Iranian Civil Rights Protests Spread Worldwide | DW News

As women-led nationwide protests sparked by the death of Jina Mahsa Amini entered the sixth week, shopkeepers and factory workers in several Iranian cities went on strike, activists said.

Witnesses also said anti-government protests broke out at several universities in Tehran despite tight security.

In Berlin, tens of thousands of people demonstrated on Saturday in solidarity with the protest movement in Iran. According to the police, about 80,000 people took part in the rally. The organizers of the event initially expected 50,000 participants.

Participants held up Iranian flags and signs criticizing Iran's leaders, many with the tagline "Women, Life, Freedom" in both English and German.

Penny Mordaunt: ''People Deserve a Leader Who Understands the Life They Lead'

The country deserves a leader who “understands the life they lead”, Commons leader Penny Mordaunt has said.

Speaking to Sky News this morning, Ms Mordaunt, who was the first candidate to announce her bid to be the country's next prime minister, said: “What this country needs is a fresh face, someone that can unite the Conservative Party and get things to work in this country.”

Rishi Sunak Enters Race to Be Next Prime Minister

Rishi Sunak has announced his bid to become the next Conservative leader and prime minister, six weeks after Liz Truss beat him to the top job.

The former chancellor has put himself forward for the second time in a matter of months after the extraordinary resignation of Ms Truss on Thursday, 44 days into her premiership.

George Monbiot: No One Voted for This

George Monbiot on the "fake patriots" choosing Britain's Next Prime Minister

Full 29min Interview with George Monbiot here [Patrons only.]

Tories Choose Third PM This Year As Reality of Brexit Bites

Following the resignation of Liz Truss after just 44 days in office, the Tories are choosing their fifth prime minister in six years and the third this year. In the meantime, the economy is in serious difficulty with soaring prices and interest rates, food shortages and widespread anxiety.

Rishi Sunak and Penny Mordaunt are expected to be joined by the disgraced Boris Johnson who was rejected by his party and forced to resign less than three months ago

. Whilst Sunak has the support of the majority of the parliamentary party, Johnson is still popular with the members of the Tory party who are likely to be asked to choose if a winner is not decided upon on Monday. BREXIT - It's not going too well, is it?"

My book is available from my website here

Wie wäre es, wenn wir durchbrennen würden, Schatz?

How about we elope, darling? / Et si on s'enfuyait, chéri ?
Für dieses herrliche Foto bedanke ich mich herzlichst bei Bailery Q Photo, NYC Wedding & Elopement Photographer auf Pinterest.

Phil Collins : Another Day in Paradise | Official Music Video

Views on YouTube: 448,764,978

Denmark’s Delightful Queen

One just must love Queen Margrethe II for her political incorrectness! She just does her own thing regardless, just as everyone else should have the courage to do.
With many thanks to theroyalforums.com on Pinterest for this truly lovely image of Her Majesty Queen Margrethe II of Denmark enjoying a smoke.
Despite recent controversy, there's no royal more popular than Denmark's chain-smoking queen »

heute 19:00 Uhr vom 22.10.2022

Scott Joplin: The Entertainer

Dario Ronchi performs one of the most famous piano composition by the great American composer Scott Joplin.

Brexit Crippled the UK Economy – Liz Truss Just Made It Worse | Economics | New Statesman

The UK economy under Liz Truss was a “textbook case” of mismanagement, according to economist Duncan Weldon.

Iranians Abroad Call for Western Support of Protests | DW News

Protests in Iran are continuing in response to the death in police custody of a 22-year-old last month. On Friday, police arrested at least 57 people in the south-east of the country after demonstrators attacked banks and chanted against the government. Meanwhile Iranians outside the country are calling on western nations to do more to help those protesting.

UK Economic Outlook Downgraded to ‘Negative’ by Rating Agency

THE GUARDIAN: Moody’s say downgrade from ‘stable’ was driven by political instability and high inflation

The UK’s economic outlook has been downgraded from “stable” to “negative” by the rating agency Moody’s because of political instability and high inflation.

Moody’s said the change in outlook was driven by “heightened unpredictability in policymaking amid weaker growth prospects and high inflation” and “risks to the UK’s debt affordability from likely higher borrowing and risk of a sustained weakening in policy credibility”.

Rating agencies rate a country on the strength of its economy and provide governments with a score based on the likelihood that they will be able to pay back debt.

The rating affects how much it costs governments to borrow money in the international financial markets. According to the agency, an outlook period “typically lasts 12 to 18 months”. » | PA Media | Saturday, October 22, 2022

Good God! Brexit is proving to be a rip-roaring success, isn’t it? Britannia is sinking faster than many might have imagined. To anyone with a modicum of common sense and even a basic understanding of economics should have been able to foresee the dire outcome that Brexit would bring with it.

I am almost certain that there were many pro-Brexit voters who thought that by exiting the European Union, we would be able to rebuild El Dorado! The sad reality is that we are quickly turning this once proud nation into a Banana Republic (without even being able to grow the bananas)!

The trouble is that the many are going to have to suffer along with the few that brought Brexshit about. That means to say, the Remainers and the unsuspecting Brexiteers who believed the crap that was preached to them by the few at the top who would be benefitting from leaving our friends in Europe.

I suggest that we prepare ourselves to eat humble pie, ask for forgiveness for causing our European brothers and sisters so much trouble and ask them to accept us back into the fold without all those ridiculous opt-outs. Oh, and while we’re at it, we could ditch the pound sterling (which is fast turning into a junk currency) and adopt the euro.

If you think that I exaggerate about the pound turning into a junk currency, just take a look at this website providing historic currency conversion rates. This is proof positive that the currency we could once upon a time be so proud of is becoming ever more worthless. Ditch the bitch! This is surely not the end of its decline in value. Historically, the pound has halved in value approximately every ten years since the end of World War I. So, based on that harsh historical reality, in ten years (or perhaps even less now), the pound could be halved in value yet again. Remember this: In 1963 (as an example), there were approximately CHF 12.24 to the pound and US$ 2.80 . And now, the Swiss franc is worth approximately 87p, or put another way, a pound will buy you approximately CHF 1.27 and US$ 1.30 ! I wouldn't characterise such a currency as anything but weak. It has been weakening for years; Brexit has hastened its decline in value. – © Mark Alexander

Démission de Liz Truss au Royaume-Uni : le Brexit, « éléphant dans la pièce »

LE MONDE – ÉDITORIAL : La décision de la première ministre britannique marque l’échec des promesses liées à la décision de sortir de l’Union européenne. En tirer les leçons risque d’être long et douloureux mais cela est indispensable pour retrouver le chemin de la stabilité et de la prospérité.

