Monday, July 11, 2022

EU Officials Implicated in Leak of Uber's Ruthless Growth Tactics | DW News

Jul 11, 2022 A joint investigation by DW and more than 40 media outlets has revealed how Uber aggressively lobbied governments and potentially even skirted some laws as it expanded its ride-sharing service.

A trove of leaked documents suggests Uber hid information from investigators in the Netherlands by remotely killing internal devices in its Amsterdam office. It also details the close relationship between Uber and then French Economy Minister Emmanuel Macron at a time when the company was trying to avoid French regulations. Macron gave the company direct access to his staff.


No Amount of Reputation Laundering Will Clean the Tory Party after Boris Johnson

THE GUARDIAN – OPINION: The next leader will be as much to blame for our crisis as the PM – no matter how they try to shimmy away from the crime scene

Boris Johnson, flanked by Sajid Javid (left) and Rishi Sunak. Photograph: Toby Melville/AP

In most successful revolutions, there comes a moment when the dictator is ushered out of office by a powerful figure within their inner circle. During the Arab spring, the formula became familiar: a military commander would claim they could no longer stand by as a despotic president brutalised protesters. They would speak up, jettisoning their career for the sake of the nation, and would give a pious address about their love of country. Yet as the bitter aftermath of the Arab spring demonstrates, the person who deposes the dictator often helped to create them. They are not a saviour. In fact, they may be the next dictator.

The Tory party is now home to an entire cast of these protagonists, who all claim they did the right thing for the sake of the nation. Over the next few weeks, Tory ministers will do and say anything they can to launder their reputations and heap responsibility for the catastrophic failure of this government on the head of Boris Johnson alone. Their resignation letters and tweets have all followed the same treacly template – one that is sickening in its dishonesty, disgraceful in its resorts to the rhetoric of patriotism, insulting in its reach for excuses, transparent in its identical format. » | Nesrine Malik | Monday, July 11, 2022

Preggers at Last?

As uterus transplants become a more realistic possibility, some doctors say they are receiving inquiries from male patients who identify as women and want to become pregnant, according to the Daily Caller. The first baby was born with a uterus transplant in September 2014 in Sweden.

With many thanks to LifeNews.com on Pinterest for this photo.

Read the full article here.

Democracy Now! US News & World Headlines – July 11, 2022

Why I Left Russia and Can't Go Back

Jul 10, 2022 As Putin's brutal invasion of Ukraine continues, we look at the opportunities Russia failed to take after the collapse of the Soviet Union.

This is a meditation on the collapse of the USSR, why Russia failed to take the opportunity that followed, and where this leaves the world here and now.


Dimitra’s Dishes: Crinkle Spanakopita: The Easiest Way to Make Spinach Pie

σπανακόπιτα


Get the recipe here.

Das Ende der britischen Schludrigkeit

FRANKFURTER ALLGEMEINE ZEITUNG: Man kann Johnsons erzwungenen Rückzug als Triumph ehrbarer politischer Tugenden über einen zur Selbstherrlichkeit neigenden Sonnenkönig feiern. Aber sein Abschied bedeutet auch einen Verlust.

Der britische Premierminister Boris Johnson stellt im November 2019 das Manifest der Konservativen Partei in Telford vor. | Bild: EPA

Mit dem Rückzug Boris Johnsons verabschiedet sich das Vereinigte Königreich aus der emotional aufgeladenen Post-Brexit-Phase. Wen immer die Konservative Partei in den kommenden Wochen oder Monaten zum Nachfolger wählen wird – es wird jemand sein, der (oder die) nicht mehr so persönlich mit dem „Projekt“ verbunden ist wie der Mann, den manche auch den Vater des Brexits nannten.

