making a “public apology, remedial action, or removal of ministerial salary for a period” if they retain the confidence of the prime minister. » | Rowena Mason, Deputay political editor | Friday, May 27, 2022

Josh Cavallo: Proud My Coming Out Inspired Jake Daniels

Read the article here.

Related links here.

Queen: Footage Shows 'Fun behind the Formality'

Read the article here.

Related.

Harry Nilsson : Without You | 1972 | HD | Reupload

Copyright music records SME. | Views on YouTube: 9,244,608

Gravitas: China Retaliates after Biden's Taiwan Comment

May 26, 2022 • The PLA has announced it is organising combat drills around Taiwan. The militaries of China and the US are piling up lethal weapons in the region. Is the threat of a war growing in the Indo-Pacific? Palki Sharma tells you how recent developments raise the threat of a conflict.

Actor Kevin Spacey Facing Sexual Assault Charges

BBC: Actor Kevin Spacey is to be charged with sexual assault against three men, the Crown Prosecution Service has confirmed.

Five charges are being brought against the 62-year-old after a review of Met Police evidence following complaints dating between 2005 and 2013.

Three complaints relate to sexual abuse which is alleged to have taken place in London, and one in Gloucestershire.

He also faces an additional serious sexual offence charge in London. » | BBC | Wednesday, May 26, 2022

Anklage gegen Spacey wegen sexueller Übergriffe auf drei Männer: Gegen den Schauspieler waren im Zuge der MeToo-Debatte Vorwürfe laut geworden. Es handele sich um insgesamt drei Fälle, die sich in England zugetragen haben sollen, teilte die britische Staatsanwaltschaft mit. »

L’acteur Kevin Spacey inculpé d’agressions sexuelles contre trois hommes au Royaume-Uni : Le parquet britannique autorise ainsi des poursuites pénales contre l’ancienne star de la série « House of Cards », accusée d’agressions sexuelles depuis 2017. »

The Unseen Queen: New BBC Film Shows Royal Family's Private Family Videos

Read the details here.

Vitamine - das Märchen vom Mangel

May 12, 2022 • In kaum einer anderen Ernährungsfrage klaffen Forschungsergebnisse und Verhalten der Bevölkerung so weit auseinander wie beim Thema Vitamine. Vitaminpräparate sind seit Jahren ein internationales Milliardengeschäft, weil die Mär vom Mangel erfolgreich erzählt wird. Doch welche Vitamine brauchen wir wirklich? Steckt nicht alles Notwendige in einer gesunden Ernährung? Mittlerweile setzen immer mehr Nahrungsmittelhersteller auf sogenanntes Functional Food, mit Vitaminen angereicherte Lebensmittel. Doch das kann zu einer Überdosierung bis hin zur Erhöhung der Sterblichkeit führen, warnen Wissenschafter. Ein NZZ Format über das fragwürdige Geschäft mit Vitaminpräparaten.

Bitcoin, ethereum ou tether… Pour les plus jeunes, argent facile et désillusions au pays des cryptomonnaies

LE MONDE : Malgré la forte volatilité des monnaies numériques, ils sont nombreux à investir dans la blockchain, tant par goût de l’argent facile que par défiance vis-à-vis du système bancaire classique.

Owen Simonin, alias « Hasheur », influenceur dans la sphère des cryptomonnaies, à Metz, le 17 janvier 2021. NICOLAS LEBLANC / ITEM
Lui s’est mis à investir dans les cryptomonnaies au début du mois de mai, à contre-courant, alors que le marché amorçait sa chute vertigineuse. A 19 ans, Arthur, étudiant en prépa HEC à Paris, une fois ses concours passés, cherchait « quoi faire de [sa] vie ». Il jette finalement son dévolu sur ces monnaies numériques, auxquelles se sont frottés avant lui plusieurs élèves de sa classe, passés en cours d’année des paris sportifs à la Bourse puis au bitcoin, la reine des cryptomonnaies. « Autour de moi, ceux qui en achetaient voulaient devenir millionnaires en deux heures. Moi, je m’y intéresse parce que c’est à la mode, dit-il, mais aussi parce que le bitcoin pourrait devenir la monnaie du futur. Peut-être qu’un jour on dira que le bitcoin a été aussi important que l’invention du chemin de fer. »

L’étudiant a acheté pour 500 euros de tether USD (USDT), un « stablecoin » (cryptomonnaie stable) qui vise à répliquer la valeur du dollar américain, après avoir passé de longues heures à lire des livres et à regarder des vidéos d’influenceurs. « J’aime bien me renseigner avant de jouer au loto, dit-il, et, à ce jour, je n’ai à peu près rien perdu. » » | Par Véronique Chocron | mercredi 26 mai 2022

Article réservé aux abonnés

"Zwanzigeins" | Karambolage | ARTE

Oct 21, 2020 • Nikola Obermann erklärt uns die etwas komplizierte Art der Deutschen verkehrt herum zu zählen. Autorin: Nikola Obermann | Regie: Bérangère Lallemant | Auf YouTube verfügbar bis zum 19/06/2050

French Cooking Academy with Stephane: Typical French Home Cooking – Broccoli, Cauliflower and Almond Custard Bake

La cuisine (française) de ménage.

INGREDIENTS:

300g cauliflower florets
300g broccoli florets
2 eggs
250ml cream
3 tbsp almond meal (ground almonds)
2 pinches of nutmeg
salt and pepper to season (according to taste)
50 – 100g grated cheese (according to taste)

METHOD:

As shown in video.

Die Bise: ein besonderer Kuss aus Frankreich | Karambolage | ARTE

Oct 30, 2020 • Vielleicht erinnern Sie sich noch: Vor der Corona-Krise war es in Frankreich üblich, sich mit Wangenküsschen zu begrüßen. Nikola Obermann frischt unsere Erinnerung auf und erklärt uns die Regeln hierzu. Autorin: Nikola Obermann | Regie: Marc Chevalier, Leslie David, Joris Clerté | Auf Youtube verfügbar bis zum 01/07/2050

Democracy Now! Top US News & World Headlines – May 26, 2022

Panzerschokolade - Crystal Meth bei der Wehrmacht | Doku

Nov 22, 2016 • Pervitin war innerhalb der Wehrmacht weit verbreitet: Von den Frontsoldaten über Panzerverbände bis hin zu den Piloten der Luftwaffe schluckten nicht nur kleine Soldaten-Trupps die Tabletten, sondern ganze Bataillone. Schnell nutzen Soldaten Pervitin auch zur Entspannung, wie Alkohol und Zigaretten - die "Panzerschokolade" wird für sie zur Droge.

