THE GUARDIAN: Leading virologist says country is in ‘serious and complicated’ stage of pandemic
Regional leaders of two German states badly hit by a third wave of coronavirus have urged the rest of the country to reimpose a tough lockdown to flatten infection rates, as a leading virologist said Germany was in a “serious and complicated” stage of the pandemic.
In a joint letter reported on by Süddeutsche Zeitung newspaper, Bavaria’s conservative premier, Markus Söder, and the Green head of Baden-Württemberg, Winfried Kretschmann, said the situation was “more serious than many believe”.
“That is why we must live up to our responsibility now and not discuss it any longer,” the two politicians said, in an apparent swipe at other state leaders seen as reluctant to enforce an emergency break on easing restrictions. » | Philip Oltermann in Berlin | Wednesday, March 31, 2021
Wednesday, March 31, 2021
Tuesday, March 30, 2021
Prince Albert of Monaco Weighs In on Harry and Meghan's Interview: 'It Did Bother Me’
TATLER: The son of Grace Kelly opened up during an interview with the BBC
Prince Albert II of Monaco has become the first royal to speak out about the bombshell interview that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex gave to Oprah Winfrey at the beginning of the month, telling the BBC that it 'did bother [him] a bit'.
Speaking to journalist Yalda Hakim about his environmental work, including the need to preserve the planet's marine ecosystems, he was asked for his take on the royal drama.
'This kind of display of public dissatisfaction, to say the least, these type of conversations should be held within the intimate quarters of the family. It doesn't really have to be laid out in the public sphere like that,' he says. 'So it did bother me a little bit. I can understand where they are coming from in a certain way but I think it wasn't the appropriate forum to be able to have these kinds of discussions.' » | Rebecca Cope | Friday, March 26, 2021
Prince Albert II of Monaco has become the first royal to speak out about the bombshell interview that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex gave to Oprah Winfrey at the beginning of the month, telling the BBC that it 'did bother [him] a bit'.
Speaking to journalist Yalda Hakim about his environmental work, including the need to preserve the planet's marine ecosystems, he was asked for his take on the royal drama.
'This kind of display of public dissatisfaction, to say the least, these type of conversations should be held within the intimate quarters of the family. It doesn't really have to be laid out in the public sphere like that,' he says. 'So it did bother me a little bit. I can understand where they are coming from in a certain way but I think it wasn't the appropriate forum to be able to have these kinds of discussions.' » | Rebecca Cope | Friday, March 26, 2021
No Joke: Volkswagen Confirms It Will Change Name to Voltswagen in US
THE GUARDIAN: In what was initially thought to be an April Fool’s prank, company confirms name change to reflect its investment in electric cars
For 65 years, Volkswagen has been one of the most popular and best-known names in American motoring, its iconic VW Beetle snaring generations of enthusiasts and helping sell millions of vehicles.
But now, in North America at least, the Volkswagen brand is no more. In what was initially thought to be an April Fool’s prank, apparently thanks to a premature announcement by an overeager publicist, the German auto giant has confirmed its metamorphosis into Voltswagen – an attempt to reflect its investment in the growing electric vehicle (EV) market.
A statement posted to Volkswagen’s US website on Tuesday hailed the move, which takes effect on 21 May, as “a public declaration of the company’s future-forward investment in e-mobility”. » | Richard Luscombe in Miami | Tuesday, March 30, 2021
For 65 years, Volkswagen has been one of the most popular and best-known names in American motoring, its iconic VW Beetle snaring generations of enthusiasts and helping sell millions of vehicles.
But now, in North America at least, the Volkswagen brand is no more. In what was initially thought to be an April Fool’s prank, apparently thanks to a premature announcement by an overeager publicist, the German auto giant has confirmed its metamorphosis into Voltswagen – an attempt to reflect its investment in the growing electric vehicle (EV) market.
A statement posted to Volkswagen’s US website on Tuesday hailed the move, which takes effect on 21 May, as “a public declaration of the company’s future-forward investment in e-mobility”. » | Richard Luscombe in Miami | Tuesday, March 30, 2021
W5: The Shadowy Underworld of Contraband Tobacco (2018)
Black Market Tobacco Floods Australian Market (2016)
Price Rankings by Country of Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro) (Markets) »
An Alliance of Autocracies? China Wants to Lead a New World Order
THE NEW YORK TIMES: As President Biden predicts a struggle between democracies and their opponents, Beijing is eager to champion the other side.
President Biden wants to forge an “alliance of democracies.” China wants to make clear that it has alliances of its own.
Only days after a rancorous encounter with American officials in Alaska, China’s foreign minister joined his Russian counterpart last week to denounce Western meddling and sanctions.