Für die Beziehungen zwischen Großbritannien und der Europäischen Union klingt das erst mal nach einer guten Nachricht. Es wird den Regierungschefs auf dem Kontinent leichter fallen, das verkrampfte Verhältnis mit einem Premierminister zu entspannen, den sie nicht persönlich verachten. Die nächste Regierung in London wird vermutlich weniger peinlich darauf bedacht sein, die Vorzüge des Brexits herauszustellen, und die Europäische Union muss nun nicht mehr in gleicher Weise heimzahlen. » | Ein Kommentar von Jochen Buchsteiner, London | Samstag, 9. Juli 2022

Zugang zu allen F+Artikeln jetzt für nur 2,95 € 1 € / Woche | Mit einem Klick online kündbar | Um vom Angebot zu profitieren, klicken Sie bitte hier.

Gay Parents and Their Babies

Many people will cringe at the thought, I’m sure; but in many ways, this baby is a lucky baby. Lucky, because it will be a wanted baby. These parents are so obviously thrilled to be the fathers of this lovely baby. Conversely, how many babies are there in the world today who are unwanted by their straight parents? Being a straight parent is no guarantee that the parent will be a good parent, especially in this frenetic and hedonistic world we inhabit. I can wish these two fathers and their baby only luck and the very best for the future. Happy fatherhood! Bonne chance !

With many thanks to Kyle Wilson on Pinterest for this unusual, loving and delightful photo.

Putin vereinfacht Ukrainern Zugang zu russischer Nationalität

FRANKFURTER ALLGEMEINE ZEITUNG – LIVEBLOG – UKRAINE: Großbritannien: Russische Armee krankt an fehlendem Fronturlaub +++ Russische Rakete zerstört Wohngebäude in Charkiw +++ Selenskyj ruft wegen Gegenoffensive Zivilisten im Süden zur Flucht auf +++ alle Entwicklungen im Liveblog.

Der russische Präsident Wladimir Putin hat ein Dekret unterzeichnet, welches das Verfahren zur Erlangung der russischen Staatsbürgerschaft für Personen „vereinfacht“, die ihren ständigen Wohnsitz in der Ukraine oder auf dem Territorium der sogenannten Volksrepubliken Donezk und Luhansk haben. Das Dokument wurde auf dem Portal der Rechtsinformationen veröffentlicht, berichtete die russische Nachrichtenagentur RIA. Darin heißt es: „Alle Bürger der Ukraine haben das Recht, die Staatsbürgerschaft der russischen Föderation nach einem vereinfachten Verfahren zu beantragen.“

Zuvor wurde das „vereinfachte Verfahren“ verwendet, um russische Pässe in den von Russland besetzten Teilen der Oblaste Donezk und Luhansk auszustellen. Russland hat seit 2019 bereits fast eine Million Pässe im besetzten Donezk und Luhansk verteilt. » | Martin Franke | Montag, 11. Juli 2022

Aux Etats-Unis, un incendie hors de contrôle menace les séquoias géants du parc national de Yosemite

LE MONDE : Les pompiers préparent le « Grizzly Giant », le séquoia le plus spectaculaire du parc américain, à l’approche des flammes en l’arrosant en permanence.

Aux Etats-Unis, un feu de forêt hors de contrôle depuis trois jours dans le parc national de Yosemite, dans l’est de la Californie, menace désormais ses séquoias géants, a annoncé, dimanche 10 juillet, le parc naturel.

L’incendie, qui a atteint Mariposa Grove (« Le Bosquet du papillon »), le secteur le plus prisé du parc car s’y trouvent des centaines de séquoias parmi les plus grands au monde, « s’étend actuellement sur 644 hectares et rien ne l’arrête », a déclaré le parc en précisant que 360 pompiers étaient mobilisés. Une partie du parc a été fermée au public vendredi. » | Le Monde avec AFP et Reuters | lundi 11 juillet 2022

Peter Oborne Absolutely DESTROYS Boris Johnson & Everything That Made Him Possible

Jul 11, 2022 "Boris Johnson was able to rise because of powerful anti-democratic forces"

En Thaïlande, le cannabis dépénalisé

LE MONDE : Cette mesure était une promesse de campagne du partenaire de coalition des généraux thaïlandais qui dirigent le gouvernement qui a succédé à la junte militaire en 2019.