Aucun premier ministre britannique depuis 1945 n’est resté si peu de temps au pouvoir que Liz Truss, démissionnaire, jeudi 20 octobre, après seulement quarante-quatre jours passés à Downing Street. Que le pays d’Europe au système démocratique le plus enraciné du continent soit à son tour atteint par l’instabilité n’est, en soi, pas une bonne nouvelle. Qu’une puissance désormais moyenne, mais qui compte dans le monde, soit prise dans un tourbillon de crise économique et politique, au moment où l’agression russe en Ukraine met à l’épreuve l’unité et la résilience de l’Europe, n’en est pas une non plus.

Vertigineuse, la chute de Liz Truss n’en était pas moins annoncée. La brutalité et l’absurdité de ses annonces économiques, faites de baisses d’impôts massives pour les riches non financées, ont été sanctionnées non seulement par les milieux financiers – où certains l’avaient mise en garde –, mais par l’opinion, atterrée par le dévissage immédiat du pays, là où elle promettait la croissance. Sa volte-face, marquée par le limogeage de son ministre des finances et l’abandon de son propre programme, avait achevé de ruiner le peu de crédibilité et d’autorité qui lui restait. » | Éditorial « du Monde » | vendredi 22 octobre 2022

Read the editorial in English.

It’s Time for an Afternoon Boogie

Chris Brown - Forever | Official HD Video Reupload | Views on YouTube: 301,573,058

Click here to get moving and listen to this wonderful song which I never tire of. I hope you don’t either – Mark

Led by Donkeys: Who Is Jacob Rees-Mogg?

Let's take a closer look at the life of the man running Boris Johnson's leadership campaign: Jacob Rees-Mogg

If Jacob Rees-Mogg is running BoJo’s leadership campaign, it is clearly a case of one clown leading another clown to the circus that is Westminster. – © Mark Alexander

Truth To Power: Tory Brexit Britain Is a Global Laughing Stock

As Liz Truss becomes the fourth Prime Minister to be eaten by Brexit, the state of British politics is being mocked by other countries all over the world. The currency, bond and stock markets are also, in their own way, mocking the competence of our Tory government. After 12 years of planning, the oligarch-funded media, and Tufton Street think tanks, managed to get their hand-reared, indoctrinated puppets installed in numbers 10 and 11 Downing Street. But as soon as their ultra libertarian, economic dogma was tested in the real world, its failure was both immediate, and catastrophic, damaging the global reputation of an isolated, economically-underperforming post-Brexit-Britain for many years to come.

Brexit has been a total and utter disaster, and a total and utter disaster it will always be and a total and utterdisaster it was destined to be from the very start. Trying to "make Brexit work "is like trying to bring a dead parrot back to life! – © Mark Alexander

'We're Not Giving Up' on Independence: Scottish External Affairs Secretary • FRANCE 24 English

As the Scottish government pushes on with its bid to hold a referendum on leaving the #UnitedKingdom, with a hearing scheduled at the British Supreme Court on October 11 and 12, #Scotland's Cabinet Secretary for External Affairs Angus Robertson has told FRANCE 24 that his government is "not giving up". "We want friends in Europe to understand that we are in favour of a legal, constitutional route to #independence. When it comes to that stage, we look forward to working with European nations," he explained.

Italia Squisita: The Definitive Sunday Roast by Chef Francesco Mazzei

Roast beef is the most popular English dish in and outside the United Kingdom. In the classic version it is composed by different recipes giving life to a truly opulent and tasty dish, perfect to celebrate Sundays with the family. Francesco Mazzei, one of the best known Italian chefs and restaurateurs in London, through a real gastronomic performance, illustrates all the steps to make Sunday Roast in a perfect British style. Take your time to follow Mazzei in the heart of the English tradition.

For a full list of the ingredients in both English and Italian for the roast itself, Yorkshire pudding, horseradish sauce and the gravy, please click here, then click on “show more”. – Mark

Gravitas: Saudi Arabia Wants to Join BRICS

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has claimed that Saudi Arabia wants to join BRICS. He says Crown Prince MBS showed interest in joining the bloc during his recent meeting with him. Is Riyadh trying to disassociate itself from the West? Molly Gambhir reports.

The Ruination of Britain

Henry Nicholls/Reuters
OPINION : GUEST ESSAY
THE NEW YORK TIMES: LONDON — Until very recently the British Conservative Party was able to claim, with a great deal of credibility, that it was the most successful political party in the Western world.

The party of Benjamin Disraeli, Winston Churchill and Margaret Thatcher has governed Britain for most of the last 200 years. Through much of that time the Conservatives have been synonymous with good sense, financial sobriety and cautious pragmatism. Despised by progressive elites, allergic to ideology, provincial rather than metropolitan, the Conservative Party rejoiced in being the stolid party of the boring middle ground.

Not anymore. Today, the Conservatives are synonymous with chaos.

Liz Truss, the latest Tory prime minister to crash and burn, must bear her share of the blame. There are sound reasons for why she was forced to resign after just 44 days, the shortest term in history. It was a foolish notion to suppose that she could sack the most senior Treasury official, reinvent the laws of economic management and defy the collective wisdom of the financial markets. There was going to be only one result.

But the bigger truth is that the hapless Ms. Truss is a symptom rather than the cause of Britain’s chronic crisis of governance, which has reduced the country — once respected around the world — to a global laughingstock. The Conservative Party chose her, remember, even though she was obviously not up to the job. You didn’t need the foresight of Nostradamus to know she would fail. For the fiasco of her premiership and the disastrous state of the country, the Conservative Party must collectively take responsibility. » | Peter Oborne * | Friday, October 21, 3022

Mr. Oborne is a British journalist, broadcaster and former political commentator for The Spectator, The Daily Telegraph and The Daily Mail.

Michael Jackson : Man in the Mirror

Views on YouTube: 13,043,473

Mis Schätzeli !

Mein Schätzlein! / Mon petit chéri ! / My little darling!
’Merci vielmals’ fürs Foto von Maury auf Pinterest.

Italie : Giorgia Meloni, dirigeante du parti d’extrême droite Fratelli d’Italia, a été officiellement chargée de former un gouvernement

LE MONDE : Matteo Salvini a été nommé ministre de l’intérieur, et le proeuropéen Antonio Tajani aux affaires étrangères.

Giorgia Meloni (Fratelli d’Italia) s’adresse à la presse au palais du Quirinal après un entretien avec le président italien, Sergio Mattarella, dans le cadre des consultations précédant la nomination d’un gouvernement, vendredi 21 octobre 2022. GREGORIO BORGIA / AP
Après la victoire historique de son parti aux législatives en septembre, Giorgia Meloni va devenir la première femme à occuper la fonction de président du conseil en Italie, vendredi 21 octobre. Cette Romaine de 45 ans, qui est parvenue à « dédiaboliser » le parti d’extrême droite Fratelli d’Italia pour arriver au pouvoir exactement un siècle après Mussolini, a été mandatée par le président de la République, Sergio Mattarella, pour former un gouvernement. Elle a présenté vendredi après-midi les membres de l’exécutif, qui prêteront serment samedi matin au palais du Quirinal. » | Le Monde avec AFP | vendredi 21 octobre 2022

Pound Sinks as UK Economic Uncertainty Rises

GETTY IMAGES
BBC: The pound fell against the dollar on Friday as new figures showed a gloomy picture for the UK economy.