He then headed to the Middle East to visit traditional American allies, including Saudi Arabia and Turkey, as well as Iran, where he signed a sweeping investment agreement on Saturday. China’s leader, Xi Jinping, reached out to Colombia one day and pledged support for North Korea on another.
Although officials denied the timing was intentional, the message clearly was. China hopes to position itself as the main challenger to an international order, led by the United States, that is generally guided by principles of democracy, respect for human rights and adherence to rule of law. » | Steven Lee Myers | Monday, March 29, 2021
President Biden wants to forge an “alliance of democracies.” China wants to make clear that it has alliances of its own.
Only days after a rancorous encounter with American officials in Alaska, China’s foreign minister joined his Russian counterpart last week to denounce Western meddling and sanctions.
He then headed to the Middle East to visit traditional American allies, including Saudi Arabia and Turkey, as well as Iran, where he signed a sweeping investment agreement on Saturday. China’s leader, Xi Jinping, reached out to Colombia one day and pledged support for North Korea on another.
Although officials denied the timing was intentional, the message clearly was. China hopes to position itself as the main challenger to an international order, led by the United States, that is generally guided by principles of democracy, respect for human rights and adherence to rule of law. » | Steven Lee Myers | Monday, March 29, 2021
No More Tax Breaks for Billionaires
Monday, March 29, 2021
Brexit Is a Catastrophic Mistake and the Government Knows It
Why Jews Don't Accept Jesus as the Messiah
Why Does Jewish Law Prohibit Cremation?
Dr. Birx Drops Bombshell about US Covid-19 Deaths
Dr. Deborah Birx, the coronavirus task force coordinator until former President Donald Trump, revealed in an interview with CNN's Dr. Sanjay Gupta that the number of coronavirus deaths could have been "decreased substantially" if cities and states across the country had aggressively applied the lessons of the first surge toward mitigation last spring, potentially preventing the surges that followed.
"I look at it this way. The first time we have an excuse," Birx said. "There were about a hundred thousand deaths that came from that original surge. All of the rest of them, in my mind, could have been mitigated or decreased substantially." #DrSanjayGupta #CNN #Newday
"I look at it this way. The first time we have an excuse," Birx said. "There were about a hundred thousand deaths that came from that original surge. All of the rest of them, in my mind, could have been mitigated or decreased substantially." #DrSanjayGupta #CNN #Newday
Peter Jennings Reporting: How to Get Fat without Really Trying
First aired December 8, 2003 on ABC
Obesity is fast on its way to becoming the nation’s largest and most costly public health problem. While much of the public debate about obesity has focused on personal responsibility, Peter Jennings Reporting – How To Get Fat Without Really Trying reveals how federal government agricultural policies and food industry practices are contributing to America’s growing obesity epidemic.
In this program, Jennings demonstrates for the first time how more federal agricultural subsidies are going to foods Americans should be eating less, while few subsidies go to foods we should be eating more. Jennings investigates the type of food products the packaged food industry introduces each year and finds that the vast majority of new food products are those that dietary guidelines say Americans should be eating least.
Jennings also takes a bold look at the marketing of unhealthy food to children. Studies reveal that young children are not capable of understanding the intent of advertising and Jennings questions the ethics of such marketing, raising the question: should children be protected from junk food marketing – despite the economic impact that might have on food companies and broadcast networks?
Within days of this documentary airing, schools across the country requested copies for use in their classrooms. Nutrition scholars are re-directing their research to examine the relationship of agricultural subsidies to the obesity epidemic. The Chairman of the Federal Trade Commission has indicated that food marketing is an area in which the agency will become more involved. And California legislators scheduled a screening of the program as they were considering restrictions on marketing of junk food to children.
Obesity is fast on its way to becoming the nation’s largest and most costly public health problem. While much of the public debate about obesity has focused on personal responsibility, Peter Jennings Reporting – How To Get Fat Without Really Trying reveals how federal government agricultural policies and food industry practices are contributing to America’s growing obesity epidemic.
In this program, Jennings demonstrates for the first time how more federal agricultural subsidies are going to foods Americans should be eating less, while few subsidies go to foods we should be eating more. Jennings investigates the type of food products the packaged food industry introduces each year and finds that the vast majority of new food products are those that dietary guidelines say Americans should be eating least.
Jennings also takes a bold look at the marketing of unhealthy food to children. Studies reveal that young children are not capable of understanding the intent of advertising and Jennings questions the ethics of such marketing, raising the question: should children be protected from junk food marketing – despite the economic impact that might have on food companies and broadcast networks?
Within days of this documentary airing, schools across the country requested copies for use in their classrooms. Nutrition scholars are re-directing their research to examine the relationship of agricultural subsidies to the obesity epidemic. The Chairman of the Federal Trade Commission has indicated that food marketing is an area in which the agency will become more involved. And California legislators scheduled a screening of the program as they were considering restrictions on marketing of junk food to children.