Une vendeuse de produits à base de cannabis à l’occasion du salon « Thailand : 420 Legalaew ! », organisé par Highland dans la province de Nakhon Pathom, en Thaïlande, le 11 juin 2022. LILLIAN SUWANRUMPHA / AFP

A quelques encablures du quartier des temples et du palais royal, Khao San Road, la Mecque du touriste étranger à Bangkok, avec ses bars, ses guest houses et ses boutiques de souvenirs, a vu apparaître ces dernières semaines un nouveau type de commerce : celui du cannabis, connu sous le terme de ganja en Thaïlande, sous toutes ses formes et variétés, ou presque.

Frame, 31 ans, sa sœur Fen et un troisième frère, qui n’ont pas donné leur nom, ont investi 400 000 baths (12 000 euros) de leurs économies dans un weed truck, camion à herbe baptisé Good Gets (les bons plans), dont l’étal réfrigéré expose une demi-douzaine de variétés de fleurs rangées dans des bocaux. Ils en font pousser chez eux et en achètent à un fournisseur dans leur province natale, à Surat Thani, dans le sud du pays. Moyennant une obole journalière versée à la police, ils occupent depuis le 20 juin cet emplacement un peu à l’écart de la rue principale, celle où les bars rivalisent de puissance sonore pour attirer le chaland : « On n’a pas osé se mettre là-bas, on ne parle pas assez bien anglais », dit l’un des frères. » | Par Brice Pedroletti (Bangkok, correspondant en Asie du Sud-Est) | lundi 11 juillet 2022

Article réservé aux abonnés

Lionel Richie : Do It To Me

Aug 4, 2018 Provided to YouTube by Universal Music Group | Views on YouTube: 7,362,387 views

Sunday, July 10, 2022

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

Tobacco-free: Today Marks Three Months Since I Smoked My Last Cigarette

I would just like to inform you, my followers and visitors, that today, to the date, marks three months since I smoked my last cigarette.

I am happy to inform you that the transition from being a smoker to being a non-smoker has been totally pain-free. I have given up without any problems or cravings; moreover, I have had no withdrawal symptoms whatsoever. None!

Do I still find smoking fascinating? Yes! Yes, I still do. But it is nothing more than that: a fascination. I love to see a photo of a man smoking a cigarette; but I do not myself need to smoke one.

Hsve there been any downsides to quitting? Not really! Other than possibly relinquishing some pleasure. But on a positive note, I have already saved a great deal of money, not having to buy cigarettes.

I still find smoking fascinating and sexy. Nothing comes close to it. There truly is something about a handsome person who smokes a cigarette, especially a man. However, we now find ourselves living in puritanical times. It will not always be thus; times and moods will return to sanity. People will find out that smoking is not as bad as what will replace it for pleaure. In years to come, the loony bins will be full!

I have no doubt in my mind at all that times will change. Smoking cigarettes will surely become salonfähig and acceptable in polite society again, especially when people eventually realize that there are other 'pleasures' far more harmful than smoking cigarettes. But we haven’t got there yet. Watch this space!

© Mark Alexander
Sunday, July 10, 2022

Do Men’s Faces Come More Beautiful Than This? Mesmerizingly Handsome! | Reupload

Kommen Männergesichter schöner als das? Faszinierend schön! / Les visages des hommes sont-ils plus beaux que ça ? D'une beauté fascinante !

Very many thanks to ? on Pinterest for this photograph of an extraordinarily handsome man.

De quoi embellir votre maison.

Etwas, mit dem Sie Ihr Zuhause verschönern können. / Something to beautify your home with.

Mes remerciements pour ce beau tapis vont à Rug Studio sur Pinterest.

Bee Gees : Alone | Reupload

Exciting sounds: Views on YouTube: 21,080,360

Bee Gees : Stayin' Alive | Official Video | Reupload

Oct 27, 2009 Bee Gees "Stayin' Alive" official music video, remastered in HD. | Views on YouTube: 632,751,577

Unadulterated Style

Cutting a dash at the beach!