Sterling slipped to $1.11, after rallying on Thursday as Prime Minister Liz Truss resigned.

It came as official figures showed government borrowing rose to its second highest September on record.

Meanwhile, people are shopping less than they did before the coronavirus pandemic, according to figures from the Office For National Statistics (ONS).

Retail sales fell by more than expected last month, dropping 1.4% and continuing their slide from August, the official figures showed.

The pound's latest slide comes after a period of volatile trading for the currency. » | Noor Nanji, Business reporter, BBC News | Friday, October 21, 2022

The pound sterling used to be held in high regard all over the world. Unfortunately, its value has gone down and down and down. This is known as managed decline. At the rate things are going for the UK economy, the pound sterling will be little better than junk currency! (Though it hurts me to say so.)

We should have dumped the pound years ago and joined the euro.

For your information, just by way of example, in 1963, the pound was worth more than twelve Swiss francs! 12,2443 to be precise. Today, as I write this, one Swiss franc (CHF) is worth £1.12. In 1963, one pound sterling was worth US$ 2.8. Today, one pound sterling is worth US$1.12. Exactly the same as the Swiss franc.

(Sources: XE.com and PACIFIC Exchange Rate Service)

Früherer Trump-Berater Steve Bannon zu vier Monaten Haft verurteilt

„MISSACHTUNG DES KONGRESSES“
FRANKFURTER ALLGEMEINE ZEITUNG: Steve Bannon, der frühere Chefstratege von Donald Trump, weigerte sich, vor dem Untersuchungsausschuss zur Kapitol-Erstürmung zu erscheinen und Dokumente zu übergeben. Jetzt wurde er zu einer Gefängnisstrafe verurteilt.

Wegen Missachtung des amerikanischen Kongresses ist der einstige Chefstratege von Ex-US-Präsident Donald Trump, Steve Bannon, zu einer viermonatigen Haftstrafe verurteilt worden. Er muss zudem eine Strafe von 6500 US-Dollar (rund 6645 Euro) zahlen, wie US-Medien am Freitag übereinstimmend aus dem Gerichtssaal eines Bundesgerichts in der Hauptstadt Washington berichteten. … » | Quelle: AFP/dpa | Freitag, 21 Oktober 2022

‘Disgrace’: World’s Press React to Truss Resignation and UK Political Turmoil

THE GUARDIAN: Commentators and politicians question how Britain has fallen so far – with Brexit singled out as a prime culprit

Liz Truss’s resignation after just 45 days in office has made waves across Europe and beyond, with commentators and politicians alike questioning how Britain could have fallen so far, so fast – and with most blaming Brexit.

“Prime minister’s departure plunges Britain into profound and unprecedented political crisis,” was the headline in Le Monde, noting that next Friday Britain “should learn the name of its third Conservative prime minister in three months”.

Even that was not guaranteed, the paper’s London correspondent said, since the Tory party, “weakened by internal divisions, an absence of ideas and a lack of fresh faces after 12 years in power” may prove incapable of agreeing on a candidate.

“Will the Conservatives, for once, manage to rise above their own partisan interests and choose a leader who will defend those of the whole country?” Cécile Ducourtieux asked. Nothing, most observers reckoned, was less certain. » | Jon Henley, Europe correspondent | Friday, October 21, 2022

"We Are a Democracy in Name Only": George Monbiot on Truss Resignation & Who Will Be Next British PM

British Prime Minister Liz Truss resigned Thursday after just 45 days in office, the shortest term in the nation's history. Her low-tax, low-regulation financial policies were widely criticized after they sent the pound plummeting, causing several senior ministers to quit. We speak to George Monbiot, British journalist at The Guardian, about her short-lived time in office, what this says about the Conservative Party, and who her likely successor will be. "You'd think we'd have a general election after all this chaos, … but that's not how it works in this country, because we are a democracy in name only," says Monbiot.

Democracy Now! Top US News & World Headlines — October 21, 2022

Even a Divided Nation Can Agree on One Thing: The Return of Boris Johnson Would Be Unforgivable

THE GUARDIAN: The chaos we’re all living through has his fingerprints all over it. A new term in No 10 would be a giant middle finger to the public

Boris Johnson makes a speech outside No 10 before officially resigning on 6 September.Photograph: Victoria Jones/PA
As the Boris Johnson locomotive chugs back into the station, let us recall the timeless words of US tennis player John McEnroe: “You cannot be serious.”

Whatever features can be attributed to the modern Conservative party – greed, spite, an ample sprinkling of naked bigotry – seriousness is not one of them. And so its long, ignominious reign in government is now offering up one sordid final chapter. The same newspapers that brought you Liz Truss and cheered on her “true Tory budget” are now preparing the ground for Johnson’s return – a mere 106 days since he was practically dragged out of No 10 by his fingernails.

Perhaps this is all froth, driven by Johnson’s crude ambition and egged on by his vengeful media outriders. Itwas widely believed that the deposed prime minister would struggle to bag the support of the 100 MPs needed to make the ballot of Tory members. But with the seeming support of the likes of Ben Wallace – a politician who is sometimes touted as a “decent Tory”, a category that urgently needs retiring – he may well make it. If he does, and those largely moneyed and very rightwing southern pensioners have their say, Johnson will be swiftly reunited with his precious wallpaper. » | Owen Jones * | Friday, October 21, 2022

* Owen Jones is a Guardian columnist

Sir Ed Davey: Johnson Return Would Be 'Disaster'

Leader of the Liberal Democrats Sir Ed Davey MP says that allowing Boris Johnson to stand for the Conservative party leadership would create "more political instability".

Sir Ed said that Johnson had "lied on an industrial scale, he broke the law, he failed to handle a sex abuse case within his own ranks" and was "an absolute disaster".


In my humble opinion, Sir Ed Davey is the man who should be prime minister. He is a very sensible, thoroughly decent politician – a rarity in political life these days. The LibDems are also pro-EU, so that's a huge plus. – © Mark Alexander

Boris Johnson 'Flying Back to Take Soundings' over Leadership Bid

A former adviser to Boris Johnson says the former prime minister is returning from holiday to consider joining the Conservative Party leadership election race.

Will Walden, who worked as Mr Johnson's press secretary, said his former boss is unlikely to run unless he is sure he can get the support of the 100 MPs needed to make the second round.

Further Cuts Will Kill Off NHS Dental Services, Chancellor Told

THE GUARDIAN: Exclusive: British Dental Association chief says there is ‘no more fat to trim’ amid fears for health budget

Jeremy Hunt has been told that any cuts to the health budget will in effect “kill” dental services across the UK and deny millions of patients access to a dentist on the NHS.