Sunday, March 28, 2021
If God Created the Universe, Who Created Him?
Proof That God Exists In 4 Minutes!
The real question should be, how do you answer such a question in 4 minutes?
Returning to the 3 aspects: creation, revelation and redemption, Rabbi Jonathan Sacks OBM answers this important question with references to modern day philosophers and great societies built by people deeply influenced by the Hebrew Bible.
Abraham who lived close to 4000 years ago, with no army and no empires, but with lessons so pure, true and eternally valid, that his effect has influenced every culture since.
This video should not be missed.
Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks dies of cancer at 72 » | JC Reporter | Saturday, November 7, 2020
Returning to the 3 aspects: creation, revelation and redemption, Rabbi Jonathan Sacks OBM answers this important question with references to modern day philosophers and great societies built by people deeply influenced by the Hebrew Bible.
Abraham who lived close to 4000 years ago, with no army and no empires, but with lessons so pure, true and eternally valid, that his effect has influenced every culture since.
This video should not be missed.
Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks dies of cancer at 72 » | JC Reporter | Saturday, November 7, 2020
Indonesia: Suicide Bombers Attack Church after Palm Sunday Mass | DW News
At least 20 people have been injured in a suicide bombing outside a Catholic cathedral in the Indonesian city of Makassar. Authorities say two bombers were killed in the attack. Churches have been targeted in Indonesia in the past by Islamic extremists. Pope Francis said he would pray for the victims, who were attending Palm Sunday Mass.
The beginning of Easter week is a holy time for Christians. But in Makassar the celebrations were marred by violence. As worshippers were leaving Sunday Mass, two suspected suicide bombers set off explosions outside the Indonesian city's main Catholic cathedral. One of them was said to be a woman.
President Joko Widodo called for calm, saying his government would ensure people of all faiths can worship without fear. Places of worship in Indonesia have been targeted before. Police are investigating if this attack is linked to religious extremism.
The majority Muslim country has a history of Islamist attacks. Indonesia has been on high alert in recent months following the arrest of the prominent leader of an extremist group. Counterterrorism squads have arrested dozens of suspects across the country, including in Makassar.
The beginning of Easter week is a holy time for Christians. But in Makassar the celebrations were marred by violence. As worshippers were leaving Sunday Mass, two suspected suicide bombers set off explosions outside the Indonesian city's main Catholic cathedral. One of them was said to be a woman.
President Joko Widodo called for calm, saying his government would ensure people of all faiths can worship without fear. Places of worship in Indonesia have been targeted before. Police are investigating if this attack is linked to religious extremism.
The majority Muslim country has a history of Islamist attacks. Indonesia has been on high alert in recent months following the arrest of the prominent leader of an extremist group. Counterterrorism squads have arrested dozens of suspects across the country, including in Makassar.
Communities of Hate: Why People Join Extremist Movements
How Did Young Americans Respond to the Nazi Threat
Why Yasmine Mohammed Left Islam
Saturday, March 27, 2021
On Smoking: Mark Littlewood in Conversation with Simon Clark
Mein Kampf: The Secrets of Adolf Hitler's Book of Evil | Free Documentary Nature
A Collapse Foretold: How Brazil’s Covid-19 Outbreak Overwhelmed Hospitals
THE NEW YORK TIMES: The virus has killed more than 300,000 people in Brazil, its spread aided by a highly contagious variant, political infighting and distrust of science.
PORTO ALEGRE, Brazil — The patients began arriving at hospitals in Porto Alegre far sicker and younger than before. Funeral homes were experiencing a steady uptick in business, while exhausted doctors and nurses pleaded in February for a lockdown to save lives.
But Sebastião Melo, Porto Alegre’s mayor, argued there was a greater imperative.
“Put your life on the line so that we can save the economy,” Mr. Melo appealed to his constituents in late February.
Now Porto Alegre, a prosperous city in southern Brazil, is at the heart of an stunning breakdown of the country’s health care system — a crisis foretold.
More than a year into the pandemic, deaths in Brazil are at their peak and highly contagious variants of the coronavirus are sweeping the nation, enabled by political dysfunction, widespread complacency and conspiracy theories. The country, whose leader, President Jair Bolsonaro, has played down the threat of the virus, is now reporting more new cases and deaths per day than any other country in the world. » | Ernesto Londoño and Letícia Casado | Saturday, March 27, 2021
PORTO ALEGRE, Brazil — The patients began arriving at hospitals in Porto Alegre far sicker and younger than before. Funeral homes were experiencing a steady uptick in business, while exhausted doctors and nurses pleaded in February for a lockdown to save lives.