Many thanks to Alexander Daas, Opticians, Los Angeles on Pinterest for this beautiful image.

Novak Djokovic Crowned Wimbledon Champion after Beating Nick Kyrgios

THE GUARDIAN: Djokovic prevails 4-6, 6-3, 6-4, 7-6 (3) to take 21st grand slam title / Kyrgios again involved in fiery exchanges with umpire

Novak Djokovic now has 21 grand slam titles: one ahead of Roger Federer and one behind Rafael Nadal. Photograph: John Walton/PA

As Novak Djokovic returned to the lawns of Wimbledon to begin a new campaign two weeks ago, he was followed around the grounds with an extra touch of pressure. He was deported before the first grand slam tournament of the year, then he was thoroughly outplayed in the second. It is still not certain where he will be allowed to play next. On the court, he was still toiling to regain the mental edge that has evaded him this year.

It has evidently returned. In one of the most keenly awaited grand slam finals for neutral fans, Djokovic absorbed a faultless start from Nick Kyrgios before raising his own level and gradually smothering his opponent, recovering from a set down to defeat Kyrgios 4-6, 6-3, 6-4, 7-6(3) and win the 2022 Wimbledon title. » | Tumaini Carayol at Wimbledon | Sunday, July 10, 2022

Wimbledon Live: Men’s Final, Nick Kyrgios v. Novak Djokovic

BBC Sport

Watch here.

Unfortunately, I believe that this link will work only for my British visitorse, BBC licence-payers. If I find another live solution, I will post it. So far, this is the only satisfactory solution that I have been able to find. – Mark

Autriche - Des trains pas comme les autres - Vienne - Zell am See - Documentaire Voyage

Jul 10, 2022 En Autriche, Philippe Gougler débute son voyage en pleine tempête de neige dans un petit train qui circule dans les montagnes de village en village. Les plus belles destinations, c’est ici. Abonnez vous, s'il vous plaît.

Dans la vallée, il va à la rencontre de Tony, un chanteur de Yodel, avant de découvrir, à la gare de Zell am See, un homme qui se prépare à tirer une locomotive et ses wagons. Du village d'Axams à Vienne en passant par la mythique ligne Semmeringbahn, Philippe achève son périple en assistant au grand Bal de la Rudolfina-Redoute, organisé par des étudiants pour récolter des fonds.

Auteur : Philippe Gougler, William Japhet
Réalisation : William Japhet
Production : Step by Step productions
©Step by Step productions


'If He Continues in Office, the Conservative Party Will Be Destroyed by Him'

Jul 6, 2022 The former Attorney General Dominic Grieve says Boris Johnson will refuse to step down and his fingers will have to be 'prised from the window ledge'. "The PM is delivering nothing but chaos."

Hitler privat: Der Kriegsherr (2) | SPIEGEL TV

Jul 10, 2022 Es sind die letzten Wochen und Monate des Dritten Reichs. Bevor sich Adolf Hitler im Führerbunker verschanzt, verbringt seine Entourage die Zeit auf dem Obersalzberg. Die letzte Folge aus der Reihe "Hitler privat".


Andere Teile dieser Doku-Serie sind hier verfügbar, inklusiv Teil I: „Hitler: Der Kriegsherr (1)“.

Saturday, July 09, 2022

What Will Boris Johnson's Economic Legacy Be? | DW Business

Jul 9, 2022 Uncertain times lie ahead for the UK. Now that Prime Minister Boris Johnson has announced his resignation, the race is on to find the next PM. Johnson is preparing to leave just as the UK is staring down a plethora of economic woes. Inflation is set to hit 10 percent and there are dire growth forecasts for next year. Several Conservative Party members of parliament already have their eyes on 10 Downing Street, including former Finance Minister Rishi Sunak, and his replacement, Nadim Zahawi. To break down Johnson's economic legacy and look to the future in the UK, DW spoke to someone who intimately knows the challenges at the heart of government.