The chancellor has told members of the cabinet that “everything is on the table” as he seeks to find tens of billions of pounds in savings after ditching the economic plan of Liz Truss, who said on Thursday she was standing down as prime minister. Health is one key area expected to be hit.

But in an email to Hunt seen by the Guardian, the head of the British Dental Association said in plain terms that because NHS dentistry had already “faced cuts with no parallel anywhere in the health service” over the last decade, any further reduction in funding could trigger its collapse. » | Andrew Gregory, Health editor | Friday, October 21, 2022

You can thank the f*****g Tories for this! Kick the bastards out of office asap! – © Mark Alexander

Starmer Joins Calls for Truss to Decline Ex-PMs’ £115,000 Annual Grant

THE GUARDIAN: Outgoing PM urged to forgo allowance amid cost of living crisis and cuts to public services

Keir Starmer has joined calls for Liz Truss to decline the allowance of up to £115,000 a year she will be entitled to as a former prime minister.

The Labour leader told ITV’s Good Morning Britain on Friday: “She should turn it down. I think that’s the right thing to do. She’s done 44 days in office, she’s not really entitled to it, she should turn it down and not take it.”

The Liberal Democrat leader, Ed Davey, also said she should turn down the allowance.

The political leaders’ remarks come after a trade union representing civil servants hit out at the entitlement to the perk amid a mounting squeeze on public services and the cost of living crisis.

Mark Serwotka, the general secretary of the Public and Commercial Services Union, said: “At a time when one in five civil servants are using food banks and 35% have skipped meals because they have no food, it’s grotesque that Liz Truss can walk away with what is effectively a £115,000 bonus. » | Ben Quinn and Jamie Grierson | Friday, October 21, 2022

F*** up your country’s economy, spend 44/45 days doing it, and end up with a lifelong pension that most people could only dream of. And the clown that held office before her will be receiving the same pension for ruining this country’s economic future by backing Brexshit. Wow! If you receive that much for f*****g up, how much will you receive for doing a good job of being prime minister, I wonder? – © Mark Alexander

Italia Squisita : French Croissant vs Italian Cornetto with Michael Bartocetti and Rocco Cannavino

They are the food par excellence of French and Italian breakfast. They are two small, leavened products as similar in preparation as they are different when consumed. But they are also a reflection of the style and blend of two of the greatest European gastronomic cultures.

Michael Bartocetti, Four Seasons George V's Pastry chef in Paris, and Rocco Cannavino, owner of Zio Rocco Lab Store in Naples, tell the story, the differences and the techniques hidden between the soft layers of the Italian cornetto and the French croissant.

An unprecedented comparison to understand the great pastry without prejudices and boundaries, thanks to the two most famous leavened products in the world.

Send in the Clowns!

A friend has just sent me this. It’s brilliant!

Woran Truss scheiterte: Die Tories wissen nicht, was aus Brexit-Britannien werden soll

KOMMENTAR
NEUE ZÜRCHER ZEITUNG: Immerhin: Die Konservative Partei kann in der Not rasch und unsentimental handeln. Nach dem Debakel mit den Premierministern Johnson und Truss bietet sich nun ein erfahrener, pragmatischer Nachfolger an. Das Grundproblem der Partei dürfte aber bleiben.

Liz Truss anerkennt die Realitäten und tritt nach 45 irrwitzigen Tagen an der Spitze der britischen Regierung ab. Der Rücktritt ist spektakulär, aber unvermeidlich. Truss hatte Grossbritannien ein gut gemeintes, radikales Reformprogramm zum falschen Zeitpunkt mit den falschen Mitteln aufzuzwingen versucht. Dafür hatte sie weder im Parlament noch in der Bevölkerung oder in der Wirtschaft den nötigen Rückhalt. Die konservative Fraktion im Unterhaus hat sie brüsk gestoppt und den Fehler ihrer Wahl zur Parteivorsitzenden in Rekordzeit korrigiert. So viel Handlungsfähigkeit wünscht man sich von einer Volksvertretung.

Der erste Schritt ist damit geschafft. Der schwierigere zweite soll in den nächsten sieben Tagen folgen: Wer kann die zerstrittene Partei hinter sich vereinen und das Land rasch wieder auf sicheren wirtschaftspolitischen Grund führen? Rishi Sunak ist Favorit – aber keiner der Kandidaten ist ideal » | Peter Rásonyi | Donnerstag, 10. Oktober 2022

This Is Wonderful! Politics at Its Very Best!

Australian MP proposes to partner during same-sex marriage debate in parliament

Mark Drakeford: 'The Conservative Party Is Ungovernable'

First Minister of Wales Mark Drakeford has said the Conservative Party is "ungovernable" and has called for a general election.

He also spoke about Boris Johnson's chances of a comeback and said "anyone who thinks Boris Johnson returning is a get out of jail card must have some of the shortest memories in political history."


FFS! Keep BoJo the Clown well away from the levers of power! We’ve only just managed to get rid of that idiot. – © Mark Alexander

Britain hangs by a thread. Give the end to Boris Johnson and we’ll unravel: This must be the moment to root out the C-listers and crackpots who have dominated the Tory party ever since Brexit »

Liz Truss tritt zurück, Boris Johnson erwägt offenbar Comeback | ZDFheute live

Gescheiterte Steuersenkungen und Konflikte mit den Parteikollegen: Nach nur 45 Tagen hat die britische Premierministerin Liz Truss ihren Rücktritt angekündigt. «Ich habe mit dem König gesprochen, um ihm mitzuteilen, dass ich als Chefin der Konservativen Partei zurücktrete», sagte die konservative Politikerin in der Londoner Downing Street. Rund 24 Stunden vor ihrem Rücktritt hatte sie noch im britischen Unterhaus beteuert, nicht aufgeben zu wollen und „eine Kämpferin“ zu sein. Nun wies sie zwar auf die schwierigen ökonomischen Zeiten und die politische Instabilität auf dem ganzen Kontinent hin, räumte aber auch ein, unter den aktuellen Bedingungen ihre Vision des radikalen Wirtschaftswachstums nicht mehr umsetzen zu können. Die Amtszeit von Truss war von Beginn an kritisch bis hämisch begleitet worden. Die Boulevardzeitung "Daily Star" hatte seit Freitag ein Livevideo laufen, in dem gefragt wurde, wer länger durchhalte: ein Salatkopf oder Liz Truss.

Als Premierministerin will sie noch im Amt bleiben, bis klar sei, wer ihr nachfolge. Die konservative Fraktion kündigte an, dass ein Nachfolger oder eine Nachfolgerin bis Ende Oktober ins Amt gehoben werde. Damit wäre Truss mit höchstens 55 Tagen die Regierungschefin mit der kürzesten Amtszeit in der britischen Geschichte.