But Sebastião Melo, Porto Alegre’s mayor, argued there was a greater imperative.
“Put your life on the line so that we can save the economy,” Mr. Melo appealed to his constituents in late February.
Now Porto Alegre, a prosperous city in southern Brazil, is at the heart of an stunning breakdown of the country’s health care system — a crisis foretold.
More than a year into the pandemic, deaths in Brazil are at their peak and highly contagious variants of the coronavirus are sweeping the nation, enabled by political dysfunction, widespread complacency and conspiracy theories. The country, whose leader, President Jair Bolsonaro, has played down the threat of the virus, is now reporting more new cases and deaths per day than any other country in the world. » | Ernesto Londoño and Letícia Casado | Saturday, March 27, 2021
Yasmine Mohammed | Spirituality | Rubin Report
Friday, March 26, 2021
Dominion Voting Sues Fox News for $1.6bn over Election Fraud Claims
BBC: Dominion Voting Systems has filed a $1.6bn (£1.2bn) defamation lawsuit against Fox News, arguing it promoted baseless claims of vote-rigging.
Conservatives and Trump campaigners had claimed last year that the US company had altered its voting machines to deny re-election to Donald Trump.
The false claim of a stolen election was promoted by Mr Trump and helped fuel the 6 January attack on Congress.
Fox News said it would fight the "baseless lawsuit in court"
. The lawsuit argues that Fox News, which hosted guests touting anti-Dominion conspiracy theories during the 2020 election, "recklessly disregarded the truth" because "the lies were good for Fox's business".
"Fox News Media is proud of our 2020 election coverage, which stands in the highest tradition of American journalism, and we will vigorously defend against this baseless lawsuit in court," the media company said in its response. » | Friday, March 26, 2021
Conservatives and Trump campaigners had claimed last year that the US company had altered its voting machines to deny re-election to Donald Trump.
The false claim of a stolen election was promoted by Mr Trump and helped fuel the 6 January attack on Congress.
Fox News said it would fight the "baseless lawsuit in court"
. The lawsuit argues that Fox News, which hosted guests touting anti-Dominion conspiracy theories during the 2020 election, "recklessly disregarded the truth" because "the lies were good for Fox's business".
"Fox News Media is proud of our 2020 election coverage, which stands in the highest tradition of American journalism, and we will vigorously defend against this baseless lawsuit in court," the media company said in its response. » | Friday, March 26, 2021
France Claims UK Will Struggle to Source Second Covid Jabs
THE GUARDIAN: EU will not be blackmailed over Oxford/AstraZeneca doses, says foreign minister Jean-Yves Le Drian
Britain will struggle to source second Covid jabs for those who have already had their first dose but the EU will not be “blackmailed” into exporting vaccine to solve the problem, France’s foreign minister has claimed.
Jean-Yves Le Drian, a close political ally of the French president, Emmanuel Macron, claimed that the UK’s success had been built on driving forward with first jabs without having secured the second doses necessary for full vaccination.
The EU and the UK are locked in talks about the fate of Oxford/AstraZeneca jabs produced in a factory in the Netherlands.
In an interview with FranceInfo radio, Le Drian suggested that the EU should not have to lose out on the doses to help Britain with a problem of its own making. EU officials and top-rank politicians have repeatedly said they will block any export request by AstraZeneca.
“The UK is proud to have vaccinated many people with the first dose, but they will have a problem with the second dose,” Le Drian said. “And we are fully vaccinated with two doses, not one. Today we have the same number of fully vaccinated people in France and the United Kingdom. » | Daniel Boffey In Brussels | Friday, March 26, 2021
Britain will struggle to source second Covid jabs for those who have already had their first dose but the EU will not be “blackmailed” into exporting vaccine to solve the problem, France’s foreign minister has claimed.
Jean-Yves Le Drian, a close political ally of the French president, Emmanuel Macron, claimed that the UK’s success had been built on driving forward with first jabs without having secured the second doses necessary for full vaccination.
The EU and the UK are locked in talks about the fate of Oxford/AstraZeneca jabs produced in a factory in the Netherlands.
In an interview with FranceInfo radio, Le Drian suggested that the EU should not have to lose out on the doses to help Britain with a problem of its own making. EU officials and top-rank politicians have repeatedly said they will block any export request by AstraZeneca.
“The UK is proud to have vaccinated many people with the first dose, but they will have a problem with the second dose,” Le Drian said. “And we are fully vaccinated with two doses, not one. Today we have the same number of fully vaccinated people in France and the United Kingdom. » | Daniel Boffey In Brussels | Friday, March 26, 2021
Thursday, March 25, 2021
Markle for President?
