British Food on Brink of Collapse

Oct 16, 2024 | British farmers are scaling back food production in favour of alternatives e.g. rewilding or growing crops for biofuels. As predicted, Brexit is making Britain more reliant on food imports which are pushing up prices thanks to Brexit red tape.

Brexit cuts to subsidies which kept British farmers producing Britain's food are now ensuring Britain is losing food security as we rely on imported food.

The last Tory government wanted USA and India trade deals but the new Labour government is saying they want closer EU ties and are continuing with Brexit trade deals. The Labour government has to face reality that they can't do both.


David Cameron did a very stupid thing in calling that ridiculous Brexit referendum. He was ‘sore’ afraid of the Britain’s loudmouth-in-chief, Nigel Farage! But it is we, the people, who have had to pay the ultimate price of this ludicrousness. Further, we should not let Trump off the hook on this Brexit shitshow either. It is my personal opinion that Brexit would never have happened without Trump. The Brexiteers were emboldened by Donald Trump at the time. He had it in for the EU. Apparently, he had his very own vendetta against the EU because they wouldn’t allow him to build one of his glitzy towers somewhere in the EU. Because of that, he turned against the EU! It is such a pity that Trump doesn’t now go one step further and relieve us of Farage. For heaven’s sake, take him off our hands and give him an apartment in Mar-a-Lago, Mr Trump! Sensible Brits want shot of him!

By the way, as an aside, supermarket shelves are much emptier than they used to be before Brexit. I buy my food from supermarkets online. Umpteen of my favourite foodstuffs are unavailable, time after time, when I place my orders. And this is true in a couple of supermarkets when I shop online. In fact, I placed an order online only this afternoon. So many of my favourite items were again “out of stock”. These gaps on the supermarket shelves are all related to that damn, stupid, and unnecessary Farage-inspired Brexit! – © Mark Alexander

England and Wales Assisted Dying Bill Formally Launched in House of Commons

THE GUARDIAN: MPs to hold first debate on Labour MP Kim Leadbeater’s private member’s bill on 29 November

A bill to legalise assisted dying for terminally ill adults in England and Wales has been formally introduced in the House of Commons, triggering intense discussion over the coming weeks and months on an emotionally charged and controversial issue.

MPs will hold their first debate on Labour MP Kim Leadbeater’s private member’s bill on 29 November. They will be given a free vote on the bill, meaning they can vote according to individual conscience.

The text of the terminally ill adults (end of life) bill has not been published, but its title states that it would “allow adults who are terminally ill, subject to safeguards and protections, to request and be provided with assistance to end their own life”.

The bill is expected to propose assisted dying be restricted to mentally competent adults with six months or less to live, although a 12-month prognosis is also a possibility. The details will be published in the coming weeks ahead of the Commons debate. » | Harriet Sherwood | Wednesday, October 16, 2024

UK’s top Catholic bishop urges faithful to lobby MPs to oppose assisted dying: Cardinal Vincent Nichols says proposed bill could change medical duty of care into ‘duty to kill’ »

I suppose that this far-left government wants this bill passed through Parliament in order to help Cruella de Ville fill her £20bn “black hole”! Funny thing, though, that these extremists find it okay for doctors to help people die now, but they are dead nuts against someone smoking even though smoking is likely to take about fifty years to do the job (if it does it at all)!

Starmer is an out and out atheist, apparently. Little wonder he sees nothing wrong with man doing God’s work for Him.

Whilst I see the logic in helping people in terrible pain to bring an end to their suffering, I fear that this bill, however well-intentioned, is fraught with many dangers and open to much abuse, especially by greedy families just waiting for their inheritances. – © Mark Alexander

Baroness Finlay: ‘Labour’s assisted dying bill is dangerous – it could have unintended consequences’: The Lords’ only resident palliative care expert warns Labour’s bill risks a ‘slippery slope’ to coercion by relatives and ‘doctor shopping’ »

On the Verge of Collapse: Lebanon’s Battle for a Future | Dispatch | HD Documentary| Reupload

Oct 15, 2024 | Long considered the Switzerland of the Middle East, Lebanon is now going through the worst economic crisis in its history. 80% of the population lives below the poverty line. In one year, food prices have jumped 500% due to galloping inflation.

For Riad, who runs a grocery store in the suburbs of Beirut, business has become hellish. Every morning, calculator in hand, he changes the labels of his products according to the day’s exchange rate. An operation all the more complex as his store is plunged into darkness, due to lack of electricity. The Lebanese government no longer provides more than two hours of electricity per day in the country. It is impossible for the population to heat, light or use their refrigerator. Taking advantage of the situation, a network of private generators has emerged.

The Lebanese pound, the local currency, has lost 90% of its value. The only ones to get away with it are those who are paid in dollars. The greenback, which is exchanged for a fortune against the local currency, has given birth to a new privileged social class in the country. A salesman in an international pharmaceutical company, Joseph lives like a king in a ruined Lebanon. Thanks to his new purchasing power, he repaid his house loan in two months, instead of… twenty years!

In a bankrupt state, plagued by corruption, six out of ten Lebanese citizens now dream of leaving the country. In Tripoli, in northern Lebanon, Mohammed and his son left by sea to reach Germany. Although their trip was cut short off the Turkish coast, the young father is still ready to take all the risks to reach the European El Dorado.

Himmlisch: Käsespätzle mit Sahne - Leckere & cremige Variation

May 1, 2020 | Heute gibts super leckere Käsespätzle. Sie sind besonders cremig und sehr schnell und einfach zubereitet. Ich zeige euch im Video natürlich auch wie ihr den Spätzleteig selber machen könnt.

Fürs Rezept, bitte hier klicken und dann auf „more“ klicken.

USA - Der Aufstieg der Ultrarechten | Doku HD | ARTE

Oct 15, 2024 | Wie konnten die Ultrarechten bis ins Zentrum der amerikanischen Politik aufsteigen? Indem sie nach und nach Machtpositionen in Politik, Justiz und Medien besetzten und ihren Einflussbereich stetig ausweiteten. Für ihr Ziel – den Wahlsieg 2024 – ist die ultrarechte Minderheit sogar bereit, die Demokratie aufs Spiel zu setzen. Wie hat sie es geschafft, die politische Bühne zu erobern?

Die Verschärfung des Abtreibungsrechts, der Sturm auf das Kapitol 2021, das Aufflammen rassistischer Gewalt: Nie zuvor waren die Ultrarechten in den USA mächtiger und sichtbarer als heute – und das liegt nicht nur an Donald Trump. Die Ultrarechte konnte sich in der Mitte der US-Politik etablieren, indem sie nach und nach Schlüsselpositionen in Politik, Justiz und Medien besetzte und ihren Einfluss kontinuierlich vergrößerte. Mit Blick auf einen Wahlsieg 2024 ist sie bereit, die Dämonen der Sezessionskriege zu wecken, das Land ins Chaos zu stürzen und die Demokratie ins Wanken zu bringen.

Der Siegeszug der radikalen Rechten ist das Ergebnis einer wohlüberlegten Strategie: Vor mehr als 40 Jahren wurde sie in Gang gesetzt – von einer konservativen Minderheit, die nach der Macht strebte. Sie hat quasi unbemerkt ihre Agenda durchgesetzt. Heute erntet sie die Früchte dieser Arbeit: Ihr ist es gelungen, die Schaltzentralen der Macht zu erobern – in Politik, Justiz und Medien.

Donald Trump hat diesen Prozess in jeder Hinsicht beschleunigt. Mit seiner Hilfe haben die Ultrarechten den Obersten Gerichtshof in ihre Gewalt gebracht, nun können sie bei wichtigen Entscheidungen im Kongress den Ausschlag geben. Mit Donald Trump oder einem seiner politischen Erben könnten die Ultrarechten in Zukunft noch weiter in die Offensive gehen.