Inside the Drug Use That Fueled Nazi Germany: An explosive bestseller mined the records of Adolf Hitler’s personal doctor, among other sources, to uncover details of the long-rumored drug use by many in the Nazi regime. »

Smoking: Unopened, Original WW2 Cigarettes from the Third Reich

Jun 10, 2021 • Seemingly, a really smooth smoke! (Not like the dross they sell these days*!) | Views on YouTube: 1,024,747

* I write now as an ex-smoker. Though I must say those cigarettes would be tempting. – Mark

Die Guillotine | Karambolage | ARTE

Sep 24, 2021 • Im September 1981, also vor vierzig Jahren, hat Frankreich die Todesstrafe abgeschafft. Ein Rückblick auf einen sehr französischen Gegenstand, die Guillotine, die inzwischen überholt ist, sowie auf die entscheidende Parlamentsdebatte, die zur Abstimmung über das Gesetz führte. Autor und Regisseur: Cédric Villain | Verfügbar bis zum 01/09/2043

International Sanctions Take Toll on Russian Economy | DW News

May 19, 2022 • The war in Ukraine has prompted huge financial sanctions against Russia. Despite the sanctions the Russian currency is astonishingly strong. Vasily Astrov from the Vienna Institute for International Economic Studies says the sanctions take longer to fully unfold.

Boris Becker Moved to Prison for Foreigners in Sign He Will Be Deported

THE GUARDIAN: Ex-tennis champion convicted of hiding assets after bankruptcy transferred to HMP Huntercombe

Boris Becker has reportedly been transferred to a prison used to detain foreign criminals, indicating he will be deported from the UK at the end of his sentence.

According to the Times, Becker’s lawyer told journalists in Berlin that he had been transferred to HMP Huntercombe in Oxfordshire.

The former world No 1 tennis player had been detained at Wandsworth prison, a category B prison, after he was jailed for two and a half years for concealing £2.5m of assets to avoid paying money he owed after his bankruptcy. He will serve half of the sentence.

The German, 54, has lived in the UK since 2012 but is understood not to have British citizenship. » | Jamie Grierson | Wednesday, May 25, 2022

RIP Russia | 1991-2022 Russia's History through Konstantin's Eyes

Premiered May 3, 2022 • I share the history of the country that started in August 1991 and ended in 2022. RIP RUSSIA, MY LOVE.

You can support Konstantin/INSIDE RUSSIA on Patreon here.

Life in Russia under Sanctions: Empty Stores, Rising Prices, Personal Tragedy

You can support Konstantin/INSIDE RUSSIA on Patreon here.

Avec les protestants évangéliques qui tentent de convertir des passants de confession musulmane dans la rue

JULIEN MUGUET POUR « LE MONDE »
LE MONDE : REPORTAGE | Les protestants évangéliques et, à un degré moindre, les catholiques cherchent de plus en plus à attirer de nouveaux fidèles, en particulier des personnes de culture musulmane, généralement intéressées par les discussions sur la religion.

La scène a quelque chose de surréaliste. Place de la République, à Paris, une quinzaine de fidèles, dossards « Jésus sauve » en français et en arabe épinglés dans le dos, prient en cercle et à voix haute avant d’entonner des louanges. Ces protestants évangéliques, membres de l’association Tous pour Christ, s’affairent à tour de rôle autour d’une table pliante avec thermos de café, bananes, salades et tracts, bibles, livrets d’Evangile. Tout est gratuit. Leur mission ? « Annoncer la bonne nouvelle. » En clair, évangéliser les passants.

Il y a ceux qui passent leur chemin avec un sourire amusé et ceux qui tracent la route en levant les yeux au ciel. Il y a les habitués du quartier qui ne les voient même plus, les plus démunis qui profitent d’un gobelet de café et d’un sac de victuailles, dans lequel sont glissés un flyer « Connaissez-vous Jésus ? » et un Evangile. Et puis, il y a ceux qui acceptent de prendre le temps d’échanger sur le divin dans l’espace public. Ceux-là sont pour la plupart de confession musulmane. C’est là tout l’enjeu de ces opérations d’évangélisation de rue : face au recul de la religiosité au sein de la société française, convertir les « derniers » croyants.

« Les musulmans sont la cible principale de ces expéditions, car, en France, ce sont les derniers, ou presque, à croire encore », explique Fatiha Kaouès, sociologue des religions au CNRS, autrice d’une thèse, en 2013, sur le développement du protestantisme évangélique au Moyen-Orient. « Il est beaucoup plus facile de parler religion avec les musulmans, les autres ne sont pas intéressés », confirme Jamel Attar, ex-musulman converti, pasteur à Caen depuis plus de vingt ans. » | Par Louise Couvelaire | mercredi 25 mai 2022

Quand les évangéliques s’emploient à convertir les musulmans : Dans les banlieues, terres de mission, les évangéliques disent engranger les conversions. »

This Explains Why Russia Starts Insane Wars

Apr 17, 2022 • As Putin's brutal invasion of Ukraine continues, we take a broader look at the roots of Russian imperialism. We go back to the 19th century and look at a book by Nikolai Gogol called Dead Souls. It contains a paragraph that exquisitely defines Russian historical identity.

Democracy Now! Top US News & World Headlines – May 25, 2022

Russland will Auslandsschulden in Rubel begleichen

DER STANDARD – LIVEBERICHT: Russland wird seine Auslandsschulden nach Angaben aus Moskau nun in Rubel begleichen. Künftige Zahlungen würden "in der russischen Landeswährung getätigt", erklärte das Finanzministerium am Mittwoch im Nachrichtendienst Telegram. Grund dafür sei, dass die USA eine entsprechende Ausnahmeregelung zur Schuldenbegleichung gestrichen hätten. Das mache es "unmöglich, die Staatsschulden weiter in Dollar zu begleichen". » | Ricarda Opis, Viktoria Kirner | Mittwoch 25. Mai 2022

More Than One in 10 Young Women in UK Identify as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual or Other

THE GUARDIAN: Of females aged 16-24, 11.4% said they were lesbian, gay, bisexual or other in annual ONS population survey

Participants in the annual Pride in London parade in 2019. Photograph: Henry Nicholls/Reuters
More than one in 10 young women in the UK identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual or other, according to official figures that suggest more than 2 million people define themselves that way.

Of females aged 16-24, 11.4% said they were lesbian, gay, bisexual or other based on an annual population survey by the Office for National Statistics that relates to 2020. It is the first time since the research began in 2014 that the percentage has breached the 10% mark.