BAHAMAS TRIBUNE – EDITORIAL: We are living in serious times. But what makes it worse is that certain persons who are in positions to influence public opinion are making a joke of our predicament – particularly in the United States, where it is now being suggested that Meghan Markle, who could not adapt to palace life in the UK, is now interested in running for president of the United States!
It is claimed that one of the reasons that she was not keen to give up her American citizenship when she married Prince Harry was that she wanted the option left open to her in case she could one day realise her dream to become the first female president of the United States! Just to think that she was not smart enough to get a thorough briefing before marrying Prince Harry as to what life would be like in the Palace and how much she would have to adapt to a new world – now she wants to aim for the stars? I refuse to believe that she could be this dumb. » | Editor, The Tribune | Monday, March 22, 2021
It is claimed that one of the reasons that she was not keen to give up her American citizenship when she married Prince Harry was that she wanted the option left open to her in case she could one day realise her dream to become the first female president of the United States! Just to think that she was not smart enough to get a thorough briefing before marrying Prince Harry as to what life would be like in the Palace and how much she would have to adapt to a new world – now she wants to aim for the stars? I refuse to believe that she could be this dumb. » | Editor, The Tribune | Monday, March 22, 2021
Wednesday, March 24, 2021
DOCU | You Don't Know Nicotine
Smokefree: A Better Britain?
Angela Merkel kippt Oster-Ruhe und entschuldigt sich
Tuesday, March 23, 2021
COVID-19: Germany Imposes Strict Lockdown over Easter | DW News
Germany is extending the current lockdown through to April 18, Chancellor Angela Merkel announced on Tuesday. The country will enter an even stricter lockdown from April 1 to April 5, over the Easter holiday period when shops, including grocery stores, will largely have to close. Merkel warned that Germany needed to "break the exponential growth of the third wave." Case numbers have reached levels that authorities say will overburden intensive care units.
Tuesday's announcement marks a reversal from earlier this month when state leaders agreed to begin a cautious reopening process.
Talks between leaders of Germany's 16 federal states and Merkel lasted until the early hours of the morning following a lengthy interruption.
What are the new measures?
As well as prolonging existing measures such as the closure of cultural, leisure and sporting facilities, tougher restrictions will apply over the Easter period.
- Churches will be asked to hold services marking the Christian festival online. - No more than five adults from two households will be able to meet over the five-day period. - Testing and vaccination centers can remain open. - Public gatherings will be prohibited. - Almost all shops will be shut during the five days. Only grocery stores may open on Saturday, April 3. - Anyone from Germany holidaying abroad will have to be tested before boarding a flight back to Germany. - The "emergency brake" will halt further re-openings and will apply to areas exceeding 100 new cases per 100,000 inhabitants over a seven-day period.
If an area has an incidence rate of over 100 for three consecutive days, harsher lockdown measures will once again apply.
Tuesday's announcement marks a reversal from earlier this month when state leaders agreed to begin a cautious reopening process.
Talks between leaders of Germany's 16 federal states and Merkel lasted until the early hours of the morning following a lengthy interruption.
What are the new measures?
As well as prolonging existing measures such as the closure of cultural, leisure and sporting facilities, tougher restrictions will apply over the Easter period.
- Churches will be asked to hold services marking the Christian festival online. - No more than five adults from two households will be able to meet over the five-day period. - Testing and vaccination centers can remain open. - Public gatherings will be prohibited. - Almost all shops will be shut during the five days. Only grocery stores may open on Saturday, April 3. - Anyone from Germany holidaying abroad will have to be tested before boarding a flight back to Germany. - The "emergency brake" will halt further re-openings and will apply to areas exceeding 100 new cases per 100,000 inhabitants over a seven-day period.
If an area has an incidence rate of over 100 for three consecutive days, harsher lockdown measures will once again apply.
Top Saudi Official Issued Death Threat against UN's Khashoggi Investigator
A senior Saudi official issued what was perceived to be a death threat against the independent United Nations investigator, Agnès Callamard, after her investigation into the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi.
In an interview with the Guardian, the outgoing special rapporteur for extrajudicial killings said that a UN colleague alerted her in January 2020 that a senior Saudi official had twice threatened in a meeting with other senior UN officials in Geneva that month to have Callamard “taken care of” if she was not reined in by the UN.
Asked how the comment was perceived by her Geneva-based colleagues, Callamard said: “A death threat. That was how it was understood.” » | Stephanie Kirchgaessner in Washington | Tuesday, March 23, 2021
Prince Harry Joins $1bn Silicon Valley Startup as Senior Executive
Prince Harry has been given a job by a $1bn (£730m) Silicon Valley startup which provides professional coaching, mental health advice and “immersive learning” as its chief impact officer.
The Duke of Sussex said he hoped to be able to “create impact in people’s lives” by working with BetterUp to provide “proactive coaching” for personal development, increased awareness and “an all-round better life”.