Berichten von “Times” und “Telegraph” zufolge, soll der skandalgeplagte britische Ex-Premierminister Boris Johnson eine erneute Kandidatur als Premierminister planen. Johnson, der ach der «Partygate»-Affäre und vielen weiteren Skandalen Anfang Juli zum Rücktritt gezwungen wurde, hat noch immer in Teilen der Partei eine loyale Unterstützerbasis. In Umfragen unter Parteimitgliedern schnitt er zuletzt wieder gut ab.

Was erwartet Großbritannien nun? Geht das Chaos nach Liz Truss weiter? Wie stehen die Chancen auf eine Neuwahl, wie sie die Oppositionsparteien fordern? ZDFheute live spricht mit dem britischen Labour-Abgeordneten und ehemaligen BBC-Journalisten Ben Bradshaw, mit Politikwissenschaftler Anthony Glees und ZDF-Korrespondent Andreas Stamm über die ungewisse Zukunft des Landes.

Republicans Aim to Pass National ‘Don’t Say Gay’ Law

THE GUARDIAN: Measure introduced in Congress would prohibit federal money from being used to teach children under 10 about LGBTQ issues

Florida students protest against the Republican-backed bill signed by the governor in March.Photograph: Octavio Jones/Reuters
Congressional Republicans introduced a measure Tuesday that would prohibit federal money from being used to teach children under 10 about LGBTQ issues.

The bill would prohibit the use of federal funds to teach children about “sexually-oriented material”as well as “any topic involving gender identity, gender dysphoria, transgenderism, sexual orientation, or related subjects.” The effects of such a law, if enacted, would be far-reaching since a range of institutions – schools, libraries, among them – receive public money.

The bill also gives parents the ability to sue in federal court if their child is exposed to the barred material that is funded “in whole or in part” by federal funds.

The bill was introduced by Mike Johnson, a Louisiana Republican, and 32 other GOP members of Congress. » | Sam Levine in New York | Thursday, October 20, 2022

Liz Truss Announces Resignation after 45 Days in Office | DW News

Democracy Now! Top US News & World Headlines — October 20, 2022

European Press Blames Brexit for UK Political ‘Insanity’

THE GUARDIAN: Columnists suggest Liz Truss’s failure could spell end of ‘wishful thinking’ of a sovereign UK going its own way

Liz Truss’s situation is ‘totally unsustainable’, one Spanish newspaper reported. Photograph: Leon Neal/Getty Images
ANALYSIS
Six years on from the Brexit referendum, continental commentators have become used to Westminster meltdowns, but many see in the latest cataclysm the finale of a project that was always divorced from reality.

For the French newspaper Libération, there is “decidedly something rancid in the Tories’ tea”. The paper’s former London correspondent Sonia Delesalle-Stolper said Westminster, a “temple of democracy and ancient traditions”, had witnessed “bewildering” scenes.

“Blows, shoves, insults, resignations, tears … After some implausible incidents in both the Commons and Downing Street, the British government and the Conservative party seem to be on a path to total self-destruction,” she said.

Like most European papers, Libération looked past the spectacle to what it saw as the root cause of the chaos. “In four months, the country will have had four chancellors, two interior ministers, and no doubt soon two prime ministers,” it said.

“Who will be Liz Truss’s successor, since her imminent departure is no longer in doubt? That’s the question. For Brexit – and its chief artisan, Boris Johnson – has successfully drained the Conservative party of all substance and competence.” » | Jon Henley, Europe correspondent | Thursday, October 20, 2022

UK Prime Minister Liz Truss Quits after 45 Days in the Role - BBC News

Liz Truss kündigt Rücktritt als britische Premierministerin an: Nach nur sechs Wochen an der Spitze der Regierung stellt Liz Truss ihr Amt zur Verfügung. Schon in der kommenden Woche wollen die Konservativen einen neuen Parteivorsitzenden bestimmen, der dann als Premierminister folgt. »

Royaume-Uni : la première ministre Liz Truss annonce sa démission : Après 45 jours passés à Downing Street, la première ministre britannique a annoncé jeudi sa démission. Elle restera en fonction jusqu'à la nomination de son successeur. »

Charles Walker MP Has Reached His Limit

After the fracking fracas yesterday evening.

Extraordinary ITV News Broadcast Yesterday: There’s Chaos in Westminster as Liz Truss Hangs On as PM

Check it out here
Krishnan Guru-Murthy taken off air for swearing about Steve Baker: Channel 4 News anchor used offensive word off air to describe Northern Ireland minister »

Diana Ross : When You Tell Me That You Love Me

Mon petit lapin !

Mein kleines Kaninchen! / My little rabbit!
Je tiens à remercier lovebetween2mwn.tumblr.com sur Pinterest pour cette ravissante photo.

Italia Squisita: The Rossini Tournedos in a 3-Michelin-star French Restaurant with Martino Ruggieri - Allenò Paris

Filet mignon, black truffle and foie gras are the basic ingredients of Tournedos Rossini or Filet Rossini-style, a classic of French cuisine whose invention is attributable, however, to the Italian composer Gioachino Rossini, one of the greatest opera writers of all time as well as a extreme lover of good food. Martino Ruggieri, chef of the 3 Michelin stars restaurant Allenò Paris au Pavillon Ledoyen, after recounting us the Ratatouille recipe, re-enacts with charm and competence the story of one of the richest and most opulent French steak, through the choral interpretation of his very young brigade. Let the show begin!

Democracy Now! Top US News & World Headlines — October 19, 2022

What Should Ukraine Expect from Its Allies? | DW Interview

In an interview with DW, the Estonian Foreign Minister, Urmas Reinsalu, said the Western community has not done enough yet to help Ukraine, adding that "the price is paid by the blood of Ukrainians."

Reinsalu also said that President Putin operates project "fear", targeting not only Ukraine but the Western capitals, saying that "Europeans should be worried about the security, environment and unpredictability of Putin."

Saudi Arabia Sentences US Citizen to 16 Years over Tweets Critical of Regime

THE GUARDIAN: Move is another sign of kingdom’s aggressive crackdown on any whiff of dissent posted on social media

Saad Ibrahim Almadi, 72, a dual US-Saudi national, was arrested in November 2021 upon landing in Riyadh for what was supposed to be a two-week stay. Photograph: Ibrahim Almadi
An American citizen has been sentenced to 16 years in prison in Saudi Arabia for tweeting critically about the Saudi regime, in another sign of the kingdom’s aggressive crackdown on any whiff of dissent posted on social media.

Saad Ibrahim Almadi, 72, a dual US-Saudi national, was arrested in November 2021 upon landing in Riyadh for what was supposed to be a two-week stay in his native country for a work and personal trip.

The case is now the second known incident of a Saudi who was living abroad being arrested upon their return for using social media.

Salma al-Shehab, a Saudi student living in the UK and attending Leeds University, was sentenced to 34 years in prison for having a Twitter account and following and retweeting dissidents and activists. She was arrested and convicted after returning home for a holiday.