In 2014, only 3.1% of young women identified that way – fewer than young men – but they now far outstrip them, with the largest group of those not identifying as heterosexual – 7.6% – saying they are bisexual. » | Robert Booth, Social affairs editor | Wednesday, May 25, 2022

Putin's Secret Hero He Doesn't Talk About

May 22, 2022 • As Putin's brutal invasion of Ukraine continues, we look at Putin's hero Tsar Alexander III.

We've spent several weeks looking at the natural of Putin's escalation his civilizational war against the West. In this video remove Putin's illusions about his own hero. We look at how Putin has repeated the mistakes of Tsar Alexander III, particularly his policies of Russification against Ukrainians. Finally we take seriously the idea that Russian history is repeating itself; that Putin is a 19th century Russian Tsar with nuclear weapons.

Vomiting and Partying until 4am: Sue Gray Delivers Damning Verdict on Boris Johnson’s No 10

THE GUARDIAN: Security logs also reveal spilled wine over walls and drunken staff told to leave by back entrance

Boris Johnson at a gathering in 10 Downing Street. Photograph: Sue Gray report/Cabinet Office/PA
Sue Gray has issued a damning verdict on the party culture in Boris Johnson’s Downing Street, in a 37-page report that includes nine photographs, and names a string of senior civil servants.

Gray sets out in embarrassing detail how each event unfolded, including a leaving party on 18 June 2020, at which “one individual was sick”, and “there was a minor altercation between two other individuals”.

“Whatever the initial intent, what took place at many of these gatherings and the way in which they developed was not in line with Covid guidance at the time,” the report says.

“Even allowing for the extraordinary pressures officials and advisers were under, the factual findings of this report illustrate some attitudes and behaviours inconsistent with that guidance.”

In what appears to be an indictment of the prime minister, as well as senior civil servants, she says “the senior leadership at the centre, both political and official, must bear responsibility for this culture”.

Details of the gatherings include security logs revealing some staff carried on partying until 4am after the leaving do for the director of communications, James Slack, cleaners giving evidence of spilled wine over the walls, and messages warning drunken staff to leave via the back entrance. » | Heather Stewart and Aubrey Allegretti | Wednesday, May 25, 2022

Texas Primary School Shooting Leaves 21 Dead - BBC News

May 25, 2022 • Nineteen young children and two adults have died in a shooting at a primary school in south Texas.

The gunman opened fire at Robb Elementary School - which teaches children aged seven to 10 - in the city of Uvalde before he was killed by law enforcement, officials said.

The 18-year-old suspect had a handgun, a semi-automatic rifle and high-capacity magazines, investigators have said.

The teenager is suspected of shooting his grandmother before the rampage.


This school shooting, like all others before it, is a national disgrace. Apparently, as nothing is ever done about such barbarity, one would be perfectly justified in concluding that it is more important for Americans to retain access to their guns and assault weapons than it is to keep their innocent, helpless children safe! What an appalling state of affairs! – © Mark

Fusillade au Texas : les Etats-Unis s’entre-tuent, le Parti républicain regarde ailleurs : L’éditorial du « Monde ». Un jeune Texan a tué dix-neuf élèves et deux enseignantes dans une école primaire, à Ulvade. Face aux tragédies qui se succèdent, les élus républicains s’opposent toujours à la moindre législation pour encadrer le marché des armes à feu. »

Uvalde, Buffalo and the Semiautomatic Weapons That Terrorize Us: Within the last two weeks, the country has seen the two deadliest mass shootings of the year, both committed by 18-year-olds. The motive for Tuesday’s attack on elementary school children in Uvalde, Texas, is still unknown. But the motive for the Buffalo attack appears clear from the online screed left by the accused attacker. Influenced by the “great replacement theory,” he sought to kill as many Black people as he could. Ten died. »

Partygate: Tory MPs Are 'Undermining Our Democracy' - Alastair Campbell

May 25, 2022 • If we ignore the findings of the Sue Gray report, will be saying "goodbye to the democratic system that we have", says former Downing St director of communications Alastair Campbell.

He spoke to Sky's Kay Burley, as No 10 braces itself for the publication of the report.

First though, he responded to the primary school shooting in Texas.


BoJo is a liar and a clown! I despise that man! I would NEVER vote for him. And I speak as a one-time, life-long Conservative voter! After Brexit, I shall NEVER vote Tory again! First the Tories 'shat' on Maggie; this time, they have 'shat' on the voters. Get rid of that plonker! – © Mark

Ukraine Invasion May Be Start of ‘Third World War’, Says George Soros

THE GUARDIAN: Veteran philanthropist tells World Economic Forum civilisation ‘may not survive’ what is coming

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine threatens to be the “beginning of the third world war” that could spell the end of civilisation, the veteran philanthropist and former financier George Soros has warned.

In a ferocious attack on Vladimir Putin and China’s Xi Jinping at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Soros warned that autocratic regimes were in the ascendant and the global economy was heading for a depression.

Soros, who has become a hate figure for the hard right in the US, also heavily criticised the former German chancellor Angela Merkel for cosying up to Moscow and Beijing.

With the mood in Davos already downbeat due to the war in Ukraine, Soros ramped up the gloomy rhetoric to new heights.

“The invasion may have been the beginning of the third world war and our civilisation may not survive it,” he said. » | Larry Elliott, Economics editor | Tuesday, May 24, 2022

Science of Social Bonding in Family, Friendship & Romantic Love | Huberman Lab Podcast #51

Dec 20, 2021 • This episode I discuss the science of social bonding- the process by which we form attachments. I explain the neural and hormonal basis for "social homeostasis" (our drive for a given amount of socializing) which reveals why we get lonely, why we seek out connection with others and how power dynamics (hierarchies) shape those connections. I also discuss the neurochemical basis of introversion and extroversion, of trust and how shared experiences that promote similar physiological states in two or more individuals, leads to more rapid bonding. I also discuss how food and oxytocin play key roles in social bonding. This episode covers quality peer-reviewed science and practical tools for anyone seeking to find, build or end relationships.

Twenty Years of Putin Playing the West in 3 Minutes | NYT Opinion

May 24, 2022 • Vladimir Putin, especially these days, is widely reviled. To some he’s a war criminal, to others he’s a dictator, and to many he’s simply a very bad man. But it wasn’t always this way. ...

Fascism: A Warning | The Late Madeleine Albright | Talks at Google

Jun 27, 2018 • In Fascism: A Warning, former US Secretary of State Madeleine Albright draws on her experiences as a child in war-torn Europe and her distinguished career as a diplomat to provide a personal and urgent examination of Fascism in the twentieth century and how its legacy shapes today’s world. A Fascist, observes Madeleine Albright, “is someone who claims to speak for a whole nation or group, is utterly unconcerned with the rights of others, and is willing to use violence and whatever other means are necessary to achieve the goals he or she might have.”