Dokumentation von Alice Cohen (F 2024, 53 Min)
Video verfügbar bis zum 27/01/2025

The Lincoln Project: Russia First

Oct 16, 2024 | Vladimir Putin is not a friend of the United States, but he is a friend of Donald Trump. That’s why Trump cannot be in the White House.

Inside the Far-right Blueprint for Germany’s Eurasian Future | DW Analysis

Sep 6, 2024 | Germany’s far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) is surging, with breakthroughs in regional and EU-wide elections. Party leader Alice Weidel says her goal is national power, eyeing the 2029 federal elections.

Despite its growing support, the AfD’s vision of foreign policy remains little known around the world. So in this new special report, DW takes a forensic microscope to the party’s blueprint for Germany’s future.

What this reveals is the party’s profound skepticism about the key Western alliances — NATO and the EU — and an outspoken openness to a Eurasian outlook, fostering deeper relations with Russia and China and the international institutions they lead, from the Belt and Road Initiative to the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and the Eurasian Economic Union: prime sources of prestige for Vladimir Putin in Moscow and Xi Jinping in Beijing.

In exclusive interviews with Alice Weidel, foreign policy spokesman Matthias Moosdorf and powerful ideologue Björn Höcke, DW’s Richard Walker and Rosalia Romaniec scrutinize the AfD’s views on Germany’s alliances and NATO Article 5 commitments to the Baltic states and Poland, its skepticism of the United States, possible future architectures for European defense, who should have nuclear weapons, future ties with Russia and China, and how Germany should act in a Taiwan conflict scenario.

Includes analysis from leading international experts on Russia, China, the US and Europe: Alexander Gabuev (Carnegie Russia Eurasia Center), Amanda Hsiao (International Crisis Group), Katarzyna Pisarska (Warsaw Security Forum), Peter Rough (Hudson Institute), and Judy Dempsey (Carnegie Europe).

Biden Bans Menthol Cigarettes

Aug 12, 2024 | Brian from Windy City Cigars sits down, and talks about the upcoming Menthol Ban coming in 2024. The Biden Administration is pushing for the ban of menthol cigarettes and tobacco and flavored cigars if the ban goes through it may cause millions of job losses due to the menthol ban.

You can support smokers’ rights in the UK here.

WIKIPEDIA: List of smoking bans in the United States »

BEWARE! The do-gooding control freaks are trying to take over everywhere. Remember: Smokers have rights, too! – © Mark Alexander

How Tobacco Helped Soldiers in World War 2

Jun 1, 2023 | Brian from Windy City Cigars sits down and discusses how important cigarettes were in World War 2 and the brand names they smoked.

This is a very interesting and informative video on soldiers smoking in war zones. Führer Starmer should watch it to educate himself before he tries to pass that ridiculous, stupid generational smoking ban through Parliament. It is totally unreasonable to expect our young men to go to war to fight for us without allowing them a few pleasures on the battlefield. A smoke is the least we can offer a soldier in such a dangerous situation. And please don’t be so stupid as to talk of the health dangers of smoking! Possibly dying in fifty years’ time from the health dangers of smoking is totally and utterly irrelevant when a man is in a battlefield and can be killed at any moment. – © Mark Alexander

Bob Woodward: ‘Putin Is the Adolf Hitler of Our Century’

Oct 15, 2024 | "[Trump] is almost envious of Putin. And this is part of the danger. We live in a democracy ... Trump talks about the power of autocratic authority … He admires it … Vladimir Putin is the Adolf Hitler of our century. The invasion of Ukraine is the equivalent to what Hitler did." - Bob Woodward

Mein Kampf: An Autopsy Of Evil | Full Documentary

Oct 15, 2024 | Hitler’s Mein Kampf served as a blueprint for the atrocities of Nazi Germany, mobilizing ordinary people to commit heinous acts. This book's dark influence raises crucial questions: How did it inspire such widespread evil, and have we forgotten the vital lessons from that era?

Cast: Guy Walters, Lisa Pine
Director: Sarah Findley
Licensed through EM Productions Ltd

The Thatcher Legacy & the Future of British Politics with Charles Moore | In Conversation

Oct 14, 2024 | In this new episode in the 'In Conversation' series, Charles Moore, Baron Moore of Etchingham and Member of the House of Lords, sits down with Tom Clougherty, Executive Director of the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA), to discuss the current state of British politics and the legacy of Margaret Thatcher. Moore, the acclaimed biographer of Thatcher and former editor of The Spectator and The Telegraph, offers unique insights into the challenges facing modern conservatism and draws intriguing parallels between today's political landscape and the era of Thatcher's rise to power.

Throughout the discussion, Moore delves into a range of pressing issues, including the impact of globalisation, the changing nature of political institutions, and the cultural shifts affecting contemporary society. He reflects on the lessons that can be learned from Thatcher's leadership style and governance approach, while also addressing the new challenges that have emerged in the decades since her tenure. Moore's nuanced perspective on topics such as immigration, the role of international institutions, and the evolving dynamics within the Conservative Party provides a thought-provoking analysis of the current political climate.

This conversation offers viewers a rare opportunity to hear from one of Britain's most respected political commentators as he shares his insights on the past, present, and future of conservative thought. Whether you're a student of politics, a history enthusiast, or simply curious about the forces shaping modern Britain, this discussion between Charles Moore and Tom Clougherty promises to be both enlightening and timely.

Trump Dances for 40 Minutes during Campaign Rally: ‘Let’s Listen to Music’

THE GUARDIAN: Ex-president swayed to songs such as YMCA and Ave Maria during Pennsylvania event after two attendees fainted

Opposition outrage over Donald Trump’s rabble-rousing demagoguery turned to bewilderment after the Republican nominee spent 40 minutes swaying to his favourite songs at a rally near Philadelphia, prompting Kamala Harris to express apparent concern for his mental state.

“Hope he’s okay,” Harris, the US vice-president and Democratic nominee, posted on social media, accompanying footage of a performance that many observers agreed was bizarre, even by Trump’s standards.

The ad hoc music fest in the Pennsylvania suburb of Oaks happened after two members of the audience at an indoor rally fainted, apparently because of the heat. » | Robert Tait in Washington | Tuesday, October 15, 2024

'He Proved It. Events Prove It.': Woodward on Milley Calling Trump 'Fascist to His Core'

Oct 15, 2024 | MSNBC's Lawrence O'Donnell is joined by Washington Post Associate Editor Bob Woodward to discuss the bombshell revelations about both the Trump and Biden presidencies in his new book "War" including Trump's former Joint Chiefs chair Gen. Mark Milley saying Trump is "dangerous" and "a total fascist."

Harris kritisiert Trump: „Er ist auf uneingeschränkte Macht aus“

Oct 15, 2024 | Donald Trump hat angedeutet, dass er sich einem „Feind im Innern“ gegenübersieht. Seine demokratische Kontrahentin Kamala Harris kritisiert die jüngsten Äußerungen des Republikaners als demokratiefeindlich. © REUTERS

Mr Orbán, We Want Our Money Back! No More EU Funds for Hungary! Daniel Freund

Oct 15, 2024

Taliban Bans All Images of Living Things

THE TELEGRAPH: Media in Afghanistan faces new restrictions, but the regime says the law will be implemented gradually

Afghanistan’s Taliban morality ministry pledged on Monday to implement a law banning news media from publishing images of all living things, with journalists told the rule will be gradually enforced.