It is the Duke’s first formal position at a private company since he stepped down from being a working member of the royal family a year ago.
Harry and his wife, Meghan, have also signed multimillion-dollar deals to provide content for Spotify and Netflix.
As chief impact officer at BetterUp Prince Harry will be expected to help with product strategy decisions, charitable collaborations, and advise on topics related to mental health. Harry has already worked closely with mental health charities. » | Rupert Neate | Tuesday, March 23, 2021
Northern Ireland’s Brexit Act | DW Documentary (November 2020)
The coming months could be a real stress test for Northern Ireland. Though legally it has left the European Union, Northern Ireland will still be subject to many EU laws and regulations. Officially part of the UK but in many ways still in the EU.
What could this new role mean for a country that has struggled for decades to secure lasting peace, stability and economic success? The new situation could reignite old questions about Northern Ireland’s identity. There are currently no border controls on the island of Ireland. Northern Ireland, which is part of the UK, and the Republic of Ireland which remains a member of the EU have a completely open border, with freedom of travel, trade and a shared electricity grid. And that is supposed to remain unchanged in spite of Brexit, in order not to jeopardize the Good Friday Agreement and the hard-fought peace that has been achieved on the island.
Northern Ireland will effectively remain in the European Single Market, with the customs border officially in the Irish Sea. This poses a huge challenge for port authorities and haulage companies, because that customs border will effectively split Northern Ireland from the rest of the United Kingdom. The port will be required to carry out customs checks for goods coming from Britain to Northern Ireland. Haulage contractors will have to fill out customs declarations although it’s actually domestic trade.
On the other hand, some companies - like one sports clothing manufacturer in Belfast - are happy to be able to continue trading closely with the Republic of Ireland and the rest of the EU, despite Brexit. But it’s clear, businesses will have to realign and many fear they will be forced to decide whether to trade with the EU or the rest of the UK.
And that turns Northern Ireland’s special status into a political issue. Could it drive a wedge between Northern Ireland and Britain, making closer ties with the Republic of Ireland seem more attractive? The Unionists, who attach great importance to Northern Ireland being part of the UK, are furious. They rejected all suggestion of a customs border in the Irish Sea right from the start, while the Republicans believe this process will inevitably work in their favor, leading ultimately to the reunification of Ireland. So how is all this affecting ordinary people in the cities of Belfast and Londonderry, who continue to live with the high barriers that separate predominately Unionist neighborhoods from Republican ones?
What could this new role mean for a country that has struggled for decades to secure lasting peace, stability and economic success? The new situation could reignite old questions about Northern Ireland’s identity. There are currently no border controls on the island of Ireland. Northern Ireland, which is part of the UK, and the Republic of Ireland which remains a member of the EU have a completely open border, with freedom of travel, trade and a shared electricity grid. And that is supposed to remain unchanged in spite of Brexit, in order not to jeopardize the Good Friday Agreement and the hard-fought peace that has been achieved on the island.
Northern Ireland will effectively remain in the European Single Market, with the customs border officially in the Irish Sea. This poses a huge challenge for port authorities and haulage companies, because that customs border will effectively split Northern Ireland from the rest of the United Kingdom. The port will be required to carry out customs checks for goods coming from Britain to Northern Ireland. Haulage contractors will have to fill out customs declarations although it’s actually domestic trade.
On the other hand, some companies - like one sports clothing manufacturer in Belfast - are happy to be able to continue trading closely with the Republic of Ireland and the rest of the EU, despite Brexit. But it’s clear, businesses will have to realign and many fear they will be forced to decide whether to trade with the EU or the rest of the UK.
And that turns Northern Ireland’s special status into a political issue. Could it drive a wedge between Northern Ireland and Britain, making closer ties with the Republic of Ireland seem more attractive? The Unionists, who attach great importance to Northern Ireland being part of the UK, are furious. They rejected all suggestion of a customs border in the Irish Sea right from the start, while the Republicans believe this process will inevitably work in their favor, leading ultimately to the reunification of Ireland. So how is all this affecting ordinary people in the cities of Belfast and Londonderry, who continue to live with the high barriers that separate predominately Unionist neighborhoods from Republican ones?
Sunday, March 21, 2021
Rare Ancient Scroll Found in Israel Cave of Horror - BBC News
Fragments of a Biblical scroll and other relics have been found in what officials call an "historic discovery" in desert caves in Israel.
The dozens of pieces of parchment were written in Greek, with just the name of God appearing in Hebrew. The scroll is believed to have belonged to Jewish rebels who fled to the hills following a failed revolt against Roman rule in the 2nd Century.
They were found during an operation to prevent caves in the area being looted.