End Station: EU! Großbritannien: Der Europäischen Union angehöhrend. Großbritannien gehört der Europäischen Union. Wir Briten sind doch Europäer. Deshalb müssen wir der Europäischen Union noch einmal wieder gehören.

Großbritannien hat eine wunderbare königliche Familie, in deren Venen deutsches Blut rinnt. Wir lieben die königliche Familie, und wir müssen auch lernen die Europäische Union zu lieben. Europäer sind unsere natürliche Familie. Wir gehören dieser Familie.

Um es noch einmal klar zu sagen, um es zu betonen, ich weiß ganz genau, wo wir Briten hingehören: Wir gehören ohne weiteres der Europäischen Union. Zweifellos! – © Mark Alexander

Ein heißer, liebevoller Kuss im Wasser an einem lauen Sommerabend. | Reupload

A hot, loving kiss in the water on a warm summer’s evening. / Un baiser chaud et affectueux dans l'eau par une chaude soirée d'été.

Für dieses schöne Bild möchte ich mich bei Herofan auf Pinteresr bedanken.

How Hot Is This?

Vapes, piercings and tattoos just don’t match up to a good ol’ cigarette. If you want to be sexy, forget all that, and light up unapologetically!

Many thanks to mennyfox55 on Pinterest for this superb photo.

Real, Normal, Masculine, Handsome Man

Hot, defiant , unapologetic, handsome man. [Eat your hearts out, Javid and Drakeford!] Re-normalize smoking!

With many thanks to We Heart It on Pinterest for this lovely photo of a real man, masculine man, young and handsome.

Protesters Storm Sri Lanka's Presidential Palace in Colombo | DW News

Jul 9, 2022 Sri Lanka's capital Colombo is in turmoil after protesters stormed the compound of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa. Security sources say he left the area earlier for his own safety.

Public anger at the countrys leader has been mounting during the country's unprecedented economic crisis. People are enduring acute shortages of fuel, food and medicines, with the country unable to pay for imports. Critics blame the hardships on Rajapaksa and his family, who they say are corrupt. Meanwhile the prime minister's office says he's willing to resign.



Related.

Hacked! The Sidebar Is Missing!

Some little runt has hacked this website. Some little impolite, ignorant, childish tw*t, I presume. I hope his mummy buys him a rattle soon. Something to amuse him. The little loser might then have a chance to get a life. My advice: Speak nicely to mummy! I feel almost sure she’ll be willing to buy you a rattle. Speak extra gently to her and she’ll probably buy you a dummy (pacifier) as well. What a bonus already! Oh, and please do the decent thing: Undo the cr*p you’ve just done.

© Mark Alexander
Saturday, July 9, 2022

Quintessentially Chanel

Inès de la Fressange: Chanel Ad's 1980s

With many thanks to ana lee on Pinterest for this iconic photo of a Chanel creation.

The Beach Boys: California Girls | 2001 Stereo Mix

Jun 16, 2022 Provided to YouTube by Universal Music Group

Ina Garten's Roast Duck Breast with Cherries and Port | Barefoot Contessa | Food Network

Jul 5, 2022 Ina reveals the secret for making this tough meat incredibly tender with her year-round take on an elegant duck dinner!


Ingredients:

2 (1-pound) or 4 (8-ounce) Moulard duck breasts
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 tablespoon canola oil
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/2 cup minced shallots (2 shallots)
1 1/2 tablespoons good sherry
wine vinegar
3/4 cup ruby Port wine
1/2 cup good chicken stock, preferably homemade
1/2 cup dried cherries
1/4 cup crème fraiche
1 teaspoon grated orange zest
1/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice

Directions / Method:

Wrap each duck breast in plastic wrap and pound them with a meat mallet until each breast is about 1 inch thick.

Place the duck on a plate, sprinkle both sides with a total of 4 teaspoons salt, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 6 hours, or overnight.

When ready to cook, the duck, preheat the oven to 375 degrees F [190C].

Score the skin of the duck breasts with a sharp knife, making a crosshatch pattern but not cutting down to the meat.