In Almadi’s case, prosecutors focused on 14 tweets that the American published over a seven-year period while he was living in Florida, including posts that referenced Jamal Khashoggi, the Washington Post columnist who was murdered at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul in 2018. » | Stephanie Kirchgaessner in Washington | Tuesday, October 18, 2022

Liz Truss Faces Unrest over Public Spending Cuts and Pensions Triple Lock Threat

THE GUARDIAN: Senior Tory ministers, Labour party and the public all expected to resist cuts, especially to frontline services

A YouGov poll shows half of Conservative members think Liz Truss should resign. Photograph: Christopher Thomond/The Guardian
Liz Truss is facing cabinet unrest over her plans for brutal public spending cuts across all departments after the disastrous mini-budget put major pledges at risk, including the pensions triple lock.

The prime minister held a 90-minute cabinet meeting on Tuesday in which she warned ministers that “difficult decisions” lay ahead.

The chancellor, Jeremy Hunt, told them “everything is on the table” as he strives to find tens of billions of pounds in savings after ditching Truss’s economic plan. Health, education and welfare are among those areas expected to be hit.

One Whitehall official said departments were already preparing for cuts “significantly higher” than previously planned, with Hunt’s tax U-turns estimated to raise £32bn, leaving a £38bn hole in the public finances. » | Pippa Crerar and Jessica Elgot | Tuesday, October 18, 2022

This woman has been a bloody effing disaster! The Tories, too, are a bloody effing disaster! A bigger mess of Brexshit is hard to imagine! As for the economy being in safe hands under the Tories... well, that has been proven to be a big lie. A myth. The stuff of fairy stories. Hopefully, the Tories will soon be extinct. We can't allow our country to be run by a band of such incompetent fools ever again. – © Mark Alexander

Liz Truss promises to keep pensions triple lock: Truss’s PMQs comment at odds with Downing Street and Treasury’s previous refusal to commit to pledge »

My Darling!

Mein Schätzlein! / Mon chéri !
With many thanks to The Calders-Elopement and Wedding Photographer on Pinterest for this delightful photograph.

Au Royaume-Uni, la première ministre Liz Truss en sursis

LE MONDE : Le « minibudget » de la cheffe de gouvernement britannique a été réduit à néant, lundi, par son nouveau chancelier de l’Echiquier. Donnée sur le départ, la dirigeante a affirmé qu’elle restait à Downing Street, mais sa marge de manœuvre paraît réduite.

La première ministre britannique, Liz Truss, à Londres, le 14 octobre 2022. DANIEL LEAL / AP
Liz Truss a le visage fermé, elle regarde droit devant elle, assise à sa place attitrée dans la Chambre des communes. La scène est étonnante, presque pénible : lundi 17 octobre, dans l’après-midi, la dirigeante écoute son nouveau chancelier de l’Echiquier (le ministre des finances britannique), Jeremy Hunt, détruire méthodiquement le « minibudget » qu’elle a défendu avec acharnement depuis qu’il a été rendu public, le 23 septembre. Elle est encore la première ministre du Royaume-Uni, mais elle a clairement perdu la partie. » | Par Cécile Ducourtieux (Londres, correspondante) | mardi 18 octobre 2022

Labour: We Don't Need 'Another Round of Cuts'

Was haben die Proteste im Iran mit Religion zu tun? | Sternstunde Religion | SRF Kultur

Im Iran setzen Tausende von Demonstrierenden das Mullah-Regime unter Druck – und riskieren dabei ihr Leben. Brennende Kopftücher werden zum Symbol des Aufstandes und der Befreiung. Ist das der Anfang vom Ende der iranischen Theokratie? Und die Befreiung der iranischen Frauen? Ein Gespräch.

Liz Truss May Abandon Pension Triple Lock and Says ‘Difficult Decisions’ Ahead

THE GUARDIAN: Spokesperson says it is ‘right to consider all options’ as PM is pushed to reaffirm defence spending plan

Liz Truss could abandon the state pension triple lock to help plug the fiscal black hole after her disastrous mini-budget, leaving more than 12 million pensioners facing a real-terms cut in their incomes in April.

The prime minister’s official spokesperson refused four times to commit to keeping the pensions guarantee despite it being a key 2019 manifesto commitment that Truss confirmed she would stick with it just two weeks ago.

In contrast, Truss backed off a plan to scrap the government’s commitment to raise defence spending to 3% of GDP by 2030 after the defence ministers Ben Wallace and James Heappey threatened to quit.

The prime minister told her cabinet on Tuesday there were “difficult decisions” ahead over where the spending cuts would fall in a 90-minute meeting from which ministers emerged grim-faced. » | Pippa Crerar, Political editor | Tuesday, October 18, 2022

It is the country that should abandon this airhead, rather than the Tories abandoning the Triple Lock. What a disgrace the Tories have become. They are a shadow of their former selves.

If the country cannot afford to inflation-proof pensioners’ state pensions in these highly inflationary times, then it begs one very simple question: Can this country afford a monarchy, with all the attendant costs that maintaining a monarchy entails?

Maybe it would be a better idea to keep our pensioners warm and fed during winter and afford them a decent standard of living rather than p*** money against the wall maintaining multiple castles and palaces that are lived in for a very short time during the year anyway.

I write this not as a committed republican but as a person committed to seeing some equity and justice in society. – © Mark Alexander

Tory Party Members Want Truss Out - and Boris In

A poll of Conservative party members shows 55% want Liz Truss to quit now - and Boris Johnson to replace her.

Russland: Denunzieren um jeden Preis | ARTE Reportage

Verpfeifen, verpetzen, denunzieren - seit dem 24. Februar spielen diese Praktiken in Russland eine immer größere Rolle. Während Wladimir Putin in der Ukraine einen brutalen Angriffskrieg führt, geht er innerhalb der eigenen Grenzen auch hart gegen alle Andersdenkenden vor.

Die Praktiken stammen aus der Sowjetunion - die Methoden sind jedoch ans 21. Jahrhundert angepasst. Denn während in Moskau rund 189.000 Kameras den öffentlichen Raum überwachen, können Russlands Bürger interne Feinde und Abweichler ganz bequem online denunzieren. So sind bereits ganze Medienhäuser aus dem Land verbannt worden, Lokalpolitiker wurden zu jahrelangen Haftstrafen verknackt, Ämter und Hochschulen werden nach und nach "gesäubert". So entsteht an Universitäten, Arbeitsplätzen und im öffentlichen Raum ein allgemeines Klima der Angst. Und je schlechter es für die russischen Truppen in der Ukraine läuft, desto drastischer und absurder werden die Strafen.

Video auf Youtube verfügbar bis zum 10/10/2025

Democracy Now! Top US News & World Headlines — October 18, 2022

Iranian Schoolgirl ‘Beaten to Death for Refusing to Sing’ Pro-regime Anthem

THE GUARDIAN: Fresh protests ignited around Iran by 16-year-old Asra Panahi’s death after schoolgirls assaulted in raid on high school in Ardabil

Asra Panahi was reportedly beaten by the Iranian security services during a raid on her school in Ardabil last week. Photograph: Handout
Another schoolgirl has reportedly been killed by the Iranian security services after she was beaten in her classroom for refusing to sing a pro-regime song when her school was raided last week, sparking further protests across the country this weekend.