The dozens of pieces of parchment were written in Greek, with just the name of God appearing in Hebrew. The scroll is believed to have belonged to Jewish rebels who fled to the hills following a failed revolt against Roman rule in the 2nd Century.
They were found during an operation to prevent caves in the area being looted.
Friday, March 19, 2021
Covid: Germany Warns of 'Exponential' Rise in Coronavirus Cases
BBC: Coronavirus cases are rising exponentially in Germany, officials warn, as continental Europe braces for a third wave of infections.
German Chancellor Angela Merkel said it was likely that the country would now need to apply an "emergency brake" and re-impose lockdown measures.
France, Poland and other nations are also reintroducing restrictions.
German Health Minister Jens Spahn has said that Europe lacks the vaccines needed to significantly reduce cases.
"We have to be honest about the situation - in Europe we don't have enough vaccines to stop a third wave through vaccinations alone," he told reporters. » | Friday, March 19, 2021
German Chancellor Angela Merkel said it was likely that the country would now need to apply an "emergency brake" and re-impose lockdown measures.
France, Poland and other nations are also reintroducing restrictions.
German Health Minister Jens Spahn has said that Europe lacks the vaccines needed to significantly reduce cases.
"We have to be honest about the situation - in Europe we don't have enough vaccines to stop a third wave through vaccinations alone," he told reporters. » | Friday, March 19, 2021
UK Furlough Scheme Pays Out Millions to Foreign States and Tax Exiles
THE GUARDIAN: Qatari owners of Harrods and the Ritz claimed £3m alongside payouts to Saudi royals and British National party from Covid job support scheme
Billionaire tax exiles, the British National party, Saudi royals and oil-rich Gulf states have claimed millions of pounds in taxpayer-funded furlough money, the Guardian can disclose.
The revelations, based on analysis of government information, have sparked dismay among MPs at the use of a scheme designed to support struggling businesses and prevent mass unemployment, with one complaining of public money being scattered “like confetti”.
Beneficiaries behind companies that have drawn on the coronavirus job retention scheme include:
• Members of the Saudi royal family
• Qataris behind Harrods and the Ritz
• The ruler of Dubai
• Tax exiles Jim Ratcliffe and Guy Hands
• Billionaires Evgeny Lebedev, Len Blavatnik and Mohamed Al Fayed
• The British National party » | Rob Davies and Joseph Smith | Friday, March 19, 2021
The foreign royals and billionaire tax exiles collecting UK's furlough millions »
Billionaire tax exiles, the British National party, Saudi royals and oil-rich Gulf states have claimed millions of pounds in taxpayer-funded furlough money, the Guardian can disclose.
The revelations, based on analysis of government information, have sparked dismay among MPs at the use of a scheme designed to support struggling businesses and prevent mass unemployment, with one complaining of public money being scattered “like confetti”.
Beneficiaries behind companies that have drawn on the coronavirus job retention scheme include:
• Members of the Saudi royal family
• Qataris behind Harrods and the Ritz
• The ruler of Dubai
• Tax exiles Jim Ratcliffe and Guy Hands
• Billionaires Evgeny Lebedev, Len Blavatnik and Mohamed Al Fayed
• The British National party » | Rob Davies and Joseph Smith | Friday, March 19, 2021
The foreign royals and billionaire tax exiles collecting UK's furlough millions »
Thursday, March 18, 2021
'Takes One to Know One': Putin-Biden Spat Escalates after 'Killer' Accusation
THE GUARDIAN: Officials in Moscow go on offensive after Biden said Russian president would pay price for election meddling
Vladimir Putin has told Joe Biden that “it takes one to know one”, as Kremlin officials promised reprisals if the US president does not apologise for describing his Russian counterpart as a “killer”.
In an escalating diplomatic spat, Russian officials described Biden as “demented and hysterical” after he agreed during a TV interview that Putin had orchestrated murders and said Putin would soon “pay a price” for alleged election meddling.
On Wednesday Moscow recalled its ambassador to Washington in protest at the interview, and on Thursday officials went on the offensive.
Relations had already been pushed to new lows after Washington imposed sanctions over the poisoning of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny and declassified an intelligence report stating that Putin directed interference in the 2020 US presidential election. » | Theo Merz in Moscow | Thursday, March 18, 2021
Russia Erupts in Fury Over Biden’s Calling Putin a Killer »
Vladimir Putin has told Joe Biden that “it takes one to know one”, as Kremlin officials promised reprisals if the US president does not apologise for describing his Russian counterpart as a “killer”.
In an escalating diplomatic spat, Russian officials described Biden as “demented and hysterical” after he agreed during a TV interview that Putin had orchestrated murders and said Putin would soon “pay a price” for alleged election meddling.
On Wednesday Moscow recalled its ambassador to Washington in protest at the interview, and on Thursday officials went on the offensive.