In a large (12-inch) heavy-bottomed, ovenproof skillet, heat the oil over medium heat. Place the duck breasts in the pan, skin side down. Cook uncovered over medium heat for 12 to 15 minutes, discarding the fat from the pan occasionally, until the skin is very browned. Turn the duck with tongs, place the skillet in the oven, and roast for 12 to 18 minutes, until the internal temperature of the duck s 120 degrees F for rare. Remove from the oven, cover the pan tightly with aluminum foil, and allow the duck to rest for 10 minutes.

Meanwhile, make the sauce. Melt the butter over medium-high heat in a medium saucepan. Add the shallots and saute for 2 minutes, until tender. Add the vinegar and cook for one minute. Add the Port, chicken stock, cherries, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper, bring to a boil, lower the heat, and simmer for 15 minutes. Stir in the crème fraîche, orange zest, and orange juice and keep warm over low heat.

Transfer the duck to a cutting board and slice diagonally, fanning the slices out on 4 dinner plates. Spoon the sauce generously on top, sprinkle with salt, and serve hot with extra sauce on the side.

Cool...

…but warm for a heatwave!

Many thanks to Italiandipity on Pinterest for this super photo.

Seth Andrews: “Christianity Made Me Talk Like an Idiot”

Jun 20, 2017 Seth Andrews gave this speech June 3, 2017 in Toronto at the Imagine 7 conference. It's a humorous (and perhaps therapeutic) romp through Seth's religious past...and the often bizarre words and attitudes that reflected his Christian faith.


Viewer discretion is strongly advised. This is not suitable for children. By the way, I post this not as an atheist myself, but as someone who has an open, enquiring mind. I find Seth Andrews rather inspirational, and very often funny too. He frequently highlights the absurdities of the beliefs of many. Enjoy! I should add, however, that if you are at all sensitive or unsure of your beliefs, this video is probably not for you, especially because of its irreverence. – Mark

The Far-Right Christian Quest for Power: ‘We Are Seeing Them Emboldened’: Political candidates on the fringe mix religious fervor with conspiracy theories, even calling for the end of the separation of church and state. »

Außerordentliche Eleganz einer außergewöhnlichen hübschen Dame

Extraordinary elegance of an exceptionally pretty lady / Élégance extraordinaire d'une jolie dame exceptionnellement

Für dieses wunderschöne Bild eines Gemäldes von einer eleganten Dame bedanke ich mich bei Inma de Celis auf Pinterest.

Großbritanniens Premier tritt zurück: Zahlreiche Skandale bringen ihn zu Fall | auslandsjournal

Jul 7, 2022 Seit 2019 führe Boris Johnson sowohl die Tories als Parteichef und Großbritannien als Premierminister an. Nach vielen Skandalen und nach großem Druck aus den eigenen Parteireihen kündigt er seinen Rücktritt an. Partygate, Spendenaffären, fehlgeleitete Corona-Politik und Missbrauchsvorwürfe gegen konservative Politiker haben zu großem Unmut in der Bevölkerung und auch unter seinen Parteifreund*innen geführt.

Lange schien es, als ob Johnson Skandal nach Skandal überlebt, ohne zurücktreten zu müssen. Mitten im Lockdown veranstaltete er beispielsweise Partys, die später durch Videos öffentlich wurden. Von Skandal zu Skandal wurde der Protest gegen den britischen Premier allerdings lauter. Der Tropfen, der das Fass zum Überlaufen brachte, war dann aber die sogenannte Pincher-Affäre. Dem stellvertretenden Fraktionsführer Chris Pincher wurde in mehreren Fällen sexuelle Belästigung vorgeworfen. Wiederholt ließ Johnson verbreiten, er habe von den Anschuldigungen nichts gewusst, als er Pincher beförderte.

Nun verkündet er einen Rücktritt in Etappen: zunächst als Parteivorsitzender und als Premierminister erst dann, wenn ein*e Nachfolger*in gewählt ist.