It comes after the Taliban regime recently announced legislation formalising its strict interpretations of Islamic law that have been imposed since they swept to power in 2021.

“The law applies to all Afghanistan ... and it will be implemented gradually,” Saiful Islam Khyber, the spokesman for the Ministry for the Propagation of Virtue and the Prevention of Vice (PVPV), told AFP. He added that officials would work to persuade people that images of living things are against Islamic law.

“Coercion has no place in the implementation of the law,” he said. » | Telegraph’s Foreign Staff | Monday, October 14, 2024

Afghanistan : deux chaînes de télévision cessent de montrer des êtres vivants, sur ordre de la police des mœurs : Ce mardi, la police des mœurs a ordonné à la province de Takhar l'interdiction de prendre des images d'êtres vivants et de les diffuser. »

الله كريم!

The Late Shah of Iran Talks about the Progress of Iranians

These were his thoughts.

Canada Expels Indian Diplomats, Linking Them To Criminal Campaign

THE NEW YORK TIMES: Canadian police said the Indian government was orchestrating homicides and extortion in Canada to intimidate Sikh separatists. India, in return, kicked out Canadian diplomats.

Canada accused the Indian government on Monday of homicide and extortion intended to silence critics of India living in Canada, escalating a bitter dispute that began last year with an assassination of a Sikh activist.

Canada expelled India’s top diplomat and five others, saying they were part of a vast criminal network. India reciprocated, expelling six Canadian diplomats.

The two countries have been in an intense dispute following the assassination of a prominent Sikh cleric, Hardeep Singh Nijjar, which the government of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said at the time had been orchestrated by the Indian government.

Canada is home to the largest Sikh community outside India, a religious minority that lives mostly in the state of Punjab, in northwestern India. » | Matina Stevis-Gridneff, Reporting from Toronto | Monday, October 14, 2024

NYT (2023):

Justin Trudeau Accuses India of a Killing on Canadian Soil: The Canadian leader said agents of India had assassinated a Sikh community leader in British Columbia in June. India called the accusation “absurd.” »

Scott Joplin: The Entertainer | Ragtime, Pianist: Luca Raggi

Jun 6, 2015 | In the video you can listen to my piano interpretation of one of the most famous pieces of ragtime, The Entertainer, composed by Scott Joplin and published in 1902.

Scott Joplin (1867-1917) was an American composer and musician. He was one of the most important in the genre ragtime which he himself called this music. This earned Scott Joplin the nickname the "King of Ragtime".

His music all has a strong syncopated character.

Happy listening! [Shortened and redacted.]

How Marlboro Became the #1 Cigarette Brand

Jun 30, 2022 | Marlboro cigarettes are the most smoked by far, but it wasn’t always like that; At one point, Marlboro owned less than 1% of the cigarette market. However, one famous marketing campaign that Marlboro ran skyrocketed their sales and made them the #1 cigarette brand in the world. This is the story of The Marlboro Man.

The Shah of Iran and SAVAK (1976) | 60 Minutes Archive

Sep 18, 2022 | In 1976, Mike Wallace interviewed Iran’s Shah Mohammed Reza Pahlavi and asked him if his secret police force, SAVAK, had ever used torture.

Trump Sparks Outrage after Calling for Army to Handle Enemies on Election Day

THE GUARDIAN: Democrats condemn ex-president for saying armed forces should turn against ‘enemy within’ when voters go to polls

Donald Trump has provoked an angry backlash from Democrats after calling for the US armed forces to be turned against his political adversaries when voters go to the polls at next month’s presidential election.

In comments that added further fuel to fears of an authoritarian crackdown if he recaptures the White House, the Republican nominee said the military or national guard should be deployed against opponents that he called “the enemy within” when the election takes place on 5 November. » | Robert Tait in Washington | Monday, October 15, 2024

End This Regime": An Interview with Farah Pahlavi, Empress of Iran

Jul 27, 2024 | Farah Pahlavi, Empress of Iran, is the widow of the late Shah of Iran, Mohammed Reza Pahlavi. Rafael Pinto Borges recently spoke with her about her life, today's Iran, and her hope for the future. After the 1979 Iranian Revolution, she continued in her deep devotion to charitable work. Today, she divides her time between Paris and Washington, D.C.

NASA Spacecraft Blasts Off to Hunt Alien Life on a Distant Moon | BBC News

NASA's Europa Clipper spacecraft that will hunt for signs of alien life on one of Jupiter’s icy moons has blasted off from Florida, US.

NASA launched the spacecraft at 12:06 local time after hurricane Milton forced the mission to postpone plans last week.

Europa Clipper will now travel 1.8 billion miles to reach Europa, a deeply mysterious moon orbiting Jupiter.

It will not arrive until 2030 but what it finds could change what we know about life in our solar system.

A Message to Muslims from an Israeli. This Is Your Biggest Problem…

Oct 14, 2024

Russia Proposes a $4,300 Fine for Promoting Childlessness

Promoting a childless existence is against Russia’s traditionl values. The Russian Orthodox Church backs the proposals that have been put forward.

Smoking Original WW2 Japanese Cigarettes!

May 4, 2023 | In this video, we smoke an original pack of WW2 Japanese cigarettes! This video is a part two of a three-part series of smoking WW2 cigarettes. In the finale we will be smoking an original unopened pack of Lucky Strikes cigarettes. Please reach out if you have a pack we can smoke.

This is the first video in the three-part series:


I've given up smoking, but I must say those cigarettes look very tempting. They were surely of good quality. Even when I started smoking back in the day, cigarettes were of a much higher quality than they are today. Today, the only thing that is high is the price of them! I should add that I am rather surprised that those cigarettes are still smokeable after all this time! When I smoked, I found that the best place to store cigarettes in order to keep them fresh for as long as possible was in the freezer. That's a trick I learnt many years ago whilst working in the Middle East, where, due to the hot dry weather, tobacco dries out very quickly if left in the open air.

Thanks a lot for a great videos. I really enjoyed them. – © Mark Alexander

Trump Escalates Rhetoric on Outlawing Political Dissent and Criticism

Oct 14, 2024 | Donald Trump is ramping up his rhetoric depicting his political rivals and critics as criminals, while dropping a long trail of suggestions that he favors outlawing political speech that he deems misleading or challenges his claims to power.

Chicken Tagine Mchermel — طاجين الدجاج مشرمل — Cooking With Alia

Dec 13, 2015 | This chicken tagine with olives and preserved lemons is a staple recipe in every Moroccan home

Click here for the recipe and then click on ‘more’.

Far-right Leader Who Burned Copies of Qur’an Goes On Trial in Sweden

THE GUARDIAN: Rasmus Paludan is accused of incitement against an ethnic group and insult in relation to gatherings in 2022

A far-right Danish-Swedish politician who burned copies of the Qur’an in Sweden has gone on trial charged with incitement against an ethnic group.

Rasmus Paludan, the leader of the Danish political party Stram Kurs (Hard Line), is the first person to go on trial in Sweden in relation to Qur’an burnings.

He refused to attend Malmö district court as proceedings began on Monday, saying his life would be in danger if he went to the southern Swedish city. Instead, he appeared by video link from an undisclosed location in Sweden.

Paludan, 42, is charged with two counts of incitement against an ethnic group and one count of insult in relation to gatherings held in Sweden in 2022. »

Nigel Farage, His German Wife, Mistress & £2 Million In Expenses

Oct 14, 2024 | Can he blame somebody for this? You bet he can!

'He Was a Sociopath': Mary Trump Reveals Family Psychological History in New Memoir

Sep 22, 2024 | Mary Trump, author of "Who Could Ever Love You?" a memoir of the Trump family, joins to discuss Donald Trump's upbringing, and his inability to cope with losing to Kamala Harris following their first debate.