Fascism, as she shows, not only endured through the twentieth century but now presents a more virulent threat to peace and justice than at any time since the end of World War II. The momentum toward democracy that swept the world when the Berlin Wall fell has gone into reverse. In many countries, economic, technological, and cultural factors are weakening the political center and empowering the extremes of right and left. Contemporary leaders such as Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong-un are employing many of the tactics used by Fascists in the 1920s and 30s.

Fascism: A Warning is a book for our times that is relevant to all times. Written by someone who has not only studied history but helped to shape it, this call to arms teaches us the lessons we must understand and the questions we must answer if we are to save ourselves from repeating the tragic errors of the past.
,br /> Moderated by Heather Young.

Democracy Now! Top US News & World Headlines – May 24, 2022

The Guardian View on Viktor Orbán’s Brussels Bashing: A Reckoning Must Come

THE GUARDIAN – EDITORIAL: The contempt shown by Hungary’s prime minister for EU norms requires a response

‘Mr Orbán has made domestic political capital from waging a culture war against Brussels.’Photograph: EPA
In recent years, as Viktor Orbán has consolidated his hold over Hungary’s body politic, he has acquired a cult following on America’s Republican right. That status was confirmed last week when US conservatives staged a special conference in Budapest, the centrepiece of which was an address by the newly re-elected prime minister. Speaking to the conference theme of “God, homeland, family”, the self-styled standard bearer for “illiberal democracy” did not hold back. Delegates were told that “ideologically trained bureaucrats” in Washington and Brussels – in cahoots with progressive liberals and “neo-Marxists” – were seeking to undermine traditional western values. Mr Orbán then outlined the strategy taken in Hungary to eradicate this threat. “The first point in the Hungarian formula,” he said, “is to play by our own rules.”

In that spirit, Mr Orbán’s Hungary has flouted the democratic norms of European Union membership for years. On issues relating to corruption, the independence of the media, asylum and LGBTQ+ rights, Budapest has flatly ignored EU objections to its actions. Mr Orbán has made domestic political capital from waging a culture war against Brussels, even as Hungary accessed billions of pounds worth of EU regional aid. As he trolls the EU ever more brazenly from within and gives masterclasses to America’s “alt-right”, what can Brussels do about it? » | Editorial | Monday, May 23, 2022

Bruxelles s'inquiète de "nouvelles détériorations" de l'Etat de droit en Hongrie, dont la loi anti-LGBT : Le commissaire européen à la Justice Didier Reynders a cité la loi hongroise interdisant d'évoquer auprès des mineurs "le changement de sexe et l'homosexualité", dénonçant son caractère discriminatoire à l'égard de la communauté LGBTI+. »

Russia Ramps Up Nuclear Talk as Position in Ukraine Weakens

May 24, 2022 • Julia Davis, columnist for the Daily Beast who monitors Russian media, talks with Rachel Maddow about the increasingly loose talk from Russian officials and media figures about using nuclear weapons.
/center>

Tucker Carlson Under Fire for Fawning over Authoritarian Leader, Touting Hungary as Model for US

May 24, 2022 • The most influential conservative gathering on the right, CPAC, was recently held in Budapest, Hungary. Fox News host Tucker Carlson, who has fawned over Hungary’s authoritarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán in past interviews, addressed the gathering, telling attendees the country’s ethno-nationalist regime offers a “better way” for America. MSNBC’s Ari Melber reports on the GOP’s embrace of “foreign exceptionalism” and the party’s decision to abandon policy.

Taïwan : la Chine accuse les Etats-Unis de « jouer avec le feu »

LE MONDE : Joe Biden a prévenu, lundi, que les Etats-Unis défendront militairement Taïwan en cas d’invasion par la Chine. « Nous demandons instamment aux Etats-Unis (…) d’éviter d’envoyer de mauvais signaux aux forces indépendantistes », a répondu un responsable chinois.

Le président des Etats-Unis, Joe Biden, en visite à Tokyo, a adressé, lundi 23 mai, plusieurs mises en garde à la Chine avec le premier ministre japonais, Fumio Kishida. Après une visite de trois jours en Corée du Sud, M. Biden est arrivé dimanche soir au Japon, les responsables américains considérant ces deux pays comme les chevilles ouvrières du dispositif américain face à la montée en puissance de la Chine dans la région.

Lors d’une conférence de presse commune, lundi, MM. Biden et Kishida ont adopté un ton ferme à l’égard de Pékin, réaffirmant leur « vision commune d’un Indo-Pacifique libre et ouvert » et disant s’être mis d’accord pour surveiller l’activité navale chinoise dans la région, où la Chine montre des ambitions croissantes. « Nous devons appeler la Chine à se plier au droit international », y compris en matière économique, a noté M. Kishida. » | Le Monde avec AFP | lundi 23 mai 2022

Ukrainian President Zelenskyy Speaks at World Economic Forum in Davos | DW News

Concertgoers in Russia Chant ‘F**k the War!’

May 23, 2022 • Audience members at a Кис-Киc (Kis-Kis) concert in St. Petersburg were seen chanting “F**k the war!” according to a video shared online, which was verified by CNN.

Die Zigarre - Dokumentation von NZZ Format | 2004

Jan 22, 2016 • Zum Abschluss eines guten Essens gehört für viele Geniesser eine Zigarre. Das Anzünden, gelernt in einem exklusiven Club, gerät mit viel Brimborium und einem Span Zedernholz zum Kult. Was ist der Unterschied zwischen einem Villiger-Stumpen und einer kubanischen Zigarre? Was ist das Geheimnis der Qualität der Deckblätter des legendären kubanischen Tabakdoyens Alejandro Robaina? Wie entsteht eine Romeo y Julieta? Und: Ist kubanischer Tabak tatsächlich besser als dominikanischer oder brasilianischer?

Kondom oder Pariser? | Karambolage | ARTE

Sep 7, 2021 • Hinrich Schmidt-Henkel erzählt uns von den Abenteuern eines französischen Wortes, das weit durch Europa gereist ist: die „capote anglaise“.