According to the Coordinating Council of Iranian Teachers’ Trade Associations, 16-year-old Asra Panahi died after security forces raided the Shahed girls high school in Ardabil on 13 October and demanded a group of girls sing an anthem that praises Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

When they refused, security forces beat the pupils, leading to a number of girls being taken to hospital and others arrested. On Friday, Panahi reportedly died in hospital of injuries sustained at the school. » | Deepa Parent and Annie Kelly | Tuesday, October 18, 2022

The Brexit Effect: How Leaving the EU Hit the UK | FT Film

The UK's recent disastrous "mini" Budget can trace its origins back to Britain's decision to leave the European Union. The economic costs of Brexit were masked by the Covid-19 pandemic and the crisis in Ukraine. But six years after the UK voted to leave, the effect has become clear. In this film, senior FT writers and British businesspeople examine how Brexit hit the UK economy, the political conspiracy of silence, and why there has not yet been a convincing case for a 'Brexit dividend'.

Aretha Franklin : I Say A Little Prayer | Official Lyric Video

Views on YouTube: 7,647,033

‘Hunt’s Running the Show’: The Day Power Drained Away from Liz Truss

THE GUARDIAN: Truss’s decline from shiny new prime minister to leader in name only continues, the last 24 hours underlining just how weak she is

When it was announced that Penny Mordaunt had offered to stand in for Liz Truss in response to an urgent Commons question over the economic crisis on Monday, some Conservative MPs thought it was a joke.

“Why is she asking one of her biggest rivals for the job to take her place? She’ll totally show her up,” one said. It was hard to see the cabinet minister’s performance on Monday afternoon as anything other than an audition for the top job.

Mordaunt did little to dispel that impression as she landed punchy attacks on the Labour leader, Keir Starmer, roused the depressed Tory troops, and offered an apology to the country for the instability caused by the prime minister’s dramatic climbdown. Truss had done none of these things publicly, though probably should have done all of them.

Nevertheless, it was Truss’s refusal to show up and face MPs herself – despite unleashing chaos on the party, the economy and the country – that most riled MPs. Mordaunt repeatedly assured them there was a “genuine reason” why she was not there. In one particularly bizarre exchange, she insisted: “The prime minister is not under a desk.” » | Pippa Crerar and Aubrey Allegretti | Monday, Octobber 17, 2022

Italia Squisita: Beef Wellington in a 3 Michelin-star English Restaurant with Marco Zampese - Connaught***

Beef Wellington is an English recipe of uncertain origin, extremely opulent, that became worldwide popular thanks to the web. In the new episode of the series "Italians in ..." we find ourselves at the Connaught Hotel in London, one of the most famous hotels of the English capital, with Marco Zampese, the very young head chef of Hélène Darroze's 3-star Michelin restaurant. Together with his brigade we'll learn all the procedures behind this great holiday dish, but we will also discover its remarkable versatility, with two original versions, one based on pigeon, the other vegetarian.

For a list of the ingredients and the cooking method in Italian and English, click here.

Arrival of the Queen of Sheba - G.F. Händel | Ankunft der Königin von Saba | Orgel: Markus Süß

New UK Chancellor U-turns on Economic Plans - BBC News

Thomas Piketty: 'Tax the Superrich at 80 Per Cent'! | 2014

Jun 17, 2014 | French economist Thomas Piketty argues for a new taxation system that empowers people who are not born into wealth

Nigel Farage Booed and Jeered as He Addresses European Parliament

Jun 28, 2016 | UKIP leader and MEP, Nigel Farage, addressed the European Parliament, but his colleagues were not happy to see him.

This is the tw*t (replace the asterisk with the vowel of your choice) that has caused all the mayhem we are now living through. As a result of this idiot’s ideas, we, the British people, have lost so much credibility and status in the world.

This loudmouthed dude should be ashamed of himself. But he is not and will never be, because he is too thick-skinned to feel any shame.

Be sure of one thing: Because the UK has left the Single Market, we, as a nation, will become evermore impoverished. Our economy will shrink year-on-year for the foreseeable future. Gee, thanks Nige! You’ve done your compatriots proud! – © Mark Alexander

Scottish Independence and Why This Generation of Scots Has a Date with Destiny!

The Lady's Not for Turning... Up' - Says Labour, as PM Is a No-show

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer has slammed Prime Minister Liz Truss for not turning up to answer his Urgent Question on the sacking of Kwasi Kwarteng.

Mr Starmer had called for Ms Truss to come to the Commons and answer the question in front of MPs, but instead sent former Tory leadership contest rival Penny Mordaunt

The End of Singapore-on-Thames

In this new Federal Trust video John Stevens and Brendan Donnelly discuss the implications for Brexit of the past turbulent ten days in British politics. They conclude that the failure of the "mini-budget" marks the end of "Singapore on Thames" as a model for Brexit. It is however unclear what other model can replace it. The Conservative Party and the United Kingdom are therefore facing a catastrophic dilemma. Whether carrying on with Brexit or abandoning it, both courses of action will be exceptionally painful and disruptive.

SPEAKERS:
John Stevens is the Chairman of the Federal Trust and a former Conservative MEP.

Brendan Donnelly is the Director of the Federal Trust and a former Conservative MEP.

ABOUT THE FEDERAL TRUST

The Federal Trust is a research institute studying regional, national, European and global levels of government. It has always had a particular interest in the European Union and Britain’s place in it. The Federal Trust has no allegiance to any political party. It is registered as a charity for the purposes of education and research.


The LibDems need to come out and state clearly that they wish to take us back into the EU (without all those opt-outs). Remember: Fortune favours the brave. It could be the best thing that the LibDems could ever do. – © Mark Alexander

Jeremy Hunt’s Statement on Medium-term Fiscal Plan: Key Points at a Glance

The chancellor has announced mini-budget repair measures – here are the main points, with political analysis

Read the article here.

Jeremy Hunt’s economic plan turns the clock back to austerity: UK chancellor’s tightening of fiscal policy will lead to weaker growth and a deeper recession »

Democracy Now! Top US News & World Headlines — October 17, 2022

EU Mulls Response to Iranian Protest Crackdown | DW News

The death toll in the fire at Tehran's Evin prison over the weekend rose to eight, Iran's judiciary said on Monday.

The deadly blaze came amid nationwide anti-government protests, sparked by the death of 22-year-old Jina Mahsa Amini in police custody.

Iranian authorities have sought to distance the prison incident from the continuing protests over Amini's death.

Amini was arrested by Iran's morality police for violating the Islamic Republic's strict dress code. She died on September 16, three days after she fell into a coma following her arrest.

US President Biden Calls Truss's Economic Policies 'a Mistake'

BBC: The president of the United States, Joe Biden, has called Liz Truss's original economic policies "a mistake".