Boris Johnson May Be Fading Out, but Not the Divisions He Stoked: Long after he is gone, his successors will be wrestling over his signature project, Brexit, and the insoluble issues it raised. »

Sri Lanka: Thousands of Protesters Storm President's Official Residence

Jul 9, 2022 Protesters stormed the president's official residence in Sri Lanka's capital Colombo after clashing with police and breaking through barriers. The march is the country's biggest demonstration after thousands called for the president to resign amid a huge economic crisis

Tory MPs Hit Back at ‘Treacherous’ Rishi Sunak as Leadership Race Begins

THE GUARDIAN: Conservative MPs fear the race to replace Boris Johnson risks becoming a drawn-out, bitter battle

The race to succeed Boris Johnson as prime minister was already slipping into acrimony on Saturday as Conservative factions briefed against Rishi Sunak, the early favourite, while one senior MP called for “no hope” candidates to drop out.

With four candidates confirmed, but predictions that up to 15 could put themselves forward as the next Conservative leader, Tory MPs expressed concern at the potential timetable for the race, and the prospect of bitter infighting.

Sunak, the former chancellor, who entered the race on Friday evening with a slickly edited video campaign message posted on Twitter under the slogan “Ready for Rishi”, is viewed as one of the likely frontrunners.

But he has already faced criticism among fellow MPs for indicating he will focus more on fiscal prudence than immediate tax cuts, with his video taking aim at other candidates who may offer “comforting fairytales” rather than economic truths.

Jacob Rees-Mogg, a Johnson loyalist, said on Friday evening that he could not back Sunak, whose resignation as chancellor helped precipitate the loss of faith in the prime minister that led to him resigning as Tory leader on Thursday. » | Peter Walker, Political correspondent | Saturday, July 9, 2022

End for Johnson as Starmer Backs Tory Brexit

Jul 9, 2022 Boris Johnson, surely the worst prime minister ever, has been forced to resign. At the same time, Keir Starmer, the Labour leader, in a speech earlier this week has made a commitment that under Labour the UK will not attempt to rejon the EU Customs Union or the Single Market or accept free movement, nor will iLabour ever attempt to rejoin the European Union.

He spoke in meaningless terms such as 'making Brexit work', and 'eliminating border controls' even though that is not within the UK's power. He talked of eliminating red tape when the only red tape we must deal with is that which we have to deal with as a direct result of Brexit.

He will soon be facing a new Conservative prime minister who could well have voted to remain in the EU and who may well wish to be closer to the EU, given the immense damage Brexit has already done to our economy. By making this commitment Starmer has closed off any room to move if public opinion begins to favour closer union with the EU.


Kherson Region Plans Referendum on Joining Russia | Ukraine Update

Jul 8, 2022 Vladimir Putin has warned that his country's offensive in Ukraine has barely begun. He's also accused the West of fueling the war, declaring that western efforts to defeat him would bring tragedy to Ukraine. The Russian president was addressing parliamentary leaders.

Russian forces now dominate Ukraine's eastern and southern cities. Back in June, the occupying administration in Kherson announced that there would be a referendum on joining Russia - though no date has been announced.

Many residents won't be around to vote - tens of thousands are believed to have left for Ukrainian-controlled territory since the city fell. Since it's all-but impossible for independent Western journalists to report from there, DW’s Nick Connolly got in touch with two locals, who told him about life under occupation.


Everything Tainted by Johnson’s Lies Needs to Be Undone. That Includes His Brexit

THE GUARDIAN – OPINION: The prime minister’s exit not only disgraces him and his party – it indicts the fast-unravelling project that brought him to No 10

‘Assessing Boris Johnson’s legacy, his admirers put Brexit at the top of the list.’ Photograph: Carl Court/Getty Images

So Boris Johnson is a remainer after all. Clinging on in No 10, he has, it turns out, the same view of leaving as he does of the rules: that that’s for little people. The one consistent principle of his career has been cakeism, his ardent belief that he alone should be able to have his cake and eat it. And so, true to that spirit even to the last, he has decided both to resign and to remain in office.