Autor: Hinrich Schmidt-Henkel
Regie : Claude Delafosse
mit: Hinrich Schmidt-Henkel
Kamera: Nicolas Sourdey
Ton: Hugues Petit
Verfügbar bis zum 01/09/2034

Die deutsche Sprache in der Welt | Karambolage | ARTE

Mar 15, 2022 • Claire Doutriaux nimmt die deutsche Sprache unter die Lupe, besser gesagt ihre Präsenz in der ganzen Welt. | Video auf YouTube verfügbar bis 01/12/2051

First Class Train across Peru on the “Andean Explorer”

Imran Ahmad Khan Sentenced to 18 Months over Sexual Assault of Boy, 15

THE GUARDIAN: Ex-MP jailed after being expelled from Tory party following conviction for groping teenager at party in 2008

The former Conservative MP Imran Ahmad Khan has been sentenced to 18 months in jail for sexually assaulting a 15-year-old boy after plying him with gin at a party in 2008.

The 48-year-old was expelled from the Conservative party and later resigned from the Commons, triggering a byelection in Wakefield, West Yorkshire, after he was convicted last month following a trial at Southwark crown court.

The judge, Mr Justice Baker, said Khan should serve 18 months, “half on custody, released on license for the remainder of the term, subject to recall should you commit a further offence”. » | Rachel Hall | Monday, May 23, 2022

Watch a SKY NEWS video here.

‘Warmongering, Lies and Hatred’: Russian Diplomat in Geneva Resigns over Ukraine Invasion

THE GUARDIAN: Boris Bondarev issues public statement saying: ‘Never have I been so ashamed of my country’

A veteran Russian diplomat in Geneva has resigned over his country’s invasion of Ukraine in a rare political protest from within the Russian foreign policy establishment.

Boris Bondarev, a counsellor at the Russian permanent mission to the United Nations in Geneva, wrote in a public statement: “Never have I been so ashamed of my country.” » | Andrew Roth, Moscow correspondent | Monday, May 23, 2022

Entspannung im Hammam | Karambolage | ARTE

Nov 22, 2019 • Sondes Zouaghi lädt uns ein, sie in den Hammam zu begleiten. Autorin: Sondes Zouaghi | Regie: Florence Miailhe | Auf Youtube verfügbar bis zum 28.10.2040

Democracy Now! US News & World Headlines – May 23, 2022

US Ready to Use Force to Defend Taiwan, Says President Biden | DW News

Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe Says Iran Made Her Confess as a Condition of Her Release

Read the article here.

Millionaires at Davos Say 'Tax Us More'

Millionaires Marlene Engelhorn and Phil White joined a Davos protest calling for higher taxes on the wealthy | PHIL WHITE
BBC: A handful of wealthy attendees gathered in Davos are calling on world leaders to tackle the cost of living crisis by pushing up taxes for people like them.

They took to the streets on Sunday alongside left-wing activists to call for fairer tax systems worldwide.

Political and business leaders are at the first in-person World Economic Forum (WEF) since the pandemic began.

But criticisms are mounting over the way the wealthy have profited in the last two years.

UK millionaire Phil White said: "While the rest of the world is collapsing under the weight of an economic crisis, billionaires and world leaders meet in this private compound to discuss turning points in history.

"It's outrageous that our political leaders listen to those who have the most, know the least about the economic impact of this crisis, and many of whom pay infamously little in taxes. The only credible outcome from this conference is to tax the richest and tax us now."

Mr White, who represents a group called Patriotic Millionaires, made his money as a business consultant. He said he was joining left-wing and anti-poverty campaigners calling for change at the annual meeting of influential business people and political leaders because the current economic system was failing.

Over the past decade, a growing number of millionaires and billionaires in the US and Europe have spoken out, calling for governments to impose higher taxes, including wealth levies on the richest.

While only a small number of millionaires were in Davos to attend the protest, the campaigners have sent an open letter to all Davos delegates, signed by millionaire supporters in several countries. » | BBC | Monday, May 23, 2022

Millionaires ask to pay more tax »

Coronavirus: Disney heir and Ben & Jerry’s call for higher taxes »

Der Frust der britischen Fischer | ARTE Re:

May 23, 2022 • Fischer Darren Kenyon aus Grimsby hat den Versprechen der LEAVE-Kampagne geglaubt und wie 70 Prozent der Menschen im armen Nordosten Englands für den EU-Austritt gestimmt. Doch statt mehr Kontrolle über ihr Land, haben sie weniger Geld im Portemonnaie. Ein Jahr nach dem Brexit fühlen sich die einstigen Befürworter von Premierminister Boris Johnson ausgenutzt.

Fischer Darren Kenyon aus Grimsby hat den Versprechen der LEAVE-Kampagne geglaubt und wie 70 Prozent der Menschen im armen Nordosten Englands für den EU-Austritt gestimmt. Es sollte mehr Kontrolle geben über Fanggründe vor der eigenen Küste und damit eine bessere Zukunft. Doch ein Jahr nach dem Brexit fühlen sich die einstigen Befürworter von Premierminister Boris Johnson ausgenutzt. Darren Kenyon geht es wirtschaftlich noch schlechter als zuvor. Der Vorwurf: genau so viel Bürokratie wie vormals aus Brüssel und noch weniger Fangrechte. So wie die Fischer, bereuen die meisten Menschen in der Humberside-Region ihre Wahl und merken erst jetzt, dass sie es – auch dank EU-Fördermitteln - zuvor besser hatten.

Reportage (D 2022, 32 Min)
Video auf YouTube verfügbar bis 20/05/2023

Harry Nilsson : Without You | 1972 | HD

Jun 20, 2015 • Harry Nilsson Without You 1972 HD SME records CD titled: "Harry Nilsson Without You", sound recording administered by: SME. Copyright music records SME.

The Dangers of Spreading the Racist 'Replacement Theory'

May 22, 2022 • A handful of Republicans are still echoing the “great replacement theory” following the mass shooting at a Buffalo grocery story. A political panel joined American Voices with Alicia Menendez to discuss the harm of the racist conspiracy

Wie alles begann - die Geschichte des Rauchens.

Sep 11, 2012 • Neues und bekanntes rund ums rauchen.

Steve Schmidt Sounds the Alarm!

May 22, 2022 • The former GOP Operative & Lincoln Project founder warns of coming fascism

Daniil Trifonov – Chopin: Fantaisie-Impromptu In C-Sharp Minor, Op. 66

”Elon Musk Is Just a Weirdo with a Cult Following” – Farron Cousins

May 22, 2022 • Elon Musk, the founder of SpaceX and Tesla, has gained a cult following online that somehow believes this man is completely infallible and will lead us into the future. But the reality is that he's just a weirdo with some of the dumbest political takes on the internet, and all you have to do is look at the drivel he posts on any given day to prove that - like when he said this past week that the "woke mind virus" would prevent humans from going to Mars. Farron Cousins discusses this very bizarre human being.