Vatican Sent Italian Children Born Out of Wedlock to America as Orphans; New Book Uncovers Program

Oct 14, 2024 | For decades, unwed mothers in Italy were pressured to give up children born out of wedlock. Thousands were sent to America. Now some families are reuniting and looking for answers.

Die Romanows | Geschichte der Zaren

Mar 21, 2024 | Die Romanows - Die Dokumentation spannt den Bogen von der Blütezeit der Herrscherfamilie bis zum Vermächtnis der Romanows.

Die Romanows (2014)
Regisseur: Manfred Oldenburg
Genre: Dokumentarfilm, Geschichte
Sprache: Deutsch
Erscheinungsdatum: 05.08.2014 (Deutschland)

Forbes: Why Is Donald Trump So Popular Among Divorced Men?

Oct 9, 2024 | In 2024 election polling, Donald Trump is dominating one demographic group: divorced men. 56% of divorced men support the former president.

Senior Editor Maggie McGrath sat down with Ralph Brewer, founder of Help For Men, to discuss why divorced men may be more open to Donald Trump's message and what he really hears when he speaks with divorced men.

Question Time | 10th October 2024 | US Election Special

Oct 11, 2024 | As voters in America prepare to choose a new president, Fiona Bruce presents a US election special from Philadelphia in Pennsylvania. On the panel, Republican and Democratic members of Pennsylvania’s House of Representatives, Martina White and Malcolm Kenyatta; the British-American political commentator Mehdi Hasan; Bryan Lanza, who’s an adviser to presidential candidate Donald Trump; and the BBC North American correspondent, Anthony Zurcher. Also live on iPlayer at 8pm.

This YouTube channel, ‘Political TV’, can be supported here.

Armed Man Arrested Near Trump’s California Rally Was Plotting to Kill Him, Police Say

THE GUARDIAN: Suspect, with guns and false VIP passes, apprehended by authorities about half-mile from entrance to Coachella rally

A man armed with guns and false press and VIP passes was apprehended by authorities at a campaign rally in California on Saturday by Donald Trump.

The suspect, identified as Vem Miller, was intercepted by police at a checkpoint about a half-mile from an entrance to the rally in Coachella Valley, California, soon before the rally began, police said Sunday.

“We probably stopped another assassination attempt,” Riverside county sheriff Chad Bianco said, adding that Miller was plotting to kill Trump.

Police said Miller was carrying a loaded shotgun, handgun and high-capacity magazine and is believed to be a member of a rightwing anti-government organization. » | Edward Helmore | Sunday, October 13, 2024

Netanyahu Urges UN Forces Leave Lebanon Combat Zones | REUTERS

Oct 13, 2024 | The United Nations said Israeli tanks burst through the gates of a base of its peacekeeping force in southern Lebanon, the latest accusation of Israeli violations and attacks that have been denounced by its own allies.

Why I Moved from the USA to Moscow

Oct 2, 2024 | “Why I Moved From the USA to Russia”

Divorce Rate in Luxembourg

Oct 10, 2024 | “I was shocked when I discovered what the divorce rate in Luxembourg is running at. … In what is arguably the richest country in the world, we have among the unhappiest people in relationships.”

Former BP Oil Boss: 'Immensely Pleased' I Was Outed as Gay

Sep 20, 2024 | John Browne was celebrated as a titan of industry when he ran oil major, BP, for 12 years until 2007. His career at the firm abruptly ended following a personal scandal in 2007. The controversy involved a UK newspaper outing Browne’s sexuality. He discusses the experience on Bloomberg’s Leaders With Lacqua Goes Green.

The Lincoln Project: Axis of Influence

Oct 13, 2024 | These immigrants are the biggest threat to America.

Harris Puts Pressure on Trump over Medical Records

BBC: Kamala Harris has released her medical records, which concluded she is in "excellent health" and fit for the presidency.

Following the disclosure, the Democratic Party's nominee to be the next US president accused Donald Trump of a lack of transparency over not releasing his own health records.

The vice-president also claimed her Republican rival "doesn't want the American people to see whether or not he's fit to become president".

Without revealing Trump's medical records, the former president's team responded by quoting his doctor as saying that he was in "perfect and excellent health".

The Trump campaign said the Republican nominee had a "extremely busy and active campaign schedule" and claimed Harris "does not have the stamina of President Trump".

The trading of barbs came after the White House published a medical report that said Vice-President Harris “possesses the physical and mental resiliency” necessary to serve as president. » | Adam Durbin, BBC News | Sunday, October 13, 2024

Rachmaninoff: Piano Concerto No. 2 in C Minor, Op. 18 - I. Moderato

Jan 10, 2019 | Provided to YouTube by Universal Music Group

Why London’s Nightlife Is Dying | Last Orders

Oct 12, 2024 | Matthew Lesh – public policy fellow at the Institute of Economic Affairs and country manager for Freshwater Strategy – joins Chris Snowdon and Tom Slater for the latest episode of Last Orders. They discuss the departure of London’s ‘night tsar’, Scotland’s regressive experiment with ‘minimum pricing’ for alcohol, and the battle to open a chip shop in a Welsh seaside town.

Alex Salmond, Former First Minister of Scotland, Dies Aged 69

THE GUARDIAN: High-profile politician reported to have collapsed after delivering speech in North Macedonia on Saturday

Alex Salmond, the former first minister of Scotland who led Scotland to the brink of independence, has died at the age of 69.

Salmond served as first minister of Scotland from 2007. He stood down from the role after failing to secure independence in the 2014 referendum, handing over to his deputy, Nicola Sturgeon.

Reports suggested that he collapsed after delivering a speech in North Macedonia on Saturday.

Scotland’s first minister, John Swinney, said he was “deeply shocked and saddened”.

“Alex worked tirelessly and fought fearlessly for the country that he loved and for her independence. He took the Scottish National party from the fringes of Scottish politics into government and led Scotland so close to becoming an independent country.” » | Michael Savage and Libby Brooks | Saturday, October 12, 2024

King Charles and Royals Fail to Reveal Official Gifts for Past Four Years – Despite Promise to Do So

THE GUARDIAN: Royal family had pledged to declare all presents received in an annual list, after several controversies

King Charles III during a visit to the Scottish parliament in Edinburgh last month. Photograph: Getty Images | A screenshot from today’s Guardian.
King Charles and his family have failed to reveal their official gifts for the past four years, despite previously promising to publish an annual list.

Palace officials have blamed the pandemic, the change of reign, and then planning for last year’s coronation for their inability to publish details of the gifts received by members of the royal family.

The royal family’s reticence follows controversy over a cash-for-honours scandal involving the king’s main charitable foundation, which led to a police investigation that was dropped last year without a full explanation from either Scotland Yard or the Crown Prosecution Service. It also comes after revelations that Charles, when he was Prince of Wales, accepted £2.6m in cash in bags from a Qatari politician for another of his charities, the Prince of Wales’s Charitable Fund. » | Richard Palmer | Saturday, October 12, 2024

How Börek Is Made in Turkey, Serbia and Albania | DW Food

Oct 12, 2024 | Round, square or twisted into a snail, filled with minced meat, cheese or - quite unusually - with nettles - börek is a popular snack in the Balkan region. In Serbia, the inhabitants of the city of Niš are so crazy about their yufka pastries that they have launched their own börek festival. Our reporters took a look around three countries and asked them about the typical börek.