Relations had already been pushed to new lows after Washington imposed sanctions over the poisoning of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny and declassified an intelligence report stating that Putin directed interference in the 2020 US presidential election. » | Theo Merz in Moscow | Thursday, March 18, 2021
Russia Erupts in Fury Over Biden’s Calling Putin a Killer »
Russia Recalls US Ambassador after Biden's 'Killer' Comment | DW News
Wednesday, March 17, 2021
All NHS and Care Staff in Wales to Get £735 One-off Bonus
WALES ONLINE: It is estimated the payment will benefit 221,945 people in Wales
NHS and social care staff are set to be given a bonus in their next pay packet to recognise their "extraordinary contribution" during the Covid-19 pandemic.
The Welsh Government has confirmed that the one-off payment is equivalent to £735 per person to cover the basic rate of tax and national insurance contributions incurred. After deductions most people will receive £500.
It is estimated the payment will benefit 221,945 people in Wales including 103,600 social care staff, 90,000 NHS Wales staff, 2,345 deployed students and 26,000 primary care staff (including pharmacy, GP, dental and optometry staff). » | Mark Smith, Health correspondent | Wednesday, March 17, 2021
NHS and social care staff are set to be given a bonus in their next pay packet to recognise their "extraordinary contribution" during the Covid-19 pandemic.
The Welsh Government has confirmed that the one-off payment is equivalent to £735 per person to cover the basic rate of tax and national insurance contributions incurred. After deductions most people will receive £500.
It is estimated the payment will benefit 221,945 people in Wales including 103,600 social care staff, 90,000 NHS Wales staff, 2,345 deployed students and 26,000 primary care staff (including pharmacy, GP, dental and optometry staff). » | Mark Smith, Health correspondent | Wednesday, March 17, 2021
Tuesday, March 16, 2021
The Brexit Deal Was Astonishingly Bad, and Every Day the Evidence Piles Up
THE GUARDIAN: Trade has plummeted and red tape has blocked our borders. Is that what ‘protecting our sovereignty’ meant?
Now we know that British exports to the European Union plummeted by a cataclysmic 41% after Brexit on 1 January, what next? This is not the “slow puncture” predicted, but a big bang. Yet so far, it registers little on the political Richter scale.
It should shake the government to the core, but voters are well protected from this unwelcome news by our largely pro-Brexit press. Nor does BBC news, under Brexiteer mortar fire, dare do enough to rebalance the misinformation. Saturday’s Financial Times splashed that killer trade figure on its front page, but the Daily Express splashed “Flying start for US trade deal”. There is no “flying start”. Meanwhile, an EU legal action against Boris Johnson is starting this week, for his reneging on the Northern Ireland protocol and thereby imperilling the Good Friday peace agreement.
The Sun, Daily Mail, Daily Express and Daily Telegraph barely cover the EU trade fiascos, says Dr Andrew Jones, part of an Exeter University team monitoring Brexit media stories since the referendum. Currently, Jones says, those papers’ main Brexit story is Britain’s triumph over the EU on vaccines. That trope always omits the fact the UK could have purchased the same volume while in the EU, but it has become the Brexiters’ clinching case. » | Polly Toynbee | Tuesday, March 16, 2021
Now we know that British exports to the European Union plummeted by a cataclysmic 41% after Brexit on 1 January, what next? This is not the “slow puncture” predicted, but a big bang. Yet so far, it registers little on the political Richter scale.
It should shake the government to the core, but voters are well protected from this unwelcome news by our largely pro-Brexit press. Nor does BBC news, under Brexiteer mortar fire, dare do enough to rebalance the misinformation. Saturday’s Financial Times splashed that killer trade figure on its front page, but the Daily Express splashed “Flying start for US trade deal”. There is no “flying start”. Meanwhile, an EU legal action against Boris Johnson is starting this week, for his reneging on the Northern Ireland protocol and thereby imperilling the Good Friday peace agreement.
The Sun, Daily Mail, Daily Express and Daily Telegraph barely cover the EU trade fiascos, says Dr Andrew Jones, part of an Exeter University team monitoring Brexit media stories since the referendum. Currently, Jones says, those papers’ main Brexit story is Britain’s triumph over the EU on vaccines. That trope always omits the fact the UK could have purchased the same volume while in the EU, but it has become the Brexiters’ clinching case. » | Polly Toynbee | Tuesday, March 16, 2021
Monday, March 15, 2021
Alexei Navalny Moved to ‘Concentration Camp’ Known for Strict Control
The Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny is being held in a prison camp in the Vladimir region of Russia north-east of Moscow known for its strict control of inmates, a message posted on the opposition politician’s Instagram account confirmed on Monday. » | Staff and agencies in Moscow | Monday, March 15, 2021
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