En Italie, des laïques dénoncent l’omerta de l’Eglise catholique sur les abus sexuels

LE MONDE : Après des années de déni, les évêques italiens, réunis du 23 au 27 mai, doivent discuter de la lutte contre la pédocriminalité au sein de l’institution.

Francesco Zanardi, à Rome, en octobre 2018. Agressé dans son enfance par un prêtre, il collecte depuis douze ans les témoignages d’autres victimes. SIMONE PADOVANI / AWAKENING / GETTY IMAGES
La loi du silence qui pèse en Italie sur la pédocriminalité dans le clergé commence à être sérieusement contestée. Alors que la Conférence épiscopale italienne tiendra, du lundi 23 au vendredi 27 mai, une assemblée au cours de laquelle sera discutée sa politique sur le sujet et désigné son nouveau président, un livre accusateur, à paraître le 26 mai, tente d’expliquer pourquoi la Péninsule est l’un des derniers pays occidentaux où l’Eglise catholique s’oppose avec succès à toute tentative d’enquête approfondie sur ce phénomène. « Ce livre a pour but de les obliger à faire cette enquête », déclare au Monde l’une de ses autrices, l’historienne et journaliste Lucetta Scaraffia.

Intitulé Agnus Dei. Gli abusi sessuali del clero in Italia (« Agnus Dei. Les abus sexuels dans le clergé en Italie », Solferino, 224 pages, non traduit), rédigé par Lucetta Scaraffia, Anna Foa et Franca Giansoldati, l’ouvrage a puisé une partie de sa matière première dans les archives amassées par Francesco Zanardi. Agressé dans son enfance par un prêtre, cet homme de 51 ans collecte depuis douze ans les informations éparses trouvées dans la presse. » | Par Jérôme Gautheret (Rome, correspondant) et Cécile Chambraud (Rome, envoyée spéciale) | dimanche 22 mai 2022

Article réservé aux abonnés

Islam: Das Goldene Zeitalter

Dec 9, 2021 • Der Islam besteht seit über 1300 Jahren. Er wird im 7. Jahrhundert durch Mohammed begründet und breitet sich in der folgenden Zeit über den arabischen Raum bis in andere Teile Asiens und nach Europa aus.

Es bildet sich eine arabisch-islamische Kultur. Geprägt von Wissenschaft und Kunst, die der christlichen Kultur ihrer Zeit um einiges voraus ist.

In diesem Video schaut sich Mirko die Hochzeit der arabisch-islamischen Kultur einmal genauer an. Welche Teilreiche gibt es und wer herrscht über sie? Der Blick richtet sich auch auf große Wissenschaftler wie Ibn Sina, der ein bis in die Neuzeit gültiges Standardwerk der Medizin schreibt. Auch Feldherren wie Sultan Saladin spielen eine Rolle, der im Kreuzzug gegen Richard Löwenherz kämpft.

What Does the Extraordinary Election Result Mean for Australia's Future? | 60 Minutes Australia

Anthony Albanese is negotiating his first steps in Australia’s toughest job, but as our 31st prime minister, he and his new government face enormous challenges. Albo says he’ll make the country better for everyone, but considering two-thirds of the electorate didn’t vote for him or the ALP, it’s going to be a tough task. Federal politics never ceases to surprise, but last night’s result was extraordinary. On 60 Minutes, Sarah Abo speaks to Nine Political Editor Chris Uhlmann for his take on this historic election.

Biological Influences on Sex, Sex Differences & Preferences | Huberman Lab Podcast #14

Apr 5, 2021 • In this episode, I discuss how hormones such as testosterone and estrogen and their derivatives impact the early development of the brain and body and their maturation. I review published data on environmental factors shown to powerfully alter hormone pathways in animals and humans and the effects of cannabis, alcohol and cell phones on testes, sperm, ovaries and hormones. I describe the predictable relationship between genes, beard growth and balding patterns, and the importance of estrogen for brain development in people of all chromosomal sexes. Finally, I discuss how the hormones we are exposed to in the womb shape the relative length of our finger digits, the sounds our ears make (yes you read that correctly), and how those correlate with people's self-reports of their sexual preferences. As always, basic information and tools are discussed.

The Science of Love, Desire and Attachment | Huberman Lab Podcast #59

Feb 14, 2022 • In this episode, I discuss the psychology and biology of desire, love and attachment. I explain how childhood attachment types are thought to inform adult attachment styles to romantic partners, and I describe some of the major theories of human mate selection, relationships and infidelity. Additionally, I explore the neurobiology and proposed subconscious processing underlying desire, love and attachment, including the roles of empathy and “positive delusion.” I outline how self-awareness can shift one’s relationship attachment style towards securely bonded partnerships. Finally, I describe specific tools and supplements that have been researched to increase libido and sex drive. Throughout the episode, I explain the science and key mechanisms underlying romantic love and outline tools for those seeking to find a strong, healthy relationship, or for those wanting to strengthen an existing relationship.

Ex-Muslim, LGBTQ, Defiant

Omar (not his real name) tells his story of growing up as a gay ex-Muslim in a country where both homosexuality and apostasy can be met by death. Directed by Sarah Haider, produced and edited by Aurora Creative Media.

Ex-Muslims of North America (EXMNA): If you wish to help them, you can donate here ».

UK Moves to Scrap Northern Ireland Protocol Raises EU Ire

May 17, 2022 • British Foreign Secretary Liz Truss is expected to present a new law to parliament that would unilaterally change the Northern Ireland protocol, a key element of the Brexit deal that saw the UK leave the European Union. Donnacha O Beachain from Dublin City University has more on the Northern Ireland protocol.

Tornado in Western Germany Injures Dozens

A storm system brought torrential rains and strong winds to Paderborn, Germany, tearing down buildings and trees. The tornado was one of three that struck western Germany on Friday, the local authorities said.

The Beautiful, Romantic Wedding Kiss

Le beau baiser de mariage romantique / Der schöne, romantische Hochzeitskuß
With many thanks to Roy van der Wens Wedding Photo & Film on Pinterest for this lovely photo.

Australia Election: Anthony Albanese Vows Unity after Labor Seizes Power

Anthony Albanese vows government of unity, not division. | Screenshot from the accompanying video.
BBC: Australia has elected its first Labor government in almost a decade and Anthony Albanese as prime minister, ousting Scott Morrison's coalition.

Mr Albanese told jubilant supporters that Australians had "voted for change". However it is still unclear whether he can secure a majority.

The centre-left leader vowed to bring people together, invest in social services and "end the climate wars".