Fears Grow that 'Clown-like' Trump Could Achieve Fascist Goals Despite Gross Incompetence

Oct 12, 2024 | For as long as Donald Trump has been on the political scene, analysts have struggled with how much of his performance to take seriously. But as Election Day races closer and polls remain tight even as Trump rhetoric becomes more extreme and his supporters become more radicalized, more people are realizing that no matter how big a buffoon Trump may be the risks of him taking power and abusing that power are significant and worrisome.

JD Vance Crashes and Burns in Disastrous Interview

Oct 12, 2024

Democracy is clearly on its last legs! There’s nary a decent politician left to run a democracy anymore! Where on earth have all the decent, upstanding, moderate politicians gone?

Here in the UK, the very worst thing to have happened to politics was the advent of the career politician. In years gone by, it was successful people who generally entered politics in order to ‘give something back to the country’. They were often already independently wealthy, so they didn’t need to milk the system. These days, people go into politics from university, usually, in order to make money, not to give anything back to society. They can’t do that since they have nothing to give back! They have had no experience of life. A good student does not necessarily make a good politician. Life’s experience counts for a lot.

We really are living in sad, dark times. The Age of Trump has been particularly sad and dark. The sooner Trump leaves the political stage, the better! — © Mark Alexander

Truth To Power: Both Badenoch and Jenrick Will Spell Disaster for the Tories

Oct 12, 2024

Michael Lambert: The British Economy Is Damaged beyond Repair for These Three Reasons

Oct 12, 2024 | This week I visited Gothenburg in Sweden and was shocked by how much better the quality of life is there.

It reminded me again of just how bad the economic situation in the UK has become since Brexit and for three different reasons. The UK economy has passed the point of no return.

We are now destined to decline indefinitely thanks to three reasons. First Brexit has severely damaged the UK economy whereby it is now almost impossible for small- and medium-sized business to trade with the EU because of post Brexit restrictions. This has cost the UK economy £40 billion in lost taxes annually.

The new Labour government under Keir Starmer has made it clear that, whilst they would like to improve relations (reset) with the EU, there will be no return to the Single Market, Customs Union or Freedom of Movement.

The UK property market where houses have become unaffordable for most people has resulted in so much money being sucked out of the economy that people have much less disposable income and that the economy has suffered accordingly, with many pubs, restaurants and shops being forced to close.

Finally the sale to foreigners of many of our major companies and vital utilities and infrastructure has weakened our economy since profits from these enterprises are being sent to foreign shareholders who have very little interest in anything other than a return on their investments.


Politicians today are clueless! They can’t run and manage the country anymore: they make a dog’s dinner of it. Yet politicians of old ran and managed a huge empire! Politicians of yore must have been a hell of a lot smarter than those who are in control today. Politicians today can’t run this small country let alone empire. – © Mark Alexander

Our Gabled Home: How to Make Authentic German Spaetzle [Spätzle] at Home

Jul 4, 2023 | Spaetzle is a classic German dish that people love as a side dish or as a vegetarian meal. In this video, I am showing you how to make spaetzle the authentic German way, using fresh ingredients and simple techniques. So put on your apron and join me in the kitchen!

P&O Ferries Owner Pulls £1bn UK Investment after Rayner Attack

THE TELEGRAPH: Dubai company chief withdraws from investment summit after Deputy PM’s criticism of employment practices

P&O owner DP World has put a £1bn expansion of one of Britain’s biggest container hubs on hold after ministers attacked the ferry company’s employment practices.

The Dubai-based business had planned to announce the investment in London Gateway port at a summit convened by Sir Keir Starmer, the Prime Minister, next week.

However, Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, the DP World boss, will no longer attend the event after Louise Haigh, the Transport Secretary, and Angela Rayner, the Deputy Prime Minister, described P&O as “unscrupulous” and “exploitative” this week. » | Christopher Jasper, Transport industry editor | Friday, October 11, 2024

Delhi Audience Laughs as Russian Foreign Minister Says Ukraine War 'Was Launched against Us'

Mar 4, 2023 | Sergei Lavrov's description of the Russian invasion as 'the war, which we are trying to stop, and which was launched against us using the Ukrainian people' was met with laughter at the Raisina Dialogue conference in India.

Talks on UK Rejoining EU Could Start in 10 Years’ Time, Says Peter Mandelson

THE GUARDIAN: Labour peer says in meantime it is essential to try to reduce damage of Brexit deal struck by Boris Johnson

Peter Mandelson has suggested the UK could start talks on rejoining the EU in 10 years’ time, much earlier than Keir Starmer believes.

Lord Mandelson told an audience in Edinburgh the “truth is that [reversing Brexit] could be a conversation which starts in 10 years’ time”, but only if EU member states were willing to consider it.

He said that in the meantime it was essential for the UK’s productivity and growth to reduce the damaging impact of the Brexit deal struck by Boris Johnson “as best we possibly can”.

Mandelson’s remarks, at a lecture for the thinktank Reform Scotland, are in contrast to the prime minister’s prediction before the general election that the UK would not rejoin the EU, or the single market or customs union, in his lifetime. » | Severin Carrell, Scotland editor | Friday, October 11, 2024

Doku: Die ‚Blutdiamanten‘ der Zarin | Timeline Deutschland

Jan 3, 2024 | Zum 400-jährigen Jubiläum der Romanow-Dynastie 2013 begaben wir uns auf die Suche nach dem Schicksal der reichsten Herrscherfamilie seit der Oktoberrevolution 1917. Der Film folgt Familienmitgliedern, Sammlern und Experten, während sie den verstreuten Schatz der Romanows – Juwelen, Diamanten, Gold und Gemälde – wiederentdecken. Besonders begehrt sind die ‚Blutdiamanten‘ aus den Korsagen der Zarin und ihrer Töchter, verschwunden seit der Mordnacht von Jekaterinburg. Eine weltweite Jagd nach dem Zarenschatz beginnt, während der Film rekonstruiert, wie der einstige Reichtum der Romanows bis zur Revolution in alle Welt zerstreut wurde.

Queen Camilla's Memories of Queen Elizabeth II

Sep 7, 2024

Nancy Pelosi Calls Out CNN for Platforming Trump’s Childish Insults

Nancy Pelosi tells it like it is.

Jonathan Tetelman, Prague Philharmonia, Carlo Rizzi – Puccini: Tosca, SC 69: E lucevan le stelle

Premiered Aug 18, 2023

Wie viel radikalen Islam hält unsere Gesellschaft aus? | BLICKWECHSEL. Das Nachrichtenmagazin

May 19, 2024 | Geschändete Bibeln, Scharia-Beratungen in der Vorstadt und Demonstrationen für ein Kalifat: der radikale Islam wird in Österreich längst nicht mehr nur in Hinterhofmoscheen gepredigt. Kritiker sagen: Die Grenze des Tolerierbaren ist überschritten.

Tory Leadership Hopeful Wants to Join Russia & Belarus Outside the ECHR - How Did It Come to This?

Oct 10, 2024

Another Tory clown! And a very dangerous clown at that! – © Mark Alexander

Trump's Favourite European Ally Just Got BRUTALLY Roasted

Oct 10, 2024 | European lawmakers respond to Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban's speech at the European Parliament.


What did I write yesterday? That Orbán is Putin’s marionette. Click here – Mark

Colorado Religious Leaders Back Same-sex Marriage Ballot Measure

Sep 18, 2024 | In November, Coloradans will be asked to remove a same-sex marriage ban from the state constitution, and dozens of faith leaders in Colorado have announced they support the repeal. …

The Lincoln Project: Seeds

Oct 10, 2024 | MAGA’s last attempted coup failed, but that doesn’t mean they won’t try again. As long as Donald Trump is running for president, January 6th never ended.

Expert Reveals Grim Future for US after Election | 60 Minutes Australia

Sep 16, 2024 | US pollster Frank Luntz believes American voters are tired of politicians' empty promises year after year.