In an unusual intervention, he said the economic turmoil that followed the government's mini-budget had been "predictable".

Speaking at an ice cream shop in Oregon, Mr Biden was asked by reporters about the prime minister's attempt to boost growth with unfunded tax cuts - what the reporter called the "trickle-down plan that she has had to back away from".

The president replied: "Well, it's predictable. I wasn't the only one that thought it was a mistake."

He added: "I think that the idea of cutting taxes on the super wealthy at a time when - anyway, I just think - I disagreed with the policy, but that's up to Great Britain to make that judgment, not me."

Mr Biden has long been critical of the economic theory at the heart of the prime minister's policy, namely that cutting taxes on businesses and the rich generates growth that allows wealth to "trickle down" to all sectors of society.

But it is unusual for the president of the United States to be so critical of the leader of one of America's closest allies. With video » | James Landale, Diplomatic correspondent | Sunday, October 16, 2022

Joe Biden is right, of course. To reduce taxes for the super-rich at a time when most other people are struggling is absolutely nonsensical and totally immoral. But this is typical Tory policy: heartless, selfish, greedy and lacking in compassion.

We need to ditch these Tory clowns, the damn lot of them, with dispatch. Hopefully, the Party will become extinct, just like the dodo. – © Mark Alexander

Deux beaux hommes allemands montrent leur amour l'un pour l'autre, probablement à l'Oktoberfest, en Bavière.

Zwei schöne, deutsche Männer zeigen ihre Liebe zueinander, wahrscheinlich im Oktoberfest, Bayern. / Two handsome German men show their love for each other, probably at the Oktoberfest in Bavaria.
Je remercie Ben Gutiérrez sur Pinterest pour cette jolie photo.

Nigel Farage Insults Herman van Rompuy, Calls EU President a "Damp Rag"

Feb 24, 2010 | MEP and UKIP leader Nigel Farage on Wednesday delivered another major tirade against EU President Herman van Rompuy and, along the way, severely insulted Belgium and Greece during a plenary debate in the European Parliament. Farage said Van Rompuy has the "charisma of a damp rag" and the appearance of a "low-grade bank clark."

My God! This Nigel Farage was/is an arrogant little toad. The way he spoke to Herman van Rompuy some years back was truly disgraceful. One can but despise Farage. This loudmouthed empty vessel is one of the main architects of the UK’s troubles today. For Christ’s sake, the least we can do is bring back the stocks and throw rotten eggs at the rude idiot. Even worse would be much better! Nigel Farage disgusts me, as he would disgust anyone with a modicum of decency. – © Mark Alexander

Make Smoking Cool Again!

Sexy, pleasurable and cool.
Many thanks to Google Images for this great photo.

Tenderness Personified | Reupload

Personifizierte Zärtlichkeit / La tendresse personnifiée
Many thanks to Patheos.com on Pinterest for this truly lovely photo. Photo credit: Vickson Santos
Mark Nepo.

Michael Lambert: The Disastrous Incompetence of Truss and Kwarteng

You can support Michael Lambert by buying his book here. It's a satrical look at Brexit.

The Great Gatsby Curve

Sep 28, 2022 | Miles Corak discusses the fraying of the American Dream, and the power of inequality to disrupt the promise of social mobility.

How Economists Invented Austerity & Paved the Way to Fascism

Clara Mattei discusses her new book "The Capital Order: How Economists Invented Austerity and Paved the Way to Fascism"

What Is the Future of Truss without Trussonomics?

"Jeremy Hunt is, effectively, the prime minister."

The new chancellor of the exchequer is 'unsackable' and has been given 'carte blanche' to reverse Liz Truss's economic policy, Caroline Wheeler, political editor of the Sunday Times tells Hugo Rifkind.

Sharon Graham: We Are Witnessing a Horror Story'

General Secretary of trade union Unite Sharon Graham told Sophy Ridge the political situation is like "witnessing a horror story" and insisted the UK needs a change of government.

"It's like watching a film behind your hands and every time you look there's something worse happening," Ms Graham said.

Peter Oborne Absolutely DEMOLISHES Liz Truss

"Liz Truss is FINISHED & may have DESTROYED the Conservative Party altogether"

Spanien, 24 Stunden | Doku HD | ARTE

Oct 16, 2022 | Spanien bildet die fünftstärkste Wirtschaftsmacht der EU. Für viele Europäer ist Spanien auf der Iberischen Halbinsel der Inbegriff von Sonne und Urlaub. Dabei gerät schnell in Vergessenheit, dass Spanien nach Jahren der Diktatur eine Modernisierung und ein Wirtschaftswachstum erlebt hat, das bis heute in Europa beispiellos ist. Der Dokumentarfilm zeigt ein Land mitten im Wandel.

Spanien kann mehr als Sonne und Urlaub: Der Dokumentarfilm besucht die geschichtsträchtigen Metropolen des Landes, die über ein reiches kulturelles Erbe verfügen und heute als Motor der Wirtschaft gelten, wie Madrid, Barcelona, Bilbao oder Sevilla. Die Reise führt außerdem in die großen Hafenstädte des Landes, von Galicien im Nordwesten entlang der Mittelmeerküste bis nach Cádiz im Südosten. Vigo, Barcelona, Valencia und Algeciras stehen heute ganz neuen Herausforderungen gegenüber. Weitere Küstenabschnitte sind nach den dort dominierenden Farben benannt, die aus der Luft gut erkennbar sind, wie die Costa Verde, Costa Dorada oder die Costa Blanca. Sie sind Symbol für Sonne, Playa und Fiesta. Spanien hat es nicht zuletzt seinem Klima zu verdanken, dass es zu den großen Tourismusnationen zählt und jedes Jahr mehr als 80 Millionen Urlauber anzieht. Im Landesinneren liegen weitläufige ländliche Regionen wie die Extremadura und La Mancha sowie die Täler der Flüsse Duero und Ebro, aber auch die riesigen landwirtschaftlich geprägten Tiefebenen Andalusiens und Murcias. Hier wächst das Gemüse, das es überall in Europa zu kaufen gibt. Einen Tag in Spanien zu verbringen bedeutet auch, wilde Landschaften zu entdecken, die von den Auswirkungen der Immobilienspekulation und einer wasserintensiven Landwirtschaft verschont geblieben sind. In Spanien gibt es heute mehr als 130 Naturparks, die äußerst vielfältige Landschaften bieten: das Ordesa-Tal und der Monte Perdido, ein wahrhaftiges Paradies für Kletterer, der Nationalpark Picos de Europa, Rückzugsgebiet für Adler und Gämsen, und das Salzgewinnungsgebiet Ses Salines mit seinen Meeres- und Vogelschutzgebieten.

Dokumentarfilm von Timothée Janssen (F 2018, 91 Min)
Video auf YouTube verfügbar bis zum 21/12/2022

LGBT in Iran – Documentary