Of course, it’s an outrage that he’s still there. Defenders of the Downing Street squatter say it’s no different from the way David Cameron and Theresa May stayed in post while the Tory party – not the country – handpicked a new prime minister. But this situation is wholly different. Johnson has been rejected because his colleagues decided that he lacked the basic integrity to do the job, that he could not be trusted with the keys to the house. By allowing him to stay there, possibly until October, Conservatism’s most senior figures are required once again to parrot nonsense in public, contradicting the words they had uttered no more than a day earlier, just to accommodate him (literally so). Like a vaudeville hypnotist who can make his subjects launch custard pies into their own faces, Johnson’s ability to mesmerise his subordinates into idiocy – even now – is a spectacle to behold.

If they do come to their senses and eject him sooner, they should let the cameras in so we can have one of those post-toppling-of-the-dictator videos, showing the golden wallpaper and the £3,675 serving trolley. At the very least, his successor’s first act should be to order a deep clean of the premises. And not just physically. Given the way Johnson burned through ethics advisers, there needs to be a full, independent audit of what happened in that building for the three years he lodged there. Leaks and resourceful reporters have revealed much, some of it emerging only now; but there will be more.



The dots are all there. Voters are already beginning to join them, even as Starmer insists that the subject is essentially closed. The politicians might not want to say it, but this week is a milestone in the fate of Brexit. The prime author of Britain’s exit from the EU has fallen: the standing of his calamitous project is heading the same way. » | Jonathan Freedland |Friday, July 8, 2022

L’inflation, nouvelle menace sur l’économie mondiale ? | ARTE Info plus

Jul 7, 2022 En juin l’inflation a atteint le taux record de +8,6% dans la zone euro. Ce n’est évidemment qu’une moyenne : certains pays résistent mieux que d’autres, le prix de certains produits s’envole plus que d’autres.

Si cette hausse de prix affecte en premier lieu les plus vulnérables, elle ébranle aussi le fragile équilibre économique mondial. Le milieu économique redoute même une entrée en récession. Alors comment enrayer l’inflation et surtout, jusqu’où peut-elle nous affecter ?



Dies ist der gleiche Videobericht auf Deutsch »

Friday, July 08, 2022

Elon Musk Withdraws $44bn Bid to Buy Twitter after Weeks of High Drama

THE GUARDIAN: World’s richest man had reached a deal to purchase shares of the social media app for $54.20 apiece on 25 April

Elon Musk has withdrawn his $44bn bid to buy Twitter after a dramatic few weeks in the company’s corporate history.

“Mr Musk is terminating the merger agreement because Twitter is in material breach of multiple provisions of that agreement, appears to have made false and misleading representations upon which Mr Musk relied when entering into the Merger Agreement, and is likely to suffer a Company Material Adverse Effect,” wrote lawyers for Musk to Twitter.

The Tesla CEO and richest man on earth had reached a deal to buy Twitter on 25 April, with Musk offering to purchase all of the company’s shares for $54.20 each.

The deal came after weeks of speculation over the company’s future following a 4 April revelation that Musk had become the social media platform’s largest single shareholder. » | Kari Paul in San Francisco | Friday, July 8, 2022

Elon Musk renonce au rachat de Twitter : Les avocats du milliardaire assurent que le réseau social n’a pas respecté ses engagements pris dans l’accord, en ne donnant pas toutes les informations demandées sur le nombre de faux comptes et de spams. »

Elon Musk lässt Vereinbarung zum Kauf von Twitter platzen: Der Tesla-Chef will die Onlineplattform jetzt offiziell nicht mehr kaufen. Aber ein Rückzieher wird wohl nicht so leicht, und Twitter will vor Gericht ziehen. »

Elon Musk Moves to End $44 Billion Deal to Buy Twitter: In a regulatory filing on Friday, Mr. Musk said Twitter was in “material breach” of the acquisition agreement. »

رجل عربي يشرب سيجارة

With thanks to شيخه on Pinterest for this expressive photo. شكرًا

Je t'aime mon cher !

Ich liebe Dich, mein Schatz! / I love you, my darling!

via GIPHY