Synopsis | The Real Kamala (2024)

No one would ever describe last Wednesday’s Presidential debate between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris as edifying. It was big on bluster, but short on substance; an example of how hurling insults to malign opponents now seems to be the preferred way to influence voters. It’s a skill Donald Trump has certainly turned into an art form, but as the world witnessed, the Vice-President is also no mug at it. For many observers though, Kamala Harris still has a substantial problem to overcome if she’s to be elected President. She needs to do more to convince Americans who she really is. On 60 MINUTES, Amelia Adams travels across the United States meeting the people who know the real Kamala, including old school friends, work colleagues and even a former boyfriend.

‘Badenoch Is a Thatcher for Our Times’: [Telegraph] Readers on Who Should Be the Next Tory Leader

THE TELEGRAPH: Telegraph subscribers weigh in on who they think should take charge of the Conservative Party

Kemi Badenoch should be the next leader of the Conservative Party, 67pc of over 66,000 Telegraph readers say | Screenshot from The Telegraph
Kemi Badenoch and Robert Jenrick have made it to the final two in the Tory leadership contest after James Cleverly was eliminated from the race.

The result came as a surprise not only in Westminster, but also among readers of The Telegraph after Mr Cleverly came first in Tuesday’s vote.

Many readers were pleased with the result, believing it to be a hopeful sign that the party is moving in the right direction. » | Thursday, October 10, 2024

That the readers of the Telegraph are comparing Badenoch to Thatcher must be causing Thatcher to be turning in her grave! Ignore them Baroness Thatcher! They know not what they say! Requiescat in pace.

Clearly, the Tory Party is drawing its last few breaths. It is surely on its way to extinction. Extinction was the fate of the Whigs; it will soon be the fate of the Tories. Death is often preceded by a few movements here and there, but then the lights go out — forever. Thank you for the good times of yore.

This is the face of modern Britain. The minorities are seizing all power in the country. To get anywhere in politics in Britain today, you must be either black, Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist, or someone from another ethnic group. The Conservative Party has gone all queer! It’s not a bit like it used to be. It used to be very proper and extremely staid. Funnily enough, though, it’s a queer party, but it has never had a queer leader. Not one that was out and openly queer anyway.

God only knows where the next leader after this one will come from. Nothing would surprise me. Maybe a future contender in the next leadership race will be an Eskimo. – © Mark Alexander

Hurricane Milton Spawns At Least 20 Tornadoes across Florida

Oct 10, 2024 | Hurricane Milton caused some of the worst damage long before it made landfall as the storm is blamed for at least 20 tornadoes across Florida. One of them caused heavy damage and some deaths in Fort Pierce on the Atlantic Coast, more than 100 miles from the hurricane zone.

NYT — HURRICANE MILTON — LIVE UPDATES: Milton Kills at Least 5, With Death Toll Expected to Rise: Barrier islands were battered, and over three million customers were without power. All of the deaths reported so far were in St. Lucie County, on the opposite coast from Milton’s landfall. »

UK Must Prepare for Widespread Road Pricing, Says Infrastructure Tsar

THE GUARDIAN: Sir John Armitt says charging per mile ‘inevitable’, with move to electric vehicles likely to create £35bn tax shortfall

Britain must prepare for the widespread use of road pricing to make up a £35bn shortfall in tax revenues from the transition to electric vehicles, the country’s top infrastructure adviser has said.

Sir John Armitt, the chair of the National Infrastructure Commission (NIC), said it was time for a “proper public debate” about the future funding of the road network and other critical projects.

“It’s politically a very difficult issue isn’t it? But many people will say road pricing is inevitable. Personally, I don’t see why it should be any different to anything else,” he told journalists on Thursday.

“We pay for all our other infrastructure services as we use them, and we pay for driving on the road, as we use it, via petrol tax. And if you’re going to lose the petrol tax, at [more than] £30bn a year, what is government going to replace it with?” » | Richard Partington and Gwyn Topham | Thursday, October 10, 2024

A World in Crisis: Can Europe Cope without the US? | To the Point

Oct 10, 2024 | War in Ukraine, war in the Middle East, and severe hurricanes in the US: The final weeks of Joe Biden’s administration are intense – and they are giving Europe a taste of what it means to stand alone.

The planned visit of the US president to Germany, including a major conference on Ukraine is now cancelled. It is becoming increasingly clear: 'America First' is also the mantra for the Democrats. What does this mean for their European allies? As a third winter of war in Ukraine looms, how much protection against Putin can the West still provide?

On ‘To the Point’ we ask: A world in crisis: can Europe cope without the US?

Guests this week are Sudha David-Wilp from the German Marshall Fund, Marco Overhaus from the German Institute for International and Security Affairs, and DW's Roman Goncharenko.

Sixty-five More Women Tell the BBC of Sexual Abuse by Mohamed Al Fayed | BBC News

Oct 10, 2024 | A further 65 women have contacted the BBC saying they were abused by Mohamed Al Fayed, with allegations stretching far beyond Harrods and as far back as 1977.

Their accounts include new details of sexual harassment, sexual assault, and rape, sent to the BBC in the weeks since the documentary Al Fayed: Predator at Harrods and a podcast were broadcast.

They suggest Al Fayed, who died last year, used a broader range of abuse tactics and also targeted women employed outside his businesses.

Several of the women interviewed by the BBC allege they were recruited by Al Fayed under false pretences into roles on the billionaire’s domestic staff and were then sexually exploited by him - including at his mansion in Oxted.

Papst Pius XII. und der Holocaust | Doku HD | ARTE

Oct 10, 2024 | Hat Papst Pius XII., der sich als moralische Instanz sah, zum Holocaust gesagt, was er sagen konnte? Dagegen getan, was er tun konnte? Konnte er so größere Übel für Katholiken und Juden verhindern? Der Historiker David I. Kertzer hat die Geheimverhandlungen zwischen dem Papst und Hitlers Abgesandten entdeckt. Eine Weltsensation.

Es war ein Schock. So empfand es der Historiker David I. Kertzer, als er Geheimdokumente von Pius XII. entdeckte. Hitler brauchte die katholische Kirche an seiner Seite – für den Krieg und für die sogenannte „Endlösung“ der Judenfrage. Seine Forderung für einen Burgfrieden mit der Kirche im NS-Staat lautete: keine Einmischung der Kirche in die Politik. Und: Ausklammerung der „Rassenfrage“.

Als Vertrauensbeweis ließ der Diktator alle Verfahren wegen Kindesmissbrauchs durch Kirchenvertreter einstellen. Und er sicherte der katholischen Kirche finanzielle Unterstützung zu. Die Judenverfolgung war in diesen Jahren bereits in vollem Gange. Die Nazis überfielen das katholische Polen und ermordeten unter anderem polnische Geistliche.

Doch Pius XII. sicherte Hitler zu: „Wenn die Katholiken in Übereinstimmung mit ihrer Religion leben können, werden sie treu sein, mehr als alle anderen“. Und er hielt sich daran.

Was aber hat der als moralische Instanz geltende Pius XII. konkret zur Judenverfolgung und zum Holocaust gesagt? Was hat er konkret dagegen getan? Sagte er, was er sagen konnte? Hat er getan, was er tun konnte? Hat er größeres Unheil abgewendet, wie oft behauptet wird? Und wie tief war der Antisemitismus in der Kirche und selbst im Vatikan verankert?

Im Jahr 2020 öffnet der Vatikan seine Geheimarchive für die Forschung. Wie nie zuvor geben Dokumente Antworten auf diese Fragen. Was der Historiker Kertzer im Vatikanischen Geheimarchiv entdeckt, ist eine Weltsensation.