Mr Morrison thanked the "miracle of the Australian people" after conceding.

In perhaps the election's greatest twist, support also surged for Greens and independent candidates running on climate platforms.

They could wield greater influence if Labor fails to secure 76 lower house seats to govern in its own right. Late on Saturday it had 72 seats to the Coalition's 55, the ABC projected.

Mr Albanese said it was an "extraordinary honour" to lead the country after he emerged to rapturous applause at Labor's victory party in Sydney.

"My Labor team will work every day to bring Australians together. And I will lead a government worthy of the people of Australia," he said. With video » | Jay Savage, BBC News, Sydney | Saturday, May 21, 2022

France’s outgoing foreign minister welcomes defeat of Scott Morrison: Undiplomatic remarks from Jean-Yves Le Drian follow war of words between nations over abandoned submarine deal »

En Australie, les travaillistes espèrent ravir le pouvoir aux conservateurs à l’issue des législatives : Anthony Albanese, en tête dans les sondages avant les élections prévues samedi, pourrait succéder à Scott Morrison sans que la politique étrangère du pays ne change. »

Australier wählen die Regierung ab: Nach fast zehn Jahren an der Macht muss die konservative Partei in Australien in die Opposition. Die Sozialdemokraten werden mindestens eine Minderheitsregierung bilden können. »

The Rise and Fall of Pope Benedict XVI | DW Documentary

May 21, 2022 • As Benedict XVI, Joseph Ratzinger was head of the Catholic Church from 2005 to 2013. Using archival footage and conversations with contemporary witnesses, this film provides insight into the rise and fall of the German pope.

Pope Benedict XVI led the Catholic Church into the greatest crisis it has faced since the Reformation. Namely, the worldwide child sexual abuse scandal. Filmmaker Christoph Röhl tells the story of this pope’s rise and fall, both of which were symptomatic of the church's larger failures.

Bringing a combination of curiosity and scepticism to his subject, Christoph Röhl’s documentary shows us a man who dedicated his life to preserving the Church - but inadvertently led it into its greatest crisis. The interviewees, all of whom worked within the clerical system, describe how Ratzinger's policies contributed to the dramatic loss of moral authority from which the Church still suffers, today.

This is an epic story, starring a tragic hero. Ratzinger believed that truth was to be found exclusively in the teachings of the Catholic Church and that contemporary society would be lost if it did not rediscover its Catholic values in time. But he came to realize that his worst enemies were inside the Church - even within his inner circle.

The film tells the story of a lonely man who began his career as a reformer, only to leave the public eye in disgrace.

The Russian Orthodox Leader at the Core of Putin’s Ambitions

THE NEW YORK TIMES: Patriarch Kirill I has provided spiritual cover for the invasion of Ukraine, reaping vast resources for his church in return. Now, in an extraordinary step, the E.U. is threatening him with sanctions.

Alexander Zemlianichenko/Associated Press
As Russia’s invasion of Ukraine unfolded, Patriarch Kirill I, the leader of the Moscow-based Russian Orthodox Church, had an awkward Zoom meeting with Pope Francis.

The two religious leaders had previously worked together to bridge a 1,000-year-old schism between the Christian churches of the East and West. But the meeting, in March, found them on opposing sides of a chasm. Kirill spent 20 minutes reading prepared remarks, echoing the arguments of President Vladimir V. Putin of Russia that the war in Ukraine was necessary to purge Nazis and oppose NATO expansion.

Francis was evidently flummoxed. “Brother, we are not clerics of the state,” the pontiff told Kirill, he later recounted to the Corriere della Sera newspaper, adding that “the patriarch cannot transform himself into Putin’s altar boy.”

Today, Kirill stands apart not merely from Francis, but from much of the world. The leader of about 100 million faithful, Kirill, 75, has staked the fortunes of his branch of Orthodox Christianity on a close and mutually beneficial alliance with Mr. Putin, offering him spiritual cover while his church — and possibly he himself — receives vast resources in return from the Kremlin, allowing him to extend his influence in the Orthodox world.

To his critics, the arrangement has made Kirill far more than another apparatchik, oligarch or enabler of Mr. Putin, but an essential part of the nationalist ideology at the heart of the Kremlin’s expansionist designs.

Kirill has called Mr. Putin’s long tenure “a miracle of God,” and has characterized the war as a just defense against liberal conspiracies to infiltrate Ukraine with “gay parades.” » | Jason Horowitz | Saturday, May 21, 2022

Legal Smoking Age in England Could Be Raised to 21 – Report

THE GUARDIAN: Independent review also expected to support new taxes on tobacco company profits

The legal smoking age in England could reportedly be raised from 18 to 21 after a “radical” review into plans to make the country smoke-free by 2030.

An independent review commissioned by the health secretary, Sajid Javid, and led by Javed Khan, the former chief executive of the children’s charity Barnardo’s, is also expected to support new taxes on tobacco company profits, according to the Telegraph.

The review is also expected to recommend the NHS increase efforts to encourage smokers, particularly among pregnant women, to switch to vaping and e-cigarettes. » | Miranda Bryant | Saturday, May 21, 2022

If they bring this idiotic policy into law, I hope and trust that they will not expect someone under twenty-one to go and fight in a war. If a person is old enough to go to war, he is old enough to smoke! Conversely, if a man is not old enough to smoke, then he is certainly not old enough to go to war!

It’s time for this war on smokers and smoking to stop. Enough already! Further, e-cigarettes are still in their infancy. I notice that the Government of Canada refuses to endorse them. Check this out here.

Discourage smoking tobacco by all means, but more will be achieved by information and gentle persuasion than will ever be achieved with such draconian measures.

Further, I should add that if a person is not old enough to smoke, then he is not old enough to marry and sire babies. A similar argument applies to women. By the way, I write this as an ex-smoker; but I defend the right of a person to smoke and enjoy cigarettes. Moreover, I am NOT in favour of the nanny state! – © Mark

In Full: Former BoE Governor Warns of a "Very Unpleasant Period" Ahead

May 20, 2022 • Former Bank of England Governor Mervyn King blames central banks for fuelling the cost of living crisis by printing too much money during the pandemic.

King headed Britain's central bank from 2003 to 2013, and oversaw the start of its QE programme in March 2009 during the global financial crisis.

But in more recent years he has criticised the scale of central bank asset purchases, which were funded by newly-created money.