Dokumentation von Christel Fomm (D 2021, 53 Min)
Video verfügbar bis zum 06/01/2025


La version française de ce documentaire peut être trouvée ici.

The 2024 Presidential Ticket; Belief in the Ballot | 60 Minutes | Full Episode

Oct 9, 2024 | First, Kamala Harris: The 2024 60 Minutes Interview. And, Scott Pelley speaks with the Arizona Republican election officials working to restore confidence in the 2024 results

Elon Musk sagt Folgendes: „Die Tage der EU sind gezählt – wir müssen uns vorbereiten!“

MARK ALEXANDER: In dieser Hinsicht hat Elon Musk absolut recht. Keine Gesellschaft oder Wirtschaft kann ohne Babys gedeihen. Meine Besucher werden sicherlich gelesen haben, was ich diesbezüglich schon oft gesagt habe, nämlich daß das Schlimmste, was dem Westen – nicht nur Europa – je passiert ist, war, als Frauen das Zuhause und die Mutterschaft zugunsten des Arbeitsplatzes und einer Karriere aufgaben. Seitdem werden im Westen zu wenige Babys geboren, was diese existenzielle Krise verursacht. Westliche Politiker haben Frauen ermutigt, dies ebenfalls zu tun, und sie in den Arbeitsmarkt gelockt. Damit haben sie den Wert der Mutterschaft zerstört und diese Krise der niedrigen Geburtenraten verursacht. Je früher wir wieder dazu übergehen, die Mutterschaft auf ein Podest zu stellen und wieder mit der Fortpflanzung beginnen, desto besser! Andernfalls wird nicht nur die Europäische Union einer existenziellen Bedrohung ausgesetzt sein, sondern der gesamte Westen. Denken Sie daran: Der Islam ist sehr stark und gewinnt an Stärke, nicht wegen seiner überlegenen Waffen, sondern wegen seiner Hingabe an Mutterschaft und Fortpflanzung. Tradition schlägt jedes Mal neumodische Ideen!

In this respect, Elon Musk is absolutely right. No society or economy can thrive without babies. My visitors will surely have read what I have stated concerning this many times before, namely that the worst thing that ever happened to the West — not just Europe — was when women abandoned the home and motherhood in favour of the workplace and a career. Ever since, too few babies have been born in the West, thus causing this existential crisis. Western politicians have been encouraging women to do this, too, and enticing them into the workplace. In so doing, they have trashed the worth of motherhood and caused this crisis of low births. The sooner we get back to putting motherhood on a pedestal and start procreating again, the better! Otherwise, it won't only be the European Union that has an existential threat, but the West as a whole. Remember this: Islam is very strong and gaining in strength not because of its superior arms, but because of its dedication to motherhood and procreation. Tradition trumps new-fangled ideas every time! – © Mark Alexander

Listen here/Hier anhören

The Lincoln Project: Clean House

Oct 10, 2024 | America’s best days are not behind her. It’s time to turn a new page, and close the book on the Trump story.

The world must surely have had enough of this dangerous narcissist by now! – © Mark Alexander

Ina Garten's Short Ribs | Barefoot Contessa | Food Network

Mar 17, 2024 | Ina’s three basic principles for a potluck party: make it ahead, make things that travel well and make it so delicious. These rich and savory Short Ribs hit on all three!

For the full recipe, cleick here and then click on ‘more’.

Hungary's Orban Says Corks Will Pop If Trump Wins US Election! MEPs Reply Singing 'Bella Ciao'

Oct 9, 2024

Es redet Putins Marionette! – © Mark Alexander

Orbán's concern for the rights of gays in the EU due to illegal immigration is a bit rich, isn't it? Especially when the rights of gays in Hungary leave so much to be desired. Check out this article by Human Rights Watch as just one example of Orbán’s faux concern for gay rights in the EU!

LGBT Rights Under Renewed Pressure in Hungary: Children Harmed in the Name of Protection »

And this one:

As Governments Demonize LGBTQ+ Rights, Children Lose the Most »

Can Restoring Libya’s Monarchy Fix the Post-Gaddafi Chaos?

Oct 4, 2024 | The legacy of the Senussi family hangs in the balance, as does the future of Libya. With Mohamed El Senussi leading the charge, the possibility of a new dawn—defined by unity, justice, and stability—approaches. As he stands at the threshold of history, the question remains: will Libya embrace its past to forge a brighter future? Only time will tell.


WIKIPEDIA: Mohammed El Senussi »

The official site in English of Prince Mohammed El Senussi here and in Arabic here.

WIKIPEDIA: Senusiyya »

Le pape Pie XII face à la Shoah | ARTE

Oct 9, 2024 | Pourquoi le pape Pie XII, au pouvoir de 1939 à 1958, a-t-il gardé le silence face à l’extermination des juifs par les nazis ? Face aux accusations de complaisance, son successeur François a ouvert en 2020 les archives du Vatican.

Depuis les années 1960, notamment avec la pièce de théâtre Le vicaire de l'Allemand Rolf Hochhuth, qui l’accuse d’indifférence face à la persécution des juifs et la Shoah, le pape Pie XII est régulièrement mis en cause pour avoir gardé tout au long de la Seconde Guerre mondiale un silence absolu face aux crimes du nazisme. Réclamées depuis des décennies par les historiens et les organisations juives, les archives de son pontificat ont été ouvertes en 2020 sur décision du pape François. Son mutisme s’explique-t-il par son souci, comme l’affirment ses défenseurs, de rester neutre et de ne pas exposer les catholiques aux représailles nazies ? A-t-il cherché à s’opposer d’une manière quelconque à l’extermination des juifs ? Qu’en savait-il, et quelle était sa marge de manœuvre ? Quel rôle a joué l’antisémitisme avéré d’une partie de l’Église et du Vatican dans cette inertie manifeste ?

Accord secret

À peine élu, en 1939, Pie XII reçoit les émissaires de Hitler au Vatican pour des négociations secrètes. Le IIIe Reich veut éviter que l’Église catholique condamne publiquement sa politique guerrière et ses persécutions antisémites. Le pape accède à cette demande, à condition que les catholiques gardent leur liberté de pratiquer leur religion. Pour comprendre les conséquences de cet accord secret, ce documentaire s’appuie sur ce que les archives ont révélé à ce jour, avec l’éclairage des historiens David I. Kertzer, Klaus Kühlwein et Emma Fattorini, tous trois spécialistes du sujet. Un bilan nuancé et riche d’enseignement de l’attitude du Saint-Siège et de son chef à l’égard de la Shoah, y compris après 1945, lorsque des criminels de guerre allemands ont bénéficié de complicités actives au sein du Vatican.

Documentaire de Christel Fomm (Allemagne, 2021, 53mn)
Disponible jusqu'au 06/01/2025

EU Debates: Ursula von der Leyen Attacks Orbán’s Support for Russia in Fiery Speech to European Parliament

Ocy 9, 2024

Israel Ready to Strike: Ayatollah's Days Numbered

Oct 3, 2024 | “Not only does it create invulnerability, in the eyes of the Ayatollah, who is facing an existential crisis right now, he has no logical successor.”

There is fear amongst the Iranians that Israel could take out the Ayatollah after eliminating their proxies one boy one, says former US ambassador Mark Wallace on World in 10.

The New Tory Leader Will Be Badenoch or Jenrick. Either Would Be a One-way Ticket to Another Political Planet

THE GUARDIAN: By rejecting James Cleverly, MPs spurned the chance to renew their party. Their chosen path is further right, a blow for all who want an effective opposition

So the final Tory run-off, whose result will be announced on 2 November, will be between Kemi Badenoch and Robert Jenrick. The one who thinks there’s too much maternity pay and that 10% of civil servants should be in prison, versus the one who alleges that UK special forces are killing suspects rather than arresting them and who promises to withdraw from the European human rights system as a priority.