Trump Shares CPAC Hungary Platform with Notorious Racist and Antisemite

THE GUARDIAN: Hungarian talkshow host who has called Jews ‘stinking excrement’ and Roma ‘animals’ addresses rightwing conference

Donald Trump is shown on screen speaking via a videolink at the CPAC conference in Budapest, Hungary, on Friday. Photograph: Szilárd Koszticsák/EPA
A notorious Hungarian racist who has called Jews “stinking excrement”, referred to Roma as “animals” and used racial epithets to describe Black people, was a featured speaker at a major gathering of US Republicans in Budapest.

Zsolt Bayer took the stage at the second day of the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) Hungary, a convention that also featured speeches from Donald Trump, Fox News host Tucker Carlson, and Trump’s former White House chief of staff, Mark Meadows.

The last featured speaker of the conference was Jack Posobiec, a far-right US blogger who has used antisemitic symbols and promoted the fabricated “Pizzagate” conspiracy theory smearing prominent Democrats as pedophiles.

Bayer, a television talkshow host in Hungary, has been widely denounced for his racism. During the 2020 Black Lives Matter protests, he wrote on his blog: “Is this the future? Kissing the dirty boots of fucking [racist epithet] and smiling at them? Being happy about this? Because otherwise they’ll kill you or beat you up?” » | Flora Garamvolgyi and Julian Borger in Washington | Saturday, May 21, 2022

Orbán and US right to bond at Cpac in Hungary over ‘great replacement’ ideology: American far right has long embraced Hungary’s prime minister, who speaks of Europe’s ‘suicidal’ immigration policies »

Viktor Orbán tells CPAC the path to power is to ‘have your own media’: Hungarian leader also tells Republicans at Budapest conference that shows like Tucker Carlson’s should be broadcast ‘24/7’ »

Canada Puts Sanctions on Russian Media Tycoon Alexander Lebedev

THE GUARDIAN: Oligarch with links to Boris Johnson among 14 businessmen and associates of Vladimir Putin targeted

Alexander Lebedev finances the Russian opposition newspaper Novaya Gazeta. His son Evgeny owns the UK’s Evening Standard and Independent. Photograph: Alexander Nemenov/AFP/Getty Images
Canada has put sanctions on Alexander Lebedev, the former KGB agent who little more than a decade ago bought the Evening Standard and the Independent.

The Russian billionaire was named in a fresh wave of sanctions against Vladimir Putin’s regime announced on Friday that also included a ban on the import of Russian vodka, diamonds and caviar, according to the Globe and Mail.

Lebedev, whose links to the British prime minister, Boris Johnson, are well documented, has not been subjected to sanctions by the UK.

The Canadian government said the ban on trade in luxury goods and the addition of 14 oligarchs and associates of the Russian president was aligned with similar measures imposed by allies such as the US and the EU, and would “help to mitigate the potential for Russian oligarchs to circumvent restrictions in other luxury goods markets”. » | Miranda Bryant | Saturday, May 21, 2022

Laura Ashley " Pattern of Success"

Oct 7, 2020 • This film was produced by an American Film Company and is an excellent documentary on the history of Laura Ashley over several decades. From when Laura and Bernard met right through to when they died. They are both buried at the church cemetery in Carno, Mid-Wales, just a few hundred yards from the factory where they first started their empire.

Michael Lambert: Clueless Liz Truss Threatens to Re-write the Northern Ireland Protocol if EU Do Not Back Down

May 21, 2022 • Clueless Liz Truss, the Foreign Secretary, has unilaterally threatened the EU that she will re-write the Northern Ireland Protocol if they do not back down and agree to re-negotiating the Withdrawal Agreement negotiated by Lord Frost and signed by Boris Johnson.

This would almost certainly lead to a trade war with the EU at a time of the greatest cost of living crisis in living memory. It would also be the end of any possibility of a trade deal with the US. In short it would be madness.

Liz Truss appears to have aspirations to be the next prime minister and to be a second Margaret Thatcher. Despite having been one of the staunchest advocates of 'Remain' in the EU Referendum, she has since changed to being a critic of the EU and a defender of Brexit. She also seems fixated on having her photograph taken at every opportunity and she constantly posts pictures of herself on social media.

Hitler privat: Der Soldat (2) | SPIEGEL TV

May 21, 2022 • Nach seiner Zeit als Soldat im Ersten Weltkrieg bereitet Adolf Hitler seine politische Karriere vor. 1923 kommt es zum Putschversuch der NSDAP, der aber niedergeschlagen wird. Hitler wird verletzt.

WIKIPEDIA: Winifred Wagner [D]. / Winifred Wagner [E].

BBC: Hitler's Welsh girlfriend revealed.

Teil 1.

Saudis Have Been Abandoning Their Kids Abroad. Now the Children Want Answers | Foreign Correspondent

Premiered May 19, 2022 • A troubled man. His missing father. A secretive Kingdom, faraway.

American Jared Morrison has dreamed of meeting his dad since he was a kid.

Like many young Saudi men, Jared’s father came to America to study in the 1970s. At university, he met Jared’s mum and they began a relationship. When she became pregnant, he disappeared back home.

Throughout his childhood and into adulthood, Jared was obsessed with finding his Saudi father.

“I had that overwhelming urge and drive...to find him, locate him, learn about him, learn about the culture. It was just an innate instinct.”

Jared connected once on the phone when he was in his early twenties but his father rejected him. Now that Saudi Arabia has begun to open up to the world, Jared wants to try again.

Reporter Brietta Hague and Saudi producer Essam Al-Ghalib tell the exclusive story of Jared as he travels to the Kingdom to try and track down his father. It’s a dangerous, fraught and emotionally risky mission.

Jared's family is powerful and well-connected in Saudi and Jared bumps up against the unwritten rules of a deeply conservative society, which values reputation and family honour above all.

Jared is not alone in his quest to connect with his Saudi father.

Saudi men abroad continue to father and abandon children. In Guatemala, we meet a young boy and his single mother, his Saudi father long since departed. Sami Alrajhi Chang visits the mosque every week to learn Arabic in the hope he may one day meet his Saudi family.

Sami’s father Sulaiman came to study in the USA as part of a Saudi government scholarship programme. There he met student Mandre Chang. Despite promising her marriage and a life together, he abandoned Mandre days after Sami’s birth.

Mandre and Sami are part of a global network of people searching for answers. Stone-walled by the Saudi government and embassies, Mandre sought the help of a blog called ‘Saudi Children Left Behind’, a platform encouraging the children and ex-partners of Saudi men to publish their stories of abandonment in the hope they’ll make contact.

'Saudi Children Left Behind' is an untold story about the powerful human impulse to connect with family, against all odds, and a rare insight into the rigid rules governing this hidden Kingdom – rules about kinship, obligation and family honour