There are no two ways about reading the result of the fourth and final round of voting by the 121 surviving Conservative MPs at Westminster today. It marks a triumph for the Tory right and another existential crisis moment for a party that was battered into a record election defeat in July. With this vote, Tory MPs have bought their party a one-way ticket to another political planet. » | Martin Kettle | Wednesday, October 9, 2024

The Conservatives did themselves in with that ridiculous Brexit referendum. My regular visitors will know that I have said over and over and over again that the Conservatives will go the way of the dodo and the Whigs before them. I firmly believe that this leadership race has proved me right. The four contenders were/are duds: not of them had/has good policies and not one of them had/has charisma.

Once upon a time, the Conservative Party was synonymous with class, intellectual superiority, character, and at least a modicum of style. Those days are well and truly over. The choice of leaders on offer has been nothing other than Hobson's choice. The Party is dead. Just as I stated — as dead as the dodo. Short of a miracle that could breathe life back into the Party, the party for the Tory Party is well and truly over. R.I.P. – © Mark Alexander

‘This Is Not the Eurovision.’ Orban Gets a Hostile Serenade

THE NEW YORK TIMES: Some European Parliament members sang “Bella Ciao,” a song associated with antifascism, for Prime Minister Viktor Orban of Hungary until ordered to stop.

For years, Prime Minister Viktor Orban of Hungary, a champion of “illiberal democracy,” has taken swipes at the European Union and its officials.

And they have not been shy about criticizing him back.

On Wednesday, at the European Parliament in Strasbourg, France, some members took that to a new level — in song. As Mr. Orban arrived at the Parliament to deliver a speech, progressives greeted him with a rendition of “Bella Ciao,” an Italian antifascist resistance song from the World War II-era.

Their musical taunt, which lasted for less than a minute, was shut down by the president of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola, as other members more politically in tune with the conservative Mr. Orban chanted slogans supporting him.

“This is not the Eurovision,” Ms. Metsola told the chamber. She wryly noted that the song was more “Money Heist,” a Spanish television series about a bank heist that features the haunting music of “Bella Ciao,” than Abba, the Swedish pop group that was propelled to fame after winning Eurovision 50 years ago. » | Jenny Gross, Reporting from Brussels | Wednesday, October 9, 2024

Islamic Iran: The Story of an Ascent | Full Documentary in English

Jun 10, 2024 | The publication of a caricature of the Prophet Muhammad was considered insulting in the Muslim world. In Tehran, the police are overwhelmed. Ultra-conservative young people gather in the streets and attack embassies. The beginning of a long Islamic revolution is marked...

Donald Trump : «Macron, c'est un type intelligent, il vous dépouillerait si vous ne faisiez pas attention»

LE FIGARO : Le candidat républicain à la Maison-Blanche évoquait notamment dans cette émission la présidence de Joe Biden, qu'il a qualifié de «clown» et d'«idiot».

Donald Trump a assuré dans un podcast diffusé mercredi que le président français Emmanuel Macron était «un type intelligent» qui «vous dépouillerait si vous ne faisiez pas attention». Le candidat républicain à la Maison-Blanche évoquait notamment dans cette émission la présidence de Joe Biden, qu'il a qualifié de «clown» et d'«idiot». «Nous n'avons pas un vrai président. Nous avons un homme qui est fondamentalement inepte et c'est très dangereux parce que les autres gars (dirigeants, ndlr) sont au top de leur forme», a lancé le milliardaire de 78 ans, qui émet des critiques régulières sur les capacités cognitives de Joe Biden. » | Par Le Figaro avec AFP | mercredi 9 octobre 2024

1979 Iranian Revolution, Explained | Last Persian Shah | Reupload

May 20, 2024 | Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi's story begins with good ideas and ideals and ends in bloody chaos. On the one hand, he helped carry Iran into modernity. His wealth was legendary, and his marriages made tabloid headlines for years. However, his name also stands for a time of human rights violations, vicious oppression and intolerance. Had Shah Reza Pahlavi not come to power, it’s unlikely that radical Islam would have the widespread political and brutal effects it has today. The film shows what has remained of the legacy of the regime after the Islamic Revolution to this day combining his biography with the social, political, economic and religious tendencies of the time.

Bitcoin Creator Allegedly Unmasked in HBO Documentary

THE TELEGRAPH: True identity of ‘Satoshi Nakamoto’ claimed to be little-known Canadian software developer

A documentary has claimed to have unmasked the mysterious creator of the cryptocurrency Bitcoin as a little-known Canadian software developer.

A planned broadcast on HBO – Money Electric: The Bitcoin Mystery – will suggest that Peter Todd, who was involved in early discussions around the development of Bitcoin, was its pseudonymous creator, Satoshi Nakamoto.

The true identity of Nakamoto, who invented the cryptocurrency, has remained a mystery for over 15 years.

Nakamoto interacted with other digital currency enthusiasts via email chains and online forums, before sending a final message in 2011 and vanishing entirely. » | Matthew Field, Senior Technology Reporter | Wednesday, October 9, 2024

Flo's German Christmas-Menu: Rouladen und Kartoffelknödel | German Beef Rolls and Potato Dumplings

Dec 17, 2023 | 🍖🇩🇪 Picture succulent beef rolls, lovingly stuffed with a symphony of bacon, onions, and pickles, all wrapped up in cozy blankets of rich gravy – that's the essence of my German Rouladen! 🥓🎁

🥔🎄 But wait, the festivities don't stop there! Enter the world of Kartoffelknödel, the pillowy potato dumplings that are the perfect dance partners for our Rouladen. Soft, fluffy, and infused with the warmth of the season, these dumplings are a holiday hug on a plate.


A hearty, German, winter recipe to get you all in the mood for Christmas, demonstrated with panache and personality by Flo. Guten Appetit! Viel Spaß beim Kochen! – © Mark Alexander

Germany's Government Confirms Second Year of Recession | DW News

Oct 9, 2024 | The German government has updated its growth forecast for the country’s economy. It is now expecting GDP to drop 0.2 percent for this year, making it the second year in a row with a shrinking economy. We’re talking to ING chief economist Carsten Brzeski about the reasons for Germany’s weakness, how the country stacks up compared to other economic superpowers – and what the future will hold.

Regimes Around the World Are Starting to TEAM UP (w/ Anne Applebaum) | Shield of the Republic

Oct 6, 2024 | Eric and Eliot welcome back Anne Applebaum, Pultizer and Duff Cooper Prize Winning author of Gulag and Red Famine and currently staff writer with The Atlantic and senior fellow at the Agora Institute at Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies. They discuss Anne's new book Autocracy Inc: The Dictators who Want to Run the World. They examine the threat that autocratic regimes represent to their own citizens at home and to liberal democracy abroad, the West's slowness to recognize the threat that the authoritarians represent, the excessive optimism that (after the end of the Cold War and with the advent of globalization) liberal democratic ideals would triumph without recognizing the danger that authoritarian, illiberal ideas might flow into democracies, whether or not the authoritarians think they are winning and how they measure success, Russia's role in prompting much of the authoritarian offensive and the role of western institutions in facilitating the emergence of Russia as a personalist, authoritarian mafia state, the weaknesses of the authoritarians and how the western democracies might go on the offensive against the political warfare being waged daily by the authoritarians against the democracies, and the effort to obliterate truth and promote hopelessness and cynicism in citizens in democracies and setting them against one another.